A major British international food retailer has appointed you as a Essay

A major British international food retailer has appointed you as a consultant. The company is considering investing in one of th - Essay Example This paper will seek to analyze the political, economic, cultural and ethical risks that might affect Asda’s expansion into an Asean member state particularly Philippines. The paper will also identify and evaluate business opportunities in this country. Political analysis Asda is a high street supermarket located in Britain retailing a large variety of food products and may deliver at a customer’s doorstep upon an online order (Oxford Business Group, 2009:26). This company is planning to expand its investment prospects into Philippines as part of its long-term investment plans and looking into this country’s political system can help the business consultant understand the kind of risks or opportunities that the company should expect to face (Schwab, 2011:46). Generally, political stability and the system of governance of a country act as a substantial factor of consideration at times when a firm is planning to invest internationally (Hill, 2011:70). This is so be cause, every country in this world maintains unique and/or different political and economic systems pointing out that when doing business in any overseas country; it is advisable that you be familiar with that country’s market availability and its leadership structure (Cavusgil, Knight and Tiesenberger, 2011:49). The Philippines’ political system is not that complex, but for a British food retailer like Asda, changing its structure to accommodate certain rules and regulations is necessary (Daniels, Radebaugh and Sullivan, 2011:89). The Philippines’ political system is a structured framework constituting a presidential, democratic and representative republic, where the president is both the head of government and the head of state within a system characterized by pluri-form multi-party (Menipaz and Menipaz, 2007:84). Reliable sources establish that different political systems influence the functioning of a business. Philippines have a transitional business enviro nment where the political structure allows for international investment. Since 1986 when Corazon Aquino took over as the president of Philippines, the country formulated its political system with constitutional amendments being the first to change (Schwab, 2011:62). The country’s political administration system has three bodies, which consist of the judiciary, executive and the legislative branch. It has other administrative divisions that facilitate the proper administration of the cities, municipalities and barangayas among other regions. Despite a bit of political turmoil at times, there is no surmountable business pressure or threat posed by these issues (Oxford Business Group, 2009:50). Adequately, the people of Philippines are peaceful and they have a strong liking for investors from the west a particularly in such countries as Britain and the United States (Menipaz and Menipaz, 2007:106). Thus, Asda is at a considerable position to expand its food retailing services in to the Philippines since the political system of this country allows for favourable working conditions. Bearing in mind that political issues erupt at any given time, Asda should prepare for such risks in the

International Maritime Organization IMO-International labour Essay

International Maritime Organization IMO-International labour organisation ILO Co-relationship in Maritime Administration - Essay Example The establishment of the IMO in the year 1948 was in response to the proposal made by several countries stressing the need for an international body to promote maritime safety in a more effective manner. The IMO Convention proposed an article which summarized the purpose of the organization. It called for cooperation among governments in relation to technical matters governing the shipping industry, to adopt the highest practical standards for maritime safety, and to improve navigation efficiency and to control and prevent marine pollution (Introduction to IMO, n.d). Following the convention, the IMO adopted a newer version of SOLAS (safety of life at sea), which is concerned with maritime safety, in the year 1960. It further regulated international maritime traffic and the carriage of dangerous goods and also revised the measurement of tonnage in ships. In addition, following the increasing number of oil spills by oil tankers owing to the rise in the transportation of oil across cou ntries, the organization also laid down measures to reduce marine pollution due to tanker accidents as well as those resulting from disposal of chemical and garbage wastes into the sea. One of the important measures introduced by the IMO is the International Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL) which strictly regulated oil spills and also disposal of wastes into the sea (Introduction to IMO, n.d; IMO and ILO, n.d). In addition to taking measures to prevent marine pollution, IMO also adopted two treaties by which suitable compensation was provided to the victims who suffered losses due to the pollution. In the year 1970 the International Mobile Satellite Organization, which was launched as a global search and rescue system, has further improved the radio communication in ships. As a further advancement, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, which came into existence in the year 1988, now ensures that any ship in distress can be guaranteed with imme diate assistance through automatic message transmission (Introduction to IMO, n.d). The safety of the human force in ships are being taken care of by two standards, the International Safety Management Code and the amendment to the Convention for the certification and watch keeping of seafarers (STCW) (Introduction to IMO, n.d; IMO and ILO, n.d). In addition, further conventions related to maritime safety were adopted in the 2000s and several amendments have been adopted as a result changing technology or lessons learned from accidents. Some of the key issues of the IMO at present include tackling modern day piracy, reducing green house gas emissions from ships, and ensuring the safety of the seafarer. Secure, environment friendly, and maintaining sustainable cooperation in the shipping industry is the motto of the IMO and the organization is working towards achieving these objectives by adopting and implementing the right standards and legal practices (Introduction to IMO, n.d). ILO is the abbreviation for International Labor Organization which is a tripartite UN agency that oversees the labor standards, their rights and welfare across the world. It was founded in the year 1919 during the war crisis when it was strongly believed that universal peace can be achieved only through the establishment of a social justice system. Its representatives include the international labor conference, the