Thursday, December 26, 2019

Ethan Allen - American Revolution

Ethan Allen was prominent colonial leader during the early days of the American Revolution. A Connecticut native, Allen later played a key role in the territory that would later become Vermont. During the early weeks of the American Revolution, Allen jointly led a force that captured Fort Ticonderoga at the southern end of Lake Champlain. He was later captured during the invasion of Canada and was a prisoner until 1778. Returning home Allen agitated for Vermonts independence and remained active in the region until his death. Birth Ethan Allen was born in Litchfield, CT, on January 21, 1738, to Joseph and Mary Baker Allen. The eldest of eight children, Allen moved with his family to nearby Cornwall, CT shortly after his birth. Raised on the family farm, he saw his father become increasingly prosperous and serve as a town selectman. Educated locally, Allen furthered his studies under the tutelage of a minister in Salisbury, CT with the hopes of gaining admission to Yale College. Though possessing the intellect for higher education, he was prevented attending Yale when his father died in 1755. Rank Titles During the French Indian War, Ethan Allen served as a private in the colonial ranks. After moving to Vermont, he was elected colonel commandant of the local militia, better known as the Green Mountain Boys. During the early months of the American Revolution, Allen held no official rank in the Continental Army. Upon his exchange and release by the British in 1778, Allen was given the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army and major general of militia. After returning to Vermont later that year, he was made a general in the Army of Vermont. Personal Life While working as the part owner of an iron foundry in Salisbury, CT, Ethan Allen married Mary Brownson in 1762.  Though a largely unhappy union due to their increasingly conflicting personalities, the couple had five children (Loraine, Joseph, Lucy, Mary Ann, Pamela) before Marys death from consumption in 1783. A year later, Allen married Frances Fanny Buchanan. The union produced three children, Fanny, Hannibal, and Ethan. Fanny would survive her husband and lived until 1834. Ethan Allen Rank: Colonel, Major GeneralService: Green Mountain Boys, Continental Army, Vermont Republic MilitiaBorn: January 21, 1738 in Litchfield, CTDied: February 12, 1789 in Burlington, VTParents: Joseph and Mary Baker AllenSpouse: Mary Brownson, Frances Fanny Montresor Brush BuchananChildren: Loraine, Joseph, Lucy, Mary Ann, Pamela, Fanny, Hannibal, and EthanConflicts: Seven Years War, American RevolutionKnown For: Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1775) Peacetime With the French Indian War well underway in 1757, Allen elected to join the militia and take part in an expedition to relieve the Siege of Fort William Henry. Marching north, the expedition soon learned that the Marquis de Montcalm had captured the fort.  Assessing the situation, Allens unit decided to return to Connecticut.  Returning to farming, Allen bought into an iron foundry in 1762. Making an effort to expand the business, Allen soon found himself in debt and sold off part of his farm. He also also sold part of his stake in the foundry to his brother Hemen.  The business continued to founder and in 1765 the brothers gave up their stake to their partners. The following years saw Allen and his family move several times with stops in Northampton, MA, Salisbury, CT, and Sheffield, MA. Vermont Moving north to the New Hampshire Grants (Vermont) in 1770 at the behest of several locals, Allen became embroiled in the controversy over which colony controlled the region. In this period, the territory of Vermont was claimed jointly by the colonies of New Hampshire and New York, and both issued competing land grants to settlers. As a holder of grants from New Hampshire, and wishing to associate Vermont with New England, Allen aided took in legal proceedings to defend their claims. The Catamount Tavern in the 19th Century. Public Domain When these went in New Yorks favor, he returned to Vermont and helped found the Green Mountain Boys at the Catamount Tavern. An anti-New York militia, the unit consisted of companies from several towns and sought to resist Albanys efforts to take control of the region. With Allen as its colonel commandant and several hundred in the ranks, the Green Mountain Boys effectively controlled Vermont between 1771 and 1775. Fort Ticonderoga Lake Champlain With the beginning of the American Revolution in April 1775, an irregular Connecticut militia unit reached out to Allen for assistance in capturing the principle British base in the region, Fort Ticonderoga. Located at the south edge of Lake Champlain, the fort commanded the lake and the route to Canada. Agreeing to lead the mission, Allen began assembling his men and the necessary supplies. The day before their planned attack, they were interrupted by the arrival of Colonel Benedict Arnold who had been sent north to seize the fort by the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. Commissioned by the government of Massachusetts, Arnold claimed that he was to have overall command of the operation. Allen disagreed, and after the Green Mountain Boys threatened to return home, the two colonels decided to share command. On May 10, 1775, Allen and Arnolds men stormed Fort Ticonderoga, capturing its entire forty-eight man garrison. Moving up the lake, they captured Crown Point, Fort Ann, and Fort St. John in the weeks that followed. Canada Captivity That summer, Allen and his chief lieutenant, Seth Warner, traveled south to Albany and received support for the formation of a Green Mountain Regiment. They returned north and Warner was given command of the regiment, while Allen was placed in charge of a small force of Indians and Canadians. On September 24, 1775, during an ill-advised attack on Montreal, Allen was captured by the British. Initially considered a traitor, Allen was shipped to England and imprisoned at Pendennis Castle in Cornwall. He remained a prisoner until being exchanged for Colonel Archibald Campbell in May 1778. Pendennis Castle, Cornwall. Public Domain Vermont Independence Upon gaining his freedom, Allen opted to return to Vermont, which had declared itself an independent republic during his captivity. Settling near present-day Burlington, he remained active in politics and was named a general in the Army of Vermont. Later that year, he traveled south and asked the Continental Congress to recognize Vermonts status as an independent state. Unwilling to anger New York and New Hampshire, Congress declined to honor his request. For the remainder of the war, Allen worked with his brother Ira and other Vermonters to ensure that their claims to the land were upheld. This went as far as negotiating with the British between 1780 and 1783, for military protection and possible inclusion in the British Empire. For these actions, Allen was charged with treason, however since it was clear that his goal had been to force the Continental Congress into taking action on the Vermont issue the case was never pursued. After the war, Allen retired to his farm where he lived until his death in 1789.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Slavery as a Positive Good - 998 Words

Slavery as a Positive Good Question When referring to the days of slavery, it is often assumed that the south was the sole force behind its continuance. However there were many factors which lead southerners as well as some in the north to quietly accept slavery as a good thing. John Calhoun declared in 1837 â€Å"Many in the South once believed that [slavery] was a moral and political evil†¦That folly and delusion are gone; we see it now in its true light, and regard it as the most safe and stable basis for free institutions in the world† (p. 345). This statement was justified by various reasons. There was the fundamental belief that Africans were inferior to their white counterparts. Many saw the slave population as a labor force that†¦show more content†¦Take for example a woman whose role is to care for her master’s children. She maybe well loved by her charges but as they grow they will come to see her as less than a human being. That won’t necessarily keep them from caring about her, they will simply do so in the way they would love a cat or dog. Pro-slavery advocates were also quick to point out that the great empires of history were based on slave labor. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Persians and so forth were mighty civilizations that enslaved captives of war as well as criminals. It is possible to assume that since these societies were able to focus of innovation and thinking because of their slave work force that the south too would flourish intellectually. Whether or not this is true is debatable. Yes there were several southern inventors and writers of the time but to compare it to the advances of the past would be difficult. In conclusion, the â€Å"positive good† argument was nothing short of a means for whites of all classes on both sides of the Mason-Dixie line to ease their own guilt over the institution of slavery. It is human nature to put a positive spin on something we benefit from. Wars have been waged under the precipice of unitin g territories, bringing order, divine right, and alike while the true motivations have been wealth, power and glory. The south was no different from the empires of the past in thatShow MoreRelatedEssay on Slavery: a Positive Good or a Positive Evil?1448 Words   |  6 PagesSlavery: Evil of Positive Good? In the years between 1830 and 1860 slavery became a common subject of the moral debate in the United States. The Second Great Awakening of the late 1700s exploded with a need to reform in American civilization. Christians were trying to rid society of the new American ideals based on a market economy. The revival of religion inspired people to analyze the greedy new ways and thoughts Americans were adopting. People began to criticize wrong-doings in the publicRead MoreThe Slavery Of Slavery And Slavery944 Words   |  4 Pagescondemn slavery. The South also used religion as their argument, but instead, they used the Bible to argue that slavery was an acceptable part of life. People have questioned whether it was right or wrong of the South to use the bible to support their beliefs in slavery. Some would say that pro-slavery southerners had every right to use the Bible to support their beliefs. When Northerners began to use the Bible against slavery, southerners used this same argument to support it. Slavery was a practiceRead MoreHow Douglass Dispelled the Illusions of Slavery1019 Words   |  5 Pagesprovide a look into the world of a slave. His audience varied, from abolitionists, to whites that were on the fence about the issue, but his purpose remained: to allow non-slaves to learn about the horrors of slavery. In this autobiography, Douglass dispelled readers’ â€Å"illusions about slavery† by merely telling his true story, an everyman tale for slaves. Douglass worked on plantations in the Maryland area, and those plantations were considered to be easier than those of Georgia or Alabama, as unrulyRead MoreFrederick Douglass And Frederick Douglass Analysis1137 Words   |  5 Pagessome similarities and differences in the argument about slavery and its destiny with America. They both talk about slavery but in different ways. Douglass argues against slave ry addressing that the signers of the Declaration of Independance put the interests of a country above their own and urges his listeners to continue the work of these great men who brought freedom to this land. While Calhoun argues for slavery responding to anti slavery petitions sent to the Senate by abolitionist groups, andRead MoreThe Positive Side Of Globalization1155 Words   |  5 PagesThe Positive Side of Globalization Globalization is what unites this world. As time passes, it has become easier to communicate with people worldwide. With dedication, education and will, you can have a full conversation in a foreign language anytime. If looked at in depth, globalization contributed to the spread of your native language because it was transferred by many people. As you can see, globalization is something that can help us communicate across long distances and much more. There areRead MoreThe Civil War Of The United States1270 Words   |  6 Pagesbecome divided down the middle over slavery, a mainstay that helped the economic growth of this country? As the northern states population grew and expanded westward their anti-slavery beliefs began to spread faster than the pro-slavery beliefs of the southern plantation owners. This influx of an anti-slavery population began to use the senate as a platform to question the use of slavery, causing the southern elitists to strengthen their defenses in suppor t of slavery. Many southerners feared theirRead MoreOlaudah Equiano, Frederick Douglass And Harriet Jacobs Essay1622 Words   |  7 Pagesthe institution of slavery. Even after the importing slaves internationally was banned in 1807 by Congress, the internal slave trade expanded exponentially. The growth and durability of slavery persisted until the end of the Civil War, a time period greater than the entire existence of the United States. The institution of slavery was not only able to endure through two hundred fifty of turbulent change in America, but it was able to advance. This is due to the mindsets of slavery as a â€Å"necessary evil†Read MoreNarrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass Essay1653 Words   |  7 Pages daughters of South Carolina slaveholders, think such human suffering that slaves endure is a sin, and not a necessary price for civilization. Without doubt, one of the intentions of Douglass’s narrative is to recount an individual account about slavery, and the way one man rises above the institution and makes a life for himself. However, Douglass’s little book evocates such pain, and you think it is truthful, and this is what slave narratives do. Douglass’s narrative is used to move people intoRead MoreAbolishing Slavery : A Tragic Historical Moment1020 Words   |  5 PagesAbolishing slavery was a tragic historical moment. Various texts state the issue that surrounds abolition of slavery. Three authors ventilate their position on what is slavery to them. These authors educated others by demonstrating their perspective. These authors are known for their prodigious text. Now the real question here is? Is slavery a necessity? The Emancipation Proclamation was known as the savior for slaves. When Lincoln announces this bill he balanced military problems. The proclamationRead MoreThe Slavery Of The United States1449 Words   |  6 Pages â€Å"Slavery is founded on the selfishness of man’s nature; opposition to it on his love for justice.† This saying by Abraham Lincoln tells us that people are really different when it comes to their beliefs and attitudes. Some are so focused on wealth, which is why they have slaves to work for free, and treated them as properties instead of real human beings. On the other hand, some people were against slavery because it violated the basic human rights like the right to life, liberty, and security.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Financial Analysis and Control Awareness

Question: Discuss about the Financial Analysis and Control Awareness . Answer: Introduction: Financial analysis is the method of analysing projects, businesses, budgets and other finance-related corporations for ascertaining their suitability and performance. Therefore, the current assignment aims to conduct financial evaluation of JB Hi-Fi. The organisation is a retailer of consumer products in Australia and New Zealand dealing with Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs, home appliances, video games and electronics (Jbhifi.com.au 2017). The assignment aims at finding the number of ordinary shares issued on the part of JB Hi-Fi at the end of 2016. Finally, the assignment sheds light on ascertaining whether the organisation has not paid its issued shares in the particular financial year. Ordinary shares issued by JB Hi-Fi at the end of 2016: As commented by Birchall (2014), ordinary shares depict the primary voting shares of an organisation. In addition, the holders of ordinary shares are permitted to put one vote per share and they do not possess any predetermined amount of dividend. The ordinary shares are often referred as the common shares both from the viewpoint of the organisation and the shareholders. After evaluation of the annual report of JB Hi-Fi for the year 2016, it has been identified that the organisation has issued 671,849 ordinary shares to the employees under its plans of share option (Jbhifi.com.au 2017). However, JB Hi-Fi has repurchased 714,441 ordinary shares in the month of September 2015. Such repurchase of ordinary shares is equivalent to 0.7% of the overall share capital of the organisation, which amounts to $13,181,290. This repurchase has been conducted for offsetting the diluted effects of the issued shares. Determination of any non-payment of issued shares at the end of 2016: After conducting careful examination of the annual report of JB Hi-Fi for the year 2016, the organisation has fully paid its ordinary shares and there has not been any partial payment of ordinary shares. The below-depicted table depicts the relevant interest of the directors in terms of debentures, shares and options or rights in debentures or shares of the organisation: According to the above table, it has been identified that R. Murray has owned maximum of the fully paid ordinary shares amounting to 102,000. However, the above table does not take into account any option, which the board has granted in August 2016. The above table depicts that the P. Green has been provided with 2,092 ordinary shares in 2016, which was 13 in 2015. This illustrates that the organisation has no call-in-arrears in the year 2016 by making full payment to the ordinary shares. In this regard, Brigham and Ehrhardt (2013) stated that the shareholders are not needed to make any additional payment to the organisation on the share values. However, as argued by Christensen, Baker and Cottrell (2014), the full payment of the ordinary shares might limit the ability of the organisation in generating additional funds from the shareholders. The above table mainly helps in demonstrating the share options granted on the part of the organisation in 2016. It has been found that the entire shares are identified as the ordinary shares and there are no partial payments to such shares. Therefore, the organisation has experienced full payments to the issued ordinary shares in 2016. In this regard, Mihajlovic, Stankovic and Nikolic (2015) advocated that when the price range is depicted, the options falling under the series have been exercised on various dates throughout the period. However, Thibierge and Beresford (2015) argued that the shareholders often bear the operational risks of the organisation and they might not receive any payment, even if full payments are made. Therefore, it could be inferred that the ordinary shares of JB Hi-Fi have been fully paid and no partial payment has been made in the financial year 2016. Conclusion: From the above discussion, it has been found that JB Hi-Fi has issued 671,849 ordinary shares to its employees. However, it has been engaged in share repurchase of 714,441 for the month of September 2015. In addition, the statement of changes in equity of JB Hi-Fi has been evaluated critically in order to find out whether full payment of the issued shares are made in the financial year 2016. Therefore, different extracts from the annual report of the organisation have been represented, which signify that there is no partial or zero payment to the ordinary shares issued on the part of the organisation. References: Birchall, A., 2014.Financial analysis and control: financial awareness for students Brigham, E.F. and Ehrhardt, M.C., 2013.Financial management: Theory practice. Cengage Learning. Christensen, T.E., Baker, R.E. and Cottrell, D.M., 2014.Advanced Financial Accounting. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc Jbhifi.com.au. (2017). [online] Available at: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/Documents/2016%20JB%20Hi-Fi%20Annual%20Report_ASX.pdf [Accessed 16 Jan. 2017]. Mihajlovic, D., Stankovic, S. and Nikolic, M., 2015.Analysis financial balance as base management company(No. 2015-01). Ekonomika Society of Economists, Ni (Serbia). Thibierge, C. and Beresford, A., 2015. Financial analysis. InA Practical Guide to Corporate Finance(pp. 8-46). Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Suspense in The Most Dangerous Game Essay Example For Students

Suspense in The Most Dangerous Game Essay suspense in The Most Dangerous Game Suspense, used to change the story drastically, prevents The Most Dangerous Game, We will write a custom essay on Suspense in The Most Dangerous Game specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now from seeming too predictable and boring. Author, Richard Connoll, creates suspense by conveying unsettling emotions that the audience can relate to and that give a false sense of predictability. The title of this story, a major factor of suspense, tells the audience exactly what will happen. The interior suspense gives hidden meaning to the title and adds many twists to its foreboding plot. The element of suspense, leaving audiences guessing about future events, allows the audience to get emotionally involved in the story line. In essence, Richard Connoll does not disappoint readers by deviating from the thematic conflict, but instead keeps the audience on their toes by creating a veil of the suspenseful unknown throughout the story. Indeed, Connoll successfully creates this veil of suspense in several key scenes. One such scene occurs when Zaroff tracks Rainsford, by following his immensely difficult trail, to Rainsfords canopy bed. When Zaroff arrives he looks up into the canopy of the trees. He then lights a cigarette and blows a smoke ring into the air as if deliberately and stalks away saving him for another days sport (210, 211). When Connoll does not specifically say if Zaroff saw Rainsford or not it leaves the audience to speculate about Zaroffs intentions. A second key scene happens when Rainsford digs a pit in the marsh. When the pit kills Zaroffs dog Zaroff seems amused and says that he will see what you (meaning Rainsford) can do against my whole pack. I am going home for a rest now(212). Zaroffs satisfaction releases both Rainsford from the hunt (yet again) and the audience from the momentary suspense while keeping them entangled in the overall plot. The plot continues deepening as Rainsford faces more danger when Ivan and Zaroff hunt him with an entire pack of dogs. Again, Rainsford escapes by using his wits and constructing a trap that kills Ivan. As each successive event becomes more and more dangerous it leaves the audience feeling as if nothing could top the previous scene. Connoll does top all of his previous scenes by concluding with the ultimate ending; he allows the readers to make their own ending. This keeps the story forever alive by never actually ending the story, the perfect permanent suspense. Throughout the story, Connells masterful use of suspense keeps the audience guessing until far beyond the end. Such creative writing stirs the desire for more, keeping the audience hooked until the exhilarating finish. Connells The Most Dangerous Game conveys a prime example of suspense. It also begs the question, what is civilization? Rainsford enjoys hunting so his peers consider him primitive and Zaroff is seen as civilized. This only shows that civilization is a perception made from details that are fed to us by the person being judged. A persons true character is on the inside, as shown in this story, but can a person change? Did Rainsfords experience change him from the mere perception of primitive to actual primitivism? .

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

How to Use the French Preposition Pour (For)

How to Use the French Preposition Pour (For) The French preposition pour  (pronounced poor) is one of the most common in the French language and one of the first that new students learn. The word usually means for, but it has a few other possible meanings as well.  Pour can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or infinitive, and as youll see, it can be used to express causation, intent, and motivation, among other relationships. This word also appears in a number of colloquialisms. Purpose / Intention   Jai achetà © un cadeau pour toi.   I bought you a gift.  Il la fait pour nous aider.   He did it (in order) to help us. Duration of future event In this case, pour functions as a  temporal preposition.   Je vais y habiter pour un an.   Im going to live there for a year.  Il parlera pour une heure.   He will speak for an hour. In favor of   Il est pour la peine de la mort.   He is in favor of the death penalty.  Jai votà © pour Macron.   I voted for Macron. Direction   Il est parti pour Ottawa.   He left for Ottawa.  Voici le train pour Rouen.   Heres the train to Rouen. Point of view   Pour nous, cest une bonne idà ©e.   For us, its a good idea.  Il est tout pour moi.   He is everything to me. Cause / Reason   Jai à ©tà © puni pour avoir volà ©.   I was punished for stealing.  Ce magasin est fermà © pour rà ©parations.   This store is closed for repairs. In place of / In exchange for   Il doit signer pour moi.   He has to sign for me.  Tu me dois 4 euros pour le cafà ©.   You owe me 4 euros for the coffee. Comparison / Relationship   Un pour cent   One per hundred (one percent)  Il fait chaud pour lautomne.   Its hot for the fall. Description   Je suis assez fatiguà © pour dormir par terre.   Im tired enough to sleep on the floor.  Il est trop avare pour nous aider.   Hes too stingy to help us. Expressions Sa bonne constitution y est pour quelque chose.   His strong constitution had something to do with  ou  played a part in it.Elle est pour beaucoup dans le succà ¨s de la pià ¨ce.   The success of the play is to a large  extent due to her. /  She has had a great deal to do with the success of the play.Ne me remerciez pas, je ny suis pour rien.   Dont thank me; I didnt have anything to do with it.Cest fait pour. Thats what its (there) for.à ªtre pour  Ã‚  to be in favourJe suis pour quon sy mette tout de suite.  Ã‚  Im in favour of getting down to it immediately.pour de bon for good, reallypour ce faire for that purpose, to that endavoir pour but aimpour ainsi dire as it werepour lessential mainly, basically An acceptable antonym would be  contre  (against).  Pour que  is an offshoot, a conjunction meaning, so that or in order to.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Long Drop to Nowhere essays

Long Drop to Nowhere essays Donald Smalls was a simple enough man with a simple enough life. He was the head pharmacist at the local drug store. He lived in a small house tucked away in the woods, about half a mile off the main road. He could even forget things from the past that would haunt anyone else. The pay from the drug store allowed a slightly moderate life style. His clothes were neat and new around every month. He owned a nice little Beamer, you know, the kind that makes people feel richer than they are. Donald had just recently bought the Beamer to replace the old truck he had driven for the past couple of years. He was driving the old truck because the Mustang he had owned since he was nineteen finally called it quits. Now he had one sweet ride. Today he was driving up to one just one more thing the drug store made possible for him to own, a nice cabin in the mountains. He bought it off a previous owner, a man who seemed to have a nervous disorder around others. After shaking hands with the man, Donald had to wipe his hand on his jeans. The cabin was a nice place, just the place to spend a weeks vacation doing nothing and reading books. He would be happy, shoot, ecstatic to relax for a while. After having dealt with two hectic months behind that smooth white counter he thought he deserved a vacation. Now he was on a mountain highway, making his way to his own little crack in the world. Donald started to relax a little and let the speedometer do a little walking. Once it registered sixty he thought that would be a nice clip to cruise along at. Most drivers would worry about taking curves at this speed, but not Don Smalls. At thirty five and driving mountain roads most of his life, he considered himself a seasoned vet. He knew how to do it. He knew people relaxed and wrecked on roads like this all the time. He wasnt one for wrecks or for worrying about them but all of this just seemed too familiar. An old forgo...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Hydrogen Energy and the Greenhouse Effect Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hydrogen Energy and the Greenhouse Effect - Essay Example The measurements showed that in the past half century, CO2 levels have been steadily rising at an exponential rate (Weart). This is due to growing population and the quickly-developing technologies that inevitably demand more energy, and, in the present, humanity's main source of energy is fossil fuels. As such, finding alternative energy sources has become a very important quest in the present. Among these alternative sources of energy is Hydrogen. Hydrogen is often presented as one of the most promising alternatives for carbon-based fuels because it is the clean energy source that burns into water vapor. It is also often pointed out that Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is very abundant on earth itself in the form of water. However, switching to a Hydrogen powered economy isn't really as simple as it sounds. Although water is very abundant on Earth, it takes up a lot of energy to break it down into its hydrogen and oxygen components and package it (Zyga). There is also the risk of hydrogen leaking out from the fuel cells which contain it (Warwick et. al.). Hydrogen energy would then basically cost more and be less economical than the current energy sources. However, if switching to Hydrogen as a major energy source would have good environmental impacts, t hen maybe it would be worth the cost. The product of Hydrogen combustion as opposed to, say, gasoline combustion would only be water vapor whereas for gasoline combustion, the products would include carbon dioxide which is considered to be the major cause of global warming. However, there are some who argue that water vapor, in fact, is the major greenhouse gas and is responsible for a larger portion of the greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide is. So, to find out whether hydrogen would really be a better energy source than carbon-based fuels, let us first look into the reactions involved in their combustion. For the carbon-based fuels, we'll just take octane, which is an important component of gasoline, as an example. The combustion reactions are as follows: 2 H2 + O2 2 H2O + 572 kJ (1) 2 C8H18 + 25 O2 18 H2O + 16 CO2 + 11017.8 kJ (2) If we multiply equation (1) by 20, we get roughly the same amount of energy generated for the two reactions: 40 H2 + 20 O2 40 H2O + 11440 kJ (3) So, to produce the same amount of energy, 16 CO2 molecules and 18 H2O molecules would be produced for the octane combustion while 40 H2O molecules would be produced for the hydrogen combustion. If water vapor is a greenhouse gas just as CO2, then it my be that switching to hydrogen as an energy source would bring about an even worse greenhouse effect than the CO2 produced by burning octane. However, there are a lot of things to be considered. Even though water vapor makes up 80% of all greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by mass, it is responsible only for 36% - 66% of the long wave absorption done by all the greenhouse gases (Schmidt). By contrast, CO2 comprises only 1.44% of all the greenhouse gases by mass, yet it absorbs 9% - 26% of the total long wave absorpt

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Home depot in chile Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Home depot in chile - Case Study Example Home Depot adopted the international strategy, when it entered the Chilean market in 1998. As part of that strategy, it tried to implement the same practices and marketing strategies, which they carried out in its United States operations. In the case of international strategy, the firm transfers its core competencies and operational strategies to the foreign subsidiary. (Aswathappa 355). One of the key operational strategies of Home Depot in U.S. is sizably selling Do-It-Yourself (DIY) products, and they transferred the same to Chile. Instead of multidomestic strategy (which focuses on customizing the product according to the local market) and global strategy (which focuses on selling a product based on a globally formulated strategy), Home Depot adopted international strategy. As it was its first market expansion out of North America, Home Depot did not have any global strategy. Also, they avoided the multidomestic strategy and did not customize its products according to the Chilea n people. So, in line with the international strategy, Home Depot put more of DIY products on its shelves. However, this strategy of transferring the same practices to Chile did not work first because Chilean people were less willing than in the United States to repair their houses by themselves. b.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Written Assignment Essay Example for Free

Written Assignment Essay Answer all of the following questions. Title your assignment Written Assignment 4, unless your mentor directs otherwise. This assignment covers text chapters 18 through 23. 1. Explain the relationship among savings, investment, and net capital outflow. Savings are equal to domestic investment + net capital outflow. In an open economy, both net capital outflow ( which is the purchase of foreign assets by domestic investors minus the purchase of domestic investments by foreigners) and savings and domestic investments are both ways of saving, and are both used to get the full picture of total saving. 2. Describe the economic logic behind the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP). What factors might prevent PPP from holding true? The purchasing power parity tells us the a unit of any given currency should be able to buy the same quantity of goods in all countries. This principle is based on the fact that prices should remain constant for goods no matter where the goods are purchased, otherwise there is an opportunity for profit that was left un-exploited. The theory has 2 holes in it. Firstly, some goods are not easily traded, and secondly, some goods cannot easily be substituted for another. 3. Describe supply and demand in the market for loanable funds and the market for foreign currency exchange. How are these markets linked? Supply and demand of loanable funds is determined by the real interest rate. A higher interest rate causes people to save and raises supply where a lower real interest rate does the opposite. In the market for foreign currency exchange, the real exchange rate balances out supply and demand. A higher U.S. real exchange rate increases U.S. goods compared to foreign goods, and exports fall. These 2 markets are linked because between the 2 of them, they determine national saving, domestic investment, net capital exports and net exports. 4. What is capital flight? When a country experiences capital flight, what is the effect on the countrys interest rate and exchange rate? Capital flight is a large and sudden reduction in the demand for assets located in a country. The currency of the country depreciates in value and the interest rate rises. 5. List and explain the three theories for why the short-run aggregate-supply curve is upward sloping. Sticky wages. Wages are slow to adjust and may not be able to be changed. Steady wages can be harmful to a company and cause them to have lower production levels. Nominal wages are based on expected prices and are slow to respond when the actual prices ends up being different. Sticky price. Prices for some goods and services also are â€Å"sticky† and take time to adjust. This is due in part to â€Å"menu costs†, or the administrative costs incurred by changing the prices of a product in a firm. Misperceptions. Different businesses read the market different ways. A misperception in the trend of the market can cause suppliers to supply more product, even when the demand is not truly there. 6. What might shift the aggregate-demand curve to the left? Use the model of aggregate demand and aggregate supply to trace through the short-run and long-run effects of such a shift on output and the price level. Use the following diagram to help explain your answer. Point A is the short-run equilibrium point whereas Point C is the long run equilibrium point. Higher prices lower costs and shift demand to the left (lower). If for say, the current market price of this item is at Point C, and the market price drops, the demand for the item will rise, shifting the curve to the left. 7. Suppose the Fed expands the money supply, but because the public expects this Fed action, it simultaneously raises its expectation of the price level. What will happen to output and the price level in the short run? Compare this result to the outcome if the Fed expanded the money supply but the public didn’t change its expectation of the price level? Use the diagram below to explain your answer. The output should remain constant if the FED had raised its expectation of the price level over time, but immediately, the raise is price would cause in increase in production. The equilibrium point should shift from point a, to point c temporarily, then up to point out as it balances out. If the FED did not change it’s expectations in the price levels, than the equilibrium should move to pint c from pint a, and stay there. 8. What is the theory of liquidity preference? How does it help explain the downward slope of the aggregate-demand curve? This is the theory that the interest rate adjust to bring the money supply and demand into equilibrium. A higher price level increases the demand for money, as people will carry more to pay the higher prices. Higher prices in turn causes a higher interest rate. The higher interest rate reduces goods demanded, and supply will also shift downward. 9. Suppose that survey measures of consumer confidence indicate a wave of pessimism is sweeping the country. If policymakers do nothing, what will happen to aggregate demand? Explain what the Fed should do if it wants to stabilize aggregate demand. If the Fed does nothing, explain what Congress might do to stabilize aggregate demand. If policy makers do nothing, demand will fall, so will production and employment. Eventually, recession and possible depression afterwards. The Fed can do things such as lowering the interest rate to help stimulate the economy. Congress may decide to cut taxes in an attempt to simulate the economy, but they can also increase government spending to stabilize the economy. 10. What is natural about the natural rate of unemployment? Explain why the natural rate of unemployment might differ across countries. The natural means that it is beyond the influence of monetary policy. Different countries have different abilities, laws and demand for employment. For instance, the country may not be able to organize in the same fashion as a union shop here is the US. might. 11. What causes the lags in the effect of monetary and fiscal policy on aggregate demand? What are the implications of these lags for the debate over active versus passive policy? Aggregate demand has lags in policy due to the time it takes for the policy to take affect. Additionally, the spending plans are set in advance so it also takes time for changes to affect spending. The biggest issue is the ability to time the policy correctly, since it takes time for everything to adjust. 12. Some economists say that the government can continue running a budget deficit forever. How is that possible? Since population and technological progress grow over time, so do a nation’s ability to repay the interest on it’s debt. As long as the debt grows slower than the nation’s income, this is possible. Reference: Mankiw, N. G. (2008). Principles of Macroeconomics. Fifth Edition. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Imagery of Disease and Decay in Hamlet Essay -- GCSE English Literatur

Imagery of Disease and Decay in Hamlet  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare found that imagery was a useful tool to give his works greater impact and hidden meaning. In Hamlet, Shakespeare used imagery to present ideas about the atmosphere, Hamlet's character, and the major theme of the play. He used imagery of decay to give the reader a feel of the changing atmosphere. He used imagery of disease to hint how some of the different characters perceived Hamlet as he put on his "antic disposition". And finally, he used imagery of poison to emphasize the main theme of the play; everybody receives rightful retribution in the end.      Early in Hamlet, Shakespeare's first use of imagery was of decay. Marcellus says, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" (I; iv; 90), to Horatio after Hamlet leaves to talk with the ghost of his father. The imagery of decay used here gives the reader a background understanding of a few things. First, it foreshadows that the king's throne (the state of Denmark) is on shaky ground because Hamlet will shortly find out that his father was murdered and not bitten by a snake as was originally thought. Also, it reveals the building atmosphere of suspicion (something is rotten) which would play a role for a big part of the play. Then, two scenes later, imagery of decay was used a second time when Hamlet says, "For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a good kissing carrion", (II; i; 182-183) to Polonius during their first conversation in the play. The imagery of decay used here subtly gets across information of a few things. First, it foreshadows that Hamlet (the sun) wil l kill Polonius (breed maggots in a dead dog). And secondly, at this point in the scene, Hamlet goes on to talk about his own ... ...mastery of imagery that helped Shakespeare lift himself in the world of literature and to give him a solid place as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.    Works Cited and Consulted: Bodkin, Maud. Death and Decay in Hamlet   Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1934. Burnett, Mark, ed. New Essays on Hamlet. New York: AMS Press, 1994. Levin, Richard. 1990. 'The Poetics and Politics of Bardicide.' PMLA 105: 491-504. Vickers, Brian. Appropriating Shakespeare: Contemporary Critical Quarrels. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. 1993. Watson, Robert N. 1990. 'Giving up the Ghost in a World of Decay: Hamlet, Revenge and Denial.' Renaissance Drama 21:199-223. Wright, George T. 1981. 'Hendiadys and Hamlet.' PMLA 96:168-193. Shakespeare, William. The Tradegy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark.   New York: Washington Square Press, 1992

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Alcoholism 11

Alcoholism Alcoholism is one of the biggest medical problems in the Western world. Alcohol has been around since biblical times. The problem continues to grow every year and has a negative impact on society. Nearly every town and city has restaurants that serve alcohol, and has stores where it can be purchased. For these reasons, the nature of alcoholism needs to be exposed. The problems that arise from this disease need to be shown. The purpose of this paper is to talk about the problem, the cause and effects, and the treatment process. Alcoholism is the habitual or compulsive consumption of alcoholic liquor to excess according to Webster’s New World Dictionary. An alcoholic has no control over drinking and continues to use alcohol even though adverse consequences occur (Hurley 71). Alcohol affects the alcoholic’s family and work, they ignore responsibilities and assignments. In nineteen fifty six alcoholism was recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association. Fishman 28) When the National Council for Education on Alcoholism (now known as the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency) was formed, their first and most prominent principle was, â€Å"Alcoholism is a disease† (Nicolaus 136). The disease has serious consequences on the drinker and society as well. Even though there is much concern about drugs, next to tobacco, alcohol is the most widely used drug in the United States (Hurley 71). Alcohol impaired drivers caused thirty two percent of traffic related fatalities in two thousand eight (â€Å"Alcohol Impaired Driving†). In 1996 nearly thirty six percent of incarcerated criminals were under the influence of alcohol when committing their crime (â€Å"Alcohol and Crime†). Indeed, alcoholism has become a public concern, since it had begun to influence society as well. There are two types of alcoholism, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. An example of alcohol abuse is random binge drinking. A person is alcohol dependent when that person can’t stop drinking without withdrawal symptoms. â€Å"There is no known cause of alcoholism. † (Van Voorhees) Alcoholism is described as a drug addiction. There are several factors that play in its development. They are divided into two main groups, psychological and social. Psychological factors include anxiety relief, conflict in relationships, depression and low self-esteem. Some examples of social factors are the ease of getting alcohol, peer pressure, social acceptance of alcohol use, and a stressful lifestyle. (Van Voorhees) There are other factors that lead to excessive drinking. â€Å"Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes or how they work is not known. (Van Voorhees) Studies have shown that family history is a factor as well. People whose parents abused alcohol have a higher risk of alcoholism. It is a given that alcoholism leads to physical and mental problems. But how does excessive consumption of alcohol affect the daily life of alcoholics? What are the effects of alcoholism in everyday life? The organ most sensitive to alcohol is the brain. The cerebrum is affected first. It is in control of sensation, perception, speech, and judgment. The cerebellum is the second part of the brain affected. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. A person under the influence of alcohol will have slurred speech, loss of balance and uncoordinated movements. The excessive alcohol user is usually unable to judge accurately what he or she can or cannot do. Drinking alcohol increases confidence and diminishes abilities. This misplaced confidence often leads people to judge themselves competent to perform tasks that are beyond their abilities. (Fishman 37-41) An alcoholic’s job and family are also affected by alcoholism. In couples it affects communication, which in turn, increases conflict levels. It has also been proven that domestic violence increases in alcoholic families. Alcohol use affects parenting. Family life can become chaotic and have poor quality environment. The children are exposed to the parent’s increased conflict (â€Å"Alcohol and the Family†). An alcoholic’s attendance to work is affected by drinking. They are chronically late and their productivity is decreased. The effects of alcohol in everyday life can be further explained through specific examples. In terms of finances, an alcoholic would be irresponsible. The bills would not be paid on time, prompting the collection agencies to take action. An alcoholic would not be stable enough to manage his or her own money; thus, incapacity for money management is an effect of alcoholism in everyday life. In terms of employment or schooling, an alcoholic is most likely to be tardy. However, the person can altogether skip school or work to drink. Even socializing with friends is affected by alcoholism. An alcoholic usually does not like it when other people offer their opinion about his or her drinking habits. He or she is irritated by comments and critiques of their drinking. As a result, the alcoholic would soon drink in secrecy. Another effect of alcoholism in everyday life is the lapses in memory and interest. Due to the aforementioned effect on the brain, it follows that even memory is not spared from the dangers of alcohol. Alcoholics usually suffer from â€Å"blackouts† (Fishman 40). These are instances when they could not remember appointments and the like. Moreover, the activities that the person used to enjoy would cease to be enjoyable, due to the effect of alcoholism (Fishman 42). These are some of the examples of how alcoholism affects everyday life. Alcoholism is a treatable disease. There are treatments available for this condition, and several medications have made it possible for alcoholics to fully recover. In the treatment of alcoholism, there are several steps to take into account: intervention, detoxification and rehabilitation (Fishman 60). The first step is intervention. It takes someone else to point out the problem for them to realize that they need to get help. The most familiar approach in intervention is the confrontation between alcoholics and the concerned party. It was only recently when studies have shown that intervention would be more effective if it was done with â€Å"compassion and empathy† (Medline). The next step is detoxification. The objective of this step is to stop the drinking of alcoholic beverages. This phase in the treatment is tough for the alcoholic, as the intake of alcohol will suddenly be stopped. That is why detoxification usually takes place in an inpatient set-up, in which the environment is â€Å"controlled and supervised† (Van Voorhees). During the process, every medication is cautiously measured to hinder withdrawal from taking place. The moment the symptoms of withdrawal are absent, the giving of medications would be gradually stopped. The duration of detoxification usually lasts from four to seven days. These days, there is a kind of detoxification that is in the outpatient set-up, but still under the guidance of a physician. While in detoxification treatment, it is important that the patient has a balanced diet, as well as vitamin supplements. This is because there are complications that happen with alcohol withdrawal, and the patient must be as healthy as possible (Fishman 83-84). If the detoxification process stops people from consuming alcohol, the rehabilitation process guides people to fully recover by staying away from alcohol (Van Voorhees). This fourth step in the treatment is more comprehensive, as it prepares the patient for complete recovery in the long run. Not only does rehabilitation stop people from drinking, it allows them to create a network of support to encourage their continuous road to recovery. Rehabilitation programs usually involve â€Å"counseling, psychological support, therapy, education and skills training† (Fishman 85-88). There are two kinds of rehabilitation programs: the short-term and the long-term programs (Fishman 89). The former requires less than a month, while the latter could range from a month to a year or longer. There is also the outpatient counseling option, which is suitable for those who have just finished an inpatient treatment. Aside from this, there are the support groups dedicated to the endeavor of recovery of alcoholics. Examples of which include SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety, and Alcoholics Anonymous (Van Voorhees). There are three recognized medications in treating alcoholism. The first one is Disulfiram. The medicine works by disrupting the metabolism of alcohol, causing a metabolite that would make the person sick if he drinks even a small amount of alcohol about two weeks after taking the medicine. The second drug is Acamprosate. It is believed that this drug helps people to abstain from alcohol; it also decreases the symptoms that come with abstinence (â€Å"Alcoholism†). The third drug is Naltrexone, which works on the brain to decrease alcohol cravings (Barbour 145-146). It is crucial that people are made aware of the causes, effects and treatments of alcoholism. This awareness would help prevent the problem of alcoholism. People should be reminded that alcoholism is not just the problem of an individual but also of society. Works Cited Alcohol and the Family. Aug 2004. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Web. 15 Dec 2009. . Barbour, Scott. Alcohol. San Diego: Greenhaven Pr, 1998. 145-146. Print. Fishman, Ross. Alcohol and alcoholism. New York, NY: Chelsea House Pub, 1986. Print Hurley, Jennifer. Addiction. San Diego: Greenhaven Pr, 2000. Print. â€Å"MayoClinic. com. † Alcoholism. 08 May 2008. Mayo foundation for Medical Education and Research. Web. 15 Dec 2009 . National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Alcohol-Impaired Driving. , 2008. Web. 28 Nov. 2009. Neufeldt, Victoria, and David Guralnik. Webster. 3rd college. New York, NY: Webster, 1989. Print. Nicolaus, Martin. Empowering Your Sober Self. 1st. San Francisco, CA: Jossy-Bass, 2009. Print. United States Department of Justice. Alcohol and Crime. , 2008. Web. 28 Nov 2009. Van Voorhees, Benjamin. â€Å"MedlinePlus. † Alcoholism. 15 Jan 2009. Web. 15 Dec 2009. .

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Services Essay

The main difference between inpatient and outpatient services is that inpatient care is performed by an inpatient facility that is prepared for patients to be able to stay overnight if need be. This inpatient care can be provided by a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or a long term care facility. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is designed to provide rehabilitation services and/or skilled nursing to injured patients after they no longer need to be in a hospital setting. The skilled nursed help the patient and assist with their recovery. A skilled nursing facility is operated by licensed nurses, with the assistance of a medical physician. A few examples of care given at a skilled nursing facility would include dressing changes, intravenous injections, and tube feeding. A nursing home is an example of a long-term care facility, which provides custodial care for patients who suffer from chronic disabilities or prolonged illnesses. Outpatient care, is also referred to as ambulatory care, is somewhat different from inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility setting. Outpatient care involves care that does not require and overnight stay. This kind of care is found in a family physician office, ER visit, physical, speech or occupational therapy, and home health care. Due to the different settings and types of treatment received at inpatient or outpatient facilities, there are different codes for all the different procedures. An inpatient care example would be an overnight stay and care that is a round-the-clock due to a surgical procedure received. If it was outpatient care the service or treatment would have been in the doctor’s office or facility. Outpatient care codes differ than inpatient due to their different settings and what services can be performed. Coding for inpatient and outpatient are different, diagnostic coding for inpatient care follow the rules of the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS). Inpatient coding differ from physician and outpatient coding, because the main diagnosis is generally determined after study in a hospital setting and coding an unconfirmed condition as the admitting diagnosis is permitted. Inpatient codes can be more complex than outpatient, in general there are more codes used in inpatient care than outpatient.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Free Essays on Underage Drinking

Alcohol is a drug most frequently used by American teenagers. It is consumed more than all other illegal drugs combined and is also the drug that is most associated with injury or death. Underage drinking is a serious problem for teenagers in the United States. People do not realize the effects that alcohol have on young growing adults. Alcohol is a drug that can affect judgment, coordination, and long term health. Underage drinking has no positive aspects to it. How can we say â€Å"yes† to underage drinking? The legal age to drink is twenty-one, and people should abide by the laws. Back in the 1960’s and early 70’s a number of states lowered their drinking age from twenty-one to eighteen. In many of these states, research found an increase in highway deaths due to this law. Since then, all states have raised the drinking age back up to twenty one. This just shows that at the age of eighteen your life takes off with too many responsibilities and it’s hard to handle alcohol. Children do not have enough responsibility and since they are now classified as adults they thinks they can do whatever they want. Underage drinkers are not very smart when it comes to judgment and other factors that take toll when operating a vehicle. Alcohol affects everyone judgment whether you are old or young, but it is more likely that a younger person will do more damage. Young teens are just not aware of what it can do to you and your body. One reason drinking is bad for you is because your brain doesn’t stop growing until your around twenty. Alcohol effects the growth of your brain and due to underage drinking it doesn’t give your brain full growing capacity. Also, your body’s organs do continue to grow until you get older and by drinking at such a young age it does not allow them to grow to full size or strength. Alcohol is also very addictive especially in young teens. It is more likely for children who start drinking underage to have a ... Free Essays on Underage Drinking Free Essays on Underage Drinking Underage Drinking Why are you given the rights to everything else but restricted from alcohol and for some reason you aren’t â€Å"responsible enough to drink?† The answer is plain and simple: you are looked at as being immature. We need to be taught about alcohol and then trusted to make decisions on our own. The only way we can be trusted is by being given the right to drink when we turn 18. Underage drinking will be minimized if the age group of 18 to 20 is allowed alcohol. Through education, we in the United States can move forward and overcome the underage drinking problem. I found one very developed group that has a goal and a very practical plan to change the legal age to 18. RALLY, which stands for Realistic Alcohol Laws for Legal Youth, knows that underage drinking is a problem and wants to see changes made to give 18 to 20 year-old adults their deserved rights. RALLY is designed for college students, by the college student and because of that system their ideas are the easiest to understand and live by. If you look around at college parties it seems as if everyone is drinking. Actually you are probably right, but over half of those people drinking are also under the legal drinking age. Drinking is one of the main forms of entertainment for the typical college student. The only problem with drinking being the main form of entertainment is that half of the students in college or 20 years or younger. This seems to be a problem all over the country and a debate has started to see whether or not lowering the drinking age would be a reasonable solution to keep students from over drinking. Many leaders at different universities such as Bill Jordan, a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina, and Ruth Ings, a professor at Indiana University, believe that lowering the drinking age would solve many problems occurring at colleges today (Hochberg). Along with these leaders are the KU Senators at Kansa... Free Essays on Underage Drinking Alcohol is a drug most frequently used by American teenagers. It is consumed more than all other illegal drugs combined and is also the drug that is most associated with injury or death. Underage drinking is a serious problem for teenagers in the United States. People do not realize the effects that alcohol have on young growing adults. Alcohol is a drug that can affect judgment, coordination, and long term health. Underage drinking has no positive aspects to it. How can we say â€Å"yes† to underage drinking? The legal age to drink is twenty-one, and people should abide by the laws. Back in the 1960’s and early 70’s a number of states lowered their drinking age from twenty-one to eighteen. In many of these states, research found an increase in highway deaths due to this law. Since then, all states have raised the drinking age back up to twenty one. This just shows that at the age of eighteen your life takes off with too many responsibilities and it’s hard to handle alcohol. Children do not have enough responsibility and since they are now classified as adults they thinks they can do whatever they want. Underage drinkers are not very smart when it comes to judgment and other factors that take toll when operating a vehicle. Alcohol affects everyone judgment whether you are old or young, but it is more likely that a younger person will do more damage. Young teens are just not aware of what it can do to you and your body. One reason drinking is bad for you is because your brain doesn’t stop growing until your around twenty. Alcohol effects the growth of your brain and due to underage drinking it doesn’t give your brain full growing capacity. Also, your body’s organs do continue to grow until you get older and by drinking at such a young age it does not allow them to grow to full size or strength. Alcohol is also very addictive especially in young teens. It is more likely for children who start drinking underage to have a ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Polyprotic Acid Example Chemistry Problem

Polyprotic Acid Example Chemistry Problem A polyprotic acid is an acid that can donate more than one hydrogen atom (proton) in an aqueous solution. To find the pH of this type of acid, its necessary to know the dissociation constants for each hydrogen atom. This is an example of how to work a polyprotic acid chemistry problem. Polyprotic Acid Chemistry Problem Determine the pH of a 0.10 M solution of H2SO4. Given: Ka2 1.3 x 10-2 Solution H2SO4 has two H (protons), so it is a diprotic acid that undergoes two sequential ionizations in water: First ionization: H2SO4(aq) → H(aq) HSO4-(aq) Second ionization: HSO4-(aq) ⇔ H(aq) SO42-(aq) Note that sulfuric acid is a strong acid, so its first dissociation approaches 100%. This is why the reaction is written using → rather than ⇔. The HSO4-(aq) in the second ionization is a weak acid, so the H is in equilibrium with its conjugate base. Ka2 [H][SO42-]/[HSO4-] Ka2 1.3 x 10-2 Ka2 (0.10 x)(x)/(0.10 - x) Since Ka2 is relatively large, its necessary to use the quadratic formula to solve for x: x2 0.11x - 0.0013 0 x 1.1 x 10-2 M The sum of the first and second ionizations gives the total [H] at equilibrium. 0.10 0.011 0.11 M pH -log[H] 0.96 Learn More Introduction to Polyprotic Acids Strength of Acids and Bases Concentration of Chemical Species First Ionization H2SO4(aq) H+(aq) HSO4-(aq) Initial 0.10 M 0.00 M 0.00 M Change -0.10 M +0.10 M +0.10 M Final 0.00 M 0.10 M 0.10 M Second Ionization HSO42-(aq) H+(aq) SO42-(aq) Initial 0.10 M 0.10 M 0.00 M Change -x M +x M +x M At Equilibrium (0.10 - x) M (0.10 + x) M x M

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Religion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Religion - Research Paper Example There are major forms of religion in the world today. These forms of religion differ in practices and beliefs. However, the concept of religion still remains the same in all the 18 branches that make the world religion. The concept of religion explains the relationship between natural and supernatural concepts of reality in which various religions have their unique way of explaining nature and the existence as well as the role of humanity. Religion is associated with the study and understanding of human practices in relation to the natural and spirit world. Religions can be compared on the basis of what they stand for, belief and practices. For instance, Buddhism is a form of religion that practices its ways of living in relation to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Christianity is known to be the world’s biggest religious society and pillars its practices and ways of living on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Judaism is a form of religion formed by the Jewish people and base s its practices and beliefs on the covenant made between the God and the Jewish people. Islam is also among the top religious groups in the world and it bases its beliefs and practices on life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Traditional African religion has its own practices which are unique but with a common concept compared to all other forms of religions in the world (Matthews, 2012). It relies on hereditary values to build its moral understanding and practices. In this case, it bases its beliefs and practices on the communities’ ancestors whom are believed to exist in the spirit world. Religious forms have a common concept which is based on the belief of sacred aspects that are used to create moral value. Christianity differ from the Islamic religion in the notion that one religion believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ who is acts as the pillar its foundation while the other focuses on the

Friday, November 1, 2019

Ethics of Mass Media Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics of Mass Media - Article Example There is a rising body of forensic evidence that indicate that mass shooters tend to emulate their most infamous predecessors. This copycat problem is very serious since most of the people who plan and execute such crimes are greatly influenced by previous attacks’ sensational news coverage. Taking that into account, I think the press should be extra mindful of the way they cover the news regarding murderers in killings. For instance, the way the Mass media covered the Oregon killing posed an ethical issue considering the possible effect it may have copycat crimes. Journalists should take another ethical approach to help lower the frequency of such killings while maintaining their aggressive and robust reporting. I tend to think that is not very unethical to use such graphical images or keep the names of the killers in headlines as it encourages copycats. It is unethical for mass media to publicize manifesto or video rant of killers in full. My own response is that just summar izing the salient materials tend to be smarter than propagating the demented bid for glory of killers. This will not interfere with the reporting because juveniles and rape victims charged are never named in news reports and yet wide coverage is still given to the issue. In addition, news organizations rarely cover the plight of American journalists taken hostage overseas to safeguard their safety. Mass media should avoid this unethical practice while informing the public to reduce the copycat problem that greatly contribute to mass shootings.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Modern Indian Religions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Modern Indian Religions - Research Paper Example Ambedkar, emphasizes the role of God in religion and its influence in bringing social changes and hence laying the foundation for an egalitarian society. B.R. Ambedkar, pioneered and demanded for a revolutionary change in the caste system by fighting for equal rights for India's lower classes - known as the untouchables. Post independence he drafted the Indian Constitution and defended the ethnic and religious minorities by advocating their rights and reserving a secure place for them in the society through quotas, ensuring them government jobs and thus laying a foundation of social equality. He inspired the Dalit Buddhism movement in India with a view to eradicate the biased treatment meted out to the social outcasts on the basis of their religion. It led to mass conversions among the lower classes who converted to Buddhism. He spearheaded the first Dalit movement in the Indian state of Maharashtra and launched efforts and programs to eradicate illiteracy among the Dalits, by settin g up newspapers and establishing political parties to support the cause. He also contributed in campaigning for acquiring religious rights for the Dalits and played a key role in lifting the ban which prohibited the Dalits from entering Hindu places of worship. This paper on modern Indian religions discusses the impact and influence of Dalit Buddhism in bridging the gap between the higher castes and the lower castes / the untouchables i.e. the Dalits.... Although Dalit Buddhism was a new religion introduced by Ambedkar the fundamental principles were borrowed and based on Buddha's preaching. According to Ambedkar the Dalits were not Hindus, and hence he embraced Buddhism which is silent on the existence of god. Dalit Buddhism is based on this lack of denial or acknowledgement of the concept of god, since it is perceived as an attempt to rationalize the concept of god. Thus, Buddhism is often described as a theist religion rather than an atheist one. The Tibetans view the Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of Buddha - the god, and in the same vein, the Dalits in India view Ambedkar - their savior as reincarnation of god (Karunyakara, 2002). Dalit Buddhism was founded as a means of liberating the oppressed and socially outcast people in India from the clutches of Hinduism. Buddhism as a religion offers the freedom to the modern Indian society to embrace equality and respond to the challenges posed by a highly hegemonic Hindu - Brahmin socie ty. In a society where casteism is rampant and there is an apparent bias / prejudice against the Dalits, Buddhism offers an opportunity to the Dalits to reconstruct their own cultural world, which reinstates the values, beliefs, and ideals relevant to the Dalits in a Hindu dominated society (Ambedkar, 1980). Impact of religion in building an egalitarian society: Religion plays a key role in social and political aspects in India. Hindu Brahmins assume positions of greater significance in the socio-cultural spheres of life while teh Dalits are treated as outcasts and suffer great injustice across various sectors in the society. Dr. Ambedkar, through the introduction of Dalit Buddhism

Monday, October 28, 2019

Corporate governance Essay Example for Free

Corporate governance Essay Corporate governance is concerned with the structures and systems of control by which managers are held accountable to those who have a legitimate stake in an organization. It has become an increasingly important issue for organizations for three main reasons. The separation of ownership and management control of organizations (which is now the norm except with very small businesses) means that most organizations operate within a hierarchy, or chain, of governance. This chain represents those groups that influence an organization through their involvement in either ownership or management of an organization. Increased accountability to wider stakeholder interests has also come to be increasingly advocated; in particular the argument that corporations need to be more visibly accountable and/or responsive, not only to ‘owners’ and ‘managers’ in the governance chain but to wider social interest Corporate scandals since the late 1990s have increased public debate about how different parties in the governance chain should interact and influence each other. Most notable here is the relationship between shareholders and the boards of businesses, but an equivalent issue in the public sector is the relationship between government or public funding bodies and public sector organizations. As the key purpose of Corporate governance drive the benefit of shareholder of the company all members of corporate governance model responsible and accountable for driving this primary objective. 1.1 Five Golden Rules of Corporate Governance And best corporate governance practice is not simply about a battle between distant, disloyal institutional shareholders and greedy directors but about the ethos of the organization and fulfilling its clearly agreed goals. 5 golden rules of Corporate Governance of successful organization are: 1. Ethics: a clearly ethical basis to the business 2. Align Business Goals: appropriate goals, arrived at through the creation of a suitable stakeholder decision making model 3. Strategic management: an effective strategy process which incorporates stakeholder value 4. Organization: an organization suitably structured to effect good corporate governance 5. Reporting: reporting systems structured to provide transparency and accountability 2 Objectives of study Objective of this case study is to understand and critically examine flaws, failure of Corporate Governance on Satyam Computer’s strategic decisions. Also analyze what are the areas those can be influenced by proper Corporate Governance. This case also helps understanding Governments roles to tackle firms or intervene in firm’s functionality in the interest of internal and external stakeholders. Not only were there failures at the regulatory level, but also at the executive level. With no express code for corporate governance in India, the company failed to follow the industry standard best practices and as a result, collapsed. This study would be useful in identifying the different kind of failures in a family owned business like Satyam and to policy makers in designing and implementing corporate governance frameworks for professionally managed as well as family managed businesses like Satyam. This case also reveals how wrong decisions can damage entire organization and dent the image of company. This case also focuses certain legal issues related to roles and responsibilities of Chairman and other top management including critical role of independent directors of organization. This Case Study focuses laws and gaps in the Indian context. 3 Historical Evolution of the company Satyam was incorporated on June 24, 1987 as a private limited company providing software development and consulting services based out of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Ramalinga Raju and his brother Rama Raju were the promoters of the company. Before starting Satyam these duo were involved in other businesses like construction and textiles. This company was started with 20 employees 1991, this company went in for IPO where it was oversubscribed by 17 times. Same year it could bag clients like John Deere co which is fortune 500 company. This is the first time it adopted offshoring model. 1993, Satyam formed joint ventures with clients like D B and also with GE. In 1996 Satyam started its on shore offices in US and Japan. And its first development center in New Jersey, 1998. By 1999 it had operations in 30 countries and was assessed SEI CMM Level 5, one of the very few companies to get this accreditation by then. In 2000, Satyam grew by 10000 employees and got listed in NASDAQ ( National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) in 2001. 2004 Satyam was providing services in 45 countries with employee base of 15000. At that time Company was operating in various verticals with 18 development centers. Company crossed 1Billion revenues by 2006. Satyam’s revenues grew to 2 billion by 2008 with a net income of 417mn. Gained 186 of fortune 500 customers. Sailing in the industry with 46000 employees by March 2008 with operations across 66 countries. By September 2008 it recorded revenue of 28.19Bn. 3.1 Corporate Governance Practice at Satyam To explain the level of commitment and ethics to society it was mentioned by both inside and outside members of Satyam that on the day of Ramalinga Raju father’s cremation he attended shareholders meeting. Company’s ethics and level commitment were stressed in many annual reports. Corporate Governance was driven by its core values Associate Delight Investor Delight Customer Delight Pursuit of Excellence Company stated that† it believes that corporate governance practices provide an important framework to help the board of directors to fulfill its responsibilities† Main duties of the board were to set strategic direction to the company and leading the organization in the right direction there by ensuring long term interest of investor and other stakeholders of the company. Source: Satyam Computer Services, Report on Corporate Governance 2006-07 For independent functioning, the board comprised of both executive and non-executive members. Board also comprised several committees like Investor Grievances committee Compensation Committee Audit Committee The board was governed by code of conduct, which specified that all employees, directors needed to carry out their duties legally, honestly and ethically. It also specified all clauses that avoid any code of conflict etc.., Company’s Whistle Blower policy was also in place. According to experts though sound policies were in place none of the directors were objecting Raju’ s decisions even though they are against the interest of investor. It continued till the time when Raju was planning to acquire Maytas where the biz of Target Company was not aligning to Satyam and also those companies are promoted by Ramalinga Raju’s family members. 3.2 Role and Powers of Independent Directors (clause 49 of SEBI) SEBI had constituted a Committee on Corporate Governance under the chairmanship of N R Narayana Murthy to improve standards of corporate governance in India. SEBI introduced some major amendments based on the report on this committee on 26th August, 2003, in clause 49 of its listing agreement. Applicability of Clause 49 All companies which were required to comply with the requirement of the erstwhile clause 49 i.e. all listed entities having a paid up share capital of Rs 3 crores and above or net worth of Rs 25 crores or more at any time in the history of the entity, are required to comply with the requirement of this clause. This clause does not apply to other listed entities, which are not companies, but body corporates, incorporated under other statutes. Clause 49 will apply to these institutions as long as it does not violate their respective statutes, guidelines or directives. Clause 49 of the SEBI’s listing agreement relates to Independent Directors. Clause 49 Corporate Governance The company agrees to comply with the following provisions: I. Board of Directors (A) Composition of Board (i) The Board of directors of the company shall have an optimum combination of executive22 and non-executive23 directors with not less than fifty percent of the board of directors comprising of non-execu tive directors. (ii) Where the Chairman of the Board is a non-executive director, at least one-third of the Board should comprise of independent directors and in case he is an executive director, at least half of the Board should comprise of independent directors. (iii) For the purpose of the sub-clause (ii), the expression ‘independent director’ shall mean a non-executive director of the company who: a. Apart from receiving director‘s remuneration, does not have any material pecuniary relationships or transactions with the company, its promoters, its directors, its senior management or its holding company, its subsidiaries and associates which may affect independence of the director; b. Is not related to promoters or persons occupying management positions at the board level or at one level below the boardx` c. Has not been an executive of the company in the immediately preceding three financial years; d. Is not a partner or an executive or was not partner or an executive during the preceding three years, of any of the following: 1. The statutory audit firm or the internal audit firm that is associated with the company, and 2. The legal firm(s) and consulting firm(s) that have a material association with the company. e. Is not a material supplier, service provider or customer or a lessor or lessee of the company, which may affect independence of the director; and f. Is not a substantial shareholder of the company i.e. owning two percent or more of the block of voting shares. OTHER DEFINITIONS The Department of Company Affairs (DCA) had appointed a Committee headed by Mr. Naresh Chandra along with the distinct professionals from various fields. Apart from this, the Kumaramangalam Report also has suggestions about Independent Directors. Some definitions on Independent Directors. THE CADBURY REPORT (1992) Apart from their directors‘ fees and shareholdings, they should be independent of management and free from any business or other relationship which could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgmentâ€â€". THE KUMARAMANGALAM REPORT (1998) ―Independent directors are those directors who apart from receiving director‘s remuneration do not have any other material pecuniary relationship or transactions with the company, its promoters, its management or its subsidiaries, which in the judgment of the board may affect their independence of judgment THE NARESH CHANDRA REPORT (2003) Apart from receiving director‘s remuneration, does not have any other material pecuniary relationships or transactions with the company, its promoters and senior management.â€â€" It is significant to mention hear that the Naresh Chandra Committee report has opined that the recommendations made by the Kumaramangalam Committee in relation to independent directors are not precise and cannot fulfill the requirement of the independency as compared to the International best-in-class definitions and other pragmatic factors.25 An independent director is characterized by the following principle features: COMPANIES ACT, 1956 INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS Under the Companies Act,1956 the powers and duties of directors has evolved under interpretation of various Sections such as 291, 297, 299, 397, 398, 408, 629A, to name a few which have recognised and upheld directors‘ fiduciary duties to shareholders, to act with due care, skill and good faith. Sections 297 and 299, for example, are intended to eliminate possibility of conflict of interest. Unfortunately, the Act does not envisage a proper remedial regime, providing for rescission of underlying transactions, compensation for corporate and stakeholder losses, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains etc. Theoretically, some of these reliefs can be agitated for before the Company Law Board – but courts are hesitant to pass such drastic orders, in cases of such large, reputed companies ROLE OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR TOWARDS SHAREHOLDERS Corporate Governance principles all over and listing requirements assign tasks that have a potential for conflict of interest to independent directors, examples of these are integrity of financial and non-financial reporting, review of related party transactions, nomination of board members and key executives remuneration. The shareholders, especially the minority shareholders, look to independent directors providing transparency in respect of the disclosures in the working of the company as well as providing balance towards resolving conflict areas. In evaluating the board‘s or management decisions in respect of employees, creditors and other suppliers of major service providers, independent directors have a significant role in protecting the stakeholders interests. One of the mandatory requirements of audit committee is to look into the reasons for default in payments to deposit holders, debentures, non-payment of declared dividend and creditors. Further they are required to review the functioning of the ―Whistle Blower mechanismâ€â€" and related party transactions. These, essentially, safeguard the interests of the stakeholders 4 Major strategic decisions and its consequence December 16th 2008, Chairman Ramalinga Raju in a surprise move announced intent to acquire Maytas Properties and Maytas construction companies for a whopping 1.6Bn. While it is evident that these two companies are promoted by Ramalinga Raju’ s family in the industry circles it was not clear why should a IT services company focus on infra and property business. As the decisions was opposed by investors and clear indication of market fluctuation made Ramalinga Raju to revert his decision in 12 hours. Share prices plunges by 55% on concerns about Satyam’s corporate governance. In a surprise move, the World Bank announced on December 23, 2008 that Satyam has been barred from business with World Bank for eight years for providing Bank staff with â€Å"improper benefits† and charged with data theft and bribing the staff. Share prices fell another 14% to the lowest in over 4 years. The lone independent director since 1991, US academician Mangalam Srinivasan, announced resignation followed by the resignation of three more independent directors on December 28 i.e. Vinod K Dham (famously known as father of the Pentium and an ex Intel employee), M Rammohan Rao (Dean of the renowned Indian School of Business) and Krishna Palepu (professor at Harvard Business School)6. At last, on January 7, 2009, B. Ramalinga Raju announced confession of over Rs. 7800 crore financial fraud and he resigned as chairman of Satyam. A week after Satyam founder B Ramalinga Raju’ s scandalous confession, Satyam’s auditors Price Waterhouse finally admitted that its audit report was wrong as it was based on wrong financial statements provided by the Satyam’s management’s On January 22, 2009, Satyam’s CFO Srinivas Vadlamani confessed to having inflated the number of employees by 10,000 Satyam share price have seen sharp decline within hours of the outburst of the incident and further deteriorated after Ramalinga Raju’s confession Source: http://akpinsight-ijcbs.webs.com 5 Implementation of strategic decision On 30th Sep 2008, Satyam reported that it had cash reserves of 1.2Bn and on December 16th company expressed intent of acquiring Maytas Properties and Maytas Constructions for 1.6Bn. While Maytas infra a public listed company operating for two decades Maytas properties s only 6 months old which declared a revenue of 7.37Bn and net profit of 370 mn. On December 16th 2008 Satyam board approved acquisition of Maytas. The cash reserve to be used by Satyam to buy 51% of equity stake in Maytas infra for 1.3Bn USD and for Maytas properties 300 mn USD. Satyam planning to acquire 31% of the holding of the Raju family in Maytas Infra and another 20% through open offer to shareholders. The promoters held 36.64% equity stake in Maytas infra . Satyam planning to pay 475 Rs per Share which was 1.25% less than closing value December 16th and open offer made at 525 rs from the existing Maytas infra shareholders. After approval from board Ramalinga Raju announced this as a strategic move to de-risk core business by bootstrapping a new business vertical. He also called out that this would de-risk the recessional impacts on the current vertical of core business. Announcement however trigger negative reaction from industry, investors and stock markets. Satyam’s stock got severe beating on December 16;.The ADR fell from 12.55 to 5.70 after this announcement . On Bombay Stock Exchange the stock fell from 226 to 158 rs. It went down further to 134 on December 24th 2008. The decision attracted lot of criticism that promoters who has only 8.74% equity stake in the company were being allowed by the board to transfer a considerable amount of money from Satyam to Maytas where Ramalinga Raju’ s family own more stake. Analysts called that this is act of siphon to move cash from Satyam into a place where Raju’ s family has more stake. Experts also called that if board is convinced with the deal then it is their responsibility to inform major investment institutions which is a good sign of proper corporate governance. Valuation of Maytas was not transparent and this was not even informed to investors in advance. Investors called this process as act of misuse of Satyam funds and it’s a nepotism. Registrar of Companies asked Satyam to submit minutes of board meeting for validity and review held on December 16th 2008. However Satyam could not provide minutes of meeting in the said deadline given by RoC. These reactions compelled Satyam to roll back the decision within 12 hours .These accusations lead to few international issues where the long battle between British Virgin Island Based Upaid system and Raju and Satyam CFO. There are three cases breach of contract, forgery filed by filed by UPaid and one disparagement filed by Satyam. On December 23 2008 World Bank announced that it will bar Satyam to take any of its contracts for next 8 years due to improper invoice and benefit to employees. It was reported that Satyam sold its preferential shares to World Bank CIO. Before Maytas controversy got over DSP-Merlynch announced that it is terminating its advisory agreement with Satyam. In its communication it said considering various strategic options it had terminated its advisory agreement also quoted that it was to their understanding that there are accounting irregularities which prompted them above decision. Analysts said that this move compelled Raju to confess as SEBI asked DSP-Merlynch asking why it had to withdraw the agreement. 6 Merits/Flaws of implementation Following are the Governance Flaws noticed in the case of Satyam computer Services Limited 6.1 Unethical Conduct It is evident that founder of the company wanted to make money any which way by avoiding taxes, cooking books , creating false payrolls and pay offs. Shareholders, employees and clients realized steady diet of (A)Satyam. He was not following the spirit behind its name. Along with his brother Rama Raju who is his also managing director of the company disguised all this from company’s board , senior managers and auditors for several years. Confession revealed the fraudulent and unethical behavior of the duo who bagged many awards and rewards for his best corporate governance including prestigious Golden Peacock award. Both CEO and CFO charged for putting self-interests ahead of company’s interests. 6.2 A case of insider trading Both central and state investigation agencies and also audit firms revealed and established that promoters indulged in the nastiest kind of insider trading of company’s shares to raise money for building large land banks. It was established that money raised by Ramalinga Raju and Rama Raju along with his relatives used to buy lands in 330 binami companies. 6.3 Case of False Books and Bogus Accounts The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), 23 a multi-disciplinary investigating arm of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, set up in 2003 with officials from various law enforcement agencies, was asked to investigate the fudging of accounts as admitted by B. Ramalinga Raju. the consent of the board was unanimously accorded after which Raju proposed the merger of MIL and MPL to the shareholders, which came in for stiff resistant, and issue of corporate governance was raised.† A couple of weeks later, Ramalinga Raju dropped a bombshell by sending a letter of admission to SEBI and the board of directors that he had fudged the accounts of Satyam and that the balance sheet as on September 30, 2008 carried an inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of Rs 5040 crore, non-existent interest of Rs 376 crore and understated liability of Rs 1230 crore Source: http://www.applied-corporate-governance.com/best-corporate-governance-practice.html 6.4 Lax Board The Satyam Board was composed of ‘chairman-friendly’ directors who failed to question managements strategy and use of leverage in recasting the company; they were also extremely slow to act when it was already clear that the company was in financial distress. The glue that held the board members together was Ramalinga Raju. Each of the board members were there on his personal invitation and (that) made them ineffective. The Board ignored, or failed to act on, critical information related to financial wrongdoings before the company ultimately collapsed. It was only when Ramalinga Raju in the December, 2008 announced a $1.6 billion bid for two Maytas companies i.e. Maytas Infra and Maytas Properties, and while the share market reacted very strongly against the bid and prices plunged by 55 % on concerns about Satyam’s corporate governance, that some of the independent directors came into action by announcing their withdrawal from the Board 6.5 Unconvinced Role of Independent Directors The Satyam episode has brought out the failure of the present corporate governance structure that hinges on the independent directors, who are supposed to bring objectivity to the oversight function of the board and improve its effectiveness. They serve as watchdogs over management, which involves keeping their eyes and ears open at Board deliberations with critical eye raising queries when decisions scent wrong. Stakeholders place high expectations on them but the Satyam’s case reveals such expectations are misplaced. Six of the nine directors on Satyam’s Board were independent directors including US academician Mangalam Srinivasan (the independent director since 1991), Vinod K. Dham (famously known as father of the Pentium and an ex Intel employee), M Rammohan Rao (Dean of Indian School of Business), US Raju (former director of IIT Delhi), T.R. Prasad (former Cabinet Secretary) and Krishna Palepu (professor at Harvard Business School). They were men of standing reputation. To avoid any controversy, the two founder directors did not participate in the decision making process for the reason that the provisions of the Companies Act and SEBI regulations mandate presence of only disinterested directors in board meeting where the agenda of such a nature is discussed. This naturally causes suspicion on the role performed by the independent directors present in that meeting. What concerns everyone is that those independent directors allowed themselves to be party to the mysterious designs of the promoter directors. It is hard to believe that such eminent and experienced personalities could not discover the well-planned massive fraud and manipulations. 6.6 Questionable Role of Audit Firm/Committee The true role of audit committee in prà ©cis is to ensure transparency in the company, that financial disclosures and financial statements provide a correct, sufficient and creditable picture and that, cases of frauds, irregularities, failure of internal control system within the organization, were minimized, which the committee failed to carry out. The timely action on the information supplied by 18 a whistleblower to the chairman and members of the audit committee (an e-mail dated December 18, 2008 by Jose Abraham), could serve as an SOS to the company, but, they chose to keep silent and did not report the matter to the shareholders or the regulatory authorities. The Board members on audit committee who failed to perform their duties alertly be therefore tried out under the provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (an unimaginable fine extendable to rupees 25 crore by also including imprisonment for a term, which may extent to 10 years). 6.7 Suspicious Role of Rating Agencies Credit rating agencies have been consistently accused of their lax attitude in assessing issuers and giving misleading ratings without thorough analysis, as has been the case of Enron and now in Satyam, they failed to warn market participants about the deteriorating condition of company. On December 2, 2001, Enron Corporation, the USA’s 7th largest corporation declared bankruptcy when it was rated investment grade by all the credit rating agencies even four days before its bankruptcy. None of the watchdogs barked, including the credit rating agencies, which had greater access to Enron’s books. In the case of Satyam, credit rating agencies have been heavily criticized as regards their role and for the accuracy of their ratings. The rating agencies were allowed to look into company’s books for making assessments but they never investigated the financial condition of Satyam. The rating agencies displayed lack of due diligence in their coverage and assessment of Satyam. They based their analysis on fraudulently prepared and audited financial statements and thereby failed to warn investors about Satyam’s deteriorating condition. 6.8 Questionable Role of Banks The ICAI Probe Panel has hit out at banks for not doing due diligence on Satyam Software Services Ltd before giving it loans. While sanctioning short term loans why not the banks posed any question as to why the company which was supposedly cash rich as per the financial statements was taking loans from them. The Panel wondered why the government put Deepak Parikh on its Board despite his HDFC group being a major creditor to the company. The banks that gave loans to Satyam during 2000-08 despite the company claiming huge surpluses were HDFC Bank (Rs 530 Crore, Citibank (223.87 Crore), Citicorp Finance (Rs222.28 Crore), ICICI Bank (Rs 40 Crore), and BNP Paribas (Rs 20 Crore) totaling Rs 122.161 Crore. 6.9 Fake Audit PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)’s audit firm, Price Waterhouse, was in the auditor for Satyam and have been auditing their accounts since 2000-01. The fraudulent role played by the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the failure of Satyam matches the role played by Arthur Anderson in the collapse of Enron. S Goplakrishnan and S Talluri, partners of PwC according to the SFIO findings, had admitted they did not come across any case or instance of fraud by the company. However, Ramalinga Raju admission of having fudged the accounts for several years put the role of these statutory auditors on the dock. The SFIO report stated that the statutory auditors instead of using an independent testing mechanism used Satyam’s investigative tools and thereby compromised on reporting standards.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Personal Success Essay -- American Dream Essays Papers

Success   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Everyone’s vision of success differs. Wealth, happiness, and fame are all the stereotypical aspirations of the common person’s so-called â€Å"American Dream.† My American dream encompasses more of the first two aspects than anything else. Happiness is the most important; without happiness, wealth and fame are useless. Without happiness, success cannot exist; it is your own personal gauge of accomplishment. If you cannot look at yourself in the mirror and evaluate your own life a success, then why should anyone else consider you successful? Wealth can attribute to happiness. No matter what anyone says, having more material goods makes your standard of living better, which normally is a direct correlate of happiness. It helps you experience the luxurious joys in life that, otherwise, you couldn’t carry out. Fame, to me, isn’t needed but rather acquired through the life of the successful person. A legacy is more honorable than a na tional fame, because after death fame is a more humble characteristic. Changing others lives, after they examined your life in retrospect, makes fame an irreplaceable cog in the machine of success.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Admiration and aspirations of a person can help determine how successful they will be. Role models help blaze a path of success in the minds of their protà ©gà ©. If someone looks up to a person who themselves are successful, they have better odds of being successful themselves. On the other hand, looking up to a failure of a human being, t...