Saturday, May 23, 2020

Roman Terms Covering Politics, Law, War, and Lifestyle

The Ancient Roman Republic lasted from 509 BCE to 27 BCE, and was followed by the Ancient Roman Empire which existed from 27 BCE to 669 CE. While already boasting a lengthy rule, the Romans influence continued to shape all aspects of society for centuries after. Roman civilization made its mark on Elizabethan literature by inspiring Shakespeares seminal play, Julius Caesar. The iconic Colosseum in Rome is a staple case study in architecture studies and influenced many similar structures, especially sports stadiums. The Roman Republic, and even the Roman Empire with its Senate legislature, is often referred to as the building blocks of modern democracy. And its ruling over diverse lands and its trade with Asia via the Silk Road inevitably established cross-cultural exchanges that continue to today. These terms cover a variety of topics, ranging from names of battles to significant architecture, from geographical features to an explanation of cultural rituals. Hopefully, this extensive list will be intriguing for any history buff or Ancient Rome enthusiast.   Battles  and Warfare Rome was imperialism personified, and the Romans kept blow by blow records of many of the important battles that sealed that definition. Many Roman battles and battle plans are still cited as ideals by recent military tacticians and teachers in military academies. ActiumBattle of CarrhaeBattle of Milvian BridgeBattle of PharsalusCatapultCohort  Gergovia BattleMacedonian WarsMorbihan Gulf BattleRubiconSeleucidsSocial WarVercingetorix Politics and Law Politics played a vital role in Roman society. The passion plays in the Senate and the struggles for power among generals, kings, and emperors provide us a great deal of historical precedent for our society today. Comitia CenturiataConstitutio Antoniniana (Edict of Caracalla)ConsulCuriaCurule AedileCursus HonorumEdict of CaracallaForumInterregnumOptimatesPax RomanaPlebiscitumPlebeiansPraetorsSenatorsTarpeian RockTetrarchyTribuneTriumvirate Architecture   Rome built some of the finest civic architecture, both as public displays but also as functional works, aqueducts and other structures still standing today.   AqueductsCloaca Maxima  ColosseumForumInsulaRegionariesTemplum Lifestyle   What do you know of these terms related to social mores and traditions, music, and foods of Roman society? A.D.  and B.C.AgonaliaBacchanalia  ConfarreatioCornucopiaFabula TogataFescenine VerseGarum (Roman Fish Sauce)HedonismJulian CalendarLudiLudi ApollinaresLudi FloralesPater Familias  PraetextataPrandiumSalutatioTogaTria Nomina Geography At its height, the Roman Empire stretched over much of Europe; do you know these points of geographic interest?   ​7 Hills of RomeAlba LongaAntonine WallAppian WayBoiiGallia /GaulHadrians WallHispaniaMt. VesuviusPraefecturesVesuvius Religion   Roman religion changed over the centuries, and it includes Roman gods and goddesses, but also the influence of religion, and religious specialists.   Abundantia  Fides  FlamenJulian the ApostateMaiaMonkNicene CreedPersecutionsPervigiliumPontifex MaximusPriapusRegiaRex Sacrificulus  Sibyl People Do you know who these important persons were to the history of the Roman Empire?   7 Kings of RomeAugustusCaligula  ClaudiusConstantineCurtius (Lacus Curtius)Historia AugustaJulius CaesarJustinianNero  Pontius PilateScaevolaScipionic Circle

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

European Exploration and Trade Free Essays

There was once a time in our history, before computerized maps and satellites and tracking programs. Sailors had to guide themselves by the stars and very basic and inaccurate maps. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in Europe there was advancement in technology and learning that led to widespread exploration and trade among countries. We will write a custom essay sample on European Exploration and Trade or any similar topic only for you Order Now The introduction of the compass, advancements in cartography, the printing press, and other inventions led to increased trade and exploration throughout Europe. Before the fifteenth century, sailors often didn’t venture far from what they knew because maps were extremely inaccurate and weather was unpredictable. In the fourteenth century a style of maps, called portolon charts, were introduced. These were pictures of harbors, ports, cities, and coastlines inscribed on sheepskin. These maps were valuable to the merchant and traders between cities, but to the explorer changing continents they were basically useless. The compass was also a major improvement to previous methods. Before this invention, sailors used the stars to navigate and stay on their somewhat planned course. However, during the day they were at a loss. When the compass was invented, it allowed sailors to know their bearing all the time. People soon learned to notice and pay more attention to weather patterns while sailing. They discovered the trade winds among the seas and noted where they were in relation to each other and what their effects on shipping were. The winds caused either a faster and smoother trip or a longer and rougher voyage, depending on the direction of the ship and the wind involved. This was an advancement to previous methods because they now knew what to expect and prepare for instead of guessing or being surprised. They could also plan routes and try new routes. This led to a period of time called the Age of Sail. The printing press was one of the biggest and most important inventions of this time period. Before, literature and documents were scarce and not very common. After the printing press was introduced, literary works and various types of documents were more available to the common person. This encouraged people to become more educated because they now had the means to do it. The printing press also had an effect on cartography. Because maps had to be either inscribed or drawn, they were rare and not very public. After the printing press, maps were able to be duplicated and shared with other cartographers. In doing this, they could compare their maps with other peoples and create a newer and more accurate representation of the land and sea. This caused people to become more sure and trusting of these maps, making them venture out further than they had before, thus increasing trade. The design and size of ships were also changing during this time. The Europeans began to incorporate the methods of other countries, such as China, into their own shipbuilding process. One change was the multiple sails on the ship which allowed for better upwind travel. The all-in-one rudder was also a major improvement because it allowed for easier and faster steering and better control and stability of the keel. All in all, various changes and improvements occurred during this time. Inventions and improvements such as map making, compasses, understanding of weather patterns, and the printing press were all factors in the increase in exploration and trade in Europe. How to cite European Exploration and Trade, Essay examples

Friday, May 1, 2020

Islamic Finance in Australia Global Market

Question: Describe about the Islamic Finance in Australia for Global Market. Answer: Introduction Islamic Financial System has earned an excellent image in the global market due to its innovative products and services. The global Islamic finance market is estimated to grow up to US$ 2.6 trillion by the end of 2017. Hence, the demands for Islamic Financial products are increasing all across the globe (Mollah Zaman, 2015). Though Australia has a minimum Muslim population of 2 percent, the market has a real potential to expand into the Islamic Finance. Hence, the paper has been developed to conduct a theoretical analysis and market research to observe the possibilities of growth for Islamic Finance in the Australian market. Report Background The primary purpose of the report is to analyse the potentials for Islamic finance in the Australian market. The study has been conducted to examine the literature critically on Islamic finance and explain the role of Islamic corporate governance and Islamic financial products in the development of the financial market of Australia. Hence, the paper will present a critical evaluation of the financial services companies that operates in the Australian market under the Islamic corporate governance model and offers Islamic Financial products to the customers. It will help to analyse the demand for Islamic financial products and observe the potential to grow in the Australian market. The data has been collected through secondary sources such as articles, journals, books, company and government reports, and internet sources to conduct the literature review in the context of the whole world. On the other hand, a critical evaluation has been presented in context to the Australian market in the discussion and analysis section (Rini, 2014). The primary limitation of the research is the second handed information that can be minimised by conducting a research survey to increase the reliability and efficiency of the study. Literature review Through the identification of corporate governance models and Islamic corporate governance, the role of the Sharia committee has been presented to understand the existing status of global Islamic finance market. Corporate governance models The corporate governance structure of a country has played a massive part in determining significant factors such as the legal and regulatory framework including the rights and accountability of each element associated with it. Meanwhile, there are three identified corporate governance models such as the Anglo-US model, the Japanese model, and the German model that have been utilised to control the capital market structure in developed countries (Hashim, Mahadi, Amran, 2015). The Anglo-US Model: The Anglo-US model has been characterised by individual share ownership, a well-established legal framework determining the significant rights and accountabilities towards shareholders, organisational management and directors and the outside shareholders not associated with the organisation. The specific model has included three major players to manage the open market operations in the developed countries. Moreover, the share ownership pattern has got its influence on the organisation as an increase in ownership can result in the increase in the influence (Abu-Tapanjeh, 2009). On the basis of ownership increment, specific regulatory changes have been triggered to facilitate the corporate governance tactics. The Japanese Model: The Japanese model has been identified by a premium level of stock ownership by associated organisations and banking corporations. Also, substantial public policy, legal framework and industrial proposition have provided significant connection to the financial banking systems and the corporations to create a trading relationship among industrial groups (Alam Choudhury Nurul Alam, 2013). Such corporate governance model has got a central banking corporation at the centre stage and a financial network around the system namely keiretsu. Meanwhile, in Japanese model, the non-affiliated shareholders have got petite to say in the governance procedure. The German Model: The German model has been characterised by two distinct boards such as a management board and a supervisory board. Such two-tiered board framework has efficiently managed the financial management as well as regulatory control in the market. Also, the voting right restrictions in the German model have limited the ownership structure of the shareholders to a certain extent (Mahmood, 2015). In the German model, the regulatory framework has been controlled by significant federal laws such as Commercial Law, The Stock Corporation Law and Stick Exchange Law. Islamic corporate governance and the role of the Sharia Committee Islamic corporate governance has followed strict standards and regulatory framework so that significant value of transparency, fairness and responsibility towards the shareholders can be incorporated. By managing financial risks to a certain order, the fundamental objective of Islamic corporate governance is to increase the shareholders value. In order to develop sustainable corporate governance, The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has published the guiding principles for corporate business organisations to maintain highest IFSE standards (Bhatti Bhatti, 2009). By identifying the growing need for standardisation in the Islamic finance industry, the Islamic corporate governance structure has delivered efficient business standards incorporating business ethics, transparency and fair trading concepts among the financial institutes operating in the global market (Morrison, 2014). Understandably, the Sharia governance committee has played a crucial role in advising the Islamic financial institutions about the compliance of guiding principles (Ahmed, 2014). Thus, greater clarity has been achieved within the financial services in the Islamic corporate governance. The five specific elements of the Sharia committee such as general approach, competence, independence, confidentiality and consistency have mandated the operative procedure of the Islamic financial services (Casper, 2015). The Sharia Board has connected the Islamic financial governance to the IFSB standards so that the organisations can understand their liability and responsibility towards the shareholders (Bhatti Bhatti, 2010). Moreover, the compliance of the Sharia Board has addressed significant issues associated with the financial governance securing transparency. Discussion and analysis Islamic corporate governance in Australia Governance is term that relates the government with its constituents. Therefore, corporate governance refers to the corporation and its constituents. It is important to understand who the constituents of a corporation are. Islamic corporate governance differs from that of corporate governance of conventional financial institutions. Islamic corporate governance mainly focuses on building a good relationship with entrepreneurs exploring for growth of businesses. The Islamic Financial institutions do not offer money in forms of debts, but believes in investing in potential projects in return of profit (Sukardi, 2013). The foremost difference is the risk level involved for the depositors of Islamic Banks when the bank invests on different projects. Hence, it can be seen that Banks or financial institutions opting for Islamic Financial products must be aware of the facts of high risk exposure that they tends to provide to the regular customers. Along with that, there is a need of proper a pproval of the Australian government before offering Islamic financial products in the Australian market. One of the major examples of Islamic bank in Australia is the MCCA Islamic Finance and Investment (Australia). The company started its business in the year 1989 as a registered corporation in Melbourne with $20,000. MCCA started its business with a vision to meet the investment, banking and financial needs of the Muslims living in Australia (Wijethunga Ekanayake, 2015). It offers all sorts of Islamic Financial products and has facilitated around $1 billion in home finance. Along with that, the financial institution also manages around $50 million in investment. Hence, it can be seen that Islamic Corporate has good opportunity to grow in the Australian market with upcoming projects available in the future. Islamic financial products in Australia Different Islamic Financial products can be offered by the Australian Banks to improve their positioning in the market. The Islamic Financial Products that can be offered by the Australian banks are discussed herein below: Products based on Profit and Loss sharing: In place of providing loan in return of interest, the Australian Banks can offer investment on basis of profit and losses. It will reduce the risk of the entrepreneurs and ensure the banks a higher rate of return. Furthermore, the entrepreneurs will get technical assistance of the banks and it will develop a good relationship with the customers (Zain, Zulkarnain, Hassan, 2015). Two different products can be offered namely Mudaraba Products that involves sharing of only profit and the second is Musharaka that is a termed used for joint ventures. Products based on investing financing: Product based financing is used to earn fees by purchasing properties and selling them to a buyer who pays the price of the property in small instalments. In return of the investment, the financial institutions earn a good amount of fees. The ownership of the property is not transferred to the buyer unless he pays the full amount. Alternative to Bonds: Another product is known as Sukuk that is a type of Islamic bond in which the investors are entitled with an ownership of a tangible asset, project, business, joint venture and service. It is important that every asset must be in compliance with the Sharia regulations (Srairi, 2015). Conclusion and recommendation The significant research on corporate governance models and the Islamic governance framework have provided the broader concept of corporate social responsibility among the financial services. Moreover, the IFSB standards and principle guidelines have incorporated significant strengths to the organisations operating in the Islamic finance industry proving transparency and fairness policy in business operations. Along with that, the Sharia Board has delivered ethical and moral standardisation among the Islamic corporate governance prohibiting any illegal business activities. Meanwhile, the existing Islamic corporate governance in Australia and the Islamic financial product discussion have pointed out the massive opportunities in the Australian market. Evidently, some of the fundamental recommendations have been included at the end of the paper to improve the current scenario. Improve the current set of the Regulatory framework: Through the identification of indifferent risks associated with the financial industry such as liquidity risk, transparency risk, fiduciary risks and legal risks, the efficient regulatory framework must be promoted to the Islamic financial services. The regulatory framework must upgrade licensing, liquidity rules and capital structure of the financial organisations so that the Islamic banking structure and system can provide efficient services in the developed as well as emerging nations. Strengthening supervision: By the help of the Sharia Board and IFSB standards, the Islamic financial governance structure has found solidity. Moreover, IBs and CBs supervision model must have been identified to provide right funding structure, efficient skills and management of services. Also, the operational independence through financial oversight can result in vigorous accountability practices to strengthen the corporate governance structure of the Islamic finance industry. References Abu-Tapanjeh, A. (2009). Corporate governance from the Islamic perspective: A comparative analysis with OECD principles.Critical Perspectives On Accounting,20(5), 556-567. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2007.12.004 Ahmed, P. (2014). Corporate Governance and Ethics of Islamic Finance Institutions.Journal Of Islamic Economics Banking And Finance,10(1), 32-55. https://dx.doi.org/10.12816/0025696 Alam Choudhury, M. Nurul Alam, M. (2013). Corporate governance in Islamic perspective.I J Islam Mid East Fin And Mgt,6(3), 180-199. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/imefm-10-2012-0101 Bhatti, M. Bhatti, I. (2009). Development in legal Issues of Corporate Governance in Islamic Finance.J Of Ec And Admin Sciences,25(1), 67-91. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/10264116200900004 Bhatti, M. Bhatti, M. (2010). Toward Understanding Islamic Corporate Governance Issues in Islamic Finance.Asian Politics Policy,2(1), 25-38. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1943-0787.2009.01165.x Casper, M. (2015), Sharia Boards and Sharia Compliance in the Context of European Corporate Governance.SSRN Electronic Journal. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2179412 Hashim, F., Mahadi, N., Amran, A. (2015). Corporate Governance and Sustainability Practices in Islamic Financial Institutions: The Role of Country of Origin.Procedia Economics And Finance,31, 36-43. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s2212-5671(15)01129-6 Mahmood, S. (2015), International Perspectives - Corporate Governance Regulations and Models.SSRN Electronic Journal. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2423864 Mollah, S. Zaman, M. (2015). Shariah supervision, corporate governance and performance: Conventional vs. Islamic banks.Journal Of Banking Finance,58, 418-435. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2015.04.030 Morrison, S. (2014). Shariah Boards and the Corporate Governance of Islamic Banks in the United Kingdom.Journal Of Islamic Economics Banking And Finance,10(1), 96-109. https://dx.doi.org/10.12816/0025699 Rini, R. (2014). The effect of audit committee role and sharia supervisory board role on financial reporting quality at Islamic banks in Indonesia.Journal Of Economics, Business, And Accountancy | Ventura,17(1), 145. https://dx.doi.org/10.14414/jebav.v17i1.273 Srairi, S. (2015). Corporate Governance Disclosure Practices and Performance of Islamic Banks in GCC Countries.JIF,4(2), 1-17. https://dx.doi.org/10.12816/0024085 Sukardi, B. (2013). Corporate Governance Engineering of Islamic Banking and Finance: Tantangan Globalisasi Sistem Ekonomi dan Pasar Bebas.TSAQAFAH,9(1), 149. https://dx.doi.org/10.21111/tsaqafah.v9i1.42 Wijethunga, I. Ekanayake, E. (2015). Element of Corporate Governance in Islamic Banks vs Conventional Banks: A Case Study.Journal Of Islamic Banking And Finance,3(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.15640/jibf.v3n1a5 Zain, N., Zulkarnain, I., Hassan, P. (2015). Shariah Corporate Governance Structure of Malaysian Islamic Banking and Finance: The Traces of Shura.Journal Of Islamic Banking And Finance,3(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.15640/jibf.v3n1a3