Foreign Exchange Markets by Danny

Foreign Exchange Markets by Danny "GEKKO" Miliaresis

Miliaresis addresses the issue of foreign exchange (forex), and how these have become increasingly popular in trading, especially with the use of the Internet. In fact, the Internet has made trading increasingly easy for the general public. The article further states that the foreign exchange market as it exists today is fairly young, having originated in 1973. The author also briefly describes what the market looked like earlier in the century, before World War I, after the War, during the Depression, and so on.

In its current form, foreign exchange is one of the most popular trading markets because it requires relatively little start-up cash, and delivers high returns. Other reasons for the market's popularity include the absence of middlemen, the relative stability of the market, and commission free trades. Forex trading also saves time, as there are only 4 major currency trades. This means that traders do not have to sit in front of their computer for hours to determine the best investment. The currency market is also open for longer periods than other markets, which makes it easy for a trader to log on and find an immediately available market.

The author does warn that there are risks involved in forex trading. Specifically, quick losses could lead to losing a greater amount of money than the original investment. Nonetheless, this risk is significantly mitigated by the many advantages involved. Indeed, the author appears positive that anybody with a fair amount of experience can make a substantial amount of money from the forex market.

Major advantages such as little start-up capital and few other costs, along with is relative stability, makes the forex market the greatest attractor of investors worldwide. Indeed, both the experienced and the inexperienced trader can understandably be tempted to test the waters of this market.

The issue addressed by this article is a very interesting one. While I am aware of the importance of foreign exchange in import and export businesses, I was not aware that currency itself could serve as a basis for investment. The author describes such investments in such a way that I am almost tempted to log on to the Internet and buy some forex. Indeed, the statistics appear impressive, with the market's relative stability and high returns placing it in the top trading position it enjoys today.

A must wonder, however, if the author is not somewhat downplaying the potential risks involved in the foreign exchange market. Indeed, he only briefly addresses the possibility of losing in excess of one's initial investment. He does not expose this risk in as much detail as he discusses the potential benefits of investing in foreign exchange. This could be dangerously misleading, especially to an investor that is new to the market place. Before entering into such an investment, I would therefore first do thorough research and talk to a number of experts before rushing to buy foreign exchange.

Nonetheless, I find it encouraging that issues such as trade is now facilitated by technological developments and communications. It is as if an increasing amount of opportunities exist to not only benefit the investor, but also those depending upon him or her for their well-being. The world appears to be moving towards greater prosperity as a result of better communications and technology.

A therefore always appreciate articles such as Miliaresis'. I do however feel that the excessive lack of balance towards the positive aspects of trading in any commodity is somewhat dangerous. The author should at least warn potential investors to thoroughly research markets and investment return potentials before rushing headlong into these ventures. While I believe that the article could be more balanced, I find the description of the issue highly educational.

Article 2: MANAGING KNOWLEDGE:

COMPETITIVE POSITIONING of HUMAN RESOURCES in the 21ST CENTURY by Ganesh Shermon

The article addresses the development of the business world and what this means for the 21st century. After a brief discussion of business models during the 20th century, Shermon continues with a consideration of the business paradigm for the information age. The nature of business assets has evolved from the concrete to the intellectual. As such, conducting business, as well as interaction among business partners and with customers have changed. Indeed, Shermon mentions that even money is no longer the core of business deals. Instead, it is the value of the intellectual product created by the company that makes or breaks a deal.

The information has also changed the way in which customers interact with businesses. The customer is empowered to investigate all products, and retains the freedom to make his or her choices in a time that is regarded as suitable. Businesses no longer have as much power as in the past to manipulate the customer or indeed practically force a purchase from the customer. Instead, the perceived quality before purchase and the true value after purchase should be ensured in order to satisfy the customer base and remain in business. Indeed, customers receive more value at lower prices as a result of greater availability of products.

The information age also entails aggressive it investments, as it lies at the core of managing information. As such the world of management has fundamentally changed from one in which physical commodities and employees are managed to one where the main management function relates to intellectual product and how this interfaces with the human factor in the workplace. As such, the article continues to address in detail the various ways in which human resources and intellectual product interface and should be managed. The core of this is to identify the most important factors of effective interaction and manage these.

This article is interesting in that it addresses the nature of business as it changed from a focus on concrete goods and services towards intellectual goods and services. While the article is somewhat lengthy, I believe that managers can benefit from the information it contains. I find it interesting that Shermon addresses the issue not just from the perspective of managing information, but also how this integrates with human resource management.

While business practices in the distant past often entailed a focus on goods and profits rather than workers, there is a danger in current business practices to once again lose focus of the human aspect of business. The reason for this is not financial profit as much as the paradigm of the digital environment. As information businesses grow, an increasing number of employees will be working from home, where the manager cannot see them. It is therefore easy to lose touch with the needs of workers. This is not a prospect I had considered before.

The article therefore addresses a very important point regarding the way in which business is conducted. While the work environment is changing, the basic needs of human employees do not. A manager should therefore be acutely aware of the needs of not only workers in the physical workplace, but also of those in the digital work environment. This requires a substantial shift in paradigm.

Another important issue the author addresses is focus. Human beings are complex. So is information. The author emphasizes the fact that the integration of these two elements makes human resource management even more complex than it already is. For this reason, it is important not to lose sight of the company's goals by trying to focus on every aspect of an employee's needs. Instead, the most important aspects are to be chosen and focused upon. In this way, an employee still feels valued, while managers do not need to spend the majority of their time to ensure that every aspect of humanity and information is fully addressed.

Article 3: Globalization and the world economy - for richer for poorer, for better or worse? By Paul S. Mills

The introduction indicates that the article will address globalization from a Christian point-of-view, in terms of whether the phenomenon is best for the pervasive poverty problem around the world, or whether nation states should be allowed to work on their own for their own benefit. Mills continues the article with a brief definition and historical perspective of the globalization phenomenon. Interestingly, he points out that the process is far from inevitable. Nor is it a new process, having been part of trade and transport since the beginning of the 20th century. Mills attaches more importance to the question of whether globalization is in fact a benign process.

To investigate the question, Mills examines five assumptions regarding globalization, including the assumption that the poor becomes poorer, and that globalization harms the environment, among others. Generally, Mills' findings appear to indicate that globalization is mostly a positive process that holds benefits not only for humanity but also for the environment. After these indications, Mills returns to the Christian viewpoint.

Mills uses both the Old and New Testaments to apply to the globalization issue. From the Biblical perspective, integration is possible from a religious viewpoint, with the focus being the worship of God. Globalization is juxtaposed with this; nations are integrated on the level of economic prosperity. Nevertheless, Mills points out that many Christian principles prevail in the globalization paradigm: fair trade, the accountability of the government, the interdependence of nations and the upliftment of the poor are some of the issues mentioned in this regard.

According to the author, globalization is therefore a phenomenon that can be very beneficial from a Christian perspective. It is however important that the correct actions are taken and specific principles upheld.

When I first realized that Mills' article was going to address the Christian perspective of globalization, I must admit that I experienced a sinking feeling in the vicinity of my rib cage. I also admit to thinking something like, oh no, one of those. I expected the article to beat the whole globalization to a pulp, because it is reminiscent of the Tower of Babel and very, very wrong for people of different cultures to integrate in any way at all.

Great and pleasant was my surprise when I actually found myself reading a well-written, thought-provoking article.

Mills uses the Bible as the foundation of the discussion. He does not however do this in a hysterical manner, as is often typical of Christian articles on the topic. Instead, he addresses episodes from the Bible in a balanced an honest manner, applying them to the globalization issue to highlight its benefits and potential threats.

To my further surprise, Mills seemed non-hostile towards the globalization issue. Indeed, he proves most of the negative assumptions about globalization incorrect, pointing out that the phenomenon has benefited many a poverty stricken country. Furthermore, he applies the Christian paradigm to a wider context than only the Tower of Babel and how globalization means the imminent return of Jesus. Instead, he regards the issue in a very practical, but also in a very Christian way.

Instead of the fundamentalist view, Mills approaches his integration of Christianity and globalization from the point-of-view of Christian charity and a concern for the poor. Indeed, the poor is an issue frequently addressed by the Bible. In this, Mills then views globalization as an opportunity for Christians to help others, welcoming them into their own community and at the same time benefiting those who are less fortunate.

Mills' article proves that not all Christians are fundamentalist or hostile. Indeed, there are those attempting to live by the principles taught by the Bible in the first place.

Article 4: How to Find Success in the Import Export Business by Randy Wilson

In this brief article, Randy Wilson encourages the reader to invest in import/export businesses. Indeed, globalization and the Internet have opened the import/export market for many and entrepreneur. Wilson first addresses the export opportunity to countries in the East. The mysticism attached to the West and its culture have made especially American products popular in Easter Europe. Wilson cites the example of American blue jeans in Russia as a starting point for this paradigm.

In terms of importing goods, Wilson states that the need for low priced goods in the United States and other Western countries also provides the importer with many opportunities for prosperity. Such goods can then in turn be imported from Eastern European countries, and specifically from China.

Wilson suggests a number of different ways in which the entrepreneur can embark upon an import/export business: this can be done via the Internet, by means of a physical storefront in one's home town, by affiliation with existing import/export companies, or by purchasing and reselling goods. Any combination of these methods can also be used to establish such a business. The way in which the entrepreneur will build the business largely depends upon the size of the initial cash layout at his or her disposal.

The only point of caution the author provides is that the entrepreneur should be careful in investigating the tax and legal issues related to the business. It should be ensured that the goods being moved across the border are legal in all respects, and that the relevant tax laws are adhered to. If this is done, according to the author, the entrepreneur has opened a world of opportunity for profit. Indeed, the relaxation of many import/export laws by Eastern countries ensures that this will remain a profitable business opportunity for a long time into the future.

This article is extremely interesting, and highly appealing in its enthusiasm. It reads almost like an advertisement for a new and exciting product. This for me is however also its fundamental flaw. I am instinctively distrustful of advertising, and it was difficult for me to take the article seriously while it contained such an obviously commercial tone. As I read further, the tone seemed to improve, however, providing the reader with valuable advice regarding the import/export market.

Indeed, the author makes it appear absurdly easy and ridiculously profitable to embark upon an import/export business. This is another fundamental flaw. No business is without its problems. I believe that the highly positive tone of the article is misleading. The author addresses only a few potential problems, including possible legal and tax issues. In terms of the business itself, he makes it sound so easy that even the person without any business sense whatsoever will be tempted to invest in it.

While it may in fact be easier than other businesses to start an import/export venture, I feel that the author should have been more serious in his tone. I would have found an article addressing the various pros and cons of such a business in a comparative manner much more realistic. What basically therefore bothers me about this article is the lack of balance in its tone. The fact that it begins with such a commercial tone sets a precedent of mistrust for me. I therefore find it very difficult to entirely trust the rest of the information in the article, regardless of how good it may sound.

The article provides a number of good points, including the various ways in which a person can start import/export business. While I am sure many would enthusiastically take the author's advice, I personally would be careful to investigate all aspects of the business before leaving my day job.