Why did Estonia move from a planned economy to a market economy Essay Example

Why did Estonia move from a planned economy to a market economy Essay When Estonia first gained independence after the First World War, it enjoyed great economic success and development during the twenty-year inter-war period. However, the economic gains were negated by fifty years of Soviet occupation following World War II, leading to economic stagnation. The central government of the Soviet Union had destroyed the Soviet Republics economy as a whole, as the decision of what to produce, how much to produce and for whom to produce was placed solely on the government. Thus inefficient monopolistic state-owned industries employing the entire population regardless of skill level churned out poor quality goods that nobody wanted, while the rationing of basic foodstuffs was part of daily life. With the loss of the profit motive and no hierarchy system where the better were rewarded, both people and companies had little motivation to be efficient or innovative. The Estonian economy was in reality just the sum of the enterprises physically located on one territory. Due to the closed Soviet Unions huge shortage economy and immense quantities of natural resources, the Estonian economy could seemingly ignore world competition. As raw materials were bought at heavily subsidized prices from Russia (which led to the unaccountably low prices of energy and raw materials etc. ) the majority of enterprises created were material, energy and transport intensive, producing mainly low quality goods. But when the Soviet Union began to collapse in 1991, Estonia declared independence and started shifting towards a market economy. It sought an end to the incessant shortages, poor quality goods and inefficient state-owned industries suffering from diseconomies of scale which had plagued it as a planned economy and the diversity and dynamism of a market economy, which would hopefully bring much needed foreign investment, a well-oiled private business sector and stable economic growth to raise living standards. We will write a custom essay sample on Why did Estonia move from a planned economy to a market economy specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Why did Estonia move from a planned economy to a market economy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Why did Estonia move from a planned economy to a market economy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Estonian economy faced deep structural problems immediately following independence. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian ruble continued to function as a currency in the former Soviet empire. Russia had the sole authority to print ruble notes and so in some sense controlled monetary policy throughout the currency area. Estonia remained part of the ruble zone the remnants of the Soviet monetary system even after independence in 1991. But political and economic instability in the CIS, coupled with the complete lack of monetary discipline within the ruble zone, offered little international credibility for the nations using the ruble. With the removal of subsidies on a multitude of goods, prices rose to real levels. In 1992 inflation exceeded 1,000 percent. Without the Soviet Union juggernaught providing cheap raw materials and a market for exports, the Estonian economy was left completely exposed. Inefficient state companies were forced to close, aggravating unemployment and dragging down GDP: the cumulative decline of the GDP during the period 1990-1994 was 36%. Foreign investment was desperately needed; enterprise was almost non-existent and capital had to be imported. What are the benefits of its transition? (5) Today, Estonia has a booming economy that is rapidly reaching western standards. Its economic success is based on a liberal economic policy, a currency board system with a stable currency pegged to the Deutschmark/Euro and a balanced budget (The Estonian government solved the problem of rocketing inflation by introducing a new currency, the Kroon, in 1992. It was pegged to the stable Deutsch mark and helped to calm prices, allowing the economy to start anew). Thanks to an extremely favorable business climate, excellent communication links, a low-cost base, plus a highly skilled and productive workforce, Estonia has become an attractive location for inward direct investment and an active and rapidly growing exporter: in 1998, Estonian exports were four times the level they were five years before. Exports increased faster than imports in 1998, cementing the export sector as a key factor contributing to the countrys economic growth. In 1995, Estonian signed an association agreement with the EU and was among the first six associated countries invited to accession negotiations in December 1997. In 1995, Estonia formally submitted its application to the WTO and negotiations for membership are now entering the final stages. Estonia has succeeded in reorienting its foreign trade away from the former Soviet Union and the shrinking eastern market to western markets. Today, the EU is Estonias biggest trading partner, accounting for over 60% of Estonias exports in 1998. Russia continues to be an important export partner, although total exports to the Russian Federation declined from 19% in 1997 to 13. 4% in 1998. The Russian financial crisis had an effect on industries whose main target for export was Russia (namely the food industry). The GDP declined in 1999 by 0. 7%, but started growing again in 2000. Due to important changes in the direction of foreign trade and the economic relationship in general from east to west during the 1990s, the effect of financial crises in Russia had a more moderate influence on the Estonian economy than would have occurred if Estonia had been more closely linked to the Russian market. The structure of the Estonian GDP has become rather close to that of the GDP of developed countries. These structural changes are a result of the deep economic decline experienced during the difficult years of transition and foreign trade shock (a rapid change of terms of trade, and a deep decline of trade with Russia). These shocks enabled Estonia to develop an export-orientated and well-oiled free market economy, which in turn brought economic growth and an increase of general wages well ahead of inflation. Estonia is now investing heavily in the technology sector, and 40% of its citizens now use the internet. With living standards rising steadily, more and more economists are beginning to call the difficult transition Estonia has endured the Estonian Economic Miracle.

Souht American Celebs essays

Souht American Celebs essays South America. One simple word, and dozens of ideas, thoughts, pictures, people and places swarm into your head. A continent full of exotic and eccentric customs, but so many similarities to our own country, the United States. One things for sure, they certainly dont skimp on their celebrities. Celebrities have a fascinating history that greatly influences South American citizens. The United States plays an integral part in their fame, helping them to become the extraordinary people that they are today. Models, sports players, actors, actresss, and musicians are a critical element of the amazing culture of South America. Nearly all of the celebrities of South America are found in, or originate from, the country of Brazil. Brazil is South Americas leading country when it comes to celebrities. It contains over 350 celebrities that are recognized worldwide for the things that they have achieved during their life. Statistics show that 37% of Brazils working citizens work at jobs in the fine arts. Approximately one third of those people are locally recognized, one seventh are nationally recognized, and more are accumulating each year. In an interview with a school board in Brazil, we were told that more than  ¾ of the high school students are striving to become artists, actors/actresses, models, or professional sports players. Statistics for other South American countries say that less then one third of the students say that they would choose these occupations. Statistics also show that 97% of Brazilians have attended a soccer game, concert, dance performance, or recital at least once in their lifetime. Just like South America, the United States revolves around current, and sometimes former, celebrities. We seem so close to our southern neighbors, we even share a few of our stars, but it seems like we dont really have ...

The Art in Parkour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Art in Parkour - Essay Example Belle began Parkour when he was fifteen, and claims it was inspired by the ideas of the French physician George Hebert, who promoted the 'methode naturelle' (Grimsley 1961) of medical treatment. This focused on the pure benefits of exercise over other methods like drug treatment for simple illnesses and injuries. Belle took these principles and used them in his own fitness regime, which turned quickly into something of a post-modern art form in itself (Gire 2006). Post-modern art takes many ideas on board, but the main feature of this art form that is embodied in Parkour is the aspect of realism through another medium: "Reality itself founders in hyperrealism, the meticulous reduplication of the real, preferably through another, reproductive medium, such as photography" (Harrison et al 2003). Post-modern art deals with new and fresh takes on the reality all around us in the world. The question with Belle and Parkour is simple; is freerunning actually an art or merely a sport that has been copied by followers across the world Van Esterik, Van Esterik and Miller describe an artist as someone who "may be revered and wealthy as individuals or groups, or stigmatized and economically marginal." (Van Esterik et al 2001). Overall, artists must use unique concepts or create new ideas from reality or already established forms of art; in this Belle certainly did succeed and can therefore be thought of as an artist and Parkour as the ultimate in post-modern art. Miles notes how the "forms and spaces of the city are at the heart of academic enquiry across a number of disciplines from architecture and planning to geography, sociology, cultural and media studies" (2000). People like David Belle and his followers have been enthralled by the stark reality that is the inner city, and this is what Parkour is based upon fundamentally (Pinch 2004). A similar remark can be made about skateboarding and its use of the city space in such a comprehensive, post-modern way. Iain Borden explains how skateboarders have taken a new l ook at their surroundings and discovered how to interact with them and take a real interest in all the elements of the city they live in. Borden challenges his readers to adopt the same way of thinking and to take a more hands on approach to the spaces in which they live (Borden 2001). Nevertheless, it must be noted that Parkour is a dangerous art form, and many of its practitioners have sustained injury from its execution; Josephson mentions reknown Parkour practitioner Cris Burden in this vein, since he was the type of artist not only to use Parkour to express himself but other forms of self harm that were thought life threatening and uniquely shocking to American society (Josephson 1996). In fact, Parkour seems to attract the sort of artists looking for innovative and entirely shocking ways of drawing attention both to themselves and their ideas about societal ills. To overcome these dangers, a freerunner must posses "a good pair of sneakers, cat burglarlike agility and a lot of courage" (Washington Times 2004). So what do freerunners feel they are getting out of Parkour The opinions are varied and very interesting to researchers like Western Mail writers who comment on how the art form is "graceful and strict" (2005) at the same time. Piers Hernu remarks that the jumps involved are difficult and dangerous, something

Homosexuality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Homosexuality - Research Paper Example At first, people thought that it is genetics or hereditary because it usually runs in the family. People thought that since it runs in the family, there must be a particular DNA that makes a person homosexual. Others thought that it is the external environment that makes a person gay. It is thought that the external environment influences a certain person to change his or her gender orientation and sexual preference. Peer pressure is often cited as a cause that makes an individual adapt the preference of his or her group. Many thought that the environment itself makes one homosexual such as having dolls as toys when they are kids make one homosexual. There are also people who thought that homosexuality begins with having a certain homosexual genes or DNA and then made it a full blown homosexual when one is exposed to environment and having a group that makes a person homosexual. All of these theorizing seems plausible but experts disagree on this notion about what really causes or makes one gay. They found out through research that neither our genes or environment makes us gay. Scientists claim that homosexuality is neither genetic or external social factors but rather it is the womb that makes one gay. Scientists call it Epigenetic which is the process where DNA expression is influenced by external factors in the environment (not social factors). Specifically, experts argue that Epigenetic mechanisms can be seen as an added layer of information that clings to our DNA. Epi-marks regulate the expression of genes according to the strength of external cues. Genes are basically the instruction book, while epi-marks direct how those instructions get carried out. For example, they can determine when, where, and how much of a gene gets expressed (Dvorsky, 201). This explains why researchers initially did not find any DNA that links to homosexuality before because there was really none but rather, the root is contained in the mother’s womb. National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) confirm this that being gay is written in how are genes are expressed and how it is activated (Blue, 2012). Personally, it does not matter much to me the gender orientation or preference of a person. Of course the scientist findings enlighten me that after all, it is not in the genes but rather in the womb that makes a person predisposed to homosexuality . But what is important to me is that homosexuality does not define a person to be good or bad. They are unusual yes, but gender preference and orientation is just one aspect of their personhood. Honestly, I am not used to homosexuals but they can become productive members of society when opportunity allows them. I have seen countless gays or homosexuals in America who are living normal lives and having normal careers where many are even successful. I have also seen happy gay couples which seemed to live a normal life. In general, I can see that homosexuals does not cause harm to society but in fact can do good society because many of them are creative owing to their unnatural gender orientation. Personally, I think society should become more accepting towards homosexuals. People should judge a person by his or her character not just because he or she is homosexual or gay. According to experts, homosexuals composed around 10% of our population so it is better of us to be tolerant wi th them because they are there whether we like it or not (Blue, 2012). Instead of

International market unit one DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

International market unit one DB - Essay Example Cultural Exchange: we are a global village and though we come from different cultures and background interaction through education waters down this difference, this is especially so when the same curriculum is used by people in with different background. Economic status: there is an up rise in the number of people in middle level social strata, this group would want to have the best and this has increased the demand for Edutot for their children as they seek to give them the best (Zou & Fu, 2011). Preparing children for pre-school has always been the mission, this is done through the creation of an environment that stimulates mental development where children are allowed to participate and develop an all-round intellectual persona. Every child is unique and should be free to learn through educational play activities to help them develop Mühlbacher, Dahringer & Leihs, 2006). The factors on globalization, cultural exchange and economic status are seen as universal, though legal factors are not. Some countries require that children at kindergarten have a curriculum which incorporates Edutot developmental issues but in other areas implementation of this would be difficult because of difference in curriculum and education development funding (Mühlbacher, Dahringer & Leihs, 2006). Target market and mission statement are similar because the main mission is the development of children before preschool by providing them with positive developmental but the ability to grow their unique abilities while still

Robotic Cultivation System Design

Robotic Cultivation System Design Abstract Population of the world is growing rapidly and this rapid growth demands more food. Due to the advancement and revolution boost in petrochemical industries, the agriculture industry also have some developments, but at the cost of soil, environment, and our health. The conventional agriculture industry needs sustainability, improvement, robustness, and automation. Moreover, to keep pace with the requirements, we require machinery support that can perform its tasks more precisely and swiftly, according to the given instruction. In our proposed idea of Robotic Cultivation System, the crux objective is to flourish your garden without any supervision of the farmers. This system works effectively in such areas where farmers face difficulties in farming. The system is designed to perform many tasks including weeding tool, soil moisture, seed injecting, and watering. All these parameters are remotely accessible through any device and continues update of the aforementioned parameters on the w ebsite. Robotic Cultivation System can operate on grid as well as on renewable solar energy. However, it can be scalable from your backyard to agriculture industry. Subsequently, due to less energy consumption and its vital properties, Robotic Cultivation System will be a great revolution in agribusiness. Introduction Pakistan is an agricultural country, where cultivation plays a vital role to maintain the economy. Population of our country is growing rapidly and this rapid growth demands more food. The number of agriculture universities and lack of awareness and research, also has a great influence on the production of food. Developing countries are converting farmer hardship into modern scientific methods by using automation that works more accurately, swiftly, and produce more yield per acre. Farmers waste a lot of water to irrigate their lands which affects the growth of crops, therefore the new conventional paradigm has to devise some method to control the wastage of water. The inadequate quality control measures and poor seeding also affects the augmentation of food production. All these repercussions need to be revamped in order to get fresh and healthy crops. Moreover, through research and past knowledge we can use less human struggle to cover more land per cultivation reducing hectic and tiresome practices. The use of chemicals, which are being used to kill pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, also needs to be curbed, as these chemicals lead to serious health hazards. Limited and unleveled land with low per acre yield are prominent factors which we are facing in production of food crops. Now-a- days engineers have designed various methods which can help the farmers to overcome these limitations and increase food production. Being an agricultural country, we need a lot of improvement and prosperity to overcome the major problems in cultivation system of Pakistan. When presented with the current food production system one cannot look past how broken it is. We have surrendered our knowledge in control over, how our food been produced and as a result we are destroying our health and the environment. We have to change that by an idea of new pyridine of food production. The idea lies in the intersection of automation, the open source DIY maker movement and small scale polygraph farming. The Robotic Cultivation System is designed to move around X, Y, and Z space, day and night, seven days a week growing food. The system precisely sows seeds in any pattern and density you want and waters them efficiently, the exact amount that each plant needs based on its type, according to the plants age, soil, local weather conditions and your growing preferences. The Robotic Cultivation System can grow variety of crops, all in the same area, at the same time. Each plant is cared individually in an optimize and automated way. By growing many type of plants at onc e, your garden will benefit from the natural advantages of poly cropping and croporation. Using the onboard camera and advance computer vision software, the system intelligently monitors your garden. With the soil sensor, it tells how your gardens moisture level changes over time, enabling smarter and more efficient farming with each passing season. By this system your garden will flourish, and your plants will frieze. Moreover, you can control Robotic Cultivation System with powerful web based interface. The hardware design of the system is scalable, from your backyard to agriculture industry. Also, it can operate on renewable solar power. The system is perfect to get started in a small space, can be placed outdoors or in a green house or even on a roof top. Objectives Construction and Implementation of Cultivation Robot. It has two operating nodes, off grid and on grid. Remote access through any device and continues update of four parameters such as, moisture of soil before and after watering, quantity of water, and parameter measuring time stamp on website. Online access of weather conditions of the area to define the watering pattern for different vergtion in order to maintain moisture level of the area. Cost analysis of the project based on the real time data collected parameter in step number three. Optional Yield a vegetation pattern of a person and recommend to grow vegetable needed for the person for food using age, blood sugar, and weight. One person has the input over the cycle of one year (Diet Chart). Plant inspection using Digital Image Processing.

Plato Vs Socrates Essay -- Philosophy

Plato's point of view is different from many other peoples. He says that people do wrong not because they are inherently evil, but because they are unclear about what is best for them. While the good truly is good, the pleasant do not know good and therefore have the incorrect belief of good. He is saying someone who is good knows what good is and those who do not do good do not know good itself. Plato believes that the contemporary society is mistaken about their interpretations of good and pleasant. Society believes that good is pleasant. Plato portrays this message through the mouth piece of Socrates. The philosopher Polus argues that good is made by the possessor. He says one can achieve good through their actions. Good is achievable by all, different to all and can be attained by the possessor through good actions. Socrates argues that his definition is correct. He says civilization does good not for good itself but for other reasons. He says, humans do make the medicine for the sake of medicine but they make this to improve the health and well-being of someone. People are concerned about the results of the good they are doing rather than the action of doing good itself. Socrates mentions that a long distance runner does not run incredibly long distances just for the thrill of running, but the runner runs these long distances to maintain his health and to stay fit. Socrates gives Polus an example as to how his definition of good is wrong. Kings are faced with criminals everyday that must be punished for their wrongful actions. The criminals must be put to death supposedly for the "good of the state." This is one example of how a ruler or possessor does what he does he thinks is good. Th... ...in of thirst from ourselves and pleasuring ourselves with drink. I also question what Socrates says about wrong being an individuals opinion rather than a standard by which we live. It seems like Socrates is saying that no one has morals and society can do wrong and not even realize it. It sounds like humans do not know the difference between right and wrong. He seems as though he knows all and has all the right answers. There is also another way at looking at what Socrates says here. Everybody lives a different lifestyle. Some people live a life dedicated to a certain religion and some people are part of the mafia or live in street alleys. Everyone is going to have their own position on what is wrong and what is not. Even though stealing is wrong homeless people may argue that they needs food to survive and stealing it is the only way they can get it.