Australian quoted public companies and impairment Essays

Australian quoted public companies and impairment Essays Australian quoted public companies and impairment Essay Australian quoted public companies and impairment Essay This paper looks at houses revelation of intangible assets in the Australian market after the passage of the AASB 136 and AASB 138 in 2005. The focal point is on higher user houses and how they lost value of their assets between 2007 and 2008. The paper samples a few houses in order to analyse the revelation of good will of distinguishable categories of intangible assets and their inexplicit effectual life by analyzing the impairment disbursal as reflected in the income statement ( Nigel 2006, p.1 ) . The paper highlights some cardinal uniformity in the revelation patterns of these houses, and attempts to happen out the finding factor of damage of intangible assets as regulated by the new Torahs in the visible radiation of originative accounting. Introduction This research is an analysis of plus losingss by Australian houses due to impairment based on the one-year studies of some of the ASX100 companies for the old ages 2007 and 2008 together with recent information on the houses. The construct of Enterprise value is used ; the net plus values of the houses have been sourced from their one-year studies and from Bloomberg. Enterprise value is defined as the entire value of a house, dwelling of equity and debt assets plus its market value. Other of import footings are good will, the residuary cost of geting a concern consisting of touchable and intangible assets and liabilities together with contingent liabilities. Accountants define plus damage as a state of affairs where the transporting value of an plus or a cash-generating unit ( GNU ) is more than its recoverable sum. This research takes into consideration of import Australian accounting criterions such as the AASB 3, 116, 136, and 138. In the exercising of apportioning concern costs b etween assets and liabilities, International Financial Reporting Standards ( IFRS ) are besides taken into consideration. Asset damage policy in Australia The Australian Accounting Standards Board ( AASB ) requires that whenever there is an indicant of damage that the Council will measure the state of affairs and shall gauge the recoverable value of the assets. ( Asset damage policy 2008, p.1 ) . The aim of the policy is to guarantee uninterrupted one-year reappraisal of plus damage as required by the Australian Accounting Standard AASB 136. This is in tandem with the legislative demands of the Local authorities ordinances of 1999. Separate 3 of the plus damage policy in Australia provinces that, Unless otherwise specified by these ordinances, a council, council subordinate or regional subordinate must guarantee that all accounting records, histories and fiscal statements are prepared and maintained in conformity with all relevant Australian Accounting StandardsaˆÂ ¦.. ( Mallala, 2008, p.2 ) . All non-current assets must be revalued by the Council, its subordinate or a local subordinate with respects to the Australian Accounting Standard AASB 116. The accounting criterions in Australia require that if an plus is shows marks of damage at lower limit, several indicants should be used to measure the state of affairs. First, external beginnings of information are examined ; this includes market conditions, legal, political, economic and technological tendencies in which the house operates. Second, internal beginnings of information are used to measure the physical harm of the plus ( or obsolescence ) . The of import alterations that have occurred, are happening or that might happen in the hereafter are noted. Such alterations include the possibility of the plus non being disused and the finite serviceability of the plus instead than its indefinite utility. Third, from an internal coverage position, other factors besides affect the damage of an plus. These include the existent support required to run, keep or regenerate the plus may be significantly higher than budgeted. Therefore if it occurs that an plus may be impaired, its residuary utile life demands to be re-evaluated. This means that the amortisation methods need to be reviewed and consequently adjusted to reflect the applicable Accounting Standards to the plus. This should be done even if no impairment loss is recognized. Another factor to see is the value in usage . For non-profit devising administrations, the future value of an plus is independent of its ability to bring forth hard currency flows. In this instance, value in usage is determined by ciphering the depreciated replacing cost of the plus. Depreciated replacing cost is merely the plus s current replacing cost less the accrued depreciation ; this is calculated to mirror the expired future economic value of the plus. In the one-year fiscal statements of houses, AASB 136 and 138 requires that they must be prepared in conformity with Australian International Financial Reporting Standards ( AIFRS ) , the Australian version of the International Financial Reporting Standards ( IFRS ) . Annually, houses are required to describe to the Audit Committee responsible for supervising plus damage and those assets that are considered to be impaired are valued in conformity with the in usage value method. Methodology Intangible assets in 2007 and 2008 represented major parts of houses across assorted industries. The figures below show the aggregative value of intangible as at 30 June 2008 was valued at $ 75 billion, while that of Goodwill stood at $ 146 billion. The entire value of $ 221 billion represented merely 26 % of net assets on the balance sheet ; this consequence nevertheless is surely non the representation of the full market sector. Hence, to avoid bewilderment of consequences, this research focuses on high user companies and investigates the revelation patterns of sampled Australian largest industrial houses and the determinations made by such companies with respects to impairment charges relative to their intangible plus portfolios. In order to ease the advancement of accomplishing this aim, a choice of industrial houses listed on the Australian Stock Exchange ( ASX ) that publically released their one-year studies from the old ages 2007 and 2008 was obtained from the companies web sites and from Bloomberg. The choice was farther narrowed by foregrounding companies that were: ( a ) larger portion of their assets as intangible assets in 2007 and 2008 ; and ( B ) were affected by damage of these assets as observed on their balance sheets. The samples together with more descriptive information on these companies are displayed utilizing tabular arraies and figures. A ocular appraisal of the informations in figure-2 shows the outrageousness of the intangible assets held by the sampled Australian houses. These high user houses accounted for about $ 97.5 billion in intangible assets ( Brand finance, 2008, p.3 ) . The one-year studies for 2007 and 2008 of the sample houses were reviewed, with a acute involvement to the revelations patterns of the houses sing intangible assets. To get down with, the revelations are examined to set up whether they complied with the general demands of the pertinent accounting criterions. This is done to find the uniformity and consistence of revelation by the companies since the acceptance of the AASB 138 in 2005. Following, good will is isolated from the net intangible assets and the damage charges ( if they exist ) for 2008 were identified. The research utilizes secondary informations from major research web sites such as Brand finance, Bloomberg, and the ASX. The figures are obtained from such sites and analyzed utilizing Excel and fiscal theory in the context of Australia. Intangible assets of Australian ASX 100 houses Intangible assets are cardinal subscribers to the market capitalisation of the ASX 100. The 2008 planetary fiscal crisis came along with a rush in demand and a autumn in portion monetary values as some houses were blamed of intensifying the state of affairs with their hapless fiscal coverage patterns. More than $ 146 billion of good will was represented on the balance sheet of houses, but most of these assets had been speculated to be written down in 2008. The intent of this research is to analyze the drumhead and motions of intangible assets by the ASX 100 houses as disclosed by them. This is done to measure some of the houses that reduced their plus due to impairment and to analyze the difference between endeavor value of intangible assets and their net balance sheet value. The findings are shown below. Off Balance Sheet Intangible assets The balance sheet in general is non a good representation of plus portfolio of Australian houses. About 49 % of endeavor value as at 30th June 2008 is non reflected by balance sheets. Across the industries, intangible assets represent a larger portion of the unrevealed value of the houses. However, the difference between touchable and intangibles varies significantly across the sectors as shown in the tabular array below. At the top is the Media and Entertainment sector where merely 12 % of the endeavor value comprises of touchable assets while in the belongings sector, the endeavor value is less than the book value of touchable assets. The AASB late released an article titled Initial Accounting for Internally Generated Intangible Assets . In this article, AASB documented that all intangible assets should be treated the same, irrespective of whether they are internally generated or are acquired as in a concern combination ( AASB, 2008, p. 43 ) . Damage Charges The Australian Stock Exchange witnessed a diminution in market capitalisation of approximately 16 % between 2007 and 2008. During this period, less than 1 % of intangible assets had been written-off as a consequence of damage. This was surprisingly low given the slack in the stock market. An Australian house, Valad Property Group wrote off the highest value of its reported intangible assets. The impairment charge was 31 % of the transporting value of the assets. This was the highest impairment charge in footings of dollars. As the Australian economic system continued to gimp, experts suggested that important damages were at hand in the predating fiscal twelvemonth. Basing on the current portion monetary value at that clip, a research conducted by Brand finance suggested that good will damages would be about $ 50 billion. In the sentiment of this research, impairment reappraisals must be continuously conducted on single companies so as to update the informations on companies and to do usage of more robust rating techniques. In such a hazardous environment, company managers must use the services of an independent audit house so as to carry on these impairment reappraisals. This implies that the current auditing studies put their focal point on intangible assets wholly on fiscal coverage. This should non be the instance since in times of economic adversities ; companies that tend to leverage their intangible assets efficaciously enjoy the highest outputs in periods of economic recovery ( AASB 2008, para.12 ) . Table-1: Significant Damages Charges in 2008 The largest damage charges are summarized in the tabular array below. Company Charge Description Foster s $ 470mil. ( 14 % ) of entire intangibles Good will in Americas: $ 190m. Trade names in Americas: $ 79m. ( Both of these are chiefly from a diminution in gross revenues and hard currency flow outlooks ) . Good will in AAP Wine concern: $ 201m. ( Chiefly from inauspicious exchange rates and force per unit area on the Australian vino class in the Americas. ) IAG $ 342mil. ( 11 % ) Hastings trade name in the United kingdom: $ 52m. Customer lists: $ 13m. Good will in Hastings, Alba and Advantage. Operationss in the United kingdom: $ 277m. Tabcorp $ 194mil. ( 4 % ) of entire intangibles Damage to goodwill in beting section reflecting the altering competitory environment, uncertainness in the regulative government, and impact of challenges due to equine grippe. Goodman Fielder $ 170mil. ( 8 % ) Good will damage due to deteriorating economic conditions in to Fresh Dairy Division in NZ. CBA $ 77mil. ( 1 % ) Software damage due to reconstituting. Beginning: Brand finance, 2008, An rating of intangible plus revelation in Australia December2008, p. 14-15, viewed September 28, 2010, from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.brandfinance.com/Uploads/pdfs/Australian % 20Intangible % 20Asset % 20Review % 20Dec08.pdf Table-2: Companies with the highest damage charges, a drumhead Valad Property Group 31 % Foster s 14 % IAG 11 % BlueScope Steel 10 % Goodman Fielder 8 % Damage of Intangible Assets and Goodwill Fiscal Coverage Requirements in Australia The chief purpose of AASB 136 is to guarantee that houses carry assets below their recoverable sum. Therefore, intangible assets including good will with an indefinite productive life must be reviewed and revalued on a regular basis for impairment intents. The same applies to amortisation for the touchable assets with preset productive periods. In add-on, whenever there is an indicant of damage, a reappraisal should be conducted to find the possibility of damage. The AASB 136 has defined assorted indicants of damage these are through ; External beginnings of information demoing that major unwanted alterations have occurred, or are expected to happen, in the, market, economic, technological, political or legal environment. Besides, important unfavourable alterations happening with respect to the extent of which an plus is used, or the expectancy of such alterations. These peculiar alterations include factors like the plus going disused, plans to tick over the plus, and a decrease in t he usefulness period of the plus. Other factors that might bespeak damage are an expected addition in the discounting rate when gauging the value of an plus, the transporting sum of an plus transcending its market value and eventually when internal auditing studies indicate that forecasted net hard currency flows from the plus are lower than the forecasted operating costs for that plus. The aggregative findings of this research indicated that the diminution in market capitalisation of the ASX between 2007 and 2008 of approximately 15 % was an indicant of damage most intangible assets. Surprisingly, impairment alterations during this period merely represented 1 % of the transporting cost of intangibles assets ( including good will ) . This is highly low with respect to the impairment in the Australian economic system. This low value may be attributed to disclosure by houses particularly those whose that have a big portion of their assets as intangible assets. Value at Risk of Future Damages The market conditions in the ASX have suffered important diminutions since the planetary fiscal business district. Most of these companies are yet to retrieve to the full and it is anticipated that these inauspicious economic conditions will trip more reappraisals so as to find damage. Examples of Intangible Balances at Hazard This article besides examines those companies that are vulnerable to impairment due to the current economic crisis. Some of these companies are listed below for illustration intents ; it does non intend that they are the most vulnerable. As declared Impairment losingss for non-goodwill intangibles may be driven by many factors such as alterations in general concern conditions, alterations in engineering, worsening market values, altering involvement rates, or alterations in how a company employs its assets ( Mulford A ; Comiskey, 2002 p. 223 ) . Figure-2: Enterprise Value by Sector Value Characteristics of Intangible Assetss In order to efficaciously value intangible assets, an apprehension of the properties and map that these assets play in the value concatenation. The undermentioned features are of import when valuing intangible assets: intangible assets have no efficient markets ; they are in existent sense sold or bought as portion of a concern combination. This means that the market techniques for valuing intangible assets are seldom applicable ; the relationship between investing and returns is non-linear. This means that the utilizations of cost rating techniques are non really much applicable, salvage for replicable assets. Non-financial techniques sing the step of intangible assets tend to be hapless. On the other manus, of import rating penetrations may be facilitated by obtaining information from beginnings such as rational belongings audits, marker research studies, and concern programs. In add-on, intangible assets do non decrease in value through uninterrupted usage ; they have no competiti on, connoting that coincident usage of these assets is possible. This can take to speedy growing and increased borders. The value of intangible assets is frequently affected by the value of other assets ; this causes a complex interaction in the value concatenation. In order to clearly see clearly the relationship between intangible assets and other assets, value maps may be used in researching these interactions. It may besides be necessary to group complimentary intangible assets for intents of rating. The rating study must besides incorporate a precise definition of the type of plus being valued, particularly where it has multiple rights. The usage of footings such as brand is excessively general, specific footings should include inside informations such as patents and right of first publications, hallmarks and trade secrets. Reversal of an impairment loss During describing day of the months, houses must measure whether at that place exists any indicant of impairment loss for intangible assets ( except good will ) was reversed. An impairment loss realized for good will is irreversible. Where an indicant of impairment loss is reversible, the touchable plus s reversible sum is assessed. In instance an impairment loss is found to hold been reversed, its increased carrying sum is ever less its transporting sum less depreciation/amortization that would hold been realized if no impairment loss had been realized. Watts ( 2003, p. 210 ) documented that a more stable balance sheet can be achieved since the rating techniques for finding good will damage are non in practically verifiable so as to avoid damage ( Watts, 2003, p. 220 ) . A reversal of an impairment loss is easy detected in the income statement, unless an plus is revalued sum complies with AASB 116 in which the reversal of the damage is treated as an increased reappraisal. After the reversal has occurred, the charge for depreciation or amortisation is revised in future periods to allocate the assets adjusted transporting sum, minus its residuary value. This is consistently done over the utile life-time of the plus. With respect to a cash-generating unit, the reversal of an impairment loss is done by apportioning the loss ( except good will ) on a pro rata footing. In the allotment of the reversal sum, the transporting sum of an plus must be kept above its recoverable sum. This is the same instance for the plus s carrying sum, less depreciation/amortization, that would hold been determined if no impairment loss been realized in old periods. Results A ; Discussion The initial observation made was that, all the houses studied showed a consistent revelation and coverage on intangible assets. This has been observed as follows ; The houses one-year studies contained clearly outlined accounting policies that define intangible assets and intervention of their damage every bit good as their utile life, depreciation rate and methods. This was outlined in the audit notes along with a sum-up of the AASB policies. The gross carrying sum of the assets and accrued wage back at the beginning of the utility of the plus and at the terminal of the period were included for each single plus category. The sum of damage losingss recorded in the income statement for each single plus category was besides reported by the companies. The reversal sums of damage losingss, disposals, acquisitions and other alterations were besides disclosed in the fiscal studies. The revelation of damage of the sampled houses was consistent with the policies of AASB 136 and AASB 138 and is uniformly applied across the sectors. This is a clear grounds of a high grade of uniformity in fiscal coverage patterns by the houses with respect to their presentation. As shown earlier in figure-2 above, good will represented 17 % of entire assets in 2008 across the full market. Goodwill is therefore the most dominant intangible plus on the balance sheet. The ratio of good will to other intangible assets is 66:34. The laterality of Goodwill on the balance sheet, this is in tandem with the US and UK ( IFRS 3 ) . This is an indicant that acceptance of IFRS is non accomplishing the purpose of increasing the revelation of other identifiable intangible assets. This can be attributed to several factors, both procedural and market such as ; Overrated monetary values paid during times of economic optimism adding important value to concern combination values non straight attributable to peculiar assets ; and the failure to apportion purchase monetary value to assorted identifiable intangible assets, and underestimating the already identified assets ( Carlin, Finch A ; Ford, 2006, p.203 ) . Another of import factor is related to houses reluctance to attach value to intangibles that have definite utile lives and have to be amortized. In add-on, deficiency of expertness on intangible assets by valuers leads to inappropriate pricing of these assets. This leads to improper rating of good will despite the demands of AASB 3 s that houses must unwrap the type of the intangibles including good will and supply an account about their separate rating. The growing in markets was an advantage for M A ; A overpayments and mistakes in the revelation of intangibles. The economic downswing turned the tide, and the moribund demand demands thorough impairment reappraisals. Disclosed intangible plus types Companies describe intangible assets otherwise. In order to breakdown the mention For easiness of mention this paper classifies Intangible Assets in conformity with the exemplifying illustrations as outlined in AASB 3, these are: Marketing-related intangible assets, Customer-related intangible assets, Artistic-related intangible assets, Contract-based intangible assets, and Technology-based intangible assets. ( AASB 3, parity. BC 158 ) . There seems to be no artistically related intangible plus in these classs. Therefore, whenever descriptions are in sufficient, they are classified as other ( Godfrey A ; Koh 2001, p.44 ) . Arguably, it seems like the damage picks made by houses are motivated by profitableness. Current accounting and fiscal coverage criterions use a overplus of premises and techniques, as used by directors and hearers in finding as to whether an intangible plus transporting value has been impaired. The cardinal variables used by directors in the transporting out of this undertaking includes the jutting hereafter hard currency flow that will be derived from the plus, the jutting hereafter disposal value of the intangible plus, and the false price reduction, growing and rising prices rates in the environment of operation ( Bismuth, 2006, p.10 ) . The manner determinations are made by directors in the exercising of their discretion finally determines the damage disbursals and residuary value of the plus. Whenever directors are in a place to find values for the intangible assets, disbursals, and net incomes of their companies, this exacerbates the hazard that originative or difficult line a ccounting options are used ( Dean A ; Clarke, 2004, p.i-iv ) . As indicated in above, intangible assets ( excepting good will ) represented 17 % of entire assets in 2008 across the full market. With respect to the intangible value and the 2008 damage disbursal, internally generated intangible assets constitute a larger portion of the unrevealed value across the industries. Annual studies were non in general good beginnings of comprehensive information on the type and nature of internally generated intangible assets. In Australia, it is non mandatory for companies to unwrap any of these resources. This is in malice of their significance to the current and future prosperity of the house. AASB moved to look into this job in 2002 by let go ofing a treatment paper that was manner in front of the public declarations of the AASB s correlatives. In the papers it is stated that: The mode by which an intangible point comes into being is non relevant to the finding of whether the point can be identified as an plus. Therefore, intangible points of the same nature, irrespective of whether they are acquired in a concern combination or internally generated ( planned or unplanned ) , could be analyzed in the same manner to find whether they are assets. ( AASB 2008, ch.2, para.56 ) . Decision A new epoch in intangible plus revelation dawned on Australian houses in 2005 when AASB 138 Intangible Assetss and AASB 136 Damage were introduced. Together, the two new accounting criterions oversee the rating and revelation of intangible assets and the handling of their ineluctable damage. By analyzing a sample of intangible assets of houses in Australia listed on the ASX as for the old ages 2007 and 2008, it is apparent that there is great grade of consistence and regularity in the revelation of intangible assets by these houses. As shown in the research, good will represented 17 % of entire assets in 2008 across the full market. Goodwill is therefore the most dominant intangible plus on the balance sheet. The ratio of good will to other intangible assets is 66:34. Goodwill on the balance sheet, this is in tandem with the US and UK. This is an indicant that acceptance of IFRS is non accomplishing the purpose of increasing the revelation of other identifiable intangible assets. This is partially attributable to the size and development of these houses ; all of the houses in the sample are placed within the top 100 houses listed on the ASX. Information on these houses is provided in the one-year studies which are in bend prepared utilizing modern accounting policies sin g intangible assets and their damage. The provided rating of plus values, their acquisitions, damage, and disposals cuts across important intangible plus classs. The companies presented their revelation in a mode designed to run into the outlook of the AASB 136 and 138. Conceivably the most singular characteristic of the revelation of intangible plus was the finding of their impairment loss between the old ages 2007 and 2008. Different analyses are used and sum-ups are provided utilizing tabular arraies and figures as shown above. Closer scrutinies of the books maintained by these houses indicate that these houses are taking a really conservative or arguably originative attack towards the finding of damage, with a goodwill damage of merely 1 % . in every bit much as the attack taken by these houses lowers the impairment loss in the short tally and boosts net incomes, what is less clear is the consequence on plus book values created as a consequence of originative accounting. The attack leaves higher book values on the balance sheets. Due to economic uncertainnesss, alterations in common concern fortunes such as technological alterations, decreasing market values, worsening involvement rates and a overplus of other intrinsic and extrinsic facets will connote that the intangible assets with finally be impaired ensuing in a considerable write-off of these overrated assets. From the analysis it the sampled houses may be prosecuting in originative accounting by using really conservative techniques to impairment finding which is raising both net incomes and the assets book values in the short tally. Perchance this postponement of impairment losingss may attest, and take tonss of naif shareholders by storm.

What Authors Can Learn From The Walking Dead

What Authors Can Learn From The Walking Dead When Sheriff Rick Grimes rode on a horse across a deserted stretch of five-laned Atlanta highway, the stark imagery that would make The Walking Dead such an iconic tale was born.Did you know that Ricks horse was the first animal besides birds that was shown in The Walking Dead?Developed by Frank Darabont for AMC and based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead debuted on October 31, 2010 and at one point attracted the most 18 to 49-year-old viewers of any cable or broadcast television series.So, what has made it so popular across audiences and multiple seasons? Much of it has to do with the writing, and there are several lessons The Walking Dead can teach authors about setting up an amazing, engaging story.Its all about peopleOne reason The Walking Dead appeals to such a large audience- some of which are not horror genre enthusiasts- is its intense focus on characterization. While there are zombies (known as walkers throughout the show), and in some episodes, a lot of zombies, the people dealing with them are the most important part of the story.The first perspective (and most important character arc of the series) audiences see is that of Sheriff Rick Grimes, a small-town cop who is shot in the line of duty and wakes up in the hospital only to discover that the world as he knew it had changed. As he struggles to understand what has happened, the audience is likewise confused at the famous imagery of the hospital doors smeared with blood reading Dont open, dead inside and the grotesquely deformed corpses lying unattended on the otherwise abandoned floors.From these opening scenes and continuing throughout the first episodes introducing the other survivors, viewers see a gamut of emotions and characters who handle the apocalypse in varying ways. Since it is an issue of survival, and since the normal rules of society no longer apply, the resulting humanity is fascinating to watch. Some lose their sanity, some become stronger, some give up- and each characters choice speaks volumes on who they are as a person.Interestingly enough, the ones who might be considered crazy in a non-apocalyptic world are the ones who not only survive- but thrive in a post-apocalypse setting. In the world of The Walking Dead, this contradiction makes logical sense. Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi, explains the concept like this: All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive.Its this complicated dichotomy that gives The Walking Dead some of its most powerful moments and characters. In this way, the show appeals to audiences who might not enjoy the blood and gore, but are fascinated by the themes of human survival, community, and societal breakdown.Photo by Nathan Wright on UnsplashSocietal breakdown is a fascinating premiseWhile were on the to pic of the breakdown of society, lets also look at how The Walking Dead appeals to audiences for this very reason and why the premise is so fascinating. First, its important to notice that in The Walking Dead, as well as other stories and films about social collapse, a way of living that was once individual becomes collective. In survival situations, being alone can mean death and the group can provide necessary protection. This switch from self-preservation to group preservation is notable and creates dynamics that are fascinating on their own (without zombies lingering about).Second, social breakdown creates a need to re-establish order. In much the same way as William Goldings Lord of the Flies shows the process of this reclaiming of order, The Walking Dead gives us Rick Grimes who is intent on finding order in a world that seemingly has none. Then when some semblance of order is gained, another group or caravan of zombies threatens it yet again. This creates a powerhouse one-two punch of tension and suspense, keeping audiences engaged on a psychological level, episode after episode.Third, there is no better situation to see human beings at their most honest (be that good or bad). Human nature is never quite so revealed as it is in situations of survival during a social collapse, and concepts such as trusting others become literally a life or death situation at every turn. Rick Grimes understood this as the self-appointed protector of his group, and even letting another person into their camp became a heavy burden for him to bear, knowing that it could mean the death of those who trusted him for their protection.Audiences like seeing the weak become strongThe character arcs of Carl Grimes and Carol Peletier create some of the most memorable moments in The Walking Dead, and arguably, without these characters, the story wouldnt have the same appeal.Carl, Ricks young son who appears in the first episode onward, experiences the horrors of the zombie apocalypse from a young childs perspective. This perspective, within itself, creates incredible tension for the adults watching the show- particularly those with young children who perhaps vicariously envision their own child facing such horrors.Initially a shy boy, Carls character arc is one of innocence lost. But its also one in which a young boy becomes a survival-hardened teen, in many cases handling the groups encounters in a way thats mature beyond his years. In Season 3, episode 4 (Killer within), Carl experiences his most traumatic loss- the death of his mother, Lori Grimes, while she gave birth to his half-sister, Judith. Making the experience even worse, Carl is forced to shoot his mother before she reanimates into a zombie.Carl Grimes strength and resolve grows from season to season.From that point onward, Carls shooting and survival skills sharpen, but the toll that the apocalypse has taken on him is clearly delineated in the plot. He becomes depressed and sullen, and the third sea son witnesses him mercilessly killing a young boy who is surrendering. The fourth and remaining seasons- until his death in the midseason premiere of season 8- show Carl adjusting to his role of strong protector of his little sister, but the loss of innocence he clearly demonstrates is one of the most powerful parts of The Walking Dead story.Carol Peletier is another character whose arc moves from weak to strong, and her strength plays an important role in the story throughout multiple episodes. As the longest-living character on the show (to date), Carol was first introduced in the comics in the third issue of the first volume (Days Gone Bye) and the third episode (Tell It to the Frogs) of the television series first season.Her character is first introduced as an abused, submissive wife who meets up with Rick and Lori Grimes group after escaping with her husband and daughter to Atlanta. After her husband meets his death by one of the walkers, Carol begins to evolve into a strong, i ndependent, and brave woman who is arguably one of the favorite characters on the show. In the third seasons episode, This Sorrowful Life, another character, Merle, tells Carol that she has transformed from a scared little mouse afraid of her own shadow into someone much stronger. Then, after losing her daughter, she becomes closer to another of the shows most beloved characters, Daryl Dixon, and the two are quite often the groups best warriors throughout the remainder of the seasons.Carol Peletier is another character who becomes stronger over time.Carols character arc shows the same innocence lost that Carl experiences and she often makes the hard decisions for the group that no one else is able to morally make. For example, in season 4s Isolation episode, when a new disease begins to spread throughout the prison, Carol kills two infected people in their sleep and burns their bodies, thinking it would keep the others safe. She is banished from the group for this decision- a decisi on that ultimately did save the groups lives. In a later episode in season 4, Carol takes it upon herself to commit an even more disturbing act- shooting a mentally unstable child after the child killed her younger sister.In the unique cases of Carl and Carol, The Walking Deads writers enter into an exploration of the darker psychology of humanity, especially when forced to survive by any means necessary. These characters are not only some of the longest-living (in Carols case, the longest living) characters in the story- they are also some of the most intriguing. Their individual and mutual growth from weak to strong becomes a type of catalyst for many of the plots most significant events, as it simultaneously shows the price one must pay for strength in such circumstances.Audiences understand the darker parts of our natureFinally, I think one of the most important lessons The Walking Dead can teach writers is that many of us hold an innate pessimism toward our own darker natures. Thats why exploring this theme- particularly in an apocalyptic setting- works on so many levels.However, there are some critics who argue that The Walking Dead has lost its massive audience, particularly toward the later seasons and following the infamous baseball bat scene, because there is only so much exposure we can have to our darker selves before losing the stomach for it. In her article, What Really Happens After Societal Collapse, writer Rebecca Onion critiques The Walking Dead for taking this fascination too far. I had to finally stop following The Walking Dead, once one of my favorite shows, because I couldnt stand to watch the baseball bat scene, she writes. And then she quotes her colleagues response to that particular scene as the reason: Theres no trust in [the shows] world, no kindness, unless its exhibited by some soft-hearted fool whos about to end up as walker chow.

Case Effective law office solutions, INC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Effective law office solutions, INC - Essay Example Given the threat of existing rivals, the company ought to strategize and change customer relations which have been marked as the key cause of the deterioration. The current strategy of ELOS embraces more on advertising and sales promotion. The management has overlooked quality assurance and customer satisfaction and thus the failure. Note that the management has already noticed an increase in the number of complains. Markedly, lack of precise mode of receiving customer feedback has worsened the situation. As a counter measure, ELOS can consider instilling Customer relationship management (CRM) harmonizes sales, marketing and customer service (Goldenberg, 2008). Customers differ, have different tastes and expectations and thus the only way to satisfy them equally is to give them an opportunity to actively participate in decision making. It’s to my opinion that, an online platform that is managed from the main head-quarters can build a strong customer rapport. Essentially, the customer buyer interface should set standard that ensure high quality communication skills as well as accuracy and consistency of information. ELOS, marketing has been marked as successful and thus the management needs to shift some effort towards quality assurance. Legal offices need quality as most of their printings are official documents forwarded to their seniors. The clients need to maintain their reputation and a thus will put off any less quality printing regardless of the previous experience with the company. Therefore, ELOS ought to capture each client’s experience with immediate effect and correct if need be. Notably, a fault spreads more than a good doing (Johnston, & Marshall, 2013). Therefore, ELOS services should be focused on the customer needs rather than the organizations objectives. Quality should never be compromised with cost. Poor customer relation and quality deterioration has been marked as the cause of sales

People mangment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

People mangment - Essay Example As such, contemporary organisations have provided the arena wherein growth and success of the firm is tied up with the growth and participation of the employees for the success of the organization (Li, Guohui & Eppler 2008; Wolfgang & Brewster, 2005). However, it is not only contemporary organizations that have undergone changes. The nature of the contemporary workforce has also been modified (Jinzhao, 2007). Globalization is not only about removal of economic barriers among nations and movements of capital, investments and goods, but it also pertains to the more free movement of people across nations reducing the significance of physical borders as barriers (Fischer, 2003; Suarez-Orozco & Qin-Hilliard, 2004). In this regard, the nature of the contemporary workforce has been revolutionized from a homogenous workforce to a heterogeneous, diverse workforce (Maxwell, McDougal & Blair, 2001). The idea of a heterogeneous work force means â€Å"differences in attitudes, and behaviors of e mployees relative to gender, race, age, ethnicity, physical ability, and other relevant characteristics† (Jinzhao, 2007, p. 60). ... This reality pervades all organizations regardless of their nature. In the light of this change in the nature of the contemporary workforce, the concepts of diversity and equality will be discussed vis-a-vis the reality of women in the workplace. As such, this research will address the following questions: what are diversity and equality policies? Do they work? Finally, do they open possibilities and opportunities for women? DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY POLICIES: A CONCEPTUAL LOOK Diversity in the workforce is initially perceived as a response toward the increasing diversity of the consumers in the market (Agocs & Burr, 1996). From there, it has been observed that capitalizing on existing differences among the employees provides benefits to the organization. Diversity in the workforce fosters and encourages creativity, innovativeness, diverse views and approaches to a particular problem, opens alternative perspectives and taps diverse talents from varying backgrounds to harness the organiz ations problem-solving and decision-making skills. For these reasons, scholars are in agreement that managing diversity is a challenge organizations must be willing to undertake because using the pot of diversity opens creativity and innovativeness for the organization (Agocs & Burr, 1996; Jinzhao, 2007; Bartz et al,1990; Maxwell et al, 2001). Moreover, it has been claimed that diversity should not be limited only to the physical and observable differences existing among employees. Intangible differences such as background, values, religious orientation, beliefs and the like are as important as physical and tangible differences like age, sex, disabilities, color of the skin, accent of speech and other similar qualities, since, if all these differences are harness,

Grind Jackfruit Seeds as Substitute For Flour Essay Example for Free

Grind Jackfruit Seeds as Substitute For Flour Essay Abstract Jackfruit is quiet abundant in our country as a result, its seeds are just scattered and not use for other matters aside from that it can be planted again for another Jackfruit tree. Flour is a very important ingredient for every pastries we eat. But because of its high price, people dont buy or refuse to buy food that contains flour as one of itsingredient. The researcher discovered that Jacfruit seeds isrich in vitamins like complex, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins A,B and C. It contains minerals like Calcium, Zinc and Potassium which can help our body fight aging, diseases and to maintain its good posture. The researcher is aiming to produce a cheap but has a good quality flour or just an alternative for expensive flour. The researcher is focusing on its color, odor and taste. The researcher decided to make a flour out of the Jackfruit seeds. The methods involved are: preparations, washing of the seeds, drying under the sun which takes days because you have to assure that it is dry in the innermost part of the seed so that it will not stick into the grinder, roasting, getting the peelings, crushing and finally grinding. To test the product, the researcher made it into a hotcake. The hotcake was tasted by several people and they have good compliment about it. The researcher recommends it to bakery owners or people who uses flour as their source of income because its affordable, has a good quality and it can help to save a lot of money. Chapter I Introduction Background OF The Study Flour is a very important ingredient in making bread and the like. Many Filipinos of today likes to eat bread but becauseof increasing prices of flour, bread prices are also increasing. Commercial flour sometimes easily spoil or sometimes have worms on it. Instead of scattering jackfruit seeds, we may use it as source of flour. With this study, the researcher tries to produce a new product out of grind jackfruit seeds as flour for another substitution foe expensive commercial flour. Helping businessman, flour factory owners and bakery owners to save more money, less effort, time and have a good quality product. Statement Of The Problem This study is all about The Feasibility Of Grind JackfruitSeeds As Substitution For Flour. Flour is very useful because it has many uses specially in making food. Bakery owners have problems in their budget for flour because she realized that aside from planting seeds, we can use it as flour which is cheaper but with good qualities like the commercial ones and it is easily produces or gathered. This study tries to answer the following questions: 1.Does the jackfruit flour qualities is the same with commercial ones in terms of color, odor, and taste? 2. Does the jackfruit flour last longer (expiration date) than the commercial ones? 3. Does it still produces worms? Hypothesis There is difference between jackfruit flour and commercial flour in terms of color, odor and taste. Significance Of The Study The significance of the study is that it can help bakery owners or other people which uses flour as their business. They can save more money out of it and have enough budget for it. It also help the environment and it alsointroduces new product in food industry. Some people scatter the seeds everywhere which may develop pollution to our environment, we can use and sell as our business. Scope and Limitation In this study the researcher is focusing on the qualities of grind jackfruit seeds as flour. It tries to help improve commercial flour in terms in time of spoilage. There are no other chemicals or additive mixed with the grind jackfruit seeds as flour. The researcher used very ripejackfruit seeds so that it will have a very good taste. In this study, the researcher use the grind jackfruit seeds as flour in baking cake in proving the study. Definition of Terms Flour- is a powder made up of cereal grains. Main ingredient of bread. Grind- to crush to powder or tiny pieces by friction Jackfruit- is a species of mulberrry family native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. A huge spined, oval fruit that is believed to have been first cultivated in Indian rainforests. CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature This study is an unfinished study of the brother of the researcher. The researcher realized that it is very interesting and it answers the economic price of flour in the market. Jackfruit is abundant in some regions of the Philippines but still we can see it anywhere and we can plant it anywhere as long as there is soil. We can also buy it from the market bit its quite high in cost so better to have a tree of your own. Jackfruit seeds are very rich source of complex, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins A,B and C. It also contains minerals like calcium, zinc,and potassium. It also contains lignans, isoflavones, saponins that fights cancer. It also serves as anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-ulcer. So it proves that it is very nutritious and affordable rather than commercial flour. The researcher had read an article about a Brazilian Researcher Jose AmadoAlves who created a process for dehydrating and transforming fruits, vegetables and tubernacles into flour. Alves tested bananas,guavas,apples, pineapples, paw-paw and passion fruit. The process consists of dehydrating and grinding the fruit peel, pulp or both together. CHAPTER III Materials: jackfruit seeds basin frying pan stove A. The Making of the Jackfruit Flour In making the jackfruit flour, first the researcher will gather all the materials.The researcher will let the jackfruit seeds dry under the heat of the sun. The researcher will roast the jackfruit seeds usibg the frying pan. Afterwards, she will get the thin peelings of the seeds then crushed into small pieces and finally, grind it into the grinder. PROCEDURES: 1. She will let the Jackfruit seeds dry under the heat of the sun for several days. 2. The researcher will roast the jackfruit seeds using the frying pan. 3. She will get the thin peelings of the jackfruit seeds. 4. The researcher will crush the seeds. 5. Finally, she will put the crushed seeds into the grinder. B. Observation In the researchers observation. She observed that the product is not the same with the product of commercial flour. The taste, color and odoris not the same. CHAPTER IV Results and Discussion In this chapter, you can read the results of the experimentation conducted by the researcher. Together in this chapter is the discussion of the results The data below are the results observed by the researcher. TRIAL 1 According to the data, the commercial flour and jackfruit flour have different characteristics in terms of smell, color and taste The names listed below are the people who were able to taste the product of the researcher. Including their comment about it. According to the comments of the people, the product of the researcher has a good characteristics in terms of its taste, color and odor. CHAPTER V Recommendation and Conclusion Recommendation: The researcher recommends it to all people especially to bakery owners or people uses flour as their source of income.Aside from that its affordable, its very nutritious and very rich sourch of vitamins. Conclusion: I therefore conclude that grind jackfruit seeds is capable of producing high quality flour which has very different characteristics compared to the commercial ones. BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is=jackfruit.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flour http://thaifood.about.com/od/intotothaicooking/f/aboutjackfruit.htm http://thaifood.about.com/od/glossary/g/jackfruit.htm http://hungryzone.com/index.php/detailed_health-tip-article/33/benefits_of_jackfruit http://wwww.banglapedia.org/HT/J_0004.HTM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The researcher is offering this study to her family. For the support,effort and financial assistance.Also to her research teacher, MS. BALVE GRANIDO who encourges us to have more research and effort. Her classmates and friends who gave their full support. And of course, with out the guidance and love of our Almighty God, the researcher cant accomplised this study.

Napoleon: A Leader Or Dictator. Essay -- essays research papers

Napoleon: A Leader or Dictator. There are never ending inquiries on the nature of Napoleonic power. But reason can prove to one that the Age of Napoleon was infact a time of democratic rule. Through Political, Social, and Economical reforms, Napoleon Bonaparte did not only transcend France, but he changed the course of history for Europe and the World today. To begin, Napoleon proved himself a democratic leader thorough many Political reforms. In 1798-99, Napoleon, with the directory's blessing, he launched his Egyptian Expedition. It was a military disaster, but Napoleon came to France a hero and saved France from the second coalition. In 1799, he staged his "Coup D'etat," and setting up the Consulate, government body representing a country in another host country, with himself as First Consul. At first this does not seem just, but Napoleon then submitted his new constitution to a Plebiscite, a vote of the people, and it was approved by a vast majority. Although the constitution gave almost complete power to the First Consul, it was the people of France who voted , as a democratic society would, to enforce this new structure of government. In 1802, Napoleon again held a Plebiscite, and was named to be First Consul for life. Also, in 1804, he submitted to Plebiscite a new constitution, ending the consulate and establishing the First French Empire. Also showing Democratic Political advancement, Napoleon signed The Concordat of 1801 with the Catholic Church. He t...

Janis Groupthink

Have you ever thought about speaking up in a meeting and then decided against it because you did not want to appear unsupportive of the group's efforts? If so, you have probably been a victim of â€Å"Groupthink†. Irving Lester Janis (26 May 1918 – 15 November 1990) was a research psychologist at Yale University and most famous for his theory of â€Å"groupthink† which described the systematic errors made by groups when taking collective decisions(Wikipedia). Janis described â€Å"groupthink† as â€Å"a mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group. When the members’ striving for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action†(Janis,1972,p. 8). Janis identified eight symptoms(features) of groupthink. They were- 1)Illusion of Invulnerability-This leads the group to excessive optimism, over confidence leading them to take extraordinary risks. It may also lead them to ignore clear signs of risks. 2)Collective Rationalization-Victims of groupthink construct rationalizations and discount and discredit negative feedback and advice from the oppositions. )Illusion of morality-Group members often tend to ignore the ethical and moral consequences of their decisions. 4)Stereotyped views of others-Victims of Groupthink have a stereotyped view towards opponents who give different opinions. They consider them to be too stupid or weak to handle the problem. 5)Pressure on Dissent-Group members apply direct pressure on anyone who opposes the idea or validity supporting a decision or opini on favored by the majority. Example-Body language,Voice tone. 6)Self-censorship-They tend to censor themselves when they have opinions opposing the majority of the group. This minimizes the members doubts and opinions to themselves and not to the group. They withhold dissenting views and counter arguments. Example-Keeping quiet and not giving an opinion due to opposing views. 7)Illusion of unanimity-Victims of groupthink have an illusion that the whole group is in unanimity. This symptom is caused by the preceding symptom. This is due to the false assumption that anybody who doesn’t give an opinion is in unanimity with the group’s decision. Silence is taken as consent. )Mindguarding-A few group members take up the role of mind-guards so as to protect the other members of the group from excessive information and facts that might destroy the majority decision. They stand up to prove the information wrong and label them stupid(stereotyped). This type of dysfunctional operation of an organization has many opportunities for failure. The basic fundamentals of this process are the beginnings of failure as groups seeks conformity and unity as th ey sacrifice everything in order to maintain peace within the group. These eight symptoms of groupthink identified by Janis leads to defective decision making. Victims of grouthink never consider all the alternatives,they do not re-examine the alternatives,they reject negative information and have no contingency plans. The above are due to the stereotyped view of the victims and they act in this way to not disrupt the idea of the majority. This is what the organizations should be careful of. A real life example of â€Å"groupthink† leading to a defective decision making is Challenger Space Shuttle disaster. This occurred on January 28,1986 launched from John F. Kennedy space centre. It was considered to be the most tragic event after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The presidential commission that investigated the accident showed that defective decision making was the main cause. MTI engineers presented that the mission would fail as the shuttle would not succeed in such cold temperatures. But,the flight officials put forward technical rationalizations faulting MTI’s analysis. One of these rationalizations was that the data was incohensive showing their stereotyped view. The officials also forced Thiokol officials to change their recommendation from avoiding delay to the launch. This shows pressure on dissent. Hence,as expected the mission failed after 73 seconds of the launch killing 7 astronauts aboard. This example shows us how the officials had symptoms of groupthink and how it lead them to a defective decision making process. The challenge for any team or group leader is to create a working environment in which Groupthink is unlikely to happen. Hence we could avoid groupthink by exploring objectives,exploring alternatives,encouraging ideas to be challenged without reprisal,examining the risks if the preferred choice is chosen,testing assumptions,gathering relevant information from outside sources,processing this information objectively,have at least one contingency plan. References: 1)Moorhead,Gregory,Ference,Richard and Neck,Chris P. 1991 ‘Group decision fiascos continue:Shuttle challenger and a revised groupthink framework’. Human Relations 44/6: 539-550. 2)Wikipedia.

Nordstrom vs. Macy’s

Nordstrom's vs. Macy's Future Challenges Historically speaking, Canada has never been a great market for American retailers. The Canadian dollar was weak, costs were higher, and with limited real estate development, it was difficult to find space. Not anymore, now the door to Canada is opening wider than ever thanks to a stronger Canadian dollar, a relatively robust economy, and a loosening of the commercial real estate market, in part because of the downsizing of some longtime retailers like Sears Canada.For American retailers, Canada’s allure is simple; sales per square foot at Canadian malls were almost 50 percent higher in 2011 than sales per square foot at American malls. This is a budding market that Nordstrom will need to act towards if they hope to keep up with the competition in the future. Important Decisions Nordstrom’s has made many very important decisions in the past that have shaped them into the company they are today. The first and most important came i n 1901 when founder John W.Nordstrom decided to use the money he had left from the gold rush to open a shoe store in Seattle with Carl Wallin, called Wallin & Nordstrom. The next big decision came in 1966 when it was decided that the Nordstrom's shoe store in Portland would begin selling clothing as well. This marked a pivotal change in direction for Nordstrom’s. After the success of the Portland store, it was decided to implement the idea in the other stores. In the 1980’s Nordstrom’s experienced a boom. This was due to many factors but one of the most prevalent was their amazing use of customer support.Over almost anyone else Nordstrom’s prides itself on having some of, if not the best, customer support. This is helped by them recruiting managers from the ranks of salespeople thereby encouraging their employees to work harder while maintaining high moral. Nordstrom, along with the retail industry, sources products from around the world, and this means t hey encounter a wide range of global challenges. Many of these challenges—such as forced labor and health and safety issues—are cause for very real concern for all retailers. To address these concerns, Nordstrom created the Nordstrom Social Responsibility team in 1994.This team works closely with their Nordstrom Product Group (NPG) manufacturers and vendors to ensure that Nordstrom-label products are made in accordance with all applicable laws and ethical labor practices. Past Challenges Single-digit growth became the norm for Nordstrom throughout the early and mid-1990s. Sales grew sluggish thanks in large part to fluctuations in demand for women's apparel and the severe recession in southern California, where more than half of the company's total store square footage was located in the early years of the decade. The double-digit growth of the 1980s was gone.The sales increases of the 1990s were largely attributable to new store openings. By 2003 after several changes in management Nordstrom appeared to have regained its lost luster through cost containment, technology initiatives, and a refocusing on its niche: luxury goods at affordable prices. Some analysts considered technology to be the key component, particularly a new state-of-the-art merchandising system, which began to be rolled out in 2002. The system could track sales minute by minute throughout its stores, enabling Nordstrom to reduce markdowns and better target its offerings to customers.On the merchandise side, the retailer began introducing edgier fashion offerings in a department called â€Å"via C,† in an attempt to leverage its core customer base, which was younger and had a wider age range than its main competitors, Neiman-Marcus Co. and Saks Incorporated. Nordstrom enjoyed its most profitable year ever in 2003. Nordstrom’s continued reliance on aggressive sales tactics came around to bite them in late 1980s. The employees' union (which was later decertified) com plained about the pressure on employees to sell.In late 1989 a group of unionized employees charged that they were not being paid for performing extra services to customers. In February 1990, after a three-month investigation, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries alleged that the company had systematically violated state laws by failing to pay employees for a variety of duties, such as delivering merchandise and doing inventory work. The agency ordered Nordstrom to change its compensation and record-keeping procedures, and to pay back wages to some of Nordstrom's 30,000 employees.Soon after, the firm created a $15 million reserve to pay back-wage claims. The company, however, remained a target of class-action lawsuits on these matters, which were finally settled out of court in early 1993 when Nordstrom agreed to pay a set percentage of compensation to employees who worked at Nordstrom from 1987 to 1990. The settlement cost the company between $20 million and $30 mi llion. Specific Competitive Advantages One specific competitive advantage Macy's holds over Nordstrom's is its target demographic.While Nordstrom's focuses mainly on career moms between the ages of 35 and 50, Macy's recently launched â€Å"Millennial strategy† states that its merchandise areas primarily serve ages 19-30. The millennial generation (ages 13-30) is now America's largest and most diverse generation, spending an estimated $65 billion each year for the type of merchandise sold at Macy's. A much larger demographic gives Macy's a competitive advantage. On the other hand, Nordstrom's has a distinct advantage over Macy's when it comes to customer loyalty and social-oriented traffic.Macy's and Nordstrom's have been largely based in malls for decades, but recently, malls have become less popular in the United States. As a result, both companies have been forced to open free-standing stores in scattered locations in a community. Since Nordstrom's has a slightly older demo graphic with more buying power and need for social status through brands, loyal customers of Nordstrom's will be more willing to travel to shop there. Macy's, who targets a younger demographic, has less loyal customers with buying power and relies more on impulse buyers and young mall-goers looking to spend a little extra money.Comparative Statistics In 2011, Macy's boasted $26. 4 billion in net sales. That figure has grown steadily since the economic crash of 2008. Nordstrom's showed $10. 8 billion in net sales in the same year. Again, this figure has grown steadily since the economic downturn. Macy's has a whopping 171,000 employees. Nordstrom's has only 52,430 employees as of 2011. With Macy's being a much larger chain, this difference is to be expected. Macy's operates 400 stores in 33 states as of the year ended 2012. Currently, Nordstrom's operates 109 stores in 28 states.In May of 2007, Macy's reached its pinnacle of prosperity in terms of market shares value and profitabilit y. Its common stock price was valued at 45. 05 and business was looking up. Surprisingly, by October of the next year, the stock price had plummeted as low as 7. 42 as the company struggled to stay afloat and fight through the crippling recession. Today, the stock has recovered to 41. 71, and is predicted to continue its growth. Nordstrom's, however, has shown more resilience through the recession. While it still fell from 55. 1 to 11. 37 in 2008, it has shot up to rates above its previous record. With the stock price as high as 57. 2 in the past year, Nordstrom shows a stronger trend of increase than Macy's. Summary We recommend investing in Nordstrom over Macy’s. With Nordstrom’s forecasted growth and success in Canadian markets, we expect Nordstrom to grow consistently for years to come. While Macy’s size and net income are attractive, we feel that Nordstrom has a better management structure and potential for growth in coming years.

Free Essays on Practices Of Judaism

Judaism: Tu B’Shevat and the Bat Mitzvah The goal of my religious ethnography was to study Judaism in the Los Angeles area. Since I had no specific ideas on the kind of religious events that I could attend, I turned to my Jewish friends for help. My friend Debra informed me that very soon her mother was going to be hosting a traditional dinner for B’Shevat. Coincidentally later that week, my friend Natalie received an invitation for a Bat Mitzvah in the mail, and she invited me to come with her. I was lucky enough to be able to attend two separate Jewish events and get a more well rounded view of how this specific religion is celebrated in Los Angeles. On Friday January 21 I attended a Jewish ceremonial dinner at the home of my friend Debra’s house in Beverly Hills. It was the festival of Tu B'Shevat, which is one of the four â€Å"new years† of the Jewish calendar. This holiday is referred to as â€Å"the tasting of the tree† because it is a â€Å"first fruits† ceremony. In this specific celebration it is customary to eat a â€Å"new fruit,† one that has not been eaten in the past twelve months. Debra explained to me that most Jews do not celebrate Tu B’Shevat. It does not come from the Torah, but rather it is a part of the Jewish calendar. The reason why the Rosenberg family was having a traditional dinner is because Debra’s younger sister is in Hebrew school, and she is learning about all the holidays. Her parents think it is important for her to understand what she is learning at Hebrew school by practicing the traditions in their own home, so they try to celebrate all the events on the Jewish calendar, even if they are holidays that are not normally celebrated. Tu B’Shevat, the fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees. The fifteenth of Shevat is one of the four Rosh HaShanahs (New Years) of each year. Tu B’Shevat has a strong tie to the behavior o... Free Essays on Practices Of Judaism Free Essays on Practices Of Judaism Judaism: Tu B’Shevat and the Bat Mitzvah The goal of my religious ethnography was to study Judaism in the Los Angeles area. Since I had no specific ideas on the kind of religious events that I could attend, I turned to my Jewish friends for help. My friend Debra informed me that very soon her mother was going to be hosting a traditional dinner for B’Shevat. Coincidentally later that week, my friend Natalie received an invitation for a Bat Mitzvah in the mail, and she invited me to come with her. I was lucky enough to be able to attend two separate Jewish events and get a more well rounded view of how this specific religion is celebrated in Los Angeles. On Friday January 21 I attended a Jewish ceremonial dinner at the home of my friend Debra’s house in Beverly Hills. It was the festival of Tu B'Shevat, which is one of the four â€Å"new years† of the Jewish calendar. This holiday is referred to as â€Å"the tasting of the tree† because it is a â€Å"first fruits† ceremony. In this specific celebration it is customary to eat a â€Å"new fruit,† one that has not been eaten in the past twelve months. Debra explained to me that most Jews do not celebrate Tu B’Shevat. It does not come from the Torah, but rather it is a part of the Jewish calendar. The reason why the Rosenberg family was having a traditional dinner is because Debra’s younger sister is in Hebrew school, and she is learning about all the holidays. Her parents think it is important for her to understand what she is learning at Hebrew school by practicing the traditions in their own home, so they try to celebrate all the events on the Jewish calendar, even if they are holidays that are not normally celebrated. Tu B’Shevat, the fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees. The fifteenth of Shevat is one of the four Rosh HaShanahs (New Years) of each year. Tu B’Shevat has a strong tie to the behavior o...

The Letter Z Will Be Removed from the English Alphabet

The Letter Z Will Be Removed from the English Alphabet The Letter Z Will Be Removed from the English Alphabet The Letter Z Will Be Removed from the English Alphabet By Guest Author Surprising as it sounds, it looks like the English alphabet will be losing one of its letters on June 1st. The announcement came from the English Language Central Commission (ELCC). Here is a quote from the press release: After carefully considering and debating the matter for over two years, the ELCC came to the conclusion that the letter Z should be removed from the English alphabet. The main objective of this change is to simplify the phonetic aspect of the language, and to unify the American and British spellings. What will happen to the words that have the letter z in them? It depends on the word. According to the ELCC, words that started with a z will now start with an x. Examples include: zero becomes xero zoo becomes xoo zone becomes xone zodiac becomes xodiac Words that featured a z with the s sound, on the other hand, will now be officially written with the s (i.e., unifying the American and British spelling). Examples include: visualize becomes visualise analyze becomes analyse materialize becomes materialise What do you think about this change? Will it really simplify the English language, or will it make things more confusing? This post is an April fools prank. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the General category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:The Royal Order of Adjectives Abstract Nouns from AdjectivesPassed vs Past

Ethics in Justice, Law, and Social Control Research Paper

Ethics in Justice, Law, and Social Control - Research Paper Example The law therefore upholds true liberty. The law is meant to prevent a person from causing grave harm to themselves and others where there are no other means of doing so. These are called paternalism laws. This could be either economic physical or even psychological harm. Besides protecting people from harm, there is the moral perspective of the law. This means that something can be prohibited simply because it is wrong. Pollock gives the example of pornography which is prohibited by the law in America (Pollock, 2007). Research has shown that the viewing of pornographic materials does not cause any perceivable harm on the individual, nor does it cause an increase in sexually related crime. Pornography is thus prohibited simply because it is morally wrong. Laws may also be developed because they benefit others. For instance, forest conservation laws prohibit the cutting down of trees not because it would cause harm to the actor or to other but because conservation benefits everyone inc luding generations which are yet to be born. There are conflicts that may arise with the paternalistic laws where some systems give more weight to individual rights allowing people to do some actions, even though they may cause harm to themselves. ... The next time he sees the mayor driving carelessly and possibly being a threat to the safety of other road users. In this case, if the police officer stops the mayor and gives her another ticket, he would get in trouble with his boss. If he, however, ignores the mayor and in an unfortunate incidence the mayor causes an accident on the road, the police officer would be accountable for that accident since he would have failed in his duty of upholding the law. In this situation, the most ethical thing that the police should do would be to stop the mayor and kindly warn her for over-speeding and again give her a ticket. This is because letting her drive that dangerously not only puts her life in danger but also puts the lives of other road users at risk. Since the mayor knows that she has the support of the captain, she is more likely to continue breaking more traffic rules. Being in a position of power does not mean that one should break the laws that have been put in place to protect t he rights of everyone. Such an action would definitely put the police officer in an awkward position with the captain. Conversely, the captain is not his ultimate boss, and there are other senior people whom he reports to and who may not condone such behavior. In case the captain punishes the officer for upholding by the law, the officer should ensure that he keeps all evidences of this case in order to prove his innocence to the seniors. Although corruption has been seen to be a common occurrence especially in our large cities, stopping it requires that all actions be guided by the law (Pollock, 2007). Not all judges or senior officers are corrupt and any officer should focus on doing the right thing and protecting the people as is stated in their job

HISTORY SUMMARY FOR FDR & JEWISH REFUGEE INCIDENT and KAMIKAZE PILOTS Essay

HISTORY SUMMARY FOR FDR & JEWISH REFUGEE INCIDENT and KAMIKAZE PILOTS - Essay Example Roosevelt was one of the few men during his time who understood what has happening and looked for ways to defeat Hitler and put an end to the Holocaust. The Roosevelt administration did everything possible to save the Jews and the victims of the Nazis. Rosen reveals in his book that President Roosevelt, in spite of the Great Depression wherein a lot of Americans lost their jobs after the stock market crashed, widespread American isolationism, strict immigration legislation, and extensive Semitism which then prevailed in America, did not abandon the Jews; he led the Allies in war against Hitler and the Nazis which cost fifty million lives. President Roosevelt also maintained close ties with many Jewish leaders, many of whom he appointed to high-level positions which include the Supreme Court. During the weaker periods of his presidency, he made many attempts to allow Jewish refugees to enter the United States. While the Holocaust was happening, there was clamor in America to remain ne utral regarding European affairs and distrust anything that had a tinge of internationalism. The American Jews were also divided with regard to coming up with the best policy for freeing their fellow Jews from the Nazis. Many accusations were thrown at President Roosevelt for the way he handled the Holocaust and Rosen considers these to be unfair. One of these accusations involved the SS St. Louis, a shipload of German Jewish refugees which was turned away from Cuba and denied permission to dock in the United States. The SS St. Louis left Hamburg in May of 1939 before World War I broke out or before the Final Solution was imposed. The Final Solution began when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. Cuba refused to let the German Jewish passengers leave the ship because they had bough visas which were considered illegal under Cuban law. The United States government under Roosevelt immediately acted on the problem. Rosen explains how the Roosevelt administration tried to convince C uba to permit the Jews to enter and even went as far as bribing the Cuban government to allow the passengers of the ship to enter Cuba. Rosen also made mention of the efforts FDR’s people to arranged for the ship’s passengers to be taken in by England and by other European countries and avoid being returned to Germany. The Jews were aware that the Americans had saved them. Rosen also said that the Roosevelt administration found difficulty in making an exception in U.S. immigration policy. This was due to the fact that a lot of Americans had feared the increasing wave of immigrants who mostly created trouble such as the anarchists who bombed Haymarket in Chicago in 1886, those who gave rise to violent, radical, and revolutionary labor movements, and the Polish anarchist who assassinated President William McKinley in 1901. The Roosevelt administration was also accused of failing to denounce the Holocaust. Because of this FDR was thought of as having been part of the cons piracy of silence while the Holocaust was happening. According to Rosen, there was no such conspiracy and that FDR did not keep silent while millions of Jews died at the hand of Hitler and his Nazis. As a matter of fact, Roosevelt expressed his outrage over the way Hitler treated the Jews. He thought that Hitler was insane.