Saturday, August 31, 2019

Beauty and Stylish

The making of their agreement began with oral statement from Stylish who had demands regarding the new house, to provide curtains, blinds, and window coverings. Beauty explained to Stylish that all window coverings were provided in the contract like what Stylish wanted. Several weeks later, Stylish had agreed, and then leads to written contract signing. This is when the issue arose. Somehow Stylish signed the contract which content is contrary to what he originally demanded, different from their pre-contractual statement. That the contract price of the house excludes all window coverings, and is the responsibility of the purchaser.Stylish was upset when he realized that blinds, curtains and other window coverings were not provided. They had a valid contract within their case, and the terms of contract are certainly not breached. Although somehow there is a misrepresentation in term of Stylish’ demand and the content of the contract. The question is whether the Stylish can get his contractual rights in relation to the window coverings. A contract can be defined as an agreement enforceable in law. This suggests that there are some agreements that are not enforceable in law.Whether or not a contract is enforceable in law firstly depends on whether or not the following four statements are satisfied : there must be an offer, acceptance of that offer, consideration or document under seal or deed, and intention to create legal relations. If one of the mentioned elements is missing, there will not be a valid contract. Offer is an expression made by one party as an â€Å"offeror† and the person who accepts the offer as â€Å"offeree†. In another words, offer is willingness by an offeror to enter into a legally binding contract with offeree.In this case, Beauty is an offeror who offered the contract, and Stylish is an offeree whom the offer is made for. Once the offer has been set, then the next step is whether the contract would be accepted or not, which is accepted by Stylish, by signing the written contract. By signing the contract, it is presumed that the parties, Beauty and Stylish intended the document to be bound with sufficient consideration and thus creating legal relations. With the four elements, this contract is valid, recognized, and enforceable by law. In another words, Stylish can invoke assistance of the court. All contracts contain terms.Various statements whether oral or written, may be made in the course of negotiation. This is known as pre-contractual statements. But not all statements end up having the same legal effects. First, the statement made may be in a form of â€Å"puff†. Such puffs cannot be taken seriously. They are advertisement or promotional statement which is not intended to be binding. Next, statements can be a †representation†. It may not be terms of contract, but could just be a statement that would be more than just sales talk. Although representation may be in writing, it is not as a whole part of the contract.Finally, statements made could be term. Terms are statements that form a contract. Somehow terms and representations are so much alike. The difference between a representation and a term depends on the intention of the parties and the actual facts of the case. If the intention of the parties is clear, then the statements they make can be considered to be a term of the contract. Otherwise it is just a representation. In Ecay v Godfrey (1947), the seller sold the boat to the buyer at 750 pounds. However, the seller expressly gave the buyer the opportunity to survey the boat.It was held that the suggestion by the buyer that the seller independently survey the boat to be a representation. In this case, although both Stylish and Beauty had a clear intention of how the new house should be done, but the problem is that when the contract was done, that the intention was somehow not fulfilled. The contract states that the price of the house excludes window coverings, and is responsibility of the purchaser. This statement is a representation because the statement was made orally but was not written in contract. So far the essential elements of a contract and types of terms in a contract have been considered.However, even if a contract has all the essential elements and terms, it may be still declared as unenforceable if the vitiating factor is present. Vitiating factors are number of causes which may prevent a contract from being enforceable in law. The agreement may be vitiated to a void contract or voidable contract by causes of: mistake, misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, illegality. Void contract is treated as if there was no contract at all between the parties. Any belongings received from the agreement must be returned, any items that have been resold to another party, may be returned as well.And any contract that violates public policy is considered as void. Voidable contract A â€Å"voidable† contract, on the other hand, is a valid contract and can be enforced. Usually only one party is bound to the contract terms in a voidable contract. The unbound party is allowed to cancel the contract, which makes the contract void. The main difference between the two is that a void contract cannot be performed under the law, while a voidable contract can still be performed, although the unbound party to the contract can choose to void it before the other party performs.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Enron and Arthur Anderson LLP Essay

1 – What were the business risks Enron faced, and how did those risks increase the likelihood of material misstatements in Enron’s financial statements? The business risks that Enron faced included foreign currency risks and price instability, which is common for the energy industry. In addition, Enron faced pressure to perform well so that the stock price would rise. These risks increased the likelihood of material misstatements in the financial statements for several reasons. Since Enron operated in other countries, there would be a foreign currency risks and those could lead to gains/losses not being properly calculated or accrued on hedging activities. By operating in foreign countries, there are political risks such as policy changes, lack of understanding of culture and business practices. The biggest risk is having the pressure to report good financial results. The deals with the special purpose entities (â€Å"SPE’s†) depended on a high stock price. The company used its stock as collateral if the stock price fell below a certain price. At that point, Enron would have to use the stock to pay out the investors. The company also had pressure from its business partners to perform well and meet it’s future obligations. If the company performed poorly, the investors may hesitate to do business with Enron. 3 – In your own words, summarize how Enron used SPEs to hide large amounts of company debt. Enron created SPE’s (usually other LLP’s) in order to create cash inflow but did not record the investments and related liabilities (the loans used to create the SPE). Enron used outside investors to secure the new SPE’s. The new investors would bear the risk of the investment and Enron used its company stock as collateral to entice the investors and saying that Enron would basically bear the risk if the investment should turn sour. Enron used large investment bankers to take loans but these looked more like hedging  activities instead of debt. Once the stock price began to drop, and Enron was losing money, they were unable to use their stock to cover the losses. To put it simply, a company sells a product for a stellar price to another entity. However, that entity doesn’t have the cash flow to buy the product. So, the seller issues a loan to the buyer in order to sell the product. Now if the buyer defaults on the loan, the seller loses the cash it lent out and the product it sold. This is how Enron set up the SPE’s, and they used the large investment banks to hold the loans that should have been reported on Enron’s balance sheet. 4 – What are the auditor independence issues surrounding the provision of external auditing services, internal auditing services, and management consulting services for the same client? Develop arguments for why auditors should be allowed to perform these services for the same client. Develop separate arguments for why auditors should not be allowed to perform non- audit services for their audit clients. What do you believe? The independence issues that arise when an auditor provides external auditing, internal auditing and management consulting services include whether or not the auditors can be independent and exercise good professional judgment when it comes to the audit. The auditors should not be affected by any influences that would impede their professional judgment. If the auditor is performing all of the functions, then how can they remain unbiased during the external audit? Arguments for why auditors should be allowed to perform these services for the same client include: Auditors can increase audit realization by becoming more efficient during the external audit since they would be basically auditing their own work. When auditors find material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, they can use their consulting role to improve these issues. Auditors would already have a good working relationship with the client and be able to save time on the procedures performed as opposed to having to â€Å"start fresh† with a new engagement client. Arguments for why auditors should not be allowed to perform these services for the same client include: Auditors may not be able to act independently, and may not use the best professional judgment when performing the external audit. The company should hire it’s own internal auditor’s to ensure that the staff understand the company’s accounting procedures. This also helps the external auditor as it give the external auditor another viewpoint when assessing fraud risks. The internal auditors are apart of those charged with governance and that helps take the pressure off of the external auditor if a fraud should be discovered. 5 – Explain how â€Å"rules-based† accounting standards differ from â€Å"principles-based† standards. How might fundamentally changing accounting standards from bright-line rules to principle- based standards help prevent another Enron-like fiasco in the future? Some argue that the trend toward adoption of international accounting standards represents a move toward more â€Å"principles-based† standards. Are there dangers in removing â€Å"bright-line† rules? What difficulties might be associated with such a change? Rule based accounting standards are difference from principle based standards in that rule based standards are just that – rules. For instance, the Internal Revenue code is rule based. There are things you can do and things you can’t. When rules are broken, there is a specific â€Å"punishments† that are to be enforced. Principle based accounting standards are more like guidelines and can be open to interpretation. Auditors are given a bit of leeway and are told to use their â€Å"professional judgment†. This also means that the auditors should exercise good judgment and have high moral and ethical standards. Principle based rules can prevent another Enron-like fiasco because it hold  the accountant and auditors to a higher standards than â€Å"just following the code†. Sometimes the code has loopholes, which is what allowed Enron to create the SPE’s in the first place, and the company can rely on that. However, if auditors are required to hold themselves to a higher moral and ethical code, then they may not be swayed by a company’s questionable practices, even if they are following the letter of the law. If â€Å"bright line† rules are not relied on at all, and only principle based rules are followed, then the interpretation of these principles can cause issues such as aggressive accounting treatments such as in the Enron case. If there are no hard rules, then companies can say that the aggressive accounting treatments are not prohibited.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Postmodern Art: A Public Art Medium Essay

So much has changed in the art world in the past few decades. Because of the rapid growth of technology, democracy and globalization, arts today are more mass-oriented, so that many resources and facilities for both the appreciation and the production of arts are made available and accessible to all. It is predictable that arts will play a more active role in this century. In fact, this notable shift in arts is one of a characteristic of Postmodernism. In general, Postmodernism deems art as â€Å"a form of cultural production† which reflects cultural conditions. They question those â€Å"good† arts and â€Å"good† designs. They try to blur the boundaries between â€Å"good† and â€Å"bad† aesthetics. Hence, the interaction between the artworks and the audience makes the audience, in a way, part of the art. Thus, communicating with the public becomes a crucial part, and as an example fits well into this new cultural paradigm — it is â€Å"public art†. One of the philosophies of Postmodern Art is emphasizing collaboration and participation. That is, production is not only artists’ business. In the South Bronx in New York, one of the poorest and most dangerous parts of the city, artist John Ahearn and his assistant Robert Torres created life-castings of people in the neighborhood by collaborating directly with the community that will come into contact with the artwork. These people participated and supported the art, becoming the part of production. Meanwhile community gives artists a location, inspiration and purpose. The definition of art suddenly becomes not so absolute and exclusive. Participants now can express their ideas and thoughts, therefore raising the possibilities of new forms of creativity. John Ahearn’s sculpture project is not only one example focusing on general public. Another eminent Pop artist, Claes Oldenburg embodies the concepts of postmodernism in his public artworks, such as â€Å"Clothespin† and â€Å"Dropped Cone†. By creating sculptures of mass culture objects, again, Claes Oldenburg aimed to blur the distinction between â€Å"high† and â€Å"low† culture. That is to say, there is no more hierarchy of culture and that the topic of art may gain from any source of life. Under the trend of Postmodernism, artists today are also assigned to the new responsibility, and this new idea redetermines the intrinsic values of artworks. If we consider art as a form of social practice, art can be seen as an approach that people participate and decipher the images and symbols of the world. Since art is a means of participation, the challenges of artists nowadays are not only producing new artworks, but also producing the artworks that serve as a stimulus for revaluation and interaction of culture and people. In other words, the meaning of art in this era is not so simple to display the aesthetics. It is about how to interpret and transcode our culture, and then reconstruct what we had in the past.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Arctic Exploration and the Future of the Arctic Ocean Essay

Arctic Exploration and the Future of the Arctic Ocean - Essay Example This would help him sail through with the boat he brought (Berton 2012). For years, many nations such as the U.S, Canada, Norway, Russia, and Denmark have interest in the riches and the potentials of the Arctic Ocean. Some of these nations have parts of the Arctic Ocean as their territory because the area has vast oil deposits and lucrative business activities like trade routes. These opportunities have made the nations to vie for arctic dominance thus causing disputes between these countries (Shah, 2010). Using compass for direction in the arctic can be useless because of magnetic inclination. This is the difference between the geographic north and magnetic north poles. The North Pole is all one side of a magnet so when you have a compass, it will be repelled and attracted at the same time. The compass will end up pointing towards a random position. This will be challenging for anyone trying to find his or her way through because the compass will identify north as a different

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Journal opinion article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Journal opinion article - Essay Example The article of Scism and Tergesen Getting Smart about Annuities attempts to address the economic issue in the U.S economy. The authors attempt to reveal the changes in the stock market because of the shift from defined benefits to pension plans contribution in the U.S economy. Annuity markets have started expanding but the slow economic growth in the global market has become a major problem. Annuity refers to the payment made for life insurance or it is simply referred as the U.S financial products; thus the article attempts to address the way consumers can become elegant about annuities. Annuity issue has become among the most aspects for the recent decades because of the need to improve the quality of life (Scism and Tergesen para. 1). Although financial advisers have not been popular with annuities, it has become one of the hot products in the U.S market. The products do not offer the potential for outsized gains but there is a guarantee for some benefits (Scism and Tergesen para. 3). Consumers need to be smart when dealing with these products because there are some associated risks that may arise including investment losses but it appears that annuities have irrefutable appeal. At first, annuity offers a way for restoring some financial security for golden years but there is no clear evidence that retirees with standard paychecks will be happier than those relying on exclusively social security supplement. It appears that annuities will not offer contentment to consumers; hence one needs to be smarter before making a decision about life annuity. Moreover, annuities in the contemporary global financial markets have an undeniable appeal for those grappling with investment losses (Scism and Tergesen para. 4). The problem with this is because investors may have a common idea about the importance of annuity but a few of them may recognize the strategies available for making these financial products a part of their assets. Therefore, it is crucial for one to figu re out the total amount of products one needs to purchase maybe whether he or she wants to put money to work immediately or slowly and what to invest with the remaining balance. Scism and Tergesen offer significant and best ways that one should do in order to achieve success or avoid any financial losses (Scism and Tergesen para. 3). One of them is the immediate gratification because immediate annuity can enable one to convert payment for a month, quarterly or yearly income for life. Although most immediate annuities are fixed, immediate annuities can offer considerable higher sustainable revenue than the ones being generated from the venture portfolio. For example, an older a man who purchases an immediate annuity is likely to receive about 8.4 percent of the total amount which he instead (Scism and Tergesen para. 5). This is significant because the payment has interest rates and they are guaranteed to continue increasing for the rest of one’s life. Another way is longevity rider and this is one way of preserving more for purchasing a differed-income annuity (Scism and Tergesen para. 7). This generates an income for life and one may benefit; however, the economists have attempted to argue as to whether it is significant for one to purchase for a longevity rider or conventional immediate annuity. This is in case the financial benefits outweigh the annuity pool; thus one may likely to undergo losses. However,

Special Needs Rule Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Special Needs Rule - Essay Example In the case of a student who requires to be searched, the authority directly involved is the school officials, and therefore should be directly involved in the search. A clear example is the case, New Jersey v.TLO, and in this case, the Supreme Court ruled that searches that do not have probable causes can only be legal if they are done by the school authority. School setting is always a special setting, and the allowed officials are the school authorities. However, the presence of the police is welcome, but has to be regulated. As posited in the case, New Jersey v. TLO, the setting of a school may require modification especially in terms of suspicion or suspecting. The police cannot just move in to make unwarranted searches, rather, the school officials should be the one to be used. After the suspicion is confirmed, then, the law would take its course, and this time it would be implemented by the police. According to Gardner & Anderson (2009), the move to control searchers due to individualized reasons is to avoid seizures without deeply based suspicion. There is always a high need to differentiate an emergent issue in terms of searches and searches within special situations. Emergent searches are only when in the confines of police administration or not in a confine of a special situation. Special searches have to be

Monday, August 26, 2019

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 32

Case Study Example This decision is seen to be inconsiderate of the customer sentiments in the location and the news of a rate increase and setting up of the nuclear plant may lead to negative reactions among the customers. The main external issues in this case include the sentiments of the customers regarding the operations of the company and the subsequent increase in the rates of power supply. The power supply rates of Phoenix Power are already high and the customers are skeptical about a nuclear plant in their vicinity. As such, the skepticism and non-reception of the customers are likely to act as the main external issue. The internal issues related to the advertising process would include the business decision regarding the choice of an advertising agency and personnel required for the short term advertising campaign. The alternatives would include making the customers more aware of why it is important to increase the rates of power supply. The positive aspects for building the nuclear plant can be focused on in the advertising. The nuclear plant once completed would be useful for supplying sufficient power to the whole city and Phoenix Power would not have to source power from the plants in California. This would subsequently reduce the costs for electricity after the setting up of the nuclear plant. This aspect should be focused on in the advertising campaign so that the customers become aware of the benefits of the project and also become supportive of the project. The message for the advertising campaign should be based on highlighting the long term positive benefits that can be realized from the project of Phoenix Power to establish the nuclear power plant in Arizona (Jameson and Campbell 170). Since, the consumers already have a negative attitude towards the increase in the rates; therefore, this issue should be handled in a sensitive manner in the advertising campaign. Phoenix Power

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Evaluation report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluation report - Essay Example Prior to the class, a few measures were taken in its preparations. First, we looked at the core of our class and that is the information that is to be presented. The objectives are already established through the syllabus of the RFAW and FAW, so our focus will be to organize the structure of the delivery of the information as well as facilitating all the hands on practical exercises. This organization was accomplished through the use of a session plan. The session plan outlined every aspect of what was to be done. It tells us what is to be taught, who is teaching it, location, special equipment, delivery method, start and end times. Once we are firm on what is to be taught, we must then decide on the delivery method and learning technique to be utilized. The progress of technology gives us many tools to use but we must choose these tools wisely because not all tools fit every situation. For this class, a PowerPoint presentation, handouts, and a workbook were utilized. The PowerPoint presentation was used to help reinforce the lectures. This will help give the student a visual representation of what was being said. The workbook and handouts acts more as a reference that the student can refer back to either during certain points of the class or at home. All of these tools will reinforce the lecture that was given. Careful thought went into the learning technique to be used. For this class, the students would be formed into groups because as stated by scholars before, ‘Groups are viewed as a powerful means of learning, which can be an environment in which people invent and explore symbolic structures for understanding the world, learning from each other; or they can encourage conformity, squander time and energy on ritual combat, revel in failure’. (Knights1993). This group will be formal, due to the fact that everyone who belongs to the group must arrive at the

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Use Cases Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Use Cases - Research Paper Example The diagrams also have attachments of informal text giving extra details similar to that which exists in the requirements document. Their level of use is normally during the analysis phase of the software. Through it, as designers the goal of meeting the demands of the system remains in scope. In figure 1 above, the stick figure shows an actor playing the role of an entity external to the system and its interactions. In this case, the actor is either another system or a person. The user in the ATM system can withdraw cash (Zhang & Yang, 2012). In other cases, the user is not always the real person, but it may consist of the duties played by a real person when in interaction with the ATM system. Other actors present in an ATM system include administrator who fills the cash in the dispenser before work commences. The client inserts their card into the slot in the ATM that reads the card. The bank then has to perform synchronization between the ATM and the bank through providing an identifier for the session. The system then deciphers the information in the ATM card before authenticating the customer to perform their transaction at the ATM. The client will then select the option to withdraw which will provide them with the options of how much to withdraw. The system will compare the users wishful amount with what it possess before allowing them to withdraw. Otherwise, if the amount is more than what they can withdraw, they will be requested to enter a smaller value. The ATM system will then eject the card from the bank. Dispense of cash takes place thus allowing the system to record a log of transaction for the withdrawal of that money. The latter marks the ends of the process. The transaction on depositing cash through the ATM is mapped by a request to the client to select the type of the account for which to deposit to from available options. The customer then enters the amount they wish to deposit through the ATM (Salerno, 2014). The transaction

Friday, August 23, 2019

Blue Ocean Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Blue Ocean Strategy - Essay Example Unlike red oceans, blue oceans create demand from the red oceans by breaking the boundaries of competition (Kim and Maubourgne, 2005). For instance, companies like music recording multinationals, management consulting and pharmaceuticals were hardly heard of in the last 100 years. In this case, companies will have the opportunity to re-create others in order to reflect the emerging realities in economic growth and blue oceans. The authors assert that technological advancements, increased deregulation of markets and improved industrial productivity will enhance creation of blue oceans. Saturation of the developed markets has resulted in to price wars and shrunk profit margins thus the need of a blue ocean strategy (Niciejewska and Dimitrov, 2009). Surprisingly, the authors point out that 86 percent of the surveyed companies seem to be comfortable in red oceans since they have only line extensions while only 14 percent are committed at creating new markets. It is interesting that the s urvey found out that 14 percent of the firms that invested in new market development delivered 38 percent of the revenues and impressive 61 percent of total profits. On the contrary, the 86 percent of firms concentrated on line extensions thus delivering 62 percent of the total revenues and only 39 percent of the total profits (Kim and Mauborgene 4). ... The authors provide an example of Japanese companies of 1980s due to decline of Western companies in droves. The authors agree that competition is important, but companies must attain competitive-advantage and develop markets with minimal or no competition (Warren, 2008). The authors go ahead to provide the logic behind the creation of blue oceans. The article outlines that new technology and innovation will create blue oceans. Some of the blue oceans that have been created by new technology include Ford Model IT and Apple Personal computers. Incumbents also create blue oceans within the existing business like AMC multiplex of 1995 and Palace theaters of 1914. The authors assert that strategic moves define blue oceans and no the size of the industry or companies. Accordingly, blue oceans build existing brands through creating brand equity just like Ford’s Model T that still benefits the company today (Kourdi, 2009). The article differentiates the red oceans from blue oceans si nce Red Ocean strategies compete in the current market space while blue oceans create new uncontested markets. Red oceans aim at beating competition while blue oceans desire to make completion irrelevant. In addition, blue oceans break the value to cost trade off unlike red oceans that make the value to cost trade-off (Koontz and Weihrich, 1990). The authors offer a deep explanation of blue ocean strategy by asserting that such companies reject the fundamental strategies of competition that aim at creating more value for customers or lowering operating costs. The authors offer an example of Cirque du Soleil since at the time of market entry Circuses were benchmarking without raising market revenues. Cirque did not follow the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Idea of the American Dream Essay Example for Free

The Idea of the American Dream Essay What is the American Dream? Is it even attainable for the average citizen? Everyone has their own opinions on how they view the American dream. It can be different for almost everyone when you take into consideration their gender, age, nationality, and the transition of this idea between each generation. Can we obtain this dream by having a big house, luxury items, a non dysfunctional family, and the perfect job one would never complain about? Or is it simply what our nation is told by authorities such as parent figures and the media? Most people would consider this fantasy as the perfect life which, most comprehend as going to college, getting a good job, making a family, and having more money than needed. This idea of the so called perfect life is thought of as the universal dream for Americans. This dream is thought of as the pursuit of happiness, but this idea is no longer a selfless goal. Instead, the pursuit of happiness has transitioned into a self-serving fantasy for most Americans. This transition of the American dream has caused most people in this nation to lose focus on what is really important in our lives and brainwashed us to believe the allusion that possessing material items will bring us happiness. Many immigrants who reside in America have the idea that the American dream is escaping poverty and simply living a better life, while other immigrants and main stream American society view America as a place of opportunity to become more successful financially. The idea of the American dream and the pursuit of happiness may be universal for mature Americans, but completely different for other types of people according to their age, gender, nationality, and historic generation. People who were the supporters of their families over 50 years ago had only one idea of happiness, and that idea was a goal to make sure their was food on the table and a roof over their heads. That simple dream no longer exists in the majority of America. Now the type of happiness is different between age and gender. People of different ages have different desires. As people get older their needs are not as materialistic to a degree, but more focused on what makes them comfortable. When they mature they realize that materialistic items are a waste of money and focus more on how they should spend their money more wisely on things that could actually benefit their needs such as health care. Their happiness comes from feeling secure and comfortable. Although a child may not realize what the American dream is, they live it. They focus on what new toys they are going to get whereas adults focus more on their career. Men and women also view the American dream differently. For many men it’s more about ego, having the â€Å"macho† image, and driving the hot car. Men want to have a certain image that every other man would desire to have. . On the other hand, many women who have children are more focused on how they look as a mother. They want to be seen as the perfect mother with the smartest and most talented children. Aside from those ideas of the pursuit of happiness, people from different countries have the most legitimate idea of the American dream. The idea of the pursuit of happiness is an altered dream for those of different ethnicities and those who are born in America. Michael Schudson states that, â€Å"[i]mmigrants have an American dream knowing hardly anything of the US—except that they will find opportunity there, abundance and a chance to share in it† (1). They view the American dream as an opportunity to enhance their style of living, become a free independent person, and have equal opportunities. It allows them the opportunity to achieve more prosperity than they could in their countries of origin. Whereas, those who are born in America have a completely different understanding of what the American dream is. This dream to American society is making money so we can buy things that we think will make us happy. A clear example of this difference in comprehension of the American dream is provided by Raymund A. Paredes. He explains that, â€Å"Mexico has always been a poor and underdeveloped land where the evolution of a national myth of abundance and well-being would be unthinkable. On both sides of the border, writers of Mexican blood have dreamed not of wealth but only of relief from relentless poverty† (Paredes 71). To him and people of his culture, the true America dream is not in being able to buy unnecessary gadgets, but what really brings them happiness is to simply live a more comfortable and worry-free life. Parents are teaching their children a false sense of happiness by telling them they need money so they can have whatever they want in life. Many parents view America as the opportunity for their children to group up with an education and career opportunities. They will dedicate their lives to make sure their children will have a better childhood than they did themselves. In most cases they will also push their children to go to college so their children will be successful and have the money to buy the luxury items they are unable to afford. Education, for the most part, determines a persons job opportunities and level of income. It has become an understanding that without an education the idea of the American Dream seems to be out of reach. Education has become one of the central institutions in making the American Dream a reality. In the essay â€Å"What is Happiness? † a valid point is proven when the author John Ciardi explains that â€Å"We are taught that to possess is to be happy, and then we are made to want† (Ciardi 293). The true meaning of being successful is to be able to support a family and not worry about making ends meet with the next pay check. This is a noble goal indeed, but the fact of the matter is that, subconsciously or not, people want money to buy whatever they want which they believe will bring them happiness. The sole reason for most people to get a college education is to make a lot of money when they achieve their degree in a desired discipline. Is happiness really the result of having a lot of money? Ultimately, the American dream has to be achieved from one’s own personal motivations. Other’s motivations may create a false layer of make-up to another, but in reality no one else’s motivations can take the place of a person’s own. Motivations can be brought upon by a variety of different sources such as parents, background, and the medias influence on American society. For example, â€Å"children of [Korean] immigrants perceive their parents; of what these immigrants do not say [†¦] and of what their children leave out and simply refer to as a ‘typical Korean thing to do’ or a characteristic of ‘typical Korean parents,’ assuming that the knowledge is so common that there is no need to explain it. I came to the conclusion that, in common with American mainstream society and many other immigrant minorities who share the ‘American Dream,’ Korean immigrants consider money and prestige the criteria for success. However, it is when one understands that, for Korean-American immigrant parents, prestige is synonymous with the academic achievement of their children† (Kim 228). As a child of a Korean-American parent I can relate to this passage. Korean parents are known to push their children to do better than the average student which is an example of the â€Å"typical Korean parents. † Korean parents motivate their children to exceed excellence because of the opportunity they were unable to receive as children in Korea. With the unlimited opportunities available in America, Korean parents feel as though their children will be much happier by making more money than they know what to do with. The idea of how money and prestige is the main criteria for success applies to both main stream American society and Korean immigrants. This idea, for Korean immigrants, is enforced by their parents whereas for main stream American society is influenced by the media. The media has a huge influence on the way society views the American dream. Advertising is everywhere, and at home it’s only an arm’s reach away with the remote for the television, mouse to the internet, and magazines. How did obtaining luxury items become the American dream? Why does society feel so compelled to pursue it? Advertising has a very powerful way of persuading the public; so powerful that the American public has been convinced by advertising to desire these luxury items. Advertising persuades society so significantly to the point that it can alter our perception of what is truly important in life. It Alters our minds to the point that they feel that the American dream is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. For example, society buys luxury items because they feel as though they need nice things to make them happy. Through advertising, the media influences society so effectively that we no longer view the American dream as something to achieve but something we can buy. We continually see pictures of homes, cars, families, and luxury items everywhere on T. V, magazines, and billboards. It is impossible to escape these advertisements in America and these ads make sure of that. The more society is bombarded with these advertisements, the more they are persuaded toward obtaining materialistic things which they believe will bring them happiness. Money is needed to have these luxury items, but does more money bring us more happiness? Today everyone has a goal to become more successful than they already are. We feel as though with more money so we can buy luxury items that we can use for our enjoyment, thus making us happier. Although we feel as though money will bring us happiness, research has been done to disprove this idea. Nickerson, Schwarz, Diener, and Kahneman argue that, â€Å"The present longitudinal study examining the relation between the goal for financial success, attainment of that goal, and satisfaction with various life domains found that the negative impact of the goal for financial success on overall life satisfaction diminished as household income increased† (531). The goal for success has increased and most people would agree that a little more money would make them a little happier. The fact of the matter is that, since around the 1950’s the average American’s income has more than doubled and with double the income comes twice as many cars and accessories that not everyone used to have in the 1950’s, such as, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and air conditioning (Myers). Today, according to statistics, we have a little more money then we used to but are we happy? â€Å"Since 1957, the number of Americans who say they are ‘very happy’ has declined from 35 to 32 percent. Meanwhile, the divorce rate has doubled, the teen suicide rate has nearly tripled, the violent crime rate has nearly quadrupled (even after the recent decline), and more people than ever (especially teens and young adults) are depressed† (Myers). The American dream has changed over the years and statistics show that money is not the answer to our happiness. The answer is simplicity in life and family. The American dream is completely different now than it was over 50 years ago. Now, materialistic things are constantly being shoved in our face through the media, so we feel as though we need them in order to be happy. Over 50 years ago if a family had food on the table, a roof over their heads, and a car they were happy and thought to be living the American dream. As the years passed the American dream has become less meaningful. In the poem â€Å"Richard Cory,† Edwin A. Robinson tells a story of a man who had everything he could possibly want in the world. â€Å"And he was rich-yes, richer than a kind- [†¦] and Richard Cory, on calm summer night went home and put a bullet through his head. † This is a perfect example of how riches don’t bring people true happiness. Today people are only interested in how many possessions they obtain. In reality these possessions only bring us temporary satisfaction. Once the new version of a certain gadget or car comes out we instantly want it, and we are no longer happy with what we have. It seems as though no one is happy with what they have and once they fulfill one desire they create ten more desires. The American dream today is wasteful and the meaning has been altered into false image of happiness. The American dream is no longer a family fulfilling goal in most cases. For Mexican immigrants it is an escape from poverty, but the majority of us have been lead astray from the pursuit of happiness. Whether we are a child, adult, senior, male, or female, many Americans have a false understanding of how to pursue true happiness. Happiness doesn’t come from more money or more materialistic possessions. These possessions may only give use temporary satisfaction, but when a new gadget comes out we are no longer happy because the item we obtain is out of date. Through advertising, the media will keep creating more luxury items so society will continuously feel as if they need the newest thing. This only leads to unhappiness and our self-centered nation needs a reality check to understand what is truly important in life; simplicity and family. Work Cited Ciardi, John. â€Å"What is Happiness? † Wryick and Slaughter 291-293. Kim, Eun-Young. Career Choice Among Second-Generation Korean-Americans: Reflections of a Cultural Model of Success. Anthropology Education Quarterly 24. 3 (1993): 224-248. JSTOR. CSUS Library, Sacramento. 14 Apr. 2008. Keyword: American Dream. Myers, David G. Wealth, Well-Being, and the New American Dream. New American Dream. 2000. Yale University Press. 14 Apr. 2008 . Nickerson, Carol, Norbert Schwarz, Ed Diener, and Daniel Kahneman. Zeroing in on the Dark Side of the American Dream: a Closer Look At the Negative Consequences of the Goal for Financial Success. Psychological Science 14. 6 (2003): 531-536. 13 Apr. 2008 . Paredes, Raymund A. Mexican American Authors and the American Dream. Melus 8. 4 (1981): 71-80. JSTOR. CSUS Library, Sacramento. 14 Apr. 2008. Keyword: American Dream. Robinson, Edwin A. â€Å"Richard Cory. † Wyrick and Slaughter 385-386. Schudson, Michael. American Dreams. American Literary History 12 (2004): 1-2. Project Muse. CSUS Library, Sacramento. 13 Apr. 2008. Keyword: American Dream. Wyrick, Jean, and Slaughter, Beverly J. , 3rd ed. The Rinehart Reader. Boston: Thomson Learning, 1999

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Law of Connection Essay Example for Free

The Law of Connection Essay It can be said that in order to make other individuals follow a certain person, that person must first be able to touch the hearts of these individuals. By stating that a person must first touch the heart of the individuals, it is assumed that the person must primarily be able to communicate with the emotions of the individuals apart from anything else. That is, in order to be able to make a personal connection with other people, an individual is faced with the task of communicating first with the emotions of these people. In essence, one cannot expect others to follow him or her without first being able to establish an emotional rapport with others. For the most part, one can argue that individuals have a common bond that makes them at least one at heart. Hence, to be able to touch the heart of others and communicate with their emotions is to be able to make them understand how and what one thinks and seeks to do. In Genesis 12:1-7 of the Bible, for instance, it is stated that Abraham has descendants. More precisely, the Bible presents the idea that people are descendants of Abraham as God promised him â€Å"a great nation† where the descendants will receive the Promised Land. Moreover, it is apparent that God did this by communicating with the emotions of Abraham, by fulfilling what he earnestly yearns for in his heart. Another illustration in the Bible can be found in Exodus 1: 8-21. The context of the verses in, specifically in verses 8-11, suggests that an appeal to the emotion of individuals can indeed prove to be a good way of making other follow. For instance, when the new king of Egypt told his people that â€Å"the people and children of Israel are mightier† than them, and by adding that unless they do not begin to quell the Israelites they may soon find the latter joining forces with their enemy which my lead to their downfall, the people of Egypt began to act in accordance to the revelation of their new king. Such passage suggests the idea that, by striking at the emotions of individuals, one can arrive at a situation wherein these individuals will act in accordance o how one wants things to be. Further, from verses 12-21, one can find that, eventually, the Hebrew women disregarded the call of the Pharaoh for the reason that they fear God more than him. Since the â€Å"Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women,† it can be suggested that the emotions of the Hebrews are closer to their own beliefs than the commands of an Egyptian Pharaoh. It further implies the idea that, although one can be able to communicate with the emotions of others, it is nevertheless not a solid assurance that others will bend in relation to what the individual desires. More importantly, being able to communicate with the emotions of others and make them act according to one’s perception is augmented by an underlying commonality between the individuals and the person. This underlying commonality can come in many different forms such as tradition and religion. Hence, the ties that bind people together, or the connection that they all have, serve as a factor that one must consider in order to effectively communicate with the emotions of others. In Exodus 19:3-13, it is observable that God employs certain forms of warnings such as â€Å"whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death† in order to fulfill the higher purpose of God to â€Å"come down in the sight of all the people upon Mount Sinai†. In essence, warnings can help substantiate and strengthen the fulfillment of a certain goal inasmuch as it aids in preempting other people from disobeying commands and certain forms of beliefs. Moreover, warnings serve the purpose of reinforcing the task of making other people follow by communicating with their emotions. Lastly, in Deuteronomy 1 verses 1-5, it can be noted that Moses was commanded by God to deliver His message to the people of Israel. Notable in the passage is the thought that the message Moses will deliver are from God which presents the idea that the message of a supreme authority of a common people connected by their belief in the authority of God cannot be easily ignored. In essence, what can be maintained is the idea that being able to communicate with the emotions of other people grants the person the ability to make other people follow one’s plans or courses of actions. Since emotions are innate to humanity and it is what connects people together in one way or another, emotions allow communications between individuals, specifically those who belong to a group connected by traditions and other things. References King James Bible. (1997, February 18, 1997). Retrieved September 12, 2007, from http://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/browse.html Maxwell, J. C. (1998). The Law of Connection. In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (pp. 101-107). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

History and Development of Mobile Technology

History and Development of Mobile Technology Mobile Technology Abstract The following report reviews an in-depth analysis of mobile technology over the years. Mobile phones enables communication of voice, images, text and video. The important fact is that these could be shared with anyone in any corner of the world at the demand of the user. Communication is no longer the only service mobile technology offers. It offers a wide range of services such as access to the World Wide Web, view television and movies, interact with GPS, play games and read and respond to barcode and augmented reality messages. To fully comprehend the topic mobile technology the history of it plays a major role. From the technical perspective, the history of mobile technologies originated with the limited use of radio frequencies; where the ability to establish simultaneous two-way communication (full duplex) was considered a technological feat. From the social perspective, mobile technologies began as a rare device used by limited personnel who needed to communicate to others in real time emergencies. From the user perspective, the history of mobile technologies began with the use of two way radios and evolved to the current state of prolific smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Popularity of the technology sky rocketed with the invention of smart phones. Today there are more people using mobile phones that a personal computer. The future of the mobile technology unravels in front of our very eyes each passing hour. Introduction The Latin term mobile means ability to move or portable. Therefore mobile technology means, technology that is portable. Mobile devices enables access to services like (Naismith et al., 2004:36). Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) Bluetooth third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) data services dial-up services data networking services using modems and telephone lines virtual private networks secure access to a private network Mobile technology has gone a long journey from a simple two way pager to a device that fits in your pocket which can be used as a substitute for a computer (Naismith et al., 2004:36). 1.1 History 1G 2G 3G 4G Year Early 80s 1991 2001 2010 Standards AMPS, NMT,TACS D-AMPS,GSM/GPRS, cdma One CDMA2000/ EV-DO, WCDMA/HSPA+,TD-SCDMA LTE. LTE Advanced Technology Analog Digital Digital Digital Bandwidth Narrow Band Broad Band Broad Band Data Rate Up to 2 Mbit/s xDSL-like experience Mobile 3G and 4G technologies continue to evolve to deliver faster and better mobile broadband experiences (Nordin et al., 2010:132). 2. Various devices which use mobile technology laptop and netbook computers tablet devices palmtop computers or PDAs Mobile phones and smart phones (Quinn, 2011:18). 3. The popularity of mobile devices According to a study done by the US consumers use mobile technology for the following Call SMS Mobile Web Apps Social networking ( Quinn, 2011:18). The quantity of individuals who utilize portable advances has developed such a great amount in the previous decade that there are presently a greater number of individuals utilizing mobile innovations than there are individuals utilizing PCs all through the world there are an incredible number of cell phones in current usage. These incorporate cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, game devices, handhelds, tablets and laptops (Nordin et al., 2010:132). The astonishing fame of cell phones is shown by the way that by April 2012 more than 60 million iPads had been sold According to the CIA World Fact Book (South Africa Communications, 2012) .Worldwide sales of Smartphones increased 24 percent to 172.4 million units in 2009 according to Gartner, Inc. Popularity continues to grow because it provides services like emergency notification systems, customer service, customer payments, inventory management, employee dispatching, travel directions and non-profit fundraising. For an example, When the Red Cross recently used Mobile to raise funds for Haiti almost $5 million was raised in less than 48 hours- all via Mobile (Valk, Rashid Elder, 2010). 4. Mobile devices and interactivity There are four sorts of intelligence: up close and personal intuitiveness, PC intervened intelligence, human-PC intelligence, and synchronous gathering intelligence. Intuitiveness helps understudies to create ideas and place them in their right setting. This thusly helps understudies to build up their very own intellectual structures. Intelligence likewise give understudies chances to make their own learning condition. This, thus, has a noteworthy effect on their learning since it brings about more dynamic learning and gives valuable input to the address (vant Hooft, Brown-Martin Swan, 2008). 5.Advantages and disadvantages ÂÂ  Advantages Mobile computing can improve the customer service Powerful solutions can link directly. Supports for more flexible working practices by providing customer friendly services (Wagner, 2005:44). DisadvantagesÂÂ   Cost required to set up the equipments and training is high Cyber security system is needed to ensure the safety of imported data from getting exposed to unauthorized people via mobile devices (Wagner, 2005:44). 6.Ongoing Research on mobile technology M2M networking for IoT-based Intelligent Environments efforts within this context focus on the interconnection of large numbers of such heterogeneous smart objects, enabling the communication provision for applications spanning from Intelligent Transportation Systems to Intelligent Building Management. This is performed through the usage of cognitive radio inspired M2M communications(Quinn, 2011:18). Real-Time Monitoring of Available Bandwidth Optimization Concepts for Capacity Analysis of Wireless Communications The research develops novel optimization concepts, models, and mathematical programming algorithms for capacity analysis problems in wireless networks. Solving these problems generate insights and understanding going beyond the state-of-the-art of performance analysis of wireless communications (Quinn, 2011:18). Generating Road Traffic Information from Cellular Networks(Quinn, 2011:18) 7. Future Analysis Future of the technology could go from faster transfer speeds to the ability to communicate a relative who lives in a newly found planet. Some recent expected upgrades include- Flexible mobile devices, wearable technology, and mobile wallets completely replacing notes and coins, 5G networks and devices which are capable of interpreting ones thoughts. It is not strange to predict that one day when a new born is born the first thing the doctors would do will be implementing a mobile device so small into their bodies enabling communication and access to information in ways which we cannot imagine (Wagner, 2005:44). Electro vibration technology will change the mobile touchscreen experience dramatically. You will be able to feel different kinds of texture. This advancement can also lead to socially beneficial trends. For instance, blind people can use it for Braille, and access smartphones like everybody else. Running out of battery power is one of the most persistent and frequent complaints of most smartphone users. The availability of the ultra-rapid charger that comes with an advanced battery technology that will allow you to charge your phone completely in just 30 seconds (vant Hooft, Brown-Martin Swan, 2008). 8. Conclusion As stated in the report above mobile technology has evolved from where it was first invented, up to date. It will obliviously continue to expand the horizons and touch human lives. Mobile technology which was foreign to many has now become an essential part in life. It will further help people to break barriers and explore the world and quite possibly the world beyond our world. Mobile technology has its advantages and disadvantages towards the society. It is worth noting that sufficient precautions should be placed in order to manage the misuse of the technology. This could be done through proper education and guidance in regard to this technology. Proper practice should always be promotedÂÂ   (Naismith et al., 2004:36). Encouragement on further research to develop the technology should be promoted. Universities and individuals interested in that matter should have easier ways to access funds for their researches. 9.References NAISMITH, L., LONSDALE, P., VAVOULA, G. SHARPLES, M. 2004. Literatureview in mobile technologies and learning. [Online] Available from: http://www.futurelab.org.uk/resources/publications-reports-articles/literature reviews/Literature-Review203 [Accessed 15 October 2009]:1-47. NORDIN, N., EMBI, M.A. YUNUS, M.M. 2010. Mobile Learning framework for lifelong learning. Procedia Social and Behavioural Sciences, 7(C):130-138. QUINN, C. 2011. Designing mLearning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer. South Africa Communications 2012.ÂÂ   [Online] (Updated 6 March 2012) Available from: http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/south_africa/south_africa_communications.h tml [Accessed 25 June 2012]. VALK, J-H., RASHID, A.T. ELDER, L. 2010. Using mobile phones to improve educational outcomes: An analysis of evidence from Asia. The International review of research in open and distance learning. [Online] Available from: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/794/1487 [Accessed 13 November 2011]. VANT HOOFT, M., BROWN-MARTIN, G. SWAN, K. 2008. Anywhere, anytime learning using highly mobile devices. [Online] In: Tomei, L.A. Encyclopedia of information technology curriculum integration. Available from: http://www.books24x7.com/book/id_18674/viewer.asp?bookid=18674chunkid=0 907360816 [Accessed 16 December 2010]. WAGNER, E.D. 2005. Enabling mobile learning. EDUCAUSE Review, 40(3):42 44.

Eric Eazy-E Wright A Life Interrupted by Taylor Evans :: essays research papers

Eric Eazy-E Wright A Life Interrupted by Taylor Evans Born September 7, 1963, Eric "Eazy-E" Wright's early reputation on the streets of Compton, California, was a hustler eager to apply his street knowledge to his legitimate game. He dropped out of high school in the tenth grade, but refused that to interrupt his success. In the late `80's he turned to rap music. Along with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and M.C. Ren established the most successful and controversial rap group in history. As N.W.A, they blasted police cruelty and challenged the establishment. They eventually took their message of inner-city struggle to millions of fans worldwide. As a soloist, Eazy's career was even more incredible. He launched Compton/Ruthless Records in 1987 and by 1988 had two hit acts-JJ. Fad and Michel'le. During the summer of the same year, N.W.A's Straight Outta Compton LP frightened the media into labeling the group "gangsters". This was a label the group wore and exploited with such force that by the time Eazy released his solo project Eazy-Duz-It that fall, the stage of musical funk and lyrical fight had long been set. "Boyz-N-The-Hood" , "We Want Eazy", "Eazy-Duz-It". His voice fueled a legion of hits. In the early `90's, he joined other West Coast rappers, including M.C. Hammer, Ice T, Tone-Loc, and Young MC, in a stop the violence campaign led by the single "We're All In The Same Gang". With N.W.A, Eazy broke down all the doors of mass exposure previously closed to rap music. Attempts to rock the young musician's foundation were generally useless. Arrests for performing N.W.A's biggest hit "F*** The Police", and other attempts at censorship only helped pave the way for his success. By the time the group had released its last album, Efil4zaggin, in 1991, they had sold more than six million records. As a businessman, Eazy had built a solid commodity with his Ruthless Records label. Some of his more famous signings were: Above The Law, Bone- Thugs-N-Harmo ny, and D.O.C. His ability to promote and market these acts was on the strength of his radio show, "Ruthless Radio Show". As an on-air personality, Eazy gave his audience tickets to his performances, talked to fans, and also became more famous with the young black Americans. Few really knew the man behind the scenes. His charitable nature benefited such organizations as Athletes and Entertainers For Kids, United Colors, and the Make A Wish Foundation.

Monday, August 19, 2019

bloodmac Shakespeares Macbeth - Images and Imagery of Blood and Sleep

Blood and Sleep Imagery in Macbeth  Ã‚   Macbeth screams imagery!   Shakespeare uses imagery of blood and sleep   to create an atmosphere of horror, during the killing of Duncan, which contributes to our sense of Macbeth's growing insanity.   Eventually Lady Macbeth's final scene is enhanced with the use of blood imagery which reflects her guilt.   Shakespeare's use of imagery connects the feeling of horror from audience to play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth held such potential for himself. He was honoured Thane of Cawdor,   and who knows what else Duncan had in store for him.   Unfortunately he chose not to find out, by murdering the king.   The scene of Duncan's murder (II, ii) demonstrates the guilt and feeling that the blood diffuses into the air.   When he returns to his chamber Lady Macbeth notices that he has brought back the blood covered daggers with him.   She persuades him to bring them back to the scene of death, but he refuses by saying  Ã‚   " I'll go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on't again I dare not. " Lady Macbeth responds ruthlessly to her husband, " Infirm of purpose!   Give me the daggers.   The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures. 'Tis the eye of child hood that fears a painted devil.   If he do bleed, I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal, for it must seem their guilt."   Lady Macbeth tells her husband that he was acting like a child and went by herself to smear blood upon the kings grooms so it will seem like they did it.   Lady Macbeth returns from Duncan's chamber telling Macbeth that her hands are covered in blood just like his.   She encourages Macbeth to wash the blood from his hands to remove the evidence from their presence.   " My hands are of your color... I hear a knocking...A little... ... come, come, give me your hand!   What's done cannot be undone. To bed, to bed, to bed!"   Lady Macbeth is haunted by her guilt.   The blood that was shed disturbs her conscience so much that she can't hide from it. Works Cited and Consulted: Campbell, Lily B. "Macbeth : A Study in Fear." Readings on Macbeth. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1999. 126-35. Foakes, R.A. "Images of Death in Macbeth." In Focus on Macbeth. Ed. John Russell Brown. Boston: Routledge, 1987. James IV of Scotland. "Daemonologie." In Minor Prose Works. Ed. James Craigie. Edinburgh: Scottish Text Society, 1982. Muir, Kenneth. "Introduction." In Macbeth. Ed. Kenneth Muir. New York: Routledge, 1992. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Ed. Kenneth Muir. New York: Routledge, 1992. Truax, E. "Imagery in Macbeth" Comparative Drama 23. 1990:359-76.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Kmart - What went wrong? :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kmart's main weakness was that it had an aspiration to be all things to all people – its dabblings in drug stores, home improvement stores, bookstores, cafeterias and specialty stores in the 1980s and early 1990s seemed to spread the company very thin. This focus on diversification is just one example of how the retailer has often not made the wisest choices when faced with a tight spot.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By the 1980s, just before the rise of Wal-Mart, Kmart had become complacent. It believed it would be the king of discount retailing, now and forever. It didn't perform an accurate SWOT analysis, but to be fair, who could have seen the rise of Wal-Mart to the position of the world's number-one retailer? Still, as Wal-Mart built new stores in town after town, supported by cutthroat pricing and solid logistics, Kmart's complacency would cost them. Part of the problem was that as Wal-Mart was pouring money into information technology (IT), Kmart's IT budget continued to shrink – not just once, but several years in a row. While Wal-Mart's logistics and supply chain management got sharper, Kmart's stagnated. And while Wal-Mart was able to squeeze more value out of its stores and its systems, Kmart lost ground. By the time Kmart had finally decided to start devoting more resources to IT, it was so far behind Wal-Mart that catching up would have been a near-impossi ble task without the recession in the early part of this decade. With the effects of the recession taken into account, Kmart instead was consigned to also-ran status among discount retailers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another problem was that Kmart did not correctly anticipate customer needs. For instance, let's say that Kmart buys a new style of shirt and stocks it in pink, yellow, green and blue. Further, let's say that the blue shirts sell out immediately; the store is left with inventory of the three other colors. Yet Kmart doesn't reorder the blue ones because 75 percent of its inventory is still unsold – it's still got plenty of that style of shirt to sell. Wal-Mart, meanwhile, would order a new shipment of blue shirts. Their model takes the customer into account, not the inventory – Wal-Mart understands that it's the color the customers want, not the style (in this case, anyway).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of Kmart's biggest marketing miscues was the use of newspaper as its primary ad medium. Until about the 1980s, Kmart's primary form of advertising was flashy, expensive sales fliers that did not generate enough sales to offset their costs.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Effects of economy of the United States Essay

The cost of advancing economy of the United States is highly dependent on the Gross Domestic Product. This refers to the level of production nationals of a country and the production by the foreigners in the country. The main determinates of the countries production is the levels of employment and the stability of the government, in that case if the nationals of a specific country are unemployed the economy of the country will be quite low since the unemployed group will not have contribution to the country’s GDP (P. Kooiman p 178). If the economy of the country is quite low the employers tend to impose strategies to down size there work forces, this move will tend to increase the level of unemployment in the country hence even higher losses in the GDP. The concept is a clear illustration of the causes of several countries including the U. S causes of decreasing economic power and increasing levels of unemployment such as the statistics recorded in the year 2000 census. Economic technology determinates Unemployment also affects the economy in the sense that if the unemployment levels decrease the demand of goods and services. In other words the unemployment results to lowering the people’s purchasing power, especially in goods that are considered secondary goods. The unemployment persons reflect a loss in the sales level and level which are the economic power of a country since they are considered liabilities to the economy as they do not contribute to the boosting of the economy or bringing revenue to the country as they do not receive any salary or wage in relation to the work they perform. Hence unemployment weakens the economy since the consumers’ power is stronger than the production levels (Wikipedia encyclopedia). Political technology determinates According to Fred C. Pampel the U. S employment levels are based on the government, his argument is based on the fact that if the government does not maintain a stable country and economic power the people’s employment levels will tend to be quite low. In that case all countries watch out on the government moves to reduce the levels of unemployment by either increasing the job opportunities or by assisting the unemployed with capital for them to start up self employment such as small business. If the government does not do that it’s considered ineffective by the locals and can even be voted out come the next elections (Fred C. Pampel, John B. Williamson p203). In the United States fore example the political readers have taken up the role of reducing the levels of unemployment not only to improve their public image and popularity but also to improve the government strength in carrying out it’s activities. The government’s activities are financed through taxes which are gotten from the public, hence by reducing the levels of unemployment the levels of taxes are increased since the public has higher incomes to be taxed. Conclusion In the United States the military Marine Corps play an important factor in the advancement of technology. The Marine Corps refer to a United States military branch which deals with force projection in water masses such as the sea. The branch carries its activities with the help of the armed task forces and the uniformed service to uphold the mobility of the US navy. The Marine Corps work closely with the US naval forces since the naval forces are considered perfectly trained, on ways of exploiting the available means of transport and techniques used in each. They are therefore associated with improvement of technology since by maximum exploitation of the current resources they find their pros and cons; therefore they tend to improve the current technology through solving the problems related to the current technology. References 1. Gen. Charles C. Krulak (1996). â€Å"Operational Maneuver from the Sea† (PDF). Headquarters Marine Corps 2. P. Kooiman (1986), Some empirical models for markets in disequilibrium, Ph. D. thesis, Erasmus University Rotterdam 3. G. den Broeder (1983), A family of market transaction functions, Foundations of Empirical Economic Research 1983/1, Rotterdam: Netherlands Economic Institute 4. American Journal of Community Psychology, Unemployment and its effects on families: Evidence from a plant closing study – Springer Netherlands (2005) ISSN 0091-0562 (Print) 1573-2770 (Online) 5. Wikipedia the free encyclopedia http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Unemployment

Friday, August 16, 2019

Ethnic Marketing in Indonesia Essay

Indonesia’s national slogan  « Bhinneka ika tungat.  » that means unity and diversity, is a strong local motto that celebrates differences, specially the demographic one. This slogan was adopted at independence in 1945. This can indicate in a first approach a strongly united population, a country where people are allowed to practice and conserve their ethnic Identity. But this never was the general case in Indonesia. There is this insidious ordinary racism in the country that takes place in their everyday living. Because this sacred diversity is however limited to ethnic groups with claims to a territory: this includes the Javanese, the Sundanese and the Madurese. There are other local groups that are not as significant. For the other groups that can not have the same claims, it is another story especially when it comes to the Chinese Indonesian. Being migrants with powerful and strategic positions, they are often excluded by the population or they exclude themselves. If this is how the Indonesian society can be perceived, it isn’t the same when it comes to the marketing approach. It can be said that it is not that simple to talk about ethnic marketing in Indonesia when it is related to physical characteristics. If the comparison was made with Singapore, It is much easier to identify that a person belongs to a certain ethnic group when she is shown in an advertisement. It becomes more delicate when the ethnic groups have a lot of similarities. Even if Chinese, Indo or Arab origins Indonesians are not accepted everywhere or not recognized as true Indonesian by a part of the society, they still have their place and are represented for marketing purposes. We can give an example of Western Union: For the first Ad, adressed to the chinese Indonesian poulation, the person is an office working man, we would rather think that he has a good salary and is educated. The emphasis here is about the importance of the speed of the transaction. For the second Ad, more adressed to Indonesians with claims of territory, The main character is a little girl that due to the received money, could go to school. It shows the importance that is taking girls education in those groups. When it comes to the language, companies that operate at a national level generally use Indonesian or English for their advertisement campaigns. The use of a specific language related to a group is more likely to stay in the frame of small companies that operates in very restricted areas.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

A Review on Alex Cross’s Trial Essay

Good morning everyone! Recently, I had the honour to read the book—written by Mr. James Patterson—Alex Cross’s Trial. I was awestruck by the epic struggle of the hero against the racial discrimination between the white and the coloured, as well as the absorbing plot. Therefore, I irresistibly wondered: Is Singapore a racial-harmony country? How can we make it better? Firstly, Singapore is not a standard racial-harmony country, as there are still sedition acts detected. In 2008, a middle-aged Christian couple was charged under both the Sedition Act and the Undesirable Publications Act with distributing seditious publications to two Muslim women. Does the story help y’all to reflect your daily words and deeds? Have you been a racist when people from a different race come to ask for help? Are you disgusted with their certain action or tradition, which belong to their own race? What I usually notice on the streets is- groups of one race people-walking and talking together. Keeping to their circles, many people hardly expose to other racial people. Are these scenes included in racial harmony? Secondly, Singapore is trying to create a better air of racial equality and harmony, an example of which is Racial Harmony Day. To build a democratic society, peace is indispensible. Thus, if you observe any other race people need help, you should do them a favour; If you work with other race people, you should offer to talk to them sincerely and fervently. Regardless of races, people will overcome the embarrassment, and the real racial harmony comes some day. Last but not least, Abraham J once said: â€Å"Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.† Hence, giving up racism is another word for relieving from anxiety of worrying about threat. As harmony requires a mutual respect, doing good to other race people is much better than do nothing. Remember, racism is not born, instead, it is taught. Racial harmony is nether born nor taught, it is to be realized.

Management Professional Resume Essay

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY Accomplished, goal-oriented Management Professional in the Aerospace industry.   Dynamic Leader with exceptional ability in supervising and motivating others.   Expertise in performing major inspections of space shuttle main engines, military jet engines, and depot level maintenance on aircraft airframe.   Excellent customer service skills with an in-depth knowledge of NASA, government operations and contracts. Recognized for Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE), enhancing production, quality, cost savings, and a safe work environment.   Maintained a safety record of over 2,500 work days without OSHA recordable injuries.   Experienced in production scheduling, management techniques, and ACE/Lean Manufacturing initiatives.   Technically proficient with Microsoft Office and ISO AS9100.   FAA Aircraft Power Plant Licensed.   Received the NASA Space Flight Awareness Award, Eagle Award, and nominated for the Jack Weil Award.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS à ¼Ã‚   Oral / Written Communication Skills à ¼Ã‚   Conflict Resolution à ¼Ã‚   Contract Negotiation à ¼Ã‚   Superb Organizational Skills à ¼Ã‚   Staff Development & Training à ¼Ã‚   Project Management à ¼Ã‚   Supervision / Management à ¼Ã‚   Team Leadership RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE PRATT & WHITNEY ROCKETDYNE, Kennedy Space Center, FL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2005-Present Supervisor (Contractor to NASA) Supervises multiple shift schedules, and manages the hiring process. Conducts employee training, certifications and work place resolution processes. Ensures employee compliance with NASA operating procedures during inspections, technical maintenance, and performance tests on space shuttle rocket engines. Travels extensively to NASA Stennis Space Center and Marshall Space Center for testing, hardware improvement, research and development of space shuttle main engine. Executes extensive flight readiness tests with a 100% rocket engine performance success rate. BOEING ROCKETDYNE, Kennedy Space Center, FL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2000-2005 Supervisor Led the 6S benchmark initiative, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement process. Traveled to various NASA sites to facilitate implementation of Lean Manufacturing initiatives, and implemented procedures. Resolved workforce issues in compliance with company policies. Selected as ISO AS9100 internal auditor to ensure work processes remained at optimum standards for continuous efficiency, safety, quality, product delivery, reliability, compliance. Served as point of contact for hazardous waste management, OJT trainer, FOD champion, and shift maintenance coordinator. LOCKHEED MARTIN, Tucson, Arizona  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1999-2000 Senior Site Manager – Air National Guard Supervised a crew of twenty for major overhaul of F-16 aircraft jet engines (F100-220/220E). Planned and scheduled engine production.   Ã‚  Maintained employee attendance records. Alleviated a 30-engine deficit for the base in a record setting pace with uncompromising quality. Established an unprecedented trusting relationship with the customer, receiving the highest evaluation rating. Provided employee training and maintained training records. Prepared weekly quality and production reports. LOCKHEED MARTIN, Nellis AFB, Nevada  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1998-1999 Inspector / Jet Engine Lead Technician Repaired and inspected F-15/F-16 aircraft jet engines including the Air Force Thunder- Bird’s jet engines. Performed flex fiberscope inspections utilizing IW-2 video recording fiberscope equipment. Exceeded expectations and delivery time of completed U.S.A.F. Thunderbird engine modifications as a result of quality inspection and assembly. Maintained engine records and training new technicians.    DANA MICHAUD   Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Page Two   RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE   (Continued) LOCKHEED MARTIN – Otis Air Guard Base, Cape Code, MA  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1997-1998 Jet Engine Technician Overhauled P & W F100-100/200 jet engines and maintained aircraft engine records and parts requisition. Resolved engine problems from four to twenty serviceable fighters. CONSOLIDATED FUEL SYSTEMS, Montgomery, AL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1993-1995 General Aviation Technician Performed inspections and overhauled aircraft engine fuel injection servos, fuel control, fuel pumps, and carburetors. Operated simulated test benches to calibrate fuel components to aircraft specifications. Significantly improved system operations and resolved engineering defects. Dramatically reduced warranty rates and increased customer satisfaction. PEMCO AEROPLEX, Birmingham, AL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1993 Aircraft Technician Performed depot level maintenance on U.S.A.F. KC-135 aircrafts with zero inspection defects and an exceptional safety record and work performance. Removed, inspected, and installed aircraft components and controls such as ailerons, wings, vertical/horizontal stabs, cables, flaps, and spoilers. UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, Tyndall AFB, FL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1987-1991 Jet Engine Technician Successfully overhauled P & W F100-100 jet engines based on I.A.W. directives with high quality assurance ratings. Received promotions and nominated as a maintenance professional for four years. ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE SELF-EMPLOYED, (City, FL)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1996-1997 Independent Sales Trainer Trained staff to work effectively in a goal-oriented, and team environment by overcoming fears and mastering negotiation techniques. Motivated team to surpass monthly quotas for three months. BUDGET RENT-A-CAR, Panama City, FL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1997 Maintenance Manager Maintained a fleet of 100+ vehicles for periodic and minor maintenance. Serviced manufacture recalls, maintained vehicle records and shop inventory. Generated insurance estimates and billing invoices. DGR ASSOCIATES INC., Tyndall AFB, FL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1992-1993 Foreman Supervised a staff of 10 repairing and painting a U.S.A.F. housing complex on production bases. Calculated company income and expenses, payroll, and company inventory. Coordinated schedules for government inspection procedures. SELF-EMPLOYED, Panama City, FL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1991-1992 Antique Vehicle Restorer Performed intricate precise restoration of classic vehicles, insurance estimation, and collision repairs utilizing advanced technological equipment and materials. EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX, Phoenix, Arizona Bachelors of Science in Business Management, 2007 Advanced Leadership Seminar, 1997 AVIATION TECHNOLOGY, Pensacola, Florida FAA Power Plant License, 1992

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Accounting For Depreciation In Relation With Fixed Assets - Samples

This reflection essay will be based on my learning experience in relation to the accounting for depreciation in the context of fixed assets. Prior to this assessment, two research proposals have been developed in relation to this topic and with the help of various analyses, it has been evaluated that depreciation is a type of expense for the organization and this should be marked every year in the financial statements. This also helps the company to analyse the current value of the assets along with the rate of depreciation which needs to be imposed (Epstein & McFarlan, 2011). Based on my experience and learning from previous assessments, I learned the significance and the necessity of depreciation in an organization. There are two types of assets current and fixed assets. Current assets are those which can be liquidated within the one year from purchase and fixed assets are those which take more than one year to be liquidated. Amongst the various measures for measuring the value of fixed assets, I have realised that conservative approach will help the organization gain the appropriate results as per the expectations. This approach provides clear and accurate information regarding estimating the value of the fixed assets (Kang & Zhao, 2010). Apart from this, I also learned that these approaches are capable enough to cover all the charges in relation to all types of other expenses which would generate clear outcomes in relation to financial statements. As per my opinion, depreciation is quite a useful thing in estimating the actual life of fixed assets and it leads to increase in the costs of those assets. Fixed assets are long-term tangible properties for organization which helps to generate revenues and to accomplishes the functionalities of organization in an appropriate manner. I realised that the concept of depreciations implemented with the view to increase fixed costs with the view to decrease the profit margin. With the help of depreciation, anticipated fixed costs are increased dramatically and organization could easily determine their profits that will also include the expenses of depreciation (Radu & Marius, 2011). On the basis of topic of the research proposal "accounting for depreciation in relation with fixed assets", I have analysed that various accounting entries need to be made to charge the fixed asset as an expense at the end of its life cycle. With the help of these entries, long time usage of the fixed assets could also be reflected. Depreciation is a charge which is imposed on the fixed asset in order to analyse its expected life. For a period of time, fixed assets could be used along with gradually decreasing its value. Along with this, I also realised that on one side depreciation is being charged to record the expense against fixed asset's cost where, on the other hand, revenues are also recorded which are originated from its utilisation. In my opinion, if whole depreciation has been charged in the first year of purchase of the asset then also revenues would be originated from its usage and those will also be reflected in the financial statements of the organization. As per my lea rning experience, this will create negative impact over the financial performance of the organization because revenues and the expenses will not match for the further time period and it will be against the matching principle. Thus, I have realised that charges of depreciation need to be recorded for all the years in which fixed asset has been used for generating revenues (Christensen & Nikolaev, 2013). While evaluating the previous assessments, I have realised that all these theories and concepts are just theoretical aspects which differs from the actual outcomes. Revenues cannot be generated with one asset irrespective of its nature i.e. current or fixed. Revenues are originated from the production process and this process indulges group of assets. Apart from this, I have also realised that the depreciation is an expense which is being charged against the cost of the asset in relation to the revenues. The same procedure is being followed for several years till the time, value of that particular asset becomes nil. In the absence of depreciation, whole cost of the fixed asset will be charged in the year of its purchase which will lead to decline in the rate of profits for the organization. In the year under which fixed assets have been purchased, profits of the company will be less in comparison to the past years and future years (Giarola, Shah & Bezzo, 2012). Further, in the next y ear, profits will gradually increase which will leads to mismatch concept. For adopting the principle of consistency, it is required to charge the depreciation against the cost of fixed asset in relation to maintaining the appropriate rate of profits and to show growth of the organization. With the help of this theory, organization will be able to attain its desired goals as well as organization will easily be able to attract the public for raising the capital (Kieso, Weygandt & Warfield, 2010). It is necessary to evaluate the factors of depreciation as it plays crucial role in understanding both terms i.e. concept of depreciation and the significance of depreciation.   Along with the factors, measures should also be evaluated which are required for evaluating the rate of depreciation which could provide maximum benefits to the organization. Following factors have been evaluated by me after analysing the above assessments: In my opinion, depreciation is linked to various issues such as it does not relate to the current value of the asset. Depreciation is charged on the past value of the asset in which it has been purchased irrespective of its current value. While making the company’s cash flow and other financial statements, depreciation becomes the major issue. Depreciation cannot be applied to the intangible assets and for amortization is being implemented over these assets with the help of straight-line method (Feng & Figliozzi, 2013). Thus, in my point of view depreciation plays crucial role in terms of maintaining the organizational profitability. Depreciation helps the organization to determine the life of asset and it is charged gradually in respect of its life period. Along with this, depreciation should be charged against the cost of the fixed asset and in the first few years of purchase of the asset, amount of depreciation should be charged more in comparison with the further years (Crosby, Devaney & Nanda, 2016).   Christensen, H.B. and Nikolaev, V.V., 2013. Does fair value accounting for non-financial assets pass the market test?.  Review of Accounting Studies,  18(3), pp.734-775. Crosby, N., Devaney, S. and Nanda, A., 2016. Which factors drive rental depreciation rates for office and industrial properties? Journal of Real Estate Research,  38(3), pp.359-392. Epstein, M.J. and McFarlan, F.W., 2011. Measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of a nonprofit's performance.  Strategic finance,  93(4), pp.27-35. Feng, W. and Figliozzi, M., 2013. An economic and technological analysis of the key factors affecting the competitiveness of electric commercial vehicles: A case study from the USA market.  Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies,  26, pp.135-145. Giarola, S., Shah, N. and Bezzo, F., 2012. A comprehensive approach to the design of ethanol supply chains including carbon trading effects.  Bioresource technology,  107, pp.175-185. Kang, S.H. and Zhao, Y., 2010. Information content and value relevance of depreciation: a cross-industry analysis.  The Accounting Review,  85(1), pp.227-260. Kieso, D.E., Weygandt, J.J. and Warfield, T.D., 2010.  Intermediate accounting: IFRS edition  (Vol. 2). John Wiley & Sons. Radu, D. and Marius, D., 2011. Issues related to the accounting treatment of the tangible and intangible assets depreciation.  Annals of the University of Oradea: Economic Science,  1(2), pp.498-502. Rambaud, A. and Richard, J., 2015. The â€Å"Triple Depreciation Line† instead of the â€Å"Triple Bottom Line†: towards a genuine integrated reporting.  Critical Perspectives on Accounting,  33, pp.92-116. Warren, C.S. and Jones, J., 2018.  Corporate financial accounting. Cengage Learning.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

The Epic Of Gilgamesh as Translated by Andrew George Essay

The Epic Of Gilgamesh as Translated by Andrew George - Essay Example ace in the world’s literature, wrote Nancy Sandars (1972), not only because it precedes the Homeric epic by at least one and a half thousand years, but also because of the quality and character of the story that they tell - a mixture of pure adventure, of morality, and of tragedy. (p. 7) According to Kenneth Rexroth (1986), the Epic of Gilgamesh is a highly developed fictional narrative, stressing that: It is not a myth. Even to call it an epic requires a stretching of the definition. It is more like a novel of modern, individualistic hero than it is like Homer’s Iliad. It is spiritual adventure, a story of self-realization, the discovery of meaning of the personality, of a type that would never change down the four-thousand-year-long history of human imagination†¦ It is modern because it is like a dream of a modern man. (1) This paper will examine this highly significant work and determine how it reflects the society in which it was created and in how it reveals the economic, political, cultural, religious and social structures that defined the Mesopotamian society. There are several variations to the Epic of Gilgamesh particularly in the literature of the Hittite, Hurrian, Canaanite, Sumerian and Assyrian. One could even find a hint of Gilgamesh’s repute in the Islamic Koran. The most complete chronicle of the epic was found in Assurbanipal’s library, formed just before the destruction of Nineveh in the seventh century B.C. The story is divided into several chapters or episodes: a meeting of friends, then the forest journey, the flouting of a fickle goddess, the death of Enkidu and the quest for an ancient wisdom and immortality. These episodes demonstrate a single theme that reflects the permeation of pessimism in the Mesopotamian thought, which, according to Sandars, lay partly in the precariousness of life in the city-states. (p. 22) The city-states which are dependent on the vagaries of flood and drought as well as turbulent neighbors; then on

Monday, August 12, 2019

Facing the enigma of Californias Water Crisis Essay

Facing the enigma of Californias Water Crisis - Essay Example These include water conservation, recycling and ground water desalination. The San Francisco/Bay Area's agribusinesses, wildlife habitats, and fisheries are gravely endangered by state and federal agencies' plans to increase water diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, rivers, and estuaries. Already, water exports are killing fish indigenous to the area and poisoning water quality in upstream rivers and the delta. Increasingly, these diversions will only add to the problem, while subsidizing corporate produce growers in the San Joaquin Valley and urban sprawl in Southern California. The planned diversion is unnecessary because there are possible solutions through conservation, water recycling, and ground water desalination. The growing demand for water, at a low cost, can be met without further imperiling Northern California's wildlife and water quality. Water use in California is very high due to a combination of factors. One, it being an agricultural state, and the other, is its population rate continues to rise rapidly. Keene's (2003) research finds that, "California's population is projected to increase by 600,000 every year." Water is a precious and limited resource. Yet there are few who are aware of this. We waste our water down the drain all the time. Since it is a public resource, we treat it as our property and not value it as much. California, like many other places, is well known to face problems related to power and oil. Yet what is much less known is the growing water crisis. As California's population keeps growing and new industries emerging, the demand for water and consumption also increases. So diversions were created in "the Bay-Delta Estuary, which includes the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Marsh and the embayments upstream of the Golden Gate. The Delta and Suisun Marsh are located where California's two major river systems, the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, converge to flow westward through San Francisco Bay" (State Water Resource Control Board, 1998). California diverts more than half of the water that naturally flows through this ecosystem. The water was drained faster than the rain could refill it. As billions and billions of gallons were diverted, there appeared to be concerns about the quality and shortage of water. This idea of water diversions is not something new. "For 150 years, the Bay-Delta has suffered from human activity. Frequent pumping from the Bay-Delta has made it no longer function adequately as either a water supply or a healthy habitat for fish and other wildlife" (The Bay-Delta, 2004). So what are these diversions According to the hyper dictionary the word diversions have three different meanings. 1. The direction of water in a stream away from its natural course. 2. The draft of water from one channel to another 3. The interception of runoff by something which discharges it through unnatural channels In plain words these water diversions are man-made and unnatural. The Delta is an important part of California. Reviews of research on the Bay-Delta (2004) find, businesses from Sacramento to the Bay Area and all the way down to southern part of California in San Diego--all rely on the Bay-Delta water. Whatever the kind of industry--computer sciences, healthcare or construction--most need large volumes of