Investment Analysis about two companies.-Pratt Ltd and Dana Ltd. Essay

According to a detail investment analysis by assessing performance, efficiency and financial stability between two companies, we may find a company that is suitable for investment. During the period of analysis, accounting ratios are utilized to direct the discussion. However, there are some limitation relates to ratio analysis, which can be addressed further. At last, a company would be recommended by combining discussion of many factors. Introduction Potential shareholder faces two options about whether investing in Pratt Ltd or Dana Ltd. According to detail information from financial statements, we can use accounting ratios to make a better prediction and analysis about potential advantages and drawbacks in investing in one of these companies. Through interpretation of accounting ratios, we can look closely at the financial state of two companies-profitability, efficiency, and financial stability, and then decide which company to invest in. Profitability Profitability relates to companies’ past and future performance, according to Jacklin.et.al(2007), performance is important , not only because it determines investment returns, but also the analysis of performance may provide a good indicator of the risk of bankruptcy. There are a number of ratios that assist in predicting performance. The first one is gross profit margin, which is represented by net sales divided by gross profit. The ratio calculated in Pratt Ltd is 31.2%, while 37% in Dona LTD, which reveals that every dollar sales of returns 0.37$ in Dona is better than 0.31$ in Pratt, after deducting the cost of goods sold. The second ratio is selling expense ratio, which can be represented by sales divided by selling expense. This measures the relative importance of various expenses in the earning of profit by comparing them to the sales for the period. The result is 3.6% in Pratt, compared with 3.9% in Dana, which indicates higher sales revenue involves higher expenses i n Dana than in Pratt. The next one is net profit margin, which measures net sales divided by earnings after interest tax. This reflects final return to shareholders, the result got is 8.9% in Pratt, 10.5% in Dona. Dona achieves a better return for shareholders. The quality of income ratio focus more on cash generated, it is a measure of management’s efficiency. The result got is 43.5% in Pratt, 4.1%in Dana, which indicates that a lower quality of income occurs in Dana, which relates to the level of income in the form of cash flow. The next one is asset turnover ratio, which measures the relationship of sales to total assets. It indicates how effective it is in generating sales from total investment in assets. The result got is 4.86% in Pratt, compared with 4.28% in Dana, which beyond the industry average level. Assuming valuation used the same for each company, the ratio reveals that for every dollar of investment in assets, Pratt produced more sales than Dana. The next ratio is return on assets, which shows earnings from using the total investment in assets results from net profit margin and asset turnover; we can compare firms on their performance in generating profit from their investment in assets. The result is 57.75%% in Dana, which is higher than Pratt’s 56.76%. Both ratios indicate good operating performance, compared with industry average’s 54.39%. However, it is clear that Dana produce more profit than Pratt. Given their low asset turn over rate, Dana has a higher return on sales, because both them are the same type of furniture store. The last ratio to evaluate operating performance is return on equity, which combines the impacts of performance and financial structure. Jackling.et.al(2004) indicates the success or failure of management in using leverage to improve owners’ returns, when compared with ROA. Dana produces 79.87% in ROE, while Pratt brings 78.35%. Both firms experiences better performance than industry average. However, it is wise to chose Dana because more returns can be achieved by the use of leverage. Efficiency Jacking et.al. (2007) indicates that operating efficiency relates to capabilities of firms to manage its assets so that maximum return can be obtained for the lowest level of assets. The first ratio to measure efficiency is inventory turnover. The result got in Pratt is32 days, which is less than 34 in industry average, 36 in Dana. This ratio indicates that Dana takes more time to turn over into sales, compared with Pratt. Inventory levels are higher in relation to sales and may imply poor inventory management in Dana, which results in high inventory holding costs and obsolete stocks that is difficult to sell. However, in Pratt, although it may indicate good management, it also indicates inadequate stock levels, causing lost sales and excessive restocking costs. Therefore, there is no applied standard to justify whether the higher inventory turnover rate, the more efficiency it can achieve. All what we need is a reliable comparable figure, which represents the overall perfect situation. The next ratio is accounts receivable turnover, usually expressed as the average number of days credit customers take to pay their debt to the firm. Generally, a rapid turnover of accounts receivable is desirable, however, it should not be so rapid to require credit terms that deter prospective customers. The maximum allowed normal credit period is 30 days, which is longer than 23 in Pratt, 27 in Dona. Pratt takes fewer days to collect cash perhaps due to lack of credit sales. Besides, it may indicate poor control over accounts receivable in Dana. This may result in some liquidity difficulties and finally, extensive writes-offs of bad debts. The last ratio to measure efficiency is accounts payable turnover, which represent the average number of days the firm takes to pay debts to suppliers of goods and services. Usually, more days firm takes to pay debt, a worse reputation can be established, which may lead to difficulties in gaining finance from suppliers and financiers in the future. The result got is 32 days in Dona, which is longer than 29 in industry average, 25 in Pratt. This indicates Dona’s debt repayment is less efficient than Pratt; perhaps a large amount of leverage finance is used to promote sales. As well as we know, operating performance in Dona is clearly better than Pratt. The financial structure in Dona is complicated, which needs to be reorganized. Inefficiency in Dona may result in discounts for early payment being missed. this would cause larger amount of expenses in Dona. Financial Stability Short-term Jackling.et.al (2007) indicates that short-term solvency can be assessed by liquidity ratios, these ratios reveal whether the entity has managed its liquidity or cash flows accurately, they can also measure the entity’s ability to repay its short-term debts. The first ratio used is current ratio, it indicates that the percentage of debts arising within the next 12 months that can be met by assets expected to be liquidated within the same period. The result got in Dana is 170%, compared with 150% in Pratt. This reveals that Dana has excessive current asset holding, perhaps due to a poor turnover of inventory or accounts receivable. The efficiency achieved in Pratt is better than Dana. However, liabilities are more likely to be repaid within one year in Dana. Another ratio used is quick asset ratio, which excluding the less liquid current assets and the less pressing current liabilities, the result got is 0.64 in Dana and 0.60 in Pratt. Although there is more stable financial structure in Dana, it is not significant if inventory cannot be sold and debtors will not pay. The ideal ratio may depend on how readily inventory and debtors can be converted into cash and how rapidly sales can be converted to a cash flow into the organization. Long-term Jacking et al. (2007) indicates that the main goal of financial management is to balance the maturity structure of assets and liabilities. Debt to assets ratio and debt to equity ratio can be used. Both of the result got in Pratt is 45%.81%, compared with 43%, 76% in Dana. This result indicates that Pratt has higher leverage of the entity, it may result in increase in the cost of finance relating to interest payments and in the risk of bankruptcy. Pratt is less likely to repay all debts because proceeds from liquidation will be insufficient. Moreover, Pratt may be likely to have difficulty borrowing funds or at the least, may accept higher interest charges. The creditors are more likely to take action to appoint an official receiver or liquidate the organization, if it defaults in payment of debenture interest. Another ratio is used, which measures the safety margin of profit over interest payments, is called times interest earned ratio. The result got in Dana is 5.3, which is better than 4.7 in Pratt. It is safer in Dana that interest charges are well covered by EBIT. Limitation Timing problems The analysis is a static one, the ratios produced from the balance sheet show financial position at a point in time. The income summary cannot reveal any trend during the period. The information base The important information is frequently not disclosed, the data that is disclosed lacks detail. The comparison is difficult because of length of time an asset has been held or different valuation policies adopted by entities. End use Ratios use information from the past and they are not good indicators of the future. No evaluation can take place until some standard for evaluation has been established. The use of ratios arises when some ratios appear satisfactory and some appear unsatisfactory. Recommendation Based on my analysis from three areas of profitability, efficiency, financial stability, Dana is more suitable company to be invested in. Operating performance in Dona is clearly better than Dana. Although operating efficiency in Pratt is better than Dana, it reversely reflects that Dana has a more stable financial structure; the credit risk is lower in Dona. There are some limitations for analysis, but for both of two companies, their encountered impact is certain. Reference List: Jackling, B, Raar, J, Williams, B& Wines, G2007, Financial Statement Analysis, Luisa Cecotti, North Ryde.

Asian Agri and the future of Palm oil Essay

Is Tanoto correct that palm oil has a bright future? Tanoto is correct that palm oil – aka the â€Å"golden corp† of Southeast Asia – has a bright future. It is very economic to be produced, due to its high yield and low cost of production compared with production of other edible oils. With higher economic growth, the demand for food and fuel is rapidly growing in the Asian countries of India and China. So, it is likely that we see a similar positive effect on the demand for Palm oil. Additionally, in today’s world, there are health concerns regarding the rise in the use of trans-fat. This has led consumers and packaged goods to companies limit its use. The increasing health consciousness has would contribute to increased use of this commodity as palm oil is trans-fat free. Furthermore, with increasing requirement for biodiesel, palm oil could well become an important part of the renewable fuel and play a vital role in the energy business. If yes, how should Asian Agri strengthen its position? If no, what should Yeo’s strategy be? If unclear, what could Yeo do to improve the global use of palm oil? I think due to the increasing role that palm oil has to play in the global economy, Asian Agri should strengthen its position in the industry and promote the global use of palm oil. They could do this through: Sustainable Production Asian Agri should aggressively stimulate the use of sustainable palm oil. They can do this by keeping to the set of economic, environmental, legal, and social standards set, in the production process of palm oil. Since sustainability will be an important factor for the company to differentiate itself from competitors and to stay strong in the industry, the company should continue to get all its â€Å"properties† certified as â€Å"sustainable†. They can also train middle managers, supervisors and workers on sustainable palm oil production. Expansion With palm oil demand rising, Asian Agri should continue to expand their plantation size. Although there are visible difficulties to acquire land in Indonesia, the company should not desert their expansion plans. I feel that it will be a good choice to diversify geographically, predominantly to countries in Africa and South America where land is abundant. This helps the company to diversify risk both politically and financially. It makes good financial sense to not put all their eggs in one basket – Indonesia, and good political sense as political instability or riots are a very real possibility in Indonesia. Additionally, by growing its trading and sourcing operations, Asian Agri can derive more value from its market expertise and refining activities. This will help the company to establish direct linkages with its customers at the destination market. This could also help reduce supply chain related expenses for of the company. Marketing and Promotion I think Asian Agri can undertake more marketing and promotional activities, which could help them increase market share. They can play off the fact on health advantages that palm oil has over other edible oils. The point that palm oil is trans-fatâ€Å"` free can be put to good use in the marketing campaign, which will help address increasing concerns of trans fat consumption. They can do this through advertisements, usage of social media, and distribution of brochures that will help educate customers. With projections indicating that global palm oil production would nearly double by 2020, it makes sense that Asian Agri to be proactive in its expansion, marketing and promotional plans. Although we recognize the rising anxiety from environmental NGOs and other challenges, the fact remains that palm oil business has very high potential, given sustainable production and good promotion.

Explication Essay of a&P by John Updike

Essay 1-Explication Essay of A&P by John Updike We have all had that moment of clarity when we realize, no longer children, our decisions can greatly impact the course of our future. A&P gives an insight into the main character’s realization of how he perceives his life, the lives of those around him, and how with one impulsive decision he forever changed the course of his life. Sammy, the narrator of A&P, is a 19 year old boy whose assumption of others, dislike of conformity, and his rash decision making exemplify teenage discovery, that our actions impact our future.Sammy’s assumption of others is immature and serves only as a distraction from his self-distain. He describes, in great detail, the three girls who enter the A&P, in their bathing suits. He begins with their physical descriptions, which lead him to assume their character summarizations. He goes so far as to give them nicknames. â€Å"There was the chunky one†, â€Å"a tall one, with black hair that hadn’t quite frizzed right†, and then the third one†, She was the queen. † [385]. â€Å"Queenie and Plaid and Big Tall Goony-Goony. † [388]. While Sammy is ringing up the sale in his checkout slot, he visualizes â€Å"Queenie† as this rich, sophisticated girl.He fantasizes about what her family is like and how fancy their parties must be. He then depicts his family as lower class, as if this was something to be ashamed of, and that he was above that. â€Å"Her father and the other men were standing around in ice-cream coats and bow ties and the women were in sandals picking up herring snacks on toothpicks off a big glass plate. † â€Å"When my parents have someone over they get lemonade and if it’s a racy affair Schlitz in tall glasses. † [387]. His assumptions and daydreams allow him to escape his reality, temporarily.This is a coping technique, a way for him to get through the day to day, at a job his dislikes, and a lif e he views as beneath him. During Sammy’s descriptive assumptions of these girls, he also illustrates his view of the community around him and his dislike of conformity. Sammy describes the routine shoppers and in doing so he depicts his dislike of conformity. He portrays them as sheep with the inability to stray from their monotonous routines. â€Å"The sheep pushing their carts down the aisles-â€Å", â€Å"I bet you could set off dynamite in the A&P and the people would by and large keep reaching and checking oatmeal off their lists. [386]. He views each day as predictable with nothing to look forward to. That is why when these girls entered the store it was a sight to behold. It was the abrupt change in the daily conformity that Sammy so desperately wanted. â€Å"The store’s pretty empty, it being a Thursday afternoon, so there was nothing to do except lean on the register and wait for the girls to show up again. † [387]. He changed that day, from a teena ge boy with immature daydreams about girls, to an adult. It was because of the insight he depicted from these girls. When the manager, Lengel, embarrasses the girls for their lack of clothing, it upsets Sammy.He then chooses to quit. He reasons it is the right choice, concluding it is the adult thing to do. To stand-up for what is right, and to voice his disagreement with Lengel at his attempt in humiliating the girls. â€Å"-but remembering how he made that pretty girl blush makes me so scrunch inside I punch the No Sale tab and the machine whirls â€Å"pee-pul† and the drawer splats out. † [388]. He concedes that the conformity of these people and the â€Å"day to day† routine is unacceptable, especially when it makes you feel superior, that you have the right to insult others.While he demonstrates his dislike for conformity, he now has made a rash decision that has consequences he had not considered. Sammy demonstrated typical teenage behavior, by making a ra sh decision, in quitting his job before rationalizing it. After witnessing Lengel verbally chastise the girls for wearing their bikinis into the store, Sammy decides, in hast, to quit. He believes this will portray him as a hero in the girl’s eyes. He very quickly discovers they exited the store with not so much of a glance back in his direction.Now, he has to live with his impromptu â€Å"adult† decision and the consequences of his choice in quitting his job. â€Å"But it seems to me that once you begin a gesture it’s fatal not to go through with it† [388]. He considers the fact that he will regret this decision later on and that he will disappoint his mom and dad, as Lengel pointed out. â€Å"Sammy, you don’t want to do this to your Mom and Dad. † He tells me. It’s true, I don’t† [388]. He quickly dismisses these thoughts and makes amends that initially he may be remorseful of his impulsive decision, but realizes this i s what he needs to do.After he exits the store he optimistically looks for the girls and realizes they are gone. â€Å"I look around for my girls, they’re gone, of course. † [389]. He has to take in the fact that he is alone, having to stand on his own two feet, and know that the road ahead with be difficult. â€Å"-I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter. † [389]. Sure to be full of trials, Sammy takes his first auspicious steps into adulthood. His rash decisions may have not been wise but they were needed in his epiphany, which forever changed him.Although Sammy made some poor choices, they were necessary in his journey into adulthood. Everyone makes bad decisions, but it is how we proceed afterwards that make us who we are. The future is paved with mistakes of the past. We are to learn from them to ensure we do not repeat them. John Updike’s A&P depicts the inescapable decisions of a young man, through his thoughts and actions, and th e subsequent consequences of those decisions that allowed him to mature. Works Cited Barnet, Cain, & Burto. Literature for Composition. 9th Edition. Longman. Updike, John. A&P. pg. 385-389.

Animal Rights Style and Subsrance An Assesment Essay

Animal Rights Style and Subsrance An Assesment - Essay Example Why Worry About the Animals (Elshtain, 1995, pp 424-432). There is no doubt that the writer is morally opposed to the 'use and abuse' of animals and uses this piece to appeal on a deeply emotional level. This is made immediately apparent by the list of 'factual' information she presents - which succeeds at once in horrifying and shocking the reader. Rational analysis suggests this could be interpreted as a misrepresentation of references, as the statements stand alone without contextual support. However, they do signal intent and are backed up by the use of the words of an 'expert witness', biologist John E. McArdle (McArdle as cited in Elshtain) The philosophical references to Descarte and Kant, and to Western rationalism are a form of 'post hoc ergo propter hoc', used to affect the emotions and coupled with grisly visual imagery. No matter how a reader thinks, words such as "confine, cripple, infect or dismember animals in the interest of human knowledge.." (Elshtain, 425) are emotionally loaded and very persuasive. Historical information regarding the growth of animal welfare groups and the inclusion of feminist connections add weight to the argument in favor of abandoning practices that harm animals. This is supported by facts on animal suffering in various situations, ranging from factory farming to radiation, from laboratory conditions to the LD50 testing for household products' toxicity. Personal anecdotal material is used to express the writer's view; her own experience as a polio victim, the visit to the slaughterhouse are both emotional issues and images which are rationalized to contribute to the stance that, "We humans do not deserve peace of min on this issue. "Our sleep should be troubled and our days riddled with ethical difficulties." (Elshtain 431) The writer continues with more horrifying detail, to the Us vs Them discourse, by appealing to the reader as one of those 'reasonable people' who would not let this state of affairs continue. This is a powerful and personal piece of writing, incorporating plenty of factual material, posing the moral argument emotionally, and ultimately disturbing, while appealing to the basic ethical desire to do no harm to any living creature. The Moral Case for Experimentation on Animals. H. J. McCloskey (1987) The article opens like a courtroom speech from a few hundred years ago; it appears as a structured defense of a concept that will be proved unquestionably innocent and right. As such, it comes across as rhetorically authoritative and sets out to convince the reader that "the moral caserests both on the goods to be realized, the evils to be avoided thereby, and on the duty to respect persons and to secure them in their natural and moral rights." (McCloskey 1987, 458) By constant repetition of words such as 'prima facie' 'persons' and 'justification' the writer establishes authority, apparently in the fields of law, ethics, medicine and the treatment of animals, not to mention philosophy as a whole. By his detailed explanation of the morally correct way to treat experimental animals, he appears to be equivocating when he

Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Debate - Essay Example However, the definition of freedom varies from culture to culture depending on different traditions, religions and family restrictions but the best is defined by Europeans. According to them a person is allowed to do anything unless or until it starts affecting any other’s person. Though we believe now that everyone is born free but it cost people quite heavy to attain it in history. In the Civil War, thousands of people were murdered. Black people had an argument that they were being treated unfairly in the country, they struggled for their rights and freedom. For instance, in a bus if all the seats are filled and a white person get into the bus, the black person who is already sitting has to give his seat to him. This took them very long and the issue got a vibe after a lady Rosa Parks stood against. History is full of heroes and veterans who fought for the freedom. Men and Women struggled for their peaceful lives when they had a choice of living freely or to be scared all their life (The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights). Freedom is a precious thing and its importance can be asked from those who are still struggling from it like people in Palestine, Kashmir or Syria. Discrimination among cultures, races, religions and countries have been very vibrant in the history. Later on, developed societies made a policy for the protection of minorities, women or any group who has been affected by discrimination in the history. People argue differently for this policy. Some are against it while others are quite happy about the policy. Those who believe that this policy is essential for the individuals to live in prosperity argue that world is a global village and no one can discriminate any other person on any basis. Everyone has the right to live whether he belongs to a specific society or not. In this scenario, affirmative action works as a shield for such people. It creates diversity in a society and brings in new

Wall Street Journal #1 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wall Street Journal #1 - Article Example tributed to the lack of a master plan as well as disjointed plans and the different forms of mixed-use developments in Mexico City are new to the area and have brought a lot of demand from the upper-middle class particularly the ones with young families due to their collection of retail, cultural attractions and offices (Whelan). Developers have taken the vacant land in the area and closed industrial sites so that they can be abele to develop sites, and this has increased the population of the city without considering the breadth of the streets to accommodate the increased flow of traffic, the electrical systems as well as the capacity of the water in the area. It is easier to get a permit for development in Mexico City than it is in New York City, and this is the main cause of the exponential growth that has brought problems as far as water and power are concerned. The city has had to put a hold on the permitting process and consequently start an overhaul of the entire process so that it can be able to check and plan for the development that is taking place. This has lead to many developers that had already procured land for the construction having to wait a little longer until the process is reviewed making them delay on huge

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Research paper - Essay Example The fundamental concern in this respect regards misbehavior in classroom and why certain students have the propensity to continuously misbehave. More still, several arguments abound on why students normally misbehave in college classrooms. In order to address the problem of student incivility in classroom, the fundamental reasons behind such weird characters must be understood. Reasons for Classroom Incivility College students normally misbehave for various reasons. Naturally, certain students misbehave due to behavioral disorders in them. In this regard, the problem is a big challenge that cannot merely be addressed by conventional means. It is a psychological disorder that conditions such students to behave contrary to conventional norms (Shariff 88). Similarly other students normally display uncivil behavior due to the lack of love and care directed to them at home. Students should always be nurtured, loved and cared for in order to make them respect and understand themselves and their environments. In most cases, college students are driven by the need for independence and will always strive and push for that. Guiding such students in the classroom normally becomes quite difficult as they always inculcate a sense of antipathy to proper social conduct. In many families across the United States, parents are never keen enough to instill certain fundamental ideals in the conduct of their children. Most children grow up totally oblivious of the importance of some basic social skill like interpersonal relations. Upon being left alone in college, it is realized that such students begin to display their lack of social skills given the manner they behave in classrooms and interact with fellow students and teachers. In most cases, students of college age often seek any form of attention they can receive. Since getting attention on the positive respect normally appears difficult, most students opt to engage in funny behaviors for the mere reason of getting attention f rom their mates. In case they fail to receive the attention they seek, misbehaviors normally become the order of the day. At the early years of college, most students are still not mindful of their future lives and are not really concerned about building a proper foundation for themselves. Students who subscribe to such mindsets are normally very critical of the social order and discipline expected of them in institutions such as schools. As such, they often behave in uncivil manner that only disrupt the process of learning or affect their fellow students. Most college students are normally driven by the need for power and control. This provides the motivation for misbehavior in such students. Such students are normally very disruptive in classrooms and will never be afraid to do anything that would make them achieve their goal. They often provoke, challenge and even threaten teachers in the classroom. They tend to disrespect other students and talk back while disrupting the peace o f the class. It is argued that the present educational systems piles much pressure on college students to work extra hard in order to succeed. Millennial students normally multitask as they feel much

Graphic Design of the 20 th Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Graphic Design of the 20 th Century - Essay Example By medieval times, the symbols within the great churches communicated meaning to the largely illiterate citizenry regarding their religion and the lessons to be learned from the Bible. It was graphics rather than words that typically called attention to a place of business within the towns and villages with names such as the â€Å"Boar’s Head† saloon and the â€Å"Red Lion† Inn. This use of symbols to provide a quick and easy message to customers can still be seen in use today, although now refined in keeping with its more sophisticated audience, as company logos. For most who study the development of graphic design, though, the typical starting point begins with the Arts and Crafts Movement of the 1860s and the Art Nouveau movement of the 1890s. To get a feel for the evolution of graphic communication, one must therefore trace the movements, events, people, places and technological innovations that have influenced its development. The start of the Arts and Crafts Movement is generally attributed to William Morris in response to the ever-encroaching identical sameness of the machine-made objects churned out during the Industrial Revolution. â€Å"Not only art but also everyday objects, buildings, dà ©cor, everything lacked a face, and it was the realization of its lack in this particular respect which began to make the period so cruelly conscious of its anonymity† (Cassau, 19). In everything they did, crafters working under its influence placed value in art created by hand for limited edition prints such as the highly scrolled first page of â€Å"The Nature of Gothic,† designed and printed by William Morris. This movement naturally evolved into the Art Nouveau movement of the 1880s and 1890s. Rather than repeatedly reinventing the ideals of their ancestors, these crafters wanted to develop a new style, one that emphasized ornament and the curving, flowing lines of nature. Using

Analysis of UK`s income tax provisions relating to antu-avoidance, tax Essay

Analysis of UK`s income tax provisions relating to antu-avoidance, tax planning and tax avoidance - Essay Example The Progressive taxation is said to minimise inequalities in the society as wealthier people has to pay more taxes as compared to less income group thereby offers some aid from the inadequate demand for consumption in capitalist’s economies. As per Keynes, progressive taxation helps to alleviate unemployment. For reaping the greatest benefits, the whole tax system of a nation should follow the progressive taxation system. USA is having highest progressive individual taxes like the federal income tax and death or estate duty .Besides; it is also having a number of regressive taxes like sales taxes levied by the majority of the states and excise duties imposed by the federal government1. A progressive tax system is a system where the average rate of tax increases as income soars. Thus, rich people have to pay heavy taxes whereas poor people have to pay less tax. The ability to pay is the main theme behind the progressive taxation. Thus, rich people are expected to contribute mor e to the national chequer for public spending. The ardent supporters of progressive taxation are of the view that such a tax system is equitable, and that helps to redistribute the income among the society to maintain the equilibrium. Lorenz was the first economist who found that there is a relationship between the cumulative size of income and cumulative size of income receiving components when they are organised in the ascending order of their income as early in 1905. This has been popularly known as the Lorenz curve which is being extensively employed to calculate inequalities of wealth and income in many nations around the world. Lorenz curve is being employed extensively for formulation of public policy. For instance, it can be demonstrated from the scrutiny of Lorenz curve that post-tax income is evenly allocated than that of pre-tax income if the mean rate of taxes soars with the level of income. Moreover, if the tax-income ratio stays constant, inflation does not alter the d istribution of post-tax revenue even if the tax function is altered or shifted every fiscal year. Lorenz curve is also being employed widely to assess poverty2. Progressive tax system also produces fiscal drag impacts and when a nation’s economy is developing rapidly and there are more citizens in work thereby earning salaries and wages and incomes seem to increase faster than prices of commodities thereby pushing citizens into the higher income-tax range and thereby enhancing the aggregate flow of tax income into government exchequers account. This can be explained as a partial automatic stabiliser for the economy as increasing tax receipts is being contributed from citizen’s disposal income. From the table given below, one can understand under the progressive tax system, the less income groups have contributed just ? 263 million by 2460 taxpayers whereas high-income group of just 8 people contributed ? 6,370 million to the UK’s exchequer. â€Å"Regressive Tax System† In the regressive tax system, the higher-income group of a country contributes the lesser share of taxes to the government and whereas poor people of a nation is taxed heavily at higher rates as compared to the higher-income group. Thus, regressive tax system can be said to be just contrary to the progressive t

Online Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Online Learning - Essay Example It is therefore, the responsibility of the instructors to ensure that classroom learning is as exciting and resourceful as the online learning. Various features, which result in successful classroom learning can be applied to online learning for effective educational outcomes. It is possible for online and classroom learning to result in positive educational outcomes, despite their different modes of presentation, only if instructors in both learning modes identify the learning needs of the students, and address them, while creating the best learning environment for students. According to Hirschy and Wilson (2002), online learning is not a new phenomenon today. However, this is infiltrating the educational system at a higher rate today compared to the past. Many policy makers in the education sector support online learning for a number of reasons. Most importantly, this mode of learning is quite cheap, compared to classroom learning. Since most learning institutions operate on strict budgets and look for ways of minimizing their expenditure, online learning would be more appropriate for them. Additionally, this is convenient for students, as they can learn from different regions without having to attend a class physically. Online learning started in the early 20th Century. Since then, this has been advancing slowly taking root in society (Moore, Dickson-Deane, & Galyen, 2011). Today, approximately 1.5 million schools in the US have adopted online learning. Online learning utilizes the internet, instead of a physical environment, and this can be adopted partially or wholly (Bakia, et al 2012). Instructor presence and interaction is paramount in classroom learning. If the instructor is present but does not interact with learners, it is impossible for learning to be successful (Mandernach, Gonzales & Garrett, 2006). Therefore, instructor interaction is a prerequisite for successful classroom learning. This also translates to the online learning, where both the pre sence of the instructor and instructor interaction need to be felt by the online learners for successful learning. These determine the nature of classroom setting in both online and classroom learning. The type of classroom setting is an important determinant of successful learning. In the online class however, it is more challenging to set a classroom environment (Mandernach, Gonzales & Garrett, 2006). This is because of the delivery mode involved, as it is based on technology, and not personal dynamics. Therefore, online instructors have the responsibility of ensuring that they meet this challenge, and develop a classroom setting in their online delivery. Instructors in online learning achieve this through engaging with the students more, either through online dialogs, discussions, and consultations. This inspires and motivates learners to work harder. Instructor presence and interaction has made online learning to be more successful in the recent past, compared to classroom learn ing. The US Department of Education acknowledges this in New York iSchool, where the approach has worked effectively (Bakia, et al 2012). Instructors in both online and classroom learning should engage their students in active learning. This guarantees them successful educational outcomes. In the classroom, an instructor should spare considerable time for the students to engage in discussions, group work, and various assessments. This allows for deeper learning for the

Education and Learning Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education and Learning Theory - Essay Example The three learning theories discussed include a number of conceptual differences with regard to preparing instructional multimedia design. In terms of explaining mental activities, Behaviourism is associated with the body while Cognitivism is related to the mind. Cognitive notions include schema or knowledge structures in learning processes, which do not find any behavioural equivalent. In Behaviourism, the instructor designs the learning environment. Cognitive approach involves the instructor in structuring problem solving activities with group learning strategies. In case of Constructivism, the instructor focuses on peer interaction through which, learners can develop their knowledge on known concepts. In Behaviourism, the learner remains passive; in Cognitivism, he learns to process, store and retrieve information for future use. The proposed project on Production of a Visual Basic Tutor intends to include the learning theories of Behaviourism, Cognitivism and Constructivism while preparing the instructional multimedia design. A systematic instructional design should include all the three theories that will help analyse learners, make objectives for the course, set the instructional preferences and assess student performance. Student interaction with teachers, course materials, and among themselves is an essential requirement in a learning situation. It is the main objectivity of the instructional design to analyse learners and provide them with required knowledge by creating a problem solving situation.

Time - Future Essay Example for Free

Time Future Essay To many people time just means clock, something that gives them a measurement of the day, or something that determines how old they are. However, ones can say that there is no time, and every day is same and there is no tomorrow or yesterday. Future and past are something internal that human being believed in, and is not necessary true, but when thinking about it without time life wouldn’t be important anymore. Basically, in today’s life everything works upon time. If there was not time or nothing to measure a day, month or a year, everything will be disorganized. I think time would be more internally than external. It’s something inside an individual which helps him to move on, or something that makes an individual to think he/she is moving forward. One of the earliest devices to measure time was sundial which used suns motion as a standard of measurement for time. The use of units like seconds and minutes which are radial angle measurements in geometry points toward the original connection of time measurements to radial motion of astronomical objects across the sky. Once we started using accurate time keeping watches, clocks and digital devices capable of measuring time independent of the celestial connection time developed a life of its own. We perceive time as past present and future. We relate events to places as well as time; this gives us a feeling that time is more like a place and gives support to the block universe view of time. Present is the most real perception of time however almost all of what we perceive as the present is already past. The present is a fleeting moment; whatever is happening now (present) is confined to an infinitesimally narrow point on the time line which is being encroached upon by what we think of as the past and the future. It may be the mental awareness of recording of memory as it is being inscribed into our brain. A person who goes to an event but falls asleep would have no recollection of it as if the event did not exist in his past. Unless we are consciously aware of an event it does not seem to enter our past memory.

Discussing The Knife Crime In Britain Criminology Essay

Discussing The Knife Crime In Britain Criminology Essay Section 1: The Problem of Knife Crime in Britain. In June 2006, 15 years old Alex Mulumbu after celebrating the end of his GCSEs exams became one more victim of Britains knife culture. The victim after he got off a bus with friends in Lambeth, south London had an argument with a larger group of teenagers (Woolcock, 2006). During the dispute members of the gang disappeared and returned armed with knives, baseball bats and hockey sticks. Alex was stabbed in the heart and was left lying in a pool of blood on the pavement (Verkaik, 2006). His father visited the scene of his sons killing where he stated to the media that Alex was a good boy and had nothing to do with knives and gangs (Sturcke, 2006). The case vignette above is a clear example of how knife crime is portrayed by the media. A teenager who is getting off a bus and it happens to get stabbed by the perpetrator. However, the reality of knife crime is not simply a black-white issue of good versus bad. The nature of such a problem is complicated and the responses towards it must therefore be multi-faceted (House of Commons). After all, if knife problem was that easy, it would have been solved already. One complexity is that the victims are not always good honest citizens who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The victims are often victimized before and are also those who are carrying knives in the first place (and actually their own knife is used against them). (www.direct.gov.uk). Furthermore, the offenders and victims status in not always differentiated, since the victims carry knives because they are often linked to gangs or have some kind of affiliation with street culture. This, in turn, could mean that a significant proportion of stabbings relate to street violence (www.docstoc.com), and as Professor Brohi claims a very small proportion of knife crime victims are innocent people walking down the street who are stabbed (House of Commons). The media make knife crime even more complex as they often cloud peoples perception by generating moral panic and by giving the impression that knife crime is out of control (Albertazzi, 2010:473). This moral panic, in turn, leads to fear of crime and social disorganization. Knife crime is also complex in itself as it is a symbolic of lack of social control within societies. Knife crime looks unsolvable and as there is no connection between adults-teenagers (Hume, 2008), although it involves young people and shatters lives. In particular, knife crime in itself gives the impression that somehow it is a matter of young peoples world since teenagers are on their own, surviving on the streets (Asthana, 2008). Thus, those who do not live in that kind of environments (outsiders) can never understand. Finally, knife crime is complex because there is no answer to the question why teenagers carry knives. We do not know whether teenagers carry knives for self protection and because of the growing lack of trust in the ability of adults to protect them (Kelbie, 2003), or whether carry knives for things like respect knife carrying is thought to be largely driven by a concern for self protection or to enhance status (Muncie, 2009:36). Continuing the study I am going to produce a report divided into three key sections. The first will be the extent of knife crime in Britain. The second will look at the causes of knife crime and finally the third will produce some initiatives dealing with knife crime. Section 2: The Extent of Knife Crime in Britain Furthermore, knife crime is very complicated in terms of defining whether it is a predominantly black problem. The media often give the impression that all crimes are committed by black people and therefore, make people adopt misconceptions (Wright, 2008). Hence, it is important to note that even though the issue looks like it is black in London and the South-East (www.london.gov.uk), at the same time there are evidence that suggesting that in the North-East (i.e. Glasgow, Scotland, Manchester) the problem is white (House of Commons). As a result, it might be predominantly a black issue in London but certainly not in other places. Given that, I have concluded that the issue of carrying knives has little to do with being black or white, but on the contrary, it has to do with being young and male (Muncie, 2009). Also, knife crime is complicated in terms of definition, since there is no clear Home Office clear definition of knife crime. According to that, the phrase knife crime was adopted by the media and is now popularly used to refer primarily to stabbings but also to the illegal carrying of knives by young people (House of Commons). Hence, since there is no clear definition, then, it is likely for the numerous to use different definitions in order to create statistics and therefore generate more complexity. Furthermore, knife crime is also complicated because there are too many different types of statistics (too much statistical data). In particular, there are statistics for knife crime from the hospital, the police, the British Crime Survey and finally the MORI (House of Commons, 2009). Each of these sources, measure different samples and different places (regions) in the country and therefore, it is too complicated to understand what is happening (Summers, 2008). For example, hospitals define knife crime when somebody has severe internal injuries as a result of knife penetration, whereas police define it when someone is carrying a knife (House of Commons) Furthermore, trying to measure knife crime is, again, difficult because there is also the dark figure of crime. Therefore, this hidden crime makes statistics themselves problematic (Messerschmidt, 1993). However, above all else, the complexity of knife crime is related to the media. The media manipulate the statistics and distort peoples perceptions about knife crime, since they are powerful and so pervasive in terms of their ability to create views (Jewkes, 2004). One distortion is that knife crime is predominantly a black issue. Given that, even though evidence suggest that knife crime is also a white problem (in other areas), yet, the media continue the misrepresentation constantly accusing blacks (scapegoats). According to that, I believe that this misrepresentation leads to moral panic which, in turn, somehow makes the statistics go up. In other words, since teenagers interfere with the media (moral panic), then, they may feel fear of the streets and therefore through self fulfilling prophecy, start carrying knives for self protection. Hence, there is an interaction-interrelationship between the statistics and knife crime (Newburn, 2007). Regarding to the problems associated with knife crime measurement, I believe that data should be collected through a regional setting and this is for two reasons. Firstly, because as indicated, knife crime is not a specific cultural issue of Blacks, and secondly, because the measurement of such a complex issue through national settings, inevitable will generate too many complicated statistical data. Furthermore, and as Young (1988) argues, national settings tend to miss some important elements in the distribution of victimization (Newburn, 2007). Hence, I suggest a regional setting both in areas with the highest knife-crime rates, but also to areas where crime rate is low. This, in turn, we will help us understand why it is black issue in some places whereas white in other. Equally important is to collect data using qualitative approaches, since it would be more beneficial to understand the lived experiences of those who carry knives (rationale behind knife crime) instead of how many carry a knife (What would be the point of knowing that 4000 are carrying knives after all?). For example, it would be very interesting to understand how knife crime is perceived and interpreted by the juvenile delinquents (ethnography research) and thus, find out why they carry knives. This way, more evidence will come up such as whether knife crime relates to Londons (for example) rates of poverty, neglect, unemployment and deprivation (House of Commons). Section 3: The Causes of Knife Crime in Britain. The social learning theory is one of the most enduring approaches among the criminological theories that underscore the nature of peoples involvement in social relationships. Sutherland, considered previous criminological theories and argued that anyone in society can be trained to adopt and follow patterns of crime and deviation (Colombo, 2009). In accordance to Sutherlands differential association conception, the prestige of criminals, the duration of contact between offenders-potential offenders and the frequency of interactions with criminal offenders, are all contributing factors in an individuals likeliness to occupy criminal activities. Sutherland also suggested that attendance with the development of criminal behaviours in social groups, for instance rough and tough attitudes, boosts the individuals propensity to interiorize criminal attitudes. Social learning therefore, links to the causes of knife crime as well as links to masculinity and rational choice perspectives. According to differential association concept, boys are growing up to be men. This process of affirming masculinity promotes boys to develop a public persona (an exterior) of being tough, macho and fearless. In the context of knife crime this means that men have to be risk takers, aggressive and support their competitive nature (i.e. territoriality). Boys, if lose their reputation in front of peers and someone undermines their masculinity, in turn, have to regain this reputation by carrying knives and using them in front of their mates. Thus, since they learn masculinity (via social learning), they learn to behave accordingly to this social role (masculinity) and therefore, act out like men (tough, aggressive). Finally, in terms of applying that to a knife crime, they make the ultimate decision (rational choice) on whether to carry knives by weighing the benefits (status, respect) against the risks (get stabbed, get caught). To conclude, I believe that there is a link between masculinities and social learning as what seems to be happening today, is that street culture (knife crime) is becoming masculine culture (i.e. through rap music) (Newburn, 2007). However, even though differential association theory is one of the most enduring theories about crime, yet, there are some difficulties in explaining knife crime. First of all, according to the first principle of differential association theory, criminal behaviour is learnt (Colombo, 2009). If that is the case, I believe that we have to critically question, how did the first teacher learnt the knife techniques (i.e. hide a knife, disposal once used), so that to pass this knowledge to others? Hence, differential association theory fails to explain the origins of knife crime, since there are no origins. Furthermore, there are no real empirical evidence of links between learning and knife crime. For example, differential association theory does not explain why in similar circumstances, (balance of favorable-unfavourable definitions) some individuals choose to carry a knife whereas others do not. Moreover, social learning theory fails to explain why teenagers develop to associate with those who carry knives. Instead, it focuses more on the peer influence and not on peer selection. Additionally, differential association, supports that all criminal acts are rational (maximase profit-minimise loss) and systematic. However, it fails to explain the spontaneous, wanton acts of violence, which have little purpose or utility (Siegel, 2004). Finally, it is very difficult for social scientists to measure such vague variables like excess of definitions favourable to law violation (Colombo, 2009). Section 4: Towards the Reduction of Knife Crime in Britain. The Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) is a multi-million-pound venture, against knife crime. Its main purpose is to limit the carrying of knives and serious stabbings among teenagers aged between13-19. It involves five government departments and 16 police forces (www.homeoffice.gov.uk). However, Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) has some important limitations in relation to the data, since the recorded crime, especially the less violent, can be affected by changes in police activity and public reporting to the data. Furthermore, there is a lack of comparison statistics in many areas. Finally, TKAP faced the heterogeneity of the forces (www.homeoffice.gov.uk). Another anti-knife policy that has been introduced is via legislation to forbid the sale of knives to anyone under the age of 18. Additionally, Police Operations like Blunt and Shield involve the rapid and random deployment of metal detectors in public places such as stations, schools and so forth. The aim of the policy is to identify and arrest anyone carrying a knife (www.insight-security.com). However, both the restriction of knives sales under- 18s, as well as the deployment of metal detectors fails to tackle the problem, since kitchen knives for instance, would still be widely available. Hence, it is more a problem of education, rather than access to knives. Furthermore, metal detectors may be not detecting all knives, as knives can be easily hidden and disposed once used. My opinion about tackling of knife crime is that one organization alone cannot end this issue. Given that, I suggest that the main aim of all anti-knife crime initiatives should be to increase the definitions against knife-crime (rational choice theory) so that young people understand that carrying knives is immoral but most of all, it is risky (maximize cost, minimize benefit). Furthermore, I support that the best anti knife-crime policy would be to educate the teenagers about this problem (social learning theory). Hence, young people could learn about the consequences of carrying knives at an early age through a mandatory module (i.e. weapon awareness) at schools. Furthermore, I believe that the best initiative to stop knife culture would be if parents (especially the fathers) could show their boys that carrying knives has nothing to do with being a man (masculinity theory). As a conclusion, I argue that Alexs case highlights the need for the authorities to recognize that educating both teenagers and families from an early age is crucial in order to tackle knife crime. Concisely, I have concluded that knife crime is very complex issue because of many reasons. The main one surely is because there are lots of statistical data. Additionally knife crime is complex because the media create moral panic and thus does not help. Moreover I have concluded that knife crime is not a black issue but a knife issue and thus, anti knife policies should redirect their focus on the rationale behind knife crime. Ultimately, I would like to try to give an explanation of what could have might happen in the case vignette. Alex could have been probably to the enemys territory and showed disrespect on the other boys. He threatened the teenagers with his knife and made them run away. Then, the other boys went to another estate, took knives and returned back in order to regain their reputation and status. They have learnt (social learning) that men never back out (masculinity) and finally, they have made the ultimate decision to take the risk and stab Alex (rational choice).

Essay --

African-Americans, who only comprised 13% of regular drug users, made up for 35% of drug arrests, 55% of convictions, and 74% of people sent to prison for drug possession crimes. Also, three-fourths of all people incarcerated for drug offenses are either Black or Latino, the majority of illegal drug users are white. There is obviously something gone ridiculously wrong. Many African Americans that lived in the South were unable to vote, and even if they tried to, they had to pass literacy tests or even pay poll taxes. Also, places of employment were segregated as well; â€Å"White southerners refused to work under black supervisors and most white craftsmen strenuously opposed the hiring of African Americans in the skill trades† (Remembering 206). Kennedy states in his book that people of color were always â€Å"the last to get hired and the first to get fired† (Kennedy 113), so because of this it was extremely hard for African Americans to find employment or even keep a steady job due to discrimination they faced. This form of discrimination made it hard for African Americans to make a living for themselves during this time and is similar to how criminals are treated in today’s society. The practice of the Jim Crow Laws back during the 1870’s to the mid 1960’s is similar to how criminals are discriminated against today. Throughout America, prison inmates in 48 states, paroles in 33 states, and probationers in 29 states are not allowed to vote (Karjick). This is about 4.7 million Americans that are denied this right (Karjick). One may argue that the poor choices that these 4.7 million Americans have made make them untrustworthy to help make decisions for the country but labeling these people as criminals should not define ... ...ent opportunities, these children are forced to be raised in severe poverty. A theory that has been done by a researcher, who has been funded by the National Institutes of health, claims that the stresses of poverty can lead to impaired learning abilities in children (Stresses). The stress that is triggered by poverty is dangerous and can really affect our children’s future. The New Jim Crow system that has been redesigned in America leaves a lot of people with criminal backgrounds jobless and stuck in a second-class status. Discriminating against the criminals is morally wrong and it not only affects them but others such as their loved ones as well. â€Å"All men are created equal† is a famous phrase from The Declaration of Independence that America would like to believe, but it is clear that today’s society is unequal just based on how criminals are treated.

Genghis Khan Essay -- Biography History Khan Essays

Genghis Khan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Arriving in this world with a blood clot in the palm of his hand , Genghis Khan was destined to be a hero. In 1167, Genghis Khan was born to Yisugei, Chieftain of the Kiyat-Borjigid, and his wife Ho’elun. He was named Temujin (which means blacksmith) after a Tatar Chieftain his father had just captured. As a young boy, Temujin experienced many hardships after his father was poisoned by a group of Tartars. This loss of their leader caused the Kiyat tribe to scatter, leaving Temujin and his family alone. Yet, with much will power and determination Temujin developed into an intelligent, brave warrior at an early age.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1189, when Temujin was 22, he was elected new leader of the Kiyat tribe. His rise to power came when a rival clan, the Merkit, captured his wife, Borte. The Khan of the Kereit tribe, Toghril, helped him by providing him with 20,000 soldiers. Also, Jamuka, a childhood friend provided an army. With their help Temujin destroyed the Merkit tribe. Soon after this victory his allies abandoned him and plundered his property, but he ‘tactfully’ captured them, taking their men and turning them into his soldiers and servants.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This victory laid the foundation for his rise to power. He started taking over other clans one by one. Eventually his alliance with Toghril dissipated and he also took over the powerful Keriet tribe. This event caused him to be in direct competition for ruling power with his former ally Jamuka. Many of Jamuka’s...

Essay on Blame in Shakespeares King Lear -- King Lear essays

King Lear is To Blame In William Shakespeare's play, "King Lear", the main character, King Lear, claims to be "a man more sinned against than sinning"(3.2.60-61). Though a good king, King Lear's own actions cause his family and kingdom to fall apart. The sins committed against King Lear are a result of his personal faults of rashness, blindness, and foolishness. King Lear's hot temper and hasty decisions play a significant role in his fall from grace. His old age has caused him to behave impulsively, without any consideration for the consequences of his actions. When Lear asks his devoted daughter Cordelia to express her love for him, he becomes upset with her because she cannot put her feelings into words. He does not realize that she cares deeply for him and disowns her by saying, "Here I disclaim all my paternal care, propinquity and property of blood, and as a stranger to my heart and me hold thee from this for ever (1.1.120-123)." It is only later, when Cordelia has left him, that Lear realizes he had made a wrong decision. In another fit of rage, Lear ...

Health Disparities

Now a days it is very common that people’s health depends on their income rate, social environment and the area we live in, and now the mortality rate is very remarkable between areas of the community, what does the mortality rate has to do with our location?Here in San Antonio, diabetes mortality rate is very high but it is higher in some places than others, and this is because a person’s income influences their location, according to research data about diabetes mortality rate in Bexar county, areas that are located in the north have a lower mortality rate in the county. To compare the mortality and income rate between zip codes, I choose a zip code from an area of lower diabetes mortality rate and another one from an area with a higher rate.78232 is a zip code located in the north side of the county, here the mortality rate is lower than in other areas, and 78237 which is located in the center, according to data in â€Å"community facts† the income rate in bot h areas changes significantly, people located in 78232 make an average of 65,887 a year and in 78237 drops to an average of 25,703 a year, so according to that information, where the income is higher, the mortality rate is lower, that is what also influences a person’s social group, and living areas, people live in places where they have access to all the accommodations they can afford to live better.According to the article â€Å"Social status has a measurable effect on health† studies show what are the main causes of health disparities, mostly in the united states, even though health care has improved a lot and it is better than years before, not everybody can get it, and that is because some people have a lower income rate and cannot afford it as easy as someone with a higher rate, and that also influences a person’s location in the community which may lead to unhealthy environments such as toxic substances, violent household, dangerous working place and stre ss, so people tend to have more health issues than someone who earns more money.If I was the major of San Antonio I would invest more money on building improved healthcare clinics all over the city no matter what the social status of people in each area is, so that way people can have better access to those facilities to go get checked more often for free, that way they can all prevent a more serious health issues that it is going to cost more money that poor people cannot easily afford.Transportation also becomes an issue for health care access, many people do not go to a doctor because they don not have a way of transportation, so I would invest some more money in public transportation all around the city, that way everybody has easier access to a hospital when they are facing a more serious health problem that needs to be taken to a hospital. Also a doctor’s experience it is very important for patients to have a healthier life, and getting good experienced doctors from bet ter hospitals to other hospitals located in lower income areas, that way everyone in the city are able to get doctors with the same experience level.I think it is fair for everyone to get the same opportunities when it comes to health care regardless of their income or their location, because it is harder to improve a person’s living conditions and influences than improving health care access, it may not completely prevent people from getting sick, but it should reduce the risks for their health getting worse if they can get checked more often than they did before, also considering pre natal care for pregnant woman that need a doctor more often than anybody else, they have to be very healthy during their pregnancy and having a doctor close to their home, it is easier for them to get the required precautions to have a healthy baby, because according to the article â€Å" Health Divides† studies show that the baby mortality rate has remained the same over the years but i t should be lower now that health care has improved so much, but it has not been equally accessible for everybody, that is why woman get little to none pre natal care needed to have a healthy baby.Some woman that did not have a good education have lower job opportunities, and need to work more to barely support themselves and that keeps them from focusing on their baby’s health and their own during pregnancy, also it is more common for low income pregnant woman to smoke or drink alcohol than higher income woman, which it is influenced by their living conditions and social group. In Conclusion, the main problem is not the quality of health care but the access everyone is getting, everywhere is different and in some places is harder to get the medical attention one needs to prevent a serious health problem or improve their family’s health, and most people would want to improve their health but their low level of education is a great disadvantage to get a better job and e arn a higher income. Even though we take good care of ourselves we cannot prevent health issues that is why we all need constant medical attention.

Balanced Scorecard approach at the Heathrow Airport Essay

Balanced scorecard is an avenue that is used to gauge performance management. This method was developed by some students from Harvard; it came about as a realization that many businesses relied mostly on financial measures for management purposes. (â€Å"Effective performance with the balanced scorecard, n.d †) Terminal five was a big project which needed great involvement both in terms of manpower but also in regard to resources. The size of the project contributed a lot of hiccups from time to time and great care needed to be taken in order to ensure the project ended well. The team in charge deemed it fit to utilize the balanced score card method to carry out the project to its completion. The project was almost a landmark due to its sheer size and it was recognized in the country as an achievement. The terminal takes care of a large number of users any time throughout any given year. The airport has received accolades as one of the best constructed terminals in the globe. There is a transit system set up that links the terminal to adjacent buildings. The control tower in the building is more than seventy meters long. The project cost more than three billion pounds. The terminal was as a result of efforts by British Airport Authority and British Airways. The project involved more than forty thousand people including both the workers and the team managing it. The contract to build it had been awarded to a group of highly ranked contractors. What did the project target to achieve? High goals were set for the project, style and quality was one of the reasons of developing the esteemed project. The contractors wanted to build a luxurious terminal that combined elegance with safety features. The building had to fulfill the building codes despite its magnitude; this was one of the headaches the contractors found themselves grappling with for the better part of the duration. The other issue was to ensure the project lives up to its expectations; that is fulfilling its mandate of service delivery at the swiftest time possible. (â€Å"Customer Perspective†, n.d.)Several agreements had to be signed among various service providers so as to smooth the processes of work as well as to avoid stalling; time proved to be a scarce commodity for the execution of this project. Service providers were divided in to various integrated teams which were closely monitored for quality assurance purposes. British Airport Authority looked through various projects undertaken by nu merous contractors in order to try and look into limitations the project may have encountered. The score card method helped the team that was in charge of the project to link tasks to ease supervision and create a flawless work schedule. Processes were achieved in an easier manner; also procedures had to match their allocated financial budgets. Results were analyzed at every stage of the project to ascertain the outcomes achieved in relation to the timelines set. (â€Å"Effective performance with the balanced scorecard, n.d †) Under the score card method procedures need to succeed in a number of ways: purpose, measurement and its application. Projects world over have to be carried out in tested methodologies; this helps people the hazards that may arise from utilizing unsure practices in construction and financial management. Vetting had to be carried for individuals in the management team; so as to achieve accountability and good stewardship. The working structure was made in such a way that each team member got himself or herself accountable to the team assigned to. Agreement made for the project as well as the rigid quality structure contributed to the success of the project under the score card method. The four-tier approach for quality check helped to enhance involvement of all who took part. Quality had been a strict condition set up by this procedure; good communication channels help in achieving desired results. (â€Å"Practitioners guide to a balanced scorecard, n.d†) Leadership mattered greatly to deliver success of the project. The leadership team had good coordination with their service providers; their timely supervision and ensuring check and balances were achieved. Suppliers also upped their game by delivering top notch products to ensure the best outcome. (â€Å"Effective performance with the balanced scorecard, n.d †) Behavioral change was another factor that came to the aid of the project; the level of interaction among the people involved was great because everybody worked well as a team. Experts were consulted at regular intervals to ensure procedure was duly followed. Trainings were fostered alongside best practices in quality management and practice. Trainings also acted as further team bonding sessions, they knew a strong united team is best able to deliver success. (â€Å"Practitioners guide to a balanced scorecard, n.d†) Project phases were checked on frequent durations; monthly basis and recorded under the balanced score card process. Color codes were used to make indication concerning status of set targets. Project leaders and the contractors were given an upper hand in decision making but subject to consultations. What were some of the lessons drawn or passed on from the project? Projects need to have indicative measures put in place. Processes have to be made in such a way that validating them becomes easier and processes that are found to be invalid be scrapped. Non-conformance reports should be accompanied by records of cost estimation. The project was a culmination of procedures advocated by the score card method; information from developments gave the stakeholders the psyche to pull through. References Retrieved from http://www.epmreview.com/resources/articles/item/85-customer-perspective.htmlRetrieved from http://www.cimaglobal.com/Documents/ImportedDocuments/Tech_rept_Effective_Performance_Mgt_with_Balanced_Scd_July_2005.pdfRetrieved from http://www.cimaglobal.com/Documents/Thought_leadership_docs/tech_resrep_a_practitioners_guide_to_the_balanced_scorecard_2005.pdf Source document

Living with Strangers

If you live with noise, Ignorance and unnecessary attention as norms every day. I assume you live In a city with sprawling life. If you especially want to go to one of these kind of cities, then you could easily go to New York. Since a lot of the aspects you would presume are in a metropolis, actually finds place at this special place. A lot of people think that the attractions make the city unique with skyscrapers reaching above the skies.A tall and proud lady greets everyone that arrives, and referred numerous times through poetry and songs, but at this case, it is not the surroundings hat Is special, about this city. Instead, we have to look towards the people offence York. They make New York unique because of the Ignorance they are capable of showing in public. In this essay, Sir Hustled primarily focuses on a unwritten law – the pretend-it-isn't-happening-law.It is a odd phenomenon because one would think that people move to the cities to be around other people and to get in contact with other lost souls when, in fact, most of the time is spent indoors or looking down at the ground In a crowded subway. This can be seen throughout the story, as an example, oh can see at the beginning where she moves to New York from a small town In Minnesota where it is normal to say â€Å"hi†, and if you do not do it, then it will be considered as arrogance. Compared to New York that saying â€Å"hi† to a stranger would be considered bizarre.But the question is what way, is the right way to react if someone greets you? This is the reason why Sir Hustled does not have an answer to this but this Is why she chose to write an essay. It Is simply a subjective collection of her thoughts on this Issue that she has divided Into three mall parts, the first being her personal back-story. Not only does this provide the reader a quick Idea of who the author is and how she feels with a environment so different than what she is used to, but more essential, an introd uction like this is fundamental in all genres if you want to get a connection with your readers.First of all, we feel anonymous in dense cities because everyone are busy doing something else, and do not know, which could Indicate the reason to why there is much crime In huge cities. Second, this may be the fact to why people are acting crazy In public, since you do not know even a fraction of the citizens, you allow yourself to be more extroverted. Hustled supports her own theory about the urban laws by saying that in every city, there are couple of nuts who delivers their message. Perhaps about that love is only sent from Jesus Christ, or we are doomed in year x.However, it seems like these nuts are not getting any response, but they start a reaction of emotions inside the head of regular people â€Å"pretend it isn't happening, pretend It Isn't happening†¦ â€Å". To this point, Sirs Hustled has criticized the urban law strictly, however, In the final part of the essay, It seems like she acknowledges the advantages of this effect because if you are getting involved in a discussion, it can end up horribly wrong, if you Just simply ask another person politely, to turn off his cigarette inside a metro, you could get a threat with your life at stakes.Thus, he still broke the urban law about â€Å"pretend it isn't happening†, and verbally attacks the little man, who was asking polite. On the other Sir Hustler's daughter, Sophie, took the subway when suddenly a nut said to Sophie how much he loved her. She tried to ignore him, but at the end she felt uncomfortable ignoring him. Then, suddenly, another person interrupted, trying to be sarcastic and funny. By doing this he acknowledged what he Just have had bean witness to in public.This man helped Sophie, he helped her give a smile on her face, and through this, he changed her entire day. Though, he could have been an audience and it would have seemed like it never had happened. What might only seem a s a scenario could be in the next moment reality. In other words, this opens a window to a new world of personalities, and this is what Sir Hustled is trying to express unconscious. A dull and static part of the human, suddenly becomes personalized and shows us that charm and argumentation, can help us towards coming stronger individuals.If you make a perspective to the town where Hustled is from in Minnesota, you will notice that Just because you use the meet-&-greet technique, where you Just monotone say â€Å"h'† to another, does not make you to a more real person than one who ignores you in New York. The unspoken laws of a society might help people get by in a certain environment but ultimately it prevents us from thinking of others complexity. Instead of thinking everyone is a individual, you think everyone is a part of a group. If you want to become someone, you have to trust yourself.

Addiction Does Not Discriminate Essay

Addiction does not begin with a conscious decision to become an â€Å"addict. † Because of the availability of painkillers, central nervous system depressants, and alcohol, every socio-economical group is at risk. For many it is a slow progression from needing to wanting the drug of choice. Fortunately, there are treatment plans and therapy for those who suffer from this life changing disease. The stereotypical view of a drug addict is the poor, dirty, economically challenged, bug-eyed, and most likely of non-white ethnicity. However, Jeff Bishop reports from an interview with Pamela Shepard, coordinator of the Coweta County Adult Drug Court, Andrews 2 that the addicts they deal with are anything but stereotypical. Shepard states that the people they deal with are not like those in the movies, they are moms, dads, college, students, nurses, teachers and every other profession. Then there are those who never stood a chance from the time they were born. Shepard also says that drug and alcohol addiction and other addictions are pervasive, not just in certain parts of a town or among certain groups of people. Bishop) There are several prescription medications that are addictive, however, some of the more commonly addictive and abused are painkillers, CNS Depressants, and Alcohol. The National Institutes of Health estimates that in the United States close to 20 % of people over the age of 12 have used these prescription drugs or alcohol for non-medical purposes. (Prescription Drug Abuse). Prescription pain kil lers are one of the most commonly abused medicines (Drug Addiction-Prescription). Many patients are prescribed these medicines for moderate to severe pain. If taken exactly as prescribed, pain medicine can manage quite effectively. However, chronic use or abuse of opioids can result in physical dependence and addiction (Drug Addiction-Prescription). Pain killers tend to be over prescribed by many doctors and the option of online pharmacies only adds to the problem. (Prescription Painkillers May Be Over Prescribed) According to researchers from the University of North Carolina, physicians who treat neck pain rely on medications far too often to the point of excluding other treatment options, which may be more effective and carry less risk of addiction. Prescription Painkillers May Be Over Prescribed) Andrews 3 Another highly abused medicine is CNS Depressants such as, Xanax and Valium (Drug Addiction-Prescription). These medications are typically prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders (Prescription Drug Abuse). Depressants, for many, are a â€Å"way out† of reality which allows them to alter the ability to feel emotional pain or discomfort. Sometimes the â€Å"way out† feeling leads to addiction. Research continues to show that alcohol is the most abused substance. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health released that 22% of the American population binge drink and that over 16 million people are heavy drinkers (Catton). Two reasons to support this fact are availability and being legal to buy. Alcohol is woven into many activities in life, and it becomes difficult to recognize when drinking has crossed the line into addiction. Alcoholics have a difficult time setting limits on the amount consumed (Smith, Robinson & Segal). Many people experiment with drugs and alcohol with only a small percentage becoming addicted. Why do some succumb and others do not? The Genetics Science Learning Center states that it is becoming increasingly clear that genetic factors play an important role in the addiction process (Genetics Science Learning Center). There is not one gene that determines addiction; it is influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental risks. These genes and environmental factors can either add up or cancel each other out. A person’s genetic makeup does not necessarily doom them to become an addict. (Genetics Science Learning Center) Andrews 4 Environment is also a major factor in addiction (Genetics Science Learning Center). Just because a genetic map says someone is prone to addiction does not mean that it will happen, it just means that those people need to be more careful than others. Treatment plans have been in place almost as long as addiction has been a problem. There are several different treatment centers that provide multiple care plans. Through the years treatment plans have drastically changed, most defiantly for the better. History has shown that past treatments for addiction has been imprisonment, sentencing to asylums, and church-guided prayer. Of course, those methods were generally ineffective. Genetics Science Learning Center) Current methods are more based on the understanding that addiction is a disease that has many more factors than just a need to â€Å"get high†. Modern treatments involve a combination of drug and behavioral therapy, resulting in a much higher success rate. (Genetics Science Learning Center) Society tends to judge drug addiction sufferers as morally weak or may see them as if they have criminal intent. Many people do not understand that while symptoms of addiction are treatable, the disease itself is incurable. Luxury drug rehab) Many addiction sufferers will die from their disease, but those who seek help from a treatment center can treat their condition and live a wholesome life (Luxury drug rehab). Andrews 5 Truth is people who are addicted come in all shapes and sizes. It is not just the crack addict in the alley in a bad part of town. They are also the successful business men who wear business suits and successfully function in the corporate world. Addiction sufferers can also be the people who dispense and prescribe narcotics, or the stay at home parents that drive the kids to school and to ball practice every day. They could also be the elderly neighbor or maybe even a teacher (Winkel). Because there are many beliefs and stereotypes about drug addiction that are simply not true, those who suffer from addiction find it difficult to ask for help or even admit they have a problem. Addiction stereotyping is a hard habit to break but doctors and therapists try to treat addiction as the disease it is. One of the first steps in breaking the stereotype is to stop using the words habit, fix, and abuser that reinforce the stigma with negative connotations (Salsitz). Everyone is worthy of treatment and help. If people were more aware of the problems of drug addiction and how easily it could happen to anyone, he or she may be more likely to see an addicted person as someone who is worthy of help and respect. The more harshly people judge those who suffer from addiction and continue to make them feel as if they do not deserve treatment the less likely they will be to get help or even trust someone enough to confide in them about their problems. It is never a good idea to generalize people and their behavior. Many who are addicted to substances can move past their addictions and go on to lead productive lives.

Education †Epistemology Essay

Education is something everybody wants to attain but nobody knows how. Nevertheless, many psychologists express an idea that key qualifications and skills, that are required in contemporary life conditions, are gained out of school and college. The following statement may be supported by a number of valuable reasons, namely the students’ immatureness, high informational age’s changeability and predomination of personal experience. As for the first reason, most young learners are reluctant to study. They pay little attention to adults, who make them spend long hours sitting with a book. Pupils and students are by and large considered responsible for their future. To be on the level, it sometimes turns out to be much more enjoyable to play hooky with counterparts, rather than to develop essential skills, at least when young. The second statement covers both the possibility and the necessity of life-long education, which means that in modern world each piece of knowledge is useful. While school and college allow students to acquire specific qualifications, the outer sources of information fill the gap with most urgent news. The real goal is to get through the flow of information and be flexible enough to change one’s point of view immediately. The third reason’s supporting example is the hot teapot, staying on the cooker, which is told to be extremely dangerous. But if we are misfortunate to prove that ourselves, we will certainly become 100 times more careful with kitchen utensil. The same thing might happen to graduates, who have just tasted some bitter working obstacles. Being taught at school and at work will never be the same. To recapitulate the above reasons, either school or college provide us with basic knowledge we are simply too young to concentrate on. Apart from this, we get permanent information that would further be influenced by a variety of conditions. And, finally, one will be ensured in anything in case he/she experiences it oneself. Academic studies should just play a role of a start-up, after which one should progress through different life stages. Therefore, most important things seem to be understood long after graduation.

PepsiCo Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

PepsiCo - Case Study Example Amidst these discussions, the paper will aim at answer several questions related to the company’s survival during global economic slowdown, its balance food portfolio, workplace culture and diversity and commitment of company towards environmental sustainability. It was ascertained that PepsiCo is the largest manufacturer and distributor of food and beverage in the United States and from its traditional business of soft drinks, the company has adopted a multi segment approach over the years. The present offerings of the company can be segmented in terms of variety of snacks, sports drink, juice, bottled water and cereals. The soft drink segment of the company includes Starbucks ready-to-drink beverages, Mountain dew, Sierra Mist, Sobe, Pepsi-Cola, 7UP, diet Pepsi and Lipton iced tea. The juice segment of PepsiCo comprises brands such as Naked Juice and Tropicana. The snack segment of the company includes brands such as Lays, Cheetos and Tostitos (PepsiCo, 2014a). The complete set of global brands of PepsiCo can be classified in three categories, namely, fun-for-you, good-for-you and better-for-you brands. Fun-for-you brands include basic savory products such as chips and cold drinks. Good-for-you brands are focused on delivering healthy choices that include vegetables, dairy products and fruits. Lastly, Better-for-you brands offer mostly low calorie food products that have low sugar and fat content (YouTube, 2011a; PepsiCo, 2014a; 2014b). PepsiCo is a global company and it can be naturally assumed that the company is susceptible to various social, economic and geo-political issues. Social factors comprise lifestyle and cultural aspects of consumers. PepsiCo is well-aware of its consumers’ preference which is significantly influenced by their lifestyle. Consequently, PepsiCo classified its products in three unique

Switching from Insulin to Oral Sulfonylureas in Patients with Diabetes Lab Report

Switching from Insulin to Oral Sulfonylureas in Patients with Diabetes Due to Kir6.2 Mutations - Lab Report Example Diabetic patients have a KATP channels with decreased sensitivity to ATP inhibition because of KCNJ11 mutations. As a result of this, their channels remain open in the presence of glucose, thereby reducing insulin secretion. Ketoacidosis or marked hyperglycemia is seen in such patients with low levels of circulating endogenous insulin and are therefore treated with insulin. A class of drugs called Sulfonylureas, close KATP channels by an ATP-independent route, thereby causing insulin secretion. The authors hypothesized that sulfonylureas may represent a suitable therapy for patients with KCNJ11 mutations. The purpose of the study was to assess i) glycemic control in 49 consecutive patients with Kir6.2 mutations who received appropriate doses of sulfonylureas ii) to investigate the insulin secretory responses to intravenous and oral glucose, a mixed meal, and glucagons in smaller groups and iii) to assay the response of mutant KATP channels to the sulfonylurea tolbutamide in xenopus oocytes. A total of 49 consecutive patients from 40 families were identified as having diabetes caused by a heterozygous KCNJ11 mutation through sequencing performed in molecular genetics laboratories in Exeter, United Kingdom (34 patients), Paris (5 patients),and Bergen, Norway (10 patients) were the study participants. All 49 patients either switched from insulin to sulfonylurea therapy or were unable to switch but received an adequate dose of sulfonylureas before October 2005 were included in the study. No other selection criteria were applied. No exclusion criteria were defined by the authors and the study did not include randomization technique. As it was a cohort study, it was not possible to compare the groups. Patients with a successful switch (n =44) had the following mutations F35V, H46Y, R50Q, G53N, G53R, V59M (6 patients), K170T, R201C (5 patients), R201H (23 patients), R201L, E322K, Y330S,

Case study - company's strategy Research Proposal

Case study - company's strategy - Research Proposal Example The industry information that Mercury is using is far too old to be of any use to the company. A market report cites increasing consumer confidence as the global economy continued to emerge from the post-9/11 recession (A $500 million opportunity in womans better apparel, 2004). Today, financial markets throughout the world are going through convulsions as virtually everyone wonders what the future will bring, whether it will be a corrective recession or full depression. Ellen Blake of Denbleyker Financial notes in her analysis of the company that "Q4 earnings dropped slightly below expectations during 4Q due to a variety of small economic and execution surprises. Management appears to have a good handle on these issues now, and we believe that the stock is a good value at these prices" as Denbleyker Financial raised its assessment of Mercury stock to "Buy" in January 2008. Mercury does not present a threat to Nike and Adidas since it only comprise 9 percent of the global market; thus, it will not be watched by bigger competitors so it is free to chart its own course. However, it has not yet achieved a double-digit share of the global market among adults. The shift should focus on the "tween" market – those who have parents buy shoes for them now, and who later will buy their own. This market segment when taken cared of can be a solid base of customers in the long-term. 1. Continue with current marketing efforts to adult markets and maintain current market share, however, due to recession, marketing tactics should be made. Preserving current market share also will preserve the upward trend in total sales. The third alternative is the choice which is continuing current adult focus but also increasing attention to â€Å"tween â€Å"and teen markets. This is supported by a large study indicating that outside of school hours, each week "people between the ages of 13 and 24 spend 16.7 hours online †¦ 13.6 hours watching

Outline for essay topoc. Critically cinsider the role of insuranse law

Outline for topoc. Critically cinsider the role of insuranse law and practice in the regulation of international business transactions - Essay Example Regulations of insurance agents and insurance companies will also be introduced. There will be arguments on insurance policies and regulatory issues concerning risk and operation management of insurance businesses. There will be a discussion of the nature and fundamentals of insurance, its functions and purpose in commerce, and its effects and function on tort litigation and recovery. These will be discussed in relation to insurance contract, structure, interpretation, and use. This section will discuss international company, business transactions involving insurance law. Examples of treaties and international trades will be highlighted, as well as the benefits and effects to the global economy. This section will highlight private law of transactions involving the movement of goods from one country to another. It will also describe the public law controls which effect such transactions and transactions which are governed by other legal systems such as WTO. This section will describe the way in which major projects are financed, focusing on the key features of the financing and the players who bring infrastructure projects to life.   There will be emphasis on the key legal and other risks in the project financing. This section will examine the international trade landscape, the main institutional protagonist, namely the World Trade Organization, and its rules. It will also examine the legal issues surrounding cross-border investment decisions and disputes Oduntan, Gbenga C.I.F. Gatwick and Other Such Nonsense Upon Stilts: Incoterms and the Law, Jargon and Practice of International Business Transactions6. International Company and Commercial Law Review, (2010). Organization. RH, Robert Hunter, Federal Insurance Administrator from 1974 to 1978, is president of the National Insurance,Consumer Organization. REFORM INSURANCE, NOT LIABILITY LAW; TAMING THE LATEST INSURANCE CRISIS. New York Times 1986 Apr

Discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 31

Discussion - Assignment Example Jurisdiction specifications and legal aspect consideration are other inputs that the company might use in an investment policy. Jurisdiction specification may include other inputs such as environmental, social, and governance standards, classes of assets and guidelines to ensure effective collaboration with external managers. Primary market differ from secondary market in such that, for the primary market, the organization or company is involved directly in the transactions, while in secondary market, there is no involvement between the company and the transactions because transactions occur between investors (Hall and Lieberman 405-406). Both market segments are inter-related and they influence each other in terms of performances. However, the primary market success and functionality is dependent on the secondary market’s complementary role in providing and opening a business opportunity for primary investors. As a result, the secondary market forms the baseline for investors in primary issues to transact on their investments that give other investors a chance to invest in the company. Consequently, primary market functionally dependant on the secondary

Brand Management of Video Game Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Brand Management of Video Game Industry - Essay Example For this assignment, various marketing reviews were researched upon. Scholarly articles and textbooks were researched for concepts of Brand Positioning, Product Design, Building Brand Equity and Nintendo’s strategies of Wii were analyzed in the light of the latter. In order to analyze the branding strategies of Wii, I used the concept and applications of Disruptive Strategy to see where Nintendo has positioned its Wii. This concept is also known as the â€Å"Blue Ocean† strategy where the brand is positioned in the virgin space or spot in the market which hasn’t been targeted by the competition yet. On the basis of that, Nintendo targeted the market of former gamers or non-gamers who were not habitual gamers but did play games produced in Flash or other computer games like Solitaire. Besides the brand positioning of Nintendo’s Wii, I also studied the product design of Wii in the light of the competitors’ products, Play station 3 and Xbox. This also helps Nintendo’s Wii to become more of a family brand where an adult or a non-gamer can give a fair competition to a hardcore player in the family belonging to the ideal gamer demographic profile of aged 18 – 35 years. As far as the pricing is concerned, Wii was targeted for the down-market in the game console industry. This meant that Nintendo had to push the prices down in order to attract more consumers. Its advertising and promotional strategies helped Wii to become the most selling brand during Christmas time and especially amongst families who preferred to own only one of all the consoles in the market which lead them to purchase Nintendo’s Wii. In the short-run, Nintendo did capture the market with its unique design, price and going down-market strategy but in the medium-run Nintendo was planning to go in direct competition with the other up-market brands namely Sony’s Play Station and Microsoft’s Xbox. What these major players failed to rea lize was that Nintendo was positioned just as a casual gaming brand whereas Nintendo did not only wish to stay with the family positioning as it believed that there was no casual gamer and that only non-gamer-or-former gamer existed which made Nintendo see a huge potential beyond the down-market’s easy gamers market. With a long-term plan in consideration, when Nintendo established its brand of Wii in the down-market, it then moved into the up markets which were being catered and ruled by Sony’s Play Station and Microsoft’s Xbox.