The broad thematic perspective Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The broad thematic perspective - Movie Review Example The overall cost of the movie was around  £900,000 which is equivalent to  £11.4 million today. It was first broadcasted on ITV in 1973. The documentary interviewed significant members of Axis and Allied campaigns, comprising eyewitness accounts by enlisted men, civilians, politicians, and officers among others. Major historians were Stephen Ambrose and Adolf Galland (Ambruster 17). The series â€Å"The World at War,† entails a DVD set by Jeremy Isaac explaining the priorities given to examinations and interviews with surviving assistants and aides other than recognized figures. Karl Wolff who was Heinrich Himmler’s adjutant was the most difficult interviewee to persuade and locate. During the examination, he accepted to be among the significant witnesses in mass genocide, in Himmler’s presence. In the later part of the series, Isaacs showed satisfaction with the entails of the series. He also added that the content entailed unclassified information in reference to British code-breaking. The documentary is listed among the top programmes in British television under the compilation of British Film Institute in 2000 (Ambruster 5). This is a situation whereby nations look for alternative means of solving conflicts. This is a crucial theme that prevails in all of the four clips. Violence was as a result of conflict of ideas and ways of doing things. But in this case, violence evolves as a result of conflict of interest. The subjects were made to do things they were not willing by their masters. Peace prevailed after the submission of the Nazi forces who were Germans. Massive killings such as those illustrated in â€Å"Whirlwind: Bombing Germany† which is the twelve episode are some of the activities that came to a stop leading to prevalence of peace. The episode emphasizes on massive bombings by the British and American army in Germany. Interviews from witnesses such as Albert Speer, William Reid and James Stewart explain how innocent lives were taken

Write a case comment on Bowman v Fels [2005] EWCA Civ 226, [2005] 1 Essay

Write a case comment on Bowman v Fels [2005] EWCA Civ 226, [2005] 1 WLR 3083 - Essay Example First, it summarizes the pertinent facts of the case. Second, it identifies the relevant legal issues raised in the case. Third, it analyzes the relevant legal issues raised in the case. Fourth, it critically makes considerations on the legal issues raised in the case. The English courts distinguished the two separate types of LPP. Legal advice is the first type of LPP, which protects the communication between lawyers and their clients. Second, litigation privilege that protects the information and documents created with the intention of litigation (Hostettler 2009, pp. 82). Furthermore, litigation privilege covers documents and advices given to by third parties. Historically, litigation privilege is the first form of LPP that the English courts recognized. The first time ECJ dealt with LPP was in a case involving AM & S v Commission. Ability of the commission to have access to communication between an undertaking, which it suspected of anti-competitive behavior and its lawyers, was the main concern of the case (Jones & Newburn 2007, pp. 102). The case maintained that written communications exchanged between an independent lawyer and his customer, made for the purpose and interest of the client’s rights of defense had privilege. A directive in 1991 significantly influenced the LPP of the community because it placed a wide-range of limits on the protection accorded to the lawyers and their clients. Consequently, controversy arose during Directive’s drafting process and its last amendments. In Order bar, the ECJ reviewed the legality of Article 2 a (5) of the 1991 Directive. Based on the review of the directive’s legality, some group of legal professionals have the obligation to inform competent authorities of any act likely to indicate attempts of money laundering. In addition, the directive compels legal professional to avail to the relevant authorities all required information upon their request. Article

Role Of Civil Society In Combating Terrorism

Role Of Civil Society In Combating Terrorism 1. The stalemate of terrorism has always been a threat to humans of this world in one form or the other, radiating from number of causes such as insensitive religious emotions, sectarian divergences, disparity of power among leftist and rightist schools of thought, communism vs. capitalism, exploitation of the ignorant and deprived ones and lust for acquisition of resources entailing in invasions etc. However, this problem emerged as a flash point after a tragic incident of 9/11 which drew attention of world towards uprooting this cancer by taking certain counter measures. Military solution, when crucial, plays its roles to some extent but cannot fully figure out the intricacies of terrorism without taking all the communities and nation onboard. This not only educates masses about issues in war against terror but plays a key role in boosting morale of forces on frontlines. These have included the introduction of anti-terror laws; changes in reporting requirements for civil society or ganizations; and the increasing use of new border security technologies. In many countries, the impact of these measures on civil society and on citizens has been a source of great concern. The meaning of involving civil society in a wide-ranging and multidimensional response to the threat of terrorism has been stressed by various international platforms. 2. Civil society covers a vast range of societal groups, interests, representations, inbuilt tensions and conflicts. It is very much obvious by a series of intended associations together with biased parties, skilled unions and specialized bodies, classified fundamentals, learned and research foundations, pious, strong believers, and community-based societies, social and environmental groups. An energetic civil society can show a strategic role in countering extremist ideologies, sectarian / social violence in the society. 3. Civil society can promote the voice of diverse social groups and causes, which endow with a channel of expression for the unimportant and can encourage an atmosphere of patience and pluralism. As a matter of fact, civil societies can also play a momentous role in building local support for counterterrorism through education, entrancing government establishments to adopt a pragmatic response that respects human rights, supervising execution of counterterrorism procedures, considering and broadcasting abuses committed in the name of fighting terrorism, backing and support to sufferers, sponsoring the significance of harmony and safety, and providing capacity-building training. This paper will address this aspect of countering the terrorism to see where and how civil society comes into action for countering terrorism. AIM 4. To carry out an in-depth study of civil societys role in addressing terrorism, so as to identify the shortcomings hampering its efficacy with the view to enable a way forward in short and long term perspectives to make it an effective tool for combating terrorism. SCOPE 5. The paper will focus on following:- a. To briefly highlight various terrorism facets for drawing their relevancy and genesis form civil societys standpoint. b. To ponder upon the essentials that the civil society can perform in developing its profile for handling terrorism. c. To highlight the limitations that handicaps our civil societys efficacy in playing its due role in addressing terrorism. d. To bring home an affect based approach focusing on immediate and long term actions to uplift our societys role against terrorism both in cognitive and practical domains. PART I DEFINING TERRORISM AND COUNTER TERRORISM 6. The word Terrorism is very much renowned and perilous to the global world. The modern world has made a number of counter measures to face this menace. Before defining the role of civil society in combating terrorism and extremism effectively; we must understand first about terrorism, its genesis types and causes. Since, solution to any problem will prevail only by knowing its basis and objectives. 7. What is Terrorism.  [1]  Terrorism is not new, and even though it has been used since the beginning of recorded history it can be relatively hard to define. Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Obviously, a lot depends on whose point of view is being represented. Terrorism has often been an effective tactic for the weaker side in a conflict. As an asymmetric form of conflict, it confers coercive power with many of the advantages of military force at a fraction of the cost. Due to the secretive nature and small size of terrorist organizations, they often offer opponents no clear organization to defend against or to deter. 8. There is no universally accepted definition exists for the meaning of word terrorism, however several interpreters have counted more than one hundred different definitions.  [2]  The lack of an agreed definition allows those in power to interpret the term for their own purposes. Political leaders often take advantage of the terms ambiguity to label their opponents terrorists. However, there are certain definitions related to terrorism exist in the world with different connotation to its application used by different countries are as:- a. United States Department of Defense. It defines terrorism as the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. Within this definition, there are three key elements violence, fear, and intimidation and each element produces terror in its victims. b. Federal Bureau of Investigation (United State). States that, Terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. c. United State Department of State. It defines terrorism to be premeditated politically-motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. d. United Nations. United Nation produced this definition in 1992; An anxiety-inspiring method of repeated violent action, employed by (semi-) clandestine individual, group or state actors, for idiosyncratic, criminal or political reasons, whereby in contrast to assassination the direct targets of violence are not the main targets. The most commonly accepted academic definition starts with the U.N. definition quoted above, and adds two sentences totaling another words on the end; containing such verbose concepts as message generators and violence based communication processes. Less specific and considerably less verbose. e. British Government. The British government definition of 1974 isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the use of violence for political ends, and includes any use of violence for the purpose of putting the public, or any section of the public, in fear. 9. Types of Terrorism. Being complex in definition, there is also difference in opinion among the academics over the types of terrorism. However,  [3]  Encyclopedia of Britannica describes the following types of terrorism:- a. Revolutionary Terrorism. It is very common type and is aimed to achieve certain political goals. Practitioners of this type of terrorism seek the complete abolition of a political system and its replacement with new structures. Modern instances of such activity include campaigns by the Italian Red Brigades, the German Red Faction (Baader Meinhof Gang), the Basque separatist group etc, each of which attempted to topple a national regime. b. Sub Revolutionary Terrorism. A least common and is used not to bring down an existing establishment but to transform the existing socio-political arrangement. Since this modification is often accomplished through the threats of deposing the existing regime, sub revolutionary groups are somewhat more difficult to identify. An example can be seen in the African National Congress (ANC) and its campaign to end apartheid in South Africa. c. Establishment Terrorism. During cold war, Soviet Union along with its allies ostensibly engaged in widespread support of international terrorism and United States supported rebel groups in Africa that allegedly engaged in acts of terrorism, such as the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) in 1988s. d. Nationalist Terrorism. It is aimed to establish separate state for certain religious, ethnic or tribal groups. It has been popular among the most flourishing at winning international sympathy and acknowledgment. Being so called freedom fighters, they use violence to draw attention of the world to gain sympathy for their national agenda. Movement run by Irish republican Army in UK (IRA) and Palestine liberation organization (PLO) in Palestine are some examples from the past. However, it is fascinating truth that both groups renounced terrorism in 1990s and adopted the political means of conflict resolution. e. Religious Terrorism. It is growing rapidly and discussed widely on the international media. Religious terrorists seek to use violence to further what they see as divinely commanded purposes, often targeting broad categories of foes in an attempt to bring about wide changes in the system. f. State-Sponsored Terrorism. State uses secreted groups to contain anti state or anti government rudiments in the country and is normally accomplished by autocratic to restrain the political opponents. They are more capable, professional and energetic than other groups because of having moral, political and logistic support of the government or state. g. Inter-State or International Terrorism. This type witnessed events of uprising and terrorism between two big powers in the guise of cold war. Although USSR and USA never confronted directly but no one can deny proxy wars of these two powers in different parts of the world. Palestine is very clear example of the international terrorism where America supported Israel and USSR was giving backup to Al Fateh a militant arm of Palestinian liberation organization (PLO). h. Group Terrorism. It occurs on the formation of various groups for common objectives in the society. Such groups are based on sectarian, linguistic, ethnic and tribal bases. When these groups work for the establishment of the supremacy and superiority for their own agenda it ultimately causes tension and clash with opponent groups. For example, Catholic and protestant conflict in Ireland, black white tension in US and South Africa etc. 10. Causes of Terrorism. To counter the menace of terrorism, it is essential to know and identify causes of terrorism. Terrorism being a multifaceted phenomenon has several reasons such as social, economic, religious and political etc. This global phenomenon has various causes and some of them are being spelled out briefly for the better understanding of the issue. This is also notable that the causes of terrorism may be different in various societies due to its religious, ethnic and political nature. a. Helplessness and Hopelessness. Helplessness which leads to hopelessness is the psychological state that enhances terrorism in the society. The society in which people are ignored and have to experience from socio economic and political unfairness, provide favorable milieu to promote terrorism like long outstanding disputes of Palestine and Kashmir. Similarly, in communist regimes where the people were not given their socio-political rights they brought about even poisonous rebellion. b. Political and Economic Deprivation. When political and economic rights of certain groups are not granted it chooses the suitable method of terrorism to show their anger. For example in northern states of India such as Assam, Nagaland, and West Bengal; the communists started guerilla war against the Indian Government being economically and politically deprived. c. Influence of Communist Regimes. At the end of cold war the influence of communist regimes inspired by Marxist and Leninist theories made a cause of escalation of terrorism in the world. Being influenced by such regimes many freedom movements adopted violence. Like Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka communists and Tamales who started violent movements in the last two decades of twentieth century for their freedom. d. Poverty and Economic Exploitation. Illiteracy, hunger and economic disparity etc always attract terrorism in the society. Famous philosopher Aristotle claimed that Poverty is mother of Terrorism and Revolution. Daniel Pipes also says that As long as there is poverty, disparity, unfairness and suppressive political systems, radical tendencies will grow in the world. e. Easy Access to Weapons and Modern Technology. Due to incredible advancement in weapons technology and human knowledge it has become easy for the terrorists to get them easily. Hugh quantity of information about the arms manufacturing has been spread by internet which has made the access of the terrorists easy and they use weapons to get quick results the act of terrorism. f. Sheer Success of Terrorism. Terrorism is a short cut tactic for the terrorists to achieve their goals quickly. It is more result orientated rather than peaceful movement. That is why the terrorist groups adopt this for getting more results in shorter time. Easy access to weapons and widespread information of the arms technology is the cause of escalation of terrorism in modern times. g. Lack of Democracy and Dictatorship. Lack of Democracy is the main cause of terrorism in present times. The dictators and autocrat governments frighten opponents. They do it to create the fear among the masses to suppress any opposition against their governments. In undemocratic circumstances the people do not find ways to express their disagreement and as a result some of them turn to the violent means to submit their expression. We can see in many autocrat and communist states in Latin America and Africa the massive force was used against the political opponents such as in Cuba Zambia and Congo etc. h. Religious Extremism. There is a school of thought which considers that the religious extremism is the major cause of terrorism. Mark Juergensmeyer says that The religion is crucial for these acts since it gives moral justifications for the killing and provides images of cosmic war that allows activists to believe that they are waging spiritual scenarios. It does not mean that the religion causes terrorism but it does mean that the religion often provides symbols that make possible bloodshed even catastrophic acts of terrorism. As evidence we can observe that the majority of the terrorist movements are inspired by the religion or at-least it is claimed. 11. Counter Terrorism. Counter terrorism is also a contested concept. The term embodies a wide range of measures with differing impacts, which can be loosely characterized as the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the bad and ugly categories are Counter Terrorism Measures (CTMs) that overemphasize security and distort development and aid priorities, and that lead to extrajudicial killings, greater state repression, and increased human rights abuse. Overly restrictive counterterrorism measures constrain the social, political, and operational capacity of civil society actors and impede the work of groups promoting improvements in governance, human rights, and development. These are all important elements for reducing conditions, such as political marginalization, repression, and despair that can fuel grievances and lead to expressions of political violence. On the positive side are cooperative nonmilitary measures that enhance the capacity of governments to thwart terrorist attacks while promoting and protecting human rights. Also in the good category are policies that encourage support for sustainable development and good governance. 12. The proposed categorization is figurative and not meant to suggest absolute judgments about particular policies. The range of counterterrorism measures is extremely wide, and specific policies can have differing impacts in varying conditions and settings. Strengthened law enforcement efforts are good when they prevent attacks and bring perpetrators to justice, but these same measures can be bad if they lead to abuses and increased repression. Efforts to prevent the financing of terrorism are positive, yet programs intended to interdict such funding often have negative implications for nongovernmental groups and charities seeking to overcome oppression. The evaluation of particular counterterrorism measures depends greatly on context and the way in which specific actors implement policies. Judgments about particular policies should be based on the degree to which they contribute to genuine security and democratic governance, while also upholding the rule of law and protecting the work of peace builders and human rights defenders. 13. Counterterrorism measures are usually weighted toward the executive branch of government, with little attention to enhancing judicial independence, legislative oversight, and citizen involvement. Emergency measures passed in the name of fighting terrorism have had the effect of undermining civil liberties, restricting the ability of civil society groups to operate, and impeding development and relief activities in marginalized communities. Repressive CTMs have reversed progress achieved in recent years toward the integration of human rights and accountable governance into development policy. Individual rights and political freedoms have eroded as states have accumulated greater security powers. The nongovernmental monitoring organization Freedom House has reported an alarming erosion of global political freedom in recent years. In its 2010 annual survey the organization noted intensified repression against human rights defenders and civic activists and reported declines for polit ical freedom in countries representing 20 percent of the worlds total polities. The last few years have witnessed the longest continuous period of decline for global freedom in the organizations nearly 40-year history of publishing annual ratings.  [4]  In 2011 Freedom House noted a further decline in political freedom and a reduction in the number of countries defined as politically free. The report highlighted the continued poor performance of countries of the Middle East and North Africa, although this trend may be partially reversed if the democratic revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia, and other countries produce freer societies and more representative governments. PART II ESSENTIAL ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY 14. Civil society can play a significant role in helping states increase awareness of the threat and the impact of an attack on local communities, and in deepening public support for government action to address it, which is an essential component of any effective long-term strategy. Terrorism is obviously the state of extreme in human conflict that occurs when the violence enters in the matter. The terrorism is the result of failure in conflict resolution which can occur anywhere in the world. It is the crucial social problem of the society as well. The generally classified and unified roles of civil society in order to preventing and reducing of terrorism are as follows:- a. Counseling and Educational Role. b. Community Services. c. Sponsorship and Research. d. Legal Facets. Counseling and Educational Role 15. Civil society organizations can play a momentous counseling and educational role. They can provide policy opinions and proficiency on features of preventing terrorism that is often not obtainable within government. Similarly, civil society experts may provide alternative appropriate language and terminology to public officials in addressing issues related to terrorism and security keeping in view its importance. In order to reinforce co-operation with governments, civil society should also find it appropriate to acknowledge positive steps or measures taken by law enforcement officials and government where they occur. In addition, they may have a positive counseling role in providing tangible substitutes to counter-terrorism policies and measures that they consider to be ill-conceived. It is important to identify and give relevant information to the government in order to understand the real extent of the threat and to be able to provide adequate suggestions of a response  [5]  . 16. As for as educational role is concerned, it is very much important for civil society to make clear that human rights are a useful structure for mounting useful counter-terrorism strategies rather than an impediment. Some of the specific activities on this account may include providing information to school students as well as to youth workers and police and law enforcement officials. With regard to the latter, civil society may enter into partnerships with law enforcement bodies to develop targeted programs of co-operation, focusing, for instance, on increasing awareness and understanding of the diversity of communities. Community Services 17. It is almost self-evident that civil society institutions can also perform valuable community functions. They have an important role to play as catalysts for the development of opinions and ideas that is vital for building strong and vibrant communities. By creating safe spaces for dissent and by providing a forum where experiences can be shared on a personal level, civil society institutions may contribute to healing community rifts and tensions. They may also consider engaging in outreach activities and taking proactive steps to address the root causes of terrorism. Activities of particular value in this regard are those that strengthen human rights and the rule of law. The promotion and protection of these pillars of democracy contribute to building strong societies in which citizens are free to participate in the political process and exercise their rights. Providing practical and effective support to defenders of human rights is therefore also essential. 18. Another issue which may warrant further examination is the question of whether civil society should attempt to engage in dialogue with individuals and groups involved in and perpetrating acts of violence and terrorism. For various reasons, it is easier for civil society to engage in such dialogue than for governments. However, a human rights-based approach is essential in this regard. This includes a clear indication that dialogue does not imply affording any form of legitimacy to the perpetrators of violence. The positive experience of the peace process in Northern Ireland is one example that may provide valuable lessons. Sponsorship and Research 19. Civil society may play a meaningful advocacy and research role. As a matter of principle, it is important that they condemn all acts of violence against civilians regardless of the motivation behind those acts. With regard to positive measures in the area of advocacy, they may consider writing open letters and statements to armed groups condemning terrorist tactics and maintaining a principled approach to the applicability of human rights standards, i.e. that these standards apply to both perpetrators and victims of violence. There may be a role for civil society in reducing the emotional and psychological impact of terrorism. In particular, they may engage in activities that aim to amplify the voices of the victims of terrorism and of persons affected by unlawful counter-terrorism operations. 20. Other aspects of an effective advocacy role include the issue of engaging with the media to shape the public discourse around terrorism. It is essential for civil society to establish a constructive relationship with the media and the entertainment industry in order to provide reliable information, challenge negative or unbalanced portrayals of parts of the community, and initiate public debate on issues of public security and human rights. At the same time, it is important to encourage debate within the media profession on the image that is conveyed of minority groups in connection with the fight against terrorism and to alert them of their the responsibility to avoid perpetuating prejudices, stereotypes, or inaccurate and/or incomplete information. 21. Moreover, civil society may contribute high value studies in the field of terrorism, political aggression and for circumstances favorable to the increase of terrorism. High quality studies and research is very important as it reports to helpful and convincing encouragement and prevention efforts. High-quality research may comprise conducting studies and surveys on the impact of counterterrorism measures and on the intricate question of the issues that make persons pledge to radical ideas and engage themselves in acts of aggression. Equally, keeping in view the importance of increase in statistical and monitoring work; civil society can also connect with government in an open and facts-based discussion about the efficacy of counter-terrorism procedures. Legal Facets 22. Finally, there is yet another and important role that civil society has to play is legal facets related to terrorism in the society. Their work on legal issues related to terrorism and counter-terrorism continues to make a significant input to amplification international and national legal frameworks for counter-terrorism activities, particularly for the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law. There is a need to expand the work of civil society institutions to answer technical questions relating to: the definition of terrorism; the scope of application of domestic, bilateral, and multilateral laws, treaties, and other instruments dealing with terrorism; the accountability of perpetrators and redress for victims of terrorist acts and of unlawful counter-terrorism practices, in respect of both domestic and international law; educating decision makers about the nature and extent of complexity among different legal frameworks, including international humanitaria n law, international human rights law, and domestic criminal and civil law; and translating complicated legal arguments for wider public mobilization. PART III LIMITATIONS ON CIVIL SOCIETY 23. The role of civil society in eradicating terrorism is magnanimous but there are many interrelated factors that restrict its freedom of action. Some of these restrictions are discussed as under:- a. Political Space and Measures Restricting Civil Society. Despite the contributions they are capable of making, civil society groups in many countries lack the capacity, resources, and expertise to engage on counterterrorism issues, while in others, because of lack of political space and measures restricting civil society, civil societies simply do not have the freedom to engage. This ability of civil society to engage is largely tied to basic standards of freedom of information, freedom of association, and freedom to seek funding, which states have an obligation to ensure. b. Counterterrorism as Exclusively Government Responsibility. The inclination of some governments to view counterterrorism as exclusively a government responsibility and the related over-sensitivity on the part of security forces and their tendency to consider everything relating to terrorism as top secret has significantly limited the information flow to civil society, thus inhibiting their ability to gain a full picture of the threats facing and vulnerabilities. c. Counterterrorism a Crack Down Tool on Civil Society and Political Opposition. In some instances, counterterrorism has been used as a pretense to crack down on civil society and political opposition. A number of successive governments in our country have adopted overly expansive counterterrorism legislation and used it to clamp down on freedom of association, speech, and assembly. The lack of a common definition of terrorism consistent with international human rights standards has made it easier for governments to act this way. More common are subtle forms of state interference including overly restrictive or arbitrarily-applied regulations and restrictions on civil society. d. Lack of Education and Awareness. The civil societies of the developing and under developed countries are yet to shape themselves to become a resilient part in the power circles of the countries. The main reason for that is the lack of education and awareness of these societies. Since, education is a basic ingredient to generate awareness and sense of responsibility in each person thus its scarcity in masses brings dormancy in the thought processing character of a society. This fact is practically advocated once we peep through the most developed societies of the modern world which have a high literacy rate. e. Lack of Freedom of Expression. Terrorism most often rises and flourishes in the societies which are either conservative or do not allow the freedom of expression to the masses. This makes the civil society reluctant of speaking freely since they always fear the Government. Thus lack of freedom of speech and expression plays a major role in limiting the role of civil society in tackling the menace of terrorism. f. Securitizing Aid. The recent global focus on counterterrorism and multilateral counterinsurgency operations has accelerated a trend toward using aid and development funding for security-related purposes. This approach subordinates traditional goals of mitigating poverty to the agenda of counterterrorism and defeating insurgency. It blurs the analytic boundaries between security and development while politicizing both and detracting from efforts to improve the lives of most disadvantaged communities. The process works in two ways: firstly, a growing proportion of aid funding is channeled directly through military institutions and secondly, development programs are increasingly implemented in support of military operations, thus depriving a larger portion of the society potentially prone to acts of terrorism owing to abject poverty and hunger. The percentage of US aid funding allocated through the Pentagon has increased in recent years from 3.5% in 1998 to approximately 25% ten year s later.  [6]  Major recipients of US development assistance are countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan who are central to security and counter terrorism objectives. In countries like Pakistan where foreign assistance is provided, police forces are highly repressive and unaccountable. Assistance provided to such forces in the absence of needed structural reforms may simply reinforce repressive tendencies and undermine civil society efforts to defend human rights and establish democratic oversight. Aid provided through a security lens overlooks the plight of most marginalized populations.

Epic of Beowulf Essay - A True Literary Epic -- Epic Beowulf essays

Beowulf : A True Literary Epic       The Adventures of Beowulf, a rousing Old English poem of man and monster, and perhaps the earliest European vernacular epic, is rightfully considered an epic for it possesses those features which characterize epic poetry.    For example, in epic poetry the central character has heroic or superhuman qualities. In The Adventures of Beowulf, the main character, a Geat warrior named Beowulf, possesses such qualities: â€Å"He was the strongest of men alive in that day, mighty and noble.†Ã‚   Upon spotting Beowulf approaching, the sea-guard of the Danes says, â€Å"Never have I seen a greater man on earth†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Ã‚   King Hrothgar of the Danes says of Beowulf, â€Å"Seafarers who took gifts to the Geats say that he has the strength of 30 men in his hand grip.† Beowulf chooses to fight Grendel by himself and without shield or weapons; previously the hero slew 9 sea monsters with his sword. And he is fully willing to sacrifice his very life for this: â€Å"†¦ I alone will fulfill the wish of your people †¦ or die in the foe’s grasp.† Beowulf consciously chooses to act in a superhuman manner: â€Å"I shall perform the deeds of a hero or I have passed my last day in t his mead hall.† Even Grendel recognizes the hero’s superior strength: â€Å"The criminal knew he had not met in this middle-earth another with such a grip.† Other warriors when thinking of Beowulf â€Å"would quickly compose a skillful tale in words.† Hrothgar refers to Beowulf as â€Å"the best of warriors.†Ã‚   The Danish queen Wealhtheow compliments after Grendel’s defeat, â€Å"You have earned forever the praise of men from near and far.† Hrothgar expounds on good warriors: â€Å"This is the best-born man – my friend Beowulf †¦ the best of warriors.† When the dragon burns the mead hall of the... ...eat among his kin,† â€Å"war-death,† â€Å"held the gift-seat,† â€Å"a feast to ravens,† â€Å"old and wise,† â€Å"fell down battle-pale,† â€Å"battle-sweat,† â€Å"war-chief,† â€Å"drew his battle-knife,† â€Å"on his death-bed,† â€Å"death held him fast,† â€Å"feared evil days,† etc.    The Adventures of Beowulf is a poem of such stature that it manifests many common characteristics of epic poetry; therefore, it can rightfully be classified as an epic poem in its own right.    BIBLIOGRAPHY    Clark, George. Beowulf. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990.    Fry, Donald K. â€Å"Introduction: The Artistry of Beowulf.† In TheBeowulf Poet, edited byDonald K. fry. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968.    Robinson, Fred C. â€Å"Apposed Word Meanings and Religious Perspectives.† In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.

Company (McCormick) Essay

â€Å"Since 1889, McCormick has been the Company (McCormick) to turn to for flavor expertise. Today the world relies on their prized consumer brands, trusted ingredients and culinary know-how. McCormick is a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, seasonings and flavors to the entire food industry. Customers range from retail outlets and food manufacturers to food service businesses.† The McCormick & Company was started in Baltimore, in one room and a cellar by 25-year-old Willoughby M. McCormick. McCormick’s first products were root beer, flavoring extracts, and fruit syrups and juices, sold under â€Å"Bee Brand† and â€Å"Silver Medal† trademarks; â€Å"Iron Glue† (Sticks Everything But the Buyer) and â€Å"Uncle Sam’s Nerve and Bone Liniment† (For Man Or Beast). Products were sold door-to-door and the motto was â€Å"Make the Best – Someone Will Buy It.† In 1896 McCormick bought F. G. E mmett Spice Company of Philadelphia. All machinery was shipped to Baltimore, as the firm prepared to enter the spice field. In the 1900’s its export office opened in New York City, products were shipped to South and Central America, South Africa, East and West Indies, and Europe. The â€Å"Banquet Brand† was established for spices and mustard and they incorporated in Maine, and the firm now enjoyed a wide good standing reputation as manufacturing chemist, drug & spice millers, importers and exporters. The company suffered a great loss of all material assets and records in the Great Baltimore Fire, but within 10 months, a new five-story building was erected on the old site. McCormick added â€Å"Bee Brand† Tea to the product line and became one of the first manufacturers of tea in gauze pouches, thereby introducing â€Å"tea bags.† In the summer of 1912, Charles P. McCormick began working as shipping department clerk and in 1925 he was elected to the Board of Directors. On November 4, 1093 the founder Willoughby McCormick died, thereby leaving 36-year-old C. P. McCormick as elected President and Chairman of the Board. Faced with the serious crisis of the Depression, he quickly implemented a new business philosophy called â€Å"Multiple Management.† A Junior Board of Directors was established. Though out the early 1900’s many business of the like were acquired and the McCormick’s target market was broadened. In 1970 Charles P. McCormick died of a heart attack and Harry K. Wells became Chief Executive Officer on December 1 following John N. Curlett’s retirement from the Company. Mr. Curlett remained Chairman of the Board. Just as in the early portion of the 19th century McCromi 1972 The Company entered a joint venture with Promociones y Commisiones, S.A. of the Republic of Mexico, purchased from the John Kraft Sesame Corporation of Paris, Tex. The venture was renamed Sesame Products, Inc. Industrial Flavor Group is established to encompass activities of Industrial Flavor Division (formerly Industrial Products Division), Botanicus Pte. Ltd., and Sesame Products, Inc. 1974 Acquired Golden West Foods, Inc., of Gilroy, Calif., to manufacture and distribute frozen food products. The Company entered the frozen foods field under the Schilling label with frozen sour dough breads at the retail level and with food service products. 1975 Acquired All Portions, Inc., for $4.5 million, which manufactures portion-control packets of condiments, with plants in San Fernando, Calif., Indianapolis, Ind., and Atlanta, Ga. The two major retail units of the Company the McCormick Division in the east and the Schilling Division in the West, were consolidated to form a new Grocery Products Division, headquartered in Baltimore. The Management Services Division was established to provide improved information services to all units. 1976 Chicago-based TV Time Foods, Inc., producer of popcorn products, was purchased for $3.75 million as a wholly owned subsidiary. 1977 Harry K. Wells elected Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. John N. Curlett named Chairman Emeritus. Astro Foods, Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., producer of specialty frozen food products for airlines and restaurants, was purchased for $325,000 as a wholly owned subsidiary. 1979 $3.5 million plant in Bedford, Va., opened for production of frozen onion rings by Golden West Foods. Gilroy Foods dedicated solar energy project to be used for dehydration of onions and garlic. Han-Dee Pak, Inc., a portion-control manufacturer in Atlanta, Ga., was purchased for $6 million and became a subsidiary. Harry K. Wells was elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Hillsman V. Wilson was elected President and Chief Operating Officer. Sandoz, Ltd., a Swiss pharmaceutical firm, announced its intentions to buy the entire company in October 1979. McCormick supplies spices, herbs, extracts, seasoning blends, sauces, marinades and specialty foods to an assortment of retail outlets such as grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores. In the U.S. their principal brands include McCormick ®, Lawry’s ®, Zatarain’s ®, Thai Kitchen ®, Simply Asia ® and El Guapo ®. In Canada their brands are Club House ® and Billy Bee ®, in the U.K. it’s Schwartz ® and in France it’s Ducros ® and Vahine ®. In other markets, including Australia and China, the McCormick brand is primarily used. Consumers can find thier products in nearly 100 countries around the world. To drive thier consumer business we are developing innovative products, increasing marketing effectiveness, expanding distribution and acquiring leading brands and niche products. The industrial business supplies products to many of the world’s top food manufacturers and food service businesses from locations primarily in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Products include seasoning blends, natural spices and herbs, wet flavors, coating systems and compound flavors. While the McCormick name may not be on the package or menu, we add great taste to a wide range of packaged food including snacks, savory side dishes and cereals, as well as restaurant items that include sandwich sauces, chicken coatings and bread toppings. To grow our industrial business we are supporting the global expansion of customers, building current and new strategic partnerships and developing consumer-preferred, value-added products. With a solid balance sheet and strong cash flow, McCormick has paid dividends every year since 1925 and increased its dividend per share in each of the last 24 years. Effective strategies, our Multiple Management philosophy and a great team of employees are key ingredients behind our financial performance and increased shareholder value. Retail outlets, food manufacturers and food service businesses – they all depend on their spices, seasonings and flavorings. McCormick is so prevalent throughout the food industry that it’s very likely you enjoy the taste of McCormick every day. McCormick employees conduct business under the leadership of their Chief Executive Officer who is subject to the oversight and direction of a Board of Directors. We are open and honest in business dealings both inside and outside the Company. We serve our customers, consumers, suppliers and communities in accordance with the highest standards of business ethics.

Is the Global Warming Real?

Global warming has becoming an increasingly important issue in our environmentally conscious society as it is a problem affecting every aspect of the environment and the living beings everywhere on this planet. Yet, it is quite controversial as to its nature, cause, and the effects it will bring along in the future. The average temperature of the earth’s surface has risen by 0. 8 degree Celsius since 1880. The International Panel on Climate Change (the IPCC), based on the work of hundreds of scientists in more than 100 countries, has concluded in its 2007 report that this current planetary warming is mainly caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. (The IPCC 2007 Synthesis Report) These activities have greatly increased atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These greenhouse gases are naturally occurred and essential for life on earth as they trap the sun’s heat and keep the earth warm. If these gases were removed from the atmosphere, the earth’s temperature would plummet to -18 Celsius, far too cold to sustain our current ecosystem. However, humans are causing massive increase in these greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing their heat- trapping ability. As a result, the temperature is rising higher and higher. Pidwimy, 2006) Scientists have also found that CO2 is the most important greenhouse gas which is responsible for 55% of the current warming. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) in 1750 to 379 ppm in 2005. The principal reason for this mounting CO2 levels is the use of fossil fuels and changes in land use: the burning of oil, gasoline, and coal for running cars, factories, and generating electricity, and the cutting down of forests to make way for farming, housing and other dev elopment. Emissions from fossil fuel combustion contribute about 65% of the additional CO2 added to the atmosphere. (Pidwimy, 2006) The world’s biggest fossil fuel consumers are the United States, China, and the European Union. ( Damassa, 2006) Deforestation contributes 25% the CO2 emissions. Sir Nicholas Stern says the destruction of the rainforests of the Amazon, the Congo basin and Indonesia will in the next four years alone add more CO2 into the atmosphere than every flight in the history of aviation to at least 2025. According to the audited figures from 2003, deforestation is releasing two billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. (Howden, 2007) If these activities continue, the atmospheric CO2 concentration will be double the pre-industrial levels during this century that will raise the global temperatures by around 2?C to 5?C. (Pearce, 2008, P1) Chlorofluorocarbons are man-made greenhouse gases which accounts for 25% of the current warming. Chlorofluorocarbons have the strongest heat-trapping ability among all the greenhouse gases per molecule. However, the atmospheric concentration of these gases is low so they are not as damaging to the climate as CO2. Many nations have reduced their production and use of these man-made chemicals in response to Reports of the development of ozone holes over the North and South Poles and the general decrease in global stratospheric ozone levels over the last 20 years, thus the concentration of these gases may soon begin to decline. (Pidwimy, 2006) Other two important contributors to global warming are methane and nitrous oxide. Comparing figures from 2005 with pre-industrialised levels (measurements taken in 1750), methane increased from around 715 parts per billion (ppb) to 1774 ppb and nitrous oxide increased from 270 ppb to 319 ppb. (The IPCC Synthesis Report 2007) the main sources for the extra methane now found in the atmosphere are agriculture (rice cultivation, grazing animals) and fossil fuel use (coal mining, and oil and gas extraction). Nitrous oxide is released into atmosphere from the loss of the forests, the cutting down forests for agricultural fields, and the use of fertilizers for plants growth. Pidwimy, 2006) The impacts of this man-made warming lie not only, or even primarily, in the temperature rise. It says in the IPCC Synthesis Report 2007, Discernible human influences extend beyond average temperature to other aspects of climate, including temperature extremes and wind patterns. Anthropogenic warming over the last three decades has likely had a discernible influence at the global scale on observed changes in many physical and biological systems. There are many other effects that have occurred due to global warming, e. g. the melting of ice and snow cover, rising global average sea level, increase in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events (heat weaves, heavy precipitation, tropical cyclone activity). (The IPCC Synthesis Report 2007) 41 Scientists are predicting that global warming will produce a lot of negative consequences. According to the IPCC, the global average temperature will rise 0. 2 per decade for the next two decades if the greenhouse gas missions are at or above the current rate and this warming will cause further damage to the global climate system during the 21 century than those observed during the 20 century. (the IPCC 2007 Synthesis Report) The sea level is expected to rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 to 59 centimetres) due to thermal expansion and melting ice on land by the end of this century. By 2080s, many millions more People than today in coastal areas, especially in heavily populated and low-lying mega deltas of Asia and Africa will be at great risk every year due to sea level rise. the IPCC 2007 Synthesis Report) it is estimated that there are more than 180 countries having populations in low-lying costal areas, 70% of which have urban areas of more than 5 million people that are at risk, including Tokyo; New York; Mumbai, India; Shanghai, China; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Wagner, 2007)126 Global warming will pose threats to people’s health: More frequent and severe heat waves will cause more heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses and death. The elderly and the young are the most susceptible to these effects; air pollution worsened by global warming will lead to more respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as asthma and cardiac disarryhthmia; Thanks to global warming, malaria-carrying mosquitoes are spreading to cooler places too, where there has never been this disease before, such as South Korea and the highlands of Papua New Guinea; (Weiss, Pam, 2008) And a group of 12 diseases called Deadly Dozen have been found to spread due to the warming temperature, e. g. Avian ‘Flu, Cholera, Plague, Ebola and Tuberculosis. (Simmons) Global warming will add significantly to the world’s water shortage problem as it increases the severity of droughts, foods, and cyclone, all of which reducing the water supply and destroying the quality of water. Wong Poh Poh, a professor at the National University of Singapore, says that the U. N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has found that 2 billion people will not have access to adequate drinking water by 2050 and 1. 2 billion more people will be under the threat of severe water shortage by 2080. NG, 2008)86 Many of the world’s species could be on the verge of extinction due to global warming. According to the IPCC 2007 report, that 20- 30 % of the world’s species would become extinct if global average temperature rises additional 1. 5 to 2. 5?C (relative to 1980-1990) and 40-70% would be expected if the increase in temperature exceeds 3. 5?C. (the IPCC 2007 Synthesis Report) Ho wever, there are some scientists who are sceptical about this man-made global warming theory. According to these sceptics, Climate change is a natural process and is not caused by man. The world has experienced warmer and colder periods in the past without any external cause so a minor rise (less than a degree) in global average temperature is normal. Explains Richard L. Lindzen, a professor of meteorology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, â€Å"the motions of the massive oceans where heat is moved between deep layers and the surface provides variability on time scales from years to centuries. Recent work †¦suggests that this variability is enough to account for all climate change since the 19 Century. † Lindzen asserts that the warming in the tropics around an altitude of about 9 km should be 2. times greater than the surface warming but the measurements show that warming at these levels is only about ? of the surface warming. This means the greenhouse effect only contributes to about one third of the surface warming and not all of this really small warming is caused by man. (Lindzen, 2009) Global warming sceptics also argue that computer models which predict the future climate are not reliable. According to S. Fred Singer, an atmospheric physicist at George Mason University, these computer models can not calculate all the important parameters around the globe therefore are unable to predict the future climate. Singer says, â€Å"If you only calculate temperature, winds, and so on at intervals of 200 miles, then you cannot depict clouds, or even cloud systems, which are much smaller. So until the models have a good enough resolution to be capable of depicting clouds, it's very difficult to put much faith in them. † Singer also claims that these models do not agree with each other in predicting the temperature rise for a doubling CO2 levels. Some predict a warming of 5 degrees Centigrade while others predict one degree. (

STD essays

STD essays Syphilis is still rare compared with other sexually transmitted diseases. The bacterium that causes syphilis is treponema palidum. This causes genital lesions called chancres. These normally go away on their own but if not treated the disease advances. A person who has syphilis suffers from fevers, aches, rashes, hair loss and mouth sores. At later stages of the disease it affects the heart, eyes, brain and other organs. Its always good to get tested for this disease. Gonorrhea is not as popular as it used to be, but chlamydia on the other hand is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea victims have gone down since the 1980s. The article says its because people have gotten the message about safe sex. The bacteria thrive in moist, warm cavities like the mouth, throat, urinary tract etc. Some of the symptoms are burning, itching, or unusual discharge. If the symptoms go untreated it can spread to the fallopian tubes and cause difficulties in pregnancy. Chlamydia on the other hand is most common. The most common symptom is inflammation of the urethra, which causes painful urination. This disease can be cured, If not treated it can cause sterility in women. Genital herpes and genital warts have no cure. Scientists do not know what bacterium causes genital warts. There is a way to stop them from being contagious but there is no cure. Genital herpes can be cured with antibiotics but when infected with the herpes simplex virus you are infected for life. This virus causes small lesions around the genital area. Anyone with active lesions can spread it to their partner(s). Sex is the leading mode of transmission of the hepatitis B virus. A lot of people say that its not an STD. The virus attacks the liver, which causes flu like symptoms. There is no cure. Most people recover and develop immunity to further infection. Some however stays in the body and be contagious. There ...

Economics Questionnaire Essays

Economics Questionnaire Essays Economics Questionnaire Paper Economics Questionnaire Paper 1. A legal maximum on the price at which a good can be sold is called a? Price ceiling. 2. Which of the following is likely to have the most price elastic demand? Breakfast cereal, corn flakes 3. A reduction in a countrys barriers to trade? Benefits some citizens of the importing country but does not benefit the domestic producers In the Importing country. 4. The amount of a good that buyers are willing and able to purchase Is quantity demanded. 5. Suppose a market In which demand Is more elastic than supply. The incidence of a tax will? Fall more heavily on sellers than buyers. Suppose there Is a frost that destroys much of the strawberry crop and the price of blueberries, a substitute for strawberries, Increases. 6. What would we expect to happen In the market for strawberries? The price of strawberries Increases and the direction of the change In the equilibrium quantity of strawberries cannot be determined from the Information given. 7. Which of the following changes will not shift the demand for Ice cream to the right? A decrease In the price of Ice cream 8. If price elasticity of demand Is greater than one? Demand Is elastic. 9. If Tom Brady can ran $20,000 filming a commercial in the time it takes him to mow his lawn, he gains from trade? As long as he pays less than $20,000 for someone to mow his lawn 10. Suppose the income elasticity for good X is 0. 8. Good X? Has inelastic demand, is an inferior good 10. Sue can produce 4 dozen cookies or 2 dozen cupcakes in one hour. David can produce 6 dozen cookies or 4 dozen cupcakes in one hour. 11. Sees opportunity cost of 1 dozen cookies is? 2 dozen cupcakes and Davits opportunity cost of 1 dozen cookies is 1. 5 dozen cupcakes, 2 dozen cupcakes and Davits opportunity cost of 1 dozen cookies is 2/3 dozen cupcakes. 12. The market for agricultural products has experienced advances in technology but has relatively inelastic demand. The combination of these two effects is an increase in supply, a large reduction in equilibrium price, a small increase in the equilibrium quantity, and a decrease in total revenue paid to farmers as a group. 13. Without government intervention, prices of products are not capable of changing to avoid shortages or surpluses? FALSE 14. When supply is relatively elastic? The supply curve is relatively flat. 15. Sue can produce 4 dozen cookies or 2 dozen cupcakes in one hour. David can produce 6 dozen cookies or 4 dozen cupcakes in one hour. Sees opportunity cost of 1 dozen cookies is? Higher than Davits opportunity cost of 1 dozen cookies so Sue has a comparative advantage in the production of cookies. 16. Trade can make everyone better off because? Specialization based on comparative advantage Increases total production. 17. Trade can make everyone better off? All of the choices are correct. 18. Free markets are preferred to markets with binding price ceilings or floors because free markets are Impersonal and ration goods with prices? TRUE 19. The relative tax Incidence of a tax Is determined by the government? FALSE 20. Binding rent controls create large shortages of apartments In the short run, but small shortages In the long run due to the elasticity of demand and supply.? FALSE 21 . When consumers have more time to adjust to a price change, price elasticity of demand tends to be? More elastic. 22. Suppose the price of gold, an Input Into the production of Jewelry, decreases. The effect on the market for jewelry is? Decrease in quantity supplied. 23. An the market for sport utility vehicles is are? All of the choices are correct. 24. In a perfectly competitive market? All of the choices are correct. 25. Sue can produce 4 dozen cookies or 2 dozen cupcakes in one hour. David can produce 6 dozen cookies or 4 dozen cupcakes in one hour. Davits opportunity cost of 1 dozen cupcakes is? 2/3 dozen cookies while Sees opportunity cost of 1 dozen cupcakes is 1/2 dozen cookies so David should specialize in the production of cupcakes 2/3 dozen cookies while Sees opportunity cost of 1 dozen cupcakes is 1/2 dozen cookies so Sue should specialize in the production of cupcakes. 26. If price elasticity of demand is less than one? Increasing the price of the product will increase total revenue. 27. Sue can produce 4 dozen cookies or 2 dozen cupcakes in one hour. David can produce 6 dozen cookies or 4 dozen cupcakes in one hour. A producer that requires fewer resources to produce a good is said to have? A comparative advantage, a straight line production possibilities frontier 28. A tax levied on buyers has the same effect on the price the buyer pays as an equal magnitude tax levied on sellers. TRUE 29. A price floor set below the market equilibrium price? Is a non-binding price floor. 30. One producer can have the comparative advantage in both products, but cannot have the absolute advantage in both products? FALSE 31 . When the minimum wage is set above the equilibrium wage it is a binding price floor that results in a surplus of labor 32. A decrease in quantity supplied is shown as a movement from? Point B to point A 33. Imports are goods? Produced abroad and sold domestically 34. Goods with a positive cross price elasticity are? Substitutes. 35. An increase in supply is shown as a movement from? Point A to point B, point B to point A 36. A market with only one seller is called a monopoly market. TRUE 37. If the government were to impose a tax on cigarettes, the tax incidence will likely fall more heavily on the? Ensure because supply is more elastic than demand. 38. A price ceiling set below the market equilibrium price? All of the choices are correct. 39. The responsiveness of the quantity demanded of a product to a change in the price of a product is called? Elasticity 40. Suppose when the price of gasoline is $3. 50 per gallon, a local gas station sells 300 gallons per day. When the price of gasoline is $3. 85 per gallon, the same gas station sells 31 5 gallons per day. Using the midpoint formula, the absolute value of the price elasticity of demand for gasoline is approximately?

4 Ways to Combat Negativity at Work

4 Ways to Combat Negativity at Work We all have that one co-worker who’s just plain†¦ negative. He or she comes in from the elevator followed by a sad, grey cloud. They spend all of their time grumbling about work- having either too much or too little, and their personal lives don’t sound much better. There’s always one in every office, and often to caricatured proportions. But it can be easy to drift into that negative territory. Just to make sure you haven’t taken on any of these bad habits or deflated attitudes, be on the look-out for the following four signs of encroaching negativity at work.   Avoid your own black cloud.Watch Your PostureRemember your first days on the job? You came to work all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, spine straight, head up, typing with your fingers on your home keys, sitting tall in your swivel chair, and drinking vegetable juice for lunch! Or, you know, some version of that kind of effort.But with time, and setbacks, and disappointments, your bad moods h ave started to sink into your bones. Before you know it, you’re slouched over your keys, slumping as you walk, and sneering at your screen. Even if you’re just stressed or inattentive to the ways in which your posture might be wavering, it’s making you look bad to your boss, who values positivity in outlook and professionalism in demeanor. Straighten up!Curb the ComplaintsIt’s too cold, too hot. The meeting was too long, too short. The coffee sucks. The vacation package sucks. Your insurance sucks. Your weekend sucked. The printer†¦ don’t get me started on the printer.Make sure you’re not constantly complaining, even if there are things that you could (reasonably) constantly complain about. And stop complaining altogether about things not in your power to change. If you find yourself ranting and raving for 20  minutes at a time, sit yourself down and ask why you’re suddenly so frustrated at work. But whatever you do, keep the c omplaining to a minimum. Start to notice every time you do it and keep track.Force Yourself to be FriendlyThat sounds awful, but how many people pop by your cubicle for a chat? Ask you to grab a coffee? Wait for you to head to lunch? If the answer is no one (especially if it used to be everyone), then you have some work to do. Not spending at least a small part of your workday chatting to coworkers is a pretty good sign that you’re not universally well-liked. Even if you aren’t a people person, try encouraging a little more social atmosphere. And the best way to make friends is to be upbeat and pleasant to be around!Can the PessimismLand a new project? Get a promotion? Is your first thought one of annoyance at how much extra work you’ll have to do? Or what stress you will be under? Or how many more hours you’ll have to log? That’s a bad sign. When even good news seems like bad news, it’s time to give yourself an outlook makeover.But don†™t worry! Even if you have slipped into the negativity bubble, it’s not too late to pull yourself back into the light. Remember, nobody likes a Negative Nelly. Get yourself back on the right track.

Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Evaluation - Essay Example Instructional goals must be identified first, and then a method of assessment must be devised to test whether or not those instructional goals have been met. It is from this point that the design of the instruction can proceed.. By identifying instructional goals first, then designing methods of assessment for whether or not those instructional goals have been met, one can then design instruction so that it includes both of these. By making the goals clear from the beginning to the learner, and supplying a method for self-assessment, the learner is much more likely to succeed. (Dick, Walter, Carey, Lou, Carey, James O. 2004) One additional use for evaluation is a form of advertising. By sending out evaluation surveys after a program has been completed, program directors can assess the perceptions of participants concerning the program effectiveness, gain additional information concerning the retention of taught objectives, identify the strong and weak points of the program as perceived by the participants and motivate participants to return for further programs and to promote the program by word of mouth. No training can work completely without some form of evaluation. We simply need the kind of closure that evaluation provides. It provides a way of measuring progress. It also provides a method for identifying the value of a process or program, and finding ways to improve it. By measuring progress of individuals in a program of training, evaluation allows those individuals to move forward into more against learning. However, without the evaluation, many would move forward too soon, and some would simply not know when to move forward, because they would still be unsure of themselves. Evaluation provides the feedback necessary to convince participants in a program of training that they have acquired certain skills. In this way, it increases the confidence of the

Orgnaizational Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Orgnaizational Behavior - Essay Example In general leadership refers to the use of non-coercive influence techniques. It is important to distinguish a leader from a dictator. Whereas dictators get others to do what they want by using physical coercion or by threats of physical force, leaders do not (Greenberg and Baron, 2003: pp 471). From the definition it is clear that leadership involves the exercise of influence for the purpose of attaining group or organisational goals. In other words, leaders focus on changing those actions or attitudes of their subordinates that are related to specific goals. They are far less concerned with altering followers' actions or attitudes that are irrelevant to such goals. (Greenberg and Baron, 2003: pp 471). Also, from the definition one can see that leadership requires followers that is leadership is a two way street. Although leaders do indeed influence subordinates in various ways, leader also are influenced by their subordinates. As a matter of fact one can say that leadership exists only in relation to followers. After all, one cannot lead without followers. (Greenberg and Baron, 2003: pp 471). Leadership style refers to the adoption of Authoritarian Management or a Democratic Management style by an individual in an organization, depending on which style is more comfortable to his or her personality. (Statt and David, 1999: pp 91). Leadership Styles Of Two Senior Member In My Organisation The leadership styles of two senior members in my organisation are as follows: The first senior member is primarily concerned with establishing good relations with subordinates and being looked by them. He/she engages in actions such as doing favours for subordinates, explaining things to them and taking steps to ensure their welfare. He is reluctant to act in a directive manner toward subordinates and often shy away from presenting them with negative feedback. The second Senior member on the other hand is concerned mainly with production and focuses primarily on getting the job done. The senior member engages in actions such as organising work, inducing subordinates to follow rules, setting goals, and making leader and subordinate rules explicit. The leadership styles discussed above can be linked as shown in the figure 2 below: Figure 2: Basic Dimensions of Leadership Behaviour. Taken from: (Greenberg and Baron, 2003: pp 471). From the figure above one can observe that though the leadership styles discussed earlier are far off from each other, these leadership styles often converge at times. For example, there are leaders who are both production oriented and at the same time person oriented. Some leaders can be 75% person oriented and 25% production oriented and vice versa. Also some leaders can score equal points for each of the two dimensions as well as some may not be found in any of the dimensions. That is they are neither person oriented nor production oriented. Likert's Four System approach. Following an extensive research at Michigan University, Rensis Likert came up with

Would legalize Medical Marjuana help the ecomony in New York Research Paper

Would legalize Medical Marjuana help the ecomony in New York - Research Paper Example Much of the current debate on whether to legalize marijuana is based on its medicinal properties. Once this is accepted (that it is indeed medicinal), the debate shifts to the possible abuses for which it is used by some people, particularly the fear of getting addicted to it just like nicotine. However, much of the controversy stems from the wrong notions of what marijuana is and is not. For one, people mistakenly think it can cause accidental deaths due to smoking or ingesting the seeds. But no one had died of an overdose from marijuana use. Advocates claim smoking it does not cause any serious side effects, unlike alcohol or tobacco. Marijuana does not cause liver damage, cancer, heart disease, birth defects or emphysema. All it can do is to induce lethargy, short-term memory loss, mild hypotension (low blood pressure), ataxia (walk or gait that is staggering), light headedness and a temporary loss of concentration. Marijuana is the third most-consumed drug in the world (after alc ohol and tobacco). It is therefore very timely to review the possible legalization of marijuana as a major source of new revenues, similar to the so-called sin taxes imposed on alcohol and cigarettes. This short paper examines the possible ramifications of legalizing marijuana for medical use since it has been proven to cure a number of ailments but without any serious side effects. Discussion Several states have already legalized the medical use of marijuana, among them New Jersey, Arizona and Washington, DC (passed their laws only last year). There are now a total of 16 states which had legalized marijuana but they had imposed restrictions on its use such as requiring registry ID cards before allowing a purchase. Moreover, these states already derive a substantial amount in taxes which they collect based on the number of usable ounces or on the number of mature and immature plants a person is allowed to plant and raise in his place. The growing consensus is now to allow marijuana use because most of the claims against its use are often grossly exaggerated, sensationalized and found to have no basis by research. With this in mind, the focus of this proposed research paper will be on the economic benefits that the state of New York can potentially derive from the legalization of marijuana. It will not discuss the pros and cons of whether people will abuse it once it is legalized but more on what the potential economic benefits will be to the state coffers of New York. New revenue streams, like the sin taxes imposed on alcohol and tobacco consumption, will prevent raising new taxes or increasing existing taxes. As an aside, it is quite surprising that tobacco is legal although it is confirmed to be very addictive due to the nicotine content in it while marijuana is illegal but has no addictive qualities. New York state is contemplating new budget cuts. Research Variables This section discusses some of the variables that will be tackled during the research. It w ill delve more into the economic variables to quantify the research problem and also give a good feedback on the success of the proposed solution (legalization of marijuana). Moreover, the focus will also deal with the operational concerns once legalization is achieved (assumed). The later portions of this paper will likewise explore the possible research questions, a brief time-line for completion of this project and the major topics of the main data sources. Potential Market Demographics –

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods Essay

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods - Essay Example Broadly, research methods are divided into two categories namely quantitative research method and qualitative research method. Both are different in nature and have different applicability. Both the methods find their applications in different disciplines and have strengths and shortcomings in various domains. There are certain pre requisites that apply to each of them and each of them underlines a specific method of implementation. Qualitative research method: This method of research is subjective in nature which mostly contains case studies, interviews, unlike quantitative methods the outcomes are in textual form and not in digits and statistical values. Questions like why, where when who are touched upon by this type of research method. Qualitative approach is scientific in nature and may not have a fixed deterministic solution by end of research conducted. Such research can be helpful in studying the behaviors, approach, their fears and concerns including natural response, dealin g with opinions and possibly culture oriented issues. While quantitative research provides fixed results, their counterpart lay foundation for the study and research beyond the point where the scope of quantitative research ends. Such research approaches are inductive in nature and the mode of language used is informal .Furthermore, qualitative research is most suited to the initial stages (Merriam, 2009). The tools and techniques that might be used during qualitative approach can possibly include memos, interviews, artifacts, picture or any piece of video (Pitney & Parker,pg53, 2009) . Stressing on the importance of qualitative approach Donald Campbell stated that â€Å"All research ultimately has a qualitative grounding† (Farrell, pg8, 2011). Characteristic feature of such an approach is its ability to address the intangible aspects of society and human nature. Lincoln defines qualitative research as interpretive and naturalistic in nature (Flick,pg2, 2007). Three broad typ es of qualitative research encompass Case studies: while adopting case studies for purpose of research, focus is concentrated on an individual phenomena and concept that are constrained by duration and activities. Various data collection procedures are adopted during the case study approach. Phenomenological studies: In such approach attempt is being made to get the response of people based on their personal experience about a particular instance and event, intensive research is being carried out number of times through the aide of detailed elaborations Ethnographic studies: As the name implies, the focus of research in this category is a particular group of individuals that are involved in a similar kind of task. This kind of research is conducted over period of time with focus on one type of cultural group that have something in common between them. The commonality could be the interest, an experience, cultural trend or any other event undergone by the people being examined (Marie , pg 172, 2008). Role Play Simulation: In such kind of research role assignment might be done or the individuals conducting research might be required to observe a particular role to deduce any conclusion from it Comprehensive Interviews: The aim behind such type of research is to get into the details of the matter and probe all possible options .The method of interrogation and opinion determination is slightly different from quantitative research. Other forms of qualitative research include grounded theory. Quantitative researc

Nursing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Nursing - Assignment Example Nursing research like any other research encompasses the content of quantitative and qualitative reports. This paper answers four questions about nursing research based on the Burns and Grove text Yes, findings from a single study may be used to change nursing practice. Findings in most instances generate conclusions which reflect the current situation in the nursing field. According to Polit and Beck (2008), nurses are expected to use the most current practice, and for nurses to determine what the current practice is, they must read research critically and if possible embrace the latest findings. According to Polit and Beck (2008) statistical significance refers to the fact that the observed mean differences may not have been caused by sampling error. Statistical significances often occur even where very small population differences are observed if the sample size is large. Practical significance on the other hand examines whether the difference between the observed mean is large enough to be practically of a value or have a real meaning. Nursing research findings should be communicated to health visitors, senior nurses, midwives, managers, educators, researchers, advanced nursing students, and the whole nursing fraternity. The mechanisms that can be used to communicate these findings to them include; the use of journals, reports, posters, online databases, memos, and through implementation of policies. Poster presentation in nursing is the art of conveying message about findings from nursing research findings (to Burns & Grove, 2009). This presentation is normally prepared after a nursing research abstract has been accepted. In conclusion, nursing research is essential to the nursing practice and the healthcare fraternity as a whole. This because it ensures that nurses offer the most current services and are able to

Thomas Nagel. What is the thesis of Nagel's article The Absurd Essay

Thomas Nagel. What is the thesis of Nagel's article The Absurd - Essay Example He mostly takes the key concern on meaning of life. Thomas Nagel sets out that there are good grounds that make absurd to apply to lives. He viewed that our lives are absurd therefore meaningless that is absurdum. In his article, Nagel opens by stating four reasons for absurdum. The first reason he cites is that our being here will not be important for a very long time from now. He states nothing we do now will matter in million years to come. Thomas Nagel said that† by the same token, nothing that will be the case in a million years matters now.† He goes on and says that everything we do now in a million times will be meaningless. (Joad, 1944).  The second cite for absurdum is that he sees that we are very small as compared to the entire universe. Thomas says that the whole universe is infinite large as compared to our lives, therefore our lives are absurd for now. ... (Jaspers, 1969).   In ordinary life, life itself is absurd; Nagel puts that â€Å"when it includes a conspicuous discrepancy between pretension or aspiration and reality: someone gives a complicated speech in support of a motion that has already been passed† in addition, Thomas Nagel continues to consider what count good ground for his thesis. He claims we try to check one that has aspiration and reality. Nagel went ahead and gave an example, to demonstrate this being knighted just as trousers fall down. He went ahead and said that for most of time we live our lives as if they are not absurd, as if there is no nothing that brings changes between our aspiration and reality that makes our live absurd. Nagel had certain perspective in mind that we look at our lives from a stand, which is not involving. In this stand, we can step back and find the whole system of critics and justifications, which controls our supports and our claims to rationality which rests upon our habits the refore we should know how to disagree without circularity. Generally Nagel claims that absurd is striking sort of thing in our lives. The most interesting aspects of his article are the problem that Nagel connects problem of the meaning of life to other problems of epistemological of radical skeptics’. Actually, he claims that such skeptic come in when there is use of disengaged standpoint. Thomas Nagel says that both cases someone wills recognizes the justification made which cannot be justified without the threat of circularity. Thomas Nagel claims, â€Å"In both cases the final, philosophical doubt is not contrasted with any unchallenged certainties, though it is arrived at by extrapolation from examples of doubt within the system of evidence or

Nursing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Nursing - Assignment Example Nursing research like any other research encompasses the content of quantitative and qualitative reports. This paper answers four questions about nursing research based on the Burns and Grove text Yes, findings from a single study may be used to change nursing practice. Findings in most instances generate conclusions which reflect the current situation in the nursing field. According to Polit and Beck (2008), nurses are expected to use the most current practice, and for nurses to determine what the current practice is, they must read research critically and if possible embrace the latest findings. According to Polit and Beck (2008) statistical significance refers to the fact that the observed mean differences may not have been caused by sampling error. Statistical significances often occur even where very small population differences are observed if the sample size is large. Practical significance on the other hand examines whether the difference between the observed mean is large enough to be practically of a value or have a real meaning. Nursing research findings should be communicated to health visitors, senior nurses, midwives, managers, educators, researchers, advanced nursing students, and the whole nursing fraternity. The mechanisms that can be used to communicate these findings to them include; the use of journals, reports, posters, online databases, memos, and through implementation of policies. Poster presentation in nursing is the art of conveying message about findings from nursing research findings (to Burns & Grove, 2009). This presentation is normally prepared after a nursing research abstract has been accepted. In conclusion, nursing research is essential to the nursing practice and the healthcare fraternity as a whole. This because it ensures that nurses offer the most current services and are able to

Analyse Conan Doyles The Hound of the Baskervilles Essay Example for Free

Analyse Conan Doyles The Hound of the Baskervilles Essay These two findings are very important as they provide the reader with shocking information. This is because we discover that Mr and Mrs Stapleton are actually husband and wife. Even more we realise that Mr and Mrs Stapleton are actually the Vandeleurs. As a result of this great deception the finger points to Mr and Mrs Stapleton as being the murderers. This information is the most vital information which will help to solve the mystery. There are points in the novel where events simply provide Watson and Holmes with information. The events which provide information are almost always false leads which create a sense of uncertainty as to who is the criminal. Go back to London! Start tonight! Hush my brother is coming! chapter 7 This quote is said by Miss. Stapleton to Dr. Watson as she mistakes him for Sir Henry. This prompts Watson to investigate further into the Stapletons as it is very mysterious as to why she would like Sir Henry to go back to London. This is because she doesnt want her brother Mr. Stapleton to find out that she has said this and when she discovers that she was actually talking to Watson she takes back her comment. This was actually a false lead as we discover in the later part of the investigation, which was put in by Conan Doyle so the reader is kept in suspense as to whether she had a hand in the death of Sir Charles until the di nouement. Even though there is the interviewing of people in THOTB, they dont provide their own version of events of the crime. Dr. Mortimer is the only person who really provides Holmes with information of what he thought happened at the murder scene. Conan Doyle has used a different approach to the nature of the investigation because most of the information is gathered behind the scenes or events provide information. By doing this Conan Doyle has made his novel unique and perhaps more interesting than the typical investigation as there is a greater anticipation as to whom the killer could be. Sherlock Holmes fits the profile of a classic detective very well and this is evident in THOTB from the start of the novel. The detective is usually more or less socially isolated and referred to as a loner. We can see this in THOTB from the fact that Holmes only socialises with Watson, but then one could argue that he only socialises with Watson because he enhances his intellect by comparison. Holmes does not have any family and the fact that he rests upon the moor for a lengthy period of time suggests that he is used to being alone. I knew that seclusion and solitude were very necessary for my friend in these hours of intense mental concentration in which he weighed every particle of evidence

The Financing Structure Of Unilever Plc Finance Essay

The Financing Structure Of Unilever Plc Finance Essay Unilever Plc (Unilever) operates as a single business entity. It was formerly known as Lever Brothers Limited. Unilever NV and Unilever Plc are the two parent companies of the Unilever Group having separate legal identities and separate stock exchange listings for their shares. Unilever Plc (Unilever) is a leading food and personal care product offering company in the world. The company is engaged in the manufacturing and distributing foods, home care and personal care products. The company along with a strong and well differentiated portfolio of 400 global and regional brands operating across 14 categories operates in 150 countries with around 174,000 employees. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Unilever operates in four business segments namely, Personal Care; Home Care; Savoury, Dressings Spreads; and Ice Cream Beverages. The company also offers solutions for professional chefs and caterers. It has around 270 manufacturing facilities worldwide. The Personal Care segment includes business in the mass skin care, daily hair care and deodorants product areas. These products are sold under Dove, Lux, Rexona, Sunsilk, Axe and Ponds, Suave, Clear, Lifebuoy, Vaseline, Signal and Close Up. Its Home Care segment includes laundry products such as tablets, powders and liquids for washing of clothes by hand or machine. It also offers soap bars. In this segment, the principal brands are Omo, Surf, Comfort, Radiant, Skip and Snuggle. The household care products include surface cleaners and bleach that are marketed under the Cif, Domestos and Sun/Sunlight brands. The companys new products include Dove pro-age range of products, Dove Summer Glow self-tanning and body lotions, Clear antidandruff shampoo and Small Mighty concentrated liquid laundry detergents. The Savoury, Dressings and Spreads segment includes sauces, soups, salad dressings, bouillons, snacks, mayonnaise, spreads, olive oil, margarines and cooking products like liquid margarines, and frozen foods. These products are sold worldwide under Calve, Knorr, Hellmanns, Becel, Flora, Wish- Bone, Rama, Blue Band, Amora, Ragu and Bertolli brands. The Ice cream and Beverages division includes ice cream, tea-based beverages, weight management products, and nutritionally enhanced products. These products are marketed worldwide under various brand names such as Magnum, Cornetto, Carte dOr and Solero, Walls, Kibon, Ola and Algida, Ben Jerrys, Breyers, Klondike and Popsicle. The tea-based beverages are sold under Lipton, Brooke Bond and PG Tips brands. The weight management products are sold under Slim-Fast, and nutritionally enhanced products are marketed under Annapurna and AdeS/Adez brands. In the the Home Care division, it holds the global number two position in laundry, with a number one position in man developing and emerging markets. The company holds global number one position in mass skin care and deodorants, and the number two position in hair care where as in oral care and household care the companys strategy is focused on strong regional and local leadership positions in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In the Foods division, it holds number one position in savory and dressings, spreads, tea-based beverages and ice cream. Unilever is the category leader in margarine and spreads in most European countries and North America. The companys UKs foods division is the number one producer of savory and dressings business. Products and Brands Unilever owns more than 400 brands as a result of acquisitions, however, the company focuses on what are called the billion-dollar brands, 13 brands, each of which achieve annual sales in excess of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1 billion. Unilevers top 25 brands account for more than 70% of sales. The brands fall almost entirely into two categories: Food and Beverages, and Home and Personal Care. Unilevers billion$ brands are Axe/Lynx Lipton Blue Band[14] Lux (soap) Dove Omo/Surf (detergent) Flora/Becel Rexona/Sure Heartbrand Sunsilk Hellmans TIGI (haircare) Knorr Products of the company are distributed through distribution centers, group-operated facilities, satellite warehouses, and public storage depots, wholesalers, independent grocery stores, co-operatives, and various food service providers. Unilever invests around EUR 1 billion in research and development activities through five laboratories to develop new products and technologies. Geographic Presence Unilever has geographically diversified operations. It is engaged in manufacturing and distributing foods, home care and personal care products. Its products are sold in more than 150 countries which include Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. During the fiscal year 2008, the company generated 32% revenue from Western Europe, 32% from the Americas and 36% from the Asia, Africa and Central Eastern Europe. It is the category leader in margarine and spreads in most European countries and North America. The companys UKs foods division is the number one producer of savory and dressings business. Thus, wide geographic presence decreases the business risk of the company. This also acts as an easy way for the expansion plans of the company, as wider reach in terms of geography would mean reaping more benefits eventually improving the profit margins, attaining economies of scale and recognition on a worldwide basis. following are the name of some of the countries with Unilevers presences. Ireland Sudan Italy Sweden Japan Switzerland Pakistan Thailand Singapore Tunisia Spain United States Sri lanka United Kingdom Industry Comparison Revenue Growth Rate The companys compounded annual growth rate for revenue was 1.39% during 2005-2009. This was below the SP 500 companies average* of 9.67%. A lower than sector average* revenue CAGR may indicate that the company has underperformed the average sector growth and lost market share over the last years. The companys underperformance could be attributed to a weak competitive position or inferior products and services offering or lack of innovative products and services. Return on Equity The companys return on equity (ROE) was 30.62% for fiscal year 2009. This was above the SP 500 companies average* of 18.69%. A higher than sector average ROE indicate that the company is efficiently using the shareholders money and that it is generating high returns for its shareholders compared to other companies in the sector. Operating Profit Margin The companys operating margin was 12.91% for the fiscal year 2009. This was below the SP 500 companies average* of 18.74%. A lower than sector average* operating margin may indicate inefficient cost management or a weak pricing strategy by the company. Financial Analysis Instead of 2 year analysis of the financial position of the company analysis is performed on a five year data as this will provided with better coverage of the companies performance. Current ratio Current ratio of the company has been on the rising trend since 2005. Current ratio of the company has increased from 0.75 time in 2005 to 0.93 times in 2009. This trend shows that the company is moving toward a stable liquidity position. Whereas, in comparison to the averages of the industry trend and S P 500 companies Unilever is not able to maintain sound current ratio. Currently industry averages at around 1.53 times whereas; SP 500 companies averages around 1.91 times. This is almost as double to where Unilever currently stands. Quick ratio Quick ratio of the company has shown similar rising trend as that of current ratio. Quick ratio of the company has moved to 0.5 times in 2009, which is a rise of approximately 35% during the five year period (2005: 0.37 times). This ratio of the company is quite close to the industry averages (i.e., 0.78 times), whereas, SP 500 companies quick ratio averages to around 1.36 times. Considering the rising trend of the company, it appears that its liquidity position will improve in the near future to meet the industry averages. Gross Profit margin Gross Profit margin of the company has shown a mix trend over the years. During the period from 2005-2009 gross profit margin of the company stood at 48.32%, fall of just 2%. This shows that the company is in a stable position as it is able to stay consistent in maintaining its Gross Profit Margin. On the other hand, Industry average stands at 44.72%. Being on the higher side of the industry shows that the company is able to effectively manage its cost and pricing policies. Net Profit Margin Similar to the Gross profit margin, net profit margin of the company has shown a mix trend. On average the net profit margin of the company has increased by 4% during the 5 year period to 8.46% in 2009. This is higher then what the industry average is (Industry average: 7.25%). On the other hand SP 500 companies average net profit margin to approximately 12.59%, showing that the company is not meeting the SP 500 companies standards. Return on Assets Return on assets of the company has shown an increasing trend during the 5 year period. During the said period, ROA increased to approximately 10% in 2009 from 8.74% in 2005, this is a rise of 14%. In comparison, the industry averages the return on assets at around 7.71% and SP 500 averages assets at around 7.91%. This shows that the company is able to used the employed assets efficiently and effectively then what the normal industry trend depicts. FINANCING STRUCTURE Unilever PLC is a highly un-geared company. Its total debt to total equity ratio stood at only 0.82 in 2009, which is a decline of around 46% during the 5 year period (2005: 1.51). Similar fall in the total debt to total capital ratio was observed, which fell by approximately 25% to 0.45 in 2009. On the other hand a slight increase of just 9% was observed in the Long term debt to total capital of the company during the same five year period. In contrast to the leverage ratios, a significant fall in the payout ratio was observed. Payout ratio of the company fell from 61.37% in 2005 to just 38.54% in 2009. This shows that currently the company is in the phase of financing its activities from its retained earnings instead of taking long or short term financing. In comparison to a competitor Reckitt Benckiser Group, the leverage of this company is similar to the leverage of Unilever PLC. During the year 2009, Total Debt to Total Equity ratio Reckitt Benckiser Group is only 0.82. Payout ratio of the Reckitt Benckiser is 50.28% in 2009, which is higher than that of Unilever PLC, representing the fact that Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc is utilizing higher portion of its retained earnings as compared to Unilever Plc In comparison with the industry trends, average total debt to equity is approximately 1.16 times whereas, as per SP 500 it is around 0.73. In view of these average industry and sector trends, company is performing quite well. On the other hand, companys payout ratio is on the higher side when compared to the industry and SP 500 averages. Average industrys payout is almost is 42% whereas, average payout as per SP 500 is 28.82%. This shows that company is not availing its short term financing options. Taking up these short term financing will release some pressure from the retained earning and can be paid out to the shareholders of the company because as the low payout trend of the industry indicates that the shareholders are prone to short term gains in comparison to long term capital gains. 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 Unilever PLC Total Debt/Equity 0.82 1.1 0.77 0.78 1.51 Long Term Debt/Total Capital 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.22 0.32 Total Debt/Total Capital 0.45 0.52 0.44 0.44 0.6 Payout Ratio 38.54% 43.04% 56.62% 83.71% 61.37% Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc Total Debt/Equity 0.03 0.48 0.21 0.53 0.09 Long Term Debt/Total Capital (?) 0 0 0 0 0.04 Total Debt/Total Capital (?) 0.03 0.32 0.17 0.35 0.08 Payout Ratio (?) 50.28% 50.76% 41.93% 48.65% 42.39% WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL As discussed in the above section, Unilever PLC has a very low (nominal) gearing of 0.35%. Virtually the company is debt free; hence cost of equity of the company will be its weighted average cost of capital. In order to calculate Cost of Equity of Unilever PLC Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) has been used. Beta for the company has been taken from the Dow Jones Report, which is 0.76 whereas; many technical issues were presents when indentifying risk free rate (Rf) and risk premium (Rm-Rf). Hence, the risk free rate and the market rate (Rm) are assumed to be 8% and 12% respectively for the purpose of this calculation. Cost of Equity = Rf + (Rm-Rf)b Cost of Equity = 8% + (12% 8%) 0.76 Cost of Equity = 11.04% Here, Cost of Equity = = WACC Hence, WACC = 11.04% NEW PROJECT Project Description Company has recently conducted a market survey for deodorant target only toward a young generation. Evaluation of the investment proposal to manufacture product XARI was performed. The product has performed well in test marketing trials conducted recently by the research and marketing department of the company. Key Elements of Project Initial investment cost Evidences for the initial investment cost can be found from various sources, research reports related to the particular industry, information from the companies which have recently invested in the respective sectors can prove quite useful, internal budget preparation etc. Annual revenues / operating costs Evidences of independent annual revenues and operating cost can be also be found from various sources, demand and supply of the particular products and projected by various research houses such as Business Monitor, by analyzing past trends of the company and peer analysis of the companies already operating in the industry/segments Rates of inflation Information related to the past and future rates related to inflation can be found in abundance. In addition to the government bodies, numerous independent research houses provided forecasted/projected inflation rates of different countries. These rates are calculated after critically analyzing and assessing various factors that affect the inflation rates. Report from Economic Intelligence Unit is one of the research houses which provides rates of inflation, both past trends as well as forecasted for different countries. Rates of taxation, and tax reliefs and allowances Best sources for finding information related rates of taxation and tax reliefs and allowance is to go through government regulated bodies. Legal regulations related to tax and updates in the upcoming changes can be found on government operated website and accurate and up to date information related to any legal issue is available there. Risk and Uncertainty After a through research I came to the conclusion that identification of risks is best done by a sequential manner. Firstly brainstorming exercise was done with some colleague of mine in order to evaluate what factors ,both beneficial and adverse, can be faced by the new project that the company was going to undertake. This exercise was purely for the identification of the risk that the project might face during the tenor of its operations. After my initial task of risk identification I assessed the likelihood of the occurrence of that risk and categorized them on the scale of high, medium and low. Then I assessed the consequences of each of risk if they occurred and whether, there occurrence will have a major impact on the operation of the company or its future prospect or not. Risks with low chances of occurrence and low negative impact were ignored and emphasis was placed on the risks that have high chances of occurrence or which could have measurable impact on the companys performance. This risk was than further classified into quantifiable and non-quantifiable risk (uncertainty). The impact of the quantifiable risk, such as rate of inflation, increase in the cost of raw material, fall in demand of the product etc, were incorporated when calculating the Net Present Value of the Project. Uncertainties such as war, political instability, change in government regulation etc, were a bit hard to incorporate. In order to overcome these problems sensitivity analysis was used. Via Sensitivity Analysis result of the project are categorized into three possible outcomes Best Case Scenario, Moderate Case Scenario and Worst Case Scenario. These 3 cases will show the performance of the company in the two most extremes situations that the company might operate. Result should then be interpreted keeping in mind of all the expected scenarios. Net Present Value After the successful test, following information has been prepared by me in order to assess the viability of the project. The research team has prepared the following forecasted demand of the product along with that various other variables such as selling prices and inflation rate are also estimated. These forecasts reflect, along with others, the expected life of the products, change in the economic conditions in the long run etc. Weighted average cost of capital has been calculated as above at 11.04%. The product has no terminal value at the end of four year. NPV of the project with respect to the following data is almost about 348,578 pounds Forecasted Information for Product XARI Initial Investment 2 million Pounds Selling Price (Current Price) 20 pound/unit Expected Inflation in Selling Price 3% per year Variable operating cost 8 pound/unit Fixed Operating Cost 170,000 per yar Tax Rate 30% Year 1 2 3 4 Demand (units) 60,000 70,000 120,000 45,000 Quarterly Report It appears that the company has performed reasonable well when compared to the forecast that the management prepared. Minor variances were witnessed by the company in most aspect of the project. Initial investment of the company exceed by just 100,000 pound. Company just sold 100 less units in first quarter as compared to the forecasted data. The reason for this relate to the factor that market awareness was not created by the company as it incurred less operating cost as anticipated. Company managed to sell units at a selling price 15% more the forecasted price. On the other 13% more cost was incurred on each unit than was projected. The reason for such a change could relate to the fact that the company underestimated the price of it project, and once market started to accept the product its selling price increased