International trade Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International trade - Term Paper Example Can you explain why? Trade restrictions are put by government including tariffs, import quotas and trade barriers. This is done to increase net exports by limiting imports. When net exports increase it creates a more favorable balance of trade, the domestic production of the country boost up, which results in increased domestic income and employment. But Most economists realize this argument is wrong because trade restrictions can prove to be harmful as well, if there will be trade restrictions the domestic prices of the goods will increase, and people will be forced to pay higher prices for the domestic products, also the countries won’t be able to benefit from â€Å"Comparative Advantage†. Putting trade restrictions won’t only be harmful for the customers but it will also be harmful for the firms because usually they take advantage of Comparative Advantage and import raw material that are not available in their country, but by putting trade restrictions they wi ll have to find that certain raw material in their own country which will eventually cost them more and it will ultimately effect the price of the final goods, making it more expensive. In long run Trade restrictions can also gives fewer choices to the customers and no variety because they will only have the option to buy the domestic products. Also putting trade restrictions would result in inefficiency from the domestic producers because there won’t be a competition on a global scale and their productivity will decrease. Also International trade is the basic source of bringing â€Å"FOREX† in the country. By putting trade restrictions the country won’t be available to avail from all these advantages. 2) Suppose that in the absence of trade, the Canadian price for bicycles was higher than the world price for bicycles. Would allow international trade mean that Canada would import or export bicycles? Who in Canada would benefit and who would lose with a free trad e policy, and would the gains be greater than the losses?   Free trade policy is also called â€Å"laissez-faire† which means there won’t be any interference from the government side, and manufacturers are free to import and export and manufacture according to their own will. If Canadian price for bicycles is higher than the world price for bicycles then Canada would advantage from â€Å"Comparative Advantage† and import bicycles rather than exporting it. Allowing trade would benefit Canada in long run because domestic prices for bicycles are higher than the world price and the citizens of Canada are paying higher prices unnecessarily, Trade will increase competition in Canadian bicycle market and it will help in reducing monopolistic pricing and the cons that generate from that. It will also encourage local investors and manufactures to perform better and keep stable bicycle pricing in the market. It will also increase the variety in Canadian bicycle market a nd citizens will have more options. Also this will benefit the local producers as they can import raw material for bicycles from other countries who are selling it for cheaper rate and this will help lower marginal cost and decrease the prices of bicycle in Canada. 3) What benefits are to be gained from countries producing according to the law of comparative advantage? What if a country is absolutely more productive in all goods?

Study Objective Essay Example for Free

Study Objective Essay Been working for more than two years at the Bank, I have come to understand that people really need a good consultation when deciding on what to do next in their lives especially when choosing a career. Some people have for so long worked on the things they have not learned at schools but still perform well because they love the jobs while some, even got degrees in that fields, still find it difficult to focus on the job just because they do not have passion in it. I believe this could not have been worse, if these colleagues have initially been advised by profession counselor back when they were at schools to carefully look for their potentials and work their ways to success. My five week-trip for an exchange program to the States enabled me to discover more about the education system there and how students can access to wide varieties of information available to find the potentials within themselves and what schools or education institutions they should go to. There are school counselors and teachers who are willing to spare times discuss with students on what their study plans and the problems that might distract them from performing well. Given that I also hold a bachelor degree in Education, this has inspired me to devote my time pursue my Master degree in school counseling to come back and serve my country the same way those people in the States are doing. My study will focus mainly on the techniques of counseling with students at their young age related to their major selection and career planning. This year is the third time I assist the Fulbright and Undergraduate State Alumni Association of Cambodia to organize Major Career fair to provide clearer definitions of various university’s majors to high school students and the jobs they should expect to get in those fields. What I have observed from this fair is that those students are very interested and pay so much attention to what each speaker has to say about his/her experiences. I believe this is the rare occasion where they can listen to full descriptions of what they are going to study in the next 1 or 2 years ahead. My study, in the same way, will make me a qualified counselor to actually look into their inner self, find their real passions and provide them with the information they will need to get ready for their chosen futures. In addition, I will look into the emotional growth and relationship of the students with their family members especially parents. They both play an important role in the performance of their children in schools. In most Asian families especially Cambodian, family members tend not to show their loves and supports toward each other openly and as a result making the gap between them wider. Some parents are too busy with their business that they forget to look at how their children are doing at schools with friends while some trying too much to put pressure on their children to study what they do not really like. I am particularly interested in finding ways to engage family members in student’s activities in attempt that the students will not be involved in inappropriate actions with their peers. Hopefully, I can use what I have learned to introduce this concept to the school and family in so there would be less conflict internally that might affect the studies of the kids I want this study to provide me with sufficient qualifications to turn those kids who have already lose themselves in just the materialism society and who are no longer believe that education works to have faith in themselves, get up and start the journey with their classmates to realize their dreams and keep fighting. Apart from doing this as my job, I also plan to utilize these skills to the students in provinces where I volunteer myself to be guest speakers there. I am positive that the knowledge and skills, commitment and passion of mine supported by Fulbright are going to make this developing country full of rich human resources to continue to stay strong for years to come.

The Internet and Theories of Fantasy :: essays research papers fc

The Internet and Theories of Fantasy [Summary. This paper analyzes the work of Bertolt Brecht in relation to fantasy and reality. Theatre and the Internet today, reach several parallels this paper attempts to uncover; and also to answer the question is it ever really there at all? In conclusion this paper will make not that the internet is really just a space of play.] Brecht used epic theatre to bring forth an idea or meaning for the audience to consider while entertaining the audience. Epic theatre involves the use of alienation techniques to distance the viewer from the story but still concentrate on the overall meaning. The person who just views the story would likely take it as fantasy and not reach the true depth of the play. Brecht shocks the viewer by making the events and actions in the play "strange and abstract" this contrasts with dramatic plays where the audience sympathises and relates to the characters of the play. Brecht believed that "To think, or write, or produce a play also means to transform society, to transform the state, to subject ideologies to close scrutiny." Having established this doctrine for himself, Brecht instigated the use of epic theatre in an attempt to break from the Aristotelian definition. Although he did not approve of the Aristotelian version, he redefined the nature of catharsis to suit his needs. (Brecht 71-90) Quick to criticism the role of the audience in traditional theatre, Brecht placed particular emphasis on the eventual let down created by fantasy. "For many, the theatre is the abode where dreams are created. You, players, sellers of drugs, in your darkened houses people are changed into kings and perform heroic deeds of safety. In rapture over themselves, or seized with pity they sit in happy distraction, forgetting the toils of daily life. Runaways. .. Of course, should someone come in, his ears still full of the roar of the city, himself still sober, he would scarcely recognize there, up on stage, the world he has just left. And leaving your house, he would scarcely know the world-- now no longer king, but lowly man-- he'd scarcely find himself at home in real life." (Brecht 54) Brecht's reference to actors as "sellers of drugs" is particularly apt imagery. The actors sell a package of fabricated grandeur to the audience, which experiences a rush of feeling leading to an emotional high. However, at the end of the performance, the audience has already experienced the highest emotional climax, the memory of which is strung along by the inevitable plot resolution.

Field Commander Paper

I would like to try out for a leadership position in the band, also known as field commander. I understand that this requires maximum dedication and hard work throughout the year. It is my responsibility to put that into action and consideration for my fellow band members and staff. Putting everybody first will be my intention in all occasions. I currently play the clarinet all year around as a sophomore. I have been focused on this for five years now, and I know that I will promote and sustain that in being a field commander as well. I try to achieve all that is possible with my talents along with my other activities.I participate in solo and ensemble, all-county band, all-district band, percussion ensemble, and the drama department as activities each year. These activities mold me into an experienced musician and has allowed me to strive for my desires and appreciate the art in life. Not only do I try to accomplish these events in the band, but I am also a leader of the school. Thi s year is my ninth year of being a cheerleader and it has taught me a lot about respect. I understand that people do not consider cheerleading a sport, but they do not take into their consideration the hard work we put into everything we do.This also relates to the band because it is not known as a competitive sport, but we work just as hard in our job and perfecting performances, just as much as any athlete. Nine years of the same activity takes lots of endurance and dedication into a certain passion, and I have learned over the years to have this. Self control is an important role in the job. With being in charge of an extensive group, self control is a key quality to embrace. It will be my job to step up and avoid any difficulties or problems, simply because nobody else will. As a leader, I must make peace among everybody and show no disrespect towards any other student.Everything I do, I remember the simple word, effort. Essentially, if we think of ourselves as naturally smart o r marvelous at particular characteristics, then putting effort into improving will imply that we aren’t particularly strong at it in the first place. As a group, we need to put in the same amount of effort together, to be more like one. It is our goal to become one as a whole and learn to do everything as a â€Å"team†. I will enforce this as being a leader and help the band members in anything they need. I believe that I have the ability to be a leader.I have a vision of where I want to go, along with my plan of success for my band. I’m aware of making difficult decisions that requires confidence along with motivation. Helping others is one of my best traits I have, I can articulate their ideals to others, convincing them of the value. Inspiring people to work toward common goals and to achieve things they never thought they could do is something I know I have the potential to do. I am also aware of my own strengths and weaknesses. I recognize others disadvanta ges, and am able to make changes when necessary. Leaders must be trustworthy before others will follow them.I admit that I am reliable upon most things and will try my hardest to be there for everybody when needed. I want to continue to help others to learn and grow together by having fun. I want us all to be open to new ideas and look beyond our abilities. Last, I have the courage to act in situations where results aren’t assured. I’m willing to risk failure and understand that everything will not go perfectly. By knowing this, I will remain patient and accept that it is a result of learning. Field commanding is a difficult duty. I as a student has went through a thought process about this job, and accepted it.I know that I can help the band form into one, yet remember that I have to take in the most discipline. I’m willing to be told to do anything, and do it. With all of my hard work and effort, I’m ready to be a leader. I have always wanted to be the person in front of the stands conducting with a group of people relying on me. I want to make this year fun and full of memories and the year of 2012-2013 an unforgettable time. This is a job for me, and I know that I’m ready. Thank you for your time and consideration, I appreciate all the attention given. Sincerely,

Special Situations In Trauma Recognition Health And Social Care Essay

The earliest recordings of Crush syndrome, which is besides known as Traumatic rhabdomyolysis or Baywaters ‘ syndrome are from 1910, when German writers described symptoms of hurting, failing and brown-coloured piss in soldiers rescued after being buried under structural dust [ 1 ] . The status was decently classified in 1941 during the London blitz in patients showing with symptoms of daze, conceited appendages, tea coloured urine and nephritic failure, by British nephrologist Eric Bywater [ 1 ] . In more recent times, instances of crush syndrome have been seen in greatest Numberss following natural catastrophes such as temblors. Clinical profiling of the types of hurts treated in local infirmaries following a natural catastrophe give an indicant of the prevalence of this type of hurt in such state of affairss. Following the Wenchuan temblor in China in 2008, a sum of 19 out of 205 patients admitted to two local learning infirmaries were enduring from crush syndrome [ 2 ] , while the instances of crush syndrome reported following the 1999 Marmara temblor in Turkey were every bit high as 17 % of reported hurts [ 3 ] . While the Numberss may change, one thing that is evident is that crush syndrome is a really existent hurt menace in such state of affairss, and that acknowledgment of the marks of this hurt, and an apprehension of the right intervention methods may good ensue in lives being saved in such scenarios.Crush syndrome – Mechanism of actionCrush syndrome occurs as the consequence of a localized crush hurt. As a consequence of compaction of the musculus mass, the musculus fibers are deprived of blood and can go ischemic. With drawn-out ischaemia of greater than 6 hours in continuance, tissue mortification occurs. Direct hurt signifier the suppression force besides causes harm to the cell membrane, which consequences in the gap of intracellular Na and Ca channels with a attendant inflow of Na and Ca into the cell. This influx consequences in increased harm to the musculus fibers and accordingly exacerbates cell membrane disfunction and causes the release of ATP-inhibiting nucleases, farther damaging the cells. With the return of circulation to the ischaemic tissue country following extraction or deliverance, comes farther tissue harm. Tissue reperfusion consequences in an addition in neutrophil activity and the release of free groups. The reaction of H peroxide and the anionic signifier of O ( superoxide ) , consequences in the formation of hydroxyl groups in big concentrations which further amendss cellular constituents and causes lipid peroxidation. The attendant lipid peroxidation leads to the devastation of the cell membrane and cell lysis ( reperfusion syndrome ) .Acute kidney hurtThe major effect of rhabdomyolysis is acute kidney hurt, which if left untreated can take to kidney failure. Acute kidney injure can happen as a effect of: Nephritic vasoconstriction Tubular obstructor due to the formation of dramatis personaes Direct heme induced cytotoxicity Myoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in skeletal musculus that is structurally similar to haemoglobin, but binds one instead than four molecules of O. Its concentration is greatest in musculuss specialised for sustained contraction, where myoglobin may supply O when blood flow is cut off due to its greater affinity for O. Like hemoglobin, myoglobin is filtered through the glomeruli of the kidneys and reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubules by endocytosis. Within lysosomes in the cells of the tubules, the hematohiston concatenation offprints from the Fe incorporating part of the molecule ( ferrihemate ) , the free Fe is so converted to ferritin. The big volumes of myoglobin delivered to the tubule cells overwhelm the cells ability to change over Fe to ferritin. The effect of this is a build-up intracellular ferrihemate. Oxidative emphasis harm to the cannular cells consequences from the coevals of free groups by the Fe molecules. The inordinate degrees of Fe in the cannular cells, causes their resorption to be inhibited. The concentration of Fe in the piss is further increased due to resorption of the H2O in the tubules due to systemic vasoconstriction and hypovolaemia [ 4 ] . The increased concentrations of Fe in the urine consequence in the formation of dramatis personaes which cause obstructor of the nephritic tubules. The nephritic tubule obstructor by the myoglobin dramatis personaes, the free extremist formation and the vasoconstriction and hypoxia caused by hypovolaemia are the chief causes of acute nephritic failure.Alternate causes of rhabdomyolysisWhile crush syndrome is a major cause of rhabdomyolysis in comparatively important Numberss, it is non the lone cause of this hurt. There are legion other possible causes, that, while rare, are no less life endangering. These include: Other causes of musculus hurt such as electric dazes and ictuss Certain toxins such as ecstasy and cocaine Cholesterol take downing drugs such as lipid-lowering medicines and fibrates Certain viral ( Epstein Barr virus, HIV ) and bacterial ( Legionella ) infections Certain familial familial upsets such as Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 lack and McArdle ‘s disease Electrolyte lacks such as hypophosphatemia and hypokalaemiaDiagnosis of rhabdomyolysisThe most dependable trial for the diagnosing of rhabdomyolysis is a step of plasma creatinine kinase degrees. The enzyme is released into the blood following cell rupture and the concentration of the enzyme in the blood is relative to the extent of musculus hurt. Blood degrees more than five times above the upper bound of normal are a definite index of the presence of rhabdomyolysis. The presence of urinary myoglobin is another index of rhabdomyolysis. High go arounding concentrations of myoglobin will do myoglobin carbamide, which will ensue in a chocolate-brown stain of the patient ‘s piss. Standard urine dipstick trials detect heme and are unable to distinguish between hematurias, haemoglobinurea and myoglobin carbamide, and as such can non be used as a definite index of rhabdomyolysis. The absence of myoglobinurea can non be used to govern out a diagnosing of rhabdomyolysis either, as myoglobin is quickly metabolised by the liver. Elevated degrees of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood are other utile indexs of the presence of rhabdomyolysis.TreatmentThe first intervention measure should be the remotion of the oppressing force, nevertheless if the victim has been trapped for an drawn-out period of clip, remotion of the force may ensue in reperfusion syndrome which may ensue in sudden decease. Initial medical intervention, whether in a infirmary scene or in the field, should get down with aggressive rehydration of the patient. Treatment guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend the disposal of 1500 milliliter of endovenous fluids per hr, with disposal of endovenous fluids with Osmitrol to keep diuresis at 300 milliliters per hr, with the purpose of forestalling nephritic failure [ 5 ] . The same guidelines recommend that in the instance of intervention in a pre-hospital scene, disposal of endovenous fluids should get down prior to the realease of the crushed portion [ 5 ] . During the first 24 hours of intervention, up to 12 liters of endovenous fluids should be administered. [ 6 ] . Other fluid intervention regimens recommend the disposal of 1 liter of isosmotic saline with 1 liters of 5 % dextroglucose to which 100 mmol of Na hydrogen carbonate has been added [ 7 ] . The purpose of this intervention is to rectify metabolic acidosis in add-on to rinsing the myoglobin out of the patients system and cut downing the formation of dramatis personaes. In add-on to the remotion of myoglobin and dramatis personaes from the patients system, endovenous fluid disposal besides aims at rectifying possible electrolyte upsets. If initial fluid intervention does non turn out effectual, dialysis intervention may be required [ 7 ] . With prompt and right medical intervention, the endurance rate for rhabdomyolysis induced acute nephritic failure is near to 80 % [ 8 ] .DecisionAlthough natural catastrophes remain rare in Western Europe, there remains the possibility the crush syndrome may happen in any catastrophe state of affairs such as route clangs or detonations. While crush syndrome and the potency for acute nephritic failure triggered by rhabdomyolysis carry a terrible menace of mortality, prompt and right intervention has the possible to salvage the lives of the bulk of crush syndrome sick persons.

Australia was Born Capitalist Indeed Capitalism came with essays

Australia was Born Capitalist Indeed Capitalism came with essays Capitalism is based on a system of economic organisation characterised by the private ownership of the means of production including land, tools and materials. It is where the accumulation of market-based control over the production and distribution of goods and services is placed into the hands of a few people known as the private sector. Australia, was a product of the then dominant capitalist power, Britain, and with this came its economic structure. Among several significant reasons, the motivation for the colonial settlement of Australia, like that of India, North America and parts of Africa, was to encourage Britains expansion. However, in this instance, there was no pre-capitalist period of European Australian history. There was no peasantry in Australia, no pre-industrial inheritance to modify or to hinder growth - virtually giving the settlers a blank slate to develop for trade and pursue any means for profit, on their own, by their own hand, without access to indentured or other local labour. Therefore, one can propose the question, is capitalism conceived by individuals, or by the society in which they live? Basically, as with most political structures, the Capitalist structure of power produced capitalist ways of thinking in those with access to wealth. Those without access developed other ideas and this led to socialism. Therefore, if you changed the socio-political structure of the society, through socialists or labour parties who want to distribute wealth more evenly, you would be able to change the extent to which capitalism operated. Consequently, such a view suggests capitalism is the cause of behaviours. Alternatively, one could say that capitalist thinking prompted structures that supported it and subsequently, the structures were the effect, not the cause of capitalism. In 1788 N.S.W was considered a free market where, as in North America, anyone prepared to roll up their sleeves and clear some la...

Death of a Salesman commentary Essay Example

Death of a Salesman commentary Essay Example Death of a Salesman commentary Paper Death of a Salesman commentary Paper 1998.

Create an Endothermic Chemical Reaction

Create an Endothermic Chemical Reaction Most  endothermic reactions  contain toxic chemicals, but this reaction is safe and easy. Indeed, this experiment requires no toxic chemicals   a rarity in chemistry studies. Use it as a demonstration or vary the amounts of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to make an experiment. Materials Citric acid and baking soda are available at most grocery stores. Citric acid is used for canning, while baking soda is used for baking. Heres what youll need: 25 milliliters of citric acid solution15 grams of baking sodaplastic foam cupthermometerstirring rod Creating the Reaction Pour the citric acid solution into a  coffee cup. Use a thermometer or other temperature probe to record the initial temperature.Stir in the baking soda   sodium bicarbonate. Track the change in temperature as a function of time.The reaction is: H3C6H5O7(aq) 3 NaHCO3(s) → 3 CO2(g) 3 H2O(l) Na3C6H5O7(aq)When you have completed your demonstration or experiment, wash the cup out in a sink. Tips for Success Feel free to vary the concentration of the citric acid solution or the quantity of sodium bicarbonate.An endothermic is a reaction that requires energy to proceed. The intake of energy may be observed as a decrease in temperature as the reaction proceeds. Once the reaction is complete, the temperature of the mixture will return to ​​room temperature.

E-commerce and Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

E-commerce and Information Systems - Essay Example The sampled secondary data retrieved from the E-commerce and information systems scholarly journals were then analyzed using a number of the formulated research hypothesis, which is used to weigh the qualitative agreement or disagreement of the retrieved scholarly journals on E-commerce and information system matters. The results from the research analyzes are used to draw inferences drawn from the hypothetical juxtaposition of the scholarly argument and concurrence on the interaction between E-commerce and information systems together with the impact of the postulated interaction of a business as a whole. These inferences are then used to reaffirms or refutes the thesis about the functional correlation between E-commerce and information systems. The inferences are also intended to reaffirm or refute the research position of an information systems dependent E-commerce (Wymer & Regan 2011, p 27). Finally, the inferences are used to establish the level of advancement of information sys tems employed in e-commerce, which in turn determines their safety or vulnerability to exploitation for malicious damage of a business. The research addresses the question of the functional correlation between e-commerce and information system as a novelty subject in business management and marketing (Grand, Mykytyn & Nascob, 2011, p 18). It also provides a hypothetical framework for research in e-commerce and information system in the context of organizational management and marketing. Wymer, S. and Regan, E. A., 2011.  

An Experience Demonstrating the Leadership Essay

An Experience Demonstrating the Leadership - Essay Example My friend died three years ago. He was not my closest friend. He was not a genius. He was not an extraordinary person whose very absence resonates through the universe. Nor was he a person who was important to me during his life. He was an ordinary boy who left no mark on this good earth. He died in an accident, and is missed by his family and friends just like any other person would be. And yet his death left its impact on me.  He was, in every sense of the word, ordinary. When I saw his sister at the funeral, however, I realized how unordinary he had been. She was a complete wreck. Her whole body was convulsing from the sheer weight of her pain. I realized that day that we spend our entire lives being â€Å"ordinary† and yet there is always that one soul which forgets how to survive without us. And we never realize it. It’s a remarkable thing, to touch people so and be touched by them thusly. I decided then that I would stop living ordinary, and embrace extraordinar y.  By extraordinary I only mean that which is not routine, which taxes my efforts. The challenge has been the discovery of my path, and how I struggle each day to remain on it. It’s hard, not succumbing to ordinary. Only two weeks ago I had to force myself not to do what I would have done in my past. My family disapproves of my sister’s marriage. They hadn’t spoken in months. It was her second anniversary two weeks ago and I had two options; either to continue as I’ve been or to do something about it. I decided on the latter. I spoke with my parents about throwing a surprise party for her. Speaking proved to be entirely useless. I then spend a good part of an entire two days persuading them, blackmailing them, trying to coerce them. Nothing worked.

Strategic Management Accounting - Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Management Accounting - - Assignment Example The company has been able to maintain a competitive edge through increased innovative, good corporate image and technological advancement. In this organization, decision making can be characterized as participatory where all the management is employed in decision making process. The second problem is presence of management teams that does not have long-range plans, also the management team is not dynamic, i. e., the majority of the management impedes change in the organization. In order to determine whether to replace the existing machine with the new mechanism, we need to calculate the Net Present value relative to the old machine. In order to achieve this objective we will follow the following steps: The decision criteria of the company are to select projects that have their payback period as five years and below. In the case of AL II, the payback period is 9.05 years, therefore, the replacement process should not be undertaken. My advice is to reject the project since the IRR is below the company cost capital. In addition to this, internal rate of return is one of the best criteria as it is considered to be a measure of marginal efficiency of the capital invested. There is need to analyze the firm financial capacity toward financing the replacement proposal. If it is not financially capable in implementing the proposal, the firm should search from resources elsewhere. In this case, the firm may result in borrowing, thus, the firm should consider the cost of borrowing and covenants attached to such borrowed funds (Hoque, 2005). It is necessary to consider the level of environmental degradation occasioned by the implementation of the proposal. If the existing machines pollute the environment at higher rate, that increases chances of the company facing legal suits emanating from environment pollution, the company might consider undertaking the proposal. Another strategic factor that needs to be

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Project Management - Essay Example Moreover, these activities are assumed to accomplish, their objectives within financial constraints as well. In the light of above discussion the projects are conceived to attain the certain goal or set of goals in a given time frame, therefore it could be established, that the time is the most important feature of these activities. Generally, the resources are deployed in an organization to carry out its normal functions, but the nature of a firm is pretty much stable, as compared to that of a project. This fact places a premium on the timely execution of the projects. The project could also be defined, a set of interconnected tasks, which should be completed to execute, the entire project (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009). However, this observation leads to the implication of interdependence of one task on to the completion of another one. This interconnectivity compels the project management to hire experts of every area affected by the project. Next, this paper will shed some li ght on the interesting facts, about the revolution of project management as a science, which are as follows The process of project costing got better, because the cost overruns dropped from 180% to just 56%, in past ten years (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009) The time overruns are also decreased from 164% to 84% in the same period of time (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009) These improvements are caused, by the excessive utilization of information technology, to integrate the decision process, between various people working on the project. However management information systems helped a lot in terms of effective and efficient project execution, but they by themselves are the most difficult ones to manage. The case of NHS IT program is a real world example. The major purpose of projects is to create something new, such as new product development. Therefore, they carry a higher level of risk, which requires an able management team that was lacking in the NHS project. The projects are believed to be the only credible source of development in the dynamic world of management, because they provide, the opportunity to the business persons around the world to experiment with something new (Zdanyte & Neverauskas 2011). However the rate of failures among these activities is overwhelmingly high. This fact is partially caused by the inadequate level of knowledge about this particular field among practitioners. This trend also played a significant role in making the IT project of NHS a failure, where the large level execution was attempted without any prior planning. The modern method of project management entails, dividing a whole project into smaller ones, and then considering each one separately (Gorog 2011). In this way the commitment of resources is well divided among the various stages of the project, so it becomes relatively simple to track the investments. Another benefit of this approach is the clear and logical interdependence between the different phases of the project gets highlighted, which gives clear sense of direction to those working on it. This above mentioned approach was the ideal one to implement on the venture

Critically assess the relevance of Marxist theory to the study of Essay

Critically assess the relevance of Marxist theory to the study of media texts - Essay Example Moore looks into the presidency of George W. Bush and analyzes the future of the country in the light of his policies and actions. Moore alleges that Bush family had long-term business relationship with the Saudi royalty and the family of bin Ladens. Bush and his inner circle avoided pursuing the Saudi connection to 9/11, despite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis and Saudi money had allegedly funded Al Qaeda (Fahrenheit 9/11). Fahrenheit 9/11 shows how a nation is kept in constant fear by FBI alerts and ultimately lulled into accepting the USA Patriot Act, that according to the film infringes on basic civil rights further adding that it is in this atmosphere of "confusion, suspicion and dread" that the Bush Administration "invades" Iraq. Fahrenheit 9/11 shows clips of the war to highlight the US casualties and the human cost to individual soldiers and their families thus invoking anti-state feelings within the armed forces. The core narrative of Fahrenheit 9/11 paraphrased from various reviews on the film: the Bush administration seize... ure the world's second largest reservoir of oil-all on the dubious grounds that Saddam Hussein was behind Al Qaeda's attack on World Trade Centre and his regime which possessed weapons of mass destruction posed a serious threat to the security of the United States and its Western allies. Fahrenheit 9/11 has been one of the most controversial and provocative documentary films since 2004 when it was released in the United States and worldwide. It seems to have borrowed the title and inspiration from Ray Bradbury's fiction novel "Fehrenheir 451" published in 1953. The thrust of the novel is towards highlighting the major concerns of the 1950s such as McCarthyite witch-hunt against communists , burning of books in Nazi Germany; Soviet leader Stalin's suppression of writers and books and the horrifying consequences of a nuclear weapon on the fictional town of Phoenix. Fahrenheit 451 belongs to George Orwell's "Big Brother" genre which is not exactly a Marxist comment on the society but a reflection of Western liberal thought. One may argue that Bush comes out in the film as the main protagonist, however, in its over all impact the film, wittingly or unwittingly, shuns narrative structure of story-telling that is the hallmark of the Hollywood style of film-making. Vertov and his colleagues believed both in the absolute ability of the cinema apparatus to reproduce reality as it actually appears and in the necessity of editing to arrange this reality into an expressive and persuasive whole. This doctrine, called by Vertov kino-glaz ("cinema-eye"), contributed significantly to the montage aesthetics which came to dominate the Soviet cinema after 1924. (Cook, 1996 p.134) Fahrenheit 911 does not use a protagonist or a narrative and uses a format which is more associated with the

Strategy Implementation - NIKE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategy Implementation - NIKE - Essay Example For a large capital company, these continued gains are an amazing performance. This paper is a strategy implementation for Nike. (Nike Inc., 2012) While the statistics above shows strength in Nike’s strategy, this ratio has several limitations. It does not account for the money’s time-value, in addition to the risk associated, with an investment or stock (Harper, 2012). The ratio also overvalues investments as the equation overlooks long-term costs in favor of short-term savings. Finally, since they can be calculated using different criteria, these ratios have a problem with consistency. The Inventory Turnover of a company, in accounting, is a measure of the frequency at which inventory is used or sold in a set period, for example, a year (Ozyasar, 2012). The equation for its calculation involves dividing the cost of goods sold by average inventory. It is also referred to as stock turnover or inventory turns. For Nike, the inventory turnover has been dropping, although not drastically. These ratios show that while Nike does well with money collection, it has much slower in selling or using inventory in the past three years. (Nike Inc., 2012) This ratio has several limitations. ... Finally, low inventory levels could lead to lost sales. The inventory turnover ratio fails to tell the organization if it could have sold extra if it had higher stocks. Nike intends to move its global organization into organizational learning and sustainable practices with an aim to increase sales (Balch, 2012). These strategies are also aimed at spreading the appreciation of sustainability through the entire organization, as well as demonstrate value to customers and business. In the 21st century, successful integration of corporate responsibility with the heart of the business is mandatory. Nike is adopting environmental efforts aimed at being part of its wider sustainability program. Nike is striving to minimize the negative impacts, which their processes have on the environment during the product life cycle from design all the way to manufacturing. They are also extending this to the products post-consumer use, as well as the product’s ultimate disposal. They have institut ed a program called NEAT that strives to recycle manufacturing waste left over from shoes (Balch, 2012). The solid waste from Nike shoes, especially cured rubber used for the manufacture of soles, is now converted into new soles This is expected to create value addition to the consumer since they are environmentally friendly, which is now a major global issue. This builds on one of the company’s core values; doing things with a difference as standing still is seen as dangerous while failure to take risks is seen as more dangerous. For Nike, collaboration is vital if they are to stay ahead with innovation (Balch, 2012). They are thus continually seeking insight from regular athletes and partners from inside and outside the industry, with an aim to improve

Critically assess the relevance of Marxist theory to the study of Essay

Critically assess the relevance of Marxist theory to the study of media texts - Essay Example Moore looks into the presidency of George W. Bush and analyzes the future of the country in the light of his policies and actions. Moore alleges that Bush family had long-term business relationship with the Saudi royalty and the family of bin Ladens. Bush and his inner circle avoided pursuing the Saudi connection to 9/11, despite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis and Saudi money had allegedly funded Al Qaeda (Fahrenheit 9/11). Fahrenheit 9/11 shows how a nation is kept in constant fear by FBI alerts and ultimately lulled into accepting the USA Patriot Act, that according to the film infringes on basic civil rights further adding that it is in this atmosphere of "confusion, suspicion and dread" that the Bush Administration "invades" Iraq. Fahrenheit 9/11 shows clips of the war to highlight the US casualties and the human cost to individual soldiers and their families thus invoking anti-state feelings within the armed forces. The core narrative of Fahrenheit 9/11 paraphrased from various reviews on the film: the Bush administration seize... ure the world's second largest reservoir of oil-all on the dubious grounds that Saddam Hussein was behind Al Qaeda's attack on World Trade Centre and his regime which possessed weapons of mass destruction posed a serious threat to the security of the United States and its Western allies. Fahrenheit 9/11 has been one of the most controversial and provocative documentary films since 2004 when it was released in the United States and worldwide. It seems to have borrowed the title and inspiration from Ray Bradbury's fiction novel "Fehrenheir 451" published in 1953. The thrust of the novel is towards highlighting the major concerns of the 1950s such as McCarthyite witch-hunt against communists , burning of books in Nazi Germany; Soviet leader Stalin's suppression of writers and books and the horrifying consequences of a nuclear weapon on the fictional town of Phoenix. Fahrenheit 451 belongs to George Orwell's "Big Brother" genre which is not exactly a Marxist comment on the society but a reflection of Western liberal thought. One may argue that Bush comes out in the film as the main protagonist, however, in its over all impact the film, wittingly or unwittingly, shuns narrative structure of story-telling that is the hallmark of the Hollywood style of film-making. Vertov and his colleagues believed both in the absolute ability of the cinema apparatus to reproduce reality as it actually appears and in the necessity of editing to arrange this reality into an expressive and persuasive whole. This doctrine, called by Vertov kino-glaz ("cinema-eye"), contributed significantly to the montage aesthetics which came to dominate the Soviet cinema after 1924. (Cook, 1996 p.134) Fahrenheit 911 does not use a protagonist or a narrative and uses a format which is more associated with the

Chinatown Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chinatown - Case Study Example Water has a sexual meaning in the movie and this is portrayed by the different characters present lie Jake and Cross from the movie. Water is a very essential commodity for both internal and external use. Poor planning in the water system may not achieve the desired effect on urban planning because good urban centers have stable water supply system. Transparency in the urban water commission enhances urban development as individuals are attracted to places with availability of such factors like water and security. Urban centers are characterized by large populations who cannot stay permanently in areas without water for a long period, therefore, most urban planers take into consideration the availability of water when erecting structures or drawing up the map of a new urban center. Suburbanization is eminent in Chinatown movie by the culture presented by the film producer in the movie. A perfect example of the differences in the suburbs is the presence of the Mall which greatly differs in the different areas mentioned in the movie. Urban growth and suburbanization are a process where developments happen gradually and within a set period of time. It is traced through the obscure era when there was scarcity of resources to an era when the mission of drought management, water quality and good control of the environment is achieved. Urban growth must be accompanied by a tremendous increase in the population of individuals within a given urban center. The increase in the urban centers will promote the development of suburbanization since there will emerge class difference amongst the individuals living in the area. Political corruption is an issue of concern in Chinatown movie. An example is that Polanski flees from the unfair verdict of the judge who was corrupt and wanted to wreck political career. The movie is filled with issue of political and moral corruption and this lies the political planning of the movie.

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Example for Free

Coffee and Starbucks Essay 1. Introduction In the UAE the coffeehouses take the first concern of the residents. The residents look for the coffeehouses as a place of enjoyment and the perfect place for hangout with friends. One of the most popular coffeehouse in the UAE is Starbucks; the branches of Starbucks cover all the emirates in most popular places. In this report we’ll conceder The Coffee Bean Tea Leaf as a competitor of Starbucks and analyze both of them depending on the SWOT and Marketing Mix analysis. 2. Client Company â€Å"Starbucks†. This company founded in the UAE in 2000, it is especially brand for coffee with Coffeehouses. Starbucks features a variety of coffees, hand-crafted beverage, teas, water, freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and salads. It is including also in their product compilation of music CD’s ranges for all testes. Starbucks have very friendly employees make the customers feel comfortable to visit them again. The qualities of the products Starbucks provide make them reach this level of popularity. 1 Target Market. Starbucks focus on the demographics, psychographics and lifestyle of their customers. Also with the information that Starbucks collected regard the target market segment for the better to its customers. The demographic helps Starbucks to locate its target market. It is target the both male and female, around 18-30 years old, but you can see that’s it provide product for everybody. Starbucks provide non-coffee beverage for children to supply for the whole family. It is customers primarily in their final years of high school, in university or just working. Most of them have a good education, and the people who have job, it include a high salary. The psychographic of Starbucks based in charity and the arts. Also it is sponsored the different kind of events. Starbucks aims to target people who are generous and charitable, also people who like fun and enjoy their time. It sells a lifestyle to both customers and employees, it appeals a new style to it’s coffees an age-old beverage, so that’s today it is one of most famous coffees around the world. 3. Competitor Company â€Å"The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf† It is an international coffeehouse company, founded in 1963 in California. They provide a variety of hot/cold coffee and tea drinks and related. Beside snacks like sandwiches, salads, muffins, cakes and a selection of pastries. There are 11 branches in the UAE 9 in Dubai (Sahara Shopping Center, Ibn Battuta Shopping Center, Zayed University †¦). The Coffee Bean provides it’s customers with a well trained friendly customer service to satisfy them and ensure their loyalty. 4. Major Finding of Competitive Analysis 2 SWOT analysis |SWOT analysis |Starbucks |Coffee Bean Tea Leaf | |Strengths |-Brand name recognition |-Changing the menu and adding new products regularly | | |-Good reputation |-Providing variety of products coffee tea products | | |-coffees bottled beverages sold at retail (Frappuccino|-Breakfast meals light lunch meals | | |bottles sold in petrol stations) |-On-line store at www.coffeebean. com | | -Location (significant markets / crowded shopping malls/| | | |airports) | | | |-Free internet wireless access | | | |-On-line store at www. starbucks. com | | |Weaknesses |-Little promotion / offers |-Locations (little number of branches in less crowded | | |-Considering more on coffee products than other products|places) | | |(Tea juices) |. -Small awareness of brand name | |Opportunities |-Widen Product Range to reach new target market |-Expand branches in the market | | |-Improve the speed and efficiency of service |-Apply marketing strategy to increase brand awareness among| | |-Increase promotions offers |customers | | |-Internet wireless access grabs new market (Students and| | | |tourists) | | |Threats |-Change in consumer tastes and interest |-Customers prefer recognized brand | | |-Increase in competition |-Local competition | 3 Competitive Advantage. By searching the two organizations we got a clear knowledge about them and the tools they use to grab customers and reach success. Referring to table1 the SWOT Analysis table; it shows the differences between the two coffeehouses in the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats areas. The major different which make Starbucks stronger than Coffee Bean is the recognized brand name and the reputation that Starbucks have. These make Starbucks more known and preferred from customers who look for famous places that sells good quality products. Also the location and number of branches plays a significant impact in this case. This is because Starbucks is more spreading in the market in strategic and core places like the airport (see appendix 1). 5. Strategic recommendation: Even though Starbucks is more popular than Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for its high quality coffee and products, it has more than 40 branches in UAE, but it need to achieve its competitor advantage to maintain its market leadership. However Starbucks has some weakness that covers its strengths that needs to be looked at and improved. One of the most noticeable difference about Starbucks and other competitor is its menu that is rarely changed and its prices that the competitor has trampled them by their less price and good quality. Even that there are promotions done in Starbucks but not as much as others, for that they need to increase their promotion to rout their competitor who has attractive promotion threw their advertisement that Starbucks has some weakness in. They should focus on creating their own way of advertisement that can be shown everywhere which advertise their promotions and not relay on Starbucks name popularity only. Also one of the significant weaknesses that Starbucks has is their products that are more specified on coffees more than other kind of products such as tea and Fresh juices for this they have to widen their products range to grab new market and win customers. 6. Conclusion As it shown and known Starbucks in one of the biggest companies in the whole world that has its own reputation in its products. Starbucks has its own way of rousing it sales and improving its organization. However, they are special than other coffeehouses by their brand name, products and services, but they have some weaknesses at the same time, which can be overcome by reaching their competitors strengths. Even more Starbucks is well known of their spreading in the market by the number of branches which is increased daily approximately one by day in the world. Appendix 1 Marketing Mix Analysis (7 Ps). |Marketing Mix elements |Starbucks |Coffee Bean Tea Leaf | |(7ps) | | | |Product / Service |Coffee, hand-crafted beverage, tea, ice blended drinks, freshly|hot and cold coffee and tea beverages, sandwiches, salads and a | | |baked pastries, fresh sandwiches, salads, cakes and cookies. |selection of pastries and cakes | | |Plus coffee related accessories | | |Price |-The prices are in a middle range not too different from other |-Middle range prices | | |coffeehouses. Example : |-lower a little than Starbucks | | |(Frappuccino = 15 AED) |Example : | | |(Cappuccino = 12 AED) |(Ice blended drink = 14 AED) | | |(Cheesecake = 14 AED) |(Cappuccino = 11 AED) | | | |(Cheesecake = 10 AED) | |Promotion |-Advertise for new products in newspaper |-Special promotion for Breakfast Meal | | |-Seasonally products (summer / winter) |-Free drink after 12 purchases | | |-Promotion banners and brochures in the shop |-limited Belgium coffee for this season | | |-on-line website |-Promotion banners in the shop | | | |-on-line website | |Place |41 branches around the UAE in significant crowded places |11 branches in the UAE | | |like the air port |9 in Dubai | | |27 in Dubai |1 in Al Ain | |. |5 in Abu Dhabi |1 in Sharjah | | |5 in Sharjah | | | |2 in Al Ain | | | |1 in Ajman | | | |1 in Ras Al Khaimah | | |People |-Most of Starbucks employees are educated and special trained |-Staff are well trained to serve customers | | |to work in Starbucks |-Employees are welcoming and friendly dealing with customers | | |-Starbucks apply a friendly polite customer service to comfort |-Coffee Bean apply a great customer service to win the customers | | |it’s customers | | | |. Employees are trained to satisfy customer’s wants by asking | | | |their preferred taste and providing information on each product| | | |plus giving some suggestions | | |Process |Order, pay and get the order |The process of ordering takes normally maximum 4 minutes as branches are| | |This process takes 2 – 3 minutes normally, but in busy branches|usually not too busy | | |customers will have to wait more | | |Physical evidence |-Starbucks apply an international uniform and decoration for |-Coffee Bean apply a relaxing atmosphere for their customers decorating | | |all it’s branches around the world |the branches in light colors like beige and soft music | |. |-Starbucks trade mark is appearing all over the Cafe from the |-Employees working in Coffee Bean, ware practice uniform | | |decoration to the cup of coffee and tissue |-The Coffee Bean logo appears everywhere in the cafe letting the | | |-Starbucks atmosphere is unique and comfy, they provide |customer recognize it | | |customers with different choices of seating from chairs to | | | |couches while playing music that suites different tastes .

Price Inflation of the Acai Fruit

Price Inflation of the Acai Fruit Table of Contents (Jump to) 1. Introduction 2. Overview of Acai Market 3. Relevant Economic Model 4. Critical Analysis 5. Conclusion Reference 1. Introduction The Acai is a species of palm tree, its fruit generally known as â€Å"Acai Berry†. It grows mainly in the river side of Amazon of Brazil. The fruit is rich in calories, calcium, vitamin A, C, amino acid, antioxidant and some more important nutrient contents. This exercise will show the economic reason behind the steep price hike and what measures can be taken to combat against this price hike. I will also try to explain the rationale behind the proposed measures. Section two of this exercise will describe the market scenario of Acai fruit in Brazil, section three will contain relevant economic model, section four will depict critical analysis of key arguments and finally a conclusion will be drawn. 2. Overview of Acai Market The Acai fruit mainly grows in the Brazilian area of Amazon River basin. Traditionally the fruit used to cover major portion of diet of indigenous Amazon people. It was traditionally a food item for poor people. Due to its higher nutrient value the fruit has caught significant attention of International consumers. As a result the fruit has become a super food in US and international market in recent days. From a â€Å"giffen† good â€Å"Acai Berry† has now become a â€Å"super food†. The boom of Acai fruit consumption in last three decade created opportunities for new product pathways and transformation industries. Sharp rise of this product price is explained by the theory of demand. Due to Acai berry’s nutrient values, higher demand by Brazilian consumers and international demand Acai price has gone up significantly in past few years. Even after significant price increase demand for Acai berry did not decrease. This is may be the reason of its nutrient value. As the willingness to pay did not decrease; price of this product is continually increasing. Figure-1: Increase in Price due to increase in demand Table-1: Per capita GDP (PPP) of Brazil and the USA Country Value Brazil $ 12,100 USA $ 52,800 Source: The World Fact Book, CIA Acai Roots, a Brazilian company based in California, estimates the size of the US retail market for acai products to range between USD70 million to USD100 million. (Goddard, P. 2010) Acai trees usually produce fruit in three to five years of plantation. Trees produce fruit twice in a year. As Acai can be only produced in a specific climate (climate like river basin of Brazilian Amazon). It has a limited supply against the rising demand. Acai is now also growing in North Queensland of Australia, tropical forest of Malaysia, South Florida, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. A survey by JD Power and Associates late last year (2013) found that American consumers are Optimism, they simply seek value for their money, Brand conscious, Authenticity-seekers, Purpose-driven, and Mature. Currently Brazil is experiencing a consumer behavior that America experienced post-WWII period of the 1950s and 1960s. Brazilian sales are growing four times faster than the U.S. Retail sales in the emerging market nation are increasing at 7 to 8% a year. At the same time America is only experiencing retail sales growth of about 2%. [Result is summarized from a research report of Boston Consulting Group (BCG)] 3. Relevant Economic Model Increased demand for Acai berry has created economic opportunity for many economic agents. As a result of increased demand Acai cultivation has now become commercial and many big commercial producers has now entered in to the market to raise the supply of Acai berry. Superior technology and cultivation process has been employed to increase the supply of Acai berry. No doubt that supply of Acai has increased in recent past but demand for this product has increased many folds than the supply. As a result supply force failed to bring down the price of Acai. Figure-2: Increase in Price due to greater increase in demand than increase in supply Due to Acai fruit’s global increased demand local producers of Brazil are now under presser of increasing the supply of this fruit. As this fruit requires a specific environment to grow, local producers are not being able to match with the demand of this product. As a result as theory of supply suggests price of Acai fruit has gone up significantly (prototype scenario is portrayed in figure-2). Because of its higher demand producers now can change high price for the product hence higher profit margins for the local producers and others. Theory of completion suggests super normal profit attracts more new entrants into the market. Super normal profit attracted many new producers and some corporations in to Acai production and processing industry. However, as described in figure-2, demand has increase more than the increase in supply. As a result price of Acai is still in climbing stage. But superior technology, better scientific production process can lead to a greater supply of Acai fruit which may create downward pressure on price. As multinational companies are now a player in Acai fruit industry they can exclude the small local producers from the industry. MNCs can do so because they have better supply-chain management, they can enjoy economies of scale hence lower cost of production. 4. Critical Analysis Exclusion of local small producers will have a negative effect on Brazilian economy. Some of the producer may need to switch from Acai production to some other crops. As a result their household income may fall. If their household income falls then the overall level of welfare of the local people will also decrease due to fall in income. On the other hand, engagement of large corporations and MNCs into the Acai production and processing industry may lead to economic development of the local community as well as Brazil overall. This is a paradox. One negative effect has stroked already that is exclusion of local poor indigenous people from the consumption of Acai fruit. Acai fruit used to be a major part of the local indigenous people is past, but increased price of Acai fruit has cut down those local indigenous people as its consumers. To me, this is a great paradox whether exclusion of small local producers of Acai will have negative effect on Brazilian economy or not. If the economic benefit of inclusion of large and multinational corporations in to Acai production suppresses the negative effect only then the welfare state of local small producers will not hamper. The government of Brazil may take some remedial measure to combat against the increase price of Acai and work toward supply enhancement. Some of the suggestions are: To fight against price hike Tariff on Acai fruit export Quota System These trade barrier will lead to less export of Acai from Brazil and local customer can enjoy Acai fruit will lesser price. Usually trade barriers used to protect local producers and local customers. But use of trade barriers to protect local consumers and producers is a negative tool in todays’ free world economy. For increasing supply Brazilian government can come up with few projects which will work for inventing better technology and production process so that the local producers can use superior production and processing system at lower price. These types of projects can lead to increase in Acai fruit supply, which will definitely create downward pressure on Acai fruit rising price. 5. Conclusion Acai fruit is a rainforest fruit that grows in river basin of Brazilian amazon. By the last decade the fruits’ demand has gone significantly producers have failed to generate adequate supply. Price of raw materials has gone up by many folds, suitable lands for growing Acai fruit is now becoming scares, increasing world demand for its nutrient value have led to enormous price hike. As the industry is not perfectly competitive, a super normal profit is exist in the industry. And economies of scale, higher raw materials price have excluded some small local producers from Acai production. Subsequently local indigenous people have lost their major diet which is beyond their reach. Increasing world demand, shortage of supply, and abnormal price hike in last few years, all these are now debatable issues, and prime policy concern. References Brasileiro, A. 2009, ‘Superfood’ Promoted on Oprah’s Site Robs Amazon Poor of Staple†. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com Goddard, P. 2010, Brazil fruit juice production fuels drinks export. International News Services Hepburn, C. 2006, Regulation by prices, quantities of both: a review of instrument choice. Oxford Review of Economic Policy Krugman P. Obstfeld M., 2008, International Economics: Theory and Policy, 8th edition, Pearson International Edition Menezes, E., Deliza, R., Chan, H. L., Guinard, J.-X. (2011). Preferences and attitudes towards aà §aà ­-based products among North American consumers. Food Research International Muniz-Miret, N., Vamos, R., Hiraoka, M., Montagnini, F., Mendelsohn, R. (1996). The economic value of managing the aà §aà ­ palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in the floodplains of the Amazon estuary, Parà ¡, Brazil. Forest Ecology and Management Samuelson A P Nordhaus D Wiiliam, 2010, Economics, 19th edition, McGraw-Hill Word Count: 1295 excluding table, graph and reference

The Monk :: essays research papers fc

The Monk: A Rebellious Offspring of the Age of Reason Understanding the Gothic novel can be accomplished by obtaining a familiarity of the Augustan point of view, which helps to develop a reference point for comparing and contrasting the origin of Gothic literature. The thinking that was being questioned by the Gothic novel was Augustanism; and without some understanding of Augustan principles and their role in eighteenth-century thought it is difficult to understand the purposes of the Gothic revival, either in terms of history or in terms of the way in which it offered a new conception of the relations between man, nature and a supreme being. David punter describes the political relationship of the Augustan thinker to the literary world, â€Å" It is tempting to see in Augustanism the doctrine of a small cultural elite holding on to power and status under increasing pressure, and that pressure as precisely that exerted by the new reading public on the homogeneity of the old literary establishment (p 31 Punter). This small number of e lite would have included, but not limited to, Fielding, Johnson and especially Pope. However, Fielding and Johnson were slowly stepping outside of the realm of the Augustan limitations. Fielding was undoubtedly Augustan in his beliefs in the stability of social rules and the necessity of a social and psychological compromise, but his mocking attitude towards literary stipulation represents a more moderate Augustan replication. Johnson, on the other hand, was a firm believer in these literary rules and yet it was his ‘Preface to Shakespeare’ which became the first significant breach in these limitations. Alexander Pope’s ‘Essay on Man’ embodies the cosmological, theological and ethical beliefs of the Augustan age; while at the same time exemplifying submission to the rules of literary form. The Augustan approach was intellectual with formal restraint; while relying on reason and traditionalism to create literary works. These stipulations were very con trolled by their boundaries and could not be exaggerated with out being broken. The Augustan critical attitude condemned spontaneity for its chaotic qualities, imagination for its objection to reason and liberalism for its opposition to traditionalism. Gothic fiction appears as a specific response to the Age of Reason’s order. During the late eighteenth-century, several different kinds of new fiction arose to challenge the Augustan tradition; leading the way was the Gothic novel. An interest in those things, which cannot be understood, for example religion and the soul, results in an overwhelming expansion of what is accepted as art in the literary world.

Benefits that are important to employees: A review of employee benefit programs Essay

When employees look for employment compensation is important. However, employee benefits programs can be the deciding factor when it comes down to decision making; accept or decline a job offer. Having a â€Å"good benefits package† is the most desired attributes in an employer and it attracts human talent (Conlin, 2008). Even the decision to stay with at an organization or to leave, the topic of employee benefits resurface. Human Resource Managers are tasked with the responsibility of administering the company’s benefit program. This includes keeping track of the benefits, giving the basic overview, managing enrollment period just to name a few which can be time consuming not to mention costly. Employers provide benefits to attract the best talent, to retain or incentivize employees for high performance, and because some benefits are required by the law (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). But employee benefits makes up a large part of administration cost in terms of payroll thu s creating an expense and major concern to the employer (SHRM, 2011). Employees want great benefits because of the security it provides by lowering their out of pocket expenses and preparing them for the unknown yet immediate future. A common theme, on both side of the spectrum for employer and employee is â€Å"expense† or â€Å"cost† and for that reason this research paper will evaluate what benefits are important to employees and what are employers doing about it; a review of employee benefit programs. Employee Benefits Program Available and HR There are many benefit programs available to the employee from the basics like healthcare, to benefits in form of employee service like prepaid law. However, a good and competitive benefit program aligns strategically with the goals and objective of the organization which may differ depending on  company. Additionally, the benefit program needs to cover the desires of the employee while meeting the demands of the law. Last, the benefit program must be managed properly to work and be cost effective. Human Resource intranet system (HRIS) allows the organizations to save money on administrative cost, empower the employee through self-service, relieves managers of time-consuming administrative work, and it’s an effective communication tools (Kumar &Pandya, 2012). Technology advances and globalization has made HRIS somewhat a standard in many but not all organizations. The word benefit has several meanings which many applies in terms of employee benefit program. Merriam-Webster defines benefits as an advantage; promoting well-being, it’s a financial help when sick, old or unemployment and as in health insurance as service or a right the employers provide in addition to wages or salary (Merriam-Webster, 2012). Organizations strategic plan for employee benefits considering today’s dynamic in the workforce, again may vary by industry. But some objectives that may be popular are improving employee work satisfaction, draw and influence employees, retain top-performing employees and maintain competitive edge (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). Benefit program offered by the employer should be decided by the employees needs while considering the organization’s objectives of meeting their goals thus fostering flexibility. Minimum Employee Benefits mandated by Law A required benefit implies that certain services must be done by law. There are two categories; mandated employer benefits and employer offered option compensation. Employee benefits that are required by law are social security, unemployment, workers’ compensation, and disability insurance (SBA.gov, 2012). These four benefits are forms of insurance therefore the employer can get group coverage for them at a premium. Social Security Insurance (SSI) permits the covered individual to have income security in event of loss earning such as retirement or disability (Socialsecurity.gov). Many of the millennials fear that by the time they retire there will be no social security; this adds to the importance of employees having good benefits (Conlin, 2008). If an employee is laid off, and paid into social security then the employee is eligible for up to 26 of unemployment benefits. Worker’s compensation is usually state mandated and can be private  or funding through the state i n case an employee is injured on the job (www.dol.gov, 2012). Disability insurance is only required in 5 states and Puerto Rico. Consolidated omnibus budget reconciliation act (COBRA), family and medical leave act (FMLA), and older workers benefit protection act (OWBPA) are acts in place by law under employee benefit. They are employer offered option compensation (www.dol.gov, 2012). Benefits Important to Employees and Cost Many of the benefits that are important to employees are optional such as healthcare, paid time off, retirement programs. Continuous rising cost of healthcare makes it the most important employee benefit to both employer and employee (Smerd, 2007). Annually, employers are spending $300 annually on health insurance for employees and their families with the numbers expected increase (Weatherly, 2004). Over the years health care cost increase due change in the law, Medicare, baby boomers causing a greater need for health, technological advances, elevated cost of malpractice insurance, prescription cost and misuse of health care services; just to name a few (Andrews,2004). The constant increase in cost and changes within healthcare legislation makes cost containment a priority in the HR department and the organization (SHRM, 2011). There are many cost containments companies are doing to lowering cost of healthcare such as reducing the benefits, including or increasing deduction and premi ums, adding copays, and coordination of benefits (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). In the last few years, health saving account (HSA), flexible saving account (FSA) are becoming more common and is a form of cost efficiently (Johnson, 2012). There is a growing interest in in HSA due to the low cost on CDHP plan with high deduction (Thomas, 2004). It’s important to note the 3 different medical delivery systems that aid in cost control and they are health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO) and consumer-driven health plan (CDHP). HMO’s regulators cost having the primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates the patients care within a close network and referrals are needed. PPO’s are a similarity however provides greater freedom and there is no referral need for specialist, nor do the patients have to choose a PCP. Consumer-driven health plan is newer than HMO’s and PPO’s and it pro’s and con’s. CDHP appears to work better with wellness programs and HAS because it a lifestyle  change in behavior to focus on health (Johnson, 2012). However it can hurt some that are medically vulnerable because CDHP have flexible accompanied with low premiums thus target low-income population who are usually the ones with chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease (Miller, 2011). 2014 is fast approaching which means health care reform is nearing its effective day and it will have an impact on employee benefits. Effects of the Affordable Care Act and Healthcare reform March 23, 2010 marks the affordable care act become law and on June 28, 2012 the supreme court decision rendered a final decision to uphold the health care law (Supremecourt.gov, 2012). There are 10 titles to the Affordable Care Act. The act gives individuals, families, and small business owners control over their health care, reduces premiums and provides tax relief to the middle class (Healthcare.gov, 2012). In terms of the medical and insurance industries, it caps out of pocket expenses, and requires preventive care to be covered without cost. The act allows those without insurance or those who can’t get insurance a change to be insured while keeping insurance companies transparent with its customers (Healthcare.gov, 2012). The effect of the affordable care act will start in 2014 therefore some organization are looking at how the health care reform will affect the upcoming benefit enrollment in 2013 (Spears, 2012). Cases on different business among many industries reveal th at healthcare reform may lead to reduce in cost, ensure healthcare benefits, restructure on existing employee benefits plan (Spears, 2012). The affordable care act changes may aid in lowering cost of healthcare overtime because it promotes preventive care and capping on the cost medical out-of-pocket ultimately allowing savings in several issues with in healthcare in general. For example, professional services cost for children health care in 2010 is a large portion of healthcare cost 40.3 % (Spears, 2012). The healthcare reform and affordable care act full impact is yet to come however it appears it will have some positive and negative affects depending on how one views it Paid Time off (PTO) Healthcare benefit has a direct effect on paid time off for example sick time. Paid time off is another important benefit to employees. It includes  paid vacation, holidays and sick time. A survey conducted in 2002 shows that 73% of employees was satisfied with the paid time off programs (Thomas, 2004). However, from the employer point of view, it’s delicate balance of cost and employee satisfaction because paid time off is an expense to the company. In effort to offset some of the cost, paid time off is being managed online through HRIS systems to save time and money. For example in 2006 it was reported by EBN quick poll that 59% of HR professional stated their company uses online tracking for paid time off such as absences (Shepherd, 2006). PTO is usually accrued with the employee seniority. But some industry trend setters are awarding PTO in lump sum and based on experience in the industry to attract human talent (Finch, 2011). Speaking of experience and seniority brings up the next employee benefits; life insurance and retirement programs. Employees work to support their families, care for love ones and themselves if ill, protect and secure their well-being and for these reasons retirement programs and life insurance is essential. Counting on just social security is not enough especially considering that millions of baby boomers are exiting the workforce and the cost of health cost. Therefore many employees utilize retirement benefits to supplement wages lost from no longer working. Baby Boomers were once the largest generation however millennials are expected to exceed baby boomers by 2016 (SHRM, 2011). Younger employees, known as millennials, are concerns that social security dead and gone well before retirement age is attained (Conlin, 2008). Employers and HR professional will have to be creative and think ahead to meet the objectives of the company. No one likes to talk about the unspeakable, death how ever employees think about love ones that maybe left behind therefore life insurance most be discussed. Life insurance is one of the oldest and most popular employee benefit (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). Life insurance is popular among employee benefits because some are unable to qualify or afford life insurance without the employer sponsoring it which many employers provide at no cost. Employers usually provide group term life insurance which has a nominal premium because of the amount of people insured. Implications for Managers Meeting employee needs and balancing cost while meeting the organization’s objectives and goals will always have some challenges. For HR managers to  overcome these challenges they should consider: Monitor and stay aware of trending topic in HR regarding employee benefits Evaluate current employee benefits annually to ensure its aligned with the business objectives and goals ïÆ' ¼Communicate regularly with employee on what benefits matter most as well as communicate changes early and frequent through the use of HRIS and other tools (Robbins, 2012) Use cost containment measures for offset the rising cost of health care such as CDHP with high deduction and HAS and promote healthier life choices/well-being programs Continue to keep the HR managers knowledgeable on changes in the law as it affects benefits Utilize technology such as HRIS and other online tools to lowering administrative cost Review pay structure frequently to use employee benefits as a device to negative pay and to stay competitive why attract and retain talent Employers and HR professional need to stride toward an equilibrium regarding employee benefit through flexibility and innovation both parties involve can have a successful outcome. References Andrews, S. (2008). Generic: The golden age of cost savings. Workspan, Bohlander, G., & Snell, S. (2010). Managing human resources . (15th ed.). Mason, Ohio: South-Westrn,Cengage Learning. Conlin, M. (2008, January 21). Youthquake. Business Week , Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2008-01-08/youthquake Dol.gov. (2012, October). Department of labor . Retrieved from http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workcomp/index.htm Finch, C. (2011, July 16). Leveraging base pay, paid time off and incentives to develop a dexterous pay structure. Employee Benefits News, 25(9), 16. Healthcare.gov. (2012, October). Healthcare.gov . Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/law/full/index.html Johnson, W. R. (2012). HSA programs for groups: Employer versus employee responsibilities. Benefits Quarterly, 28(3), 43-51. Kumar, M., & Pandya, S. (2012). Leveraging Technology towards HR Excellence. Information Management & Business Review, 4(4), 205-216. Merriam-Webster. (2012). Merriam-Webster, incorporated . Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefit Miller, S. (2011). SHRM. Don’t Hurt the ‘Medically Vulnerable’, Retrieved from http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/medicallyvulnerale Robbins, M. (2012, September). Employers win gold for benefits communications. Employee Benefit News , 26(11), 30. SBA.gov. (2012, October). Required employee benefits . Retrieved from http://www.sba.gov/content/providing-employee-benefits Shepherd, L. C. (2006, July). A digital evolution for paid time off. Employee Benefit News , 20(9), 12. SHRM. (2011). The top workplace trends according to HR professionals. Society for Human Resource Management SHRM , Retrieved from http://www.shrm.org/Research/FutureWorkplaceTrends/Documents/0014WPF_Posting_6.pdf Smerd, J. (2007, April 12). You can do anything but don’t mess with my health insurance . Retrieved from http://www.workforce.com/article/20070412/NEWS01/304129975/do-anything-but-dont-mess-with-my-health-insurance Socialsecurity.gov. (2012, October). Social security administration. Retrieved from http://www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/about.htm?p&gclid=CNrVk8vD9bICF Spears, V. P. (2012). Health care reform changes the landscape for upcoming benefits enrollment season. Employee Benefit Plan Review , 67(3), 23. Supremecourt.gov. (2012, October). Supreme court . Retrieved from http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-393c3a2.pdf Thomas, T. (2008, November 08). Workers favor health care over pay raises: Ebri. National Underwriter Life & Health, Weatherly, L. (2004, September 01). the rising cost of health care: Strategic and societal considerations for employers. HR Magazine , 49(9), 1-10.

Death Penalty Paper Essay

The death penalty is something that many people do not have a clear decision on. Many people support the death penalty, while others wish for the death penalty to be abolished, yet there are some that support the death penalty, but only in certain cases. My personal opinion is that a person commits murder and is sentenced to death there should be no waiting. I believe 24 hours from the time the person is sentenced to death, the state should follow through with their punishment and execute. There are people in the world that support the death penalty and often say that the death penalty is a deterrent for future criminals who are thinking and plotting out their heinous crimes or murder as we sit in our living rooms right now. Capital Punishment does not act as a deterrent force. Crime rates do not decrease in states where capital punishment is used. This statement can be neither proven nor disproven. How do you measure the amount of people who have been deterred from crime? Do you take a poll? Is there a survey conducted where people voluntarily admit they would have murdered had they known they would not be executed if they were caught? No. You can’t prove that it deters crime. So, even if it does, there is not enough evidence to support this theory. Do you agree with this statement? For me, when I think of a criminal they are not thinking of consequences of their actions, they are not thinking of whom they are going to hurt, they are only thinking of getting what they want. They think in the â€Å"Now†, they simply just do not care. If they had any sort of emotion or remorse before the crime is committed then our prisons wouldn’t be so over populated as they are today. Amnesty International, which opposes the death penalty, reports that scientific studies have not produced any conclusive evidence showing that capital punishment, is a deterrent for future crimes to be committed. I believe the only deterrent for a murderer not to commit a horrific crime again would be execution. Executing a dangerous criminal ensures that he will not kill again. There have been several notable cases where men were paroled, or escaped from prison after being convicted of murder and killed again. The death penalty protects our community by eradicating a harmful criminal from society. A few good examples are Randy Greenwalt, Arthur Shawcrossm, Kenneth McDuff, and  Daniel Camargo Barbosa. Various people who are opposed to the death penalty say that Capital Punishment condemns the innocent to die. According Amendment V in the United States Bill of Rights, â€Å"No person shall be held to answer for a capital crime, or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment of an indictment of â€Å"grand jury†. While it is true that a few innocent people have â€Å"slipped through the cracks† of the justice system and been convicted and executed unfairly, it   is extremely rare. Usually, attorney’s find new evidence to support a criminal’s innocence by the time all appeals have been exhausted. Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether a defendant will receive the death penalty is the quality of the representation he or she is provided. Almost all defendants in capital cases cannot afford their own attorneys. In many cases, the appointed attorneys are overworked, underpaid, or lacking the trial experience required for death penalty cases. There have even been instances in which lawyers appointed to a death penalty case were so inexperienced that they were completely unprepared for the sentencing phase of the trial. Other appointed attorneys have slept through parts of the trial, or arrived at the court under the influence of alcohol. FACTS ABOUT ATTORNEY S AND THE DEATH PENALTY: †¢Almost all defendants who face capital charges cannot afford an attorney and rely on the state to appoint one for them. However, often times appointed attorneys are overworked, underpaid, lack critical resources, and are either incompetent or inexperienced. As a result when death sentences are set aside by the federal courts, it is often because among other reasons the trial attorney was so incompetent that the accused’s constitutional right to effective counsel was violated. Slipski 4 †¢In 2009, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions conducted an official visit to the United States to examine the administration of the death penalty in Alabama and Texas. Alabama has the highest per capita rate of executions in the United States, while Texas has the largest total number of executions and one of the largest death row  populations after California and Florida. The Special Rapporteur expressed concern about deficiencies in the administration of the death penalty in Alabama and Texas, including â€Å"the lack of adequate counsel for indigent defendants.† He called for the two states â€Å"to establish well-funded, state-wide public defender services† and recommended that â€Å"oversight of these should be independent of the executive and judicial branches.† The state of Alabama has no statewide public defender system even though its death row occupants are overwhelmingly poor with 95% indigent. †¢An examination of 461 capital cases by The Dallas Morning News found that nearly one in four condemned inmates has been represented at trial or on appeal by court-appointed attorneys who have been disciplined for professional misconduct at some point in their careers. †¢An investigation by the Texas Defender Service found that, â€Å"Death row inmates today face a one-in-three chance of being executed without having the case properly investigated by a competent attorney and without having any claims of innocence or unfairness presented or heard.† †¢In North Carolina, at least 16 death row inmates, including 3 who were executed, were represented by lawyers who have been disbarred or disciplined for unethical or criminal conduct. With all this being said regarding lawyers and the accused what do you think? Do you think if the accused had an expensive attorney that they would not be facing the death penalty and get life in prison instead? I guess that this is a question that we all would love to have the answer to. As they say money makes the world go round. Think of all the costs that are involved with the death penalty. Tax payers pay to house, cloth, food, and the medical bills alone for this one inmate will cost us millions. All the millions of dollars that are spent on this one life can be used to better our communities, or schools, educate our children, who are our future. We should stop wasting money on rehabilitation for these inmates, and put the money into what is important, our children, the future of The US. I fully support the death penalty, it makes me so upset to think back to the Cheshire, CT murders, the amount of money spent on two men who were caught at the scene of the crime, confessed to murdering an innocent woman and her kids, and beating her husband almost to death.  They should have been executed the day after they committed that horrific crime. Instead, the government wasted and is still wasting millions of dollars on two criminals who do not deserve to see the light of day. Something needs to change in our government. I believe Connecticut should be more like Texas. A state that enforces Capital Punishment to the fullest. Enough is enough! Criminals should not be running our lives and getting away with murder, literally! In conclusion, after reading all the facts stated above, how do you feel about the death penalty? Do you think we should be paying for these criminals to live in prison with a meal, a bed to sleep in, medical attention, and clothes on their backs? In my opinion the answer would be, no. Then again, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The punishment should fit the crime, and I am all for an â€Å"eye for an eye†, â€Å"a tooth for a tooth†, what about you? Works Cited: Bureau of Justice Statistics. 16 Feb. 2006. The U.S. Department of Justice. 29 Nov. 2006. Texas Department of Criminal Justice www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/dr_facts.html U.S. Death Penalty Facts Amnesty International USA, www.amnestyusa.org Death Penalty Information Deathpenaltyinfo.org

The Role of Forensic Accountants in Corporate Governance

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING & FRAUD INVESTIGATION ASSESSMENT TASKS 1 THE ROLE OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Corporate governance is defined as the formal mechanism of direction, supervision and control put in place within a company in order to monitor the decisions and actions of its senior managers and ensure these are compatible and consistent with the specific interest of shareholders and the various other interests of shareholders who contribute to the operations of the company.Forensic Accountants are experienced  investigators  of  legal  and  financial documents  that are hired to look into possible suspicions of  fraudulent  activity within a company; or are hired by a company who may just want to prevent fraudulent activities from occurring. They also provide services in areas such as accounting,  antitrust, damages, analysis, valuation, and general consulting. Forensic accountants have also been used in  divorces,  bankruptcy, insurance claim s,  personal injury  claims, fraudulent claims, construction,  royalty  audits, and tracking terrorism by investigating financial records.Forensic Accountant should have the following skills and knowledge to serve as an effective Forensic Accountant. 1. Ability to identify frauds with minimal initial information The Forensic Accountant needs to be able to identify the possible scheme, the possible manner it was perpetrated and potentially effective procedures to prove or disprove the potential fraud. 2. Interviewing The Forensic Accountant get involved in interviewing in the course of seeking evidence and information. Forensic Accountant must be a way that the process ensures the evidence is admissible in a court of law. . Mind – set A successful Forensic Accountant has a certain mind-set that includes several abilities. He or she is able to think like a crook. 4. Knowledge of evidence It is imperative that Forensic Accountant understand the rule of evidence in court and how to conduct the investigation from the beginning as if all evidence will make it to a court of law. 5. Presentation of findings The Forensic Accountant must have the ability to clearly communicate the findings resulting from the investigation in way understandable to the layperson.Forensic accountants think creatively to consider and understand the tactics that a fraud perpetrator may use to commit and conceal fraudulent acts. Additionally, they need to clearly and concisely communicate findings to various parties, including those with less knowledge of accounting and auditing. Forensic accountants that are not part of the organization or company. They are hired in order to investigate the internal and  external performance  of the company, connected with the  accounting process. They provide independent opinion. Role of Forensic accountantsForensic accountant can play their vital role to improve corporate governance in a company. Forensic Accountants assists in address ing   allegations ranging from kickbacks and wrongful dismissals to internal situations involving allegations of management or employee wrongdoing. * With a strong background knowledge of the legal and institutional requirements of corporate governance, a forensic accountant can help to formulate and establish a comprehensive governance policy that: * ensures an appropriate mix of management and independent directors on the board. sets out the appropriate responsibilities of the board and the audit committees. * has a fair allocation of power between owners, management, and the board. * ensures there is a company â€Å"code of ethics† for employees and management * A Forensic Accountant helps the accounting professionals to have a efficient control system and a accounting system that ensures the proper recording, classification and reporting of all relevant transactions. * Forensic accountant can monitor not only compliance at the top levels of the corporate power, but also management procedures and employee activity.Information gathered as a result of the monitoring can be used to readjust and reformulate governance, ethics, and control policies. * Forensic accountants can ensure that corporate governance policies are formulated to avoid high-risk environments where management is apathetic, pay is inadequate or too high, there is a serious lack of proper training and compliance, or there are unreasonable profit and budget goals. It is also necessary to have well-defined hiring policies that result in honest, well-qualified employees. A forensic accountant can ensure the integrity of financial statements by actively investigating for fraud, identifying areas of risk and associated fraud symptoms, pursuing each anomaly aggressively, and delving into the finest details of accounting and financial anomalies * Forensic Accountants can help in creating policies that clearly state the company’s intent to take strict action against any criminal activi ties, and that such action will apply to all levels of employee, without any exception. At times, a Forensic Accountant can meet with those persons affected by the allegations, rumors, or inquiries. They may view the accountant as an independent and objective party and thus be more willing to engage in discussions. Forensic Accountants can be hired in order to review and strengthen  internal controls, in order to determine if any assets are missing, or to discover if tax laws or accounting rules have been applied correctly to company transactions.They are hired in order to determine if embezzlement has occurred or, if so, how much is missing and how it was done. Conclusion Forensic accountants are currently in great demand, with the public need for honesty, fairness and transparency in reporting increasing exponentially. These forensic accountants need accounting, finance, law, investigative and research skills to identify, interpret, communicate and prevent fraud.As more and more companies look for forensic accountants and professional organizations offer certifications in the area, it is becoming evident that the forensic accountant has a skill set that is very different from an auditor or a financial accountant. The role of the forensic accountant has expanded significantly during the last several years for many reasons, including the requirement for greater scrutiny on corporate governance brought about by the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and the widespread recognition of the risks and prevalence of financial fraud in today’s business environment.As a result, forensic Accountants are usually retained to support special investigations related to a broad range of subjects. This can include the financial impact of marketplace events, such as intellectual property infringement and anti-trust actions, financial reporting fraud, asset impairment and business valuation. REFERENCE Crumbley, D. Larry (2009). Journal of Forensic Accounting, www. rtedwards. co m. journals/JFA/evidentiary. html, January 9.Golden, T, Skalak, S & Clayton, M 2006, A Guide to Forensic Accounting Investigation, John Wiley and Sons Latshaw, C. A. , â€Å"Fraudulent Financial Reporting: The Government and Accounting Profession React,† Review of Business, Spring 2005, pp. 13-15. Silverstone, H. and Sheetz, M. , â€Å"Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation for Non-Experts,† Wiley & Sons, Inc. , 2008. Turnbull, N. (2005) Internal Control – Revised Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code. FRC, London.

Song of the Hummingbird Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Song of the Hummingbird - Essay Example In terms of temples, Smith illustrates that Aztec temples generally had standard types and forms. Many of their temples had high platforms or pyramids with a stairway running on one side toward one or more cult rooms. Many powerful Aztec capitals had twin-temple pyramids with two cult rooms and two stairways that are parallel to each other. Every Aztec city had one of more gods and had cults dedicated to them in the city’s temple. In the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, two shrines were dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, for instance. Public ceremonies are one of the most familiar dimensions of Aztec religion to the public because of a number of movies highlighting these rituals and written records from Spanish friars and documents. Smith underscores that the Spanish sources of the Aztec human sacrifices that said that thousands were sacrificed for individual ceremonies may be biased because they wanted to make the Aztecs look inhumane as part of their colonization agenda. Smith confirms that human sacrifices were indeed part of Aztec rituals but archeological evidence is not enough to determine the exact intensity and frequency of these sacrifices. Rites of human sacrifice were connected to beliefs that human blood is sacred and that people owe debts to gods that must be repaid with human blood or life itself. The Aztecs also practiced other rituals and festivities, such as the monthly (‘Veintena’) ceremonies, new fire ceremony, and domestic rituals. Smith describes these rituals and the objects use d during these practices too. Thus, Smith’s chapter on â€Å"Aztecs† gives a useful overview on Aztec