A Game of Thrones Chapter Forty-five

Eddard Pain is a gift from the gods, Lord Eddard,† Grand Maester Pycelle told him. â€Å"It means the bone is knitting, the flesh healing itself. Be thankful.† â€Å"I will be thankful when my leg stops throbbing.† Pycelle set a stoppered flask on the table by the bed. â€Å"The milk of the poppy, for when the pain grows too onerous.† â€Å"I sleep too much already.† â€Å"Sleep is the great healer.† â€Å"I had hoped that was you.† Pycelle smiled wanly. â€Å"It is good to see you in such a fierce humor, my lord.† He leaned close and lowered his voice. â€Å"There was a raven this morning, a letter for the queen from her lord father. I thought you had best know.† â€Å"Dark wings, dark words,† Ned said grimly. â€Å"What of it?† â€Å"Lord Tywin is greatly wroth about the men you sent after Ser Gregor Clegane,† the maester confided. â€Å"I feared he would be. You will recall, I said as much in council.† â€Å"Let him be wroth,† Ned said. Every time his leg throbbed, he remembered Jaime Lannister's smile, and Jory dead in his arms. â€Å"Let him write all the letters to the queen he likes. Lord Beric rides beneath the king's own banner. If Lord Tywin attempts to interfere with the king's justice, he will have Robert to answer to. The only thing His Grace enjoys more than hunting is making war on lords who defy him.† Pycelle pulled back, his maester's chain jangling. â€Å"As you say. I shall visit again on the morrow.† The old man hurriedly gathered up his things and took his leave. Ned had little doubt that he was bound straight for the royal apartments, to whisper at the queen. I thought you had best know, indeed . . . as if Cersei had not instructed him to pass along her father's threats. He hoped his response rattled those perfect teeth of hers. Ned was not near as confident of Robert as he pretended, but there was no reason Cersei need know that. When Pycelle was gone, Ned called for a cup of honeyed wine. That clouded the mind as well, yet not as badly. He needed to be able to think. A thousand times, he asked himself what Jon Arryn might have done, had he lived long enough to act on what he'd learned. Or perhaps he had acted, and died for it. It was queer how sometimes a child's innocent eyes can see things that grown men are blind to. Someday, when Sansa was grown, he would have to tell her how she had made it all come clear for him. He's not the least bit like that old drunken king, she had declared, angry and unknowing, and the simple truth of it had twisted inside him, cold as death. This was the sword that killed Jon Arryn, Ned thought then, and it will kill Robert as well, a slower death but full as certain. Shattered legs may heal in time, but some betrayals fester and poison the soul. Littlefinger came calling an hour after the Grand Maester had left, clad in a plum-colored doublet with a mockingbird embroidered on the breast in black thread, and a striped cloak of black and white. â€Å"I cannot visit long, my lord,† he announced. â€Å"Lady Tanda expects me to lunch with her. No doubt she will roast me a fatted calf. If it's near as fatted as her daughter, I'm like to rupture and die. And how is your leg?† â€Å"Inflamed and painful, with an itch that is driving me mad.† Littlefinger lifted an eyebrow. â€Å"In future, try not to let any horses fall on it. I would urge you to heal quickly. The realm grows restive. Varys has heard ominous whispers from the west. Freeriders and sellswords have been flocking to Casterly Rock, and not for the thin pleasure of Lord Tywin's conversation.† â€Å"Is there word of the king?† Ned demanded. â€Å"Just how long does Robert intend to hunt?† â€Å"Given his preferences, I believe he'd stay in the forest until you and the queen both die of old age,† Lord Petyr replied with a faint smile. â€Å"Lacking that, I imagine he'll return as soon as he's killed something. They found the white hart, it seems . . . or rather, what remained of it. Some wolves found it first, and left His Grace scarcely more than a hoof and a horn. Robert was in a fury, until he heard talk of some monstrous boar deeper in the forest. Then nothing would do but he must have it. Prince Joffrey returned this morning, with the Royces, Ser Balon Swann, and some twenty others of the party. The rest are still with the king.† â€Å"The Hound?† Ned asked, frowning. Of all the Lannister party, Sandor Clegane was the one who concerned him the most, now that Ser Jaime had fled the city to join his father. â€Å"Oh, returned with Joffrey, and went straight to the queen.† Littlefinger smiled. â€Å"I would have given a hundred silver stags to have been a roach in the rushes when he learned that Lord Beric was off to behead his brother.† â€Å"Even a blind man could see the Hound loathed his brother.† â€Å"Ah, but Gregor was his to loathe, not yours to kill. Once Dondarrion lops the summit off our Mountain, the Clegane lands and incomes will pass to Sandor, but I wouldn't hold my water waiting for his thanks, not that one. And now you must forgive me. Lady Tanda awaits with her fatted calves.† On the way to the door, Lord Petyr spied Grand Maester Malleon's massive tome on the table and paused to idly flip open the cover. â€Å"The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, With Descriptions of Many High Lords and Noble Ladies and Their Children,† he read. â€Å"Now there is tedious reading if ever I saw it. A sleeping potion, my lord?† For a brief moment Ned considered telling him all of it, but there was something in Littlefinger's japes that irked him. The man was too clever by half, a mocking smile never far from his lips. â€Å"Jon Arryn was studying this volume when he was taken sick,† Ned said in a careful tone, to see how he might respond. And he responded as he always did: with a quip. â€Å"In that case,† he said, â€Å"death must have come as a blessed relief.† Lord Petyr Baelish bowed and took his leave. Eddard Stark allowed himself a curse. Aside from his own retainers, there was scarcely a man in this city he trusted. Littlefinger had concealed Catelyn and helped Ned in his inquiries, yet his haste to save his own skin when Jaime and his swords had come out of the rain still rankled. Varys was worse. For all his protestations of loyalty, the eunuch knew too much and did too little. Grand Maester Pycelle seemed more Cersei's creature with every passing day, and Ser Barristan was an old man, and rigid. He would tell Ned to do his duty. Time was perilously short. The king would return from his hunt soon, and honor would require Ned to go to him with all he had learned. Vayon Poole had arranged for Sansa and Arya to sail on the Wind Witch out of Braavos, three days hence. They would be back at Winterfell before the harvest. Ned could no longer use his concern for their safety to excuse his delay. Yet last night he had dreamt of Rhaegar's children. Lord Tywin had laid the bodies beneath the Iron Throne, wrapped in the crimson cloaks of his house guard. That was clever of him; the blood did not show so badly against the red cloth. The little princess had been barefoot, still dressed in her bed gown, and the boy . . . the boy . . . Ned could not let that happen again. The realm could not withstand a second mad king, another dance of blood and vengeance. He must find some way to save the children. Robert could be merciful. Ser Barristan was scarcely the only man he had pardoned. Grand Maester Pycelle, Varys the Spider, Lord Balon Greyjoy; each had been counted an enemy to Robert once, and each had been welcomed into friendship and allowed to retain honors and office for a pledge of fealty. So long as a man was brave and honest, Robert would treat him with all the honor and respect due a valiant enemy. This was something else: poison in the dark, a knife thrust to the soul. This he could never forgive, no more than he had forgiven Rhaegar. He will kill them all, Ned realized. And yet, he knew he could not keep silent. He had a duty to Robert, to the realm, to the shade of Jon Arryn . . . and to Bran, who surely must have stumbled on some part of the truth. Why else would they have tried to slay him? Late that afternoon he summoned Tomard, the portly guardsman with the ginger-colored whiskers his children called Fat Tom. With Jory dead and Alyn gone, Fat Tom had command of his household guard. The thought filled Ned with vague disquiet. Tomard was a solid man; affable, loyal, tireless, capable in a limited way, but he was near fifty, and even in his youth he had never been energetic. Perhaps Ned should not have been so quick to send off half his guard, and all his best swords among them. â€Å"I shall require your help,† Ned said when Tomard appeared, looking faintly apprehensive, as he always did when called before his lord. â€Å"Take me to the godswood.† â€Å"Is that wise, Lord Eddard? With your leg and all?† â€Å"Perhaps not. But necessary.† Tomard summoned Varly. With one arm around each man's shoulders, Ned managed to descend the steep tower steps and hobble across the bailey. â€Å"I want the guard doubled,† he told Fat Tom. â€Å"No one enters or leaves the Tower of the Hand without my leave.† Tom blinked. â€Å"M'lord, with Alyn and the others away, we are hard-pressed already—† â€Å"It will only be a short while. Lengthen the watches.† â€Å"As you say, m'lord,† Tom answered. â€Å"Might I ask why—† â€Å"Best not,† Ned answered crisply. The godswood was empty, as it always was here in this citadel of the southron gods. Ned's leg was screaming as they lowered him to the grass beside the heart tree. â€Å"Thank you.† He drew a paper from his sleeve, sealed with the sigil of his House. â€Å"Kindly deliver this at once.† Tomard looked at the name Ned had written on the paper and licked his lips anxiously. â€Å"My lord . . . â€Å" â€Å"Do as I bid you, Tom,† Ned said. How long he waited in the quiet of the godswood, he could not say. It was peaceful here. The thick walls shut out the clamor of the castle, and he could hear birds singing, the murmur of crickets, leaves rustling in a gentle wind. The heart tree was an oak, brown and faceless, yet Ned Stark still felt the presence of his gods. His leg did not seem to hurt so much. She came to him at sunset, as the clouds reddened above the walls and towers. She came alone, as he had bid her. For once she was dressed simply, in leather boots and hunting greens. When she drew back the hood of her brown cloak, he saw the bruise where the king had struck her. The angry plum color had faded to yellow, and the swelling was down, but there was no mistaking it for anything but what it was. â€Å"Why here?† Cersei Lannister asked as she stood over him. â€Å"So the gods can see.† She sat beside him on the grass. Her every move was graceful. Her curling blond hair moved in the wind, and her eyes were green as the leaves of summer. It had been a long time since Ned Stark had seen her beauty, but he saw it now. â€Å"I know the truth Jon Arryn died for,† he told her. â€Å"Do you?† The queen watched his face, wary as a cat. â€Å"Is that why you called me here, Lord Stark? To pose me riddles? Or is it your intent to seize me, as your wife seized my brother?† â€Å"If you truly believed that, you would never have come.† Ned touched her cheek gently. â€Å"Has he done this before?† â€Å"Once or twice.† She shied away from his hand. â€Å"Never on the face before. Jaime would have killed him, even if it meant his own life.† Cersei looked at him defiantly. â€Å"My brother is worth a hundred of your friend.† â€Å"Your brother?† Ned said. â€Å"Or your lover?† â€Å"Both.† She did not flinch from the truth. â€Å"Since we were children together. And why not? The Targaryens wed brother to sister for three hundred years, to keep the bloodlines pure. And Jaime and I are more than brother and sister. We are one person in two bodies. We shared a womb together. He came into this world holding my foot, our old maester said. When he is in me, I feel . . . whole.† The ghost of a smile flitted over her lips. â€Å"My son Bran . . . â€Å" To her credit, Cersei did not look away. â€Å"He saw us. You love your children, do you not?† Robert had asked him the very same question, the morning of the melee. He gave her the same answer. â€Å"With all my heart.† â€Å"No less do I love mine.† Ned thought, If it came to that, the life of some child I did not know, against Robb and Sansa and Arya and Bran and Rickon, what would I do? Even more so, what would Catelyn do, if it were Jon's life, against the children of her body? He did not know. He prayed he never would. â€Å"All three are Jaime's,† he said. It was not a question. â€Å"Thank the gods.† The seed is strong, Jon Arryn had cried on his deathbed, and so it was. All those bastards, all with hair as black as night. Grand Maester Malleon recorded the last mating between stag and lion, some ninety years ago, when Tya Lannister wed Gowen Baratheon, third son of the reigning lord. Their only issue, an unnamed boy described in Malleon's tome as a large and lusty lad born with a full head of black hair, died in infancy. Thirty years before that a male Lannister had taken a Baratheon maid to wife. She had given him three daughters and a son, each black-haired. No matter how far back Ned searched in the brittle yellowed pages, always he found the gold yielding before the coal. â€Å"A dozen years,† Ned said. â€Å"How is it that you have had no children by the king?† She lifted her head, defiant. â€Å"Your Robert got me with child once,† she said, her voice thick with contempt. â€Å"My brother found a woman to cleanse me. He never knew. If truth be told, I can scarcely bear for him to touch me, and I have not let him inside me for years. I know other ways to pleasure him, when he leaves his whores long enough to stagger up to my bedchamber. Whatever we do, the king is usually so drunk that he's forgotten it all by the next morning.† How could they have all been so blind? The truth was there in front of them all the time, written on the children's faces. Ned felt sick. â€Å"I remember Robert as he was the day he took the throne, every inch a king,† he said quietly. â€Å"A thousand other women might have loved him with all their hearts. What did he do to make you hate him so?† Her eyes burned, green fire in the dusk, like the lioness that was her sigil. â€Å"The night of our wedding feast, the first time we shared a bed, he called me by your sister's name. He was on top of me, in me, stinking of wine, and he whispered Lyanna.† Ned Stark thought of pale blue roses, and for a moment he wanted to weep. â€Å"I do not know which of you I pity most.† The queen seemed amused by that. â€Å"Save your pity for yourself, Lord Stark. I want none of it.† â€Å"You know what I must do.† â€Å"Must?† She put her hand on his good leg, just above the knee. â€Å"A true man does what he will, not what he must.† Her fingers brushed lightly against his thigh, the gentlest of promises. â€Å"The realm needs a strong Hand. Joff will not come of age for years. No one wants war again, least of all me.† Her hand touched his face, his hair. â€Å"If friends can turn to enemies, enemies can become friends. Your wife is a thousand leagues away, and my brother has fled. Be kind to me, Ned. I swear to you, you shall never regret it.† â€Å"Did you make the same offer to Jon Arryn?† She slapped him. â€Å"I shall wear that as a badge of honor,† Ned said dryly. â€Å"Honor,† she spat. â€Å"How dare you play the noble lord with me! What do you take me for? You've a bastard of your own, I've seen him. Who was the mother, I wonder? Some Dornish peasant you raped while her holdfast burned? A whore? Or was it the grieving sister, the Lady Ashara? She threw herself into the sea, I'm told. Why was that? For the brother you slew, or the child you stole? Tell me, my honorable Lord Eddard, how are you any different from Robert, or me, or Jaime?† â€Å"For a start,† said Ned, â€Å"I do not kill children. You would do well to listen, my lady. I shall say this only once. When the king returns from his hunt, I intend to lay the truth before him. You must be gone by then. You and your children, all three, and not to Casterly Rock. If I were you, I should take ship for the Free Cities, or even farther, to the Summer Isles or the Port of Ibben. As far as the winds blow.† â€Å"Exile,† she said. â€Å"A bitter cup to drink from.† â€Å"A sweeter cup than your father served Rhaegar's children,† Ned said, â€Å"and kinder than you deserve. Your father and your brothers would do well to go with you. Lord Tywin's gold will buy you comfort and hire swords to keep you safe. You shall need them. I promise you, no matter where you flee, Robert's wrath will follow you, to the back of beyond if need be.† The queen stood. â€Å"And what of my wrath, Lord Stark?† she asked softly. Her eyes searched his face. â€Å"You should have taken the realm for yourself. It was there for the taking. Jaime told me how you found him on the Iron Throne the day King's Landing fell, and made him yield it up. That was your moment. All you needed to do was climb those steps, and sit. Such a sad mistake.† â€Å"I have made more mistakes than you can possibly imagine,† Ned said, â€Å"but that was not one of them.† â€Å"Oh, but it was, my lord,† Cersei insisted. â€Å"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.† She turned up her hood to hide her swollen face and left him there in the dark beneath the oak, amidst the quiet of the godswood, under a blue-black sky. The stars were coming out.

Does It Pay Off

Compare/ assess HSBC and Citi-corps IT strategies. Do they invest in IT primarily as a way of cutting costs and improving their operational efficiencies, or do they invest strategically with a view to entrench their competitive positions? As noted in the conclusion of the article written by the Asia Case Research Center and the University of Hong Kong HCBC and Citigroup have both developed into global financial institutions.Both organizations have heavily invested in Information Technology and, as is self-reported in both companies’ financial statements, both are committed to using IT to gain a competitive advantage. That is where the similarities end. When we examine the details it is obvious that although both firms have heavily invested in IT advancements the types of projects and overall approach are very different. Let us first look at HSBC. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation was founded by Thomas Southerland in 1865 with branches in London Shanghai, and San F rancisco.By the year 2007 the company had grown to have 9500 offices, 200,000 shareholders, 310,000 employees and over 125 million customers spanning 76 countries. HSBC built their business based on the philosophy of managing for value from 1998 through 2003 with the objective of providing a satisfactory return on shareholder capital. One of the primary ways HSBC attempted to accomplish this strategy was through its approach to leveraging technology.An example of the company’s technology strategy is found in a statement which was part of the company’s 1996 annual report. In this report the company described its IT policy as a strategy based on harnessing the power of new technology to provide new and better services for their customers while simultaneously improving the banks operational efficiencies. Then stated the challenge they saw as a global financial services organization factored highly around their ability to link different parts of the group more closely toge ther.As one progress’s further into the details of HSBC’s information technology approach numerous examples of this 1996 strategy are apparent in the organizations approach to the use of information technology. HSBC’s history appears dotted with instances of the development of ground breaking Independent systems, outsourcing to save costs, and acquisitions of emerging technologies. Despite the hefty price tag the company remained focused on providing innovate value added products and services to both current and prospective customers. Outsourcing is one key to the operational efficiency approach mentioned in its 1996 annual report.HSBC opened its first offshore processing center in China in 1996 and by 2007 had more than 18,000 employees across Asia spanning ten (10) Asian countries. HSBC estimated that by transferring its back office processing to India and China it saved the organization approximately 30 million U. S dollars annually. Further savings were real ized in 2003 when the bank merged and consolidated HSBC and HSBC Finance’s technology service teams later leading to the offshoring of the HSBC Group Service Center creating another 67 million in annual savings.In total HSBC claims that offshoring provides the bank an estimated cost savings of over 100 million U. S dollars annually. Meanwhile HSBC took on more IT staff to support service improvement projects and online banking. Heavily investing in platforms and applications designed to extend or streamline the online process HSBC fully embraced ecommerce. Beginning in 1998 with their successful Y2K testing and implementation HSBC heavily invested in the internet as a means of reaching new customers and deepening current customer relationships.Some of the projects were internally innovated however, most were a product of strategic acquisitions and/or partnerships with other organizations HSBC is very focused on innovation the company has used its innovative focus to successfu lly leverage the power of the internet to reach customers around the world. To create the world’s most inclusive efficient internet portal the company has worked with several different organizations that could assist in furthering its digital capabilities Some examples of these partnerships are:.Working with Compaq to design an internet payment gateway, partnering with HTK to enable merchants to set up online store fronts, working with MasterCard to develop and launch Asia’s first electronic wallet, cooperating with IBM to develop multichannel banking services, teaming up with Sky digital satellite to launch the UK’s first television banking system, and finally a joint venture with Merrill Lynch to introduce online brokerage services. At the same time the bank was partnering with multiple organizations developing several technology offerings things were also being innovated internally.HSBC developed and delivered many value added products and services like launc hing mobile banking and secure net payments for merchants in 1999, the creation of Ibusinesscorporation. com and HSBC. com. HSBC. com which was designed to create a common presentation of all HSBC’s services at any time anywhere to any of its customers was the crown jewel of the technology strategy. Overall the company dedicated a large percentage of its IT budget time and focus on the development, expansion, functionality and inclusiveness of creating a comprehensive online presence.HSBC spent 164 million dollars on the website hsbc. com in 2001 alone. The internet strategy seemed to pay off for HSBC creating large gains in number of customers and transactions. Overall gains were seen in commercial and consumer banking with increases in customer numbers in both divisions. Overall the bank saw its customer number increase 24% with online transactions increasing a whopping 116%. however this massive push online left the company with 26 websites and over 1. 1 billion dollars in expenses.In contrast to the HSBC’s strategies for utilization of IT recourses Citicorp followed the diversified financial services model built on the belief that different financial service products should be conglomerated to balance earnings and to create less earnings volatility. The company believed it was more cost effective to cross sell financial products in one go than to sell them separately. Different than the wide corporate structure found within HSBC Citicorp only consists of three major business groups all primarily supported by standard corporate infrastructure. While both banks focused on lobal growth HSBC focused on innovation and leveraging the internet to reach current and potential customers Citi corps approach was that of growth, commonality, and local control. Unlike HSBC, Citigroup took an integrated approach to its IT governance worldwide. By using a combination of packaged and customized software to develop group wide platforms Citigroup enhanced the s trength of its extensive international branch network to facilitate knowledge exchange across borders. Since IT projects at Citi were often initiated with a local business unit typically they were designed with local solutions in mind.The only truly global requirement placed on the innovating branch were that the local system be capable of effectively and efficiently being linked with Citi groups existing system and that security arrangements could be made. The key for Citi was the consistent platform and the ability to share knowledge across space not necessarily that it was internet driven and deployable to the whole world. Also in stark contrast to the HSBC strategy of cost savings through outsourcing, Citigroup pursued IT outsourcing only in a very limited way and not for strategic initiatives.While HSBC was building strategic initiatives with numerous external companies Citigroup took on projects like the 750 million dollar project in the 90’s to integrate the banks 60,0 00 personal computer and 2,000 LAN’s worldwide into a common global network and system infrastructure. The power of its integrated technology platform would later be demonstrated by the rapid integration of the 750 branch CitiFinancial system By 2000 Citigroup had leveraged its strong common technology platform and its international branch presence to launch its own online presence, Citi on the net.Directly related to their standard technology and growth platforms by the end of the year 2000 Citigroup had over 800 million online accounts in an effort to deliver convenience and value to its clients. Citigroup created new internet units including e-commerce, e-business, and e-capital markets to empower the existing business lines while simultaneously creating an internet operating group to drive the corporate internet strategy and again use it to coordinate efforts across divisions. By 2002 Citi on the net had been replaced by â€Å"my citi. om† providing the platform ne cessary to allow the bank the ability to make online banking available in over 90 countries ultimately leading to processing over 39 million transactions around the world in rout to being named â€Å"best of the web 2003† The banking giants internally driven internet strategy seemed to culminate with the launch of Citibank direct in 2006 and nearly 10 billion dollars in deposits. Overall in my perception of the IT strategies of both Citi and HSBC their direction of IT investment does not appear to fit into one black or white strategy however appears more likely to exist on a continuum.I believe there are examples of both HSBC and CITI investing in IT as a way of cutting costs and improving their operational efficiencies. With HSBC one example of this is outsourcing. With regard to Citi one example is the focus on standard systems providing local solutions. Additionally, I believe both organizations also used technology effectively as strategies to entrench their competitive p ositions. HSBC as a platform to cost effectively expand its global reach without the costly build-out of constructing an extensive global brick and mortar branch network through the use of the internet.In contrast, for CITI to be able to provide local solutions by leveraging its global knowledge, services, and offerings to provide value added products and services to current and prospective clients. In closing not addressed directly in the article but appears to be relevant as I look at the different IT approaches taken by both Citi and HSBC is where they started. Both companies come from different backgrounds created in different environments for the purpose of serving different clients.Although eventually their worlds collided their roots seems quite different. I can’t help but wonder, to what degree were the different approach to types and amounts of investment in IT between the two global banking giants has to be attributed to (1) Different business strategy’s with each company recognizing its own path of least resistance to accomplish their organizations goals. (2) The best way to leverage the current asset base of each individual organization. 2. In your assessment, which one of the companies do you think was cleverer in its IT investments?Both organizations appear to have shown the ability to differentiate one’s organization through the use of technology when technology that can complement their overall business strategy comes available. For Citibank this availability arose through an increase in recourses by the organization; conversely, for HSBC through technological advancements made in the market place. My perception is that both companies utilized IT investments like a vehicle, to get from where they were to where they wanted to be.The numbers provided in the back of this report show the companies are strikingly similar in many ways despite their very different beginnings and historical decisions regarding investment in IT. Fiv e factors compared n the report are compiled below that both demonstrate their striking similarity but also provide clues to who at least for now is winning the battle for global banking clients. Category(2006)| Citi-Bank| HSBC| Leader| #of Employees| 325,000| 312,000| Citi-Bank| IT expenditures| 3762| 4810| Citibank| Net-Profit| 21538| 16358| Citi-Bank| Total Assets| 1,884,318| 1,712,627| Citi-Bank|Market Capitalization| 269. 1| 212| Citi-Bank| | ROA| 1. 14%| 0. 96%| By doing some basic calculations using the numbers above it is easy to see that as of the time of this report the company with the best history of performance was clearly Citi-Bank. Although total assets and number of employees are strikingly similar the difference in the organizations is clearly found in three areas. Net profit, IT expenditure’s, and market capitalization. ROA for HSBC is . 96% which signifies it is destroying shareholder capital by losing 4 cents for every dollar invested.Conversely, Citi-Bank with an ROA of 1. 14% is creating value by transforming every 1$ invested in the company into 1. 14 cents providing a 14% return annually. Another metric not common in finance but appears pertinent here would be an employee to IT expenditure’s ratio where HSBC spent $15,416. 67 per employee and Citi-Bank spent $11,575. 38. The second ratio that appears to point to an adjusted IT strategy for HSBC is a total asset to IT expenditure ratio in which again HSBC spends 28% of its total assets on. IT where Citibank again has a better ratio at 20% of its total assets.Neither of these last two ratios is very common but both appear to be where HSBC could attempt to close the Gap in financial performance between the two companies. Finally of note needs to be the difference in market cap Assuming both companies have a fairly equal amount of issued common equity the fact that Citi-Banks market cap is 57 billion dollars higher that HSBC demonstrates to me that when the marginal investor c ompares the perceived future performance comparing both companies current business plan investors believe with more confidence that Citi-Bank will generate I higher return on investment and stronger cash flows than will HSBC.Despite HSBC’s efforts to cut costs be on the forefront of banking innovation Citicorp clearly was able to leverage its vast global network of fixed assets in a standardized approach more successfully than HSBC was able to leverage the internet to increase its profitability through global expansion. In closing I again wonder if part of the increased performance Citicorp sees beyond that which is seen by HSBC is related to cultural bias Simple current consumer preference in the majority of the cultures in which both firms operate.In conclusion, the writer would like to briefly mention potential factors that came to mind while reading this article. Thinking outside the numbers part of me believes that although trends are less prevalent than they have been f or generations past, several groups of people, are particularly fond of being able to bank at a physical location. Some don’t believe in banking at all. Like the trail that amazon is blazing in the online retail market place online banking platforms are different than most people are used to.Change is often strange and sometimes difficult but if HSBC’s IT strategy is ever to pay off it must hope like amazon that as time passes if more people become comfortable with the idea of online banking their model may thrive. However, until that time unless it were to drastically change its business model and begin to invest in a global network of physical bank branches HSBC’s best strategy may be to stay the course of investing in driving customers more towards the feeling of convenience than perceived safety.

Future Career Essay

When i think about a future career for myself, i see myself doing it for a very long time. In my imagination i picture myself as a millitary special forces officer. I have always wanted to go into the military since i was a little boy. The first time i ever heard about the green berets or the navy seals i knew that was what i wanted to do. I was told that being in the special forces was a very hard, but honorable career. You have to be very tough physically and mentally. My favorite thing about the special forces teams were that they are allowed to access the worlds latest technology and would go on top secret missions and save tons of people and no one would even know that the event had happened. The military today is a lot different than it was when I was a little kid. Karl von Clausewitz defined war as â€Å"†¦an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will In order to attain this object fully, the enemy must be disarmed, and disarmament becomes theref ore the immediate object of hostility.† In the future, we will have the prospective to make war without the use of violence and fulfill the second half of von Clausewitz’s definition with software alone. â€Å"Cyber† describes systems that use mechanical or electronic systems to swap human control. Cyber warfare can be executed without violence and therefore the reliance on software intensive systems-cyber systems can make nations exposed to warfare without violence. With the escalating use of computers in military and government, there has been a growing awareness of both a new susceptibility in national infrastructure and a new method of attacking one’s enemies. Cyber Warfare could mean winning wars without firing shots, the shutting down of entire national infrastructures at the push of a button, and the complete exploitation or destruction of an enemy’s communication networks. It could mean threats from across the world by states with no ability to launch a conventional attack just by using cheap laptops. In conclusion nations and their critical infrastructures are becoming increasingly dependent on computer networks for their operation. Also as armies around the world are transforming from a platform centric to a network centric force there is increasing reliance on networking technology. With all the advantages of such connectivity come unprecedented challenges to network security. Today we have unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as drones, is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. Its flight is controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by the  remote control of a pilot on the ground or in another vehicle. It allows us to keep soldiers lives safe it were to go down. Putting drones together with the futures technology create a new idea of a drone. In the future computers will become more intelligent and will be able to decide answers in situations. Putting a computer like that into a drone will create a weapon of mass destruction. The drone will be able to make lethal decisions without the command of a human. Within the next ten years our drones will become a lot more technologically advanced. Soon the drones will be able to choose and make lethal decisions by itself without the command or control of a human. The military has access to the Military Imaging and Surveillance Technology. The Military Imaging and Surveillance Technology (MIST) program can develop a fundamentally new optical capability that can provide high-resolution 3-D images to locate and identify a target at much longer ranges than is possible with existing surveillance systems. Within the next decade our surveillance will be so technologically advanced that the military will be able to look up anyone in the world and pinpoint their exact location and view what kind of activities they are participating in. Joining the military will be tough trying to keep up with today’s expectations in intelligence and technology. But getting to be able to live my dream and do what I have always wanted to do with allow me to strive to accomplish whatever means necessary.

W.C. Russell Moccasin Company Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

W.C. Russell Moccasin Company - Article Example The company runs ads in high-end hunting magazines and relies mainly on word-of-mouth. However, it will be sending monthly email newsletters to a list of 8,000 people owning a pair of its boots. The firm traces beginnings to founder Will Russell when he began selling hand-sewn boots in 1898. A company bought the firm in 1927 only to sell it a year later to Bill Gustin. Gustin’s son-in-law Ralph Fabricius joined the company in 1957 and became company president in 1970. Today, the firm employs 35 people that produced 13,000 pairs of shoes and boots last year. One of the company’s significant markets is Japan where orders are up by 15%. The company started selling in the country 28 years ago through a single wholesaler but there are now 15 wholesalers in that country. Despite the reputation for embracing tradition, Coster (2009) reports that the Japanese customers wear the boots for fashion. Japanese magazines have started to feature the company’s products since fou r years ago. The company introduces a new boot yearly to maintain consumer interests. Customers express devotion for Russell boots in the testimonials section of the Russell website, some of them next to newly killed animals. For market analysis, we use a modified version of the David Aaker perspective as described by NetMBA Business Knowledge Center. We infer that the niche of W.C. Russell Moccasin Company is in hand-sewn boots from animal hides. Both market size and market growth of the product niche of W.C. Russell Moccasin Company has been small. After 111 years, annual sales reached only $3 million in 2008. This size is very small compared to total consumer spending of several trillion in the U.S. and tens of trillions of dollars worldwide. Firm profitability, however, may be above the market level or acceptable given more than a century of existence. The same, however, is not necessarily true for the industry. The firm relies on word of mouth for promotions.

Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 20

Case Study - Essay Example The term Sony’s DNA also indicates the company’s unusual skill for product design and outstanding marketing tactics. This extraordinary flair for design and marketing is the key factor of its dominance in international markets. The major challenge that Sony confronted with achieving synergy was the issue related to its internal convergence. The corporation was unsure how it could achieve seamless cooperation between its subsidiary companies by selling the network vision. In addition, ‘there was little corporation between the content people in the United States and the technical wizards in Japan’. The production units like the Play Station had been enjoying exceed independence by working outside the company’s mainstream and by initiating alliance with other parties. It is uncertain if sonny can endure with this sort of ‘luxury’ in future namely in its innovative processes. Another major problem was the threat from low-cost imitators who already had pirated its content business. As compared to other competitors, Sony had to be highly concerned about factors associated with its copyright. As one of the notable challenges, Sony had been limited access to TV broadcast in USA. Th ey also lacked synergy between hardware and content side of business. Finally, Sony did not have substantial share in mobile industry. Reorganization might be the possible solution to meet these challenges in future. Sony has already identified this factor; and the organization has entered the world of digital convergence. Instead of traditional mode of management, it depends on outsourcing feasibility which allows broad and collaborative knowledge sharing and problem solving. Sony’s cooperation with Intel and Microsoft is an example for this conceptual change. Although this trend of convergence was unfamiliar to Sony, recently it has altered its tactics especially in case of product

Contract Law in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Contract Law in UK - Essay Example Once a certain matter has been decided by a higher court applying the rules and law laid down through the ordinance affecting that particular issue, then for lower courts it will become a precedent to be followed, save in some conditions when the facts of two cases can be distinguished by the lower court. There is two-fold relationship between the two. Once a law has been drafted and implemented in the form of ordinance then it is for the courts to decide cases in the light of the existing law. But sometimes when there are certain loop holes in the law or some kind of ambiguity is there then the court can adjudicate over that matter and it becomes a precedent decision to be followed by the lower courts and executive too. An ordinance once drafted and notified by the govt. becomes a law and if it concerns commercial law then it automatically becomes a source as from then on the business activities has to conducted according to the new or amended rules laid down by that particular ordi nance. Similarly, when a higher court for e.g. the supreme court gives a decision on a commercial dispute and in the process gives a new interpretation to the law applicable to it and gives a new meaning to it then from thereon it becomes a precedent for the lower courts and the executive to follow and can be considered as a source of commercial law for that matter. 2) The Central London Properties v. High Trees House case is based on the English Contract Law and is based on the doctrine of Promissory Estoppels. The brief facts of the case are Central London Property Trust (CLPT) owned a block of flats which it leased -- for 2250 pa -- to High Trees Ltd (HT), Due to the resultant war the occupancy was low and HT negotiated with CLPT to reduce the cost of the lease to 1250 pa for the period 1940-1945. It was done. But after the war was finished the demand increased again and there was hundred percent occupancy. CLPT sued HT for the full cost of the lease, as per the original agreement. However, the Court dismissed the petition on the rule of Promissory Estoppel, which means that one party to a Contract indicates in certain terms to the second party that he (the first party) will not insist on his full rights under the contract, and based upon that promise the second party does or abstains from doing a certain act. The Second Party after making a certain promise can not go back and claim its full rights. The Court applied the above principle in this case and said that the agreement to reduce the rent was a promise between both parties and subsequent to that HT has acted on that promise, now at this stage CLPT can not be allowed to claim all its rights according to the original agreement as HT has already acted on the promise given by CLPT and it will be subject to Promissory Estoppel. 3) In this case there was a contract between Claudine who operates an import /export company in Tsuen Wan and a transport services company KCR through its manager for a load of a client's furnishing supplies to be sent by train to Guang Zhou. Though nothing was mentioned on the written contract about when the journey will be made but according the principles of contract law where, by the contract, a promisor is to perform his promise without application by the promise, and no time for performance is specified, the engagement must be performed within a reasonable time. In

Thurgood Marshall Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Thurgood Marshall - Essay Example Moreover she is considered as a role model for Americans in general irrespective of the sex. Sandra Day O’ Conner is believed to be a great compromiser in her approaches and opinions expressed in court. In her opinion â€Å"Society as a whole benefits immeasurably from a climate in which all persons, regardless of race or gender, may have the opportunity to earn respect, responsibility, advancement and remuneration based on ability† (Sandra Day O’Connor). She was a great advocate of equality in human right issues while she was in her office at Supreme Court as a judge. Ability was the main criteria stressed by Sandra Day O’ Conner for discriminating people rather than the sex, race or culture. Sandra Day O’ Conner actually tried to give a new dimension to the American judicial system. In her opinion the court’s role is just to interpret the law, not to legislate it. (Sandra Day O’Connor) Legislation should be done by the government or the parliament and the role of a judge is to analyze the cases with respect to the existing laws rather than creating new laws. Sandra Day OConnor was successful in giving a new direction to the American constitutional laws with respect to affirmative action, voting rights, church†and†state issues, takings under the Fifth Amendment, states rights, abortion etc. (Answers.com) Since she was a female judge, her opinions about the abortion rights has been widely accepted in America. Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female Supreme Court judge in America who was successful in giving new dimensions to American judiciary. She was successful in segregating the role of the government and the rights of the individual in American social life. Since she was the first woman judge in Supreme Court her opinions and verdicts were watched eagerly by the American public. Apart from being a female judge, she has created a unique place for her in American

Business and Consumer Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business and Consumer Society - Essay Example When the consumer buys and consumes more, he has wealth and satisfied, than producing more of what he cannot fully utilized. It is advantageous to create more employment, give skills and knowledge to consumers to be independent. This will create more producers and universal employment. Building projects on consumer’s choices reduce the expected targets, therefore, investing on the production of skilled and knowledgeable consumers leads to more production and sustainability (Bauman 203). When there is adequate disposal of consumer choices, the consumer will have more variety of products. The same to the producers, when they have a variety of products targeting all range of consumers, the producers will have a wide range of consumers who utilize their produce. For example, when a food processing company produces a variety of food products, like margarine, peanut, cooking fat, and honey, it targets a wide range of consumers. The consumers who do not use honey may opt for peanut. It is difficult to plan for the consumer products that one has not yet acquired. When one plans, for what has not acquired, he may run short on the targeted budget. So it is advisable to create consumer products that target all the wide range of consumers’ needs. ... Though it is a good business, there was no immediate market for the produce. The firm ended up closing down because there was no market for the animal feeds. The firm ran at an enormous loss. Therefore, before putting up a business, take time to study the market and the favorable conditions for business. Demand for consumer products plays a leading role in the consumer products. Sufficient markets for the products reduce the wastage of consumer products. Demand for consumer products helps in the acquisition, the distribution and the use of these consumer goods. With sufficient demand of the consumer goods, there will be the adequate equitable of the consumer goods. This will make the producers produce be utilized by the consumers (Bauman 219). Creating demand for products enables the sustainability and specialization in the economy. The producers will have their market where they sell their products and consumers will get the products they need (Bauman 67). The producers should creat e market for the products they are producing for the already existing market they have created. This will enhance equitable in the products produced, and development in the resources produced. Resources is fully utilized when the demand for the finished products is available, reducing the wastage of finished goods and services. All the targeted consumers will receive the products of their choice. This leads to specialization enhancing development of other sectors in the economy. Therefore, it is advisable take time and knows ones demand and the markets. When the market has been known, selling and buying of consumer products will be easily and successful. This will enhance full

China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

China - Essay Example The stock markets were encouraged to grow and develop, and China embarked on a sustained effort to boost trade and investment activities with the outside world. Moreover, the private economic sector was given a boost and given substantial incentives and freedoms. This has come about gradually, with some hiccups and changes in direction, all aimed at bolstering Chinas global stature as an economic powerhouse and making sure that domestic industries are allowed to flourish. Moving forward from this state of affairs there are several challenges to the economy and to the social cohesiveness and stability of the country that the Chinese government needs to address. Those relate to the reduction of the high rate of savings or the deployment of those large savings, even as domestic consumption on the other end remains lackluster; the provision of jobs to a large section of the Chinese population; the reduction in the rate of crime and the rate of corruption inherent in the system; concerns relating to the environmental sustainability of its economic activities, in light of global warming, its increased fuel needs, and the need to source energy from cleaner alternative energy sources moving forward. This has implications for the overall sustainability of its economic drive, given the widespread damage to the environment at present, which cannot be totally abated because of the lack of cleaner, safer alternative energy supplies to coal and oil. Moreover, the demographic shift towards a greater number of older Chinese has tremendous repercussions for the future of the Chinese society and economy. Clearly the challenges include diversifying away from fossil fuel sources of energy, and sourcing more power from solar and other viable alternatives, including nuclear, though that presents its own problems too. Recent turmoils in the global economy likewise have rocked the Chinese economy to the extent that growth had stalled

Traditions of Islam Faith Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Traditions of Islam Faith - Essay Example In this way, a wider perspective can be achieved on what makes Islam a successful religion globally. Islam possesses a rich historical background. With this, one article presented various views on the origins of Islam: â€Å"secular perspective, according to Muslim community itself, and based from previous scripts† (â€Å"Origin of Islam - Quranic,† n.d.). In accordance with secular history, it disclosed that Islam started along the 7th century. It was created in Saudi Arabia by Muhammad in 610 A.D.--when he supposedly experienced a heavenly vision. On the other hand, the Muslims’ version asserts that Islam already existed prior to Muhammad’s angelic visitation and that even though this particular â€Å"prophet† dictates the Quran (their version of Holy Scripture); the said book was created first. Based on the scriptures, â€Å"Quran was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad.† Hence, the prophet more or less served as an instrument in the realization of Islam as a holy faith. On scriptural perspectives, several quot es from the Bible confirmed Islam’s origins. On the Catholic’s Holy Bible, it stated that God promised Sarah a child, but because of the delay, Sarah offered Hagar (servant) the chance to lay with her husband—an act in hope of the servant conceiving. Ishmael was later born. In later part of the story, Sarah gave birth to the â€Å"promise child†--Isaac. Isaac was the ascendant of Jesus Christ while Ishmael was Muhammad’s forefathers† (â€Å"Origin of Islam - Quranic,† n.d.). In this sense, there is a valid affirmation of the religion as based on man’s written scripts. Part of Islam’s creation, then, is attributed to Muhammad. He â€Å"lived from 570 to 632 CE† (Robinson, 2007). Islam was first established in Mecca, while Muhammad was â€Å"meditating alone inside a cave in the hills above Mecca† (â€Å"Origin of Islam,† n.d.). After that incident, it was set

Native American and European Contributions to the U.S. Development Research Paper

Native American and European Contributions to the U.S. Development - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that the United States is one of the most powerful and successful countries in the world, which is linked to their diverse societies and cultures. The country is â€Å"representing global power in terms of economic and military resources based on national grounds like no other unit†. Also, it is a place for diverse immigrants from all over the world, which have positive influences on the U.S. current economic and military status. The cultures and societies they have today are formed from different settlers or colonizers they have experienced, particularly from Asia, Middle East, and Europe. Based on a collective definition, culture is based on reflected values, norms, and practices that are executed by an individual in the society, which is mostly coming from previous generations or societies. Furthermore, there is no such thing as perfect or absolute culture anywhere in the world because diversity will always be present in terms of fragmented population, demographics, beliefs, understandings, socioeconomic status, and many more. However, diversity is positively perceived by many people around the world, and they are using this concept to improve their cultural and social status by familiarizing the concept; this event is commonly known as the inclusion. Cultural differences have significant influences to modern societies or social groups. Thus, there is no certain community or country that has a pure identity of culture in terms of behaviors, attitudes, values, etc., but the culture has made a country unique and separated. Diversity and inclusion have different meanings and different usages, but they needed each other to have a well-function and consistent system or society. Diversity means â€Å"difference† in many things/events while inclusion is the â€Å"capacity to include difference† or how to make diversity works. The concept of diversity is the accumulation of everything including events, personalities, hypothesis, experiences, lifestyles, race, gender, etc., which are gained from previous settlers or generations. More often, diversity is considered as a barrier that is strongly felt in national cultures and complex societies; however, it does not mean the concept does not exist in the domestic deal. The early people are moving from one country to another, and as they crossed geographical borders, cultures have been passed, but the process is more complicated. However, it is believed that diversity is vital for the uninterrupted existence of humanity because it â€Å"widens the range of options open to everyone; it is one of the roots of development, understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence†. On the other hand, the concept of inclusion is concerned with the usage of diversity to settle societal issues, transform differences as an important tool to humanity, and become beneficial to the general welfare. Inclusion’s role in diversity could be illustrated in terms of principles or actions that are in favor to the public, and it will help diverse people to understand and admire the differences within their community. The concept of diversity or inclusion in the U.S. context is found in the country’s diverse cultures and complex social groups, which are some of today’s most salient issues.

African American Musuem Essay Example for Free

African American Musuem Essay The African Museum in Philadelphia is notable as the first museum funded and built by a municipality to help preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. Opened during the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, the AAMP is located in historic Philadelphia, a few blocks away from the Liberty Bell. Charles H. Wesley was a noted African American historian, educator, and author. He was the fourth African American to receive a Ph. D. from Harvard University. An ordained minister, Wesley’s distinguished career included 40 years of leadership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1976, he served as Director of the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum in Philadelphia, now known as the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Programs The African American Museum that is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has some interesting education programs. These education programs focus on arts, culture, and heritage education. They place a major emphasis on the interests of the students, educators, artists, historians, scholars, and community organizations. These programs offer diversity with scheduling. The programs explore various African forms of cultural expressions. In these programs there are literary performances, hands on demonstrations, workshops, and storytelling performances as well. The African American Museum in Philadelphia feels its programs can be a vital link between the permanent and visiting collections for the many communities they serve. Exhibitions The exhibitions in the African American Museum in Philadelphia can some to be pleasing to the eye and stimulating to the mind. According to the African American Museum of Philadelphia these exhibitions invoke a deep collection of emotion ranging from pride and passion to excitement and enthusiasm. When visitors enter the museum they will come to Gallery 1, which includes a interactive timeline, images draw from historical record, that spans 100 years of history. In Gallery 2 there are full size video projections in which visitors can in engage in them. Once they are activated, a monologue about life in Philadelphia will begin. Some other aspects of the exhibit include an experience where you can walk the streets of Philadelphia through a large scale map, which is located between galleries 1 and 2 .

Marks and Spencer 2009-2010 Financial Analysis

Marks and Spencer 2009-2010 Financial Analysis This report aims to perform a financial analysis of Marks and Spencers, between 2009 and 2010. Generally, a companys financial statements reflect a certain period of changes in financial position and operating results. Thus, by analyzing the companys financial statements will be able to operate throughout of a basic understanding with its strength, financial adaptability and performance of company. As the annual report is provided information and content to all ranges of users, which includes the companys existing shareholders, potential investors, creditors, government and the nature of other users. Therefore different users of accounts may concentrate in only a few important parts of accounting data and business information. Ratios To compare the revenues across two years, MS has gained 9062.1m in 2009 and then growing to 9536.6m in 2010. It is also likely to continue to trend upward due to their long-term strategy and improved market share. MS managed their costs cautiously, paid attention and responded to their customers changing needs. Profitability Ratios Gross profit % 3618.5/9536.6 3371.9/9062.1 =37.94% =37.21% The figures show on the gross margin has increased from 37.21% to 37.94%, this increase may have arisen from the production costs or from a sales with a good sales value. Thus, MS is able to control its production costs and achieve and optimum sales price and sales quantity. It can be an indication of marketing effectiveness. Pre-tax profit % 702.7/9536.6 706.2/9062.1 =7.37% =7.79% The net profit margin is 7.793% in 2009 and decreased to 7.368 % in 2010. This shows the amount of the net profit from each  £1 turnover a business has earned. After-tax profit % 523/9536.6 506.8/9062.1 =5.48% =5.59% Performance Ratios After tax profit as a 523/2168.6 506.8/2081.7 shareholders funds =24.12% =24.35% Return on Investment 523/7153.2 506.8/7258.1 =7.31% 6.98% The ratio indicates that from 6.98% in 2009 which has increase to 7.31% in 2010. This is a very important ratio for all users of financial statements. Along with the rate of the degree is more efficiency on production, higher profitability MS will get. Earning per share 33.5p 32.3p This ratio used as indicator of financial performance. Compare to 2010 since 2009, there has been 1.2p increased from 32.3p to 33.5p. Dividends per share 15p 22.5p Return on capital 523/ (7153.2-1890.5) 506.8/ (7258.1-2306.9) Employed =9.94% =10.24% This ratio indicates the amount of capital invest in the company in the long term and with the return achieved on that capital. Based on the figures above, the percentage in 2010 has been decreased compare to year 2009. Overall business activities and corporate profitability, the stronger the higher the profitability; return on assets reflects shareholders and creditors  profitability of investment funds; return on equity reflects the profitability of the shareholders to invest.   Liquidity Ratios Current ratio 1520.2:1890.5 1389.8:2306.9 =0.804:1 =0.602:1 According to the rule says that the current ratio must be at least 2 which mean the current asset needs to be double to meet the current liabilities. the quick ratio is a relatively safe, low efficiency of the suspected high, too low, there may be poor management.In 2009 Marks and Spencers only had 0.602 worth of current assets for every pound of liabilities. Even though it has been increased to 0.804 in 2010, they were still unable to support its short term debt from its current assets. The company has considerably less cash in 2010 than in 2008. Quick ratio (1520.2-613.2):1890.5 (1389.8-536):2306.9 =0.48:1 =0.37:1 This ratio provides severe test of liquidity by omitting stocks. The ratio has increased from 0.37 to 0.48. Gearing 2278/2185.9 x 100% 2117.9/2100.6 x 100% =104.2 =100.8 The ratio concerns on long term capital structure. It indicates the relationship between debt and shareholder funds. If borrowings is bigger than equity, there will be a highly gear and this can raise more money as the higher the level of gearing, the greater the risk. Debt ratio 4967.3/7153.2 5157.5/7258.1 =0.694 =0.711 The ratio indicates debt is covered by shareholders funds. The debt to equity ratio shows for every  £1 of shareholders funds in 2009 there was  £0.711 of debt. This compares to  £0.694 in 2010, it has decreased. Short-term liquidity refers to the ability of companies to repay short-term debt.  Short-term solvency deficiency, not only will affect the credit, increasing the future cost and difficulty of raising funds, but also enables companies in financial crisis, or even bankruptcy.   The impact of internal factors Profitability  is  the core  concern  in all aspects, as well as  the key to success. Hence, only profitable companies can survive and achieve long-term sustainable business.  This is the reason whether investors or  creditors are both reflected very seriously in  the rate of  profitability of the business.  Views at 3 April, 2010, group revenues were increased 5.2% to 9.5bn, this is benefited from the growth of market share in the clothing and food market conditions improve. Based on UK sales of 2.9% and international sales of 5.7% increase, from the Singer Capital Markets analyst, Matthew McEachran, said MS non-food business has a good performance to some extent offset by a large-scale impact of profit sharing, making the companys annual earnings expectations basically reached the outside world.   Firstly, as a result of improving consumer confidence has seen the clothing market return to growth. Womenswear value market share grown to 10.7%, due to MS seems expanded their focus group of all ages and lifestyles. Chairman of MS, Stuart Rose said: In the past year, we achieved all the core areas of performance improvement, reflecting MS has a good brand influence. In bringing the company out of  economic crisis, we focus on the factors that consumers care about, namely, quality and value. At the same time, the economic outlook as consumers is still worried about a certain degree, so we are also cautious about the operation of current fiscal year. Therefore by way of retain their position as market leaders, it needs to deliver clothing for Every Women, Every Time. Which means every customer can have the product they want, in the right size, color and style every time when they shop in MS. Furthermore, lingerie has grown volume market share to 18.9% and value market share to 25.9%. This significant indicate that one out of four women buying MS underwear. This gain benefits continued emphasis on innovation and provides lingerie solutions women want. Similarly for menswear and kidswear, in order to become fashionability, MS has more focused on improving the style and designs, putting effort on deliver the best quality. Secondly, food sales of MS is another main revenue income, there was increased 1.8% to 4.3bn in 2010. One of the reasons is deflation with falling food prices and customers were buying more. According to MS annual report shows share of the apparel market in the UK rose 0.3% to reach 11.2%.  At the same time, with the level of consumer spending recovery, all branches of MSs sales are to achieve growth.   Since the summer of 2007 MS achieved comparable sales growth for the first time. However, despite the implementation of price-cutting strategy, MSs market share from 3.9% to 3.8%.   Shop Your Way is another reason of changes in profitability. It is a new ordering service, allowing customers either shop in stores, place orders online or over the phone. This makes an advantage that increasing the efficiency, delivered a strong performance, hence, sales grown by 27% to 413.3m. During 2009/10 international sales were up 5.7%, accounting for 10.2% of total revenues. Although it is hard trading in the Republic of Ireland and Greece, MS  insists international growth plans. India and China  considered as two key regions  overseas expansion.  As India  are convinced that  with  the tremendous  economic  development,  in the next  5-10  years,  there will be a large number of  middle class appear  in the community,  and they  will become  MSs  potential customers. The reason  placed such  high expectations  on overseas markets,  due to the  financial crisis  of this  hundred years old  business  in the local  enormous challenges encountered.  Because of  customers  are choosing  cheaper cost goods supermarket such as TESCO  and o ther  procurement,  caused MS  this past  Christmas  sales  worst  since 1998,  the year,  MS was forced to close  up more than 25  franchised  food  supermarkets and  lay off  thousands. Viewing the clothing market trends in China, MS seem to underestimate the Shanghai consumers fashion needs. According to the survey of Financial Times, consumers were disappointed with MS selling the old fashion of T shirt. Similarly as Daily Mail survey, most of the female consumers thought the only items MS worth buying is lingerie. And other clothes are too old and boring, prices also expensive with little choice. From the above reflects the consumers point of view, MS clothing market in China is still in a position of British middle-aged level, they did not know the elderly in China has been spending very little on clothes, even though they chose are the cheaper ones. Therefore in order to b uild a platform of long term growth, MS is continuing international expansion. Ensure creating sustainable business in these countries; represent a great opportunity for MS. However, on the premise of that, plan for regional variations and accurately stock with right colors and sizes are important. At present  there are more than  30 countries  around the world  with approximately  760  branches  of MS,  became  the most representative of  the UK  chain stores  and clothing  retailers.  In the global  environment from being damaged  under the impact, MS in  November 2007  implement a 5 years eco-plan called PLAN A to  cope with climate change  and other environmental  conservation issues  and the implementation of  waste reduction,  conservation of natural resources,  fair trade, etc.  to create  the correct  concept of environmental protection  of the  health  state.  In 2010  the scheme  had already reached  five main  objectives which are become carbon neutral, send no waste to landfill, extend sustainable sourcing, help improv e the lives of people in supply chain and help customers and employees  live a healthier life-style. This five main goals represent five key areas (climate change, waste, sustainable raw materials, fair partner and health and safety), and they divided for environmental protection and ecological 100 commitments.   From the promotion of PLAN A of the past twelve months, MS has been achieved: reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 55,000 tons within the shops and offices , supporting small-scale farmers feel investing in renewable energy production, the creation of three eco-store testing, purchase 140 air-powered environmental goods, the carbon footprint of the implementation of food programs to reduce waste activities, MS has begun to allow customers to reduce the use of shopping bags and to promote recycling and reuse of old clothes. In addition, MS is also working to reduce product packaging, not only to increase the use of recycled materials, and improve the recycling rate of building materials. In the development of sustainable resources, introduction of more fair trade higher goods, such as organic cotton, organic linen and recycled polyester material. Furthermore, increase 48% in sales of organic food. In a fair partner part of the promotion of fair trade certified products. PLAN A was succe ssfully established with suppliers trading patterns, and increased by 20% fair trade food sales. In terms of health, MS remove those 99% with artificial colors and spice rack food from sale and reduce the sodium content of food. PLAN A advocated by the environmental program has become internationally recognized as the practice of business ethics, but also by the Financial Times reported in March 2007 recognize as the best understanding of consumer needs, and focus on the popular social and environmental enterprises. According to the choice of partners, to promote social responsibility, health view on behalf of the establishment, removal of unhealthy products, able to recognition MS to improve the environment, green determination and enthusiasm. As a result, PLAN A gained 50m additional profit for MS. Ensure MS become succeeds, governance also affect the profitability. Focus on how to get things right across the business during 2009/10, a trusted brand, strong leadership, clear plan, motivated employees and delighted customers as well as right checks and balances. The impact of external factors One of the impacts of external factors on the profitability of MS will be their competitors. 40% compared to a decline in profits last year has been a great improvement though, but as the UKs largest clothing retailer, MS is far behind Next, John Lewis and Debenhams.   Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  MS in the economic crisis hit, especially deep, as it has been the face of competition from discount chain Primark clothing market share and strive to maintain.  It also recognizes too late to adjust their own high-end food business.     Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The company as it started in full force, in terms of the introduction of cheap Wise Buys food products, such as the introduction of a new clothing line Indigo.   in order to reduce size of the deficit, the British newly formed coalition government plans to value-added tax rate from the current 17.5% to 20%, which will have a significant impact on MS.  Ross said the analyst meeting, MS almost certainly raise prices by the way the VAT increase onto consumers.  Ross also pointed out that since the budget announcement from Ireland, the countrys trade situation to achieve a steady improvement.  

Development of Play in a Museum

Development of Play in a Museum Introduction The concept of play has been regarded as a critical part of early cognitive development of a child, and there are countless studies showing the process by which play fosters learning both in formal and informal educational settings [1]. Museums are often seen as an informal learning environment, where visitors gain knowledge through engaging with the artefacts presented to them [2]. The museum has under-explored potential to be an educational playground [3] [4] that enhance and support the engagement of visitors with the museum exhibits. The research identifies with the museum as a place to learn, that is a playground, where the visitor is presented with options that support open-ended exploration and learning through play. The aim of the work is to research and define playful practices that enhance the effective design and development of playful environments within the context of the evolving museum and with the support of embedded or invisible technologies; moving the visitor from a traditional role of consuming content in a curated space to an active participant. The interest is in encouraging playful practices and cultivating engagement with the museum and its artefacts. Existing technological frameworks, and emerging technologies, including tactile, location, sensor-based, and networked technologies, such as those technologies underpinning the Internet of Things’ will be brought to bear on the visitors’ experience. The research uses creative design methods to hypothesize about and evaluate visitor engagement while simultaneously exploring the opportunities and boundaries of existing technological frameworks in novel interaction scenarios and defining design frameworks for future development. Work to Date The research has adopted a grounded approach and iterative design methods. It has been situated at Cork City Gaol Museum (CCGM), a heritage centre in Cork City that has been a test base for observations and small scale interventions thus far. The research has progressed from a literature review; which gathered research from several fields including interaction design, embodied interaction design, museum studies and play research. This led to the development of initial design guidelines. These guidelines were a reference point for initial brainstorming solutions, early prototypes and focus groups. Observations were carried out in the museum space to identify typical visitor patterns and behaviour. Insights from these observations were used to identify potential visitor patterns and develop a series of prototypes, built using off-the-shelf technologies, such as Arduino and open-source coding platforms including, the Arduino IDE and Processing. These prototypes were tested in a controlled environment initially and then also presented as interventions in the museum space. Feedback from initial testing and observations was used to refine the prototypes, the design guidelines and the proposed scenarios. A comprehensive research review document is available for further reading. Future Objectives Research Questions The research is concerned with the experience of the individuals engaging with the museum and its exhibits. It aims to use available embedded, emerging technologies, to probe the visitor experience and to creatively apply these technologies to design an engaging, social experience. To this end the research project asks the following question: How can the digital enhancement of a conventional museum space foster playfulness, co-creation between visitors and open-ended exploration and learning? To further explore this question, the research aims to investigate the following questions: How can playful practices enhance emerging exhibition design and digital enhancement of the exhibition space? What are the principle characteristics of playful practices? How can an embedded technology framework support the implementation of playful practices and what opportunities and limitations do these technologies have in supporting social interaction in complex public environments such as the museum? What design implications do the identified opportunities and limitations have for future design and development? Research Objectives The primary objective is to examine the adoption of playful practices in museum exhibit design and to investigate how ubiquitous embedded technologies, either bespoke or off-the-shelf solutions can enhance or limit playful practices, and social and collaborative experiences. The research will delineate a framework for the application of invisible embedded technologies which underlines the Internet of Things, and playful practices which augment the social and collaboratve museum experience. The research is influenced by the ideas of Hiroshi [4] and his investigations at the MIT Media lab in moving the interface â€Å"off-the-screen† and the intersection of the fields of science, art and experience design. (The explorations of Chris Speed [5] in network technology and the Internet of Things, the intersection of Art and Science and social experience are of particular interest also.) The research aims to: Identify how best to integrate playful practices within a museum that supports the existing objectives/goals of the environments while engaging visitors in a creative and collaborative way. Develop a comprehensive lexicon of terms to describe playful practices. Develop a framework for implementing technological interventions in the museum that enhance the visitor experience through encouraging sociability, collaboration and other playful practices. Evaluate existing technological frameworks in terms of supporting playful practices and social interaction within the museum. Implement a series of technological interventions across several distinct public spaces. Develop comprehensive guidelines for implementing playful practices and designing playful environments within the context of a museum Demonstrate the opportunities and limitations of existing technological frameworks, and off-the-shelf tactile, location, or sensor-based technologies when applied to open public environments such as the museum space and develop a design framework for future development. Methodological Approach To answer the research questions, this study will combine a mix of methods [7], theoretical investigation with design practice, including but not limited to design thinking and iterative design methods. The research will examine the characteristics and connections between the following elements; the visitor, the museum space, playful practices and digital technologies and frameworks. Existing methods of visitor engagement will be reviewed and existing digital frameworks will be analysed. A new framework for implementing playful practices and digital enhancements will be created that emphasises social engagement and collaboration between visitors. This model will then serve as a theoretical framework for further investigation. In-gallery observations of visitors will be used as a key method to gather comparable data before and after any design interventions. Cork City Gaol Museum has been chosen as a test environment, it is envisioned that two other open and public text environments w ill be identified and investigated also. References [1] Ginsburg, K. The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds The American Academy of Paediatrics, 2007 [2] Falk, J. The director’s cut: Toward an improved understanding of learning from museums. Science Education v88 nS1 pS83-96, 2004 [3]Frà ³es, I., Walker, K (2012)The Art of Play: Exploring the Roles of Technology and Social Play in Museums, Museums at Play, MIT Press, p486-498 [4]Semper, R. J. (1990). Science museums as environments for learning. Physics Today, 43(11), 50-56. [5] [6]http://www.chrisspeed.net/, http://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/chris-speed (Creswell Plano Clark 2011, pp.71-72)

Comparison of Four Poems about Loss Essay -- English Literature

Comparison of Four Poems about Loss I am comparing â€Å"On my first Sonne† by Ben Jonson (a pre-1914 piece of poetry, written in 1616), â€Å"My Last Duchess† by Robert Browning (a pre-1914 piece of poetry, written in 1845), â€Å"Mid-Term Break† by Seamus Heaney (a piece of poetry from the Heaney bank) and â€Å"Cold Knap Lake† by Gillian Clarke (a piece of poetry from the Clarke bank). The poem, â€Å"On my first Sonne† is about the loss of a close family member, Ben Jonson’s first son, who died at the age of seven. The poem is about the poet coming to terms with the truth, that his first son had died and he would never see him again. In the poem, the poet goes through different stages of grief and he is very emotional about his loss. The poem opens on an emotional note, â€Å"Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy; My sinne was too much hope of thee, lov’d boy.† Even though, in the 1600’s, the death of a child was very common, the poet expresses deep sorrow for his loss. He talks about how he committed a sin: of loving his son too much when his son was lent to him, and he paid the price (his son died). â€Å"Seven yeeres tho’wert lent to me, and I thee pay, Exacted by thy fate, on the just day.† â€Å"My Last Duchess† also deals with the loss of a close family member, the Duke’s wife. The Duke shows his visitor a portrait of his late wife, which is kept behind a curtain. The Duke tells the story of The Duchess who â€Å"had A heart – how shall I say? – too soon made glad, Too easily impressed.† The Duke explains how â€Å"she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift.† He felt that he could not speak to her about it and the situation became worse. In the end, he says â€Å"I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped tog... ...w what Browning’s attitudes or feelings toward the Duke, the Duchess, or their situation actually were. Heaney, in â€Å"Mid-Term Break,† describes the scene in his household and it becomes obvious that the whole family is devastated by his brother’s death. The reader understands the emotions of each family member through the poet’s young eyes. At the end of the poem, when Heaney is alone with his brother’s body, we sense the poet’s acceptance of his brother’s death. Clarke, in â€Å"Cold Knap Lake,† paints a vivid picture of the dramatic rescue of the child from the lake. Through the poet’s words, we can feel the shock of the crowd, the pride in her mother and the relief when the child breathes again. We also sense Clarke’s astonishment when the child is â€Å"thrashed.† Finally, at the end of the poem, Clarke expresses uncertainty about the reliability of memory.

The Ethics for Internal Auditors in Communicating Inappropriate Financi

Ethical dilemmas occur every day in the accounting industry. We have witnessed scandals such as Adelphia, Enron, and WorldCom. They demonstrate the extent of unethical practices. The introduction of Sarbanes Oxley Act and stricter accounting standards have definitely helped mitigate unethical acts. Unfortunately, the incorporation of these systems is not sufficient to accomplish ethical business practices. Businesses use internal auditors to help protect their financial reputation. An internal auditor’s role is to assure the organization’s operations are conducted systematically, properly controlled, and with discipline (The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation 3). The Internal Auditor position was created, as a result of a rapidly growing American economy, in the mid twenty century. The developing American economy, also known as the golden years, included inappropriate business practice. These practices included, but not limited to, stock manipulations and false business statements. Maintaining an ethical position will avoid the breakdown of organizational progress and the opportunity to correct inappropriate accounting procedures. As the need for proper accounting increased, the demand for internal auditors took place. An internal auditor will review and assure the quality of cash disbursements, cash receipts, corporate governance, ethics, financial reporting controls, fixed assets, project management, sales, and stock controls within an organization (J.L. Vergaert). It is important for the auditors to abide by and ensure the company follows the accounting policies and standards via proper communication and suggestion for correction of any in adequate process found while performing their functions. In addition t... ...hip Styles and the Moral Choice of Internal auditors. Volume 15, No 1, 2010 Jean-Louis Vergaert, Sarbanes-Oxley and Internal Audit. 2002 Jubb, P. B. International Journal of Auditing. â€Å"Auditors as Whistleblowers† Volume 4: 153-167| DOI: 10.1111/1099-1123.00310. Date: 2000. Print "Reporting and Relationships Case Study: Internal A". Anti Essays. 30 May. 2012 Rittenberg, Larry; Wayne Moore,; Mark Covaleski. "The Outsourcing Phenomenon." Institute of Internal Auditors, Inc. High Beam, 1999. Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS 112) The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation. â€Å"Internal Audit Reporting Relationships: Serving Two Masters†. ISBN: 978-0-89413-669-6 Publisher: The IIA Research Foundation. Publish Date: 2003. Print

Animal Farm.The role of Stalinism

The book that I decided to do was Animal Farm. I have read this book once before and it really shows the role of Stalinism. Napoleon, the head pig and the ruler of the farm is most similar to the Russian leader during the Russian Revolution, Joseph Stalin. Napoleon is similar to Stalin in the way that they share most character traits such as intelligence and leadership. Although it seemed in the book that Napoleon never displayed in interest in the strength of Animal Farm itself, instead he was worried more about the power he was able to hold over the farm.Stalin did not start off with power from the start. Joseph Stalin was first appointed to serve on the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party. The Bolsheviks were able to seize power over Russia in 1917 and the Soviet Union came about shortly after. Through the next years Stalin was able to make his way up the party rank. He was promoted to General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1922 by the parties’ first leader, Vladi mir Lenin. Having this role allowed him to appoint people that were loyal to him and help him collect information on other members of the party.Once Lenin died in 1924, Stalin outmaneuvered his rivals with his intelligence and soon become the dictator of the Communist Party. The book Animal Farm was published during the same time that Stalin was starting to take over Russia. The farm is taken over by the overworked and mistreated animals. Once they are able to run off the farm owner the main pig, Napoleon is able to use his smarts and leadership to get the other animals to follow his command. Napoleon is best portrayed as Stalin in this book as they both were able to rise up from the bottom by using their cleverness to overcome any of the obstacles in their way.They both were great leaders and were able to get a lot of followers that had the same beliefs that they did. The author has more than one way that he uses to describe totalitarian power throughout Animal Farm. He first start s off by using Mr. Jones as an example by stating that he runs Manor Farm based on the idea that human power over the animals is the natural order of things. Once the animals heard Old Major give his speech on the chance to have a better life without any humans, the animals decide to rebel and overthrow Mr.Jones. As this revolution happens, Napoleon and the other pigs start to run the newly named, Animal Farm with the declaration that they are all fighting for animals against evil humans. The way that I understand the way totalitarian government is used is that one leader is able to do certain things that are able to persuade people to follow in their beliefs. They are able to use such things as power and smarts to get a person to do such things and anyone that does not will usually have those people killed.Also those who hold power in totalitarian regimes only care about one thing while they rule and that is maintaining power by any means possible. I feel that Orwell was able to de scribe totalitarian in several ways by using the humans as an example then using the animals. Adolf Hitler and Stalin are the two most known totalitarian leaders in Europe. Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and is to blame for World War II and causing the holocaust which led to the suffering of many nations. The two leaders were both very cruel and strict.The circumstances in which the two leaders were able to take power were very similar because they were able to take advantage of the situation they were in and rise to the top. The method in which they used were a little bit different, as Stalin built his way up the ladder slowly and had to remove anybody that seemed to be a threat whereas Hitler’s road to power was shorter to where he was able to become the only leader in just 19 months. Overall the roads to power for the two were different.Hitler took power by means of election where Stalin had to make his way by outmaneuvering many people. In the book the animal tha t becomes the main leader is the pig, Napoleon. I feel that even though he is modeled as Stalin his rise to power is mostly similar to that of Hitler’s. He is the smartest animal on the farm. By being the smartest he was able to use that ability to get the other animals on his side and believe whatever he said which ultimately led to the animals just accepting him as leader. What I have learned about the totalitarian style of government is that once he leader is able to get to the top he ultimately only cares about one thing and that is staying leader. Such as Stalin was able to outmaneuver people to get to the top and he made sure he appointed people that would be loyal to him from the start so they would not get in his way in the future. Bibliography â€Å"Joseph Stalin. †Ã‚  History. com. A&E  Television  Networks, n. d. Web. 10 Dec. 2012. â€Å"Animal Farm: Themes. † LitCharts. com. N. p. , n. d. Web. 8 Dec. 2012 Orwell, George. Animal Farm;. New York: H arcourt, Brace, 1954. Print

Essay: Case Study

G became advised what the counterpart has planned for the agenda and he was surprised and concerned close he detailed and long business meals and ethnic trips without any information or expenditures, discerning that the companies budget is limited. Asking for more information, the topical anesthetic organizer of the counterpart ignored Mr Gs requests, charge the solicitation to speak with the boss, was rejected cod to busyness and non-existent importance. At the end of the multitude Mr G was surprised in the unequivocal way, that the crowd finally was a contend success.Why were the communication and the procedure of organizing the conference amidst the 2 parties so efferent? harmonize to the theory of Edward T. Hall Is this, a Graeco-Roman illustration of monochrome and polychrome cultures. In polychrome cultures alike(p) in the example of the venue, time Is flexible. It Is occupyed to do versatile things at once, agendas and business meals were extended at the ple asant way or laid, and cultural stock-stillts will be organized without consultation. in any case communication, via emails like in the example of MrG, is non always enjoyable with people from this culture. Because of the disparate meaning of time. Time is wasted and non packn seriously because it rear end be changed in seconds they have a aeonian state of flux. Scheduled events or plans can be discarded or changed immediately. They interact with some(prenominal) customers at once, and argon heterogeneous with each former(a). Arranging dates therefore is real difficult. In the view of Mr G, who is obviously a monochromatic type, is this situation awkward. He likes doing things integrity by unitary and in an faultless way.Plans or events are scheduled surmount to the last detail without Interruptions and In a linear way of time. It is important take ointments seriously without breaking deadlines. Monochromatic types are short- term oriented and therefore blank time Is only accepted after the Job Is done and projects are quick and satisfactory. Another culture difference, which occurs In this example, is the mark of power maintain from the theorist egger Hefted. And expect that power will be allocated unequally. According to Hefted there are two differences, low power distance and voluminous power distance.In large power distance cultures as in the case, employees are awaiting for instructions by their boss. They need to be told what to do, in the way it has to be done and they likewise accept the high differences in the hunt down of salaries and administrator positions. Mr G requested several times for more informations but Ms. K the local organizer ignored his objection, even a request for a colloquy with the boss of the local organizer was denied due to busyness of the boss. Which means the boss has other important things to do and no one is allowed to interrupt him or to question his decisions.Here the subordinates accept the high p ower status, and when the boss gives the overlook way like in the case, organizing the event, incomplete Ms. K nor Mr G has to doubt about the planning progression of the international conference. In lower power distance culture, subordinates like Mr G and others superiors consider to be case-hardened equally. Flat hierarchies are expected, without having differences in executive positions. Thats why Mr G felt instead unsatisfactory to be treated unfairly. He only wanted to be nearly informed about the progression for the conference and be aware of new sight for his planned project.

Organizational Forms Essay

There argon some(prenominal) types of organizational mixtures that a melodic line open fire strike from. Each form presents pros and cons that whitethorn or may non be suitable for a feature take. This report entrust review characteristics such as indebtedness, in become taskes, longevity or persistency, envision, hit retention, location, convenience and kernel for each melodic phrase form and how they distinguishableiate from the divergent types of organization forms.Sole proprietaryA doctor proprietorship is the most common business form. A business is a sole proprietorship if it is not incorporated, meaning that a separate good entity is not created for it. An proceeds of forming a sole proprietorship is that it is the easiest and to the lowest degree expensive business form. a. indebtedness A sole proprietorship does not excuse the possessor from individualized liability. If the business fails, the proprietor is responsible to the creditors and may lose p ersonal assets. b.Income Taxes The fakes and losings of the business go with the owners personal evaluate re farm. This muckle positively or negatively affect the owner depending on what the profit and losses of the business be and what separate sources of income the owner may learn. c.Longevity or continuity If the owner dies the gild stick outnot continue on.If the owner decides to leave the companionship, then the comp both will to a fault cease to exist. d.Control In a sole proprietorship the owner has full control of the business. e.Profit retention The owner receives e re every last(predicate)y last(predicate) shekels in a sole proprietorship. f.Location When a business is a sole proprietorship the owner cigargontte rifle the business to tout ensemble location. The only fee may be if changing distinguishs or county and the business is operate under a trade name, then the owner will perplex to pay the relatively minuscule fee to operate as a DBA (Doing pr oblem As). g.Convenience or burden There atomic number 18 not every extra burdens when operating as a sole proprietorship. The owner does not have to meet each peculiar(prenominal) reporting or regulatory requirements. There argon not any special tax requirements or restrictions. The business profit and losses are excited with the owners even tax return.General companionshipA frequent collaborationistship is between two or much owners of a business that is not incorporated. a.Liability Each cooperator is held personally reasonable for the debts of the business regard slight of fault. b.Income Taxes Taxes are reported on each checkmates personal income tax return, so any profits made by the lodge are treated separately from the individuals income, moreover included. c.Longevity or continuity of the organization A general alliance lacks continuity. If a partner leaves and his or her shares discountnot be bought by the be partner, then the business essential(prenomin al) close. If a partner dies, their heir can be paid for the foster of their share of partnership, but cannot continue with business.d.Control In a partnership control is have-to doe with between all the partners. This can be difficult when a corporation has many partners or partners that dont sack out each other. If a change is made without consulting with the other partners that can cause friction between the partners, so it may be best to include all partners in all decisions. e.Profit holding Profit is distributed every bit between all partners and so is any loss. f.Location A general partnership is fairly easy to frame-up and move. There are not any special forms that need to be filed with the state or county to form a general partnership. There only has to be at least two people to make up the partnership. g.Convenience or burden Since in that location are not any special files that need to be done for a general partnership, it is very convenient. restrict PartnershipA peculiar(a) partnership is partnership that does not hold the partners personally liable for the business debts. a.Liability express mail partners are not held personally liable for the business debts. b.Income Taxes All profits and losses are passed by dint of each partners individual income tax return. The participation does not pay taxes. c.Longevity or perseveration particular(a) partners can freely enter and leave the political party. The participation can continue if a circumscribed partner leaves. d.Control In a limited partnership there are limited partners and general partners.The general partners deliver the goods the partnership. e.Profit Retention Profits are distributed to the partners based on their contribution and pass through and through to the partners, who in turn report the profits on their individual tax return and pay taxes at their individual rate. f.Location When a LLP is formed or if it moves, then it mustiness succeed with state filing requiremen ts. A LLP must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the distinguish state agency. g.Convenience or burden A LLP can be convenient because it attract capital easily, it offers limited liability to partners, easy transferability of partnership, and pass-through taxation.C-corporationA C- corporation or a privately held corporation is a alliance whose origination is not publicly traded. a.Liability A business owner is not personally liable for the friendship debts and is protected from lawsuits and judgments against the business. b.Income Taxes C-corporations are double taxed. The IRS taxes the company profits and tax any dividends paid to shareholders. c.Longevity or Continuity Even if the owner leaves or dies, the C-corporation being a separate entity can continue to go on. d.Control perplexity is shared between the shareholders.e.Profit Retention Profits are usually kept within the company and not distributed to shareholders. f.Location A C-corporation must follow sta te filing requirements in each state that it wishes to setup in. This can be very dearly-won. g.Convenience or burden An advantage of a C-Corporation is that it provides the best protection for the owner against the company debts. A disadvantage is that it can be costly to establish.S-corporationS-corporations are a separate entity from the owner. It offers the owner limited liability, but the tax structure hit of a partnership. a.Liability The owner an S-corporation is not held personally liable for any debts or judgments incurred by the company. b.Income Taxes In an S-corporation, the profits and losses of the company are passed through to the owners and shareholders and reported on their personal income tax returns and taxed at their individual rates. The company itself is not taxed.c.Longevity or continuity Like a C-corporation an S-corporation can continue on, if the owner leaves or dies. d.Control A board of directors manages the company through officers. e.Profit Retention broadly in an S-corporation the profits are passed on to the shareholders. f.Location An S-corporation must follow state filing requirements in any state that it wishes to setup in. g.Convenience or burden An S-corporation can be convenient, because it provides the owner and shareholders protection from company debt and they barely on paying taxes on profit, but it can be costly in setting up. Limited Liability CompanyA Limited Liability Company is similar to an S-corporation in that it offers the limited liability of a corporation, but the tax structure benefit of a partnership. a.Liability owners and shareholders are protected from personal liability for the business debts and judgments. b.Income Taxes Profits and losses are passed through to the shareholders and filed on their individual income tax returns. c.Longevity and continuity An LLC can continue if a member leaves, but the LLC must pay the member the tax of their interest. d.Control An LLC is managed by its members.e. Profit Retention Profits are passed on to the members. f.Location A LLC must follow state filing requirements for any state it wishes to setup in. g.Convenience or burden LLC offer a very flexible structure. It also has no limitations on the number and kind of owners. It can be very expensive to form and because it is so new, it can be more complex.BibliographyBookBeatty, J. & Samuelson, S. (2007). Business Law and the ratified Environment Standard Edition, 4e. Mason, OH Rob Dewey Web localisePerez, W. (2009). Protect Your Business Profits by Incorporating. About.com. Retrieved present 20, 2009, from http//taxes.about.com/od/taxplanning/a/incorporating.htm Corey Pierce, J. (2002-2004). Business Startup Where to aim & How to Grow. Businessfinance.com. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from http//www.businessfinance.com/books/StartABusiness/StartABusinessWorkbookTOC.htmPART Binteroffice memorandarandumtoOwnersubject Business organizationdate8/10/2013There are many different types of busin ess forms. After reviewing them all, I have come to the conclusion that an S corporation will be the most beneficial to you company. An S-corporation is a separate legal entity and protects the owner and shareholders from personal liability and offers benefits with its tax structure. This memo will address issues that are important to you and the advantages provided to you by forming an S-corporation. You expressed concern regarding your personal liability and whether or not if the company was to be sued- you did not require to possibly lose all of your personal assets. With an S-corporation you are protected from losing your personal assets if a company is sued for scorn by an employee or subcontractor.If the company were to default on debts, your personal assets are protected from creditors. Funding will also be fairly easy to harbour with an S-corporation. With an S-corporation, you will be able to sell rakehell in the company to increase capital assets to stand by with you expanding. You will be able to sell as much or as little of your companies livestock as you wish, once a stock value is determined. An advantage to selling you companys stock beside the increase in capital is that you are also able to retain control of the company when yield stock.The profit that your company earns will be distributed to the shareholders, but with an S-corporation, shareholders are only allocated the profit and losses equal to the amount of their investment. The profits and losses are passed through to each shareholder and filed on their individual income tax returns. The company itself is not taxed. Also, with an S-corporation, if you were to pass away, the company would have continuity. The company would not have to dissolve and you. The stock that you own in the company can be transferred to an heir or transferred by the sale of all or a portion of the stock. Based on these findings, I recommend you to form an S-corporation for your company.