companies at Global Economy

Belarus Computer Industry  

The Research and Development of the component base and architecture of the Belarusian computers was done in a Minsk based Research Institute of Computational Techniques. Nowadays the scientific research association “Cybernetics” of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus is probably dealing with these problems. The computers are assembled also in Minsk in BelABM, the main Belarusian PC and main frame computer manufacturer.  

BelABM is now the partner with Compaq and Fujitsu. It manufactures LANs and PCs. BelABM also is the partner with GlobalOne in telecommunications.  

Laser and Optical Industry of Belarus Let’s just list below the major Belarusian optical enterprises: Lida Optical Plant “Optik” is the second largest optical plant in Europe after Carl Zeiss. In the former Soviet Union it was specifically designed as a mass manufacturer of optical elements. Optical elements such as lenses, prisms, flats, etc., are manufactured here. The idea was that the plant would concentrate on optics while further optic-mechanical enterprises would use its product to assemble objectives and other optic-mechanical devices. The plant is capable of mass production of millions and millions of optical elements. Lately they also started to pool optical fibber, do optical coatings, including photo chromic coats. All major optical plants of the former Soviet Union were the customers of this giant.  

Basically, if you are looking for a cheap supplier of big quantities (millions) of high quality glass and quartz optical elements - Lida “Optik” could be the way to go.  

BelOMO is a major optic-mechanical assembly plant of the former USSR and Belarus now. It is the designer and manufacturer of laser, optoelectronic and optic mechanical instruments. Products include topographic and multispectral photographic equipment, photogrammetric devices, laser devices, optoelectronic sighting devices, and medical equipment based on laser systems. It was set up as a manufacturer of high resolution satellite cameras and is still listed in various space war lists. So there are rather high standards of quality here. As far as peaceful applications, it manufactures objectives, photo cameras, etc. Some of the satellite photos of Russian Sovinformsputnik were done on BelOMOs TK-350 satellite topographic camera with 10 meter ground resolution. The enterprise cooperates with Swedish Latronix. German CARL ZEISS has a joint venture with Smarhon Optical Machine Tool Plant. This plant was the SINGLE supplier of ALL optical plants of the former USSR with optical polishing equipment. They also manufacture industrial vacuum measurement sensors/ electronics.  

Minsk Laser Plant. This is an experimental plant that is manufacturing YAG lasers, laser power supplies, and solid state pumped dye lasers with harmonics generators. Established in 1991, manufacturer of laser rods and laser crystals including alexandrite, Ti-sapphire, forsterite and lanthanum beryllate. Their products could be pretty cool. Other Belarusian institutions related to optics/ lasers are the Institute of Applied Physical Problems, the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Applied Optics of National Academy of Sciences, “October” Glass Factory, “Optron” Instrument Manufacturing Plant. Generally, Belarusian Laser and Spectroscopy school is pretty strong.  

Horizont. The TV-production Corporation HORIZONT (Minsk) has more than 40 years of experience in the market. Currently they manufacture color TV-sets; modern equipment for cable and satellite television; office furniture. The company has its own considerable production facilities and qualified personnel for the assembling of modern consumer electronics. HORIZONT Corporation is a state enterprise, including 5 plants and the Design-Centre. They cooperate with such known companies as Philips Semiconductor; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Siemens AG; Thomson, and many others. The main reasons why it’s good to deal with HORIZONT are the following: - no customs borders with Russia - the location in the centre of Europe - the permission to found a free economic zone on the base of HORIZONT (release from taxes applies to the partners as well) - the availability of the vacant production capacities and qualified personnel - the availability of the Design-Centre – the prospective designer of the future projects. 

Belarus Auto Moto Industry. The BELAZ Trade Corporation (BTC) groups of companies have complete range of products and original services; they are the worldwide supplier of haul trucks, road construction machinery, service vehicles & other haulage equipment with the BELAZ trademark. When Belarusians think of something they have accomplished in industry most likely they think about their auto industry, and primarily Minsk Automobile Plant - MAZ.

Indeed we could be proud of the machines that are working in all corners of the former USSR - deserts of Middle Asia, polar tundra, Siberian taiga, quarries of the Urals and many countries of the world. German businesses are cooperating with MAZ. Ford has already built a plant in Belarus acknowledging our successes in automobile manufacturing. Czech “Skoda” followed them. Great Britain is considering Belarus as a partner for future cooperation, too.
The Production Association “Minsk Tractor Works”, MTZ, is one of the largest manufacturers of tractors in the world. MTZ Belarus is an association of 6 cooperating Belarusian plants. MTZ Belarus has received 32 international quality certificates. More than 3 Millions of MTZ Belarus tractors successfully operate in over 100 countries around the world all year round in various climate and soil conditions.
           

Currently MTZ manufactures:
-24 different models of ploughing tractors ranging from 50 to 130 h.p.;
- 6 models of small tractors with engine power from 20 to 35 h.p.;
- 8 models of mini-tractors and moto-blocks with engine power ranging from 6 to 12 h.p.;
- 16 models of loaders, forestry, mine and maintenance machines;
- spare parts for the tractors;
- metal processing equipment and other stuff.
  
Gomselmash is one of the largest producers of agricultural machinery in the CIS and Eastern Europe. Gomselmash manufactures fodder -picking combines and multi-functional agricultural machines: mowing machines, machinery complexes for sugar-beet cultivation, tractor trailers, mini-tractors with optional attachments and automobile components.
With metallurgical and preparatory technology, mechanical assembly and instrument production capacity, the largest network of warehouses, their own means of transportation, and the well-qualified staff, Gomselmash is able to undertake a wide range of technical production orders. It is currently seeking new partners interested in investing in joint ventures. Gomselmash is prepared to consider proposals within their field of expertise.
Oil Processing Industry of Belarus: Belarus oil-refining industry changes its structure and proprietorship. From the Belarusian press talks, speeding up privatization in this industry has begun to assume a specific shape. Some governmental structures are working out share-distribution projects for about six major players in the Belarusian oil-refining industry. First, there are companies such as Polimir, Naftan and the 2nd Heat and Power Plant, all of which are situated in northern Belarus. Then there is a Belshina tyre-factory in Bobruisk; Azot in Grodno, they are the biggest producers of caprolactam and mineral fertilizers; and similar plants in Mogilev and Svetlogorsk, which go by the name of Khimvolokno. The two major oil processing plants are in Navapolacak and in Rechitsa. These are relatively modern giants that are currently operating below their full capability because of the drop of oil supplies. Other few names related to this industry are Slavneft (Oil & Gas); Rechitsa Oil Processing plant and Babrujsk Hydrolisys Factory. Navapolacak oil processing plant “Naftan” is the biggest oil processing plant in Europe. Lukoil plans to be a biggest shareholder in Naftan.
 

Do you have a plastic bank card? Have you ever used any bank serves?
I am sure that your answer will be «yes».
But do you know how the bank system works? Not exactly?
I will try to tell you about it by the example of the National Bank of Belarus.
 

The National Bank of Belarus occupies the central position in the country’s banking system and is accountable to the Parliament. It has the right of legal initiative. The Head of the National Bank is appointed by the President. His deputies and members of the board are appointed by the Presidium of the Parliament.
The National Bank is an independent institution acting within the limits of the legislation and its Charter. The Charter is the subject to approval by the Parliament. The Bank forwards annual reports of its activities to the Parliament.
Institutions of the state my not intervene with the work of the National Bank. The National Bank has no responsibility for the government debt, nor is the government responsible for any liabilities of the National Bank, if otherwise not specified by the legislation.
The National Bank maintains the foundation capital, reserve, and other aspects which serve as collateral for its liabilities.
In cooperation with the government, the National Bank drafts and forwards to the Parliament the guidelines for financial and credit policies for the coming year and reports the implementation of such policies in the previous year.
The National Bank’s efforts are directed at the stability maintaining of the local currency and prices. Its main responsibilities are to develop monetary and credit politics, encourage the liquidity, solvency and stability of the financial system and provide support for government economic policies.
The National Bank regulates inflation chiefly by internationally accepted economic means, such as interest rates, minimal requirements for banking services and activity on the open financial market.
The National Bank acts as a creditor, economic advisor and representative of the government on the financial market. The Bank represents the Republic of Belarus in all international and other organizations in issues of monetary and credit policies and licensing of banking activities.
The National Bank offers banking services to foreign governments, banks and financial institutions. Acting as the representative of Belarus in international organizations, it makes commitments and conducts operations required by the country’s membership status in such organizations. 
Functions of the National Bank:
- monetary, credit and hard currency regulations; monitoring of foreign trade and loan market;
- consulting, crediting and financial representation of the government and local institutions of power, execution of the central and local budgets;
- acting as a central depository;
- registration of banks, their branches and representative offices, monitoring their stability and liquidity operation of the inter-bank settlements system;
- issuing of licenses to financial companies to operate on the financial and hard currency markets;
- maintaining uniform accounting and reporting standards, setting rules and procedures for clearance settlements in the national economy.
 

The art of advertising is to persuade people to buy your product or service. This requires a basic understanding of psychology, the needs of human beings and how those needs can be satisfied.

An American psychologist, Abraham Maslow, has suggested, those needs can be compartmentalized and arranged in the form of a hierarchy.

At the lowest level people need food, shelter, warmth and sex.

When these needs are eagerly satisfied, people begin to think about the safety of themselves and their personal possessions. Squirrels, when they have had their fill of nuts, begin to bury nuts in their winter larders, human beings have the same tendency, much to the relief of the insurance companies. Insurance appeals to those who would feel the loss of personal possessions, through burglary, flood and fire, and those who seek pensions and financial security generally.

Even when a human being does not feel under threat at the safety level, a new need emerges according to Maslow. There is now a need to be approved by other people, a need for love and respect. The advertising industry finds this a very useful area for its machinations

«If you want people to look at you admiringly, or enviously, you have to wear Jay boy Jeans - no-one else’s will do! » That is the message, in effect.

Or the advertiser might be trying to persuade you to buy a new car. «This is the tastiest and the best sports car in the market. It is faster, sleeker, more enviable, than anything else in the world. If you haven’t got one, or don’t get one pretty soon, the rest of the world is going to see you as a dead duck! »

And when we are largely satisfied at this social level, according to Maslow we simply move on to egocentricity. We all have egos, but what is an ego? It is a love of self. We look into the mirror and hopefully like what we see. Of course, that is not only in physical terms. We hunger for self-respect now that our lower level needs have been largely satisfied. That is another happy hunting-ground for the advertising agencies, for example «Diamonds are forever», or «Use Real Results from Diana Cosmetics! It fights wrinkles fast!»

According to Maslow the ultimate need is for fulfillment. This would no doubt come when we have all that the advertisers say we so desperately need. For most of us it seems that day will never come! 

http://www.surfgopher.com

A joint venture is a legal organization that takes the form of a short term partnership in which the persons jointly undertake a transaction for mutual profit. Generally each person contributes assets and share risks. Like a partnership, joint ventures can involve any type of business transaction and the “persons” involved can be individuals, groups of individuals, companies, or corporations.
Joint ventures are also widely used by companies to gain entrance into foreign markets. Foreign companies form joint ventures with domestic companies already present in markets the foreign companies would like to enter. The foreign companies generally bring new technologies and business practices into the joint venture, while the domestic companies already have the relationships and requisite governmental documents within the country along with being entrenched in the domestic industry.
The reasons behind the formation of a joint venture often include business expansion, development of new products or moving into new markets, particularly overseas.
Your business may have strong potential for growth, and you may have innovative ideas and products, but could still benefit from:

more resources;
greater capacity;
increased technical expertise;
established distribution channels.

Entering into a joint venture is a major decision. This guide introduces the advantages and disadvantages.
Businesses can often achieve unexpected gains through joint ventures with a partner. Businesses of any size can use joint ventures to strengthen long-term relationships or to collaborate on short-term projects.
A successful joint venture can offer:

access to new markets and distribution networks;
increased capacity;
sharing of risks with a partner;
access to specialized staff and technology.

A joint venture can also be very flexible. For example, a joint venture can have a limited life span and only cover part of what you do, thus limiting both your commitment and the business’ exposure.
Joint ventures are a popular form of co-operation between businesses in different countries in areas such as transport, tourism and hotels.

East or West — home is best

The latest research of many scientific centers proved that the tendency towards the transfer to large cities and metropolises of the key efforts aimed at improving living standards and environment, increasing the competitive potential of economy and struggle for outlets will prevail in the 21^st century. The globalization process will facilitate the creation of global cities, the centers managing the world economy, financial markets and science intensive productions. Some megalopolis of the world became    city-states. Foe example, the following cities:

1. New York

2. Chicago

3. Washington

in United States of America

4. London

in United Kingdom

5. Berlin

in Germany

6. Rome

7. Milan

in Italy

8. Moscow

in Russia

(Would you like to continue this list???)

These tendencies, which were described above, prompted the necessity to elaborate the concept and strategic plan of a sustainable development of the city of Minsk (the capital of Belarus) by the year 2020.

The Minsk development concept fits in the formula «Five cities in one». The first component of the concept is «The city of health and high social standards». It means the top priority of the technological and socio-economic progress in Belarus’ capital city is not the development of production or technological values, but the Human Being and his/her physical and spiritual health in a safe and favorable environment. The following conditions are to be met to ensure this component:

- clean water,

- clean air, warmth in houses,

- good nutrition, etc.

The second part of the concept – «The city of knowledge and science intensive technologies» – includes the development of the educational, science-innovation complex, creation of a state-of-the-art information structure, restructuring of the industrial complex, technological upgrade of construction and power engineering and encouragement of foreign economic activity.

The third basis of the sustainable development of the city of Minsk is «The city is the center of international communication». It envisages further development of external transport functions, the culture component, tourism, and city media. Besides the economic benefit the communication progress results in a huge advantage for international and human communication in the modern integrated world.

The fourth strategy of Minsk’s sustainable development - «The city favorable for business and attractive for investments» – envisages the creation of such conditions as a favorable tax climate, land relations that correspond to market relations and establishment of the real estate market.

The fifth component of the Minsk development concept is «The city developing democracy with a wide representation of citizens». It aims at elaborating the rules of living in the city, methods of city administration and the interaction between the city authorities, population, companies and organizations, as well as ways to effectively perform the functions of the capital of the country.

«Sustainable development of the city» is not a new tag for old ideas, but a completely new approach directed towards the next generation. Sustainable development is necessary not only for regional, but also for global development, because the ultimate goal is to coordinate the interests of generations, develop social cooperation, improve living standards and become more responsible on a global scale.

<:3  )~~~

There is no place like home

Achievements of mankind make our life more comfortable, but at the same time create a set of problems. The most difficult and global problems today are coupled with ecology. Huge money resources are necessary for solving these problems. Therefore our ability to benefit from the problem of waste recycling will allow us not only to solve one of environmental problems, but also to receive profit.

Only the tenth part of all waste products in our country is used for recycling. Annually Belarus throws out 1 billion dollars in a recycle bin.

Paper, glass, tree, polymers, metal - valuable secondary resources are simply thrown out and pollute the nature.

Separate gathering, sorting and industrial processing of waste products practically do not exist today in our republic. Two disposal plants in Minsk (the capital of Belarus) are closed, because they used out-of-date technologies. A single method of waste products utilizing that is used nowadays is waste burial.

The problem of dumps exists in many countries, but not all of them are capable to neutralize the damage effect of such «objects» on the environment and on population health. Belarus is no exception. City dumps are over flown, it is necessary to use new sites near Minsk, but accommodation of one more dump here is extremely undesirable.

In the developed countries simple waste burial is forbidden by law. In some countries, for example, Austria, Germany and Spain, burning of waste products is also forbidden. A primary method is recycling. For example, Japanese make uniform from crushed plastic bottles.

You see samples of such clothes:

In our republic such technology is not used.

To solve the «garbage problem» many countries undertake the following steps:

1. Change of the legislation in the field of ecology.

2. Separate gathering of waste products and their reuse. For application of this method it is necessary to carry out explanatory work in order to raise ecological culture in the society.

3. Attraction of external and internal investments into ecological projects.

4. Use of the latest technologies.

Belarus tries to use world experience to solve this problem.

Firstly, government and local authorities are elaborating special laws, according to which the responsibility for recycling of waste products is assigned to the manufacturers.

Secondly, about 150 containers of special design for separate gathering solid waste have appeared in Minsk this year:

Today glass, tin banks, paper citizens throw out in separate sections. But, unfortunately, the gathered waste in these containers is dumped in one common plastic package. And this experience represents only educational aspect.

Thirdly, the second tender on construction of a disposal plants was invited in Minsk. The first tender failed, because of out-of-date technologies of construction offered by different European companies.

Also it is important to mention the latest know-how of the Belarusian scientists. They have developed the technology of high-quality oil manufacturing from hard human refuse. But, unfortunately, this technology has not passed to the stage of manufacturing yet.

All these variants of problem solving are perspective enough, but nowadays their realization is coupled with various difficulties, therefore a primary method today is using presses for manufacturing of compact briquettes from garbage.

This manufacturing includes such processes as gathering of waste in separate sections and pressing. Then ready briquettes are transported to dumps. So, they occupy much less place and are safer for the environment.

The bottom line is that Belarus is still far from the developed countries in solving the «garbage problem». But we make steps to cope with it, using experience of other countries.

Religion and values

North Americans can be used as an example. They think that if you work hard and achieve success, you will find favour in the eyes of God. They tend to assume that material comfort is a sign of superiority, that the rich are a little bit better than the poor, that people who work hard are better than those who don’t. They believe that money solves many problems. They assume that people from other cultures share their view. In fact, many societies condemn materialism and appreciate a carefree life-style.

The idea of role and status

Culture dictates the roles people play, including who communicates with whom, what they communicate and in what way. In many countries women still do not play a very prominent role in business. As a result, female executives from Belarusian firms may find themselves sent off to eat in a separate room with the wives of Arab businessmen, while the men all eat dinner together.

Decision-making customs

As for decision-making customs, Greece can be a good example. There making deals slowly, after a lengthy period of discussion, spending time on every little point is consid­ered a mark of good faith. A Greek executive assumes that anyone who ignores the details is being evasive and unreliable.  As for Belarus decision-making process here is very bureaucratic and entails dozens of documents to be signed. That’s why decisions are not always taken in time.

Perceptions of time

Differing perceptions of time is another factor that can lead to misunder­standings. An executive from Latin America attaches one mean­ing to time, while an executive from United States   attaches another. 

Let’s say that a salesperson from US calls on a client in Mexico City. After spending 30 minutes in the outer office, the person from Belarus feels angry and insulted, assuming, “This client must attach a very low priority to my visit to keep me waiting half an hour.” In fact, the Mexican client does not mean to imply anything at all by this delay. To the Mexican, a wait of 30 minutes is a matter of course.

There’s another interesting fact. The Japanese, knowing that North Americans are impatient, use time to their advantage when negotiating with them. This is expressed in such a way: “You Americans have one terrible weakness. If we make you wait long enough, you will agree to anything.”  :)

Language

Turning to language it should be said that if you deal closely with foreign companies you’d better pay particular attention to accurate translation, so that you were understood correctly. Sometimes the translations aren’t very good. For example, the well-known slogan “Come alive with Pepsi” was translated literally for Asian markets as “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave”. The results were unfortunate.

Social behaviour and manners

The last difference is social behaviour and manners. Let’s say that a Belorussian businessman going on a foreign business trip to Germany. He has a meeting with a Marketing manager, a woman. In order to establish a business relationship with her, he is giving a woman a red rose. Though he’d better not, as far as it is consid­ered a romantic invitation in Germany.

It goes without saying that we may never completely overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, but we can communicate effectively with peo­ple from other cultures if we work at it. Some tips for successful communication can be suggested here.

The best way to prepare yourself to do business with people from another culture is to study their culture in advance. Reading books and articles about the culture and talking to people who have dealt with its members, preferably people who have done business with them can be very helpful. You should concentrate on learning something about their history, religion, politics, and customs, without ignoring the practical details either. In that regard, you should know something about another country’s weather condi­tions, health-care facilities, money, transportation, communications, and cus­toms regulations. You should also find out about a country’s subcultures, especially its business subcul­ture. Does the business world have its own rules and protocol? Who makes decisions? How are negotiations usually conducted? Is gift giving expected? What is the appropriate attire for attending a business meeting?

Some companies are really worried about the problem of cultural differences. That’s why they are trying to deal with this problem but not avoid it. In some large ones Human Resources Department is already organizing intercultural training. It can also be a good practice to adopt an international code of intercultural business communication. This will result in better communication, closer contacts and more ethical decision-making worldwide.

<:3  )~~~

First and foremost, what are cultural differences? I wrote about it in one of my posts, but I hope that the following joke can help you understand this notion better:

Last month, a world survey was conducted by the UN. The only question asked was: “Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the food shortage in the rest of the world.” The survey was a huge failure…

In Africa they didn’t know what “food” meant.

In Eastern Europe they didn’t know what “honest” meant.

In Western Europe they didn’t know what “shortage” meant.

In China they didn’t know what “opinion” meant.

In the Middle East they didn’t know what “solution” meant.

In South America they didn’t know what “please” meant.

And In the US they didn’t know what “the rest of the world” meant.

:)     

Our world faces new challenges in the 21^st century. It is becoming increasingly connected and global and the role of international business is increasing. That is why cultural differences will affect us all more and more.

Up to 30% of companies have already admitted that the success of their international activities was deteriorated by cultural differences.

Nevertheless misunderstandings do occur. The following example can be given. This happened to the sales representative who was calling on a client in China. Hoping to make a good impression, the salesperson brought a gift to break the ice, an expensive grandfather clock. Unfortunately, the Chinese client was deeply offended because, in China, giving clocks as gifts is considered bad luck for the recipient.

Such problems arise because we ignore the fact that people from other cultures differ from us in many ways. They are religion and values, ideas of role and status, decision-making customs, attitude toward time, language and manners…

<:3 )~~~

to be continued …

Speaking about company structure, I’d like to say that there are two main types of it. The first is hierarchical and the second is flat. The hierarchical system or organization is one in which people have different ranks or position, depending on how important they are. Companies with a flat structure are organized in less hierarchical way than traditional companies, with the aim of giving all employees an equal status within the company.

The hierarchical system is characteristic for the majority of the companies. Such system is used by the Philips company. Royal Philips Electronics is managed by the Board of Management, which looks after the general direction and long-term strategy of the Philips group. The President is in the head of the Board of Management. The Supervisory Board supervises the general course of business of the Philips group; makes sure policy is realized and advises the Board of Management. The policy of the company is realized by the Corporate Departments, which consist from different departments, such as Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources Management, Legal Affairs and Communication and Public Relations.

So as we know such organization of the management of this company has made it the world’s biggest electronics company.

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