College Expectations Essay

Every January 1st brings around another opportunity for people to set goals and have new hopes to accomplish in the year that follows. Some people make these hopes and dreams in the way of resolutions that they will attempt to start or stop doing something in their lives. For some people another new year means another 52 weeks of being scared. Some people are scared of financial situations, some of family situations, and some of the unknown’s that lie ahead. At the present time in my life I am one year away from graduating high school. That means that I am only one year away from going to college as well. That brings up many different hopes and fears. The next year will dictate much of what happens to me during the four years that follow; my hope is to take all the necessary steps to be able to enter the college of my choice. Sometimes I get jealous of those students that have more money than my family and I do. Not that this means that I live in a bad situation, but it does mean I will have to work harder during high school to get as much grant and scholarship money as I can for my college education. Much of my time in the next year will be spend preparing for college. That includes applications, campus visits, financial aid and scholarship forms, and eventually leaving home. My college experience will most likely dictate how I will spend the rest of my life. At this point in my life I must concentrate and stay focused. Even when I feel that I do not want to continue the applications and essay’s I must remember what this point in life holds for the rest of my life.

A Poem Analysis Essay

Langston Hughes’ â€Å"Let America Be America Again† reveals the dismay of the speaker about the social condition of America at the time and how the country is yet to attain its reputation as the home of the free. Written from the first-person point of view, the speaker vents out frustration at the racial inequalities that cut across American society while expressing hope that â€Å"America will be† the America that the â€Å"dreamers dreamed† at the same time. Generally, the speaker aims his or her criticisms to no particular individual but the entire American society. Taken in the context of the bitterness of the tone of the poem especially in the parts where the speaker narrates whose voices he or she is representing, the speaker directs his or her attention to the reader who may not at all be aware of the social conditions pervading America at the time. Interestingly, the tone of the poem is not bitter or frustrated throughout the entire length of the poem. The poem begins with several stanzas that are imbued with emotionless force, proceeds with what appears to be the very meat of the poem—the disappointment towards the selfishness for power and property that takes away the very freedom that every American yearns for—and concludes with a fervent hope in the belief that America will rise from the din and reclaim its status as the â€Å"homeland of the free†. In summary, the poem shows how the speaker sees America—a country that never was the country the speaker envisions it to be. The speaker presents a rundown of the people in America who are at the center of the problem—the â€Å"poor white,† the â€Å"Negro,† the â€Å"red man† and the â€Å"immigrant clutching the hope I seek†Ã¢â‚¬â€all of whom are experiencing almost the same fate of inequalities. Nearing the end of the poem, the speaker expresses his or her belief that America is â€Å"the land that has never been yet† and â€Å"yet must be†, which signifies the speaker’s hope that someday â€Å"America will be†. With these things in mind, it is easy to understand that the poem’s theme revolves around the concept of â€Å"hope†. By introducing the poem with a series of expectations and following them with a sequence of how such expectations have been unfulfilled, the speaker effectively sets the space for an ending that pins the very motive of the length of the poem. A close reading of the poem shows that the Langston Hughes achieved his purpose of letting hope become known to his readers, the hope that, despite America’s social inequalities at the time, there will come a time that the country will satisfy its label as the â€Å"homeland of the free†. On a personal note, I think still applies today than it once did during the time of Hughes. I think the lines â€Å"the millions who have nothing for our pay† and â€Å"of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak† still closely resemble contemporary America. The current financial crisis sweeping across the country can only indicate how millions of Americans are still struggling to earn at least a decent pay, and how one person will take advantage of another just to survive in these harsh and trying times. Those things being said, there is strong reason to believe that the poem overarches from the past to the present. Hughes may not have been aware of it, but his poem is as timely now as it used to be in the past. Although there are several other significant differences between the time of Hughes and contemporary America, â€Å"Let America Be America Again† is one of the poems that remind the average individual that America remains a country always on the quest for a more perfect union. Work Cited Hughes, Langston. â€Å"Let America Be America Again†. 1994. May 11 2009. .

Economics for Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Case Study

Economics for Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure - Case Study Example Due to Guam’s close association with the economy of Japan, misfortunes in the latter have seriously affected the economic situation in Guam. Nonetheless, the scenario has improved in Guam eventually although the trend of tourists has changed significantly (Dougan, 2007). A deep investigation into the behavioural pattern of the new generation of Japanese tourists has yielded a sharp contrast to the older lot of travellers. Hence, the policymakers need to frame new marketing, supply and operational decisions for boosting their tourism sector to be at par with its past glory. Marketing Decisions An empirical study shows that Japanese tourists prefer Guam over other tourist destinations owing to the proximity between the two and the picturesque beauty of the place. The Japanese are found to be mostly concerned about their security while touring and thus, the Guamanian policymakers need to market their increased concern towards security of their tourists and beautifying the spot. I n addition, the high demand for luxury items might also be employed by the policymakers for marketing tourism in Guam. A weak dollar against Japanese Yen has reduced the relative price of many branded items in Guam than they are in Japan which could be used as a ploy by policymakers to attract tourists (Moutinho, Curry, & Rita, 1996). Supply Decisions Supply decisions which boost tourism in Guam are those which help in drawing more and more tourists within the nation. Supply decisions are essentially those which take a note of the demand situation and then frame supply schedules so as to maximise profits (Walker & Walker, 2011). In the present instance, the demand decisions of Japanese tourists are found to be dependent more on their per capita income rather than the prices of commodities. Moreover, they incline more towards luxury items available in Guam. To meet their needs of regular items, the Japanese tourists recently have turned their attention towards discounted commodity st ores. Hence, the policymakers should choose to enhance the supply of luxury items in Guam as increase in sale of discounted commodity items do not assist in boosting the level of income in a nation. In addition, the Guamanian policymakers could also employ those tools which give them an edge over other tourism destinations in terms of opportunity costs. For instance, the hotel room rates in Guam are far cheaper than those in other tourist destinations with the downward trend especially noted post the Asian financial crisis, on account of high dependence of Guamanian tourism on the economy of Japan. The policymakers can also choose to instruct all Guamanian hotels towards keeping their prices low as well especially at times when the Japanese economy is experiencing a low. Moreover, at times when the demand is low, the policymakers can choose to adjust the availability of airline seats so as to keep the prices constant and reduce chances of loss. Operational Decisions The operational decisions that the policymakers should adopt to boost the Guamanian tourism sector would tend to improve the financial flow within the economy (Knowles,

Pollution Control Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pollution Control Issues - Essay Example Introduction to Policy Area Pollution control is a major policy area of not only national but also global importance. We generally agree that pollution of land, water, and air should be controlled. But when it is the question of designing these controls or ascertaining that how much control is sufficient, major disagreements begin to surface. In this regard, Crandall states, â€Å"In 1970, popular concern about environmental degradation coalesced into a major political force, resulting in President Richard Nixon’s creation of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the first of the major federal attempts to regulate pollution directly—the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970.† With the lapse of time, the federal government took several regulatory majors through the EPA. Non government organizations, research organizations, civil activists, etc. also got involved in the process. The contemporary trend in this policy area is to consider market based metho ds and strategies for pollution control. According to many legislators and lobbyists, the traditional command and control model is not working effectively enough. Classic Iron Triangle Structure Before describing what the classic iron triangle in the context of pollution control would look like, let’s focus on the concept of iron triangle itself. In U.S. politics, iron triangle defines the threefold interaction between the congressional committees, the interest groups, and the governmental agencies. Clientele directed executive functionary mechanism is the main characteristic of iron triangle, which may harm or neglect the greater public interest and provide benefit to the interest groups that are mainly formed of powerful corporate bodies (Hix, 251). The diagram below represents the iron triangle in the sphere of pollution control policy area. In the case of the policy area of pollution control, at one corner of the triangle will be the U.S. Congress Senate Committee on Envi ronment and Public Works, which is a major congressional committee that provides oversight and funds. On the other corner, there will be the EPA, which is a part of bureaucracy, or in other words, the executive of the governmental agencies. At the third corner, there will be the interest groups, which are major corporate bodies, particularly the energy and chemical giants. Significance of Issue Networks Issue networks can be defined as allied structures of several individuals and interest groups that attempt to promote an issue in the federal policy making and think tank. Landy and Milkis think that issue networks are instrumental in balancing rights and democracy vis-a-vis the political tradition and formation of sub-government of iron triangles. Issue networks are a sort of fluid mechanism that would provide the constituency of general public a practical and supple organization, which can accelerate a sustained civil action. In the context of pollution control we can say that the powerful corporations pursue the Congress members and EPA to loosen the regulations so that less money can be invested to obtain improved pollution controlling technologies that are relatively costlier or call for industrial unit replacements. Pollution control issue network can become a contextual counterbalancing factor, where people will have voice. Research organizations, civil activists, non government agencies, independent observers, social

Corporate Culture and Identity Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corporate Culture and Identity - Case Study Example Moreover, this discourse would assist in comprehending to the requirement of an effectual corporate culture and corporate identity in order to sustain in a market with immense competition. Analyses have found that the workplace mores and cultures developed by a company are considerably associated with its overall presentation or performance. On the contrary, the behavior of this relationship facilitates significant assistance to the pattern of systems and procedures so as to improve the organizational performance. Nevertheless, the previous verdicts from an appraisal of the current literatures are approximately founded on companies established in the Western battle-field, thereby, sending-off open the argument of whether they also would tend to implement to a non-Western framework. Further to it, preceding studies have not precisely analyzed the existence as well as behavior of the corporate culture presentation affiliation in the hospitality division. Yet, current exploratory analyses point out that totally, the tool or instrument brought in to use by international firms and others so as to measure corporate culture and corporate identity can discriminate between hig her and lower performing hotels. Various relationships have been originated to be important in the settings which aren't as significant. Hence, we will discuss the implications of these findings for management with regards to the Hotel-Restaurant Erbprinz. As we have already discussed the hypothetical as well as social interpretation of corporate culture, we can construe to the fact that the culture of Hotel Erbprinz delineates classic mores of approximately 200 years. The historical flair and luxurious ambience is pleasing for every individual and group which, on in addition, is essential for the leader aspiring to show ways to others. In accordance with the Three Levels of Culture described by Schein, hotel Erbprinz contributes to efficacious illustration of what organizational culture is. Hotel Erbprinz practices all the adopted values which last until today. Its competent staff constantly experiences the restrained ambience to carry the hospitality which has been accomplished at the hotel for over a couple of centuries of its business. The values of Hotel Erbprinz are the core of culture which are illustrated by the basic suppositions, and are hard to discriminate. The hotel's basic suppositions form thoughtful width of human survi val such as their relationships and activities. The corporate culture of Hotel Erbprinz is created in a natural way because it keeps its customers approaching collaboratively with a common and shared cause, and as a result, a successful culture is shaped. We can, thus, comprehend to the fact that, no matter whatever a customer opts for in their stay, gracious vicinity will escort them at the Hotel. Every

Soya-bean Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Soya-bean - Essay Example However, now doubts have been raised by scientists, doctors and nutritionists that soy is not that healthy after all and that soy poses special health risk A very interesting account of the historical travel of the soy plant in the Western world has been documented by Hymowitz (1990). While his idea that the soy plant was a saviour, or manna from heaven itself, for many people can be and is subjected to much debate, the historical account of the origin of the plant is well worth a read. Soya bean is a gift to the new world from the ancient oriental (Chinese , Japanese civilization). Before we take up the issue of the actual debate of the nutrient value and the positive and negative effects of this miracle plant, it would be worthwhile to have a brief glimpse into the origin and historical path travelled by it. Recorded history traces of its origin dates back to 2838 BC in China and to 6th century in Japan. Ibn Europe the records show an introduction of the plant as late as the 17th century , with America eventually catching up. Nonetheless, the USA produces one-third of the world's supply and indeed has seen a rise in the actual sales of soy product by nearly 3 times in the past decade. Like most legumes and beans, soy bean... Interestingly they also contain a high proportion of fat, however since this is mostly unsaturated fat, the effects of such lipid forms are mostly beneficial for an individual. However it is important to address that this nutrient content profile is applicable to Whole Foods and not Supplements. Much of the research to date has examined dietary soy in the form of whole foods such as tofu, "soymilk," or as soy protein added to foods, and the public health community mostly concurs that these whole foods can be worthwhile additions to a healthy diet. The recently raised concerns, however, focus on specific components of soy, such as the soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein, not the whole food or intact soy protein. In this respct we need to understand the nutrient content of soy been at the micronutrient level. This is also important since there has been an increase in chemicals, available over the counter in pills and powders, which are both, advertised and marketed as dietary supplements for use by women to help lessen menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. While it may be possible that soy bean, in whole food has some efficacy for improving a lot of diseased condition, it is imperative to understand that teasing out individual chemicals would not be a good practice. This problem has been very accurately summarised by Wood; "There are probably hundreds of protective compounds in soy [foods]. It's just too big a leap to assume that a pill could do the same thing" (Woods, 2000). The need to exercise caution hence is clear and care must be taken in hailing soy as the food that can do only good. Nonetheless, there is much effect in the literature which supports the increased prevalence of soy bean as a health food. C Soybean as Food While not every form

Paper on social works theoretical approaches Assignment

Paper on social works theoretical approaches - Assignment Example f the main characters and presenting core of conflicts in the case study, systems section begins by explaining the systems perspective and then describing what happens systematically in the institution, the structural section starts by explaining the structural perspective and then discusses how institutionally embedded injustices are influencing specific members of the family and the family as a whole and discussing how race, class, gender and/or other oppressions impact the family’s experiences and their understandings of themselves and others, the community section begins by explaining the community perspective and then name one social problem that exists in this community and identify the root causes of this problem or issue. There are different types of organizational changes like anticipatory, reactive, incremental, strategic and changes through tuning, adaptation, reorientation and recreation and these changes are inevitable in the organization towards which people react in various ways. Anticipatory changes are the expected changes in the organization through planned and prepared activities. Reactive changes mean a change made after meeting an unexpected situation in the organization while incremental changes happen by way of introducing new subsystems in the organization. Strategic change is meant an alteration in the organization in result of the application of the new strategy in order to shape and lead the organization in the proper direction. Individuals react to these changes in different ways like in unrealistic optimism, feeling shocked on the reality and direction in the constructive way and the various patterns of responding to the change are coming to the right track, laughing it off, havi ng suspicion about the change and buying in. organizational change or any alteration is perceived in many ways by the different individuals. Amy is an eight year experienced professor in the department of social work. She liked to work in a health agency

Lessons learned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lessons learned - Essay Example Unity is the focus on a single idea. Coherence is the intelligibility with the aid of logical and verbal bridges (Purdue OWL, 2007, para 5). Logical bridges are formed when the idea is carried from sentence to sentence. Verbal bridges are formed when keywords are repeated across the paragraph. "A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with" (Purdue OWL, 2007, para 8). This is a very good example of a topic sentence for a paragraph that describes the importance of the topic sentence. However, this need not necessarily be at the top of the paragraph. In a paragraph, transition sentences are used to connect ideas. A transition used at the end of a paragraph will help the idea flow easily to the next paragraph. Content is undoubtedly the most essential feature of writing, however, what makes the content presentable is grammar and mechanics. The mechanics deal with the conventional rules of writing while grammar with the forms of words and how they relate to each other. For example, using apostrophe in a plural or a singular word (boys' or boy's) is a matter of mechanics, not grammar. Also, choosing the right rhetorical strategy is essential for powerful writing. Exemplification is the strategy of using facts, and description is that of detailing (Shulman, 2004, para 2). Narration, process analysis, comparison, classification, definition, cause-effect analysis and argumentation are others that can be used in different appropriate combinations for different topics. Having chosen the topic, thorough research leads to in-depth knowledge which, again, adds conviction to your writing. Information can be gathered from what others have written (books, journals, etc.), said (interviews, discussions , etc.) and made (software, organizations, etc.) (Dix, 1997, para 16). You have to be aware of the limitations, authenticity and suitability of your chosen methodology. If written sources suit scientific research, it may be a survey that suits market research. The study of the techniques and strategies and the practical assignments have helped immensely in improving my writing from being just prosy to being more powerful, convincing, interesting and effective. References Dix, A, (1997). Research techniques. In Research and Innovation Techniques. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/dixa/topics/res-tech/intro.html Shulman, L. E. (2004). Rhetorical strategies of essay writing. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/rhetoric.htm APA and Styles Academic writing is a result of in-depth research into already published sources, relevant references, logical interpretation and subjective summarization. There are several established and accepted styles for writing, the rules of which are to be diligently followed

Discuss critically the assertion that revolutionary processes in the Essay

Discuss critically the assertion that revolutionary processes in the Arab world have reached maturity due to the crucial role pl - Essay Example The advent of new media has made it easier for people and parties to gather and use information, and spread as far and wide as they want (Anderson and Eickelman, 2003: 39). Today, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have united millions of people, especially those with common interests and agendas. These platforms allow people to share ideas, thoughts and sentiments and discuss them with people interested, a process usually referred to as cyber activism. This activism has even made online political discussions possible. The Arab World countries have however, found new use for the new media. For them, their smart phones, twitter and Facebook are not just used for leisure, sharing, commenting and following, they have become their tools of liberation, their weapons against dictatorial regimes and a platform for gathering people towards mass action and collective responsibility (Anderson and Eickelman, 2003: 39). For these countries, it is a time for revolution, a time to change their lives, change corrupt regimes and establish a whole new season of leadership. The question is, is it right to say that the Arab world has reached its maturity in revolutionary processes due to the roles played by the new media? This is the question that this work seems to find an answer to. To do this, some case studies of events and countries where social media has been used to foster revolution, then an analysis of all the cases shall be done and a conclusion drawn. The 2010 Tunisia Revolution It all started when a street vendor in Tunisia, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself ablaze on claims of harassment by officials of the municipality. The updates of these images on the social media not only went viral but it also attracted emotional and harsh comments from the people, all attacking the government. This horrible police action laid the foundation of the revolution. The revolution, also commonly referred to as the Jasmine Revolution took place from 18th December of 2010. Some of the reasons why the protestors took to the streets included unemployment, inflation especially in the food sector, curtailed and restricted freedom of speech, unhealthy living conditions, police brutality among others. During the protests, which went to as far as past March of 2011, many people died and others injured. To the activists and non conformers, they wanted nothing less than the step-down of the then president, Zine EL Abidine Ben Ali. He had exercised his dictatorial rule for over 23 years since his election in 1987. The revolutionary protests in Tunisia took place in form of strikes, online activism, civil resistance and disobedience among others. When the government realized that the protestors were not willing to back off or retreat, Ben Ali finally stepped down on 15th January 2011. Foud Mebazaa then became the acting president, and the protestors demanded that elections be held in sixty days. All the RCD members were removed from government but the protests d id not subside, resulting to the resignation of the prime minister. Tunisia opened the gate for the Arab world uprisings and revolutions, which have seen huge and immense changes in the dictatorial regimes. The revolution became famously known as the Twitter revolution, where the protests claimed that they were tweeting out the tyrants .To them, they were ready to bring change to the country and fight for democracy. The new media was vastly and widely used to propagate and call for mass action. At then, Tunisia had become a center of focus in

The Export-Led Growth Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Export-Led Growth Model - Essay Example China’s model is rooted in the double transition of demographic and structural transformation. China economy has tremendously managed the double-digit growth rates from the period when it began economic transformation. This enabled the country to move from a planned to a mixed economy where the market plays the significant roles in resource allocation. Thus, despite the political, social and economic problems associated with the rapid growth in China economies, export-led growth has tremendously enabled China to increase their profitability levels, balance their finances, exceed their debts and trigger their export growth rate.Export-led growth model have been successful in many economies that employ this model for creating economic transformation. The export-led model is significant because it has enabled many economies to increase their profitability levels, balance their finances and exceed their debts. China has benefited from the export-led model since they started using it because this model has enabled them to increase their profitability levels. China was ranked the second largest economies that have emerged and improved in terms of economic performance in the global market. This model has not only enabled them to increase their profitability level but also to balance their finances; thus enabling China to emerge as the successful economies in Asian markets.It has also triggered export growth rate in the China market; thus creating higher export levels.... This model has not only enabled them to increase their profitability level but also to balance their finances; thus enabling China to emerge as the successful economies in Asian markets. It has also triggered export growth rate in the China market; thus creating higher export levels in a rising spiral cycle. For instance, the GDP (Gross Domestic Products) in China market expanded by 2%, in the year 2012 and indicated in figure 1 below. Historically, the GDP average rate was 2.06% from 2011 and the record indicated the 1.50 % low in 2012 as indicated in figure1 below. China is one of the second economies after the United States that has improved their export rate in the global market. China has varied industries that export multiple products to diverse countries across the globe. The rise of population growth rate has enabled them to improve their economic performance because of rich markets because of both rich markets both in the domestic and the international markets. For instance, the National Bureau of Statistics of China reveals that the GDP for the China economy was 51,932.2 billion in the year 2012; thus contributing to economic expansion of 7.9 percent. Figure 1: GDP Growth Rate in China markets The implementation model of export-led growth has significantly contributed to increased rapid growth in the China markets. For the last three decades, China economy has grown to the average rates, which exceed 9%; thus, it is widely admired by other nations (Razmi 2008, p. 1). Furthermore, the growth has been accompanied by the reduction levels in poverty; thus enabling the China market to be ranked among the leading and emerging economies in the Asian nations. However, the trajectory of rapid growth in China has created political, social made

American Beauty Film Critique Essay Example for Free

American Beauty Film Critique Essay There are few films that achieve the high level of quality exhibited by that of the 1990 beautiful tragedy, American Beauty. The film is a true masterpiece in both content and how this content is delivered to the viewers. It excels at being an enlightening and relevant drama about American life, and never fails to keep the audience entertained by providing many instances of well-placed humor. Every scene is filmed including metaphoric elements that not only show great stylistic and aesthetics, but also create a mood and feeling for the theme of the movie. American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes, is a film that is set in suburban America, in a normal neighbourhood, following the everyday life of the central protagonist, Lester Burnham, who is living the typical ‘American Dream’. He appears to have a great job, big house, loving wife and daughter and even a white picket fence. However, all is not as it seems as appearance can often be deceiving; if we just â€Å"look closer†, we as audience members soon see that he realises both his wife, over bearing and controlling Carolyn and jaded teenage daughter, Jane think that, in the words of Jane, he is â€Å"this gigantic loser† and they’re right. The character of Lester is initially portrayed as a depressed, sad and lonely forty-year-old man, deprived of freedom and struggling to find anything worth living for. However as the film progresses Lester’s persona as a character is dramatically developed with the introduction of an equally intriguing character, Angela Hayes. Everything changes for Lester the night he is forced by his wife to his daughters school to see her perform as a cheerleader. There on the floor, engrossed in a pompon routin, parading and dancing around the court, he sees his ‘angel’: Angela his daughters high-school classmate. Angela fulfills the stereotypical idea of what beauty physical beauty is. She is thin, blonde, big blue-eyed and immediately catches Lester’s attention; Angela is not Lesters highway to bliss, but she is at least a catalyst for his freedom (Ebert, 1999). His thoughts, and the dissatisfaction they stimulate, blast him free from years of emotional torture and bring him right back to his youth. It is from this moment on that Lester transforms into a spontaneous hormone-driven teenage boy, who smokes marihuana, works out, and uits his job all in order to impress his Angel-a. American Beauty uses Angela as the image of Lester’s broader want; that being his underlying desire for freedom and evidentially beauty. However, she symbolizes the potential underlying superficiality of physical beauty that is slowly revealed towards the end of the film. The film portrays many of the hidden problems within the white picket fence American dream along with addressing the problems many Am ericans have with feeling free and accepting their own identity. The film shows the vastly different worlds that people can live in whilst still living on the same street, and the disorder and frenzy that lies veiled in a society that we all try to portray as being as perfect as possible. In doing so, American Beauty reveals that the only way to calm the chaos is to find beauty in everything. To â€Å"look closer† is a must for truly understanding and identifying with the continuous bombardment of symbolism that is constantly being illustrated in this film. American Beauty portrays such themes as the falseness in lust, power and appearance and that we need to remind our selves â€Å"†¦of all the beauty there is in the world†, as beauty is a matter of opinion. Beauty however, is the most significant and explored theme in American Beauty. Another prevailing theme is the notion of the characters journey and transformation throughout the film. Lester’s journey can almost be compared to one from childhood from adulthood, figuratively speaking as evidentially, he steps into a mature, paternal phase where he takes responsibility and finds meaning in life, as an adult. Many techniques were used to portray these themes and influence audiences opinions of characters and events, including film techniques of cinematography, soundtrack as well as such visual techniques of symbolism, colour and contrast and both aesthetic and stylistic elements. American Beauty is a complex film that relies so heavily on mis-en-scene and cinematography to portray its message. In particular this is showcased during one scene that truly puts the ‘American Beauty’ into perspective; the opening scene or as it is often referred to as, the â€Å"High Point Scene†. The film explores the concepts of what true beauty really is and as suggested in the title of the film, the American Dream and how far this ‘dream’ really goes and what it actually means; this is explored further from the films tagline â€Å"look closer†; to think about perceived desire and to analyze more what these wants are. Through the exploration of the opening scene and a study of how the cinematography, mise en scene and sound foreshadows plot points in the rest of the film, the underlying messages and symbolism will be uncovered. The movie opens with a grainy shot of Jane Burnham reclining on a bed, complaining about her father. The scene begins with what is referred to as a flash forward, in cinematic terms. The line â€Å"Someone really should just put him out of his misery† is a hint towards the mid life crisis that the father Lester is currently going through and the ways in which she is aware of the pain he is dealing with, not knowing what he truly wants. Through the mise en scene and cinematography displayed throughout the scene, the audience is enabled to receive a glimpse into the events that have just occurred. Through the use of a lesser quality picture, shaky footage and dimmed lighting the audience is able to identify with the fact that the imagery being presented has that of a ‘home movie’ feel. The utilization of ‘raw footage’ within this drama genre of film gives the audience a sense of reality towards the character, hence making the dialogue seem more legitimate and believable. The addition of a pause into the characters dialogue helps to support and express the sense of ‘reality’ further, as it is as if she is really thinking about what she is saying. The rather ambiguous approach to the delivering of the line â€Å"You want me to kill him for you? † helps to draw attention to Jane’s reaction as apposed to the interviewers own intensions. This poses both Jane Burnham, the daughter and the unidentified interviewer as suspects to her father’s upcoming murder. However the abstruse approach from the interviewer combined with the daughters reply is foreshadowing what is to come later in the film, as each character related to the father is set up to be the possible murderer of his death. By using the body language as a primary tool for communication, the reply of â€Å"Yeah, would you† to the previous statement, suggests that she is almost daring the interviewer to kill him. This is expressed through the dominant changing of levels when she sits up, almost creating a shift in power, and looks down and straight into the camera, but at the same time also insinuates some sarcasm on her part. The audience learns in the very first lines of the movie that Jane’s dad, Lester, is not the father that she wants. The opening credits roll, and the shot switches to an aerial view of a neighborhood. The exact location is not specified, and that is very intentional. It is important that this not be a critique of a specific area, but of American culture as a whole. The scene begins with an aerial shot of a suburb, with Lester Burnham introducing the audience to his life and informing them that In less than a year, Ill be dead, and in a way, Im dead already. This dialogue is heightened through the following shots of Lester lying alone on a bed in a very dull coloured room, thus signifying the meaninglessness life in which he is leading. The utilization of an aerial shot here creates the idea that the world is looking down on him. The dominant use of bright lighting also indicates that it is the morning, however through the use of shadowing casted over Lester, it expressed to the audience that he is still in ‘the dark’; he is yet to be enlightened. Visual techniques are a constant feature in American Beauty, including the use of colour, contrast and symbolism. The primary recurring prop that is introduced at the beginning of the film is a rose, in which the audience first sees in a close up before Lesters wife Carolyn Burnham picks it up. The first shot of the rose seems out of place, beginning with the flower filling the frame and then moving down to focus on the thorns before Carolyn’s clippers cut it. The rose symbolizes the impotence of not only the love life between Lester and Carolyn but the idea of the American Dream. This shot not only draws attention to the rose as a recurring object in the film, but it also serves as a metaphor for the Burnhams: on the outside they appear perfect, like the flower, but underneath they are rotten and broken (represented by the thorns). In this shot the character of Carolyn is also introduced and is instantly perceived as a cold, workaholic who is obsessive about how they (the family) is presented. This portrayal is demonstrated through the line â€Å"See the way the handle on those pruning shears matches her gardening clogs? That’s not an accident†, thus showing the audience what level she will go to, to maintain order and control. What is also noticeable about this shot is the mise en scene, in particular the red roses, white picket fences and the blue painting on the house. These colours in specific represent the American flag and therefore the American dream. These objects are most perceived to be included within the American dream as well as stereotypical figure of Carolyn, the suburban housewife. This ideology however, creates contrast with the cinematography. Many scenes are metaphoric in how they are shot, and what is in the frame symbolizes a higher, deeper meaning. This is demonstrated when, Lester looking out the window of his house at his wife, and the blinds on the window represent jail cell bars. Even the blocks of text on his computer screen at work, (shown later in the film) represent jail cell bars. Lester is â€Å"in jail† because his life at this point is so empty and missing substance. This cinematography technique often used in film nior is utilized to convey the emotions of disassociation and distance which in this case, is the way in which Lester feels towards his wife; he is no longer associated with her. American Beauty is more than a biting satire on suburban life. This somewhat contrived story is meant to be an allegory. Alan Balls richly textured screenplay, brilliantly executed stylistic and aesthetic elements such as cinematography, mise en scene and symbols are effectively demonstrated throughout this masterpiece of a film. Every single shot is so carefully taken and layered with such vast significance that it is a marvel to behold. â€Å"Look closer, the films tag line tells us. Look closer at the beautiful things we yearn for and spend our life chasing. There isn’t a single example of a film done better. Not only is the content top-notch, but the technical aspects of the movie are excellent as well. American Beauty truly demonstrates the power of film.

Ratio Analysis Sainsburys Vs Morrisons Finance Essay

Ratio Analysis Sainsburys Vs Morrisons Finance Essay When considered as a whole, the grocery market in the UK has  steadily growing  in size, being about 4  bigger  today than it has been  a year ago;   August 2012 update: 12 weeks ending July 8, 2012 growth rate slows from 4.2% to 2.1% due mostly to a drop in price inflation: 6.2% to 3.8%.  Morrisons is growing more slowly then Sainsburys; the company is on track to add approx. 20 new stores  in 2012  with most of those locations featuring a  larger selection of produce. The UK grocery market was worth  £163.2 billion in 2012, an increase of 3.8% on 2011, IGD forecast that the UK grocery market value will be worth  £192.6bn in 2017, an 18.0% increase on 2012. The grocery markets share accounts for 54.3p in every  £1 of UK retail spending. What is the size of the UK grocery market Source: IGD UK channel forecasts 2012 1.2 The Companies 1.2.1 Sainsburys J Sainsbury plc. is the parent company of Sainsburys Supermarkets Ltd, commonly known as Sainsburys, the third largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom with a share of the UK supermarket sector of 16.5%. The group also has interests in property and banking. It was founded in 1869 and today operates over 1,000 supermarkets and convenience stores and employs around 150,000 colleagues. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. 1.2.2 Morrisons The supermarket, which generated sales of  £18.1 billion in the year, said it had not done enough to communicate its promotions and suffered because it still lacked a meaningful presence in the two fastest growing sectors of the market. Morrisons is the UKs fourth largest food retailer with over 400 stores. The super market is mainly food and grocery weekly shop. Morrisons employs 129,000 staff at 498 stores. Their reports show that like-for-like sales dropped 2.1% in the year, while the average of 11.4 million customers in its stores each week was down on the prior year. 2. Gearing Ratio Analysis 2.1 Gearing Ratios Gearing Ratios (%) Company/Year 2012 2011 Sainsbury 31.73 30.13 Morrison 22.86 16.25 Source : Appendix 1 Sainsburys A gearing between 25% 50% is generally considered nominal for an established business. It implies that Sainsbury is happy to finance its activities using borrowing. Sainsbury focuses more on investment in revenue growth rather than profit as the company increased sales revenue and non-current assets but suffered a loss in 2012. Morrisons The business is considered low gearing as its gearing is less than 25%. The business is growing through reinvestment of profits and minimizing risk. However, in 2012, there is an increase in gearing from 16.25% in 2011 to 22.86% and this is mainly because the business increased long-term borrowings by  £548m and reduced retained earnings and shared capital. 2.2 Interest Cover Ratio Interest Cover Ratio Company/Year 2012 2011 Sainsbury 6.04 7.40 Morrsion 20.59 20.62 Source : Appendix 2 Sainsburys The ratio indicates that the borrowing capital is used effectively to generate profits and that the business is able to meet its short-term interest obligations from its earnings. Sainsbury is growing, making worthwhile investments to continue to expand. Morrisons The ratio suggests that Morrison is generating enough income to cover its interest obligations and is thus financially stable. However, such a high ratio also suggests that Morrison is neglecting opportunities to magnify profits through leverage. 3. LIQUIDITY RATIO ANALYSIS 3.1 CURRENT RATIO COMPANY/YEAR 2011 2012 SAINSBURY .580 .647 MORRISON .545 .574 Source : Appendix 3 Sainsburys Sainsburys current assets are considerably less than the current liabilities in both the years as Sainsbury has invested a lot in fixed assets as well as in subsidiaries and joint ventures. Sainsbury is obliged to pay a lot of money as a part of tax and also in generating its assets so the liability is therefore more than the assets. For every 1pound liability they have only 64.7 pence worth of asset to cover it. Morrisons Morrison current ratio is smaller than the current ratio of Sainsbury which indicates that Sainsbury is doing slightly better than Morrison in the market. Morrison current liabilities is more than the current assets due to more of borrowing that involves short term loans, investment in fixed assets and payment of tax. For every 1pound liability they have only 57.4 worth of asset to cover it. 3.2 ACID TEST RATIO COMPANY/YEAR 2011 2012 SAINSBURY .304 .348 MORRISON .239 .247 Source : Appendix 4 Sainsburys The acid test ratio is very less as Sainsbury, being a retail store, is highly dependent on sale of inventory. As acid test ratio of Sainsbury is .348 that is less than 1 it means that Sainsbury cannot pay their current liabilities. Morrisons Like Sainsburys, Morrison also being highly dependent on inventories, acid ratio is expected to be less. Morrisons acid ratio is .247, which is less than 1, meaning Morrison cannot pay their current liabilities. It would be only able to generate 24.7 % cash of its current liabilities. Both the companies fails in extinguishing its current liabilities but this is not due to their market position or growth but just due to the nature of the business (retail). 4. PROFITABILITY RATIO ANALYSIS 4.1 Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) Return on Capital Employed Co./Year 2012 2011 Sainsburys 10.11 % 11.06 % Morrisons 13.83 % 13.70 % (Source : Appendix 5 ) Sainsburys ROCE growth in 2012 was lower than last year partly due to the cumulative effect of Sainsburys accelerated investment in space growth since 2009 (Sainsburys, 2011). This initially shrank profits whilst increasing the value of capital employed. Morrisons Morrisons delivered improved returns to its shareholders. For every  £1 capital invested in the business, the annual return is 13.83 pence in 2012 and was 13.70 pence in 2011. This profitability ratio of Morrison is moderately higher than Sainsburys, hence Morrisons is able to gain more profit on average capital employed. 4.2 Return on Equity (ROE) Return on Equity Co./Year 2012 2011 Sainsburys 10.62 % 11.79 % Morrisons 12.78 % 11.66 % (Source : Appendix 6) Sainsburys Sainsburys Return on Equity in 2012 has decreased by 1.17 % compared to 2011 due to decline in shareholder funds. In 2011, they performed slightly better than Morrisons as they had better reserves and share capital and the Profit after Tax (PAT) was significantly lower than Morrisons. Morrisons Morrisons ROE has significantly improved over d last few years and continue to reach high values. In 2012, they showed a 1.12% increase in ROE compared to 2011 and had a 12.78 % shareholder equity. The shareholders invested a lot which resulted in higher returns. 4.3 Gross Profit Margin Gross Profit Margin Co./Year 2012 2011 Sainsburys 5.43 % 5.49 % Morrisons 6.89 % 6.96 % (Source : Appendix 7) Sainsburys A moderate decline in the ratio between 2011 and 2012 explains the fact that the gross profit was lower in relation to sales revenue. This means that cost of sales was higher relative to sales revenue within the period. Morrisons Morrisons Gross Profit Margin is higher than Sainsburys as they had a lower sales revenue and moderate gross profit compared to the latter. In 2012, 6.89 % of the net sales are available to pay off all the operating expenses. 4.4 Net/Operating Profit Margin Net/Operating Profit Margin Co./Year 2012 2011 Sainsburys 3.74 % 4.07 % Morrisons 5.48 % 5.38 % (Source : Appendix 8) Sainsburys Sainsbury accounted to lower Net Profit Margin than Morrisons because of falling sales and rising costs. The market has a lot of competition where small groceries and convenience stores capture quite a bit of total UK food retail. Morrisons Morrisons performed fairly well and showed significant increase in the operating profits from Sainsburys over the past year. It accounted 5.48 % Net Profit Margin in the current financial year (Sales Revenue:  £17663m). It is a result of superior execution and induction of higher margin products in their sales mix. Morrisons seems to be more profitable than Sainsburys across all available profitability measures. 5.0 Efficiency Ratios (Source of Data, Apendix 9, Financial Reports of Sainsburys and Morrisons) 5.1 Fixed Assets Turnover This ratio shows how efficiently the company is using fixed assets to generate sales. Low ratios indicate the company is capital intensive or that company requires a lot of fixed assets to generate a given amount of sales. (Gildersleeve, R. (1999) p.136). Efficiency Ratios Year/Comp. Sainsburys Morrisons 2011 2.40 times 2.18 times 2012 2.39 times 2.22 times Sainsburys In 2012 Sainsburys shows an increase in Sales Revenue for approx 1,100  £m, which made its ratio slightly lower comparing to 2011. The ratio remained fairly similar because the value of fixed assets at net book value increased as well. The reason for the increase in fixed assets could be explained by Sainsburys tendency for opening new stores. The financial report states that they opened 19 new supermarkets, 28 extensions, and 73 convenience stores, which are only to begin operating and contributing to sales. Morrisons On the other hand Morrisons managed to improve their ratio by obtaining similar value of their fixed assets from 2011 to 2012, and using them more efficiently to score an increase in sales revenue of 1,100 £m. Generally looking at the industry the Average ratios for Retail Food companies are between 4-5 (Wal-Mart Stores USA 5.00), (Gildersleeve, R. (1999) p.136), so Sainsburys should aim to increase the use of their fixed assets in order to increase the sales. 5.2 Average Inventories Turnover Shows how many days company had to stock goods for sale before they were sold. In the retail-food industry this period should be kept fairly low because of the nature of the business. Lower ratio indicates that company will spend less funds towards stocking items before putting it on sale and getting profit from it. Average Inventories Turnover Year /Comp. Sainsbury Morrison 2011 14.86 Days 15.19 Days 2012 15.85 Days 16.85 Days Sainsburys Sainsburys shows growth in the average of inventories held over the course of year by almost 100  £m. As costs of sales have increased from 2011-2012, this ratio shows a slight growth in number of days goods are kept in stock. The increase of inventory in stock could be explained by Sainsburys growth of sales in 2012. Higher demand forces company to have more items in stock in order to satisfy the needs of the customers. Morrisons Morrisons shows even higher growth in average days the goods are stocked. Morrisons also note the increase in cost of sales, even more than Sainsburys. The financial reports of Morrisons state a few reasons, among which increasingly higher prices of fuel on the market. 5.3 Profit Per Employee Profit Per Employee Year/ Comp. Sainsbury Morrison 2011 5,572.78  £ per emp. 6,617.50  £ per emp. 2012 5,256.58  £ per emp. 7,217.60  £ per emp. Sainsburys It is notable that companys profit has been reduced from 2011-2012 for 2.8 m £, which is 3.4%, even though its sales have risen for 6.8%. This could be explained by the number of reasons, but one of them that is important for this ratio is that they have also increased the number of employees. This has negatively influenced their Profit per Employee ratio, leaving it behind the industry average and Morrisons. Morrisons Unlike Sainsburys, Morrisons notes the increase in profit and reduction of number of employees. This is the most desirable situation for a company. Their profit was higher for 8 % in 2012 than in 2011. 5.4 Average Trade Debtor Collection Period It indicates the period of time which is needed for company to collect trade debts. This ratio reveals a great deal about a companys credit policy and the efficiency which it can collect money from its customers. (Fight, A. (2006) p. 57)). Average Trade Debtor Collection Period Year/Comp. Sainsbury Morrison 2011 1.61Days 4.79 Days 2012 1.90 Days 4.34 Days Sainsburys Sainsburys shows an increase in the average time that they needed to collect the trade dept. Even though their costs of sales remained fairly similar, there was a substantial increase in the amount of trade debt. Even though this negatively influenced the ratio, Sainsburys has made trades from which they expect to receive money in near future. Furthermore their ratio shows efficiency at collecting debts, comparing both to the industry and Morrisons. Morrisons Morrisons have significantly higher average debt collection period. Even though they have managed to slightly decrease their Trade receivables from 2011-2012, their costs of sales increased by approx 1,000 £m which has not made it possible for this ratio to improve further. 6. INVESTMENT RATIO ANALYSIS FORMULAS * Eearning Per Shares = profit available to shareholders/ no. of shares ranked for dividend * Dividend Yield= dividend per share/ market price * 100% *Dividend cover = Preference Dividend/Ordinary Dividend SAINSBURYS MORRISONS 2011 2012 2011 2012 (%) (%) EARNING PER SHARE 33.8 31.5 23.43 26.03 DIVIDEND YIELD 15.10 16.1 9.60 10.70 DIVIDEND COVER 1.75 1.75 2.40 2.39 6.1 EARNING PER SHARE YEAR Sainsburys In 2011 Sainsburys experienced a sharp increase in earnings per share going up by 33.8%. And in 2012 the Sainsbury went down with 31.5% having a loss of 2.3%. It is important that assets are revaluated in order to keep the real value of assets on balance sheet. Earnings per share in 2011 increased by 2.3% to 33.8 p, reflecting the improvement in the operating profit and the effect of the additional shares, more importantly due to the property profits. Morrisons Morrisons earnings per share compared to Sainsburys are lower. This is driven by smaller profit and the fact that Morrisons is a smaller sized supermarket chain. The earning per share has 23.43% at 2011 mainly caused by the higher profits on business disposals that the company went through last year, so the return to shareholders was a lower rate per share. 6.2 DIVIDEND YIELD YEAR Sainsburys The dividend yield had a slightly decreased since the dividend per share only increased by 15.10% from 2011 year. This was a decision from the company and it reflects the reduction in the earning per share already mentioned and the fall in the dividend cover by 1.75% in 2011. Morrisons Morrison dividend yield is much less in 2011 it was 9.6% and in 2012 the dividend went up to 10.70%. 6.3 DIVIDEND COVER YEAR Sainsburys Dividend cover of Sainsburys says that earnings available for dividend cover is 1.75% in 2011 and also in 2012 so there was not change in the divided cover over the past two years. In terms of dividend cover, Sainsburys has its policy based on their calculations to maintain the dividend cover between 1.50 1.75 times. The reason behind it is that if the dividend cover is too low, there is a possibility that the company will not be able to pay out the investors. Morrisons In Morrisons divided cover, it showers that in 2011 it has 2.40% whereas in 2012 it has 2.39%, which is still more than Sainsbury. For the year 2011 Morrisons dividend cover is 2.4 times, claim that it is in line with the European food retail sector average (Morrisons, 2011). 7. Future Perspectives and Strategies Both Sainsburys and Morrisons have their business strategies for future outlined in their financial statements. Morrisons financial strategy continues to deliver improved margins whilst positioning long term growth. They wish to increase their customer appeal and growth of sales, which is meant to be converted into profitable growth. They have realized the potential in online retail, so they will finally enter the online groceries market to challenge Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys, making it the last of the major supermarket groups to have an internet presence, but only after reporting its first fall in profits for six years.C:UsersUSERDesktopfinancial management1.JPG Sainsburys based their business strategy on meeting consumer needs, taking into the account the on-going inflation over the past four years. The economic downturn has changed how and what consumers buy, and these changes appear to be lasting. In 2012 they have launched their Live Well for Less campaign based on awarding loyalty and providing the best quality possible for optimal price. Through Nectar loyalty scheme they have a wealth of data about their customers behaviour. C:UsersUSERDesktopfinancial management2.JPG Source of the table: Morrisons financial statement 2012. Source: Sainsburys Financial Statement 2012 8 Conclusions Financial statements suggest that Morrisons financial performance was very good. They had a profitable year (profit of  £58m) while Sainsburys performance was not good compared to 2011 (loss of  £42m). Morrisons financial performance was strong, and they continued to invest in long term growth of the business, and to deliver increasing returns to shareholders. Even after having steady increase in sales revenue and gross profit, Sainsbury suffered loss compared to previous year mainly because their interest and tax expenses increased while profit from joint ventures reduced. Though Sainsburys acquisition of non-current assets was underfinanced with long term sources of finance, they still managed to generate more sales and cover the debt payable easily. Alternatively, Morrisons financial management was excellent as they covered all their non-current assets with long term sources of finance. High interest cover ratio indicates that there is no sort of pressure on the company and is very profitable. References Fight, A (2006) Flow Forecasting, UK: CFrion Tec. Pvt. Stickney C.P (2010) Financial Accounting : an introduction to concepts methods and uses USA: South Western Cengage Learning Smart B.S Megginson W.L (2009) Introduction to Corporate Finance USA: South Western Cengage Learning Alberth S.W (2011) Accounting, Concepts Applications, What, Why, How of Accounting USA: South Western Cengage Learning Gildersleeve R. (1999) Winning Business: How to use Financial Analysis and Benchmarks to outscore your competition Houston: Tex Gult Pub. Co. Unknown (2010) An evaluation of the business and financial performance of morrisons. Available at: http://www.ukessays.com/dissertations/business/financial-performance-of-morrisons.php#ixzz2NhjC0HdW (Accessed: 15/03/2013) London Stock Exchange (2013) London Stock Exchange Available at: www.londonstockexchange.com (Accessed: 20/03/2013) Morrison Group (2013) Financial Reports Available at: http://www.morrisons.co.uk/Corporate/Investor-centre/Financial-reports/ (Accessed: 18/03/2013) Sainsburys Group (2013) Annual Report and Financial Statements 2011 Available At: http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/ar11/ (Accessed: 10/03/2013) Unknown (2013) Forces analyses of Sainsbury Available at: http://www.oxbridgewriters.com/essays/management/forces-analyses-of-sainsbury.php (Accessed at: 18/03/2013) Appendix 1 Gearing Ratio = Long Term Loans + Value of Preference Shares Share Capital + Reserves + Long term Loans + Minority Interest Sainsburys 2012 2011 2617 + 0 538 + 5091 + 2617 + 0 2339 + 0 535 + 4889 + 2339 + 0 = 31.73 % = 30.13 % Morrisons 2012 2011 1600 + 0 253 + 5144 + 1600 + 0 1052 + 0 266 + 5154 + 1052 + 0 = 22.86 % = 16.25 % Appendix 2 Interest Cover Ratio = Profit before interest and tax Interest payable Sainsbury 2012 2011 834 138 859 116 = 6.04 = 7.40 Morrison 2012 2011 968 47 887 43 = 20.59 = 20.62 Appendix 3 Current ratio = current assets / current liabilities Sainsburys 2011 2012 Current assets = 1708 Current liabilities = 2942 Current ratio = 1708/2942 = .580 Current assets = 2032 Current liabilities = 3136 Current ratio = 2032/3136 = .647 Morrisons 2011 2012 current assets = 1138 current liabilities = 2086 current ratio = 1138/2086 = .545 Current assets = 1322 current liabilities = 2303 current ratio = 1322/2303 = .574 Appendix 4 Acid test ratio = liquid asset / current liabilities Liquid asset = current asset inventories 2011 2012 Current assets = 1708 inventories = 812 liquid asset = 1708 812 = 896 current liabilities = 2942 acid test ratio = 896 / 2942 = .304 Current assets = 2032 inventories = 938 liquid asset = 2032 938 = 1094 current liabilities = 3136 acid test ratio = 1094 / 3136 = .348 Sainsburys Morrisons 2011 2012 current assets = 1138 inventories = 638 liquid asset = 1138 638 = 500 current liabilities = 2086 acid test ratio = 500 / 2086 = .239 current assets = 1322 inventories = 759 liquid asset = 1322 759 = 569 current liabilities = 2703 acid test ratio = 569 / 2703 = .247 Appendix 5 Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) ROCE = For Sainsburys 2012 2011 834 X 100 538 + 5091 + 2617 + 0 859 X 100 535 + 4889 + 2339 + 0 = 10.11 % = 11.06 % For Morrisons 2012 2011 968 X 100 253 + 5144 + 1600 + 0 887 X 100 266 + 5154 + 1643 + 0 = 13.83 % = 13.70 % Appendix 6 Return on Equity ( ROE ) = Profit after Tax X 100 Share Capital + Reserves For Sainsburys 2012 2011 598 X 100 538 + 5091 640 X 100 535 + 4889 = 10.62 % = 11.79 % For Morrisons 2012 2011 690 X 100 253 + 5144 632 X 100 266 + 5154 = 12.78 % = 11.66 % Appendix 7 Gross Profit Margin = Gross Profit X 100 Sales Revenue For Sainsburys 2012 2011 1211 X 100 22294 1160 X 100 21102 = 5.43 % = 5.49 % For Morrisons 2012 2011 1217 X 100 17663 1148 X 100 16479 = 6.89 % = 6.96 %

General Motors Corporation Change Management Business Essay

General Motors Corporation Change Management Business Essay Background of change The ever lasting truth of the universe is change. People, organizations, markets change every second. This change is stimulated by the environment. On individual level people manage change by changing there routines and habits, which is relatively simple. Change in an organization is complex but follows the same rules, organizations like an individual have to change there habits and routines. The organizations who have failed to cope with the change have crumbled under the feet of time either disappearing or being acquired by other companies. For example skybird, tucker corporation, wirgin, tohatsu, clover, British satellite broadcasting, world champion wrestling, archandor, and most recently general which filled chapter 11 bankruptcy. These organizations were unable to recognize the change in the environment and were rejected by the environment. The organizations that have been proactive and managed change have been success stories .i.e. Microsoft, 3com and us robotics, Cadbury and Kraft etc. these organizations have changed there strategies at the right time, they were the leaders of market change. Introduction to General Motors General Motors Corporation (GM) is the worlds largest full-line vehicle manufacturer and marketer. Its arsenal of brands includes Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Saturn, Hummer, and Saab. Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden comprise GMs international nameplates. Through its system of global alliances, GM holds stakes in Isuzu Motors Ltd., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Fiat Auto, and GM Daewoo Auto Technology. Other principal businesses include General Motors Acceptance Corporation and its subsidiaries, providers of financing and insurance to GM customers and dealers. In the early 2000s, struggling under the weight of escalating healthcare and pension costs, GM sought to shed some of its less profitable activities. Toward that end, among other moves, the company sold its stake in Hughes Electronics, phased out production of the Oldsmobile, and discontinued the Chevrolet Camero and Pontiac Firebird. Facing a tough economic climate, GM has nevertheless retained its position as the worlds leading automaker. Models of change management Now companies have realized the need for change and change management. That is the reason many scholars came up with different models of change management. There are some simple models of change and then there are some complex models. simple models are helpful but do not identify the needs of current economy Simple models which follow the approach that one size fits all Lewins model Unfreeze the current paradigm of the organization. This involves understanding the need for change. Then communicating that need to the people. People should be open to change in structure, behavior and thinking. Change the organization paradigm by introducing new theories in the organization. This is a lengthy process as the new method will take time to sink in. people will question the new method thus it is important that there is a strong channel for feedback. Refreeze the changed paradigm. This is the stage where the change is inculcated into the organization and people followed the changed methods as a part and parcel of the organization. Kotters 8 steps creating a vibe of change into the members gather supporters to guide change create a vision explain the vision to the supporters empower people to follow and spread the vision create shot objective or milestones improvements and feedback Inculcation of change by making it a part of structure and system. Complex model which recognize the need of individual organizations. Johnson Scholes and Whittingtons model identifies the variables that the organization faces. Time is how quickly change is needed. This can be identified by the Balogun and Hailys model. Scope is the degree of change that is necessary. Continuity what is the incremental factor History is the past experience of change Skills what capabilities are required and what do we have. Resources which are available for change management. Readiness is the willingness of people to accept change. Power is where the of the organization lies i.e. with management employees, stakeholders etc. McKinsey 7S framework identifies the areas that management need to focus on in order to manage change effectively Structure is the hierarchy and the departmentalization of the organization before and after the change. Strategy is the plans that organization makes i.e. when to compete? Where to compete? And when to compete? System is the alignment of the strategy with the business objective and at what level evolutionary stage the organization stands. Shared values is what type of culture prevails in the organization Style is the leadership style of the management. How are decisions made? Staff is the human resource of the organization. How trained they are and what staff is needed? Skill is the organizations ability to use its resources. Thus measure of the efficiency of the organization. Need for strategic change in General motors General motor is a fallen giant. Glory of the past from being a great market leader to bankrupt company General motors has come a long way. In 1980s GM was the top car manufacturer in the USA until the arrival of the Japanese cars. The Japanese sold cheap and better cars. GM failed to realize the change in the industry and technology and constantly lost market share to the Japanese companies. Even with government support the company filled chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009. The strategies of the Japanese and GM can be compared with each other and get to what GM needs to do in order to get its former glory. The strategies that have been used by GM are heavy discounting to capture or retain market share. Strategic intervention techniques The purpose of intervention techniques is to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of the organization. Strategic intervention techniques focus on improving the processes through which ideas are generated and then gain feedback on the ideas. These techniques make some thing happen and also focus on what is happening French Bell Jr (1994). The reasons for interventions can be To gain feedback To educate people To invoke rapid change in the organization. Rapid and sudden change in the external environment Intense competition Driving forces for change in GM Driving forces are the reason that GM requires to change its strategy and align itself with the environment. Few of the forces that pressure Gm to change are as follows Low economic growth in the car manufacturing business has stumped most of the manufacturers. Car manufacturers on government support are making cars at a loss but yet there cars are in the market and cutting the market share of other companies. Japanese car manufacturers are making better cars at low price which is the main competition for GM. Change in technology in the industry has been an issue. Honda and Toyota have advanced in technology at a higher rate than GM. Rising oil prices have also caused the industry to rethink there strategy. Resource implications for GM GM CEO Rick Wagoner has put in a lot of effort to turn around GM since 1992.but his response to change in the environment was too slow. The resources of GM can be evaluated using 5 Ms model Money has been the problem for GM for sometime now but government is ready to help them but they do not have a turn around strategy. Manpower of GM has not been able to generate new ideas which show dulled motivation, and poor creativity skills by the management and other employees. Also GM is stuck in contacts with employees with huge pensions. Minutes time frame for adaptation has always been short for GM and it has always lagged behind the need of time. Material has very special item oil which has sky rocketed. So the price of car manufacturing is rising as well as the price of maintaining a car. Machinery has been the major issue for GM as its competitors have acquired new machinery and processes which are better than that of GM. Due to these factors GM has not been able to change. These are the forces that create resistance for change. Change and stakeholders Stakeholders are an integral part of the organizational paradigm. To bring change in the organization, stakeholders should own the change. The process of change should start from within the stakeholders. To change the culture stakeholders should realize that there is a need for change. Then they should be directed into the right direction. In Kotters 8 steps model for change the role of stakeholders can be incorporated. The model pushes the organization to make its own decision and define its process of change. Kotters model for change for GM Kotter gives a model of change in the organization in which the stakeholders are empowered to make change for themselves. I shall use this model to explain how GM can bring about change in the organization with the help of its stakeholders. Step 1: Create urgency For change to occur it is necessary the whole organization realizes the need for change and puts its effort in making the change. For this purpose managers can paint a grim picture of the future if continued on the same path. Explain to the shareholders the increase in ability of the organization to exploit its resources. There should be feed back from the stakeholders and there ideas should be incorporated in the change process. In case of GM it is not very difficult to paint a grim picture because the next step to bankruptcy is liquidation. The decline in the performance of the company has been a question mark for a long time now. So in GM people are ready for change and stakeholders support the management. Now there is need for discussions so that the ideas and the wills of the stakeholders can be incorporated in the change process. Step 2: Coalitions This is the point where the leadership emerges; people among the stakeholder should take charge of the groups. It is necessary that to identify the key leadership and make them commit to the change in the organization. This is necessary that people who are selected for the leadership believe in the change. In case of General Motors they have to find leaders in order to bring change. Recognition of the people who will help GM to evolve and to accept the changed processes is necessary, if it wishes to make any type of change in its strategy. Step 3: Vision for change When the process of change starts there are many idea of floating. All these ideals need to be linked together if in order to form a vision. This vision needs to be simple and understandable. The vision gives people a sense of direction; they understand the purpose of the change. For change to be successful you need to know the main idea behind the change. For this purpose prepare a summary of the future endeavors of the company. Knowing about the future helps people to support the organization. In case of General Motors the mission statement is quite clear G.M. is a multinational corporation engaged in socially responsible operations, worldwide. It is dedicated to provide products and services of such quality that our customers will receive superior value while our employees and business partners will share in our success and our stock-holders will receive a sustained superior return on their investment. But unfortunately General Motors has not been able to deliver. The vision of the General Motors needs to be communicated effectively through the organization. Every stakeholder needs to believe in the mission statement of General Motors. Step 4: Communication of vision Every person in the organization needs to know the objective of the change. The previous paradigm of the company will produce resistance against the new method. The New Mission statement needs to overcome the resistance and unite the organization on a single path to success. For this the management needs to address all the doubts and problems of the people. Divide the vision into smaller objectives and tie the performance of individual with the achievement of these objectives. In General Motors the management should take responsibility of communicating process of change through the organization. A process of change developed from the input of stakeholders is easier to communicate back. Step 5: Remove obstacles In the process of change, there will always be resistance. The objective of the management is to minimize this resistance and bring the stakeholders to a common platform on which everybody can express their opinion. As the process of change moves forward, there should be constant checks for any barriers to change. In General Motors the inner management has failed to provide change in the organization. The change in GM can be induced from the outside; perhaps a change agent will help GM over come change barriers. Another good way to bring about change is to award the people who embrace the change. Step 6: Create short term objectives For the process of change to work people need to know that it is working. For this management can divide the main objective in to simpler objectives. The management should thoroughly analyze the short term objectives such that they are achievable and motivation. For the achievement of every objective the employees should be rewarded. In General Motors that management need to step up and divide their long-term objectives into the short term goals. The management should make the stakeholders believe that they are capable of changing the business for the better. The most important stakeholder of GM is the government. The government needs to know that that GM can stand on its feet, for it to bail out the company. Step 7: Build on the change The process of change is not complete he unless and until the change culture has inculcated into the organization. Changes in many organizations fail because they do not fully implement the changed processes. The changed processes should become part and parcel of life in the organization. The people of the organization need to build on the changed processes and achieve even more success. The management of General Motors should not stop at making the government believed that they deserve a bailout, but should make efforts to build on the changed processes. Step 8: Change in corporate culture The most difficult thing to do in bringing about change into the organization is to change the culture of the organization. In history many of the mergers in companies have failed because they unable to merge the culture of the companies. Changing the culture of the company is a very long and hard process. General motors will need to change the culture and introduce a fresh method to succeed in an unattractive industry. At this point the employees of General Motor will not be motivated; the management needs to bring faith back into the employees. Monitoring progress and conclusion The final step in the management of change would be to monitor the performance of the company. For this purpose appraisal of each of the activities of the company will be performed. The justification of activity will provide grounds by which the productivity of the activity will be measured. The idea of kaizen should become a part of the activities of the business. The process of change is very lengthy; it takes years for change process to become part of the culture. The management of the organization needs to be very patient and need to prioritize their objectives. In General Motors it is necessary that people accept the change and once the changed processes have settled in there should be continuous evaluation and revaluation. The U.S market has become very saturated thus not allowing the companies to grow as fast as they would like. For the companies to survive they need to use there resources with utmost efficiency.

Microsoft Giving :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Microsoft Corporation obviously sets a high standard for employee volunteerism and community service. For the past twenty years, the company has placed a higher importance on philanthropy than any other technology based corporation(â€Å"Microsoft Giving Overview†,2000). But why does Microsoft devote so much effort when they are not required to? Why do they spend literally hundreds of millions of dollars every year on donations, volunteer programs, and disaster relief?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The simplest answer to this question is that it’s a good business strategy(â€Å"Questions About Workplace Volunteerism†,2000). Every major corporation in the country makes some kind of contribution to the community. Even most small businesses will sponsor a little league team or make a small donation to the local PTA. One part of a good business strategy is creating a reputation as a fair and humble corporation. Microsoft’s reputation as a fair and respectful operation is far from unblemished. After recent books, articles, and films, it is common knowledge to many people that Microsoft was founded on the ideas and inventions of other people. Microsoft’s reputation suffered especially during its anti-trust difficulties from 1998-1999. During this time, the US government accused the corporation of trying to form a monopoly and attempting to force competition out of the market. Public opinion holds heavy weight in our judicial system. It has been suggested that this is the reason Microsoft has expanded there giving programs since 1998. The simple truth is that the average person doesn’t care if Microsoft forms a monopoly, because it doesn’t affect their lives. However, if a flood is about to wipe out the town a person lives in or if a person can’t find a job because they lack technological training and Microsoft helps them, then that person along with the thousands of others who’s lives are a little bit better because of Microsoft may take an interest in how the government is treating the company. Perhaps then some of the people Microsoft have helped or someone who has heard about the good work done by the corporation see a Microsoft sponsored commercial where Bill Gates explains the rule of free enterprise and everyone’s right to make an honest dollar. These people, now convinced of the raw deal Microsoft is getting, may write a letter to their congressman or fill out a petition in support of Microsoft. Although the government was successful against Microsoft in the first few anti-trust lawsuits, the decisions were soon after overturned.

De Tocquevilles democracy In America Essay -- essays research papers

Alexis De Tocqueville’s Democracy in America delves deep into how the American States and the federal government would grow politically and socially under the umbrella of democracy. He sees the United States as a unique entity because of how and why it started as well as its geographical location. De Tocqueville explains that the foundations of the democratic process in America are completely different from anywhere else on the globe. The land was virginal and the colonies had almost complete sovereignty from England from the very beginning because they were separated by an ocean and financial troubles. The people who came to America were the oppressed and unhappy in England and all were trying to find a place where they could start anew and create a political structure that would facilitate an individual freedom unlike anything that they had previously experienced in Europe. De Tocqueville believed that the nature of democracy in the New World rested within the fact that all of the emigrants were basically from the same social strata, resulting in the first new country where there was no preliminary basis for an aristocracy. "Land is the basis of an aristocracy†¦and†¦ [in America] when the ground was prepared, its produce was found to be insufficient to enrich a proprietor and a farmer at the same t ime(41)." He saw that even the soil of America was opposed to the structure of an aristocracy. There were also outside influences lending unvoiced support for the creation of this new democracy. Being an ocean apart from its mother country, who at this time did not have the financial reserves to oversee its colonies, let the Americans govern themselves. If they had not had this sovereignty at the beginning America might have become something completely different than it is today, but that was not the case, so these emigrants now had a fertile place to plant their ideas of a country founded upon the many ideas of the Enlightenment. Another large influence was the lack of neighbors. America had no ... ...man responsible for herself. De Tocqueville has left no aspect of American society out of his publication. He rips the American body open and examines all the things that are inside right down to the bare bones. It is a little scary to read of ones’ own nation and its culture. To realize that one’s own life is not how he made it, but of how his ancestors have created society. Whether it be as to how Americans view their politics, or their social afflictions, de Tocqueville voices his opinions as to what is commendable, are conversely, what is wrong with every aspect of America. He sees America through the eyes of intelligent outsider who has no reason to make America sound anything other than it is. He has done a very thorough job, and his vision of nineteenth century America will surely help lead America into the twenty-first century with a better definition of itself.

Essay --

cting the country, the Philippines do have the potential to become a developed country. An issue that is affecting the country’s progress towards development is education. The Philippines is the only remaining Asian nation in the world putting the 10-year cycle of basic education in effect. The Department of Education was pushing for the implementation of the K-12 program to finally take effect in the Philippines. Seventy percent of the country’s unemployed citizens are high school graduates. To improve the education of the people in the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino has formally signed the law extending the basic education curriculum in the country (Al Nisr Publishing LLC). The President signed the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012, or the K to 12 Basic Education Program, a scheme that took at least five years to finally implement (Al Nisr Publishing LLC). Aquino believe that the K to 12 program will make way for a brighter future for young Filipinos by equipping them with basic education up to international standards. Another issue affecting the country’s progress towards becoming a developed country is the natural disasters within the country. The most recent typhoon that has taken place in the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan, is said to have killed more than 10,000 people. However, there have been other natural disasters that have also left startling devastation in the Philippines prior. There has been at least ten other natural disasters in the last decade that have also left high death tolls. For example, on December 3, 2012, Typhoon Bopha smashed into the main southern island of Mindanao, Philippines. The region suffered roughly 1,900 people dead or missing. Another example of this was on February 17, 2006 when an e... ...r in the Philippines, but sea levels have also risen by half an inch in the past ten to twenty years, faster than the worldwide average (The Washington Post). In 2009, some of the world's developed countries pledged $30 billion in climate aid, which would rise over time. However, a recent report from Oxfam found that most developed countries have yet to make any concrete plans to follow through (The Washington Post). Another issue in the Philippines is malnutrition and hunger. Malnutrition among children has not changed much over the past 10 years, making it very unlikely for the country to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of eliminating poverty and extreme hunger by 2015 (Inquirer). Families who do not get the 100 percent dietary energy requirement even increased from 57 percent of the population in 2003 to 66.9 percent in 2008, the survey said (Inquirer).

Bondage and Escape in Sons & Lovers Essay

A major theme in â€Å"Sons & Lovers† is bondage and escape. Every major character is held hostage by another character or by their environment. Her husband, her family and her anger at the family’s social status hold Mrs. Morel hostage. She has no friends to be seen or money of her own to use. Her escape from her bondage is her death. She was unhappy her whole life and lived though another human as a source of happiness. She essentially lived her life through William and, after his death, through Paul, which in a twist of irony, by doing so she is essentially keeping them in bondage. She wants William to move to town to get a good job and a good wife to help up their social status. When he does move and bring home a woman, she thinks she has finally arrived, only to be pushed back down with his death. William, who found a good upper class woman with Lily, brings her back to his family’s home. He loves Lily, until he sees her behavior to his sister; Lily treats Annie like a servant. Although his mother likes Lily, he cannot stay with her and soon leaves her and then falls ill and dies. William’s death is his great escape from the bonds of his mother. When William dies Paul replaces him as Mrs. Morel’s dummy; Paul leads his life as his mother wants him to, she keeps him in check, approves who he dates and even goes with him and speaks for him on his first job interview. The only thing redeeming Paul in this is that he knows that he is being tied down by his mother and is fighting a silent fight against her for his whole life. Although Mrs. Morel doesn’t like Miriam, he keeps his relationship with her. Although Mrs. Morel doesn’t want Paul to stay out late, on most occasions he breaks this rule also. The only thing that ever releases Paul from Mrs. Morel’s grasp is her death. Mr. Morel’s captivity is the most literal. He is held captive by the mine; every day he must work in the mine and the harder and longer he works, the more money he makes. He is held captive by money and a blue-collar career. As a man, he ahs more options than Mrs. Morel, he can go to work, he can drink in the bar after work, he has his own money; but still the mine is always there, calling him back with the lore of making more money next week. Miriam is held captive by Paul and by her own lofty hopes and dreams. Paul strings her along in their relationship, with no future for them in the relationship. This lack of future for them may be based on Mrs. Morel’s dislike of Miriam and by Paul’s willingness to always please Mrs. Morel above him. Miriam is also held captive by her own dreams; she envisions herself as a princess, not as the wife of an office clerk. She has aspirations that are unattainable, and therefore is kept down by her own refusal to settle with Paul. Clara is held captive also, but for the opposite reason that Miriam is: Clara is levelheaded and stable and supporting herself with a job. She is too levelheaded though and will not allow herself to fall too much in love with Paul. She in the end seems to only head further into captivity, by going back with her abusive husband. In conclusion, everyone of the major character is held in bondage and not all are able to make an escape from their bonds.

Sample Addendum

INTRODUCTION gratifying to EAC 149 This semester we volition be clearing toughened on improving your English writing, reading, and oral skills. Please join me in utilize this addendum to the EAC 149 general outline (available at http//www. senecac. on. ca/fulltime). This addendum is your guide to the cogitation requirements and activities in my class. TEXTS & MATERIALS o Gaetz, Lynne & Suneeti Phadke. The Canadian Writers reality Paragraphs and attempts, Canadian 2010. o A wide-cut quality English-language dictionary, much(prenominal) as Oxford or Merriam Webster. All educatees be required to workout the following Research melt down for their subsidisations Seneca Libraries. Guide to Research and Citation MLA Style. 3rd ed. Toronto Seneca College, 2010. Print. o A folder/portfolio to keep tout ensemble your work throughout the semester GRADING / ASSIGNMENTS (tentative) Paragraphs(2)10%(25%) summary(1)10% Quizzes(2)10%(25%) interpret experience Test(1)10% Essay(2)3 0%(215%) Final Exam(1)30% Note Students must give out both the term (60%) and the last(a) trial (60%) to buy the farm the course. See the section on Evaluation below. Use of internet, cell c entirelys and takeer(a) electronic devices is not permitted during class and the lowest mental test. The term work for courses within the domesticate of English and Liberal Studies includes a lower limit of 250 pages of reading and 2000 lyric poem of writing. This is consistent with Seneca College policy for English and Liberal Studies courses. TENTATIVE each week SCHEDULE WEEK TOPIC Pre-class reading ASSIGNMENT 1 Sept. 9 display Addendum Get the text symptomatic Essay 2 Sept. 12 16 The piece Process. Transitional Chap. 1, 2, 3 TBA words/ bringions p. 47 3 Sept. 19 23 Narrative Writing Chap. Paragraph 1 (5%) Reading p. 605 A Faith in Others (narrative) Versus Security 4 Sept. 26 30 Descriptive Writing. Chap. 6 Quiz 1 (5%) (apostrophe, quotation marks, Punctua tion (apostrophe, quotation Chap. 4 titles) marks, titles) Reading p. 550 Bound Feet 5 Oct. 3 7 Ca utilize & Effect Chap. 11 Paragraph 2 (5%) comma butterfly function Chap. 33 (ca enforce & effect) Reading p. 71 developing up in Cyberspace 6 Oct. 10 14 Process Writing Chap. 7 Quiz 2 (5%) Comma use contd Chap. 20 (p. 319-332) (comma use, fragments, patronage sentences) Review of fragments & run-on Reading p. 66 How Spies are Caught sentences 7 Oct. 17 21 Understanding Readings Chap. 37 Reading Comprehension Test (10%) (includes Practice Reading Essay with QuestionsReading p. 556 The Scourge of short apprehension questions and a Self-Sabotage plus Questions p. response paragraph) 557-558 Oct. 24 28 STUDY WEEK 8 Oct. 31 Nov. 4 Summarizing & paraphrasing Chap. 5 p. 252-255 Summary (10%) The Essay Chap. 3 Reading TBA 9 Nov. 7 11 Comparison & strain Essay Chap. 10 Essay 1 Rough Outline (comparison and Chap. 14 p. 232-237 contrast) Reading p. 48 The Old Movie Houses are Where Memory Sits 10 Nov. 14 18 The Essay Contd. Chap. 15 p. 246-265 Essay 1 (15%) (comparison and contrast) Intro. To MLA Chap. 36 p. 529-534 Revising and editing exert 11 Nov. 21 25 The disputative Essay Chap. 12 Essay 2 Rough Outline (argumentative essay) Chap 14 p. 241-245 Reading p. 568 This Boat is My Boat 12 Nov. 8 Dec. 2 The Essay contd. Chap. 36 p. 534-541 Essay 2 (15%) (argumentative essay) Revising and editing practice TBA 13 Dec. 5 9 Exam Preparation Review auxiliary 6 p. 623 (preparing for Practice Exam exams) 14 Dec. 2 16 EXAM DATES single out STANDARDS FormatOnly work with a neat, professional appearance allow for be accepted for grading. Out-of-class assignments must be word-processed. revision PolicyAssignments and tests are not in line for rewriting. Late AssignmentsA late out-of-class assignment pull up stakes be penalized at a reduction of ? letter commemorate per daytime wit h a one-week maximum for submission. Missed Tests / Presentations / In-Class AssignmentsThese turn around a descriptor of zero.If there are valid reasons for missing the item, the schoolchild moldiness a) Contact the prof or student advisor either by phone or by email previous to the start time of the test, instauration or in-class assignment and b) Next class, present the prof with a signed, word-processed memo indicating why the test, presentation or in-class assignment was mixed-up, with medical sustenance where appropriate. At the professors discretion, a make-up test/in-class assignment or new date for the presentation may be granted or the appreciate of the test may be added to a subsequent test or final exam.EVALUATION Promotion Policy To pass EAC 149, you must meet the cogitation schooling outcomes in BOTH your term work and the final examination. The term work exit constitute 70% of the final gradation the exam 30%. Successful accomplishment of term work is a n ecessity for writing the final exam. The final grade go forth be SAT (satisfactory) or UNSAT (unsatisfactory). You must reach out a grade of 60% or spicyer in BOTH the term and the final exam to successfully stark(a) this subject. ATTENDANCE AND confederation Consistent attendance is important for success in this subject.If you are absent from class, enchant notify me by phone or e-mail. You are sill responsible for the material and assignments missed and may be required to house documentation. For extensions or special considerations, make the need to me well in advance of each due dates. Considerate classroom conduct, seemly class preparation, and constructive participation will enhance your donnish experience and that of your colleagues. In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible and collaborative. assimilator / FACULTY CONSULTATION OUTSIDE schoolroom HOURS My consultation hours are Mon Period 3,4 and tie Period 5 (or by appointment. ) knowle dge CENTRE The Learning Centres offer schoolman support to all Seneca students in the form of one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and workshops and are located in the libraries of the Newnham, Markham, York and King campuses. Students should make tutoring appointments by either logging on to the Web Access Booking governance (WABS) at https//www. senecac. on. ca/wabs/ or by visiting The Learning Centre in person.DROPPING A melodic theme in that respect are two deadlines for brush offping this subject. If you pearl by Day 10 of the semester, the subject will not appear on your transcript. If you drop by the last drop date (see Student handbook), the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of DNC. To drop, cheer notify your professor, complete a Timetable Change Form, and return it to enrollment by the deadline. Discuss all executable negative consequences of dropping the subject with the Coordinator. donnish REGULATIONSIt is your responsibility as a stu dent of Seneca College to be aware of and abide by the academic and behavioural policies adumbrate in the College schoolman Policy and the Student Handbook. hither are some key policies donnish HONESTY (Section 9 and Appendix E Academic Policy) To continue to graduate high quality students and to sustain our reputation as a leading institution, Seneca must mystify the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic honesty core that all Seneca College persons will conduct themselves in an honest and trustworthy manner in all aspects of their academic career.Engaging in any form of academic duplicity to obtain any type of academic advantage or credit is an crime and will not be tolerated by the College. The penalty for a first rudeness is a grade 0 on the work in which the disrespect occurred, and will result in a observe being placed on the students transcript. The penalty for the second offence is an F in the course where the offence occurred, a second comment on the tr anscript and immediate suspension from the college ordinarily for a minimum of three semesters.For more training to the highest degree what constitutes academic trick and how to avoid it, go to http//www. senecac. on. ca/ library/Academic_Honesty/index. hypertext markup language STUDENT APPEALS (Section 12 Seneca College Academic Policy) Students rent the right to appeal academic decisions of the College. The procedures for informal and formal appeals are outlined in Academic Policy. If a student disagrees with the evaluation of an assignment or with a final grade, s/he must first plow the outlet with the professor in an attempt to resolve the matter informally.If the matter is not resolved, the student should discuss the problem with the Student Advisor or the Chair. Students must keep all assignments (including drafts and outlines) and exercises until they prevail their final grade. No appeal will be considered unless a complete commit is submitted at the time of the ap peal. COPYRIGHT secure means the sole right to produce, barf, and repeat work in which copyright subsists. This includes books, articles, textbooks, and new(prenominal) original creative works such as photographs, and text, graphics, images, sound video, and games from the Internet.It is illegal to reproduce and/or distribute copyrighted materials without the express written permission of the author. Copyright information is available at http//www. senecac. on. ca/policies/copyright. hypertext mark-up language INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE commit Official College E-mail is available to all employees and students. Faculty, staff and students are required to use College- leave behindd e-mail when corresponding electronically about College-related matters. (For further information regarding the IT acceptable use policy, please refer to http//www. senecac. n. ca/policies/itau. html DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. It is the policy of Seneca College that all employees and students have a right to work and study in an environment that asserts the personal worth and arrogance of each individual. In devote to achieve this objective, Seneca College will not tolerate any form of discrimination and/or harassment in its employment, education, fitting, or business policies dealings. training and assistance are available from the Resolution, fair-mindedness and Diversity Centre. For further information please see http//www. senecac. on. ca/equity modification FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS The college will provide reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, tactile sensation the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 2900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation need s.Approved by____________________________________ Claire Moane, Chair educate of English and Liberal Studies SENECA COLLEGE OF APPLIED arts & TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL OF ENGLISH AND lax STUDIES FACULTY OF BUSINESS profS ADDENDUM TO SUBJECT OUTLINE SUBJECT EAC149 English and Communication SEMESTER Fall 2011OFFICE B3019B PROFESSOR Kathleen BellOFFICE HRS Mon Pd 3,4 Wed Pd 5 EMAIL Kathleen. emailprotected on. ca PHONE ext. 6767