Integration Into Buffer Zones and Issues of Common Concern - Research Proposal Example

Running Head: EURO ZONE - COMFORT ZONE Euro zone - Comfort zone School Affiliation: The efficacy of buffer zones Background Buffer zones offer the best avenue to defuse tensions or could be problems (smith, 2003). A buffer zone simply presents a space that separates opposing forces. In these demarcations, certain rules are to be respected if the aims of a buffer zone are to be achieved. Due to the ever changing world towards globalisation, it has emerged that those economic activities that take place in different countries all over the globe, may lead to far reaching consequences to many countries. To mitigate this, there is need to adopt precautionary measures so as to cushion the local citizenry from such effects of the global forces. As a result of this, it is a worthwhile consideration to develop buffer zones and get fully integrated within the zone so as to reap the benefits that accompany such an arrangement. As an illustration of the above point, it is a fact that the financial melt down is a consequence of happenings in the United States of America. This has gone on to negatively impact on the economies of a vast majority of the world countries. Nations that have formed a buffer zone are in a better position to handle a crisis of such magnitude. As smith (2003) has found out, there is need to get fully integrated into buffer zones so as to be in a position to tackle issues of common concern cooperatively and reduce their severity. If handled timely with cooperation, members stand to benefit from reduced effects. From the information above, it becomes necessary to find out if the buffer zoning is a clever tool available for countries in guarding against economic shocks that arise due to global activities. The paper looks at Slovakia, Greece and Britain, countries that fall within the European Union. Aims and objectives The major aim of a buffer zone whether involved in military, cultural or economic issues, is to cushion members from adverse effects that arise due to the intertwined nature of human activities. It is worthy noting that ever since the inception of technology, human life has greatly changed. Gone are the days when people used to live discretely and separately away from others. The high level adoption of technology has made possible the transaction of businesses across national borders so easy such that the world has simply become a single global business entity. The global melt down is a pointer to this fact. The paper will determine whether the buffer zones protect members from economic shocks. Another aim of a buffer zone would be to offer support to an ailing member. As is the case, not all members suffer in the same level when calamity or crises strike. Therefore, those that suffer in lesser levels should provide help to the worst affected members. Here, the aim of this research would be to see how a buffer zone offers support to an ailing economy. In addition to the above aims, another one could be to form an attractive region for investments. A place that is shielded from economic uncertainties offers the best investment opportunities. As such, a buffer zone strengthening or establishment would positively transform a country’s economic fortunes. The central European buffer zone in which Slovakia falls offers the best example of this and is an enabling investment environment. This also attracts high level professionals (Wallace, 2005). On the basis of this, the paper should strive to show how buffer zoning offers an attractive image in terms of investments. According to the Athens News Agency (1999), Greece was considering to join the Euro zone. This was in a bid to consolidate her economic and political stability. In turn, this was thought to be able to spur both economic and social growth. It was believed that in aligning with the eleven member block, Greece would buffer her economy from uncertainties happening in foreign places. This in turn would allow the government to achieve her goals especially the drachma investment plan in the year 200-2006. It had become clear that international oil prices and surrounding environment wars were harming the Greek economy hence the necessity to join the zone. The government believed that a monetary and economic union would protect the country from these upheavals that characterized small and isolated countries. To implement this, the introduction of the drachma was entered into the European exchange system in 1998. The adoption of the euro currency also mitigated the effects of the dependency on the dollar. In a whole, such changes could leave the country well off in terms of development. According to Heath (2009), British bankers are faced with the problem of jobs-destruction. This is because of the financial melt down. The national debt has soared and as a result there may be need for a tax hike and a cut on government expenditure as the economy tightens her belts. A review of the British economy shows a downward tendency, given that it operates under the buffer zoning area of the European Union, it shows that the system of adopting buffer zones may not be the ultimate answer. The sterling pound has been on a downward trend, something which points to the vulnerability of the economy on the basis of the world financial melt down. Whereas the case of Slovakia and Greece present a positive view on buffer zoning as exhibited by the gains made, the reverse is the scenario in the Britain case. So the question becomes, to what extent does buffer zoning cushion a country from global economic shocks? Methodology Given the nature of this research, the preference is to use the survey approach. Of note here is that survey method of research encompasses the use of interviews. Interviews can be based on written questions in the form of questionnaires. Through the use of interviews, important information can be solicited for. It is true that only informed people are in a position to offer an informed opinion on issues to deal with the economy especially at the top level. It is also worthy understanding the costs involved. This justifies on picking only an informed audience to reduce the expenditure on time and money. Through interviewing of top company executives, I would be in a position to decipher how an expanded and guarded economic space impacts on their businesses. Again, a choice of maybe immigrants who could be working in a country would be able to explain how buffer zones make the working conditions attractive and finally, a focus on local citizens may highlight the emerging benefits from a buffer zone. To help carry out this interview would be an exquisitely developed questionnaire that would be used to harmonise the questions and speed the process of data collection. This method is worthy adopting because the researcher can enlist the services of enumerators in doing the work. It is easy to access the respondents through securing timely appointments. Questionnaires are mainly chosen because of their convenience. One, they can be mailed to respondents, secondly, they can be administered over the phone, then, thirdly, they can be administered by the help of enumerators among other advantages. All these considerations are in the best interests because the cost of the research is cut down. On this realisation, it is clear why I would opt to use the system ahead of the rest. Other methods like the use observation may be helpful though constraints like correct interpretation of phenomena would hinder its efficacy. Another chosen method could be the experimental approach. This is inappropriate because the variables cannot be put under control as the mode demands. It may also take so much time to make it happen. Of importance at this stage, is the size of the sample. A small sample size of around fifty people is proposed. This would provide the required information because as indicated, the focus of the survey is to be based only on an informed group of respondents. The proposal to take a small sample is also a restriction imposed on the research due to financial considerations. Given this size, it is noticeable that the quality of the findings would not be compromised in any way as in regards to the size of the sample. Data analysis After collecting the data, it should be checked for any errors, harmonised and compiled for analysis. Data analysis is a very crucial aspect in researching. Consequently, it requires a very critical approach. If enumerators are enlisted in the collection of the data, then it is necessary to review the collected data and check for any inconsistencies, if found, the corrections should be done in order to reflect the true findings. After compiling the data, it should be studied towards the realisation of the common trends. On completion, this data should be presented in statistical and mathematical form to simplicity issues. While trying to make use of the theoretical findings, it is necessary that it be done in a way that while bringing simplicity, it does so without lowering the quality. The quality question in simple terms outweighs the drive to simplicity. The clustering form of data analysis involves the division of data into groups as they emerge in the sampling. Like in this case where in theory, the expectation would be the existence of two groups i.e. one for and the other against the zoning practice in reference to the gains, grouping the data becomes a key tool. Through the use of the clustering method of data analysis, I would use the collected data in coming up with a major finding. For example, if one category reflects that there are advantages from the buffer zoning programme, then this is differently clustered, if the other major leaning is towards the view that buffer zoning has no gains, it is also put in a different cluster. This method then would be appropriate in reflecting on whether the buffer zoning exercise has been a success, if the findings present an answer in the affirmative then it would be worthy moving towards the buffering of zones for economic gain. To analyse the data, it may be required that I enlist the services of highly qualified data analysts. This would demand that money be available to defray the expenses accruing from the services. But of note here should be that, even if these experts are brought in, the final document should be reviewed to ensure it is done according to the set standards. Ethical issues Ethical considerations play a major role in scientific studies (Horowitz et al, 1964). It should be noted that personal information is normally to be treated with secrecy. So as a researcher there are responsibilities to keep up this information secret unless deemed necessarily its release. Otherwise, while releasing personal information, the party concerned should be informed. Seeking personal information is never an easy exercise, so the approach should be the most refined so as not to scare away potential respondents. The research venture should be clearly conveyed to the respondents. There should be a control on ethical considerations so that the ethical aspect does not limit the findings of the research. For example, trying to find how immigrants have benefited from buffer zoning would need that personal information on income is sought. Because this forms a core part of the findings, the information must be presented though without the names of the respondents. Timetable Target date Task Jan 5th-7th 2010 Background research 8th-13th Drawing questionnaires 14th-28th Data collection Jan 29th-5th Feb Data analysis 6th-8th Report writing 9th Presentation Budget and resources Conducting a scientific research like this one requires enormous financial resources. As a result of this, sourcing of funds would be a major aspect of the exercise. These funds would especially play a huge role in the collection of data. The geographical spread of the respondents being a major reference point in regards of the amount to be sourced. This research would be especially a concern for governments and major business enterprises which are directly affected by the global economic happenings. In reference to that, I would seek their financial support towards making this project a success. On the release of the findings, the funding institutions stand to immensely gain from this. The contributions can partially be contributed by these entities or any one of them can offer the whole sum. The necessary equipment would also need to be purchased. For example, a laptop would be required to store the collected information. Other tools like telephones could also be needed. As mentioned earlier, conducting a research requires money. This money goes towards securing interview facilities among other issues. The table below offers an approximation of needed funds Task Amount of money in dollars Travelling 1, 000 Subsistence 2, 000 Data analysis 5, 000 Postage 100 Stationary 500 Dissemination After completing the research, the next important task is to present the findings. Findings would be presented to all stakeholders for consideration. If the findings for example show a need to strengthen the buffer zones, then it would be upon the authorities to implement the findings. If a gap arises from the research, then students and professionals can commence with another research basing these findings as a starting point. This amplifies the expectation of any research which should be to post findings for peer review and maybe as control examples for future studies. The findings can be presented through the use of various methods. The first one could be to do it in a conference, the most appropriate being in the regional conferences like the one of the European area. Another method could be to release it to the internet for viewing. This would ensure easy spread to all those interested in the topic. Learning institutions also offers the other avenue for the dissemination of findings. Word count: 2294 words References Athens News Agency. (2005). .Daily news bulletin in English. HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:jucMx3H-3D4J:www.hri.org/new Heath, A. (2009). Britain is sleepwalking towards a fiscal meltdown. allister.heath@cityam.com http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/Allister-Heath/9y7ics296d.html Horowitz. J, Donald. F & Stratton. O, (1964). "Body buffer zone," Archives of General Psychology Vol. 1, No. 6 (1964), pp. 651-656. Smith, S. (2003). Beyond intractability version IV. The beyond intractability project. The University of Colorado. http://www.beyondintractability.org/about/acknowledgements.js Wallace, C. (2005). The central European buffer zone. Claire Wallace (claire.wallace@ihs.ac.at) http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:FF6MnsUu2KcJ:ideas.repec.org/p Read More