Contemporary issues in accounting and finance Essay

Contemporary issues in accounting and finance - Essay Example A recent FEE (Federation of European Accountants) publication states that â€Å"an individual’s objectivity must be beyond question when conducting and reporting on a statutory audit† (FEE). This paper will critically evaluate this statement with particular reference given to some fundamental financial/accounting/auditing concepts and external studies. Objectivity of statutory auditors There are many situations where a statutory auditor’s objectivity would be questioned when auditing financial statements of a firm. To illustrate, an auditor faces this challenge while dealing with the valuation of assets. In order to understand this situation clearly, it is necessary to discuss the difference between fair value and historical cost. Under historical cost accounting, assets and liabilities are valued at original acquisition price and any increase or decrease in their market value over the years is not taken into account (Shome 1995, p.135). In contrast, assets and l iabilities are valued at the market price in the current date under the fair value accounting method (Wood 2009, p.344). Traditionally, books of accounts were kept at historical costs. However, fair value accounting replaced this conventional accounting practice nearly two decades ago and since then the assets and liabilities are measured at their current value estimates (Ramanna 2013). Today, most of the firms value assets and liabilities at the estimates of their current market value in order to give the stakeholders a detailed view of the financial status of the business. Since dubious assets/liabilities valuation practices have led to many corporate failures over the last decade, it is a challengeable task for auditors to certify the reliability of fair value accounting. Under such circumstances, a statutory auditor’s objectivity is likely to be questioned if he has any specific interest in the firm. Fair value accounting represents the social construction of reality wher eby legitimacy, power, and illusions are created. As experts point out, new epistemic criteria have to be created to address the socially constructed reality of fair value accounting. Fair value accounting clearly represents socially constructed reality, and auditors are expected to maintain professional ethics and legitimate practices (Jeppesen & Liempd 2011). In order to verify this socially constructed reality, auditor’s independence has to be specifically promoted. The auditor’s independence can significantly affect the credibility of financial statements (Olagunju 2011). Hence, there is a positive relationship between independence of an auditor and credibility of the financial statement (Ibid). In addition, an auditor’s independence can justify his objectivity to a great extent. The auditor’s independence has two distinct aspects including real independence and perceived independence (Sucher & MacLullich n.d.). Accomplishment of both these aspects is essential to achieve the ultimate goals of auditor’s independence. Real independence can be simply defined as the independence of the auditor or independence of the mind (Palmrose & Saul 2001). More precisely, real independence is related to the state of mind the auditor maintains and how he manages a particular situation. A really independent auditor would make independent decisions even though he is forced to handle a compromising condition by the company’

Free

Freedom Road Term Paper Essay Howard Fast, the author of the book Freedom Road, was born on November 11, 1914 and died at the age of 89 on March 12, 2003. Fast lived a long and adventurous life. A few of the things he did throughout his lifetime were; joining the American Communist party in 1943, serving a prison term in 1950 for refusing to cooperate with the House Committee on Un-American Activities, and his books were purged from American school libraries. On the other hand some of the positive things that happened in his life was that in 1953, he was rewarded the Stalin Peace Prize and in June of 1937 he married his first wife, Bette Cohen. In adjunction with his adventurous lifestyle, Fast spent most of his time writing. He wrote seven works of nonfiction, two autobiographies, fifty-two novels, five short stories one essay, and seven Masao Masuto Mysteries under the Penn name E.V. Cunningham. As well as writing, he created two films based off novels. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Fast) In the book Freedom Road, Howard Fast tells a fictional story based off the true events that occurred during the Constitutional Convention. The beginning of the book does not start the way most books start. This novel starts by talking about the main character, Gideon, as if we are supposed to know who he is. At first, this is confusing but after a couple of pages, you catch on and start to understand a lot easier. The first thing we are told about in the book is how all of the freed men from the small town of Charleston, had left a few weeks back to go vote. However, neither the town nor the men who left knew what voting actually was. Not knowing what voting was, made everyone who stayed in town very nervous and worried, they were not sure whether or not those men would be coming home or not. Therefore, when they men were spotted walking back into town everyone was extremely excited and could not wait to hear all about this voting thing. However, it seemed that none of the men were really talking, until one of them tells the town that they have some big news to share with everyone. Thus far, into the book, we have yet to hear from the main character, and we have actually been reading from his wives point of view. Once the returning men started talking, the book transitions from the wives point of view to Gideon’s, and that is when things start to pick up. We learn that the men’s big news is the fact that Gideon was elected to be a delegate. Because of his prowess in battle, the other ex-slaves looked to him as their leader in peacetime, but he was an uneducated man who felt himself unsuited for leadership. Yet knowing that his people wanted and needed him, he was determined to make himself fit into the pattern their hopes had cut out for him. However, none of them truly knew what a delegate was or what exactly a delegate did. The only thing they really knew was the Gideon would be receiving a letter once all the votes were counted to tell him if he had won the election. Several months go past in the book and nothing happens, no one in the town hears anything about Gideon being elected. Then one day, the postal man comes around and hands Gideon the letter that he had been waiting for. At this point in the book, we find out how afraid he is to go to Charleston because he is a â€Å"nigger.† He feels as though he is not very smart. He does not want to go â€Å"to city full of white houses†¦ full of white folks making fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 16-17). So in order to help him overcome that fear Brother Peter tells him the people need a leader and because of how strong Gideon is physically and mentally, he was chosen to represent them. Because of Brother Peter, Gideon decides to go to Charleston. When he arrives in Charles and he realizes that, he has no money and no place to sleep, so he ends up sleeping under a hay barrel for the first night. It is the next morning when Gideon is offered a couple of cents for some physical labor, he reluctantly accepts the job realizing that he has no other option but to. Because of that money he is able to rent a room for the nights he will be at the convention, buy some food, and clothes that will look appropriate for the convention. Moreover, this is when we start getting into the convention. For the first couple of days Gideon was determined not to speak at the convention, in fear of making a fool of himself in front of all the educated white folk. Yet one day he is outraged and just cannot help himself, he gets up and speaks. Nevertheless, he was still embarrassed that he could not find the right words for what he was saying and for the fact that he sounded very uneducated compared to some of the rest. However when he was given some books that taught him how to read and speak properly, he began to speak out more and voice his opinion. To his surprise he was heard, people started to listen to what he was saying, and even siding with him. Fast explains that the Constitutional Convention worked because, though neither black nor poor whites were overly fond of each other, both realized they had a common enemy in a planter group. With the help of Gideon’s voice, and many others they fought against the planter group. The fought for a system of public schools, the abolition of imprisonment for debt, a simple and fair divorce law, a statute making it impossible for a wifes property to be sold in settlement of her husbands debts, and a measure for universal suffrage – which, came as close as man had ever come to giving women a break and land. Even though he fought for all of these things, the most important ones for Gideon were fair and equal education, and land. Throughout his time at the convention lets his wife slip away from him and stands by while a white northerner helps Gideons oldest son, Jeff, through medical school in Scotland; there was no medical school in America free enough from prejudice to accept him. Gideon loses site at what he loves the most in his life, and lets them all slip away because freedom seems more important than family. Some of the themes of this book are love and understanding, vigilance and perseverance, and hope. The reason why I say that a theme is love and understanding is because in the beginning of the book we hear about how his wife has stayed by his side through thick and thin. She waited for him though the war that he willingly signed up to go fight for. She let him go vote because she realized that even though no one knew exactly what it was, it was something of importance to her husband. In addition, though she has just gotten her husband back and did not want him to leave again; she understood that t his was something that he needed to do. She stood by his side, maybe not physically but mentally, throughout the entirety of the convention. Although this theme is not a main theme in the book, I think that it is a rather important one. The other theme I had mentioned was vigilance and perseverance. I believe these two themes are the main themes of the book, because everyone in this book is persevering in one way or another. Brother Peter insists that Gideon goes to the convention. Everyone at the convention is pushing for exactly what it is that they want written down, and his son is moving to a land unknown to him for an education that he cannot receive where he is. The last theme I had mentioned was hope. I believe that hope is the most predominant theme throughout the book, because every single person has hope. In the beginning, the town and the men who left were hoping that this voting thing was not going to get them killed. Gideon’s wife hoped that he would not leave her again, and when he did, she hoped that he would be okay and that she would get to see him again. The people of the convention all held on to the hope that what they say and what they want will be written down into a law. Then we have Gideon himself, he has hope that he will be able to read, write and give all freed slaves the right to an education. The theme of hope plays repeatedly throughout the story. All of the stories characters played a large role in the book, everyone influenced the book in one way or another, but a few of the characters that stood out to me are Brother Peter, Gideon, and Cardozo. The first character that really stands out to me is Brother Peter. I think the fact that he did not stand up and ask people to vote for him, as a delegate was a selfless act. All of the people in town look up to him and ask him for advice, they would have easily voted for him as they did Gideon, but brother Peter knew that Gideon would have more to learn from being a delegate than he would. Brother Peter also knew that Gideon would have more of a fight in him than he would. I th ink the reason why Brother Peter was so pushy about Gideon going to the convention was that he knew that Gideon would get things done. The other character that stands out to me is Gideon. Gideon starts in the beginning of the book being illiterate, but pushes though the struggle of learning how to read and write by himself. He also struggles with the fact that he is poor and does not measure up to some of the other people in the convention. Gideon fights for education and freedom so much that he lets go of everything that he truly loves. He lets his wife slip away and his son leaves. He forgets that he has people waiting for him back home. Even though I hate that he loses sight of the place he came from and his family, he over comes many struggles and fights to achieve his goals. The other character that stands out to me is Cardozo. Cardozo is the first person at the convention that comes up and talks to Gideon. I like the way Cardozo sees things differently, he is a black man that has been free all his life, got an education, socialized around white people his entire life. Therefore, when he first talks to Gideon he wants him to explain why black people should have en education. Once Gideon explains himself Cardozo understands, and helps Gideon as much as he can. He introduces him to all the right people, he supports him in the convention, and most of all he gave Gideon books that taught him how to read and write. He gave Gideon what he had come to fight for. I think it takes very kindhearted people to stand by someone who cannot even form the words to fight by themselves. Before I actually started reading this story, I thought it was going to be another extremely boring history book, however once I started I could not put it down. The way this story was written was fabulous. The way Fast incorporated Gideon’s thoughts, his writing and speaking was interesting. I loved that the real facts of what happened during that time was not just thrown in our faces, it was mixed into the fictional story that kept you interested. I think the way that we are lead through the past so effortlessly was a fascinating way to keep reader interested. I like the way Fast incorporated all the different kinds of people at the convention. In the story, the laws of freedom, education, and land would not have got through without the black folks and poor white folks being there. I think the way Fast portrayed Gideon, as a strong illiterate freedman was a great way to grab the reader’s attention and walk us through the past in a wonderful way. I think the only thing that Fast is really missing is more of Gideon speaking. Fast does an excellent narration of illiterate folks, but he does not do enough of it. Overall, this book was great, I will most likely be keeping it, and not reselling it so I can re-read it repeatedly.

democracy :: essays research papers

"I'm with the Bush-Cheney team, and I'm here to stop the count." Those were the words John Bolton yelled as he burst into a Tallahassee library on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, where local election workers were recounting ballots cast in Florida's disputed presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Bolton was one of the pack of lawyers for the Republican presidential ticket who repeatedly sought to shut down recounts of the ballots from Florida counties before those counts revealed that Gore had actually won the state's electoral votes and the presidency. The Dec. 9 intervention was Bolton's last and most significant blow against the democratic process. The Florida Supreme Court had ordered a broad recount of ballots in order to finally resolve the question of who won the state. But Bolton and the Bush-Cheney team got their Republican allies on the U.S. Supreme Court to block the review. Fearing that each minute of additional counting would reveal the reality of voter sentiments in Florida, Bolton personally rushed into the library to stop the count. Bolton was in South Korea when it became clear that the Nov. 7, 2000, election would be decided in Florida. At the behest of former Secretary of State James Baker, who fronted the Bush-Cheney team during the Florida fight, Bolton winged his way to Palm Beach, where he took the lead in challenging ballots during that county's recount. Then, when the ballots from around the state were transported to Tallahassee for the recount ordered by the state Supreme Court, Bolton followed them. It was there that he personally shut down the review of ballots from Miami-Dade County, a populous and particularly contested county where independent reviews would later reveal that hundreds of ballots that could reasonably have been counted for Gore were instead discarded. Miami-Dade County Elections Supervisor David Leahy argued at the time that 2,257 voters had apparently attempted to mark ballot cards for Gore or Bush but had not had them recorded because they had been improperly inserted into the voting machines. A hand count of those ballots revealed that 302 more of them would have gone for Gore than Bush. That shift in the numbers from just one of Florida's 67 counties would have erased more than half of Bush's 537-vote lead in the state. But attempts to conduct a hand count were repeatedly blocked by the Bush-Cheney team, culminating with Bolton's Dec. 9 announcement, "I'm here to stop the count.

Adjusting to College Life :: essays research papers

When students are still in high school, college looms in the distance like an ominous cloud. Frankly, all of the students are scared about going to college. When students go to college they feel like going to the great unknown – to go to a place where they don’t know anyone. But after all college is not that bad. First of all, the adjustment to college isn't that rough. The staff and students are trained to make the adjustment as easy as possible, and the other students they meet are just as nervous as they are. Their new fellow classmates are just as anxious as you to meet people, so as long as you make the effort, you'll be surprised as to how many people you meet. Meeting people will not be that hard, since most colleges offer a bazillion a lot social events at the beginning of the year. And the friends that students do meet in college you will be surprised as to how close students become to each other. This is mostly due to the fact that they live about twenty feet from them or even closer. Just think how much closer students would be to their friends in school if, to visit them, you just had to walk down the hall at midnight about three doors and walk into their friends bedroom. And you can never hide anything, because the student bedroom could end up becoming the floor social lounge and your bed could end up being the common couch. Basically, college classes are not much more difficult than high school classes. The only major difference is that much of the work for classes is done out of the classroom. In college, classes are usually twelve hours per week and dispersed over three or four days of the week. If you keep up with your work, then students should have no problem getting a B or an A. Many students worry about financial aid. Do not apply to a school because you don't think that you can't afford it. The people at college are trying to help you, and financial aid is one way that they do that. If you don't get enough money from a school, call them and tell them your situation. In most cases things can be worked out. College is also great because it lets you be ourselves. To be perfectly honest, people at college can be a bit odd, and the diversity of

Autobiographical Piece †My Working Life Essay

I got my first paid job when I was about twelve. I delivered a free paper with a friend, I would do about 400 papers for about seven pounds each, and it had to be done between Thursday and Saturday. Me and Cameron got really close during this as we would talk the whole time about things and become better friends then before. Although the pay wasn’t brilliant for a twelve year old it was really good, most of it went on pokemon cards and stickers, I remember selling my pokemon cards and made a big profit, selling eight cards for ninety pounds with my friends. I did my round with Cameron for about a few months before I got my own round, and did it for about six pounds for just fewer than two hundred papers. I always remember working really hard to get the papers done, occasionally I would do them on Sunday’s which was out of the boundaries but the supervisor never checked so it didn’t matter, I was earning a lot of money which just went on Nintendo games at this point as I had just started my teens. As the months went buy I started to get a bit bored with the round, walkman’s and CD players were getting a bit boring now and couldn’t make the round fun, so I took another round and shared them with Goran, another friend, I became closer to him as we did the round and we then became really good friends. Goran and myself worked hard to deliver all the papers and would spend a few hours a week doing them, for a good few months, then I started to get even more bored with delivering the damn papers that no one read, he left the round, so I kept both, and started putting about half the round under people’s recycle bins. It was actually really clever, I would put the papers in bins where there were other papers the owners had put down to cover them, they would get recycled saving people money and I would be gone just long enough for my mum to think I had actually delivered the round. After a few weeks the ‘dumping’ escalated to a level where I would not deliver any papers sit outside for three quarters of an hour or so (about an hour less then it would take me) reading a book or listening to music. I would try and ‘do’ the round while my mum was out so that I wouldn’t have to bother hanging around outside I could just go straight back home after leaving them in an alley somewhere. I was earning fourteen pounds for about five minutes work, which I thought was the bees knees and so did my friends. I did this for at least six months, until there was knock on the door, when I opened it the paper round supervisor was there staring angrily his car filled with thousands of dirty papers behind him, he said give me the trolley and the bag, you dumped papers, silently I did so, he asked to see my Mum, she was upstairs, but I said she was out, so he turned and left. I was gutted, a bit guilty but a bit pissed off my brilliant money making scheme was over. I decided to be unemployed for a while I was about fourteen and had been working for nearly about two years, so I took a few months off, but then I took up a morning paper round which earned me fifteen pounds, I had to do it every morning about 8am, I got progressively later and later as the round irritated me further, I moved to a larger round which earned me twenty pounds, which was more papers and took longer, after a few months it really started to hurt my back and the early mornings were getting me down, I had stashed away a bit of money so left the round. I did my work experience in early summer of 2002 at the Slough/Windsor Marriott, it took me about an hour to get t here, and I got lost on the first day so was about an hour late, luckily the people there were quite relaxed and didn’t mind, for the first three days I worked in conference and banqueting, which basically involved setting up and cleaning conference rooms, and serving coffee and tea to people in the main conference room. This wasn’t exactly riveting, but for the first time I was actually working with people and the people were so nice that it was impossible not to have fun and enjoy myself. For the other days I worked at the leisure centre reception. I would deal with minor customer problems, clean the exercise machines, the bar in the pool, check toilets are not too dirty, close lockers, fill soap and shampoo pots and the like. I would sign members in and out and take phone calls. They taught me these skills, and were helpful. Like in conference and banqueting, the people at the Leisure Centre were really nice and relaxed and would joke around a lot and made the day fun and not seem much of a chore. Working at The Marriott gave me a really good experience of working, and they did give me a leaving present when I did leave, albeit I was thrown into the pool as my present, it was all good fun. After I left the Marriott I resumed a morning paper round, this time from a different closer shop with a nicer owner who was a bit more lenient, I did this round for a few months, until the shop closed down but another took shop took the round so I left for them and got a slight raise to twenty two pounds. I quit the round in early summer, and took a job in a travel agent delivering leaflets for 3 pounds an hour, I soon quit and got a job in a butchers. It was not difficult to get my job at the butchers, I saw a sign advertising in the window, I went in, said is the job still available, and got it, with the only questions asked being can you work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and can you start this Thursday, oh and what’s your name, I barely remembered to ask the wage, which was thirty five pounds a week for around nine hours, which wasn’t too bad I thought. I don’t really remember the first month or so of my work except it was quite hard work and I used to not come in at least one day a week, and they made jokes out of it, and made lots of jokes about everything which made a nice working atmosphere. I remember my excuses running out for why I was taking days off, but after a month or two I really started to enjoy working there. I sort of clicked with two of the butchers sense of humour and we had a really good laugh, they would give me more responsibility although I wasn’t allowed to cut meat I would prepare kebabs, burgers, cooked foods, and make shop look tidy as well as wash up and do general cleaning. The shop sold all sorts and was a delicatessen as well as butchers, and I would get a large discount there and the produce was of very high quality, which pleased my Mum obviously. I started to enjoy working at the butchers, I would work four or five days a week, earning around one hundred pounds regularly, I would meet with the owner of the chain and go to the bank to pick up money for the tills, and got to know some of the customers. The butchers and me would have great fun joking around and insulting the other butcher who no one liked. I had many barbecues with my friends with the stuff I got from there, but after six months I moved house and the butchers was just too far away especially with the beginning of college, and so I left as I started college. I go back and visit the butchers occasionally and they still give me discount and lots of free things, and we still laugh and have a good time. We got discount from our local fruit and veg shop too because the fruit and veg people did at the butchers. I would advise you to go to work at some time in your young life, try and get a job with people and make sure the people are nice and are quite lenient with the hours and you should have a great time.

Profile of the Aryan Warriors Prison Gang

Profile of the Aryan Warriors Prison Gang The Aryan Warriors is a criminal gang that operates inside the Nevada prison system and in certain communities in Nevada. They offer protection to white inmates if they join the gang. History The Aryan Warriors began in 1973 in the Nevada State prison system. The gang, designed after the California gang the Aryan Brotherhood, claimed to be intended to protect whites against attacks from black prisoners. After seeking a charter membership from the AB and being turned down, the AW gang was on its own. About a year into its creation the gang, who up to now was unable to organize, was taken over by an older inmate doing a life sentence named The Pope. Familiar with the way the AB gang worked, The Pope began to organize and structure the Aryan Warriors. He established rules for all gang members to follow and a hierarchy of leadership. Building up the physical strength of the AW became a priority. Focusing on its enemy, primarily black inmates, became its target. Building the gangs reputation for violence and selecting future members based on their strength and violent backgrounds became its mission. Gang Structure The Pope designed a structure of leadership for all to follow. To this day members adhere to a written manifesto which establishes positions or ranks within the gang, such as horn holders (leaders), bolt holders (full members), prospects (potential members), and associates (non-members who are affiliated with the organization.) In order to become a full member, a prospect is required to perform a violent act as dictated by the horn blowers. Once they do it they become bolt holders and are tattooed (or branded) with lightning bolts on the inside of their left biceps. To rise to the next level, horn holders, they must perform a more serious violent act, which often includes murder. Once completed they are given a tattoo with a Viking helmet with the letters AW, which is put on their left upper chest. Horn-blowers, under the direction of the top leader, are in charge of running all gang activities. Black Gangs Rise to the Threat Not willing to succumb to the Aryan Warriors, the black inmates organized the Black Warriors and duplicated much of the AW symbols, like the helmet with a horn. Power struggles began to go on in the prison yard, a place the black inmates had long controlled and a war between the two gangs became imminent. The Aryan Warriors Prepare for War The Aryan Warriors had been manufacturing weapons inside prison and with the impending war with the Black Warriors close at hand, production sped up. They also met with Native American inmates who had also been in conflict with the BWs, and the two groups made a pact to fight on the same side to bring down the BWs. The showdown occurred in the prison cafeteria and the blacks, many unarmed and taken by surprise by the AWs and Native attackers, lost the battle. The whites and the Natives now had full control of the prison yard. The Thirst for More Power Now in control, the Aryan Warriors sought more power and began going after those who they were supposed to be protecting - white inmates. Intimidation and threats were used to extort money from white inmates and their families. Those who refused would be beaten and sold as prison yard prostitutes. Instead of focusing on protection, the AW was now focused on drug distribution, extortion, and weaponry. Aryan Warriors or Aryan Witnesses? On November 5, 1980, a group of AWs murdered an inmate, Danny Lee Jackson, who they suspected to be a snitch. They then bragged about it in the prison yard. The murder and the boasting turned out to be a fatal mistake for the gang. Robert Manly was a young prison deputy with an eye on the future. His door to the future opened when given the responsibility to find out who murdered the inmate. The AW, who had spent years extorting inmates, had many enemies willing to talk to Manly. This gave the deputy enough information to corner AW gang members, many of who rolled over and became state witnesses. In return, several received early releases. No longer having any hope of charter membership into the AB and with many of its members gone, the AW had lost most of its power. Its leader, The Pope, died in 1997, which proved to devastate the gangs power even more. Aryan Warriors Today Prison officials say that today the AW, now numbering about 100 members, still asserts control over other prisoners by using violence, including murder and attempted murder, assaults and extortion. They also corrupt guards, extort money and favors from prisoners and their families, distribute illegal drugs, and run extensive illegal gambling operations. The Aryan Warriors also operate a street program in Las Vegas, Reno, and Pahrump, in which members, associates, and girlfriends distribute drugs, steal or fraudulently obtain identification and credit cards, commit other crimes, and smuggle drugs into the prisons. Members use the money earned in the street program to support other criminal activities of the gang and to financially support incarcerated Aryan Warrior leaders. On July 10, 2007, 14 Aryan Warrior gang members were indicted and charged with murder, attempted murder, extortion, operating an illegal gambling business, identity theft and fraud, and drug trafficking. Michael Kennedy, an admitted leader of the Aryan Warriors pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in a related case. Seven of the 14 pleaded guilty to various charges and on July 9, 2009, five were found guilty. With the leader and other top gang members out of commission the future of the Aryan Warriors is questionable, however, some prison officials feel that this type of attention could actually strengthen the AW with other members moving into the now-vacant positions of leadership. Source: Criminal Intelligence Bureau

Write the Perfect Cover Letter Every Time

Write the Perfect Cover Letter Every Time Every day most of us write letters, and many of these letters are cover letters. A cover letter is a special type of correspondence. It accompanies another piece of correspondence that many times actually competes with the effect and content of the letter. That other correspondence is an enclosure or what is more commonly called today an attachment. It can also be a package.Cover letters can accompany various kinds of documents: A resume or CV, a school application, a legal document, a manuscript, or an item were returning to a store, Many writers think a cover letter is nothing more than a form letter, a template that simply announces the attached package or document(s). The enclosure or attachment is really whats important. To paraphrase Joe Friday from the old television series, Dragnet, a lot of people think a cover letter should only address the facts and nothing else. Just the facts, please. Nothing but the facts, this policeman would say every Friday night.A perfect cover lett er, however, is a lot more than a template or a form letter. Its an opportunity. It is not a document that should just end up in File 13. A perfect cover letter communicates who you are and what you want or need. A perfect cover letter can ask for a response, make an argument, or deliver a great final positive impression. It asks the reader to make a decision. That decision can be to pick up the phone and call you for an interview, forward your college application to the Admissions Committee as highly recommended, solve a service problem or write a refund check, answer a question and get you to the right person, or acknowledge that a legal document has finally been correctly handled.For all of these reasons, a cover letter is a special piece of writing and one that is far too often overlooked, simply dashed off, signed, and stuck in an envelope or clicked through the Internet via your e-mail account. You dont think of the impression you are making or the extra advantages a cover let ter can provide you. When you need to write a cover letter, and we all write them, what techniques do you need to remember and apply? How do you write the perfect cover letter?First of all, the perfect letter is brief, i.e., short. It shouldnt be more than one page and preferably a short single page, if possible. What does one page mean? It means 3 to 4 paragraphs. Short also means precise as well as concise. Each one of these 3-4 paragraphs has a special task. The tasks can vary a bit based on the topic, and the paragraphs can be exchanged one for the other Sometimes (very rarely), you can add another paragraph and once in a blue moon, maybe even one more for a very complex situation, such as the job of the decade for which you have tons of background and experience. But, do your utmost if you can to keep the words in your letter to one page. Why? Because this correspondence is still only a cover letter. It accompanies another document or series of documents that are the prime reas on for your correspondence in the first placeA good cover letter is subtle and respectful, but it still makes its points strongly and clearly. It stays in the background but is remembered. It doesnt run on and is never rude or hostile, or cute. It can argue but does so judiciously and with verbal discipline, and unless absolutely needed, the letter always communicates gracefully and politely and expects a positive outcome.A good cover letter also provides information – additional information that explains why you sent the attached document and what you want done with that document or for you because of it. There is a pattern of communication you can use to get this letter written quickly and successfully. There are specific tips to remember for each of the paragraphs in your cover letter.Paragraph One: This paragraph states the reasons why youre sending the letter, i.e., what is attached and why. Be specific about the nature of the attachment, i.e., a resume and summary of pu blications or a patients advocate form with a will. You should introduce yourself, state what is attached and why. For instance, if you are replying to a specific job position, you give the details of how you found the opening and the nature of the position. If you are forwarding a college application, you state that fact and indicate whether it is a packet of essays or just a formal application. If you are returning an item, you indicate what it is and when you bought it, and why it doesnt work for you. If you are forwarding a document, you state the title and why you are sending it. You then lead into Paragraph Two with a final sentence that previews your explanation of the problem, the reason why you need a refund, when you expect to start school, or why the position youve referenced is the one you really want to have.Paragraph Two: This paragraph is where you provide the details and elaborate on the basics you provided in Paragraph One. Here you can summarize the issue, explain the problem, describe the history of the document, or summarize your background to support the interest you expressed in the position youre applying for in Paragraph One. Try to be brief, but also include as many precise details as possible. That is a challenge. As space allows, argue well for the circumstance that led to your contacting the addressee in the first place. This can be the longest of the four paragraphs because here is where you describe the situation or indicate your qualifications or give your reasons. This paragraph is also the one that, if necessary, you can expand to two paragraphs or at the very outside limits, three. If you do, shorten the other paragraphs. Remember that you only want one page!Paragraph Three: This paragraph is where you make your argument for what you want done, i.e., get a phone call for a job interview, get admission into the ideal program or school for your education or career, get a document recorded properly, or have a consumer complaint a ddressed, i.e., a refund given or a warranty honored. This paragraph is where you can be a bit forceful, when needed, and indicate when you expect the task to be completed. I would not be forceful if the cover letter is accompanying an application. If that is the case, present your best reasons for getting the positive answer you want and stop and hope for that response.Paragraph Four: This paragraph is a summing up paragraph. Here you reiterate what you want done, when you need it done, and why. Here is the place where you are firm, but very courteous if you are trying to get a problem resolved. Here is the place where you are gracious and express kind words about a company or a school if you want a job or admission. Here is also the paragraph where you state your contact information, i.e., e-mail address and phone numbers, and express your absolute confidence that you will receive a positive response or action soon. You can also offer a final hope that your application will be pos itively received, if that is the reason for the cover letter. State at the very end also that if there are any questions or concerns, the recipient, of course, can contact you, and you will respond immediately.So there it is – a formula for writing a cover letter that will cover most of the circumstances you are likely to see when you are sending documents. A perfect cover letter is short, covers all the details of what is being sent and why, paraphrases the nature of the attachment(s) briefly, makes a laid-back sales pitch or delivers a courteous argument, leaves a final positive impression, and encourages an early positive response. If you keep these tips in mind and adjust them as needed for your own cover letters, youll find that your letters will do that extra bit of communication for you. Its that communication you may just need to get a task done, a problem resolved, or an offer for a great job.

Pros and Cons of Planting Mimosa in Your Yard

Pro's and Con's of Planting Mimosa in Your Yard Albizia julibrissin, also called silk tree, was introduced into North America from China where it is a native species. The tree along with its  silk-like flower arrived in North America in 1745 and was rapidly planted  and cultivated for use as an ornamental. Mimosa is still planted as an ornamental because of its fragrant and showy flowers but has escaped into the forest and now considered an invasive exotic.  Mimosas ability to grow and reproduce along roadways and disturbed areas and to establish after escaping from cultivation is a major problem.  Mimosa is considered an exotic invasive tree. The Beautiful  Mimosa Flower and Leaf Silk tree has showy and fragrant pink flowers that are just over an inch long. These lovely pink flowers resemble pompoms, all of which are arranged in panicles at the ends of branches. These beautiful flowers appear in abundance from late April to early July creating a spectacular sight that enhances its popularity. These flowers are the perfect color  pink, they have a pleasant fragrance and are very attractive during  spring and summer flowering. They can also be a mess on property under the tree. The abundant  fern-like leaf also adds a bit of magic and is unlike many, if any, of the North American native trees. These unique leaves make Mimosa popular to use as a terrace or patio tree for its light-filtering effect with dappled shade and a tropical effect. Its deciduous (loses its leaves when dormant) nature allows the sun to warm during cold winters. These leaves are finely divided, 5-8 inches long by about 3-4 inches wide, and alternate along the stems. Growing Mimosa Mimosa grows best in full sun locations and is not peculiar to any particular soil type. It does have a low  tolerance for salt and grows well in acid or alkaline soil. Mimosa is drought tolerant but will have a deeper green color and more lush appearance when given adequate moisture. The tree lives on dry-to-wet sites and tends to spread along stream banks. It prefers open conditions but can persist in the shade. You will seldom find the tree in forests with full canopy cover, or at higher elevations where cold hardiness is a limiting factor.   Why You Should Not Plant Mimosa Mimosa is short lived and very messy. It, in a very short time, shades large areas in the landscape which inhibit  sun-loving shrubs and grasses. Seed pods litter both the tree and the ground, and the tree is considered an invasive species in  North America. The seeds readily germinate and seedlings can cover your lawn and the surrounding area.  The mimosa flower, to be honest, is beautiful but if the tree is shading outside property or over automobiles, you will have a major annual cleaning problem through the flowering season. The wood of mimosa is very brittle and weak and the multiple spreading branches are prone to breakage. This breakage is a major factor in its limited ability to live a long life. In addition to the breakage, the tree attracts webworm and vascular wilt which leads to an early demise. Typically, most of the root system grows from only two or three large-diameter roots originating at the base of the trunk. These can raise walks and patios as they grow in diameter and make for poor transplanting success as the tree grows larger. Redeeming Features Mimosa is a handsome tree with beautiful silk-like flowers.Mimosa is tolerant of drought and alkaline soils.

Foundation Business Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Foundation Business Management - Essay Example These leaders create a winning field through effective planning, decision making and team working thereby rendering productivity in each of the different business units of the company. Thus McDonald’s works on the management model of employee empowerment in empowering the individuals to take business and customer servicing decisions on their own (Daft and Marcic 441). Management Structure The organizational or management structure of the firm reflected large amount of decentralization which is focused in the Organic Approach. The organic approach reflects that organizations working in a decentralized fashion turns all the more complex in nature. It is observed that McDonald’s through the decentralized approach helped the individual business units to become business leaders on their own. These units spread along various regions of the world need to be managed in an integrated fashion by the central head quarters of the company. These units also differentiated largely bas ed on varying tastes and cultures and hence needed to mutually adjust their needs so as to fit the corporate culture of the business organization. Henceforth it is observed that the organic structure of McDonald’s is highly complex and decentralized in fashion. Further the units in such management structure become highly differentiated and thus needs to be closely integrated with the corporate philosophy (Hill and Jones, 427). Culture of the Company The culture of McDonald’s are composed of a diversified variety of people belonging to different regions of the world. Diversified organizational culture also emanates owing to the varying tastes of the consumers pertaining to such regions. The company in order to address the needs of such people belonging to diversified cultures is found to change their organizational policies. Thus the company changes both the product and servicing policies in order to fit both the western and Asian cultures in a simultaneous fashion (Sta nford). Mercedes Benz Model of Management Mercedes Benz mainly operates based on the philosophy of management innovation. The company in order to gain enhanced market share in the different nations works to innovate newer business processes and to produce newer designs. The process of innovation helps the company to meet the changing needs of the consumers and thereby adapts to the changing scenarios and periods. Working on the innovation process the company decided to open up overseas branches and also incorporated the business model of acquiring other automobile firms in foreign countries. These policies and innovative models helped in enhancing the potential of the automobile manufacturer to compete effectively while operating in foreign countries (Albaum, Duerr and Strandskov 48). Management Structure The study of organizational philosophy of Mercedes Benz reflects that the organization renders increased priority to the model of innovation. The company through the model of innov ation works in meeting the changing needs of the consumers based along different periods and regions. Mercedes Benz to foster such innovation works on a decentralized fashion. The people pertaining to the different units are granted the power to make

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

Capstone Project - Essay Example d vision; and also if it has appropriate strategies in place that can help it in achieving its goals while utilizing its strengths and exploiting its opportunities. Toyota’s mission states, â€Å"Toyota will lead the way to the future of mobility, enriching lives around the world with the safest and most responsible ways of moving people. Through our commitment to quality, constant innovation and respect for the planet, we aim to exceed expectations and be rewarded with a smile. We will meet challenging goals by engaging the talent and passion of people, who believe there is always a better way (Toyota, 2012, p.12).† Careful analysis reveals that Toyota has been concerned with providing a product line that is affordable to its customer and also serves community by playing its role in environmental protection and social stability. Comparison of its mission and vision to its financial performance indicated that Toyota has managed to retain its profitability ratio as compared to last financial year 2011. Although due to strong position of Yen, its product became expensive for American and European markets, which is later on reflected in decrease in its gross sales which is  ¥ 17,820,520 for 2011 and  ¥17,511,916 for financial year 2011 and 2012 respectively. However, other losses attributed to recalls made further decreases in profits. Toyota’s vision entails making better cars and enriching communities’ lives through sustainable growths and adherence to its original values. Its guiding principles indicated that respect for culture and customers, fair business activities, corporate citizenship, innovative management, individual creativity and team work and working with business partners in research and manufacture to achieve stable, long-term growth and mutual benefits (Toyota Global, 2011a). However, losses incurred through recalls indicate that Toyota digressed from its values and mission of making better cars and benefitting consumers. Therefore,

Analysis of Lidl's advertisement strategy Dissertation

Analysis of Lidl's advertisement strategy - Dissertation Example The history of this international supermarket chain dates back to 1930s when the company was established as a grocery wholesaler with headquarters in Neckarsulm, Baden-Wà ¼rttemberg, Germany. Currently, the company is amongst the major leading grocery retailers in Europe. During the 90s, Lidl started to expand its operations across Europe stepping outside Germany for the first time; and presently, Lidl outlets can be found in the majority of the countries in Europe. The company is very well-established as a major food retailer in Europe. As far as the discount sector is concerned, an extensive network of Lidl outlets is unmatched. The company has always believed in offering superior quality products at competitive prices to their customer base across Europe. As mentioned above, the company takes pride in providing superior quality products at a very competitive price to their customer base. The company regards themselves as the best in business, as far as the discount sector is conc erned and they convey the same message through their advertisements in order to influence the buying decision of their customers. The message that the company conveys through advertising, as can be noted on its website is, â€Å"Where quality costs less.† The company has implemented a very effective and efficient international marketing strategy of pricing their product competitively (at a lower level) and at the same time, enhancing the quality of their products and services with the sole motive of satisfying customers (Lidl, 2014b).

Hotel and Hospitality industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hotel and Hospitality industry - Assignment Example It is part of an International hotel group called Saint Emilton Hotel Group (SEHG). Since the hotel is having 40 hotels in its portfolio in Europe and Far East, therefore it can be safely assumed that the group is experienced enough in the business. It is being felt that hotel facilities are not being used to its fullest potential, therefore the General Manager, Robert Herr as asked Kati Mertens, the Front Office Manager to examine and prioritise the pricing strategy. Some of the key issues that Kati needs to look into, are; b. Tourist visitors too fall in two categories. One from an affluent class, for whom price is no consideration, and he is on the lookout for comfort and pleasure. On the other hand less affluent and middle income group customers always desire reasonable pricing for a decent comfort. This sort of data can be gathered from feedback forms (for return customers) and by judging them through correspondence or at the front office. Accordingly differential pricing strategy can be prepared depending upon their economic background. The visitor who's here on a tourism spree has the requirements for sight-seeing etc. Therefore, it is equally important the Hotel has a tie up with some tour operators for such sight-seeing tours etc. must be c. c. The business visitor on the hand requires a host of facilities like, meeting rooms, conference facilities, Fax, Wi-Fi,

Defining African Religion and Insiders and Outsiders Essay

Defining African Religion and Insiders and Outsiders - Essay Example African theology is highly felt in present day America due to the presence of the African Americans. Most of the religions are an affirmation of the existence of natural law. Natural laws are sets of unwritten laws that place emphasis on morals and obedience. The cultural practices are passed on from one generation to another. Africans practiced their religions before the interference from the white colonialists. At this time, there was no knowledge of factors such as the Holy Trinity or the Bible. Religious practices are geared toward having prosperity, peace and happiness in the community. Each type of religion has a different set of rules that should be followed to the T. lack of commitment to the religion displays disregard for the community. People who are caught committing an offence face a number of punishments which range from minor punishments to cases of exile (Magesa, 1997). Jacob Olupona offers an alternative view of the practice of African religion in most of the African communities. The writer takes a different outlook towards the practices of different communities. The book thus gets its inspiration from countries like South Africa and Nigeria. Despite the difference of locations, the two countries have some common similarities. Some of the similarities are seen in the use of proverbs. Africans value the opinion of the elder members of the society. Most of the proverbs are created by the ancestors and passed on to the offspring’s. The use of proverbs has thus been incorporated into the religions. They act as a way of guidance in that they have moral codes of behavior. The book mentions the importance of rituals in the African community as a whole. Rituals are reserved for several occasions and celebrations in the community. Each celebration has a special ritual which acts as a symbolic example. In the case of religion, Africans dedicate an immense number of rituals to worship.

Hotel and Hospitality industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hotel and Hospitality industry - Assignment Example It is part of an International hotel group called Saint Emilton Hotel Group (SEHG). Since the hotel is having 40 hotels in its portfolio in Europe and Far East, therefore it can be safely assumed that the group is experienced enough in the business. It is being felt that hotel facilities are not being used to its fullest potential, therefore the General Manager, Robert Herr as asked Kati Mertens, the Front Office Manager to examine and prioritise the pricing strategy. Some of the key issues that Kati needs to look into, are; b. Tourist visitors too fall in two categories. One from an affluent class, for whom price is no consideration, and he is on the lookout for comfort and pleasure. On the other hand less affluent and middle income group customers always desire reasonable pricing for a decent comfort. This sort of data can be gathered from feedback forms (for return customers) and by judging them through correspondence or at the front office. Accordingly differential pricing strategy can be prepared depending upon their economic background. The visitor who's here on a tourism spree has the requirements for sight-seeing etc. Therefore, it is equally important the Hotel has a tie up with some tour operators for such sight-seeing tours etc. must be c. c. The business visitor on the hand requires a host of facilities like, meeting rooms, conference facilities, Fax, Wi-Fi,

Personality profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Personality profile - Essay Example Personality and especially that of a personal profile is a very wide. Wide because it touches all the relations to social, economic and political phenomenon that defines everybody’s way of conduct. For the purpose of this case, I will particularly center my personality focus on my career at the present and in the future and shade some light on who I am. A number of tests are also very instrument in the whole evaluation process and I don’t hesitate into taking any that ensures complete understanding of myself is done in a very competed and efficient way. There are a number of tests that are used in self discovery. As the methods differ according to the angle of approach of what you want to figure out, I decided to take a test a Big five test. This test mostly centralizes its analysis on 5 major areas that define and model a complete human. As per the test, my emotional stability score was high above average at 74% percentile. My ability to remain as calm as possible even when am tensed is something my family can attest of. This has been my feature since when I started understanding things around me. I will not go on tearing books because I have scored low in a physical science class or go throwing things around because simply things have not been as I wanted them to be at home. I hold and have control of my emotions. This has been very instrumental in my relationships with people whom have had a chance to be close to me. This though does not imply that you go on stepping on my foot intentionally and unapologetically. In that case I will squarely handle you as the law demands. My inquisitiveness nature, which scored a 84% percentile, amazes me personally. Severally I have heard my mother say that she has never seen an inquisitive child like. When it comes to curiosity, I do not bother whether it kills the cat or not. I will ask anything as long as I have no clue of what actually it is. For clarity, my enquiries have

Now we Settle for Half Essay Example for Free

Now we Settle for Half Essay A dispute may only end when one side has been defeated. The side can be destroyed through raw fighting or peaceful legal actions. In the play, A View from the Bridge, the battle is between two prominent characters, Eddie and Marco whose objective is to get rid of each other using either justice or law. Eddie uses the law by snitching to the Immigration Bureau about the opponent who is an illegal immigrant. Marco uses what he and his culture will consider justice by humiliating and, in the end, killing Eddie. Now we settle for half and I like it better (pg.12) is the exact opposite of how both men act who refuse to compromise. Give me the number to the Immigration Bureau I would like to report illegal immigrants. (pg. 67). Eddies selfishness of Catherine, his niece, drives him to snitch to the American Immigration authorities that jail Marco for his illegal entry into the country. This is legitimate according to the law but unjust to the illegal immigrants whose main goal is to scrape out a living. He robbed my children, he mocks my work. I work to come here, (pg. 79) proclaims Marco who is destined to return back to poverty. Through this quote the audience can see that the law did not compromise for both parties but left Eddie writhing in success and Marco to starve with his family in Italy. Where is the law for that, questions Marco who is utterly disgusted at the measures taken by Eddie. Marco thought that justice will only be done with the death of Eddie. In my country he would be dead by now, (pg. 79) asserts Marco whose only intentions were to kill Eddie once bailed out of jail. This quote shows that Marco sees Eddies death as justice and the only remedy for what he has done. The killing though, means that only Marco gains from it. Marco has defended himself and kept his name as an Italian but Eddie has lost his life in the process. During the emotional apprehension of the two illegal immigrants by the police, Marco cannot withstand himself from accusing Eddie. Marco was not able to control his tongue and humiliated him in front of the whole community by the horrendous act of spitting in his face. Nobody is gonna talk to him again if he lives to a hundred. Everybody knows that you spit in his face. (pg.78) Eddie has completely lost his name in the community and is labeled as a traitor. Hes a rat! He belongs in the sewer, (pg. 81) states Catherine who is ashamed to look upon him. This is justice and again only Marco wins all. Eddie is left friendless and an outcast of the whole community. No solutions can be made and no compromise was considered. Attempts were made by Beatrice and Catherine to reconcile the disagreement between the two but none prevailed. This all concludes with the tragic ending of Eddie who dies with a stab in the heart. In the end, one question needs to be asked who gained?

The Factors Influencing Procurement Strategy Construction Essay

The Factors Influencing Procurement Strategy Construction Essay Masterman described project procurement as the organizational structure needed to design and build construction projects for a specific client. This is very true to an extent because the process of obtaining a building by a client involves a group of people who are brought together and organized systematically in term of their roles, duties, responsibilities and interrelationship between them. After assessing all options and confirming the need for a construction project, a more detailed case for the project should be developed. A strategic approach to procurement should be based on understanding the clients business needs and drivers, and to fully appreciate the market in which it operates. This is absolutely fundamental in establishing how efficient the construction project can assist the client in achieving business success. The bespoke nature of many construction projects increases the inherent risks. These risks include completing a project which does not meet needs, which is delivered late or costs more than the client can pay or fund. All these risks can impact the clients core business, seriously. The procurement strategy developed should balance risks against project objectives at an early stage. Even at this early stage, initial concept designs can be developed to enable the client and those who will use the new facility to look at how initial designs will respond to business needs. FACTORS INFLUENCING PROCUREMENT STRATEGY The selection of an appropriate procurement strategy has long been identified as a major contributor to project success but which route is the most appropriate depends on the goals, requirements and resources available. Many procurement strategy selection techniques have been developed, with a view to assisting clients in their choice of the most appropriate procurement approach for their projects (Kumaraswamy and Dissanayaka, 2001; Luu et al., 2005; Perng et al., 2006; RICS, 2007). Most conventional procurement selection techniques are based around the concepts of time, cost and quality. While the use of such criteria can be used as a guide to assist decision-makers with an initial understanding of the basic attributes of a particular procurement method they should not be used as the sole basis for selecting the procurement method. This is because of the underlying complexity associated with matching client needs and priorities with a particular procurement method. An array of variables can influence the choice of a procurement method. Once the primary strategy for a project has been established, then the following factors should be considered when evaluating the most appropriate procurement strategy (Rowlinson, 1999; Morledge et al. 2006): External factors consideration should be given to the potential impact of economic, commercial, technological, political, social and legal factors which influence the client and their business, and the project team during projects lifecycle. For example, potential changes in interest rates, changes in legislation and so on. Client characteristics a clients knowledge, the experience of the organization with procuring building projects and the environment within which it operates will influence the procurement strategy adopted. Client objectives are influenced by the nature and culture of the organization. The degree of client involvement in the project is a major consideration. Project characteristics The size, complexity, location and uniqueness of the project should be considered as this will influence time, cost and risk. Ability to make changes Ideally the needs of the client should be identified in the early stages of the project. This is not always possible. Changes in technology may result in changes being introduced to a project. Changes in scope invariably result in increase costs and time, especially they occur during construction. It is important at the outset of the project to consider the extent to which design can be completed and the possibility of changes occurring. Cost issues An assessment for the need for price certainty by the client should be undertaken considering that there is a time delay from the initial estimate to when tenders are received. The extent to which design is complete will influence the cost at the time of tender. If price certainty is required, then design must be complete before construction commences and design changes avoided. Timing Most projects are required within a specific time frame. It is important that an adequate design time is allowed, particularly if design is required to be complete before construction. Assurances from the design team about the resources that are available for the project should be sought. Planning approvals can influence the progress of the project. If early completion is a critical factor then design and construction activities can be overlapped so that construction can commence earlier on-site. Time and cost tradeoffs should be evaluated. Risk The unique and bespoke nature of building projects means that clients who decide to build are invariably confronted with high degrees of risk. The risk inherent in every construction project can be assumed by another party. The principal guideline in determining whether a risk should be transferred is whether the receiving party has both the competence to fairly assess the risk and the expertise necessary to control or minimize it (Harman, 1996). Hartman (1996) found that both parties must have a clear and similar understanding of the risk. The selection of a procurement method should be viewed as an iterative process whereby project objectives and constraints are constantly compared with possible procurement solutions. Turner (1990) says that the key to procurement is to identify the priorities in the objectives of the client and to plan a path, a procurement route that will be most appropriate. It is emphasized that priorities must be put in order of precedence, each in order before other, because by definition there can be only one priority. SELECTING THE PROCUREMENT ROUTE A good number of procurement methodologies are available to satisfy a clients priorities in the project objectives. There are procurement methods that will achieve: Certainty of cost and time for a design developed by an architect employed by the client. However, this is a sequential and consequently slow process (known as the traditional procurement process or design-bid-build). Relative speed and cost certainty. However, the design will usually be the responsibility of a contractor and consequently the client will lose some control over the design process (known as design-build). Relative speed for a design developed by an architect employed by the client. However, cost is uncertain almost until completion (known as either management contracting or construction management). Here, we look at each of these strategies in a little more detail. TRADITIONAL PROCUREMENT This is probably the most commonly used method of procurement and it is suitable for: all clients (experienced or inexperienced), complex projects and/or projects where functionality is a prime objective, time predictability, and cost certainty. However, it is not suitable for fast track projects. The client develops the business case for the project, provides a brief and budget and appoints a team of consultants to prepare a design, plus tender documents. The client appoints the building contractor to construct the works to the design, by the contract completion date and for the agreed price. Usually much of the work is sub-contracted to specialist firms but the contractor remains liable. The consultants administer the contract on behalf of the client and advise on aspects associated with design, progress and stage payments which must be paid by the client. The separation of the contractor from the design can mean missed opportunities for contractor or specialist contractor to input on buildability. This strategy is a low-risk option for clients who wish to minimize their exposure to the risks of overspend, delays or design failure. However, the exposure to risk will increase where the design phase is rushed, where unreasonable time targets are set or where the tender documents are not fully completed. There is a variation of this method which involves two-stage tendering contractors tenders are based on a partially developed consultants design (stage 1 tender). The contractor then assists with the final development of the design and tender documents, against which tenders for the construction works are prepared (stage 2 tender). Whoever put forward the first stage tender has the opportunity to tender or negotiate the second (construction) stage. This approach increases the risks of an increase in overall price and a less certain completion date but contractor involvement is likely to increase the likelihood that both these criteria are realistically established. DESIGN BUILD This method of procurement involves the contractor being responsible for design as well as construction, and it can be suitable for: all clients, including inexperienced clients and those requiring distance from the project, faster track and where cost certainty is desired. However, it is not suitable for uncertain or developing client brief as well as complex buildings. Responsibility for both design and construction is borne by the main contractor and will either use in-house designers or employ consultants to execute the design whiles specialist or sub-contractors execute the bulk of the construction work. The contractor tenders against a client brief and will often follow an initial concept design prepared by consultants appointed to advise the client. The design will be developed by the contractor and the works will be completed, usually for a fixed price. Tendering is more expensive so it carries more risk for the contractor than the traditional approach. This is because the contractor has to develop an outline design and a detailed price. Tender lists will probably be shorter than for traditional contracts. The Design Build approach gives the client a single point of contact. However, the client commits to the cost of construction, as well as the cost of design, much earlier than with the traditional approach. Whilst risk is shifted to the contractor, it is important that design liability insurance is maintained to cover that risk. Changes made by the client during design can be expensive, because they affect the whole of the Design Build contract, rather than just the design team costs. Noteworthy is the high design/quality risk associated with this approach as the contractor develops the design. To overcome this, we can have a refinement to this approach where the client has the design prepared to concept or scheme design stage and the contractor takes on finishing off the design and construction (develop construct). Furthermore the contractor may re-employ the original designers to complete the design in a practice known as novation. MANAGEMENT CONTRACTING This is suitable for fast track projects, complex buildings, and a developing brief. However, it is less suitable for inexperienced clients, clients wanting to pass risk to the contractor, and where cost certainty is desired before starting construction. Here, the client appoints designers and a contractor (management contractor) separately and pays the contractor a fee for managing the construction works. A feature is the early appointment of the contractor to work alongside the design team to develop a programme for construction and contribute to the design and costing of the works. The works are let competitively by the management contractor to subcontractors and specialists in appropriate works packages. This approach often means that design and the start on site overlap, with the design and tender packages becoming available just-in-time to suit the construction programme. The management contractor will not carry out construction work. This preserves the management contractors independence and reinforces a consultancy relationship with the client. Payment is made to the management contractor on the basis of the cost of the works packages plus the agreed fee. Much of the success of this approach depends on the contractors team. Unless the team is drawn from companies which are experienced in this kind of team working, the benefits are not always realised. There is less price certainty at the outset, because construction tends to start ahead of completion of all design stages and at a point when many of the work packages have yet to be tendered. This often means adjustments are made to the design and specification of works packages later in the programme to keep the project within budget. However, the overall process of design and construction tends to be shorter than in either traditional or design build situations. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT This approach is similar in concept to Management Contracting. Contractors are contracted directly to the client and the construction manager manages the process for the client on a simple consultancy basis. Although in a sense this gives the client a greater measure of control, it also means that the client accepts a considerable amount of risk. The management contractor is simply an agent, and usually cannot guarantee that the project will be finished to time and cost. As it requires constant involvement by the client this approach is really only suitable for experienced clients.

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Adham Elnashai United States History During the Civil War and the American Revolution Americans didn’t only have to deal with their national policies, they also had to deal with their international relations with the rest of the countries in the World. The relations with other countries are also known as Foreign Policies. The overseas dimensions reflected onto the Civil War and Revolution Era. In 1861, 11 states seceded from the United States to form the Confederate States of America and over the course of the following four years, America fought to bring the Confederate States back under control. During the Civil War the Confederacy frequently required international support for its cause, often calling upon foreign support on its cotton exports to obtain it. The Union, on the other hand, strove to prevent other nations from recognizing the Confederacy as a legitimate nation and from getting involved in the Civil War. In an attempt to starve the Confederate economy and to cut it off from its international supporters, the Union engaged in a â€Å"blockade of Confederate ports† a move that was of questionable legality in international law. Despite the Confederacy’s significant international commercial bonds, the lack of definitive military victories for the South and the success of Union efforts to link the Confederacy with the institution of slavery finally prevented any of the European powers from officially recognizing or supporting the South. Figure 1 (Blockade Runners of the Civil War) One of Lincoln’s main strategies rested upon an effective blockade of the South's 3,500 miles coastline, embracing a dozen main ports and nearly two hundred bays and maneuverable rivers. This was almost impossible for a nation with only so... ...ement of space to portraying the barbarities. The most renowned U.s. prohibitionist pioneer, Frances Willard of the WCTU, existed in England in 1896; she raised trusts for Armenian displaced people in Britain and America. The United States, through resolutions, in the end chose to work by implication with different countries to secure the privileges of the Christian Armenians, as well as the wellbeing of American lives and property abroad. Protestant teachers gave by and large faultless reports of human rights ill-uses against Armenians. They and the American press, nonetheless, frequently stereotyped the "barbarous and barbarian Turks," inferring that they were racially or religiously inclined to torture and homicide. In toons from the presidential fight, descriptions of Turks reflected and strengthened such biases. Figure 3 (Turks threatening to expel Armenians)

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Think of place you could call home. This was impossible before the Neolithic Revolution. During the Paleolithic Era, which lasts from the beginning of human life until about 10,000 BCE, people were nomads. They lived as a group and spent most of their time on hunting and gathering food. However, approximately 10,000 BCE, people began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals. This period is known as the Neolithic Revolution. The Neolithic Revolution would not have happened with the development of farming, which was followed by job specialization and the development of more sophisticated technology. First of all, human life totally changed by land cultivation. About 10,000 BCE humans began to grow crops and tame animals. This was a massive change from the old system of hunting and gathering. As a result, permanent settlements were established. This new method of growing food was so efficient that it produced a surplus of food. One of the most famous farming methods was slash and burn. Slash and burn technique is basically people burning a forest and used ash from a tree as a fer... Essays -- Think of place you could call home. This was impossible before the Neolithic Revolution. During the Paleolithic Era, which lasts from the beginning of human life until about 10,000 BCE, people were nomads. They lived as a group and spent most of their time on hunting and gathering food. However, approximately 10,000 BCE, people began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals. This period is known as the Neolithic Revolution. The Neolithic Revolution would not have happened with the development of farming, which was followed by job specialization and the development of more sophisticated technology. First of all, human life totally changed by land cultivation. About 10,000 BCE humans began to grow crops and tame animals. This was a massive change from the old system of hunting and gathering. As a result, permanent settlements were established. This new method of growing food was so efficient that it produced a surplus of food. One of the most famous farming methods was slash and burn. Slash and burn technique is basically people burning a forest and used ash from a tree as a fer...

Kant Deontological Theory Essay

The Formula of Humanity- Act so that you use humanity, whether in your own person or that of another, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means. The Formula of the Kingdom of Ends- Act in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a merely possible kingdom of ends. The moral duty is what we should be doing. Good is defined as doing what is right and avoiding doing wrong. We have a duty to act in such a way that our actions are moral even if it produces unfavourable results. What is good, according to Kant â€Å"Nothing is good but a good will†. (Good intentions). It is good to be creative or to have good fortune with good outcomes the world becomes a better place. Goodwill is having the good intention to perform one’s duty. The consequences of our actions do not make an action good but rather the goodwill. What is having a good will? Kant proposes that when someone acts out of goodwill that is when someone is acting out of duty. According to Kant â€Å"Duty should be done for the sake and duty alone†. How do we know our duty in a certain situation? Duty has nothing to do with a certain situation or what happens all that matters is the decision is good and the outcome is good. Kant suggests act as if our decision applies to all people at all times. It is always in order to tell lies if the outcome is favourable? Kant would disagree with this. When we act purely out of duty we act reasonably in a manner that we fulfil our duties. Having goodwill is to perform one’s duty It is our duty to do our duty even though we might not be rewarded in this life but we will be rewarded in the next life. Deontological Ethics. Kant Deontological theory of ethics it is linked to moral law of ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action. Origin: 1820–30; Greek deont- that which is binding (stem of deo) (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. ) The word deontology comes from the Greek word meaning duty (deon) and science (or study) of (logos). In moral philosophy, deontological ethics Ethical are theories that maintain that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its intrinsic qualities. (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter). A Quote from Kant â€Å"Awe and wonder fills the mind†. â€Å"Starry heavens a metaphor (scientific absolutism) above and the moral law within†. Like gravity and science these are laws which are absolute as well as moral laws. We have a choice we can all still identify the moral law: e. g. do not steal. Kantian deontological theory of ethics is an absolutes theory something which is considered wrong i. e. suicide will always be wrong. Kant argues that morality is rooted in reason; he states that the demands of morality are unconditional or categorical and it presupposes freedom, we have a choice and can identify and rationally identify morality. Kant states that morality must be unconditional it has to be categorical. Kant distinguishes between categorical imperatives from hypothetical ones. The categorical imperative is not about desires or goals but rather about personal well-being. Categorical imperatives are absolute and universal. Categorical imperative is necessary truth and cannot be without self-contradiction or irrationality. The Universal Law Act only in accordance with that maxim through that at the same time, will that it become a universal law. One’s actions must be universal. The Universal law is that one should act on the maxim a law which can become a universal law in nature when acceptable and sustainable. We know that lying and stealing is wrong. If everyone did this society would fail. Perfect duties are without exceptions, but we understand that torture and suicide is always wrong. Suicide is always wrong if this was universalized society would fail. We know that making False Promises that cannot be fulfilled, is always wrong if we cannot regard this as a universal law society would fail. Breaking promises when it in my interest he states that this inconsistent and therefore cannot be a moral imperative. Imperfect duties is seeking the perfection of our duties are contradictions to our will. We ought to be seeking to promote the happiness of others. We understand that this is not always possible. He does not exclude pleasure in doing duty, but that pleasure should not be the guide to what one’s duty is. What is duty? Kant says â€Å"Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the Law†: Kant believes that duty should be crowned in the end with happiness. Obedience he says is a maxim that is universally binding as a law to all rational beings. Treat humans as ends to themselves and should respect and never to treat others as a means to an end but only as an end. This means that we should respect others, because every human possesses an intrinsic value. We are to consider whether our actions are moral and acceptable. Kant argues that morals are about following the rules. Kant moral theory can be summarised in two ways Kant argues that we all have a choice that we can all identify the moral law. The Categorical Imperative Kant designed the Categorical imperative as a framework used to make moral law, which states that one must do what one expects other to do in a similar situation. The Categorical Imperative is the central concept in Kant’s ethics and the groundwork to Metaphysics of Morals. It is based to the â€Å"supreme principle of morality† (4:392), from which all our moral duties come from. He believed that moral requirements were based on a standard of rationality and he named this the Categorical Imperative. By using the Universal Imperatives we use our reason (as long as it is not corrupted) to guide us in a path which is morally virtuous. He states that we should act according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it becomes a universal law. Kant uses the example of a person who lends money and is unable to repay the loan. He states that this cannot be a universal law people will no longer believe each other and no person will lend money to another. This can be explained in three ways The Universal Law means that one should act on an action which can be sustained. It is important that we should consider if an action is right or wrong. This action will eliminate selfish action towards other human beings. Imperfect Duties Imperfect duties to seek the happiness of other people this cannot completed always. The moral law will most certainly collapse if everyone told lies and were to steal. It is expected of one to perform ones duty in every way. The Kingdom of Ends is in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a merely possible kingdom of ends is an ideal society every person must act in such a way that it benefits the greater number of people for the greater good. Every person should act in such a way as if the person through their maxim were universal lawmakers as members in the universal kingdom of ends. One cannot say I will kill myself out of love; this is acceptable and cannot be regarded as a universal law. He argues that humans have an intrinsic worth, and occupy a special place in creation, therefore people are to be treated with respect and dignity because we should understand that we are all rational agents. We possess the freedom to make our own decisions set targets and guide our conduct by reason. He believes that God is the Supreme Being speaking through our conscious. Therefore Gods existence although it remains unproven it is necessary in order for Kant’s ethical theory to be sound. He states that is freedom and immortality. â€Å"God is the law giver to be obeyed† Kant argues that there must be a God and an after-life since it would be intolerable if there were no reward. Kant states that if humans were to disappear from the planet the moral dimension would disappear too. Critique on Kant’s theories: Humans are motivated by pleasure and not only by reason. The question is it possible to act unselfishly, it is necessary to take consequences into consideration. Kant ethics places great emphasises on lying as a form of wrong. He fails to offer an understanding of conflict between different duties, Kant theories does not take into consideration social conditioning and free will. I disagree with Kant that feelings are subjective and selfish and find that he focuses too much on pure practical moral reason he excludes feeling and desires. Kant tries to combine ethics with reason but this seems unrealistic as the concept of reason does not exist in isolation from human beings and their feelings and actions. Ref: Jorge J. Gracia E, Gregory M, Reichberg and Bernard, Schumacher N. The Classics of Western Philosophy, (Blackwell Publishing Ltd). 2004. Ref: Mc Coy A. An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Christian Ethics, Continuum. London , New York Ref: http://www. slideshare. net/t0nywilliams/kant-9170093.

Philippine Telecommunications Essay

The Philippine Telecommunications Industry remains to be one of the most robust and fastest growing industries in the Philippines. This report will touch on the present state of the elecommunications industry, the regulatory environment, the broadband landscape, broadband technologies, and broadband equipment suppliers and investment opportunities. The Philippine telecommunication sector is estimated to have reached USD4. 0 billion in annual service provider revenues by end 2009. Growth in the next five years, however, is projected to experience a slow down due to the increasing saturation in the industry’s two main segments – cellular mobile and fixed line. This growth is estimated o be at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenues of about 8% over the next five years, compared to a CAGR of 11% in the last five. Aside from cellular mobile and fixed line, the other segments of the telecommunication sector are on broadcast and broadband. For purposes of this report, it will touch briefly on cellular mobile, fixed line and broadcast segments but focus will be on the broadband segment which holds the most promise in regard to growth opportunities given that the cellular mobile and fixed line segments have already reached its saturation point and is expected to achieve flat or negative growth for 2009. The dominant telcos are PLDT, Globe Telecom, Bayantel, and Digitel. Liberty Telecom is a previously inactive player that is expected to play a bigger role in the industry beginning with 2010. Liberty Telecom recently attracted attention when San Miguel Corporation, the Philippines’ largest food and beverage conglomerate, acquired a 32. 7% stake in the previously inactive telecom company. Liberty Telecom had previously been under corporate rehabilitation after trading of its stock was suspended in 2005 due to â€Å"excessive volatility†. San Miguel recently entered the telecommunication industry by establishing its wholly-owned subsidiary Vega Telecom, Inc. The company later partnered with Qatar Telecom (QTel) in drawing up plans for re-establishing the market presence of Liberty Telecom. The Philippine Telecommunications Report 2010 Page 2 Overview of industry landscape and key players Fixed Line Prior to 1993, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) had been and continues to be the dominant carrier, being the first to establish a fixed line telecommunications infrastructure nationwide. Following the telecommunications liberalization in 1993, coupled with the introduction of the Service Area Scheme (SAS), the competitive environment drastically changed with the entry of 10 new entrants that resulted in lower tariffs and improved fixed line penetration. However as of 2008, relative to the SAS, only 50%i of the fixed line capacity has been utilized with only 3. 9 million fixed line subscribers, or a low fixed line penetration rate of only 4. 32%. i The low fixed line penetration rate is due mainly to the cellular mobile segment having overtaken the fixed line segment on account of faster roll-out and deployment of cellular mobile infrastructure. There are approximately 7. 45 million installed and 4. 89 million subscribed land lines as of 2008iii. Filipinos were mobile phone subscribers. The phenomenal growth was attributed to the popularity of SMS or â€Å"Text Messaging† with a little over 300 million text messages being sent daily as well as the availability of cheaper handsets brought about by the introduction of pre-paid services and over the air loading (electronic loads). The cellular mobile segment has been dominated by three (3) large telcos, namely Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular with Globe Telecom pioneering the GSM platform followed by Smart Communications and later Sun Cellular.

Risk Management and Control Effectiveness Essay

Risk Management and Control Effectiveness - Essay Example This paper answers seven questions in relation to effectiveness of security technologies and methodology, risks related to them, additional controls, and access of technology within organizations. The administrative structure of the organization including relationship with the public promotes effective administration of information security. According to Fung (2004), management of information security ensures security of organizational information, systems infrastructure and data content being processed, accessed, managed and communicated to the public. The management is committed and actively supports information security at all levels. This has been clearly demonstrated through support for security initiatives by providing necessary resources for information systems security controls. Additionally, management commitment to information security has been witnessed through effort coordination, formulation and approval of relevant organization-wide security policy. There have been periodic reviews of the information security policy based on the organizational goals, objectives and technological development. The management has ensured appropriate planning and controls to new systems and infrastructure. Security activities are coordinated by staff representatives from different departments of the organization. The execution of security controls are in compliance with the information security and privacy policies. There are also coordinated efforts in the assessment of the implemented security controls and identification of vulnerabilities and recommendation of additional measures. These evaluations have been significant in identifying vulnerability changes, threats and attacks to both external and internal systems and recommendation of mitigation measures. The organization has continuously promoted trainings and security awareness to all stakeholders in the organization. The requirements for non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality reflect information

Canadas investment in the BRIC nations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Canadas investment in the BRIC nations - Essay Example The global competitive advantage is likely to shift from the west to east (Mpoyi 1-12), that is from Canada and other European countries to Latin America and Eastern Europe. This is due to the projections in Sach’s reports that the BRICs real exchange rate could appreciate annually by an average of 2.5%.For Canada to be on a safer economic side, it needs to consider expanding her investment and increasing its business operations in the BRIC nations. Additionally, if Canada doesn’t act on time it might be swept by the shift of global competitiveness from the west to the east, which is fast approaching.However, before Canada considers expanding its business and increasing her investment in any of the Golden BRICs nations, both the strengths and weaknesses of each of these countries need to be considered and evaluated as below.BrazilThere have been a lot of controversy whether Brazil deserves to be seen as an economic powerhouse as portrayed in the BRIC with its weak econo mic growth in question. According to Pereira (1), it is evident that Brazil’s weaknesses surpass its strengths by far. However, it would be premature to disqualify it from the BRICs nations due to her potential in growth in the near future.  WeaknessesPereira(1) notes that the rate of growth in Brazil was only 3% in 2013, which is quite low, compared to that of China and India which was approximately 8% and 6% respectively. Additionally, in the year 2011 and 2012, Brazil grew by 2.7% and less than 1% respectively (Pereira 1).

E portfolio assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

E portfolio assignment - Essay Example Accordingly, skulls are divided into three categories. The mammals like sheep, pigs, cows and horses have non-primate skulls. Baboon, Gorilla and Chimpanzee belongs to non-human primate skulls. The third category, called hominid skulls details the shape, size and other known parameters of human skulls.(NS 201, p87) The study of historical components of life within the scope of Biology relates to biodiversity. In addition, the recent space research results have aroused the interest of many scientists to study the possibility of existence of life, in planets beyond earth, like Mars, Saturn or some moons of Jupiter. Such studies are called â€Å"exo-biology†.(NS 201, p34) Many species of animals and human beings have common characteristics in their structures that show the similarities of their organisms. Accordingly, Homology relates to studies in this direction. For example, many similarities are found in the structure of human skeleton and that of a chimpanzee. Many animals from a common ancessetor inherit the basic vertebrate â€Å"body plan†, although they may have distantly related organisms. Such animals have homologous skeleton structures.(NS 201, p51) According to Darwin, natural selections are slow and dependant on the environmental changes. Hence, these may not be observable during the lifetime of any scientist. Accordingly, these mechanisms are studied with the help of simulations, using different methods like directional, stabilizing and disruptive selection models.(NS 201,

Musical Autobiography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Musical Autobiography - Essay Example It was one of the most famous songs at that time, which became the first international â€Å"local song†, familiar to all world cultures (The Center for American Music). â€Å"Old Folks at Home† is a song about the need for one’s family home, childhood memories, and the security of a family. No matter how far we go, we always miss â€Å"de old plantation and for de old folks at home† (Foster). This song has been performed by many singers, but I like best Paul Robeson’s interpretation from 1926. I first listened to it as an 8-year-old girl with my father, who is a big fan of Paul Robeson. This song used to accompany our family dinners, long car trips and outings. Today, when I feel sad and lonely, I play â€Å"Old Folks at Home† and I think about my family in Korea. This songs allows me to realize that even though I am so far away from my family, we are still close at heart. I know that I have a family that cares for me and a home where I will always be welcomed. Another song that reminds me of my childhood in Korea is â€Å"Candy†, performed by H.O.T, which was my favorite band when I was in primary school. H.O.T was the most popular boy band in Korea at that time and all my friends were their big fans. We all collected pictures and posters of H.O.T and we were spending a lot of time practicing the choreography of â€Å"Candy†. Although my musical tastes have changed with time, sometimes I like listening to â€Å"Candy† and thinking with nostalgia of the days when my biggest worry was lack of some poster of H.O.T. that my best friend had already had on the wall. This song reminds me of my pre-teen days, my first crash on Kang Ta – one of the members of the band, and the great moments I spent singing and dancing with my friends. I think that preadolescence is a very important stage in our lives, when we start to develop meaningful friendships, we have increased feelings of independence, and we