Monday, August 24, 2020

Tips for perfect proofreading - Emphasis

Tips for immaculate editing Tips for immaculate editing Its transformed into sealing week here at the Emphasis blog. In this last part, we expect to get done with transforming you into botch spotting machines. How Loading up on red pens is only the start. Follow these tips to guarantee you generally demonstrate your editing ability. Edit in the first part of the day in the event that you can if youre tired, youre bound to miss things. Edit at any rate twice once for sense, once for specialized exactness. Peruse in reverse for grammatical mistakes so youre not occupied by the significance of the words. Utilize a clear piece of paper to cover material not yet sealed and point to each word as you go. Print records off to edit its substantially more powerful than attempting to do it onscreen. [Note: If, be that as it may, your office or individual strategy is to limit printing for the earth, at any rate utilize a pen or pencil to highlight each word onscreen as you go.] What Post for: groups of missteps: the happiness of spotting one may lead you to miss the one right close to it redundancy of words especially split more than two lines normally stirred up words, eg there and their, or rule and head little words enormous words draw the eye sections and discourse marks is the second one in the ideal spot? Lastly Here are a couple of explaining pointers roused by the test worth raising: Its barely noticeable titles, captions and headings, or headlines in email (especially as they wont be spellchecked). Dont! There was a howler in this one. Contingent upon your companys style, you should not have to put a comma after the welcome and close down in letters and messages. In the event that you do utilize them, be steady ie use them after both Its lone needs a punctuation when its short for it is or it has. At the point when it shows ownership, it doesnt have one. In the event that youre experiencing difficulty setting a punctuation in a not exactly recognizable development (eg every others work), simply turn around it like so: crafted by one another (not others). So here it needs to pursue the r. Youd just put a full stop or some other accentuation inside a section if the sections contain a full sentence. On the off chance that they contain an aside, the accentuation will be outside. For instance: Starting now and into the foreseeable future, lets ensure that nothing is conveyed without first being edited (this incorporates email). Glad sealing!

Saturday, August 22, 2020

The Labor Supply and China Economics Term Paper

The Labor Supply and China Economics - Term Paper Example This paper will talk about work flexibly in China. It will feature the idea of wages and work in the Chinese economy and the results of human asset improvement. Conversation Wages and Employment in the Chinese Economy The monetary changes that China has encountered lately are described by the alteration of pay and work by private ventures so as to boost benefits. The administration controls the wages and work of the ventures that are claimed by the state. This is trying to improve the nature of the pay for the laborers and to check swelling. The legislature accomplishes this through setting a pay roof for every undertaking. The wages of the undertakings that are better performing are directed carefully (Chow 53). Notwithstanding the severe guideline of the wages and work for these ventures in China, the organizations have some effect on the pay and business. The assurance of pay and work resembles a haggling procedure with the government managed savings and work agency assuming a tre mendous job. Simultaneously, the administration expects to bring down pay and higher work while the endeavors target arriving at enormous benefits (Chow 53). Aggregate Bargaining and Its Effects on the Wages and Employment Collective bartering has been utilized in numerous economies as a methods for directing wages and business conditions. This instrument has been utilized in China to address the issue of diminishing work gracefully, which needs quick consideration. It has become the most significant wellspring of methodologies for the guideline of conditions identifying with wages and work in nations, for example, China. The inclusion of the bartering understandings is high in China with the open area seeing the inclusion of all the breadwinners in all occupations. The private area has a lower inclusion of the aggregate concurrences with this inclusion changing fundamentally between different branches and worker classifications. The restorative dealing understandings contain comple te guidelines for the relationship of the work with the incorporation of viewpoints that are directed in different nations through the constitution or different resolutions. Worker's guilds are vital in the accomplishment of the aggregate haggling understandings as their significance isn't constrained to the foundation of conditions in the business and pay divisions however they are additionally significant in application and oversight of law in the organizations. Workers are probably not going to understand their authoritative rights without help from the worker's organizations (Li and Zax 3). In China, the aggregate bartering understandings turned into the primary type of guideline for wages and work in the twentieth century with the principal understandings offering value records for different sorts of work. These understandings turned out to be increasingly complete later as they enveloped decides that included time as well as work rules, work time, opportunity of affiliation an d harmony commitments. The aggregate bartering understandings were from the outset finished up at the nearby premise, which secured restricted ventures. During this period, the aggregate dealing idea had not been coordinated into China’s legitimate framework. From this time forward, people didn't know about the lawful status and impacts of such understandings (Ni, Wang and Yao 19). Macroeconomic Outcomes of Human Resource Development

Friday, July 24, 2020

Book Riots Deals of the Day for May 7th, 2019

Book Riots Deals of the Day for May 7th, 2019 Sponsored by Audible These deals were active as of this writing, but may expire soon, so get them while they’re hot! Todays  Featured Deals Before we get started with the books, a quick note that the Kindle Paperwhitewhich is now waterproofis $40 off! The Invisible Library  by Genevieve Cogman  for $2.99. Get it here, or just click on the cover image below. Alias Grace  by Margaret Atwood for $2.99. Get it here, or just click on the cover image below. We Fed an Island  by José Andrés  for $2.99. Get it here, or just click on the cover image below. In Case You Missed Yesterdays Most Popular Deals The Book of M by Peng Shepherd for $1.99. Get it here, or just click on the cover image below. Shadow of the Fox  by Julie Kagawa  for $1.99. Get it here, or just click on the cover image below. Previous Daily Deals That Are Still Active As Of This Writing (Get em While Theyre hot!): Keep Her Safe  by Sophie Hannah for $1.99 Un Lun Dun by China Miéville for $1.99 Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret by Judy Blume for $1.99 Belong to Me: A Novel by Marisa de los Santos for $1.99 Shelter by Jung Yun for $2.99 The Optimists Daughter by Eudora Welty for $2.99 Yes Please by Amy Poehler for $2.99 The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder for $2.99 All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg for $2.99 Feminists Dont Wear Pink and Other Lies: Amazing Women on What the F-Word Means to Them by Scarlett Curtis for $1.99 A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki for $1.99 No One Can Pronounce My Name by Rakesh Satyal for $2.99 We Have Always Lived in the Castle  by Shirley Jackson for $1.99 Anansi Boys  by Neil Gaiman for $1.99 A Spy in the House  by Y.S. Lee for $1.99 A Natural History of Dragons  by Marie Brennan for $1.99 The Library at Mount Char  by Scott Hawkins for $2.99 The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg for $1.99 Spring Snow: The Sea of Fertility, 1 by Yukio Mishima for $1.99 The Sisters of Alameda Street by Lorena Hughes for $1.99. Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris for $2.99 An Extraordinary Union  by Alyssa Cole  for $3.49 The Epicurious Cookbook by Tanya Steel  for $1.99 Self-Inflicted Wounds by Aisha Tyler for $1.99 Soulless (Parasol Protectorate Series Book 1) by Gail Carriger for $4.99 Faithful Place by  Tana French for $1.99 Dead Girls: Essays on Surviving an American Obsession  by Alice Bolin  for $1.99 The Girl with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke  for $1.99 Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies by Laura Esquivel for $2.99 Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel José Older for $1.99 Q Is For Quarry by Sue Grafton for $1.99 Trinity: A Novel by Louisa Hall for $1.99 Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach by Kelly Robson for $3.99 The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman for $0.99 Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel José Older for $2.99 Cant Escape Love by Alyssa Cole for $1.99 Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairy Tale by Ashley Poston for $1.99 Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman for $0.99. Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu for $1.99. Cane by Jean Toomer for $2.78 The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlí Clark for $3.99 A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey for $3.99 Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri for $4.99 Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng for $4.99 Binti  by Nnedi Okorafor for $1.99 Binti: Home  by Nnedi Okorafor for $2.99 Binti: The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor for $3.99 Instant Pot ®  Obsession: The Ultimate Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook for Cooking Everything Fast by Janet A. Zimmerman for $2.99 Rosewater by Tade Thompson for $4.99 A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole for $5.99 Tell the Truth Shame the Devil by Lezley McSpadden with Lyah Beth LeFlore for $0.99 Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews for $2.99 Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole for  $1.99 Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins for $3.99 In Search of Lost Time: Volumes 1-7  by Marcel Proust  for $0.99 Prime Meridian  by Silvia Moreno-Garcia for $3.99 The Mirror Empire by Kameron Hurley for $2.99 I Met a Traveller in an Antique Land  by Connie Willis for $0.99 On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder  for $3.99 Soy Sauce for Beginners by Kirstin Chen for $3.99 Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon for $2.99 Dragonflight: Volume I in The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey for $2.99 A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn for $2.99 George by Alex Gino for $3.99 Happy Dreams by Jia Pingwa, translated by Nicky Harman for $3.99 My Soul to Keep (African Immortals series) by Tananarive Due for $3.99 Destinys Captive by Beverly Jenkins for $1.99 Howls Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones for $3.99 A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean for $1.99 Assassin’s Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1) by Robin Hobb for $2.99 The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith for $0.99 Sign up for our Book Deals newsletter and get up to 80% off books you actually want to read.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Analysis Of Misunderstanding Of King Lear Act 1 - 743 Words

Misunderstanding: â€Å"King Lear Act One† I decided to re-read King Lear Act One for my reflective essay. When I finally decided to re-read Act One I decided to try and find a different translation because I believed that finding one would help me fill any ideas I had missed while reading the first time. Which lead me to find an online version of King Lear that was written as part of the No Fear Shakespeare collection which I had previously used and loved, but sadly had forgotten about. After I read that I finally understood how much I actually misunderstood and downplayed the act by connecting it with my limited knowledge about the time period. Which lead me to see that it had caused me to manipulate the way I viewed the act the first time I†¦show more content†¦And that Cordelia was unable to express how much she loves him because of social shyness rather than social standards. After reading further into the act I realized I had filed in what was bad but I had also filled in what was good. I had completely overlooked how the Lord of France treated Cordelia after her banishment. But when I went back and read I realized that he was loving and kind when speaking to her at her lowest â€Å"Beautiful Cordelia, you’re all the richer now that you’re poor. You’re more valuable now that you’re rejected and more loved now that you’re hated.† (No Fear Shakespeare, 259-261) He did not want the dowry from her father but he wanted her for who she was and what she stood for. This revelation was so clear but I had missed it which lead me to wonder what else I had missed in the rest of King Lear. I feel like I did King Lear a horrible injustice by letting my limited knowledge connect any gaps that I had while reading the act. While I was correct in believing that some of my assumptions about the socially acceptable for that time. I was also incorrectShow MoreRelatedHuman Resources Management150900 Words   |  604 P agesCHAPTER 1 Changing Nature of Human Resource Management After you have read this chapter, you should be able to: ââ€"  Identify four major HR challenges currently facing organizations and managers. List and define each of the seven major categories of HR activities. Identify the three different roles of HR management. Discuss the three dimensions associated with HR management as a strategic business contributor. Explain why HR professionals and operating managers must view HR management as an

Thursday, May 7, 2020

moralhod Morality in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness...

Morality in The Heart of Darkness I trust I shall be forgiven the discovery that all moral philosophy hitherto was boring and belonged among the soporifics (Nietzsche 561). Maybe so, but the issue of moral philosophy has been discussed though out time and provides a significant element in Conrads story Heart of Darkness. In general, the timeless discussion traces back to the first philosophical writings of Plato and transcends from general religious grounds to general applications and codes of behavior espoused by Kant and Mills. These individuals and lines of thought try to establish a good code of behavior based on something: a benevolent god, extensible codes similar to The Golden Rule, or even relativistic†¦show more content†¦His argument is basically this: if God is omnibenelovent, omniscient and omnipotent then either evil does not exist, or, if it does, it is not really evil. Milton lays the groundwork definitions, aligning the parties in his illustrative argument early. If then his providence / Out of our evil to bring forth good, Our labor must be to pervert that end, / and out of good still to find means of evil (Milton I: 162-165). The word his refers to God and relates the word good with him, and relates Satan to the word evil. The justifications for these labels are more implied than anything else, based in the relationship of the Christian God, and thus the Bible and the actions and motivations displayed by Satan. He becomes tied to ... deep malice to conceal, couched with revenge (Milton IV: 123) and ... ire envy and despair (Milton IV: 115). Thus, good is implicitly the opposite of that: kindness with forgiveness, pleasure and joy. Miltons argument follows a path of self-discovery, illustrates a sympathetic character and describes his internal conflict and resulting horror of his situation. Mainly that he cannot ask for forgiveness and is thus locked into downward spiral between the reality of the situation, the expectations of his cohorts, and his own pers onal motivations. In the end, his actionsShow MoreRelated moralhod Relative Morality in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness1511 Words   |  7 PagesRelative Morality in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚   It has been well documented by critics that modernist literature departs from the blind acceptance of beliefs, religious beliefs in particular, evident in literature of prior periods (Abrams 1).   As Jump notes [...] the modern western world is less sure of its values than most previous cultures with which we are familiar; relativism and subjectivity are facts of everyday experience (15).   Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness is no exception

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Bp Marketing Problem After Oil Spill Free Essays

British Petroleum’s Marketing Problem Florida International University Summer 2011 Alex Del Veccio Yudith Torres BP Marketing Problem In April 20th, 2010 one of the worst environmental natural disasters that were brought on by a men happened. We are talking about the British petroleum Oil spill on the Golf Coast. The disaster not only affected the plants, animals and people living in the area but also the image of the company. We will write a custom essay sample on Bp Marketing Problem After Oil Spill or any similar topic only for you Order Now British Petroleum has been successful on creating a powerful brand image, being authentic to the core values of its business and building the goodwill of their customers, now BP is trying to save what is left after the disaster. The disaster leads to many angry people, including environmentalists, shareholders and the general public to create campaigns to bring down the company reputation. BP has been accused of 11 workers dead and 17, injured. The extent of the spill is about the size of Rhode Island, running across the northern Gulf of Mexico between the mouth of the Mississippi River and Florida. The spill runs wide, threatening the coastlines, and deep, traveling beneath about 5,000 feet of water and 13,000 feet under the seabed. The Deepwater Horizon well is leaking 5,000 barrels per day, shutting down fishing across the affected areas, damaging fragile habitats and putting animals in peril. BP was also accused of trying to silence the scientists that were studying the effects of the oil spill, not allowing publishing researches done for the company; this clause was expressed in their contacts. The entire situation has position BP with a bad corporate image in the entire world leading to customer to refuse buying its products. This crisis has result in a negative publicity, threatening the image of the company and having effects on people perception of the company and its products. BP has responded to the event, trying to diminish the severity of the contamination, in a desperate effort not to lose its social legitimacy and seen to being irresponsible and dishonest with the public. These are a few of many pictures that were put out there by the media, making the problem even worse for British Petroleum, those images were directly associated with the corporation, death, contamination, social irresponsibility, unhappy people. BP has a huge problem, they need to make people to stop associating those images with its corporation and products, and recover its good name again. Consumer Behavior Issues as a result of BP the oil spill Consumer attitudes toward BP products were badly affected by the oil spill; there was not favorable opinion about the corporation resulting on the decline of consumer intentions to buy BP products. BP oil spill has impacted purchasing behavior, the spill rattled the company, causing the stock to lose about half its value and prompting Tony Hayward CEO to resign and be replaced by Bob Dudley, But the company was able to get the oil gusher stopped and has been paying to repair the damage to the local economy. The company is paying to cleanup an estimated of $20 billion, as a result the company temporarily suspending its dividend, in another blow to investors. The dividends were reinstated in February 2011. Despite the fact that many surveys has showed that people has no intention to boycott or switch from BP brand ( (Harrison) the consumer perception of the company was reflected on consumer willingness to invest on BP stocks, maybe because many of them were normative influenced altering their behavior to meet public opinion expectations. Consumer awareness has shifted dramatically when there is a catastrophe related to a big corporation such as British Petroleum, consumers has jointed forces and organized protests to show their disgruntlement with the corporation and pressing them to take full responsibility for the disaster. The oil spill has had effected no only on consumer attitudes towards BP products, but to other industries too. Approximately 71% of consumers were still concerned about the safety of consuming seafood, and 23% reported they have reduced their seafood consumption as a result of the oil spill ( (Bianco) Consumer analysis Of British Petroleum after oil spill According to a Brand Index Survey, (Index, 2010) British Petroleum public image went below Goldman Sachs (and investment bank many feel contributed to the financial crisis’ in 2008). This Survey that came out in June 2010 show these findings. Only Toyota who went through a massive recall shows worse. Many more surveys show that consumers were not please with British petroleum (eye, 2010) Following are s few notes from the article on the corporate eye’s website (eye, 2010): * From an Economist and YouGov survey: When it comes to trusting BP to â€Å"do the right thing in stopping the oil spill and cleaning it up,† 9% of respondents said they trust BP â€Å"a great deal† and 13% trust BP â€Å"quite a bit† while 20% have â€Å"only some† trust that BP will do the right thing, and another 20% said they have â€Å"very little† trust that BP will do the right thing. The majority of respondents, 28%, trust BP â€Å"not at all. †Ã‚   The remaining respondents stated that they were not sure how they felt. * From the same Economist and YouGov survey: 65% of respondents believe that BP and other companies involved in the oil spill are â€Å"pointing the blame on others and avoiding responsibility† while just 35% believe BP and other companies involved are â€Å"doing whatever it takes to stop the spill and clean up the oil. † * From a USA Today/Gallup poll: 34% of the respondents rated BP’s response to the spill as â€Å"poor† and 39% rated it as â€Å"very poor†. Only 6% rated BP’s response as â€Å"very good† and 18% rated it â€Å"good. † * From a Pew Research Center and National Journal Congressional Connection poll: 44% rated BP’s response to the oil spill as â€Å"poor† and 26% rated it â€Å"only fair† while 16% rated BP’s response â€Å"good† and 3% rated it â€Å"excellent. † * From a CNN and Opinion Research Corp. poll: 76% of respondents disapprove of BP’s response to the oil spill and 24% percent approve. These surveys and many like them combined with massive protests and boycotts reshaped the Value of British petroleum as reaction to their stocks showed. In late June in 2010 British petroleum’s stock fell to under 28 dollars per share. This was a major drop from there yearly high of over 61 dollars per share in February in 2010. While the consumer trend for the oil industry is still in high demand, British petroleum still loss revenue loss due to poor public perception and also lost revenue from the oil spill and cleanup efforts. According to this story BP has it work cut out for them financially (JACOBSON, 2011)– Almost $50 billion in lost market value. Its rivals’ stock is up almost 15 percent, while BP’s has been down roughly 25 percent. Shares that were worth $60 a piece on April 20, 2010, are worth $46 today (JACOBSON, 2011). * Sales of $24 billion of the company’s assets to be set aside to help pay for claims and other costs. Gheit said roughly 10 percent of BP’s production and reserves were sold last year. Another $6 billion worth are expected to be sold this year (JACOBSON, 2011). * $3. 8 billion paid out in claims so far. That’s part of a $20 billion fund set aside under pressure from the government last year (JACOBSON, 2011). * Liabilities could swell by tens of billions more. If BP is found to be criminally negligent (several investigations and reports have yet to be completed), the price tag could exceed $50 billion. (Contending their equipment and work played a major role in the cause of the accident, BP is suing Halliburton and TransOcean for billions of dollars as well. (JACOBSON, 2011)) However not all is lost for BP. As you look at the Global 500 (500, 2011) ranking of the top one hundred companies in the world. You will notice that six of the tops 10 are oil companies, including BP at number four. This not only shows that oil is a very profitable industry and in high demand despite calls for alternative energy sources over the past decades. Unless such an alternative energy source can come about and service the billions of people who demand energy: the outlook in the oil industry will continue to be high. Which also means the oil industry will continue to be profitable. When we also add into the factor that developing countries have increased demand for oil and global demand for this resource is predicted to go from 41. million gallons per day to 86. 6 million gallons by the year 2025 (prices, 2010). I do not see consumer trends in oil consumption a problem for BP. This consumption pattern will be an advantage for BP. The bottom line is that BP’s industry and products looks like they will be in high demand for the foreseeable future. However even though Bp’s product is widely used they are not immune from poor public perception. Since the oil spill Bp has been fo rced to sell off some assets (White, 2011) to pay for loss revenue, and pending lawsuits from the oil spill. BP’s problems continue outside of its finances. In early 2000 British petroleum launched a new campaign called â€Å"Beyond Petroleum†. This campaign was targeted top the environmental conscious consumer. Bp wanted to become established as an environmentally friends energy company. While it’s hard to see if that campaign was successful regardless, any positive perception or equity acquired from that campaign was lost do the oil spill. Reinventing themselves as an eco friendly company looks to be a difficult task at this time. Moving forward With the environment a major issue in today’s world it may be a good idea for BP to invest in research for safer more eco friendly offshore drilling technology. Another way for BP to win over the public interest is to come up with a cleaner alternative source of energy. Would it be ironic that a oil company invents an alternative energy that is safer and cleaner for the environment. The emotional element of BP’s brand invokes bad feelings. With concerns about Global Warming and endangered species many feel BP broke its Brand Promise started by their campaign â€Å"Beyond Petroleum†. For now British Petroleum’s strategy should be to allocate resources for research for the above mentioned. And also allocate resources to improving public perception. One example is their commercials with local business owners that were affected by the Gulf oil spill. They are telling the consumers that they are standing by their mistakes. I would also advise BP to communicate to the public what changes they are making from organizational structure to safety precautions. BP may also look into working with eco friendly organizations and organizations like the World Wild Life foundation. Such organizations have voiced strong criticism BP after the oil spill. Working with these organizations would go far in telling the public they have turned over a new leaf. Marketing Recommendations for British Petroleum (prices, 2010) British Petroleum needs to have specific plan for each one of the possible scenarios they might encounter, the company took three months to stop the oil leak, and they are still working on the cleaning process. This shows that BP was not prepared to face such a huge natural disaster; they did not have a contingency plan appropriated. Its is very important than the fist reaction that company takes to resolve the problem is the most suitable one, because that is when the media and public attention are more focus on the problem, and a prompt resolution will lead a faster recovery of the company image. BP should focus on mortification, taking full responsibility for the situation and its consequences. This strategy address public critique in advance and give the company a more significant public relations ground. After admitting and apologizing for the catastrophe, BP must take an action to avoid that is going to happen again. Creating more and secure ways to drill oil, the company needs to improve procedures, safety and competence to regain the lost trust from the public. BP need to regain their good mane, at the moment the company is located in the awareness set in the customer mind that it does mean that its products will be consider if people has a negative image in it. British Petroleum need to build positive feeling towards its corporation, one option is to develop green advertising, the company have invested million on it, but today they should put more emphasis on it. Create better image (social factor) by better approach to compensate those who have been affected. There were many people affected by the catastrophe, people from different communities, they need to focus on the different groups of people they are trying to reach in order transmit the message more efficiently; failing to do will worse the problem. In order for people to place BP into their consideration set they need to believe that the company is reliable and responsible, in addition people must have good feeling towards the brand. They must invest a lot of money in advertising, informing people what is plan to recover and it is being developed. Those ad must run as many time as its needed, to inform people that â€Å"we are taking responsibility† to backfire those ad claiming the contrary â€Å"Show you care†, that is the primary position British Petroleum must assume. The reality is that the Oil Spill in deep horizon water in Mexican Gulf, in April 2010 has made a huge human, ecological and financial lost, and it has ruined the company’s reputation. There is not way the company can go back in time and avoid what happened, but they can look forward and make the best out the situation. If BP can convince the public that they truly believe that its image will be reinstated, people will start bearing positive feeling towards BP. Bibliography 500, G. (2011). And the world’s biggest companies are†¦ Retrieved 2011, from Cnn Money 2011: http://money. cnn. com/magazines/fortune/global500/2011/ Bianco, V. D. (n. d. ). Louisiana News . Retrieved from Louisianafoodnews. com. eye, c. (2010, june 4). The BP Brand Fallout – Consumers Weigh In. Retrieved from corporate eye: http://www. corporate-eye. com/blog/2010/06/the-bp-brand-fallout-consumers-weigh-in/ Harrison, M. (n. d. ). Wave Matrix. Retrieved from wavematrix. com. Index, J. C. (2010, hune 24). Survey BPS consumer perception sinks below Goldman Sachs. Retrieved from http://www. mediabistro. om: http://www. mediabistro. com/prnewser/survey-bps-consumer-perception-sinks-below-goldman-sachs_b3951 JACOBSON, M. (2011, april 26). One Year Later, Where Does BP Stand? Retrieved from pbs. org: http://www. pbs. org/newshour/rundown/2011/04/bp—-one-year-later. html prices, O. (2010, July ). Retrieved from oilprices. org: http://www. oilprices. org/ White, G. (2011, feb 22). BP to sell off North Sea asset. Retrieved from the t elegraph: http://www. telegraph. co. uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/8341366/BP-to-sell-off-North-Sea-assets. html How to cite Bp Marketing Problem After Oil Spill, Essay examples

Monday, April 27, 2020

The Crucible Revenge Essay Example For Students

The Crucible Revenge Essay Revenge plays a major role in the story, â€Å"The Crucible. † Due to the social structures of society and the confusion that existed upon the townspeople, because of the dancing in the forest by the teenage girls that lived in town, it was very easy for the townspeople to believe that witchery was the cause for all of this confusion. Suspicion arose among the towns’ people to blame each other for these happenings. The doors now opened for all of the towns’ people to express their hatred toward their neighbors that they couldn’t express before due to a stricter society, this lead for many people to seek revenge against society, enemies and also neighbors. Revenge was placed upon society because in Puritan society the role of the child was to be quiet and to stay out of the way. We will write a custom essay on The Crucible Revenge specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Girls of that age were given little or even no freedom to act like children. The girls were expected to walk straight, arms by their sides, eyes slightly down cast, and their mouths were to be kept shut unless otherwise asked to speak. It is not surprising that the girls tried to get revenge against society because of the type of lifestyles that they lived. To get revenge against society the girls played games like dancing in the woods, and listening to slaves’ stories and pretending that other villagers were bewitching them. The girls set off everything in the story because of the pranks and games that they played as they indirectly were getting revenge on society and what kind of lifestyles they lived. Revenge was placed upon enemies in this story when Abigail Williams tries to get revenge on Elizabeth Proctor. John Proctor, one of the towns people and husband of Elizabeth Proctor, was having an affair with Abigail Williams, one of the girls who danced in the woods on that night. Abigail Williams would tell John Proctor that she loved him and that he loves her also. When Abigail was in court one day she make a puppet or doll for Elizabeth Proctor. It turns out that Abigail Williams had stuck a pin or needle in the doll before she gave it to Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail put the needle there on purpose, hoping something would happen to Elizabeth. Elizabeth found the needle before the needle found her and accused Abigail for doing that on purpose. Through this situation it is known that Abigail was trying to get revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for marrying John Proctor, because she is in love with John and feels that she has to get revenge on Elizabeth Proctor just for marrying John Proctor. Revenge was placed upon neighbors in this story in the way that Thomas Putnam feels he must get revenge on Goody Nurse. He feel this was because all of Goodie’s land was sold to Giles but was supposed to be given to himself, Thomas Putnam. Putnam believes that he must have more land that Giles and is determined to get revenge and also to get more land. Thomas Putnam goes about doing this by telling his daughter to accuse George Jacobs of witchery so that he would be hung and so that he would forfeit his land. This happens, and the only one that was able to purchase the property was Thomas Putnam. Thomas Putnam was so concerned about his land that he killed his neighbors for their land. In closing, the situations that existed because of the social structure of society lead many people to choose the easy path, accusing everyone of witchcraft. .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 , .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .postImageUrl , .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 , .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:hover , .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:visited , .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:active { border:0!important; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:active , .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42 .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u394f178615968fcf711b015495b9df42:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Dating Violence Essay After everything opens up and anger throughout the whole town arises. People thought that they needed to get revenge on society and certain people whether friends, enemies, or just neighbors.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

buy custom Qassim Cement Factory essay

buy custom Qassim Cement Factory essay This report has been compiled with the sole objective of showing stakeholders of the Qassim Cement Company the progress made by the company. This is a symbol of their commitment to the betterment of this organization. The company profile is discussed in the first part of this paper. This will help to give stakeholders a brief history of the company as well as the legacy of Qassim Cement. The next section to be analyzed is the vision and the mission of the company, which illustrate the path, which the company would like to take, and provide a revised version of both. Next, the internal and external audit of the company will be considered. In the analysis, the internal factors of the organization are discussed in detail. The reason for including this section is to identify the internal strengths and weaknesses of the company. Following the internal audit there will be the external audit. The external audit is intended to demonstrate the cement industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all factors that influence it. In the report, we will also provide a detailed benchmarking for the company to show ways through which the company can get a competitive advantage over its rivals. We will, in addition, establish annual objectives, which will mirror their long-term objectives and help to achieve them, and create a new organizational structure. This will help in fulfilling the objective of this report, which is to create a new strategy. That will be achieved by using various tools including the IFE matrix, the BCG matrix, and the QPSM matrix among others. Through these tools, we will provide professional opinions based on the information available as well as offer recommendations on how to proceed regarding our strategies and the future of the Qassim. 2.Company profile Establishment: The Qassim Cement Company is a cement company with its headquarters in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi company was established in August 1976, in accordance with the Royal Decree No. M/62 on 15 Shaban, 1396H. Two years later, on August 2, 1978, it became registered under commercial registration number 1131001224 on 28 Shaban, 1398, in Buraydah City. The companys principal activity is the production of cement and its derivatives. Location: The company is located at the heart of Saudi Arabia, in the region of Qassim specifically at Buraydah, 330km northwest of Riyadh. Policy: QCC operates on a policy to continuously review the progress of the company through regular audits and other techniques. Purpose: The companys primary purpose is to manufacture and sell cement and related commodities in Saudi Arabia. Italso performs all activities related to the cement manufacturing industry. Shareholders: The companys major shareholders are listed inthe Saudi Stock Exchange Market. This is under the Reuters code3040. Employees: According to a recent survey conducted on the company, it has approximately six hundred and fifty employees representing all departments. Capital structure: The authorized capital ofthe company is SAR 900 million fully paid. This total is divided into 90 million shares. On the other hand, these shares have a par value of SAR 10 per share. Assets: According to the survey conducted in 2010 by the Consolidated Audited Financial Report,Qassims total net operating revenues have declined byapproximately 1.84%.Values were estimated to range from SAR 986,557 to SAR 968,426. On the other hand, the return on equity has decreased from 32.93% to 26.99%. This is the total equity or net income of the company. The total assetturnover in return went from 26.82% to 24. 74%. Thus, the Net Profit Margin (Net Income/Net Sales) decreased from 61.02% to 51.69%. The Debt to Equity Ratio (Total Liabilities/Equity) dropped to critical 9.08% as compared to 22.77% in thelast year. On the other hand, the Current Ratio (Current Assets/Current Liabilities) went from 3.49% to 4.96%. These figures are taken and compared withthe same period inthe previous year. The latest statistics of April 2012 revealed that the last trade was at 83.75 SAR. Products and services: The company manufactures three main types of cement namely: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC/Type I), which has been produced from the onset of the company. This type was the first to be manufactured by the company in 1976. The other two types are Sulphate Resistant Cement (SRC/Type V) and Limestone Cement - Finishing Cement. The company is a consumer-oriented firm. This means that it controls mining from the quarries to manufacture finished cement. Since then, the Qassim Cement Company (QCC) has held the status of being one of the best cement manufacturers in the continent. Market Targets: The company targets consumers in the Northwest and Central Saudi region. The greatest competitor facing by the company in this region is Yamama Cement. Production: Over the years since its inception, the company has been consistently increasing its productivity. For example, in 1986, the company increased its production capacity from 2,000 tpd to 4200 tpd. In 1996, production capacity was increased to 4,700 tpd, and seven years later the capacity was 5000 tpd. To aid in this development, the company underwent several technological changes. For instance, improvements were made by the France FDB with the objective of reducing dust emissions from plants. Other issues that had been addressed together with technological innovations included the improvement of the energy efficiency of a plant. In 2007, the company made some improvements with the help of the Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Company Limited (IHI) of Japan to increase the production capacity of the plant. These improvements doubled the companys capacity. Because of the increasing demand for cement, the company plans to embark on an expansion project that will lead to the construction of four additional plants. The projected outcome of this is that it will boost production by at least 6million tons. 2.1 Qassim and corporate social responsibility Corporate social responsibility is a very important aspect for any organization. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a way for organizations to give something back to the society for their labor, resources and support. This gives the company a good public image, resulting in a competitive advantage over its competitors. CSR policy acts as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism for QCC, whereby the business is monitored. This ensures that the organization adheres to the law, ethical standards and international norms. Although corporate social responsibility sometimes may appear as if the company adds to its expenses, it pays off in the long-run, since more people in the community will desire to work in the company. In addition, more investors will want to be affiliated with it. The Qassim Cement Company has played a key role in promoting the community. Some of the key areas that have been affected arethe health sector, the education sector and the environment. 2.1.1 Health Health is a key area in the society. A healthy workforce ensures that employees maximize on productivity. One of the most notable contributions initiated by Qassim is a project that is aimed at analyzing the validity, safety and fitness of all types of human food. The project is supposed to be launched in the Burayda city, and it consists of very sophisticated lab work to ensure good quality food for human consumption. Another notable contribution is the establishment of an underage handicapped center. This center is aimed at hosting children with various disabilities. By showing the community that they support them, they win more customers. This acts as a competitive advantage for the firm. 2.1.2 Finance The company is also responsible for the King Aziz women charity foundation, which is a microfinance institution meant to provide microloans for small micro enterprises (SMEs). 2.1.3 Education Qassim has been financing the education sector for years. This money has helped educational facilities accommodate more people as well as afford equipment and books needed for quality education. 2.1.4 Environment The environment is a key component of the community. Thus, QCC has established programs that measure, monitor and improve the environment. The companys environmental policy helps them monitor the progress made in the environment. The company has also gone an extra mile at ensuring that the rate of air pollution from dust has been reduced to less than 30mg/m3. QCC has invested significantly in controlling all pollution sources throughout the years. Furthermore, the company has taken up capital investment projects to help in the reduction of fugitive dust. The company has further built a water treatment plant to treat wastewater. The company also has over 48,000 plants and a vast landscape of approximately 21,000 sq.m. The level of CO2 emissions has also been significantly reduced. Currently, Qassim has been applying a mining system, where advanced management systems are used in quarries to preserve natural resources. 2.2 Company vision The vision of the company is to become a leading regional cement and building materials company that is globally recognized for its customer focus, operational excellence and high quality products. 2.2.1 Revised vision Today, the company worksonattaining a prosperous future in the industry. This is possible by ensuring superior customer satisfaction. Another way of attaining this objective is by consistently providing high quality products that conform to the set standards. 2.3 Company mission The mission of Qassim Cement is to become cement and building materials company that will persist in providing quality commodities in an environmental friendly and efficient way. Another mission is to maximize stakeholders wealth. 2.3.1 Revised mission Today, the company aims to provide quality management systems. This is in order to promote skills, training and knowledge. The company also aims to incorporate the virtue of teamwork in its employees in order to maximize production. 3. Internal factors analysis Internal Audit (INA) of any organization helps the management to understand the various factors within the company that are likely to affect the company. It is important for managers to analyze the internal environment of the business so that to they can be able to strengthen their strong points further as well as eliminate their weak points. In the case of Qassim industry, the company has a very strong labor force, which is a major strength for the company. Below, other internal factors that is likely to influence the company: 3.1Management Qassim Cement is managed by a board of various members. This board is led by a chairman, a vice chairman and a general manager, who is also a board member. This board is accountable for executing and revising the effectiveness of the companys internal control framework as approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the manager with the backing of the board sets companys ideals and ethical code of conduct that all employees must abide by in order to retain their jobs. Other roles of management in the company include: 1. To implement systems and measures within the company to identify any unconventionality, control and report on major risks facing the company. These risks could be in the form of changes in market prices of raw materials, breaches of the law or regulations, unauthorized activities and fraud. 2. To conduct constant annual reviews aimed at identifying enormous risks facing the economy. This role is accomplished through monitoring through various management committees that have been established to ensure the effectiveness of the companys control framework. This committee also maintains specific oversight of key risks 3. To centralize functional control over all computer system developments and operations in the company. 4. To consult with stakeholders and stockholders on the best market opportunities to exploit. 5. To maintain the oversight of business operations and manage actions to ensure consistency with regulatory requirements. 6. To put systems and procedures for the constant identification, evaluation and management of substantial risks faced by Qassim in place throughout the year. These procedures enabled Qassim to discharge its obligations with the code of conduct dictated by the industry. 3.2 Human resources Qassim operates based on the belief that human resources are the most valuable asset they possess. The company has been continuously developing its value proposition by ensuring that its employees get continuous personal and professional growth. The company operates on a culture, whereby employees are highly skilled with great backgrounds and experience. The company ensures that the working environment is safe and ideal for their workers. To enforce this, they offer their workers health insurance covers with one of the best policies in Saudi Arabia. QCC has swimming pools, recreation centers and playgrounds for employees. The company strives to maintain its employees, since the workforce is the most valuable asset of the organization. To ensure quality, excellence and increased performance, the company urges its employees to get educated. The company has programs that train new employees and the existing ones incase they need to acquire skills that are more advanced. Since the establ ishment of the Qassim Cement Company, the development of a reliable workforce has been a strategy behind the success of QCC. The company has initiated several development programs, which are aimed at developing its employees with special focus on the local workforce. An example of such a program is a professional development program, the target of which is newly graduated engineers. The company attracts them to join this program in order for them to develop and specialize their skills. This ensures that the company has a well-trained workforce that is competent and accountable, hence guaranteeing excellence in the running of the company. Another program that is geared towards developing a reliable workforce is the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). This program ensures that QCC recruits more than 140 employees from Saudi Arabia. 3.3 Property The company plans to embark on an expansion project that will result in the construction of four additional plants. The projected outcome of this is that it will boost production by at least 6million tons. 3.4 Environmental perspective Qassim aspires to be recognized as a company that promotes sustainability in the environment. Over the years, the company has established several programs that are aimed at protecting the environment by reducing the level of pollution. This can be achieved through reducing carbon dioxide levels released as well as dust waste. Furthermore, the company has programs that are aimed at recycling waste, and conserving water and electricity. The company has tried to create an awareness culture in their staff as well as the rest of the society so that everyone can learn to appreciate and treat the environment with respect. 3.5 Security and safety The Qassim Cement Company management is focused on ensuring the culture of health and safety. The company continuously evaluates and analyzes safety gaps existing to determine means of improving safety measures companywide. The objective of this is to raise employees, contractors, customers and visitors safety perception. To achieve this, the company will have to conduct numerous surveys, risk assessments and benchmarking. To enforce this, QCC management is committed to: 1. Implementing the latest international safety standards within an integrated safety management system. 2. Provide training and creating safety awareness, as well as providing safety tools and equipment. 3. Develop and implementing evacuation and emergency plans. 3.6 Information Technology The company has been utilizing modern technology to improve productivity, as well as smooth out the production process. For instance, because of modern technology, the company can communicate effectively as well as run internal systems properly. The company broadly applies Information Technology to ensure consistency in the quality of products. Another use of Information Technology is to automate the business process as well as to reduce the lead-time. 3.7 Community service and sustainability Qassim, as a company, has over the years become a dynamic and legally responsible company that has over the years incorporated the community into its operations. The company has undertaken several projects focused on promoting the living standards of the people in the community around. 4.Industry structural analysis Industry Qassim Cement functions in the cement and building industry of Saudi Arabia. Since the country became a member of the World Trade Organization, there has been emerging projects of economic cities being built every day. In Saudi Arabia, the cement and building industry is characterized by strength, stability and resilience. The cement industry consists of eight listed companies. Each one of these companies has integrated plants. In total, these companies produce approximately 28.5 million tonnes (mt) and 33.1mt respectively. Presently, Yamama Cement (YCC) is the largest cement company at the present moment. 5. External audit A companys external environment includes factors outside the company's boundaries that significantly influence decisions made in the company. These macro environment factors are in the outer ring and include: 5.1 Societal values and lifestyles The society keeps on changing with time. These changes can be caused by an increased income. This means that the average disposable income of Saudis has increased as a result of economic stability. Thus, they are in further need of better housing. The development of social facilities also leads to an increase in the demand for building facilities. 5.2 Population demographics and geography As the population increases, the demand for housing also increases leading to the expansion of the cement industry. In addition, with an increased choice and easier access and switching, consumers are more demanding than ever before? This has resulted in an increased demand for cement for infrastructure. In the case of Qassim, the company is located in a highly populated area that has been rapidly evolving. The Qassim Cement Company is strategically located giving it a strong geographical advantage. Another notable factor is that it is the company with the lowest cement production cost in Saudi Arabia. This enables it to remain profitable. This creates an ample market for the organization. 5.3 Legislation and regulations The government is responsible for setting up policies that are beneficial to both organizations and consumers interests. The implemented trade laws and other fiscal policies ensure that organizations operate within the set parameters. This protects consumers from exploitation by traders. It also ensures that businesses operate smoothly in a manner that positively impacts the government. 5.4 General economic conditions This issue refers to the state of the economy. For instance, during the period of recession, most organizations lower their production, and the opposite fact is experienced during a boom. When the economy is thriving, more development takes place. This is beneficial for organizations, in this case, Qassim. 5.5 Technology Rapid changes and advancements in ICT are one of the major factors affecting the cement industry. Mainly because it relies heavily on technology, for services it provides, and usually allocates large portions of its budget to obtain and develop reliable technology to smoothly run the company. For instance, today most activities in Qassim are automated. This enhanced consistency in the quality of goods produced. 5.6 Political changes Politics greatly affects the economy of any country. A politically stable country is more likely to attract investors and donors, and hence, it results in the economic growth. Saudi Arabia has experienced political stability that has influenced the development of the country. Furthermore, the country recently joined the World Trade Organization, which has been a major milestone to the cement industry. Qassim cement factory Consolidated balance sheet of December 2011 ASSETS 2011 2010 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 244,725,482 19,717,605 Trading investments 412,693,329 468, 579,796 Accounts receivables, net 46,110,418 50,728,168 Prepayments and debit balances, net 7,910,647 9,578,960 Inventories, net 188,903,510 186,635,430 Assets available for sale - - - 6,350,000 Total current assets 900,343,386 741,589,959 Non-current assets: Property, plant and equipment 1,170,180,909 1,222,589,445 Capital work in progress 20,744,559 22,953,521 Deferred expenses, net 32,274.562 35,871,839 Total non-current assets 1,223,200,030 1,281,414,805 Total assets 2,123,543,416 2,023,004,764 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Trade payables 12,875,008 12,196,335 Accrued expenses 69,153,164 82483,781 Dividends 36,166,545 32,695,875 Zakat Provision 27,463,090 20,752,889 Total current liabilities 145,657,807 148,128,880 Non-current liabilities: Employees end of service benefits 22,215,149 20,269,662 Total non-current liabilities 22,215,149 20,269,662 Total liabilities 167,872,956 168,398,542 EQUITY Shareholders equity: Capital 900,000,000 900,000,000 Statutory reserve 190,546,424 135,256,410 General reserve 376,016,157 376,016,157 Retained earnings 490,394,133 444,584,010 Total shareholders equity 1,956,956,714 1,855,856,577 Minority interests (1,286,254) (1,250,355) Total equity 1,955,670,460 1,854,606,222 Total liabilities and equity 2,123,543,416 2,023,004,764 According to the balance sheet above the companys assets increased considerably from 2010 to 2011. Graphically, the balance sheet for 2011 can be represented by means of the following diagram: NB: The debt to assets percentage is 0.00% The Qassim Cement Company posted net profits of SR 158, 442,456 for the first quarter of 2012. This is an increase as compared to SR 147 176 466 gained in the first quarter of 2011. This shows a 7.65% increase in profits. Therefore, the consolidated gross profit increased by 4.87 %. The consolidated operating profit during the first quarter of this year (2012) is SR162, 195,404 as compared to SAR 151,687,337 for the corresponding quarter in 2011. This demonstrates an increase of 6.93 %. For three months, earnings per share (EPS) amounted to SR1.76 against SR1.64 for the same period in the previous year. This increase in net profit over the same period can be caused by the improvement in sales value. NB: Earnings per share (EPS) are determined for operating income, expenses, and net profit for the year in accordance with theweighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Comparative figures should amended by bonus shares. Income statement for 2011 Qassim has shown a sustained performance, outperforming the market in several areas, such as its net profit. The company also deals with the stock exchange market, where the public is the largest shareholder with 51%. The market is showing a positive attitude towards expansion and development. Its increased net profit and decreased operating costs indicate a positive outcome for the company. 7. Michael Porters five forces model The Porters model is used to evaluate the competitive position of a company or an organization. This model is used in strategic planning, since it helps managers and CEOs to understand their company as well as the industry better. The model represents complex concepts using easily accessible formats. The basic idea behind the Porters model is based on five fundamental competitive forces namely: Barriers to entry; Threat of substitutes; Bargaining power of buyers; Bargaining power of suppliers; Rivalry among the existing players. In my analysis, I used the Porters fiveforces model in regard withthe Qassim Cement Company to help me fully understand the competitive environment of the company. In addition, the model provides data that will help the management modify Qassims competitive forces. This will help to boost the position of the company. The information derived from this analysis of the Qassim Company can help the management of the company decide on how to influence or exploit certain aspects of their industry. Graphically these five concepts look as follows: Force 1: Rivalry among existing players: Qassim has been handling the competition rather well. It has been taking advantage of the possibility of growth in the industry among other things mentioned above. The Qassim Cement Company deals strictly with the production of cement. The company has eight key competitors in the country. Since the company commodities are homogenous, competitors are in a position to offer the same product at a cheaper price, and ccan market their products better than Qassim. Some factors that contribute to increasing rivalry in the Saudi cement industry include: The large number of cement companies: Saudi Arabia contains several cement companies, which are considered direct competitors to Qassim. Such companies include Yamana and Saudi Cement among others. These companies are all competing for the same consumers in the market. Thus, just like in any industry the greater the number of competitors, the greater the threats available. Such a factor strongly impacts the strategy chosen by each company. High market growth rate: the cement market in Saudi Arabia has been growing tremendously over the years and it still has massive potential to expand. Today, there are over 8great cement companies in Saudi Arabia, which have branches all over the country to cover the vast demand. Qassim is taking advantage of the market potential and has been setting up investments all over inorder to help it gain a greater market share. Similar commodities being offered: The cement industry is flooded with homogenous products, since cement cannot be extensively differentiated. Thus, the market is flooded with cement from different industries competing for the greatest market share. However, what varies is the companys commitment and ability to fulfill their customers needs. Low switching cost: Since there are many cement companies in the country, customers can easily switch brands and not suffer any losses. Therefore, companies strive to maintain loyal customers in order to increase their sales and remain in business. High exit barriers: The cost of exiting an industry is remarkably high, and most companies cannot leave their current industries because of the risk of losses. Thus, companies are left stuck in industries that do not benefit them. Force 2: Threat of substitutes: As a decision maker, it is crucial for any organization to analyze the likelihood of the commodity getting substituted. In Qassims case, consumers can only change the brand of cement, since cement has no substitute. Managers should determine the switching cost of consumers switching to another brand. The likelihood of consumers switching to another product should be analyzed. Consumers tastes and preferences are not permanent, and in order to address this issue, decision-makers have to be aware of what consumers need and constantly upgrade their commodities. Force 3: Bargaining power of buyers/consumers: In Saudi Arabia costumers have increasing bargaining power over commodities they get. One main reason that backs this move is the availability of options for customers, since there are other cement companies in the country. This means there are many cement companies, all offering similar services. Therefore, the only way, Qassim can maintain its clients, is by creating customer loyalty by providing customized commodities based on consumers needs. The company has to make products that are geared towards consumer satisfaction. This way, consumers will remain loyal to the brand that meets their needs in the best way. Price sensitivity also plays a great part in maintaining consumers. This is because consumers attach themselves to products that give value for their money. Thus, the company must ensure that it is sensitive to the financial status of consumers and arguesfor fair prices for their commodities. Finally, the company should ensure that customers get the right information about their product. This can be achieved through proper advertising and marketing to ensure customers are not misinformed regarding the commodity. Force 4: Bargaining power of suppliers: This force relates to such aspects in the industry that are determined by suppliers. Qassim should establish how strong they are as sellers. In addition, they should establish all available suppliers in the industry and weigh their options. The impact of switching suppliers should be determined. For instance, how switching suppliers will affect the quality of commodities. In addition, switching costs of taking up other suppliers are also important. If switching costs are too high, companies may opt to retain their current suppliers. Another major factor is the threat of forward integration. Force 5: Barriers of entry: New entrants in the cement industry face significant challenges in attracting customers and expanding their market shares. Although there are some concerns around the operation of new companies and their regulation, most firms can achieve necessary regulatory authorization and meet standards set by the bureau of standards. However, we have found that new entrants face significant challenges in attracting customers. This can be a result of the combination of low levels of switching by existing customers, high levels of brand loyalty and consumers' preference for their current providers, whom they trust. These challenges pose a great challenge to new firms in the cement industry in Saudi Arabia. The impact of this is that new entrants get discouraged. This is because they harbor the fear that they may be unable to attract sufficient customers to help them recover start-up costs, grow their market share and maintain successful presence in the market. 8. Financial statement analysis 8.1 Cash Flow Statement Analysis The Qassim Company has a steady cash flow and a constantly increasing net profit. This is confirmed by further analysis. A positive number in Net Cash from Operating Activities is a great indicator of how healthy the companys operations are in generating cash. The annual cash flow of the Qassim Cement Company. (All values are in millions SAR) FY 2010 FY 2011 The cash flow from operations in the period of2010-2011 increased from 547.50 to 690.00. However, the cash gained from investments declined form 130.27 in 2010 to18.46 in 2011. The cash flow from financing activities increased slightly in2011, although values were negative indicating a loss or a deficit. Cash flow statement of the Qassim Cement Company for 2010/2011 Cash from Operating Activities 12/31/201112/31/2010 + Net Income 552.90 500.56 + Depreciation Amortization 90.46 98.00 + Other Non-Cash Adjustments 60.96 -1.62 + Changes in Non-Cash Capital -14.32 -49.45 Cash from Operations 690.00 547.50 Cash from Investing Activities + Disposal of Fixed Assets 8.87 0.58 + Capital Expenditures -16.05 -17.52 + Increase in Investments 0.00 0.00 + Decrease in Investments 0.00 0.00 + Other Investing Activities -11.29 147.21 Cash from Investing Activities -18.46 130.27 Cash from Financing Activities + Dividends Paid -446.53 -472.75 + Change in Short-Term Borrowings 0.00 0.00 + Increase in Long-Term Borrowings 0.00 0.00 + Decrease in Long-term Borrowings 0.00 -199.50 + Increase in Capital Stocks 0.00 0.00 + Decrease in Capital Stocks 0.00 0.00 + Other Financing Activities 0.00 -1.40 Cash from Financing Activities -446.53 -673.65 Net Changes in Cash 225.01 4.12 8.2 Shareholders Equity Statement Analysis Based on the statistics collected in 2003-2010, the total shareholders equity is listed below. 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 1, 054,513 1,105,849 1,187,751 1,405,050 1,651,137 1, 902,345 2,166,600 2,411,686 1,956,956,714 According to the survey conducted on shareholders activities in the Qassim Cement Company, shareholders unanimously agreed to approve an interim dividend of SR 202.5 million for the income gained in the first half of 2011. This value amounts to SR 2.25 per share. It has been agreed that the company should transfer 10% of the annual net income to their statutory reserve. In addition, the general assembly has been given the power to stop such cash transfers in cases, when the total sum of money exceeds 50% of the paid capital. However, this reserve amount can be used as back-up plans to cover any unexpected losses or to increase its capital, rather than distributing it back to shareholders. However, shareholders must consent to this move of the company. Qassim shareholders have established a general reserve from their retained earnings. Another decision made during the last shareholders general assembly is that all dividends recorded in the same year should be approved by the general a ssembly of shareholders. 8.3 Balancing statement analysis Analyzing the Balance Sheet Statement, there are some items that must be discussed which include: The short-term investments of the company have reduced from 468.58 to 412.69 while the companys long-term assets have also reduced. However, the total assets have increased from 2,023.01 to 2,123.54 The companys current liabilities have reduced, while its long-term liabilities have increased. However, the total amount of liabilities for 2011 and 2010 are 167.87 and 168.40 respectively. The share capital and APIC and the total preferred equity have remained constant for the last two years. Retained earnings have also increased significantly, mainly because of the companys recent good business activities, as well as a healthy net income. It is worthwhile noting that the companys share capital increased over the years. 8.4 Income statement analysis: Income statement of the Qassim Cement Company for the period 2010/2011 12/31/2011 12/31/2010 Revenue 1,034.78 968.43 - Cost of Revenue 425.53 411.67 Gross Profit 609.25 556.76 - Operating Expenses 37.49 38.15 Operating Income 571.76 518.61 - Net Non-Operating Losses (Gains) -10.04 -4.26 Income Before XO Items 552.86 500.40 - Extraordinary Loss, Net of Tax 0.00 0.00 - Minority Interests -0.04 -0.16 Net Income 552.90 500.56 - Total Cash Preferred Dividends 0.00 0.00 Net Inc Avail to Common Shareholders 552.90 500.56 Abnormal Losses (Gains) 0.00 0.00 Normalized Income 552.90 500.56 Basic EPS before Abnormal Items 6.14 5.56 Basic EPS before XO Items 6.14 5.56 Basic EPS 6.14 5.56 Basic Weighted Average Shares 90.00 90.00 Diluted EPS before Abnormal Items 6.14 5.56 Diluted EPS 6.14 5.56 Diluted Weighted Average Shares 90.00 90.00 Gross profit and operating income are on the increase. In addition, the companys revenue has increased from 968.43 to 1,034.78 for the last two years. This resulted in an increase in the net income of the company from 500.56 to 552.8. 9. Generating Alternative Strategies Here we will use different matrixes to generate alternative strategies and make recommendations. (Input Stage) 9.1 EFE Matrix Key External Factors Weight Rating Weighted score Opportunity High demand for imported cement in India 0.05 1 0.05 Industry consolidation 0.11 3 0.33 Increased customer demand in Saudi Arabia 0.25 3 0.75 Growth prospects in the Saudi Arabian buildingsector 0.05 1 0.05 Increasing demand forcement in the Sri Lanka and African markets 0.15 3 0.45 Threat Stiff competition with eight core competitors 0.2 4 0.8 Uncertain global market 0.07 2 0.14 Economic downturn 0.15 1 0.15 Increasing prices of key inputs 0.03 2 0.06 Government oversight 0.05 3 0.15 Total 1.00 - 1.90 9.2 IFE Matrix Key Internal Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Strengths Good contact with raw material suppliers 0.09 3 0.27 Operating their own quarries and workshops 0.12 4 0.48 Supportive employee culture 0.06 4 0.24 Companys strategic location 0.10 3 0.12 Buy custom Qassim Cement Factory essay

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

How to Learn the Russian Alphabet

How to Learn the Russian Alphabet The Russian alphabet is based on Cyrillic and Glagolitic scripts, which were developed from Byzantine Greek in order to facilitate the spread of Christianity during the 9th and 10th centuries. Some letters in the modern Russian alphabet look familiar to English speakers - Е, Ð £, К, Ð  - while other letters do not resemble any characters in the English alphabet. Russian Alphabet Sounds The Russian alphabet is relatively easy to learn thanks to its principle of one letter per sound. This principle means that most phonemes (sounds that convey meaning) are represented by their own letters. The spelling of Russian words typically reflects all of the sounds that are part of that word. (This will get more complicated when we move onto allophones- variations of possible pronunciations.) Get to know the Russian alphabet by studying all three columns below. The first column provides the Russian letter, the second column provides an approximate pronunciation (using English characters), and the third column gives an idea of what the letter sounds like, using an example from an English word. Russian Letter Pronunciation Closest English Sound , a Ah or aah Far, lamb , B Boy , V Vest , Gh Guest , D Door E, e Yeh Yes , Yoh York , Zh pleasure, beige , Z Zoo , E Meet , Y Toy , K Kilo , L Love , M Mop , N No , O Morning , P Pony , R (rolled) , S Song , T Train , Ooh Boo , F Fun , H Loch , Ts Ditzy , Ch Cherish , Sch Shhh , Sh (softer than ) Shoe , hard sign (non-vocalized) n/a , Uhee no equivalent sound , soft sign (non-vocalized) n/a , Aeh Aerobics , Yu You , Ya Yard Once you have learned the Russian alphabet, you should be able to read most Russian words, even if you don’t know their meaning. Stressed and Unstressed Vowels The next step is to learn how Russian words are stressed, which simply means which vowel in the word is emphasized.  Russian letters behave differently under stress and are pronounced more distinctly  according to their alphabet sound. Unstressed vowels are reduced or merged. This difference is not reflected in the spelling of Russian words, which can be confusing to beginner learners. While there are several rules governing the way unstressed letters are pronounced, the easiest way to learn is to expand your vocabulary as much as possible, naturally acquiring a sense of stressed vowels along the way.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Principles of Micro Economics (Change in Supply and Demand) Research Paper

Principles of Micro Economics (Change in Supply and Demand) - Research Paper Example The law of demand states that there is an inverse relationship between the price of products and services and the quantity demanded in a given period, all other things being equal. In circumstances where the price of a product increases, the market responds by decreasing the demand. In contrast, when the price of a product decreases, it is expected that the market will respond with an increased demand. The market’s sensitivity to price is also known as price elasticity (Nelson 574). Supply on the other hand increases the number of its produced units when the price of goods and service increases. In contrast, supply will decrease when price decreases. It is expected as producers are driven by profit motive and they are motivated to produce more at a higher price to increase their profit and is not motivated to create when there is no incentive for profit. Corollary, producers will only supply goods and services at a price that is higher than their marginal costs (Maurya 2). For illustration, let us use the demand schedule below; Price Quantity Demanded 1 100 2 80 3 60 4 40 5 20 According to the demand schedule, for every $1 price increase, there is a corresponding decrease in demand of 20 units. The quantity demand will continue to slide by 20 units as the price increases by a dollar. Figure 1 shows how the quantity in demand decreases with every dollar increase of price. Figure 2 will illustrate the change in demand. The demand changes because the price also changed. The illustration in figure 2 shifted to the right because there is an increase in demand as more quantity is demanded at each price. Figure 1. Change in quantity demand. Figure 2. Change in demand Supply on the other hand increases as the price increases. It increases because it provides producers an incentive to profit at a higher price. In figure 4, it showed that as demand increases, supply also increases. Conversely, supply will also decrease when demand decreases as illustrated in figur e 5. Figure 4. Demand rises Figure 5. Demand falls Supply on the other hand tends to increase as price increase. As figure X will show, the corresponding increase in price is matched with a corresponding increase in supply. So how does the change in demand can affect supply? Demand is elastic and is sensitive to price. Supply on the other hand is motivated to produce more with a higher price. The elasticity of demand or its sensitivity to price affects supply by mitigating its production because higher demand that is a result of lower price does not provide much incentive for producers to supply more (Adler and Dumas 182). This contradicting nature of supply and demand (supply increases when price increases while demand increases only when price decreases) enables the price of a product and services to be established in the market. The price of a product or service is a point where the market is willing to pay certain goods and services at a price where the supplier is also willing to supply which is not at a loss to them (McCall 404-405). This is illustrated in figure 6 where supply and demand met. In the final analysis, demand determines the number of units that will be supplied in the market, thus affecting supply. Figure 6. Price established in the market On occasions that supplier will produce more than what is demanded, say for example in figure 5 where the prevailing market price for a

Sunday, February 2, 2020

The topic is media ethical issues but it has to be by exploring the Essay

The topic is media ethical issues but it has to be by exploring the ethical issues involved by an example giving (see instructi - Essay Example This paper explores the ethical issues involved in the case study and highlights arguments for and against the parents’ request to the photographer’s wife to stop circulating the photograph of their deceased child in light of the teological and the deontological theory of ethics. Ethical Issues Involved In light of the teological theory of ethics Positive outcome Circulation of the photograph is creating awareness in the public regarding the negative ways in which the chemical industry is affecting the health and safety of children. As a result of this increased awareness, chemical industries face increased pressure both from the government agencies and the society at large to change its practices for the better so that they are environment friendly and not a threat to the health of the children. Therefore, the photographer’s wife should continue the circulation of the photograph. The farther it reaches, the more beneficial it gets. Negative outcome Circulation o f the photograph might be a cause of pain and suffering for the parents as it reminds them of their dead daughter. Therefore, it is unethical for the photographer’s wife to continue circulating the photograph. ... s Although the girl was affected by mercury pollution created by the chemical industry in Japan, yet the chemical industries of the whole world are suffering as a result of use of the photograph as an iconic image against the pollution created by the wrongful advancements of the chemical industries. Many chemical industries may be subject to criticism and scrutiny and undue investigation and accountability unnecessarily when they did not play a role in the child’s disease or death. This imparts the need for the photographer’s wife to ensure that the photograph is used for specific purposes only to indicate the effects of chemical pollution in Japan rather than letting the photograph go viral. However, since she has already failed in that and the geographical limitations have not been respected in this case, it is unethical for her not to control the circulation of the photograph since she is the one who holds copyright of the photograph. Arguments for the parents reques t Change of circumstances with time Argument supporting the parents’ request is that circumstances have changed since the time the photograph was taken. When the parents had signed the release of the photograph, the child was alive. They might have thought that release of the photograph would create awareness among the public about the adverse impact of the chemical industry’s environment unfriendly practices on the health and safety of children. However, since the child is now dead, it might be a very painful experience for the parents to be constantly reminded about their child, her death, or the cause of her death whenever they come across the photograph. Religious concerns of the parents Another argument in favor of the parents’ request is that they might have religious reasons for raising

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Essay --

7) Knowledge Management and Six Sigma: Exploring the Potential of Two Powerful Disciplines, Paige Leavitt 1) Six Sigma should not be viewed as a quality program that is commissioned to reduce defects but as a methodology that helps companies better meet the needs of their business. KM shares this goal. 2) Voice of the customer in the DFSS process is also a potential area for a collaboration of ideas. â€Å"In Design For Six Sigma, knowledge of the customer-centric requirements is a key input †¦ to the design process,† said O’Dell. â€Å"And if you could use knowledge management tools to better understand what the customer is saying to sales people and service people, that information comes back to the folks who can make a difference in the design process.† 3) APQC's Lessons Learned "The problems, issues, and opportunities in organizations are not about reducing defects; they are about responding to new opportunities, using the voice of the customer knowledge," said O'Dell. "With both Six Sigma and KM, I’m telling you that you’re going to get more of what you want - if you begin to open the conversation to a different way of thinking about solving some of these problems over the long term. Because both Six Sigma and KM have tremendous power, they also have some issues that they need help with." Professionals in both arenas can learn from each other. Six Sigma can learn from KM how to recognize knowledge, as well as processes. Joseph Hofer-Alfeis from Siemens said, "Six Sigma is oriented to the quality of products and processes. If you think of a knowledge-intensive business, 'Six Sigma for knowledge quality' -- the quality of the proficiency, the quality of knowledge flows, and the quality of description knowledge -- should also be a ... ...nage the targeted process (e.g., an insurance sales agent or supervisor), while otherswork to support the process (e.g., an information technology expertwho provides support to the insurance claimsprocess).Unique project teamsare put together for each of the projects, and disbanded after these projects are completed, handing off resulting improvement-actions to process owners—people who routinely operate the processes. 5) Although each project has different objectives and specific tools employed, overall these projects follow a standardized, structured five-phase project management approach known as ‘‘DMAIC’’ for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control phases (Schroeder et al., 2008). 6) Project leaders are trained in the use of practices for collecting, combining, and synthesizing the knowledge of team members for use in process improvements (Hoerl, 2001).

Friday, January 17, 2020

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essay

   Frankenstein is a book about man’s thirst for knowledge, about the way he is not satisfied unless he knows all the wonders of the world. In many cases, this can lead to the destruction of a man’s soul, as it did to Victor Frankenstein. His quest to learn the secrets of heaven and earth ended in disaster. The monster was the embodiment of evil, bringing death and destruction wherever it laid foot. It brought death to Frankenstein’s family, in a pure quest for revenge. Symbolic of most evil, the monster was manmade. In many ways Mary Shelley’s life can be compared to that of Victor Frankenstein’s. Mary must have felt that wherever she went, evil followed, as those closest to her were snatched away. She portrayed this in Frankenstein as Victor’s family was destroyed by the monster, symbolic of the evil she felt followed her. Mary’s marriage is also represented in Frankenstein. Mary’s marriage to Percy Shelley was the happiest time of her life before he was killed. In the same way, Victor’s marriage to Elizabeth was the only joy he had felt in a long time, when just as suddenly she was murdered by the monster, again symbolising the evil that Mary felt killed her husband. Mary also describes very vividly the pain that Victor felt, leading us to believe that she must have felt the same pain and agony. She reveals this in many situations such as the quotes, ‘the overflowing misery I now felt, and the excess of agitation that I endured rendered me incapable of any exertion’ and, ‘a fiend had snatched from me every chance of future happiness; no creature had ever been so miserable as I was’. The ending of the story was that the death of Victor Frankenstein led the monster to believe that his work was done, and so the monster burned himself to death. The creation had ironically led to the death of the creator. Mary believed that in the event of a man’s demise, the evil inside him dies as well. Frankenstein contains a sad ending, with the destruction of a whole family due to a man’s insatiable quest for knowledge. Mary’s life also consisted of a sad ending, in which she was never as happy as she was when with her husband. She died a lonely death, without her loved ones surrounding her, the same fate shared by Victor Frankenstein. The monster in Frankenstein can be compared to the beast in Lord of the Flies. There are both similarities and differences. In both novels, the idea of a monster/beast represents the pure manifestation of evil. Mutually they lead to the destruction and death of those around them. They are equally spawned from the mind and hands of humans. They both originally spring from the minds of humans. To explain, in Lord of the Flies is the imagination of the boys representing evil, and in Frankenstein it is Victor’s wild imagination and thirst for intellect that leads to the creation of the monster. However, this can also be viewed as a particular dissimilarity. In Frankenstein, the monster is bodily real and physically inflicts harm on Victor’s family. However in Lord of the Flies the beast is just as deadly and evil, but is inside the children’s minds. William Golding was born in Cornwall in 1911. His family was progressive and it was the first source of influence for Golding’s talent. He studied physics and English literature at Marlboro and Oxford University of England. From the first years of his life, he faced the atrocities of war. Fuelled with stories his parents related to him about the first war, he took part in the second great war by joining the British Navy at 1940. After the war, William became a teacher at a boys school in Salisbury. Here, he started to act as a writer. He observed many children in their natural environment, and must have witnessed the negative side of a child’s nature countless number of times. This led him to write Lord Of The Flies which was his first published book. William Golding lived through the two biggest wars in history. During his time in the Navy, he had a constant reminder of the evil and brutality in the hearts of men. He saw countless lives lost around him, some belonging to his friends. It had been revealed to him that the pure evil inside a man can start world wars. This, along with his teaching experiences, was his incentive to write Lord Of The Flies. After surviving the war, he saw during his teaching that children were not bereft of evil either. Combining these two topics he wrote Lord Of The Flies, the conflict between humanity’s innate barbarism and the civilizing influence of reason. In the book, he portrays Jack as the embodiment of evil. It is Jack’s thirst for power that causes the breakdown of civilisation. In this way, Jack can be compared to Hitler. Jack did not want to stop murdering until the whole of Ralph’s group were killed. In the same way, Hitler did not want to stop until the world was rid of Jews. Jack’s tribe wore face paint whereas Hitler and the Nazis wore the sign of the Swastika on their arms. Jack is aided in his quest of destruction by Roger, who can be compared to the Nazis. Roger also represents pure evil and wrongness, moreso even than Jack. He derived sadistic pleasure from torturing pigs and the other boys on the island. Similarly, the Nazis tortured the Jews from which they obtained a sick sense of fulfilment. Roger is one of Jack’s most loyal helpers, and gladly carries out his orders, in the same manner the Nazis obeyed Hitler. The ending of the novel can be interpreted in two different ways. The first would be to interpret that William Golding does actually have a positive outlook on life and believes that the end of life will be a happy one. This can be portrayed as the naval officer who has come to end the evil and escape the boys from the clutches of death, and thus the arrival of authority seems like a happy and ironic ending. However if one digs deeper it is just a continuation from one war to another. Once all the boys get on the Navy cruiser, they’ll most likely just be subjected to more battle and fighting, this time on a worldwide level, due to the war taking place in the outside world. To conclude, the common theme in both novels was the evil in man. Both authors had their own experiences that led them to believe that evil resides amongst all of us. They both took their experiences and portrayed them in novels filled with symbolism. Mary Shelley believed that evil is constantly around us, and that no-one can escape. She believed that man has an evil inside of him so powerful that it can lead to the destruction of his own soul. William Golding’s understanding was that every man is born with evil inside him. He didn’t believe in man’s innocence after the second world war. He found that even children are not innocent, saying, ‘No one is innocent until the society and the way of his life make him to pretend that he’s innocent. But sometimes, when a man is facing a difficult situation then he will probably show his other nature, the dark and guilty nature. ‘ Shyam Kanabar Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Analysis of M.I.A.s Paper Planes Music Video - 1505 Words

There is one universal language: the language of music. Music has a special quality and ability to bridge both social and cultural divides. A proposed theory by Dr. Gray, Founder and Director of National Musical Arts’ BioMusic Program; describes music has been around longer than human-beings have. Music is the one thing human beings from various backgrounds can relate to. Every living creature would agree. Music is heard everywhere not just among humans, but in nature as well, through the twitting of birds, winds blowing, the soft sound of raindrops against a windowpane, the ocean waves moving back and forth and the hum of the ocean rushing in a sea shell. There is no escaping it; music lives in and surrounds us steadily. While there are†¦show more content†¦1). According to Richard Harrington, â€Å"the Eelam Revolutionary Organization of Students (EROS) was one of the first Tamil political organizations -- Tamil Hindus being the ethnic minority in Sinhalese Buddh ist dominated Sri Lanka†, their purpose was to form Tamil as an independent state (Ibid). As a result of M.I.A’s exposure to EROS most of her songs lyrics portray a mocking sarcastic depiction of goonish behavior and the mentalities of institutionalized organizations. For instance, â€Å"Paper Planes† offers subtle yet commanding and politically cynical hints of â€Å"dominance† and race to maintain commodities such as oil, no matter the consequences. In other words, if it takes sending soldiers to fight in a senseless war in order to maintain the power of producing oil then so be it. â€Å"Paper Planes† declares: â€Å"All I wanna do is (BANG BANG BANG BANG!) And (KKKAAAA CHING!) And take your money† (â€Å"Paper Planes†, M.I.A.). The BANG! BANG and gunshots heard on track are there to dismantle ‘capitalistic ideologies’ within countries like the U.S. Cherie Moraga writes â€Å"The United States is the only country in the world that feels entitled not to suffer the consequences of its actions† (WOC Reader, from Inside the First World, pg 46). Certainly, the non-industrial, unconventional and anti institution political perspective is