Conjugating the French Verb Asseoir ( Seat Someone)

Analysis Of Vincent Van Gogh s Olive Trees With Yellow...

Ben Parmeter Art Appreciation Kathleen Sipprell 12/2/14 Minneapolis Institute of Art Paper Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most infamous and influential artists of all time. When I saw that Van Gogh’s painting â€Å"Olive Trees With Yellow Sky and Sun† was on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, I knew I had to choose it for this paper. Before doing the research for this assignment, I didn’t know much about Vincent Van Gogh, but the fact that pretty much everyone knows his name and recognizes him as a huge part of art history, it made me naturally really curious about him. Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous painters of all time. His style was post-impressionism. He was a Dutch man, born in an averaged sized town called Groot-Zundert, Netherlands. The reason he became an artist, and the thing that influenced him the most to become an artist was actually his mother. His mother was interested in nature, she did a lot of drawing and watercolors and that really influenced her son heavily and got him i nto art. When he was fifteen years old, his family was really struggling with their finances. Because of this, he was forced to get a job and help them provide. It ended up that his uncle owned an art dealership, so he got a job there. Most people have no idea that Van Gogh was a Christian. Before pursuing a career as an artist he desired to be a minister. In fact, he was very focused on pursuing ministry. He spent time ministering to coal miners. The

The Relationship Between Corporations and the Environment Free Essays

string(28) " built in Waterbury and St\." The relationship between corporations and the environment is a tumultuous one. Corporations have abused and violated the environment for generations. These actions have now become unacceptable in our present society. We will write a custom essay sample on The Relationship Between Corporations and the Environment or any similar topic only for you Order Now There is growing concern for our natural resources; the world’s forests, waterways, and air are noticeably tainted. In the last twenty years, the U. S. has become more vigilant in recognizing and passing acts to attempt to regulate and purify our environment. Between 1938 and 1986, twelve acts regarding business and the environment have been passed. The Food and Drug Administration established the first act in 1938. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was passed to regulate food and drug additives. The Delaney Clause in 1958 added the prohibition of the sale of foods containing human or animal carcinogens to the original act. The Wilderness Act of 1964 outlawed the development of wilderness areas and gave new procedures for the appointment of new protected areas. In 1969, the National Environment Policy Act created a nation wide environmental policy and the Council on Environmental Quality. A year later, the first legislation passed for the Clean Air Act. It was relegislated in 1977 and again in 1990. This act established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to control the enforcement of air quality standards. In 1972, both the Federal Insecticide and Rodenticide Act and the Clean Water Act were passed. They were relegislated in 1988; and 1977, 1981, and 1987 respectively. FIFRA requires the registration of every pesticide, certification and preconsumer testing. The Clean Water Act established standards for wastewater treatment, sludge management, and set discharge limitation and water quality standards. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects animals that are threatened or endangered. Relegislated in 1984, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 standardized the manufacturing, transportation, storage, treatment and dumping of solid and hazardous waste. Also passed in 1976 was the Toxic Substances Control Act, which delegates the EPA control over the assessment of risks involved in chemicals and recordkeeping. 1980 saw the passing of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Recovery Act, which brought liability upon the owners, transporters and sources of hazardous waste, and established the Superfund to help with cleanup costs. The Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act requires companies to publicly disclose all chemical and toxic hazards in their operations. 1 These acts have often left companies feeling as though their hands were tied. The Clean Air Act by 1989 managed to reduce air pollution to two thirds of the 1970’s level. The Act achieves this through the use of permits to regulate the construction and production of major sources of pollution. The act specifies that a major source is one that emits 100 tons or more per year. This means that a factory can be built that emits 90 tons of pollution per year with out a permit. A permit is also necessary if you want to increase an existing factory that emits 100 tons by 25 tons. This act has its shortcomings. For example, a university wants to expand its heating plant. The administration has two options either modify the existing plant or build a new plant. The university’s heating plant emits 100 tons of pollution, this means that they will need a permit. The modification would normally be more cost effective because it is a smaller job and would not take as much time to accomplish. The practicality of the situation would force the building of a new heating plant that is to be smaller than 100 tons of pollution. The reason for this is the delay, cost and uncertainty of the permitting process, which would drive the over all cost up. It is probable that the modification of the single plant would ultimately produce less pollution that the two separate plants. 2 The SARA, or Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act passed by the government as an addendum to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Recovery Act specifies that companies make public details of their storage and handling techniques. All firms manufacturing 300 specific chemicals must abide by this. Firms with ten or more full time workers must painstakingly report must report all chemicals released routinely. The quantity of the specific chemicals released into water, soil, and air, along with a listing of waste treatment efficiency must be made available to the surrounding community. It is difficult for companies to cite specific waste treatment facilities, for not many true ones exist. The public demands total removal of hazardous wastes and at the same time that the goods be produced with the same efficiency and quality. 3 The Clean Water Act is a system of minimum national standards for the discharge of toxins and hazardous waste into the environment. The rules given call for complicated technical decisions to be made by businesses. The fact that a company must comply with all new standards within a year causes for much loss and payment of fines. These acts do have negative effects upon businesses. However, corporations are finding advantages to environmentally sound procedures. Not only are environmentally friendly policies popular with consumers, but they can also save businesses a great deal of money. As the acts and their socially conscious agenda become more assimilated into the business world, business is working to gain advantage and minimize disadvantages. Many case studies support this idea. Corporations have discovered that they can often use environmental friendly programs and products to produce more profits. An excellent example of this is Ben and Jerry’s ice cream company. The company began by making all natural ice cream on a very small scale in Burlington, Vermont in 1978. Natural food held great appeal in Vermont, even before it held nation-wide popularity. Soon, their product became extremely popular. Ben and Jerry’s all natural products provided the first benefits of environmental-friendly policies for the company. Later, when two large manufacturing facilities were built in Waterbury and St. You read "The Relationship Between Corporations and the Environment" in category "Essay examples" Albans Vermont, they decided to treat the waste created form their processing with a prototype solar aquatic treatment system. Like a wetland, the system combines solar energy with plants, algae and microbes to break down wastewater. Three â€Å"green teams† strive to ensure compliance with their priorities of managing their waste, conserving energy, practicing sustainability, finding renewable energy sources and forming environmentally positive community programs. Besides these positive actions, which attract many customers, other environmentally correct actions save Ben and Jerry’s money. Instead of sending massive amounts of waste to the landfill, the company implemented procedures that minimize waste and reduce cost simultaneously. Cardboard waste is baled and sold or recycled, which saves the company $17,400 annually. Office employees must follow a recycling program to save energy, cost and trees. $235,000 a year is saved in recycling or reusing plastic buckets. As much as $250,000 a year will be saved from new energy saving devices incorporated by the company. There are environmentally positive aspects in every part of the company which prove Ben and Jerry’s to be unhypocritical, for the environmentally friendly image they sell their products. Since their total sales were $97 million in 1991, it seems that this philosophy works and brings about a large customer base. 4 Other companies have found profit through environmentally safe Merck Co. , a worldwide health product corporation for animals and humans, and specialty chemicals balances profit and responsibility even in the face of SARA. To maintain an inner accordance, Merck runs its operations with the same regard for health and well being that its products have. Merck has declared, â€Å"†¦ our commitment is to conduct our business worldwide in a manner that will protect the environment as well as the health and safety of our employees and the public. â€Å"5 Merck made formal its environmental commitment in 1990. In 1990, the company published a statement giving its environmental policies and goals. The progress toward these objectives was charted through periodic reports in a set five-year period. The objectives set by Merck were specific. The minimization of chemicals released into the atmosphere, in turn harming people, animals, the ozone layer, and causing acid rain and the greenhouse effect was one goal. Research to find new ways to minimize waste and conserve resources was a priority. Reduction of waste generation and self-sufficient waste treatment and disposal were another goal. Energy and resource conservation practices were to be utilized in its research, manufacturing and office facilities. Lastly, resource conservation was to be promoted through innovative product design and recyclable materials. 6 Merck, like all chemical producers, was directly confronted with SARA. Though the company is not forced to reduce emissions, its operation procedures go far above SARA suggestions and Clean Air Act regulations. Voluntarily, the company made a commitment to the EPA to follow these higher standards. Merck specifically vowed to reduce carcinogen air emissions by 90% at the end of 1991. Also, these air emissions were to be eradicated by 1993. Finally, Merck would reduce releases of corporate chemicals by around 90% of all direct releases and material transfers for off site disposal by the end of 1995. Merck had reduced all its worldwide releases of toxic chemicals by 50% from 1987 figures by the end of 1992. 7 The goals focusing on toxic waste processing and reductions were to be achieved through a strategic plan at division and plant levels. Divisions, plants and salaried employees directly or indirectly involved with manufacturing were to implement personal goals to help Merck achieve their overall goals. The eight plants under Merck’s manufacturing division, along with the two manufacturing vice-presidents, were each accountable for the reduction and better management of waste in the plants. A central environmental resource staff coordinated and supported the effort. SOurce reduction was the biggest priority, followed by recovery/recycling/reuse, and waste management. Most of Merck’s waste is non toxic. The toxic minority consists of primarily ethyl alcohol, acetone and methyl alcohol, used in manufacturing processes. The waste stream is boiled, the purified vapors condensed, and the liquid recollected. 90% is recovered for reuse. The remaining 10% is toxic waste. 8 Packaging components have experienced reduction in the interest of landfill space and resource conservation. Cotton wadding in drug bottles has been eliminated in the US. In Europe, there has been a 10% reduction in aluminum and foil waste. A conversion in Europe to standard blister packaging and high volume carton printing reduces waste and saves money. 9 New and more efficient equipment helps to reduce Merck’s waste management problems. By standardizing and improving production, Merck is less likely to encounter problems with the FDA for making drug production changes. Approval for production changes is extremely time and cost consuming. Yield and product quality standards are on the same level as environmental standards. Merck, â€Å"takes responsibility for the total life cycle of materials we use and products we manufacture. â€Å"10 Merck keeps lines of communication open with the public concerning its environmental policies. By working with the Chemical Manufacturers Association’s Responsible Care Program, Merck provides information to the public through a 1-800 number. The number is linked directly to Merck, where questions regarding Merck plants are answered. Emergency response systems are in place at factories, and for Merck transports. Literature regarding operations and safety procedures are distributed by Merck to keep the public informed. 11 Merck’s environmental commitment extends to its corporate headquarters. Environmental preservation of woodland and wetlands upon the site was the priority. The 900,000 square foot hexagon-shaped building and the 700,000 square foot underground parking garage made a minimal effect upon the land. Awards and recognition were in order for this achievement. Kevin Roche, an architect known for designs that blend into the environment, was chosen for the project. The hexagon building surrounds five acres of forest, roads go over the land, and trees were moved rather than destroyed. They were nurtured in a nursery for as long as three years and then returned to the landscape. Energy saving features were utilized in the main building. All paper waste, the principal waste product, is recycled. 2. 8 tons of waste are produced per day, of which 8 tons are recyclable. 12 Merck has made an agreement with the Costa Rican Instituto Nacional de Biodivarsidad (INBio) to grant a million dollars to catalog the immensely diverse life found in Costa Rico. In exchange, Merck is granted the rights to any new medicines found. If a new medicine is found, the royalties will surpass the cost of the failure of the project. The diversity of Costa Rico is thought by scientists to contain more biodiversity then any other planet on earth. Many unknown animals and plants exist in Costa Rico and have yet to be discovered. Merck is training local people to take samples and perform extractions. INBio will analyze the samples. Merck will evaluate samples for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. This mutual beneficent relationship will aid both the environment and Merck. 13 By improving their product, cutting their costs, and improving their public image, Merck has made a profit from environmental friendliness. The envirometal centered policy has opened up new markets and gained a competitive advantage. This compliance is expensive, but seems well worth the expenditure for the return. The EPA also has developed incentives in recent years for environmental policy compliance. The Green Lights program gives companies EPA support to drive down lighting usage, which accounts for over 20% of overall electrical costs. Software, financing information, lighting product consumer reporting is provided free of charge. Public recognition is given through public service ads, news articles, marketing materials, broadcast specials and videotapes. Computer manufacturers who install automatic â€Å"power down† on their computers join the Energy Star program endorsed by the EPA. Consumers and businesses look specifically for this symbol in many cases, causing a gain for the computer manufacturer. Variable Speed Drives for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems save 40% or more efficiency. The EPA has formed a special group buy to make them more affordable. Payback is within three years. Plans are on the board to endorse other â€Å"green† technologies this way. Refrigerators that are produced and function 30-50% more energy efficient then 1993 standards will receive a rebate. These are just a few incentives the EPA is providing. 14 Government and business have often debated over policies and laws. In the case of laws governing business practices and their effects on the environment, this holds true. The balance between being environmentally safe and still producing the quality and quantities needed is delicate. However, today’s market makes environmental friendliness sellable, and the procedures involved often save businesses a considerable amount of money. Ben and Jerry’s have utilized the market for environmentally aware products and combined it with their company philosophy. Merck has utilized the same business strategy and found ways to surpass SARA and other environmental acts. These businesses prove that being environmentally responsible is not only morally correct, but also profitable. How to cite The Relationship Between Corporations and the Environment, Essay examples

Comparative Study of The Markets of China and Europe

Question: Discuss about the Comparative Study of The Markets of China and Europe. Answer: Introduction R.M. Williams company was founded by Reginald Murray in the year 1932. The company was started in his fathers factory with very low capital investment. Gradually, the business of RM grew and diversified into bush saddler and equipment. The company today has over 50 retail stores in Australia along with one of its stores in London (R.M. Williams, 2017). The company exports to more than 15 countries and has over 900 stockists around the world (R.M. Williams, 2017). The core product of R.M. Williams is handcrafted riding boots and over the period of time the company has introduced t-shirts, caps, leather wallets and polo shirts. The company now designs and produces products for both men and women that include shirts, t-shirts, boots, boots care accessories, skirts, jeans, jackets, bags, wallets, buckles and customized shoes. The company has mastered premium Australian craftsmanship over the span of 80 years. The company produces boots that are beautiful, durable and appropriate for the needs of the customers. In 2013, LVMH purchased 49.9% of companys stake and the company is now owned by global Luxury brand Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (Carruthers, 2016). After a huge investment of 50 million dollars, it has become necessary to analyze the market potential to assess the market demands. The paper would thus, make an attempt to carry out a comparative study for the market of China and Europe and find out which market has more potential for the brand. An external environmental analysis would be carried out using PESTEL analysis. Comparative Environment Analysis Economic and Financial Environments China has become the worlds second largest economy after the adoption of economic reforms in 1978 (Focus Economics, 2017). The country became a manufacturing hub and attracted the countries of the world to outsource their work to China because of its low product prices. It was due to this fact that the country was able to survive the global recession of 2008. Further, the corporate tax in China is only 15% for large scale companies, that is very small as compared to western countries (Worldwide Tax, 2014). China witnessed inflation due to which the prices of transport and communication and clothing rose by 2% and 1.3% that would be a challenge for the company as the manufacturing cost of products would increase (Trading Economics, 2017). Further, the company would benefit from the low labor cost of China and abundance of skilled labor in the country. Thus, the company would benefit from growing economy, low labor cost and abundance of labor in the country. China has begun to embrace FDI by reducing the trade barriers for the foreign companies and the country has witnessed growth of 6% in its inward flow of FDI (Export.gov, 2016). The country has been able to attract foreign companies because of its growing and sustainable economy. The five largest banks of China are Industrial and Commercial bank of China, Bank of China, China construction Bank, Bank of Communications and Agricultural Bank of China (CNBC, 2013). The bank lending rose from 32 trillion yuan to 67 trillion yuan from 2012 to 2008 (CNBC, 2013). This shows that the market of China has great liquidity that would facilitate with the means of finances for the company to set up its operations within the country. Though the company is likely to face challenges due to countrys restricted policies for FDI. It would have to submit Letters of Guarantee along with acceptable collaterals. The economy of Europe has been expected to grow at a consistent pace for 2017 and 2018. Euro zone has witnessed a rise in GDP for the last 15 consecutive quarters which was supported by private consumption. It has been projected to grow by 1.6% and 1.8% in 2017 and 2018 respectively (European Commission, 2017a). The exports market has been estimated to grow for the following two years after a weak 2016. Further, inflation has also been expected to increase by 1.7% and 1.4% in 2017 and 2018 respectively (European Commission, 2017a). On the other hand, BREXIT is also most likely to have a negative impact on the economy of Europe. Europe would lose one of its most contributing members through BREXIT that could lead to downfall of the economy (Blenkilsop, 2016). R.M. Williams may take advantage of the growing economy and increasing inflation but need to stay alert to shield itself from the impact of BREXIT and rising cost of goods and services. The financial sector of Europe has been greatly affected by the 2008 global crisis. Low oil and commodity prices, negative interest rates and lower credit and equity markets have affected the profitability of banks, though liquidity of banks remain unaffected (Goffinet, 2016). Political and Legal Environments The Republic of China has communist party system with a stable political system (BBC News, 2017). The government of China strongly supports trade and investment opportunities for foreign companies. The country has gone through many structural changes that include equity joint ventures, reorientation of FDI and growing service sector (Davies, 2013). With the spread of global financial and economic crisis, the country has strongly reinforced FDI. This could be an advantage for LVMH to introduce R.M. Williams product in the market of China and it would be strongly supported by the government. China has strict laws and regulations for foreign companies that restrict their market growth in the country. Though the country has removed some of its restriction and has been making efforts to promote FDI in the country. Earlier, almost three fourth of the industries were required to enter into a joint venture with a Chinese company and one fourth industries were subjected to the clause that Chinese firm should hold the majority of the stake (Cheung and Jin, 2014). This policy has been eased down in the country and numerous industries including garments and shoes industries have now been opened for FDI. In spite of Chinas opening arms for FDI, challenges lie ahead for the foreign companies. The policies of China are more directed towards state owned firms due to which foreign investors face consistent challenges to promote their products and services (Wu, 2016). The company has strict laws that limit foreign investment after a certain limit. They face the challenges due to discriminatory laws, corruption and non-transparent anti-monopoly enforcement (Export.gov, 2016). Thus, the company would have to face legal challenges in China in order to establish and grow its market because of countrys discriminatory policies for foreign and state owned firms. The company would have to make sure that the trademark and patents are not owned by a Chinese company otherwise, it would have to face IPR infringement as faced by Hugo Boss (ICBC, 2017). Europe has gone through series of political instabilities after the economy of Greece fell apart. The impact was severe on the entire European zone as efforts were contributed by the major countries including Germany and France. The impact seems to be rising again with Syriza party in Greece and anti-euro parties in France, Spain and Greece (Spiegel, 2015). The situation of the zone seems to have become worse with the BREXIT deal that has created chaos in the entire Europe (Blenkilsop, 2016). This is likely to pour challenges in the establishment of the brand in the market in the form of changes in policy structure and international trade barriers. Since R.M. Williams has now been overtaken by LVMH, which is a France based company, therefore, it would not have to face the trade barriers of European zone. Instead, the company would enjoy all the rights as that of a home company. Cultural Environments China has the highest population in the world and thus, is an emerging market in the world. The companies have been chasing after the market of China to expand their market and grow their sales revenue by capturing the Chinese market. This change is because of enhanced standard of living of Chinese people. China has witnessed the highest growth rate in terms increasing standard of living of the people (Ross, 2013). Further, shoes market is also growing in China and the people are attracted towards global brands. The shoe market is witnessing a steady every year (Yau, 2016). Further, the fashion industry is also growing in the market of China and country is considered as potential target with 1.4 billion population (Consulate General Shanghai, 2014). The country has become one of the primary lifestyle shopping market with its increasing standard of living and demand for global products (Young, 2015). The Chinese perceive global brands as their aspiration product. Thus, China has huge potential for the brand with its growing population and increasing trend among the consumers. Europe has diversified population from all parts of the world that varies in their culture and traditions. The zone has very high standards of living and the people are very conscious about the brand they wear. The people of France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland have a passion for premium luxurious brands. Garment and shoe market had a turnover of 166 million euros in 2013 (European Commission, 2017b). Further, the demand for luxurious shoes and garments has been constantly increasing due to high standards of living. Thus, in terms of socio-cultural factors, the market has great potential for R.M. Williams. Strategic Recommendations The growing economy and low cost labor of China would facilitate smooth operations in the country, but strict government policies for credit facility for the foreign companies would pose challenges for the brand. Further, inflation rate would also surge the cost of manufacturing products in China. On the other hand, Europes stable and growing economy would facilitate growth but the BREXIT deal would have a negative impact. Finance would be comparatively easier in Europe but profitability of banks is in danger. Thus, economic and financial environmental conditions of Europe offer greater opportunity as compared to that of China. The company is likely to face challenges due to discriminatory policies and lack of transparency in China. Further, government policies are more state owned firms oriented due to which the company would have to face great number of challenges in China. On the other hand, the company would not have to face any legal challenge in Europe because LVMH, France based company, has acquired R.M. Williams, that makes R.M. Williams a domestic company. China and Europe both are politically stable, except that Europe faces the threat of BREXIT and Greece is also politically unstable after the breakdown of its economy. China has great market for western brands because of changing consumer lifestyle, yet the majority of the people cannot afford premium brands. On the other hand, Europes countries are among the countries with high purchasing power and standard of living. An average European is inclined to buy luxurious products that are perceived very expensive by Chinese people. Thus, the above analysis states that market of Europe is better in terms of economy, financial borrowing and liquidity, flexibility of legal policies and standard of living of people. Thus, Europe is the recommended market and has more potential as compared to China. Conclusion The analysis and discussion thus, reveals that Europe has more market potential as compared to market of China. China in spite of being the fastest growing economy of the world does not provide the suitable legal and political environment for the company to establish and grow its market. Chinas discriminatory policies and lack of transparency do not support the growth of foreign companies and its policy structure is more directed towards state owned firms that hinders the operational activities of foreign companies. The foreign companies face intellectual infringement challenges and the ruling goes in the favor of Chinese domestic companies. On the other hand, LVMH being a France based company would benefit in terms of financial and legal aspects in the European Zone. Further, there is a large market of garment and shoes in Europe that would facilitate the establishment of the company. References BBC News. (2017). China country profile. BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13017877 [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Blenkilsop, P. (2016). From trade to migration - how Brexit may hit the EU economy. Reuters. Available at: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-economy-europe-idUKKCN0ZA0KE [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. Carruthers, F. (2016). R.M. Williams sets out to sell its Australian story to the world. Financial Review. Available at: https://www.afr.com/brand/afr-magazine/rm-williams-sets-out-to-sell-its-australian-story-to-the-world-20160214-gmu1ih#ixzz4e7nCDitu[Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Cheung, F., and Jin, J. (2014). China Expected to Lift Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment through New Guidance. Deacons. Available at: https://www.deacons.com.hk/news-and-insights/publications/china-expected-to-lift-restrictions-on-foreign-direct-investment-through-new-guidance.html [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. CNBC. (2013). China Big 5 Banks' 2012 Profit Seen Up 12% at $121 Billion. CNBC. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/id/100575545 [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. Consulate General Shanghai. (2014). CHINAS FASHION INDUSTRY. Consulate General Shanghai. Available at: https://china.nlambassade.org/binaries/content/assets/postenweb/c/china/zaken-doen-in-china/sectoren/creatieve-industrie/china-fashion-industry-kansenrapport.pdf [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Davies, K. (2013). China Investment Policy: An Update. OECD Publishing. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/china/WP-2013_1.pdf [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. European Commission. (2017a). Winter 2017 Economic Forecast. European Commission. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/economic-performance-and-forecasts/economic-forecasts/winter-2017-economic-forecast_en [Accessed Online 14 April 2017] European Commission. (2017b). Textiles and clothing in the EU. European Commission. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/fashion/textiles-clothing/eu_en [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. Export.gov. (2016). China - Openness to and Restriction on Foreign Investment. Export.gov. Available at: https://www.export.gov/article?id=China-Openness-to-and-Restriction-on-Foreign-Investment [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. Focus Economics. (2017). China Economic Outlook. Focus Economics. Available at: https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/china [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Goffinet, Y. (2016). European Banks: A Problem Of ProfitabilityBut Not Of Liquidity Or Solvency. Perspectives. Available at: https://perspectives.pictet.com/2016/02/12/european-banks-a-problem-of-profitability-but-not-of-liquidity-or-solvency/ [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. ICBC. (2017). Import T/T Credit Facility. ICBC. Available at: https://www.icbc.com.cn/ICBC/Global%20Service/International%20Financing/Overseas%20Loan%20under%20Domestic%20Guarantee/ [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. R.M. Williams. (2017). A Lifes Work. R.M. Williams. Available at: https://www.rmwilliams.com.au/r.m.w.-the-company/Footer_company information.html?lang=en_AU [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Ross, J. (2013). China has the world's fastest growth in living standards. China.org. Available at: https://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2013-10/24/content_30391004.htm [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Spiegel, P. (2015). European politics emerges as one of the top global risk factors. Financial Times. Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/285b6780-847f-11e4-bae9-00144feabdc0 [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Trading Economics. China Inflation. (2017). Trading Economics. Available at: https://www.tradingeconomics.com/china/inflation-cpi [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Worldwide Tax. (2014). China Tax Rates. Worldwide Tax. Available at: https://www.worldwide-tax.com/china/china_tax.asp [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Wu, W. (2016). Is China making life difficult for foreign companies?. South China Morning Post. Available at: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1940397/china-making-life-difficult-foreign-companies [Accessed Online 14 April 2017]. Yau, P. (2016). Chinas Footwear Market. HKTD Research. Available at: https://china-trade-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/China-Consumer-Market/China-s-Footwear-Market/ccm/en/1/1X000000/1X002MPH.htm [Accessed Online 13 April 2017]. Young, S.B. (2015). Selling Shoes to China: An Opportunity for Global FootwearBrands. Foot Wear News. Available at: https://footwearnews.com/2015/business/retail/china-prime-sales-target-19323/ [Accessed Online 13 April 2017].