Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Graduation Speech College Experience - 870 Words

First, I would like to explore the â€Å"typical† route students will take upon graduating high school. In 2015, there were an estimated 20.2 million students expected to attend American colleges and universities, with 13.2 million of those students choosing 4-year universities (nces.ed.gov). Generally, 4-year universities prepare young adults for a degree that can help them continue on to grad school or a career in that field. Large universities have massive amounts of resources, funding, programs, and professors that can help students network and find internships or jobs in their degree field. Students also have access to hundreds of different academic, social, volunteer, or vocational clubs and groups. One of the best benefits of going to a four-year university is the college experience. Both of my parents say the friends they have now are the ones they met in college, and they get to reminisce on all the fun times they had. A university experience typically allows you to l ive away from home, thus gaining independence and creating your own lifestyle. For most high school students, the university experience is a big reason in why a majority of students choose this route. For some students, the drawbacks to a university outweigh the benefits. On average, tuition costs, school fees, and room and board at a public university is about $15,000 per year, while private universities are even higher at about $40,000 per year (nces.ed.gov). While some students are able to getShow MoreRelatedGraduation Speech : College Experience Essay1371 Words   |  6 PagesThe Americanization of going to college is idolized, treasured, and held at a historic prestige here in the United States. You put your hope, hard earned money from summer jobs, faith, endless tears, ACT scores, missing high school football games, slaving away your weekends, and giving up your entire â€Å"social life† at the age of seventeen is an epidemic. In the end you’re doing it to get a piece of paper delivered to you in the mail. You pace back and forth, you constantly pester the mailman and evenRead MoreGraduation Speech : My College Experience Essay2039 Words   |  9 PagesMy co llege experience started in the summer of 2002, and immediately after I graduated from high school. I was accepted to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to study Radiologic Sciences, and I moved to Birmingham, Alabama to start my journey. After completing a few successful semesters, my fiancà © and I were surprised to discover that we were expecting our first child. We soon married, and I dropped out of college in order to begin my life in North Carolina as a US Marine Corps wifeRead MoreAnalysis Of Graduation By Maya Angelou960 Words   |  4 PagesEssay on â€Å"Graduation† by Maya Angelou Racial segregation was very dominant in the United States in the mid nineteen hundreds. This is the time that Maya Angelou was graduating from the eighth grade in Stamps Arkansas. The theme of racial segregation is well shown by the how different the schools of the African-Americans was compared to that of whites in the essay â€Å"Graduation† by Maya Angelou. In the essay the Angelou points out that Lafayette County Training School didn’t have a lawn, hedges, tennisRead MoreThe Importance Of Becoming A Great Communicator881 Words   |  4 PagesEllen DeGeneres is a stand-up comedian, talk show host and an actress. The hardship and experiences she went through helped her pave a road in life and succeed to this point in her career. Always in the spotlight of entertainment, the experiences as a celebrity incorporated in the development of her communication skills. As a great communicator, you have to have traits like having eye contact with the people you talk to, having hand movements, have reasons for the advice given to another, speakingRead MoreSteve Jobs Commencement Speech Analysis1462 Words   |  6 PagesOn his commencement speech to Stanford students on June 12, 2005, Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple computers and PIXAR animations, used carefully crafted inspirational anecdotes and rhetorical devices like ethos and pathos to move his audience to explore, follow their dream and do what they love no matter the odds. Jobs’ gave his commencement address at Stanford students graduation ceremony in 2005, which had an audience size of about 23000. The audience is composed of immensely diverse groups of peopleRead MoreI consider Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005 to be one of the most700 Words   |  3 PagesI consider Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005 to be one of the most effective speeches. 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There is no denyingRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Steve Jobs Commencement Speech929 Words   |  4 PagesHarmon 1 A Rhetorical Analysis of Steve Jobs Commencement Speech for Stanford Universitys Graduating Class of 2005: Jobs titled his speech Youve got to find what you love. Steve Jobs is best known as an American entrepreneur, inventor and industrial designer. He was the cofounder, chairman and CEO of Apple Inc. and founder, CEO and chairman of Pixar Animation Studios. Jobs and cofounder of Apple Inc. Steve Wozniak are wildly recognized as pioneers of the microcomputer revolution of the 1970sRead MorePersonal Statement : Steve Jobs1119 Words   |  5 Pages Sanita Hasan Rhetorical Speech Essay UTSA COMM 2113-005 Prof. Jonathan Gutierrez Steve Jobs, born February 24 1955 in the city of San Francisco, was a man well known for his contributions to our technical world. As mentioned during his introduction at the Stanford Commencement Speech in 2005, as an infant Jobs was given up for adoption by his biological parents and was later adopted by a couple known as Clara and Paul Jobs. As a boy, Jobs acquired an interest in electronics as PaulRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Steve Jobs Speech848 Words   |  4 Pagesmany inspirational speeches have been remembered, because of how they connect with the audience. Steve Job’s speech during the Stanford’s graduation was inspiring to many of the college graduates. Many people think in order to be successful a college degree is mandatory. Even if they do not like what they are doing. People should love what they do, and should not follow dogma. With his speech, Steve Job’s convinced the multicultural population at Stanford University to be prominent and to pu rsue their

Monday, December 16, 2019

What Everybody Else Does When It Comes to Aegumative Essay Topics and What You Should Be Doing Different

What Everybody Else Does When It Comes to Aegumative Essay Topics and What You Should Be Doing Different What You Need to Do About Aegumative Essay Topics Beginning in the Next 2 Minutes Argumentative essay topics are so important since they are debatableand it's essential to at all times be critically considering the world around us. Persuasive essays are a fantastic approach to encourage the reader to check at a particular topic in a different light. An excellent argumentative essay is going to be based on established or new research instead of only on your ideas and feelings. The 30-Second Trick for Aegumative Essay Topics Then take a look at a list of argumentative essay advice to help you begin. If you own a list of strong and intriguing topics, you are going to have better likelihood of writing a compelling essay. When you are finished with your essay, you must not just check it for spelling and grammatical errors, but nevertheless, it also has to be checked for logica l fallacies. If you must compose your whole essay in 1 day, do your very best to give yourself breaks so you don't burn out. There are lots of aspects about a sport which can be argued in an essay. In this kind of situation, it's more convenient to discover ready-made essays and use them as an example. The thesis will provide you with a guideline about how to go about with writing the essay. If you're in a college and need to compose an argumentative essay, you should select a subject of high importance. You may continue to keep your argumentative essays for your upcoming job portfolio in case they're highly graded. You devote a good deal of education on writing argumentative essays. You must have skills to compose a fantastic essay. When asking us how to begin an argumentative essay, many students forget that they should get started with an outline. Your professor or client reads a lot of essays and a great majority are written by men and women who like to play it safe. One particular important and appropriate subject is technology. Besides general knowledge you have concerning the subject, you won't mind dedicating some opportunity to research, writing procedure, and other facets essential for the high-quality essay. Finding the most suitable topics for argumentative essay also relies on performing the correct amount of research which will help you make sure that you won't be having difficulties in finding points that it is possible to argue. No matter the sort of essay y ou're writing, a strong plan will allow you to have a larger impact. When it has to do with writing an argumentative essay, the most essential issue to do is to select a topic and an argument that you could really get behind. Preferably, it must be something that you're an expert in. The issue is that everybody's interpretation of what makes a great society differs. Additionally, you can warn your audience about certain consequences that could occur if the problem under discussion isn't addressed properly. When you are requested to decide on a great topic for your argument, start with something you're familiarized with. Finding the most suitable arguments will allow you to prove your point and win. It's possible to restate your argument, which is quite a common practice amongst essayists. The Unexpected Truth About Aegumative Essay Topics There are many steps that you should take to be able to write a fantastic essay. If you're facing some difficulties, an excellent choice for you is to hunt for argumentative essay examples, as they will enable you to properly structure the work and adhere to the most suitable writing format. Make certain you follow all the instructions if a specific formatting style is demanded. To locate a good theme is a serious but important job. Your thesis ought to be relevant so the post can use a structure that's flexible in order to fit in the shoes of the readers. Thesis Statement Thesis statement holds plenty of importance in any sort of essay writing. Relevant Topics that are related to your society will engage the reader in the finest possible way. As tempting as it might appear to skip past the extra info and go right to the list of persuasive essay topics, don't do it. Make sure you stick to topics which are simple to find info about. If you believe you require assistance with your written assignments it is preferable to request skilled help from online writing service. So, below are some suggestions, collected and listed from the very best inventory. Argumentative essay is about arguing and debating on a subject, which is debatable. An argumentative essay requires you to choose a topic and have a position on it. In circumstances when you get to select the topic for an argumentative essay, you need to be wise and locate a title that will intrigue a reader. Researching the topic will permit you to find out more about what fascinates you, and should you pick something you really like, writing the essay will be more enjoyable.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Case Study Report on Outsourcing of ICT

Question: Your Case Study organizations CEO says they would like to outsource their ICT and asks to you to make it happen; this includes any existing systems as well as new systems. You will use the information gathered in the previous assignments and will need to do your own research on outsourcing. Answer: Introduction: One of the common things, which the information technology industries are experiencing, is outsourcing activities. The reasons for the business to outsource their activities are to improve their strategic business performance. There are numerable information technology and communication, which are being outsourced such as operation of systems and management of telecommunications, programming of applications. Outsourcing may be defined as or it is viewed as rendering the service of purchasing to the other or third parties. The objectives of outsourcing are mainly associated with the costs and benefits (Balocco et al. 2012).The business outsources their activities to bring about flexibility in the service of information technology and also to reduce the cost of operations. The report would be prepared in context of information technology industry IBM. Pros and cons of outsourcing: Pros: The clients to which the information and communication technology would be outsourced would provide them with the access to experience the advancement of technology and experienced personnel and they would be able to enjoy the significant service of upgraded ICT services. The shortcoming of in house provision of ICT services regarding the technology fixation can be solved through outsourcing. The in house provision might lead then to make use of obsolete technologies due to financial reasons, so this risk could be managed by using the outsourcing activities. The operating and recruitment would be reduced to a great extent. The vendor rendering the ICT services would be able to provide the services at the lower rate as they enjoy economies of scale. The client need not make any additional investment as the service providers charges fees on the basis of service provided by them (Gunasekaran et al. 2015). The solution provided by the vendors comes in the package form and they provide with all the services relating to infrastructure, integration, personnel, support etc. Cons: The client is exposed to a number of risks and one of the risks is control risk. The client would not have any control over the quality and the level of service provided. The in house provision would not have any direct control over the management. The organization would be exposed to the risks of losing the confidential information to the other parties involved. And also the client receiving the service would not have access to the critical information which the vendor might possess and so there might be difficulties in claiming the validation. Outsourcing also posses threat to security for the vendor organization and for the client as well. The infrastructure of the technology if shared by numerable number of clients, this would lead to the threats sourcing from multiple sources. Last but not the least, outsourcing is also faced with the issues of managing the relationships which can results due to the lack of proper communication and if there is not a proper mechanism of solving the problems jointly. The managing the relationships issue may also arise from the personal conflict. Different outsourcing delivery models: The typical models which can be considered by the CEO as a solution measures are: Single provider of Information and communication technology outsourcing. Multiple providers of Information and communication technology outsourcing . Business process outsourcing and business transformational outsourcing The first model of outsourcing provides the opportunity to outsource the operation components such as supporting the help desks. In case of the second model, the vendors can offer multiple operations. A global delivery model: Another name for global deliver model is the blended outsourcing model combines the offsite, onsite and offshore resources. The model can be exemplified by IBM which would enable them in providing outsourcing service which would be seamless. It would allow IBM to manage their relations globally and also the service would be innovatively distributed. The main advantage relating to the implementation of the model is acquiring the service at lower rate without any risks. The large corporations who want to hire the services of the global outsourcings would prefer this approach. The vendor providing the service would be easily adapted to the changing requirement of clients. The costs of managing the application n would fall drastically using this model (Dolgui and Proth 2013). The business challenges faced by the clients would be resolved easily using the global delivery model. Hybrid delivery model: Another outsourcing model is the hybrid deliver model and this is one of the popular and successful outsourcing models, which can be employed by IBM for rendering the outsourcing services. Here, majority of the work is done by the offshore development center and it include customizing the designs and ensuring that the outcome of the project is in accordance with the expectations of the clients. The rest is done by onsite center and the IBM would be able to perform variety of tasks relating to gathering the information by directly interacting with the clients and executing the projects according to the needs and expectation of the clients (Attias 2014). The IBM would be able to enjoy a great costs benefit as the most of the work is done in the offshore development where the resources are available at comparatively cheaper costs. If the IBM is dealing with the complex projects, which need long time to get completed, then Hybrid delivery model can be employed. This would not burden the client with the task of managing the huge onsite team and it can avail outsourcing benefits. Another model is build operate transfer model: In this model, the company can enter into contract with the offshore development center or offshore partner so that the operations can be initiated easily and at much faster rate than the provisions made in house (Jadhav et al. 2014). The model includes three phases: Build: In this, the partners provide a solution to the clients and it would help the clients in establishing the brands. Operate: the services regarding the management of operations, training, accounting, the offshore partner provides payroll so that they are able to devote their time on the core activities. Options to transfer: the client is provided with the facility of transferring the operations when they want. In addition, while entering into the contract it is mentioned that after the fixed period, client can transfer the operations in its own house. Employing the BOT model by IBM would enable them to enhance the bottom line of the customers and offload the costs fully. The company would be free from risk of execution (Fan 2015). Hub and spoke model: The company would be able to achieve the advantage of best of breed strategy using this model. This models provides the company with the facility that it is off shore partners can work by collaborating with the own hub centers. After providing the training, the offshore partner would be send to the spoke center. If the IBM employs hub and spoke model for the purpose of outsourcing , then it would be able to utilize the resources efficiently and as the multisourcing approaches is offered by this model. This comes with the ample of benefits. Process flow model: One of the effective tools for managing the ICT outsourcing activities is the process flow model. The process starts with the definition of goals of business and using the strategy to achieve it. The needs for source are analyzed and operations are designed so that the needs are met. Another phase comes with the negotiation of contracts and selecting the vendor and the external service providers needs to be transitioned followed up with the managing of the performance of service (2016). Flow chart representing process flow: Request for information (RFI): The decision to outsource should be in aligned with the long term goal of the organization. For IBM, in order to provide the clients or customers with the application and network support, the business should follow the rules related to the request for information which needs to be monitored on a regular basis. The objectives of the IBM and current technical environment need to be included in the RFI (Mukherjee and Mukherjee 2014). The selection of the vendor and the negotiation for the contracts should be done as per the parameters established in 1 and 2 phase. RFI needs to be used with the all contractors so there will not be any arising of problems. The contractors should have strategic business alliance The consultants should attach the request for information so that it would help them in clarifying about the models, videos and other specifications concerning the issues if raised. The register of information is maintained with the date of response and the date of creation along with the unique specification code. As per the clause of the contract, the RFI needs to be delivered to the team members and other things needs to be ensured that the members have received the receipt individually. The team members who are capable of handling the issues with greater proficiency should also be supplied with the copy of RFI. The RFI needs to be registers with the proper response if observed. In the distribution list of RFI relevant users needs to be mentioned and each members can respond using the mail. If the member needs to submit the response, they must be granted with the permission to the RFI tools using admin level. The process of review using the origin receipt needs to ensure that the cost related issues is solved. Any variation in the costs and budgeting of the project activities in future should be appropriately monitored by the appropriate consultants. Reviewing the responses should be accurate and complete as well as appropriate so that the implication of the schedule and the project budget is assured. The status of the RFI should be updated by consulting that team member who is appropriate to the tasks so that they are made of acquainted with the changes being made. When the requirements are met successfully, the register containing the contents of RFI should be marked as closed out and if the requirements are not met then it should be labeled as the concern of the outside and it is done for the purpose of reporting. Evaluation methodology: The tenders invited comes with the various sections which include defining the contract, conditions to the contract , describing the schedule of pricing, details of the quality, quantity and frequency should also be provided for. Tenders are invited under the sealed bid process and the vendors need to describe in complete form about how the requirements of the clients would be met with all the information relating to payment and delivery (Hirschheim et al.2013). The tenders need to be evaluated in respect of financial, capacity and technical assessments and they also need to be evaluated in terms of transparency. Tender can be technically evaluated whether they are effective in terms of cost and the production capacity needs to be found out. The invitation of the tender must be stated with the requirement and the spares cost is compatible with the bid or not should be evaluated (Contador et al. 2012). Assessing the capacity is closely related with the technical evaluation. The financial viability of the tender should be deeply inspected and this is done to ascertain where they seek any financial assistance or are able to purchase the required raw materials and enquiry should be made there is any redundancy costs or if there is any loss of economy of scale and would it result in incurring costs. The costs relating to long term such as installation of telecommunication or items relating to rental items. Evaluating also needs to ensure that the transparency is maintained and this calls for providing a documented and clear audit trial. The lists of key performance indicators and service level agreement provide by the outsourcing company is as follows: Key performance indicators: Deviation in actual and estimated costs Quantity and quality of the services outsourced Customers satisfaction improvement The testing cost involved in the project should be at minimum. Service level agreement: Designs involved in testing should be efficient Cost of delivering service based on time period Staffs conducting the service has adequate knowledge Service to be delivered within the estimated budget Assessing the tender financially should include that the price offered should cover the costs and the costs is lower than the estimated costs when the project have been conceived. Retention, terms of payment and the spare costs are provided in the offer (Frey et al. 2013). Report to the CEO: After conducting the detailed analysis of the report of the company, the company IBM needs to shift its focus on providing quality service and manage relationship with the customers. The company needs to develop performance matrix to effectively monitor the quality of service rendered. The arrangement of outsourcing should be planned on a partnership basis, as it would help them in keeping pace with the technological changes (Masrek et al. 2014). In order to provide necessary resources, the company needs the support of top management and a dedicated team of management is needed and this would act as input in providing the customers with the quality work. The outsourcing of communication and information technology of IBM would bring in more talents in the offshore services of the business processes. The process model in the report of IBM provides a framework so that the outsourcing of ICT would be done in informed way. This would enable the IBM outsourcing department to minimize the r isks involved and maximize the benefits (Khidzir et al. 2013). The suggestions provided in the framework of the phases would provide the maximum benefits. The templates of the request for information would bring in large number of tenders for the outsourcing activities. The request for information should be prepared according to the guidelines set for the engineers who seek some training activities in IBM so that it is more exposed to the environment needing the application, network and software support. The outsourcing project needs to be dealt with by providing the proper input which could be sustained and this can be done through the contraction and transition phase. In order to ensure that there is a seamless relation between vendors and agency, there needs to be awareness about the policies and regulations concerning the project. The management team needs to be familiar with performance management, information assurance, and other terms such as cost accounting. Another recommendation to be made regarding the ICT projects is that the service level contract should be crafted in such a way so that there is a provision regarding chang es in technology, penalty for poor service, benchmarking. In order to response to the needs of agency, the management team should have an up gradation so that it is able to cope up with the advancement and development of technologies. Say for example, in the existing service contracts, if the team needs to refine the measure of performance or address any issues in the service contract, the team needs to be well aware of the assurance products and all the other requirements. As the outsourcing of activities has been recommended on the basis of partnership, so there needs to be arrangement that the management and technical issues can be communicated frequently. And following points needs to be looked into: A matrix of pre set performance carrying the carrying the weekly or daily report of the status of service should be provided to the agency. In order to address the long term needs or the immediate concerns, arrangements of weekly or monthly meetings should be done. There should be an established protocol to be followed by the vendor when they need to address the issues concerning change in technology or the needs for service. Communication is to be made effective and qualitative by including the high level management when there is a need to introduce a major shift. Conclusion: The explained and the thorough analysis of the outsourcing activities of the IBM has brought into light several things which should be involved in the outsourcing of ICT activities and to ensure its success. The various recommendations made regarding the vendors, employees relating to the outsourcing activities after analyzing the reports needs to be implemented by the company. The request for information would provide the company with the large number of suppliers as it is meant for advertising and for inviting the tenders. The widely accepted outsourcing delivery model is general model for all the outsourcing activities. Following is the list of journals depicting the plans and schedule on the specific date along with the status. Reference: Attias, I., 2014. How companies evaluate their offshore outsourcing activities?: A study of the challenges and opportunities associated with outsourcing to different countries. Balocco, R., Ciappini, A. and Corso, M., 2012. The impact of ICT sourcing on ICT organisation, competences and continuous innovation.International Journal of Technology Management 8,60(3/4), pp.179-201. Contador, J.C., Ferreira, A.A., Simes, S.A. and Souza, W.J., 2012. It outsourcing: methodology for selecting suppliers criterion for competitive advantage.JISTEM-Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management,9(1), pp.123-146. Dolgui, A. and Proth, J.M., 2013. Outsourcing: definitions and analysis.International Journal of Production Research,51(23-24), pp.6769-6777. Faizan, M., Ulhaq, S. and Khan, M.N., 2014. A., Defect Prevention and Process Improvement Methodology for Outsourced Software Projects.Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research,19(5), pp.674-682. Fan, W., 2015. Optimal pricing and highway network improvement problem under a build-operate-transfer scheme.Advances in Transportation Studies, (35). Frey, S., Reich, C. and Lthje, C., 2013. Key performance indicators for cloud computing SLAs. InThe Fifth International Conference on Emerging Network Intelligence, EMERGING(pp. 60-64). Garrison, G., Wakefield, R.L. and Kim, S., 2015. The effects of IT capabilities and delivery model on cloud computing success and firm performance for cloud supported processes and operations.International Journal of Information Management,35(4), pp.377-393. Gunasekaran, A., Irani, Z., Choy, K.L., Filippi, L. and Papadopoulos, T., 2015. Performance measures and metrics in outsourcing decisions: A review for research and applications.International Journal of Production Economics,161, pp.153-166. Hirschheim, R., Heinzl, A. and Dibbern, J. eds., 2013.Information Systems Outsourcing: enduring themes, emergent patterns and future directions. Springer Science Business Media. Hodosi, G. and Rusu, L., 2013. How do critical success factors contribute to a successful it outsourcing: A study of large multinational companies.JITTA: Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application,14(1), p.17. Jensen, P.D.., 2012. A passage to India: A dual case study of activities, processes and resources in offshore outsourcing of advanced services.Journal of World Business,47(2), pp.311-326. Khidzir, N.Z., Mohamed, A. and Arshad, N.H., 2013. ICT Outsourcing Information Security Risk Factors: An Exploratory Analysis of Threat Risks Factor for Critical Project Characteristics.Journal of Industrial and Intelligent Information Vol,1(4). Ludwig, H., Stamou, K., Mohamed, M., Mandagere, N., Langston, B., Alatorre, G., Nakamura, H., Anya, O. and Keller, A., 2015, November. rSLA: Monitoring SLAs in dynamic service environments. InInternational Conference on Service-Oriented Computing(pp. 139-153). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Manning, S., Larsen, M.M. and Bharati, P., 2015. Global delivery models: The role of talent, speed and time zones in the global outsourcing industry.Journal of International Business Studies,46(7), pp.850-877. Masrek, M.N., Yaacob, M.Z., Seman, M.R. and Ibrahim, A., 2014. The Contribution of Service Quality and Partnership Quality on IT Outsourcing Success.Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences,5(10). Mukherjee, S. and Mukherjee, K., 2014. An empirical study on possible consequences of implementing offshore information technology outsourcing strategy.International Journal of Business Environment,7(1), pp.1-31.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Internet Technology, Marketing and Security

Introduction Internet technology has an expanded network base all over the world. This has enabled multinational corporations to market their goods and services without the need to move from one place to another. Internet marketing has improved customer relationship with businesses as it brings goods closer to the consumer.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Internet Technology, Marketing and Security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In fact, advancement in technology has stimulated growth of global economy as people spend less in the supply chain. It is also important to note that apart from gains in marketing, internet technology has enabled sale of goods from websites to consumers. Different payment methods have been made available for use by buyers in order to make online purchases. However, security concerns have risen with severe repercussions to both consumers and corporations. Hackers have managed t o steal personal information from these websites as well as divert funds into their accounts. Moreover, customer information has been utilized in criminal activities, which include intimidation and fraud, among others. Website security has been of great concern with several corporations reporting breaches. This includes companies like Sony, Apple and B2B platforms, among others. This paper will explore internet technology, marketing and security concerns raised by Sony. It will also explore its internet marketing strategies, competitive advantage and security breaches as well as recommend possible solutions (Sony Corporation, 2011, p. 1). Internet technology, marketing and Security Internet technology has created a new age of commerce. Customers can now shop from their comfort. Moreover, they can research on viable products for usage through the internet.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OF F Learn More Internet technology has the capability of bringing together sellers and buyers from different parts of the world through a single platform of communication. In addition, it makes it possible for buyers to pay for their goods and receive them at their convenience. This has brought a new dimension to e-commerce. Marketing has been made easier for sellers and corporations with development in internet technology. Sellers also have been spared the cost of travelling abroad for marketing purposes. Besides, customer’s questions can easily be attended to through live chats. However, despite these improvements, online marketing has had countless issues that threaten to demean its gains. Some of these include fake sellers, unreliable websites and security concerns. Of great concern to both buyers and sellers are website breaches. This is mainly because hackers gain access to sensitive information about customers and these are tantamount to defamation, fraud, imper sonation, among others. Mcompanies like Sony have invested huge amounts of resources in security measures to protect their customers to no avail. Clearly, more needs to be done in order to stop this vice (Peckham, 2011, p. 1). The Corporation Sony is a multinational corporation that deals with electronic products such as desktops, laptops, televisions, play stations and movies, among others. The company has a B2B platform for selling of their products. This involves securing customer information and payment details as they pay directly or through money brokers for their goods. The company has served the world market with quality products for decades and this has built its reputation as an excellent business conglomerate.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Internet Technology, Marketing and Security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Customers have therefore saved private information in its many platforms wit h confidence of protection. However, if occurrences in the recent past are anything to go by, then Sony needs to work towards improving their security measures (Kark, 2008, p. 1). Corporation’s website The company has several websites, some of which are aimed at networking and marketing to improve their image. Among the websites includes sony.net, sony.com and other subsidiaries that depend on a customer’s location. Their website is highly visualized with information ranging from products, corporate, investors, news, support, customization, purchase information and innovation, among others. The website also gives information on initiatives made by Sony to protect the environment, improve customer relations and fortify security of customer information. Sony also has a B2B platform in which customers can explore and buy its products online using their credit cards, through PayPal or via money brokers. In addition, it provides a network for gaming between customers throug hout the world (Freed, 2011, p. 1). Product information The corporation’s website is well articulated with pages on product information. Sony manufactures a variety of products, which are included in its product information page. These include game, audio, key device, video and other technological devices utilized by consumers as well as markets. The company also has a computer entertainment corporation, which manufactures and distributes entertainment devices such as PlayStation consoles, portables and computers systems. This has revolutionized entertainment in the world 3D games. Product information page includes electronics such as camcorders, cameras, televisions, computers and tablets, audio phones, among others. It also includes a detailed visualized description of the products for easy understanding by customers (Sony Corporation, 2011, p. 1).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Contact information The corporation has a detailed contact information page in its website with a variety of contacts depending on customers’ requirements. Furthermore, it entails details of worldwide branch contacts with email, physical and telephone contacts. It also has a form that customers can submit with inquires which are responded to as soon as practicable. The company’s contact information page is therefore furnished with information required for processing. Customization of products for customers The corporation has customized products for easier use by customers. This is aimed at providing an online support for information required by customers. Customization of products is also important in simplifying complex details of products to customers. The website has capability to provide prices of products as required by customers. For instance, different customers require varied specifications in a given product such as a laptop. For this reason, the website prov ides customization capability within the platform, which provides customers with required specifications with their prices. This is important in easing t workload of staff and requirements by each customer (PlayStation Network, 2011, p. 1). Customer information at purchase During purchase in the corporation’s website, customers are taken to a secure page where they provide their personal information and credit card detail for payment purposes. Moreover, the company works to shield them form hackers who linger around to collect customer information. Customers provide their private details like real names, age, sex, credit card information, and sometimes email, mobile and physical address, among others. This information is sensitive and requires utmost privacy because they can be used to defraud customers. The company has invested in security software aimed at protecting customer information, although this is sometimes breached as was witnessed recently (Sony Corporation, 2011, p. 1). Corporation’s Internet marketing strategies The company has put in place several internet-marketing strategies aimed at improving their presence in the world. Sony has put in place several internet-marketing strategies. These include web promotion, search optimization techniques, email marketing, through affiliate resellers, through articles, videos, audios, listing in new stories and interaction with customers. Moreover, the company has built a consumer friendly website which improves its presence among customers. In essence, the three main internet-marketing strategies employed by Sony include use of affiliate resellers like eBay, web promotions and advertisements through other media such as television, radio and sponsorships. Resellers such as eBay market Sony products. This increases the number of traffic in Sony websites, as potential buyers look for credible manufactures with quality products. Over the years, Sony has had a great presence in consumer and reselle r markets, this improves their image and internet traffic. Another strategy has been through website promotions, which are observable in most websites like fifa.com, among others. Thelps in increasing their traffic and hence sales. Another strategy used by Sony is thorough media like in television. Whenever Sony markets their product in media, they ensure that their website is well displayed on it. This enables viewers to access its website and make orders as appropriate (PlayStation Network, 2011, p. 1). Competitive advantage provided by the website Sony website has enabled it to attract more customers as they grow in confidence over its services. The website’s ability to customize consumer needs makes it more attractive than others make and hence improves the company’s competitive advantage. Another element of the website that improves competitive advantage is the quality of products and services offered. Moreover, the website offers other services such as online gam ing, which attracts more customers to it. This, together with those mentioned above improves the company’s competitive advantage. Corporation’s privacy/security policy and response to breach Security concerns have been rife in internet marketing. This has forced the company into making strategic plans for new security measures. Customer’s details are very sensitive as they can be used to compromise their privacy. Moreover, their emails can be collected for spam messages. Most hackers also try to use credit card information collected from hacked websites to transfer funds into their accounts. In this regard, Sony has upgraded their security measures with the aim of minimizing attacks on its online games. Sony emphasizes in its privacy policy that it respects right to privacy of all its online visitors. In this regard, it has put in place measures aimed at securing customer information. This is done through SCEA and ESRB privacy licenses, which ensure online prote ction for customer information. SCEA is a credible licensee, which ensures maximum privacy to those participating in online entertainment games. The latter, ESRB, is a third party privacy online, which ensures that consumer’s online privacy is protected from external breach. Sony announced a breach of security in its websites with stolen information fro its SOE accounts as well as those of out dated databases. Moreover, its customers had also received information of hacking in May. These activities led them into upgrading their systems against future attacks. It conducted investigation in consultation with other security firms and made rigorous enhancement to its overall security. This was done to improve customer protection and data security (Peckham, 2011, p. 1). Conclusion Sony tried to upgrade its security measures in order to protect customer information. This was positive and a step towards the right direction. This was not conclusive since more attacks have been witnes sed. In fact, the year 2011 has witnessed multiple attacks on its website. Thereof rein order to improve their website and customer information security, Sony needs to perform an overhaul in their security measures to ensure that such activities are never witnessed (Kark, 2008, p. 1). Recommendations and Rationale In order to avoid future attacks, Sony should refrain from going after its hackers as this increases the number of potential attacks. In the process, this may make it a target for more attacks. Some hacking groups see new security measures as challenges to their knowledge. Another thing that Sony should do is to come out and tell customers what was compromised during the attacks, this will improve its customer relation and trust for future dealings. It should also make an overhaul of its security measures and establish weaknesses for further improvements. Moreover, it should enlighten customers on how to use their websites safely without compromising information (Freed, 20 11, p. 1). Reference List Freed, A. M. (2011). Sony Stock Hammered in Wake of Security Breaches. Infosecisland.  Web. Kark, K. (2008). Security breach management: Planning and preparation. Searchsecurity.  Web. Peckham, M. (2011). Sony’s PlayStation Network Disaster: What Happens Next? Web. PlayStation Network, (2011). Privacy Policy. Playstation.com. Web. Sony Corporation, (2011). Sony online entertainment announces theft of data from its systems: Breach Believed to Stem From Initial Criminal Hack of SOE. Sony.  Web. Sony Corporation, (2011). Sony online entertainment restores game services. Sony.  Web. This research paper on Internet Technology, Marketing and Security was written and submitted by user Reese Nolan to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Community and Public Health Nursing Reflection Essay Example

Community and Public Health Nursing Reflection Essay Example Community and Public Health Nursing Reflection Paper Community and Public Health Nursing Reflection Paper Maricopa community schools are the localschools for the Gila River Indian Community. Native Americanchildren attending these schools are generally obese and do not participate in extra-curricular activities. The Leading Health Indicator (LHI) that applies is Children and adolescentswho are considered obese. Recognizing this LHI, nursing diagnoses canbe generated followed by nursing interventions and finallya communityhealthpartnership that will positively influence obesity. Also, while exploring these various steps, examples of hownursing can advocate community change will be shown. However, the role of community and the epidemiologicalinfluences withinthe community must be discussed first. Individuals can only be as healthy as their community allows. Native Americans live on a reservation in a rural removed from the Maricopa community and its convenience. Native Americans, especially the children, are part of the Maricopa community due to their presence in schools, the casino, and employment withvarious Maricopa businesses even though their residence is outside of the Maricopa geographicalregion. Maricopa has various parks,  sidewalks, recreational programs, as well as grocery stores that promote healthy living. Unfortunately, Native Americans can’tpartake in these facilities due to geographical limitations. Native Americansdo have a central health clinicon the reservation but it is the only one. Public nursing and community health partnerships can help identify where changes can be made along with services provided to promote better health. Native Americans aredifferent than the other cultures living in Maricopa. Maricopa is alreadyculturally diverse but the Native Americanpopulace is unique in some of their health  challenges, especiallywith obesity. For example, â€Å"Native Americans facesome of thehighest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world. Native American children tend to watch more television and spend lesstime playing sports than white children, this is likelynot theprinciple 3 contributor to obesity† (Wharton, 2004, pg. 154). Native Americans are also theorized to be genetically predisposed born withmore adipose fat which is never lostand increases throughout adolescence, leading to obesity in adulthood (Richards Peterson, 2006, pg. 88). Furthermore, their dietstend tobe high in saturatedfat and sugar(88). These epidemiological influences are worsened because of the lack of facilities available on the reservation. Utilizing this information, the following nursing diagnoses canbe made regarding Native American obesity; deficient community health, imbalanced nutrition, and sedentary lifestyle. First, a healthy community â€Å"is described by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2010 report is one that continuously creates and improves both itsphysical and social environments, helping people to support one another in aspectsof daily  life and to develop to their fullest potential† (Healthy Places). In order toaddressthe deficient community health, a communityhealthevent could be planned thatchecksweight, height, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Also, at this event, education about health promotion and diseaseprevention would be beneficial in addressing the diabetes and obesity so prevalent within the Native American populace. Imbalanced nutrition can be because the body is not getting enough nutritional vitamins and minerals or because thebody is getting too much fat and sugar intake. Due to the high volume of Native American children in the Maricopa school system and the poor economic status of many Native American families, schools need to provide healthy meals for students. Furthermore, the school could also monitor lunches brought in by students and provide healthy alternatives. Also, if an after school program is developed; a dietician could provide healthy food options such as snacks, food education materials like calorie sheets, meal planning, and food alternatives for families. Sedentary lifestyle can be changed by implementing an after school program. Different activities, games, and sports 4 would be provided which would encourage exercise, socialization, and safety. This time could also be utilized toteach different games and sports that can be done at home. Involving the Native American community to change their habits would be best done by collaborating with Native American leadersand health professionals. Native American leaders would be excellent role models for children and the community as a whole. Collaborating with the Maricopa community would also generate interesting cross-cultural health events and activities. Also, during these events, culture could be promoted in a healthy way such as traditional Native foods prepared in a healthy way and cultural dancing encouraged. Another resource would be to contact Community Partnership of Southern Arizona. They provide healthcare clinics, have people available to answer community specific questions, provide referrals to services, and have a directory of community resources that are available. Obesity is the LHI of Native American children living just outside Maricopa but attending school within the Maricopa School District. The Reservation’s distance from  Maricopa community facilities along with dietand epidemiological factors like diabetesall contribute to Native Americanobesity. By combating deficient community healthwith a community health event, educating and correcting imbalanced nutrition at the school, and eliminating a sedentary lifestyle by implementing an after school program, changes can be made. The Native Americancommunity will respond to Native leaders encouraging change. Culture eventssuch asfestivalswould be an excellent opportunity toimplement and highlight some of these healthychanges. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2000). Healthy places. Retrieved from cdc. gov/healthyplaces/about. htm#Healthy%20Env Richards, T. J. , Patterson, P. M. (2006, August). Native American obesity: An economic model of the Thrifty Gene theory. American Journal of Agricultural Economins, 88(3), 542-560. Retrieved from jstor. org/stable/3697748 Wharton, C. M. (2004). Beverage consumption and risk of obesity among native americans in arizona. Nutrition Reviews, 62(4), 153-9. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/212348616? accountid=458

Friday, November 22, 2019

Birth of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses

Birth of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses How did the world start according to your worldview? Was there a sudden cosmic spark emerging from nowhere? Did life then emerge from some sort of almost living form? Did a supreme being create the world in seven days and form the first woman from the rib of the first (male) human? Was there a great swirling chaos from which emerged a frost giant and a salt-licking cow? A cosmic egg? Greek mythology contains creation stories that are very different from either the familiar story of Adam and Eve or the Big Bang. In Greek myths about the early world, themes of parental treachery alternate with tales of filial betrayal. Youll also find love and loyalty. There are all the essentials of good plot lines. Birth and cosmic creation are linked. Mountains and other physical parts of the world are born through procreation. Granted, it is procreation between things that we dont think of as procreating, but this is an ancient version and part of the ancient mythological worldview.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. Parental Treachery: In Generation 1, the sky (Uranus), who is seemingly without any love at all for his offspring (or maybe he just wants his wife all to himself), hides his children inside his wife, Mother Earth (Gaia).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2. Filial Betrayal: In Generation 2, the Titan father (Cronus) swallows his children, the newborn Olympians. In Generation 3, the Olympic gods and goddesses have learned from the examples of their ancestors, so there is more parental treachery:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Zeus swallows one mate and sews the soon-to-be born offspring of another inside himself after he kills the mother.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hera, the wife of Zeus, creates a god without a mate, but even he isnt safe from his parents, for Hera (or Zeus) hurls her son from Mt. Olympus. 1st Generation Generation implies a coming into being, so that which was there from the beginning is not and cannot be generated. What has always been there, whether it be a god or a primeval force (here, Chaos), is not the first generation. If for convenience, it requires a number, it can be referred to as Generation Zero. Even the first generation here gets a bit tricky if examined too closely since it could be said to cover 3 generations, but thats not terribly relevant for this look at parents (particularly, fathers) and their treacherous relations with their children. According to some versions of Greek mythology, at the beginning of the universe, there was Chaos. Chaos was all alone [Hesiod Theog. l.116], but soon Gaia (Earth) appeared. Without the benefit of a sexual partner, Gaia gave birth to Uranus (Sky) to provide covering and father half-siblings. With Uranus serving as the father, mother Gaia gave birth to the 50-headed Hecatonchiresthe Cyclopes (Cyclops)the 12 Titans 2nd Generation Eventually, the 12 Titans paired off, male and female: Cronus and RheaIapetus and ThemisOceanus and TethysHyperion and TheiaCrius and MnemosyneCoeus and Phoebe They produced rivers and springs, second generation Titans, Atlas and Prometheus, moon (Selene), sun (Helios), and many others. Much earlier, before the Titans had paired off, their father, Uranus, who was hateful and rightly fearful that one of his sons might overthrow him, shut all his children inside his wife, their Mother Earth (Gaia). And he used to hide them all away in a secret place of Earth so soon as each was born, and would not suffer them to come up into the light: and Heaven rejoiced in his evil doing. But vast Earth groaned within, being straitened, and she made the element of grey flint and shaped a great sickle, and told her plan to her dear sons. - Hesiod Theogony, which is all about the generation of gods. Another version comes from 1.1.4 Apollodorus*, who says Gaia was angry because Uranus had thrown his first children, the Cyclopes, into Tartarus. [See, I told you there was love; here, maternal.] At any rate, Gaia was angry with her husband for imprisoning their children either within her or in Tartarus, and she wanted her children released. Cronus, the dutiful son, agreed to do the dirty work: he used that flint sickle to castrate his father, rendering him impotent (without power). 3rd Generation Then the Titan Cronus, with his sister Rhea as a wife, sired six children. These were the Olympic gods and goddesses: HestiaHeraDemeterPoseidonHadesZeus Cursed by his father (Uranus), the Titan Cronus was afraid of his own children. After all, he knew how violent he had been towards his father. He knew better than to repeat the mistakes his father had made in leaving himself vulnerable, so instead of imprisoning his children in his wifes body (or Tartarus), Cronus swallowed them. Like her mother Earth (Gaia) before her, Rhea wanted her children to be free. With the help of her parents (Uranus and Gaia), she figured out how to defeat her husband. When it was time to give birth to Zeus, Rhea did it in secret. Cronus knew she was due and asked for the new baby to swallow. Instead of feeding him Zeus, Rhea substituted a stone. (No one said the Titans were intellectual giants.) Zeus matured safely until he was old enough to force his father to regurgitate his five siblings (Hades, Poseidon, Demeter, Hera, and Hestia). As G.S. Kirk points out in The Nature of Greek Myths, with the oral rebirth of his brothers and sisters, Zeus, once the youngest, became the oldest. At any rate, even if the regurgitation-reversal doesnt persuade you that Zeus could claim to be the oldest, he became the leader of the gods on snow-capped Mt. Olympus. 4th Generation Zeus, a first generation Olympian (although in the third generation since the creation), was father to the following second generation Olympians, put together from various accounts: AthenaAphroditeAresApolloArtemisDionysusHermesHephaestusPersephone The list of Olympians contains 12 gods and goddesses, but their identities vary. Hestia and Demeter, entitled to spots on Olympus, sometimes surrender their seats. Parents of Aphrodite and Hephaestus Although they may have been Zeus children, the lineage of 2 second-generation Olympians is in question: Some claim Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty) sprang from the foam and severed genitals of Uranus. Homer refers to Aphrodite as the daughter of Dione and Zeus.Some (including Hesiod in the introductory quote) claim Hera as the sole parent of Hephaestus, the lame blacksmith god. But Zeus himself gave birth from his own head to bright-eyed Tritogeneia (29), the awful, the strife-stirring, the host-leader, the unwearying, the queen, who delights in tumults and wars and battles. But Hera without union with Zeus for she was very angry and quarreled with her mate bare famous Hephaestus, who is skilled in crafts more than all the sons of Heaven.-Hesiod Theogony 924ff It is interesting, but to my knowledge insignificant, that these two Olympians who had uncertain parentage married. Zeus as Parent Many of Zeus liaisons were unusual; for instance, he disguised himself as a cuckoo bird to seduce Hera. Two of his children were born in a manner he might have learned from his father or grandfather; that is, like his father Cronus, Zeus swallowed not only the child but the mother Metis while she was pregnant. When the fetus had fully formed, Zeus gave birth to their daughter Athena. Lacking the proper feminine apparatus, he gave birth through his head. After Zeus had frightened or burned his mistress Semele to death, but before she was completely incinerated, Zeus removed the fetus of Dionysus from her womb and sewed it into his thigh where the wine god-to-be developed until ready for rebirth. *Apollodorus, a 2nd Century B.C. Greek scholar, wrote a Chronicles and On the Gods, but the reference here is to the Bibliotheca or Library, which is falsely attributed to him.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Charles Smith is firefighter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Charles Smith is firefighter - Essay Example Before the shift starts at 8 am, Charles has breakfast at the fire station together with his colleagues some of whom are volunteer workers. He terms the breakfast session as, â€Å"a great experience where he and his colleagues share plans for the day, give memorable stories, joke around and sing hearty songs.† After breakfast, Charles and his colleagues go to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) room and prepare their kits. Charles says, â€Å"We have to be ready always from the beginning of the shift to react to any event, since we could be called at any moment.† The Watch then assembles for inspection in the muster bay where the Chief Officer details and relays the day’s duties. According to Charles, â€Å"the details vary from one shift to another, and this unpredictability helps keep things interesting, while the formality instills a degree of professionalism.† When I asked Charles what he hates or dislike about firefighting, he replied, â€Å"som etimes it is difficult to save all people and some end up dying under your watch, it is the most disheartening thing to hear a person, particularly a child crying as the building he or she is in collapses from a fire.† From Charles’ facial expression, it is evident that such an incident takes quite a toll on firefighters. Since training is a hugely essential part of the job, firefighters’ daily routine encompasses drill time. I got a chance to watch the Watch during drill time and highly appreciated by their proficiency with the equipment.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Discuss whether benchmarking to achieve greater efficiency should lead Essay

Discuss whether benchmarking to achieve greater efficiency should lead to greater profitability - Essay Example Through this method, Young (2003) explains that business personalities are able to know how well their competitors perform within the industry, and the reason as to why these companies are able to perform in a manner identified. Wöber (2002) further explains that benchmarking is always used to measure the performance of a business organization/industry by using specific indicators, e.g. cost per unit of the substance, productivity per unit, etc. Benchmarking is a process that is used in strategic management, whereby business organizations are able to evaluate different aspects of their business organization, in relation to the best practices of the industry. Orr and Orr (2014) maintains that this helps managers of business organizations to come up with the best policy that can help them improve the performance of the business organization. Furthermore, benchmarking as a process normally helps managers of a business organization to adapt some of the best practices of an industry into their operations. This can be social responsibilities, or marketing procedures. Benchmarking is always a continuous process, and this is mainly because organizations seek methods of improving their performances, and best practices. However, there is a considerable debate on whether benchmarking helps in improving the profitability of a business organization. Orr and Orr (2014) explains that because benchmarking is a method of understanding the b est practices of an industry, and implementing those practices, it will most definitely lead to an increase in the profitability of a business organization. This is an assertion that Kerimodou (2013) is against. In their research concerning benchmarking, the authors denoted that organizations which have high technical efficiency are not always the best performers regarding profitability. In their research,

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Per Clausewitz’s On War Essay Example for Free

Per Clausewitz’s On War Essay Per Clausewitz’s On War focal points on how victory can be achieved, reader see a keen interest in how to disarm the enemy using reciprocal and proportionate â€Å"efforts to his powers or resistance. † This implies that to win a war you might use all means, strength, and resources within your power to deliver the best strategy possible. Using â€Å"calculation of probabilities† victory can achieved by fully knowing what is at stake and how to attack at the right time. Being aware of the political agenda and reasoning behind a war allows for more awareness of political and military alliances in order to achieve victory in war. In addition, by understanding that there are tactics and strategy which must be used in war a victory can be acquired (website, Handel). To Clausewitz this means that â€Å"preparations for War† and the â€Å"War itself† must be seen as distinct entities. By preparing for the War you are acquiring all needed provisions and equipment, and comprehending the enemy and terrain in which the battles might be fought (Clausewitz Book 6). Sun too indicates that preparation for War is strongly required, and that without it practicality of strategy is lost. This would include any tactics to be used, calculations which can done, deriving rules or â€Å"even systems for the conduct of war†, and understanding that knowledge can be â€Å"converted into real power†. Clausewitz considers that â€Å"war is science when mere knowing; art, when doing. † This law of action must include strategy. This in turn â€Å"links together the series of acts which are to lead to the final decision† or finality of victory. Because these strategic elements are key to achieving victory, this author insists that the â€Å"use of engagements†¦. be classified into: moral, physical, mathematical, geographical, and statistical† aspects. This elements manifest within the process and act of War, and encompass the idea that strategic assembly of forces enables victory. Clausewitz indicates that the use of battle leads to the destruction of the enemy’s military, and that a great results is achieved by battle (KLINGER 79-89).

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Rites of Passage Essay -- essays papers

Rites of Passage Every day someone enters into a rite of passage whether it be by starting school, a new job, marriage, a confirmation or communion rites of passage are common place. Two totally different cultures have totally different rituals and rites of passage. The Apache would most definitely have incredibly unique rituals compared to rural Maine and the catholic cultures therein. The best way to see the differences is to compare the two different cultures. Each ritual occurs in a holy place, the Apache on ritual grounds and the Confirmation rights at a specific congregation. The person who is about to participate in confirmation has gone to months of classes to prepare for this day, CCD it is titled and it is typically on a Sunday night at this particular congregation. The Apache girl has been well prepared as well, running and doing specific training exercises so that she will be ready for the grueling Sunrise Dance. In both societies the participant undergoes this ritual specifically because their parents and elders tell them to. They are too young to defy their parents or elders and submit basically because of the special knowledge that will somehow change them and prepare them for adulthood. The Apache girl has a godmother and godfather, which has no relation to her per say (blood relation), they are chosen based on their status in their society and they become a sort of guiding light for this girl during her Dance and adulthood all the way to when she is old and gray. The confirmation child has to choose his â€Å"sponsor† who is typically a relative or someone very special to him. This person also has a big part in the confirmation, guiding the child and being a big support center for the child. The reason for the Apache girl to start her Sunrise Dance is because of her first womanly cycle. She has a grueling task ahead of her when the Dance begins. She has a week of ritual ahead and much strenuous tasks. Her family, before participating must have about 10,000 dollars so that they can afford the gifts, food, etc. During the ritual the girl has absolutely no baths and isn’t allowed to touch herself except with a stick. She isn’t allowed to drink except with a straw. She is also allowed very little sleep during the week of her specific dance. During a specific part of the ritual her grandmother massages her body, which signifies a strong... ...er sees the end of the ritual as a rebirth. Both societies, the Apache and the Catholic culture definitely view this as a rebirth. The Apache seems more special because of the individuality that ensues with the Sunrise Dance. Confirmation is a rebirth into adulthood, but not alone, you are supported by all your classmates and friends. The reason that any young child submits to authority, other than fear, is because they know and realize that they can achieve great knowledge by listening to them and abiding by their practices. Because, look where it got them, at least to the age they are! Ritual changes people for better or worse, either way a change has been made and you aren’t the same after the ritual ends. The Apache girl has something she can tell her grandkids about, she has a vivid incredible memory that will never leave her. The confirmed has a memory too, a family time that brings people together, and we all know we love family time regardless of what occurs within we are happy to see that aunt uncle, and cousin we haven’t seen in so long. Rituals are times that should bring people together and change them for the better, as well as prepare them for the long roads ahead.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Qualitative Research Methodologies Essay

Veal (2000) has described research a â€Å"systematic and careful inquiry ands search for the truth† or an investigation into a subject to discover facts. Research is collection of methods, tools and techniques for acquiring knowledge. The nature of research is to discover and explain and answer the unanswered questions. Qualitative methodology focuses on â€Å"quality† a term referring to the essence or ambience of something (Anastas, 1999). Qualitative methods are used to understand complex social phenomena. They are suitable to seek knowledge about the fundamental characteristics of a phenomenon under study. Types of Qualitative Methodologies Case-Study Research Methodology Case study as a â€Å"realistic† methodology, which deals with solid and specific questions. Case study translates research question into more researchable problems, and provides rich examples, which are easy to comprehend. The significance of case studies is its revealing meaning of a phenomenon. Observation Research Methodology Scott (2001) has described observation an effective way of finding out about people in their particular environment. Observational research method provides understanding of interaction between marketers and users, exploring members interaction in an organisation and understanding norms in a community. Ethnographic Research Methodology According to Garson (1998) ethnography is the study of cultural groupings. It concentrates on close field observation of socio-cultural phenomena. Ethnographic research is a holistic approach that tries to understand a culture through the members of given culture. Quantitative Research Methodologies Quantitative research is gathering data in quantity. The goal of the quantitative research approach is to find out the truth by using statistical procedure. Hara (1995) has pointed out that quantitative methodology allows readers to understand facts easily by looking at charts and graphs. The use of statistics reduces contradictions, which may exist in research. Morgan (2000) has mentioned that â€Å"quantification† allows accuracy of statements by providing facts and figures with precision. Absence of one will make the other incomprehensible. It is assumed that quantitative methodologies are more logical and more comprehensible than qualitative methodology for this reason. descriptive, experimental, quasi-experimental Methodologies. Data Collection However for this research the most appropriate method for this study is case study as this study is comparison of these two cities based on the data and facts obtained from different libraries, books, journals, newspapers and census department to answer the questions below. †¢ How history and geographical location influence their development? †¢ What are the current economic figures of the cities? †¢ How much progress these cities have made in trade, commerce health education and sanitation systems? †¢ What is the role of geography and location in the development of urban cities?

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Revolutionizing a Better Era of Technology in the Future of Medicine Essay

Alan Kay states, â€Å"The best way to predict the future is to invent it yourself† (qtd. in Garreau 88). Many Americans ponder what the future might hold. Will technology bring a new era to mankind or will it be the end to all eternity? Ray Kurzweil, inventor of the year by MIT, argues â€Å"he is convinced that medicine is moving sufficiently fast; therefore, any person who can stay healthy for the next 20 years may so benefit from the explosion in biological technology as to be immortal† (Garreau 90-91). With the advancements of medical technology continuing to climb, this quote illustrates that the future will make for a better world. Organizations such as The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency known as DARPA, The Continuous Assisted Performance known as CAP, and The National Science Foundation fund studies that demonstrate how genetic engineering will impact America’s future by developing a bigger, better, stronger individual (Garreau 19-35). Each day as the advancements of technology doubles, the world will soon not worry about diseases and health; everyday gene technology will better our minds, bodies, and most future generations, thus making the â€Å"Heaven Scenario†. In the Article â€Å"Gene Technology and Tissue Engineering† Andree, department of Plastic and Surgery, Freiburg University Hospital, states â€Å"Gene therapy is based on the concept for certain proteins or polypeptides into a cell and, thus, may be used for potential modulation of tissue. Genes can be delivered using either an in vitro approach, and with viral or non-viral vectors. Genes may therefore be stable, or transiently expressed by the cells† (93). This fact illustrates the concept of genetic manipulation and how each cell is expressed. Both Rob DeSalle, Ph.D. in Division of Invertebrates, and Michael Yudell, MPH in Molecular Laboratories, summarize that the study of Genomics will have a major impact in medical services. If doctors knew how to discover someone’s exact diseases, then they can transform and improve those cells to stop in in its act (117-118). With the help from DARPA and CAP and the study and treatments  of Gene therapy, Americans’ will soon find themselves living longer and healthier lives. DARPA funded by Michael Goldbatt, is one of the world’s foremost drivers of human enhancement (Garreau 19). Their vision is to â€Å"accelerate the future into being† (Garreau 21). DARPA help fund the computer mouse, graphics, weather satellites, and many other technologies (Garreau 25). One independent agency that works strongly with DARPA is CAP managed by John Carney (Garreau 28). CAPs advanta ge over DARPA is the laboratory. One idea that they are studying is â€Å"finding an enzyme that appears only in bacteria but not in us. It might exist only for a brief time in the bacteria, but without it, that life form cannot exist. Then you attack it† (Garreau 28-30). Organizations such as DARPA and CAP strive to make unstoppable human beings. For instance, take the well-developed movie Gattaca which came to theaters in 2010 and was about a man that manipulates his DNA to hide his identity to be a more advanced, genetically engineered, human being. No one is capable of stopping him from becoming a better meaningful species to society. Most Americans strive to build themselves up to become the best they can be. Americans’ study the use of DNA manipulation in bodies and cells to help fight off diseases and illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Goldblatt proclaims, â€Å"We do not fear the unknown, and we relish exploring the unknowable† (Garreau 19). Americans should be more like this quote and strive to become the best species that has ever existed. DARPA is studying a vaccine that will help in pain management. Such vaccines will make milestones in terms of medicine. If someone is hurt they will feel the first trigger of pain but the pain will soon subside (Garreau 19-28). This pain vaccine will have many benefits to Americans dealing with diseases and to society. The National Science Foundation believed in the â€Å"Heaven Scenario†: They predicted in 10-20 years the world will evolve much better. Wearable sensors will enhance every person’s awareness of his or her health condition, environment, chemical pollutants, potential hazards, and information of interest about local business, natural resources, and the like. The human body will be more durable, healthy, energetic, easier to repair, and resistant to many kinds of stress, biological threats, and aging process, and technologies will compensated for many physical and mental disabilities and will eradicate altogether some handicaps that have plagues the lives of millions of people. (qtd. in Garreau 112-113) This statement  unveiled a world where technology advancements will mature in a way that Americans are capable of being healthier and happier individuals. The effects of genetic engineering impacts the future by manipulating genes to help Americans live longer. Enzo Russo and David Cove, authors of Genetic Engineering: Dreams and Nightmares, tell a brief story about a little girl that was suffering from a disease called Severe Combined Immune Deficiency. â€Å"She was the first known human being to be treated using gene therapy†¦After two years of therapy, this young girl was able to attend school normally, to swim, dance, ice skate with her family and friends† (117-118). With this example it substantially shows the achievements of Gene Therapy and how Americans greatly benefit from them. Children will have the privilege to go out and play or do whatever else their little imagination wants to do so they can be just like every other child. If doctors had a way to catch or see a disease before it overtakes someone’s body then they would be able to do something about it. Jacobs, consultant genetic counsellor Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, believes â€Å"Early identification of individuals with, or at risk of, hereditary disease can make a difference to patients and families in terms of accessing genetic services, early detection and risk-reducing measures. Several clinical guidelines recomm end undertaking family history assessment in clinical setting† (Jacobs, Chris, Christine 38). Jacobs also states that â€Å"Recognizing when off spring may be at risk of genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis, Duschenne muscular dystrophy or Huntington’s disease, can help couples to make choices about prenatal testing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. These procedures increase the possibility of a healthy baby and reduce the risk of passing the mutation to future generations† (Jacobs, Chris, Christine 38). With this possibility, think of how it will make a new era to mankind. Parents no longer have to worry about unborn babies and whether they will have the same disease as their ancestors. Another person that was influenced by Gene Therapy is Gregory Stock. Stock, director on Medicine, Technology, and society at the school of medicine of California, proclaims â€Å"In the future Americans will benefit from using ‘Artificial Chromosomes’. Future generations will be able to switch out one or two chromosomes that may be transferring diseases with a stronger chromosome† (qtd. in Garreau 116-117). There are many believers of the â€Å"Heaven Scenario† although all the outcomes  might not be the same. Ray Kurzweil, who was granted the national medal of technology, was the inventor of the â€Å"Heaven Scenario.† He stated â€Å"is there is no problem or challenge that there [is not] an idea to overcome that problem† (qtd. in Garreau 115). This statement argues that no matter how difficult something might proclaim to be, there will always be a new improved way to get thru. In terms of medicine, there will always be new inventions of t echnology and drugs that will make a better advancement then the former. No matter what the statistics say technology will always have an astonishing outcome. If Americans’ had the opportunity to formulate themselves at a higher level of humanity then why not go for it? (Garreau 115) Most Americans’ dream that one day the world will be a heavenly place for all humanity. With the advancements of new medical technology doubling and continuing to climb up this progressive ladder, Americans’ soon will be bigger, stronger, and healthier individuals. The inventions of new drugs, either injected or manipulated into genes, will influence making the outcome of the â€Å"Heaven Scenario† true. If more organizations like previously stated DARPA and CAP continue to find new ways of implementing and then attacking infections and disease: Americans’ will live much longer non-stressful lives. Imagine the outcome of waking up clear headed and pain free with no worries in sight. Future generations will have the knowledge and ability to know when a bad enzyme links on and attacks cells; furthermore, being able to stop the infection before it explodes and travels thru DNA. It will be a new era to mankind. Americans’ will be able to determine and c hoose how their children turn out. Children will be healthier and live longer lambent lives. Like my opening quote â€Å"the best way to predict the future is to invent it yourself.† Negative controversies about technology being the end of mankind should not influence Americans’ into not believing in the â€Å"Heaven Scenario,† thus sit back and watch the never ending achievements and outcomes of Gene therapy transmute the world into a better brighter norm. Works Cited Andree, C., et al. â€Å"Gene Technology and Tissue Engineering.† Minimally Therapy & Allied Technologies 11.3 (2002): 93-99. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 March 2014. DeSalle and Michael Yudell. Welcome To The Genome: A User’s Guide to Genetic Past, Present, and Future. Canada: John Wiley & Sons. Inc., 2005. Print. Garreau, Joel. Radical Evolution: The Promise and Peril of Enhancing Our Minds, Our Bodies- and What It Means to Be Human. New York: Random House, 2005. Print. Jacobs, Chris, and Christine Patch. â€Å"Identifying Individuals Who Might Benefit From Genetic Services And Information.† Nursing Standard. 28.9 (2013): 37-42. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 March 2014. Russo and David Cove. Genetic Engineering: Dreams and Nightmares. Oxford New York Tokyo: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Financial Analysis of Pakistan International Airlines Essays

Financial Analysis of Pakistan International Airlines Essays Financial Analysis of Pakistan International Airlines Essay Financial Analysis of Pakistan International Airlines Essay Submitted by Chemical Engineer Adnan Khalid Submitted to : Dr rashid Ahmed Institute Of Business and Management, UET, Lahore. PAKISTAN INTERNATION AIRLINES Back ground and History Airline Industry General Environmental Analysis The airline industry is very stable and unlikely to change in the near future. There are many reasons for this. Air travel continues to grow and will continue in this fashion as long as the economy stays in an upward trend. US domestic air traffic grew 2. 3% in 1999 and 3. 5% in the first six months of 2000 according to Air Transportation Association. The percentage of flyers has increased an average of 2% each year and the percentage of people who have ever flown before increased from 73% in 1993 to 81% in 1997. (Airport Transport Association, Internet). The top three reasons that people fly are business trips (47%), visiting relatives (38%) and going on vacation (13%). Most airline revenues are gained from the fares they charge these passengers, but they also earn ancillary revenues from transporting mail, shipping freight, selling in-flight services and from serving alcoholic beverages (Airport Transportation Association, Internet). The primary target market of airline passengers today is the business traveler because business trips account for the majority (47%) of airline flights. Airline industry has been subject of intense price competition since it was deregulated, and the result has been a number of new carriers which specialize in regional service and no-frills operations. These carriers typically purchase older aircraft and often operate outside the industry-wide computerized reservations system. In exchange for these inconveniences, passengers receive low fares relative to the industry as a whole. This research examines two low fare air carriers, ValuJet and Southwest Airlines. By investigating these air carriers, we can better understand the economic impacts of price versus service in the airline industry as a whole, as well as, the impacts on passenger and investor confidence. Until 1978, air transport rates were approved by the government, which meant that price was not a primary competitive factor. Instead, airlines would compete on service and image. : The airline industry was dominated by giants (American, United, and TWA) which offered nationwide and some international service, and by regional carriers, such as Southwest, which offered short trips between airports not served by the nationals. 1 MARKET INFORMAITON DIRECTORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS The Directors are pleased to report that the airline has earned a pre-tax profit of Rs. 1. 5 billion in the first quarter of 2003 as against a profit of 1. 1 billion in the first quarter of 2002. Total revenue for the quarter amount 13. 05 billion as against Rs. 197 billion in the corresponding quarter showing an over all increase of 9% over the same period last year. Expenses for the current quarter amounting to Rs. 11. 07 billion indicate an increase of 8% over Rs. 10. 2 billion expenditure last year. This is mainly due to increase in fuel prices in the international markets and an ad hoc provision for increase in employees salaries and allowances. Issue of Term Finance Certificates (TFCs) As reported in the Annual Report 2004 the airline launched Term Finance Certificates (TFCs) for Rs. 15. 14 billion in February 2004. The issue was the largest in the history of Pakistan financial market. Despite the size, the issue was over subscribed up to the extent of 40% showing confidence in the policies followed by the airline Management. The airline has utilized the money wised through TFCs to pay off bridge financing of Rs. 7. 73 billion borrowed earlier. The airline has also liquidated its liabilities towards employees fund over due creditors amounting to Rs. 4. 27 billion Market Development In the first quarter the airline has increased passenger capacity by 10% over same period last year. In the international markets passenger capacity has been increased by 6% and domestic markets by 8%. Capacity for Hajjis for Hajj 2003. This year airline was successful in operating Hajj flights for 108,000 Hajjis as compared to 91,000 in 2002. The airline achieved passenger growth of 7% in the first quarter of 2003 over the same period last year. Increase in the international as well domestic markets excluding Hajj was up to the extent of 4%. The airline has also been able to float excess cargo capacity and increase its utilization. Cargo capacity was increased by 9 % whereas its utilization was 23% over last year the same quarter. PIAS SUBSIDIARIES + ASSOCIATED COMPANIES PIAS SUBSIDIARIES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. PIA Holdings (Pvt. ) Limited Duty Free Shops Limited International Advertising (Pvt. ) Limited Skyrooms (Pvt ) Limited Airport Hotel, Karachi Airport PIA Shaver Poultry Breeding Farms (Pvt) Limited Midway House (Pvt. ) Limited Hotel Midway House, Karachi Airport ASSOCIATED COMPAN IES (Overseas) 1. 2. 3. 4. PIA Investments Limited Minhal incorporated Pakistan Pakistan Services Limited Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Limited. 3 PIA Domestic Route Map 4 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL Capital Assets Pricing Model CAPM is a model based on proposition that my stocks required rate of return is equal to the risk free rate of return plus a risk premium, where risk reflects diversification. Portfolio Returns: The expected return on a portfolio k^p is simply the weighted average of the expected returns on the individual stocks in the portfolio, with the weights being the fraction of the total portfolio invested in each stock K^p = W1K^1 + W2K^2 + W3K^3 + - + WnK^n The portfolio return of Askari Bank is as follows K^p = 0. 16(88. 67%)+ 0. 16(1. 4%)+ 0. 16(7. 2%) + 0. 16(2. 716%) = 15. 9 % 5 Correlation Co-efficient (r): A measure of the degree of relationship between the two variables The stock will be perfectly negative correlated when one stock move up and other stock or security move down, move in the opposite direction R = -1. 0 Perfectly positively correlated stocks would move up and down altogether R = +1. 0 Cost of Debt Financing Debt financing is when a creditor decides to loan funds in exchange for reimbursement in the future with accumulated interest. Debt financing is generally considered smart because debtors to not surrender any ownership interests in their business. Debt financing comes in two forms, secured and unsecured A secured loan is an agreement to pay the debt back at a later date. If the debtor ever defaults on the loan agreement, then the creditor can recover their money by confiscating the property or asset used to secure the debt. An unsecured loan is also a promise to payoff a debt. An unsecured loan differs from a secured loan because u don’t have to grant the creditor interest in any specific property to support the promise. In case if bankruptcy, the unsecured creditor is frequently the last to be paid if the borrower runs into difficulties. 6 Cost of Debt financing In Pakistan Outside Pakistan 006 15,532,870 370,185 15,903,055 2005 11,038,399 422,535 11,460,934 Particulars of borrowing from financial institutions In local currency In foreign currency 15,532,870 370,185 15,903,055 11,038,399 422,535 11,460,934 Details of bowering from Financial Institutions In Pakistan local currency Secured Borrowing from State bank of Pakistan under export refinance scheme Unsecured Call borro wings 90,000 15,532,870 220,000 11,038,399 7,328,515 8,114,325 3,392,329 7,426,070 Outside Pakistan – foreign currency Overdrawn accounts unsecured 370,185 15,903,055 422,535 11, 460, 93 7 Cost of Equity Financing Equity financing employee’s stock ownership plans. The company issues stocks to get the money. In return the company gives dividends and interest to them. Authorized Capital 150,000,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 10 each 2006 1,500,000 2005 1,500,000 Issued, subscribed paid up 67,500,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 10 each issued for cash 675,000 675,000 46,667,943 ordinary shares of Rs. 10 each issued as fully paid Bonus shares 466,680 1,141,680 412,314 1,087,314 GROWTH ANALYSIS OF PIA 8 TOTAL ASSETS Rupees in million 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,980 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 70,313 5,387 Assets 2004 2005 2006 Total assets of PIA in 2004 were 50,980 million which increased to 70,313 million in 2005 which further increased to 85,387 million in 2006. The growth rate was about 38% in 2004and was about 21. 44% in 2006. TOTAL LIABILITIES 9 Rupees in millions 90,000 80,340 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 48,402 66,140 Liabiliies 2004 2005 2006 Liabili ties in 2004 were 48,402 which increased to 66,140 in year 2005and they further increased to 80,340 in year 2006. The growth rate in 2005 was 36. 65% and in 2006 it was about 21. 50 %. Although there is increase in liabilities in these three years but the growth rate reveals that as compared to 2005 the percentage increase is quite low in 2006. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Rupees in million 10 1,160 1,142 1,140 1,120 1,100 1,080 1,060 1,040 1,020 1,000 980 1,036 1,087 Equity 2004 2005 2006 Shareholders’ equity in 2004 was 1,036 and there was a slight increase in 2005 up to 1,087. The equity increased to 1,142 in 2006. The growth rate shows 4. 92% increase in 2005 and about 5. 06% increase in 2006. The percentage increase in 2005 is more than the percentage increase in 2004. NET INCOME 11 Rupees in Million 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2004 2005 551 687 1,103 Net income 2006 Net income means the income or the profit available to shareholders after taxation. Net profit in 2004 was 551 which increased to 24. 68% i. e. to 687 in 2005 and 60. 55% i. e. 1,103 in 2006. OPERATING INCOME 12 Rupees in million 2,000 1,500 1,244 1,000 500 0 2004 2005 1,008 1,902 Operating income 2006 Operating in come means earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT). EBIT in 2004 was about 1,008, in 2005 it was about 1,244 and in 2006 it was about 1,902. Growth analysis reveals 23. 1% increase in earnings in 200 and 52. 89% in 2006. 13 EARNINGS PER SHARE Figures in Rupee 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 9. 66 6. 32 5. 3 Earnings per share 2004 2005 2006 EPS= NP / Numbers of equity share Earnings per share (EPS) in 2004 were 5. 3 which increased by 19. 24% in 2005 and 52. 85 % in 2006, which is due to 60. 55 % boost in the net profit in year 2006. 14 TAXATION Rupees in Million 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2004 2005 458 557 799 Taxation 2006 Taxation in 2004was 7, 99 which is 43. 45 % more than 2005. And taxation in 2005 was 557 which was 21. 62 % more than 2006. The increased rate of axation is due to increase in net profit. 15 RATIOS OF PIA Liquidity ratio CURRENT RATIO = CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES = 4. 48 TIMES = 4. 18 TIMES 2004 2005 This ratio shows that the current ratio of PIA decline and the difference of 0. 3 comes up . DEBT MANAGEMENT RATIOS DEBT RATIO = TOTAL DEBT TOTAL ASSETS 2004 2005 = 17. 8 % = 20% The debt includes both current liabilities and long term debt . This debt ratio shows that PIA has taken more loans as compared to previous year. TIMES INTEREST EARNED (TIE) RATIO = EBIT INTEREST CHARGES 16 2004 2005 = 1. 36 times = 2. 98 times The TIE ratio measures the extent to which operating income can decline before the firm is unable to meet its annual interest costs. PROFITABILITY RATIO Profitability is the net result of a number of policies and decisions . The profitability ratios show the combined effects of liquidity, assets management and debt management on operating results. BASIC EARNING POWER (BEP) = EBIT TOTAL ASSETS 2005 2006 =2. 1 % = 2. 79 % This ratio shows the raw earning power of the firm’s assets before the influence of taxes and leverage and it is useful for comparing AIRLINE with different tax situations and different degrees of financial leverage. There is increase in earning power ratio because in 2005 it was 2. 1 percent which in 2006 increased to 2. 79 percent. RETURN ON TOTAL ASSETS = NET INCOME TOTAL ASSETS 17 2005 2006 = 1. 1% = 1. 4 % RETURN ON COMMON EQUITY = NET INCOME COMMON EQUITY 2005 2006 = 20. 3 % = 23. 9 % The return on the total assets and common equity has increased . MARKET VALUE RATIOS PRICE / EARNING (P/E) RATIO = PRICE PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE 2005 2006 = 4. 46 TIMES = 5. 33 TIMES 18 RATIOS OF PIA Liquidity ratio CURRENT RATIO = CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES = 2971418 1171755 = 2. 53 TIMES . AEROASIA current ratio is below average . Its liquidity position is relatively weak . DEBT MANAGEMENT RATIOS DEBT RATIO=TOTAL DEBT TOTAL ASSETS = 13589590 67328388 = 20. 1 % TIMES INTEREST EARNED (TIE) RATIO= EBIT INTEREST CHARGES =10 TIMES. The AEROASIA is covering its interest charges by a high margin of safety. 19 PROFITABILITY RATIOS BASIC EARNING POWER (BEP)= EBIT TOTAL ASSETS = 153588 2608454 = 5. 8% RETURN ON TOTAL ASSETS = NET INCOME TOTAL ASSETS = 669447 67328 = 9. 9 % The AEROASIA return on total assets is perfect. RETURN ON COMMON EQUITY = NET INCOME COMMON EQUITY = 669447 4125711 = 16. 2 % 20 MARKET VALUE RATIOS PRICE / EARNING (P/E) RATIO= PRICE PER SHARE = 10 EARNINGS PER SHARE 2. 63 = 3. 8 TIMES. CORPORATE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR ACBL Winning isnt everything, its the only thing. Amidst tough competition, our efforts to go an extra mile in providing superior services to our customers have been acknowledged at the national as well as international levels. These acknowledgements serve as a great source of encouragement and appreciation at one hand and inspire us to perform even better, on the other. PIA has been honored with the THE BEST AIRLINE 21 Common size balance sheet For the years Ended December31,2005and2006. DESCRIPTIONS 2005 % Assets: Cash and balances with treasury banks Balances with other banks Lendings to financial institutions Investments Advances Other Assets Operating fixed Assets Defferred tax assets Liabilities: Bills payables Borrowings from financial institutions Deposits and other accounts Sub-ordinated loans Liabilities against assets subject to lease Other liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Net Assets Represented by: Share capital Reserves Unappropriated profit Surplus on revaluation of assets- net of tax Note: Percentages are calculated by taking group total as base . . 82% 3. 10 6. 75 25. 80 52. 44 1. 67 2. 31 1. 21 19. 75 76. 74 0. 040 1. 190 1. 007 2006 % 7. 59% 1. 85 4. 85 38. 02 42. 7 2. 58 2. 36 0. 91 17. 32 78. 21 0. 0024 1. 493 1. 96 22. 62 54. 67 22. 65 26. 05 46. 47 27. 40 22 Common size profit and loss account For the years Ended December31, 2005and2006 DERIPTIONS 2005 % Mark up/ return/ interest earned 170. 76% Mark up/ return/ interest expense 57. 8 Net mar k up/ interest income 112. 53 Provisions against non performing loans and 12. advances Provisions for diminution in the value of investments 100 Bad debts written off directly Net mark up / interest income after provisions 21. 95 Non mark up /interest income: 1. 57 Fee, commission and brokerage income 4. 72 Dividend income 11. 67 Income from dealing in foreign currencies 39. 97 Other income Total non markup/interest income 60. 20 Non mark up/ interest expense: Administrative expenses 0. 051 Other provisions/ written offs 60. 25 Other charges Total non mark up/ interest expenses 36. 2 Profit before taxation: Taxation – current (3. 16) prior year`s deferred Profit after taxation: 46. 23 Unappropriated profit b/f Profit available for appropriation Appropriation: 9. 24 Transfer to: 9. 57 Statutory reserves 4. 70 Proposed cash dividends (Rs 2 per share) 22. 63 Capital reserves(reserves for bonus shares issuance) Revenue reserves Note: Earnings per share has increased by 62% as compared with previous year. And percentages are calculated by taking net mark up/ interest income as 2006 % 325. 5% 202. 6 123. 53 23. 5 0. 002610 100 27. 97 1. 80 12. 20 14. 77 56. 75 73. 15 0. 143 73. 25 29. 50 8. 060 46. 009 9. 21 14. 50 3. 23 19. 05 23 Conclusion Although there is a NOW A LOT OF COMPETITION IN AIRLINES BUT EVEN THAN IN PAKISATN PIA IS LEADING AIRLINE It is successfully achieving its targets and that is the main reason that this airline is growing day by day and doing a profitable business. They should provide good services to their costumers. Better food Re commendations 24