Albert Chinalmg Achebe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Albert Chinalmg Achebe - Essay Example Born in 1930 in Ogidi, Nigeria, this 78 year old writer is widely known for his work, 'Things fall Apart', the first novel he wrote way back in 1958. This novel is in fact considered an unsentimental novel, depicting the life and ambitions of Okonkwo, a powerful leader of the Igbo community. Chinua Achebe too comes from this very community, therefore in a way he wrote about what he experienced and felt during the childhood and youth days. The main character of 'Things fall Apart, Mr. Okonkwo is the 'big man' of a traditional village, but the manner in which this man started moving towards fulfilling his ambitions led to prosecution and punishment for him. He was signalled out and targeted for fighting against colonialism. The western effect on values and institutions of traditional Africa, led to isolation of Okonkwo. Such incidents coupled with his approach towards circumstances led to his bad days and ultimately to his downfall. 'Things Fall Apart' narrated the adverse impacts of t he influence of western world on the traditional Ibo African society. Without glamorising his community i.e. the Ibo society, Achebe described how 'things' started 'falling apart' after the Europeans set foot on the African land2. The title of the book, 'Things fall Apart' has been taken from William Butler Yates's The Second Coming - 'Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold'.3 This novel proved to be hugely popular and subsequently translated into some 50 languages. About 10 million copies of this book have been sold around the world. In fact this book also formed the basis of a film 'Bullfrog in the Sun' directed by Hans Jrgen Pohland in 1972. While trying his hand at novels in 1958, Achebe is stated to have said, 'I was quite certain that I was going to try my hand at writing, and one of the things that set me thinking was Joyce Cary's novel set in Nigeria, Mister Johnson, which was praised so much, and it was clear to me that this was a most superficial picture.and so I thought if this was famous, then someone perhaps ought to try and look at this from the inside' (Gikandi, 1996). Chinua Achebe never looked back thereafter and came out with many popular novels with subjects ranging from satire on corruption to the plight of people in the ethnic violence and civil war. Some of the notable works of Chinua Achebe include Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the People (1966), Beware, Soul Brother (1971), Christmas in Biafra and Other Poems (1973), Anthills of the Savanna (1987) etc. Achebe started his working days from the Nigerian Broadcasting Co. in Lagos in 1954. He also studied broadcasting from the British Broadcasting Corp. in London, but destiny had something else in store for him and instead of becoming a broadcaster, he went on to become a successful writer. Presently teaching his students as a professor at Bard College, New York, Achebe has also travelled around the world for delivering lectures on subjects dear to his heart, at different universities. He became the Editor of Okike, a reputed and most influential African literary magazine in 1971, and he continued to edit it after having accepted the post of Professor of English at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1971. Married with four children, Achebe met with a serious car accident in the year 1990, and subsequently the lower part of his body was paralyzed. But the manner in which

Case Note on Fletcher Essay Example for Free

Case Note on Fletcher Essay The facts of this case were that the taxpayer (and three others in partnership) entered a complex scheme, which involved the partnership, and annuity and loan arrangements. The scheme was financed through a series of round robin cheques and promised substantial deductions in the first five years of the 15-year plan. A number of documents were exchanged but no cash payments were made. This was calculated to return neutral cash flows with high tax deductions initially and high assessable income, especially in the last five years. A feature of the scheme was that there was an opportunity to terminate it in the last five years. In the relevant year the partnership derived assessable income of $170,000 and claimed deductions of $360,000. The issue before the court was whether the taxpayers were entitled to a deduction for interest. A lot of matters were argued before the case reached the High Court but before the Full Court the Commissioners contention was that the interest deduction should apportioned and disallowed under s 51(1) to the extent that it exceeded the partnership income. Their Honours indicated that if a taxpayers costs in deriving income were less than the actual income, the deductions would be allowable. However, if the costs exceed the income derived, the taxpayers purpose for making the expenditure may be relevant in characterizing and apportioning the expenditure for the purpose of the general deduction provision. This may include the taxpayers purpose for incurring the expenditure. Manson CJ, Brennan, Deane, Dawson, Toohey, Gaudron and McHugh JJ said (at ATR 622-3): The position may, however, well be different in the case where no relevant assessable income can be identified or where the relevant assessable income is less than the amount of the outgoingthe disproportion between outgoing and income, the whole outgoing is properly to be characterized as genuinely and not colourably incurred in gaining or producing assessable income, the entire outgoing will fall within the first limb of s 51(1) unless it is somehow excluded by the exception of. Their Honours concluded that the issue of whether the taxpayers interest deduction would be allowable depended on the determination of whether the 15-year annuity plan would in fact runs its full course. The matter was  remitted to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to determine, as a matter of fact, whether the scheme would run its full 15 years or whether it would be terminated before the last five years. In the former situation, the assessable income would exceed deductions and the interest would be an allowable deduction unde r s 51(1). In the latter situation, an explanation must be sought for the excess of deductions of some $2.7m over assessable income and to the extent that the explanation lay in substantial tax advantages, the outlays were not incurred in gaining assessable income. On the issue of whose purpose must be considered, the court made the following comments: In the circumstances of the present case, its determination involves consideration not only of the purposes of the taxpayers but also of the purposes of those who advised them and acted on their behalf and whose acts (and intentions) as agents must, as the Second Tribunal expressly pointed out, be imputed to the principals. Reduced to its essential elements, if income exceeds outgoings, the taxpayers motives are largely irrelevant. If there is no assessable income or outgoings exceed income, a practical and common sense weighing up of all factors is warranted, including the taxpayers motive. As was anticipated in Phillips case, a disparity between outlay and income may trigger a more rigorous examination of a contract or arrangement. As was suggested in Ures case, the absence of a commercial quid pro quo will raise questions about the purpose of the expenditure. Where there is a dual purpose, or a purpose other than income production, expenditure is to be apportioned and there will be circumstances where purpose may mean subjective purpose or motive.

life cycle of stars Essay -- essays research papers

LIFE CYCLE OF A STAR Stars are formed in nebulae, interstellar clouds of dust and gas (mostly hydrogen). These stellar nurseries are abundant in the arms of spiral galaxies. In these stellar nurseries, dense parts of these clouds undergo gravitational collapse and compress to form a rotating gas globule. The globule is cooled by emitting radio waves and infrared radiation. It is compressed by gravitational forces and also by shock waves of pressure from supernova or the hot gas released from nearby bright stars. These forces cause the roughly-spherical globule to collapse and rotate. The process of collapse takes from between 10,000 to 1,000,000 years. A Central Core and a Protoplanetary Disk: As the collapse proceeds, the temperature and pressure within the globule increases, as the atoms are in closer proximity. Also, the globule rotates faster and faster. This spinning action causes an increase in centrifugal forces (a radial force on spinning objects) that causes the globule to have a central core and a surrounding flattened disk of dust (called a protoplanetary disk or accretion disk). The central core becomes the star; the protoplanetary disk may eventually coalesce into orbiting planets, asteroids, etc. Protostar: The contracting cloud heats up due to friction and forms a glowing protostar; this stage lasts for roughly 50 million years. If there is enough material in the protostar, the gravitational collapse and the heating continue. If there is not enough material in the protostar, one possible outcome is a brown dwarf (a large, not-very-luminous celestial body having a mass between 1028 kg and 84 x 1028 kg). A Newborn Star: When a temperature of about 27,000,000ÂÂ °F is reached, nuclear fusion begins. This is the nuclear reaction in which hydrogen atoms are converted to helium atoms plus energy. This energy (radiation) production prevents further contraction of the star. Young stars emit jets of intense radiation that heat the surrounding matter to the point at which it glows brightly. These narrowly-focused jets can be trillions of miles long and can travel at 500,000 miles per hour. These jets may be focused by the star's magnetic field. The protostar is now a stable main sequence star which will remain in this state for about 10 billion years. After that, the hydrogen fuel is depleted and the star begins to die. Life span: The... ...densities are shown as numbers on the the central line that defines the Main Sequence (M.S.) of stars. Most known stars lie along this line; they describe a stage in which a star reaches some fixed size and mass and commences burning of most of its hydrogen before changing to some other star type off the sequence. Star types, which are defined on the basis of stellar surface temperatures (page 20-7), are shown by the letters (O, B,...etc.) assigned to each group and evolutionary pathways for some are indicated. This particular plot also shows along the right ordinate the total time that Main Sequence stars of different masses spend on that sequence before evolving along the several principal pathways (see below); as far as we now know, stars do not completely vanish, but survive as dwarfs or Black Holes ( but the latter in principle can disappear by evaporation as Hawking radiation). Temperatures were obtained using Chandra X-ray data. BILBLIOGRAPHY www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/lifecycle/ imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/teachers/lifecycles/LC_main_p1.html hubblesite.org/newscenter/newsdesk/archive/releases/1999/20/ map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_uni/uni_101stars.htm

School Dress Code Standards

Most schools impose regulations on how students should dress. The sole intent is to keep students safe and get focused on academics. A well centered dress code couple with other appropriate interventions can have a position impacts on the fraternity of the school’s social environment (Hanks, 2004). School Dress Code Standards The supporters of the dress codes have come up with a list of advantages of standardized dress code in school. First, a sincere concern about safety is an overriding impetus towards the implementation of dress code policies. If everyone in school dresses alike there will be less violence in schools. There is a definite connection between clothing style and violence in schools. This is because many students will associate an image or sometimes a stigma to certain styles mostly gang-style clothing (Hanks, 2004) In many cases students have become targets of unintentional violence simply because of wearing a certain color combination which can be afflicted to a certain gang. An example is a popular style where boys wear baggy pants and oversized shirts. This image is closely associated with inner-city gang members who wear such loose fitting clothes so as to better hide weapons or drugs, which can also be carried to schools (Hanks, 2004). The students hunger to be fashionable is another dimension connecting clothing style and school violence. In this case students may envy other children’s clothes due to the lack of financial resources to purchase similar clothes and get abreast with style. Subsequently students’ have been injured or even get killed for their designers’ clothes or the professional sport-team paraphernalia. When students feel safe and secure they tend to perform better academically. Hence, enhancing academic performance is another argument that favours dress code policies (Feiler, 2004). Dress code in general helps children to follow on their school work instead of paying attention to what they and others are wearing. Imposing a dress code will prohibit wearing of clothing that can be disruptive. The other benefits attached t uniforms that can help enhance performance, includes; enhanced displine, respect for teachers, fewer distractions and improved classroom behavior. The other point to make on dress code in schools is the peer pressure. Middle school students’ can sometimes become cruel. In this case, if a child does not wear the right brand or style of clothing other student can make life a difficult for that student (Feiler, 2004). By removing the status depicted by clothing labels uniform becomes a great equalizer. The income of the child’s family is also concealed by the uniform which can thus eliminate a mark of distinction or shame. If the school uniform is attractive it promotes school spirit and self image the same way an athletic team uniform promotes spirit and unity (Feiler, 2004). If a dress code is instituted, many families will realize the great benefit of not having to buy so many expensive clothes for their children who maybe fashion conscious. With some comparisons the cost of uniform is significantly less compared to the cost of the latest fashions. Parents will also welcome uniforms because they have an added peace to the home. This means that if the school imposes what to the students should wear to school it will become one less battle to fight in the morning (Feiler, 2004). Dressing seductively poses a great distraction to the opposite sex. This makes sense why it’s important to put restrictions to what can worn in school. Sexual thoughts are frequent in middle school and in high school and hence most students do not need visual aids because their imagination is active enough. Uniform makes school not to be the appropriate avenue to express oneself especially in terms of clothing. The student should use his mind and voice so as to appropriately express his thoughts opinions and questions. Uniform and dress codes should be used as a part of life. Most of jobs have certain kind of restrictions that pertains to dress. Children and students should be made to adhere to simple roles such as those of dress codes while in school (Craik, 2005). Attendance is improved by imposing school uniform because the student will always have something acceptable to wear. Sometimes students may miss school just because they do not have something cool to wear or because their shirt that was cool was wet to wear to school. How we dress matters a lot as even for the entrepreneurs that work out of their home tend to feel that their working is more productive if they dress appropriately other than working in pajamas (Craik, 2005) Conclusion Students should dress respectively when in school. They can be allowed to wear what they want but only to a certain extent. They should not be allowed to wear their pants around their knees or miniskirts. This is sloppy and does not show self respect or self confidence. Also there is no business that wants to hire a man with pants down her knees. If one wants a good job, then one needs too wear properly, as this shows respect. There are many reasons to why schools should impose dress codes its not for the hindrance of individuality but to promote a better life and one’s self-confidence. If you want to have a good education and a well paying job you have to dress for it (Craik, 2005)

Practicing Veterinary Medicine

A veterinarian is one who is qualified and authorized to treat diseases and injuries of animals. Veterinarians are employed by wildlife preserves, animal parks, zoos, and aquatic installations. Federal, state, and city governments also yse veterinarians in the research and treatment of animal diseases which may be spread to humans. Veterinary Training includes two to four years of college, plus four years at an approved college of veterinary medicine. A licensing examination must be passed before practicing veterinary medicine. There are about twenty-one veterinary colleges in the United States. About 1,400 people raduate from these colleges every year. These people are skilled in in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of animal health problems. There are many different forms of veterinary practice, though 70% limit their practice to small animals or household pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.. Some veterinarians specialize in farm animals (horses, cows, etc. ) and are said to have a ‘large animal† practice. A veterinarian in a general practice treats all animals. There are also many fields of employment available to veterinary practitioners. These include: research-experimentation with new drugs, therapies, and procedures that will be later ndustry-development of medications, vaccines, and feeds and studying the effect of Armed Forces-inspection of meat, food, and facilities, the study of the effects of space travel on animals, the study of nuclear effects on animals public health-study and prevention of the transmission of diseases from animal to animal or from animal to human, inspection of restaurant food governmental agencies-safeguarding ports of entry into the United States, reporting incidence of disease, epidemic prevention teaching-teaching at colleges and universities zoos and wildlife management-maintenance and reproduction of species in appropriate griculture-prevention and treatment of disease in work/food-producing animals, raising and caring for animals for profit (breeding, etc. ) pets-safeguarding animal and human health through detection and prevention of specialty disease-restriction to a certain speci es (veterinarians who work at racetracks, A veterinary assitant is anyone working for a veterinarian. They may be called veterinary assitants, animal technicians, or animal hospital technicians but all assist veterinarians, scientists, and research workers. Technicians need patience, tact, compassion, and the ability to work and interact well with animals as well as people. As the number of veterinarians increases and the practice grows more and more complex, the need for skilled animal technicians increases greatly. An assitants duties vary with his or her job. In a general private practice, veterinary assitants prepare patients and equipment for surgery, take X-rays, collect specimens, dress wounds, perform lab tests, clean cages and pens, communicate with pet owners, feed patients, answer telephones, schedule appointments, perform clerical duties, and assist in diagnostic and medical procedures. Veterinary assitants may be employed in the same work settings as veterinarians. Other employment opportunities are veterinary clinics, humane societies, zoos, meat packing companies, pharmeceutical companies, feed manufacturers, research facilities, and A veterinary assitant may recieve on-the-job training or have an associate degree from a junior college. Training for an Animal Technician, Registered (A. T. R. ), requires two years. An Associate Degree of Applied Science is issued when the work is completed. For certification, the technician must pass an examination given by the Laboratory Animal Techinician Certification Board, sponsored by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (A. A. L. A. S. ).

Fight for Equality essays

Fight for Equality essays The nineteenth century faced an abundance of hardships as well as triumphs and discoveries. The most significant issue faced during this time was the African Americans struggle to be equal. Equality was on every black man and womans mind during the nineteenth century and keeping them from being a success was on every white mans mind. Though it was a struggle, many black men and women stood up for what they believed in and made it happen. It is these determined black men and women that are responsible for opening Americas mind to accept people, no matter of race. There is no doubt that no other issue during the nineteenth century has had a more significant impact on the twentieth century and all centuries to come. African Americans were known as the working class. This is because blacks were only allowed to be farmers and work on plantations owned by white men. They worked the land and white men prospered from it giving the African Americans only pennies to live on each day (Straker 26). The white man would do anything to [keep] a Negro down (Straker 26). Not only were they given poor wages for hard work and poor rations to live off of, but they were also told they could not own land. The blacks began to educate themselves the best they could and the white man began to notice the success of African Americans and took away what the Fifteenth Amendment gave the black community; the right to vote. The Fifteenth Amendment made it illegal to deny blacks the vote but racists found ways around the amendment by creating poll taxes which they knew blacks could not pay and literary tests which they knew most blacks would not pass (Tindall and Shi 616). States began developing plans of their own to keep blacks from voting. In Mississippi the Mississippi Plan was developed which stated that voters must live in the state for two years and in the voting district for one year. They were not a...

The virginian Essays

The virginian Essays The virginian Essay The virginian Essay The Virginian by Owen Wister is a series of connected vignettes that chronicle events in Wyoming centered on a young man from Virginia, the protagonist. The Virginian proved that he was brave when he pulled the trigger of his rifle so closely by another man. Throughout his work and life, the Virginian demonstrated that his is a diligent man. Through his good deeds to others, he properly displays the characteristic of a dependable person. The Virginian has grown throughout the story to be a brave, diligent in his work, and dependable young man. The Virginian was a strong man; he exhibited the character traits of a brave man. The Virginian clearly showed that he was brave while at a gambling table. One of the gamblers was angry and insulted the Virginian; He quickly drew out his gun and demanded a smile of the man that had insulted him. The Virginian is then told that only cowards are dangerous when they draw their weapons by the dealer. He replies back by saying, I wouldnt worry for a brave man, your life is safe. Cowards always shoot before its necessary. While he was cleaning his rifle, the Virginian speaks to The Easterner than without warning fires a shot close enough to upset the Easterner for the Virginians egligence concerning his rifle handling. Later he points out that if hadnt fired his rifle the snake now lying dead by The Easterner would have caused its own set of problems. The Virginian does not choose to leave town when his reputation is at stake, moreover, He would rather face Trampas and defend his honor than leave town and be viewed as a coward. By these examples of bravery, The Virginian establishes his courage to everyone. Through out his work, the Virginian displayed that he was a diligent man. Several times throughout the book, he is offered the chance to run down his enemy, Trampas, ehind his back, but each time he refuses the temptation. It is made clear that he will not use his official position as foreman to crush any of the lower workers. Even when he had to hang his best friend, he still did so out of Justice for the crimes Steve had committed in his cattle rustling. Even though molly was against him harming Trampas, the Virginian had to perform his duty to the law. The Virginian proved to be a diligent man throughout his examples of his work. By performing good deeds, the Virginian proved that he is a dependable person. As the narrator starts out as a greenhorn under the protection of the Virginian, but n his frequent visits to the region over the course of the years the novel encompasses, he becomes accomplished in his own right in hunting and fishing anyway. The Virginian was one to Judges most trustworthy man that he had on the ranch. The Judge praised his dealings with the potential mutineers on the Virginians job in retrieving cattle. These examples of his good works prove that the Virginian was a dependable person because it shows that he can complete his task. As the story progresses, the Virginian has become braver, dependable, and diligent in both his work and in character. When he is given the chose to either run away or face his doom against Trampas, The Virginian chooses to face him because he does not want to be known as a coward. All through the story, he chose to not attack Trampas from taking care of the narrator from the beginning to the end of the story, he demonstrates that The Virginian is a dependable young man. The Virginian symbolizes the Wests initial resistance to the taming forces of the East and its inevitable surrender. Wister, Owen. The Virginian A horseman of the Plains. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc. , 2006.

Trinity Washington University Admissions Data

Trinity Washington University Admissions Data Trinity Washington University Description: Located on a wooded campus in northeastern Washington D.C., Trinity Washington University is a private university affiliated with the Catholic Church. Founded as a school for women in 1897, Trinity has gone through many changes in its long history. Today the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences remains a womens college, but the university also has a coeducational School of Professional Studies for adults who wish to advance their careers, and a School of Education with several graduate programs for men and women. Trinity calls itself the most affordable private university in Washington, and the tuition is indeed much lower than many area schools including nearby Catholic University. In athletics, the Trinity Tigers compete in the NCAA Division III for seven womens sports. The schools enviable location is near many other colleges and universities. Admissions Data (2016): Trinity Washington University Acceptance Rate: 89%Trinity Washington University has test-optional admissionsTest Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: - / -SAT Math: - / -SAT Writing: - / -SAT score comparison for D.C. collegesACT Composite: - / -ACT English: - / -ACT Math: - / -ACT score comparison for D.C. colleges Enrollment (2016): Total Enrollment: 2,068  (1,563  undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 3% Male / 97% Female69% Full-time Costs (2016  - 17): Tuition and Fees: $23,250Books: $1,040 (why so much?)Room and Board: $10,334Other Expenses: $2,140Total Cost: $36,764 Trinity Washington University Financial Aid (2015  - 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 99%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 99%Loans: 74%Average Amount of AidGrants: $15,016Loans: $5,800 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Human Relations, Psychology Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 66%Transfer Out Rate: 13%4-Year Graduation Rate: 12%6-Year Graduation Rate: 40% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Womens Sports:  Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like Trinity Washington University, You May Also Like These Schools: George Washington University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphMarymount University: Profile  Howard University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphDelaware State University: Profile  Virginia State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphNew York University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphNorfolk State University: Profile  Salisbury University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphCoppin State University: Profile  American University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphBowie State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph Trinity Washington University Mission Statement: read the complete mission statement at  trinitydc.edu/mission/ Trinity is a comprehensive institution offering a broad range of educational programs that prepare students across the lifespan for the intellectual, ethical and spiritual dimensions of contemporary work, civic and family life.

Operation Management Concepts Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Operation Management Concepts - Case Study Example This paper illustrates that the major role of having the operations management activities aligned properly in a business setup is to improve on the productivity and profitability of a business as these activities tend to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the production process. Every business should thus ensure proper organization of their operations management for improved productivity at reduced costs. The set of processes and activities involved in the creation and delivery of goods and services by transforming inputs to outputs is what is defined as operations management. The Case study is a description of the processes and activities involved in the harvesting and packaging of Lettuce and celery in the fields of Lincolnshire. These activities are performed manually in the fields by a number of personnel who play different roles in the process. A number of persons have been assigned the task of picking the products to form the gardens while others are involved in packag ing and labeling of the products for transportation to the different outlets. From the input transformation output model, the transformation is seen as any processes and activities involved in the conversion of different inputs into outputs that have added value. The products of the transformation process have more value designed to satisfy the customer's tastes and preferences as well as attracting more customers and thus profits. In the case study of Lettuce and celery harvesting, more value is added to the products by removing the unwanted parts and packaging into bags that improve the handling of the products by distributors and customers as well. This adds value to the products and thus fetching better prices for the products.

Effect of Divorce on Children Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Effect of Divorce on Children - Research Paper Example Although divorce of parents may have both positive and negative effects on a child, depending on a lot of factors including but not limited to the family's situation prior to divorce, parenting skills of one or both parents, attachment of the child to one or both parents and hostilities at home when both parents are together, it is more often than not that detrimental effects become more dominant. It needs taking note that the different effects of divorce on children has a lot to do with their age during which they had to experience their parents get divorce. Nevertheless, the degree or seriousness of these detrimental effects to a child varies depending on the same factors earlier-mentioned. Parents should take on the responsibility of lessening the adverse effects of divorce on their children considering that it is their failure that caused their children to go through hard times at an early stage in life. 1. To classify children into age groups whereby each age group would best reflect commonalities of those belonging to the same category in relation to how social and family situations affect their well-being and career achievement. 6. ... Parents should take on the responsibility of lessening the adverse effects of divorce on their children considering that it is their failure that caused their children to go through hard times at an early stage in life. PROBLEM STATEMENT What is the worst age for children during which their parents could get divorced Specific Research Questions: 1. Into what age groups can children be classified in studying the effects of divorce on their general well-being and career achievement 2. What are the general effects of divorce on children belonging to different age groups 3. What age group in children suffer the most psychological stress or trauma when their parents get divorced 4. What age group in children is most adversely affected when their parents get divorced in relation to academic achievement 5. What age group in children is most adversely affected when their parents get divorced in relation to professional achievement 6. What measures can we do to lessen the adverse affect of divorce on children belonging to the age group most affected OBJECTIVES 1. To classify children into age groups whereby each age group would best reflect commonalities of those belonging to the same category in relation to how social and family situations affect their well-being and career achievement. 2. To find out the general effects of divorce on children particularly on each age group. 3. To find out which age group in children suffers the most psychological stress or trauma when parents get divorced. 4. To find out which age group in children suffers the worst academic set back as an effect of the parents getting divorced. 5. To find out which age group in children is most adversely affected by their parents getting divorced in relation to their career

Quality revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quality revolution - Essay Example However, this level of dominance soon was challenged with regards to many developing nations around the world as they began to industrialize and had the potential capacity to produce goods at a lower price than the United States. The lower-priced in and of itself was not a key concern. However, the ability of nations such as Japan to produce items of increased quality caused much alarm within the United States. Experts within the United States, after viewing Japan’s structure and industrialization, as well as improvement upon its products, began to warn those within the United States that in less a fundamental reintegration with quality management was performed, the Japanese, and perhaps many others throughout the world, would be able to gain a competitive advantage against the United States. Individuals such as W. Edward Deming raising the alarm among American producers and industrialists with regards to the fact that American goods would surely come to be represented as second rate unless core changes were made with respect to the manner through which quality control was understood and engaged. Pointing to the fact that managers and business leaders alike had categorically misunderstood or outright ignored this aspect of business improvement, tuning, as well as others, were able to reengage those within industry and production with the need to radically alter the manner through wh ich quality control was directed and evolved. Unfortunately, rather than heeding the advice of individuals such as bending, industrialists and manufacturers within the United States continued to believe that Japan’s total competitive advantage was predicated upon price alone. As such, the United States response to this was to attempt to cut prices as a means of matching Japan’s level of success. As can clearly be noted, the strategy was an abysmal failure as quality control diminished even further with regards to this failed attempts to cut costs (Berry and Parasuraman 7).

Student Strip Search Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Student Strip Search - Term Paper Example The missing thing according to Justice David H. Souter "was any indication of danger to the students from the power of the drugs or their quantity, and any reason to suppose that Savana was carrying pills in her underwear. (Barnes)." In a dissenting note, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that Judges are not qualified to second-guess the best manner for maintaining quiet and order in the school environment (Barnes). He said that the school officials were logical in searching the school girl. The issue in this case was whether a 13-year-old student's Fourth Amendment right was violated when she was subjected to a search of her bra and underpants by school officials acting on reasonable suspicion that she had brought forbidden prescription and over-the-counter drugs to school. It was held that the search did violate the constitution because there were no reasons to suspect the drugs presented a danger or were concealed in her underwear. The official who ordered the search was also granted immunity from liability because the constitutional position of the Fourth Amendment was not clear at the time of the search. Facts of the case The case began when Marissa, another student was found with prescription-strength ibuprofen and said she received it from Savana. The facts of the case occurred in one October day in 2003 at 13-year-old Savana Redding’s math class at Safford Middle School. The assistant principal of the School, Kerry Wilson, came into the room and asked Savana to go to his office. Wilson then showed Savana four white prescription-strength ibuprofen 400-mg pills, and one over-the-counter blue naproxen 200-mg pill, all used for pain and inflammation but banned under school rules without advance permission (Safford Unified School Dist. No. 1 v. Redding, 129 S. Ct. 2633 - Supreme Court 2009). He then asked whether Savana knew anything about the pills. She said that she had no idea about it. Then Wilson told Savana that he had received a report that she was giving ibuprofen pills to fellow students. Savana said she didn’t. She also agreed to let Wilson search her belongings. An administrative assistant also came into the office, and together with Wilson they searched Savana's backpack. They did not find any ibuprofen pills. Wilson then asked the administrative assistant to take Savana to the school nurse's office to search her clothes for pills. Helen Romero, the administrative assistant and the nurse, Peggy Schwallier, asked Savana to remove her jacket, socks, and shoes, leaving her in stretch pants and a T-shirt (both without pockets), which she was then asked to remove. Finally, Savana was told to pull her bra out and to the side and shake it, and to pull out the elastic on her underpants, thus exposing her breasts and pelvic area to some degree (Safford Unified School Dist. No. 1 v. Redding, 129 S. Ct. 2633 - Supreme Court 2009). But no pills were found. Savana’s mother argued that strip search is in violation of Sav ana's Fourth Amendment rights. Savana's mother filed suit against Safford Unified School District 1, Wilson, Romero, and Schwallier for conducting strip search. The school officials raised the defence of qualified immunity. The District Court for the district of Arizona granted the motion on the ground that there was no Fourth Amendment violation, and a panel of the Ninth

Rimsky-Korsakov Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Rimsky-Korsakov - Essay Example The Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888 set one of these wonderful stories, the tale of Schaherazade to music. It should be noticed that "based on The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, this orchestral work combines two feature common to Russian music, and of Rimsky-Korsakov in particular in particular: dazzling, colorful orchestration and an interest in the East, which figured greatly in the history of Imperial Russia". Through all the movements of the suite run the theme of gorgeous women and wonderful teller, Schaherazade. Emotional, sensuously winding and full of inscrutability melody for violin solo, which is accompanied by harp, perform this theme. This is not just some excerption from an ancient eastern melody. It was composed by Rimsky-Korsakov himself, in the way that it is really seems the melody combines all the enchantment and inviting mystique of eastern lyrics. The same may be said about all other themes: orchestral, lyric-singing etc. They all synthesize eurhyth mics, figuration, and diversity of color of eastern music. Rimsky-Korsakov is best known for his mastership to paint beautiful pictures in music by using the colors of sound made by each instrument of orchestra. He had a color ear for music, and perceived the notes associating them with particular colors2. Note C D Eb E F G A Color white yellow dark bluish-grey sparkling sapphire green rich gold rosy colored The whole first movement depictures the sea, which appears again in the ending section of the final. In such way the composer margined his suite with glaringly blue, and sparkling sapphire colors. The theme of sea is falling from the theme of overbearing Sultan. The theme of Sultan is built on four notes of the describing whole tone scale. Immediately following this theme, almost interrupting it, is the gentle and passionate violin solo of Scheherazade. This is one of the loveliest melodies ever penned. "Listening to these two themes, and the sweeping music of Schaherazade's tales that transports us bodily into the magic of the 1001 Tales of the Arabian Nights, one can only wish that Rimsky-Korsakov had had the time to produce settings for the other 997"3. Some time after we forget about fearful governor as Allegro starts painting the picture of the sea. Accordingly changes the character of the first movement: now it sounds stately and on an even keel. This calmness is underlined with figuration of accompaniment, in which we hear decuman ocean waves. The main theme of the first movement is added by two accessory themes. One of them is a theme of Sinbad's ship. The other one is a theme of Scheherazade, Sultan's wife, who used to please her husband with the marvelous stories. It is remarkable that the wavy accompaniment, which appears as an essential element of the main part, disappears just for a while and then comes again, sounding almost throughout whole first movem

Project Management of the construction of an international airport in Essay

Project Management of the construction of an international airport in a developing country that involves land acquisition and fa - Essay Example Important inclusions which need attention have been emphasized; this includes the project schedule, WBs, and PID. All the construction processes have been identified together with material usage. It has also looked attest and inspection of all construction processes. Importance of good record keeping techniques have been emphasized together with what is there to be recorded and why. The project has also entailed the risk management process where all the risks have to be identified and possible solutions put down. Introduction Fast paced communication systems, restrictive budget, efficient planning, and just-in-time deliveries make projects operation easy for both the project leaders and project team. In order to keep time, construction’s players must streamline their operations in the construction, improvise ways to improve their rate of operation, shorten and innovate the construction cycle, as well as all other undertakings with in the construction process. In an internation al airport construction in a developing country, many aspects must be looked at to ensure that nothing goes wrong in the under takings. Having in mind that it is been built in an occupied land makes it complex because of the relocation policies of the land. A quality project needs adequacy in planning, efficient technology should be used, access to construction materials should be good, and the project schedule should be followed to the letter. ... Risk management is quite essential because poor risk analysis may lead to project implementation failure. WBS This is the process used in both system engineering and project management where the undertakings are broken down into smaller potion to facilitate the implementation processes. In project management, it is termed as discrete work components and facilitates the scope organization as well as definition along with availing guidelines for project control and development. Below is a sample of a WBS in an air craft system. The work breakdown in this project entail: farmers’ displacement, land acquisition, project schedule analysis, risk assessment and analysis, material acquisition, and airport construction process. The tool facilities overall frames work in the planning and control of the project as well as their implementation process (Thomas, 1996). Famers’ relocation and land acquisition Land being used in this project is under use by the farmers, the acquisition process needs fairness and use of the right channel to ensure that the displacement process has gone inline with the legal policies and ethics of the land. The best way to do this is by purchasing a land of equal productivity and relocating the farmers in that land and putting up structures for them or making compensation financially with respect to the value of the land. PID The term is used in project management to mean plan of approach. This is a series of documents containing different important documentations which include: reference terms, business case, project tolerances, risk register, communication plan, project plan, and any other important document in a quality plan. Important inclusions in the PID: Project goals – the goals of this project is construct an international

Rimsky-Korsakov Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Rimsky-Korsakov - Essay Example The Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888 set one of these wonderful stories, the tale of Schaherazade to music. It should be noticed that "based on The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, this orchestral work combines two feature common to Russian music, and of Rimsky-Korsakov in particular in particular: dazzling, colorful orchestration and an interest in the East, which figured greatly in the history of Imperial Russia". Through all the movements of the suite run the theme of gorgeous women and wonderful teller, Schaherazade. Emotional, sensuously winding and full of inscrutability melody for violin solo, which is accompanied by harp, perform this theme. This is not just some excerption from an ancient eastern melody. It was composed by Rimsky-Korsakov himself, in the way that it is really seems the melody combines all the enchantment and inviting mystique of eastern lyrics. The same may be said about all other themes: orchestral, lyric-singing etc. They all synthesize eurhyth mics, figuration, and diversity of color of eastern music. Rimsky-Korsakov is best known for his mastership to paint beautiful pictures in music by using the colors of sound made by each instrument of orchestra. He had a color ear for music, and perceived the notes associating them with particular colors2. Note C D Eb E F G A Color white yellow dark bluish-grey sparkling sapphire green rich gold rosy colored The whole first movement depictures the sea, which appears again in the ending section of the final. In such way the composer margined his suite with glaringly blue, and sparkling sapphire colors. The theme of sea is falling from the theme of overbearing Sultan. The theme of Sultan is built on four notes of the describing whole tone scale. Immediately following this theme, almost interrupting it, is the gentle and passionate violin solo of Scheherazade. This is one of the loveliest melodies ever penned. "Listening to these two themes, and the sweeping music of Schaherazade's tales that transports us bodily into the magic of the 1001 Tales of the Arabian Nights, one can only wish that Rimsky-Korsakov had had the time to produce settings for the other 997"3. Some time after we forget about fearful governor as Allegro starts painting the picture of the sea. Accordingly changes the character of the first movement: now it sounds stately and on an even keel. This calmness is underlined with figuration of accompaniment, in which we hear decuman ocean waves. The main theme of the first movement is added by two accessory themes. One of them is a theme of Sinbad's ship. The other one is a theme of Scheherazade, Sultan's wife, who used to please her husband with the marvelous stories. It is remarkable that the wavy accompaniment, which appears as an essential element of the main part, disappears just for a while and then comes again, sounding almost throughout whole first movem

Energy and Environment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Energy and Environment - Research Paper Example More than two-thirds of Americans (67%) agree that there is solid evidence that the earth’s temperatures have been increasing over the last decades. Despite a majority of Americans acknowledging the existence of global warming phenomenon, substantial partisan differences over climate change generated along party lines exist. Eighty-four percent of Democrats believe that there is solid evidence of global warming compared with only 46% of Republicans. The Republicans are greatly divided over the issue than Democrats (Pew Research Center 1). Only 25% of Tea Party Republicans agree that there is solid evidence of global warming and only 61% of non-Tea Party Republicans. Among the adults who say that there is solid evidence of the earth warming, 44% intimate that global warming is caused by human activities, 18% believe that the phenomenon is due to natural patterns in the earth’s environment, and 4% do not know. The opinions of Republicans and Republican-leaning parties are divided into four roughly equal quadrants. Twenty-five percent see no solid evidence of global warming and hence are convinced that it just not happening; 23% agree that there is solid evidence of global warming, and it is caused by human activity while 19% say global warming is happening, and it is caused by natural activities in the earth’s environment; 20% believe there is no solid evidence of warming of earth due to possession of minimal knowledge (Pew Research Center 1). Democrats are less divided over global warming as compared to Republicans.

Hamlets Madness Essay Example for Free

Hamlets Madness Essay I do not believe that Hamlet is going mad nor insane. I think that he was just putting on an act of madness to convince people he was going insane in order to carry out his revenge on Claudius. If it wasnt for Hamlets feigned madness the Claudius would have obviously known that something was up and would have possibly had Hamlet killed. Hamlet only acted mad or insane around certain people. In his private conversations with Horatio there was no signs of insanity with the way he was talking to him. Hamlet tells Horatio How strange or odd soeer I bear myself, As I, perchance, hereafter shall think meet To put on an antic disposition on, That you, at such times seeing me, never shall, With arms encumberd thus. Or this headshake, Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase. (Ham. 2. 5. 170-175). In this phrase He is telling Horatio that he is going to feign madness, and that if he notices any strange behavior that he is putting on an act. This is proof that he is neither mad nor insane. He basically has stated he is going to act mad. As soon as someone appears, whom he wants to convince he is mad, he changes his behavior to put in his or her minds different explanations of his irrational behavior. He changes from rational speech to irrational conversations with those he wishes to convince he is mad. With Rosencrantz and Guildenstern he makes them believe that the reason for his behavior is frustrated ambition. In act 2 scene 2 Rosencrantz says Why, then, your ambition makes it one; tis too narrow for your mind. (Ham. 2. 2. 241-242). Then Hamlet says O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams. (Ham 2. 2. 243-244) Then Guildenstern states Which dreams, indeed, are ambition; fro the very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream. (Ham. 2. 2. 245-246). Hamlet wants to make the King and Queen believe that the death of his father and their marriage is the reason for his madness. The Queen states I doubt it is no other but the main, His fathers death and our o hasty marriage. (Ham. 2. 2. 56-57). Hamlet want s to make Polonius and Ophelia believe that it is his love for Ophelia that has driven him mad. This is revealed when Ophelia speaks with Polonius about Hamlets encounter with her (Ham. 2. 2 75-108). In the phrase I am but mad north by northwest, when the wind is southernly I know a hawk from a handsaw(Ham. 2. 2. 347-348) Hamlet is stating that North is normal and that North by Northwest means that he is only slightly insane. Once Claudius thought he was insane he was safe to carry out the rest of his plan. In the Soliloquy, To be or not to be (Ham. 3. 1. 56-90) Hamlet knew that he was being watched by the King while talking to Ophelia. This was his chance to convince the King that he was insane. I believe that Hamlet may have crossed the line into true madness a few times. For example when Hamlet slays Polonius he has no feelings of remorse. This is evidenced by Hamlets words Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell! I took thy fortune thou findst to be too busy in some danger(Ham. 3. 4. 32-34). After Hamlet kills Polonius he will not tell anyone where the body is. Instead he says not where he eats, but where he is eaten, a certain convocation of political worms a een at him(Ham 4. 3. 20-21). Hamlet also is aware of his dissolving insanity as he tells Laertes that he killed Polonius in a fit of madness(Ham. 5. 2. 236-250). In the scene where he is with his mother he also has a violent out burst. He is very cruel towards he and clenches her throat in anger. He sees his fathers ghost while with his mother. His mother does not see him. All of the other times someone has seen the ghost when it has appeared. This may be a sign that Hamlet experiencing true madness. On him, on him: Look O you how pale he glares! His form and cause conjoured, preaching to stones would make them capable (Ham. 3. 4. 126-128. In conclusion I believe that Hamlets madness or insanity throughout the play is being acted. However I do believe that in the end Hamlet drives himself over the edge when he kills Polonius and his true anger shows. Hamlet crossed that line into true madness a few times in this play. I believe that this was not a good way to go about getting revenge on Claudius. There was too much of a delay and in the end Hamlet lost by losing his life too.

Peer Pressure Leads To Guilt And Destruction

Peer Pressure Leads To Guilt And Destruction Macbeth, written by Shakespeare, is a tragedy that showed the consequences of Macbeths guilt from the peer pressure of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth questioned Macbeths manliness several times throughout the story. Macbeth wanted to prove that he was a stronger person. Even though Macbeth proved his manliness, he regretted his decision. Macbeths decision to kill Duncan was based off of peer pressure from Lady Macbeth. The character Macbeth had been told by the three weird sisters that he was going to be the Thane of Cawdor and king of Scotland. In order for Macbeth to take the throne, he had to kill King Duncan. Macbeth never asked the question, Do I really have to kill Duncan in order to become king? Instead, Macbeth was pressured into his decision by his wife, Lady Macbeth. From Macbeths decision some ask the question, Was Macbeth really pressured by Lady Macbeth? Another question often brought up is, Why did Macbeth make the decision to kill Duncan? I believe the main reason for the murder of Duncan was from the peer pressure of Lady Macbeth. Macbeth had just returned from stopping two invading armies, but that did not stop him from wanting more power. Macbeth was ambitious but lacked he lacked the effort to make it happen (Snodgrass 37). He often thought about the consequences that would happen if he were to proceed in killing Duncan. Macbeth also thought about the things Duncan had done for him when he served him as king. He decided he could not bring himself to kill Duncan, but he wanted more success. On the other hand Lady Macbeth was far more ambitious than her husband. Lady Macbeth was described as very ambitious, burning in unquenchable desire to have the name of queen (Quennell 133). After Lady Macbeth read the letter her husband wrote her she said, Hurry home so I can twist your thinking with my sharp words toward the obstacles that stand in the way of your crowning, a rise to greatness that destiny and the witches have promised (I.V.24-29). She had a plan up her sleeve to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth did not see an ything wrong with killing Duncan; she only saw a way to gain more power. Lady Macbeth called upon evil spirits to get her in the right mind-set to pressure Macbeth. She said, Come you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe, top full of direst cruelty (I.V.38-41). Come to my womans breasts, and take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers, wherever in your sightless substance you wait on natures mischief (I.V.45-46). Come thick night, and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, that my knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of dark (I.V.48-51). First Lady Macbeth said, Unsex me here, to prove that she would be willing to become the opposite sex. Lady Macbeth practically wished at this point that she was not a woman anymore, so she could kill Duncan. Then she called upon the evil spirits to replace her breast milk with bitterness. Lastly, she asked for the night to be covered with fog so she would not be able to see the wound of Duncan. This showed how much she was willing to kill King Duncan. Macbeth told his wife Duncan will be staying with us but he will leave the next morning. Lady Macbeth said, O! Never shall sun that morrow see/ your face, my thane, is as a book where men may read strange matters (I.V.58-61). She told Macbeth, Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent undert (I.V.63-64). She then said, Leave all the rest to me (I.V.71). Lady Macbeth meant go and treat Duncan like royalty and keep your murderous intent hidden. Lady Macbeth then planned out the plot to kill Duncan. That greatly showed her ambition and hunger for power. Macbeth contemplated if he should kill King Duncan. Macbeth had thought of several reasons why he should not and did not want to kill Duncan. First, Duncan was king over him. Second, Macbeth was his protector and host because he was staying at Macbeths house, and he should not harm him. Lastly, King Duncan had been a good and kind ruler, so Macbeth felt he should never hurt him. Macbeth brought to his wifes attention that he did not want to go through with the plan to kill King Duncan. He said, We will proceed no further in this business; he hath honourd me of late; and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, not cast aside so soon (I.VII.31-34). That should have been the end, but Lady Macbeth would not take no for an answer. Lady Macbeth urged Macbeth to kill Duncan, which eventually led to his downfall. She did not only question his decision, but she questioned his manliness. Men never like to feel weaker than women. Macbeths wife said, When you durst do it when you were a man; and, to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man (I.VII.49-51). Lady Macbeth meant if you murder Duncan and do what you plan, then you will be a real man. Lady Macbeth showed she could be masculine when she said, I have given suck and know how tender tis to love the babe that milks me; I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluckd my nipple from his boneless gums, and dashd the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done (I.VII.54-59). Lady Macbeth expressed a very powerful statement when she said she would be able to kill her own child. Lady Macbeths words were a great challenge for Macbeth. Macbeth said, Bring forth men-children only for thy undaunted mettle should compose nothing but males (I.VII.7 2-74). Macbeth meant you have such a hardened heart that you should only bear male babies (Snodgrass 51). Lady Macbeth felt he was too compassionate to kill Duncan in order to claim the throne. He would rather take the throne fairly (Snodgrass 37). Questioning Macbeths manliness pressured him into killing King Duncan. Lady Macbeth gave the excuse that she could not kill Duncan because he looked too much like her father. She said, Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done it (II.II.12-13). She was giving an excuse for why she did not want to kill Duncan. This showed she lost strength when she saw Duncan sleeping, for he reminded her of her father. It showed she became weak inside and pressured Macbeth instead. Lady Macbeth tried to sound tough when she said, Unsex me here, but became weak when she saw him sleeping. Macbeth was afraid that the plan will fail, and the people will find out that he murdered Duncan. She told Macbeth, Screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we will not fail (I.VII.60-61). Lady Macbeth said, If we pretend to grieve for the king no one will challenge us (I.VII.77-79). He finally decided he wanted to prove to Lady Macbeth that he was a real man. Macbeth went through with the decision and murdered Duncan. She said, Smear the faces with blood. Macbeth refused, Mocking his weakness, she takes the daggers and performs the task herself (Rozakis 240). Lady Macbeth put blood on Duncans guards and laid the daggers next to them. She left the people thinking it was Duncans guards who planned the murder of their king. The Bible gave us many good examples of how we need to submit ourselves to our husbands. God gave a command that said, Wives submit to your husband as is fitting in the Lord (NIV Colossians 3:18). Lady Macbeth should have let Macbeth make the decision based off of what he was right and what he felt was the right decision. She was only thinking of herself and what she got from the situation. She knew she wanted to have the title of becoming queen and did not think of the consequences that could come from the situation. I Corinthians 11:3 stated, The husband is to assume leadership in the home. The husband and wife should both show love and respect towards each other, but he should have told Lady Macbeth I will do what is best for us. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experienced guilt and regret after the murder of King Duncan. Macbeth experienced regret because he had to hire murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance to cover up the slaughter of Duncan (Rozakis 240). Macbeth began to feel insanity from the whole situation. Lady Macbeth was affected from the situation when she began to sleep walk. As Lady Macbeth was sleep walking, she began rubbing her hands. She rubbed her hands trying to get the blood off of them (Quennell 134). She kept thinking that her hands were bloody from when she smeared the blood on the faces of Duncans guards. This drove her into insanity, which eventually led her to commit suicide. The story of Macbeth was a good example that showed the effect of peer pressure. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in America among teens. Peer pressure has not only led to suicide, but also drug overdoses, fatal car accidents, violent crime, and unwanted pregnancy (Unknown Author). Teens, who have been pressured by their friends, sometimes turn to suicide as a way out (Unknown Author). Lady Macbeth only thought about fame and power and did not think about the consequences of her actions. She pressured Macbeth, which led to Duncans murder. She did not only think about how this decision could affect her. She felt guilty, which led to her insanity. One action led to not only the murder of Duncan, but the murder of herself.

Religious and Artistic Sites of Venice Essay -- Place Geography Italy

Religious and Artistic Sites of Venice The masterpieces of four visual artists, Bellini (1430-1516), Titian (1485-1576), Tintoretto (1518-1594), and Tiepolo (1696-1770), dominate the religious and artistic sites found in the island city of Venice. The city is divided into six districts. Each contains historical sites, however, the most notable are located in the districts of San Marco, San Polo, and Dorsoduro that border the Grand Canal. The artistic and religious sites of Venice are appreciated as part of the island?s historical past, as well as infused in its everyday present. One symbol of the importance of art in Venetian life is the lion of Venice. The lion honors the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark. It can be seen in many different poses including a peaceful, playful stance, an impassive guard, a majestic, stately lion, or even a forceful, warlike lion. The lion, like art and religion, reflects the spirit of Venice. San Marco District Saint Mark?s Basilica Since 830 AD, the basilica has housed the bones of St. Mark which were taken from Alexandria, Egypt and given at the Port of Olivolo to the D oge Giustiniano Particiaco. Mosaics in the basilica depict this event as bones being hidden under barrels of pork to keep Muslims away. Mark was patron saint of Alexandria and then became patron saint of Venice. The emblem of the patron saint is the winged lion with a sword and a book with the words Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus, Peace to You, Oh Mark, My Evangelist. The church was built with eastern inspiration with its oriental domes and lustrous mosaics. This is an example of the connection between Venice and Byzantium, which protected Venice from Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire. The church contains four thousand sq... ...artistic sites of Venice leave a lasting impression for all who visit. Works Cited Crivellari, Domenico, and Maria Da Villa Urbani, eds. Basilica di San Marco. Procuratoria di San Marco Venezia. 2003. Girard-Sharp, Lisa, et al. Venice. New York: APA Publications, 1999. Openshaw, Gene, and Rick Steves, eds. Venice 2004. California: Avalon Travel, 2003. Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, 2003. Pioch, Nicolas. ?Titian.? WebMuseum, Paris. 2002. Pioch, Nicolas. ?Bellini.? WebMuseum, Paris. 2002. Rossi, Gerald. ?Il Tintoretto.? Catholic Encyclopedia. 2003. Steves, Rick. Italy 2002. California: Avalon Travel, 2002. Religious and Artistic Sites of Venice Essay -- Place Geography Italy Religious and Artistic Sites of Venice The masterpieces of four visual artists, Bellini (1430-1516), Titian (1485-1576), Tintoretto (1518-1594), and Tiepolo (1696-1770), dominate the religious and artistic sites found in the island city of Venice. The city is divided into six districts. Each contains historical sites, however, the most notable are located in the districts of San Marco, San Polo, and Dorsoduro that border the Grand Canal. The artistic and religious sites of Venice are appreciated as part of the island?s historical past, as well as infused in its everyday present. One symbol of the importance of art in Venetian life is the lion of Venice. The lion honors the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark. It can be seen in many different poses including a peaceful, playful stance, an impassive guard, a majestic, stately lion, or even a forceful, warlike lion. The lion, like art and religion, reflects the spirit of Venice. San Marco District Saint Mark?s Basilica Since 830 AD, the basilica has housed the bones of St. Mark which were taken from Alexandria, Egypt and given at the Port of Olivolo to the D oge Giustiniano Particiaco. Mosaics in the basilica depict this event as bones being hidden under barrels of pork to keep Muslims away. Mark was patron saint of Alexandria and then became patron saint of Venice. The emblem of the patron saint is the winged lion with a sword and a book with the words Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus, Peace to You, Oh Mark, My Evangelist. The church was built with eastern inspiration with its oriental domes and lustrous mosaics. This is an example of the connection between Venice and Byzantium, which protected Venice from Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire. The church contains four thousand sq... ...artistic sites of Venice leave a lasting impression for all who visit. Works Cited Crivellari, Domenico, and Maria Da Villa Urbani, eds. Basilica di San Marco. Procuratoria di San Marco Venezia. 2003. Girard-Sharp, Lisa, et al. Venice. New York: APA Publications, 1999. Openshaw, Gene, and Rick Steves, eds. Venice 2004. California: Avalon Travel, 2003. Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, 2003. Pioch, Nicolas. ?Titian.? WebMuseum, Paris. 2002. Pioch, Nicolas. ?Bellini.? WebMuseum, Paris. 2002. Rossi, Gerald. ?Il Tintoretto.? Catholic Encyclopedia. 2003. Steves, Rick. Italy 2002. California: Avalon Travel, 2002.

Dell Hbr Case Study

INTRODUCTION Dell Computers was started by Michael Dell in 1984. Dell’s primary differentiator was its business model. It sold primarily on the B2C market and custom built personal computers on demand. Therefore, it had very low inventory by comparison to its competitors. As a result of this, Dell was able to operate quite efficiently and profitably in its niche market. By the late 1980’s – early 1990’s, Dell noticed that its market share was only 1% of total and that industry amalgamations could potentially force Dell out of the market.It was time to make a decision; it could remain status quo or pursue an aggressive growth strategy. The latter option proved to be favourable and Dell expanded into the B2B marketplace through a growth plan that focused on selling to retailers to improve its market share. The plan worked and Dell saw subsequent revenue increases of 268% within two years, compared to industry growth of 5%. 1 The good times came to an end in 1993 when Dell posted its first loss after eleven subsequent quarters of profit. Dell decided to more efficiently manage its liquidity, profitability and growth and was exited the indirect retail channel where margins were exceptionally low . The retail channel had served its purpose, however, in assisting Dell as a brand to become well known throughout the market place. Following these measures, and the fact that Dell had exceptionally low relative inventory, they were able to become the first company to launch the new Pentium chip computers and maintain first mover status with subsequent upgrades.Michael Dell was now in a position to forecast future growth for his company. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Michael Dell predicted that the company’s growth rate for the next year would again outpace the industry. Dell needed to focus on how its working capital policy could assist in financing future growth. Further, what other internal and external financing options might assist Dell in re aching their goals? RECOMMENDATION Assuming Dell’s sales will grow at 50% in 1997, h ow would you recommend that the company fund this growth?How much capital would need to be reduced and/or profit margin increased if the company were to fund its growth by relying only on internal sources of capital? What steps would you recommend the company take? Dells attempt to increase its sales by 50% in 1997 will require 2 major types of investments: Investment in working capital We estimate this figure to be $345M (please refer to Exhibit 1 for the detailed calculation). Investment in fixed assets Expansion of production will most likely require the purchase of the additional equipment.There is no data available in the case on depreciation expenses or capital expenditures made by Dell in 1996 to support the 52% growth of sales. However, if we refer to Dell’s full financial statements for 1996, we see that Dell spent $100M on capital expenditures and we assume it will spend appr oximately the same amount in 1997. 1 2 Richard Ruback, â€Å"Dell’s Working Capital,† Harvard Business Review 9-201-029 (2003): 3. Ibid 1|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case From the projected figures in the Exhibit 1 we conclude that Dell will be able to finance the above investments using the following funding sources:Profit margins and management of the working capital cycle Assuming that there is a certain percentage of fixed costs in Dell’s cost structure, the company will be able to increase its net profit margin from 5. 1% in 1996 to 5. 6% in 1997, generating a net profit of $448M. Net margin should be sufficient to cover additional working capital of $345 M if Dell is able to maintain its Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) at 1996 levels of 47 days. Maintaining the CCC at the same level is crucial for this type of financing to be sufficient.An increase in DSO by 5 days will increase working capital delta up to $453M (refer to Exhibit 2) and will force Dell to increase margins, which may reduce revenues, or look for other sources of funding. Debt or use of the short term investment funds The use of these resources might be necessary for the financing the purchase of the equipment to expand the production capacity. Two scenarios could take place: 1. A one-off investment is required to be made in the beginning of the year.Since the company will have no possibility to generate profits or free up its working capital, it could either liquidate some of its short term investments of $591M or get a loan. The decision will depend on whether the rate of return on investment is higher or lower than the interest rate on the loan, taking after tax effects into consideration. If the rate of return is higher, Dell should finance the purchase of fixed assets through the loan, if it is lower , it should use its investment account to finance the capital expenditure. 2. Gradual investment in capital expenditure is possible.This could be done only by using margins generated within the year and decrease in CCC by managing receivables-days cycle. If the company can manage to decrease its DSO days from 50 to 40 days, it can reduce its working capital delta to $126M (Exhibit 2), thus making the remaining net profit available for capital expenditures. How, if at all, would your answers to Question 3 chang e if Dell also repurchased $500 million of common stock in 1997 and repaid its long-term debt? If Dell decides to repay its debt of $113M and repurchase stock of $500M, the following steps could be undertaken.Stock repurchase A decrease in DSO by 10 days and increase in DPO by 10 days will release working capital of $44M in addition to cash profit based on $448M in accounting profit (most likely it is higher by the amount of depreciation). These cash amounts will then allow Dell to repurchase its stock. As Dell expands its customer base and brand penetration in the market it can start working with prepayment for its orders which wi ll help to collect the cash faster. Further, as the size of its orders to suppliers grows, it will be able to exercise its buyer power and negotiate more favourable payment terms.However the following action should be taken only if Dell shareholders could earn better return at a similar level of risk in the market. In the current situation it seems that Dell performs better than its competitors thus it would be more appropriate to invest the $500Mof free cash in further expansion. Debt repayment If Dell increases its margin up to 6. 8% it will be able to make an additional $110M in net profit to repay the debt. Another option is to free up some funds from short term investments. The decision will depend 2|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case on whether increase in price will lead to a significant loss of customers.If this is the case, the company should use its current cash reserves to perform the repayment. We also note, that 0% debt in the capital structure is most likely to be not optimal for the company and by using leverage Dell will be able generate better returns for its investors. DISCUSSION Explain how Dell’s working capital policy is a competitive advantage for the company? Strategy Built-to-Order Just-In-Time Delivery Distribution Channels (Retail Stores) Early Adoption of New Technology DELL ? ? X ? Apple X X ? X Compaq X X ? X IBM X X ? X Built to Order: Unit production only begins after receiving customer orders over phone or via email.This significantly reduced the outstanding inventory and hence reduced working capital requirements for funding inventory warehousing and inventory financing. Just-in-time Delivery: Dell’s factory had close physical proximity to its suppliers. Suppliers would ship parts only after customers placed orders, for just-in-time delivery. This helped to maintain accounts payable to a minimum. No Retail Distribution Channels: Since orders were only taken via email or phone, Dell was able to cut down o n the costs of maintaining distribution channels and reduce accounts receivable from distributors and retailers.This reduced working capital requirements. Early Adoption of New Technology: Low inventory levels helped Dell to quickly switch to newer product upgrades and reduce the cost of existing inventory turnovers compared to competitors. This further reduced working capital requirements. DSI Advantage: As a result of above strategies, Dell achieved an average DSI of 40 between 1993 and 1995, compared to Apple’s 64, Compaq’s 68 & IBM’s 56. How did Dell fund its 52% growth in 1996?Please be sure to distinguish between internal and external sources of funding, and to discuss the trade -off between the use of external funds in order to maintain high growth rates. The 52% growth was a result of the new Pentium chip introduction (Exhibit 3 from the case). Regarding working capital management, we noticed from Exhibit 2 from the case, excellent performance in maintai ning CCC at 40 days; while product switches required double stock management. As the Pentium introduction was already launched in 1995, we assume that growth was constant and continuous during 1996 period.Compared to 1995, the 1996 financial performance for gross margin is lower by 1%, but net profit has increased by 1%. 3|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case To improve the availability of cash, Dell can implement factoring on receivables (internal) or negotiate with banks for short term credit lines and overdraft accounts (external). Even if CCC remains constant during this period of growth, balance sheets analysis shows that CCC changed from $428M in 1995 to $689M in 1996. As the debt level remained constant during these two periods, this extra $261M was financed with internal funds.The two main sources of internal funds used to finance working capital and CAPEX (not detailed in case information) were: The $272M 1996 net profit and the capital increase at $74M (total stock value difference between 1995 and 1996). Even if Dell decided to not reduce its amount of debt, this process will allow the company to reduce the Debt/Equity ratio keeping constant level of debt while significantly increasing equity. This strategy will bring Dell more flexibility for the future.The firm will be able to consider different options for future growth; either the same strategy the issuance of more debt due to their low leverage being relatively unleveraged. 4|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case APPENDIX Exhibit 1 Projected Income statement and balance sheet items for the year 1997 Item Sales Cost of sales Gross Margin Operating expenses Operating income Financing and other income Income taxes 30% Net profit 1996 (actual) 5 296 4 229 1 067 690 377 6 111 272 Growth Coefficient 1,5 1,5 1,4 1997 (projected) 7 944 6 344 1 601 966 635 6 192 448 Ratios : 37 1 37 DSI 50 1 50DSO 40 1 40 DPO 47 1 47 CCC Balance sheet items : 429 644 Inventory 726 1 089 Accounts receivabl e 466 699 Accounts payable 689 1 034 Working Capital 345 Additional working capital required Projections for the year 1997 were built based on the following assumptions: 1. Growth coefficient of 1,5 was applied to income sales and cost of sales to reflec t the projected 50% growth in operations 2. Growth coefficient of 1,4 was applied to operating expenses. The assumption was made that part of operating expenses are presented by fixed costs thus they don’t grow at the operations growth ration. 0% rate was taken based on the year 1996 increase. 3. Income taxes were calculated using 30% rate being the rate on income tax in 1996 (calculated as Income taxes/(Operating income + Financing income)) 4. Ratios for the year 199 were calculated using the following formulas: DSI=Inventory*365/COS DSO=Accounts Receivable*365/Sales DPO=Accounts Payable*365/COS 5. We assumed that company will maintain the average ratios for the year 1997 6. Using the reverse formula for ratios calculations we derived accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventory for 1999 from the projected sales and COS figures. . We calculated Working Capital for both years using the formula: Inventory + Accounts receivable – Accounts payable 8. Additional working capital required: Working capital 1997 – Working Capital 1996 5|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case Exhibit 2 Variations in working capital requirements 37 50 40 47 37 55 40 52 37 40 40 37 -10 days on DSO; + 10 days in DPO 37 40 50 27 Inventory, $mln Accounts receivable, $mln Accounts payable, $mln 644 1 088 699 643 1 197 695 643 871 695 643 871 869 Working Capital 1997, $mln Working Capital 1996, $mln 1 033 689 1 145 689 818 689 645 689 344 456 129 -44 ItemDSI, days DSO, days DPO, days CCC, days Additional working capital required, $mln Ratios at 1996 level +5 days in DSO -10 days in DSO Exhibit 3: Detailed calculations relative to question N °2 6|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case 1 – CCC wo rth calculation: (see figures in red rectangle) CCC = DSI + DSO – DPO From above table, CCC = inventories + Accounts receivables – Accounts payable CCC1995 = 293 + 538 – 403 = 428 M$ CCC1996 = 429 + 726 – 466 = 689 M$ 2 – Total stocks value: (see figures in blue rectangle) Total value = Preferred stocks + Common stocks 1995 = 362 M$ 1996 = 436 M$ 7|P a ge Dell Hbr Case Study INTRODUCTION Dell Computers was started by Michael Dell in 1984. Dell’s primary differentiator was its business model. It sold primarily on the B2C market and custom built personal computers on demand. Therefore, it had very low inventory by comparison to its competitors. As a result of this, Dell was able to operate quite efficiently and profitably in its niche market. By the late 1980’s – early 1990’s, Dell noticed that its market share was only 1% of total and that industry amalgamations could potentially force Dell out of the market.It was time to make a decision; it could remain status quo or pursue an aggressive growth strategy. The latter option proved to be favourable and Dell expanded into the B2B marketplace through a growth plan that focused on selling to retailers to improve its market share. The plan worked and Dell saw subsequent revenue increases of 268% within two years, compared to industry growth of 5%. 1 The good times came to an end in 1993 when Dell posted its first loss after eleven subsequent quarters of profit. Dell decided to more efficiently manage its liquidity, profitability and growth and was exited the indirect retail channel where margins were exceptionally low . The retail channel had served its purpose, however, in assisting Dell as a brand to become well known throughout the market place. Following these measures, and the fact that Dell had exceptionally low relative inventory, they were able to become the first company to launch the new Pentium chip computers and maintain first mover status with subsequent upgrades.Michael Dell was now in a position to forecast future growth for his company. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Michael Dell predicted that the company’s growth rate for the next year would again outpace the industry. Dell needed to focus on how its working capital policy could assist in financing future growth. Further, what other internal and external financing options might assist Dell in re aching their goals? RECOMMENDATION Assuming Dell’s sales will grow at 50% in 1997, h ow would you recommend that the company fund this growth?How much capital would need to be reduced and/or profit margin increased if the company were to fund its growth by relying only on internal sources of capital? What steps would you recommend the company take? Dells attempt to increase its sales by 50% in 1997 will require 2 major types of investments: Investment in working capital We estimate this figure to be $345M (please refer to Exhibit 1 for the detailed calculation). Investment in fixed assets Expansion of production will most likely require the purchase of the additional equipment.There is no data available in the case on depreciation expenses or capital expenditures made by Dell in 1996 to support the 52% growth of sales. However, if we refer to Dell’s full financial statements for 1996, we see that Dell spent $100M on capital expenditures and we assume it will spend appr oximately the same amount in 1997. 1 2 Richard Ruback, â€Å"Dell’s Working Capital,† Harvard Business Review 9-201-029 (2003): 3. Ibid 1|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case From the projected figures in the Exhibit 1 we conclude that Dell will be able to finance the above investments using the following funding sources:Profit margins and management of the working capital cycle Assuming that there is a certain percentage of fixed costs in Dell’s cost structure, the company will be able to increase its net profit margin from 5. 1% in 1996 to 5. 6% in 1997, generating a net profit of $448M. Net margin should be sufficient to cover additional working capital of $345 M if Dell is able to maintain its Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) at 1996 levels of 47 days. Maintaining the CCC at the same level is crucial for this type of financing to be sufficient.An increase in DSO by 5 days will increase working capital delta up to $453M (refer to Exhibit 2) and will force Dell to increase margins, which may reduce revenues, or look for other sources of funding. Debt or use of the short term investment funds The use of these resources might be necessary for the financing the purchase of the equipment to expand the production capacity. Two scenarios could take place: 1. A one-off investment is required to be made in the beginning of the year.Since the company will have no possibility to generate profits or free up its working capital, it could either liquidate some of its short term investments of $591M or get a loan. The decision will depend on whether the rate of return on investment is higher or lower than the interest rate on the loan, taking after tax effects into consideration. If the rate of return is higher, Dell should finance the purchase of fixed assets through the loan, if it is lower , it should use its investment account to finance the capital expenditure. 2. Gradual investment in capital expenditure is possible.This could be done only by using margins generated within the year and decrease in CCC by managing receivables-days cycle. If the company can manage to decrease its DSO days from 50 to 40 days, it can reduce its working capital delta to $126M (Exhibit 2), thus making the remaining net profit available for capital expenditures. How, if at all, would your answers to Question 3 chang e if Dell also repurchased $500 million of common stock in 1997 and repaid its long-term debt? If Dell decides to repay its debt of $113M and repurchase stock of $500M, the following steps could be undertaken.Stock repurchase A decrease in DSO by 10 days and increase in DPO by 10 days will release working capital of $44M in addition to cash profit based on $448M in accounting profit (most likely it is higher by the amount of depreciation). These cash amounts will then allow Dell to repurchase its stock. As Dell expands its customer base and brand penetration in the market it can start working with prepayment for its orders which wi ll help to collect the cash faster. Further, as the size of its orders to suppliers grows, it will be able to exercise its buyer power and negotiate more favourable payment terms.However the following action should be taken only if Dell shareholders could earn better return at a similar level of risk in the market. In the current situation it seems that Dell performs better than its competitors thus it would be more appropriate to invest the $500Mof free cash in further expansion. Debt repayment If Dell increases its margin up to 6. 8% it will be able to make an additional $110M in net profit to repay the debt. Another option is to free up some funds from short term investments. The decision will depend 2|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case on whether increase in price will lead to a significant loss of customers.If this is the case, the company should use its current cash reserves to perform the repayment. We also note, that 0% debt in the capital structure is most likely to be not optimal for the company and by using leverage Dell will be able generate better returns for its investors. DISCUSSION Explain how Dell’s working capital policy is a competitive advantage for the company? Strategy Built-to-Order Just-In-Time Delivery Distribution Channels (Retail Stores) Early Adoption of New Technology DELL ? ? X ? Apple X X ? X Compaq X X ? X IBM X X ? X Built to Order: Unit production only begins after receiving customer orders over phone or via email.This significantly reduced the outstanding inventory and hence reduced working capital requirements for funding inventory warehousing and inventory financing. Just-in-time Delivery: Dell’s factory had close physical proximity to its suppliers. Suppliers would ship parts only after customers placed orders, for just-in-time delivery. This helped to maintain accounts payable to a minimum. No Retail Distribution Channels: Since orders were only taken via email or phone, Dell was able to cut down o n the costs of maintaining distribution channels and reduce accounts receivable from distributors and retailers.This reduced working capital requirements. Early Adoption of New Technology: Low inventory levels helped Dell to quickly switch to newer product upgrades and reduce the cost of existing inventory turnovers compared to competitors. This further reduced working capital requirements. DSI Advantage: As a result of above strategies, Dell achieved an average DSI of 40 between 1993 and 1995, compared to Apple’s 64, Compaq’s 68 & IBM’s 56. How did Dell fund its 52% growth in 1996?Please be sure to distinguish between internal and external sources of funding, and to discuss the trade -off between the use of external funds in order to maintain high growth rates. The 52% growth was a result of the new Pentium chip introduction (Exhibit 3 from the case). Regarding working capital management, we noticed from Exhibit 2 from the case, excellent performance in maintai ning CCC at 40 days; while product switches required double stock management. As the Pentium introduction was already launched in 1995, we assume that growth was constant and continuous during 1996 period.Compared to 1995, the 1996 financial performance for gross margin is lower by 1%, but net profit has increased by 1%. 3|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case To improve the availability of cash, Dell can implement factoring on receivables (internal) or negotiate with banks for short term credit lines and overdraft accounts (external). Even if CCC remains constant during this period of growth, balance sheets analysis shows that CCC changed from $428M in 1995 to $689M in 1996. As the debt level remained constant during these two periods, this extra $261M was financed with internal funds.The two main sources of internal funds used to finance working capital and CAPEX (not detailed in case information) were: The $272M 1996 net profit and the capital increase at $74M (total stock value difference between 1995 and 1996). Even if Dell decided to not reduce its amount of debt, this process will allow the company to reduce the Debt/Equity ratio keeping constant level of debt while significantly increasing equity. This strategy will bring Dell more flexibility for the future.The firm will be able to consider different options for future growth; either the same strategy the issuance of more debt due to their low leverage being relatively unleveraged. 4|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case APPENDIX Exhibit 1 Projected Income statement and balance sheet items for the year 1997 Item Sales Cost of sales Gross Margin Operating expenses Operating income Financing and other income Income taxes 30% Net profit 1996 (actual) 5 296 4 229 1 067 690 377 6 111 272 Growth Coefficient 1,5 1,5 1,4 1997 (projected) 7 944 6 344 1 601 966 635 6 192 448 Ratios : 37 1 37 DSI 50 1 50DSO 40 1 40 DPO 47 1 47 CCC Balance sheet items : 429 644 Inventory 726 1 089 Accounts receivabl e 466 699 Accounts payable 689 1 034 Working Capital 345 Additional working capital required Projections for the year 1997 were built based on the following assumptions: 1. Growth coefficient of 1,5 was applied to income sales and cost of sales to reflec t the projected 50% growth in operations 2. Growth coefficient of 1,4 was applied to operating expenses. The assumption was made that part of operating expenses are presented by fixed costs thus they don’t grow at the operations growth ration. 0% rate was taken based on the year 1996 increase. 3. Income taxes were calculated using 30% rate being the rate on income tax in 1996 (calculated as Income taxes/(Operating income + Financing income)) 4. Ratios for the year 199 were calculated using the following formulas: DSI=Inventory*365/COS DSO=Accounts Receivable*365/Sales DPO=Accounts Payable*365/COS 5. We assumed that company will maintain the average ratios for the year 1997 6. Using the reverse formula for ratios calculations we derived accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventory for 1999 from the projected sales and COS figures. . We calculated Working Capital for both years using the formula: Inventory + Accounts receivable – Accounts payable 8. Additional working capital required: Working capital 1997 – Working Capital 1996 5|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case Exhibit 2 Variations in working capital requirements 37 50 40 47 37 55 40 52 37 40 40 37 -10 days on DSO; + 10 days in DPO 37 40 50 27 Inventory, $mln Accounts receivable, $mln Accounts payable, $mln 644 1 088 699 643 1 197 695 643 871 695 643 871 869 Working Capital 1997, $mln Working Capital 1996, $mln 1 033 689 1 145 689 818 689 645 689 344 456 129 -44 ItemDSI, days DSO, days DPO, days CCC, days Additional working capital required, $mln Ratios at 1996 level +5 days in DSO -10 days in DSO Exhibit 3: Detailed calculations relative to question N °2 6|P a ge EDHEC MBA – Dell Business Case 1 – CCC wo rth calculation: (see figures in red rectangle) CCC = DSI + DSO – DPO From above table, CCC = inventories + Accounts receivables – Accounts payable CCC1995 = 293 + 538 – 403 = 428 M$ CCC1996 = 429 + 726 – 466 = 689 M$ 2 – Total stocks value: (see figures in blue rectangle) Total value = Preferred stocks + Common stocks 1995 = 362 M$ 1996 = 436 M$ 7|P a ge

Evolution of Health Care Information Systems Essay

Today we have the pleasure of discussing the Evolution of Health Care Information Systems. Specifically we will review a compare and contrast of a health care facilities operations today with the operations of it 20 years ago. We will define HCIS as well as look at different health information systems today and major events and technological advantages that have influenced current Health Care Information Systems (HCIS) practices. We will learn how health care information systems have shaped the delivery of health care today so that we may be a part of the solution. Health Care Information Systems To truly understand the benefit of Health Care Information Systems, it is critical that a clear understanding of its true definition is learned. We know that data consists of raw facts about people, places, events and other things that are of importance in any organization. When that data is processed into a more meaningful form, it is then called information and can be the basis for decision making. According to Wager, Lee & Glaser (2009), â€Å"a health care information system (HCIS) is an arrangement of information (data), processes, people, and information technology that interact to collect, process, store, and provide as output information needed to support the health care organization†. To further put things into perspective, there are two primary classes of health care information systems and they are administrative and clinical. Although they are both health care information systems, they perform totally different functions and contain different information. An administrative information system would contain information specific to financial data or administrative that would help to support management and general operations of the health care organization. These systems might support personnel management, supply management, equipment or human resources management. Clinical information systems are very different from administrative in that  they contain information that is clinical in nature or health-related that is used by health care providers when diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients care. Wager, Lee & Glaser, (2009). Another interesting fact about clinical information systems is that these systems can be departmental such as radiology, pharmacy or laboratory systems. Wager, Lee, & Glaser, (2009). Skilled Nursing Facilities 20 years later Skilled Nursing Facilities have made leaps and bounds in significant changes over the past 20 years. Tanner Memorial Hospital, which is now Tanner Health System is nothing like it originated 20 years back and has now transformed into a health system with all its specialties and wide range of services currently offered. It did not offer inpatient behavioral care in the same capacity as today and in fact, when the new Willowbrooke at Tanner opened in Villa Rica, GA, it was the newest facility of its kind in the last 20 years and consisted of beds for adults, elder adults, children and adolescents. Tanner Health Systems, (2012). Information technology was slow to take off 20 years ago in the health care industry. Skilled nursing facilities were doing things manually which was hand written documentation or typewritten. This is quite different from today when information technology has exploded and continues to expand and develop at a rapid pace. According to Sheehan (2011), until recent years technology was not a subject that was often mentioned in the long term care environment. There was a perception that the â€Å"LTC industry is somewhat of a late adaptor of technological advancements†. Today all that is changing due to â€Å"provider demand, vendor interest and a growing number of tech-savvy seniors†. (Sheehan, 2011). Although 20 years ago skilled nursing facilities may have been falling behind in recognizing the vital importance of implementing information systems, today skilled nursing facilities relay heavily on technology like telemedine or tele-health. Many facilities that are in rural areas are really dependent on telemedicine and tele-health. Billing operation systems, clinical and administrative information systems are now a necessity for successful daily operations and skilled nursing relies heavily on information technology to process payroll, employee records, updating patient care and treatment plans, insurance and personal information. During the 1980’s, health care systems were for collecting data about patient demographics, insurance information and other information for billing purposes. Today, current health care information systems offer a more flexible and sophisticated framework. There is no longer the daunting tasks of writing things manually and other administrative duties that were time consuming. We now have sophisticated systems that are capable of handling clinical decision support systems, archiving communication systems, and digitization of diagnostic images. (Hebda, Czar, & Mascara, 2009). 20 years ago, physicians were a bit reluctant to share patient information with other physician practices, today physician practices are finding creative and innovative ways to exchange patient health information in a timely, efficient and secured manner which enhances coordination of patient care. The implementation of electronic medical record systems prevents the delays attributed to traditional mail or faxing paper medical records. These health care information systems help physician practices to effectively and efficiently share information that can reduce health care costs as well as improve patient care. Two Major Event and Technological Advantages A major event that influence health care information systems is the enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law plays a pivotal role in â€Å"regulating, and increasing the confidentiality, and securing of health care data† (HIPAA, 2003). With the ability to pay and submit claims electronically, there was a definite need for protecting data and it was apparent. Before HIPAA came along, the rules and regulations were quite different from state to state and between health care organizations. There was no consistency and the need for regulation was visible from all stakeholders involved. Another major event was in 2004 when President Bush asked health care providers to implement Electronic Health Records (EHR) by 2014. The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) joined the initiative and also asked health care providers to be compliant with the new legislation. Many community-based physician practices that were once reluctant to conform to the implementation of new technology are now realizing the many benefits of  the health care information systems like computerized physician order entry (CPOE), electronic medical records (EMR), tele-medicine and automated billing systems. The implementation of tele-health and telemedicine brought about many advances in healthcare and continue to prove to be a needed health resource. Conclusion The evolution of health care information systems will continue to have a positive effect and a huge significance to the health care industry. Tele-health and telemedicine are major events that have shaped todays delivery of health care and HIPAA laws will continue to protect the rights of patients and their personal information. In the Mid 1980’s and early 1990’s, physician practices would not have imagines that Health Care Information Systems would play such a vital role in shaping the delivery of health care and yet, here we are. References Czar, P., & Mascara, C. (2009). Handbook of informatics for nurses & health care professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall HIPAA.org (February 12, 2003).HIPAA. Retrieved July 13, 2014 from http://www.hipaa.org/ Sheehan, P. (2011, July). Technology takes off in health care. Long-Term Living, Retrieved from http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/technology-takes-long-term-care Hebda, T., Tanner.org (2012) Retrieved July 12, 2014 from http://www.tanner.org/Main/History.aspx Wager, K. A., Lee, F. W., & Glaser, J. P. (2009). Health care information systems: A practical approach for health care management. (2nd ed.). (pp. 87-90). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Wiley.