Denmark – Top Ten Ease of Doing Business
Some of the countries are ranked high on the Forbes’ list of countries for doing business; while these same countries are ranked lower on the World Bank list. It will be up to you to discern why the discrepancy. Each week we will review a country and answer the following questions:
What would make this country an attractive region or market in which to enter, depending on the type of opportunities your firm is considering? What are cultural influences, including customs and business etiquette in this international market, will affect business practices?
If you were to want to start trading with this country, with what type of entry strategy would you begin?
What kinds of local representation or institutional support would you need available to you to help you navigate any unforeseen obstacles and explain the laws and contract provisions in order to conduct business and protect your assets?
What are some of the limitations (economic, infreastructure, technological) in establishing this exchange relationship (for example, currency fluctuations, or import/export timelines)?
What opportunities and limitations are there for communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ? What would be a focus for prayer? Be sure to review the Operation World link above.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Discrepancies between Forbes’ and World Bank’s rankings could arise due to differences in methodologies, criteria, and data sources used by each organization. Forbes might focus more on business-friendly regulations, tax incentives, and economic indicators, while the World Bank considers a broader range of factors, including governance, infrastructure, and labor regulations. Additionally, the time frames and sample sizes used for data collection may also differ.
If considering Denmark as an attractive region for business opportunities, some key factors to consider include:
Strong Infrastructure: Denmark has a well-developed infrastructure, including efficient transportation systems, modern communication networks, and reliable utilities. This can facilitate the smooth operation of businesses and improve connectivity with other markets.
Skilled Workforce: Denmark has a highly educated and skilled workforce. The country places a strong emphasis on education and vocational training, which results in a talent pool capable of meeting diverse business needs.
Stable Business Environment: Denmark has a reputation for political stability, low corruption levels, and a transparent legal system. These factors create a favorable business environment that instills confidence in investors and promotes long-term sustainability.
Supportive Government Policies: The Danish government offers various incentives and support programs to encourage business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives can provide valuable assistance to companies looking to enter the market.
Technological Advancements: Denmark is known for its advanced technological infrastructure and digital capabilities. This can be advantageous for firms operating in technology-related sectors or those seeking to leverage digital solutions in their business operations.
In terms of cultural influences and business etiquette in Denmark, it is important to note that Danes value punctuality, professionalism, and direct communication. Building personal relationships and trust is also essential in Danish business culture. Understanding and respecting these customs can contribute to successful business interactions.
When entering the Danish market, a suitable entry strategy might involve establishing a local presence through partnerships or joint ventures with existing Danish companies. This can provide access to local market knowledge, networks, and distribution channels while mitigating risks associated with unfamiliar business practices and regulations.
To navigate unforeseen obstacles and understand local laws and contract provisions, it would be beneficial to have local representation or engage with professional services such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants with expertise in Danish business practices. Their guidance can help ensure compliance and protect your assets while conducting business in Denmark.
Limitations in establishing an exchange relationship with Denmark may include currency fluctuations, import/export timelines, and potential economic challenges. Monitoring currency fluctuations is important to manage financial risks associated with international trade. Import/export timelines should be considered to ensure timely delivery of goods or services. Familiarizing oneself with Danish regulations and procedures for import/export is crucial for compliance and efficient operations.
Regarding opportunities and limitations for communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ in Denmark, it is essential to respect the country’s cultural and religious diversity. Denmark is known for its secular society, so building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding can be an effective approach. Prayer should focus on seeking open hearts, opportunities for dialogue, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in sharing the Christian faith within Denmark’s cultural context.
Please note that this response is based on general knowledge and assumptions about Denmark as a business destination. It is always recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any business decisions or entering a new market.