BKE 3053 Essays - Ethics, Applied Ethics, , Term Papers

BKE 3053 INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE COMMUNICATION FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION GROUP ASSIGNMENT 20% Question: You are required to do an assignment on Corporate Social Responsibility. In a group, choose an organization that you are familiar with. The organization that you choose should differ from other groups in the class. Discuss and write the details of the following matter:- Definition and concept of CSR Types of CSR The importance of CSR (in general). CSR activity conducted by the organization you choose. The implication/effects of CSR activities to the organization. The relationship between CSR and crisis communication in the organization. At the end of the class, you are required to do a group presentation. The duration of the presentation is between 20-30 minutes. Format of the assignment:- APA style. Between 15 to 20 pages. Font: Times New Roman; Size: 12; Spacing: 1.5 spacing Page number must be included. Note: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Quotations must be quoted accurately. Date of Submission: 22 nd November 2016 before 4.00pm

Application for Dartmouth College MBA †Example Essay

Application for Dartmouth College MBA – Example Essay Free Online Research Papers Application for Dartmouth College MBA Example Essay 1.Discuss your career progression to date.Elaborating on your short-and long-term goals,how do you see your career progressing after receiving a Tuck MBA? In 20xx, I might be in the middle of wrestle with my brain in terms of purchasing conditions such as local buyer, price, and market in the xxx-trading firm. I might have to decide how the change in the market will happen and also how the decision-making procedure should vary. My short-term goal is to conduct the business as a trading manager who can analyze current situation of market, grasp the tendency of future, and make accurate decision as well as to maintain and develop the flow of efficient business with all the partners in East Asia including Korea. My long-term goal is to establish a professional trading company, introducing new selling technique based on a cutting-edge mechanism such as Internet Web Site. After graduation in 19xx, I was granted job offers from big 4 enterprises including xxx Group. Nevertheless, I entered the xxx, one of the leading companies in Korea in the field of international marketing. I was stationed at the export department in charge of xxx. During that time, the trading companies in Korea were in the middle of making research on availability of the so-called positioning technique. That is, it was related to the prediction of the market tendency of the cargo to sell and purchase in timely manner. Despite the mandatory period of time for about 3-4 years to become a person in charge of one item in the trade department, I have visited xxx, xxx in Japan in order to check the data after I had worked for three months. Thats because I was highly recognized for my outstanding ability to conduct the business for standardized price variable and controls over the exchange rate fluctuation in order to reach the rational conclusion in an objective manner when I made a decision on the international oil price fluctuation and announced the research on the case of position deal such as xxx and xxx, which are the materials of xxx. After all, it became to be a source of research in the company. Based on my outstanding job performance, I wa s officially appointed as a person in charge of exporting the xxx, xxx whose annual turnover came up to x million dollars on the average. As a result, we were placed at the top in terms of sales in Korea because the sales in xxx sector revealed the increase of xxx% in 19xx compared to that of last year. In addition, the net profit has been increased around xxx %, compared to that of last year after I took in charge of this sector. Therefore, I became the main source of jealousy from my seniors and fellow workers. In addition, on May in 19xx, we were awarded about x million dollars worth of Tender under my supervision, which xxx Authority under xxx Government started in the process as World bank loan was made, beating 17 companies such as xxx,xxx and Japanese companies. Therefore, I was selected as the employer of the year in the trade department by achieving net profit of about xxx $ by delivering pre-positioned cargo from domestic industries. Since the January of 19xx, I have been in charge of collecting and analyzing the data on the Asian xxx market for the most part for x years, moving into the department of international marketing, which was newly built in xxx. During that time, I was able to enhance the capability related to the decision- making procedure through data analysis and the establishment of follow-up measures. Meanwhile, I helped the executives, who were stuck on the concept of traditional decision-making procedures, face the changes in business environment more positively by serving up continuous analysis on the business policy of advanced companies such as xxx, xxx, which were world leading companies. Due to high recognition of my vigorous efforts, I was able to develop the negotiation skill and the global way of thinking by participating in the xxx Seminar held in xxx in April 19xx. In addition, I learned the role of a team member and a coordinator in the sense that we can create synergy effect that migh t go far beyond the ability of each member based on the teamwork. I strongly believe these experiences will be great basis for me to participate in the international trading company in the short term as well as manage one of the international trading firms in the long term. 2.What qualities will the 21st century demand of its business leaders?To what extent have you demonstrated these qualities through personal and professional interactions?How do you envision your Tuck experience preparing you to become such a leader? On December 7th in 19xx, I had serious conflicts with a general manager in our department as hard as I should consider the resignation as a last option when our xxx heading for the xxx with x million dollars worth of xxx was caught on the rock. Through this experience, I realized the important fact that the role of leader is basically the coordination of the group rather than the implementation for the purpose of obedience. In this case, I also experienced the fact that leadership is derived from the fairest judgment by collecting and analyzing information after the accurate evaluation of the situation. At that time, I had conflicts with my general manager in terms of the benefit in the future and the cost at the present. The net profit in a xxx trading was about xxx$ worth, whereas it required xxx$ worth of expense to pay for the repair in place of missing ship owner after declaring general average. In the situation in which there was more possibility for ship owner to declare bankr uptcy, I powerfully insisted on managing all business in the burden of our company because I judged that there was grand anxiety to lose long-term customers if we spent more time. General manager, however, avoided making a decision which could serve as major damage in his career. Therefore he was wasting lots of time by ignoring my opinion although I was in charge of the matter. As a consequence, we were able to deliver the xxx to the buyer in xxx after refilling the vessel under the instruction of the boss who recognized the seriousness of situation through the interview with me around 5 months later. Since then, however, Buyer in got our firm to disqualify in the same bid in 19xx, which produced serious conflicts as to who was to blame inside the firm. No matter what is big or small problem, we are always in the situation where to find out the solution, and meet a great turning point in life by what decision we make. I found the important lesson from this case in the sense that the decision was not performed by the same fixed standard in every situation. In addition, it required accurate judgment of situation, the rational assessment of ones own capability, and the bold determination for the purpose of more desirable decision-making procedure. It is clear that only those who possess the well-balanced capability both in academic and practical context along with accurate prospect for the future are likely to survive in the sharp whirlpool of future economy. Along with the necessity of lifelong education, the rapid change in the environmental factors in worldwide economy, as you might see in the IMF economic crisis in Korea at the end of 1997, expedites my desire for the pursuit of MBA program. Based on this decision, I chose Tuck School for the following reasons: First, the primary reason why I apply for Tuck Business School is the small-scale classrooms and small group interactions. I will be able to learn the process of reaching the conclusion with reference to the specific topic based on the close interpersonal relationship with classmates and faculty at your school. I am sure that it will serve as the basis for practical business in the future. My fellow students and I will be able to learn the importance of cooperation in supportive environment that the Tuck School will provide. Moreover, diverse ethnicity of my classmates will extend the perimeter of my perspective on the global society. Secondly, Tuck School will enable me to achieve a series of processes such as strategic pursuing, negotiation, finalizing business deals with the limited data in an efficient manner. In this context, I believe it will be great basis for the establishment and management of a trading company, which is my long-term aspiration. Besides, I am confident that case-base approach, team field project, and computer simulations that Tuck School provides will serve up highly efficient standards in terms of the solution to the problem in actual business practice. Third, the program of Tuck School will serve as a decisive role in the leadership development in terms of the role not only as a field manager in the short term, but also a leader in the establishment of a trading firm in the long term. I strongly believe that it is quite clearly based on every single achievement of graduates of the Tuck School in each company. I would like to share the idea with the classmates in terms of the limited data analysis, success and failure in the process of rational prospect for the future, prompt decision and the leadership in every single program at Tuck School. 3.What are your interests outside your job or school? There is a saying sound in body, sound in mind, which means both body and mind are equally important. We, however, tend to keep our distance from the handicapped, or make light of them, since most of us judge a person by his appearance. I didnt belong to the category of exception, either. But a little incident during my military service came to alter my point of view. In September 19xx, I had an opportunity to serve for 4 days in a rehabilitation center for the disabled called xxx, located in xxx, run by xxx. On the first day, all I did was to help in a construction site under construction and harvest vegetables in a farm field. On the second day, I cleaned bathrooms and living rooms where the disabled were staying and helped feed them. I felt very awkward, in particular, in feeding the handicapped suffering from cerebral paralysis or apoplexy because I have never met such people before. Sincerely speaking, I spent the whole day as if I had only to complete the mandatory service rather than serve from the bottom of my heart.At that night, however, the lecture left a deep impact on my life. xxx said that out of the people he had met, the disabled were the most good-natured people but they wouldnt easily open their mind, for we treat them in an exclusive manner. I did not realize that I had not shared enough what I had with others until I heard him saying that a bitter ordeal suddenly strikes everyone of us, only the time being different. Since then, I have volunteered to support xxx with certain amount of money on a monthly basis and organized xxx society at xxx, helping people in a financial difficulty every other week. I have learned from this lesson that since we live in a community, it is impossible not to associate with others and we should share what we have. The primary reason I will pursue my goal in MBA might be to accomplish a better performance. Furthermore , I am confident that it would be a good motive to make a better society by sharing what I have learned in MBA program. Research Papers on Application for Dartmouth College MBA EssayDefinition of Export QuotasAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaThe Project Managment Office SystemMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalTwilight of the UAWRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanPETSTEL analysis of IndiaOpen Architechture a white paperMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever Product

Health care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Health care - Essay Example this case, the mission statement is vital for an organization in order to facilitate prosperity and growth, since it has a positive impact on profitability, an increase of shareholders equity and it helps the employees to understand the company mission. 2. The health care organizations are integrating their operations with technology by use of computerized systems for communication. This has benefited to the organization, but there are some demerits associated with this integration due to the high dynamism associated with technology. The computerized systems are becoming obsolete with time, thus causing some difficulties since the rate of change is in a way that the organizations are unable to maintain updated systems. Therefore, changes in health care regulations and policies have led to confusion in various health care organizations resulting to a problem in communication and operation using the computer systems. In conclusion, the paper has explored issues related to a mission statement in order to elaborate about its significance to an organization. The paper has also discussed the effects of changes in health care policies and regulation, which are facilitating the use of computer systems leading to a difficulty in

Film Close Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Film Close Analysis - Essay Example The next clip is also edited. 4 seconds Camera closeup of Douzi’s mother, Douzi is standing in the frame too but his image is blurred. His mother refuses to raise him at the brothel. She is crying and making sniffing sounds. Then she smiles and tried to cajole him. 5 seconds Long-shot of all three characters, Douzi’s mother sits down on her knees. Guan is seated far right of the frame across the table. He rises so his back is to the camera and asks her to leave. 2 seconds. Camera takes a close-up of Douzi and his mother. There is a loud clicking sound of the sharpening blades in the background. She covers his face with a scarf. Douzi tells her he can’t feel his hands they are so cold. 4 seconds Camera shows a medium shot of Douzi bent on a bench with this mother on the opposite side holding a knife. There is a loud clicking sound of a butcher’s knife. Douzi shivers several times and then removes the scarf. He looks at his decapitated hand. 5 seconds Medium shot of doors bursting open as Douzi’s mother rushes in carrying him. She has blood on her face, both are screaming and crying as she carries him. The camera stays focus on them as they move across the school. Other students rush after her. 3 seconds Next is a clip from the same room where they were holding a meeting with Guan. Douzi has escaped his mother’s grasp and is hiding under the table. He runs when she tries to reach for him. The camera shows a long shot of Douzi jumping across stairs and running into the veranda of the school. Other boys follow him. Boys try to grab him as Douzi runs. The finally catch him. Loud music plays. In this scene the character Douzi is introduced in the film, previously he was a by-stander to a street performance. From this point forward Douzi’s take up the main role in the film. In this scene, Xiao Douzi is taken to an Opera school by his mother. The teacher Master Guan spots his superfluous finger and refuses to admit him as his student. His

Media Analysis and Engagement Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Media Analysis and Engagement Plan - Essay Example The product was able to win over many fans and boost sales due to its innovative features such as a large HD touch screen, rounded design, eye movement recognition and pop-up play features (Samsung Electronics, 2013). The successful release of the upgraded flagship product across the world prompted Samsung to create an even better version, the Samsung Galaxy S-IV, which is to be released sometime in 2013. However, speculations as to the product’s specifications and release date were already starting to creep up in the web, despite the South Korean company not fully disclosing about the product just yet. In order to curb the hype as well as to properly inform the public and the product’s targeted audience, a social media and traditional media engagement plan would be designed to create a smooth and problem-free product release for the Samsung Galaxy S-IV. Identified Target Audiences (Online and Offline) High-end devices such as smartphones are known to appeal to two majo r age groups which are known to be tech-savvy among most of the general public: the 15-34 age group and the 35+ age group, also known as the Generation Y’s (We Are Apps, 2013). This is explainable by the fact that both age groups grew up with a full knowledge about rapid technological advancements and are not shy from using them, aside from having the income to buy such devices. They are also the age group that mostly frequent online, and they are able to passively advertise products and services either by blogging about them or uploading the photos of products or logos. They are also receptive to offline advertisements such as traditional mass media approaches due to familiarity or frequent use at home, thus these other forms of media would work on them as well. As these two age groups use their preferred media, people around them or those that they know well also get easily informed since they are able to use all forms of communication, and would be able to relay informatio n to friends, families, co-workers, and other people within their network. This creates additional target audiences through passively advertising about products by telling others about their experiences (Benkler, 2006). Thus using both online and offline strategies could easily create a wider coverage not just of the two targeted age groups but also to other age groups by catching their interest, both by online networking strategies and the use of print, television, and radio ads. Proposed Story Angle for Target Audiences and Media Anticipating a fun and relaxing summer is the chosen theme for the media engagement plan, and an image of positivity, various new experiences and uplift would be most applicable. Whereas the previous smartphone had variable story angles due to an increased focus in the product’s innovative features, it would be better to create an atmosphere for the new product since it would mostly be sharing some similar features with its predecessor. By introduc ing the product as a great way to experience and capture summer, people would more likely recall light and positive experiences, which could draw them in to the product much further. To keep the interest of the public and the target audience, in using traditional visual media short advertisements that are serial in nature (e.g. open-ended) can be used, aside from just showing the product’s features plainly. Showing experiences that most can relate to would not only make the company seem much more in tune with

Currency Exposure to Hedging Currency Risks

Currency Exposure to Hedging Currency Risks Hedging Currency Risks at AIFS, we shall now address the many stipulations regarding issues such as currency exposure and hedging decisions of the AIFS Company. Looking at the theory and practices of Archer-Lock within the company, with the information given we shall now analyze and interpret the report of AIFS. Using the financial Instruments of the foreign exchange market, the effect these instruments have on hedging will further be discussed, as well as the result of these instruments on the hedging decision. It is important to note that Becky Tabaczynski, CFO for the groups high school travel division ACIS, portrayed the idea a good hedging result is gained due to good relationships across the board. Whilst in some companies, hedging is considered a financial decision, independent of the business needs here; were trying to match the business needs. Now with the information provided in the case study, combined with knowledge of hedging options, the topic of currency exposure will be discussed. Q1. What gives rise to the currency exposure at AIFS? Currency exposure is the extent to which the future cash flows of an enterprise, arising from domestic and foreign currency denominated transactions involving assets and liabilities, and generating revenues and expenses are susceptible to variations in foreign currency exchange rates (International Federation of Accountants, 2010). Currency exposure at AIFS can be caused by 3 risks: the bottom-line risk, volume risk and competitive pricing risk. These 3 risks happen at AIFS because of the AIFSs hedging policies, so before analysing these 3 risks it is necessary to analyse AIFSs hedging policies. AIFSs Hedging Policies AIFS starts to hedge foreign currencies between 6 months and 2 years before the main pricing date, and uses forward contracts and currency options to hedge currency; the main hedging technique is forward contracts. Then AIFS uses these currencies to pay its customers expense abroad. AIFS charges USD by catalogue-based price from its customers, so no matter how the exchange rates change in the spot market, AIFS never changes its price in that period. AIFS uses forward contract to hedge before it has completed its sales cycle. So AIFS has to predict its business then hedge based on its prediction, but the situation that the number AIFS pays equals to the number AIFS buys is very hard to carry out. When the currencies that AIFS has bought are smaller than it has to pay, AIFS has to buy some more currencies by using currency options. When the currencies it has bought are greater than it has to pay, currency exposure happens. The Bottom- Line Risk Exchange rate is always fluctuant. EURO is one of the main currencies that AIFS needs to hedge. Looking at the graph, the exchange rate between USD and EURO in January was highest in 2010, which was 1.427$/à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, and the exchange rate in June was the lowest, which was only 1.221$/à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, the difference between highest and lowest is 0.206à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬/$, so when purchasing large amounts of EURO by using USD, the large difference of price will appear. The main hedging technique of AIFS is forward contracts, so if the exchange rate at the contract date is higher than the exchange rate at the settlement date, AIFS is at a disadvantage (maybe AIFS can choose currency options at this time, but it needs to pay premium, so the cost may be not reduced so much). When this situation happens, AIFSs cost will be higher and it will lose profit. 2010- American Dollars to 1 EUR Average Rates January 1.42721 USD (20 days average) February 1.36857 USD (20 days average) March 1.35685 USD (23 days average) April 1.34095 USD (21 days average) May 1.25653 USD (21 days average) June 1.22085 USD (22 days average) July 1.277 USD (22 days average) August 1.29029 USD (21 days average) September 1.3067 USD (22 days average) October 1.38978 USD (21 days average) November 1.38806 USD (12 days average) From X- rate.com, 2010 The Volume Risk When AIFS uses forward contract to hedge currencies, it doesnt know the number of customers it will get in this period. AIFS has been doing culture and educational exchanges for more than 40 years and got a very good praise and has a large number of customers, every year many young people go abroad via AFIS. Because its so popular, its hard to say how many customers will be increased next time. Also, war, terrorism and policies and other uncertainties will affect peoples mind, these factors will make more people prefer to stay at home rather than go abroad, and in that case the number of customers will be decreased. So its hard to predict the number of customers, its hard to say whether the number of customers will increase or decrease. In negative situations where there will be a lack of customers, the foreign currencies that have been bought will not be used; this is when currency exposure is evident. The Competitive Pricing Risk When AIFS is purchasing and using currencies, its competitors are doing it as well. These companies may contract with banks in lower exchange rates, which makes their charges lower than AIFS and therefore makes AIFS less competitive. Customers may buy currencies from other companies, and so AIFSs currencies cant be sold up and currency exposure happens. The changes of transportation fees (like train, boat, plane ticket), living fees, hotel fees can also give rise to the currency exposure. When these fees reduced, AIFS will pay less and may not use all of the currencies it has bought. According to AIFSs hedging policies, it has to predict the exchange rate fluctuant, the number of customers, which may be different with the final exchange rate and the volume when selling currencies, so the currency exposure happens. The actions of AIFSs competitors may make AIFS less competitive resulting in minimum sales of the currencies bought, further resulting in currency exposure. So the bottom-line risk, the volume risk and the competitive pricing risk will give rise to the currency exposure at AIFS. Also, the changes of fees may cause currency exposure. Q2. What would happen if Archer-Lock and Tabaczynski did not hedge at all? According to the case, The American Institute for Foreign Students (AIFS) organizes students who study abroad and the cultural exchange programs. It has two major divisions which are Archer-Lock managed The Study Abroad College and the High School Travel division, whose finances Tabaczynski managed. The problem faced by AIFS is the revenues of the company are mainly in US dollars, but most of their costs are in British pounds and Euros. AIFS sets guaranteed prices for its exchanges before its final sales figures are known. Therefore, for AIFS, the foreign exchange hedging is the key important area. The managers use currency hedging to protect their bottom line and cope with changes in exchange rates. But if Archer-Lock and Tabaczynski did not hedge at all, it would mean full exposure to the currency risk, the company could lose a lot of money if USD depreciated. Maybe the company can produce good results and have a really good profit when the USD appreciated if they did not hedge at all, as there are no other losses to erase their total revenue. However, they cannot know what the future sales volume and future exchange rate are, and so they may need to face losing a tremendous amount of money if USD depreciated. The cost base of the company would increase, and the revenues in USD will remain the same, this means their profitability would be erased. Also, AIFS needs to preserve their price guarantee policy. If they did not hedge at all, the company may incur losses by following this policy. Moreover, there may be a difference between final sales volumes and projected sales volume, and this exposes the company to having either more or less of the foreign currency depending on the final sales volume. For instance, as we know from the case, every year AIFS expected 25,000 students in their project. If the currency exchange rate decreased to USD 1.01/EUR, the company could save USD 5.25 million, however, if the exchange rate increased to USD 1.48/EUR, the company lose USD 6.5 million. Q3. 100% hedge with option and 100% hedge with forward The data shows above, When 100% hedge with option, currency rate 1.01, and the outcome is higher than total cost, the company can gain the profit. Rate becomes to 1.22 and 1.48, the outcome is lower than total cost, and the company has risk and a loss of money. When 100% hedge with forward, the fixed rate is locked in 1.22, the outcome is 0. That is means no risk and no profit. Q4. Using the forecast final sales volume of 25,000, the following are the possible outcomes relative to the zero impact scenario described in the case. Zero impact happened with rate (1.22) when they use forward contract were the same as project costs. When dollar becomes weak (1.48) it would cause a negative impact by a loss of money. When dollar becomes strong (1.01) it would cause a positive impact through gain of profit. When the USD is strong (1.01), the more options there are to hedge, the lower the cost. When USD is weak (1.48) the more options there are to hedge, the more the cost. Q5) what hedging decision would you advocate? Should we not hedge at all? As AIFS guaranteed its prices would not change before the next catalogue, if the USD goes weak, AIFS need to more USD to pay for its overseas cost ¸ however the price cannot be changed, which means AIFS will lose money. To eliminate this risk, AIFS better hedge. What do you advocate? (Advantages and Disadvantages) The forward contract is a simple arrangement widely used by the companies to manage the exchange rate risk. It can guarantee the amount of currency AIFS would receive in the expiry date of the contract, so it can get larger profits with forward contracts if AIFS count on a favourable exchange rate. The company can also avoid the 5% option premium, but it is not easy to get the counter party who would agree to fix the time period and the future exchange rate which would result in illiquidity. Thus being bilateral private contracts, the forwards have to be executed. The option contract can eliminate the downside risk and being more flexible, it can be seen as a combination of covered interest arbitrage depending on the difference in currency options and interest rates; it gives the company the right to sell or purchase a currency at an agreed exchange rate, but not the obligation. With the option contracts AIFS can hold the currency until the favourable exchange rate arises, so it would be more secure for the company. However, the premium cost is the disadvantage of option, and it has to be paid up front. Both forward contract and option contact work if the company is tight on cash and cannot spend 5% option premium in this case the forwards contract is a better choice. However, if AIFS has sufficient funds and foresees changes in exchange rates, then it should use option. AIFS does not have to exercise the contract when currency moves to unfavourable exchange rates. What happens if sales volumes are lower (10000) or higher (30000) than expected (25000)? According to appendix 3 and 4: The sales volume increase to 30000, exchange rate is 1.01. AIFS Company can gain the profit. Exchange rate is 1.22 and 1.48, AIFS Company exist risk loss the money; but when use 100% forward to hedge Company can avoids risk and there is no profit. The sales volume is decrease to 10000, the total cost is 1000* 10000= à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10000000 There are 3 possible situations that will happen at this time. = 0.4 = 40% According to the calculation above, when AIFSs currency hedge is covered less than 40% of its prediction (it predicts 25000 sales volumes), AIFS needs to buy some more currency to reach à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10000000 by using spot trading rate; when AIFSs currency hedge is covered at 40%, the currency it buys is equal to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10000000; when the currency hedge covered over 40%, AIFS cant use all of the EUR it has bought, so AIFS has to sell the extra EUR or save them and use them in the next period. 1.48 1.01 10000 30000 Source: AIFS case There will be 4 outcomes with the in the money and out of money positions and high and low sales volume (30000 or 10000). Square 1 shows low sales volume (10000) with strong USD that when the company is out of money (1.01USD/EUR). AIFS has an excess of currency. In this case, if it locked into surplus forward contracts then it would lose money. So the option contract is more favourable. AIFS does not execute the contract, it just lets it expire. In square 2 shows low sales volume (10000) with weak USD, The requirement of the currency is below the projection (25000), and the exchange rate is high (1.48USD/EUR). If AIFS uses forward contract the gain is larger compared to when it uses options contract because the options contract costs 5% of the nominal USD strike price. In square 3 the exchange rate moved out of money (1.01USD/EUR) and the sales go higher (30000) than expected. So AIFS doesnt have to buy euro at higher rate, therefore, the Options contract is better, as the extra volume they need (5000), can be bought at the spot rate. The increase of the Spot and Fixed rates and the difference of the volume of sales are the reason for company loss. The tricky square 4 shows when the exchange rate moved in the money (1.48 USD/EUR) and AIFSs sales volume came in higher (30000) than projections, which means the company need more currency (5000), however, the exchange rate is high. In this case, Forward contracts should be used and the extra volume at the spot rates should be bought. The increase of sales may offset the downside. For companies that work with more than one currency, several hedging techniques are available to guard against foreign exchange fluctuations. After studying and addressing the case study of AIFS, it can be concluded that the changes in fees can be the cause to currency exposure. The fact that the companys revenues are in USD, and costs in GBP and Euros may result in a rise to currency exposure. After analyzing the affects of financial instruments such as forward and option contracts will have on the company, it has been decided that the company would be at a better advantage with Forward contract in order to prevent risks. AIFS charges USD by catalogue-based prices from its customer, and as the company guaranteed the prices will not change, if the rate of the USD decreases then the company will be at a loss as they will have to cover other expenses with the currency they have bought, and in order to prevent this risk, the company would be in a better position if they hedged. REFERENCES: International Federation of Accountants, 2010, http://www.mia.org.my/handbook/guide/imap/imap_3.htm#Business%20Implications [Accessed on 4/11/2010] X-rate.com, 2010, http://www.x-rates.com/d/USD/EUR/hist2010.html [Accessed on 16/11/2010]

Sleepwalking Essay -- Research Psychology Essays

Sleepwalking Somnambulism, or sleepwalking, belongs to a group of parasomnias. This disorder of arousal is characterized by complex motor behaviors initiated during stages 3 and 4 of non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep (slow-wave sleep) (3). Behaviors during sleepwalking episodes can vary greatly. Some episodes are limited to sitting up, fumbling and getting dressed, while others include more complex behaviors such as walking, driving a car, or preparing a meal (2). After awakening, the sleepwalker usually has no recollection of what has happened and may appear confused and disoriented. The behaviors performed while sleepwalking are said to be autonomous automatisms. These are nonrelfex actions performed without conscious volition and accomplished independently from the I-function (3). This insinuates that everything done while sleepwalking is involuntary because the exhibited behavior is not a result of the I-function's output. Therefore if the I-function is not involved what causes people to sl eepwalk? What happens to the I-function during sleepwalking? What does this imply about brain and behavior? Sleep is a succession of five recurring stages: four non-REM stages and the REM stage. Researchers have classified these stages of sleep by monitoring muscle tone, eye movements, and the electrical activity of the brain using an electroencephalogram (EEG) (4). EEG readings measure brain waves and classify them according to speed. Alertness consists of desynchronized beta activity whereas relaxation and drowsiness consist of alpha activity (4). Stage 1 sleep includes alternating patterns of alpha activity, irregular fast activity and the presence of some theta activity. This stage is a transition between sleep and wakefulness (4... ...it can function independently from it. Despite my greater understanding of somnambulism I was unable to determine why the nervous system causes people to sleepwalk. It has been shown that no dreaming occurs during these stages of sleep. Therefore I do not understand what sleepwalkers are acting out. This question still remains open for investigation. Works Cited 1)Bassetti, C., Vella, S., Donati, F., Wielepp, P. Weder, B. SPECT during sleepwalking. Lancet 2000 Aug 5; 356(9228):484-85 2)3)Masand, P., Popli, A., Weilburg, J. Sleepwalking. American Family Physician 1995. v5 n3 p649. 4)Carlson, N. Physiology of Behavior. 7th ed. Allyn and Bacon. USA, 2001 5)McCarley, R.W. and Hobson, J. A. The form of dreams and the biology of sleep. In the Handbook of dreams: Research, Theory, and Applications, edited by B. Wolman. New York: Can Nostrand Reinhold, 1979.

Martin Guerre

The book â€Å"Martin Guerre† written by Natalie Zemon Davis' is about a French peasant of the 16th century, who was at the core of an eminent case of masquerade.   Natalie Zemon Davis is a historian and an American feminist of early contemporary France. Her major interests are in cultural and social history particularly of those formerly disregarded by the historians. In her book she discusses about the peasant life because according to her the most striking think about peasant life in sixteenth century, France was that marriage was primarily an economic and business relationship. It seemed to be used simply to unite familial lands and provide continuity in the family. Even though most, if not the entire, would presume the lives of peasants are unimportant in the superior system of things, the admired tale of Martin Guerre gives details of workers or peasants creating important, life-altering verdicts founded on egotism. The individual existance of the peasants does make a distinction. The author Natalie Zemon Davis narrates the story of peasants take care of themselves and seldom do they permit others to get in the way with their own aims, ambitions and objectives. She tries to fill in the fissure of the narrative with her personal view and opinion; even though, her judgment at times opposes the contemporaries of the tale. Numerous sources utilized by Natalie Davis are reasonably sound; but, several other sources elevate queries of their own genuineness and deep feeling. The novelist also takes a cavernous look into the lives of the peasants to investigate what coerces them and what so fervently fuels their idiosyncratic desires. The book details the life of the peasants in not only one specific place, but also details the customs of numerous places such as Hendaye, Artigat, and the court at Rieux in a contrast/compare style. It builds a world of stairs where those on the lowest rung are always looking somewhere higher up, yet they are always able to keep a taut rein on their lives. The characters of this tale are brought to a startling realism and gives details of every possible thought and action that could have led them down the path that they chose, and even speculates on alternatives to the choice they made. The author shows the life of the real Martin Guerre as full of regret and disgust at things gone wrong. His wife, Bertrande de Rols, is expressed as a manipulator that is always weighing her options and scheming to rise ahead. Subsequently, there is Arnaud du Tilh; without his appearance, no story would have likely taken place because it took a man of his shrewdness and his love of vice to create such a fantastical plot. Despite the fact that Arnaud was â€Å"the man for whom [Bertrande] felt†¦a great and joyous passion† (Davis 1983), she couldn't stay contentedly with him. She was a very strong catholic who could not accept â€Å"the shadow of sin and danger which accompanied [Arnaud]†(Davis 1983), even though he made her happier than Martin ever could or would have. In an era where women were indeed oppressed in a male-dominated society, it is understandable that a woman like Bertrande would have feelings of anger towards her oppressors. It is certain that she feels anger and a kind of hatred towards Arnaud, saying that â€Å"[she] has not demanded his death, but now [she] must demand it† (Davis 1983). It is possible that Arnaud is ‘copping the brunt' of all of her hardships that came about after Martin left her. A person might think that Bertrand’s triumph would at last bestow her liberty and trustworthiness. On the contrary, she is given the opposed â€Å"harsh, solitary justice†. No one in actual fact cares that she was true, and no one tries to stop her at the time she goes away. If ethical impartiality had been attained, she (Bertrande) would not have been in the place where she ended up. Frances and Joseph Geis elucidate comprehensively the traditions of family and matrimony during the 16th century. In the middle Ages, the majority of the peasants did not have proper matrimonial vows performed in church. As an alternative, they promise (or vow) to each other to reside as ordinary and bylaw wife and husband. Ceremony was not compulsory because peasants did not possess land; they worked on the property of the aristocracy as occupant cultivators or farmers. Matrimonial customs transformed in the 16th   century due to the peasant's capability to possess property, due to which parents persevered on having further control over their progeny’s matrimonial options. â€Å"Love may do much, but money more.† This was a popular proverb among peasants in 16th century France. This quote characterizes peasant life in all aspects and the same has been described in the book. Though the world offered much to its citizens, the peasants always wanted more; they wanted more money, which would in turn, provide more power. Whatever is beneficial to them, they seek without regards as to the effects it would have on others. In this age of France, trade between villages and towns was bountiful. This emphasis put on business reveals the peasant motto â€Å"but money more†; many believed trading would bring them, greater riches and opportunity. Marriage was a major vessel used by peasants, by which they sought out power and wealth. One such example is the marriage of Bertrande de Rols and Martin Guerre. The Guerre's attempted to use their son, Martin, to make connections with a significant, prominent family in the society of Artigat. They hoped that this new bonding would help them make vital connections to a higher class of peasant. Although it was shunned by most in the Catholic Church and by attorneys consensual marriage was legal and only required the bride and groom to agree on it. It was usually eschewed because it did not give the families any voice in the matter. However, most marriages were arranged by the parents. The main purpose of the marriage was to produce children; love was not a factor. The more children (especially males) a family has, the greater fortune it will likely bring to the family. A childless marriage was grounds for a divorce at this time; without children, a marriage, in essence, has no purpose. Many people simply did not find that their present situation was going well. Many departed themselves from reality by joining the army (this was common due to the current war between France and Spain). Others did not take such a drastic step; they simply picked up everything they owned and moved to a new village to start a new life in hopes of better fortune. Around this time, as ideas moved about rather swiftly due to peasant migration, Protestantism arose to challenge the authority of Catholicism. Peasants broke into church buildings and smashed images of the saints and other artwork. Protestantism found its fuel in its central doctrines: such as scripture being open to individual interpretation. Peasants saw these doctrines as loopholes and alternatives to the harsh, Catholic teachings. The courts, at this time, were attempting to instill the public with more conservative decisions that would favor marriage to divorce and put an emphasis on the familial unit, especially the children; this they did in hopes of ending decisions based solely on self-interest. There are scenarios where execution is used as a form of punishment for adultery. Davis accentuates the generalities of medieval life in France and also provides particularities, such as the property of Pansette staying within his family instead of going to the king, as was the custom. A desire to attain one's own interests so eagerly is proven repeatedly by Davis as though she is obviously attempting to lead us in that direction by her outlook on this part of the past. BIBLIOGRAPHY Davis, Natalie, The Return of Martin Guerre, Harvard University Press, 1983, ISBN, 0 14 00,7593 3 Original Literary Source Lewis, Janet. Retour de Martin Guerre, Le      

African American History and Women Timeline 1900-1919

African American History and Women Timeline 1900-1919 The following is a timeline of African American womens history from 1900-1919. 1900 (September) Nannie Helen Burroughts and others founded the Womens Convention of the National Baptist Convention 1901 Regina Anderson born (librarian, Harlem Reaissance figure) 1902 Local white protests of the appointment of Minnie Cos as postmistress of Indianola, Mississippi, led to President Theodore Roosevelt suspending postal services to the town. (February 27) Marian Anderson born (singer) (October 26) Elizabeth Cady Stanton died (antislavery and womens rights activist) 1903 Harriet Tubman signed over her home for the elderly to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Harriet Marshall founded the Washington (DC) Conservatory, admitting African American students Maggie Lena Walker founded St. Lukes Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Virginia, becoming the first woman bank president Sarah Breedlove Walker (Madam C.J. Walker) begins her haircare business Ella Baker born (civil rights activist) Zora Neale Hurston born (writer, folklorist) 1904 Virginia Broughton published Womens Work, as Gleaned from the Women of the Bible Mary McLeod Bethune founded what is today Bethune-Cookman College 1905 Niagara Movement founded (out of which the NAACP grew) National League for the Protection of Colored Women founded in New York Ariel Williams Holloway born (musician, teacher, poet, figure in Harlem Renaissance) Constitution of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, Wobblies) included a provision that no working man or woman shall be excluded from membership in unions because of creed or color first outdoor tuberculosis camp in the United States was opened in Indianapolis, Indiana, sponsored by the Womens Improvement Club 1906 after a riot in Brownsville, Texas, President Theodore Roosevelt delivered dishonorable discharges to three companies of African American soldiers; Mary Church Terrell was among those formally protesting this action second meeting of the Niagara Movement met at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, with about 100 men and women in attendance Josephine Baker born (entertainer) Susan B. Anthony died (reformer, abolitionist, womens rights advocate, lecturer) 1907 Negro Rural School Fund was established by Anna Jeanes, aimed at improving education for rural southern African Americans Gladys Bentley, Harlem Renaissance figure, became known for her risque and flamboyant piano playing and singing Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller received the first federal art commission awarded to an African American woman for figurines of African Americans to be used at the Jamestown Tercentenniel Exposition 1908 call issued which resulted in 1909 founding of NAACP; women signers included Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Jane Addams, Anna Garlin Spencer, and Harriot Stanton Blatch (daughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton) in Los Angeles, the Womans Day Nursery Association was formed to provide care for African American children whose mothers worked outside the home Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority founded 1909 Nannie Helen Burroughs founded the National Training School for Women, Washington DC Gertrude Steins novel Three Lives characterizes a black female character, Rose, as having the simple, promiscuous immorality of Black people. (February 12) National Negro Conference 1910 second conference of the National Negro Conference forms the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), with  Mary White Ovington  as a key organizer holding a variety of offices 1910-1947 including as member of the Executive Board and board chair, 1917-1919; later women leaders included Ella Baker and  Myrlie Evers-Williams (September 29) Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes founded by Ruth Standish Baldwin and George Edmund Haynes 1911 Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes, Committee for the Improvement of Industrial Conditions Among Negroes in New York, and National League for the Protection of Colored Women merged, forming the National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes (later just National Urban League) (January 4)  Charlotte Ray  died (first African American woman lawyer in the United States and the first woman admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia)   Edmonia Lewis  last reported in Rome; died that year or after (her death date and location are unknown) Mahalia Jackson born (gospel singer) (February 11)  Francis Ellen Watkins Harper  died (abolitionist, writer, poet) 1912 Virginia Lacy Jones born (librarian) Margaret Washington, newly elected president of the National Association of Colored Women, founded the periodical  National Notes 1913   Harriet Tubman  died (Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, womens rights advocate, soldier, spy, lecturer) Fannie Jackson Coppin died (educator) (February 4)  Rosa Parks  born (April 11) federal government officially segregates by race all federal workplaces, including rest rooms and eating facilities (-1915) Ruth Standish Baldwin served as president of the National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes 1914 Marcus and Amy Jacques Garvey founded the Negro Universal Improvement Association in Jamaica this moved later to New York, promoting a homeland in Africa and independence in America for African Americans (or 1920) Daisy Bates born (civil rights activist) 1915 National Negro Health movement began to offer services to black communities, serving and including as health workers many African American women Billie Holiday born as Eleanora Fagan (singer) 1916 1917 Ella Fitzgerald born (singer)   Gwendolyn Brooks  born (poet) (June 30)  Lena Horne  born (singer, actress) (July 1-3) race riots in East St. Louis killed 40 to 200; 6,000 had to leave their homes (October 6)  Fannie Lou Hamer  born (activist) 1918 Frances Elliott Davis enrolled with the American Red Cross, the first African American nurse to do so (March 29)  Pearl Bailey  born 1919 NAACP founded with a number of women signing the call;  Mary White Ovington  became the first chairperson Pearl Primus born (dancer) Sarah Breedlove Walker (Madam C.J. Walker) died suddenly (executive, inventor, philanthropist);  ALelia Walker  becomes president of the Walker company Edmonia Highgate died (fundraiser, after the Civil War, for the Freedmans Association and the American Missionary Society, for educating freed slaves)

The Importance of Segregation of Competitors Business Strategy Assignment

The Importance of Segregation of Competitors Business Strategy Assignment The Importance of Segregation of Competitors Business Strategy – Assignment Example ï » ¿ Question 1: We try to segregate information on competitors’ short term strategies and long term strategies. This is very significant to know what competitors are planning for short and long run, how this can affect the future needs and demands of the company and should the company take any proactive step to deal with the same. Short term strategies can result is fad or lead to fashion. A successful fad of competitor can significantly change the profit margin of the company and substantial amount of market share. This aims at collecting information on the tactical strategy of the competitor intelligence. Question 2: We keep track of sales promotions activities of our nearest competitor (s). The sales promotional activities specific to certain market and product will help company to identify which promotional strategy is effective among different consumer groups. This will also help in identify if promotional activities of competitor would be affecting the market share of the product of the company. This aims at collecting information on the tactical strategy of the competitor intelligence. Question 3: In order to identify new market and new segments, we also follow competitors so that we do not miss any opportunity. Competitor’s strategy so to particular market and market segments can provide information on the potential of new market and products. This focuses on the business environment of the company in order to identify the new market segment. The new market and new product for old market requires innovation and creativity. The organization can track the change of the competitors move to enhance its sales and achieve long term sustainable goals. This focuses on the long term aspect of the competitors’ moves. This allows seeing the changes of the market place at the earliest and helps in incorporating corresponding changes so that market share of the organization is sustained.

Petroleum Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Petroleum Engineering - Essay Example In simple terms, the task of engineers is to provide a link between ideas and physical reality (Lyons& Gary 12). Petroleum falls in the category of minerals used by people or humanity for many years. For a couple of decades ago, people used materials or minerals where they referred to them by different names such as oil from rocks, shining water, and sweat of devil. Some of the names have been in place for several years such as naphtha and petros (Lyons& Gary 17). In Greek, Petros stands for rock while in Roman it means oil or petroleum. For many years, surface springs and tar pits have been the only source of oil or petroleum. However, this argument has not been reliable because most people look for petrol beneath the earth’s surface. For instance, during 1859, Drake Edwin struck oil after drilling 69 feet (Lyons& Gary 22). On August 27, the year 1859, United States of America marked the origin of Petroleum and Oil industry (Lyons& Gary 24). Despite the fact that few people h ad participated in commercial sale of oil, Drake was instrumental in proving that production of oil could occur in large scale. Analysis of crude oil shows that the composition of crude oil takes has carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur. Carbon and hydrogen forms a big percentage in terms of composition of crude oil than nitrogen and oxygen. In terms of products, crude oil has the following products: hydrocarbon gas, petroleum ether, gasoline, kerosene, light gas, heavy gas and reside. All these products have different uses. For example, hydrocarbon gas finds its use as a natural gas while petroleum ether is a cleaner or solvent (Lyons& Gary 32). Petroleum occurs in rocks that are of three types, namely sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. The classification is these rocks are according to origin as shown below. Igneous rocks originate from cooling and solidification process of magma in molten state. Magna results from the interior of the earth following eruption process. These rocks form almost 95% of the earth’s crust. They have a crystalline and hard structure with voids or pore spaces. This category of rocks consists of basalt, granite, serpentines, and andesite (Lyons& Gary 34). Sedimentary rocks forms the second classification of rocks used to produce petroleum. These rocks emanate from deposition of both inorganic and organic matter. Deposition of animal and plant fossils alongside igneous rock occurs in layers or strata. Sedimentary rocks fall further into three types, namely chemical, organic, and clastic sediments. Formation of clastic sediments is through deposition after a series of breakdown and transport. Clastic sediments mostly include breccias, sandstone, sands, gravels, siltstone, and marble. The second type of sedimentary rock is the chemical sediment that has mineral salts such as sulfate and chlorides. Lastly, the formation of organic sediments is through compaction process by wind, ice, snow, or rain (Lyons& Gary 39). Metamorphic rocks forms the last category of rocks that results from tectonic process in an environment that has elevated temperature and pressure. This environment changes the structure and composition of sedimentary and igneous rocks to form metamorphic rocks. These types include shales, marble, and quartzites (Lyons& Gary 40). Two groups of theories explain the actual occurrence

Can the United States be said to be dominant within the international Dissertation

Can the United States be said to be dominant within the international financial institutions of the IMF and the World Bank - Dissertation Example IMF (International Monetary Funds) and World Bank are the most prominent international financial institutions that were formed after the World War II with an objective to transfer capital funds from robust to starving countries in the world. Kapur (1999) says that the World Bank was established to serve the purpose of a financial cooperative with the patronage of economically strong countries of the world. The Bank was determined to raise funds from international market at lower rates and disperse them to the economically weaker countries for which it was not easy to borrow from international market at those rates as the Bank. IMF and World Bank have strong economic and political ties. A country willing to become a member of the latter needs to be a member of the former institution. The management framework of both these financial institutions is similar with the striking difference of share allocation system that ascertains the number of shares owned by each member country. Mistry illustrates that share allocation to the members of the World Bank follows no certain rules or obligations, however in the IMF, the share allocation is determined by Quota system where every country owns a specific number of fixed shares. Again in both these institutions, the borrowing countries hold a smaller ratio of the total shares as opposed to the shares owned by the economically stronger countries that enjoy influence over the entire minority. These institutions can exercise a great degree of influence both economically and politically.... Kapur (1999) says that the World Bank was established to serve the purpose of finance cooperative with the patronage of economically strong countries of the world. The Bank was determined to raise funds from international market at lower rates and disperse them to the economically weaker countries for which it was not easy to borrow from international market at those rates as the Bank. IMF and World Bank have strong economic and political ties. A country willing to become a member of the latter needs to be a member of former institution. The management framework of both these financial institutions are similar with the striking difference of share allocation system that ascertains the number of shares owned by each member country. Mistry (1995) illustrates that share allocation to the members of the World Bank follows no certain rules or obligations, however in the IMF, the share allocation is determined by Quota system where every country owns a specific number of fixed shares. Again in both these institutions the borrowing (developing) countries hold a smaller ratio of the total shares as opposed to the shares owned by the economically stronger countries that enjoy influence over the entire minority. These institutions can exercise a great degree of influence both economically and politically over the countries that choose to borrow from IMF and World Bank. Cox (1993) illuminates that the power and influence of these international financial institutions is due to the reasons that their conditions most prominently enhance their power over the borrowing countries, they are formed by economic super powers so as to maintain their power, and their key members mostly represent countries with high economic strength.