Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Works Cited

http://www.greekmythology.com/

http://www.european-agency.org/country-information/greece/national-overview/legal-system

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13798000

http://www.circlesquare.co.uk/blog/circle_square/50/a_summary_of_the_greek_financial_crisis_.html

http://www.indexmundi.com/greece/gdp_per_capita_%28ppp%29.html

http://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/greece.html

http://cemea.economistconferences.com/event/second-social-security-conference/social-security-reform-greece-agenda#.UXaTYPVCKVo

http://archive.minedu.gov.gr/en_ec_page1531.htm

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/244595/Greek-language

http://greece.mrdonn.org/alphabet.html

http://www.omniglot.com/writing/greek.htm

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/greece-country-profile.html

http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page/

http://www.mapsofworld.com/greece/culture-and-society/

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Market Audit

Greece's economic problems are the result of a culture within the country which has offered business visitors a number of challenging paradoxes for many years. The greatest of these paradoxes would be why a country whose people are renowned for an entrepreneurial approach, should have seemingly failed to have kept pace with the economic advances enjoyed by many of their near European neighbours. The reasons behind this lack of obvious economic success may be linked to certain underlying cultural norms which Greece and Greeks exhibit.  For example, their corrupt government and hierarchical business structures. 

Consumer buying habits have changed since the economic downturn as well.  In a survey conducted in March 2011, Greeks were found to be coping with a reduced household budget.  Seven out of 10 Greek consumers said they intended to shop at discount stores more often and buy more products that have been marked down.  In order to deal with the associated anxiety and stress, Greeks prefer to spend time with family and friends; only three out of 10 replied that they would go out, seeking distraction outside of the home.  The three main reasons explaining their decision to reduce spending are the following:1) Greeks expect to be earning less in salary pay, 2)They are worried that they or another household member will lose their job, 3)They need to pay off existing credit lines.
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2011/09/23/change-in-greek-consumers%E2%80%99-shopping-habits/

Quoting a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group, Kathimerini reports 58% of Greeks “are planning to reduce their food budget,” beginning with spirits (70% of respondents), beer (71% of respondents), and fast food (71% of respondents).
 


Common types of Retail Outlets in Greece:  Shops, Open air markets, Department Stores, Malls

Advertisement in Greece vs. US: 

These ads are similar in that it depicts Nescafe drinkers as having the ability to change who they are. 

US Nescafe Commercial  



Monday, April 15, 2013

Social Security and Healthcare

Healthcare:

Many Greeks have been calling for reform to their country’s healthcare system. Despite this, it was ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the best in the world; with healthcare costs among the lowest of the European Union member countries.


Currently, there are moves from the government to upgrade the healthcare system, having obtained funding assistance from the European Union. Such improvements include the building of new facilities, developing mobile medical units, improving accident and emergency facilities and the installation of high-tech medical equipment.

The public health system in Greece provides free, or low cost, healthcare services to residents (and their families) contributing to the social security system. Other benefits include free laboratory services, maternity care, medical-related appliances or devices and transportation. 

Emergency care is provided free of charge in public hospitals to anyone, regardless of nationality. There are also smaller outpatient clinics in rural areas which are attached to bigger public hospitals. These facilities provide faster emergency treatment than the bigger public hospitals.

http://www.allianzworldwidecare.com/healthcare-in-greece

Social Security: 

Current laws: 1951 (social security), with amendments; 1960; 1978 (legislation and regulation); 1981 (noncontributory old-age pension); 1988 (noninsured persons); 1990 (regulation); 1991 (pensions); 1992 (social security); 1997 (contributions); 2000 (financing and administration); 2002 (social security); and 2004 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

The social insurance system is mainly funded by employees’ and employers’ contributions. Regarding the private sector employees, the contributions are paid by the employees and the employers. Regarding the self-employed and the liberal professions, the contributions are paid by the employees themselves. 





Sports

Soccer is an obsession with many Greeks.  The Greece National Football Team is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece.  The Greeks became European champions in 2004 when they won UEFA Euro Tournament.


Fashion

Sophia Kokosalaki, born 1972

Her trademark style often features classic Grecian draping combined with handcrafted elements. Her specialty is soft flowing dresses, and work with knitwear and leather.

  • Famous Greek fashion designer born and raised in Greece.  
  • Received Elle designer award and Art Foundation award for fashion in 2002
  • New Generation Designer Award in 2004Chosen to design opening and closing ceremonial outfits for the 2004 Summer Olympics in her home town of Athens



Sophia Kokosalaki at ASOS

Sophia Kokosalaki FALL 2012 Runway

Biography on VOGUE UK

Housing


Αγγελία / angeliaClassified
Πώληση / polissiSale
Ενοικίαση / enoikiassiRenting
Αγορά / agoraMarket
Ακίνητο / akinitoEstate
Οικόπεδο / oikopedo LandLand
Κατοικία / katoikiaResidence
Μονοκατοικία / monokatoikiaOne-family house
Διαμέρισμα / diamerismaApartment
Γκαρσονιέρα / gkarsonieraStudio flat
Σπίτι / spitiHouse/Home

Μπάνιο / banioBathroom
Λουτρό / loutroBathroom with shower
Υπνοδωμάτιο / ypnodomatioBedroom
Σαλόνι / saloniLiving room
Καθιστικό kathistikoLiving room
Τραπεζαρία / trapezariaDining room
Γραφείο / grafeioOffice
Κήπος kipos / GardenGarden
Μπαλκόνι / balkoniBalcony
Κοινόχρηστα koinochrista Building chargesBuilding charges
Πλησίον μετρό / plission metroClose to the metro


Mortgages:

A bank in another EU country will make a commercial decision on whether or not to accept your mortgage application, on the basis of the risk profile of the proposed loan.
Banks may not discriminate against any EU citizens on grounds of nationality.  However, your country of residence or the location of the property to be mortgaged can often make it difficult to obtain a mortgage.
Banks frequently refuse to grant mortgages for properties located in another country, or to people whose source of income or place of residence is not in the country where the bank is established.

Marketing: Greek Ad


This commercial is for WIND mobile telephones.  I think this commercial is very funny and would get my attention if it was an American commercial.  I think it shows that the Greeks have a sense of humor about things.