Thursday, October 31, 2019

Essay on Declaration of Independence of Thomas Jefferson and Elizabeth

On Declaration of Independence of Thomas Jefferson and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions and Stefanie Coontz Too Close for Comfort - Essay Example , was marred by injustices and oppression against different groups who denied equal treatment in matters concerning, taxes, property ownership, and professional development. After Thomas Jefferson wrote the declaration of independence, Americans took over their country form the British and set out to govern themselves with a predefined set of democratic principles as established in the declaration and constitution. Nonetheless, several groups, especially women remained disenfranchised of their rights with the constitution guarantees for â€Å"all men†. Like many works written before it and after it, the declaration was written in masculine pronoun and as such assuming that women cannot be party to the contents, possibly since they are considered subordinate to men. As a reaction to the American treatment of women, Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted her own version of the declaration of independence. She did this deliberately in the format of Jefferson’s declaration with the intention of attracting the attention of the American public. She was cognizant of the fact that, America’s historical situation had paradigmatically changed and several of the assumptions under which the declaration existed in were not applicable or acceptable to latter day women. This paper examines the two declarations by contrasting and comparing, in order to understand Elizabeth Stanton’s motiva tion for writing and the way it highlighted the inequalities that were tolerated in the declaration of independence. In her declaration, Stanton revisits the landmark lines in the declaration of independence â€Å"we hold that all men are equal† and rewrites the words in to â€Å"we hold that all men and women are equal† (1776). As afore mentioned, the declaration of independence was addressed to the British king who had kept America under his dominance for tens of years, however, the declaration of sentiment was directed to the male oppressors and hence the â€Å"He† used therein is in reference to

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Style and Stylistics Essay Example for Free

Style and Stylistics Essay What is a thesis? Your thesis is not your dissertation. Neither is it a one liner about what you are doing. Your thesis is a position or proposition that a person (as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument. [Websters 7th New Collegiate Dictionary]. I looked at how people play chess is not a thesis; people adapt memories of old games to play new games is. Similarly, I wrote a program to play chess is not a thesis; playing chess requires a database of actual games is. A thesis has to claim something. There are many kinds of theses, especially in computer science, but most of them can be lumped into one of the following classes: 1. process X is a feasible way to do task Y 2. process X is a better way to do task Y than any previously known method 3. task Y requires process X 4. people use process X to do task Y 5. process X is a terrible way to do Y 6. people dont use process X Feel free to substitute process X with memory organization X or what ever else might make one theory different from another. Make sure you clearly specify the class of tasks Y to which your thesis applies.Besides being a proposition, a thesis has to have another property: it must say something new. Understanding natural language requires context is not a thesis (except maybe in a linguistics department); process X is a feasible mechanism for adding context sensitivity to natural language understanders is, as is context is not required for visual understanding. What is a defense? A defense presents evidence for a thesis. What kind of evidence is apprpropriate depends on what kind of thesis is being defended. Thesis: process X is a feasible way to do task Y  One defense for this kind of claim is an analysis of the complexity, or completeness, or whatever, of the theoretical algorithm. In computer science, the more common defense is based on empirical results from running an experiment. A good defense here means more than one example, and answers to questions such as the following. What are the capabilities and limits of  your experiment? How often do the things that your experiment does come up in the real world? Whats involved in extending it? If its easy to extend, why havent you? If your example is a piece of a larger system, how realistic are your assumptions about input and output? Thesis: process X is a better way to do task Y than any previously known method The same kind of defense applies here as in the previous case, but now serious comparisons with previous systems are required. Can your result do the same examples the previous results did, or can you make them do yours? Can you prove they couldnt do your examples? If you claim to be more efficient, what are you measuring? Thesis: task Y requires process X This is usually defended by a logical argument. It is usually very tough to do, even if the argument doesnt have to be formalized. Thesis: people use process X to do task Y Many students make the mistake of picking this kind of thesis to defend. It requires serious experimental evidence to defend, unless your real thesis is of the previous form, i.e., only process X is possible. Selected excerpts from protocols and surveys of your officemates are not psychological evidence, no matter how much they might have inspired your work. Thesis: process X is a terrible way to do Y, or people dont use process X This is a reasonable thesis if process X is a serious contender. The defense would be an analysis of the limits of process X, i.e., things it cant do, or things it does wrong, along with evidence that those things matter. I have lots of theses in my dissertation. Which one should I pick for my defense? Defending a real thesis is hard. If you think you have a lot of theses, you probably just have a bunch of undefended claims. One good thesis, or two so-so theses, with adequate description and defense, is more than enough to fill up a dissertation. I have the opposite problem. I dont think I have any thesis by these standards. Highly unlikely. If youre bright, educated, and have worked hard on a topic for more than a year, you must have learned something no one else knew before. The first mistake that students make is to think that a thesis has to be grander than the theory of relativity. A thesis should be new and interesting, but it doesnt have to change the foundations of all we believe and hold dear.Dont try to come up with a thesis first, and then investigate it. Start by exploring some task domain.  Take some initial ideas and push them hard for a year or so. Now, stop and think about what youve done and what youve learned. Among your accomplishments and experience, there will be several good candidate theses. Pick one. Test it out on your advisor and other faculty members. Test it out on other students. Is it a claim that you can describe clearly and briefly? Is it a claim that anyone cares about? Is it a claim that people dont find perfectly obvious, or if they do find it obvious, can you convince them that it could easily be false.Once youve refined your claim into a good thesis, now you can determine what kind of defense is appropriate for it and what more you need to do. This is where the hard part comes, psychologically, because to create a defense for your thesis, youre going to have to attack it harder than anyone else. What happens if the thesis fails? Negate it and defend that! In a year or so of focused research, you should be ready for a real thesis defense. See how easy it is, once you know how? Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement. Even if your assignment doesn’t ask a specific question, your thesis statement still needs to answer a question about the issue you’d like to explore. In this situation, your job is to figure out what question you’d like to write about. A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes: * take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree * deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment * express one main idea  * assert your conclusions about a subject Overview of Thesis Styles * A thesis is a written document chronicling research conducted by the student in a particular area. Besides documentation of results and interpretation of experimental research, the document contains an extensive review of the literature pertaining to the subject area. * In general, the thesis begins with an overall statement of introduction and purpose for the study, including overall objectives. This section is followed by the literature review. This literature review stands alone, and is presented in  addition to the literature cited when discussing the results of the research. The results of the research are then documented, including information on the methods, results and discussion of results. The last part of the thesis is usually a general discussion designed to draw broad conclusions, synthesize information, and suggest areas for future study. In most cases, a thesis contains more detailed information than would normally be submitted for publication. * In general, the master’s thesis should demonstrate that the student has mastery of the field in which she/he presents her/himself, and is fully conversant with the relevant literature. An essential feature of Ph.D. study is the candidates demonstration of competence to complete a research project and present the research findings. The Ph.D. thesis must constitute a distinct contribution to knowledge in her/his major field of study and the material must be of sufficient merit to be, in the judgement of the examiners, acceptable for publication. * There are two main thesis styles: 1. The Traditional Style Thesis in which the major components the methods, results of the research and discussion are presented in discrete sections following the overall introduction and literature review. As indicated above, a general discussion should normally follow the discussion of the research results. * 2. The Paper Style Thesis is similar to the traditional style thesis in a broad sense, except that the research results are packaged as discrete units or chapters, either as published manuscripts, or in a form suitable for publication in scientific journals. In the paper style thesis, each section or chapter has its own abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion in addition to the overall abstract, general introduction and literature review. If the chapters have been published or are more or less ready for publication, the paper style thesis may not contain as much detail as the traditional style thesis. * The choice of thesis style depends to an extent on the kind of study that was done, whether discrete chapters are warranted or the material is best described as a single entity. The style is chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the student’s advisory committee before writing commences. The following sections describe the main elements of each style of thesis.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Advantages and disadvantage of four alternative dividends polices

Advantages and disadvantage of four alternative dividends polices The firms dividend policy must be produced with two basic objectives in mind, which are maximizing the wealth of the firms owners and providing for sufficient financing for future projects. According to Gitman, Juchau Flanagan (2008) dividend payout ratio indicates the percentage of each dollar earned which is distributed to the owners in the form of cash. Constant-payout-ratio dividend policy is when a firm establishes a certain percentage of earnings that will be paid to owners each year. Through out the history Adamson has followed the practice of paying out approximately 60 percent of its earnings as cash dividend constantly each year. The dividend fluctuated with earnings from year to year. A major shortcoming of this policy is that if the firms earnings drop or are volatile in a given period, the dividends may be low or even non-existent. According to Gitman, Juchau Flanagan (2008) Regular dividend policy is based on the payment of a fixed-dollar dividend in each period. It provides investors with positive information indicating that the firm is doing well and it minimizes uncertainty. Usually firms using this policy will increase the regular dividend once a proven increase in earnings has occurred. Under this policy, dividend almost never decreases. One of the advantages of the regular dividend policy is that it results in a stable dividend stream over time, meeting the needs of shareholders who require resolution of uncertainty. Adamson Manufacturing Companys majority shareholders are retired individuals, college endowment funds, income-oriented mutual funds and other investors who are seeking high return and over the past years the companys dividend has been fluctuating with its earnings which does not gave a good impression about the companys financial health. Such could like to get a regular dividend each year s o that they are confident enough to continue holding shares in the company. On the other hand, disadvantages of regular dividend policy are there may be times when the company will need to access capital from external source such as borrowing loan to pay dividend when the company is not generating enough earnings per share. Also, there may be times when the company will have excess cash on hand. Low-regular-and-extra dividend policy can be established when the company is paying a low regular dividend, supplemented by an additional dividend called extra dividend. By adopting the low regular dividend, the company can give investors the stable income necessary to build confidence in the company, and the extra dividend permits them to share in earnings if the company experiences a cash surplus. When considering Adamson Manufacturing Company, Joel Norman and Allison Crane strongly suggested that the dividend payout ratio should be reduced from 60 percent, because they think high dividend payout is inappropriate for the company because of the capital limitation which recently forced the company to turn down some expansion opportunities that promised relatively high rate of return and they have also noted that several other directors who has large holdings in the company has been paying high tax rate of 40 percent of all dividends received to the government. The company should cons ider low-regular-and-extra-dividend policy, as it also addresses the issues of resolution of uncertainty and allows the company to distribute extra funds. However, under this policy there still may be some times when the firm will have to go to external equity market when it faces a great need for equity capital because of many good projects. Also, if the company declares too many extras in a row, the investors may expect the extra dividend all the time. Under Residual Dividend Policy dividend paid by a firm should be viewed as a residual that is the amount left over after all acceptable investment opportunities have been undertaken. The advantages of residual dividend policy are that lower cost sources of financing are used and funds are distributed to shareholders on which the company cannot earn a rate of return greater than weighed average cost of capital. However, the disadvantages of residual dividend policy can be the number of good capital projects will vary from year to year and because the profit will also vary from year to year, the dividend over time will be highly variable including no dividend in one year and high dividend in another year. The stream of dividend will spoil the reputation of Adamson Manufacturing Company of paying generous dividend over the past years and a lot of shareholders will be forced to sell their shares and reinvest in other company who will be offering high dividend payout ratio. Gitman, Juchau Flanagan (2008) states that clientele effects exists where the firm will attract shareholders whose preference with respect to the payment and stability of dividends correspond to the payment pattern and stability of firm itself. Shareholders who desire stable and predictable dividend as a source if income holds the shares of a firm that pay about the same dividend amount each period and shareholders who prefer to earn capital gain are more attracted to growing firms that reinvest a large portion of their earnings. Question 2 Advantages and disadvantages of an announced dividend policy.   The main advantage of having an announced dividend policy is that it reduces investors insecurity, and reductions in insecurity are generally associated with lower capital costs and higher stock prices, other things being equal. The disadvantage is that such a policy might decrease corporate flexibility. However, the announced policy would possibly include elements of flexibility.   Therefore, it would be attractive for directors to announce their policies.   The profits of a company can either be re-invested in the company or paid to its shareholders as a dividend. In New Zealand, the amount and frequency of dividends is decided by the board of directors. When a company announces the dividend policy even though it has made a loss during a year, it has to continue paying dividends from the retained earnings from previous years or to suspend the dividend. Where a company receives a non-recurring gain, e.g. from the sale of some assets, and has no plans to reinvest the earnings is often returned to shareholders in the form of a special dividend. This type of dividend is often better than usual and occurs outside of the normal dividend distribution schedule. Question 3 Effect of payout policy on growth rate of earnings per share. Sustainability growth rate is calculated by multiplying Plough-Back ratio by Return on Equity. Plough-Back ratio shows the proportion of earnings that is not paid out as dividend but retained in the company for future investment. Return on Equity is the amount of net income returned as a percentage of shareholders equity. It measures a companys profitability by stating how much profit a company generates with the shareholders has invested. According to Tatum (2010), a sustainable growth rate is the amount of growth that a company can achieve and maintain on an ongoing basis without borrowing money. It is the highest growth rate the firm can maintain without increasing its financial leverage. Sustainable growth rate depends on plowback rate and return on equity, firm may grow rapidly in short term by depending on debt finance but these type of growth cannot be maintained without incurring excessive debt levels. Question 4 Low payout ratios have high price/earnings ratio. According to Ogilvie Parkinson, (2006) the relationship between dividend payout policy and Price Earnings Ratio is that entity with high Price Earnings ratio ha a low dividend payout ratio. The data shown in Table 3 for selected Stock Market shows Companies with low dividend payout ratio has high average price-earnings ratio and vice versa. Gitman, Juchau and Flanagan, (2008) states that the firms financial requirements are directly related to how much it experts to grow and what assets it will need to acquire. A growth firm is likely to depend on internal finance which is through retained earnings and is likely to pay out only a very small percentage of its earnings as dividend. Investors looking for capital growth may prefer lower payout ratio because capital growth is taxed at lower rate and a high growth firm generally pays low or zero dividend. Wikipedia (2010) states Price-Earnings ratio is a measure of price paid for share relative to the annual profit earned by the firm per share. Stocks with higher forecast earnings growth will usually have higher Price-Earnings, and those expected to have lower earnings growth will in most cases have a lower Price-Earnings. As per Table 3, Data General has zero dividend payout percentage with highest average Price-Earnings ratio of 22. Avon Products has highest dividend payout ratio of 57 and low average Price-Earnings Ratio of 13. Data General is a growth firms who is retaining all its earnings for future investments and the shareholders can benefit from capital gain. Question 5 Reduction in the dividend payout rate would increase the price of stock versus such a reduction would drastically reduce the price of the stock. Some investors prefer company to reinvest its earnings back into the business for future growth but many appreciate a generous cash dividend payment. Investors prefer dividends is because of the tax advantage they are getting. New Zealand has dividend imputation credit policy where the company pays tax on its profit and then distributes the dividend to the shareholders. The investors are given the tax credits (imputation) so that the dividend is not double taxed. Dividend payout ratios provide important insight into a companys dividend policy. Adamson Manufacturing Company is currently paying 60 percent of its profit and retaining 40 percent for future growth. There is an argument between Rose and Walker, that if the dividend payout ratio is decreased, the price of the stock will increase and if the dividend payout is decreased, the share price will also decreased. A high payout ratio like Adamson manufacturing Companys, it suggests that the company might be paying out more than it can comfortably afford. It not only does leave a small percentage of profits to plough back into company, but also it leaves the company highly vulnerable to a decline in future dividend payments. Because the act of decreasing dividend is usually interpreted as a sign of weakness, when a dividend cut announcement is made it will trigger a decline in share price. Even if the company plans to keep the 60 percent dividend payout ratio, it will end up having increased debt ratio. The company debt ratio has increased from 16.80% in 2001 to 60.80% in 2009. According to Wikipedia (2010), share price is strictly a result of supply and demand. If the demand exceeds supply then the share price increases. Conversely, if supply exceeds the demand then the share price decreases. The principle theory is that the price movement of the share indicates what investors feel a company is worth. Some investors might understand that it is for positive reason why the company is decreasing its dividend payout ratio, decreasing dividend payout ratio is generally positive sign, it shows that company is more able to cover its dividend payout with its earnings and reduces the borrowings. Thus, the debt ratio for the company would improve in future. Question 6 Would a stock dividend or a stock split be if use in this situation? According to Gitman, Juchau Flanagan, (2008) share split is a method commonly used to lower the market price of a firms shares by increasing the number of shares belonging to each shareholder. For example, in a 2 for 1 stock split, investor who owns 100 shares of stock valued at $100 per share before the stock split will own 200 shares valued at $50 per share after split. After share split the investor owns twice as many shares, with each share worth half as much as before the stock split. The main purpose of share split is to reduce the share price of a share in order to make the share more affordable to investors. According to Mapsofworld (2008) stock dividend is the distribution of additional shares to the investors. The main purpose to offer stock dividend is to generate funds for the company. When company makes profit, a certain percentage of the profit is distributed to investors according to their amounts of shares in the company. These dividends are in form of additional shares known as stock dividend. There are several reasons why companies might choose to provide share dividend to its investors. The company may have some shortage of liquid cash, because of this the company might it difficult to provide cash dividend to its shareholders. It is also possible for the company to invest more money from earned profit to raise the production level. The company should use stock dividend, the reason being the company has been paying out a constant cash dividend of 60 percent every year to its investors and has been loosing all the opportunity of expansions with relatively high rate of return and also, investors has been paying 40 percent of their dividend to government in the form of tax. Cash dividend is downfall for the company and as well the investors. Moreover, companys current ratio has deteriorated from 505 in 2001 to only 1.71in 2009 and debt ratio is increased from 16.8% in 2001 to 60.80% in 2009. These fluctuations in the ratio shows that the company is loosing all its liquid cash in form of paying dividend and further, the company is borrowing money to maintain the 60 percent payout ratio. By adopting stock dividend the company can overcome the cash problem and also can keep investors happy by issuing high dividend payout in form of shares and not cash. Question 7 Specific dividend policy should be recommended to the board of directors. I would recommend Adamson Manufacturing Company to adopt low-regular-and-extra dividend policy. Dividend policies of companies around the world vary considerably. In New Zealand one of the major incentives for investing in the stock market is that New Zealand has no capital gain taxes. Therefore, investors should show a preference for companies that retain earnings rather than paying high percentage dividend. Companies with many growth opportunities tend to pay lower dividends, which is to be expected because the funds are required to finance growth and shareholders are willing to forgo current income of hope of greater future benefits. Because companys goal is to maximize shareholders wealth the dividend policy is one that maximizes the value of firm. When a company pays out dividend, it decreases the amount of earnings that can be used to finance growth. As a result, companies pay little or no dividends because earnings are retained to reinvest in the company. Adamson Manufacturing Company would in better position if adopting low-regular-and-extra-dividend policy. By establishing low-regular dividend that is paid each period, the firm gives investors the stable income necessary to build confidence in the firm and extra dividend permits them to share in the earnings if the firm experiences an especially good period. Firms using this policy must raise the level of dividend once proven increase in earnings have been achieved. The extra dividend should not be regular event, otherwise it will become meaningless. Adamson Manufacturing Company should reduce dividend to around 10 percent to less than 30 percent to pay regularly depending on how much profit the management wants to retain for future growth. Paying regular dividends is often considered a sign of confidence in the company and retaining part of the profit can reward shareholders by adding more shares and wealth. Low dividend payout and retaining majority of it profit can help improve t he companys current ratio and debt ratio. Current ratio shows the companys ability to pay short-term obligations. The higher the ratio, more capable the company is of paying its obligation. A ratio under 1, suggests that the company would be unable to pay off its obligation if they came due at that time. Adamson Manufacturing Companys current ratio decreased drastically to 1.71 mainly because the current asset decreased due to decline in cash by paying 60 percent of its retained earnings as cash dividend. Debt ratio compares the companys total debt to its total assets which shows the amount of leverage being used by the company. If the ratio greater than 0.5, most of the companys assets are financed through debt. Adamson Manufacturing Companys debt ratio increased significantly due to the company borrowing debt to finance cash dividend. Low-regular-and-extra-dividend policy will help the company to overcome its ratio problems and will company to hold its dividend payment consistency .

Friday, October 25, 2019

Story telling through Greek Art :: Greek History

Story telling through Greek Art Greek art was seen as more than a means to decorate with its more popular use was that of storytelling and recording historical events. Greek art dates from the seventh to the second century. The eras included in historical Greek art are: Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and the Hellenistic (Sowerby150). All of the eras are similar in that they build on the previous era and lead to more detailed and dramatic artwork. The use of human actions as subjects gained intensity with each new era. The Greeks focused much of their attention on painting their many gods. Yet, commonplace people were still used in paintings on things such as grave markers. (Sowerby151). Painting in particular was a means to convey a story and to retain history. " †¦ Greek artist was obliged to encapsulate the narrative and message of a story in a single scene" (Boardman301). Nothing had immunity from the paintbrush as everyday items such as drinking cups and water jugs were also adorned with paintings ( Carpen ter207). The amazing thing about Greek art is that it almost always portrays a story (Boardman 262). There are many examples of this storytelling throughout Greek art history. The medium that painters of this time used varied greatly. The medium used seemed to tie in with what the art story was about and who the artist wanted to reach with his work. If the topic was a public one and was to be general knowledge then the medium was often walls of the city or of public buildings (Boardman 292). These artworks depicted topics ranging drastically from scenes of daily life: athletics, weddings, dating, to those of war( Sowerby 302). "On the walls of public buildings at Delphi and Athens Polygnotus painted great friezes with figures set up and down the field†¦and presented epic scenes of Troy and the underworld, and Micon the more recent, but heroically conceived, struggle for freedom at Marathon" (Boardman 292). Most of Greek history was oral so that much of what we in the present day have to draw on in order to understand life in ancient Greece is what we find on artifacts. "Most of the mythological scenes which have survived, and they are myriad, appear on objects of ordinary use, or at least not of extraordinary use like temple sculptures. The earliest pictures are symbols for contemporary events, of burial or battle, and the example of the East led the artist†¦ detail of a historical †¦ story could be expressed" (Sowerby 300).

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Disaster framework

This paper discusses the importance of national framework for disaster management to the managers involved. It also describes how the national framework is based and implemented at all levels of government. The framework is an essential document to managers because it gives them the guidelines, structures and procedures by which they can adopt at given level and situation.IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL DISASTE FRAMEWORKThe National Response Framework (NRF) is a guide in which the nation uses to conduct response to hazards within a defined structure and which aligns the roles and responsibilities of government management levels, private sector organizations and Non Governmental organizations. The NRF has an objective of managing hazards and incidents that may impact individuals and businesses (Homeland, 2008). The response initiated will be to quickly deal with saving of lives, protect property, and protect environment and provision of basic humanitarian needs (Homeland, 2008)The framework is a work document for leaders in all levels of government together with executives and leaders of private sector and NGOs. This is based on shared responsibilities that require commitment from federal government and lower level governmental heads to be able to plan for response incase of emergency needs. The NRF is composed of main document, emergency support function (ESF), support annexes, incident annexes and partner guides. The ESF involves resources and capabilities needed in order for the operations to succeed such as transport, firefighting services, and medical services (Homeland, 2008).Support annexes include needed resources on day to day operations such as finances, manpower, donations and coordination with private sector. Partner guides are essential in defining the role and actions of leaders engaged in the emergency operations. For effective response of an emergency need, the framework gives detailed account of the specificity of dealing with the emergency guided by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which has standard commands and management structures essential in application during response operations.The NIMS calls for effective response using leaders’ capabilities, individuals and households. It teaches basic understanding of one’s roles and responsibilities. The NIMS guides leaders in designing plans, assessments and exercise at particular level, it also provides the needed resources and information collection. Each organization is able to define its roles and function within its area of operation and ensure efficiency (Homeland, 2008).The main levels in which the framework implements its response activities include local government, private sector/NGOs, states or territories and federal government. At lower level the local government’s leaders mobilize communities, NGOs and private sector to be engaged in arresting an incident within their area of operation. Leaders have a mandate to give leadership roles, p rotect and take care of the welfare of its people. The private sector on the other hand has a duty to protect and provide for its employees.While NGOs provide in depth knowledge, outreach services and support services (Homeland, 2008). The states have similar responsibilities but on larger scale than local governments. They have to coordinate private sector, NGOs and other assistance from other states, territories and tribal governments. The federal government is responsible for coordinating for resources under request of states governor. It has mandate to mobilize federal resources and federal capabilities under the leadership of secretary for homeland security (Homeland, 2008).The NIMS framework is designed in such way that it can be adapted at any level of government operations dealing with disaster. The framework also explains in detail the actions to be taken during the response activity. The framework has an enormous task of providing structures at national level where policie s and operational procedures are coordinated. These procedures can be implemented during operation because there is room for initiativeness and innovation. The aim is to accelerate the mechanisms for assessing the situation and reporting the incidents.The framework does erase the national coordination of response on large scale through presidential declaration. However, its activities remain in principle hence a more manageable and effective emergency response. (National Academies, 2007) The disaster response framework outlines the essential core part of its operation which defines the operational concepts duties and functions with an objective of protecting lives and property. This is based on five main principles for an effective response. These include ) Partnership engagement where leaders communicate to partners and vigorously support each other by setting up goals and capabilities together. The process thus emphasizes on need for progressive and continuous flow of information that will build on sustainable and improved service operation. Partnership will help the response unit to identify personnel, train them and acquire equipments for emergency operations in advance before the incident occurs.These will also help in effective coordination ((Homeland, 2008; Tierney, Lindell, & Perry, 2001) ) Response can also be based on particular tier. This is when management of emergency is specifically handled within the jurisdiction it arises i. e. by local leaders and communities depending on its magnitude (Homeland, 2008). c) The response must also adapt to change in its size of incident, scope of the incident and complexity of the incident hence the need for discipline and effective coordination of resources. d) The framework utilizes the understanding of unity and unified command in the process of on scene operations.These entail common application of effort and respect for the chain of command hence the use of Incident Command System and NIMS structural format . e) The act of readiness is emphasized in the framework which recommends that in order to have effective and successful operations, all individuals involved must be ready to participate and understand risks associated with the operation. This will therefore mean the leaders must establish good working relationships, train the communities on risk and safety measures and ensure effective application of the safety guidelines.The framework describes the roles and responsibilities of different level of government management giving the broad spectrum of understanding them as basis of separation of duties to eliminate cases of overlapping and duplication of roles. Understanding these roles help managers to be prepared for disaster response actions. These are †¢ Local government is responsible for mobilizing communities for a course of action led by its leaders that are supposed to offer guidance, resources, emergency management and policy, laws and budget adjustment necessary for dis aster response operation. Palen, Hiltz, & Liu, 2007; Homeland, 2008). †¢ Private sector and Non Governmental organization are called upon to provide and protect the welfare of its employees.Participate in planning, developing, collaborating and responding to emergency operations. The NGOs are resourceful in provision of services like identification of shelter and supplies location, provide food, shelter and clothing as well as provide information of victims who need help and coordinate assistance (Homeland, 2008). States, territories and other governments have a responsibility of supplementing and supporting the course of action taken by local governments through coordinating state resources, pass information to stakeholders and coordinate efforts from other neighboring states (Homeland, 2008). †¢ The federal government is responsible for coordinating emergency response from the national level. It is usually led by the president coordinated from the office of Homeland dome stic security.The office coordinates activities of other departmental organization affiliated to the emergency such as Incident management, FEMA, Law enforcement, National defence and support of civil authorities, international coordination, intelligence and federal department agencies (Homeland, 2008). The frame work thus gives details necessary for disaster managers to act when responding to disasters. These response actions include preparedness, response and recovery after the incident.In this case, preparedness involves issues like planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating and improving on the response initiatives based on the experiences learnt. Response deals with structural awareness, activation and availing of resources coordination and demobilization. Lastly the recovery plan will be put in place to meet the short term and long term needs for victims (Homeland, 2008). A disaster framework is helpful to managers because they give them the structures b y which they will implement national policies and operations at all levels. This is coordinated and integrated by the NIMS.The system emphasizes the need for managers to be conversant with planning which is essential in effective disaster response.CONCLUSIONTo sum up the national framework is important to disaster managers because it is designed in such way that they can be implemented at any level. The understanding of roles by leaders in a particular sector if significant in effective management of emergency . The national framework works through legal mechanisms that are coordinated at federal level and adopted at all levels of government management. Hence the need for cooperation and support between the public, government, private sector and NGOs

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Deferred Tax Essay Example

Deferred Tax Essay Example Deferred Tax Essay Deferred Tax Essay Financial statements The article Its time to simplify tax financial reporting was written by Terry J. Ward in the year 1996. The article was published on November 11 in the Audit and Accounting Forum section in the newspaper the Accounting Today. It focuses on controversies that surrounded the reporting of income tax on financial statements. For example, in early 1950, there was an argument that suggested that companies should allocate an amount of income tax expense across accounting periods to account for timing differences between reported and taxable income. The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 109 that required assets and liabilities to interperiod income tax allocation (Ward, 1996). The statement was not operational because one could neither verify nor disprove any revenue tax distribution and it was not useful to investors or lenders. Studies have shown that deferred tax allocation reduces the usefulness of accounting information because it violates the costs and benefits cons train principles. The Flow-through approach is simple and saves companies the additional record keeping cost associated with deferred tax allocation (Ward, 1996). Reporting of income tax should be simplified, useful to all parties that use and meet all the standards of the FASB. The reporting of income tax should me be simplified (Ward, 1996). Reporting deferred tax in the financial statement is not simple because of it is complex and not logic to estimate taxable or deductible amount in future years. For example, only deferred tax expense is presented in the Income Statement while in the Balance Sheet two categories are presented that is net current and net non-current amount. Moreover, it not logic to use losses of past years to offset the profit of another year as per the use of loss carryback and loss carryforward. Therefore, a person cannot tell what the future holds only God knows. Estimate the net operating loss is difficult because two years are carried back and twenty years are passed forward. Deferred tax violates the cost and benefit constraints standards of the FASB (Ward, 1996). Tax benefit realization will be limited if loses carried back or carried forward period is brief. Moreover, if the significant deductible temporary difference is expected to reverse in a single year or when the enterprise operates in a traditionally cyclical business, these factors will also limit the realization of tax benefit. Additionally, the unsettled circumstances that are unfavorably resolved will adversely affect the forthcoming operation and profit level on continuing basis in the future. Financial reporting Accounting for income tax is not of any importance to its various users especially the lenders and investors (Ward, 1996). Creditors and investors are not interested in the future information of the company but are rather interested in how the firm has been and is performing in their decision making. Moreover, core aspects are left behind while computing the income tax. For example, according to IFRS, some potential liabilities are not recognized whereas, GAAP uses an impairment approach for deferred tax asset. Also, it is hard for some uninformed investors or lenders to understand the deferred tax while presented in the various books of record. I agree with the writers opinion that financial reporting should be simplified. Simplified financial reporting will ensure that people are able to compute and understand the financial information. Different approaches should be established to protect the various firms in the industry. For example, small companies should use the simplest method available. I believe when reporting financial information relevant information concerning the business should be presented to the appropriate people as per the FASB principles. References Ward, J. T. (1996 November 11). Its time to simplify tax financial reporting. Accounting Today. Page 18-19

Monday, October 21, 2019

Yths And Legands Essays - Corrie Ten Boom, Evangelists, Free Essays

Yths And Legands Essays - Corrie Ten Boom, Evangelists, Free Essays Yths And Legands quote below because it seemed to pop out at me. You will see why: A boy of maybe fifteen turned to us with tears rolling down his cheeks. I would have fought! I wouldn't have given up! Father stooped down to pick up a small bruised petal from the brick pavement; tenderly he inserted it in his buttonhole. That is good my son, he told the youngster. Holland's battle has just begun. This could be described as the introduction of World War II. Corrie Ten Boom and her father are standing outside listening to the dreadful news that Holland had surrendered to the Germans. The Ten Booms have a hunch that many terrible things are now going to take place. To me this section is one of the most important parts of this true story. It is marking a major event in history that has affected many lives. That interaction between that strong young boy and a weak old man popped out at me! I was impressed with the fifteen year old and how he would not have given up. That is why I selected this quote. It hit me how Holland knew bad times were ahead but also knew that they couldn't do much to prevent it. It was like they just had to sit back and let themselves be rationed, to give up their radios and every other resource of news, to have every move that they made be watched. To me it felt like their freedom was being taken away. It is their attitudes that have amazed me and impressed me so far. The Ten Booms have constructed a secret room in their house to hide Jews. They have made connections so that they could secretly keep and handout ration cards to those who had to go hungry. I am so pleased with their bravery and faith. I know that much more is going to happen so I am anxiously awaiting.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Colonel Daniel Morgan essays

Colonel Daniel Morgan essays Aruguably the most significant Colonel in the Battles of Saratoga. Flamboyant! Rowdy! Troublemaker! When you hear these words, does a colonial in the military come to mind? Well it should! Colonel Daniel Morgan is arguably one of the most significant and influential figures in American Military History. Morgan, an old Indian fighter, led a battalion of rowdy woodsmen dressed in long, Indian-style hunting shirts each carrying a tomahawk and scalping knife along with his long rifle. Morgan contributed greatly to the Saratoga Campaign because he and his men used partisan tactics to destroy the British morale as well as their offensive attacks. The American victory at Saratoga was so significant that it became known as the turning point in the Revolution because the French and Spanish entered the war in support of the Americans. Morgan was the man that made it happen. In the Battle of Freemans Farm on 19 September 1777, Colonel Daniel Morgan proved to be a significant figure because he slowed the British approach. On 31 August 1777 Morgans Corps of 578 riflemen was sent north to join up with General Granny Gates. This proved to be a vital edition to the Continental Army. On the morning of September 19 Morgans Corps moved out in two irregular lines to find and to harass Burgoynes men. While Burgoyne was ascending the heights toward Freemans Farm Morgan and his men were already hiding quietly in the woods. In no time a band of Canadian and Indian pickets, under Major General Forbes emerged from the underbrush. Morgan and his men immediately opened fire killing every British officer but one. Morgan and his Corps frantically abandoned their cover and rushed after the fleeing British unit. ...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Critically analyse the impact of the 1870, 1902 & 1918 Education Acts Essay

Critically analyse the impact of the 1870, 1902 & 1918 Education Acts on society and education with particular reference to linkage of policy between the three acts - Essay Example Educations Acts of 1870, 1902, and 1918, and examines their complex interaction with the social and political concerns of the culture in which they emerged. The British educational system was traditionally reserved for members of the social elite. In the middle ages, universities were largely the domain of ruling class boys, although a small number of boys of lower social classes were included. In the fifth century, some grammar schools offered teaching to the poor, but again, education was largely reserved for upper class males. By the seventeenth century, schools had begun to resemble the modern system, but many people did not approve of educating the lower classes, fearing that it would "make the working poor discontented with their lot" (Chitty 2004, cited in Gillard), and education for the poor consisted largely of moral, rather than intellectual, teachings. The Industrial Revolution saw a great change in the national education system, as industry needed workers with more advance reading skills. (Davin 1996) Even then, opposition to educating the poor was intense. Thus Tory MP Davies Giddy famously noted "giving education to the la boring classes of the poor ... would teach them to despise their lot in life, instead of making them good servants in agriculture and other laborious employments to which their rank in society has destined them; instead of teaching them the virtue of subordination, it would render them factious and refactory (sic)... it would enable them to read seditious pamphlets, vicious books and publications against Christianity" (cited in Gillard). In addition, attempts at mass education for the poor were stymied by conflict between religious and social groups. In the mid-1800s, education in England was divided by class structure, and students were schooled according to whether they belonged to the masses, the middle class, or the higher classes. The 1870 Elementary Education Act, however, demanded universal education for all children from

Friday, October 18, 2019

Global Study300 Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Study300 - Movie Review Example The globalization can be considered as an outcome of discrediting communism and the excessive harnessing of fortunes by nations to the newly introduced global markets. Within the United States, Democratic as well as Republican administrations embrace unshackled globalization over the dissents of organized labor. The foremost real examination of globalization for America happened in 1993, with the execution of NAFTA. The NAFTA’s scope was the North American nations of Mexico, Canada and The United States. It was drafted and substantially afoot during the presidential term of George H.W. Bush, although it was completely enforced under the regime of Bill Clinton. This trade organization received substantial endorsement by Wall Street and business leaders but was excessively criticized by labor leaders of United States. It was Clinton plans that won during the election campaigns in 1992 which provided that NAFTA is needed to be implemented but it should force Mexico to increase pollution and labor standards in order to make them parallel to the U.S. standards. Therefore the basis of this unrestricted trade was set and the U.S policy makers can be attributed as its authors and directors (Heights Production

Marco Trend Analysis of Smartphones in the Telecommunication Industry Research Paper

Marco Trend Analysis of Smartphones in the Telecommunication Industry - Research Paper Example A competitive environment therefore is affected by the following six macro trends: Demographic, sociocultural, economic, technological, regulatory and natural environment (Mullins & Walker, 2010). This paper will analyze the macro trends that affect the smartphones in the telecommunication industry and how the trends might impact the successful marketing of the smartphones by different telecommunication companies. The first macro trend is technological trend such that the telecommunication industry has to keep up with latest technology in the market. Many customers in the western world do not only buy smartphones but buy them keeping in mind the latest operating systems and other features that are make the devices perform better and faster. Statistics showed that demand for smartphones in Europe and the U.S stalled in 2011 because many customers waited for the flagship of devices that featured the latest versions of key operating systems. Slowdowns are also seen in Asian and Latin Am erica of about 23.9% compared to last year 28.2%. This figure show the leading provider of smartphones, Nokia, as other companies trailed behind (Wall St. Cheat Sheet, 2011). This trend is seen to go on for the coming decade and this is because of the new technologies that emerge every year such as Symbian systems, android systems, windows systems and increased processing capabilities and power. The second trend is the sociocultural trend such that we have witnessed the growth of the mobile phones from the texting and calling only device to a device that has helped us connect with friends and family all over the world. Social networking, gaming and shopping are part and parcel of our daily lives. The smartphones have changed how people engage in these activities. At the moment many smartphones allow for instant communication both through text and video. In five years’ time, with the development of the 3G and 4G lite technologies, will see the smartphones take advantage of thi s and bring video conferencing to the phone. Many companies will need to adapt to the change in the industry and focus on how to best meet the social needs of the people. The third trend is the economic trend where a look at the previous three two years show a decline in the sale of smartphones because of the economic recession. Many people opted to buy budget phones because of increased prices that they could not manage. People’s spending reduced as the impact of the recession took toll on them. The market of smartphones declined. In the coming years the economy in many parts of the world is picking up and more people are bound to buy smartphones. This is because companies have realized the need for the people in the lower end of the market to own such products in order to build the economy. Many have come up with smartphones that are cheap and affordable. A good example is the Nokia C3 smartphone and the ZTE Blade. These phones have the latest technology at reduced prices ( Mohapi, 2011). The trend is seen to continue with many of these companies wanting to penetrate other untapped markets such as Africa. Increased sales will be seen in these areas if the smartphones will be cheaper as is the trend now. The above identified trends will affect the marketing of smartphones in one way or another. Marketers need to come up strategies

International Business Operations Management Term Paper

International Business Operations Management - Term Paper Example Managers are also liable for serious activities such as excellence management and control, ability planning, materials management, procure, and preparation. The significance of operations management for a new company in the market has augmented radically in latest years. Important foreign competition, shorter product, and repair life-cycles improved skilled and quality-conscious consumers, and the abilities of new technology have placed growing pressures on the operations function to get better efficiency as given that a broader array of high-quality products and services. By the globalization of markets, firms are familiar with that the operations function can be used as a spirited weapon to make stronger their location in the market place. Managers in operations management play a planned, as well as a strategic role in pleasing customer, wants and making their firms sturdy international competitors (Kotabe, M., 2003, 10-31) According to the latest analysis if a new company want to enter in the market then at least as volatile as the Middle-East situation, but not as famed in the headlines, is the appearance of worldwide operations as the main force that is reshaping the earth of commerce. By the prospect of the latest business opportunities that escort it, we need to believe how these worldwide opportunities will be communal by U.S. businesses (Kotabe, M. 2003, 107-119). Aims - To offer consumer by knowledge of product and skills in chosen techniques of operations management. - To display how the method of operations management can be used to best benefit in the production and service division operations of businesses for a new company. - To demonstrate how the resourceful completion of the techniques of operations management pressure the plan of the organization taking into thought the worldwide and right elements. - To give leadership to, and consciousness of, the pertinent limits of hypothetical work done in the market area. (Schroeder, 2005)  Ã‚  

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Intelligent Exploitation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Intelligent Exploitation - Case Study Example The major business challenge that Hazendal encounters is in the effective management of its complex wine production operations which includes scheduling the harvest of grapes, process management of wine production and marketing management of the final product. In spite of the huge volume of sales undertaken by Hazendal, the current data and information management systems in the organization is very primitive. It consisted of distributed databases of operations, non-inclusion of IT based management for variety of activities like grape allocation, sales data that includes the information on product, customer and region/country. At the same time, the sales invoice was issued separately using professional accounting software. Thus the fragmented style of information management led to high levels of operational inefficiency, extended delays in information transmission and inconsistency in sales and inventory reports. Besides, the company constantly conducts extensive outdoor customer retention and relationship building programs, which was very essential for the preparation of effective marketing plan. Thus to integrate its operation and to have increased efficiency and integrated operations across all departments, Hazendal Management decided t o implement a custom designed information management software. ... The essay presented here reviews two separate project phases in connection with the information management project at Hazendal. Phase I is related to the design and implementation of the vineyards management system for Hazendal and the Phase II draws the attention towards the barriers to its intelligent exploitation. Intelligent Exploitation Theory: Frameworks and Literature Review The term "Intelligent Exploitation" is coined to explain the inadequacies observed in extracting the full potential of information technology investments that have been made in the organizations (Holtham, 2008). It is observed that huge investments made by the organizations have not resulted in a significant improvement on their business or organizational management practices (Clemons et al, 1990). Also, all the earlier initiatives made across the world to improve and upgrade the technology didn't place the knowledge and information in the centre stage of all the activities (Brynjolfsson, 1991). Thus the advantages that the organizations could claim to possess towards the preparation of their growth strategies were also very insignificant. Implementations of IT tools have helped the organizations to create rich repositories of in-house data, which are not properly used for their own strategic advantage (Davern and Kauffman, 2000). In the present day circumstances the organizations n eed to be elevated to the status of creators of knowledge and thus transforming the organizations as a learning system (Dos Santos et al, 2000). But, contrary to the expectations IT investments were not able to justify the creation of specific strength within the organization to address the objectives of equipping the group to grow as

TRANSAMERICA Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

TRANSAMERICA - Research Paper Example On the other hand, business ethics refers to the set of actions that are increasing control over the potential conflicts like corporate governance, corruption, insider trading and employee discrimination. In the current study, Transamerica Life Insurance Company is selected to outline the various aspects of CSR and ethics (Doyle, 2011). Transamerica Corporation is having a prolonged history of controlling different life insurance and investment firms. The American company is having different entities in around the world. Amadeo Giannini established the organization in the year 1904 with the help of the ‘Bank of Italy’ and used the name of ‘San Francisco saloon’. Actually, his aim was to provide financial services more easily so that maximum number of people can use products. He started to provide financial support to different person from the year 1906. Giannini started with a temporary bank in the San Francisco docks area, which provides industrial, contractual loans very easily (Transamerica.com, 2015c). In the year 1928, new strategy adopted by Giannini as his organization merged with ‘Bank of America’. In the year 1930, the â€Å"Transamerica Corporation acquired the Occidental Life Insurance Company† (Transamerica.com, 2015b). Moreover, in the year 1956, management of the firm separated the banking and life insurance businesses segment as the Transamerica. San Francisco skyline was launched after Transamerica was launched (Transamerica.com, 2015b). During the two decades 1960 to 1980, the organization has faced huge challenge. Transamerica gained higher interests among the global financial market with the help of inventiveness and acquisition. They started providing various life insurance and financial services to the normal and institutional clients. Their major clients are like â€Å"motion picture distributor United Artists, Trans International Airlines and Budget Rent A Car† (Transamerica.com, 2015a). During the year 1980,

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

International Business Operations Management Term Paper

International Business Operations Management - Term Paper Example Managers are also liable for serious activities such as excellence management and control, ability planning, materials management, procure, and preparation. The significance of operations management for a new company in the market has augmented radically in latest years. Important foreign competition, shorter product, and repair life-cycles improved skilled and quality-conscious consumers, and the abilities of new technology have placed growing pressures on the operations function to get better efficiency as given that a broader array of high-quality products and services. By the globalization of markets, firms are familiar with that the operations function can be used as a spirited weapon to make stronger their location in the market place. Managers in operations management play a planned, as well as a strategic role in pleasing customer, wants and making their firms sturdy international competitors (Kotabe, M., 2003, 10-31) According to the latest analysis if a new company want to enter in the market then at least as volatile as the Middle-East situation, but not as famed in the headlines, is the appearance of worldwide operations as the main force that is reshaping the earth of commerce. By the prospect of the latest business opportunities that escort it, we need to believe how these worldwide opportunities will be communal by U.S. businesses (Kotabe, M. 2003, 107-119). Aims - To offer consumer by knowledge of product and skills in chosen techniques of operations management. - To display how the method of operations management can be used to best benefit in the production and service division operations of businesses for a new company. - To demonstrate how the resourceful completion of the techniques of operations management pressure the plan of the organization taking into thought the worldwide and right elements. - To give leadership to, and consciousness of, the pertinent limits of hypothetical work done in the market area. (Schroeder, 2005)  Ã‚  

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

TRANSAMERICA Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

TRANSAMERICA - Research Paper Example On the other hand, business ethics refers to the set of actions that are increasing control over the potential conflicts like corporate governance, corruption, insider trading and employee discrimination. In the current study, Transamerica Life Insurance Company is selected to outline the various aspects of CSR and ethics (Doyle, 2011). Transamerica Corporation is having a prolonged history of controlling different life insurance and investment firms. The American company is having different entities in around the world. Amadeo Giannini established the organization in the year 1904 with the help of the ‘Bank of Italy’ and used the name of ‘San Francisco saloon’. Actually, his aim was to provide financial services more easily so that maximum number of people can use products. He started to provide financial support to different person from the year 1906. Giannini started with a temporary bank in the San Francisco docks area, which provides industrial, contractual loans very easily (Transamerica.com, 2015c). In the year 1928, new strategy adopted by Giannini as his organization merged with ‘Bank of America’. In the year 1930, the â€Å"Transamerica Corporation acquired the Occidental Life Insurance Company† (Transamerica.com, 2015b). Moreover, in the year 1956, management of the firm separated the banking and life insurance businesses segment as the Transamerica. San Francisco skyline was launched after Transamerica was launched (Transamerica.com, 2015b). During the two decades 1960 to 1980, the organization has faced huge challenge. Transamerica gained higher interests among the global financial market with the help of inventiveness and acquisition. They started providing various life insurance and financial services to the normal and institutional clients. Their major clients are like â€Å"motion picture distributor United Artists, Trans International Airlines and Budget Rent A Car† (Transamerica.com, 2015a). During the year 1980,

Future Of Self Driving Cars Research Papers Essay Example for Free

Future Of Self Driving Cars Research Papers Essay In the technology world, the latest advancement is only as good as the next thing coming down the line. The auto industry is constantly bringing us new technologies, whether it be for safety, entertainment, usefulness or simply for pure innovation (Neiger,C.). Unless youre an inveterate walker or a mass-transit rider, you probably spend more time in your car each week than anywhere except your workplace and your home. It’s not always pleasant. Highway gridlock, a fruitless search for a parking space or a brush with a thundering tractor-trailer can rattle all but the most Zen drivers. Things are about to get better. A new wave of innovation, led by carmakers and automotive-tech companies, is transforming the driving experience. Thanks largely to on-board computers, our vehicles are becoming smarter, nimbler, and safer and more fun. (Human drivers, unfortunately, will remain as erratic as ever.)Fully self-driving cars remain some years away. But new technology in the next five to 10 years will help Cars Park themselves, monitor the alertness of the driver and even communicate with each other to avoid collisions. Tomorrows cars may have self-parking cars, self-driving cars, long-range headlights, external airbags, learning system, connecting cars, and driver’s health (Brandon,G.). For decades, car infotainment meant just a radio. Then tape decks began appearing, eventually being joined by CD players. Now, Tape decks have disappeared as a factory option (the last car to come with a tape player was sold in 2010), and the CD is entering a slow but inexorable decline. Theyre being replaced by smartphones and streaming media. Compared to even a few years ago, new cars are far more connected to the outside world. Its a trend thats only going to continue. The always-updating consumer electronics industry and the rapid rise of the smartphone have combined to condition consumers to an incredibly rapid pace  of development. People expect new devices every couple of years that are faster and more powerful, and they’re bringing those expectations out of the Apple or Android or Microsoft s tore and into the car dealership. As we covered recently, this has created a new set of challenges and opportunities for the automakers. First Parking may be the most tedious thing about driving. Parallel parking is an ordeal for many drivers, but with parking space limited in big cities, squeezing your car into a tiny space is a vital skill (Grabianowski,E.) Even for veteran urban dwellers, parallel parking can be a challenge. And nobody enjoys circling a crowded shopping-center parking lot, jockeying with other irritated drivers for the few open spaces. Fortunately, technology has an answer cars that park themselves. Imagine finding the perfect parking spot, but instead of struggling to maneuver your car back and forth, you simply press a button, sit back, and relax. The same technology used in self-parking cars can be used for collision avoidance systems and ultimately, self-driving cars. Self-parking cars can also help to solve some of the parking and traffic problems in dense urban areas. Cameras and sensors mounted in car bumpers measure the distance between the car and surrounding obstacles, allowing a semi-au tomated system to turn the steering wheel, move and brake to navigate into spaces (Brandon,G.). Sometimes parking a car in a space is restricted by the drivers skill at parallel parking. A self-parking car can fit into smaller spaces than most drivers can manage on their own. This makes it easier for people to find parking spaces, and allows the same number of cars to take up fewer spaces. When someone parallel parks, they often block a lane of traffic for at least a few seconds. If they have problems getting into the spot, this can last for several minutes and seriously disrupt traffic. Self-parking technology would prevent many of these mishaps. It can also save money, since you wont have to worry about insurance claims for parking-related damage (Grabianowski,E.). Next up are cars that can park themselves at the push of a button. If you believe the hype, it would seem that self-driving cars are right around the corner. Google has been testing them for several years, and states like California and Nevada have authorized them for use on roads – although only with a human behind the wheel. Autonomous-driving features, such as systems that recognize hazards and brake on their own to avoid collisions, are already on the market. But the fantasy of a car that  automatically steers you to work while you read the morning paper or catch a few extras is still many years away. Autonomous driving is not going to mean jump in the car, push a button, say Take me to grandmas house and go to sleep, said James Bell, head of consumer affairs for GM. That may come someday, but not soon. For decades, most automobile headlights were fairly uncomplicated. They pointed fixedly ahead, with separate high beams for greater visibility on dark roads. Then came the more energy-efficient halogen and xenon lights and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Now, automakers are pioneering a generation of smart headlights that can automatically adjust their brightness or direction depending on conditions. And a coming wave of laser high beams promises to illuminate the road ahead for a third of a mile – twice the range of LED high-beam headlights – while using less energy. Audi and BMW are racing to be the first carmakers to offer laser lights in a production car: BMW in its i8 plug-in hybrid and Audi in a yet-to-be-named model (maybe the Quattro) by 2015. Well be able to extend the range of headlights to (a distance of) six football fields, said Filip Brabec, director of product management for Audi. Thats 600 yards, or more than three north-south blocks in New York. Meanwhile, next-generation LEDs have sensors that can detect oncoming traffic and redirect the beams in such a way as not to blind other drivers. An onboard computer, linked with cameras, controls each of them to mask glare onto other vehicles while flooding the road with light. With such a system, drivers can keep their high beams on all the time instead of having to toggle back and forth. For decades, inflatable airbags have been protecting people in cars from the devastating jolt of collisions. There are airbags mounted in the dash, steering wheel, side panels, seats and even seat belt. Despite their varied locations, these airbags all have one thing in common: Theyre inside the vehicle. But what if someone made airbags that inflated on the outside to help protect the car and pedestrians before the moment of impact? TRW Automotive, a maker of safety technologies, is developing a large airbag that would fit into rocker panels on the side of the vehicle, on the beam below the doors. A system of cameras and radar on  the car would detect when a collision was imminent and send a signal to the airbag, which would inflate outward and upward within 30 milliseconds. In this way, the side airbag would absorb some of the energy of the collision before the vehicles frame was struck. Crash tests have shown that the external airbags can reduce the impact on a vehicles interior – the inward crumpling of a cars frame and doors – by up to 35%, said Emiliano Core, who is developing the airbag system along with Lothar Zink and other TRW engineers. http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/02/tech/cnn10-future-of-driving/ We humans are flawed drivers. We sometimes get behind the wheel while sleepy or even drunk, and were easily distracted, whether by our electronic devices or something pretty outside our window. In the gravest circumstances, we can even have a stroke or heart attack behind the wheel (Kelly,H). This is why researchers, app developers and car companies are developing technology to monitor flesh-and-blood drivers and help them avoid accidents. Advanced sensors in the passenger cabin can monitor a drivers vitals such as heart rate, eye movements and brain activity to detect everything from sleepiness to a heart attack. Nissan is experimenting with an array of technology that detects drunken driving. A sensor in the transmission shift knob can measure the level of alcohol in a drivers sweat, while the cars navigation system can sound an alarm if it detects erratic driving, such as weaving across lanes (Kelly,H). http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/02/tech/cnn10-future-of-driving/ For several years now, weve been hearing about a near future in which all of our digital devices communicate with each other. Your fridge notices that youre at the grocery store, for example, and sends a message to your phone saying youre out of milk. Or your oven texts you when the pot roast is done. Now this so-called Internet of things is coming to the highway (Brandon Griggs). As cars grow more and more computerized, they will be able to trade messages about traffic, weather and road conditions. More urgently, they can broadcast their speed and direction and warn each other about potential safety hazards, such as when a nearby vehicle is drifting into your lane.If I can get information from the car next to me that  theyre going to turn right, that would be great, explains Maarten Sierhuis, director of Nissans research center in Silicon Valley. He imagines a day when information about almost all vehicles is stored in the cloud and accessible by all. It would be like crowdsourcing the driving experience. This technology is called vehicle-to-vehicle communications, or V2V for short, and its not far off. In the first test of its kind, almost 3,000 cars and trucks equipped with prototype V2V devices have been driving around Ann Arbor, Michigan, over the past year-and-a-half as part of a pilot program by the University of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Transportation (Brandon Griggs). Thanks to on-board computers that operate everything from the stereo and navigation to the brakes and accelerator, the era of big data is coming to the automobile (Peter Valdes-Dapena). Mercedes-Benz is developing a system that over time promises to learn your schedule, tastes and even your moods. For example, it knows that you leave the house every weekday at 7:30 a.m. to take your kids to school and that you like the cabin a toasty 75 degrees. Based on GPS and satellite data, it quickly learns your preferred routes and tracks real-time traffic problems, so it can suggest detours to help you save time (Peter Valdes-Dapena). http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/02/tech/cnn10-future-of-driving/ Here are some of my favorite implications. Reduced deaths, reduced accidents. Saving LOTS of Money and Time. Massive Fuel Savings. No New Roads, Less Traffic. No Ownership – Just â€Å"On-Demand† Usage. No Garages, No Driveways, No Parking. No Mandatory Car Insurance. At last, if self-driving cars are available in the market everyone will be exited and there will be lot of advantages. Some people may enjoy and love driving cars by themselves, for them this technology may or may not help. But lots of people will be beneficial. Old people and some handicapped people may definitely like this. By this future cars we can save time, money and accidents as well. This technology cars are going to be with us within next 5-10 years. References: Brandon,G. (n.d.). The CNN 10: Future of driving. Retrieved from: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/02/tech/cnn10-future-of-driving/ Diamandis,P. (10-13-2014). Self-Driving cars are coming. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdiamandis/2014/10/13/self-driving-cars-are-coming/ Grabianowski,E. (n.d.). How self-parking cars work. Retrieved from: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/self-parking-car.htm Jonathan,m. (06-3-2014). The past, present, and future of in-car infotainment. Retrieved from: http://arstechnica.com/cars/2014/06/the-past-present-and-future-of-in-car-infotainment/ Kelly,H. (n.d.). The CNN 10: Future of driving. Retrieved from: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/02/tech/cnn10-future-of-driving/ Neiger,C. (n.d.). 5 Future car technologies that truly have a chance. Retrieved from: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/5-future-car-technologies.htm Valdes-Dapena,P. (n.d.). The CNN 10: Future of driving. Retrieved from: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/02/tech/cnn10-future-of-driving/

Monday, October 14, 2019

Food Additives and Mouldy Food Study

Food Additives and Mouldy Food Study TASK 1 a) Based on information given define food additives and explain why food additives are used in manufacturing Food additives are natural or artificial substances that added in a food by manufactures to enhance its flavor or appearance or to preserve it during some phase of processing, storage or packaging. (Nlm.nih.gov, 2014) Foods are produce in large amount in manufacturing places so it needed to transport food shops and supper markets all over the places and stored before it’s consumed. Its take more time period of time so that’s why they used food additives in manufacturing. Due to microbial growth foods get poisoning and also dangers of contaminated food and without the use of preservatives, therefor they using different types of additives. (Understandingfoodadditives.org, 2008) To maintain product quality and freshness – Fresh foods dont keep for long time but Food additives delay and prevent spoilage caused by growth of microorganisms, bacteria and oxidation. For example Ascorbic acid -the principal active ingredient in citrus juice, when packaging fruit slices Propionates- which naturally occur in cheese, are used similarly in bakery goods to prevent the growth of molds. To support in the preparation of foods – added substances grant and/or keep up certain qualities connected with different food For example Lecithin used in ice cream Pectin using in the jellies and preserves when thickening is desired Leaveners used to make breads, biscuits and rolls rise, include yeast, baking powder and baking soda To make nourishments engaging – the larger part of nourishment added substances are regularly utilized for this Purpose. For example Flavoring agents and coloring agents utilized by processors of food because foods that look and taste good. (foodadditives.org, 2014) Describe the difference between additives that are ‘Generally Recognized as safe (GRAS) and other food additives GRAS means generally recognized as safe.it is authorized American food and drug administration. Its test by food safety experts, they made different tests for food additives to give healthy and harmless for humans. All GRAS food additives introduced after the safety tests. This consider about to improve or maintain safety and freshness, to improve or maintain nutritional value and Improve taste, texture and appearance (Curtis Stevens and Nabor, 2014) Sometimes some food additives are banned because many countries have many systems. Some developing countries like srilanka some local manufactures adding additives for selling purposes but they even don’t have much knowledge about the food additives and they use it without proper testing (Foodstandards.gov.au, 2014) Table1.1 : safety standards for food additives (The Diane Rehm Show, 2014) There are some additives banned by the srilankan health ministry that are, Aloin, Berbine, Beta-Azarone, Cade oil, Calamus oil, Cocaine,Coumarin, Diethylene glycol, , Estragole, Eugenyl methyl ether, Hypericine, Nitrobenzene, Pyroligenous acid, , Sasafras oil, Thujone,Isothujone and Tonka bean (Sundaytimes.lk, 2014) GRAS is used only in Europe and us countries because some other countries like mainly Australia have different their own food regulatory systems and legislation Example Ammonium malate- INS 349 This food additive don’t have authorized in US or Europe. But its authorizes in the Australia and New Zealand food standard codes Cyclamate, INS 952 Butylated hydroxyanisole (Foodstandards.gov.au, 2012) Discuss the potential health risks associated with synthetic food additives There are some food additives it may cost harmful health effects that are ACESULFAME-POTASSIUM Artificial sweetener: in soft drinks, baked foods, desserts, frozen desserts, cand Its artificial sweetener it’s 200 times sweeter than normal sugar Acesulfame-K is used in chewing gum, gelatin desserts and sugar. Earlier it was allowed by FDA to use in soft drinks and it’s used together with aspartame and sucralose. Acesulfame-K tested in rats; results shows that might cause cancer further more tests in rats, dogs and rabbits shown the effect of thyroid. As a result FDA withdraw its approval of it ALOE VERA Used in yogurt, desserts, flavoring It’s taken from succulent plant it’s added in supplements, energy drinks and various skin care products. Aloe Vera helps in skin burn and abrasions but if it is taken orally it cause cancer but it’s not truly known for sure which element leads the tumors. Annatto. Cheese, other foods like butter It’s a natural additive used for coloring. It’s get it from seeds of a tropical shrub it’s also causes some allergic to some people Green 3 It’s a artificial coloring in candies and other beverages during the test in rats its shows the cancer but FDA approved the color dye but it’s not used in these days ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS Acesulfame-potassium, saccharin, aspartame may posture slight risk of cancer Aspartame .is a chemical link of two amino acids and methanol. Causes cancer AZODICARBONAMIDE Used in bleaching agent: White flour, bread and rolls Its leads to cancer in humans but not in mice, however its band by FDA Brominated veg.oil Clouding agent in soft drinks Its keeps flavor oils in suspension, giving a shady appearance to soda drink. Pepsi and coke agreed to. Its leaves deposits in body fat and the fat in the brain, liver, any other organs. Scientist found that bromine toxicity in 2 people who used the soft drinks (Cspinet.org, 2014) TASK2 Explain the adverse health effects caused by mouldy or rancid food? Mold can grow in warm, dark areas or where the area has a lot of moisture. mouldy food is dangerous because such food contaminated with mycotoxins Figure 2.1Moldy food (Bristol.gov.uk, 2014) moulds that produce Toxigenic moulds need specifi growth conditions to provid its toxin. it can produce adverse health effects such as inflammation, allergy, and infection. Allergic reactions may be the most common. (Enhs.umn.edu, 2014) There are some molds found on many foods Alternaria, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Monilia, Manoscus, Mortierella, Mucor, Oidium, Oosproa, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Thamnidium Penicillium It can infect respiratory problems result of exposed specific type of fungal mold. This may have mold related respiratory problem include a persistent cough or wheeze. Salmonella, can be treated and cured, Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause irritation in mouth, nose and throat and leads to shock, hemorrhage, dermal necrosis and death. (Fsis.usda.gov, 2014) à ANTIOXIDENT The chemicals that block the activity of other chemicals or free radicals are called antioxidants. Free radicals are highly reactive and cause damage to cells that may lead to cancer. The antioxidants that are used to neutralize free radicals by the body are called endogenous antioxidants. (Pharm and . Booker, 2014) Antioxidants prevent a chemical process known as â€Å"oxidation,† which is a regular piece of living and maturing. Oxidation damages cells and can lead to the development of disease, including heart disease, and cancer. Antioxidants are found in nuts, beans, grain cereals, and other foods. Even dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. Free radicals are very sensitive chemicals that can possibly damage cells. They are made when a particle either picks up or loses an electron. Free radicals are shaped characteristically in the body and assume a vital part in numerous ordinary cell forms. At high concentration, then again, free radicals can be dangerous to the body and harm all significant parts of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell layers. The harm to cells created by free radicals, particularly the harm to DNA, may assume a part in the improvement of disease and other health conditions. In laboratory and animal test results shows expanded level of exogenous antioxidants has been indicated to prevent free radical Damage that connected with cancer development. Specialists have researched whether taking dietary antioxidant supplement can reduce the danger in cancer. (National Cancer Institute, 2014) Define E numbers. Describe the advantages of E numbers in food industry E numbers E numbers (the E stands for Europe) are code numbers that use to identify the food additives that are used in food industry.it is authorized by European food safety authority. This number given to an additives that has pass the approval tests. These types of numbers are used in some other countries like Australia and New Zealand but without the E. (Food Additives and Ingredients Association, 2012) E300 for vitamin c Helps to burs more body fat during workout; helps to give strength and increase circulation; protects the body from free radical damage by absorbing iron from foods helps reduce histamine release in the body; boosts the immune system Some benefits of E numbers E101 Vitamin B2 Helps to reduce the severity and essential for normal thyroid function and metabolism maintain healthy hair, helps protect cells from oxygen damage E100 Curcumin gives turmeric root its intense yellow color, is used as a natural food coloring. Has proven anti-inflammatory activity and may therefore be able to alleviate symptoms associated with psoriasis and eczema; has strong anti-cancer properties; can significantly reduce the number of colon polyps E160d Lycopene Food coloring. lycopene is separate from tomatoes Protect the skin from UV radiation, reduce asthma and it have anticancer property Lutein E161b Colouring agent extract from petals of marigold Keep eye from oxidative stress, helps to prevent wrinkles by increasing hydration These are the beneficial e numbers for humans As a result these E numbers are used in manufacturing food items. Its help to prevent from diseases (Healwithfood.org, 2014) References foodadditives.org, (2014). foodadditives.org. [online] Available at: http://www.foodadditives.org/pdf/Food_Additives_Booklet.pdf [Accessed 24 Nov. 2014]. Understandingfoodadditives.org, (2008). Food Additives. [Online] Available at: http://www.understandingfoodadditives.org/pages/Ch2p0.htm [Accessed 24 Nov. 2014]. Nlm.nih.gov, (2014). Food additives: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. [Online] Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002435.htm [Accessed 16 Nov. 2014]. Curtis Stevens, H. and Nabor, L. (2014). foodadditives.org. [online] foodadditives.org. Available at: http://www.foodadditives.org/cultures/FoodIngredientApproval_OnlineExtra.pdf [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014]. Foodstandards.gov.au, (2014). Colours and food additives reported as banned. [Online] Available at: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/pages/coloursandfoodadditi5752.aspx [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014]. Sundaytimes.lk, (2014). More than 20 additives to food items to be banned from July 1 | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka. [online] Available at: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/140216/news/more-than-20-additives-to-food-items-to-be-banned-from-july-1-86050.html [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014]. Foodstandards.gov.au, (2012). Colours and food additives reported as banned. [online] Available at: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/pages/coloursandfoodadditi5752.aspx [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014]. Cspinet.org, (2014). Food Additives ~ CSPI’s Food Safety. [online] Available at: http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014]. Food Additives and Ingredients Association, (2012). E-Numbers. [Online] Available at: http://www.faia.org.uk/e-numbers/ [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014] Healwithfood.org, (2014). Can E Numbers Actually Be Good For You?. [online] Available at: http://www.healwithfood.org/articles/can-e-numbers-be-good.php [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014]. National Cancer Institute, (2014). Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention. [online] Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/antioxidants [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014]. Pharm, D. and . Booker, N. (2014). Antioxidants and Cancer Risk: The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown. [online] Cancer Prevention Treatment Fund. Available at: http://www.stopcancerfund.org/pz-diet-habits-behaviors/antioxidants-and-cancer-risk-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unknown/ [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014]. Fsis.usda.gov, (2014). Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous?. [online] Available at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/!ut/p/a1/jZFfT8IwFMU_iw977No5JODbssS4KVsIUUtfSOf6Z7G0S1tc5qe3wBMElNune-7vpL2nkEAMiabfnaC-M5qqfU-mG7RE02Seo7KeJ0-oqN6X9Uueo9nqIQDrP4AqvdF_pTL0n7-84YJ7u8gXApKeegk6zQ3EgnlAtRuYdRBzY1rgKGd-BJx-euAkYz4M9ho4TCXVreq0gHhrVOuA0UedWga8ZCNoqRbMmp3bwA9ITh-FknCKKl1NnssqRfXkHLiQ2hG4HkvYWyjTHL5onekmnYUFLePMMhvvbJCl9717jFCEhmGIhTFCsVh9ReiSQxrnIT4BYb99wz-vGV8VgDTjcPcLgaVdgQ!!/#5 [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014]. Enhs.umn.edu, (2014). Indoor Mold: Harmful Effects. [online] Available at: http://enhs.umn.edu/current/5103/molds/harmful.html [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014]. Bristol.gov.uk, (2014). Food safety complaints. [online] Available at: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/environment/food-safety-complaints [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014].

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Heroification and Its Damaging Effects :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Heroification and Its Damaging Effects In the Disney movie Life-Size, actress Tyra Banks plays the role of Eve, a Barbie-like doll, who is "perfect in every way," come to life. Later in the movie, the once-very popular Eve doll's sales decrease dramatically, and the company stops the production of the Eve doll not realizing what they are doing wrong. Distressed, Banks, the "life-size" Eve doll, turns to her owner Casey and learns two valuable lessons—that perfection is boring and unrealistic, and it is okay to make mistakes. Casey tells the life-size Eve that the Eve doll is too "goody-goody" to be real, and girls need more realistic role models—heroes—with personality, inner struggles, and mistakes. Almost everyone likes heroes from Spiderman to firefighters to Dad who inspire the young and keep them motivated; however when the heroes' lives and beliefs are fabricated to fit a stereotype, these humans regress into nothing more than a boring ideal. Heroification with cognitive disson ance blind students to the reality of this world and limit their ability to view controversies objectively. Heroification is the process where details—both important and trivial—are left out or changed to fit the archetypical mold of the flawless, inhuman "heroes." This "degenerative process" makes "flesh-and-blood individuals into pious, perfect creatures without conflicts, pain, credibility, or human interest (Loewen 19)." For example, many people know of Helen Keller only as the blind, deaf girl who despite her handicaps learned to read, write, and to speak, but this is only the first twenty years of her life. Whatever happened to Keller for the next sixty-four years of her life? Keller was, in fact, a radical socialist in Massachusetts starting in the early 1900s, and was one of the most passionate and famous woman during that time rallying for the new communist nation. Keller's love for socialism did not stem from a vacuum but was rooted deep within her experiences as a disabled person, and she sympathized with other handicaps and learned that social cl ass controls not only people's opportunity but also their disabilities. But during the heroification process, the schools and the mass media omitted Keller's lifelong goal and passion to bring about radical social change because we would rather teach our young to "remain uncontroversial and one-dimensional" than to have a room full of leftists (Loewen 35).

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Growth of Nora in A Dolls House :: A Dolls House Essays

The Growth of Nora in A Doll's House In the play " A Doll's House", written by Henrik Ibsen, Nora, the main character of the play, decides to abandon her husband, her home and her children in order to find herself. She finally realizes she has to leave when confronted with a problem in her relationship with her husband, who keeps treating her like a doll, reflecting the childish treatment she always received from her father before. She finds the strength to leave with her childhood friend Kristine, who has led a hard life, and has the wisdom to guide and support her. Nora leaves the role of the doll child and doll wife she played her whole life, and becomes an independent self-thinking adult, when she realizes that the world is different than she always thought it was, and that she herself is not who she thinks she is. Nora lives in a dream world, a child fantasy, where everything is perfect, and everything makes sense. She thinks that the world would never condemn a woman who tries to save her husband's life or protect a dying father. When confronted by Krogstad, who tells her it is against the law to sign someone else's signature, she responds: " This I refuse to believe. A daughter hasn't a right to protect her dying father from anxiety and care? A wife hasn't a right to save her husband's life? I don't know much about laws, but I'm sure that somewhere in the books these things are allowed." Nora simply does not understand the ways of the world, and the final realization that she is in real danger of risking hers and her husband's reputation, and worse, makes her snap out of the childish dream she had been living. Kristine, Nora's childhood friend, is the wisdom and support Nora needs to grow up. Kristine is a woman who has been in the real world, unlike other wives of Torvald's friends. At the same time, Kristine is a friend from Nora's childhood, a person who she can tell her problems to and relate to in some way. Also, unlike everyone else who surrounds Nora, Kristine tells her the truth, she does not pamper her.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Group Case 3: Mci Communications Corp., 1983

Group Case 3: MCI Communications Corp. , 1983 Executive Summary Assumptions The following are the assumptions we made through the whole analysis. The predicted revenues from 1983 to 1990 were assumed to follow the pattern in Exhibit 9A, despite the uncertainty of the higher access charge and competition increase. The marginal tax rate is 30% during that period. The firm must keep minimal cash balance of $100 million to support its operating activities.However, the change of operating NWC is assumed to be zero. Calculation To calculate the external financing needs during the period 1983-1990, we need to calculate the net cash flow from operation (i. e. the free cash flow minus after tax-interest paid). Along with the cash at the beginning of the year and the required minimum cash balance, we can get the external financing need for each year. See detailed calculation in Exhibit 1.However, due to the uncertainty of access charge change and competition, the operating margin would increas e or decrease by as much as 7% from the prediction, although the management was committed to the predicted revenue levels. Therefore, the external financing needs would vary correspondingly. See detailed calculation in Exhibit 2, and 3. The external financing needs under three scenarios are summarized below. In 1983, the company had no external financing needs, as it just raised $400 million in March.From 1984 to 1987, the financing needs kept increasing, as the company tried to expand. After that, there was no external financing need as the earnings are in good levels, except in the case of unfavorable situation where it still needs $270. 78 million in 1988. [pic] Recommendations & Conclusion [pic] Exhibit 1 Operating Margin at Predicted levels [pic] Exhibit 2 Operating Margin Decreased by 7% [pic] Exhibit 3 Operating Margin Increased by 7%

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Christian Science Essay

Modern day America is home to many Protestant groups, most of which had their foundation largely influenced by 19th century Protestantism in the region. During the period, irresistible dynamism rocked American Protestant groups, coinciding with an epoch in which the American society readily allowed the founding of new churches and religious movements. Amid growing revivalism and much freedom to develop, the 19th century also saw mounting interest in millennialism and the rise of Adventism. All these resulted in new Protestant groups, some motivated by the looming Second Coming of Christ and while others invented new religious doctrines. A few broke away from existing churches while others claimed their foundation in new revelations. Among the key churches founded then include the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Christian Science and the Seventh-Day Adventist. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, popular as the Mormons and founded by Joseph Smith, was among the first churches to be formed. In his boyhood, Smith experienced visions via which he was advised against joining existing churches, and told he would be active in restoring true Christianity. In 1823, he was guided by a heavenly messenger named Moroni to a hill in New York, where he discovered strange writing covering two thin golden plates. His translation of the writing, aided by Moroni, is now the Book of Mormon and is based on Christ’s teachings. Mormons deem their faith akin to that founded by Jesus in North America. Although they accept the influence of the old and new testaments, their scriptural doctrine includes the Book of Mormon and two other texts, Doctrines and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price; both based on Smith’s revelations and sermons. The discovery of the Book of Mormons allured many followers to Smith’s church, whose membership is now roughly eight million, with headquarters in Salt Lake City. Christian Science was on its part founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy, originally a member of a Congregational Church. As a young woman, she suffered from nervous disorders that physicians and hypnotists could not cure. She in 1866 claimed to have been totally cured after reading a New Testament account of one of the miraculous healings Jesus performed. She subsequently founded the church, which she described in her book Science and Health. Its members disregard formal creeds and doctrines, with some fully devoting themselves to tutor others how to use ‘scientific prayer’ to access God’s healing love. Christian Science has over 3, 000 congregations in 50 countries, with headquarters in Boston. This church is seen as the source of New Thought, a larger American religious movement attributed to Emma Hopkins. Emma was Baker’s student and a teacher, whose students later formed new versions of New Thought such as the Unity School of Christianity, Religion Science and Divine Science and the Unity Movement. The latter has congregations in most USA cities and abroad. On the Adventist front, the Seventh-Day Adventist is the main church. It was founded by Ellen White. White was a follower of William Miller, a millennialist who founded the first Adventist denomination and wrongly proclaimed Christ would return in 1843 to preside over a final judgment. Ellen experienced many visions that inspired her books. And being a gifted speaker, she drew thousands to her lectures, in which she attributed the delay of the predicted Second Coming to Christians’ failure to obey the Ten Commandments. Today, the church has nearly four million members, with half a million living in the USA. The Jehovah’s Witnesses is also a millennialist group, formed in 1881 by Charles Taze Russell. At 20, Russell’s study of the Bible led him to a verdict that the Second Coming would occur in 1874, when Christ would invisibly return. This was to be followed by the Battle of Armageddon and end of the world in 1914. His ideas drew him hundreds of followers and membership continued to rise even after his prophesy failed to materialize. The church, with headquarters in New York, now has over two million members in 200 countries. They understand Christ to be God’s son but reject the doctrine of the Trinity and still believe that a ‘great tribulation’ is imminent. Considering that the churches discussed here are just the main ones and have followers worldwide, it is clearly evident that 19th century American Protestantism played a middle role in both the origination and molding of the course, and even beliefs, of numerous modern-day churches and movements. References LD.