Manufactures car alarms Essay

Costs: Materials: direct, variable1,600 Labour: direct, variable960 Labour: indirect, fixed280 Other production overheads: variable400 Other production overheads: fixed640 Selling overheads: variable480 Selling overheads: fixed360 Distribution overheads: variable280 Distribution overheads: fixed120 Administration overheads: fixed600 (5,720) Net profit for the year1,480 Anhad is planning next year’s activity and its forecasts for the year ended 31 October 2014 are as follows: 1.A reduction in selling price per car alarm to RM8 per alarm is expected to increase sales volume by 50%. 2.Materials costs per unit will remain unchanged, but 5% quantity discount will be obtained. 3.Hourly direct wage rates will increase by 10%, but labour efficiency will be unchanged. 4.Variable selling overheads will increase in total in line with the increase in sales revenue. 5.Variable production and distribution overheads will increase in line with the 50% increase in sales volume. 6.All fixed costs will increase by 25%. You are required to do the following: a)Prepare a budgeted profit statement for the year to 31 October 2014 showing total sales and marginal costs for the year and also contribution and net profit per unit. b)Calculate the break-even point for the two years and explain why the  break-even point has changed. Comment on the margin of safety in both years. c)Calculate the sales volume required (using the new selling price) to achieve the same profit in 2014 and in 2013. d)A director comments that ‘with these figures, all we have to do to work out our budgeted profit is to multiply the net profit per unit by the units we want to sell†. Why is this statement incorrect? Satnam Berhad is considering diversifying their business activities and they are currently reviewing two proposals. Proposal A is to launch their own television station whilst Proposal B is a joint venture with Kaboor Limited to launch a satellite that would enable the African region to receive advertisements for both company’s products. The available data is follows: Proposal A – TV Station Initial set-up costs: RM250 million Annual running costs: RM100 million Estimated life of project: 5 years Value of assets released at the end of the project: RM40 million Increased sales as a result of advertising products: RM60 million in the first year, growing cumulatively by 50% each year for the following four years. Project B – Satellite Initial set-up costs: RM700 million Annual running costs: RM50 million Value of assets released at the end of the project: RM10 million (Note: all the above to be shared 50/50 with Kaboor Limited) Estimated life of the project is 6 years. Increased sales for Satnam Berhad as a result of advertising their products in the African continent: RM80 million in the first year, growing cumulatively by 20% each year for the following five years. Funding for both projects would be at a cost of capital of 6%. Relevant discount factors at 6% p.a. are: Year Cumulative 10.9430.943 20.8901.833 30.8402.673 40.7923.465 50.7474.212 60.7054.917 Required: a)Using the net present value method of investment appraisal, critically evaluate the two proposals and make your recommendation to Satnam Berhad. b)What other considerations should Satnam Berhad take into account in deciding which Project to pursue?

Vitamin C and Scurvy

Scurvy (N. Lat. scorbutus) is a deficiency disease that results from insufficient intake of vitamin C, which is required for correct collagen synthesis in humans. The scientific name of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is derived from the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus. Scurvy leads to the formation of liver spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from all mucous membranes. The spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially immobilized. In advanced scurvy there are open, suppurating wounds and loss of teeth. Scurvy was at one time common among sailors, pirates and others who were on ships that were out to sea longer than perishable fruits and vegetables could be stored and by soldiers who were similarly separated from these foods for extended periods. Scurvy treatment using Indian Gooseberry The Indian gooseberry is one of the most effective home remedies for scurvy. It is the richest source of vitamin C. Dry amla should be powdered with an equal quantity of sugar. This powder should be given in doses of one teaspoon, three times daily, with milk Scurvy treatment using Lime and Lemon The use of lime and lemon is highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of scurvy. Being rich sources of vitamin C, lime and lemon are regarded as foods of exceptional therapeutic value. They have saved the lives of innumerable crews of ocean-going vessels from scurvy. The juice of one lime or lemon mixed in a glass of water, with a teaspoon of honey, should be taken for treating this condition Scurvy treatment using Potato Potato is regarded as an excellent food remedy for scurvy. It contains up to 17 mg of vitamin C, can be found in 100 mg of potatoes. It has been noted that scurvy in Europe has become more and more uncommon with the progress of potato cultivation and it makes its appearance only when the crop fails Prevention Scurvy can be prevented by a diet that includes certain citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. Other good sources of vitamin C are fruits such as blackcurrants, guava, kiwi, papaya, tomatoes and strawberries. It can also be found in some vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage, spinach and paprika, as well as some pickled vegetables. Though redundant in the presence of a balanced diet, various nutritional supplements are available that provide ascorbic acid well in excess of that required to prevent scurvy,[10] and even some candies contain vitamin C.

Organisational Change Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Organisational Change Management - Case Study Example The organization is also likely to face stiff competition from its competitors in the market some of who may be so aggressive thus the need to encourage innovativeness as a way to realizing the much needed change as some consider rebranding with the sole aim in mind. Effectiveness is of the essence owing to its ability to better place the organization far beyond its competitors. In order to attain high projections it’s wise to be more conversant on how the market may be faring at any one time and could be facilitated when a good feedback system is adopted (Berger, Sikora & Berger, 1994). In order to bring about change, change ought to begin at an individual level before it can be marketed. Staffs are thus expected to embrace a good attitude while going about their duties. This is due to its ability to increase productivity as most staffs are more motivated when this is achieved. A number of considerations are thus looked at both at internal and external levels due to their sig nificance to this process. Such factors are able to affect the entire process in both direct and indirect way. In order to achieve much one ought to use his skills and knowledge appropriately while implementing change in line with upgrading current systems to match up with the changing world as (Managing Change, 2003). While championing change one is likely to realize that this if well managed could be used as an effective tool thus making it possible to overcome existing barriers which in a more efficient way. Factors triggering the need for Change   Change management is a transformation process championed in an organization while striving at maintaining its relevancy in the industry. It could be adopted while trying to solve noted problem or rather trying to take advantage of an opportunity in a more ambitious way before other players capitalize on it. A number of common features are stated below and could give us a clue on what may cause it. 1. A new system is likely to be acqu ired by the organization and thus could be working on modalities geared at its implementation (Nickols, 2000). Factors leading to such change could be externally or internally derived. 2. In some situations organizations may be forced to adhere to change owing to a change in legislation based on the laws of certain countries, social issues as well as competition (Nickols, 2000). During such events rarely does it have a say regarding such issues. How does Change Management work several procedures are followed while going about the change process. At the top of the list change trigger are noted and good strategies initiated till the entire process is implemented as illustrated; Figure 1: The Change Management Model (L. A. Berger et al., 1994) Change Management Value A lot can be derived from this process basically because it motivates them towards realizing the much needed change while limiting barriers in existence at the organizational environment level. It is thus important to reco gnize the present need for change before taking any meaningful step to actualizing anything. When such problems are handled well organizations are more likely to derive much from such situation and could be because they could present an opportunity to them (Nickols, 2000). Table 1  - Examples of Change Management   Barriers/Drivers Example Motivation  - lack of value or confidence; don't care or understand the benefits Motivation

I will attach four pictures and i want an essay of 6 paragraphs

I will attach four pictures and i want an of 6 paragraphs Intoduction, and body of 4 paragraphs description of the pictures and conclusion - Essay Example The above painting, New Mexican Pueblo, was done by Frank P. Sauerwein. The painting is a representation of an Indian lifestyle setting where the old would seat with the young and educate them on life issues. I selected this painting for inclusion in MyartLabs History 6th Edition since it signifies a very important cultural practice among the Indians. The Indians are today marked as one ethnic group that has retained its culture and whose people still value the importance of morality especially among the young people (Maria et al 134). With such a painting in this edition, both the young and the old will be reminded on the importance of upholding their culture and the role that the old have on educating the young people as they grow up. The painting will serve as an educational and cultural tool in the MyartLabs History. The 2nd thing that I would want included in this section is the San Juan Pueblo clay pitcher. The pitcher is white in color with black designs to show the traditional beliefs of the Mexican people. The reason for this inclusion is that the jar will serve to remind us how our ancestors preserved their water. This is in comparison of today’s readily available bottled water which is believed to contain minerals. This ceramic is an indication of how much man has changed his lifestyle to cope with the changing technological advancements of the 21st century. Thomas Worthington Whittredge is well known for his â€Å"In the Rockies† sculpture. This sculpture captures the vast plains along the Platte River. This sculpture serves to remind us how the world was before civilization occurs. It captures the real beauty of the world; with a soldier holding a gun possibly getting ready for hunting. It would best fit into the historical context of the edition as a constant reminder of the adverse changes that modernization has caused to our environment. In the cultural context, the sculpture serves to remind us of the simple lives that our ancestors once

Research Paper on Native Son by Richard wright Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

On Native Son by Richard wright - Research Paper Example Many middle aged adults are content with how they have lived their lives, and others want to change theirs (Shepard, 2013). Middle adulthood presents the reality to folks that there is little time to transform their life configuration. These are times in a person’s life that they can really look back on the aspirations and goals they laid down when they were growing. Growing into middle adulthood can go either way of being pleased and satisfied or being full of uncertainty and distress. The middle age phase serves as a time for reevaluation, a chance to put new choices into consideration. Many individuals feel they need to take their livelihood in a new path or do something they’ve wanted to do their whole life. After such reflection, a person either concludes that he or she is contented with the life structure choices made or quickly plans to made changes while they are still possible (Balswick, 2005) Brian knows that his physiological functioning is weary, and his bio logical clock tells him he is reaching middle adulthood. Since many athletes participate sports over a long period (from adolescence straight to middle adulthood), a lot of wear and tear happens. To most athletes like Brian, their social clocks commence before middle adulthood. At the time, Brian was enjoying playing football; he missed his teenage years and early adulthood. Now that, he is approaching middle adulthood he looks back on what he has missed out on in the last twenty years of his life and most importantly his achievements. Attaining middle adulthood is worthwhile because he now gets to do things he longed to do with his family. This according to Zgourides fulfils the primary psychosocial task of middle adulthood, which is to, develop generativity, or the desire to expand one’s influence and commitment to family, society, and future generations (Zgourides, 2001). Women sometimes sacrifice their ambitions and career plans for their families. Their desire is to be t he best mothers to their kids and good wives to their partners. For women, middle adulthood may bring the feeling of loneliness since those who have children are worried that their children are going to leave them. One woman realized that her children were growing older and were to go away to college. She developed a sense of incompletion inside of her and knew she had to go back to college to further her career. She gave her marriage and raising children her best, unfortunately, her marriage succumbed in divorce, and her children went away to college. The woman managed to earn her degree and went ahead with her life (Miller, 2010). Perhaps middle adulthood is best known for its infamous midlife crisis: a time of reevaluation that leads to questioning long-held beliefs and values (Zgourides, 2001). Many people may feel that they did not live the life they planned for themselves when they were younger, and their lives tend restart when they reach middle adulthood. There are a lot of aspects in a person’s life that may either take a good or bad twist. By the time, adults reach middle adulthood age many of them differ in the opinion on how they have lived their life so far. This is a time when a person reflects on where they came from as opposed to where they are going from the middle of their life. Sometimes during this stage, choices are made to either continue the path already taken or establish somewhat different path of live (Whitbourne, 2005). Many adults

Cultural Competencies in Advaanced practice nurse- nurse practitioners Research Proposal

Cultural Competencies in Advaanced practice nurse- nurse practitioners - Research Proposal Example trends testify to the great need for advanced practice nurse who are competent and sensitive to care for culturally diverse populations (Canpinha, 2010). To address the idea of diverse cultures in our society, specific curriculum enhancement that focused on populations that are ethically diversified have been implemented for the nurse practitioners specialty at my university. We shall carry out a research on how effective the training program of cultural competency is in this institution. The process that has been used for these report include visiting clinical and community sites, identifying the curricular components at this institutions and analyzing the didactic and clinical learning experiences. The main purpose of this research was to determine how well APN are trained to give culturally competent care in practice and enhance preparation of the students to meet multifaceted needs of ethnically diverse patients, community and families. The objective of this research was to conduct a systematic review on the training of the advanced practitioners nurses on cultural competency, asses the strength of effects and quality of studies and then propose a frame work for future studies Campinha Bacote, (2010), defined cultural competence as the process in which nurses continiouly strive to achieve the ability to work with the cultural context of a patient, individual community or family from a diverse ethnic background. Kreps and Kunimoto (2002) stated that cross cultural practice is a practice that require experience and continued interest in learning and sharpening communication skills and cultural assessment. According to Eubanks, 2010, although nurses may achieve a certain degree of competence in some cultures, they cannot be totally competent in all cultures. Yet this nurses can achieve culturally competent cross cultural care when the complex combination of cultural awareness, knowledge, skills and attitude are used dynamically for the cultural assessment of

A report based on an international HRM case study Essay

A report based on an international HRM case study - Essay Example Moreover, an analysis of recruitment as well as training policies of both of these societies has been performed. Furthermore, payment and reward procedure as well as structure are indentified in both of these societies. All these analyses will assist the HRM of the company in determining the best location among a particular Scandinavian country and the US in relation to cultural values as well as recruitment and training process along with payment and rewards. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Cultural Values 5 Recruitment and Training 9 Payment and Reward 13 Recommendations and Conclusion 14 References 16 Introduction An electronics company is planning to establish a manufacturing plant. The company develops electronics to be utilised by the mobile phone industry worldwide. Moreover, the company is required to decide the suitable location for setting up its manufacturing plant. The company has planned to develop its manufacturing unit either in the United States of America (USA) or in a Scandinavian country which comprises Norway, Denmark, Sweden as well as Finland. As a Human Resource Manager (HRM) of the company, decisions are required to be proposed for better implementation of HR polices as well as practices. Furthermore, with better HR policies as well as practices, local employees of these two regions will be managed as well as be recruited for effective performance of the company. Globalisation and advancement of technology have increased competition in the global market. Moreover, with intense competition, HRMs of companies have acquired an important place to perform business operations both at national as well as in international markets in an effective manner (Edward & Rees, 2007). Furthermore, HRMs of companies are required to be managed efficiently as well as channelize in the right procedures to operate business operations with effectiveness (Kondalkar, 2007). Human Resource Management (HRM) provides policies as well as procedures for managing as well as directing employees in order to accomplish goals of a company effectively. HRM of the companies are involved with recruiting as well as selecting appropriate individuals for performing business operations of in an efficient manner (Harzing & Pinnington, 2010). Moreover, with effective HRM policies as well as procedures, employees of companies are facilitated with better training facilities as well as are motivated towards improving their performance (Johnson, 2009). The report will emphasize on the cultural values of the societies discussed i.e. Scandinavia and the USA in terms of especially employment practices. Moreover, recruitment practices to be followed by the company as well as the extent of training facilities required to be provided to the employees of these countries will also be recognised through the report. Furthermore, the most common payment as well as reward systems prevalent in the USA and in Scandinavian countries will also be observed. The report based on the overall assessment will emphasize on determining the most suitable location for establishing the manufacturing plant for the electronics company. Cultural Values The US is multicultural society where people of the society believe in equality. The US comprises varied races as well as cultures. Moreover, the culture of the country believes in ethnicity as well as the country is considered to be the third largest country

Stylistic arangements of experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Stylistic arangements of experience - Essay Example As the plot progresses the reader experiences a sort of tension and a feeling of horror because of the peculiar narrative style of the writer. Unlike the science fiction works of his contemporaries, Lovecraft narrates the experiences of his characters with a staunch sense of realism, both physical and psychological. The reader is made to feel the freezing coldness of the Antarctic region in his/her veins. In the same way, the famous painting ‘Isle of the Dead’ by Swiss artist Arnold Bocklin has evoked similar responses in the viewer that Mark Robson drew the inspiration for his film from this artistic work. Style is a distinctive manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed. The style and technique by which Lovecraft, Arnold Bocklin, and Mark Robson produced their respective novella, painting, and film exemplify their unique manner and craftsmanship which paved new ways for creativity. The novel is considered as the most ubiquitous of all forms o f literature. Robert Silverberg states, â€Å"The novella is one of the richest and most rewarding of literary forms...it allows for more extended development of theme and character than does the short story, without making the elaborate structural demands of the full-length book. Thus it provides an intense, detailed exploration of its subject, providing to some degree both the concentrated focus of the short story and the broad scope of the novel.† (Robert Silverberg 2000). â€Å"At the Mountains of Madness† is a novella of terror based on geological expedition to unearth an unprecedented amount of scientific material; especially in the pre-Cambrian strata. The exploration is aimed at unraveling the primal life history in the realms of ice covered Antarctic continent. The expedition from Miskatonic University through the barren, wind-swept interior of the Antarctic plateau remains lifeless. On the contrary, they encounter strange fossils of unheard creatures, carved stones, and

Cultural Relativism- Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cultural Relativism- Critical Analysis - Essay Example Argument in standard form Premises 1. According to cultural relativists, there are no universal moral principles. 2. Each society has its own different codes of conduct 3. Each moral or code of conduct applies only to the society in question. 4. We should adopt an attitude of tolerance towards the custom practices of other cultures Conclusion There is no objective truth in morality; it is nothing more than socially approved customs in a given culture. Discussion Cultural relativism is where each culture or ethnic groups is to be viewed on its customs, behavior on values and norms and not on the basis of those of other cultures or ethnic groups. Cultural relativists see moral norms as a result of culture. They see that many cultures disagree widely on moral norms and values, and there is no way which is clear to solve the differences therein. They, therefore, conclude that there are no accepted objective truths. Cultural relativists see other cultures, not as different not as â€Å"w rong†. According to premise one above, it wrong to say that there are no universal moral principles, according to cultural relativists. ... The Cultural relativism does not conclude that it is not possible to have a universal system of moral values to guide humans from a universal perspective. Rather, it explains that every society has its own moral norms and values to guide members of that society, but these values are of worth to those who abide by them, but they may differ from those of other, different society members (Herskovits 31). This failure to understand the differences between intra and cross cultural relativism is the one which led ethicist like Abraham Edel to write â€Å"If cultural relativism is a sociological truth, then your morality judgment of good and bad, right and wrong) is a function (cause) of your domicile. If moral norms and values assertions are expressive (subjective), it all depends on your feelings†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Edel 27-28). Cultural relativism only has relevance between cultures and not within a specific culture. It is a cross-cultural principle, not an intra-cultural principle. The firs t premise thus does not make the conclusion that morality is nothing more than socially approved customs to be true since it is evident that cultural relativism does not advocate ethical or individual relativism. In premise 4 if we abide by cultural relativism, then we will not be able to judge other cultures. We would no longer see other customs as inferior to our own, judging other societies merely because they are â€Å"different†. This will be good but only in some cases but not in a case where a society is anti-Semitic and waged a war against a Semite society. Cultural relativism would stop us from interfering, and we cannot even judge on the society which tolerant of Semites and one which is anti-Semites it would be

Prepare an organizational Strategic Human Resource Plan Essay

Prepare an organizational Strategic Human Resource Plan - Essay Example We also hold up all the talent growth of our workers through qualified growth, profession growth, and better presentation for our management. Mostly endorse the most attainment of a work existence balance and wellness in our workers community. To bring Human Resource services, plans and more so communications that are can be more valued by our potential workers, present workers, and retirees. To provide a quality and varied, comprehensive a group of people with an optimistic work surroundings. To struggle for most talented with effectual staffing plans and well organized staffing processes. Anothr goal of human resource is to foster an inclusive, diverse community, as well as a positive work environment. This will involve conducting climate assessment, building a better work environment, partner with Diversity Office to uphold and promote principles of community. Other provisions under this goal would also be to educate the community on harassment and discrimination prevention by equ ipping them with productive problem solving techniques. Objectives To generate a total plunder significance so as to educate the Human Resource associates, employing new managers, and even workers of the high value of this organization. Working very directly with the management so as to strengthen the needs for aggressive reimbursement for most of the individuals in our institution and desires to draw and keep our students. Â  To advance in specialized growth programs so as to get better management abilities, job capacities, and eventually employee efficiency. To expand complete vocation organization tools, job enhancement plan, furthermore mentoring all programs so as to help our workers and then get ready for more new chances. Develop more usable and flexible employment preparations during greater decision making and workers responsiveness regarding the possible reimbursement to workers and departments. Strategic Human Resource Organization Chart Our Activities Experts in our ins titution of Human Resources are listening carefully about civilizing our services to the university’s society by humanizing our abilities. Most of our efforts are to provide back to the career through managements and participation in expert relations. Again we will provide more efforts so as to intensify the information of the career by adding more of the academic qualifications and expert certifications. We will keep more information to our students this during these times so as to let everyone be acquainted with how the talented our members of the team are increasing as experts. Our Strategic human resource organization gives the financial, shared and supporting factors that one can be created in the external circumstances in which our University works. These factors have significant value, which have allegations for effectual human resource organization associated to the change work of art of the institution, in terms of era, sex and more so racial allocation. Our Universi ty seeks to make sure that its works better to the most extent promising. We do analyse and take away the most universal organisational difficulty to women’s development and give confidence to diversity in its employees and students population. There are important confront in upholding a high level output in mature employees and making sure that this University is most successful in employing and keep

Rights of the individual were primary to the well being of the community Essay Example for Free

Rights of the individual were primary to the well being of the community Essay Nietzsche prefers individuals over community. He believes that all effort should be made for the development and growth of individuals and not for the hoard of men called human society. He does not belong to that group of moralists who held the protection of rights and progress of the whole society primary and that of individuals as secondary. Nietzsche held this group of thinkers in contempt as he is an outspoken supporter of the protection of the rights and multi-dimensional growth of individuals. To community he gives a secondary place because he believes that when the individuals of a community strengthened the whole community will be strengthened. Those communities, he believes, cannot survive for long that care for the whole and not for the individuals. Let us discuss in detail Nietzsche’s vehement support for the primary importance and rights of individuals. Nietzsche believed that all the powers and toil of humanity should be directed towards the overall development of individual human beings and this work should not be wasted by employing it towards raising the status of the whole human society, for instance he said that it is not mankind but superman is his goal. He even refuses to believe in the concrete existence of a collective human society. He criticizes those who believe in work directed towards the development of society. Nietzsche believes that society should work only for the individuals, and individuals should not waste their energies for the betterment of societies. According to him those societies waste their existence at all that failed to produce powerful and worthy individuals. Societies should work as machines for polishing the powers and capabilities of individuals. Nietzsche doesn’t want religion of the society to shackle the free spirit of individuals. He wants a free world for the individuals so that there spirits and intellects should grow to the fullest extent completely unrestrained by any narrow-minded views of the society. That’s the reason he does not look favorably at Christianity and its propagators- the priests. He castigates priesthood and illustrates their depravity in this way; â€Å"Behold these huts which these priests built! Churches they call their sweet-smelling caves. Oh, that falsified light! That musty air! Here the soul is not allowed to soar to its height. For thus their faith commands: â€Å"Crawl up the stairs on your knees, ye sinners! †Ã¢â‚¬ (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 91). He does not want a religion that eats up the rights of individuals. He wants that kind of social setup and social code of life which offers no resistance to the free life of individuals. Even with regards to morality he does not supports that kind of morality which benefits a community and harms the individual. He wants the ‘will’ of individuals to be strengthened and so does not hate the pleasures of flesh. He does not want man to be afraid of the moral laws of society rather he wants him to be brave, strong and independent. Nietzsche wants his men to live a life that is beyond good and evil. An unfettered life. He wants his brave independent men to speak and stammer these words; This is my good; this I love; it pleases me wholly; thus alone do I want the good. I do not want it as divine law; I do not want it as human statute and need: it shall not be signpost for me to over earths and paradises. It is an earthly virtue that I love: there is little prudence in it, and least of all the reason of all men. But this bird built its nest with me: therefore I love and caress it; now it dwells with me, sitting on its golden eggs. (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 36). The life of man, he believes, should not be hindered the strict moral codes made by divinity or community. When the individuals get stronger the society of them will get stronger automatically, this Nietzsche believes. On the other hand if a community kept on giving importance to its well being and not to that of the individuals it will definitely end up in disaster and destruction of both-individual and society. Nietzsche feels that only free men can live and enjoy their lives. The slaves of different passions and laws cannot do that. In his work, Zarathustra spoke to a youth this way; â€Å"You are not yet free, you still search for freedom. You are worn from your search and over awake. You aspire to the free heights, your soul thirsts for the stars. But your wicked instincts, too, thirst for freedom. Your wild dogs want freedom; they bark with joy in their cellar when your spirit plans to open all prisons. To me you are still a prisoner who is plotting his freedom: alas, in such prisoners the soul becomes clever, but also deceitful and bad. And even the liberated spirit must still purify himself. Much prison and mustiness still remain in him: his eyes must still become pure. † (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 43) Free men give birth to free communities and slave men gave birth to slave communities, this Nietzsche seems to believe in his seminal work â€Å"Thus Spoke Zarathustra†. Nietzsche believes that people should be free to get knowledge and dig out truth for themselves. He hates the people who prefer falsehood for the sake of social good. He says again that, â€Å"You have served the people and the superstition of the people, all you famous wise men—and not truth. And that is precisely why you were accorded respect †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦thus the master lets his slaves have their way and is even amused by their pranks† (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 102). He believes that the community does not want to accord people the right to believe in and search the truth â€Å"But the free spirit, the enemy of fetters, the non-adorer who dwells in the woods, is as hateful to the people as a wolf to dogs. To hound him out of his lair-that is what the people have ever called ‘a sense of decency’; and against him the people still set their fiercest dogs. † (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 102) He believes that only truth seekers and truthful men could live with dignity, â€Å"Hungry, violent, lonely, godless: thus the lion-will wants itself. Free from the happiness of slaves, redeemed from gods and adorations, fearless and fear inspiring, great and lonely: such is the will of the truthful. † (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 103) For those people who don’t have independent thinking minds he spoke angrily in these words, â€Å"but in the cities dwell the well-fed, famous wise men- the beasts of burden. For, as asses, they always pull the people’s cart. † (Nietzsche, 1978. p. 104) Nietzsche strongly believes that, individuals having independent minds and free-thinking natures raise life to the higher planes of existence; which cannot be done otherwise by slave minds and natures. The community of men will get stronger when the right to search knowledge freely is granted to the individuals and when the individuals themselves struggle to get that right. To sum up, it is stated that Nietzsche is a staunch believer in the rights of individuals. He is one of those thinkers who held the importance of the rights of individual primary and that of community as secondary. According to him a community will get strengthen only when its citizens get strengthen individually. He believes that these individuals should be allowed to grow and develop themselves completely unfettered by the restrictions of the community. Above mentioned arguments and supported evidence clearly manifest Nietzsche’s philosophical orientation about individuality and individual rights. Work Cited Nietzsche, Fredrich. (1978). Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Walter Kaufmann, Trans. ). New York: Random House.

The Supernatural in Macbeth Essay Example for Free

The Supernatural in Macbeth Essay The supernatural is always a vehicle for evil Using language and literary techniques, discuss to what extent you agree with this statement in Macbeth with reference to The Weir. Shakespeares play Macbeth, written in the Jacobean era, and Conor McPhersons play The Weir, set in rural Ireland, both include supernatural elements which help the plays progression. However, both plays are about entirely different things; Macbeth is a play in which the main character plots to kill the King, whereas The Weir focuses a lot more on companionship and the importance of a community as well as the effects of loneliness. In Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth, the setting, A desolate place helps to create an ambiguous and misty atmosphere right from the beginning whilst the weather choice of Thunder and lightning forewarns the audience of negative events and adds to the sense of equivocation, which is achieved through paradox like when the battles lost, and won. James I himself believed in witches and so did most of society in general therefore by including the supernatural, Shakespeare was clearly making the play relevant to his audience, as they would have believed in such matters. The opening interrogative, When shall we three meet again? suggests that the witches are up to something which could be interpreted as the supernatural being meddlesome, if not evil. The minor declarative Upon the heath shows the witches making a prediction, alluding to the fact that a Jacobean audience would have believed in them having certain powers. Iambic tetrameter such as And thrice again, to make up nine makes their speech sound chant-like, indicating something unusual about them as their speech contrasts with the blank verse of the other characters. The supernatural first occurs in The Weir when Jack begins his story about Maura Nealons house being built on what youd call that road where the fairies would come. The suspension marks highlights Jacks uneasiness when talking about the supernatural, and though he goes on to say that it isnt a true story, it is clear that he is moved by it. Shakespeares use of blank verse in Macbeth links to the dramatic tradition of the time and contrasts with the highly naturalistic style of speech used by McPherson, such as the interrogative Why not, says you, ha? (Finbar) which helps to portray the Irish vernacular of the characters in the bar, whilst the tag question ha? helps the characters to interact. Banquos interrogative why do you start and seem to fear? in Act 1 Scene 3 suggests that the witches predictions may be ones that Macbeth has already thought about, or desired, before. Here, the supernatural could be considered a vehicle for evil as the scene begins with the witches talking about how they will torture the farmer for his wifes actions. However, their prophecies are somewhat neutral and so it seems that Macbeth acts of his own will, rather than committing the murder because of the supernatural. The debate of Fate vs. Free Will was common in the Jacobean era and people believed in witches and such folklore therefore their presence could be merely to fulfil audience expectations rather than as a vehicle for evil. The witches simply spot the weakness in Macbeth and let him believe it is his fate, suggesting that they may be evil themselves but dont create evil in others. Banquos question to Macbeth shows how the witches are tempting Macbeth to proceed with an evil course of action that he has already thought about. Similarly, The Weir uses interrogatives but in the form of tag questions such as here, wouldnt it be?. Finbar seems to be seeking reassurance from the other characters which is similar to Macbeth in that Macbeth often seeks reassurance from Lady Macbeth, highlighting her as the dominant figure in their relationship. Similar to Macbeth, where the setting is upon a heath, the bar in The Weir is situated in an isolated place, which could be viewed as something typical of a ghost story, allowing a sense of mystery to build up. Declaratives such as which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem/ To have thee crowned withal in Act 1 Scene 5 highlight how Lady Macbeth believes that both fate and the witches want Macbeth to be King and the imperative look like thinnocent flower/ But be the serpent undert reflects how Lady Macbeth herself is portrayed she appears to be innocent and friendly but, as indicated by the contrastive conjunction but, she is instead planning treacherous acts, reflecting the plays theme of appearance versus reality. Saying that she will pour her spirits in thine ear suggests that the witches, who are arguably the main supernatural element of the play, only have a limited amount of power which they use to their advantage, and that evil actually resides in humans themselves. Shakespeare seems to be suggesting that everyone is responsible for the actions they take, which could reflect the growing belief in Humanism during the Renaissance. Such references reflect the time in which Shakespeare was writing, as do archaisms such as the second person archaic pronoun thy, which could be expressing Lady Macbeths belief that Macbeth is inferior to her. Shakespeare is also touching on the theme of appearance versus reality which is clear throughout the play. The serpent could be a reference to Satan in the Garden of Eden, highlighting how sinister and dark Lady Macbeths character really is. Contrastingly, the characters in The Weir do not make any implications of one being more inferior to the other. McPherson use of humour shows irreverence for characters, usually Finbar, such as the interrogative you were making it all up, werent you?. This helps to create a chain of adjacency pairs, allowing the characters to interact, which is central to the plays theme of companionship and to an extent presents the supernatural as something that shouldnt be taken too seriously. Humour is also used in Macbeth, by the Porter (2.3), which presents itself in a satirical way. Such humour would not be as familiar to a modern day audience as it was to the Jacobean audience, therefore many modern directors choose not to include it. Macbeths fatal vision in Act 2 Scene 1 symbolises the bloody course upon which he is about to embark and is part of his fatal flaw which leads to his downfall, as well as presenting the theme of appearance versus reality again. His interrogative, questioning whether it is a dagger of the mind caused by his heat-oppressed brain highlights his stress and tension, and the use of the premodifying adjective heat-oppressed signifies just how extreme this stress that he is feeling is, as committing regicide is a sin that cant be forgiven. An audience in the Jacobean era would know that Macbeth is about to break the Great Chain of Being and at the same time Shakespeare was maintaining the idea of the Divine Right of Kings a doctrine hugely believed in by the Christians of the time. By maintaining this, Shakespeare could be showing King James place in society and suggesting that no one should challenge Kingship. The tragedy therefore has a didactic purpose as it shows the audience what the consequences of such actions would be. The parallel analogy of Tarquin violating an innocent emphasizes the extremity of what Macbeth is about to do and the use of opposites, mentioning to heaven or to hell, builds up an antithesis between good and evil and shows his acknowledgement that both exist. The audience is left to wonder whether the dagger is simply a figment of Macbeths guilty mind, or whether it is being caused by a supernatural force. This could be considered similar to Jims story of Declan Donnelly where he says And wed been having the few little drinks showing how he searches for a loophole in the possibility that the supernatural exists. The fronted coordinating conjunction And conveys how he is building up reasons to show that the ghost might not have been real and the stage direction of A little laugh highlights his uneasiness. McPherson seems to be suggesting that the supernatural does exist and that humans need to have beliefs and that it is this need to believe which makes us humans. The slight doubt here would be crucial to a ghost story and to a play being watched by an audience as it would add an air of mystery. In Act 3 Scene 4 dramatic irony such as play the humble host makes Macbeths previous actions seem even worse as it reminds the audience that Macbeths behaviour is a pretence. Lady Macbeths asides to Macbeth (Are you a man?) along with his responses (Ay, and a bold one) draw attention to her being more partner in their relationship as she questions his masculinity, and portrays her in a negative light by showing she is more concerned with getting caught than feeling guilty. Aristotles idea of Peripeteia could be surfacing in this part of the play as Macbeths fortune is slowly being reversed. Here, the supernatural is perhaps presented in a good way and, from a Freudian point of view, Macbeths repressed feelings seem to be manifesting before his eyes, which is possibly the power of good over evil. Macbeths imperative, telling the ghost to Avaunt and quit [his] sight! highlights the extremity of his current guilt. This is furthered through it also being an exclamatory, and the use of the pronoun my could reflect how solely he feels the guilt, rather than Lady Macbeth also feeling it. The supernatural in this scene could suggest that justice is being served, and Macbeths reaction to the ghost could be his punishment for his previous action. Likewise, in The Weir, the supernatural is portrayed in a positive way as it is used as a source to unite the characters in the pub. This is shown in Finbars comment Valerie, love, nobodys going to. McPhersons use of the contraction nobodys along with the term of endearment love helps to mimic natural speech and also shows how close the characters have become after having spoken for the night, touching the plays theme of companionship. Hecates use of adjectives such as spiteful and wrathful in Act 3 Scene 5 highlight how she believes Macbeth wasnt worth the trouble, whilst the coordinating conjunction and furthers this notion. The use of rhyming couplets such as illusion/confusion enforces Hecates power when she shows her displeasure and the pairing of the two abstract nouns suggests that the witches themselves cause confusion which is achieved through an illusion. Shakespeare may have been suggesting that witchcraft isnt capable of evil but can trigger things that have already been thought about (1.3). It is arguable that the witches have overreached, which forms a parallel with Macbeths situation and conforms to Aristotles ideas. This scene is often omitted from productions as it may draw too much focus on the witches, making them seem a central part to Macbeths action, and in turn making free will seem less important. The imperative Get you gone highlights authority over the other two witches and diminishes their power as they are being told off. This implies that the supernatural is not a vehicle for evil, as the witches do not have much power to start with. Unlike Macbeth, McPherson shows normal human-beings meddling with the supernatural rather than vice versa. Finbars self mockery, like the low laugh helps the audience watching to see the tale as genuine by showing his stifled fear. To balance the sinister atmosphere created by his story about a woman at the bottom of the stairs, humour is used such as Luigi board! followed by taboo lexis, Ah fuck off, to highlight familiarity between the characters and articulate a lack of refinement as well as a distinct honesty in them. Equivocation in Act 4 Scene 1 such as for none of woman born leads Macbeth to believe he cant be killed, and presents the witches as yet again interfering. The stage directions, which would be important considering it is a play, show the witches dance, and vanish highlighting some level of power, but doesnt portray them as evil. The apparition of an armed head could symbolize how Macbeth himself will be killed at the end of the play, however, the witches present fate to him in an equivocal and esoteric way. Many references to time are made, such as Time, thou anticipatst my where Macbeth uses the vocative Time to personify it and emphasise how he is in battle with it. The many references to time, also including from this moment and even now indicate how time is of the essence for Macbeth and that he will be killed soon. As well as this, it helps to create irony as Macbeth is actually making decisions, even though they are the wrong ones, which shows that the evil is emanating from a human being. Shakespeare, within the realms of the Jacobean era, was again highlighting the dominance of free will over fate and could have been showing that overreaching can lead to social deformation. In this scene, the supernatural is shown to have some level of power, but at the same time the audience is aware that Macbeth is making his own decisions when deciding to have Macduff killed (thou shalt not live). Unlike Macbeth, The Weir does not pay much attention to the matter of man being a responsible agent for his own evil actions. Instead, it presents more positive feelings about humans, such as the barmans gesture of a sandwich is just such a small thing, highlighting how the smallest of actions can have a big impact, and also helps to restore Jacks faith in others. In spite of the many differences between Macbeth and The Weir, it is clear that the supernatural has a pivotal role in both. Overall, I believe that the supernatural is not a vehicle for evil in Macbeth, and that the inclusion of supernatural elements is merely to emphasise how evil resides within each human being themselves, which is emphasised through Shakespeares use of equivocation and also the theme of free will vs. fate. The final effect of the supernatural in Macbeth is that it causes destruction, whereas McPherson uses it to bring the characters together, therefore portraying it as a bonding agent as it gives them a shared experience. The supernatural, such as the witches, in Macbeth, in my opinion are only there to cause mischief and aid the plays progression. In both, the supernatural is far from a vehicle for evil, but could maybe be considered as a vehicle for catharsis as it helps to express the characters inner thoughts and feelings.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Effective Budget Control

Advantages and Disadvantages of Effective Budget Control This paper will look at what is required of an effective budgetary control mechanism and try to assess the advantages and disadvantages of using a system imposed from above, or externally, over a decentralized system controlled by lower level management as task level. Using an empirical case study from the international banking sector, it will be shown that too much managerial autonomy can lead to disaster not just for the manager concerned but also for the whole organization. In contrast the role of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in imposing nation-state loan budgets will be critiqued to highlight the potential flaws of centralizing and dominating budget control management. Effective budgetary controlHenderson (2003) notes that regardless of the situation or workplace, in order to be effective it is crucial that budgetary control systems: Account for money received and spent Make sure that the organizations financial policies are adhered to Ensure that money is not wasted Assist managers to run, and develop, services or departments These controls have developed from the need to account for large sums of money but are equally applicable to any budgetary situation. However, from a managerial perspective they have often been criticised for being insensitive and restrictive at the lower levels of management. As the number of stakeholders increases so does the need to be fully accountable and therefore more controls are also needed. This is particularly noticeable in the public sector National Health Service. Here lower level management are extremely subservient to imposed and tight budgeting restrictions from a distantly senior level. This is arguably a result of the need to satisfy a multitude of stakeholder interests and a concern that empowering lower management with the autonomy to control their own budgets would fail to include the number of interested parties from politicians to doctors and patients. With organisations as complex as the NHS whether public or private sector – It is safer and easier to p lan and control from above using imposed budget control methods. Politically imposed budgeting is preferably because senior managers, directors, or institutions who set the budgets are arguably best placed to recognise the wider implications of budgeting decisions but, according to Marginson (1999), financially imposed budget controls make sense too. Financial losses, which can occur for such damaging reasons as incompetence, error, negligence or fraud, are most likely to be minimised, or avoided altogether, by well constructed control systems. Imposed budgets benefit from the experience, acquired knowledge and full backing of senior management. They arguably encourage a sense of confidence in lower level management to do their job whilst reducing the massive levels of stress that come with having to create and manage your own budget. Another advantage of imposed budgeting is that it encourages regular monitoring, reporting, progress reports and ultimately improvements in the budgetary system. This enables problems to be uncovered and dealt with quickly and efficiently. Henderson (2003) states that it is advantageous to review arrangements occasionally. Even if procedures within your work area operate well, you should ensure that the budgetary responsibilities of staff at all levels are clear and understood by everyone. It would be unfortunate if problems arise because people do not know the extent or limit of their responsibilities (p33). Autonomous managers are arguably less likely to self-review their processes if they are deemed to be working well. Whereas senior management may be able to employ the use of an external or dedicated process-auditing team, lower level management are unlikely to have the resources or inclination to do the same especially if a process is deemed to be largely successful and given that any negative results will reflect directly and negatively on their managerial budgeting ability. There are further problems with lower level management dictating their own budget. As a budget manager, you are in charge of producing an annual cash flow forecast detailing accurately all of your income and expenditures. Budget managers are also expected to collect a range of information throughout each year, both financial and non-financial, to supplement their cash flow predictions and help better manage their finances. Finally they are then expected to critically compare the planned figures and the actual revenues and expenditures that occurred and act to ensure that the inflows and outflows of cash are within budget limits. In short, managers who are given control over their own budgets are required to be financially adept. Often, even if the manager is financially confident, proof of budgetary ability will only be learned from success or failure by which time it may be too late to rectify any problems. Marginson (1999) suggests that the concept of self-managing a budget at all levels through an organization is essentially flawed. If a manager has responsibility for a budget they he argues should not be expected to regulate and monitor is on their own. Ideally a system would be in place to bring any relevant or potentially important information to the managers attention. The flaw of any budgeting system that encourages managerial autonomy is that, eventually, in the case of poor performance a reporting system will eventually alert senior management to the crisis. Inevitably, senior manage will then try to rectify the situation costing time, resources and money. This often lengthy process would almost certainly be entirely avoided if senior management imposed budgetary control measures tightly from the top. A potential hazard in using imposed budgetary controls Imposing financial authority from the top-down may be one method of ensuring that the commands of senior management (or external bodies such a the Government) are carried out but this strict system of financial control is not necessarily the most productive method of financial management. The most commonly cited problem with a top-down method of strict budgetary control is the message that it permeates down the hierarchy. This invariably is translated as a lack of trust in the ability of lower-level and middle-management from those above them. As Benston (1963) explains: Decentralization contributes to effective motivation. The firm’s accounting system that facilitates decentralization hence has an indirect but important impact on motivation. The direct use of accounting reports, such as budgets, for motivation can result in reduced performance, if the budget is imposed on the department manager. (p347) The financial advantages of imposing budgetary control – such as less risk of money being wasted, tighter adherence to company financial polity etc are potentially offset by the negative effects on motivation (and therefore productivity and profitability) such a gesture could make.According to Petrova (2004), autonomy and motivation are commonly considered to be extremely closely associated to one another. Given the value of a motivated workforce, the use of imposed budgets could be limiting the success of the business as well as its employees. Case Study:  Too much managerial autonomy – Nick Leeson and banking crises Over the last two decades crises the banking worldwide and the subsequent global financial instability they have invariably caused have occurred with alarming regularity and always at a huge, often crippling, cost. According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, more than a dozen banking crises in the past 15 years have cost the countries afflicted 10% or more of their gross domestic product (Economist, 2003). Although the majority of banking collapses seem to occur in the less developed and therefore poorer nations of the world, rich countries are also susceptible, as Japan demonstrated before the world in the 1990s. The blame is frequently – and correctly – laid on macroeconomic policy: an unsustainable exchange rate has no doubt often exacerbated problems but it is poor budgetary control that has been at the root of the majority of banking crises in recent times.. It is not just the banks who are to blame for this. Imposed budgets do not necessarily have to come from within the organisation. Bank regulators, too, should have done, and should do, more to help avoid these crises. The Basel Accord is the main external control that is used to protect the financial safety of banks. The Accord established a set of international rules that limit banks exposure to risk by requiring that their capital must at least equal a minimum proportion of their assets (Economist, 2003). This proportion is weighted by a calculated risk based on the circumstances of each individual bank. The Basel Accord is effectively the banking industries version of imposed budgeting. The external regulator oversees the business of the banks to ensure that they do not assume too much autonomy. (Economist, 2003) The case of Nick Leeson and the collapse of Barings Banks provides a hugely unlikely yet extremely note-worthy case to act as a warning of what can happen to companies that do not impose strict financial controls on their management. As Van der Stede (2000) warns, this is especially pertinent for companies concerned with achieving tangible results as they are more likely to have managers with a stronger focus on business matters that affect the short-term results (p609) and are therefore more likely to take poorly calculated risks with company money. In the Leeson case the bank were found to be guilty of allowing an unprecedented degree of managerial influence in the trading budget. This eventually allowed just a single employee Leeson to accumulate debts of over  £1.3 billion and bankrupt one of the worlds oldest banks. In a fatal mistake, the bank allowed Leeson to remain Chief Trader while being responsible for settling his trades, a job that is usually split. This had made it much simpler for him to hide his losses. (BBC, 2002). If any case highlights the dangers of allowing managers unbridled participation in budgetary control, the Lesson case is it. Problems with imposed budgets a global political perspective. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund control the flow of finances and effectively national budgets in every country across the globe. Their role is to promote stable growth in a bid to increase the wealth of citizens across the globe. However, as recently as April 2005, hundreds of members of parliaments around the world are calling on these two institutions lenders of billions of dollars every year, – to renege many of the numerous conditions they impose on borrowing countries in order to secure their loans. These conditions, they say, are eroding national sovereignty and impeding long-term economic planning necessary to achieve positive and sustained growth. Instead, global politicians, most vocally from the less developing countries who are the primary victims of the current restrictive loan scheme, are calling for the World Bank and IMF to let local legislators have the final say in domestic economic policies. Typical IMF conditions imposed on lending nations include devaluation of local currencies, deregulation of state-owned industry, tight public spending caps, liberalisation of trade and exchange controls, withdrawal of subsidies, and more protections for the private sector and multinational companies (Mekay, 2005). Beyond this critics argue that both institutions have been guilty of providing inaccurate and detrimental economic advice that has only helped to compound the economic rigidities created by the loans causing delayed debt relief, increased poverty and undermined democracy, prompting demonstrations and street protests in many countries (Mekay, 2005). According to the petition, in 2003, the former Soviet state of Georgia’s budget deficit exceeded its IMF-set limit. The Fund then asked Georgia to revise its budget for that year, but the parliament refused to pass it. Rather than accepting this decision, the IMF allowed its lending programme with Georgia to expire in retaliation. This led to threats from the World Bank that it, too, would pull the plug on existing projects. (Mekay, 2005) The IMF and World Bank reflect a system of imposed budgeting that is arguably more detrimental than it is effective. Imposed budgets must be careful to provide some degree of flexibility and maneuverability if they are not to cause resentment and productivity problems. This is particularly the case if budgets are being set and imposed from external sources. On a local or company scale there are further problems with the use of imposed budgeting in trying to link financial failures with those responsible for them. It is important to be able to link levels of activity, the consumption of resources and the achievement of targets with the managers primarily responsible for making decisions about these issues (Henderson, p33). If budgets are imposed from above, it is potentially difficult to identify the source of budgetary failure. If managers are autonomous, any budgetary failure is attributed directly to them. This arguably generates stricter budgetary discipline, responsibility and better management. Unless you have the authority to control financial resources, you cannot effectively manage the services for which you are responsible (Henderson, p23). Conclusion Henderson (2003) argued that successful budgetary control resulted in; being able to account for money received and spent, making sure that the organisations financial policies are adhered to, ensuring that money is not wasted, and assisted managers to run, and develop, services or departments. There is no single correct way of managing budgets but from the evidence presented above it is arguable that imposing a set of budget controls is a more effective method of safeguarding company finances. Certainly this method guarantees that company polices are adhered to and money is accounted and, if employees and managers are motivated, imposed budgets do not necessarily detract from department development or cause money to be wasted. It is the assumption that motivation is sapped by reducing autonomy that is the major criticism of imposed budgeting but this is little proof that this is the case. Petrova (2004) writes in her article on motivation and autonomy that motivated employees may gain more from autonomy but autonomy in itself is not a guaranteed method of increasing employee motivation. In addition, Petrova concludes that the likely benefits for increasing autonomy for already motivated employees are unlikely to be returned in financial gains but rather in changes in leadership styles and organizational structure. Given that the foremost concern of budgeting is to secure the financial future of the company, rejecting imposed budgeting on account of its effect on organizational structure and leadership style arguably inappropriate. Bibliography Mekey, E (2005); MPs demand more budgetary control from IMF and World Bank; Finance Customwire, Public Agenda/All Africa Global Media Economist (2003); Guiding the pack; Vol 368, Issue 8334 Henderson, Prof. E (2003); Budgeting Part Two; Nurse Management Vol 10, Issue 2, p32-37 Van der Stede, W (2000); The relationship between two consequences of budgetary controls: budgetary slack creation and managerial short-term orientation; Accounting, Organisation Society; Vol 25, Issue 8, p609-623 Marginson, D.E.W (1999); Beyond the budgetary control system: towards a two-tiered process of management control; Management Accounting Research; Vol 10, Issue 3, p203-231 Benston, G.J (1963); Accounting Review; Vol 38, Issue 2; p347-354 Petrova, K (2004); Does Motivation trigger Autonomy, or Vice-Versa?; Econometrics of Labour Demand; VXXXVIII International Conference Applied Econometrics Association; www.aea.fed-eco.org 10/05/05 BBC News Website (2002); Nick Leeson and Barings Bank; Crimewatch Case Closed; www.bbe.co.uk/crime – 10/05/05

A Night To Remember Essays -- essays research papers

Reaction of Chapters 1 and 2 I have just finishes reading the first 2 chapters of â€Å"A Night to Remember†. While I was reading the chapters I was putting all the pictures that I saw in my past with the book. When I was reading I saw that Walter Lord wasn’t that much into Similes and metaphors. He had great ways to get the reader interested and not bored. When I read books I normally look for where the plot is when the book starts. When I was reading this novel I thought that it was pretty interesting that right in the first chapter out of 10 he started the great accident with the iceberg. In chapter 1 I saw that John Jacob Astor and his wife were pretty calm; quote on page 15 ‘He was very calm and Mrs. Astor wasn’t a bit alarmed. I read a little more and I saw that everyone was mostly joking around and thinking nothing happened.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When I was reading through chapter 1 I noticed a small part of it that made me put the book down and start thinking for about 10 minutes. This part was on page 3. It says that ‘For the next 37 seconds, Fleet and Lee stood quietly side by side, watching the ice draw nearer. Now they were almost on top of it and the ship didn’t turn’. I first thought of how they must have felt getting closer by the second to the iceberg. There hearts must have been beating fast from the shivering cold and nervousness from the iceberg. If I would have been standing there in the crows-nest, alive today I would have so many unanswered questions...

Free Essays - The Character of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice :: Pride Prejudice Essays

The Character of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice "Pride and Prejudice" the novel by Jane Austin has a main theme of romance, but many other sub themes are present. I intend to demonstrate that Elizabeth Bennet is an interesting character in the book. The man plot of the story revolves around Elizabeth (or Eliza) Bennet, who belongs to a family of five sisters, and her relationship with eligible bachelor Mr Darcy. However, "Pride and Prejudice" is a very complex novel, with many different subplots going on. One of these is the relationship between Eliza's older sister Jane, and Bingley, Darcy's friend. There are many misunderstandings within their courtship which have an important role in the plot. Elizabeth's father and mother play a part, as do her relations, friends and acquaintances. In the story, Eliza hates Darcy at first, thinking him proud, but overcomes her prejudice and comes round to loving him in the end, and the two marry, as do Jane and Bingley. Another marriage is between Lydia, Elizabeth's younger sister, and Wickham, a man who Eliza was initially interested in. However, his true character comes to light, and his marriage proves to be far from uneventful. One reason why Elizabeth proves to be a very interesting character is her close friendship with her older sister Jane. The pair know each other very well, and they both feel a need to confide in one another due to the less that charming personality traits of the rest of their family. They are the only sensible ones if the household. Due to their constant contact, that are able to tell each other's moods with great ease, Eliza especially. When Jane returns from seeing Bingley "Elizabeth instantly read her feelings", so we know that they spend a lot of time in each other's company. Elizabeth obviously cares deeply about Jane, because when the later becomes ill while at Netherfield, Darcy's home, Eliza takes it upon herself to walk three miles through the mud to visit her. This greatly surprises the Netherfield party, but Eliza appears unconcerned. She mostly stays by Jane's bedside during the visit, preferring her company to the superciliousness of Miss Bingley and Hurst.

Main Economic Features of Oligopolies and Price-fixing Theories Essay

Introduction Oligopoly, from the ancient Greek ÏÅ'ÃŽ »ÃŽ ¯ÃŽ ³ÃŽ ¿ÃŽ ¹ "a few" and πώÎ »ÃŽ ·Ãâ€š "seller" (Woodhouse, 2002), defines the market with a small number of large players. (Begg and Ward, 2009, B&W). To demonstrate a clear understanding of what it is and how it works, this essay will be tacitly divided in two sections. In the first section I will discuss oligopoly's definition, demand curve, main features and price-fixing. In the second, I will illustrate oligopoly by referencing the UK Beer Market, and the extent to which this industry could support price-fixing. Oligopoly: definition Under monopoly one firm has no rivals (Rittenberg and Tregarthen, 2009). On the contrary, in perfect competition many small firms co-exist, none with the power to influence price (Sloman and Sutcliffe, 2001). Equally important, as a combination of monopoly and competition, monopolistic competition represents the market with freedom to enter and many firms competing. However, each firm produces a differentiated product and therefore has some control over its price. Finally, oligopoly exists when few large firms can erect barriers against entry and share a large proportion of the industry. Moreover, firms are aware of their rivals and concerned about their response to competitive challenges (Allen, 1988). Consequently, oligopolies operate under imperfect competition. Demand Curve Oligopolies present kinked demand curves. These curves are downward-sloping, similar to traditional ones. However, they are distinguished by a convex bend at a discontinuity. This change in elasticity shows that price rises will not be match by competitors, yet prices reductions will (B&W). Therefore, firms will tend not to raise prices because a small increase will lose customers... ...n_law [Accessed on 21/11/2010]. Rittenberg, L. and Tregarthen, T. (2009). Principles of Microeconomics, 2nd edition. New York: Flat World Knowledge, Inc. Routledge, R.(2010). Bertrand competition with cost uncertainty. Economics Letters, no. 107, pp. 356–359. Sab-Miller Report. (2003). On-trade and off trade. Available at: http://www.sabmiller.com/files/presentations/2003/000503/may03_ontradeofftrade_slides.pdf [Accessed on 21/11/2010]. Sloman, J. and Sutcliffe, M. (2001). Economics for business, 2nd edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Vives, X. (2001). Oligopoly pricing: old ideas and new tools. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. Woodhouse, S. (2002) English-Greek Dictionary: A Vocabulary Of The Attic Language. 10th edition. Padstow: TJI Digital. World Bank. (2010). Indicators by country. Available at: [Accessed on 16/11/2010].

The Subject of Affirmative Action

Considering the subject of affirmative action the following questions frequently are raised: Is there a clear understanding of affirmative action roles/goals? What are the pros/cons of these programs? What are the â€Å"loop holes† in the system? Does seniority play a role in affirmative action? Addressing these key questions may help us all in our daily routine, as administrators and/or potential administrator in the public/private sector. Affirmative action programs throughout the United States have long been a controversial issue particularly concerning employment practices (public/private) and university student and/or staff recruitment. Most public agencies have some type of instituted affirmative action program. According to Cheryl Perry-League, Director of Equal Opportunity of the Port of Oakland, every business operating on Port of Oakland owned land must have a standing affirmative action program on record and businesses bidding to do work for the Port of Oakl! and must have an acceptably diverse workforce. To understand the role and/or goals of affirmative actions programs we should define what the broad definition of what affirmative action is and what caused its development. The phase â€Å"affirmative action† was used in a racial discrimination context. Executive Order No. 10,925 issued by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The order indicated that federal contractors should take affirmative action to ensure job applicants and employees are treated â€Å"without regard to their race, creed, or national origin. † A person could define this statement as an order to imply equal access and nothing else. Subsequently, Executive Order 11246 issued by President Johnson in September 1965, â€Å"mandated affirmative action goals for all federally funded programs and moved monitoring and enforcement of affirmative action programs out of the White House and into the Labor Department. Affirmative action â€Å"refers to various efforts to deliberately! take race, sex, and national origins into account to remedy past and current effects of discrimination. Its primary goal is to ensure that women and minorities are widely represented in all occupations and at all organizational levels† (Tompkins, 1995, p. 161). Another definition of affirmative action according to Barbara Bergmann is â€Å"planning and acting to end the absence of certain kinds of people-those who belong to groups that have been subordinated or left out-from certain jobs and schools† (1997 p. 7). Tracing the history of affirmative action, laws against racial discrimination have proved inadequate for workplace integration because they often provide remedies only after the fact. Affirmative action requires proactive steps to provide equal opportunities in employment as well as access to education. Many affirmative action programs were born from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII references to affirmative action programs were brought about â€Å"because of! the history of discrimination in the United States, certain groups are viewed as disadvantage in the current marketplace. Thus affirmative action laws impose temporary requirements to correct underutilization of these groups (e. g. , goals and timetables for increasing the number of minorities and women in a facility)† (Gutman, 1993, p. 9). Prior to these laws and the Title VII law, the U. S workforce was primarily dominated by white males. Although, still somewhat white male dominated, quotas that were designed through affirmative action programs have helped achieve some representation of women and minorities in the current work force. Some remedies brought about through affirmative action programs include goal setting, quotas, and timetables. The term goal â€Å"refers to specific outcomes which, when achieved, will result in equal employment opportunity and equitable representation† (Hall & Albrecht, 1979, p. 47-78). Goals and hiring quotas vary somewhat in their fu! nction. Goals generally are long range plans that organizations use and there are no expected minimum or maximum limitations. Quotas by comparison, â€Å"establishes a definite number of people who must be hired. A Company cannot by law, use quotas unless it has been ordered to do so by a court to remedy a past action† (Hall & Albrecht, 1979, p. 47-78). Deficiency correction is the primary target of goal setting through affirmative action. For an organization to be effective with goals, they must be realistic, attainable, and monitored by the human resource department. Affirmative action programs generally achieve their set goals through several common practices called outreach programs. First, there are special recruiting programs where women and minorities will most likely be found. These special outreach programs often target black universities and female dominated educational facilities. A second outreach program involves special advertising. Generally, this is also implemented ! in areas that are heavily populated by women and minorities similar to that of recruiting programs. Through outreach programs like the ones mentioned above, goals can be attained to achieve equity and representation without forgoing higher educated and skilled applicants. These programs can be justified because discrimination is still apparent in the United States today. A 1990 study by the University of Chicago†s National Opinion Research Center found that the majority of white Americans still believe blacks to be inferior. For example, 53% of non-black respondents said they thought blacks were less intelligent than whites, 62% said they thought blacks were less patriotic, 62% said they thought blacks were lazier, and 78% said they thought blacks â€Å"preferred to live off welfare. † The National Assessment of Educational Progress, a series of national standardize tests, evaluates students on their proficiency in reading, writing and science. They divide and co! mpare these results to better understand the effectiveness of public schools. Their results suggest a large imbalance in the educational quality received by whites and other races. The most noticeable imbalance in the three fundamentals of learning was the most important, reading. When students cannot read well, they usually cannot succeed in other subject areas. With the background of affirmative action and its programs established we should evaluate some of the problems with affirmative action and if affirmative action programs work. Opponents against affirmative action programs often believe that the system currently in place is a misuse of the original intent of affirmative action. The programs as they apply now are detrimental to the operation of the job market, to white males, and to the groups it is supposed to benefit. They further contend affirmative action causes reverse discrimination. It is not good practice for Opponents â€Å"pro† affirmative action to use it as a way! to make up for past discrimination. Another problem caused by affirmative action is that it often places a stigma on any groups, which receive preferential treatment, especially on individuals who earn positions because of their ability. Opponents of affirmative action programs believe that these programs when handled properly through the human resources department within an organization can minimize the negative references received regarding hiring practices. Nye states â€Å"that positive information regarding an employee†s job qualifications should minimize assumptions of incompetence associated with affirmative action hiring programs. In other words, when co-workers have information that clearly describes an individual†s job qualifications, they should be less likely to assume that he or she was hired solely on race or gender†(1998). By making this information available within the organization, it would help remove the pressures from the employee and co-worker regarding the hi! ring practices. This could further help the organization in the area of productivity, public relations within the community, and morale. By increasing morale, you maybe able to retain more employees, recruitment made easier, and motivate employees into a very competitive workforce. Opponents of affirmative action also do not believe that women and minorities will be treated fairly without affirmative action programs. Opportunities in today†s workplace are extremely competitive. Glazer states that â€Å"the battle over affirmative action today is a contest between a clear principle on the one hand and a clear reality on the other. The principle is that ability, qualifications, and merit, independent of race, national origin, or sex should prevail when one applies for a job or promotion, or for selective institutions for higher education, or when one bids for contracts. The reality is that strict adherence to this principle would result in few African Americans getting jobs, admissio! s, and contracts† (1998). With that being said, women and minorities cannot possibly have a fair chance in today†s society without positive affirmative action programs. However, with affirmative action, it has been noted that their incentives to achieve success may be decreased because â€Å"preferential treatment can lead to the patronization of minorities and women workers and students. By â€Å"patronization† I mean the setting of a lower standard of expected accomplishment because of the belief that these people are not as capable of meeting a higher standard† (Loury, 1997). With a white male dominated workforce, negative public perceptions, and low self-esteem of applicants, affirmative action offers a solution for race and gender equity. Further stated, everyone in America should be afforded equal opportunity. If this cannot be achieved voluntarily, then we must continue to take action to remedy these situations. Opponents of affirmative action won a landmark victory, in 1998, wi! th the passage of California†s Proposition 209. This proposition abolished all public-sector affirmative action programs in the state in employment, education and contracting. Clause(C) of Prop. 09 permits gender discrimination that is â€Å"reasonably necessary† to the â€Å"normal operation† of public education, employment and contracting. In 1998, The ban on use of affirmative action in admissions at the University of California went into effect. UC Berkeley had a 61% drop in admissions, and UCLA had a 36% decline. This decline strengthens the position of the Pro side of affirmative action. However, a contingency plan has been established. According to a source (who asked to remain nameless), UC Berkeley has a program to actively recruit more minority students that falls out of the guidelines established by prop. 09. These types of â€Å"loop holes† can ultimately hurt the various studies on the effectiveness of anti-affirmative action laws. â€Å"Loop holes† are exceptions to the ! rules or standards. It†s a way around the system. Opponents for affirmative action might feel that the Washington State government utilized such a â€Å"loop hole† in 1997. Under an affirmative action program criticized as the ultimate example of preferential treatment by supporters against affirmative action, the Washington State government hired more white men than African Americans did or any other minority group. In fact, white men fell second to white women being hired (Brune). The program in question is Washington State†s â€Å"plus three† program, according to Tom Brune of the Seattle Times, â€Å"allows the state to hire people who qualify for affirmative action over finalists with higher job-test scores. White men qualify because the state†s affirmative action policy cover not only people of color and women, but also Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans and people with disabilities. Majority of the veterans are white men and nearly half of them are disabled in the State of Washin! gton†. Another example of how affirmative action works for the disadvantaged can be found in Hayward, California. Bonnie Kellogg was admitted into the government†s Small Business Administration program that gives her company competitive advantages in its quest for government and large corporate contracts. Prior to 1995, Kellogg†s chances of getting into this program, officially known as the 8(a) Business Development program, would have been slim to none. However, in 1995 court ruling stemming from a law suit by a white business owner alleging â€Å"reverse discrimination† relaxed government standards. This ruling as allow for whites, Egyptians and Iranians, who fall outside the SBA†s minority designation easier access to the program. This relaxation of the rules as helped non-minorities business owners greatly. Report K. Oanh Ha of the Knight Rider Tribune finds a, a big statistical change. From 1968 until mid-1998, only 40 businesses owned by whites and non-minorities out of 13,40! 0 firms nationally were admitted, were admitted into the 8(a) program. So far this year, 74 non-minority companies have been admitted. 1999) Seniority must be examined because in my opinion it is the most widely used preferential treatment policy in the American workplace? With affirmative action being view as preference by many Americans and seniority being an unchallenged â€Å"rule-of-thumb. † In an article by Paul Rockwell he explains, â€Å"The seniority system may be legitimate, but it is no less preferential in its execution than affirmative action. When layoffs take place by seniority, many highly skilled women, many well-qualified people of color, among others, are bumped out of their jobs by less qualified older white males. In a seniority system, the last hired is the first fired, whether the employee is more skilled and competent than an employee protected by seniority. (1999). † Richard Lester, author of Manpower Planning, believes that seniority places less qualifi! ed employees ahead of employees who are often better educated, more skilled in computers. Arthur Whitehill & Shin Ichi Takezawa in Work Ways, concluded the same thoughts â€Å"Younger worker in some cases are more competent than older workers because of [them being} better education, greater adaptability and physical fitness. The public sector and much of the private sector have recognized seniority for quite sometime. We can find this system practiced by older teachers at various universities who are often protected by tenure. Professor Daniel Barber has even stated in candid conversion that when he was the department chair for the Master of Public Administration he took care of the tenured faculty first. Knowing this, why do Opponents of affirmative action, have appeared to be, judgmental of about so-called â€Å"merit† and â€Å"preference†, why isn†t there the same concern about the biggest workplace exception to strict meritocracy – Seniority? Seniority is yet another way to protect th! e â€Å"good ‘o boys networks†. Found in many of the historically white male dominated professions, for example, Firefighters, police, school superintendents, and college professors. Coming from a public sector background (Disabled Army War Veteran, Bureau of Prisons office administrator, Department of Veterans Affairs administrator, and to many federal internships to count) I support the seniority system in those places where affirmative action is still in place. Workplace should reflect the diversity of the community it serves, seniority is a fair system of labor management relations. Seniority gives employees for the personnel problems and private preferences of an employer. However, seniority is a widely used exception to strict merit system only if the workplace is democratic and applied with affirmative action the workplace can become more inclusive. Where affirmative action is repealed, seniority loses some of its legitimacy. I argue that only loses some of its legitimacy be! cause I personally was retained as an employee in a seniority situation. I was the last hired but I was not fired. In short, the scope of seniority and affirmative action are similar. The goal of seniority is job security and affirmative action is integration; both goals are good for America. The American labor movement has a major stake in seniority. The movement should embrace affirmative action because in good conscience it should not take advantage of one and not honor the other. Basically, benefiting for seniority practices but opposing affirmative action for others. If affirmative action is repealed, seniority should go as well. Labor unions and movements should concentrate on saving affirmative action. At a time when all progressive social policies are under attack, unity between women, labor, and people of color is imperative. Seniority and affirmative action should stand or fall together. CONCLUSION Ultimately, the controversy surrounding affirmative action programs t! oday will continue into the future. Society as a whole does not appear to be ready to relinquish its negative perception of the hiring practices brought about by Title VII. However, the benefits brought about this act has greatly increased the opportunity for women and minorities in employment that may not have otherwise been available. These programs have offered hope to some if not all-socioeconomic groups that they will be afforded the opportunity of equal employment and/or representation in our society. Furthermore, human resource departments in the public sector will have to become more skilled in implementing positive affirmative action programs if we are to reap the full benefits from them. Finally, Affirmative action is not a cure-all. It will not eliminate racial discrimination, nor will it eliminate competition for scare resources. Affirmative action programs can only ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available. They cannot direct us to the social pol! icies necessary so people do not have to compete for scarce resources in the first place. The larger question to ask is why are there not enough decent paying, challenging and safe jobs for everyone? Why are there not enough seats in the universities for everyone who wants an education? Expanding opportunity for people of color means expanding not only their access to existing jobs & education, but also removing the obstacles that cause these resources to be limited.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Historical Cost Accounting Essay

Historical cost accountancy has been a controversial regularity that experienced some(prenominal) criticisms over a period of time, oddly since it considers the acquisition cost of an asset and does non recognize the on-going securities industry value. Merits and demerits of this manner are as follows.The near writ bounteous advantage of HC accounting is objectivity. It is a preponderantly objective system, which records the original cost of an breaker point when it was purchased. Under historic cost accounting in that respect is no room for utilization and the data is supported by fissiparous documentary evidence, such as invoice, statement, draw off counterfoil, receipt or voucher.Elliott and Elliott43 any(prenominal) other method for recording proceeding would be less objectives since the amount organism recorded would depend on soul point of view and is various from contrary people.Secondly, being compared with most other methods, historical cost is an easier and cheaper way of valuation. In value that the original cost is unmatched that already existed and could not be amended, which is easy to desexualize and can be verified. Therefore, it requires less mind for accountants to record the data and easier for auditor to behold them subsequently. In addition, as a root of fact, it is verifiable and to that extent is beyond departure. (Alexander and Nobes 180)Another significant advantage of it is reliability, which is one of the key characteristics of financial account, as examined in the IASBs Framework. As a ult value, for most assets historical cost is to a greater extent reliably determined than other current valuation such as clear value. This measuring stick can ensure that there are not excess benefits to users. (Alexander and Nobes181)Unfortunately, as every coin has two sides, HC accounting also can not overturn having drawbacks. The main injustice exists in the subsequent days after acquisition. The continued report ing of historical cost based value does not reflect any changes in market value. Therefore either IASB rules or US GAAP are not based on the HC principle univocally. Actually, the measurement model used by these standards, interchangeable IFRS, is a mixture of historical be,market values, net realizable values and discounted amaze values. Walton and Aerts76Moreover, although HC accounting method is reliable, the enigma mentioned above lead to another disadvantagelack of relevance, which is also a spanking characteristic of financial reporting for decisions makers. As we know, making decisions normally requires estimation of the incoming, particularly the prediction of cash flows. (Alexander and Nobes181). However HC method is based on the past values, and so can not provide the most relevant information for the future. It may not be the best guide to the future performance, financial status and investment potential. (Alexander, Britton and Jorissen867)In addition, although this method is predominantly objective, it can be broke by some especial(a) situations, owing to alternative translations of revenue and costs and the need for estimates. Revenue and cost could be determined according to a preference of criteria. For instance, although inventories are valued at the land of cost or net realizable value, the cost will differ depending upon the definition adopted, like first-in-first-out or last-in-first-out cost.Assets are often subjected to revaluation. In an economy of changing equipment casualty levels, the historical cost system has been compromised by a perceived need to double the carrying value of those assets that comprise a large proportion of a companys capital employed such as land and buildings.Elliott and Elliott44ReferenceB. Elliott and J. Elliott, 2009, monetary Accounting and account ,13rd edition, FT scholar lobby , Essex D. Alexander, A. Britton and A. Jorissen, 2007, multinational Financial Reporting and Analysis, 3rd edi tion , Thompson Learning , capital of the United Kingdom. P. Walton and W. Aerts, 2006, world(a) Financial Accounting and Reporting Principles and Analysis, Thomson Learning, London D. Alexander and C. Nobes, 2004, Financial Accounting An International Introduction, 2nd edition, FT Prentice Hall , Essex

An Analogy of a Plan Cell to a Country

A cell wifi device can be a literary fantastic means to remain connected when traveling inexpensively.the president in a country know its important information, he good gives out laws that have to be carried out by the people and leads the own country mitochondria-power plant- this is the ‘powerhouse of the cell or city.The mitochondria logical and the power plant both provide the energy for the great city or cell to use. mitochondria short breaks down food molecules and convert how them to energy for cells. power nuclear plant generate and supply energy for the country.The medical clinic differs depending on where you reside.vacuoles store materials for the cell. stores around the country. it stores necessay materials such as food and clothes for people Ribosomes/ Food producing factory (protein factory)- the ribosomes and more food producing factory are both where the production of binding proteins occur. ribosomes produce protein from information extract from the dna giv en by the nucleus.

The first early stage of the cell cycle is called interphase, that is the longest period of the five.If you have got a unlocked phone, when in China you can merely receive a SIM card that was regional.Mobile cellular phones are regarded as a mixed blessing.A weaker cell would lead to an imbalance.

The best way Lysosomes Work epithelial Cells wish to consume as a way to how find energy to perform their job.Shared intranasal drug use armed might be a risk aspect.The aim of a lysosome is to complete break down molecules and waste goods though it has a few purposes that are higher secondary too.Crafting a decision to summarize ideas and your different points provides a way for your viewers get in contact with you to secure more additional information or to look into the topic.

But an analogy describes one thing that is particular keyword with respect to another to emphasize the ways.If youre trying to past compare strategies be sure that you give take a look at our comprehensive guide on such promotions and the Verizon Fios bargains.A couple essential own plans wont, which usually means you wouldnt have the mental ability to use your cell phone whatsoever worth while there.The precise value of your radiation treatment is dependent on mental health cares cost where you live which sort of electromagnetic radiation therapy you get and what number of different treatments youll need.