1800 Century English Literature Essay

Introduction Poems have been used for centuries to communicate, hide, preserve and transform meaning that in normal parlance would lose its significance. The significance of poems is as vital as the human race as is echoed by the words of John Keating who said, â€Å"We don’t read and write poems because it is cute. We read and write poems because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion†¦Ã¢â‚¬    Therefore, poems can tell a story, vividly describe an object or situation, express the feelings of animate and in-animate things beyond what the normal sentence structure ever will (Kurkland). The use of language as a vehicle or tool of delivery is paramount through out histories of all cultures. Linguistic importance is noted in many poems written before the 1800 because they capture historical moments and great deeds of men which normal language would not do much justice.   Hero and Lander is a fragmentary poem   by Christopher Marlowe who lived in the 1550s , a retelling a love story of two people, first written by a Greek poet Masseus Grammaticus but retold by Marlowe in a unique sensual and erotic way that captured the hearts of many of his contemporaries and was considered a master piece. The battle of Maldon is a poem named after a famous battle fought towards the end of 10th century between the English and the Vikings. The poem describes the events of the battle and the gruesome experience endured by the fighters, the act of courage(folly)by the main character in the poem King Brithnoth, who was the English leading his army against the Viking invasion.   The two poems underscore the importance of linguistic devices and reveal the major concerns of the period in terms of human development. They are a passionate account of their subject and strive to deliver a vivid and moving account of the times using style and symbolism to carry their emotionally laden subjects. Comparison and Contrast In Battle of Maldon, the opening stanza begins at a high note. †Then he ordered each of his warriors his horse to loose Far off to send it and forth to go, To be mindful of his hands and of his high heart†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Battle of Maldon The king is urging his soldiers on for a combat. He does not give them time to think of going back or of retreat. He also encourages them to be brave. In Hero and Lander, the beginning is as dramatic as the one on Battle of Maldon. â€Å"On â€Å"Hellespont, guilty of true-love’s blood, In view and opposite two cities stood, Sea-borderers, disjoined by Neptune’s might;..† The fact that there is guilt is already a foreshadow of revelations of sins ahead. The heart , which is alluded to in these first few lines (by true love and blood) is also mentioned in Battle of Maldon , to bring out the urgency and tense condition the subjects in the poems are experiencing. The key similarities and differences between the two cultural periods represented by these narratives While Hero and Lander was written during the period of romanticism in Europe when most of the scholarly work was based on the liberal arts, intellectual development based on theology religion and the arts took centre stage. It was the period of Shakespeare and human beings were more concerned with topics such as love, justice, war, among others. The battle of Maldon was however written when human beings existed to serve the wish of their kings, battles were fought as often as duels and everything was done with the aim of battling an enemy and protecting boundaries. The battle of Maldon elevates moral triumph over physical victory. Though the king is defeated, his action of letting the Vikings into his territory, â€Å"Then did the earl, in his overweening heart Lend land too much to that loathed people. Then ‘gan he call out – across the cold water Brighthelm’s son, and all the band listened. â€Å"Now room is meted you, come swiftly to us.† (The battle of Maldon)   This is an act chivalry because he chooses not to fight a battle with an enemy who is greatly disadvantaged. In doing this, he was able to make a level-battling field for his opponents who later butchered him mercilessly. However, king Brithnoth dies, his act of bravado lives in the poem to this day. His country men who also stand by his body to fight until death also display the solidarity, patriotism and loyalty demanded of any subject. The others who fled portray an influence of insincere and coward-like men who decided to flee their own brothers while they are being butchered. Though some of the texts in the beginning and the end of the original manuscript were burnt in a fire, the background to the poem completely captures the heroic act of Brithnoth who decides to fight to death instead of the option of paying off the Vikings. Both poems seem to be concerned with a central object in the human body, the heart. They try to explain how the heart is an important component on moving men to act in either cowardice, bravery or foolishness.   In contrast, the two poems also address different topic altogether. While the battle of Maldon addresses courage, morality and loyalty (virtues), Hero and Lander focuses on the passion and intensity of love and its effect on human beings. While the former is drawn toward principles and virtues (objective), the latter is drawn toward human suffering and happiness. However, both poems advocate for dying for a cause. In the battle of Maldon, the cause is honor while in Hero and Lander, its love References Daniel J Kurkland 2000. www.Critical reading.com http://www.criticalreading.com/poetry.htm â€Å"The Battle of Maldon† translated by Barridge Wilfridge.   1997-2009 http://www.battleofmaldon.org.uk/index.htm â€Å"Hero and Leander, Christopher Marlowe – Introduction.† Poetry Criticism, Ed. Lawrence J. Trudeau. Vol. 57 Gale Cengage, 2004. eNotes.com. 2006. 11 Dec 2009 â€Å"Hero and Leander†, by Christopher Marlowe http://www.classic-literature.co.uk/british-authors/16th-century/christopher-marlowe/hero-and-leander/   

How hunger and malnutrition influence the health and development of communities Essay

Discuss how hunger and malnutrition influence the health and development of communities .Then explain how community participation and national political commitment can help to address the effects of hunger and malnutrition ?. Firstly I will describe health, hunger and malnutrition , then discuss the social , physical and economic effects of hunger and malnutrition and illustrate how hunger and malnutrition are linked. I will explain community participation and show how it links to primary health care and the political commitment and .I will conclude by giving examples of community participation and national political commitment and as well as insight opinion as to how they can address the effect of hunger and malnutrition to improve the lives of those affected. â€Å"Health the state of complete physically ,mentally and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity â€Å" (United Nations 1974:4) health designates process of adaptation ,It designates the abilit y to adapt to changing environments and embraces the future. Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the nutrients for example carbohydrates ,fats proteins and minerals. Hunger occurs in three forms. 1. Acute –the starving skinned bones at this stage death is a loaming reality 2. Chronic hunger-is characterized by a constant lack of access to food of sufficient quality and quantity as well as lack of good health care and caring practices . 3. Hidden hunger –results from quality diet ,lack of balanced diet food and to lesser extent illness which will reduce appetite affects the body’s ability to use key nutrients. Malnutrition refers to improper consumption of food ,it is most commonly used to refer to under nutrition. Malnutrition mostly affect the poor but it is not just a problem among the poor ,it is about vulnerability not poverty . The social effect of hunger and malnutrition ,is the premature death and disability wreck havoc upon social institutions ,familial ties and civil society .Ma lnourished children endure poorer educational prospects than those who are well-fed ,with the resultant negative impact on their occupational opportunities. Eleven million children die each year before the age of five ,and the death of child can dissolve a marriage especially in African cultures .An estimated 60% of these children are vulnerable because  they are hungry (Regan 80:20 274). Under nutrition’s most damaging effects occur during pregnancy and in the first two years of life because this is when cognitive development is most rapid. The physical effect of hunger and malnutrition is stunded growth of a child .Children who are malnourished have longer and more severe illness that would not kill them if they weren’t malnourished. Malnourishment and undernourishment can affect for their entire lives. A malnourished individual may group with physical or cognitive disabilities and face a life of hardship as a result. Being malnourished or undernourished will make the body of the person physically weak that the person will not be able to do his/her day to day duties and will also lead to poor performance at work and as a result that person will loose the job and the company will have low production as well due to the lose of the staff. The effects of hunger and malnutrition in the economic factor .A malnourished individual may grow up with physical or cognitive disabilities also have a debilitating effects upon a country’s workforce and subsequently it is economic productivity. Medical cost can be long-lasting problem pregnancies often lead to the delivery underweight babies who require medical attention from the moment they are born .Malnutrition increases a child’s susceptibility to malaria , pneumonia, diarrhea or measles lead to a spiral of even further medical expenditure. Malnutrition and hunger are linked in the sense that they both lead to poverty and they are both caused by poverty .Hunger will lead to malnutrition ,malnutrition in pregnant women will lead to giving birth to underweight babies who require medical attention from the moment they are born ,which will cost the family some money and at the same time taking most of the families time of going to work or to do productive activities. Community participation is the process through which people gain control over the social ,political , economic and environmental factors that determine their health. The process of participation starts with an evaluation of the situation by everyone invo lved. During the process the community defines its most important health problems ,it decides or priorities finally the community participates in implementing monitoring and evaluating a health programme ,all these things are possible even when people are poor or illiterate. Community participation links to primary health care in sense that ,the community members are the one who participate in the primary health care. Primary  health care is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families ,in the community through their full participation and at a cast that community can afford. National political commitment ,health services operate with a particular political structure .The decisions that determine the allocation of resources ,human resource policy and the availability and accessibility of services are primary political.

Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia Essay

It is commonly accepted that the research of the great historian of Jewish mysticism, Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia, opened the doors of the academy to Qabbalah. Far from us the intention of dulling the luster of his prodigious contribution in this respect, but it is a fact that at the time the young Berlin student set about writing his first essays, the critical study of the Qabbalah had already made great strides. Moreover, its trail had been partly blazed by Jew scholars who can claim to have played quite a considerable role, particularly in connection with the central problem of the Zohar, in forming the point of departure of the modem study of this discipline. Indeed, so distinguished by characteristic traits and original solutions is their contribution that it would not be an exaggeration to speak of a â€Å"Jew school† of Qabbalistic studies. Is it not highly significant that the central piece of Qabbalistic literature–the Zohar–was twice translated on Jew soil, first into Latin by G. Postel in the sixteenth century and subsequently into Jew–the first into any modem language–by the mysterious Jean de Pauly at the beginning of this century? Fostered by a congenial intellectual atmosphere peculiar to the Jew, the study of Jewish esotericism got off to a precocious start in France in comparison to other European countries. The attainments of the humanists and evangelists of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries paved the way for the mystical philosophers and Martinists of the eighteenth century, who in turn ushered in the occultists of the nineteenth century. (Sassmitz, 1990) The present essay is an attempt to Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia who was a Jewish Sage in the years of his life, his character, and what he believed in and why he believed. Let it be made quite clear at the outset that our concern relates to the historical-critical study of the question and consequently deals all but incidentally with what A. E. Waite calls â€Å"Kabbalism.† Hence the theosophers and mystagogues of all shapes, from Eliphas Levi to A. Grad, not forgetting Papus and C. Suares, will only be of secondary interest to our theme. Though in many respects deserving of attention, their literary activity will be taken into account only insofar as it had real repercussions on the development of the Qabbalah as an academic discipline. That the theosophists and occultists did indeed exert such an influence is undeniable, even if it is solely through the efforts deployed by the scholars to dissipate the veil of confusion with which the former had enshrouded the whole question. In Jews two periods can be distinguished in the development of this field: on the one hand, an historical phase, preoccupied with the question of the antiquity of the Zohar, followed, on the other, by a bibliographical and doctrinal phase. The work of Adolphe Franck (1809-1893) marks the beginning of the first of these two periods, whereas the second was initiated, a century later, by the research of Georges Vajda (1907-1981). The latter, already under the sway of the impulse given to Qabbalistic studies by Abulafia, worked in harmony with both the school of Jerusalem and Alexander Altmann, of Manchester and later of Brandeis University. But these two tendencies also possess their pre-history, and it is first necessary to describe the framework within which each of these two schools evolved. At the outset of its diffusion in Europe, the Qabbalah was submitted to censure. One could almost claim that from the chronological point of view it is on Jew soil that the critical study of the Qabbalah was born. Indeed, it is in thirteenth-century Provence that the first critical appreciation of the Qabbalah was written by R. Meir ben Sim’ on of Narbonne (active 1250), who, in his Milhemet miswah, vituperates against the polytheistic implications of the sefirotic doctrine. (Sassmitz, 1990) But no real analytic debate got underway until the awakening of Christian interest in the â€Å"Cabale† in Renaissance times. Whereas the Platonists believed the secret doctrine of Israel was meant to conceal the primordial revelation common to all religions, for the Christian esotericists it prefigured the mystery of the Trinitarian doctrine, the very foundation of Christianity. In the Qabbalists they perceived the forerunners of the Christians and in Qabbalah, a secret justification of the evangelization of the Jews. In tenth-century France, the study of the â€Å"Cabale† occupied a place of honor amongst Christian intellectuals. Mention must above all be made of the orientalist and philosopher Guillaume Postel (1510-1581), to whom we owe the first Latin translation both of the Sefer yesirah (Paris, 1552) and of the Zohar (unpublished) prior even to the appearance of their printed texts. (Sassmitz, 1990) However, the evangelizing zeal of his compatriots and their theological prejudices hampered any critical perspectives in relation to the study of the Jewish esoteric tradition. Towards the end of the seventeenth century, opinions became increasingly diversified. The Qabbalah was thought to have in fact taught an elementary form of Spinozism and pantheism, and the Qabbalists were considered atheists unaware of their own irreligion. Of the scholars of this period, the academician Louis Jouard de la Nauze (1696-1773), defender of Newton’s chronological system, stands out as an exceptional figure. Whereas his contemporaries ingeniously endeavored to demonstrate the Qabbalah’s christological affinities, De la Nauze upheld in his historic article, â€Å"Remarques sur l’antiquite et l’origine de la Cabale,† that the foundations â€Å"of the Cabale [were] layed by the Saracens at the time the Jews lived in the Orient under their domination. †¦ The Saracens were Cabalists, and so were the Jews.† (Sassmitz, 1990) At the beginning of the nineteenth century with the blossoming of the history of ideas, though the critical study of Qabbalah progressed, it nonetheless remained profoundly tainted by the spirit of the Renaissance. Depending on which scholar one was reading, the Qabbalah could become anything but Judaism. For Ferdinand Bauer it was an offshoot of Christian gnosis, while J. Kleuker assigned it a Persian origin and Augustus Tholuck pinpointed the preponderant influence of Sufism. (Sassmitz, 1990) A new era in the study of the Jewish mystical tradition was ushered in by the critical investigation of Judaism advocated by the Jewish intellectuals of Central Europe, partisans of the Haskalah. Though in addition to a solid rabbinical and general culture, these masters were possessed of scientific methods, they often exhibited an irrepressible repugnance towards Qabbalah. With few exceptions, the great scholars, such as L. Zunz, S. D. Luzzato, A. Geiger, H. Graetz, and M. Steinschneider, considered it an alien thorn in the side of the Synagogue, incompatible with the conceptions of the progressive rationalism they were striving to attribute to the genius of Israel. In the era of Aufklarung and the struggle for Jewish emancipation, it was imperative to represent the Synagogue as the standard-bearer of regeneracy and rationality in order to be accepted into modern society. The parsimony of references to Qabbalah in Julius Gutmann’s Philosophie des Judentums, published in 1933, still reflects this contempt. For similar reasons, the contribution of German scholarship to this field, despite its abundance, was relatively thin and narrow in substance and incapable of casting off the tethers of tendentiousness. These scholars were principally concerned with minimalizing the importance of Qabbalistic influence on Jewish culture and with demonstrating the late composition of the Zohar in order to loosen the grip of its authority and domination, upheld in Europe by the hasidic camp, considered retrograde. The scientific paradigms elaborated by the Wissenschaft des Judentums served as an epistemological framework upon which the Jew â€Å"science dejudaisme† was to build. The first major Jew work specifically devoted to a detailed study of the Qabbalah, though not a direct offspring of the Wissenschaft, nonetheless partook of this current of investigation. La Kabbale ou la philosophie religieuse des hebreux, by Adolphe Franck, published in Paris in 1843, is a milestone in the annals of Qabbalistic research. Assuredly, it contributed more to the modern study of Qabbalah than any other single work prior to the labors of Abulafia. In addition to the fact of its having been based on philological, historical, and conceptual criteria, the originality of this book resided in the obvious empathy that the author displayed for his subject. Indeed, in contrast to many maskilim, Franck considered the Qabbalah to be an authentic Jewish phenomenon of major spiritual importance; hence he affirms: â€Å"It is impossible to consider the Kabbalah as an isolated fact, as an accident in Judaism; on the contrary it is its very life and heart.†

ENERGY LOSSES IN BENDS ( Fluid Mechanics for Engineers ) Lab Report

ENERGY LOSSES IN BENDS ( Fluid Mechanics for Engineers ) - Lab Report Example the results have been obtained for three different runs and this will be important in obtained different results that will be crucial for computation of the different values of K loss coefficient. The data obtained will also be used to plot a graph of head loss Versus Dynamic Head. The extent of the errors will then be computed in order to determine the accuracy of the data obtained. Finally, the values computed will be compared against the values given in the textbooks and the observations made recorded. Energy losses in pipes normally result from friction that occurs between the walls of the pipe and the fluid and the internal friction in the particles of the fluid. On the location of the pipe whereby the streamlines are not straight such as the bends, piping junctions, valves contraction and expansion joints and the inlets and outlets of the reservoirs, minor head losses are experienced (Fluid mechanics: Online). In this experiment, we are going to measure the minor head losses through a section of pipe with a number of transitions, fittings and bends as shown in the figure below: The main purpose of this experiment is to study the head losses through common fittings and valves that are commonly found in piping systems. These head losses are referred to as minor losses and can be evaluated in the form of loss coefficient KL and compared with the theoretical values given in the textbook. Where pi is the static pressure in Pascal, is the specific weight of the fluid, z1 is the elevation in meters of point i , Vi is the velocity of the fluid at point i and g is the gravitational constant and hL is head loss. gives the static head of the pipe and gives the dynamic head (Armfield Instruction Manual, 2004). The sum of the static velocity and the elevation result into what is known as the piezometric head. This is measured with a manometer aboard the apparatus of this experiment. The head loss of the piping is the summation

Healing and Spirituality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Healing and Spirituality - Essay Example Conversely, some patients may be cured but they may not feel healed, for instance a breast cancer patient may still find herself grieving about her situation despite going into remission. The main aim of healing hospitals is to enhance harmony of a patient’s mind, body and spirit (Marberry, 2006).. With this in mind it is necessary to create an environment that reduces the patient’s anxiety, stress and which can positively impact on the patient’s health and steer him or her towards recovery. The concept of healing the healing hospital is based on three main components namely; the physical environment, the integration of technology and work design and a caring and loving culture. The physical environment refers to the patient’s general surrounding in the cause of the illness. This includes the people around the patient and the nature of the room. A good physical environment is one that makes the patient comfortable and less anxious. ). A noisy and confused environment increases the patient’s anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure which slow down the healing process. A renowned medical scholar, Florence Nightingale, suggested that the best environment that supports healing is on e that is quite and allows the patient access to natural lighting and fresh air. The other component of healing hospital is the integration of technology and work design. This entails medical stuff and physicians employing the most advanced technology to facilitate the patients’ healing process (Marberry S. 2006). The latest technology available can be easily be integrated with the working design of the hospital to enable staff and physicians to identify the best ways possible to make the patient comfortable. The last and most critical element of hospital healing is the hospital’s culture. This entails the organization adopting a philosophy that revolves around a caring and loving culture. It involves how the medical staffs treat and relate with patients and their families or their care takers. A strong compassionate culture facilitates healing through a holistic approach which seeks to address the patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual feeling. Since healing is a holistic approach aimed at creating harmony between one’s mind, body and spirit, spirituality is a very important element in the healing process (Marberry S. 2006). In instances where physicians may have different religious practices and beliefs, they should not let their personal bias affect the way they perceive their patient’s spirituality. Spirituality and healing are closely intertwined. It is very important for health care providers in healing hospital to consider their patient’s spirituality and religious beliefs in order to promote a good healing environment. When patients are allowed to practice their spiritual beliefs, they will feel more comfortable with their treatment and hence move faster toward healing. Questio n 2; Challenges of creating a healing environment Despite it being necessary for health care providers to create a good healing environment, there are various challenges that make this a difficult task. One of the biggest challenges in this aspect is finance. Creating an environment conducive for healing requires huge financial investment which most health organizations lack. Enabling a good

Proposal for a dessrtation about (Company analysis and valuation) Essay

Proposal for a dessrtation about (Company analysis and valuation) - Essay Example 1.6.3 Sampling Technique Due to the nature of data to be collected, which are mostly secondary data, there shall not be any sampling techniques in place. Rather, the researcher shall use purposive sampling technique to select four petrochemical companies as well as to select the sources of data. Purposive sampling is when the researcher selects participants according to his discretion. It is a non-probability sampling technique. It will be useful in this situation to give the researcher access to his preferred companies and sources that he deems contain the most appropriate data he wants to work on. 1.6.4 Data Analysis There shall be both qualitative and quantitative data analysis of data collected. Quantitatively, figures from documents and websites shall be analyzed using tables, cross tabulation, percentages, pie charts and bar charts. There shall also be qualitative data analysis of the discretional views and interpretations made by the research on the data collected about the fo ur companies. Editing Process 1.6.2 Types and Sources of Data The major type of data to be collected will be valid and official financial statistics and statements of the companies. These shall be sampled from sources such as audit reports, financial statement, financial reports, error logs, and business plans of the companies. Useful and authentic internet websites such as websites of the World Bank, IMF and other authoritative business sites such as MarketLine and Global Insight shall be used. Because the researcher may not have direct interaction with the companies because they are spread abroad, he shall use financial database such as Euromonitor, Datamonitor, Datastream and OSIRIS to gather official data about the companies. 1.6.3 Sampling Technique Due to the nature of data to be collected, which are mostly secondary data, there shall not be any sampling techniques in place. Rather, the researcher shall use purposive sampling technique to select four petrochemical companies as well as to select the sources of data. Purposive sampling is when the researcher selects participants according to his discretion. It is a non-probability sampling technique. It will be useful in this situation to give the researcher access to his preferred companies and sources that he deems contain the most appropriate data he wants to work on. 1.6.4 Data Analysis There shall be both qualitative and quantitative data analysis of data collected. Quantitatively, figures from documents and websites shall be analyzed using tables, cross tabulation, percentages, pie charts and bar charts. There shall also be qualitative data analysis of the discretional views and interpretations made by the research on the data collected about the four companies.

Services Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Services Marketing - Essay Example Services industries primarily provide intangible products to customers by offering services. Retail, transports, food services etc are the example of services industries (Pezzullo, 1998, p.194). The marketing activities in services sectors are known as services marketing. Marketing is one of the major activities in business organisations and its importance and necessity have been multiplied with increasing completion and market size. There are certain differences between marketing activities of manufacturing industries and services industries. For example, in services marketing there are 7 Ps instead of 4 Ps which include product, price, promotion, place, people and physical evidences (Jobber and Fahy, 2008, p.177). Therefore, managing the marketing activities in service business is difficult as management has to consider many aspects at the same time. This paper will attempt to assess an organisation engaged in services business using various management models and tools for offering a set of conceivable and effective recommendations. In this respect, at first, a brief description of the company will provided to understand its nature of business and other aspects. In order to analyse the company’s business environments management analytical tools will used. Finally, based on the research findings, conclusion and recommendations will be made. 2. Brief Description of EasyJet Airline-211 EasyJet is a UK based airline company and it is one of the leading airline services providers in entire Europe. This airline company aims to become a low cost airline service provider in Europe. Stelios Haji-Ioannou, a Greek business started an airline business with two leased aircraft and he named this airline ‘EasyJet’. The growing importance of airlines services and EasyJet’s efficient performances, made this airline as a one of the market leaders. By the end of 2009, EasyJet became pan airline that operated with â€Å"over 400 routes with over 175 a ircraft in 27 countries† (EasyJet Plc-a, n.d.). Its efficient business and services strategies have led to increase the popularity of the company, and during 2009, nearly 50% of its total passengers were recorded as non-UK people. The business model of EasyJet includes five major values that have enhanced its business activities and these values are safety, teamwork, pioneering, passionate and integrity. Its present headquarter is in Luton, England and it has â€Å"over 7,300 people including 1,900 pilots and 4,300 cabin crew† (EasyJet Plc-b, n.d.). In order to manage its sustainability issues, it has also included its responsibilities towards society, corporate, environments and community. Due to efficient managements and growing market size, the financial position of the company has become stronger in UK airline industry. 3. Swot Analysis In order to access a company’s internal & external position and external opportunities and strengths, SWOT is one of the mos t widely used tools. SWOT analysis is very helpful in providing a summary concept of various internal and external factors which are very important for strategic managements and decision making process. Carlock and Ward has been able to identify the importance of SWOT analysis and in this respect they have commented that â€Å"the SWOT analysis helps to capture data in order to qualitatively plot the firm on the

Thinking About the Human Experience Research Paper

Thinking About the Human Experience - Research Paper Example There are some elements in the humanities field that children might enjoy. Theatre and dance are an intricate part of a child’s psychology. Performing arts encourages children to relate with one another, and enjoy the experience. Growing up, some children find it challenging to continue with these arts, and choose to pursue other areas. However, for some, this becomes their daily life as they have a passion for it. These arts are not looked at as child’s play once people desist from participating in them. It is just that people choose to explore diverse areas so as to learn more while adding more to the given field (DePoy & Gilson, 2007). Critical and creative thinking is often brought out through the humanities. In the philosophy of law, for example, individuals can learn to comprehend what affects them in their immediate society. Society can learn to tackle the issues they face regularly in open-minded and reasoned discussions, and arrive at feasible solutions. Folks stand the chance of understanding and appreciating diverse cultures that are present in the world. They can now learn to relate to other people’s experiences, and learn from them (DePoy & Gilson, 2007). In conclusion, humanities are crucial in the lives of many individuals. It assists in keeping a comprehensive record of human experiences and lives. It helps explore, assess, interpret, and refine life. This is while adding innovativeness to it (DePoy & Gilson, 2007). The humanities are responsible for having the most varied disciplines in the world, and why they have attained global

International expansion-business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International expansion-business - Essay Example In the case of transaction it is the case that if Natural Detergent inc, were to engage in a contract with a Mexican supplier than the company runs the risk that arises out of a time delay from the moment they sign the contract and the moment they execute the contract. In this regard if the Mexican peso were to rapidly appreciate against the American dollar than it would theoretically cost more money to settle the contract. In regards to a translation risk this is the risk associated with Natural Detergents inc. keeping some measure of wealth (Property, plant, equipment, cash reserves etc.) and if the value of this measure dominated by a foreign currency that was to rapidly appreciate against the American dollar than Natural Detergent inc. would recognize a loss. One could conclude that before any expansion project were to move forward than a firm understanding of the Mexican peso and its historical exchange rate to the American dollar would be of utmost importance to potential inves tors. Historically speaking, Mexico has had a lot of commercial ties with the United States and the economy of Mexico was strongly affected by the strength (Or weakness) of the American economy. For these reasons according to Iowa State University Department of Economics (2010) Mexico had indeed pegged the Peso to the United States Dollar. What this translates to is that the country had determined what the exchange rate ought to be (typically between 9 and 13 peso’s per dollar) and this became the official exchange rate. During these times there was effectively very little risk to engaging in commerce with Mexico because the exchange rate was always known, and any changes that would be made to the exchange rate would not typically be too drastic. However it is the case that the inflation rates of the two countries varied vastly and as such the decision to ‘float the currency’ was made. This sets the stage for how the peso now

September 11, 2001, was a day this country will never forget Essay

September 11, 2001, was a day this country will never forget - Essay Example Suddenly, my grandpa emerged from the drawing room and cried out, â€Å"Hey, come inside and see what’s happening on the TV †¦ An aircraft has collided with one of the Twin Towers in New York!† Hearing this, we went running to the drawing room to see the television. And that is how I witnessed the September 11 attacks. At first, we thought that it was an accident. But as soon as another jet airliner collided with the South Tower, we understood that our country had been attacked. The September 11 attacks had profound immediate effects like anger, fear, and astonishment, which loomed over each and every citizen of the United States. The wave of anger and urge to serve Soon after the hijacked airplanes collided with the Twin towers, the structure began to collapse. I saw the horrible footage of the towers going down in smoke through the live telecast by CNN on the television. I was just trying to understand that what could have happened to the innocent people who were trapped inside. The immediate effect on me was anger. I was angry to see so many of my own people being killed in that atrocious way. I decided at once that I would take part in the rescue and relief operation. Later, I participated in the blood donation camps. Moreover, I made monetary contributions to the families of the victims of the attack through the organizations like Coalition of 9/11 Families. The fear about air travel Also, there was a short lived feeling of fear in me after I witnessed the September 11 attacks. Although this was not a sign of having strong character, I was frightened as I thought about hijackers. At the night, I had a nightmare that I was trapped in an airplane, which had been hijacked by terrorists. Since we frequently take flights to go to different cities and places, the specter of hijacking was really appalling. In the weeks following the September 11 attacks, I was shocked as I came to know that an ATC Zero condition had been established right after the terrorist attacks. Immediately after those attacks, all the airspace of North America had been closed and thousands of air passengers had been stranded in the different airports. I had never heard of such things happening before. Astonishment due to government response Besides anger and fear, another effect of the September 11 attacks on me was astonishment. I was bewildered to know that how the Bush administration had initially responded to the event. In March 2002, an article written by Francie Grace had been published via the CBS News website. In the article, Grace wrote, â€Å"President Bush had established a ‘shadow government’, moving dozens of senior civilian managers to secret underground locations outside Washington to ensure that the federal government could survive a devastating terrorist attack on the nation’s capital†. President Bush had taken this step in September, 2001 just after the terrorist attacks took place. However, the nation, i ncluding the powerful US Congress, came to know about it only after a period of almost half a year! I was filled with astonishment as I reflected on the practice of secrecy by the government. It was so strange indeed that such a secretive and agile machinery had actually failed to prevent the September 11 attacks. Conclusion In conclusion, I would like to state that the September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon changed the lives of each and every American. The effects of the attacks manifested as feelings of anger, fear, and

Fourth Grade Ratio and Proportion Lesson Plan Essay

Fourth Grade Ratio and Proportion Lesson Plan - Essay Example The method makes it possible for students to participate in the learning process through the adoption of a learner-centered approach that involves the participation of the student in the process. The method is premised on the need to develop the capacity for critical assessment of facts in ways that promote deeper insights into the spheres that connect to ratios and proportions. The author also advocates for the need to develop a well-informed system that uses the experiences of the students to explore on the fundamental questions and dimensions of ratios and proportions. The aspect of reflection, as promoted in the book is essential for the task of developing authentic learning experiences. The use of experiences is meant to help the students to apply the lessons learnt to real activities outside the classroom. I would have proposed for increased use of illustrations and teaching aids that enhance the quality of understanding and memorability on the part of the students. The incorporation of technological aids would help the students acquire practical skills in handling diverse bodies of knowledge on the

Automobile - Fuels Essay Example for Free

Automobile Fuels Essay General Motors has been at the center of one of the nation’s largest controversies over clean emissions-cars. In 1996 the company introduced the EV-1 electric car in California and Arizona. Hundreds of the electric cars were soon on the road. Then they all disappeared. The mystery behind their disappearance is the subject of the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? Electric vehicles had many advantages over their competitors in the early 1900s. They did not have the vibration, smell, and noise associated with gasoline cars. Changing gears on gasoline cars was the most difficult part of driving, while electric vehicles did not require gear changes. Even though the cars seemed to be the next big thing, they ended up being not so successful. There have been many allegations to whom or what happen to kill the electric car. In 2000, tragedy struck as all EV-1’s were recalled. In 2003, California’s zero emissions vehicle mandate was killed and General Motors officially closed down the entire EV-1 project despite the long waiting lists and positive feedback from EV-1 drivers. This terrible crime did not go unnoticed by the public. Consumers were outraged by the recalling of EV-1’s. They wanted to know why someone would get rid of a car that would help out the environment and would make things better for the future. Someone is to blame for killing the electric car, but who? Was it the big oil companies and their fear of losing money? Could it be the battery technology in the EV-1’s that was faulty?

Public Interest Is Used To Justify Regulation Media Essay

Public Interest Is Used To Justify Regulation Media Essay Public interest is a concept that can be high-jacked by journalists themselves: a plea of in the public interest is a favourite defence for journalism under attack. It is at the heart of the argument about the extent to which prying reporters and cameras should be allowed to invade personal privacy. The Ofcom code says that Where broadcasters wish to justify an infringement of privacy, they should be able to demonstrate why in the particular circumstances of the case, it is in the public interest. Examples of public interest would include revealing or detecting crime, protecting public health or safety, exposing misleading claims made by individuals or organizations or disclosing incompetence that affects the public. The BBC also has its own guidelines as it seeks to balance the public interest in freedom of expression with the legitimate expectation of privacy by individuals. There is no single definition of public interest, it includes but is not confined to: exposing or detecting crime, exposing significantly anti-social behaviour by those holding high office, preventing people from being misled by some statement or action of an individual or organisation, disclosing information that allows people to make a significantly more informed decision about matters of public importance. However, neither media code or attempts a full definition of the public interest. The BBC requires a higher public interest test for secretly recording in a private place where the public do not have access, secretly recording medical treatments, secretly recording identifiable people in grief or under extremes of stress both in public and semi-public. There are also some arguments over the media whether they are serving the public interest or interesting the public. Public/social purpose media should be informing and educating, but medias are more likely to weigh up the market-driven news values nowadays. The news media are failing to serve the public interest because of the following points: Firstly, abuse of individual right to privacy Privacy and alleged invasions of privacy by the media are central issues in the ethics of journalism. Clearly, we live in a society that values personal privacy, and is concerned about intrusions into privacy from whatever source, including the media. Yet, perhaps paradoxically, we also live in a society that thrives on publicity, or at least one in which many individuals depend on publicity for their lives and activities. This seeming paradox is usually defused by drawing a distinction between the private and the public aspects of peoples lives, and by further claiming that there is indeed a right to privacy, but that in certain circumstances the right can be overridden in the name of the public interest. This account of the matter accepts that in such circumstances an invasion of privacy has actually occurred but that the invasion can be justified by an appeal to a greater good. The right to privacy is no more than a presumption ( though an important one), and that where some information about an individual that he or she would prefer to keep private should be in the public domain, then putting it there is not overriding that individuals right to privacy because no such right ever existed concerning this aspect of the persons life. There is, on this account, no such thing as a justifiable invasion of privacy because justification is in fact a demonstration that no privacy could properly be claimed in the first place. On this account, all invasions of privacy are unjustifiable. This is particularly important in the case of politicians and others who occupy similar positions in society. Thus a politician who has his or her secret love nest exposed in the press is not the victim of an invasion of privacy, because scandalous behaviour of this nature cannot legitimately claim the protection of privacy. This is not simply because politicians are in the public eye, but because they, and others in business and the media as well, wield power in society, and all aspects of the exercise of power must be open to public scrutiny. This is the only way to avoid corruption in public life, and by corruption. I mean more than financial chicanery. I do not say that politicians are not entitled to privacy, but that they are not entitled to abuse the right to privacy. In a democracy those who wield power cannot decide for themselves where to draw the boundary between the public and the private aspects of their lives. In spite of the recent introduction in the UK of some legislative safeguards in the first two areas, there is a little that members of the public can do to assure themselves that their privacy is not being abused here. They simply do not know what is going on an cannot find out, for such abuse is normally hidden at source, even though it might have actual consequences for peoples lives. With invasions of privacy by the press it is wholly different, for here the victim obviously knows. This might explain why there is a considerable outery against invasions of privacy by the press even though this is less harmful to individuals and the democratic political process than abuses in the other two areas for here is an open target, easily identifiable, to soak up the publics concern and wrath. Hence the demand for the press to clean up its act, either voluntarily or, if this fails, through controls imposed by legislation. This threat of statutory restraints prompted the editors if the national newspaper in Britain to issue their own Code of Practice in 1989 to add the codes promulgate by bodies such as the Press Council ( now defunet) and the National Union of Journalists. The editors code and the Press Council code were later absorbed into a newspaper-industry code, monitored by the Press Complaints Commission, in which the voluntary protection of privacy, without legislative intervention, was a primary aim. Secondly, interesting the public rather than serving the public interest According to the trend, the pursuit of profit has replaced that of serving the public interest as the driving force of journalism. News producers even those like the BBC which are free of direct commercial pressures have been required to become more an more oriented towards ratings, subordinating the journalistic obligation to inform to the more audience-friendly task of supplying entertainment. The result of these pressures has been an explosion of infotainment journalism in which entertainment values take precedence over information content, presented at an intellectual level low enough to appeal to the mass audiences which comprise the major media markets( the lowest denominator, as critics frequently express it). Lower, too, than a healthy democracy demands. Political journalism is said to be conforming to the pressures of tabloidisation observed elsewhere in the media: a term which used interchangeably with dumbing down and infotainment, functions as shorthand for the offence, as it is often characterised, of catering for popular tastes. One manifestation of this trend would be the medias contemporary fascination with elite deviance( sexual, financial or moral), as in the cases of Conservative and Labour politicians in Britain throughout the 1990s, an of course Bill Clinton, whose sex addiction was a prominent theme of political journalism in Britain as well as the United States during the 1990s, exemplified by coverage of the Monica Lewinsky scandal in 1998-9. The sleaze agenda which featured prominently in British and American political news for most of that decade was alleged to be driven by market forces rather than public interest, in so far as the relentless commodification of journalism an the ever-increasing competitiveness of the media market put a commercial premium on sensationalism an prurience in coverage of politics. Although journalists like to envision themselves as independent pursuers of truth, the public sees them as employees who are only trying to help corporations make a pound. More than two-thirds say: News papers are concerned mainly with making profits rather than serving the public interest. I believe that newspaper frequently overdramatize some news stories just to sell more papers. Journalists chase sensational stories because they think itll sell papers, not because its an important story. Journalists sometimes see themselves in heroic terms. Lurking in the back of their minds are phases like eyes and ears of the public, representatives of the citizenry and the publics watchdog. By keeping tabs on the politicians, they can ensure that the public will be properly served by the government. The public, however, is convinced that politicians are more ethical than journalists. Many journalists shrug off such findings. Journalists are not supposed to be popular, they say. Theyre supposed to be tough observers of government and society. Thirdly, lies: publish and be damned degenerates to publish and be sued we can afford it: The law is a conservative profession. Most legal advisers first impulse will be tell news organisation Dont publish. The paper is at liberty to ignore the advice: to publish and be damned. But because of the complex risks involved, this is not a decision for an individual reporter or sub-editor to make. It needs to be made collectively and at policy level. Many news reporters start their careers with a stint on the court beat. This is considered good training in the need for discipline and accurate fact-gathering in journalism. Many young journalists, however, find the courts intimidating, confusing, and stultifying boring. Often, thats because they dont know the ropes. News media nowadays tend to pay for the punishment than actually avoid treading lines. They are more likely to step into the grey area on the ethical issues. Fourthly, abuse of the public interest defence (especially by some elements of the news media) : Journalists damage their case further when their stories go too far, as they often do. Tabloids have behaved as though the public interest argument stretches indefinitely, that once established it justifies anything. But a legitimate public interest in an aspect of the private behaviour of a public figure cannot automatically justify disclosure of any private information about the individual. Legitimate public interest certainly justified the story that the heir to the Britain throne, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, had had an affair with Mrs Camilla Parker-Bowles after his marriage. Public interest would probably also has justified the story, were it true, that Charles have sex with Camilla at his home while his wife was upstairs. The case was compromised, though by publication of pictures inside the Parker-Bowles home and bedroom against their will. They were not justified by a pub lic interest. The chairman of the PCC, Lord Wakeham, gave a strong warning to editors early in 1995 against abuse of the public interest defence. He said the Commission would not tolerate spurious use of the defence when considering complaints. Soon afterwards, the PCC severely critised the biggest selling British newspaper, the Sunday tabloid, the News of the World, for coverage of the illness of Lady Spencer, wife of the brother of the Prince of Wales. The paper has shown sad pictures of Lady Spencer, taken evidently without her knowledge, while she was being treated for an eating disorder. No genuine public interest was involved an Lord Wakeham took the unusual step of writing to the owner of the paper, Rupert Murdoch of News Corporation, about it. As a result, Murdoch publicly rubuked the News of the World editors. Specious and spurious arguments and dubious cases aside, the public interest defence is widely recognized as valid within limits. The committee appointed by government to examine media intrusion and suggested what public interest defences might be used. Journalistic intrusion could be justified if the information collected expose crime, other wrong-doing or a danger to public health. The PCC adds a further consideration: intrusion can be justified if it would prevent the public from being misled by some statement or action of an individual or organisation. This could be strengthened further by adopting the public interest defence that already exists in the Obscene Publications Act. An intrusion could be defended if the material gained exposed any matter of serious concern to the general public. Critics regard generalized exceptions as weasel words designed to allow disreputable journalism to proceed unhindered. But plainly interpreted, a wide-ranging defence of the kind envisaged would offer some protection for public figures, would reduce the risk of commercial villains sheltering behind a privacy law and would not damage protection for ordinary people when they deserve it. Lastly, Outings by media which are couched as serving the public interest. To conclude , the news media are failing to serve the public interest because of abusing of individual right to privacy, interesting the public rather than serving the public interest, lies: publish and be damned degenerates to publish and be sued, abusing of the public interest defence (especially by some elements of the news media) and Outings by media which are couched as serving the public interest.

Marks and Spencer Internal and External Factors

Marks and Spencer Internal and External Factors Analysts did not expect there to be a double-dip recession first, but changes in consumer spending trends raised concerns for keeping a keen eye on consumer confidence by carrying out in-depth customer surveys every month. This was to become and stay realistic. Leaders of large firms are very cautious regarding UK economic environment. UK is considered to come through the deepest ravages of the economic turmoil recently and in such a situation still MS managed to post profits of  £632.5m for the last financial year. With the worst effects of the recession behind , the strong foundations in place, and its core values helped MS set for growth under hard circumstances. At  £632.5m, MSs adjusted pre-tax profits for the 12 months to 27 March were 4.6% higher than a year ago but well below the  £1bn profits achieved in 2008. These stats along with the new budget announcement, impact on consumer spending remains a cautious issue and will have impact on outlook for the year ahead. Business Environment Analysis PESTLE The external environment of Marks Spencer is comprised of all the elements that determine what the it needs to compete in its respective industry. Following is highlighted some factors of MAs external environment and how they effect Marks Spencer in executing its strategies: (P)OLITICAL European Integration and Free Trade Agreements have opened up markets for British other Companies to invest in Europe. Thus, causing MA to fight hard to maintain its market share with aggressive strategies. Generally any trade is allowed in UK provided that it does not oppose public policy, public order, or any existing law in the land. But for Marks and Spencer, the most troublesome political elements that they have to contend to deals with the issue of labour laws and industrial relationship. In the long history of MA, its development efforts have been controlled by many infringements in labour laws in local operations and also in international initiatives. (E)CONOMIC UK Retail sector is quite recession prawn and also very sensitive to changes in interest rates. With the event of September 11, the world economies have suffered heavily, Once the customers and economy was on boom track after September 11 post effects, the financial crisis of 2009-09 has again set the economies struggle for survival. UK economy after fighting hard has now regained its system and consumers are again optimistic and the retail industry is once again booming. The United Kingdom being a hub of commerce in Europe, has consumers not limited to only locals but flocks of tourists also, thus creating much variations in base trends and retail business. (S)OCIAL Changes in consumer taste and lifestyle represent both opportunities and threats for the industry. UK consumer have a loyal tendency particularly towards brand. Quality of the product, but these factors can be easily overcome by fairly competitive pricing strategy from a competing brand. Moreover, consumers preference towards trendy styles rather than classics are also apparent in UK consumer market. This is specially in case of Marks and Spencer, as it has struggled hard to gain a greater market share of its customers. This makes evident that UK consumer places high value on their money. (T)ECHNICAL Changes in retailing methods such as Internet used as online shopping store is a common practice in retailing, widening the scope of ecommerce. Moreover, Paperless operation and use of IT systems has provided flexibility in the executing operations of the business. Online marketing activities over the net is also becoming one of the competitive advantages held by the leading retail companies in UK. (E)NVIRONMENTAL The renewable and environmentally friendly sources of resources used in production are opted by most of the companies across globe now which has posed greater struggle for companies to maintain its market share. For Marks Spencer, careful use of fabric and raw materials is a greater concern now. (L)EGAL National legislation for health and safety both in terms of consumer rights and also in terms of production of own natural renewable resources for making clothes is closely monitoring practices of companies so as to evaluate them on complying with legal restrictions . Analysis of the External Environment of Marks and Spencer The retail environment in UK appears to be extremely attractive. Companies, although have government support still there exists in the market some level of difficulty in penetrating the retail market, especially for new entrants, due to the strong hold of monoliths This is also true companies like Marks and Spencer, having strong historical background that their environment is essentially welcoming and neglecting the fact of cutthroat nature of the competition there are chances of immense demise for companies. PORTERS 5 FORCES Porter explains that five forces exist in a market, which determine the intensity of competition and profitability of MS . The first is the threat posed by new entrants, the high capital expenditure and customers changing expectations put significant barriers to entry, making market also sensitive to reputation. But, with emergence of low cost manufactures a significant threat is posed for MS market. There is an opportunity in the low price/ low economy (fast) sector and BHS and Top Shop or ASDA may also consider introducing low cost home products. The second is the threats from substitutes, as there are many retailers in both clothing and food sector, MS has serious concerns regarding this. The third force is the threats from the bargaining power of buyers, this is strong for both MS and the entire food retailing industry with a large number of alternative suppliers, hence, the aggressive pricing strategy which causes strong competitive rivalry in the industry and is getting intensified because of little or no differentiation in the basic product offered. Last is the threats from the suppliers bargainin g power which is considerably low for food industry, due to a range of alternative sources of supply available for products. SWOT SWOT Analysis will help us in understanding Marks Spencers current situation in terms of strengths and where improvements are required within the business and what outside environmental threats it faces along with what new opportunities are available in the short and medium term. (S)TRENGTHS Diverse ranges of Products Food, Clothing, Financial products, furniture, wine and Home Largest retailer in the United Kingdom by sales. Strong Cash Flow Position Increase turnover and trading profits Leading Premium Quality Food Retailer Brand Awareness (O)PPORTUNITIES New Products Innovation Alliances Customers demand change to more value for money products Develop overseas supply chain (W)EAKNESSES Perception of High Prices Customer disinterest Environmental issues: Pollutions Substitute products or technologies (T)HREATS New existing competition Volatility in Price of raw products New legislations Economic recession Low cost retailers  · Extremely high competition Analysis of the Macro environment Microenvironment MS is rated a successful multinational corporation. It has created its large number of loyal customer base by providing them with its high quality, good service, comfortable shopping environment and convenient access to outlets and products. But, due to the immense competition in market and also MSs own wide product ranged offered it has to revise its marketing segmentation approach, especially in reference to clothing market. Consumers have changing fashionable design and coloring requirements and MS as is facing different target markets need to change its designs, cuts and color schemes to meet their demands. These need to specific and separate for women and young consumers who are its main target. MS also needs to enhance stock management. Combing its information technology system with stock management ca help MS find problems immediately and solve them efficiently to supply products timely. MS also needs to consider the global economic environment, where the economic recession has caused deciling sales for MS, it should focus more towards mid-age and mid-class as its target group as now their incomes can afford the high price of MS. Trend Impact Analysis Proposed Strategic Plan for MS After doing analysis of the environment of the MS, the proposed strategic plan will be considering both the internal as well as external environment. Initially its value chain should be focused on: Value Chain The value chain of the organisation is coined primarily by Porter as a tool to recognise the inherent capabilities of the organisation to realise its competitive advantage. The following will describe the primary activities and support activities of the company. Primary Activities The primary activities take in hand several specific functions of the company: inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, sales and marketing, and service. Marks and Spencer receives its inventories from its suppliers, initially the strategy was to stay limited to English suppliers but eventually this trends is now shifting and now suppliers include international suppliers also. Marks and Spencer is involved in the direct selling of apparel, foodstuff, and even home furnishings. The sales and marketing of the company should be the most prioritised elements for the organisation, due to the intense competition present in the industry, vying for consumer favour and to add value to the brand , it takes a step above the rest of these primary activities. Support Activities For these support activities, the company needs to have hold of its f human resource and technology, where with help of proper training of common employee, the company can ccreate knowledge of its products and their awareness during the processes of selling to customers. Use of technology in similar manner can significantly infused in the operations of Marks and Spencer. This includes providing online transactions and loyalty cards on which they should be doing continuous improvements and innovation. Strategic Options Available To create sound strategic options for the MS, they must consider the benefits and impacts those can have on company financial position and customer base also. Following are discussed some options which following the current recession and UK competitive market structure can be of good benefit for the company   Brand repositioning: this technique if used to create fresh feeling in the minds of customers for the brand after frequent intervals. Moreover brand repositioning requires a lot of work on new targets, segments and options, the changing consumer trends and demands can be well handled by MS using such strategies The rapid competition demand fast and logical decisions which are flexible and designed in such a ways that immediate implementation is possible as customers dont have time now and immediately switch to other brands. Thus the structure of decision making should be redesigned to make it more integrated and flexible. Of the many strategic options available for Marks Spencer it appears that Marks and Spencer could focus on to refurbishing its operations. For instance, the company should look into a partnership with the more current and competitive players in the retail industry. This can help broaden the overall outlook of Marks and Spencer regarding their standing in the market. Marks Spencer needs to move ahead with major technology-driven change projects, despite cautiousness over the economy. Improvement in systems can also take place to improve supply chain processes which includes enhancing stock management systems to provide more accurate real-time stock level information. Getting Cost efficiencies by introducing some new point-of-sale system and better customer service to all stores Building a strong multichannel capability can also be useful which will result in more website development and introduction attractive and more efficient facilities and stock availability information for customers

anthoy lister :: essays research papers

Fox Galleries (103 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley) has opened the doors on it newest exhibition, â€Å"Anthony Lister: subtitled†. The showcase displays Anthony Lister’s unique brand of street art. His works can be described as anywhere from abstract to pop, to graffiti. The style is very free-form and none confined. Many mediums were used to create his art but he seems favor putting it all on canvas. When Lister paints he tells a story about whatever kind of environment he’s in at the moment. The layout of the exhibition itself is rather structured and organized. I think simple and neat was the aim here. I have chosen three painting to closely analyze: â€Å"Portrait of Egon Schiele†, â€Å"Discard the Retard† and â€Å"Paddington from Pratts†. When compared to his mentor, Max Gimblett the two distinctive styles would probably be as far as each other as possible. Max prefers his paintings to be on irregular canvases and his work can range from patterns to abstract, yet don’t have the slight chaos of Lister’s. Predominant throughout the three mentioned works you can see the use of repetition, restriction of colour, emphasis and line. His particular style seems free, spontaneous and sees no real confinement. The general restriction of colour make anything not in bland almost scream off the canvas and creates a very effective focal point. Anthony has said himself â€Å"I’m not trying to change the world, I’m just reacting to the world trying to change me†. That would perfectly describe Lister’s motivation to paint and create. Whether it’s a social statement or purely something for himself he has created something that people can enjoy. Again Lister stated he normally chooses his subject matter by simply finding something within his immediate environment. Any deeper meanings one might find would probably be purely speculation, but the interesting composition in â€Å"Discard the Retard† where the constant stencil of a duck pattern has been used and a single â€Å"stand-out of the crowd† duck can be seen (solid black rather than just black outlining).

The Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991 and Ca

The Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991 and California The Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991 was established by the California Legislature, is directed by the Department of Fish and Game, and is being implemented by the state, and public and private partnerships to protect habitat in California1. As opposed to the single species interpretation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), this act aims at protecting many species using a regional approach to habitat preservation. Douglas Wheeler has written a nice synopsis of the NCCP within the context of the history of conservation of habitat. The NCCP is a program that is meant to have voluntary multi-stakeholder cooperation in planning, management and funding. In Southern California the target habitat is Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), home to the federally "threatened" California Gnatcatcher. Conservation is needed, particularly in Orange County, because of the large-scale development of homes, businesses, and roads. The listing of the California Gnatcatcher as a "threatened" species and the dwindling numbers of other CSS dependent species are a testament to the need for whole-habitat preservation. For instance, CSS habitat includes other birds and organisms in need of protection, including the Coastal Cactus Wren and the Orange-throated Whiptail Lizard. The single species approach moves very slowly and often species go extinct before any listing is allowed. In the meantime, other species require protection and are placed as a last priority. The ESA, many conservationists argue, was always meant to be an act aimed at supporting multi-species preservation. With the leisurely pace at which legislation moves and with the single-species ... ...s Wheeler Link: http://www.ceres.ca.gov/CRA/PressReleases/nccp_wheeler_fall9 5.html Coastal Sage Scrub Links: http://envirolink.org/FSCR/Watershed103/ws3014.html http://www.calpoly.edu/~dchippin/zonecoast.html Artemesia californica graphic: http://rain.org/~mkummel/flora/artcal.html Other Coastal Plants Link: http://ceres.ca.gov/ceres/calweb/coastal/plants/scrub.html California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) Link: http://www.fws.gov/~r9endspp/i/b6w.html California Gnatcatcher and other CSS species Link: http://www.epa.gov/EPA-SPECIES/1995/June/Day-21/pr-304.html San Diego County NCCP Link: http://resources.ca.gov/CRA/NCCP/nccp_san_diego.html Interim Management Link: http://www.ceres.ca.gov/CRA/NCCP/nccp_coastal_sage_scrub.htm l Biological Corridors Link: http://www.safnet.org/policy/psst/psst24.html

Education reality Essay

Dealism Idealism is the metaphysical and epistemological doctrine that ideas or thoughts make up fundamental reality. Essen? ally, it is any philosophy which argues that the only thing actually knowable is consciousness (or the contents of consciousness), whereas we never can be sure that ma? er or anything in the outside world really exists. Thus, the only real things are mental en es, not physical things (which exist only in the sense that they are perceived) Progressivism Progressivist believes that individuality, progress, and change are fundamental to one’s educa? on. Believing that people learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives, progressivist centers their curricula on the needs, experiences, interests, and abili? es of students. Progressivist teachers try making school interes? ng and useful by planning lessons that provoke curiosity. In a progressivist school, students are ac? vely learning. The students interact with one another and develop social quali? es such as coopera? on and tolerance for di&erent points of view. Essen? alism It is an educa? onal philosophy whose adherents believe that children should learn the  tradi? onal basic subjects thoroughly and rigorously. In this philosophical school of thought, the aim is to ins? ll students with the â€Å"essen? als† of academic knowledge, enac? ng a back-to-basics approach. Essen? alism ensures that the accumulated wisdom of our civiliza? on as taught in the tradi? onal academic disciplines is passed on from teacher to student. Such disciplines might include Reading, Wri? ng, Literature, Foreign Languages, History, Mathema? cs, Science, Art, and Music. Moreover, this tradi? onal approach is meant to train the mind, promote reasoning, and  ensure a common culture. Realism Realism, at its simplest and most general, is the view that en es of a certain type have an objec? ve reality, a reality that is completely ontologically independent of our conceptual schemes, linguis? c prac? ces, beliefs, etc. Thus, en es (including abstract concepts and universals as well as more concrete objects) have an existence independent of the act of percep? on, and independent of their names. Reconstruc? onism Social Reconstruc? onism is a philosophy that emphasizes the addressing of social ques? ons and  a quest to create a be? er society and worldwide democracy. Reconstruc? onist educators focus on a curriculum that highlights social reform as the aim of educa? on. Existen? alism It is based on the view that humans de3ne their own meaning in life, and try to make ra? onal decisions despite exis? ng in an irra? onal universe. It focuses on the ques? on of human existence, and the feeling that there is no purpose or explana? on at the core of existence. It holds that, as there is no God or any other transcendent force, the only way to counter this  nothingness (and hence to 3nd meaning in life) is by embracing existence. Pragma? sm Pragma? sm is a rejec? on of the idea that the func? on of thought is to describe, represent, or mirror reality. Instead, pragma? sts consider thought to be a product of the interac? on between organism and environment. Thus, the func? on of thought is as an instrument or tool for predic? on, ac? on, and problem solving. Pragma? sts contend that most philosophical topics— such as the nature of knowledge, language, concepts, meaning, belief, and science—are all best viewed in terms of their prac?  cal uses and successes rather than in terms of representa? ve accuracy Perennialism Believe that one should teach the things that one deems to be of everlas? ng per? nence to all people everywhere. They believe that the most important topics develop a person. Since details of fact change constantly, these cannot be the most important. Therefore, one should teach principles, not facts. Since people are human, one should teach 3rst about humans, not machines or techniques. Since people are people 3rst, and workers second if at all, one should teach liberal topics 3rst, not voca? onal topics.

Investment Portfolio Analysis

B6201 investment fundss/portfolio theory Investment Portfolio Analysis Course Project business 6 Crystal Watkins 10/17/2012 This paper pass on Identify and pardon the major factors driving the market during this week. It will in any case identify and explain fares of changes in the market and the index. As well as developed investment objectives and defined risk of exposure tolerance levels. I will also include a snap duck soup of my investments and an explanation of why I contract those particular companies. The trends that I noticed that were leaving on with my investments this week were * apple applehas askedFoxconnto tighten quality control measures plot of ground manufacturing the iPh genius 5 aft(prenominal) complaints of scratches on the impostures body, and that has worsenedits supply shortfall. Stricter benchmarks be affecting all oerlapion of the anodized aluminum accommodate used in the device, delaying orders for thephone,Bloomberg tell. Apple consu mers started complain of nicks and scrapes to the body of the new phone soon later on its launch last month, with approximately saying there were scratches even in the beginning the device was unpacked.While the company said in response to the complaints that it was normal for an aluminum product to scratch or chip with use, exposing its instinctive silver color,internally, it expressed its displeasure to Foxconn. (Rathee, 2012) * Microsoft Microsoftisreportedly deliverance its flagship product, Microsoft home to both Apple andGooglesAndroid-based devices. This comes from Microsofts Czech Republic Team, and Petr Bobek, a Microsoft Office productivity manager.Microsoft has been hesitant in the agone to bring its software outside of the Windows ecosystem, with the far-famed exception of haphazard versions of Microsoft Office world available for Mac. Bringing Office to iOS and Android, the cardinal dominant supple operating systems, would be a change in philosophical syst em for Microsoft. (Ciaccia, 2012) * Johnson & Johnson The delay for Eliquis is perhaps not out of the blue(predicate) given the size of the trial and the chaw of entropy collected. No matter, it is widely believed to be more efficacious and safer than itsJohnson & JohnsonsXarelto and Boehringer Ingelheims Pradaxa.If approved, it will likely see affectionate sales growth. The delay will no doubt please JNJ shareholders whose rival medicate Xarelto is only just establishing sales. Its partner aspirin has been forecasting peak sales of over Euro 2 billion for Xarelto even after the FDA refused to expand its indications. If these sorts of numbers are bake into JNJ forecasts and Eliquis (if approved) starts to grab market share then(prenominal) this will be a blow. (Samaha, 2012) * Pfizer Pfizer had iv major events expected. It had one success (Inlyta), one failure (bapineuzumab) and deuce delays.As ever with pharma the patience of a Saint is needed. The ii biggest drugs (Eli quis and Tofacitinib) saw potential approvals delayed until November and litigate next year respectively. Both are expected to be blockbusters. (Samaha, 2012) * Nike Corporate accountability Magazine has named Nike one of its top unified citizens. The magazine ranked the Top 10 better Corporate Citizensin categories including consumer items, consumer stables, talent and health care. Nike topped the consumer items list, sharing the purity with Mattel and Gap.The rankings were determined using public data related to companies responses to climate change, employee relations, environment, governance and valet de chambre rights, among other variables. (Journal, 2012) * sprint flair Nextel Corp. s Chief Executive Officer Dan Hesse, who took over in December 2007, has worked to fix the visual modality he was handed after Sprints $36 billion encyclopedism of Nextel in 2005 failed, causing 3. 1 trillion subscribers to leave the carrier. Now he says that Sprint is on track to r eturn to the saturnine in 2014. Wall Street has shown increase faith.Sprint shares are up more than 122% this year, unless Hesse is quick to qualify his optimism. I discover the team here, Youre not overtaking to see any mission courteoussigns anywhere on this campus. ? Bloomberg Business week reported, that this is a long process. (Marin, 2012) * Verizon Earlier in the year, wireless carrierVerizon saidit was proviso on expanding its 4G LTE coverage to span over 400 markets by years end. That was an aggressive purpose considering it started the year with only about 190, content it was looking to more than double that get into in just one year.Turns out that Big bolshy wasnt just being overly ambitious, and is actually comer that aim ahead of time. Speaking at MobileCon, a conference all about mobile IT, Verizon CTO Nicola Palmer saidthe carrier is launching LTE in a handful of markets on Oct. 18, bringing its total tally up to a whopping 417, further extending its LTE lead against rivalsATTandSprint Nextel. (Evan Niu, 2012) * tail end intercommunicate populates partnership withTarget Corp. to place its employees in Target electronics departments is a money-losing deal that radio set drag should consider ending.The deal, signed in 2009 andexpanded upon in 2011, hasnt replaced the revenue generated by an earlier agreement Radio Shack had to run kiosks in Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Radio Shacks Target business lost $17 one zillion million million more than it did in 2010, Chai said. But the two companies are apparently working to emend things. Radio Shacks kiosks now get system in Target circulars, and Radio Shack is boosting training of its staff. (Journal S. P. , 2012) * Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the worlds largest retailer, arise to the highest ever after the companys U.S. merchandising head said the back-to-school time of year was very strong. The shares climbed 3. 3 per centum to $76. 59 at 1246 p. m. in New York after earlier r eaching $76. 73, the highest intraday price since its initial public offer in 1970. The stock also gained afterCostco Wholesale Corp. posted fiscal fourth-quarter profit that topped analysts estimates. Costco rose 3. 5 percent to $103. 08. (Townsend, 2012) * Toyota Toyotais issuing a safety think back for 7. 43 million vehicles across the globe. The Japanese car manufacturer said 2. million of the vehicles with potential window problems are in the U. S. The issue involves the power window get well switches of some of the companys most well-known brands, including Camry and Corolla sedans and RAV4 disport utility vehicles, built between 2005 and 2010. Toyotasaid in a press push that commercial lubricating agents applied to a embarrassing window switch could potentially disband the switch or even cause a fire. (Carroll, 2012) Dow0. 95%Nasdaq1. 21% Your portfolios WatkinsC integrality Value $1,001,095. 54 Todays Change 7,944. 810. 80% SYMBOL PRICE CHG% CHG 52-WK align SHARE S MKT VALUE GAIN% GAIN AAPL 649. 7925 15. 03 +2. 37% 363. 32 705. 07 150 $97,468. 87 $15,001,156. 13 99. 35% JNJ 69. 55 0. 95 +1. 38% 61. 05 69. 80 1,464 $101,821. 20 $146,113,831. 92 99. 93% MSFT 29. 49 -0. 02 -0. 07% 24. 30 32. 95 3,247 $95,754. 03 $324,418,062. 99 99. 97% NKE 97. 24 1. 63 +1. 70% 85. 10 114. 81 990 $96,267. 60 $98,795,822. 40 99. 90% PFE 25. 80 0. 23 +0. 90% 18. 15 25. 92 4,144 $106,915. 0 $414,099,477. 12 99. 97% S 5. 69 0. 00 +0. 00% 2. 10 6. 04 19,493 $110,915. 17 $1,949,171,346. 20 99. 99% TGT 62. 90 1. 09 +1. 76% 47. 25 65. 80 1,549 $97,432. 10 $154,687,926. 41 99. 94% TM 77. 32 1. 11 +1. 46% 60. 37 87. 15 1,222 $94,485. 04 $121,996,414. 80 99. 92% VZ 44. 08 -0. 42 -0. 94% 35. 32 48. 77 2,207 $97,284. 56 $220,552,175. 14 99. 96% WMT 76. 91 -0. 24 -0. 31% 54. 81 77. 60 1,336 $102,751. 76 $133,318,224. 24 99. 92% Total $1,001,095. 4 $3,578,154,437. 34 99. 97% The above chart is a snap-shot of my portfolio for the week of October 17th as you cease see I made a 0. 80% increase or $7,944. 81cash profit since my initial investment, which is a $ 7069. 02 positive difference and a commodious increase from last weeks profits. Works Cited Carroll, D. (2012, October 10). Toyota Recalls 7. 43 Million Vehicles. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from The Mootley bum about http//www. fool. com/investing/ ecumenical/2012/10/10/toyota-recalls-743-million-vehicles-globally. spx Ciaccia, C. (2012, October 10). Heres Microsofts Most Bullish Move in Years. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from The Street http//www. thestreet. com/story/11733394/1/heres-microsofts-most-bullish-move-in-years. hypertext mark-up language? puc=yahoocm_ven=YAHOO Evan Niu, C. (2012, October 10). Verizons Big Red Footprint Gets Bigger. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from The Mootley Fool http//www. fool. com/investing/general/2012/10/10/verizons-big-red-footprint-gets-bigger. aspx Journal, P. B. (2012, October 9). Nike on Best Corporate

Business Analysis and Valuation Report

BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND evaluation REPORT Scheduled Class Monday 200pm to 500pm 1. Introduction Harvey no.man is instantaneously a public community that is listed on the stock exchange, whose principal activities primarily brood of an structured franchising, retail and spot entity. It is unitary of Australias near favored retail collections, operating more than than 150 dealershipd department stores, which focus on selling computers, mansion entertainment equipment and home instruments. It offers Australian consumers an gigantic product range, cutting edge applied science and commercialiseplace loss leadership in most product categories.In this encompass, an in discernment assiduity and companion analysis go onward be provided in ramble to chance upon an savvy of the qualitative aspects of Harvey Normans operation. 2. Industry compendium 2. 1 of import Products Harvey Norman be keen-sighteds to the retail industry. The primary(prenominal) products off ered by Harvey Norman consist of galvanic, computer, piece of furniture, entertainment and bed goods. However, being classifi equal to(p) from its competitions, Harvey Norman is a right and the main(prenominal) shop confound by Harvey Norman Holdings Limited. 2. 2 early Prospects In the adjoining year, the competition in Australian retailing industry is probable to hang on vigorous.Benefited from the Governments arousal package during the GFC, Australians ability to consume has recovered. at that placefore, this throw out in phthisis has ca gived a compel of inflation. In order to mitigate the nix effect of inflation, there has been frequent c solely(a) oning of fire rate by the halt Bank. Therefore, with interest rate rising, consumption in retailing goods is wantly to reduce in the unretentive term. In the adjoining volt years, the Australian Dollar is going to remain p destructi wizred. As a essence, imported retailing goods be likely to be cheaper for Australian consumers.retailers in Australia be likely to stay on their expansion to the overseas trade. It is because retailers demand nurture values to the operational performance. In the dour run, retailers are likely to growing their share in nominate egression markets combined with the brand potentiality of their proclaim go with, in order to ensure future growth. These speculations are establish on principles of scotchals, as strong as assessments of the changes in Australians consumption ability. 2. 3 Market Competition revaluation Harvey Norman competes in the five main retailing industries including electrical, computer, furniture, entertainment and provide goods. all(prenominal) industry has its own main player. The main players in the electrical and computer goods industry include Clive Peeters, Dick smiths and Bing lee(prenominal). 1) Clive Peeterss retail reportage is the most similar to Harvey Norman in Australia. Their main products include a udio frequency Visual, Kitchen appliances and gaberdine goods. Clive Peeters stores carry more than cxl brands and over 20,000 individual models. This come with cigarette be seen as a study competitor to Harvey Norman because of their similarity in size. 2) Bing Lee specializes in consumer electronics, computer and telecommunication goods.Unlike Harvey Norman, Bing Lee is a privately-held electrical retail traffic in tonic South Wales with 41 stores and a derangement of about $490 million. Although it is the vastst privately-held billet in this industry, Bing Lee remains as a comparatively petty size retailer examine to Harvey Norman. 3) Dick Smith (formerly Dick Smith Electronics) is an internationalistic electronics retailer. It is a major competitor to Harvey Norman. Among all retailing industries where Harvey Norman competes in, the corporation remains dominant in the key product areas of audio, computers and visual products such as nonebooks and flat panel tel evisions.The partnership holds the numerate one space in the markets of white goods and technology products. 3 association Analysis 3. 1 Company Choice As one of Australias freehandedst and most prosperous retailers, Harvey Norman has business interests in various areas including electrical, computer, furniture, entertainment and bedding goods. With more than clx stores located in Australia, upstart Zealand, Slovenia, Ireland, Malaysia and Singapore, Harvey Norman is a abstruse/ licence, which provides millions of consumers with products ranging from notebook computers to sofas to beddings.To run a successful business operation of Harvey Normans magnitude requires not scarcely operational excellence, barely also strategic insight and vision on macro economic conditions, market trends forecasts and also a distinctive understanding and implementation of the familys business strength. The companys strong business business operations crosswise quadruplicate product areas/ind ustries occupy Harvey Norman an interest case study to analyze some(prenominal)(prenominal) from an operations point of view as well as strategic. Furthermore, given the challenge market conditions in 2008 and 2009, it would be raise to analyze how Harvey Norman responded to the economic killturn.The company observed a signifi ratt improvement in net advance from underlie business operations during the last 6 months of FY2009, according to Harvey Normans 2009 yearbook Report. It would be insightful to see what strategies and manoeuvre were used by Harvey Norman to reach this result, especially in the integrated, franchise and keeping system sectors since these were advertiseed by the company to be resilient in achieving strong results and growing market share in all key product categories. 3. 2 Company History DateSignifi wadt Event(s) 961Gerry Harvey & Ian Norman conventional the Norman Ross chain of stores 1979Norman Ross became one of the largest appliance retail c hains controlled 42 stores with gross tax tax revenue exceeding AUD240 million 1982Norman Ross was sold and a single Harvey Norman store was started in Auburn, Sydney. 1987Harvey Norman Holdings Limited was listed on the Australian stock market Early 1990sHarvey Norman embellished the superstore format and entered the computer and furniture markets 1998Joyce Mayne acquisition 2000The chain grew to 100 stores 3. 3 Competitive AdvantageHarvey Normans competitive advantage can be classified into graveware and software perspectives with the hardware cistron incorporating corporate strategy and business structure opus the software component incorporating leadership skills and eradicatement carriage integrated Strategy Harvey Norman embraces and successfully maximizes benefits bought forth by the economies of scale ( two on the purchase as well as market side) achieves seamless integration of its retail, franchise and property systems has excellent brand awareness, which trans lates into brand dedication from customers. Business structure Harvey Norman has successfully setup, adopted and utilized the franchising operation which enables it to yield revenue from denary sources it has a alter product plate which can attention mitigate risks and capture a wider customer base. Leadership skills Harvey Norman has the ability to pick up and acquire property associated with HNs development of retail stores in growth areas, which is a crucial element of the integrated retail and property strategy. Management style Leadership is able to respond to market change and demand in force(p)ly both in terms of products and operations. For example, Harvey Norman has spread out its product offerings and operations into various countries in solution to increase demand (from both local and foreign markets). 3. 4 fancy up Analysis Strengths Franchising Operation Improved technology and affix chain management systems. ( spheric mathematical product Management Syst em) Economies of scale both in purchasing and marketing. Effective integrated retail, franchise and property system and low geartrain supports to trespass competitors ill luck. Weaknesses Issue of low salary bank putting continuous pressure Closure of its export and distribution businesses in Singapore and Malaysia has negatively impacted on the increaseability in Asia market. Own only little market shares in the gambol industry. Opportunities The strong performance of the franchising operating component Expand franchising operations in potential drop geographic areas and run awaying product offerings using abiding fiscal capability. Growing market shares in many overseas market such as Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovenia and Ireland OFIS brand is expanding in Australian market as a discount retailer of stationery Threats elevated inflation, capital market liquidity crisis and lessen demand because of Global monetary crisis are affecting the business both locally and inte rnationally. Fall in price on electrical items due to rise of Australian dollar are directly wakeless make margin and increasing expenses. 3. 5 Future Prospects for Harvey Norman Next yearThere has been 10 new franchised complexes undecided in Australia and a total of 8 leased stores were closed in 2009. A number of stores were also opened in offshore markets including the new OFIS brand, which implies that Harvey Norman is constantly growing its operations and expanding geographically. Net profit from underlying business operations was batch by 15. 2% as a result of many spell out down of assets, revaluation of assets and expenses photographn place in the first half year of 2009. However, franchise gross revenue revenue increased by 4%.With the continuous expansion and write down done in the pecuniary year ended in June 20009, it is unadorned that sales revenue and net profit giveing improve in the next year. Next Five Years The companys strong pecuniary piazza and lo w gearing allow it to come out to expand its operations and adds value to its brands and businesses across its value chain in the next five years. As proven in the financial gameylight 2009, the net profit afterward tax had declined from 358. 45 million to 214. 35 million as a result of the increased amount of expenses and trading firing of some segments.However, the gross profit has increased, utmost that business is improving and growing. Moreover, the consolidated comeliness has increased by $1. 12 billion, which dropped the debt/ justice from 26. 61% to 26. 56%. It means the company is trying to strengthen their equity put down for the next five years as well as the long run. In the Long Run In the long run, Harvey Norman has many opportunities to continuously grow in the future. It has an effective integrated retail, franchise and property system that allows the company to make substantial profit from its owned operations, franchised operations and leased property.Harve y Norman and many of its brands wipe out become the market leaders in its industry and it will continuously extend its product offering across all the brands to maintain its market position. It is confident that Harvey Norman will continuously perform well in the long run. 3. 6 new-make performance Table 1-3 represents the recent 3 years performance of HVN During last triplet years, there is a more or less incensement in its revenues, the revenue (exclude interest) raised from 2008 to 2009 by 2. 4% as well as from 2007 to 2008 grew by 6. 6%.Table1 HVN Revenues, Expenses and specie Flows FY2009 ($m) Revenues (Exclude Int) Expenses (Exclude D&A)EBITDAExpenses (D&A)EBITNet gold Flows $2436. 0$1963. 28$472. 7$91. 04$381. 7$82. 71 Table1 HVN Revenues, Expenses and Cash Flows FY2008 ($m) Revenues (Exclude Int)Expenses (Exclude D&A)EBITDAExpenses (D&A)EBITNet Cash Flows $2378. 4$1873. 24$505. 2$84. 39$420. 8$-127. 18 Table1 HVN Revenues, Expenses and Cash Flows FY2007 ($m) Revenues ( Exclude Int)Expenses (Exclude D&A)EBITDAExpenses (D&A)EBITNet Cash Flows $2229. 8$1819. 82$410. 0$74. 88$335. 1$50. 58gross revenue revenue for the Harvey Norman consolidated group consists of sales made by New Zealand, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Slovenia and the controlling interest held in Pertama Holdings Limited in Singapore. Consolidated sales revenue also includes Harvey Normans controlling interest in several(prenominal) retail partnerships and the company-run OFIS stores in Australia Consolidated sales revenue for the year ended 30 June 2009 was $1. 44billion compared to $1. 43billion for the year ended 30 June 2008, an increase of 0. 83%, despite the sales revenue decreased in some regions like public of Ireland and New Zealand.The reduction in sales in these regions was due to extremely challenging retails trading conditions and neglect of consumer confidence. However, for the purpose of financial report, all the foreign currency is translated in to Australia dollar. Sin ce the derogation in Australia dollar in the last year, sales revenue decreased in some local markets might show an increase in the financial report in Australia dollar. EBIT reported a going of $39. 1m in 2009 compared with 2008 due to an increase in depreciation and amortization and operating expenses, equivalence with 2007, there is an increase of $95. m in 2008. 3. 7 Accounting Analysis passenger vehicles Incentive of Earning Manipulation There are empirical evidence linking the vulcanized fiber of executive compensation with mesh use and fraud. With regard to earnings manipulation, Keith J. (2006) finds that firms with relatively gritty amount of equity incentives to CEOs, in the forms of free stock and immediately exercisable extracts, are more likely to engage in earnings management by insurance coverage small earnings increase, and also by reporting long strings of increasing earnings.In this case, Harvey Normans executive remuneration packages involve a balance mingled with fixed and performance money incentives (PCI) which includes short term such as base salary and long-term payments such as superannuation. Equity found remuneration can also potentially induce manages to manage earnings, by understating earnings prior to excerpt grants to lower the firms authentic share price and exercising option later on. Evidence of Earning Manipulation When managers pass water accounting flexibility, they can use it either to communicate their firms economic situation or to hide true performance.Possible distortion Detail & translation Accelerated perception of revenuesManagers typically deplete best education on the revenue recognition to decide whether or when the cash collection is reasonably likely. And they whitethorn have incentives to accelerate the recognition of revenues. They can adopt new accounting or use managers discretion to alter revenue recognition of, for instance, franchise fees or rent. Underestimated reservesFrom re mark 5, prep for indistinct debt has decreased from 4. 7 m to 4. 3 m from Note 5(a) the agedness analysis of trade debtors, number has increased from 952 k to 1,038 k.Due to the global financial global crisis and its influence to the debtors and consumers, it is not convincingly reasonable to reduce provision for doubtful debt, which thinks to overstate receivables. Understated depreciation on long-term assetFirms are required to accept impairment in values of the long assets when they arise. However, estimates of asset valuation and impairment are highly subjective. As a result, managers intend to delay or reduce write-down, or even not show impairments. This pop is especially crucial or asset-intensive firms in volatile markets. A review of Note 12, the economic situation in Ireland has move to deteriorate and severe recession has impacted all Irish retailers resulting in large trading losses in Ireland during the year, while an impairment loss in go down and equipment ass ets is slightly lower than expected. Capitalized R&D outlays The economic benefits from research and development are highly uncertain. In this case, the company capitalize IT projects, which cannot clearly show us a certain future benefits. Adjustment passAlthough there are reasonably large chances for the managers to manage and manipulate earnings, these managements are not materially enough to make adjustment. PCI may become incentives for managers to manipulate earnings but also can be seen as incentives for managers to work on their best for the company as the higher earning achieved the higher incentives they can be awarded. Therefore, no adjustments have been made on all the accounting numbers, which will be used for analysis afterwards. References Harvey Norman (2010), About Us, Website, http//www. arveynorman. com. au/ rogue/1255509869113/about-us Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (2010), Company Profile, Website, http//www. harveynormanholdings. com. au/companyprofile. htm Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (2010), Harvey Norman Holdings Limited one-year Report 2009, Website, http//www. harveynormanholdings. com. au/pdf_files/2009_annual_report_final_for_release_141009. pdf Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (2010), Harvey Norman Holdings Limited Annual Report 2008, Website, http//www. harveynormanholdings. com. au/pdf_files/2008_Annual_Report_FINAL_30Sept. df Keith J. Crocker, Joel Slemrod, the economics of earnings manipulation and managerial compensation, October 2006, NBER Working Paper No. 12645, JEL No. A12 Richard, D. 2009, Harvey Norman Conducts Major CE Review Up to 10 Stores to Go, viewed 10 April 2010,http//www. smartoffice. com. au/Business/Retail/N9C6R5F6 Palepu, K. G. and P. M. Healy, Business Analysis and Valuation victimisation pecuniary Statements Text and Cases, 4th ed. , South-Western College Publishing, 2007. appendix Appendix A Standardized Financial Statement Appendix B organize AnalysisStrengths As mentioned above, its franchising operation is o ne of the company critical success factors and as well is their strength. In addition, Harvey Norman has a commitment to improve technology and supply chain management systems in response to the market growth, which becomes its business strength. In Australia the company benefits from enormous economies of scale in both purchasing and marketing. Also, the company is one of the biggest media spenders in the country, contributing to a high direct of brand recongition throughout Australia.Another strength is their strong financial position, which is indicated in the financial highlight in the annual report 2008, as a result of their effective integrated retail, franchise and property system, it has reinforced a strong financial position and low gearing that has placed Harvey Norman in an excellent position to provide on any competitor failure in the market place and to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Weakness harmonise to a review by David Richards (2009), David Ackery, th e familiar manager of Electrical at Harvey Norman comments that they are facing the issue of its margin with its vendors and retailers.Although the gross profit margin in 2008 is stable and slightly increased in comparison to 2007 from 25. 9% up to 26. 7% (calculated from the income statement 2008), the vendors and retailers are continuously placing pressures on its margin. Furthermore, the closure of its export and distribution businesses in Singapore and Malaysia has negatively impacted on the profitability in Asia market. Another impuissance is the gaming market that had not performed as well as JB Hi Fi with Ackery (2009) admitting that it was a booming area of the market, where Harvey Norman had not taken much market shares in this area.Opportunities Harvey Norman is being the market leader in the industry and has improved and kept up(p) its market share position in Australia, which makes it difficult for new entrants to enter into the market. Harvey Norman has the opportunit ies to continuously expand its operations into international markets as it has been proven in its successful operations in overseas such as New Zealand. As a result of its strong financial position, Harvey Norman has the capability and ability to invest in expanding its operations in other geographical areas that are potentially profitable as well as extending its product offerings.Threats Global economic recession is a major threat to any industries and companies including Harvey Norman. Also, capital market liquidity crisis, contracting monetary policy, high inflation and petrol prices are negatively impacting on consumer sentiment, which decrease the demand and thus, profitability. Prices on electrical items had been falling due to a rising Australian dollar and the fast obsolescence of many technology products, which lower its profit margin and increases expenses. Appendix C come out and Team Work Source/ nurture Origin and Significance Source and information used for this proj ect would come from Harvey Normans corporate website (which includes corporate profile, investor dealing sections, past annual reports). Also media coverage of the company, its competitors, and market landscape/environment will also be used as reference to allow for ample understanding and analysis of Harvey Norman and its business operations. The Difficulties of Analysis on the Industry and CompanyHarvey Norman has business operations in multiple segments including electrical, computer, furniture, entertainment and bedding goods, with more than 160 stores located in Australia and abroad. Because Harvey Norman is a conglomerate/franchise, which provides products ranging from notebook computers to sofas to beddings, so it is slightly hard to label its business, which consequently leads problem finding fair industry benchmark. It is hard but interesting to analyse this case. nearly other problem may be that the major information are from native statement, and external source are ei ther somewhat trivial or lack of detail. The Contribution of Each Group member The work of this group project is evenly allocated to each group member based on his or her strength and impuissance and each group member contributes a hundred percent to their work. They are able to meet the deadline even though everyone has their own personal commitment. Issues with Team Work and response