Analysis on Business Marketing

â€Å"Everything is worth what its buyer will pay for it. † This expression was said numerous hundreds of years prior is as yet worth today. Whenever client, in truth these clients whose expenses are driven by what they buy, progressively hope to buying as an approach to build benefits and in this manner compel providers to decrease costs. A genuine model next to the one in the article is the point at which you are going to purchase a vehicle and you begin looking about what vehicle vendor is the best for you to purchase yours. How might you choose which of the sellers it's the best for you, it is a decent inquiry. A developing number of providers have made a client esteem models, that is close to information driven portrayals, of the value in financial terms, of what the providers are going to could accomplish for its clients. I have been discussing values, yet what they are and what esteems are ready to go is what I will clarify at this moment. In business advertise values are the value in money related type of the specialized, financial, administration and social advantages any client gets in return at the cost it pays for a market offering. A case of significant worth in money related term is dollars per unit, guilders per liter, or kroner every hour. Then again, benefits are close to in which any costs a client acquires in getting the longing benefits, with the exception of price tag, are incorporated. Lastly esteem is the thing that a client gets in return at the cost it pays. Truth be told, esteem is one of the two essential attributes of showcasing offer; the other one is cost. Field esteem evaluations that is the most ordinarily and precise strategy used to assemble client esteem models. This worth is utilized to gather information about client esteem models. Nonetheless, if the field esteem doesn't work providers utilize immediate and backhanded study question and center gatherings. As everything in our life, the first occasion when you accomplish something is the most troublesome. To begin with the client esteem model the principal thing a provider need to do is to assembled the correct sort of significant worth research group. In this group ought to be incorporated the individuals with the item, builds in the predetermined field, and individuals with advertising experience. This last choice is significant on the grounds that it is extremely imperative to have individuals who know the client perspective. The following stage is to realize the correct market portion. Knowing this, the providers make a base with in any event twelve clients to fabricate an underlying worth model. At that point it is a decent an ideal opportunity to produce a thorough rundown of significant worth components. These components will be the one that influences the expenses and advantages of the contribution in the client's business. The components could be specialized, financial, administration or social in nature and will fluctuate in their substantial quality. However, providers must be cautiously on looking at which components left, particularly those that may make the providers' market offering look ominous close to the following best-elective contribution will sabotage the activities validity. By knowing however many components as would be prudent the group will have the option to decide all the more precisely the distinction in usefulness and execution its offers gives comparative with the following best-elective. More often than not the clients don't realize that they have the information data that the providers are searching for. Some time the best way to discover this information is for the colleagues to make an inquiry or two until they go over the individual who realizes where to discover the data. These groups likewise should be inventive in finding different wellsprings of data. Free industry experts or educated work force in the provider organization can be acceptable wellsprings of beginning assessments. The solace with which group can set up financial evaluations for its worth components will shift. All things considered, most providers don't endeavors to dole out financial adds up to social components. Rather, they put those components and examine them with the client in a subjective manner in the wake of introducing quantitative outcomes. A case of this is the Qualcomm Company, that not relegate money related adds up to some less-unmistakable components yet at the same time remembers them for its examination as â€Å"value placeholders. † In any field esteem evaluations, the providers will locate that a few suppositions must be made so as to finish an investigation. It is basic to providers to be unequivocal about any presumptions it makes. In the event that a client doesn't have the foggiest idea how or why the group relegated a specific incentive to a component, the provider's believability will be undermined. In the wake of building the underlying worth model the providers ought to approve it, by directing extra appraisals with different clients in the market portion. Doing this the provider will likewise figure out how the worth its contribution give fluctuates across sorts of clients. The provider will likewise need to make esteem based deal devices. One normal deal device is a worth case history, which is close to composed records that report the costs investment funds or included worth that a client get from its employments of a provider advertise offering. Presently it is a decent an ideal opportunity to put a comprehension of significant worth to utilize. A decent method to do this is utilizing the provider information to tailor advantageous help, projects and frameworks in its present market offering and to direct the advancement of new contributions. An organization's capacity to oversee adaptable markets contributions effectively lay on its comprehension of the worth every segment of a contribution makes just as its partners cost. Recognizing and dispensing with esteem channels bring about better allotment of assets and improved benefit. Picking up client is one more of the means of this task. Knowing about how the market offers explicitly convey an incentive to client empowers providers to make influential suggestions. By giving proof to clients of the organization's achievements, providers exhibit their reliability and pledge to clients. Along these lines clients feel increasingly fearless with the organization they are working with. Understanding an incentive in business is the pith of client esteem the board. It is likewise useful for conveying predominant qualities and acquire an impartial return for it. Presently are you prepared to pick your vehicle's seller.

Free Essays on Mary Shelley

The Romantic Age (1780-1830) was when writers’ thoughts went from those of the Age of Reason to increasingly creative thoughts. These thoughts were changed all through this time for some, reasons, including the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution in England, and the numerous different things that influenced the general public. An incredible case of the utilization of creative mind was a by called Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, an extraordinary essayist of the Romantic Age. Conceived on August 30, 1797, Mary Shelley appeared as though she was intended for significance. Her mom, Mary Wollstonecraft, who was a liberal scholar and radical women's activist, spent away 10 days after her introduction to the world, leaving her and her stepsister to be minded by her dad, William Godwin. Her dad wedded their neighbor, Mary Jane Clairmont, who was a widow and had two offspring of her own. Shelley started her composing when she was exceptionally youthful, and she was watching numerous different journalists getting keen on what they were doing. She was roused to compose the well known novel Frankenstein in the late spring of 1819, after she met with Lord Byron and he suggested that she have a go at keeping in touch with her own phantom story. A couple of evenings later Mary had a fantasy and clarified it by saying: Night disappeared upon this discussion; and even the witching hour had passed by before we resigned to rest. At the point when I put my head on the pad I didn't rest, nor might I be able to be said to think. My creative mind, unbidden, had and guided me, gifting the progressive pictures that emerged in my brain with a striking quality a long ways past the ordinary limits of dream. I saw-with eyes shut yet intense mental vision-I saw the pale understudy of unhallowed expressions bowing next to the thing he needed to assemble. (Shelley) Fitting impeccable with the thoughts of her time, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was a book which required a lot of creative mind with the goal for it to be composed. In view of her fantasy, Shelley created perhaps the best story ever. Similarly as with numerous great stories, the narrative of Frankenste... Free Essays on Mary Shelley Free Essays on Mary Shelley The Romantic Age (1780-1830) was when writers’ thoughts went from those of the Age of Reason to progressively creative thoughts. These thoughts were changed all through this time for some, reasons, including the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution in England, and the numerous different things that influenced the general public. An extraordinary case of the utilization of creative mind was a by called Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, an incredible essayist of the Romantic Age. Conceived on August 30, 1797, Mary Shelley appeared as though she was intended for enormity. Her mom, Mary Wollstonecraft, who was a liberal scholar and radical women's activist, spent away 10 days after her introduction to the world, leaving her and her relative to be minded by her dad, William Godwin. Her dad wedded their neighbor, Mary Jane Clairmont, who was a widow and had two offspring of her own. Shelley started her composing when she was exceptionally youthful, and she was watching numerous different essayists getting intrigued by what they were doing. She was enlivened to compose the renowned novel Frankenstein in the late spring of 1819, after she met with Lord Byron and he suggested that she have a go at keeping in touch with her own apparition story. A couple of evenings later Mary had a fantasy and clarified it by saying: Night wound down upon this discussion; and even the witching hour had passed by before we resigned to rest. At the point when I set my head on the pad I didn't rest, nor would I be able to be said to think. My creative mind, unbidden, had and guided me, gifting the progressive pictures that emerged in my brain with a striking quality a long ways past the typical limits of dream. I saw-with eyes shut yet intense mental vision-I saw the pale understudy of unhallowed expressions bowing next to the thing he needed to assemble. (Shelley) Fitting immaculate with the thoughts of her time, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was a book which required a lot of creative mind with the end goal for it to be composed. In light of her fantasy, Shelley created probably the best story ever. Similarly as with numerous great stories, the tale of Frankenste... Free Essays on Mary Shelley Mary Shelley The Romantic Age (1780-1830) was when writers’ thoughts went from those of the Age of Reason to increasingly innovative thoughts. These thoughts were changed all through this time for some, reasons, including the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution in England, and the numerous different things that influenced the general public. An extraordinary case of the utilization of creative mind was a by called Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, an incredible essayist of the Romantic Age. Conceived on August 30, 1797, Mary Shelley appeared as though she was intended for significance. Her mom, Mary Wollstonecraft, who was a liberal mastermind and radical women's activist, spent away 10 days after her introduction to the world, leaving her and her relative to be minded by her dad, William Godwin. Her dad wedded their neighbor, Mary Jane Clairmont, who was a widow and had two offspring of her own. Shelley started her composing when she was youthful, and she was watching numerous different scholars getting inspired by what they were doing. She was motivated to compose the popular novel Frankenstein in the mid year of 1819, after she met with Lord Byron and he suggested that she take a stab at thinking of her own apparition story. A couple of evenings later Mary had a fantasy and clarified it by saying: Night disappeared upon this discussion; and even the witching hour had passed by before we resigned to rest. At the point when I put my head on the cushion I didn't rest, nor would I be able to be said to think. My creative mind, unbidden, had and guided me, gifting the progressive pictures that emerged in my psyche with a clarity a long ways past the typical limits of dream. I saw-with eyes shut however intense mental vision-I saw the pale understudy of unhallowed expressions stooping next to the thing he needed to assemble. (Shelley) Fitting flawless with the thoughts of her time, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was a book which required a lot of creative mind with the goal for it to be composed. In light of her fantasy, Shelley created perhaps the best story ever. Similarly as with numerous great stories, the s...

Everythings coming up Milhouse!

Everythings coming up Milhouse! DID YOU KNOW? Madonna is 48 years old. Seriously. Guys, I need a favor, okay? You have to remind me to enter the PE Lottery, which starts tomorrow. Ive forgotten to do it for nine of the past ten quarters. Yes, okay, its true that you can just show up on the first day for any class and as long as its not something really popular like Pistol or Yoga, theyll probably find room for you. But my universe tends toward disorder, and usually the entropy of activation required for that process is just too high for me to muster. Dont you forget to enter it either, Class of 2010! As DAPER says, Successful students complete 4 six-week classes during their Freshman year. That must make me a failure. Good thing I have Mollie to cheer me up. Everythings a little bit bittersweet here, because most of the interns who have been here for three to five months are heading home at the end of August. Its been great getting to know all these people from all these different countries and showing them that people in the US arent always as dumb as we look. But the sadness of ending has been tempered by three things: 1. Today was crepe day in the cafeteria. 2. Tomorrow all six hundred people at my site have to go to some workshop, so my normally very German boss gave me the day off. 3. On Thursday, my last day of work, were having another party with cakes and coffee. Not to celebrate my leaving, or anything in particulate, but just because my boss felt like it. And for you guys, everything is just beginning, huh? Well, dont have any fun at MIT until I get back next Monday. Just playin. Enjoy all the times youre having right now with all your orientation buddies! Because youll never talk to them again once classes start. No, seriously. There was this one guy who I met on my first day of MIT through this other girl in my orientation group. It was right when we were getting out of Playfair. He played French Horn. Hey, I played French Horn too! So, as we took a tour of Simmons that night we had about 30 minutes of French Horn-related conversation, which is enough time to exhaust most of the finer points of that topic. Then I went home, presumably to get some sleep but actually to grab some midnight pizza with Ruth 07 and two really friendly upperclassmen guys who didnt live in the dorm but nevertheless wanted to get to know me better. So French Horn Guy and I spent the next five semesters greeting each other awkwardly at chance meetings in the Infinite or on Amherst Alley or in the burrito line at Annas, but we never said anything more than that. The greetings ran the gamut from the polite, formal Hello. to a familiar-sounding Hey! to occasionally, on particularly nice days, Hi Sam! and Hi Ian! But nothing else. No Hows it going? Because I dont think either of us really cared. Sometimes we did that really uncomfortable Oh shoot, maybe he didnt see me, let me look over HEY THATS A REALLY INTERESTING POSTER FOR MIT 50K thing. We didnt even become Facebook friendsbut thats probably only because Facebook didnt really take hold of MIT until the next April. Finally, last semester we saw each other in the infinite and I decided that French Horn Guy and I needed to reevaluate our relationship. So as I walked by, I very politely stared him down. And he just looked at me and didnt say anything. And that was that. We were over. Again, a little bittersweet. But one less thing to worry about as Im walking down the Infinite with Falafel dripping out of my mouth. So see that Freshman guy you just met an hour ago whos sitting on your bed looking at your high school yearbook? Thats him in two years.

The Class Room By William Wright G00051681 - 1318 Words

Week 4 Assignment Success in the Class Room William Wright G00051681 General Purpose: Inclusion in the Class Room Specific Purpose: To persuade my readers that inclusion is important in the class room. Central Idea: Institutions should have programs for special needs children to integrate them in classrooms with regular students. . INTRODUCTION I. Attention Material A. Models to show how students with assistance can be measured 1. Some teachers think that inclusions are a plus in the class rooms. 2. Other teachers think that think inclusion would be more work than help. B. I have tutored in several schools and have a good relationship with teachers and students alike. 1. I enjoyed teaching and understanding how the school system†¦show more content†¦(2000). Co-Teaching: A different approach to inclusion. Principal, 79(4), 48, 50-51; Cammuso, K. (2011). Inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorders. The Brown University child and adolescent behavior newsletter, 27(11). Gavish , B. (2011). E. Elementary school teachers beliefs and perceptions about the inclusion of children with special needs in their classrooms. Journal of International Special Needs Education. BODY I. Inclusion in the Classroom. A. Inclusion in the class room give special teachers and regular teachers the opportunity to work together. B. Positive outcome from inclusive classrooms are. 1. It gives special needs children the opportunity to learn aside regular students. 2. If a child is struggling in the class room it gives them other resources to help them understand what they are have problems with. 3. Class rooms with a special education teacher in it gives the regular teacher addition support from a qualified person to assist in teaching all the students not only the special needs children. (Transition: Does inclusion in the class room help of hinder the students? II. Schools with inclusion in the class rooms offer students with disabilities an option to integrate into general class rooms with someone with pull out authority. . A. Schools with inclusion cause teachers and special educators to collaborate, when it comes to how the class room flows. B. School would have to insure that it has the

Essay On Social Work - 1415 Words

â€Å"Social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal (Kirst-Ashman 2017)†. â€Å"Social welfare is a national system of programs, benefits, and services that help people meet the social, economic, educational, and health needs fundamental to the maintenance of society (Kirst-Ashman 2017)†. Many people agree that social welfare and social work is very important, but there are some who do not understand their purpose or what they do. This leads to a lot of confusion and uncertainty, and it shows with how people treat social workers. One major issue the U.S. is facing is abortion. There’s two sides to†¦show more content†¦I proceeded to ask him if he would be fine if I could interview him for my paper and he said â€Å"go for it†. Then I proceeded to ask him the first question which was â€Å"What comes to mind when you think of welfare†? and Malcolm said â€Å"Poverty comes to mind and people needing jobs†. Then I added if he knew any services or programs but he said â€Å"I don’t know of any†. Then I proceeded to the next question which was â€Å"What do welfare services seek to accomplish†? and he response was â€Å"To help out the people, who can’t help themselves at the time†. The third question I asked was â€Å"For whom does welfare exist†? and his response was â€Å"For people who do not have jobs†. The fourth question I asked was â€Å"Should social welfare programs be eliminated†? and his response was â€Å"No†! The final question I asked him was â€Å"What do you know about the social work profession†? and his response was that he knew â€Å"nothing†! I added another question which was â€Å"do you know what the term social welfare meant† and he said â€Å"Nope, no id ea†. He explained that he has heard the term used before but hasn’t looked into the literal meaning and what it actually does. Malcolm’s view wasn’t far off from the textbook, but there was some confusion in his voice when he answered the questions. The second interviewee is a Caucasian male by the age of 18 named Taylor Lucas. He is undecided at the moment but he isShow MoreRelated Social Work Essay1632 Words   |  7 PagesThis essay will discuss social divisions; social exclusion and social inclusion, of which there are many definitions and interpretations. Social divisions and Social exclusion has been around for many years. Social exclusion was first noticed in France in 1970s in relation to people who fell outside the range of the social insurance system, such as disabled people, lone parents and the young unemployed (Townsend and Kennedy, 2004). Before 1997 Social exclusion was referred to as ‘poverty’, whichRead MoreEssay On Social Work1897 Words   |  8 PagesSocial work in modern day society is faced with an array of challenges making the profession a difficult and testing one at times. This essay will hold a focus upon social work practice in the Adult Services field. This field includes, but is not l imited to, working with individuals with disabilities (physical or mental) those with alcohol or substance addictions, people experiencing psychological distress, those facing financial distress, victims of abuse, those convicted of crimes and people withRead MoreEssay On Social Work733 Words   |  3 PagesSocial work is all about understanding and making a difference in people’s lives. I am very passionate about actively helping people overcome their problems and have the best quality of life they possible can. I understand that social work is a challenging occupation; however, I believe I have the skills and determination to pursue a career in social work. My main curricular interests are in social subjects such as geography and history. I enjoy finding out about the world and the people. ThisRead MoreEssay On Social Work1637 Words   |  7 PagesA social worker is someone who engages with people to address their life challenges and improve their wellbeing. They are reliable for defending the values and principles of the social work definition. The principles and values of social work are â€Å"respect for the inherent worth and dignity of human beings, doing no harm, respect for diversity and upholding human rights and social justice† (Global Definition of Social Work). Social work goes by the first, second, and third generation rights. TheseRead MoreEssay On Social Work1512 Words   |  7 PagesThe key life experiences that have led me to choose social work as my major was because I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. I had many years of experience working in Behavioral Health and had the privilege working with children, adolescents, as well as adults with physical and mental disabilities. I believe I have sharp knowledge of behavioral and development issues. I am a mental health specialist and would like to be a social worker. I also want to be more involved with patientRead MoreEssay On Social Work1561 Words   |  7 PagesSocial work is my second decision. I had been going to Henry Ford Community College for four years and was not sure what University I wanted to attend. I always knew the profession, I chose would primarily be focused on helping others. I thought about going to culinary arts school. However, I kept hearing the Lord lead me to social work, I was sure that helping young people has always been my calling. Social specialists don t just enable individuals to utilize their assets and insight to individualsRead MoreEssay On Social Work1365 Words   |  6 Pagescontinue to educate m yself so I can better serve those around me. I offer assurance to let others know they are not alone and that I will help them. I feel all these person values are very consistent with social work. The core values of social work are service which I do daily in my volunteerism. Social Justice which I also fight for daily as an advocate for special education students in my towns schools, when confronted with ignorance. I feel I combine dignity and worth of the person with the importanceRead More Social Work Essay1900 Words   |  8 PagesSocial Work Social work is located within some of the most complex problems and perplexing areas of human experience, and for this reason, social work is, and has to be, a highly skilled activity.† (Trevithick, 2000,p.1) Explain the meaning of this statement, and consider whether it is an adequate definition of the nature of social work. The aim of this assignment is toRead MoreSocial Work Law Essay2162 Words   |  9 PagesSocial Work Law This assignment involves a case study where Ralph, a fourteen year old boy, is currently in foster care because his mother; Kerry, felt she was unable to control him due to his behaviour. However, Kerry has now expressed that she is unhappy with this foster placement and has requested that her son be returned to live with her and his two younger brothers. The scenario becomes more complex owing to the fact that Ralph has disclosed that his mother had regularly hit him with a walkingRead MoreCalled To Social Work Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagesone on, one must remember all the values that he or she was taught. Values play a key role in deciding which career to choose. Social work as a career one must remember the values and rules they learn. Social worker has the ability to determine their personal value system, and how it fits with social work values and ethics, which determine the role of being a great social worker. First of all, before one can consider their career path one must have some types of values to keep them grounded. As

Aboriginal Culture Free Essays

The Indigenous aboriginal people are one of a kind they mostly reside in Australia both the mainland and the Island Tasmania. The Aboriginals were indigenous to the continent and has resided there since the late sass’s. There are over 400 different tribes wealth the Aboriginal culture and they all have deferent dialects, and languages. We will write a custom essay sample on Aboriginal Culture or any similar topic only for you Order Now Communication amongst the Aboriginal people is much different they use terms such as full blood or half caste meaning not of the same biological parents. Mainly they use terms within their specific tribe so that outsiders are not able to butt in on personal business. Terms like â€Å"Aborigine†, and â€Å"Aborigines† are of offense and are terms used in connection to harsh times of enslavement. It is disrespectful to mention a deceased person’s name for up to two weeks after death following their cultural guidelines. Time orientation is not of great importance in Aboriginal culture as it is in Western civilization. The Aboriginal people use the position of the sun and he closeness of the season to tell time weather. Personal space is not of great importance either. Men usually address men and then are either invited or ask to address the woman. Social roles are very Important as the Aboriginals lead by elders, Elders lead the community and If Ill the entire village will participate In caring for the elder whether personal related or not. When entering a room it is respectful to address the elder first and then males and lastly females. Religion is based upon little God’s. The Aboriginals believe that everything in life is made from the earth such as serpents used to create pathways for the people. Health beliefs are looked upon as any ill person is sick by sin. Their belief is that a person who has a disease is being punished by a God for some kind of sin committed. Health practices are preferred to be done holistically. Due to the fact that they believe everything is from the earth they also believe that the cure shall come from the earth. Health Issues such as cardiovascular diseases, mental health, diabetes, cancers, and Injuries are mall health concerns within their culture. The dietary preferences for the Aboriginals are not of Importance because they are very poor and almost all foods come from the grubs and bushes. Foods like berries, fish. Nuts, and wild game are main course meals. Both the mainland and the island Tasmania. The Aboriginals were indigenous to the tribes within the Aboriginal culture and they all have different dialects, and address the woman. Social roles are very important as the Aboriginals lead by elders, Elders lead the community and if ill the entire village will participate in caring the earth they also believe that the cure shall come from the earth. Health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, mental health, diabetes, cancers, and injuries are main health concerns within their culture. The dietary preferences for the Aboriginals are not of importance because they are very poor and almost all foods come from the grubs and bushes. How to cite Aboriginal Culture, Papers

Venezuela`s Economy Essays - Northern South America, Venezuela

Venezuela`s Economy Venezuela is rich in oil and other mineral resources. Its per capita income is about average for Latin America. The country's public external debt (excluding the obligations of the central bank and PDVSA, the parastatal oil company) stood at approximately $26.5 billion in 1996. The economy grew by 4.5% in real terms in 1997. Consumer prices rose only 37.6% in 1997 compared to the record 103% of 1996. The government is hoping for inflation of 24% during 1998. The Venezuelan economy is making a comeback under the Agenda Venezuela, propelled primarily by the opening of the petroleum sector to foreign investment (the "apertura"), a far-reaching privatization program, and plans to reform public sector operations. Oil prices have shown a continual decline since 1996, which is serving to erode the budgetary surplus from 4.5% in 1996 to an estimated 1.5% in 1997. In July 1996, the Venezuelan Government and the IMF formally announced a $1.4 billion stand-by loan. The World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank are also contributing to efforts to promote fundamental structural reforms--in the judiciary, electoral system, and social security/severance pay programs. Petroleum and Other Resources Venezuela's economy is dominated by petroleum, and the country is a founding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In 1997, this sector accounted for more than one-quarter of GDP, almost three-quarters of export earnings, and almost half of central government's revenues. Most of Venezuela's energy exports consist of crude oil, but the country is also the United States' leading foreign source of refined petroleum products. The Government of Venezuela has opened up much of the hydrocarbon sector to foreign investment, promoting the establishment of massive new petrochemical joint ventures and reactivation of inactive fields. The Venezuelan petroleum corporation and foreign oil companies signed eight contracts for exploration and production joint ventures in July 1996. These contracts are expected to generate over $15 billion in foreign investment. A range of other natural resources, including iron ore, diamonds, coal, bauxite, hydroelectric power, gold, and nickel are in various stages of development. In 1996, CVG, the state-owned mining firm, announced its first joint venture with a foreign company to develop the Las Cristinas gold mine. Congress is also considering legislation which would update Venezuela's 1945 mining law in an effort to encourage greater private sector participation in mineral extraction. Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade Manufacturing contributed 15.6% of GDP in 1997. The manufacturing sector grew slightly (2.2%) in direct contrast with the contraction in 1996. Venezuela manufactures and exports steel, aluminum, textiles, apparel, beverages, and foodstuffs. It also produces cement, tires, paper, and fertilizers, and assembles cars for both the domestic and export market. The "Agenda Venezuela" envisions the privatization of a range of state-owned enterprises, including banks. Agriculture accounts for 4% of GDP, 12% of the labor force, and 24% of Venezuela's land area. Venezuela exports beef, rice, coffee, and cocoa. However, the country is not self-sufficient in most areas of agricultural production and imports about 60% of food consumed. In 1996, U.S. firms exported approximately $475 million of agricultural products including wheat, soybeans, corn, soymeal, and cotton to Venezuela, our third-largest agricultural export market in Latin America. The U.S. usually accounts for slightly more than a third of Venezuela's food imports. Thanks to petroleum exports, Venezuela usually posts a trade surplus. In recent years, non-traditional (i.e. non-petroleum) exports have been growing rapidly but still constitute only about one-fourth of total exports. The United States is Venezuela's leading trade partner. During the first 10 months of 1997, the United States registered $3.0 billion in exports (about 38% of Venezuela's total) and purchased $12.9 billion in imports (about 55% of Venezuela's total). Venezuela's trade with other Andean Pact members, particularly Colombia, is growing in importance. Labor and Infrastructure Venezuela's labor force of about 8.8 million is growing faster than total employment. At the end of 1997, official unemployment was 12.8%, but unofficial estimates are higher. The public sector employs 14% of the work force, while less than 1% work in the capital-intensive oil industry. About 25% of the labor force is unionized. Unions are particularly strong in the public sector. Venezuela has an extensive road system. With the exception of air service, transportation and communications have failed to keep pace with the country's needs. Much of the infrastructure suffers from inadequate maintenance. Caracas has a modern subway, but only one functioning rail line serves the rest of the country. Economical indicators GDP (1997 est.): $72.1 billion. Growth rate (1997): 4.5%. GDP per capita: $3,164. Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, gold, other minerals, hydroelectric power, bauxite. Agriculture (4.7%