When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare Essay Example

When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare Paper Explore the themes of love and Loss and how they are expressed in the poems When we two parted by Lord Byron and first Love by John Clare. Answer When we two parked by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare both deal with love that was once dear and is lost. While When we two parked is about the unhappy end of a clandestine romance, First Love is about unrequited love. The title of When we two parked is direct and provides a glimpse of Byrons feeling of heartbreak, despair and desolation. Reiterated in the first line, it lends the poem a tone of sadness and melancholy. The words First Love summons a feeling of innocence and naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½vetà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, the poet has never been in love before and is doomed to get his heart broken. His title lends a tone of hope, which is ultimately crushed, making it an ironic title. We will write a custom essay sample on When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The regular ABABCDCD rhyming scheme of both these poems lends a feeling of constant loss and desolation. Enjambment is used to mirror the chaos of the poets feelings, in When we two parked. First Love has punctuation marks after almost every line, mirroring the poets innocence. Both the poems use vivid imagery of cold. First Love uses snow and winter to mirror desolation after the first exhilaration of love; and the snow symbolises the death of the poets love. When we two parked uses chill and dew to explore the feelings of betrayal and tears. Physical effects of the loss of love is evident in First Love as the poet uses violent metaphoric verbs to symbolise his anguish blood burnt, reference to blood abound in the poem, linking his love to his very life. He is blinded by infatuation, his eyesight gone quite away as he figuratively explains how he could se none but his love. Byron also feels physical pain when he remembers his love, but this is a pain of shame, a knell to his ear. We shudder as he remembers his relationship and insinuates about her unfaithfulness. Byron is ashamed and regrets his relationship deeply. The woman is described as pale in the poem, not the man, suggesting that she was responsible for the break up. Both the poems have an element of deception in them. In When we two parted Byron openly blames his lover for ending the relationship and leaving him half broken hearted. He portrays her as a flirt and as being light while he shares the shame. They shared a clandestine relationship, one that the society would have frowned upon. In First Love, the deception is the poets own, as Clare details how he fell for a woman only for her looks. He was infatuated with her and her sweet face and blamed himself when she did not requite his love. His innocence is taken away as he describes his heart which will never recover from the blow. The last stanza of the poems shows that the love has not been forgotten. Byron imagines his meeting with his lady and how he would react, while Clare believes that he can never love again. My heart can return no more. First Love uses alliteration to detail the poets feeling of novelty, sibilants such as sudden and sweet, being in love for the first time and repetition of pale to reinforce the feeling. Pale also fore shadows an unhappy end to his love. Personification and hyperbole abound as he is carried away by his infatuation, but again, clay and aid suggest that all is not well. By the last stanza, innocence has turned to weary experience as he asks the rhetorical question Are flowers the winters choice? He is dejected but the last stanza shows a hint of acceptance but not forgiveness, as he blames her very soul for deceiving him. When we two parted and First Love both speak about the loss of love. Sometimes it is one sided (and has turned to hate), blaming the woman who ended Byrons relationship thy vows are all broken and sometimes unrequited, but not forgotten, as with John Clare. But to both the poets, love is a beautiful feeling to be enjoyed, only regretted when it is over.

Star Clusters

Star Clusters Star clusters are just what the name says they are: groupings of stars that can include anywhere from a few dozen to hundreds of thousands or even millions of stars! There are two general types of clusters: open and globular.   Open Clusters The open clusters, such as the Beehive in the constellation of Cancer and the Pleiades that grace the sky in Taurus, are groups born in the same area of space but are only  loosely  gravitationally bound together. Eventually, as they travel through the galaxy, these stars  wander apart from each other. Open clusters usually have up to  a thousand or so members, and their  stars are  not more than 10 billion years old. These clusters  are much more likely to be found in the disks of spiral and in irregular galaxies, which contain more star-forming material than older, more evolved elliptical galaxies. The Sun was born in an open cluster that formed about 4.5 billion years ago. As it moved through our rotating galaxy, it left its siblings behind long ago. Globular Clusters Globular clusters are the mega-clusters of the cosmos. They orbit the central core of our galaxy, and their thousands and thousands of  stars are held together by a strong mutual gravity  that creates a sphere or globe of stars. Generally speaking, stars in globulars are among the oldest  in the universe, and they formed early in a galaxy’s history. For example, there are stars in globulars orbiting our galaxys core that were born when the universe (and our galaxy) was quite young.   Why Are Clusters Important to Study? Most stars are born in these big batches within large stellar nurseries.Observing and measuring stars in clusters gives astronomers great insight into the environments in which they formed. Stars born recently often are more metal-rich than those that formed much earlier in history.  Metal-rich means that they contain more elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, such as carbon and oxygen.  If their birth clouds were rich in certain kinds of elements, then those stars will contain higher amounts of those materials. If the cloud was metal-poor (that is, if had a lot of hydrogen and helium, but very few other elements), then the stars it formed will be metal-poor. Stars in some globular clusters in the Milky Way are quite metal-poor, which indicates they formed when the universe was very young and there hadnt been time to form enough of the heavier elements.   When you look at a star cluster, youre seeing the the basic building blocks of galaxies. Open clusters provide the stellar population of a galaxys disk while the globulars hark back to a time when their galaxies were forming through collisions and interactions. Both stellar populations are clues to the ongoing evolution of their galaxies and of the universe. For stargazers, clusters can be fantastic observation targets. A few well-known open clusters are naked-eye objects.  The Hyades is another choice target, also in Taurus. Other targets include the Double Cluster (an pair of open clusters in Perseus), the Southern Pleiades (near Crux in the Southern Hemisphere), the globular cluster 47 Tucanae (a  fabulous sight in Southern Hemisphere constellation Tucana), and the globular cluster M13 in Hercules (easy to spot with binoculars or a small telescope).

Interview With a Former Part-Time MBA Student

Interview With a Former Part-Time MBA Student Marci Reynolds, 42, from Boston, MA, completed her associates, bachelors and masters degrees part-time, while working full-time. She is currently a Vice President for a large, publicly traded corporation in the New England area.  I recently had the opportunity to interview Marci about her experience with part-time degree programs. Heres what she had to say: Q: You earned an associate, bachelors, and masters degree in part-time programs. Did you work full-time throughout all three programs? A: Yes, I worked full-time throughout the entire process. I started working full-time right after I graduated high school, then started taking evening college courses in my 20s. Some years, I took 3-5 classes, other years I took only 1. It would depend on the responsibilities I had to fulfill in my full-time job. Q: Was it difficult to find time for both school and a career? How did you make it work? A: Time management was definitely a challenge! Since I am a morning person, I would often get up extra early, ex. 5 a.m., to write papers or do homework. I studied during my lunch hour at work. And, I would go to the library on weekends to limit distractions and get as much work done as possible in short time increments. There were several occasions I used vacation days to study for major exams or finish large projects. Q: Did your employers help you with your tuition? A:  Yes, I was lucky to have tuition reimbursement from every employer. At the very end of completing my bachelors degree, I was bulking up on classes and had used up the company policy allotment of reimbursement. I appealed to senior management and got additional funding for my last three to four classes which was awesome! Since my masters degree was much more expensive, tuition reimbursement only covered about 50-60% of the costs. Q:  Were there any drawbacks to receiving tuition reimbursement? A:  Other than the small amount of paperwork I needed to submit to human resources, there were no drawbacks. Q:  Like any programs, part-time programs have their pros and cons. What would you consider to be the biggest pro? A:  The biggest pro was I could pick exactly which classes I wanted to take on what nights or weekends with which instructors. I had total control and could best align the schedule with my work and personal life. Q:  How about the most obvious con? A:  In addition to the time management challenges, it took significantly longer to complete my degrees. I also missed out on the full time college experience that many adults talk about for years to come. Q:  Was there any aspect of attending school part-time that you hadnt considered prior to enrolling? In other words, was there anything surprising about your part-time experience? A:  The MBA program in which I enrolled catered to full-time students more than part-time, and the homework requirements were not always realistic. I also did not expect to have full-time students in their early 20s, mixed in with the part-time students, mainly 35, in the evening program. This caused challenges, especially on group projects. Q:  Were there any differences between a part-time undergraduate program and a part-time graduate program? A:  In my experience, yes. The part-time undergraduate program I attended definitely catered more to part-time students, and the attendees were almost all working full-time and going to school at night. The graduate program I attended had many younger students and mixed full-time and part-time students in the same classes. Also, there was significantly more homework and more group projects in my graduate program. Q:  I get a lot of letters from students who are worried that part-time MBA programs will not provide them with the same type of recruiting and networking opportunities that full-time programs can. Did you encounter fewer opportunities in your part-time program or were you satisfied with the level of resources made available to you? A:  Since almost every class I attended had a different mix of students, every class presented new networking opportunities. But, in a part-time program, you need to make more of an effort before class or during breaks. After class, everyone is running to their cars to get home for the evening. I do hear that full-time students have more networking opportunities with their professors. In night school, you dont have that opportunity unless you proactively request one-on-one meeting time. There just isnt time in class. Since I graduated, Ive used Linked In to stay in touch with several students and professors I met in night school. Q:  When you think about your part time MBA experience, what stands out? What were some of the highlights? A:  There were two experiences I want to call out from my MBA program that were particularly rewarding and great learning experiences. The first was a two week trip to Japan. At my university, they offered international travel business electives. For my trip to Japan, we visited about 12 Japanese businesses and learned a lot about their culture. We were graded on several large papers we had to write. I had never been to Japan and it was quite a journey! The second experience was a one-week intensive course I took on World Class Business Operations. I got permission to take five days off from work without using vacation time. The class visited eight New England companies who had won Best Place to Work Awards. We met with senior management, got tours of their operations and learned more about their unique offerings. It was fun and I learned a lot of relevant info I could then apply to my day job. Q:  Overall, are you happy with your decision to earn your degrees through part-time programs? Do you ever wish you would have chosen to attend school full-time instead? A:  No, I have no regrets. Because I went to school part-time, I have a lot more work experience than other working women my age. In this challenging economy, with a lot of competition, I now have both the degrees and the work experience. As someone who has done a lot of interviewing and hiring of employees, I have found that the mix of experience and degrees helps to set an applicant apart from other candidates. Q:  Do you have any additional advice for students who are considering a part-time program? A:  Even taking one class en route to a degree is valuable from a personal development and a resume perspective. Employers like to see that you are striving to complete your education. Also, taking classes that relate to your full-time job will often lead to better job performance. If you dont have any college experience, think about getting a certificate first. Complete that, and then enroll in an Associates program, etc. This is a positive, rewarding path to follow, and when you complete a step, it feels great! Last, if you are getting your MBA, do some additional research to learn more about the ratio of full-time and part-time students in the night classes. I would recommend schools who have fewer full-time students in these classes.

The Life of Jean-Paul Sartre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Life of Jean-Paul Sartre - Essay Example The years that followed marked the life of a man with great creativity, talent in writing, deep thinker and a man of strong political will and persuasion. All these characteristics coupled with his childhood experiences led to his astounding achievements through his plays, novels, books, essays and lectures. Sartre's childhood was filled with much bitterness and confusion. The first natural pain to deal with was having no father, after the first fifteen months of his life. Sartre was clearly hurt by the fact that he never had a chance to be acquainted with his father, and was never told anything significant about the relationship they had; whether his father had ever taken him "in his arms," or if he had even loved him (The Words 20). Sartre then grew up with his grandparents who were rather fond of him, or at least depicted that in their mannerisms (Experiential Influences, par. 5). However, he felt that it was just family "play-acting," and a "system" that "horrified" him. (The Words 84; 112; 222). Sartre also faced an identity crisis. Despite his family's claim of him being the "miracle child" and "wonder child," he saw himself as ugly. His peers had also given him that impression. He was short, small-built cross-eyed and awkward in stature. Added to this, his mother treated him like a girl, not allowing him to play the seemingly rough games that other males would play, and keeping his hair long. It was his belief that she had silently prayed for a girl (Experiential Experiences, par. 7). He also felt forced into a lifestyle of reading and writing, because that was what his grandfather Charles admired, having been a writer himself. It however became a pleasant escape for him from the unhappiness he experienced at home. In his autobiography The Words, he states that "By writing I was existing. I was escaping from the grown-ups." It also positively affected his intellectual development as he became familiar with famous authors of his time (qtd in Experiential Influences, par. 11). As if this was not enough for Sartre to deal with, he also suffered from ill health. He notes in his autobiography, The Words: Things would have been fine if my body and I had got on well together. But the fact is that we were an odd couple [] If he suffers bodily as a result of needs and sickness, his unjustifiable state justifies his existence. His right to live is based on hunger, on the constant danger of death. Breathing, digesting, defecating unconcernedly, I lived because I had begun to live. I was unaware of the violence and savage demands of that gorged companion, my body, which made itself known by a series of mild disturbances, much in demand among grown-ups [] I had almost died at birth (88). His father had actually been quite ill himself when he met Ann-Marie in 1904. At that time he was suffering from entercolitis, which he developed when he visited China. He however married her and soon after she became pregnant with his child, Jean-Paul Sartre. Sartre feels that his father's illness had a major role to play in his own illness. He describes in The Words how his mother had stayed up many nights worrying and had stopped breastfeeding him very soon because "her milk dried" (16). He was thus sent away nearby to be nursed. He meanwhile was ailing from enteritis. His mother's re-marriage had a negative effect on him as well. He felt alienated and lonely. Moreover, he was unhappy about having had to

How Managers Support the Company's Goals Assignment

How Managers Support the Company's Goals - Assignment Example Caleta CO’s biggest strength lies in the innovation of products which has expanded its market share and made them global leaders in the business. The company has managed to hire the best talent pool in the country by providing them with the best compensation in the industry and above industry standard benefits. John believes in recruiting the best, paying them the best, and keeping them satisfied with other benefits in the best way possible. He was not wrong, as this talent pool has led to the success of the company through their innovation. However, John is now faced with the challenge of a reduction in employee costs and ensure better working conditions in Mexico and Vietnam.   John sits down to list the following:- To make a list of all managers who have spearheaded teams to break into new markets and expand the range of RFID products which has increased the turnover of the company. John will present this to the board to convince that he has hired the right talent and the right talent requires monetary motivation to innovate.- Aware that the innovation of products has led to the growth of the company John has decided to pool the innovative team together and the compensation and benefits program for this team will remain unchanged.- On the other hand, reductions will be made in the current size of the HR department. Tracking their performances through feedback forms from the employees. The 17 specialists who test and recruit managers will be tracked against the performance of the recruits to ensure the right candidate is receiving the right compensation.- Most importantly to rework the current organizational structure to see excesses to the right size.- HR associates to be given additional responsibility to expose managers to the new HRIS system with timelines to complete and convince the managers to use them. This will lead to a reduction in HR resources and lower cost.- The best compensation in the industry comes with the best performance standards . Weed out the non-performing 10% in the company.- To recruit HR associates in Mexico and Vietnam to ensure a personal touch which also saves cost, as traveling from the US and the cost of hiring an HR associate in the US is 10 times higher. Ensure that the HR associate in that country is in charge of maintaining safety and health standards prevalent in that country. OR to explore HR outsourcing companies to take care of the HR management in Vietnam and Mexico if feasible and turn out to be a huge cost saving for the Corporation.

A Lesson Before Dying Essay Example for Free

A Lesson Before Dying Essay The economic downturn of the past several years has been devastating to local economies and, by extension, their local law enforcement agencies. According to a report by the National Institute of Justice, the United States is currently experiencing the 10th economic decline since World War II (Wiseman 2011). The impact of this downturn will result in a change of how law enforcement services are delivered. As has been discussed by the COPS Office Director, Bernard Melekian, in a series of recent articles published in the Community Policing Dispatch, expectations will not be lowered just because an agency now has fewer officers, or because the budget is limited. Simply doing less while waiting for local budgets to recover to pre-2008 levels is not a viable option. Law enforcement leaders are faced with budget contractions that are in need to identified in different ways to deliver police services and, perhaps more importantly, articulate what the new public safety models will look like to their communities (Melekian 2011a). The effects of the economic downturn on law enforcement agencies may be felt for the next 5–10 years, or worse, permanently. These changes could be permanently driven not just by the economy, but by local government officials who determined that allocating 30–50 percent of their general fund budgets for public safety costs is no longer a fiscal possibility (Melekian 2011b). While it appears that the economy is beginning to recover on the national level, most economists agree that local jurisdictions are still in decline and will continue to be so, at least in the short term. Due to the decline of tax revenues because of Foreclosures County and municipal budgets tend lagging behind the general economy, which is one of the main source of funding for local agencies. Agencies are also faced with the budget realities, the current model for service delivery—which has been with us for the last 50 years—is already starting to change, and will be forced to continue to change dramatically and rapidly in the next 3–5 years. Police departments have been one of the affected by the current economic climate. Restricting revenues nationwide have forced local governments to make cuts in spending across the board, which has affected everything to include public safety operating budgets. However, while these budget cuts are threatening law enforcement jobs the responsibility to serve and protect remain. There has been no methodical way of measuring the effect the economic downturn has had on police agencies across our nation. A good example is how Nigeria has been experiencing difficulties in Budget implementation. The objective of the article was to present alternative forms of budgeting and after exposition on them, to recommend one that could mitigate budget implementation problem for Nigeria. Two types of budgeting addressed are incremental and zero-base. Under incremental budgeting, a certain percentage is added or subtracted from previous periods figures to arrive at new periods budget. Under zero bases, every program is reevaluated for its merits, as if previous budgets never existed. The starting points are the results hoped to achieve, and every debate about budget implementation is done prior to passage. Zero base budgeting is analogous to marketing concept in terms of information requirement and zeroing in on customized needs. To the extent that zero base budgeting plans, executes and controls, it serves as a management tool. Nigerias budgeting has been incremental, overly politicized and not carried out by experts, but merely based on benchmark price and quota of daily oil production. Factors militating against proper budgeting in Nigeria are distortions in fiscal transparency. Budget implementation in Nigeria is a critical problem. Many have blamed our poor socio-economic and infrastructural development on low degree of budget implementation, which is a result of incremental budgeting process. The paper therefore recommends zero based budgeting to Nigeria at all levels (GJSS, 2012). Sometimes inefficiencies result due to poor integration of the finance and strategy. Budgeting and performance are typically overseen by the finance department, whereas planning s coordinated by strategy department. Often, the two processes arent well integrated, resulting in strategies that are often dictated by the budget process instead of vice versa (Gary 2003). The reason for this could be that everyone involved may be attempting to accomplish the same goals, but also trying to make sure that the outcome will be beneficial to them, such as a substantial bonus or a reward. A budget cycle refers to the whole process from the commencement of developing a budget to the execution of the final charge on the budget. Since the majority of the budgets are prepared for a one year period, budget cycles cover the costs and expenditures for a period of one year. However, there are budget cycles that run for more than one year period. Government budgets have a budget cycle of at least 18 months from the conception of the various departments’ budgets to the time the appropriation bills are signed into law (Hyde, 2001). The initial steps of the budget cycle take place in the various departments and agencies. The program officers in the various departments compile all information that is necessary in the preparation of the budget. The budget cycle culminates with the president’s budget application to the Congress. This often takes place in February (USDOJ, 2011). A budget refers to a list of premeditated revenues and expenses. It represents a tool for savings and expenditure. A budget can also be defined as an organizational plan that is stated in monetary terms. It is used as a road map for conducting the activities, objectives, assumptions, and strategies of an organization. A budget cycle is comprised of various stages. Budget planning for the new fiscal year marks the first step of the budget cycle, while closing and carry forward activities mark the end of a budget cycle (Hyde, 2001). The steps outlined below are steps of a sample government’s budget cycle: Budget submissions: this entails the submission of the budget plans to the respective Budget Offers in various government departments. The budgets are reviewed and approved. Budget approval: this entails the executive committee approving the budget. The Initial Budget Authorizations are then submitted to the respective supervisors who address the respective cost items. Global Changes: the salaries are adjusted so that they reflect salary increases that are permitted by the Salary Subcommittee and the Human Resources Department. Closing: this entails the closure of the budgets at the end of the fiscal year. Carry forwards: it entails carrying forward all the unspent money to the following fiscal year. This marks the last step in the budget cycle. In most instances, law enforcement management prepares master budget for the coming year. The master budget includes the projected expenses and maintenance which is incorporated in the master budget and other smaller budgets such as training, overtime, marketing, administrative, and departmental budgets. By establishing an operating and financial budget for a future period, management can identify problems in advance. This can be maintained by forecasting for future predictions. A forecast is a reflection of the future. When forecasting is taken into account, two key aspects to consider are cash budgets and expenditure forecast. In most instances, budgets are and should be prepared for a future period such as an oncoming accounting or financial year. They are detailed by quarters or months. Typically, annual budgets are not altered once the year begins. However, budgets should not be rigid so as to prevent timely actions if need arises. Instead, budgets should only act as a guide rather than a restriction. However, there are rare circumstances when an annual budget should be revised such as due to a radical change in the business environment. Budgets are also important for obtaining funding since they portray an organization’s capacity to the lending institutions and financiers. Additionally, budgets are important management tools, they aid in setting milestones that need accountability to achieve, and aid an organization in identifying risks and establishing benchmarks. Thus, budgets facilitate the process of making adjustments to avoid risks, and to measure the benchmarks. Understanding the significance of budgeting marks the first step towards successful financial planning. It plays a significant role in the strategic planning process by an organization. It outlines the future financial goals and needs of an organization such as technological needs, overhead needs, financial requirements, and capital improvements. I have a very strong opinion that budgeting should not be scrapped, rather be modified to meet the current business environment. Organizations would have to restructure compensation programs so that managers no longer have an incentive to favors short-term goals over the longer-term. Budgeting will have to be flexible to be able to be adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in organizational goals and the economic environment. Again, accounting department should be responsible for compiling only budget information; they should not determine the budgeting process. Management, through the planning process should determine the budget, and all departments should be included in the process. Budgeting should be both top down and bottom up; i. e. upper level management and middle level management will both work to finalize a budget. We can streamline the budgeting process by developing a financial model. Financial models can facilitate what if analysis so we can assess decisions before they are made. This can dramatically improve the budgeting process. One of the biggest challenges within financial planning and budgeting is how do we make it value-added. Budgeting requires clear channels of communication, support from upper-level management, participation from various personnel, and predictive characteristics. Budgeting should not strive for accuracy, but should strive to support the decision making process. If we focus too much on accuracy, we will end-up with a budgeting process that incurs time and costs in excess of the benefits derived. The challenge is to make financial planning a value-added activity that helps the organization achieve its strategic goals and objectives. In order for department to compensate for dwindling budget, many law enforcement officer have had to learn how to focus on what can they can sacrifice from their normal lifestyle in order to offset the reduction in available spending. Some of these sacrifices have included families foregoing summer vacations, or shopping in discount stores instead of department stores they are accustomed too. However, today law enforcement agencies are faced with the difficult task of maintaining the same service that their communities expect despite the extreme reduction in available resources. And, in order for them to deliver the same high level of protection and emergency responsiveness that the communities depend on, law enforcement agencies must find new and inventive techniques to address those needs in cost-effective and maintainable way. Agencies must have a good understanding of how budgeting marks the first step towards successful financial planning. Budgeting has a significant role in the strategic planning process by any organization. It provides the framework for future financial goals and the needs of an organization such as technical equipment like laptops, radios, and side arms. It also shows the overhead needs, and departmental financial requirements. It can also outline the costs involved in order to get the resources that are required to meet their financial goals. Developing a budget is an important tool for determining the department’s performance, in motivating the upper-management, other members of staff, and measuring the results towards accomplishing the organization’s financial goal. References Gary, L (2003) Breaking the Budget Impasse. Pg 3, Retrieved September 30, 2013, Idio, U. S. (2012). THE BUDGET AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL: ZERO BASE BUDGETING, PANACEA TO BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA. Global Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1), 1-7. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/1036581432? accountid=32521 http://www. cops. usdoj. gov/files/RIC/Publications/e101113406_Economic%20Impact. pdf Melekian, B. , (2011a). Director’s Message. Community Policing Dispatch vol. 4, no. 3. http://cops. usdoj. gov/html/dispatch/03-2011/DirectorMessage. asp. Melekian, B. , (2011b). Director’s Column: July 2011. Community Policing Dispatch vol. 4, no. 7. http://cops. usdoj. gov/html/dispatch/07-2011/DirectorMessage. asp. Wiseman, J. , (2011). Strategic Cutback Management: Law Enforcement Leadership for Lean Times. Research for Practice, Washington, D. C. : U. S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, NCJ 232077.

The Central Conflict, Climax and Resolution in The Minister’s Black Veil :: Ministers Black Veil Essays

The Central Conflict, Climax and Resolution in â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay will analyze Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† to determine the central conflict in the tale, its climax and partial resolution, using the essays of literary critics to help in this interpretation.    In the opinion of this reader, the central conflicts – the relation between the protagonist and antagonist (Abrams 225) - in the tale are an internal one, a spiritual-moral conflict within the minister, the Reverend Mr. Hooper, and an external one with the world at large represented by the congregation. Wilson Sullivan in â€Å"Nathaniel Hawthorne† tells where the author got the idea of a conflict between good and evil:    He looked back, deeply back into America’s Puritan past, the era of the New England theocracy, when the conflict of good and evil, freedom and tyranny, love and hatred was more explicit, more rigidly defined, free of the ambiguities of an increasingly pluralistic society, governed by a shared morality (70).    At the outset of the tale, â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil,† the sexton is tolling the church bell and simultaneously watching Mr. Hooper’s door, when suddenly he says, ``But what has good Parson Hooper got upon his face?'' The surprise which the sexton displayed is repeated in the astonishment of the onlookers: â€Å"With one accord they started, expressing more wonder. . .† The reason is this: â€Å"Swathed about his forehead, and hanging down over his face, so low as to be shaken by his breath† is a black veil. The 30 year old, unmarried parson receives a variety of reactions from his congregation:    ``I can't really feel as if good Mr. Hooper's face was behind that piece of crape'' ``He has changed himself into something awful, only by hiding his face''   ``Our parson has gone mad!'' Few could refrain from twisting their heads towards the door. . . . . . . more than one woman of delicate nerves was forced to leave the meeting-house.    At this point begins the external conflict of the drama – between the minister and the people of his congregation, which will last until his death. Except for the sable veil, Reverend Hooper is quite a compatible and sociable personality:    Mr. Hooper had the reputation of a good preacher, but not an energetic one: he strove to win his people heavenward by mild, persuasive influences, rather than to drive them thither by the thunders of the Word.

Huffman Trucking

Huffman Trucking Infrastructure Assessment Huffman Trucking is first major freight carrier that has managed to grow tremendously over the past few years (Huffman Trucking, 2008). The company has 925 drivers, 425 support personnel, 800 road tractors, and 2100 trailers. The organization offers various customers base and distribution capacity. The mission of Huffman Trucking is to increase the profit and become a growing, and adaptable company. Huffman Trucking plans to leverage the automated information system, and technology to provide better customer service and business performance. Information System InfrastructureHuffman Trucking is a major transportation company that has four facilities around the country. The organization anticipated that knowledge worker information systems infrastructure requires improvement and to solve this problem, organization implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The infrastructure of Huffman Trucking is as follows: Networks The corporate office of Huffman Trucking is in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization uses Avaya Digital Phone System at Ohio and Missouri locations, and private branch exchange (PBX) and plain old telephone system (POTS) at New Jersey and California locations.The organization uses different workstations with wireless bar code, scanner, shipper, and telephone at Ohio. The location at California uses Nortel Digital Phone System that supports voice overIP (VOIP) connected to an Ethernet connection. The use of Avaya phone is very beneficial for small and mid-sized organizations (Caroll Communications, 2008). Network Protocols and Topologies Huffman Trucking uses different network protocols, to send and receive data, like IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP. Huffman Trucking employs star-ring topology, and token ring topology.The existing infrastructure of Huffman Trucking includes mix of networks. The organization implements local area network (LAN), and wide area network (WAN). The four locations of Huffman Trucking e stablish LAN locally and WAN supports the connectivity of its four locations. The LAN implements Internet and Intranet facility to perform business operations. Network Security The network security at Huffman Trucking involves backing up the data that allows copying critical business data. The organization also uses physical security that includes video monitoring, and biometrics protection.The organization developed in-house system to track the employees for operational and financial data. Information System Huffman Trucking implemented human resources information system (HRIS) that manages employees at enterprise level. The organization analyzes the data regarding new hires, and existing employees’ performance reviews. HRIS provides four functionalities including capturing employee personal information, maintaining state and federal level compliance procedures, capturing employee/labor relations information, and tracking the applicants.HRIS system provides the organization a central place to capture, access, and keep employees’ and applicants’ records. Issues and Opportunities Huffman Trucking information system allows performing daily tasks. The information system provides the functionality for distributing, receiving, and tracking information. The information system also provides processes for sales, service, vehicle maintenance, ordering, scheduling, contracting, general ledger, and payroll. The problems of the information system include downtime, and incorrect information.The problems of information system result into severe issues such as wrong payroll, maintenance logs, and improper customer tracking. These problems affect organizational performance, and cause penalties. The management fears that the rapid growth, and the problems can result into loses, and thus resulting in not meeting the future needs of the organization. To meet the requirements, management has implemented ERP that integrates all the processes of the organizatio n.ERP also integrate all the four locations, and the business components like customer ordering, tracking the order, generating the bill, order delivery, distribution, and after sales service (Huffman Trucking, 2008). Huffman Trucking plans to track the vehicles with tracking devices. The tracking devices enables the organization to measure, analyze freight delivery, and performances. The tracking device ensures accurate delivery time, and tracking shipments on the way. The database at Huffman Trucking will allow capturing, and maintaining the information at its four locations.The database will also support the workers by providing the ability to track the trucks like when a truck requires maintenance work. The database can also capture the information generated from tracking devices and can help drivers to complete tasks on time. Huffman Trucking can make use of distance information and distribution schedule to guarantee the shipments. The trucks can have scheduled maintenance and can avoid problems due to non-maintenance. The database will help in maintaining records, inventory information, and vendor related ordering at appropriate time.Huffman Trucking plans to develop an information system, and database that suffice the requirements. Huffman Trucking plans to become a warehousing delivery supplier with providing the shipments just in time (Huffman Trucking, 2008). The implementation of just in time shipments, ERP, and vehicle tracking devices can enable Huffman Trucking to provide abilities to knowledge workers to improve its service. Huffman Trucking looks forward to improve productivity, better management and customer satisfaction with its connectivity between locations.To sustain company’s growth and focus on the customers, Huffman Trucking should build an understanding of decision-making process of customers. The company can avail the opportunity to initiate a customer audit that allows tracking of orders from ordering to shipment, and delivery . If Huffman Trucking has automated processes, and required information system then knowledge workers can manage the productive outcomes. Knowledge workers employ the automated systems effectively with the help of better decision-making, and appropriate infrastructure.Huffman Trucking future policies, designs, and practices can help in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the organization. Conclusion Huffman Trucking recognized that organization has facing severe problem with the increase in business. To meet the challenges, company has decided to implement an ERP that will ensure integration of business operations. The ERP will automate the business processes like customer ordering, tracking the order, generating the bill, order delivery, distribution, and after sales service.Vehicle tracking device can ensure accurate delivery time, and tracking shipments on the way. The tracking devices enable the organization to measure performances, and provide freight delivery analysis.Re ferences Huffman Trucking (2008). Huffman trucking. Virtual Organizations. Retrieved from https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/PortBus. htm Carroll Communications (2008). Avaya Business Telephone Systems. Retrieved from http://www. carrollcommunications. com/

Swot Analysis of Li & Fung Ltd

Part I. Backgrounds Study: Headquartered in Hong Kong, Li & Fung Limited’s extensive global sourcing network covers more than 80 offices in more than 40 economies around the world. The global trading company supplies high-volume, time-sensitive consumer goods. Particularly, garments make up a large part of its business which also covers the sourcing of hard goods such as fashion accessories, furnishings, gifts, handicrafts, home products, promotional merchandise, toys, sporting goods and travel goods.Li & Fung plays the role as a supply chain manager across many producers and countries, covering over 80 offices and over 13,000 employees in more than 40 economies across North America, Europe and Asia. They provide product design and development, raw material and factory sourcing, production planning and management, quality assurance and export documentation to shipping consolidation.SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportu nities, and Threats involved in a project in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. Part II. SWOT Analysis Strengths of Li & Fung Limited Strength is defined as the â€Å"characteristics of the business or team that give it an advantage over others in the industry†.The following part will analyze Li & Fung Ltd’s strengths in seven aspects, which are: flexible adjustments in supply, minimization of production cost, expertise in cost control, diversification of risk, complete chain of service, advanced information system and management, and low information cost. 1. Flexible adjustments in supplies Li & Fung Limited (â€Å"Li & Fung† in the following) itself does not involve any production activity, all the goods they provided to the customers are not produced by them. Instead, they have growing network of early 11,000 international suppliers in more 26 cities and countries around the world, such as United Kingdom, United State, Russia and Mainland China (see Figure 1). Therefore, it allows Li & Fung Limited to adjust its supplies to meet the frequent changes in world’s demand. Figure 1: Global distribution of Li & Fung suppliers 2. Minimization of production cost Li & Fung Limited keeps on finding the production firms that offers the lowest cost. As one product has many components, the company tries to purchase them from different suppliers.With the help of its global distribution of local suppliers, the purchase team of Li & Fung can compare the prices of each required components, and find out the lowest purchase price. It allows the company to minimize the cost (see Figure 2). Figure 2: Global purchase cost control of Li & Fung / components’ supply Even in the same region, which is more economically convenient for transporting. Li & Fung also tries to control the purchase cost according to the development among near suppliers.Take the example of mainland China, rising raw material and labor costs in China due to inflation and the need for a fairer distribution of income, respectively, have inevitably impacted the overall cost of production. The Group had anticipated that the southern and central, coastal manufacturing areas of China would become more expensive, so it began shifting some of its business to other country, such as India. 3. Expertise in cost control Li & Fung Limited has also set up many offices in over 40 countries, in each office, there are a professional team of experts which are well-comprehended the information of the local production factories.It enables them to search for the high-quality, cost-effective sourcing markets. Moreover, once they find the new supplier, the managing team will take time to understand the firm’s operation well and check the product quality carefully. Since they have knowledge of the opera tion of similar or related suppliers, to certain degree, it prevents the possibility of having low quality products. 4. Diversification of risk There is a well-known saying that â€Å"do not put all your eggs into the same basket†.Li & Fung Limited has engaged in export trading of many different kinds of both hardgoods and softgoods, such as fashion accessories, furnishings, gifts, handicrafts, toys, sporting goods and traveling goods (see Figure 3). If one of them becomes unpopular, they can easily shift their focus on the other goods. Then, it does not affect the company’s profit won’t be impacted by the drop in sales or consumer loyalty of one single goods. Figure 3: Diversity in Li & Fung’s multiple brands supply 5. Complete chain of service In the past, Li & Fung used to do simple searching of products.For example, a customer wants product X, and then their task is to find a factory that can do that. Now, Li & Fung expand their business. It provides a complete and one-stop shopping service for customers, that means from product design and development; through raw material and factory sourcing, production planning and management, quality assurance, and export documentation; to shipping. All the process is processed by them and it brings more revenue to them (see Figure 4 at the right). Figure 4 : Supply Chain 6. Advanced information system and managementLi & Fung has established sophisticated & Internet-based systems to link up all its business partners, including customers, producers, distributors, logistics service providers etc. The application of IT aims to provide more value-added services, shorten lead-time, lower cost and enhance flexibility. 7. Low information cost From past to now, Li & Fung has still continue to grow because customers were much easier to identify than suppliers. Usually, Suppliers were large in amount, fragmented, smaller and located in emerging markets. So, Li & Fung serve as a database of these suppl iers, it could source the goods easier than customers.Li & Fung significantly lowers the information cost of the customers, that’s why the company still grows. Weaknesses of Li & Fung Limited Weakness is the â€Å"characteristics that place the firm at a disadvantage relative to others†. The following part will analyze Li & Fung Ltd’s weaknesses in four aspects, which are: No self-owned factory, No self-owned shipping port, Over dependence on US Market, Vast and complicated supplier network. 1. No self-owned factory Aforementioned, Li & Fung does not own any production firm. There is no doubt that it is good for the company to have a flexible supply of inventory.Nevertheless, the production cost will be passively controlled by other. If the whole price level of a region rise, it takes some times to search a new suppliers. 2. No self-owned shipping port Li & Fung does not own any shipping port. All the goods and materials are transported by other shipping agents. In contrast, one of their main competitors, Hutchison Whampoa, has their private port. It will be more flexible in the shipping schedule and more easy in cost control. 3. Over dependence on US Market According to turnover report (see Figure 5), from 2006 to 2009, the turnover from USA and Europe is over 90%.In Contrast, the proportion from China is even less than 1%. In recent years, there are many financial problems in USA and Europe, a good example is the subprime mortgage crisis. If the economy of USA and Europe recover slowly, the demand for export service decline, it will likely affect the profit of the company. Figure 5 4. Vast and complicated supplier network Li and Fung has the network of nearly 11,000 international suppliers in more 26 cities and countries around the world, they were large in amount, fragmented, smaller and located in emerging markets.To manage them, it is very time-consuming and costly. The process takes many staffs as there is still a lot of human factor in business relationship. It cannot yet be replaced by technology. It incurs high labour cost. Opportunity of Li & Fung Limited Opportunity means the â€Å"external chances to make greater sales or profits in the environment†. 1. China market Nowadays, every companies glare at China like a tiger eyeing its prey. China, As the world’s second biggest economy and one of the highest potential of leading country in future, it is profitable to set up its own brands and reputation in China.In order to get more market share, previously, Li & Fung will become a sourcing agent for Li Ning Co. brands in local and foreign markets. They will responsible for sourcing for a range of products including running, basketball and lifestyle lines. 2. Improvement in IT & Internet Technology is improving at the tremendous speed by leaps and bounds. The advanced tele-communication and internet certainly enhance Internal & External Communication. It can consolidate the global network with the â€Å"infinite† suppliers. Also, more works can be progressed by the computer instead of people. It can reduce the labour cost at the same time. . Lower cost in the developing countries The continue emergence of the developing countries enable Li & Fung to source the new market which offer the lower purchase cost. On the other hand, in these developing countries, like India, usually provide a pool of cheap labour. It lowers the labour cost too. Threats of Li & Fung Limited In SWOT model, threat refers to the â€Å"external elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the business†. Under the background of post financial crisis time, I consider certain exist trends or disputation may potentially threaten Li & Fung Ltd’s future development in the global market. . Rise of trade protectionism around the world In recent years, there is a rising trend of trade protectionism, especially in western countries. Increasing amount of tariffs or quotas on the im portation of foreign goods and services have been installed by many countries or economic bodies in order to protect domestic interest and local enterprises. The actions of putting sizable tariffs on other country's major part or even entire line of exports would be regarded as â€Å"highly unusual† at the time before global financial crisis in 2008. However, it is quite common today.That’s why some even argue and doubt their legality under international trade law. These actions will certainly threaten Li & Fung’s global supply trading business, which need to buy and sell goods from one part of the world to another. On the one hand, the extra effort on processing newly added legal or regulational examination and approval might slow down the trading and transporting speed; on the other hand, the business cost is likely to increase because more and more human forces or resources are required to handle problems when trading goods globally. 2. Disputation of currenc y exchange ratesMoreover, the hot disputation on currency exchange rate can be regarded as another potential threat to Li & Fung’s global trading business. In order to recover fast from the weak and weary economic status, the US government carried out a quantitative easing approach to maintain its trading competitiveness around the world. In the early November 2010, Federal Reserve Board has just announced QE2. More cheap money for investors to play with suggests a further cheapening of the currency of US dollar and higher asset prices in other regions, typically those developing countries.Increasing asset prices could be a headache to Li & Fung, since its profit is quite sensitive to the goods purchase costs. Today, the prices of raw materials, manufactured goods and labor forces are no longer that significantly cheap in developing countries or regions like mainland China, India or Latin America, especially in garments industry. Hence, the ups-and-downs of global currency ex change rates may worsen the situation and become another risk to the global expending strategy Li & Fung. 3.Former entered competitors Comparatively speaking, Li & Fung is not the earliest bird who stepped in China market, though it recently emphasizes its strategic turn from US & Europe market to mainland China. Thus in the market of mainland China, Li & Fung Ltd has to face some strong competitors in the future years, such as Hutchison Whampoa Limited, another huge international corporation originates from Hong Kong and led by Li Ka-Shing and his business group. Part III. Competitive advantages of Li & Fung LimitedCompetitive advantage is defined as the distinctive edge comes from the organization’s core competencies because the organization does something the others cannot do or does it better than others. In the following, I have considered three points that give Li & Fung to have Competitive advantages. 1. Li & Fung’s customized service One of the Li & Fung seven principles is customer-centric and respond accordingly to the market demand. Li & Fung will first know the customer’s needs comprehensively. Then, the product will be designed and developed. The process will go on until the shipment is completed.It gives the high degree of freedom to customers, as all the process are actually controlled by them. If they have any problem or opinion, they are free to adjust. Also, the staffs in Li & Fung are well-trained as they know that human capital is the key factor to the growth and profitability of business. The quality of service and staffs are exclusive in Li & Fung, but not the other competitors in this industry. Because of the customized service and excellent service, It is not surprising that Li & Fung cut the direct relationship between suppliers and customers.Li & Fung act the role as middleman, They know much about information of the demand and supply side. Finally, both suppliers and customers become reliant on Li & Fung. This re lationship doesn’t easily change. 2. Global sourcing network Li & Fung plays the role as a supply chain manager across many producers and countries, covering over 80 offices and over 13,000 employees in more than 40 economies across North America, Europe and Asia. It enable them look for the high-quality, cost-effective product. Their global network is much larger than the other competitors, so Li & Fung can do better in this industry. . Economies of scale Aforementioned, Li & Fung covers more than 80 offices in more than 40 economies around the world. The company set up over 80 offices and employ 13,000 employees. It can enjoy economies of scale, for examples, discount from bulk purchase of materials from the firms, increasing the specialization of manager, increasing degree of division of labour, lower-interest rate charged when obtaining loan from banks and having access to a greater choices of financial instruments, spreading the cost of advertisement over a large amount of goods. Part III.Suggestions on strategic approach in Li & Fung Limited future development 1. Focus on the China Market China is known for its large population and rich in natural resources. China has a population of more than 1. 1 billion, The Chinese economy has been upsurging since 50’s, and particular in recent decades, the implementation of â€Å"open door† policy and the economic reform have given a great influence on Chinese economic development. It caused a significant increase in the living standards of the Chinese people, and has also led to further economic construction.These changes in turn have created an larger consumer market in China. As the economies of USA and Europe grow slowly and the market is already well-established, it is of vital importance of Li & Fung to increase the market share in china in order to increase the gross profit in the following years For example, Li & Fung can cooperate with the well-known brands in China, such as the another famous sports brand, Anta. 2. Develop the online commercial service Like the success of Alibaba. om, Alibaba is the global leader in e-commerce for small businesses that includes business-to-business international trade, online retail and payment platforms and data-centric cloud computing services. It has more than 8 million small and midsize companies using its business-to-business online marketplace. In this example, I believe that Li & Fung can imitate this kind of e-commerce. They are experienced in this field. It is profitable to expand their service to online service. It may bring a new market and higher profit to company

How Stun Guns Work essays

How Stun Guns Work essays Have you ever walked alone down a dark alley at night feeling as though there was someone creeping behind you? For those who have felt that way it is a very serious issue. In this day and age, it is not uncommon for a person to be afraid of getting mugged while walking through the city, ask anyone that lives in a major city. Life may not be fair, but it is not fair for people to live in fear for their safety; and individuals can resolve that fear by protecting themselves from unfortunate situations. How, you may ask, should we protect ourselves? A way to defend ourselves is by utilizing the use of a stun gun. Stun guns are specially designed to temporarily incapacitate a person. The ways in which stun guns operate are very safe (non-lethal) and effective (disorients attackers). There are several aspects to take into consideration when understanding how exactly stun guns work. People usually associate electricity as a danger to our bodies. Lightning, take for example, has the current capacity to kill a human being; however, electricity in smaller currents is perfectly harmless. In fact, electricity is one of the most essential components in the human body. People need this electricity to do virtually anything. When you want to go for a hike, for example, the brain sends electricity down a nerve cell, to the muscles in your legs. This electrical signal tells the nerve cells to release a neurotransmitter(communication chemical) to the appropriate muscle cells. The neurotransmitter in turn tells the muscles to contract and expand. While you are hiking, the nerve cells in your legs relay the electrical message back to the brain, thus telling you whether your legs are tired or not. The strategy of stun guns is to disrupt the bodys communication system. Stun guns produce a high-voltage, low-amperage electrical charge. Essentially, this means that the charge has a good deal of force behind it, but not ...

Analyses Of The Nanosonics Matter And Its Usage In The Auditing Field

Auditing standards for an auditor is like a holy book. All the ones involved in the auditing field have to obey the standards, Negligence and breach of any rule of the auditing standards will result in serious violation and strict actions. All the techniques and the policies that are required by an auditor to follow in order to carry an audit of the financial statements are inscribed in the auditing standards (Elder et. al, 2010). When a new auditor is hired then it is his duty to write to the outgoing auditor in order to gain knowledge about the audit he is going to carry on so to eliminate any sources of vulnerability against his professional career and his accolades.   All the audit plans made should be clear, concise and infallible and should be in direct consideration with the points mentioned below. The plan shall include the following steps: The first work in the to-do-list involves interaction with the outgoing auditor which ensures that the company is fit to join and has no discrepancy in the previous financial statements. The second step to follow is that the incoming auditor writes a letter to the company management about his personal terms and conditions. Only upon approval by the management, the auditor is hired. This is a process to set up friendly relations with the company management as per the auditing standard 210. The auditing plan to be taken up is decided by both the auditor and the management with mutual agreement by both the sides (Fazal, 2013). As mentioned earlier, the auditor and the management have to agree upon some terms and conditions and also some plans which makes the deal valid. In the early stage of the auditing, the auditor thoroughly checks that the policies and the processes taken up by the company are suitable, in respect to the auditing standard 220. As the audit of the financial statements are carried on by the auditor, it is the duty of the appointment partner to see that all the policies are well-understood by the auditor and he works within it (Baldwin, 2010). The appointment partner must also see that the policies taken up by the company are positively used and applied by the auditor. The transparency of the financial statements should also be checked by the appointment partner. The compilation of the audit is done in consideration to the auditing standard 30. Paperwork presenting the auditing of the financial statements, troubles that can rise if the auditing papers are lost, and the copyright of the papers are some of the key points that the auditing plan should include from the starting. The auditor need to get familiar and must thorough the policies that the company is following only after which the auditing must be allowed to get on track (Gay & Simnet, 2015). Along with the policies it is also important to understand the mode and types of transaction and the auditing environment of the company. It is important that all information regarding the nonessential, first priority and the supportive laws are made thorough top the auditor (Cappelleto, 2010). The choosing of the auditing process is a much later work. First it is the duty and responsibility that to have clear knowledge of the conditions of the company and if material risk has been detected then i t has been dealt with the laws of governance and only after full satisfaction that the company is not a fraudulent one and there is no case of any misstatements on the part of the company the auditor may start the process of auditing for the company. In relation to the audit plan of Nanosonics, several approaches must be taken into account. The company is primarily an innovator in the prevention of infection and for such purpose, its automated and unique EPR high-level disinfection device allows it set a new care standard in ultrasound practices of probe disinfection (Nanosonics, 2017). The company’s inherent risk is already high in nature owing to its volume of risky activities that can also cause damage to the third parties. Besides, the scale of operations of the company is also higher in nature that can result in possibilities of errors, misstatements, and frauds within the organizational framework. This is the reason why traceability is needed in documenting and monitoring equipment reprocessing. As an auditor, the records maintained by the company cannot be relied upon and therefore, proper vigilance is needed as well. The appointment letter to the auditor includes the wage that the auditor will be provided. The auditing process is accepted with a positive feeling by both the sides which proceeds to audit planning. Skilled work and processes in the field of auditing is appreciated but keeping the basic techniques intact is also very important, and one of the basic functions is to question the employees of the company. Questioning the employees would give the auditor a transparent view of the framework and the working of the company at a large. The second basic priority is to effectively choose the auditing staff to carry on the processes. This includes the allotment of work to skilled professionals, non-skilled and the average-skilled workers. This step should be taken very precisely and with utter correctness (Geoffrey et. al, 2016). A weighed mixture of professionals can prove to be a very positive set to carry on the auditing processes. The following and creation of the to-do-list is very important once the auditing is started. Auditors can start with cash and bank account audit which is guaranteed to involve only minor expenses. As per the over-the-year records, it is seen that the cash and bank transaction have a hike and are increasing on a constant basis. Because of the above case the cash and bank transitions must be carried more attentively along with the bank reconciliations. Skilled processes, extended time is required in the case of cash and bank transactions audit. Financial costs showed a positive decline in the year 2017. This was marked by the issuing of payoffs, receipts and interest incomes. All this can be summoned up to say that Nanosonics is coming up as a huge success in 2017. Increase in dividend distributions along with increase in audit samples has also been seen as in comparison to the previous year. Mass volume with large chunks is involved now which can increase the threats of manipulations. Licenses obtained from various government authorities, permits and quality control boards should be the put up at top priority with systematic checking system (Nanosonics, 2017). Attentive checking of the purchases is recommended so that no imperfect material is bought at an exaggerated price. The account involving the data of assets and stocks should be paid attention in order to eliminate any manipulation that can be done in order to set the profit image high which is practically a discrepancy and false statement (Hoffelder, 2012). The report will now discuss five sectors where there are severe chances of high material misstatements.   The type of audit and its timing is determined by some factors like purchase of property, plant, and equipment. All this is grouped under material account segment. High investments are seen in the company with respect to its pattern of business which involves expansion priorities because of which the property could have been bought. Not a very high difference in seen in investment figures this year as in comparison to the year 2015 in which the investments were also high. This will make the investments a threat stricken sector, where fraud, misstatement, and indiscretion are probable (Kaplan, 2011). Manual analysis of the assets bought or sectors were money is invested is a very significant bustle. Checking must also be done in these cases: These are the key points that are needed to be kept under utter surveillance. The company’s materiality level of investments is as follows: The value of investments that are undertaken during the year 2016 amounts to 9.5 million dollars. Furthermore, the balance of total assets at the end of accounting year amounted to $9925000 Hence, materiality= $ (0.005% of 9925000) = $496.25 Furthermore, impairment of intangibles is another risk factor for Nanosonics. The reason behind this can be attributed to the fact that there was no impairment of the same in both 2017 and 2016. Based on the accounting policies and estimates, intangible assets are examined annually for impairment if changes in situations signify that they may be impaired. However, except for goodwill, only the non-financial assets suffered impairment during the period. The carrying values of liabilities and assets can be influenced by the risk of material adjustment through the accounting estimates on share-based payments, deferred taxes, provisions, and employee benefit liabilities (Lapsley, 2012). Secondly, the transactions that are associated with related parties are also prone to material misstatements because it signifies relationship betwixt two parties that can influence the real value of transaction taking place between them. This can result in affecting the financial situation of the company (Nanosonics, 2017). In relation to Nanosonics, there are various related party transactions that have taken place within its framework. Besides, it can also be witnessed that the directors of the company still owe the huge amount of resources to the related parties that is not a good sign. Therefore, for future audit plans, such transactions with the related parties must count as an area of material risk and hence, additional auditing processes must be implemented to ensure that the financial situation is not negatively affected (Livne, 2015). Therefore, the level of materiality can be calculated as follows: Sale of products to the related parties= $2055438 Purchases of goods from such related parties= $255861 The total value of transactions with the related parties = $2312414 Hence, materiality= $(0.005% of 2312414) = $115.62 In relation to the aforesaid, powerful internal controls are required in such segment because there are higher possibilities of embezzlement of funds owing to the interest of directors in such transactions. Thirdly, it can be observed that there is also a risk of miscalculation of foreign currency risk in the financial statement of the company (Nanosonics, 2017). However, the same can be utilized for self-interest purposes and there is a higher chance of embezzlement of funds in such scenario. Moreover, this is the reason why an audit plan can play a key role in protecting the company from such fund embezzlement. The income of $771000 has increased from $11000 and the same can be attributed to net exchange foreign gains on foreign currency forward options and contracts. Furthermore, the other income of $780000 of the company consists of $771000 of only foreign exchange gains that are a dubious scenario (Nanosonics, 2017). Such risk of foreign currency risk can result in an economic risk for the company. Besides, the net foreign exchange losses of the company in 2017 were $1032000 in comparison to $541000. Such variations in the computation of foreign currencies clearly shed light on the fact there have been miscalculations in the foreign currency currencies (Manoharan, 2011). Thus, the level of materiality can be computed as follows: Income from net foreign exchange gains= $771000 Therefore, materiality= $0.005%*771000= $38.55 Fourthly, it can also be seen that the company exerts too much dependence upon its portfolio of intellectual property. Such portfolio is crucial for saving the existing revenue streams of the company and protecting its business in the development of new products and entry into new markets (Merchant, 2012). Such reliance on intellectual property portfolio may have some costs associated with it and the company has failed to reflect the number of such costs in its annual report. This is a risk of material misstatement in the company’s accounts because it does not offer true financial information about the performance and affairs that may not satisfy the requirements of stakeholders in making relevant decisions (Manoharan, 2015) Fifthly, it is observable from the annual report of the company that its inventories have increased in comparison to the last year. The number of inventories in the year 2017 amounted to $7728000 whereas it reflected $6935000 in the year 2016. The question is that the sale of goods and services of the company have also increased in comparison to the last year, which clearly shows that the level of inventories must have declined and not increased in comparison to the last year. The figure of sales amounted to $67507000 in the year 2017 whereas it depicted $42796000 in the previous year. Hence, such inflated value of inventories clearly shed light on the fact that a material misstatement has occurred and the company may have done it for its economic interests (Nanosonics, 2017). In simple words, the overinflated value of inventories plays a key role in exaggerating the total value of the stored goods and materials. In most of the cases, such overstated inventories are the reasons for u nintentional errors or fraudulent manipulations(Messier et. al, 2005). Thus, the level of materiality can be computed as follows: Income from sale of goods and services= $67507000 Therefore, materiality= $0.005%*77280000= $3864 The aforesaid evaluations are essential for the survival of an organization. Besides, audit processes and their effectiveness ascertain the benefits of overall engagement of audit plan. Therefore, such strategy is necessary because it offers a path for the partners to determine the audit plan for the company (Roach, 2010). Nanosonics is a huge company with the maximum amount of resources spent in research and development for the purpose of preventing infections. Such operation is very crucial in the current working environment because functioning for the benefit of the public is all what the stakeholders need. Besides, audit planning will still be required if the scale of operations is not higher in nature (Nanosonics, 2017). Nevertheless, audit planning prior to engagement is a strategy that can be followed by the auditors to enhance its effectiveness. Moreover, it assists a company coping up with all the challenges that persist in the current working environment. Therefore, these estimates must be ascertained carefully and for such purpose, the base of such estimates must be carefully verified. Nevertheless, since the impairment of goodwill is absent in the company’s financial, its fluctuations cannot be determined properly. Transactions associated with related parties Moreover, higher the engagement of an authority in a transaction, riskier it becomes to find out the same. Therefore, even if maintenance of strong internal controls is implemented, it will become simpler for the company to turn around the situation for the purpose of its self-interest (Matthew, 2015). Hence, additional audit processes must be undertaken together with an enhanced check on the scale of such transactions Risk of miscalculation of foreign currency Such risk is a further dimension of risk that offshore investors must take into account. Even though the risk of foreign exchange specifically caters to the undesirable movements that may result in losses, it can be beneficial for the company to benefit from such situations with the significance for additional value and beyond that of a pre-existing stagnant investment (Matthew, 2015) Therefore, if the value of same was present in the financial statement of the company, it would have assisted in reflecting the materiality level of risk that can allow an auditor to plan corrective actions in contrast to the same. The company has easily attained the position of overinflating its inventory in order to affect its net income by exaggerating the net earnings for the accounting period. This material risk must be identified by the auditor because it can allow the company manipulate its accounts for its own interest and safeguard itself from legal actions (Nanosonics, 2017). Such evaluations require strict and enhanced audit plan that plays a key role in detecting such material misstatements. Moreover, if such risks remain unidentified, the company may attain the position in influencing other segments as well that can avoid stakeholders in making valuable decisions (Matthew, 2015). Auditing standard 300 can be thought of as the godfather of the comprehensive processes mentioned above, which decides the planning of an audit of the financial report. In the early stages of auditing processes that is planning, the auditing partner and its staff accumulate and get familiar with the company and its environment. This helps to detect material misstatements related to the company article. The ending of the planning phase is followed by interaction with the management about the recorded data during the planning term and those charged with governance (Niemi & Sundgren, 2012). If the management is lenient in such cases or the auditing partner finds out that association with the current company is harmful for its professionalism then it can choose to dump the company with a notice to the management. Investigative procedures and proportional loom should be the weapons of the auditor against risks and prior material misstatements. These are the comprehensive procedures prescr ibed by various accounting and auditing which need to be followed by the auditing partner prior and in the duration of conducting any audit. Baldwin, S. (2010) Doing a content audit or inventory. Pearson Press. Cappelleto, G. (2010) Challenges Facing Accounting Education in Australia. AFAANZ, Melbourne Elder, J. R, Beasley S. M. and Arens A. A. (2010) Auditing and Assurance Services. Person Education, New Jersey: USA Fazal, H. (2013) What is Intimidation threat in auditing?.[online]. Available from: https://pakaccountants.com/what-is-intimidation-threat-in-auditing/ [Accessed 6 March 2017] Gay, G. and Simnet, R. (2015)   Auditing and Assurance Services. McGraw Hill Geoffrey D. B,  Joleen K,  K. Kelli S. and David A. W. (2016) Attracting Applicants for In-House and Outsourced Internal Audit Positions: Views from External Auditors. Accounting Horizons. [online] 30(1), pp. 143-156.  Available from https://doi.org/10.2308/acch-51309   [Accessed 5 March 2017] Hoffelder, K. (2012)   New Audit Standard Encourages More Talking. Harvard Press. Kaplan, R.S. (2011) Accounting scholarship that advances professional knowledge and practice. The Accounting Review [online]. 86(2), pp. 367–383. Available from https://doi.org/10.2308/accr.00000031 Lapsley, I. (2012) Commentary: Financial Accountability & Management. Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management. [online]. 9(3), pp. 291-292. Available from https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0408.00081 Livne, G. (2015)   Threats to Auditor Independence and Possible Remedies. [online] Available from: https://www.financepractitioner.com/auditing-best-practice/threats-to-auditor-independence-and-possible-remedies?full [Accessed 6 March 2017] Manoharan, T.N. (2011)   Financial Statement Fraud and Corporate Governance. The George Washington University. Matthew, S. E. (2015) Does Internal Audit Function Quality Deter Management Misconduct?. The Accounting Review. [online]. 90(2), pp. 495-527. Available from https://doi.org/10.2308/accr-50871 [Accessed 5 March 2017] Merchant, K. A. (2012) Making Management Accounting Research More Useful. Pacific Accounting   Review. [online]. 24(3), pp. 1-34. Available from https://doi.org/10.1108/01140581211283904 [Accessed 5 March 2017] Messier, W and Emby, C. (2005) Auditing & Assurance Services: A systematic approach. McGraw-Hill. Nanosonics. (2017) Nanosonics Annual Report 2017 [online]. Available from https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2616865/Investor%20Centre%20-%20Annual%20Reports%20and%20Presentations/8045NANO_Annual_Report_2017_A4_Singles_Web_FA2.pdf [Accessed 7 April 2018)] Niemi, L. and Sundgren, S. (2012) Are modified audit opinions related to the availability of credit? Evidence from Finnish SMEs. European Accounting Review. [online]. 21(4), pp. 767-796. Available from https://doi.org/10.1080/09638180.2012.671465 [Accessed 5 March 2017] Roach, L. (2010)   Auditor Liability: Liability Limitation Agreements. Pearson.

Contemporary Media Practices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Contemporary Media Practices - Essay Example On the other hand, media intervenes into the interactions of institutions through telecommunications media, which allow individuals to connect remotely. Furthermore, the media intervenes into the interactions of people in the wider society by disseminating and recording information regarding crucial events that are important to the community. Evidently, the media intervenes into social interaction in different ways, depending on the concrete features of the medium involved; these include the physical and practical aspects, as well as the social and visual merits of the medium in question. The media has made it possible for people to interact across vast distances without having to travel physically to meet up with one another or having to be at the same venue concurrently; there is a great difference between mediated interaction (through media) and non-mediated interaction (face-to-face). This marked difference clearly illustrates the manner in which media transforms social interactions; for instance, all the parties involved in face-to-face communications are exposed to both the verbal and non-verbal cues. However, this is not the case with mass media such as newspapers, radio and television whose recipients are often indefinite; on the other side of the spectrum, a telephone conversation between two individuals is a mediated interaction between known individuals. Nevertheless, mediated conversation is not necessarily more or less the non-mediated interaction in face-to-face interaction; in fact, only difference is that the situation that mediated interaction occurs in inevitably transforms the way the individuals interact. Unlike in non-mediated face-to-face communication, media has such an incredible capacity to extend interaction both in time and in space; media permits individuals to be in permanent connection all over the world, regardless of their physical isolation. Granted that mediated interaction does not require