The Reoccurring Concept Of The Principal Agent Problem

Hannah Kilby Webb Honors Political Science 28 November 2015 Concepts Paper The reoccurring concept of the principal-agent problem can be defined as employees taking advantage of their employers, or in political terms, elected officials taking advantage of their constituents by hiding information and specialization. Specialization becomes problematic when the agent uses their specific knowledge, in which the principal is lacking, to manipulate the actions of the principal. This issue can be solved by hiring, monitoring, and firing the employees. This is done in politics by electing the official, monitoring their actions, and voting them out of office if the elected fails to do what they were elected to do. Politicians can specialize in certain areas to make themselves seem more desirable to their constituents, claiming to offer something no other politician offers, which in turn makes it easier to be voted into office. An example of the principal-agent problem is elections. Elections produce responsiveness. Responsiveness breeds trust in polit icians. In order to gain that trust, politicians must obey the wishes of their voters to the best of their abilities. The voters use this to their advantage by voting, monitoring, and, if necessary, voting politicians out of office. However, the problem of low voter turnout prevents the solutions to the principal-agent problem. If people do not vote, their wishes can not be expected to be granted. In the United States ofShow MoreRelatedInterfaces Evergreen Services Agreement Essay example2044 Words   |  9 PagesInterface’s Evergreen Services Agreement Northwood University Problem Statement: Dan Hendrix, president and CEO of Interface, Inc. is challenged with deciding the future of Interface’s Evergreen Services Agreement (ESA) business model. This decision will impact Ray Anderson’s vision to create an environmentally stable enterprise. 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Frankenstein vs Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde - 1435 Words

Samantha Fajardo Frankenstein Comparative Essay Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a novel about a creature that is produced by Victor Frankenstein, as a result of his desire to discover the secret of life. Dr. Frankenstein founded this secret by animating dead flesh and stitching human corpses together to create a superhuman. As a reader, one realizes the consequences of Victor’s discoveries through series of unfortunate events that occur in the novel. The story begins with four letters which help introduce the story from Walton’s perspective as he meets Victor and learns the truth and tragedy behind Dr. Frankenstein. However, throughout the novel, letters are sent from Elizabeth and Alphonse, which further develop the story.†¦show more content†¦Character development determines what ways characters affect the progress of the plot; therefore in both novels, one can identify events that begin to answer each novel’s mysteries. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Lanyon rec eives a registered letter from Henry Jekyll, that presents a list of duties he wishes Lanyon can do in his favor. He asks if he can go to his drawer in his lab, to pick up items that are to be given to a man, that would visit Utterson’s dwelling that same evening. The items included salt, a vial of blood, and liquor. That evening Edward Hyde, the strange looking man, arrived and used the items Utterson had picked up. In the next moment, it was no longer the strange man that stood before Utterson, but Henry Jekyll. As a reader, this discovery explains that Jekyll took a special potion, which changed his identity of Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll. This also explains that the murderer of Sir Danvers Carew was Jekyll in Hyde’s body. Lanyon states, â€Å"The creature who crept into my house that night was, on Jekyll’s own confession, known by the name of Hyde and hunted for in every corner of the land as the murderer of Carew.† (Stevenson, Page 59) This quotation sign ifies the verification of the murderer, as well explains why the letters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were identical. This further develops the plot, as characters are developed which help justify the mystery in the novel. Elizabeth’s letter written to Victor Frankenstein, expresses

The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster Free Essays

string(35) " was calculated in every decision\." RISK CASE STUDY – ASSIGNEMENT 2 August 3, 20111 THE SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER DISASTER Risk Management Plan 1. Risk management plan summarizes risk management approach, list methodologies and processes, defines everyone’s role – definition of risk management plan. NASA was using for the most part qualitative risk assessment process. We will write a custom essay sample on The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster or any similar topic only for you Order Now Launch of the shuttle was allowed as long as aggregate risk remained acceptable. Quantitive method was applied for risk assessment because if the complex procedures (like data gathering) were in place NASA would be buried with paperwork. NASA’s culture was flying with acceptable risk. There was Risk Management Plan in place for NASA because there was risk assessment and protocols in place but due to excessive nature of most of NASA’ projects waivers became a way of conducting business. As described in the NASA Handbook, hazards (risks) were analyzed and overseen by the Senior Safety Review Board. Each identified risk was classified by an established system, based on both the risk’s level of criticality on a scale of one to three (C1, C1R, C2, C2R, and C3). However, their review process contended that no single risk or combination of risks would be enough to prevent a launch, as long as the aggregate risk remained at an acceptable level. 2. The Risk Management Plan was not followed. Methods used to gather data to assess risk were expensive and labour intensive and so were the procedures (Flight Readiness Reviews. To keep up with mission manifest schedule – 16 flights per year any) issues had to be resolved fast (waivers). Once a risk was declared acceptable, it was overlooked during future mission planning sessions. Additionally, they didn’t have proper procedures for evaluating the impact of unknown risks (i. e. the ice problem). Lastly, protocol stated that one risk or one person’s concern was not enough to cancel the launch. A no launch recommendation by one party could have been overruled by the launch director. 3. Differences: a. Risk Management Plan is the outcome of Plan Risk Management Process and describes how risk management is structured and performed. It includes methodology (approach, tools, data source), roles and responsibilities (lead, support), budget (resources, protocol for contingency resource), timing (when and how often process is performed), risk categories (RBS), definition of risk probability and impact (high, medium, low), probability and impact matrix, risk stakeholders’ tolerance. b. Quality Assurance Plan describes how quality assurance will be performed within project to allow for reducing â€Å"waste† and eliminating processes that do not add value. It is meant to increase level of efficiency. c. Safety Plan A safety plan is an organized system of rules and guidelines used to maintain safe work environment. 4. Pressure to meet schedule – sixteen flights a year in 1986 meant that all involved will have to face paperwork constraints related to flight readiness assessment. Personnel and contractors were working overtime already trying to fill out all necessary paperwork related to problem solving, investigations and last flight updates. Waivers were part of NASA protocols to bypass all of this plus they were a way to indicated that risk was acceptable. Number of flight per year was critical to designing risk management plan because of all similarities between flights like temperature; launch condition could become predictable factors to determine acceptable risk. Risk Identification 5. Risk is uncertain event associated with work, it is a loss multiplied by likelihood that may have impact on the project. There are three common categories of risks: controllable knowns, uncontrollable knowns, and unknowns. Anomaly is a deviation from the standard. Project manager and team define a baseline and decide the difference based on definition of anomaly provided by subject matter experts (engineers). 6. NASA had Flight Readiness Review few days prior to flight. Risk identification at NASA was conducted by Senior Safety Review Board. In majority of cases risk assessment process was qualitative. If aggregate risk remained acceptable launch should happen. Hazard were analyzed and subjected to formalized hazard reduction process I in NASA handbook. Quantitative method of risk assessment was not applied because they were expensive and time consuming. Technical experts were not involved enough in any of the discussions. 7. In order to resolve any differences we need to list them and quantify them first which never happened in case of Challenger. Customer is always right and ultimately his decision overrules but contactor must provide as accurate data as possible based on analysis. Every recognized risk has different weight and some of them thru brainstorming can be resolved or even eliminated. 8. Upper management needs to be committed to project of such a huge scale and support it. They should be informed about individual risks and it is up to project manager to provide true information about project. It seems that culture of NASA accepted waiver as a way to determine acceptable risk and considered then as a part of official protocol. 9. Risk associated with any chosen method should be classified based on cost (budget), safety and technology (design) and overall impact on the mission. Challenger did not have either solid political support or direction. Cost became the most critical component in decision making. Sold fuel systems were cheaper but also less safe. They require less research and development but were designed for reusability. 10. Politically motivated trade-offs are impossible to control by PM and his/her team. There is a pressure to for government to deliver promise or a need to see where all funding went. All PM has is data and measurements based on research, analysis and historical lessons. There should be a limit where safety becomes impossible to trade. This is where government agenda should not applied because risk of losing lives is too high to trade. 11. NASA was under pressure from government and by the same token pressured contractor (Thiokol). Funding was inconsistent, expectations were very high and there was no clear direction where space program was going and flying manifest was beyond capabilities of personnel should he chose to follow all procedures. Risk was calculated in every decision. You read "The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster" in category "Papers" 12. Risk Management plan is evolving document as project goes on. different phases should be recorded in Risk Register and 2 separated risk assessments conducted because each phase faces different risks. Identifying risk will help us analyze triple constraint factors. Both risk assessments are equally important. Risk Quantification 13. Given the complexity of Space Shuttle Program it is necessary to address individually each technical aspect of the risk. In some cases lesson learned from previous experience with shuttles can be applied to other program given that conditions like weather, resistance to high temperature or fuel type. Certain measurements can be applied to all space shuttle programs. Qualitative risk evaluation could be used at the beginning of the project to sort out level of each risk. Quantitative risk would be possible if there full support from upper management (government), budget and methodologies were in place. Both methodologies are equally valuable in complex project like Challenger. 14. There were 3 separate ice inspections conducted on the site and ice team responsibility was to remove any ice. First inspection delayed launch due to presence of ice on launch pad. Second inspection discovered still significant presence of ice on launch site and it was determined take off was unsafe. Falling ice could damage heat tiles on the Orbiter. Third inspection still found significant ice presences on the launch pad. 3 major concerns of the ice-on-the-pad issue: launch objection due to the weather, ice on the pad was unknown effect on the ignition and debris were considered potential flight safety hazard, freeze protection plan for launch pad 39B was inadequate. Ice was considered a potential problem. 15. Risk quantification allows preparing better for potential risks. Contractors provide data but it is decision of the customer whether to take some of all data under consideration when making decision. To resolve a matter of dispute, the customer and contractor should collaborate. If there is no agreement customer decides what approach to take. 16. Senior management needs to be presented with information in easy to understand form – in case of Shuttle short movie presenting what would happen on impact. Only potential problem made it all the way up to higher management not the critical ones. None of the recommendations from Thiokol were passed to upper management. There were no established procedures that all risk data cannot be modified by any member of the team without proper access and expertise. 17. It was quantitative system but issuing waivers very often made it useless because they by-passed some of the recommendations. Lessons learned were not used by Thiokol regarding temperature at launch which was supposed to be 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Thiokol engineers tried to quantify some of the risks based on historical information regarding blow-bys and temperatures. 18. No, there were no probabilities assigned to risk like putty, temperature, rings although there was some historical data available. There were not enough details to develop probabilities and metrics to rely on. Engineers could not determine direct correlation between factors. Risk Response (Handling) 19. Size of the company, available budget, company culture and overall resource decide what constitutes acceptable risk. It depends on tolerance of individual company to determine if risk is acceptable. 20. Project manager is always responsible for success and/or failure of the project. If there is another body in the company responsible for handling risk on larger, company scale it should be consulted as well. 21. According to PMBOK there are 4 risk responses and all of them were used: acceptance (consequences were acceptable), avoidance (re-scheduling take off), control (type of aborts and their respective landing sites) and transfer (hiring Thiokol as contractor to transfer risks). 22. There was an abort due to bad weather and ice which was correct response. NASA decided to launch in spite of C1R which meant 2 components failure (both main and secondary ring booster are the same type). This is not a correct response to existing risk. This decision was made without any regard for possible consequences of component failure. 23. Subject matter experts and upper management and technical consultants with the knowledge of space technology. Astronauts should be consulted as well since they risk their lives and are in immediate danger. 24. Every project should have risk response mechanism included in risk management plan. All data gathered from SME and specialist in the field should be taken under consideration when developing risk response mechanism. When team cannot agree on it senior management who is ultimately responsible has final saying. 25. Astronauts with technical experience and knowledge should have been consulted. Christa McAuliffe as an example would not contribute anything valuable because her knowledge wasn’t in space shuttle design discipline and she did not have any previous experience flying either. They have accepted the risk already when they agreed to fly – no need to re-assure it. Astronauts are all volunteers and understand that safety is space is never 100% guaranteed. In my opinion it is safety staff that should have been included primarily. No safety representative or quality assurance officer was included in any of the decisions (or during the take-off). 26. Waivers were a way of bypassing official protocols in order to maintain schedule. It was a form of acceptance. 27. Waivers were standard operating procedures – they are type of active acceptance – â€Å"the wrong thing can be done to solve the problem because its solution was not clearly thought out under pressure in the heat of the moment† 8. Yes! Schedule pressures made managers less willing to acknowledge possible risks. Despite the fact the temperature was not favourable (as required minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit), Thiokol amp; NASA decided to go ahead with the launch to meet their desired planned schedule. Political pressure affected all responsible parties. 29. The risk response mechanism utilized by managers at Thiokol and NASA was Acceptance. They were fully a ware of the potential risk however they decided seat back and see what happens. 30. The Engineers did not do everything to convince the management to stop of the launch. After failing to convince the management they decided to take a passive approach of â€Å"wait and see what happens next† while they knew the results will be catastrophic. To make matters worse, Engineer Boisjoly changed his expert professional opinion after was told put on his management hat. 31. Though NASA claims that its top priority is the safety of the crew and equipment, it did violate its responsibility to ensure safety of the crew in spite of the evidence that was presented to them by the engineers. They played Russian roulette with human lives. Final findings though confirmed that pressure caused rational men make irrational decisions. 32. YES! NASA was completely aware that the temperature was not favourable for launch (as required minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit) however still went ahead with the launch to meet their desired planned schedule. The O-Rings had never been tested below freezing temperatures before amp; did not meet the 40 degrees below qualification temperature. Risk Control 33. Documentation is crucial and must to be thorough as part of risk management in order to identify all potential risks, keep a historical record data , reveal relevant information to the project to ensure project process are in compliant with the company’s goals. Depending on the complexity of the projects or programs company is involved quantity will differ. Excessive paperwork can be very discouraging to personnel. 34. There was no audit trail to the best of our knowledge. Thiokol had lessons learned regarding erosion, temperatures and blow-bys. 35. Thiokol noticed black soot and grease on the outside of the booster casing, caused by actual gas blow-by and had ordered new steel billets which would be used for a redesigned case field joint. This vital information should have been disclosed during the hour presentation granted to them which they mostly argued on the cold weather effects. 36. Hard facts speak to upper management better than anything. Presentation and SME opinions quoted within presentation would help to get upper management attention. 37. Again, facts, findings and lesson learned are powerful tools. Once team and upper management is aware that science doesn’t back up decision sole responsibility and pressure is taken off single person and transfer to the whole team. 38. There were 5 different communication and organization failures and 4 of them were directly related to safety program. Lack of problem reporting requirements, inadequate trend analysis, misinterpretation, lack of involvement in critical decisions. Safety organization should be better staffed and SUPPORTED. 39. Rockwell was prime contractor to build Orbiter. It was believed that Rockwell was not the best choice since it had not been involved in Apollo Program as others. Rockwell issued a â€Å"concern† about possible Orbiter damage due to the ice problem but they never stated they did not want to launch. They never said to NASA launch should be aborted due to unknown nature of the ice. It was never formally recorded that Rockwell objected. By making objection official there is paper trail that can be traced back should situation call for it. 40. Risks levels must be maintained completely at minimal before launching of the spaceship; however loss of human life should be avoided at all cost. The overall risk should have been between C2 amp; C3. 41. It is best to execute a presentation to the higher-ranking Management with adequate evidence of potential risks amp; the overall impact. In addition, outsource experienced experts who will back you up with their input in order to win a favourable decision. 42. The liability should be placed on the people who made final decision to launch while they fully aware fully of potential risks. Though the Thiokol engineers â€Å"cried for Help†, they were thwarted from pleading their case and the management went ahead supported NASA proceeding with the launch. Both Thiokol management amp; NASA should share the blame. How to cite The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster, Papers

Pleural effusion Essay Example For Students

Pleural effusion Essay In normal breathing, the lungs expand and contract easily and rhythmically within the ribcage. To facilitate this movement and lubricate the moving parts, each lung is enveloped in a moist, smooth, two-layered membrane (the pleura). The outer layer of this membrane lines the ribcage, and between the layers is a virtually imperceptible space (the pleural space), which permits the layers to glide gently across each other. If either of your pleurae becomes inflamed and roughened, the gliding process is impeded and you are suffering from pleurisy. Pleurisy is actually a symptom of an underlying disease rather than a disease in itself. The pleurae may become inflamed as a complication of a lung or chest infection such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, or the inflammation may be caused by a slight pneumothorax or chest injury. The pleural inflammation sometimes creates a further complication by causing fluid to seep into the pleural space, resulting in a condition known as pleural effusion. However, pleurisy is not the only condition that can lead to pleural effusion, it may also be produced by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, liver or kidney trouble or heart failure. Even cancer spreading from the lung, breast or ovary can cause pleural effusion. If you have pleurisy, it hurts to breathe deeply or cough, and chest pain is likely to be severe. Accompanying the pain are any other symptoms associated with the underlying disorder. The pain will disappear if a pleural effusion occurs as a consequence of pleurisy, because fluid stops the layers of the pleura from rubbing against each other; however, you may become breathless as the fluid accumulates. In most cases, the risks are those of the underlying cause. A big pleural effusion can compress the lungs and cause breathlessness. Any effusion may lead to empyema.A chest X-ray examination may be required. If you have a pleural effusion, one way to diagnose the cause is to study the composition of the fluid; so a sample of fluid may be taken from the pleural space with a needle and syringe for microscopic examination. As pleurisy and pleural effusion are symptoms of basic disorders, the only way to ensure a cure is to treat the underlying disease. Meanwhile, to ease chest pains, the doctor may recommend use of a painkiller.Words/ Pages : 385 / 24

The Psychological Roots of Racial Tensions free essay sample

Catastrophic tensions and events sparked by racial prejudices have continuously recurred ever since the human mind understood competition. In the absence of competition, a being has no opportunity to individualize or question their opinions and categorize oneself in relation to another. Without competition and all of its psychological subsidiaries, racism could not exist. At some point in history, competition inevitably overtook the human race as a result of insecurity.As demonstrated by Abraham Masons hierarchy of needs, the typical human is genetically prone to live life with ultimate consideration for their physiological comfort. Because the typical human experiences discomfort, the typical human will consequentially live their life to prevent discomfort in generally the most efficient ways possible, often resulting in a projection of said discomfort on other humans. In accordance to Mascots hierarchy, this conflict is inevitable. Only slightly below physiological comfort, a sense of belonging ranks within the hierarchy. We will write a custom essay sample on The Psychological Roots of Racial Tensions or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This need for belonging draws humans together and encourages interaction. From these interactions, individuals will, by human nature, judge their contemporaries and create memories. An analysis and retention of these memories will bud stereotypes that will consequentially expand to prejudice and often racism. In short, racism and prejudice shouldnt be considered usual human traits. They emerge in the absence of typical morality, when an individual is entirely consumed by their insecurities pertaining to the defense of their needs. In the early 16th century, the transatlantic slave trade began. During this time, African rulers agreed to sell their citizens to the Portuguese, British, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Northern Americans who shipped those native Africans to the New World colonies for slave labor. It is popularly argued that a majority of these Africans didnt understand the circumstances under which they were being relocated, and were disinclined as individuals to acquiesce to the demands of those regulating the slave trade.However because their rulers had consented to their relocation they would have been ridiculed for resisting, and whatever resistance they were to muster, would have been easily belittled by the slave trades firepower. All of the aforementioned psychological traits pertaining to Mammas,/s hierarchy of needs were demonstrated in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. When the New World was discovered, vast multitudes of resources were made freely available to the new European se ttlers.To take full advantage of these resources, the settlers concluded that they would require more labor than currently available, and from this motive, they set aside considerations for ethics and morality to satiate their need and desire for those resources. Given the Africans first and only interaction with Caucasians resulted in them being chained, whipped, and stripped of their comforts, one could confidently assume that the typical African would generally stereotype most o all Caucasians as irrational and dangerous. During the early eras of slavery, many slaves acted out violently in rebellion against their situations.From this violent resistance, the Europeans were likely to have stereotyped the Africans as barbaric and uncivilized. From this attempt to stimulate comfort and satiate needs, the human race became dramatically divided by racism. As slave labor continued to remain successful in North America, African slaves and European settlers birthed a new generation. From there, slavery became typical. African children were birthed into slavery with no knowledge f freedom nor memories of their home country. The only African culture to which they were exposed was what was left in the memory of their elders.Certain traditions were passed down from one slave to another to promote comfort and hope of cultural freedom. Because practicing these traditions was discouraged and often forbidden by their owners, a sort of cultural competition was aroused. Africans refused to give up their culture and conform to the European lifestyle. The slaves hopefulness, determination, and endurance helped them through their suffrage. When they became accustomed to the English engage and learned to read and write, many African American intellectuals were able to argue their perspectives on slavery and make leeway towards abolition.During this time, white men and women began to question the ethics and morality violated by human enslavement, and pondered whether slavery was even beneficial to their nation at that point. New technologies were being invented and manual labor became less popular by the day. Issues such as these loomed over the heads of Americans even after slavery was officially abolished in final form on January 1, 1863. Following the abolition of slavery, the lifestyles of African Americans improved, but slowly. Paying jobs were difficult to come by and segregation was a constant looming pressure.In actuality, a majority of whites were bitter about blacks increase in social stature and attempted to dampen their successes, presumably out of insecurity and fear of change. At this point in American history, racism was full-fledged. It existed previously as a social norm, and was beginning to change without unanimous preference. In the uses racism still existed, however it was passive and masked. Blacks ND whites had more extensive educational opportunities and available health care, however the establishments designed specifically for the blacks were of inarguably inferior quality in relation to white-only establishments.Johns Hopkins Hospital during this time illegally took tissue from the body of a deceased colored women named Henrietta Lacks. Laws were declared that clearly classified removing tissue or performing an autopsy on a dead body is strictly illegal, however it was rumored that the doctors at Johns Hopkins felt no guilt doing so to colored people and their corpses. It was suspected that because their health care was only recently made available to blacks, Hopkins idealized that being allowed free reign over their corpses and tissues seemed like decent compensation.Psychologists and historians have argued that racism has declined as time has progressed, however in actuality it has simply change d to be less public. As generations continue to birth newer and newer generations, fresh opinions and evaluations of history have been and will continue to be publicized. As modern day continues to distance itself from history, topics of lave trade and civil rights become stories in the eyes of the young: fictional, but seemingly ancient. Many may consider this slip of attention to be recipe for disaster.One should recognize that today we live in a country that, although once segregated to the extreme, can elect an African American president, ogle over white rappers, and encourage and support biracial marriages and integration. Although being enlightened of the history of racism in America has proven to render some stability constantly wringing and poking the subject will dry it of all its intrigue. Time heals all wounds, unless you pick at them. Shawn Alexander Although racism and prejudice arent typical human characteristics, each grows from the ephemeral competitiveness of human nature.Consequentially, racism may never be entirely extinguished, but with persistent application and consideration of modern morals and ethics, it can be dramatically d iminished and censored. Annotated Bibliography Levin, Jack. The Violence of Hate: Confronting Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Other Forms of Bigotry. 2nd deed. Boston: Allan and Bacon, 2002. Print. The Violence of Hate: Confronting Racism, Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Bigotry, Second Dentition by Jack Levin, the author expands on his discussion introduced in his First Edition to include the treatment of American Muslins after September 11th, 2001.This particular source will be beneficial to my research given it provides me with a more current example of racism and psychological influence. Levin, Jack. The Violence of Hate: Confronting Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Other Forms of Bigotry. 3rd deed. Boston: Allan and Bacon, 2002. Print. The Violence of Hate: Confronting Racism, Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Bigotry, Third Edition is a continuation of Elevens commonalities joining gather rather than the differences separating those in society who have been victimized because of race or societal position.In contrast with the Second Edition, this book has a second author whose first-hand experience has presumably helped expound on Elevens original ideas, in addition to those of his own. Chose to use this particular book as one of my sources because it may help me to better understand the social pressures under which Flights protagonist, Michael, acted under. Hampton, Kathy Salter. Young People with Antisocial Behaviors: Practical Resources for Professionals. Abandon, Axon: Rutledge, 201 1.Print Young People With Anti-Social Behaviors: Practical Resources for Professionals by Kathy Salter introduces ways in which young people between the ages of 10 and 18 are affected by social pressures, particularly racism. Levin includes an appraisal of current research on the issues surrounding anti-social behavior and the risk factors that may be involved in young peoples lives. I chose to use this particular book as one of my sources because it may help me to better understand the social pressures under which Flights protagonist, Michael, acted under. Belleville, Michael A. 877: Americas Year of Living Violently. New York: New, 2010. Print. 1877: Americas Year of Living Violently by Michael Belleville, American is described in detail as it was just beginning to recover from the Panic of 1 873, the worst economic contraction in American history to the time, while the South smoldered from Civil War and was on the verge of all-out racial warfare. I believe that this novel will assist me with my research because it focuses on the same time period during which The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was set.Consequentially, should be able to find numerous accounts Of racism within the novel. Smith, Susan L. Mustard Gas and American Race-Based Human Experimentation in World War II. Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics 36. 3 (2008): 517-21. Http://web. Obscenest. Com. Blackwell Publishing. Web.. This particular article is an excerpt from a Medical Journal published in 2008. Susan Smith describes the catastrophic mustard gas racial experimentation during World War II and provides examples of how race factored into the experimenting.

An Opportunity to Give the Unwanted Youth a Happy Home Essays

An Opportunity to Give the Unwanted Youth a Happy Home Essays An Opportunity to Give the Unwanted Youth a Happy Home Paper An Opportunity to Give the Unwanted Youth a Happy Home Paper Adoption is one of the greatest ways for loving responsible couples to give unwanted youth a happy home. As the number of children in the care of foster homes and orphanges grow, adoption is a vital way for children from broken homes as well as potential parents with a stable environment to become connected. As these families are formed, not only is it important to learn new heritage, but also it is equally important for adoptive children to be informed of their biological heritage as well. Adoptive parents have an obligation to diclose all pertinent information to their adoptive children, to include the identity of their birth parents. As children grow and develop, the desire and curiosity for them to know their biological parents will also grow. Questions concerning the origin of their eye color, hair color and their looks in general almost always arise. Curiosity of where children develop certain natural talents and interest never seem to be fully answered without a good knowledge of biological lineage. This information is very important to every human being, including adoptive youth. No one should be denied the right to know everything that can be learned about themselves. As these adoptive children grow into mature and respectable adults, certain issues concerning health will usually begin to surface. Genetics play a big role in determining our physical and mental well-being. many preventable illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and anxiey may all be avoided if certain risk factors are addressed early in the adoptive childs life. Without a detailed and adequate knowledge of family health history, many individuals are subject to making critical health decisions such as dieting and stress management which can eventually result in disease and illness. It is imperative for everyone, especially adoptive children, to know his/her family history. It can drastically affect ones health both mentally and physically. Knowledge of family history also gives a person a sense of self and belonging that no other component can bring to a family unit. It completes the vision of where one came from without limiting how far one can eventually go in life. Our society must not allow our youth to live in darkness and doubt about their biological background. We should never consciously withhold informatoin concerning the family history of any child, especially adoptive children. They have a right to know their biological parents and we, as prents, should have an obligation to tell and to expose them to a healthy, bright, and productive future!

One of the key questions managers may ask themselves is whether to Essay

One of the key questions managers may ask themselves is whether to make or buy their products and services. explain the relative - Essay Example As a result of this, the phenomenon of outsourcing emerged under which organizations decided to outsource some or all of their production and service functions in order to concentrate and focus on their core competencies. Most of companies either completely or partially outsourced their production and service function to other countries such as China and India in order to take advantage of cheap raw material and labor force. (Woodall et al, 2009) Opposite decision of outsourcing is the decision of insourcing wherein organizations attempt to produce themselves or provide the services through their own resources. Thus the decision to either outsource or insource depends upon different factors which combine together to allow organizations to decide as to which course of action to take. (Willcocks, 2010) This paper will provide the relative advantage of outsourcing as a viable alternative to the question of whether a firm should produce or make. Outsourcing Outsourcing is one of unique k ind of phenomenon and emerged as a result of the different needs of the international organizations. ... Under outsourcing, two organizations therefore come under the contractual agreement to agree upon the fact that assigned tasks will be performed by the second party to the contract according to the specific requirements of the organizations. Over the period of time, organizations therefore contracted out some or most of their functions to other organizations with better resources and capabilities. Initially the trend was to outsource only non-core operations of the organization however, the requirement to achieve better profitability and become more cost effective forced organizations to also outsource some of their core functions too. It is also important to note that the overall process of outsourcing was regional specific wherein organizations from developed country attempted to outsource their functions to the developing countries. The overall purpose was to achieve the organizational objectives and become more efficient. Insourcing is however, considered as an opposite of the ou tsourcing wherein organization often willing to maintain their control over their core operations. In order to achieve this objective, the resources are however, shifted to the departments which specialize in performing such business functions. By insourcing an organization however, can contract with other contractors to perform the job however, the performance of the function remains within the boundaries of the area where the organization operates. This also means that through insourcing a firm actually attempts to utilize the local resources to complete its operations rather than letting foreign vendors to perform the same. It is also important to note that the process of insourcing

The Skylark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Skylark - Essay Example This poem is studied and interpreted a number of times for analysis. Although an atheist himself, the Skylark is quite remarkable for its hints of a supreme being, although a bit indirectly only. He was also a fierce idealist who refused to compromise. He led an unconventional bohemian lifestyle representative of most people who are very creative. He traveled a lot and moved his residence several times, depending on his whims. Shelley’s â€Å"To a Skylark† is considered one of the greatest poems during the romantic English period. In this poem, Shelley used the poem to transform a reader’s consciousness by use of metaphor and simile to a great extent. The language used conveys the message which is at once active and urgent as expressed in the bird’s upwards flight (Shelley xlii). In the first few stanzas of the poem, the poet addressed the lark for the extreme noise it is making, efforts to distract potential predators because it nests on the ground and is therefore very vulnerable. Its noise is actually designed to distract predators from its nest and it continues to sing even while it is mostly unseen. Shelley compares it similarly to the human spirit that is unseen too. The purpose of the similes used by Shelley is to enhance the reader’s appreciation of the seemingly simple joys of a skylark. Shelley himself believed that poetry is essentially just a series of metaphors which utilize language’s vitality to demonstrate something abstract into something more concrete (ibid.). â€Å"To a Skylark† actually addresses a number of recurrent but important human themes such as joy, inspiration, idealism and aspirations which are largely intangibles but real nonetheless for all of us. The way to appreciate the poem’s merits is to fully realize that a poem is vitally metaphoric in nature. It is now up to the reader to use his imagination and creative thoughts to capture what the poet is trying to convey. All of these literary

Water pollution. California's water pollution dilemma Essay

Water pollution. California's water pollution dilemma - Essay Example Water pollution is the contamination of our rivers, lakes, public beaches, and drinking water by unwanted agents known to cause illness, disease, and death. The pollution can be biological, such as an unwanted bacteria or parasites. It may be a chemical known to cause cancer, which has been discharged from an industrial waste site. The ill effects of water pollution can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious health problem in humans. Animals and fish, even more sensitive to many pollutants and toxins, can be placed at risk when the ecological system of our rivers and lakes is disrupted. Whatever form the water pollution takes, it places California's scarce and most precious commodity at particular risk. Everyone has an individual responsibility to curb the pollution that threatens the health of the population, the safety of the food and water supply, and ultimately has a devastating impact on the economy of California.When toxic chemicals spill into the water system the wildlif e that depends on that supply suffers. In the case of an oil spill from a tanker, the results are fast and obvious. The oily sludge permeates their fur and feathers handicapping any hope of the animal's survival. This form of pollution is highly visible and causes damage that can be easily measured and evaluated. We can readily see the animals die as they encounter this water pollution. However, other types of pollution that threaten California's wildlife are not so readily apparent. Industrial chemicals that leach into our water supply, streams, and lakes may not be visible to the human eye but threaten to destroy our food chain. They may not kill fish instantly as the fish survive the moderate levels of the toxins that are present. However, many industrial pollutants, build up in the fish and wildlife over time. PCBs, a known carcinogen that is now prohibited, continues to persist in our environment and water supply years after it was banned (Environmental Defense Fund). When a human eats the fish, they ingest the pollutants that have been stored. Consuming this source of food on a regular basis can cause severe health problems and lead to death. Often times when wastewater from a sewage system is improperly discharged into the environment it contaminates a public area that is used for swimming or recreation. This contaminated wastewater carries potentially dangerous viruses, parasites, and bacteria with it. The effects of these waterborne pathogens can be as mild as a case of diarrhea or as serious as meningitis. High fever, liver infection, and birth defects have all been traced to water pollution caused by contaminated wastewater discharged into a public lake or beach (Nester et al). Though these contaminates do occasionally foul our drinking water supply, the most likely contact the public has is at a common recreational area. According to DiGiacomo, Washburn, Holt and Jones, "Treated municipal wastewater from urban areas of the Southern California Bight is commonly discharged into the coastal ocean [...] interfering with human activities near shore such as swimming fishing, and surfing" (1018). The surfactants in these wastewater plumes are primarily man made and include detergents, solvents, and human waste (DiGiacomo et al. 1021). These waste products are toxic to wildlife and humans. The CDC documents all reported cases of illness caused by polluted water and found during the period of 1995-1996 of the 12000 cases of disease caused by contaminated water, a full 75 percent were contracted in a public beach or swimming facility (Nester et al.). These statistics show not only the seriousness of the illnesses associated with water pollution, it also points out the widespread scope of the threat to our public beaches. Often these pollutants are the direct result of improperly disposed of waste near a population center. This carries a serious risk of contaminating a water supply for a city. This has happened many times in large and small

Comparative Education Research: Approaches and Methods

Comparative Education Research: Approaches and Methods Comparative Education:Â  Some Reflections As we started discussing deep topics in our class, I came to analyze the need for comparative education in research and the practical use of it in schools. How do different cultures and countries deal with educational policy, issues, and curriculum? Can policy be borrowed and implemented the same way in a completely different context? Is educational research essential for policy making? We know that people in different cultures and nations behave different in many aspects. Is it unknown what aspects of humanity can be considered homogenous, therefore the questions of comparison and the need to sample data from a wide variety of nations and cultures becomes crucial. People in different cultures learn to learn differently, so if one wants to establish a proposition with a specific group of children, this is where an experiment should be performed with a different group of children from another culture and compare the results. There must always be compared data, since comparison now ent ers into the study of human behavior at this point (Farrell, 1979). If we want to take this position as valid, there is a need now for cross-national research, however, one must understand a single country first before comparing it to a second one. How can we compare the United States to New Zealand, if we do not provide an adequate explanation or research for the United States first? Comparative data can also explain single country findings and it is fundamental for the consequent comparisons of two countries. Now, who is to perform this job? A need for people engaged in educational research involving comparison arises since it would bring expertise from different fields into the field of comparative education. The term comparativist was created for this type of research, although, there is no concrete and specific field that must be acquired to be a comparativist. Researchers contribute their multi-disciplinary origins in different fields to inform their approaches and enrich the field of comparative education. Some requirements are needed though: intimate and expert knowledge of another society and its historical development, an acquired foreign language, they must be generalist scholars, well-traveled, and they must work within broader parameters, to have a wider perspective. Considerable knowledge of systems and different approaches and disciplines are necessary qualifications to be a comparativist and engage in studying education (Phillips, 2014). What is it that comparativists are trying to compare? It is simple to state that these researchers want to study education, but what is education? As Bereday (1964) says, education is nothing else than an aspect of life, education includes the training of the body and the training of the intellect, it is something greater and deeper than physical and intellectual training, and a moral influence as well. Education is not a matter of schools and book-learning only, so in order to study foreign systems of education, our attention should not only be focused on the classrooms, teachers, and students only, we should go outside into the streets and homes of people, and engage into the intangible, spiritual force that holds the school system. Comparativists should remember that the things outside the schools matter even more than the things inside of schools, and govern and interpret the things inside. Once that is done, the work of foreign systems of education will result in our being better fitted to study and understand our own (Bereday, 1964). However, not only comparativists can engage in studying comparative education. Any person who has worked in education before has some wise words to say, therefore it would be dangerous to just have the words of the specialist alone. We can all contribute to the field of education. What are some practical ways to engage on comparative education as a teacher or school administrator? An experienced teacher can learn significantly by visiting another school and watch another teacher at work. A very good way to improve this learning is if groups of experienced teachers could be sent abroad to see and to judge other systems of education. This way they would return home and inform thei r schools if what is been currently done is been executed correctly or needs improvement. Travel is important for educational researchers as well. Travel is one of the characteristics that most unites the work of contemporary comparative and international education researchers. The movement of educational policies, pedagogies, and curricula is much of what comparativists study as researchers and often engage in as practitioners (Sobe, 2002). This travel would create a view from the outside which is relevant for the social sciences, and also have the inside perspective that is already acquired and implemented. As Sobe states, these two components (the outside and the inside) should work in concert, integrally and mutually constituting one another to improve the study of comparative education. In conclusion, a wide approach and perspectives of research should be taken into account in comparative education. One approach adds to another and would consequently enrich the systems of education. Comparative studies should not become trapped in one single tradition and we should explore the outside world to benefit ours. Consequently, we should also compare objects that are more than the observable. More than just the sex, color, and school attendance of pupils, but also the factors of social status and other sources of social power and prestige in societies where observable traces are not important (Farrel, 1979). If somehow we can unite these ideas of the inside, outside, and external factors, comparativists and educators would create an effective system of comparative research and improve our systems of education. REFERENCES Bereday, G. Z. F. (1964). Sir Michael Sadlers Study of foreign systems of education. Comparative Education Review, 307-314. Farrell, J., P. (1979). The necessity of comparisons in the study of education: The salience of science and the problem of comparability. Comparative Education Review, 23(1). 3-16. Phillips, D. (2014). Comparatography, history and policy quotation: some reflections. Comparative Education, 50(1), 73-83. Sobe, N. W. (2002). Travel, social science and the making of nations in early 19th century comparative education. (141-166).

Wife of Bath in Chaecers Canterbury Tales Essay -- The Wife of Bath E

In the Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer the story tells about men and women going on pilgrimages, among them the Wife of Bath in search of her 6th husband, who go on a journey to pay their respect to Sir Thomas à ¡ Becket. During the story the Wife of Bath strongly expresses herself as a very strong woman and knows what she expects with the men shes with. As well as this, with all her beauty and respect she was given in life the Wife of Bath displays herself highly. Finally, she ideals her actions with the knowledge she knows from the Bible. Therefore, because of her control, beauty, and knowledge the Wife of Bath is a woman that most women would look up to. With the Wife of Bath's five different husbands and the search of a new one, she didn't only know what she wanted but how to get it, she did this through ways of being controlling and selfish, but still, came out succeeding at the end of her relationships. The Wife of Bath, with her simple words of the five men she had been with, it was easily detailed with what mattered to her "they were good, and rich, and old, they were scarcely able to keep the statute by which they were bound to me" (p. 191). This is an explaination of exactly what she wanted and how she was able to be continue to be stable. Her unbelieveable control for the husbands she had, in which she thought they would be her "debtor and slave" (p. 189). Chaucer is expressing the sexual, as well as, the controlling side of the Wife of Bath, this also shows the unrealistic expectations she brought forth. At last, she tells exactly how she feels "you should speak thus and put them in the wrong, for no man can perjure hi mself and lie half so boldly as a woman can" (p. 193). Convicing her husbands ... ...ity, this knowledge was important. Chaucer details of society in that day in age, as well as, his detailed information of the Wife of Bath encompassed values in which women still admire today. Women still seek to have a more powerful role in society, even though still today there is a struggle to reach the top. Still today, the perfection you bring to your personal appearance gets your farther in life. Finally, when the reliance in the Bible and how still to this day church and state combine ideas, having a knowledge of the stories in the Bible shows a woman that is full of morals, values, and a good standard of living. Because of all of this, the Wife of Bath showed many sides of herself that may be hard to believe but yet still the backbone of all of it, is what most women try to do with their lives: be stable, powerful, happy, beautiful, and good morals.

Beauty Advertisement Analysis Essay

Advertisement or adverts for short is a form of communication for marketing and very often it is used to either coax, encourage and manipulate the audience – spectators, listeners, readers or a group of specified and targeted group to support the product or service at hand. Not only is it common but also convenient and efficient. There are a few approaches a company would want to promote or advertise their product or service. One of the many common and conventional methods of advertising can include billboards, printed flyers, web banners, web popups, magazines, newspapers and even human billboards. Before planning the advert, the product seller should weigh out and consider the three factors that would play a huge role in forming an effective advertisement. The three dimensions are cognitive, affective and behavioral information. Cognitive information would heavily involve about the already existing knowledge. Affective information on the other hand, focuses of the emotions of the individuals and behavioral information focuses on the reaction after reading, hearing or watching the advertisement. There are two ways for the individual to process the information given in the advertisement – systematic and superficial information processing. Systematic information processing is where the information attained is being scrutinized and analyzed while superficial information processing is where the information that is attained requires no in depth reading into the information and just coming up with an impression with the details on the advert. For this advertisement analysis, a beauty advert is selected and it would be critically analyzed to see if the ad is effective and appealing to the masses. To help analyze the advertisement various types of heuristics are being used. The different types of heuristics are, emotions – direct and indirect, attractiveness, familiarity, expertise, message-length, consensus, scarcity and consistency. These will be used to discuss and critique the advertisement. Emotions Emotions are one of the main factors when discussing persuassion. There are two types of emotion – direct and indirect. A direct emotion requires a superficial processing and it is based on a classical conditioning. Hence or this advert that focuses on a beauty product, one of the many common emotion that it would trigger would be curiosity. The indirect emotions that would be triggered from the advert, would be feelings of gratefulness or displeasure. At a glance, the advert may intrigue the audience by providing a more conventional method to resolve the problem at hand for the face or skin while the other feeling that would be evoked in the individual would be doubtful and weariness as there are various beauty products in the market that does not justify the purposes of the product. Attractiveness In general, every individual would be very prone to be attracted to someone who is attractive and likeable. Many adverts would usually have an attractive display or an appealing model to promote their products and services. The audience would be more drawn to the advert despite the product and content that is given. A famous celebrity, who is well known and liked, is being used as a model for the beauty product. A more attractive attribute of an individual would allow a much better start for an interaction between the audience and advertisement. With an appealing model, the beauty product that is being advertised would have a high chance of being likeable and interesting which would decrease the probability for the product to be turned down. Familiarity According to Zajonc (1968) individuals favor products and services that they have been regularly exposed to. Very often, the people or audience would be much more drawn to the product or services that they are able to relate to or if the product is considered to be recognizable to them. When familiarity is established between in advertisement and audience, the audience would feel the sense of belonging (Monin, 2003). Adverts that The advertisement that is used is familiar and also established a bond of belonging with the audience. The word natural and the attractive model that is being used for the advert is familiar to the audience – women – as we have an already formed perception of what beautiful looks like – flawless and natural looking skin. Which is what the model is showing off. That aside, it would also able to identify for individuals who are looking for a solution to their facial problems. Expertise Most often, individuals are easily influenced by the behavior of the experts or those who has the upper hand. The credibility of the source is important when an individual is weighing out their options. The individuals need to be assured that the product or services that is offered is trustworthy and competent as this would allow the individual to form a fast perception of the product or service. Advertisements would usually include pictures of an authority figure or include information that is factual. This advert however does not show or establish any from of specific and clear expertise and authority. Message-Length An advertisement with a long message length would be believed and seen as useful as more information is provided. The informative ad would be more appealing as it offers vital information about the product and services at hand. However this would only be useful and effective if the audience were to use a systematic information processing. For this advert, very short information is given but however, the information is direct and clear. But message length does not play a huge role when an attractive model is being used and it would be able to also entice the same reaction as an advert that is informative. According to Chaiken (1980), individuals would rarely check the validity of the message that is give but instead to the readily information given that would be analyzed. Therefore, in conclusion, information processing plays a major and important role when advertisements are at play. Like information processing, heuristics also influences decision-making. Hence, information processing and heuristics would commonly complement and work together when the audience has to make a choice. Thus when making a choice, the individual has to look for more options and weigh out the advantage and disadvantage, this is where the advertisements would play a major role and what heuristic that is being used would also be taken into consideration.

Regional Imbalance Essay

India is a vast plural country, full of diversities of religions, castes,languages, tribes, cultures, etc. A number of cultural and linguistic groups are concentrated in certain territorial segments, to which they are attached, emotionally and historically. As has been said that during colonial rule the administration was interested in economic exploitation of the country and not in its development; it encouraged various divisions based on religion, region, caste and language and did not pursue any plan or strategy for a balanced development of the country. These resulted in regional imbalances,and group identities. Subsequently, the independent India saw the rise of regionalism, linguism, separatism, etc. In this chapter we will read about the background, causes and nature of these phenomena and possible ways out to check them. All these are related and interconnected. A region is a territory, the inhabitants of which have an emotional attachment to it because of commonality of religion,language, usages and customs, socioeconomic and political stages of development, common historical traditions, a common way of living, etc. Any one or more of these, and above all widely prevalent sentiments of togetherness, strengthen the bond. This territory can coincide with the boundaries of a State, parts of State or even with more than one State. A sense of discrimination or competition on economic, political or cultural grounds, desire for justice or favour gives rise to regionalism. Depending on reasons,and related nature, regionalism can be manifested in many ways like demand for autonomy or powers for State,creation of new State, protection of language or culture of the region or separation from the country. By regional disparities or imbalances is meant wide differences in per capita income, literacy rates, availability of health and education services, levels of industrialisation, etc. between different regions. As already mentioned, these regions may be either states or regions within a State. In this regard in India there are enormous imbalances on various accounts. The exploitative nature of British colonial rule either created or accentuated regional disparities. The planning in independent India has also not been ble to remove these. As is well known, the British colonial administration was primarily interested in selling their products in Indian markets and taking away raw materials from here. In some cases they were also interested in establishing some industries to invest their surplus capital and use cheap labour. Keeping these needs in view, they introduced Zamindari system in some regions to get maximum land revenue. In some regions they favoured peasant proprietary system a nd improvement of agriculture to create markets for their products. As such, in agriculture there came up significant variations both in production relations and level of production in different states and regions. The pattern of urbanisation was based on the strategy of exporting primary products and importing finished goods. This laid the foundation for the emergence of port towns as the major centers of urban-industrial activities. Therefore, the growth of trade nd commerce in colonial India meant the creation of jobs and educational opportunities at coastal centers like Bombay, Calcutta and Madras and some princely states’ capitals. This also led to the emergence of some consumer industries in these enclaves and hence to the development of a merchant capitalist class. This gave these regions a head start over others where the vast tracts of agriculture had lost their traditional handicrafts and other small scale non-agricultural activities in the face of competition from the high technology associated with the modern processes of industrialisation. Another factor in the uneven regional development was the growth of the education system. The British imperialists had linked India to Europe via trade relations and the coastal areas especially around the ports of Bombay,Calcutta and Madras. To man the establishments in these areas modern education was introduced. An educated professional class, mainly lower paid government and commercial clerks, grew up in these areas. These regions also threw up an elite group of lawyers and other professionals who were involved on both sides of the independence movement. On the eve of independence interstate and inter-district disparities were quite sharp and widening. There were differences in the levels of per capita income and consumption, literacy, medical and health facilities, natural resources, population growth, infrastructure development,employment opportunities etc. The independent India, thus, was burdened with the task of removing these disparities. The need for the removal of regional disparities was well recognised by the leaders of the independent India. The Constitution of India, has made it mandatory for the government at the Centre to appoint a Finance Commission once at least in every five years. It was to examine the problems arising out of the gaps between the needs for expenditure and the availability of revenue and other such matters. Accordingly, the balanced regional development had become the declared goal of the Central government and of its two principal agencies — the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission. One of the objectives of planning was to restore the balance between various areas and regions. However, these institutions were to work within overall socio-economic infrastructure of the country and the developing political process. As has already been mentioned that because of the strategic position of the ruling class and adopted model of development right from the beginning,the development has been drifting away from the desired goals. Moreover, to begin with planning was primarily restricted to the national level. Hardly any attention was paid to the problem of regional disparities and the few measures that were taken, were adopted to deal with specific problems faced by certain areas having natural calamities. Thus, the problem of regional development in a national context did not get adequate attention of the policy makers. Some of the already developed regions enjoyed the privilege to develop further at the cost of the backward regions which continued to stagnate. The Third Five-Year Plan devoted some attention to the problem of regional disparities. Some efforts were made to identify the backward regions. Fourth plan onward, planners have increasingly emphasised this objective. Deliberate policy measures are being taken to improve the levels of living of the people in regions identified as backward. However, in practice, in spite of the increasing awareness of these aspects, very little has been achieved. While industrially backward regions have been identified by India’s Planning Commission, no such attempt has yet been made as regards regions which can be deemed to be backward from the point of view of overall economic development. Actually, the main focus of regional policy during the Indian plans has been on the dispersal of industry among the different regions of India. But, in spite of various attempts for industrialisation, agriculture continues to be the most important economic activity from the point of view of output and employment in most of the States in India. And within the agricultural sector, because of emphasis on immediate increase in production,inter-state disparities in per capita agricultural production have been on the increase. It is well known that in agricultural development policy, the green revolution and its impact has been confined to relatively small areas. Thus, the disparities in socio-economic conditions of the people have beenincreasing both within and between different regions of the country. Existence and continuation of regional inequalities both among States and within States create the feeling of neglect, deprivation and of discrimination. In a country which is multi ethnic and multi religious, with groups concentrated in states or regions, these disparities also become cause of social conflicts leading to political and administrative problems. In any case regional imbalances are a major cause of regionalism in India in many ways. The movements for creation of separate States in Jharkhand area of Bihar and West Bengal, Uttaranchal and Chattisgarh in Uttar Pradesh andMadhya Pradesh were because of underdevelopment of these regions in those States and a feeling of deprivation and exploitation among people. Finally,these areas were constituted as separate States in 2001. Similar movements are going on in Telengana region of Andhra Pradesh, Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Darjeeling region of West Bengal and in some other regions. Apart from sense of deprivation in the neglected States or regions there also are grievances due to sectoral imbalances in States like lack of industrial development along with agricultural development. Because ofthis, on the one hand there have developed interests, particularly in rural areas of developed States, and on the other sectoral conflicts. Both these are encouraging regionalism in developed States. For example, in areas where Green Revolution was introduced and has been successful, thenew rich farmers class has become economically and politically important. They are now interested in perpetuating the concessions and facilities which were given to them. In spite of agriculture having become quite profitable they want subsidies to continue and income not to betaxed. These rich farmers in such States provide major social basis of regional parties. Another aspect of imbalanced development is that because of development only in limited areas, the work force from other States and areas, keep on fighting and winning transitions. Focus is on regional development and not on equivocal or equi-sectoral development. This leads to a major imbalance within a country’s economy and across state-wise economies.

buy custom Codification Concepts essay

buy custom Codification Concepts essay Creating an Initial Database Database consists of fields containing individual pieces of data grouped in tables. When creating a database, one determines characteristics of specific data entry. Forms are used for viewing data entry or fields associated to forms. A question creates new tables from existing tables based on the question type. The data formed is then organized in a report according to your requirements. To create a database, chose Database from the menu bar following the procedure, File New Database (Neuman, 2003). One can also access new database by selecting the arrow next to New Icon on the standard tool bar, and from the dropdown menu, select Database. All the processes will open up a new data base. To create a database, you should have a recommended server with the recommended files. Data Editing Data editing consists of removal of bad data by muting. It is a simple method of removing noise when high-amplitude unpredictable events are isolated. Data editing consists of unpredictable events since they leave high amplitude residuals that tend to be expected as prediction errors. In recent times, automatic data editing is used for three dimensional surveys because huge volumes of data used. The huge volumes of data have led to the use of automatic data editing. Large dynamic range of data allows for more accuracy in the desired signal. It is noted that during data collection, high amplitude noise is also collected. The noise is as a result of unwanted signals i.e. ground roll or imperfections of recording instruments. Data processing techniques tend to preserve the amplitudes and since data should be free of noise, clean pre-stack data is recommended. Processes such as pre-stack migration, velocity determination and AVO measurements are therefore recommended. Data editing happen s at two levels, micro and macro editing. Micro editing corrects data at the record level. At this level, error in data is checked in records with the intention of determining the consistency of the data. Macro editing detects errors but after the analysis of aggregate data (Dennard, 2000). Editing is done at different levels such as validity, range, duplication, consistency, historical, statistical and miscellaneous edits. Data Description It involves data analysis and services delivery in a work overloaded with information. It entails knowing statistics (measure obtained in a sample) and different terminologies used in describing data. Such terminologies that include, parameter which is the characteristics obtained in a population. Mean is the sum of the values divided by the number of values and denoted by x (Ercan et al, 2007). Median is the mid point of data after being sorted in ascending or descending order. Mode- is the most frequent number. Skewed Distribution-position of the high value of data, values can be lying towards the head or towards the tail. Weighted mean-mean found when each value is multiplie by its weight and totaled. Symmetric distribution- even or uneven distribution of data values on either side of the mean. Midrange- mean of the lowest value and the highest values. Range-the difference between the highest value and the lowest value, other terms used in describing data include, population Varia nce, sample Variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, empirical or normal rule, standard score or Z-score, percentile, quartile, deciles, lower hinge, upper hinge, box plot, five number summary, inter-quartile range, outlier, mild outliers and extreme outliers (Eriksson et al, 2006). Data Manipulation Data manipulation also refers to as data fudging. It includes making up false data and selecting data for reporting. Examples of selective reporting include, choosing a group of results for final tallying following a pattern that is consistent to the preferred hypothesis. In doing this, one will have to ignore other values, results and data runs contradicting the hypothesis. Positive result entails data runs where the researcher guesses a hidden card or variable at a greater frequency than chance (Bernard, 2000). Manipulation here therefore involves a case where the hypothesis is not confirmed by the totality of the entire research experiment. It is only confirmed by selected group of successful test. In the event of manipulation study results cannot be reproduced by another investigation. Matching Data Variables with Analytical Methods Data variable is a quantity measured on a continuous and infinite scale. It is not measured on a distinct unit demanding yes/no answers. The variables are put down on charts, range charts and standard deviation charts. Analytical methods would be used to match data variables since the methods are used where data outputs has literal peaks. The peak position and size are obtained by mathematical transformation of primary data with unlike form function. In this case the function may be continuously decreasing or increasing in function (Annor-Frempong Duvel, 2011). To match data with analytical methods, first of all the data for several key events are imputed since the data analysis would be based on dissimilar events. The events should be included in the data file to produce consistent results. Secondly, the variables collected in the original questionnaire should be in convenient form for collection. The methods would therefore allow for combination in a form for easy analysis (Griffi s Cooper, 2010). Thirdly, variables arte summarized and included in the record file. The next step would involve calculation where certain indices are calculated and included in the record file. Finally, the data in the record file would be in a standardized format allowing for easy comparison and analysis. Independent Dependent Variables In an experiment, the variable that varies and can be manipulated by the researcher is known as independent variable. It is the presumed cause and the antecedent of a research. In an experiment, this variable is controlled and manipulated. In a non experimental procedure where there is no manipulation, independent variable has an effect on dependent variable (Eriksson et al, 2006). For example, when a research is done on cigarette smoking verses lung cancer, smoking will be the independent variable because it can be manipulated. In other instances, the independent variable is always beyond manipulation and control such cases includes ethnicity and gender. Dependent variable on the other hand is the response that is measured. It is the presumed effect and consequent in a research carried out (Datta, 2010). The variable cannot be manipulated by the researcher instead it is measured or observed for variation as a deduced result of the variation in independent variable. Dependent variabl e is also the status of the outcome in which data contain. Validity Validity is an important aspect in data collection because without it, the research is meaningless with great deal of money, time and energy wasted. According to Duvel (1994), validity entails the meaningfulness, appropriateness and usefulness of inferences made from a test score. For findings to be appropriate, useful and meaningful, it needs to be valid. To have valid research findings, there is need for consideration of context and purpose of survey items to determine the appropriateness inferences (Duvel, 1994). Reliability Tests lacking reliability will indicate ambiguous scores. A test should achieve a reasonable level of reliability in order to be precise. For example, a test with a score 80 may not be different than a score of 90 or 70 in terms of what students know (Ercan et al, 2007). Thus if the test is not reliable it cannot be valid. Precision When requirements in research are not made crystal clear, they are open to misinterpretation. Thus precision is necessary in data collection to limit misinterpretation. The method used in data collection or projects requirements does not matter, what matters are that they should not be too fuzzy (Neuman, 2003). Accuracy Data entry is the most important aspect in data collection, when they are added correctly the information collected helps execute plans correctly or helps achieve a reliable conclusion (Chan, 2004). It also helps in determining goals of the research and rectification of shortcomings encountered. Information collected with mistakes is skewed and inaccurate. Information entered should be accurate and efficient for a research to be precise, reliable and valid. Incorrect data in a database often has a negative effect in full value of research. For example, outdated information in an organization i.e. old appraisals and outdated past due rental notices will make a company appear to be making loses that it actually is. This would impact a business negatively in terms of future financing. Buy custom Codification Concepts essay

INDUSRIAL RADIOGRAPHY Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

INDUSRIAL RADIOGRAPHY - Research Paper Example Non destructive testing is a special technique for observing products or materials for any internal defect. Since X Rays and Gamma rays have huge capability to penetrate into the material with a non destructive effect therefore the above two radiations are used for the reason of non destructive testing. The inception of industrial radiography is tracked back to 1895 when X-rays were discovered from a discharge tube by the collision of cathode rays on anti-cathode material. This was the first hallmark when type of electromagnetic radiations was discovered, then after the phenomenon of radioactivity was too comprehended. Then both X-rays (by product of action of cathode rays on anticathode material) and Gamma rays (exhibited from radio active material) are used for industrial applications. In the early stages radium was used for gamma rays in industries however with the discovery of new isotopes of Cs (Cesium-137) and Co (Cobalt-60), the usage of radium was decreased and replaced with new discovered isotopes. However industrial radiography should not be confused with nuclear physics (i.e. bombarding radiations to split an atom into daughter components). Industrial Radiography specifically deals with the analysis on industrial products and materials. 1. Important Applications Of Industrial Radiography Industrial radiography is used for different testing purposes in industries. The applications vary from analyzing defects in products, analyzing the strength of materials after a post assembly operation, air port security, cargo scanning etc. Usually welds on pressurized pipes, vessels, structures and containers are tested on vast scale in industries through industrial radiography. Moreover metal surfaces, machined parts and metal walls are usually tested from radiography. In addition to the above usages ceramics that are utilized in aerospace and aviation industries are tested on regular basis through industrial radiography. Through industrial Radiography anything c an be graphed easily whether it’s a solid flat, curved or any other formed material. For pipes’ weld testing, a radiographer placed the radiographic emitting source inside the pipe while on outer side of the pipe the weld area is covered with a film so that radiographic patterns can be recorded. The penetrated radiations will pass through the weld and it will identify about any defect that might be left in the weld through the traces left on film. However it should be highly considered that the direction of the beam must be normal to that of the surface that is targeted for radiography. The use of industrial radiography is growing; all non-intrusive products in Cargo are also checked by a special X-ray machine. Further studies are in progress to devise any new advancement such as dual energy X-ray radiography in order to optimize this technology in more productive manner. 2. Medical Radiography Medical radiography is a medical diagnosis tool that uses the radiographic radiation to radiograph the patient’s physical and internal skeleton structure. Medical radiography uses both ionizing radiation and non ionizing radiation. There are few hazards that are associated with ionizing radiation to the human body. There are different ways of reducing these dangerous hazards. The level of exposure of these radiations is actually the main concern; level of exposure can be kept down by decreasing time in radiographic exposure to human

Guy Body Image Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Guy Body Image - Research Paper Example As a result, the society is forced to try to attain the physical unattainable perfection as featured prominently in the mass media (Government of Western Australia 1). The influence has been significant in as indicated in various researches. For example, a study carried out showed that looking at fashion magazines for a moment lowered the self-esteem of over 80 percent of women (Government of Western Australia 1). The media have failed to acknowledge that both males and females come in all different shapes and sizes. Therefore, the representation of one body type as being ideal is unrealistic (Government of Western Australia 1). This leads to adoption of harmful behavior to both males and females as they try to attain the images depicted on the media. Moreover, the worry about body image has also manifested in males. There have been an increasing number of males under pressure to maintain a high level of fitness and physical perfection. As a result, most males have been spending most of their money and times in gyms, beach, and sporting clubrooms. Moreover, they have adopted some strange feeding habits, and use of drugs to enhance body image (Government of Western Australia 1). Media have a profound impact on the female body. The influence is usually rampant to the teenagers. The media have led to the notion that the value of women is based on the outward appearance (Serdar 1). The images depict an impractical standard of feminine beauty (Serdar 1). This in the end has a powerful influence on the way women view themselves. According to the view of the mass media, thinness is considered perfect, and a key thing for women to be attractive (Serdar 1). The figure has been commonly highlighted through various ads. Such images in the ads, television, and music portray the perfect woman (Serdar 1). Moreover, the media have been full of images of females that possess these unique attributes. As a result, this makes it usual

DB 3 - Biology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

DB 3 - Biology - Coursework Example Medical practitioners should change the drug where minimal or no improvement is evident in a patient. This help to kill the bacteria resistant to the previous antibiotic. Improper use of a given antibiotics also contribute to resistance. Patients who stop medication after observing a slight improvement expose themselves to resistance from the diagnosed bacteria. Therefore, doctors must ensure their patients complete the dosage of a given antibiotic. In instances where the uses of antibiotics are widespread, the pathogen in question is likely to develop resistance as they mutate (CDC, 2014). Violation of antibiotic use in the above ways triggers the bacteria to develop resistance in different ways. The one sure way to tackle antibiotic resistance is to use antibiotics smartly. Smart use of antibiotic entails avoiding compromise in the use of antibiotic for treatment. There are personal interventions that one can take to avoid the spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens, key being avoiding exposure. The sign found in restrooms is important as far as antibiotic resistance is concerned. It contributes to the fight against antibiotic resistance. It significantly creates awareness. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2015. Antibiotic Resistance Questions & Answers. Web. January 30, 2015. Retrieved from

To His Coy Mistress Essay Example for Free

To His Coy Mistress Essay â€Å"To his coy Mistress† is poem written by Andrew Marvell, and this is one of his best poems ever. Author used Carpe Diem, very interesting style of writing poetry. In this poem he describes his life and how he wanted a more time with special woman. â€Å"To his importunate Mistress† is poem which is written by Peter de Vries. He also in his poem used many things that are like in Marvell’s poem â€Å"To his coy Mistress. The first sentence is same in both poem, so many writers considered that his story is copy of the Marvell’s â€Å"To his coy Mistress†. The first poem has three stanzas, and we can see that author in this poem want tell us that all he wants is more time to him and his love. The major role in this poem has woman, who is more or less young, and an old man. In the first stanza the old man describes how he would love her, but it is not enough time for everything he wants. He also talks about how he could spend much time with her so that he can watch and admire each part of her body. His love is so big, so he says that her refusal would not affect on him because he is diligent in what he wants. In the second stanza he recalls how short human life is, and that we don’t have much time to do all things which we want. He thinks that everyone should enjoy in life, and do everything what they want. If we have opportunity for something we mustn’t miss it, because we could regret later. The last stanza talked about how he urges her to comply, claiming that in loving each other with passion they will make the most of the time they have to live. The second poem â€Å"To his importunate Mistress† is written by Peter de Vries. Peter de Vries was an American editor and novelist known for his satiric wit. His poem â€Å"To his importunate Mistress† has two stanzas. On the beginning of the first stanza we can see that the first sentence is the same like in Marvell’s â€Å"To his Coy Mistress†. So we can say that Peter de Vries poem is meant to mock Andrew Marvells To Coy His Mistress. Peter’s poem talked about having a mistress. The author describes a man who has a wife but also he has a mistress. His wife accepts him as it is, because she loved him. The material things are the most important thing in his life and he doesn’t see anything except that. All his time he devoted her mistress and forgets about his wife. He bought her many expensive things, and thoughts that he can with that things attract any woman. But on the end he realized that his wife is the only who was loved him all that time. On the end of this poem we can conclude that his wife beat his mistress and she was able to return to her husband. â€Å"To his coy Mistress† is a metaphysical poem, which is written in iambic tetrameter. He also used metaphors, irony and in the first part of the poem the speaker appeals to the character, in the second part he expresses his emotions, and in the third part the speaker uses reason. The setting for this story is very important because in this poem we have two layers of setting, the setting which we imagine and setting which speaker imagines. In the second poem the speaker also used symbols, irony and metaphors. Both stories tell about mistress, and the first sentences are same in both poems. So we can say that the Peter’s poem is a parody of Marvell’s â€Å"To his Coy Mistress†. De Vries’s used the same structure and metaphors like Marvell in his poem. There are a many similarities, but there are also differences. â€Å"To his importunate Mistress† shows stereotypical characteristics, the most important thing in life is money, while â€Å"To his coy Mistress† speaks of love and praise. In the first poem the author used carpe diem, which describes the passion of society.

Financial Performance Analysis of Amazon

Financial Performance Analysis of Amazon Executive Summary Amazon.com, Inc (Amazon) registered strong growth of 36% in 2008 mainly due to increased unit sales and expanded sales base in several categories. Meanwhile during the 3rd quarter of 2009, Amazon managed to report a steady growth despite the recession period. This report reviews and analyse Amazon financial performance as well as comparison with its competitors. All analysis and ratios are derived from data collected from respective companies annual reports and www.reuters.com. Brief Description of the Company Amazon is one of the leading online retailers in the world based in Seattle, Washington, United States of America. The company started its operation in 1995 and has regional involvement in the Asia Pacific, North America and Western Europe. Initially the core business of the company is selling online books however has diversified to products such as apparel, electronic and home improvement products. The company is involved in the internet retailing industry with 7.5% market share in 2008. The e-commerce industry has gone through major phases of growth and decline however, Amazon persevered and surprised everyone. Amazon achieved its first annual profit in 2003 and has continuously performed better each year. Amazons main competitors are the book retailer, Barnes and Nobles (BN) and third party retailing non-book related good, Ebay.com (Ebay). BN and Ebay are engaged in the similar industry as Amazon, which is online business and catalogue retailing of single and diversified product lines In terms of market capitalisation, Amazon has the highest at $59.57 billion and followed by Ebay and BN at $30.59 billion and $1.21 billion respectively. This indicates that Amazon has greater stability and low risk compared to the competitors. Financial Analysis Profitability The companys performance has improved wherein it has performed above the projections made throughout the four years period. Net sales have increased by 29.2% from $14,835 million in 2007 to $19,166 million in 2008 with net income of $476 million and $645 million respectively. The Cost of Sales (COS) has increased throughout the years partly contributed from the free shipping cost and has affected the net income figure. There was a drop in the net income in 2006 due to increase spending on technology and content and in income tax expenses. However, the said figure has increased thereafter. In terms of sales, Amazon has performed double from the competitors throughout the four-year period. Sales increased tremendously primarily due to low prices, vast selection of products and free shipping offers. However, in terms of Gross Profit Margin (GPM), Ebay operated at 74% has outperformed Amazon at 23% in 2008. The reason behind this is due to Amazons high expenditure on Cost of Sales (COS), which is about 70% of its sales value. The high COS was mainly contributed from the free shipping cost incurred. In comparison to Ebay, the company applies different business model from Amazon and have managed to minimise its expenditure on COS at about 20% of its sales value and therefore reflected to a high GPM. GPM proves that eBay is generating a very large percent of net income from each dollar of sales and this contributes greatly to the growing of eBays overall financial strength. Meanwhile, BN showed a better margin because of its smaller size and the retailer aspect. Amazon and BN have a stable Operating Profit Margin (OPM) of 4% compared to Ebay, which fluctuates within the same period. Its constant operating expenses of 20% from its sales value support the stable growth for Amazons OPM. Ebays fluctuation figures are resulted from high expenses incurred from selling, general and administrative. Based on the industry standard, Amazon and its competitors have performed ahead from the standard, which are 14.1% and 0.53% for GPM and OPM respectively. The low OPM standard can be ascribed to the effect of the recent financial crisis. As of the 3rd quarter of 2009, Amazons sales were $14,989 million with net income of $518 million. For the current year, it is projected a further increase of 21% and 19.5% in sales and COS respectively from 2008 primarily to the low prices, vast selection and free shipping offers. With the said sales projection, the net profit is projected at $743 million in 2009. The basis for the projection takes into consideration on the global economic downturn and changes in customer purchasing preferences. Based on the current quarter performance, the same trend was observed wherein Amazon is still having the highest net sales while Ebay still dominating the net income figure. BN was badly hit from the result of economic crisis. In comparison with the competitors, Amazons Return on Equity (ROE) was high in 2005 at 135% but drastically dropped throughout the years to 40% and 20% in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The main reason for the decrease was due to the yearly increase in the businesss equity. As at 2008, Amazons ROE is equivalent to the competitors and is expected to be in line with the competitors in the future. In comparison on the ROE and Return on Assets (ROA), Amazon has the highest growth among its competitors as it has a smaller capital base than Ebay and a higher profit level than BN. The high ROE is indicates that Amazon is continuing to grow. Meanwhile the ROA showed that Amazon is efficient in generating income from its assets compared to its competitors. The industry standard for the ROE and ROA are 3.8% and 1.6% respectively. The lower industry standard might be driven by the economic condition, which has a great impact to the performance and profitability of most companies. There was an increase of 1% for each year from 2006 to 2008 for the Return on Investment (ROI), whereas the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) was at the highest in 2008 at 29%. These have indicated that Amazon is efficientat using its assets to generate earnings compared to the competitors. Liquidity and leverage analysis The companys current ratios are more or less similar to BN during the four-year period. The companys current ratio was between the ranges of 1.3 to 1.5 for the past four years. This indicates that Amazon is able to lay its hands on $1.30-$1.50 for every $1.00 they owe. In comparison between current and acid test ratio, acid test ratio is lower at average of 1.0 within the years. It will enable the company to cover its short-term liabilities adequately with its liquid assets. This is within some of the industry standards of 1:1, showing that the company will be able to cover its short-term liabilities adequately with its liquid assets. In comparison with the industry, Ebay performed better than Amazon for both the current ratio and acid test ratio. Amazon fell below the standard in the initial years but almost meeting the standard in 2008 at 1.5:1. Although not performing better than the industry average, Amazon has good and stable ratios, which indicates that the company is able to cover its current liabilities. Amazons gearing ratio was high in 2005 at 86% and subsequently reduces within the years to 13% in 2008. Due to the operational efficiency, increased sales and improved liquidity, Amazon was able to reduce its debt and currently the business is funded with internal generated funds. Meanwhile, Ebay has no borrowings and BN has an average of 30% for the gearing ratio. The high borrowing in 2005 has a huge impact on the debt-to-equity ratio, which was 6:0:1. However as the borrowings is paid, the debt equity ratio when down to 0.2:1 in 2008. This indicates that Amazon has 20 cent debt for every $1 equity the company have. As for BN, its debt/equity ratio was at average of 0.5:1 during the four years. Therefore, in comparison, Amazon is less risky than BN. As Ebay has no borrowing, the interest cover for the said company is high compared to Amazon and Ebay. In comparison with the debt-to-equity ratio set by the industry, Amazon has a very low ratio of 0.2 compared to 40.98. As mentioned earlier, the industry ratio is on the high side due to the economic condition. Investment analysis Amazons common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards outstanding totalled 446 million on December 31, 2008, compared with 435 million a year ago. As of to date, the said shares amounted to 451 million. Based on Amazons Earning per Share (EPS) trend, it indicated that the markets willingness to pay for the companys earnings has increased. This indicates that the market foresees Amazons long-term prospects over and above its current position. As at 3rd quarter 2009, the EPS was $1.20 and to grow further based on the companys projection on higher earnings in 4th quarter. Analyst predicts that strong online holiday sales will boost the shares of retailers, including Amazon and has recommended that the said shares will outperform in the market (Reuters.com, 2009). In terms of market performance, Amazons share price fluctuates throughout the years and increased tremendously in 2007 at $92.64 due to the launch of its e-book reader, Kindle. However, during the economy downturn in 2008, the share price dropped to $51.28 due to low operating profit as Amazon begins its price reduction for the goods and services. In 2009, the share price gradually increased and after the 3rd quarter results, it continuously went up and as at 11 December 2009, the share price was $134.15. The current Price/Earning Ratio has increased to 80.70 times from 33.80 times in 2008. Analyst predicted that with a strong revenue growth Amazon would be able to gain significant market share from other competitors (Stahl, 2009). Due to the economic downturn, all companies are affected which was reflected in its performance. Similar to Amazon, Ebays and BNs share prices had an initial stable growth but in 2008 it dropped by about 50%. While others are still struggling to recover from the economic situation, Amazon has showed a growth in 2009 and the share price has currently increased by 168% compared to Ebay and BN at 70% and 62% respectively. Cash flow Analysis As at 3rd quarter 2009, the cash and cash equivalents was $2,514, which a reduction from the opening balances at the beginning of the year of $2,769. During the period, the cash used in financing activities was $229 million compared to $1,199 million in 2008 of which the cash outflows results from repurchases of common stock, repayments of long-term debt. Repayments on long-term debt and payments on capital lease obligations were $379 million for the 3rd quarter 2009 and $335 million in 2008. Meanwhile, free cash flowwas $446 million for the quarter. Throughout the years, Amazon has managed to have a positive cash flow from its operating activities. This indicates a good sign that the core operation of the company is generating income. In comparison of Amazons total liabilities to the cash flow generated from operations, the company has enough funds to cover level of investment and takes about 3.3 years to pay back all its financial commitments. With the current cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances, the company is likely to be able to meet its anticipated operating cash needs for at least the next 12 months. In comparison between the cash flow from operating activities and net income, it indicated that Ebay has the higher ability compared to Amazon in managing its operating cash cycle through receivables, payables and inventory. The reason is that Ebay takes advantages of its payable days for as long as 361 days. Due to the similar business model, both companies have a negative cash cycle of which cash is generated from its payable and quick settlement payment from the customers. Management of Working Capital In terms of managing working capital, Amazon had maintained its positive cash flow being the highest at 2007 for an amount of $1,450. This indicates that the company is able to pay off its short-term liabilities and operating expenses accordingly. In comparison between the competitors, Ebay has the highest working capital of $4,023 million in 2007 while BN has the lowest at $841million in 2006. The high working capital for Ebay has enabled the company to be successful in its expansion programme and improve their operations. For the 3rd quarter ending 31st December, Amazons working capital is $1,832 million and is expected to increase further due to higher expectation of sales in the coming quarter. Working capital provides information on the companys underlying operational efficiency. In terms of efficiency, Amazon is efficient in using its assets in generating sales compared to its competitors, which are reflected in the asset turnover ratio. This indicates Amazons improved efficiency in inventory and asset management that is partly supported from the low pricing strategy and low profit margin. In comparison to the competitors, BN has the lowest account receivable days due to its retail business model, which is based on the cash transaction. Based on the account payable days, Ebay has taken advantage on the free source of finance for the business at 361 days compared to Amazon at 62 days. In respect of the inventory days, Amazon is able to turn the inventory quickly as low as 12 days compared to BN at 140 days. BN has high stock inventory days due to the reason of its retailing business model and product which requires some time to be sold. Due to the same business application, both Amazon and Ebay have a negative cash operating cycle, which indicates efficiency in cash management. In term of the industry standard, the three companies are performing above the indicative ratios, which are supported by the significant growth in the industry. Based on the industry standard, Amazon and the competitors are performing ahead from the standard. For the assets turnover ratio, Amazon was the highest at 2 times compared to 0.7 times industry standard. This indicates the companys efficiency at using its assets in generating sales. The reason Amazon performed better than the competitors is relatively derive from the pricing strategy wherein low profit margin company tends to have high asset turnover. Amazon Future Prospects Based on Amazons current performance, it is projected that the company will have a strong growth supported by the low pricing strategy and free shipping. Moreover, the latest acquisition of Zappos.com and improvised version of Kindle are expected to increase Amazon sales which leads to higher profitability. Due to the growth of Amazon, its annual earning is expected to grow over the next two to three years with sales reaching $2.38 million and $2.86 million respectively. Due to robust financial performance during the current economic condition, it has enhances investors confidence. Share prices are expected to increase with earnings of $2.57 and $2.38 per share in 2008 and 2009 respectively. In line with the said growth, Amazon will benefit in gaining additional market share despite tough competition from other online sites such as Ebay. References Amazon.com Annual Report 2008 Available from: http://amazon.com (accessed on 11th November 2009) Amazon.com 3rd Quarter 2009 Report Available from: http://amazon.com (accessed on 11th November 2009) Ebay.com Annual Report 2008 Available from: http://ebay.com (accessed on 11th December 2009) Barnes and Noble Annual Report 2008 Available from: barnesnobleinc.com ((accessed on 11th November 2009) BBC News (2008), Amazon Shares Fall Despite Growth. (Online) Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk (accessed on 5th December 2009) George Stahl (2009), Amazon Shares Hit All Time High. The Wall Street Journal (0nline), Available from: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125630854623203899.html (accessed on 4th December 2009) John Pacskowski (2009), Spare Change for Amazon Shares. The Wall Street Journal (Online), Available from: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125630854623203899.html (accessed on 4th December 2009) Richard Waters and Jonathan Birchall (2009), Amazon Share Surge Recalls Tech Boom Days (Online) Available from:http://ft.com (accessed on 5th December 2009) Reuters.com (2009), Nasdaq rises with Online Retailers Dos Dips on Oil. (Online), http://ul.reuters.com (accessed on 3rd December 2009) www. reuters.com (accessed on 1st December 2009)