Corrugated Box Industry

CASE STUDY: EDMUNDS CORRUGATED PARTS AND SERVICES. Larry Edmunds grimaced as he tossed his company’s latest quarterly earnings onto his desk. When Virginia-based Edmunds Corrugated Parts & Service Company’s sales surged past the $10 million mark a while back, he was certain the company was well positioned for steady growth. Today, the company, which provided precision machine parts and service to the domestic corrugated box industry, still enjoys a dominant market share and is showing profit, although not quite the profit seen in years past.However, it is no longer possible to ignore the fact that revenues were beginning to show clear signs of stagnation. More than two decades ago, Larry’s grandfather loaned him the money to start the business and then handed over the barn on what has been the family’s Shenandoah Valley farm to serve as his first factory. Today, he operates from a 50,000 square-foot factory located near I-81 just a few miles from that old barn. The business allowed him to realize what had once seemed an almost impossible goal: He was making a good living without having to leave his close-knit extended family and rural roots.He also felt a sense of satisfaction at employing about 100 people, many of them neighbors. They were among the most hard-working, loyal workers you’d find anywhere. However, many of his original employees were now nearing retirement. Replacing those skilled workers was going to be difficult, he realized from experience. The area’s brightest and best young people were much more likely to move away in search of employment than their parents had been. Those who remained behind just didn’t seem to have the work ethic Larry had come to expect in his employees.He didn’t feel pressured by the emergence of any new direct competitors. After slipping slightly a couple years ago, Edmunds’s formidable market share – based on its reputation for reliability and excepti onal, personalized service – was holding steady at 75 percent. He did feel plagued, however, by higher raw material costs resulting from the steep increase in steel prices. But the main source of concern stemmed from changes in the box industry itself. The industry had never been particularly recession resistant, with demand fluctuating with manufacturing output.Now alternative shipping products were beginning to make their appearance, mostly flexible plastic films and reusable plastic containers. It remained to be seen how much of a dent they’d make in the demand for boxes. More worrying, consolidation in the paper industry had wiped out hundreds of the U. S. plants that Edmunds once served, with many of the survivors either opening overseas facilities or entering into joint ventures abroad. The surviving manufacturers were investing in higher quality machines that broke down less frequently, thus requiring fewer of Edmund’s parts.Still, he had to admit that al though the highly fragmented U. S. corrugated box industry certainly qualified as a mature one, no one seriously expected U. S. manufacturers to be dislodged from their position as major producers for both the domestic and export markets. Edmunds was clearly at a crossroads. If Larry wanted that steady growth he’d assumed he could count on not so long ago, he suspect that business as usual wasn’t going to work. But if he wanted the company to grow, what was the best way to achieve that goal?All he knew for sure was that once he decided where to take the company from here, he would sleep better. QUESTIONS 1. What would the SWOT analysis look like for this company? 2. What role do you expect the Internet to play in the corrugated box industry? What are some ways that Edmunds could better use the Internet to foster growth? 3. Which of Porter’s competitive strategies would you recommend that Edmunds follow? Which of the strategies do you think would be least likely to succeed?

Foundation and Empire 9. On Trantor

The stars were as thick as weeds in an unkempt field, and for the first time, Lathan Devers found the figures to the right of the decimal point of prime importance in calculating the cuts through the hyper-regions. There was a claustrophobic sensation about the necessity for leaps of not more than a light-year. There was a frightening harshness about a sky which glittered unbrokenly in every direction. It was being lost in a sea of radiation. And in the center of an open cluster of ten thousand stars, whose light tore to shreds the feebly encircling darkness, there circled the huge Imperial planet, Trantor. But it was more than a planet; it was the living pulse beat of an Empire of twenty million stellar systems. It had only one, function, administration; one purpose, government; and one manufactured product, law. The entire world was one functional distortion. There was no living object on its surface hut man, his pets, and his parasites. No blade of grass or fragment of uncovered soil could be found outside the hundred square miles of the Imperial Palace. No fresh water outside the Palace grounds existed but in the vast underground cisterns that held the water supply of a world. The lustrous, indestructible, incorruptible metal that was the unbroken surface of the planet was the foundation of the huge, metal structures that mazed the planet. They were structures connected by causeways; laced by corridors; cubbyholed by offices; basemented by the huge retail centers that covered square miles; penthoused by the glittering amusement world that sparkled into life each night. One could walk around the world of Trantor and never leave that one conglomerate building, nor see the city. A fleet of ships greater in number than all the war fleets the Empire had ever supported landed their cargoes on Trantor each day to feed the forty billions of humans who gave nothing in exchange but the fulfillment of the necessity of untangling the myriads of threads that spiraled into the central administration of the most complex government Humanity had ever known. Twenty agricultural worlds were the granary of Trantor. A universe was its servant. Tightly held by the huge metal arms on either side, the trade ship was gently lowered down the huge ramp that led to the hangar. Already Devers had fumed his way through the manifold complications of a world conceived in paper work and dedicated to the principle of the form-in-quadruplicate. There had been the preliminary halt in space, where the first of what had grown into a hundred questionnaires had been filled out. There were the hundred cross-examinations, the routine administration of a simple Probe, the photographing of the ship, the Characteristic-Analysis of the two men, and the subsequent recording of the same, the search for contraband, the payment of the entry tax – and finally the question of the identity cards and visitor's visa. Ducem Barr was a Siwennian and subject of the Emperor, but Lathan Devers was an unknown without the requisite documents. The official in charge at the moment was devastated with sorrow, but Devers could not enter. In fact, he would have to be held for official investigation. From somewhere a hundred credits in crisp, new bills backed by the estates of Lord Brodrig made their appearance, and changed bands quietly. The official hemmed importantly and the devastation of his sorrow was assuaged. A new form made its appearance from the appropriate pigeonhole. It was filled out rapidly and efficiently, with the Devers characteristic thereto formally and properly attached. The two men, trader and patrician, entered Siwenna. In the hangar, the trade ship was another vessel to be cached, photographed, recorded, contents noted, identity cards of passengers facsimiled, and for which a suitable fee was paid, recorded, and receipted. And then Devers was on a huge terrace under the bright white sun, along which women chattered, children shrieked, and men sipped drinks languidly and listened to the huge televisors blaring out the news of the Empire. Barr paid a requisite number of iridium coins and appropriated the uppermost member of a pile of newspapers. It was the Trantor Imperial News, official organ of the government. In the back of the news room, there was the soft clicking noise of additional editions being printed in long-distance sympathy with the busy machines at the Imperial News offices ten thousand miles away by corridor – six thousand by air-machine – just as ten million sets of copies were being likewise printed at that moment in ten million other news rooms all over the planet. Barr glanced at the headlines and said softly, â€Å"What shall we do first?† Devers tried to shake himself out of his depression. He was in a universe far removed from his own, on a world that weighted him down with its intricacy, among people whose doings were incomprehensible and whose language was nearly so. The gleaming metallic towers that surrounded him and continued onwards in never-ending multiplicity to beyond the horizon oppressed him; the whole busy, unheeding life of a world-metropolis cast him into the horrible gloom of isolation and pygmyish unimportance. He said, â€Å"I better leave it to you, doc.† Barr was calm, low-voice. â€Å"I tried to tell you, but it's hard to believe without seeing for yourself, I know that. Do you know how many people want to see the Emperor every day? About one million. Do you know how many he sees? About ten. We'll have to work through the civil service, and that makes it harder. But we can't afford the aristocracy.† â€Å"We have almost one hundred thousand.† â€Å"A single Peer of the Realm would cost us that, and it would take at least three or four to form an adequate bridge to the Emperor. It may take fifty chief commissioners and senior supervisors to do the same, but they would cost us only a hundred apiece perhaps. I'll do the talking. In the first place, they wouldn't understand your accent, and in the second, you don't know the etiquette of Imperial bribery. It's an art, I assure you. Ah!† The third page of the Imperial News had what he wanted and he passed the paper to Devers. Devers read slowly. The vocabulary was strange, but he understood. He looked up, and his eyes were dark with concern. He slapped the news sheet angrily with the back of his hand. â€Å"You think this can be trusted?† â€Å"Within limits,† replied Barr, calmly. â€Å"It's highly improbable that the Foundation fleet was wiped out. They've probably reported that several times already, if they've gone by the usual war-reporting technique of a world capital far from the actual scene of fighting. What it means, though, is that Riose has won another battle, which would be none-too-unexpected. It says he's captured Loris. Is that the capital planet of the Kingdom of Loris?† â€Å"Yes,† brooded Devers, â€Å"or of what used to be the Kingdom of Loris. And it's not twenty parsecs from the Foundation. Doc, we've got to work fast.† Barr shrugged, â€Å"You can't go fast on Trantor. If you try, you'll end up at the point of an atom-blaster, most likely.† â€Å"How long will it take?† â€Å"A month, if we're lucky. A month, and our hundred thousand credits – if even that will suffice. And that is providing the Emperor does not take it into his head in the meantime to travel to the Summer Planets, where he sees no petitioners at all.† â€Å"But the Foundation-â€Å" â€Å"-Will take care of itself, as heretofore. Come, there's the question of dinner. I'm hungry. And afterwards, the evening is ours and we may as well use it. We shall never see Trantor or any world like it again, you know.† The Home Commissioner of the Outer Provinces spread his pudgy hands helplessly and peered at the petitioners with owlish nearsightedness. â€Å"But the Emperor is indisposed, gentlemen. It is really useless to take the matter to my superior. His Imperial Majesty has seen no one in a week.† â€Å"He will see us,† said Barr, with an affectation of confidence. â€Å"It is but a question of seeing a member of the staff of the Privy Secretary.† â€Å"Impossible,† said the commissioner emphatically. â€Å"It would be the worth of my job to attempt that. Now if you could but be more explicit concerning the nature of your business. I'm willing to help you, understand, but naturally I want something less vague, something I can present to my superior as reason for taking the matter further.† â€Å"If my business were such that it could be told to any but the highest,† suggested Barr, smoothly, â€Å"it would scarcely be important enough to rate audience with His Imperial Majesty. I propose that you take a chance. I might remind you that if His Imperial Majesty attaches the importance to our business which we guarantee that he will, you will stand certain to receive the honors you will deserve for helping us now.† â€Å"Yes, but-† and the commissioner shrugged, wordlessly. â€Å"It's a chance,† agreed Barr. â€Å"Naturally, a risk should have its compensation. It is a rather great favor to ask you, but we have already been greatly obliged with your kindness in offering us this opportunity to explain our problem. But if you would allow us to express our gratitude just slightly by-â€Å" Devers scowled. He had heard this speech with its slight variations twenty times in the past month. It ended, as always, in a quick shift of the half-hidden bills. But the epilogue differed here. Usually the bills vanished immediately; here they remained in plain view, while slowly the commissioner counted them, inspecting them front and back as he did so. There was a subtle change in his voice. â€Å"Backed by the Privy Secretary, hey? Good money!† â€Å"To get back to the subject-† urged Barr. â€Å"No, but wait,† interrupted the commissioner, â€Å"let us go back by easy stages. I really do wish to know what your business can be. This money, it is fresh and new, and you must have a good deal, for it strikes me that you have seen other officials before me. Come, now, what about it?† Barr said, â€Å"I don't see what you are driving at.† â€Å"Why, see here, it might be proven that you are upon the planet illegally, since the Identification and Entry Cards of your silent friend are certainly inadequate. He is not a subject of the Emperor.† â€Å"I deny that.† â€Å"It doesn't matter that you do,† said the commissioner, with sudden bluntness. â€Å"The official who signed his Cards for the sum of a hundred credits has confessed – under pressure – and we know more of you than you think.† â€Å"If you are hinting, sir, that the sum we have asked you to accept is inadequate in view of the risks-â€Å" The commissioner smiled. â€Å"On the contrary, it is more than adequate.† He tossed the bills aside. â€Å"To return to what I was saying, it is the Emperor himself who has become interested in your case. Is it not true, sirs, that you have recently been guests of General Riose? Is it not true that you have escaped from the midst of his army with, to put it mildly, astonishing ease? Is it not true that you possess a small fortune in bills backed by Lord Brodrig's estates? In short, is it not true that you are a pair of spies and assassins sent here to – Well, you shall tell us yourself who paid you and for what!† â€Å"Do you know,† said Barr, with silky anger, â€Å"I deny the right of a petty commissioner to accuse us of crimes. We will leave.† â€Å"You will not leave.† The commissioner arose, and his eyes no longer seemed near-sighted. â€Å"You need answer no question now; that will be reserved for a later – and more forceful – time. Nor am I a commissioner; I am a Lieutenant of the Imperial Police. You are under arrest.† There was a glitteringly efficient blast-gun in his fist as he smiled. â€Å"There are greater men than you under arrest this day. It is a hornet's nest we are cleaning up.† Devers snarled and reached slowly for his own gun. The lieutenant of police smiled more broadly and squeezed the contacts. The blasting line of force struck Devers' chest in an accurate blaze of destruction – that bounced harmlessly off his personal shield in sparkling spicules of light. Devers shot in turn, and the lieutenant's head fell from off an upper torso that had disappeared. It was still smiling as it lay in the jag of sunshine which entered through the new-made hole in the wall. It was through the back entrance that they left. Devers said huskily, â€Å"Quickly to the ship. They'll have the alarm out in no time.† He cursed in a ferocious whisper. â€Å"It's another plan that's backfired. I could swear the space fiend himself is against me.† It was in the open that they became aware of the jabbering crowds that surrounded the huge televisors. They had no time to wait; the disconnected roaring words that reached them, they disregarded. But Barr snatched a copy of the Imperial News before diving into the huge barn of the hangar, where the ship lifted hastily through a giant cavity burnt fiercely into the roof. â€Å"Can you get away from them?† asked Barr. Ten ships of the traffic-police wildly followed the runaway craft that had burst out of the lawful, radio-beamed Path of Leaving, and then broken every speed law in creation. Further behind still, sleek vessels of the Secret Service were lifting in pursuit of a carefully described ship manned by two thoroughly identified murderers. â€Å"Watch me,† said Devers, and savagely shifted into hyperspace two thousand miles above the surface of Trantor. The shift, so near a planetary mass, meant unconsciousness for Barr and a fearful haze of pain for Devers, but light-years further, space above them was clear. Devers' somber pride in his ship burst to the surface. He said, â€Å"There's not an Imperial ship that could follow me anywhere.† And then, bitterly, â€Å"But there is nowhere left to run to for us, and we can't fight their weight. What's there to do? What can anyone do?† Barr moved feebly on his cot. The effect of the hypershift had not yet worn off, and each of his muscles ached. He said, â€Å"No one has to do anything. It's all over. Here!† He passed the copy of the Imperial News that he still clutched, and the headlines were enough for the trader. â€Å"Recalled and arrested – Riose and Brodrig,† Devers muttered. He stared blankly at Barr. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"The story doesn't say, but what does it matter? The war with the Foundation is over, and at this moment, Siwenna is revolting. Read the story and see.† His voice was drifting off. â€Å"We'll stop in some of the provinces and find out the later details. If you don't mind, I'll go to sleep now.† And he did. In grasshopper jumps of increasing magnitude, the trade ship was spanning the Galaxy in its return to the Foundation.

Challenges of Electronic Records Management Program

Challenges of Electronic Records Management Program With information technology being popularizes, many organizations start to change handwritten or paper-based record to electronic record and build up their electronic record management system. Electronic record management system can help end user to search useful records easier and convenience. But some organizations has not well prepare the electronic record management system, so have many problem was come out. Therefore, we design the system need to consider many issues when using the system, now we are going to discuss some cases and solutions about this topic.Email with attachments is the lower cost way to keep records. For example: order confirmation, quotation, invoice†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦etc. Many small organizations may not have a faultless email filing plan, they just provide email account which is using POP3 to receive email from SMTP server, even they won’t keep any copy on server if make sure the mail already transmitted to user’s PC. User can print out the hard copy if they think it is a record or they can press delete button on any mail they think it is not useful. But this method have some issues need to beware, if user just pressed the wrong button on some mail, then this mail will not be found anymore.Because we have not any extra copy of this mail, so must be keep the copy on mail server for back up use, we can create destruction period of these extra mail copy, maybe three or six months, it is depends on different company practice. Also, we can provide staff training to teach end user how to operate and fully use email tools to storage email records. Back up schedule for email system also necessary. Some organizations will create shared drive at their work place’s PC network to store or share some centralized files to let multi users read, modify†¦.. etc. This is best way to let users to get the updated information.We need to concern the security and how to protect records consistency, before to create home group network, we need concern how to set up permission of individual user, permission means the user can read, modify, delete files or folder on the network. In general, server’s administrator is allowed to full control the files and folders on shared drive, we won’t allow â€Å"everyone† to full control shared drive’s folder and files. This can avoid someone to destroy any data on shared drive. Also, all data on shared drive need to do the route back up; this avoids the hardware shut down suddenly.Back up can do by manual, copy and paste to external drive, or upload to cloud storage space, or other storage media which can be archival easier. Some organizations need invested many sources and IT support to manage their electronic records management systems (ERMS). For example, hospital and bank, they need storage and process many confidential and private records by daily work. Also, these electronic records system also need link up database to make sure records keep consistency. ERMS can let user to track and store records easier and centralize all the records.User can use sort function to search the records what they need. ERMS can allow multi users to login database. Therefore, should need set up some retractions when design the program. For example, if a record was modifying, system will alert other user this is not updated record. Also, ERMS need keep maximum protection of system to protect any attack from hacker or viruses oppositely. Therefore, these ERMS should need IT support team to monitor the systems daily operation to maintenance systems are operated smoothly and provide urgent support when the system was shut down and solve the trouble issues immediately.Some organizations start to change their paper-based records to digital images. Scanner is the common and user friendly. Their output files can be PDF, TIF†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦etc. We need use software (Adobe reader or window defaulted softw are) to open related files. Normally all scan copy should need contain at lease 200 dpi to ensure the soft copy quality. Digital images record is most convenience way and lower cost way to let user search for records and keep long storage life, avoid data will affected by storage environment. But also need select storage media carefully. We need select storage media consider on records’ retention period and activity level.We suggest keeping same retention period record on same storage media, please don’t mix up different retention period records together. Also, if save the records on external storage media, CD-Rom or DVD, it’s need consider the records privacy level, don’t put the storage media to public place, it is easy to disclose the private data if the record is confidential. For confidential records, we suggest to store or archival records use password to meet the protect purpose. Up to now, store electronic records is seldom, many organizations wer e developing their own electronic record management system.In fact, build up the new system is so easy, but going to maintenance system is hard task. Organizations should be concern and set up some policy is suit for own company to follow. Moreover, disposition procedure of electronic records also very important. If organization decide to use electronic record management system, design workflow of handle electronic records is necessary. Also, staff training is good way to teach end user to use systems to match their daily work for seeking records. This is direct affect records are storage or use well.If electronic records were stored properly, it is totally save organization cost to keep paper-based records and increase staff efficiency. Therefore, build up the faultless system can bring organization many advantages for business, of course need follow above solutions to improve system. If organization can managed electronic records very well, it is bring some confidence to customer; it can earn some goodwill value for business. For the future, we believe paper-less business will be more popularize, that’s why well prepare electronic record management system is very valuable. This can bring organization much future contribution.

Police Subculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Police Subculture - Essay Example police officer sets individuals apart from society and that it is difficult for them to manage non-police relationships which might be compromised by the requirements of the job or which, according to Stanley (2002), might compromise their job. Chan (1997) documents Australian police and offers new conceptualization of police culture. The author notes that policeminority relations have engaged substantially with reform, and 'the routine brutalism of the cops' seemed to signal not for the need for reform but its failure. She criticises their existing conceptualizations for 'their inability to account for differences in culture, their neglect of the active role played by officers in the reproduction or transformation of culture, their failure to situate police culture within the political and social context of policing, and their silence about the scope and possibility for cultural change' (Chan, 1997; p.12). Police officers working at the 'street' level function in a highly stressful and dangerous professional role. Numerous studies have examined whether police officers exhibit personality traits different from those of the general population (e.g., Carpenter & Raza, 1987; Fenster & Locke, 1973; Hanewicz, 1978; Lefkowitz, 1975; Sheppard, Bates, Fracchia, & Merlis, 1974; Simon, Wilde, & Cristal, 1973). Adlam (1982) concluded that the personality and social attitudes of police personnel change over time. Veteran police officers are more cynical, suspicious, and socially isolated than other people (e.g., Goolkasian, Geddes, & DeJong, 1985; Niederhoffer, 1967; Norvell & Belles, 1990; Skolnick, 1976). Officers are exposed to much more tragedy and human suffering over time than the vast majority of the general population. In addition, police officers become increasingly... Chan (1997) documents Australian police and offers new conceptualization of police culture. The author notes that police\minority relations have engaged substantially with reform, and ‘the routine brutalism of the cops’ seemed to signal not for the need for reform but its failure. She criticises their existing conceptualizations for ‘their inability to account for differences in culture, their neglect of the active role played by officers in the reproduction or transformation of culture, their failure to situate police culture within the political and social context of policing, and their silence about the scope and possibility for cultural change’ (Chan, 1997; p.12). Police officers working at the ‘street’ level function in a highly stressful and dangerous professional role. Numerous studies have examined whether police officers exhibit personality traits different from those of the general population (e.g., Carpenter & Raza, 1987; Fenster & Locke, 1973; Hanewicz, 1978; Lefkowitz, 1975; Sheppard, Bates, Fracchia, & Merlis, 1974; Simon, Wilde, & Cristal, 1973). Adlam (1982) concluded that the personality and social attitudes of police personnel change over time. Veteran police officers are more cynical, suspicious, and socially isolated than other people (e.g., Goolkasian, Geddes, & DeJong, 1985; Niederhoffer, 1967; Norvell & Belles, 1990; Skolnick, 1976). Officers are exposed to much more tragedy and human suffering over time than the vast majority of the general population. In addition, police officers become increasingly aware that many citizens feel uncomfortable interacting with them, even when they are off duty; some people acti vely dislike the police. [Newburn, 2005] Police subculture is often considered as both a cause of police deviance and an obstacle for police reform.

Institutional ownership and corporate value Essay

Institutional ownership and corporate value - Essay Example Abstract Institutional investors are a significant financial market force. They are rapidly replacing individual investors in the capital market. Unlike individual investors, institutional investors invest large amounts of their company resources into various stocks and shares, thereby devoting many of their resources to monitoring their investment. This paper investigates whether a company’s dividend policy is affected by the level of institutional ownership. The paper focuses on Kuwaiti public companies that are listed on the Kuwait stock exchange (KSE). This study examines the implications of corporate governance on dividend policy. It focuses on the cross-sectional relationship of the organizational ownership structures and dividend payout policies. In this paper, a regression model is employed to explore the link between institutional ownership and cash dividends. The dependent variable, cash dividends, is measured by using two different proxies. The independent variable, institutional ownership, is measured as the natural logarithm of shares held by institutional investors, then scaled by the number of shares outstanding. The control variables include returns on equity, firm size, leverage, firm age, financial loss, year effects, and industry effects. The relevant data is collected from the KSE website and the Institute of Banking Studies in Kuwait (ISB). The monitoring hypothesis suggests that institutional investors tend to function as a superior oversight mechanism, and therefore are more likely to limit corporate managers. The other perspective relates to the entrenchment effect hypothesis, which states that institutional investors may align their interests with management’s interests at the expense of minority wealth. Table of Contents Declaration 2 Acknowledgement 3 Abstract 4 Table of Contents 5 List of Tables 5 Chapter 1: Introduction 7 1.1 Background 7 1.2 Research Question 8 1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Study: 8 1.4 Rationale and Justification for the Study: 9 1.5 Methodology: 9 1.6 Research Structure 10 Chapter 2: Literature Review 12 2.1 Kuwait Stock Exchange 12 2.2 Institutional Ownership and Cash Dividend Payouts 13 2.2.1 The Monitoring Role of Institutional Ownership 14 2.2.2 The Entrenchment Role of Institutional Investors 17 Chapter Three: Hypothesis Development 21 4.2 Regression Models 26 Chapter Five: Data and Results 28 Chapter Six: Conclusions and Implications of the Research 38 Chapter Seven: Future Research 40 List of References 41 List of Tables Table 1: Frequency of Institutional Investors over Time 29 Table 2: Descriptive Statistics for the Dependent, Independent, and Control Variables 330 Table 3: Pearson Correlation Coefficients, N = 648 323 Table 4: Regression Results of the Dependent Variable: CashPayOut 345 Table 5: Regression Results of the Dependent Variable: CashDiv_Earnings 368 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background Institutional investors are a significant financial market force. T hey are rapidly replacing individual investors in the capital market. Unlike individual investors, institutional investors invest large amounts of their company resources into various stocks and shares, thereby devoting many of their resources to monitoring their investment (Grossman and Hart, 1980; Shleifer and Vishny, 1986). In addition, institutional investors are generally more and better informed then individual invest

Business policy-strategic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Business policy-strategic management - Essay Example The revenue of the airline has been falling. James Parker, CEO, faces the challenge to contain operation costs since the expenses almost outpace the earnings. The long-term objectives of Southwest Airlines, therefore, are significant in solving the relevant problems and issues effectively and efficiently. Southwest Airline has initiated distinct objectives to enhance its sustainability and future productivity in terms of good customer relation and proficient services. The objectives include, first, it aims to deliver superior service. The management aims at providing quality services to its customers in the right time. The issue of late flights is a concern to end. Secondly, Southwest aims to build employees’ commitment and connection. Morale of employees is considered a priority to enhance proficient delivery of products and services. Therefore, they are motivated and united. Third, it aims to develop new sources of revenue and to control costs. The capital base of Southwest airline has fallen due to several expenses. The management, therefore, aims to boost its finance by controlling irregular expenses and increasing the capacity base to raise more revenue. Southwest’s new push is to draw in new passengers beyond its faithful flyers with the message that it cares unli ke most airlines (Adaje 1). Besides, Southwest Airlines aims to expand its networks so that they can efficiently operate on a combined basis to enhance profitability (Velotta 1). Finally, the management aims to bring up international capability within Southwest. Karp, Gregory. Southwest Airlines has an unusual problem: delays. Seattle Times. December 27, 2013. Web. Accessed May 29, 2015 Velotta, Richard N. Southwest Airlines CEO talks about fares, fees, and new routes. Vegas Inc. 2013, Feb 18. Web. Accessed May 29, 2015

Tribal customs of the Ibo (Igbo) people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tribal customs of the Ibo (Igbo) people - Essay Example He eventually kills himself because of the Christianity (Achebe p208). As Achebe accurately depicts, the Ibo people have a rich culture as evidenced by their tribal customs such as their values, social structure, language, religious beliefs and government. His main aim or theme therefore was to depict traditional Ibo life prior to and after the advent of the Christians missionaries. Tribal custom dictates every aspect of members lives. In a wonderfully unbiased approach, Achebe’s text offers the reader the cultural roots of the Igbo people, all their beliefs, customs and historical past. In the whole of section one of the text, Achebe explains the details of the Ibo culture. To immerse the reader in the Ibo way of life, he goes into detail talking about the more subtle cultural aspects of the community such as the customs of feasts and communal activities, sporting events and crop rotation. In the tribe, the number of yams a man grows, the number of titles he holds and the number of wives he acquires determines his worth. Their acknowledgement of a mans very being is by the gods approval. Okonkwo struggles to live up to what he perceives as traditional standards of masculinity. His failure to adapt to the changing world points out the importance of tradition and custom in the novel. In the novel, the tribe of Ibo defines itself through the age-old traditions it practices. While some habits mold the daily lives of the people, other customs are reserved for special ceremonies. An example of habits that mold the daily lives of the people is when the head of a family honors male guests by praying over and sharing a kola nut with them. He offers the guest the privilege of breaking the nut and after the provider of palm-wine tastes it, they drink together with the oldest person taking the first sip. Ceremonial customs on the other hand are more elaborate. One example is The

Data Measurement and Variables Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Data Measurement and Variables - Assignment Example Among the whites, 144 are in rural areas, 142 in suburban areas while the majority; 156 are in urban areas. Brentwood Middle school has the highest number of children in the sample with 84 children of which 80 are whites. In all the selected schools, the whites are the majority. Ridge school has no child from other races in the sample (see table 8). Of the 478 children, 247(51.7%) said their main goal is to make good grades, 141 (29.5) said their main goal was to be popular while the remaining 90 (18.8%) said they wanted to be good in sports (table 9). Most of the children who took part in the study said being good in sports makes one more popular compared to the other variables. Having good looks was the second aspect which makes one popular followed by making good grades in school. Having a lot of money was least considered by the children as a factor contributing to ones popularity. Although most of the children said their maiden goal is to make good grades in school, they again agree that being good in sports makes one more popular than making good grades, having good looks and having lots of money. Both white other race children agree that making good grades does not make one popular but being good in sports and having good looks does. In agreement also is the fact that, having lots of money is the least in making one popular. Again, children from all districts; urban, rural and suburban are in agreement that sports makes one popular followed by good looks. Money is the least in

Overview and Industry Trends & Prospects of General Dynamics Essay

Overview and Industry Trends & Prospects of General Dynamics - Essay Example The company offers a range of solutions and services that are mainly related to the security systems for important national infrastructure, Marine Systems, Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) technology and other defence and security related services. It can be identified that the company generates the most revenues from Information Systems and technology, followed by Aerospace. The company earned a total of $9.15 million from this Information Systems and technology segment with operating earnings of $785 thousands. Moreover, the revenues from this segment have decreased by 10.8% in the year 2014. On the other hand, Aerospace had reported an increase in the revenues as the revenues increased to $8.6 million showing an increase of 6.5%. However, the major aspect of this business segment is that it has the highest ratio of operating earnings to the revenues which is 18.6% in comparison to the other business segments of the company (General Dynamics, 2014). General Dynamics has been operating in a number of countries. However, the group generates the most revenues from United States. Europe is the second most important market for General Dynamics as presented in the figure below: In General Dynamics, there are around 700 employees in different facilities and locations in UK (General Dynamics, 2015b). The company has been working on number of governmental projects in different parts of the world including United States and United Kingdom. For instance, General Dynamics signed a deal with the UK government for armoured vehicles worth $5.8 billion in the year 2014 (Reuters , 2014). Moreover, there are more than 100 SMEs for which the company has worked in UK (General Dynamics, 2015b) The defence industry in which General Dynamics operates is highly dynamic and the industry itself offers many challenges to the company. With the increasing terrorism activities across the globe, it has been highly critical for General

Sustainability-Led Marketing in Whole Foods Market Essay

Sustainability-Led Marketing in Whole Foods Market - Essay Example It is therefore directed to the market but also focuses on the environment. Sustainability-led marketing is characterised as due to influence of different influencing factors. In a questionnaire carried out, Whole Foods Market was asked to state the extent to which each stakeholder in terms of socio-ecological aspects has influenced their marketing(Mohr, 2011). Internal and external influences in Whole Foods Market lead to sustainable marketing. Internal influence in Whole Foods Market towards sustainable marketing include the public exposure of the company’s sales, market share, brand awareness, number of employees and the mandatory disclosure of company data. Sales per volume in Whole Foods Market and the number of employees working in company influences sustainable-led marketing. It is observed that Whole Foods Market is correlated with sustainable-led marketing strategies (Martin, Diane, and John Schouten, 2012). It is assumed that when sustainable products escape the market slot, the market extent of the company was less important thus serves as a driver towards the marketing. Therefore, it can be said that the structure of Whole Foods Market companies is borne in mind Market shares and brand awareness has beneficial performance towards sustainable-led marketing. Large market share and brand awareness as Public exposure is interpreted as an influencing factor towards sustainable-led marketing. Whole Foods Market Company need to disclose their data to consumers to the highest extent. This is a drive towards sustainable-led marketing where Whole Foods Market discloses their data to the consumers on a regular basis (Emery, 2012). Internal stakeholders i.e. the owner of the Whole Foods Market Company, its top managers, and shareholders in Whole Foods Market provide a drive towards sustainable-led marketing strategies. The top management of companies are the

The Influence of Mass Media in Society Research Paper

The Influence of Mass Media in Society - Research Paper Example The effect of television on the way that people perceive reality can be seen in its full clarity through the influence of reality shows in the daily loves of people. The Kardashians, The Beverly Hills Wives, Guiliana and Bill, these are all scripted programs that â€Å"depict† the â€Å"real life† of a celebrity in such a manner that what they are doing on-screen becomes gospel truth to the voyeuristic viewer. This paper will focus on how television, through reality shows, has managed to changed the way that people perceive the reality of their own lives. Using facts and other verifiable information from various websites, articles,books , and/or journals, this paper will do its best to explain the phenomenon of the reality show and how it manages to change the way people view how they should conduct their lives based upon the television images and â€Å"real life† situations that they see. Towards the end, this paper will make mention of â€Å"The Hunger Gamesâ €  and how that particular movie helps to depict the evils of reality shows and how people sometimes, can no longer tell the truth between fiction and real life because of what television shows them. In order to best explain the phenomenon that has been created by the reality shows, one must first understand what a reality show is and what comprises the format. It is important for people to know that to call a reality show â€Å"unscripted† is a fallacy. According to David Rupel of the Writer's Guild of America reality shows do not have scripts but there are writers who â€Å"create formats, cast people based on character traits and edit scenes to tell a powerful, intriguing tale† (â€Å"How Reality TV works†). There are actually two types of reality shows, it either has (1) very little structure like The Kardashians, which means that the producer needs to sift through days worth of footage in order to develop a story line that the viewers will find intriguin g and stick to watching. Or (2) it is a reality show that is heavy on the formatting side such as The Amazing Race wherein the situations are pre-determined and thus includes a sense of drama that is more engaging for the audience (Rupel, David â€Å"How Reality TV Works†). Because reality shows have nothing real happening within them, one cannot help but wonder as to how the producers of such shows manage to alter the perception of people about the reality of what they are watching and influence them into illiciting an emotion that connects them to the show. Rupel, gives us a perfect example of how television and reality shows manages to alter the viewers perception of reality. He explains: When I worked on Bug Juice(a show for Disney Channel about kids at summer camp), we faced a major problem with our big boy-girl love story. After weaving this storyline through nine episodes, we were caught flat-footed when our boy Connor had the nerve to dump his girl, Stephanie, off-cam era! We had enough interview bites to explain what happened, but we needed a good visual to make it work... If you catch a rerun of the show, you will see a happy Stephanie obliviously bounce up to Connor, who solemnly takes her hand and leads her off, as his interview bite explains he needs to end things. With the help of a tender music cue, it turned out to be a touching and bittersweet end to our summer romance. The reality: Steph walked up to Connor, gushed about his Adidas

The rate of reaction between Nitric Essay Example for Free

The rate of reaction between Nitric Essay Hot water   Thermometer   Ice Method: The Trough Method 1) Pour water into plastic container. 2) Pour water into measuring cylinder, and place it upside down in the plastic container full of water. 3) Place rubber tubing inside measuring cylinder. 4) Clamp the measuring cylinder in place. 5) Pour water (of the temperature you have chosen) into a beaker. 6) Pour 20cm3 of nitric acid into a boiling tube. 7) Place a calcium carbonate chip (of what mass you have chosen) inside the boiling tube. 8) Place bung firmly on top of the boiling tube. 9) Start the timer as soon as you place the bung on the boiling tube. Safety: 1) Wear safety goggles. 2) Hold bung from the end and not from the delivery tube to avoid injury. 3) If there is hot water in a beaker, hold the beaker from the rim. 4) Also place apparatus on the middle of the bench to avoid spillages and to avoid injury. How I kept it a Fair Test: I kept the mass of the calcium carbonate chip at 0. 48g. I kept the amount of nitric acid at 20cm3. I equilibrated the equipment to the reacting temperature. I took the same amount of time placing the marble chip in the boiling tube each time. Results Volume of CO2 lost Temperature (i C) 4i C Time (min) Run 1 Run 2 Average. Time (min) Run 1 Run 2 Average  This shows that at low temperatures, there will be a slower rate of reaction. Graph B shows that1:30 min and 4:00 min there was a significant increase in the loss of CO2. The rate of the reaction was 9. 66 cm3/min. Graph C is similar to Graph B as the reaction starts of slowly but increases as time passes. The rate of the reaction at 27? C was 12. 33 cm3/min. Graph D is also very similar to the two previous graphs as it starts slowly but gains speed towards the end. The rate of the reaction was 14 cm3/min. Graph E starts off very quickly but starts to taper off towards the end. The rate of the reaction was 35. 5 cm3/min. The final results show that my prediction was correct. I predicted that as the temperature is increased the faster the reaction would take place. Cool acid particles have little energy, therefore do not collide with the marble chips very often, and for a chemical reaction to occur you need many successful collisions between the acid particles and the marble chip. The hotter the acid, the faster the collisions and the reaction speeds up. The rate of a chemical reaction is increased by increasing the temperature and alternatively decreased by decreasing the temperature. The increase in the rate of reaction with temperature can be explained by the collision theory. An increase in temperature increases the energy of the reacting particles. This makes more energy available for the breaking of bonds, which must take place in order for a chemical reaction to occur. Bond breaking is more frequent at higher temperatures. Increase in temperature Of reactants Evaluation The procedure we used was not as accurate as others that could have been used instead. Possible reasons for errors in this experiment were: Top Pan Balance Timer Measuring Cylinder Thermometer. Another possible error in this experiment was that some of the Carbon Dioxide dissolved into the water in the measuring cylinder. The solubility depends on the temperature at which the water was. Also the size of the bubbles and the rate of production of the bubbles both contributed to the experimental error. Experimental Error 1. Top Pan Balance: This was only accurate to three decimal places, as the mass of the marble chip had to be 0. 48g the experimental error would be: 0 The experimental error for the top pan balance is relatively low. 2. Thermometer: This was only accurate tFor the thermometer as the temperature increased the experimental error decreased therefore I was more likely to find an error in my results at the lower temperatures. For the measuring cylinder when the volume is small the error is large. The total experimental error for each temperature is: C- 4. 3003% error 37? C- 3. 9003% error As you can see, the lower the temperature the higher the experimental error. Improvements   Marble chips- I could not ensure the size and mass of each marble chip, therefore could employ a sieve type mechanism. Range- I would spread the temperatures out more even; however have less error owing to lower temperatures. Water- I would have water, which was saturated with sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3). As this allows little CO2 to dissolve in it. Bibliography: GCSE Chemistry Revision Guide: Co-ordination Group Chemistry: Hunt and Sykes Understanding Chemistry (A-level):Ted Lister and Janet Renshaw Appendix   Includes Graphs A-E Sheryar Majid Chemistry Coursework 2000/2001 Dr Wright 1 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Patterns of Behaviour section. o

The Non Renewable Energy Sources Environmental Sciences Essay

The Non Renewable Energy Sources Environmental Sciences Essay Non-renewable energy sources is widely used for its relatively cheap price, it is readily available, its location, integration, and economic benefits. Nonrenewable energy sources are a lot cheaper to mine and utilize versus the alternative renewable energy resources. The United States Energy Information Administration states that power plants fueled by coal and other nonrenewable energy sources produce electricity at a cheaper cost than when generated by renewable energy source, wind for example. Biofuels, derived from plants, are more expensive to produce and yield a worse miles per gallon rating than non-renewable source petroleum. Many people have supported the use of renewable energy, but have not thought of the negative effects it can bring to society if it were to completely replace non-renewable energy sources. It can lead to an increase in unemployment if this were to happen. Fossil fuel industries employ millions of people and generate more than a trillion dollars in revenue . The transition of adopting an alternative energy will provide jobs but the magnitude of such action will only be hard to do. Renewable energy can only be sited in certain location and its distribution is no readily available to that of petroleum. Petroleum, a fossil fuel, can be easily distributed through pipelines to most areas at a relatively low cost. This provides a better alternative than that of alternative energy sources. Take wind turbines as an example, an electric-producing generator that requires areas that have significant amount of winds are not as effective as utilizing oil that is readily available. Global infrastructures are designed to use non-renewable energy and the integration of renewable sources is one that is hard to implement. Making this transition will require wholesale changes in energy production and its distribution. Biofuel, an alternative energy, requires its own pumps and well which require a huge investment of capital on part of the seller. Just li ke non-renewable energy, sources have its advantages it also has its disadvantages (http://www.ehow.com/list_7221490_benefits-nonrenewable-energy-sources.html). Non-renewable energy sources, fossil fuels, is highly sought for being the cheapest alternative other energy, but many disadvantages exists with its use. The issues entangled with such energy source are that it is a finite source, produces pollution, environmental issues, and human dependency. Non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels will eventually run out and humans must shift to other alternatives. It takes millions of years for fossil fuels to form and we are consuming them at a fast rate. Once this finite source runs out, humans will need to invest in alternative energies and if not done in time, it can stunt economic growth. Fossil fuels when utilized produce a byproduct known as carbon dioxide, which is the culprit to hurting the human health. Many industrial companies produce tons of carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide into the atmosphere causing a greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the main contributor to global warming, the process of earths increase in temper ature due to the destruction of the ozone layer. This contributes to the melting of ice caps, which in return will raise the ocean and destroy habitats. During mining for coal and drilling oil there are many dangers to the environment involved. It creates an imbalance to our ecosystem by destroying the land and the surrounding habitats. Oil spills caused by drilling in the oceans damages the marine life and the natural balance of the underwater ecosystem (http://www.ehow.com/info_7823431_disadvantages-nonrenewable-sources-energy.html). Non-renewable energy source mainly consist of coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power. In the United States and many other countries the most well-known fossil fuel is coal. Coal has been used as a power source since the dawn of the industrial revolution. Coal was formed from plant life buried in the Earth millions of years ago and it is carbon based. (http://www.universetoday.com/73708/what-are-fossil-fuels/#ixzz2MtbMpSsF). It is the largest non-renewable energy sources consumed in the United States. During 1997, U.S. coal production reached a record high of 1,087 million tons, an increase of 2.3 percent, or 25 million tons, above 1996 production levels (PDF). Coal is commonly used to produce electricity in power plants, fuel for heating, and for making steel. Many chemicals derived from coal are used to produce and manufacture nylon, paints, plastics, and rubber among other products. Coal is ranked based on the amount of heat it produces. It is ranked, in increasing order, brown coal, subbituminous coal, bituminous coal, and anthracite. Bituminous is the most common type and is soft coal. Just as coal is sought for its properties and use, oil is also a strong non-renewable energy source. Crude oil comes in a variety of characteristics it ranges from a very fluid volatile liquid to a viscous like fluid, close to semisolid. Their density varies, according to how dense the crude oil is, it is described as heavy, average or light. The lighter it the density the more gasoline it contains, a preferred refined product. It can come in multiple colors in its crude state. Colors consist of black, green, yellow, or even transparent. Gasoline, also known in its raw form as petroleum is another fossil fuel. Everyone knows about gasoline because the important role it plays in our economy. Gasoline powers the majority of automobiles and vehicles on the planet today. The combustion engine made using gasoline a cheap and efficient source of energy for powering these vehicles (http://www.universetoday.com/73708/what-are-fossil-fuels/#ixzz2MtbCUaYE). Crude oil, a hydrocarbon, is composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen with some minor impurities of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. It has multiple applications, once refined, such as gasoline, kerosene, furnace oil, and many other types. Petroleum is a crude oil that can be distilled to make lubricating oils, asphalt, and other products. Along with coal, it is one of the major producers of energy. In combination, coal and petroleum produce 60 percent of U.S. energy consumed today and their use is expected to generate 20 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity by 2015, up from a 1995 level of 11.4 trillion kilowatt-hours (PDF). Another non-renewable source composed of hydrocarbons is Natural gas. Natural gas is a mixture of flammable gases, mainly the hydrocarbons methane and ethane that occurs beneath the surface of the Earth. Natural gas is commonly found in association with petroleum due to the same favorable condition they are found it. It can be manufactured directly from coal and petroleum as well. Natural gas is favorable as an energy source because it inexpensive to transport via pipelines from one place to anot her. It is estimated that about 100 million metric tons of natural gas are reserve, estimated to last about 100 years. Another non-renewable energy source was expected to a clean and cheap alternative but lacked support. Nuclear power does not produce pollution such as greenhouse gasses compared to fossil fuels. Many believed this energy, at one point, be cheaper and outlast many other non-renewable resources. Many electrical power plants take advantage of nuclear energy as an alternative for producing electricity. Nuclear reactors provide the energy to heat the water that is converted into steam, which then drives a turbine-generator to produce electricity. The fission of uranium atoms allows the production of heat in the reactors to also produce the steam. Uranium is the fuel for nuclear reactors. It is an abundant and naturally radioactive element found in most rocks and as it decays it produces heat inside the Earths crust. This process is similar in a nuclear reactor. Heat is produced in a nuclear reactor when neutrons strike uranium atoms, causing them to split in a continuous chain reaction. There are several commercial reactors distributed around the United States whose design consist mainly of heavy steel pressure vessels surrounding the reactor core. This reactor core contains the uranium. Nuclear power, a non-renewable energy source, deemed to be the best compared to others in terms of clean efficient energy but its lack of management stunt its growth. Construction costs and the numerous regulation imposed by the government led this project to more expensive than originally predicted making it a nonprofit source, something not acceptable. Along with its poor management there posed many dangers with handling nuclear power. Nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in Ukraine raised many concerns about its safety. The United States has not built a new nuclear facility in over twenty years, a relatively complex energy source (http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/How_Does_Nuclear_Energy_Work). Non-renewable energy as a source has been controversial for many reasons but humans are highly dependent of it. There are not any alternative and more efficient energy sources that can provide the world with cheaper and more readily energy than fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are frowned upon for the pollution they create. Even strong supporters of fossil fuel use will agree. The pollution leads to climate change, health risks from overexposure, and the highly controversial global warming. Whether it is about the release of greenhouse gases being release or spills of petroleum in natural habitats, the dangers are very real. We can assume that increased coal production and consumption will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from fossil fuel power plants. Thus, not only is coal consumption increasing but, more importantly, carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas emitted from burning coal, will also increase (PDF). Scientists are looking for better ways to harvest and use fossil fuel. Some include a hybrid mixture of a non-renewable source with a renewable source. The mixing of gasoline with biofuels have shown to provide a cleaner form of carbon fuels such as natural gas and bio matter from livestock (http://www.universetoday.com/73708/what-are-fossil-fuels/#ixzz2MtbWMHIE). Besides the negative environmental impact of fossil fuels, the economic impact also is very damaging. Non-renewable are becoming more scarce and this will increase the price to obtain such needed energy. Non-renewable sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power will eventually run out or harder to produce leading humans to find more efficient renewable sources (http://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/nonrenewableresource.asp#ixzz2Mtc6J7RE).

An Analysis Of the Financial Situation of TESCO PLC

An Analysis Of the Financial Situation of TESCO PLC Introduction: Reason for selection of this topic The selection of topic is based on my reading about Tesco rapidly growing articles and its strategy for growth topic is based on four vital playing parts: Growth in the UK To expand by growing internationally To be as strong in non-food as in food To follow customers into new retailing services From the list of suggested topics an analysis of the financial situation of an organization seems to be attractive and interesting topic. The making of this report help me in different ways like improvement in analytical skills and time management. Company Profile Jack Cohen established Tesco in 1919, when he began to sell surplus groceries from a stall in the East End of London. In 1924, the first own-brand product sold by Jack was Tesco Tea. In 1932, Tesco became a private limited company. In 1983, Tesco stores (Holding) Ltd became PLC. Tesco became Britains biggest independent petrol retailer in 1995 Tesco became the number one in this country with 17% of the market share in 1995. Tesco is one of the largest food retailers in the world, operating around 2,700 stores. The group operates through multiple store formats, including Extra, Superstore, Metro, Express and hypermarkets. Tesco operations UK (1,900 stores) European countries Asia Tesco Products Electrical goods Home entertainment Clothing Phones Broadband Health Beauty Stationery Kitchen utensils Soft furnishings Seasonal goods level of products Value Finest Branded Tesco and Retail industry profile Grocery market is one of the most evolving markets. Tesco is the third largest supermarket in retail industry world. Competition is directly with the small and independent chains and with other big names of retail industry. Todays consumer is changing their shopping patterns with the changes in marketing strategies by the grocery market. Tescos is innovative in its marketing strategy and maintain its impressive figure of market share by huge spending on marketing and fulfilling the wants and needs of customer. (RETAIL INDUSTRY REPORT 2007) It is 60 years since Tesco was first listed on the London Stock Exchange, as Tesco Stores (Holdings) Ltd, with a share price of 25 pence. It was only ten years ago that it laid out a new strategy for growth, a strategy which looked to find new customers, new markets, new products and new opportunities,thriving international business and assessing markets with over two billion people. Source:http://www.tescocorporate.com/annualreview07/01_tescostory/tescostory.html Tescos market share has surpassed 30% for the first time in 2005, providing further ammunition for consumer groups who want its dominance curbed. Source:http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=401840in_page_ id=2 Aims Objectives of the Report Analysis of recent performance of Tesco Analysis for the benefit of all stakeholders and shareholders Future performance prediction Methods of analysis Method to analysis the performance of Tesco is based on the competition with Sainsbury (leading British retailer). The main reason is to understand the concern of shareholders about their dividend income and growth of capital. Therefore the report is mainly focused on the following aspects: SWOT anaalysis SWOT analysis of Tesco is about the internal and external factors, which helps me to understand the current position of company. Profitability Comparison of the profit with their rivals Liquidity This is the most concerned factor for the investor to know about. Usually companies are not forced into liquidation for not making profit,but when they cannot pay their debts off. Growth Expectations of shareholders in highly competition Financing Financing should be accurate and appropriate towards their objectives. Investment Analysis on investment towards future profitability Shareholders return Analysis on how effective the group is returning shares of shareholders. The few key factors Gearing ratio Gearing is a measure of financial leverage, demonstrating the degree to which a firms activities are funded by owners funds versus creditors funds and is the key indicator of the share prices. ROCE (return on capital employed) To examine the total long-term funds invested in the group to earn the return. EPS (Earning Per Share) Earning per share (EPS) is widely used by both present and future investors to gauge the profitability of a company. Gross profit margin Compares a companys performance with its competitors in terms of profit margin. Limitations of Analysis Ratios are static and it does not reflect the future trends normally. Ratios are based on information in different articles and websites. It ignores the affect of inflation. Financial statements themselves have limitations IAS 16 also allows a choice between measuring non current assets at cost less amounts written off, or at revalued amount (FTC Foulks Lynch Paper 2.5, 2004). On the other hand IAS 17 leaves somewhat vague the distinction between finance leases and operating leases. By classifying a lease as an operating lease, it is possible for a lessee to keep leased assets and their corresponding liabilities off the balance sheet (FTC Foulks Lynch Paper 2.5, 2004). The earning power of a business may well be affected by factors, which are not reflected in the financial statements. Executive Summary Tesco has shown improving results during the recent years and an excellent result this year as well compared to previous performance of the company. Tesco Groups result for the year 2006/07 is as follows Turnover à ¢- ²10.9% Operating profit à ¢- ²17.7% Profit before taxationà ¢- ²20.3% Group underlying profità ¢- ²13.2 % Group trading profità ¢- ²11.1 % Underlying diluted earning per share increased by 11.6% on comparable basis, to 22.36p (last year-20.04). Final dividend has been proposed 6.83p per share (last year-6.10). This represents an increase of12%. Gearing level remained at 48% as last years. Cash outflow is 265m compared to last year Cash inflow 165m last years. Above results represent the story of progress of the group, which reflects the consumer satisfaction, shareholders and stakeholders confidence in Tesco. Tesco generates their profits faster than revenue and the improvement in production. Information gathering Primary research Primary information is data, which is, collected specifically by or for the user, at source for example the management accounts of a company (BPP Success in your Research Analysis Project 2005). Most of my work is based on secondary sources. Secondary research Most of my research is based on secondary type of research. Academic Reading the textbook provided the initial outline, approach, research suggestions and structuring for the project. Subscription publications such as Accounting and Business Conventional library research Going to the British and Corydon Library enabled me to gain access to the academic publications on research methods for business, as well as industry-specialist publications. Electronic research Financial Journals and Tesco website, which enabled me to obtain last three years annual and interim reports, and company presentations to analysts, investors and portfolio. ACCA website (http://www.accaglobal.com/) provided an easy-to- search database of articles Using Internet search engines (Goggle, Yahoo Finance) enabled me to collect a lot of information about Tesco and its competitors. Other Methods to Collect Information Specialist Accountancy Publications (Accountancy Age) Annual Accounts of Company Telephone calls, Email Analysts reports Newspaper articles Discussions with superiors Analysis and Presentation (Note: All the figures used below are taken from Tesco and Sainsburys annual accounts, except where mentioned) Strategic Analysis Cost Leadership Cost leadership is a generic strategic thrust that emphasizes providing products and services at the lowest per unit cost within an entire market. Porter notes (1980) Cost leadership requires aggressive construction of efficient-scale facilities, vigorous pursuit of cost reductions from experience, tight cost and overhead control, avoidance of marginal customer accounts, and cost minimization in areas like RD, service, sales force, advertising, and so on (p. 35). from Porter, M. Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, New York: The Free Press, 1980. Michael Porter suggested four generic business strategies that could be adopted in order to gain competitive advantage. The four strategies relate to the extent to which the scope of businesses activities are narrowing versus broad and the extent to which a business seeks to differentiate its products. The four strategies are summarized in the figure below: This strategy is usually associated with large-scale businesses like Tesco offering standard products with relatively little differentiation that are perfectly acceptable to the majority of customers. Occasionally, a low-cost leader will also discount its product to maximize sales, particularly if it has a significant cost advantage over the competition and, in doing so, it can further increase its market share. Source: http://tutor2u.net/business/strategy/competitive_advantage.htm SWOT Analysis STRENGTH Leading British Market Customer research and its careful positioning Economy of scale WEAKNESSES Limitations in opening new outlets in UK OPPORTUNITIES Growth in Non-Food retails Investment in international market THREATS Threats from rival Competition in overseas market Extension in business makes it difficult to manage Reputation risk STRENGTHS Britains Market Leader Tesco is the market leader of retail industry in UK and holds 31.5%share of whole market as compared to its competitors ASDA Sainsburys who hold 16.7% and 16.0%. Source: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/business.cfm?id=68862007 Customer Research and its carefulpositioning Tescos ability to empathies with its customers is the result of in-depth research, and has been key to its resoundingly successful entries into so many new markets. Their market research doesnt stop at new customers, but covers existing customers buying habits too. Tesco has expanded its customer base by its increased efforts to embrace customers from all levels of society, and all income brackets. For example, two popular food product ranges the luxury range called Tesco Finest and the budget version, Tesco Value are both carried within all of its stores. Source:http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/expansion/259636/what-tesco-can-teach-us.thtml Economy Of SCALE Tescos has massive buyer power over suppliers; these economies of scale allow Tescos to compete fiercely on price without imperiling its own margins in a mature industry in which aggregate revenue growth is unspectacular. WEAKNESSES LIMITATIONS IN OPENING NEWOUTLETS The massive volume of sites under development and owned by the supermarket groups, and particularly by Tescos, is a central plank in a new Competition Commission investigation into the grocery sector. The Commission is considering to review the rules that govern store openings. Under current guidelines, a retailer keen to open in a particular town must simply prove that the location needs a new supermarket. The national market share of that supermarket chain is not taken into account. The Commission will also take a close look at the controversial issue of land banking retailers supposed practice of buying vast tracts of land merely to thwart rivals from opening on them. Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2006/04/30/cctesco30.xml OPPORTUNITIES Growth in non-food sector According to Retail research company Verdict, in 2007, for every  £10 spends on non-food shopping,  £1 will be spent at the supermarkets. And Tesco is set to become the UKs number one non food retailer, with Verdict predicting it will capture 3.6 percent of the non-food shopping market this year, overtaking the current number one GUS (owner of Argos and Homebase) which currently has 3.5 percent market share. Source: http://www.clickajob.co.uk/news/tesco-to-become-uk-s-largest-non-food-retailer3675.html Tesco stores sell some non-food, it is Tescos Superstore and Extra formats that offer the biggest choice. These offer electrical, home entertainment, clothing, health and beauty, stationery, cook shop and soft furnishings, plus seasonal goods such as barbecues and garden furniture in the summer. The company has launched a highly successful range of own brand goods from microwaves to garden furniture. Source: http://www.999today.com/homeandgarden/news/story/1804.html Investment in International Market International growth forms a key element of Tescos four-part strategy and the business currently trades in 12 countries outside the UK, mainly in Asia and Central Europe. Over half of Tescos selling space is now outside the UK. Source:http://www.tescocorporate.com/page.aspx?pointerid=14163CB2412F41B1BD7765AC8DBE49EB Total international sales grew by 5.3% to  £11.0 billion. On a comparable 52-week basis, sales increased by 17.9% at actual rates. International contributed  £564 million to trading profit, up 10.8% at actual rates (up 18.0% on a comparable 52-week basis). (Annual Report) The US represents the biggest job for Tesco expansion in international world.The fact that the USA has been such an embarrassing graveyard for almost every British retailer that has opened there merely adds an extra frisson to Tescos plans. J Sainsbury, Marks Spencer and Dixons have all returned from stateside adventures with their tails between their legs. With this in mind Tesco has gone to extraordinary lengths to keep its plans secret. It has also carried out one of the most thorough pieces of market research in corporate history to ensure that its efforts are not lost in translation Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/06/10/cntesco110.xml Tescos new US convenience store chain is struggling to attract shoppers. If Fresh Easy fails, it will add to the list of UK retail brands unable to break into the US and also be very dilative to international returns. Threats Threats from Rivals Tesco is facing a lot of competition from its local and international rival. It has diversed its business in different products, which increased its competitors so it requires more efforts and attention to deal with the competition and to secure its position in the market. Competition faced in overseas markets Consistently maintaining the No 1 position in the UK, Sir Terry and Tesco are looking overseas for growth. Over the last decade Sir Terry has led Tesco into Asia and Europe, opening stores in different countries. America is the major item on the table and India is expected to follow. Managing the international business takes up an increasing amount of attention and clear understanding of political, spending, religious and many other factors. Reputation risk Tesco is the largest retailer in the UK; expectations of the Group are high. Failure to protect the Groups reputation and brand could lead to a loss of trust and confidence. This could result in a decline in the customerbase and affect the ability to recruit and retain good people. (Annual Accounts) Extension in makes it difficult to manage Tescos extension itself is big challenge. The competition commission is enquiring about Tescos land bank holding and in some areas not approval for store development is one example. Tescos diversified its business in different segment which means downfall in one will have impact on other business area as well. Review of 2007 results Group Summary Group sales, including VAT, increased by 8.1% to  £46.6bn (last year  £43.1bn) and by 10.9%on a comparable 52-week basis. At constant exchange rates, sales increased by 7.9% and10.8% respectively. Group operating profit rose by 17.7% to  £2,648m. Total net Group property profits were  £139m, comprising  £98m in the UK, a  £6m loss in Asia and a  £47m profit within Joint Ventures and Associates. Return on capital employed In April last year, Tesco renewed its commitment to increasing their post-tax return on capital employed (ROCE), having exceeded their 2004 aspiration two years early. The strong performance of the business delivered slightly higher ROCE in 2006/07 at 12.6% (last year 12.5%), (Including the one-off benefit from Pensions A-Day, ROCE was 13.6%). This represents good progress and was achieved despite carrying the extra start-up costs and investment in the US and Tesco Direct as well as the integration costs and capital employed in their International acquisitions and increased stake in Hymall. This means that ROCE is on track to meet their new target. (Annual Accounts) Whereas, Sainsbury has shown magnificent improvement in their ROCE (2.76% in 2006 and 6.3% in 2007) (refer to Appendix) but still has to do a great deal of effort to challenge the market leader in terms of absolute figures. Return on capital shareholders fund The Groups total shareholder return performance (i.e. share price movements plus dividends reinvested) for the year 2006 and 2007 relative to the FTSE 100 index of companies is 143:116 for FEB 06 and 195:132 for FEB07. This index has been selected to provide an established and Broad-based comparator group of retail and non-retail companies of similar scale to Tesco, against which the Groups TSR performance can be measured. There has also been a very strong performance in TSR over the last three and five years against a comparator group of our major retail competitors in the UK, Europe and the US. Source: http://www.tescocorporate.com/annualreview07/pdf/review/annual_review_and_sfs_2007.pdf Gross Profit Margin Profit earned is the sales revenue less cost of goods sold. The relation between them is the gross profit margin, which in terms of percentage shows profit made out of sales. Gross profit margin is obtained by dividing gross profit by sales. Tesco Group sales, including VAT, increased by 8.1% to  £46.6 billion (2006  £43.1 billion) and by 10.9% on a comparable 52-week basis. At constant exchange rates, sales grew by 7.9% and 10.8% respectively. Group profit before tax increased by 18.7% to  £2,653 million (2006  £2,235 million) and by 20.3% on a comparable 52-week basis. Underlying profit before tax (excluding IAS 32 and IAS 39 and the non-cash elements of IAS 19, which are replaced by the normal cash contributions) increased to  £2,545 million, up by 11.8% (13.2% on a comparable 52-week basis Gross Profit Margin is 10.24% which increased by 4.70% compared to Sainsburys Gross Profit Margin of 10.29% which increased by 7.41%. This shows that Tesco has well control on cost cutting and productivity programme and focusing on the sales growth trying to keep the prices at lower margin. While, Sainsburys improvement demonstrates well pursue of their recover plan in which they include cost control as well. Asset Turnover Asset turnover is the relationship between sales and assets i.e. sales per nominal value of Asset. This ratios has dropped from 2.62 for 2006 to 2.58 for the year 2007 indicating slight inefficiency of asset utalisation.(Appendix B) compared to Sainsburys which improved from 2.02 to 2.50(Appendix C). Tescos figure has decreased but it still is better than Sainsburys that shows Tesco is utilizing its assets more efficiently. Gearing and Liquidity Gearing represents long-term debt in relation to shareholders funds. A gearing ratio of about one-third is usually regarded as acceptable for a company, suggesting that it is not over-reliant on external borrowing. A figure in excess of this indicates a higher-geared company. High gearing ratios are most suitable to those companies with steady and reliable profits, whose earnings are sufficient to cover interest payments and where total dividends are low. However, wide fluctuations in profitability would make a highly geared company extremely vulnerable t market conditions Source: http://vig.pearsoned.co.uk/catalog/uploads/Griffiths_C02.pdf High gearing indicates a high proportion of debt in the capital structure. High-geared companies are deemed to be financially risky, because interest payments have to be met, regardless of profitability. Tescos gearing ratio has increased slightly from 60.39 to 62.87, on the other hand Sainsburys gearing ratio decreased by 44.74%. But with a high interest cover good current and forecast profitability and low level of net debt the high gearing ratio should not present Tesco with any problems. (See Appendixes) A combination of retained profits, long and medium-term debt, capital market issues, commercial paper, bank borrowings and leases finance Tescos operations. The objective is to ensure continuity of funding. The policy is to smooth the debt maturity profile, to arrange funding ahead of requirements and to maintain sufficient undrawn committed bank facilities, and a strong credit rating so that maturing debt may be refinanced as it falls due. The Groups long-term credit rating remained stable during the year. Moodys and A+ by Standard and Poors rate Tesco Group A1. New funding of  £1.8bn was arranged during the year, including a net  £0.5bn from property joint ventures and  £1.2bn from medium-term notes (MTNs). At the year-end, net debt was  £5.0bn (last year  £4.5bn) and the average debt maturity was nine years (last year six years). (Annual Accounts 2007) Current ratio This ratio shows indicates the companys ability to meet its short-term obligations. The higher the ratio, the more liquid the company is. Current ratio is proportion between current assets and current liabilities. If the proportion between current assets and current liabilities is more than 2 then that company is generally considered to have good short-term financial strength. If current liabilities exceed current assets, then the company may have problems meeting its short-term obligations. The current ratios of Sainsburys group are better than that of Tesco group. For 2007, the ratios were .56:1 and .71:1 for Tesco and Sainsburys respectively. (See Appendix) This means there is less assurance that Current liabilities of Tesco could be paid quickly comparative to Sainsbury. But the other point of concern is that Tescos has shown an improvement by 7.69% whereas Sainsburys current ratio shows a decline of 11.25% that again indicates not very effective management and utilization of assets as compared to Tesco. Interest cover It states how many times a company can repay the interest from the current earning. The higher the cover, the safer the company is from liquidity crisis. Tesco improved its interest cover from 9.48 to 12.32(Appendix B) whereas; Sainsburys improved its interest cover from 1.47 to 4.76(Appendix C). Tescos increased profits have improved its interest cover. Tesco is a highly geared company but it delivers great return to investors so there is no threat that it would not be able to cover its interest cost. LIMITATIONS specific to the ratio analysis There are limitations to the usability and understandability of these rations and the analysis made from them. Almost all of these ratios are inter-linked and interdependent and shows fluctuations if a few variables are gauged. Also, there are more than one agreed criteria for the choice of nominators and denominators so care must be taken while considering them in absolute figures (e.g., as more than 2 Quick ratio is considered excellent) and for comparisons between two or more entities. A better asset turnover ratio might as well be because of the under valuation of assets and a decline might as well be because of acquisition of assets of increase in the market value f the assets as most of the assets held by retailers as Tesco and Sainsburys are in the real estate. Current ratio has been defined good or worse depends on industries as well, as debt is cheaper than equity Industry such as retail where Tesco has working capital days in negative (i.e. they have a chance to earn interest on the sales they have made as their suppliers finance those sales.) the more a company is geared (but within the safety margin) the better will its performance be, as the interest cover is pretty handsome. Growth and investments Tescos has been investing in new markets overseas, seeking out new opportunities for growth and ways of generating long-term returns for shareholders. Tesco is also investing in diversified nature of business like investment in software; properties and recently investment in gardening are proof of well pursuit of its diversifying strategy. Group non-food sales have grown to  £10.4bn, including  £2.9bn in International. Sales growth, in the UK alone, was11.6% in the year, with total non-food sales increasing to £7.6bn (included in reported UK sales). In non-food product which shown growth include clothing sale grew by 16%, health beauty sales increased by 9%, toys and support sale rose by 35%, stationery and DIY both sales grew up by 23%, consumer electronic sales rose by 35%. (Annual Accounts) Investors Outlook The EPS is primarily a measure of profitability and states earnings/profit earned for one share and so an increasing EPS is seen as a good sign. Tescos Basic earning per share from continuing operations has raised from 20.20p to 23.61p compared to Sainsburys Basic earning per share which has raised from 3.8p to 19.2p which is massive. (See Appendix) Tescos returns are well ahead from Sainsburys basic earning per share thats why Tescos share price gives better return to shareholder. Chart below shows the comparison between the share price of Tesco against one of its competitors namely Sainsbury and against the FTSE 100 index over two years. Tesco has performed slightly better than the FTSE 100 index over the second half of the year but Sainsburys performance is much better which has been amplified by the rumor of takeover bid of Sainsburys by Delta two and Qatar and also the role played by the successful Sainsburys recovery plan. Total shareholder return (TSR), which is measured as the percentage increase in the share price, plus the dividend paid, has increased by 36% in 2006/07, its largest value increase for ten years and the fastest percentage growth rate for three years. Over the last three years, TSR has grown 87% compared with the FTSE100 average of 58%. Over five years, the increase has been 102% compared to the increase in the average for FTSE100 companies of just 50%. (Annual Account) Conclusion Tescos latest results show that it has been another successful year for Tesco. The most encouraging thing about Tescos performance is that Tescos coped well with the head-wind from recovering competitors, rising costs and tough conditions in some markets. Tescos come through in good shape and have done it by staying focused on doing the right things for Tescos customers and at the same time investing for future growth. (Annual Accounts) Tesco chief executive Terry Leahy said, Overall sales growth has strengthened in the period, with international delivering a particularly strong performance, and the UK has again done well, with good growth in our core food categories. Its non-food offering Tesco Direct, and the groups online grocery operation tesco.com had both delivered very strong sales in the quarter, said the company. Source:http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2007/12/05/good-progress-for-tesco-in-autumn-sales-91466-20203900/ Tesco has laid solid foundations for future growth. Tesco is always looking to improve the way the owners of the business benefit from that growth. It has also been a good year for shareholders return. Of course, Tescos shares are higher in buoyant markets but Tescos is also doing more to contribute. Dividends are up to approaching  £800 million, driven by last years change in policy, combined with the effect of our rising flow of property profits now ranking for dividend. Tescos also bought back and cancelled almost  £470 million worth of our own shares so far. (Annual Accounts) Tescos financial performance in 2006/07 was excellent. Turnover of  £46,611m grew by 8.1%, diluted earning per share of  £23.31m grew up by 17% and dividend per share £ 9.64 increased by 11.7%, putting Tesco in top place in retail industry in the UK. (Appendix A) Tescos position holds strong position in UK and now Tesco is concentrating towards International markets for improved return for its shareholders and to establish its business and loyalty of customers around the world. Tescos produced very good performace particularly against the background of political uncertainty and economic problems in three of its markets Hungary, Thailand and South Korea. This demonstrates that International now has the size and momentum to get through these things and still deliver.Tescos got much stronger in Central Europe, through rapid growth in new space and acquisition. In Asia as well, having done the groundwork in a couple of our newer markets, weve used acquisition to get on faster.(Annual Accounts) The biggest challenge in international market is its fresh move in the US market. If Tescos get fails in US it would be a disaster for their strategic planner. According to CNN, Tescos is aiming to open 200 Fresh Easy outlets by February 2009, with projections suggesting that annual sales could hit US$4bn, But Michael J Dennis, a senior research analyst with Minneapolis investment bank Piper Jeffrey, described sales at the chain to date as a disaster. Based on interviews with suppliers, he said sales were running at about US$60,000 a week 70% down on targeted weekly revenues of

Deviance Essay -- essays research papers fc

"Discuss how one of the sociological theories of deviance can be used to explain social phenomena, such as pornography, drug use, suicide and disability." By Vanessa Neil 1 - Introduction 2 - A Brief background to the Interactionist Perspective 3 - More recent developments in the Interactionist Perspective 4 - Using the Interactionist Perspective to explain social phenomena 5 - Conclusion Introduction Deviant behaviour has sadly been a ongoing occurrence in society throughout history, more noticeably in life today. Sociologists have been provoked to study and form theories in order to try and explain why social phenomena such as suicide, prostitution and drug use occur in our society. The Interactionist Perspective, known to many as the Labelling Theory, is interested in social processes and examines deviant behaviour using such methods as social typing. The Interactionists emphasise the role that meanings play in the creation of deviant behaviour and gain a greater understanding of what it means to commit actions that others label as deviant. A Brief background to the Interactionist Perspective In order to discuss how the Interactionist theory can be used to explain deviance, it is necessary to understand the historical development and approach of this theory. The Interactionists firstly believe that there are no behaviours that are intrinsically deviant. Secondly, Deviant actions are simply those which are defined as deviant within a certain culture or setting. Therefore Interactionists focus on social processes by which certain behaviours become known as deviant and the consequences for those who are labelled deviant. (Aggleton, 1987, chpt 4) The Interactionist approach was at its height during the 1960’s and 1970’s, shedding a whole new, fresh perspective on the study of deviance. Here in Australia research on deviance was basically Functionalist and Positivist, Until 1970 when more critical approaches, like the Interactionist perspective began to appear. (Sargent, Nillan & Winter, 1997, pg 387) Interestingly the origins of the Interactionist approach go back as far as 18th century Philosophers, arguing with Positivist’s about how to best explain social behaviour. In 1938, professor, Frank Tannenbaum first observed the actual reactions to certain behaviours, rather than on beha... ...n going in our society due to the ‘stickiness of labels’ and ‘the self-fulfilling prophesy’ in which people grow into further careers of deviance, and the deviant cycle continues. Bibliography Aggleton, P. (1987). Deviance. London: Tavistock Publications Anleu, S.L Roach. (1991). Deviance, Conformity and Control. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire Goode, E. (1990). Deviant Behaviour. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Pontell, H.N. (1999). Social Deviance. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Rubington, E & Weinberg M.S. (1999). Deviance, The Interactionist Perspective. Boston: Allyn & Bacon Sargent, M & Nilan, P & Winter, G. (1997). The new Sociology for Australians. Melbourne: Longman Traub, S.H & Little C.B. (1994). Theories of Deviance. Illinois: F.E Peacock Publishers Additional Reading Cohen, S. (1977). Images of Deviance. England: Penguin Books McGrath, J.H & Scarpitti F.R. (1970). Youth and Drugs, Perspectives on a Social Problem. Illinois: Scott, Foresman and Company Wilson, P.R & Braithwaite, J. (1978). Two faces of Deviance. Queensland: University of Queensland Press

Free Essays - The Glass Menagerie :: Glass Menagerie essays

How is one to distinguish between a good and a bad mother? What characteristics sets apart a good mother from a bad one? Amanda's actions in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams were made clear from the beginning. First, she was an extremely domineering person. Especially when it came to her children, constantly putting them down and making them feel as if they were inferior and couldn't do anything right. Secondly, she would make her childrens' decisions for them, allowing them to decide little regarding their own future. Finally, by placing a large part of her responsibilities on Tom demonstrates to the reader that Amanda is irresponsible. Despite any views people may have on it being difficult to differentiate the actions of a bad mother from those of a good mother, it was made obvious that Amanda was a selfish mother, putting her needs ahead of her children's. Amanda ultimately cared for herself more than her children Domineering is one of Amanda's strongest characteristics. She notices her children's weaknesses rather than their strong points, demonstrating this quality. She would constantly downplay her children about what they had become. "Sounds to me like a fairly responsible job you would be in if you just had more get-up." (Act 1, Scene V, pg. 54.) Amanda could never show any recognition for what her children had achieved. After Laura had dropped out of business school, Amanda was very pessimistic about her future, and was sure she would become an "old maid." Amanda did not even think of the possibility that Laura could be successful on her own, she failed to recognize that maybe both Laura and Tom would be happy and successful if they were only given the change to chose what they wanted to do for themselves, rather than their mother always making their decisions for them. It would definitely be difficult, and likely hopeless if someone was not doing something by choice, but was always coerced into doing it. Amanda would be constantly upset by how her children would not stick to something and be happy and successful with it. It was unfortunate that she did not realize that if she would just let her children make their own choices, they would most likely attain happiness. After making Laura go to business college, which she didn't want to do, she of course made it seem as if it was all Laura's fault. "Fifty dollars' tuition, all of our plans-my hopes

The sain case :: essays research papers

SAIN V. CEDAR RAPIDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT: PROVIDING SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES? The scholarly article I chose was of great interest to me for several reasons. The case is an educational malpractice case in which a student-athlete said he was provided false information by his high school consolor and lost his basketball scholarship as a result. I was a student athlete in high school and sports are still a big part of my life. On top of that I am considering teaching and coaching after I graduate, making this a very relevant topic to me. In the next several paragraphs I am going to summarize the article and cases that it mentions, then I will try and decide what the authors intent was with writing this piece. It has been said for years that any case of educational malpractice was doomed from the start. Because of this, it was a huge surprise when the Iowa Supreme Court denied the defendant, Cedar Rapids Community School District’s motion for summary judgement. This was a case where a student sued for negligent misrepresentation by a school guidance counselor. One reason why the court may have denied the motion was because it was trying to protect a category of people who were considered especially vulnerable, the student-athlete. Bruce Sain who was the plaintiff in the case attended Jefferson High School, which was in the defendants school district. He played basketball for the school and was very good at it, so good that he planned on getting a scholarship to finance his college education. In order to be eligible to play sports in college you must meet certain course requirements be the NCAA, which Sain was working on doing. In his senior year he still needed three English credits to satisfy the NCAA requirements and since he went to a school that brock their year down into trimesters, he thought this would be no problem. He completed his first English course and enrolled into his second, but for some reason or another he disliked the class, so he went to his school counselor to see what he could do. The counselor told him to enroll into a class called technical Communications, which the counselor assured him would be approved by the NCAA clearinghouse. But the school did not include that particular course on the list of classes that was sent to the clearinghouse. The next and final trimester Sain completed his third English credit and accepted a five year scholarship to Northern Illinois University.