Wednesday, August 26, 2020

My Last Duchess And Musee Des Beaux Arts Essay Example For Students

My Last Duchess And Musee Des Beaux Arts Essay The Poems My Last Duchess by Robert Browning and Musee des BeauxArts by W.H. Auden depicts how individuals dont care about one another andthat world is unfeeling. In My Last Duchess the person is talking the messengerfrom the duchess about how he slaughtered his significant other and was cheerful about it, while inMusee des Beaux Arts the child is kicking the bucket in water yet his dad or not eventhe individuals in the boat care about him, they simply let him suffocate in the water andlastly the sonnet The Sick Rose by William Blake has flawless metaphorreflecting the conduct and sentiment of a person by contrasting adoration with aninvisible worm, which decimates individuals lives. This three sonnet reflects peoplejust dont care about one another and individuals have lost the importance of adoration. InMy Last Duchess the person is depicting to his how he executed his ex andthat he was upbeat about it. He enjoyed a young lady and young lady was lovely and youthful. She got a kick out of the chance to be a tease around and preferred everything in this world. She preferred all menand ladies. She grins at everybody and like everybody around her. She grinned atthe fellow as well however he is unsettled about it since he feels that she is his womanand she ought not take a gander at any other individual aside from him. Indeed, even the person said to themessenger that, Willt Please you sit and take a gander at her? (Cooking 550),which shows she was wonderful and ones eyes would simply gaze at her for along time. He additionally stated, Her mantle laps Over my Ladys wrist too much,or Paint Must never want to repeat the swoon Half-flush that kicks the bucket alongher throat Parekh 2 (Browning 550) which shows she was polite, disciplinedand excellent. She had a decent heart, which adored everybody and made everybody gladbut the creator didn't care for the reality she considers everybody same as him and thatshe doesn't give more consideration to him than others. The creator additionally gave her agift yet she thought about all the blessings as the equivalent and didn't differentiatebetween an awful and a decent blessing. In other she couldn't have cared less about authorsfeeling and the affection that creator had for her. The creator says, Just this Orthat in you sickens me; here you miss, Or there you surpass the mark(Browning 550) which speaks to that she treats everybody equivalent and didn't givemore significance to creator. She considers creator as one of 900 men thatshe likes. What's more, inevitably she passed the creator without a grin, and thatoffended creator since he truly loved her and she didn't thought about him. Theguy was irate with the woman and he directed his men to slaughter her to show hispower over the woman. The person says, I provided orders; Then all the smilesstopped together. (Searing 550) this shows the creator demonstrated his powerover the woman by executing her. The person needs her order over the wom an so hekilled her and now he is lamenting for his deeds. What's more, presently he asks the woman inthe picture to return to him. He says, Willt please yourrise?(Browning 550) this shows the person cares from her now, after she is dead. This entire situation mirrors that individuals dont care about one another. Theduchess adored everybody except the person needed her however didn't accomplish her so heParekh 3 slaughtered her. This is an egotistical and remorseless world we live in. Individuals justdont comprehend the inclination and the kind of relationship that the otherperson is attempting to follow. Then again the sonnet Musee des BeauxArts shows that individuals around the globe dont care about one another even ifthe individual is biting the dust. The children father made him a like wings out wax so he couldfly yet he cautioned him by saying not to fly close to sun or close to water, yet the kidflew close to the sea water and the wax softened and the child fell into the sea andwas suffocating. Despite the fact that the child was suffocating no one was in any event, attempting to help himsave. His dad was occupied with furrowing the field he couldn't have cared less either. The sheepwere brushing; the pooch was scratching himself on a tree; the mariner was sailinghis transport he didn't need himself to get wet and didn't need water on hisexpensive boat. Everybody around there was narrow minded and no one thought about thekids suffocating. The creator says, and, the sensitive boat that must have seenSomething stunning, a kid dropping out off the sky, Had some place to go to andsailed smoothly on. (Auden 592) this shows no one thinks about the kid in thewater. The creator likewise says, Quite lackadaisical from the calamity; the ploughmanmay Have heard the sprinkle, the spurned cry, But for him it was anything but an importantfailure. (Auden 592) this mirror the cultivator cared about the kid justbecause it was not essential to him; it was anything but an extraordinary disappointment or misfortune to theploughman. No one comprehends the significance of humankind or humanity towards his orher individual creatures. This sonnet mirrors that individuals love and converse with each otheronly for their own advantage and not for being Parekh 4 liberal or supportive. Themost stunning thing about this sonnet is individuals are following their day by day routineand a kid is suffocating in the sea and no one thinks about it. This is utmostdisturbing circumstance. Individuals have lost the importance of humankind and humanity. Thepeople in the entire situation as depicted by Auden mirrors that individuals are justdully leaving doing their every day business and they expect that nothing ishappening around them as though it is only an ordinary day and its typical for a child todrown in water. This is the most horrible scene. Furthermore, finally the sonnet The SickRose by William Blake depicts individuals have lost the significance of adoration makingthem childish and unfeeling individuals. Blake says, And his dim mystery loveDoes thy life destroy(Blake, 539), which show love is an underhanded thing and coulddestroy ones life. He additionally says, O, Rose, thou craftsmanship wiped out! The undetectable wormThat flies in the night (Blake, 539), which mirrors that individuals have lost hemeaning of affection and have become unfeeling. Love is contrasted with a debilitated roseand our adoration for others have gotten wiped out and powerless. Also, as far as feeling, weabsolutely have no adoration and regardless of whether we do, it is for some childish purposethats why Blake considers love a wiped out rose. Love resembles a detestable soul that in ahowling storm decimating everything that comes in its manner. Subsequently Blake reflectsthrough this sonnet everybody on the planet is unfeeling and no one caresabout one another. As per me, these three sonnets reflect as to howpeople have become narrow minded and wanton for their own advantages. In MyLast Duchess the person is insane and executes the duchess simply demonstrate his capacity butfails to reflect care, sympathy and love for individual; additionally in Musee desBeaux Arts the children father, the mariner and even the Parekh 5 individuals aroundhim couldn't care less about he kids suffocating. Everybody is accomplishing their work as ifnothing is going on there and in conclusion The Sick Rose which reflects howlove has lost its significance and individuals have annihilated their lives without loveand empathy. Therefore as indicated by me all the individuals on the planet are narrow minded anddont care about different people groups feeling and dont have love towardthemBibliography1). Blake, William. The Sick Rose. Writing and the Writing Process. .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a , .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .postImageUrl , .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .focused content region { min-tallness: 80px; position: relative; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a , .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:hover , .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:visited , .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:active { border:0!important; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .clearfix:after { content: ; show: table; clear: both; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a { show: square; change: foundation shading 250ms; webkit-progress: foundation shading 250ms; width: 100%; obscurity: 1; change: murkiness 250ms; webkit-progress: mistiness 250ms; foundation shading: #95A5A6; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:active , .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:hover { haziness: 1; progress: darkness 250ms; webkit-change: mistiness 250ms; foundation shading: #2C3E50; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .focused content region { width: 100%; position: relati ve; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .ctaText { fringe base: 0 strong #fff; shading: #2980B9; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: striking; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; text-improvement: underline; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .postTitle { shading: #FFFFFF; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: 600; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; width: 100%; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a .ctaButton { foundation shading: #7F8C8D!important; shading: #2980B9; outskirt: none; fringe range: 3px; box-shadow: none; text dimension: 14px; text style weight: intense; line-stature: 26px; moz-outskirt span: 3px; text-adjust: focus; text-adornment: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-stature: 80px; foundation: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/modules/intelly-related-posts/resources/pictures/straightforward arrow.png)no-rehash; position: supreme; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:hover .ctaButton { foundation shading: #34495E!important; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c1 28ee50aa8d2a87a .focused content { show: table; stature: 80px; cushioning left: 18px; top: 0; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a-content { show: table-cell; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; cushioning right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-adjust: center; width: 100%; } .ue049c43ecbdadd3c128ee50aa8d2a87a:after { content: ; show: square; clear: both; } READ: Romulus And Remus Essay PaperElizabeth McMahan, Susan X Day, and Robert Funk. fifth ed. Upper Saddle River:Prentice, 1999. 539-540. 2). Searing, Robert. My Last Duchess. Literatureand the Writing Process. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan X Day, and Robert Funk. 5thed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice, 1999. 539-540. 3). Auden, W.H. Musee desBeaux Arts. Writing and the Writing Process. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan XDay, and Robert Funk. fifth ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice, 1999. 539-540.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

King Arthur Essays - Holy Grail, Cornish People,

Lord Arthur There has been a ton of material expounded on the amazing King Arthur and in spite of the fact that he has been a mainstream figure inliterature for more than 800 a long time, not a ton is thought about the genuine Arthur. It is accepted that Arthur was a 5the-century British King named Riothamus (signifying high lord) who managed from 454 - 470 A.D. what's more, drove a military into Gaul where he was crushed by the Goths of Burgundy. Two men by the names of Jordanes (6the century) what's more, William (11the century) added to the legend of Arthur. Their input was maybe the genuine premise of future adjustments of the story. Arthur showed up in writing as a national legend in a book written in Latin by Geoffrey of Monmouth called Historia Regum Britanniae (which means History of the Kings of Britain). he book as far as anyone knows secured history from 1200 B.C. to 689 A.D. Geoffrey incorporates numerous wellsprings of data with his work however most researchers trust it to be an anecdotal list of sources added distinctly to give his book some validity. Along these lines his work is viewed as writing not genuine history. Geoffrey is the one liable for the depiction of Arthur as a breathtaking King who vanquished the British Isles and quite a bit of Europe Introduced by Geoffrey are Guenevere, Merlin, data about Arthur's odd birth and demise and the idea of gallantry. Due to the enormous fame of Geoffrey's book, writers like Robert Wace and Chretien de Troyes proceeded with the improvement of King Arthur and his life, including yet more detail and profundity to the story. Robert Wace focused on the Arthurian part of the story while Chretien focused on the sentimental part of Arthur's life. A portion of the new components included incorporate d the Round Table, elegant love and the relationship among Lancelot and Guenevere. In 1205 A.D. Layamon composed the first English rendition of the King Arthur stories with a particularly British point of view. Another nationalistic form of the story was Morte Arthure. This variant was based on battling and activity reducing a large number of the character's parts, similar to Lancelot for example. Maybe the most generally acknowledged story of Arthur was written in 1485 by Sir Thomas Malory. Malory joins parts of Wace, Chretien, Geoffrey and Layamon, develops Arthur's court by including short tales about a portion of Arthur's most significant knights and composes of the breakdown of the Round Table.

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Making your college decision

Making your college decision [In many ways, picking a college is a lot like marriage: the courtship, the ceremony, the cost. So its not surprising many players compare it to falling in love.] Make the decision with both your head and your heart, When youre at the school for you, youll know it. Kelli Keuhne (professional golfer who attended the University of Texas) Right now, many of you have probably procrastinated on making one of (what you think is) the biggest decisions in your life. Perhaps you are choosing between MIT, a state-school that is giving you nearly a free ride, an Ivy League school, a college with easy access to a beach, or one with a top-seeded basketball team. Youre probably receiving pressure and advice from tons of people, each imparting their tidbits of knowledge and advice. I was in your shoes two years ago, choosing between MIT, an Ivy that gave slightly more money and a big research grant, and a state-school with a free-ride. Ill admit that I chose MIT and that the decision (for me) wasnt very difficult. Seriously, I couldnt pass up this place, and Ill tell you why. So why, oh why, did I choose MIT? First of all, I lived in Boston for two summers (Im originally from Maryland) while I was in high school because I had a sweet research job working in the labs of Massachusetts General Hospital. The first summer, I lived in a loft apartment right across the street from Fenway Park. The first floor of the apartment building had a brewery/bar and the smell of grains would fill the lobby every day. It was gross, because in my opinion it smelled like garbage. Anyway, theres nothing cooler than living next to Fenway during the summer, the whole place is bursting with life (and drunk baseball fans) and you cant help but catch the Boston bug. As a result of my two summers in Beantown, I fell in love with the city with 135,000 college students and just an incredible intellectual feel to it. Ok, so if I were only in love with Boston, then I could have chosen from 35 fine universities. But theres something special about MIT that I couldnt find anywhere else. I cant walk down the Infinite without hearing someone talk about a problem set, seeing a flier for one of the billion activities going on that weekend, or peeking into a lab doing some sort of cutting-edge, uber exciting research. I love the sense of freedom that prevails. Dont like something? Then change it. There are a million ways to get involved in a million different activities. Research, glass blowing, wood working, juggling, cycling, improv comedy, a capella, drama, pistol, movie making, journalism you name it, we have it. And not only do we have it, we have a group of super dedicated students just waiting to teach you more. For example, as a first-semester freshman, I got some emails about joining MURJ (the MIT undergraduate research journal,) and I had always been interested in writing but never had a chance to join my high schools paper. So, I showed up to the first meeting of the year, talked to some of the students, expressed interest, and immediately became an editor. Now Im in charge of the Fall 2006 issue and I hope some of you all will want to be involved next year too! Also, MIT gives you the full month of January to participate in these independent activities. I dont know of any other school that does that and IAP is cold but AWESOME. So that brings up another point. Yes, the winters are cold. I once almost got frostbite walking from the Student Center to Next House when it was -20 degrees outside. But, now I get to complain about it to everyone who will listen! Plus, it makes the spring ALL the sweeter. Its only 50 degrees today and everyone is hanging out outside, because the absolute temperature might be low but the relative temp is like Florida, baby. Break out the skirts. And finally, I have to mention the UROP program. The research opportunities for undergraduates at MIT are endless. As a freshman, you can work in the lab of Nobel laureate or get your work published in a research journal. Whether its nanowires or supernovas that tickle your fancy, you can study them in more detail then youll ever find in a textbook. Or, you can take a lab class, like 2.007 (Design and Manufacturing) to build your very own remote controlled robot, or 16.00 (Intro to Aerospace Engineering) to build a blimp. Also, in many ways MIT is just like your normal college. There are frats and sororities, huge parties on the weekend, couples (yea, people date, who would have thought), and sporting events (our piston team is #1 in the country, we beat the military!). We have class rings and class shirts, jocks and legally blondes. But, as Mollie said in her Top 10ish Reasons to go to MIT, our cheerleaders can do Fourier series and Laplace transforms. Boo ya. Were nerds and we love it. You will have work work hard, very hard. Your limits will be pushed. You will do more problem sets that you ever thought was humanly possible. There will be some days when you dream in code (I have heard of many people who do this) or toss in bed while wondering if your robot will work (I have done this.) But why do something if its not hard? Diamonds form under pressure! In the end, hopefully, youll graduate with no regrets, but amazed at all the stuff you have learned and accomplished. Even if you choose not to come here, I have no doubt that you will perform amazingly at the school of your choice. So Ill be lame and close with a quote: There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself. Thoreau Feel free to ask any last minute questions or voice your concerns.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

River Valley Civilizations Essay - 726 Words

Ancient river valley civilizations are one of the earliest societies in the world. The rises of these ancient river valley civilizations started the first cradle of civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Mesopotamia, and Ancient China are the earliest civilizations that were successful enough to make enough food for everybody. Every one of these civilizations had three things in common: they all had a special relationship with the river, they created their own writing system, and they all relied on trade. All river valley civilizations relied on the river that was near them. The snow from the mountains in the west of China created the two most important rivers in ancient China. In ancient China, people relied†¦show more content†¦In Ancient China, they developed a writing system for preservation. In China, people would use logograms, which are symbols that represent a word or a meaning.In the early days of the ancient Chinese civilization, people would write on oracle bone or tortoise shell.In Ancient India, writing systems were developed for recording data and information. The Indus script used signs and words and it was written from right to left. By 1800 BCE, the Indus valley civilizations started to fall and writing were often used anymore. Ancient Egyptians started to developed a writing system called, hieroglyphics because they needed a way to record important information. They believed that recording data and communicate information about government and religion was es sential. Scribes were only ones to write in hieroglyphics and were written from left to right or top to bottom. In Mesopotamia, people started developing a writing system to information. Mesopotamia created a writing system called, cuneiform. Mesopotamian scribes would record important dates and event, and position of the stars. These ancient civilizations started to create their own writing system to record history and communicate information. Ancient river valley civilizations economy were heavily relied on trade.In ancient China, people heavily relied on the silk road to trade.The silk road allowed China to communicate with other civilizations like India. The silk road were used to trade silk,Show MoreRelatedCompare Contrast Essay1519 Words   |  7 PagesMesopotamia: A Compare and Contrast Essay Com/170 Ancient Egypt and Ancient Mesopotamia: A Compare and Contrast Essay Ancient Egypt, known as â€Å"The Gift of the Nile,† and ancient Mesopotamia, known as the land â€Å"Between the Rivers,† were the first two civilizations developed by mankind. Not only this is a double-negative that you do not need.] These were they the first civilizations to form, andbut they were also the first river-valley civilizations using the nearby river(s) [redundant – if theyRead MoreEssay on HISTORY1490 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Name: Date: Graded Assignment Final Exam Part 2 I. Map On this world map, indicate the following features: Amazon Rainforest Panama Canal The Himalayas The Ring of Fire The Mississippi River The Gobi Desert (10 points) II. Graphic Organizer Fill in the table below about these five major world religions. Do not fill in the shaded boxes. (10 points) Religion Name at least one Holy Text How do you achieve enlightment? Describe their view about the afterlife. HinduismRead MoreMesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley Essay813 Words   |  4 PagesComparative Essay Throughout the history of Earth, there have been many fascinating developments, the most prominent being the first civilizations, Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. They had many similarities, such as characteristics of early civilizations and social structures, but they also had their differences. The most embossed differences included the divergent geography, prior belief, trade, relations with other civilizations, and politics. The earliest societies, such as Mesopotamia andRead MoreSimilarities Between Civilizations And Ancient Civilizations1403 Words   |  6 Pages Although the Mesopotamia civilization was thought to be located in between the Tigris and Euphrates river , which is now west of Iraq , and the Indus Valley civilization was thought to be located near the Indus Valley , now New Delhi , India , these two civilizations have many similarities and also many differences . These specific similarities and differences range from location , religion , way of life , types of governments , political structures , social structures , intuitions and many moreRead MoreEgypt And Inca Comparative Essay915 Words   |  4 PagesEgypt and Inca Comparative Essay Ancient civilizations offer historical insights into the past that uncover mysteries unbeknownst to many and the discoveries, are fascinating to say the least. Two states in particular that peaked my interest were Egypt and the Inca Empire. Egypt offers insight to a civilization beginning in the predynastic period through periods of integration and into periods of collapse, roughly 4500 B.C. to 712 B.C. The Inca Empire occurred much later, during the 15th centuryRead MoreLiterature, Law Codes, And Archaic Sumerian Religion1003 Words   |  5 Pagesundeniable that the natural environment of ancient Mesopotamia had a profound effect on the earliest civilizations known to the world. Humankind’s ability to control irrigation waters directly correlates with the rise of mass agriculture. With this mastery of their river environment, early farmers were capable of supporting large urban populations. However, in Mesopotamia the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were both a source of life a s well as destruction for early societies. In many ways, the geographyRead MoreAncient Mesopotamia Essay1004 Words   |  5 Pagesundeniable that the natural environment of ancient Mesopotamia had a profound effect on the earliest civilizations known to the world. Humankind’s ability to control irrigation waters directly correlates with the rise of mass agriculture. With this mastery of their river environment, early farmers were capable of supporting large urban populations. However, in Mesopotamia the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were both a source of life as well as destruction for early societies. In many ways, the geographyRead MoreChange over Time Essay: Mesopotamia from 2000 Bce to Current Day1078 Words   |  5 Pagesover Time Essay: Mesopotamia from 2000 BCE to Current Day The earliest civilization in Asia arose around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia meaning land between the rivers because of its convenient location between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This river valley regions rich soil and access to waterways made early civilization thrive on agriculture and trade. Although much has changed since its beginnings, the Mesopotamian River Valley has continued to grow and develop as a civilization to this dayRead MoreEgypt : The Egyptian Civilization920 Words   |  4 PagesEgypt was never like that today. This essay well talk about the development of Egyptian civilization by explaining the prehistory of Egypt and identifying three cultural developments or political events that were important to the rise of Egyptian civilization. Also, explaining what happened and why it was important or significant to the rise of Egypt. Egypt is known to be one of the longest lasted civilization in the world. It is located in the Nile Valley, in the north east of Africa. Its originsRead MoreHow Did The Invention Of Agriculture Allowed Stable Subsistence Of The Human Population?1939 Words   |  8 Pagesanimals into dependence on human keepers. Women most likely began the revolution, as they became familiar with life cycles of plants and noticed the effect of natural conditions on their growth. 3000 BCE: Beginning of Bronze Age; Early River Valley Civilizations Along with agriculture, metallurgy helped revolutionize food production. Metal tools were more durable and efficient. The organized operations of mining, smelting, and casting required the specialization of labor and the production of surplus

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Microserfs Free Essays

In Microserfs Douglas Coupland attempts to analyze the lives of people whose work is closely associated with most advanced machines that have yet been made: computers. The title of the novel Microserfs introduces the two main ideas of the novel: it is a play on the dominant force within the computer industry (Microsoft) and the word serfs, which refers to the semi-slave groups who existed within feudal societies in medieval times. Coupland suggests that the people who work for companies like Microsoft are essentially a king of voluntary serf. We will write a custom essay sample on Microserfs or any similar topic only for you Order Now The characters within this novel want to be machine-like for a number of reasons. First, that seems to be the characteristic which has enabled Bill Gates (the founder and CEO of Microsoft) to rise to the top of the industry. While they apparently hate their jobs at Microsoft, leading to their leaving them and attempting to set up their own company, they also greatly admire the machine-like quality that Gates brings to his work.   Secondly, a machine is totally involved with what it is doing – it has no distractions that will take it away from the task at hand. Third, there is the beautiful logic of software code which contrasts with the often chaotic nature of their personal and professional lives. In Microserfs the great spur for activity is the search to be â€Å"One-Point-Oh†, that is â€Å"to be the first to do the first version of something†(Coupland, 1995). Computer software is normally identified according to which version of the program it is, so to be â€Å"one-point-oh† (1.0) is to be the best. There is a machine like logic to this idea which is of course not really based upon reality: normally the first version of any program is crude and ineffective compared to later versions which are more sophisticated and have been adapted according to the real-world experience of the software being used. In many ways the main characters of the novel such as Daniel, Susan and Todd are removed from the real world to the extent that they need to employ someone from that world to be their â€Å"reality-check†, that person being Daniel’s mother. The characters are obviously satirical in nature, and are taken to such an extreme that they almost seem like people who inhabit a video game. Take for example Michael, who is a brilliant but awkward programmer who leaves Microsoft to start his own company, and decides to adopt a â€Å"Flatlander diet† (Coupland, 1995). This involves only eating â€Å"two-dimensional food† (Coupland, 1995) which means food that can be slid under his door, He has a screen name of â€Å"Kraft Singles† (Coupland, 1995), an ironic comment upon his peculiar diet. Michael is just one example of the tendency to take matters to an extreme among the characters. Todd is not just a body-builder, but an obsessive body-builder. Bug is not only experienced, older and a little more cynical than his younger fellow workers, he calls himself â€Å"the World’s Bitterest Man† (Coupland, 1995). All of these characterizations make the people who inhabit the novel seem essentially machine-like: they are one/two dimensional, relentless in their pursuit of an end and often limited in outlook.   A software program is designed to do one thing extremely well, but nothing else. In the same way the characters attempt to do one thing, or be one thing, extremely well. The constant conflict between the need for a pure existence as a designer, body-builder, bitterest man etc. comes up against the natural human tendency to diversify and to be multi-faceted. While Microserfs was written before the massive explosion in Internet usage, the manner in which people are now essentially locked to their computers:- constantly checking e-mail even in the most remote locations – is a natural development of the kind of process that Coupland sees in this novel. The ongoing discussion between machine and human being, something which is reflected within Coupland’s novels, continues unabated. In conclusion, the characters of Microserfs seek to be machine like because they see this as a route to success. Their â€Å"king†, Bill Gates, who they leave, is nevertheless an icon to be aimed at. He seems more like a machine than a human being according to Coupland, and has all the strengths and weaknesses that are associated with this identity. The characters of this novel, wonderfully funny, but often very sad at the same time, reflect this search to be the perfect human machine.   The fact is that they seem to lose their humanity along the way. Works Cited Coupland, Doug How to cite Microserfs, Essay examples

Monday, May 4, 2020

UK Based Restaurant Burger And Shake Business Plan Free Sample

Question: Describe about the Report for Business Plan for UK Based Restaurant Burger and Shake. Answer: The business name and the description of the undertaking: This report is dedicated to the business plan of a UK based restaurant Burger and Shake (BS). It is a restaurant, which will be established in Liverpool. The USP of this particular restaurant will be identified as the halal grilled burgers and shakes of different popular flavors. In addition to this, the restaurant will also offer a large verity in its menu. Along with the previously stated offerings, the restaurant will also offer meat, cheese, ketchup and mustard. In the verity of shakes, a customer will be free to order shakes those contain fruit, milk and chocolates. As opined by Said, S. (2013), Britain can be identified as one of the pilgrimages of the fast food buyers. Hence, the organizations like Burger and Shake (BS) will obtain distinctive popularity in UK. Halal burger: In the Islamic law, foods those are contained with the blood or any organic part of pig are strictly prohibited for the Muslims. Hence, the halal bu8rgers are the burgers those are devoid of the flash of pig, whereas, it is made of chicken or other non -vegetarian items. These burgers can also contain cheese, mustard ketchup etc. This complete business plan is divided into six major parts. Each of them will discuss separate issues those are important and relevant to the set up of the business. The first part will discuss the mission, management, objective and the proposed structure of the projected undertaking. In the next part, the product has been described. A complete analysis of the product features and product lifecycle will be discussed. Then, an analysis will be done on the market as well as the industry. In the following part the promotional strategy, the pricing plan and the proposed market share will be projected. Latter, the process of the operation, the staffing plan, quality control etc. will be discussed. Last but not the least, the business forecast will be discussed elaborately within the span of this business plan. The undertaking and its administration: A mission statement is crucial for any business initiative. As opined by Bruner (2004), it defines the focal point of the firm and its ultimate goal in the course of its operation. It is important for a firm to obtain a strategically set mission to provide the organization and the initiators a purposeful reason to run its activities. As opined by Ahlstrom and Bruton (2010), it is a simple statement, which talks about the central purpose of running this business. As opined by Strydon (2007), a mission statement is unique for every business initiative as it talks about the fundamental cause of operating that business. With the identification of the unique customer base and product offering, it states what the business is all about. In the context of BS, the mission of this organization is to serve the supreme quality halal burger and shake to the Muslim as well as the British guests in an affordable price in UK. The mission also includes expansion of the business in the big cities of Britain. Objectives (the short and long-term goals): Business objectives are crucial to lay down a pragmatic plan for the business operation. As discussed by Strydon (2007), these objectives have to be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound). Moreover, such objectives can be multiple in number as well as short and long-term. The short-term objectives have to be distinct. In the context of BS, the short-term objects of the business can be incurring the money back to the owners and covering the permanent charges. On the other hand, the long-term objectives of the company can be identified as attaining growth and opening new stores in the big cities of UK etc. The outline of the company activities: As discussed by Schenck (2005), it is important for the business initiative to strategically set the activities which would be helpful in attaining the short as well as the long-term goals of the company. In the context of Burger and Shake (BS), it can be said that the restaurant primarily need to focus on the promotional activities to attain the goal for profit increase. The restaurant can also use the social media in this regard. However, in attaining this goal of promotion, the restaurant need to focus on the food quality served in the restaurant. It is the basic step for retaining the customers for the long run. In addition to this, the restaurant need to collect information about the immediate competitors of the restaurant to gain competitive advantage by utilizing their short falls. The restaurant an also follow the strategy of discounts and special promotion for to collect customer loyalty. Moreover, the restaurant should follow the unique tactic of offering a small portion of the food and beverage of the restaurant to the customers before their order placing. The management team: As opined by Sidek, Meriam and Mahazir (2016), inherent entrepreneurial skill and practical experience of business management plays a crucial role in the success of a business initiative. The author has both the inherent skill as well as business management experience. This particular business plan suggests a person who has an academic skill in the business management should execute the management of the restaurant. The author holds this credibility too. The author has a BA degree in business amounting from Alagiers University. Moreover, he has a family owned business. In addition, the Author also holds a yellow belt from lean six sigma model. As opined by Chemelynski (2004), these personal skills will help the author to successfully run the restaurant. Advantages and disadvantages of the options and describe and explain your choice of legal structure: As opined by Barth and Hayes (2006), it is crucial for a business initiative to choose the best suited business structure for a company as the smooth running of a company typically depends on the structure of that company. According to the structure of that company, the government sets its regulation over it. Hence, the importance of the right legal structure cannot be ignored as the i8ssues like employee security etc. largely depend it. However, in the context of BS, the restaurant will follow the structure of sole trading. It will be the cheapest as well as most suitable structure for the company. Advantages and disadvantages of some legal structure and explanation of the authors choice: As opined by Nelson and Economy (2011), all of the legal structures of a business initiative possess few advantages and disadvantages in the same time. As discussed by Barth and Hayes (2006), selection of the appropriate legal structure helps an organization in shielding the staffs involved in the business and assists the organisation to achieve stability and set pragmatic goals. BS is going to opt for the legal structure of sole trader. A single parson will monitor it. Here, some of the pragmatic legal structures will be discussed with their positive and negative sides. The name of the structure and its definition: The advantages of the structure The disadvantages of the structure Partnership: In this particular structure, two or more organizations agree upon sharing of skill, strategy, technology, expertise or simply capital for a certain period. Here, the partners are agreed to share the profit portion of the company. Business risk can be shared among the partners. In most of the countries, partnership business gets a few governmental advantages. The partners can provide support to each other and thus successfully run the business. It sometimes becomes too difficult to come to a consensus. When the partners decide to break the partnership, the legal and the operational things become much hard to handle. In partnership, one party becomes automatically liable for the decision or action of the other. Corporation: Here, the company exists as a legal entity that is completely separate from the owners. The corporation holds a better business image among all the other legal structures. The corporations can obtain a tax benefit depending on the disbursement of the profit and the owners sources of fund. It is easy to sell. The corporations are entitled to bonds and stocks. They can raise fund by selling such stocks and bonds in the market. The corporations involve many parties and governmental regulations. Hence, it engages a lot of paperwork. It is not easy to start, as it needs a huge amount of money. In the case of selling, the majority of the shareholders have t6o come to a consensus. It is not always easy to obtain a tax benefit for a corporation. Sole trader: In this legal structure, only one party holds the sole ownership of the establishment. Most of the small companies opt for sole trading structure. It is easy to handle, as no partners has to come to an agreement for any decision. It is easy to start and stop the business operation in so0le trading. The owner himself can incur the whole profit. It is inexpensive to operate. As most of the small enterprises use this structure, it is not a prestigious model of business. The business loses its future with the owner. Collecting fund for the business often becomes hard in this particular business structure. The product or services: Product or service description: The Burger and Shake (BS) is a restaurant, which is dedicated to serve its guests with the high quality foods and beverages. This business plan describes that the main offering of the restaurant is burgers. They sell burgers as a meal too. Along with it Burger and Shake (BS) also sells shakes of various flavors like milk with fruits, smoothies, milk with chocolates etc. It has been found in the surveys that the consumers love to pair their burgers with ketchup and chili sauces (Lut 2014). However, the idea has been taken from the restaurant named Archies . it is a chain of restaurants with 5 distinct setups in UK; two in Manchester, one in Liverpool and the remaining are in Leeds and Sheffield. The restaurant provides this too. The restaurant offers a number of diverse flavored and tested food and beverages, which have exciting names. Inclination to the market success: As discussed by Abrams (2003), market readiness of a company is difficult to measure. The idea of market readiness involves a wide range of interrelated issues those influence the customer satisfaction. As mentioned by Lck, Maher and Stewart, (2010), it includes the product or services, the business management policies and decisions that influence the consumer directly or indirectly. The operation of Burger and Shake (BS) will start in 2017 after the graduation of the author. It will take time to arrange the complete set up of the company. The author will need to arrange the location, license, equipments of the restaurant. The prescribed features of the service and the customer benefit: As described by Robertson (2004), the feature and customer benefit of a product typically influence the customer satisfaction level. Many researchers have found that customers mostly opt for the products, which satisfy their need. The proposed product of Burger and Shake (BS) and the customer benefit: Meat Shakes Halal Take out Advantage BSs fresh delivery of meat will provide a good amount of protein and it will be helpful in building muscle. It is a refreshing drink The food will contain no blood of pig and will not violate the Islamic law in any means. For the operation or administration, the customer will not be charged. Customers benefits The amino acids contained in the meat are necessary for the health. As mentioned by Lee (2014), it is helpful for the repair and renewal of general health. As opined by Christensen (2014), such drinks improve metabolic activity. It also provides nutrients and energizes too. The food of this restaurant will be safe and healthy for the Muslins and others in Britain. The offering of then restaurant will be the best food options for the people who are travelling do not have much time to spend cooking. The status of the competitors and the difference of the product or service to that of the competitors: The product speciality of BS will be different for that of its immediate competitors. As mentioned in one of the recent surveys done on this same topic, Livepool can be a great place or location for the success of the restaurant. It will ensure better response from the potential customers. The direct and indirect competitors: Zeffran, Takeaway Park, GR8 Pizza, Zains etc. cam be identified as some of the important competitor of BS. (Source: Hungryhouse 2016) On the other hand, the followings must be evaluated as some of the significant competitors of BS. Name of the Competitors Strength Weakness Price Prime promotional ways The BS strategy Archies -Testy halal burger and shakes are its USP -It provides a great ambience to the customers. -The customers can eat the food there in the restaurant or can take it away. -The restaurant is located near the metro station and thus can have a great customer response. -Price is typically high. The restaurant takes too much time to serve its customers. -It charges 5.99 for a beef burger and 3.49 for a Fruit shake. -The company uses the website and calls the potential customers. -BS will offer the food at much lesser price. -The time for preparing the food will be 4 min. 5 sec. Hence, the serving time will also be lesser. -BS will employ specialist chef. - BS will follow the strategy of student discount and meal deal for its customers to earn customer loyalty. SBlended milkshakes Located in Paradise street Liverpool one L1 8JF -The location of the establishment is great as it is located opposite to Odeon. - the company sells various type and flavoured shakes. - Price is high. -The company sells shakes only. It charges 4 for one Fruit shake. The promotional activities are same as Archies. BS is going to offer the customers both the foods and the shakes. It will be affordable and tasty. The product life cycle of BS: As opined by Jain (2009), product life cycle is one of the major conceptual facts in marketing management. As discussed by Jain and Jain(2014), a product of a company experience many stages regarding its market demand. As mentioned by Philip Kotler, the product life cycle is an attempt to recognize the diverse stages in the sales of the product. The sales pass through four distinct stages. These are known as introduction, growth, maturity and decline. These stages determine the sales volumes, market share and profitability of those products. Hence, it is important for a company to identify the life cycle of its products. The products or the serviced of BS will be introduced in the market in 2017. The first two years it will be the introduction phase. In the next three years, it will gain growth by earning reputation and customer return. In the following two years, the company service will enjoy the maturity stage. Then, in the sixth to seventh year, the restaurant will enter the decline stage. Here, the owner can establish new outlets to eliminate the low profit issues. (Source: Developed by the author) The market analysis: The primary and secondary research: As discussed by Gratton and Jones (2010), there are two distinctive research methods: primary and secondary. In the primary research method, the researcher uses the primary data collected directly from the primary source. Here, the data are collected solely with the purpose of completing the research. On the other hand, as opined by Gratton and Jones (2010), the secondary research involves the secondary data. Any other researcher collects these data and they are being used for this study. Here, the researcher uses the existing data. The customer attraction: This business plan is being made according to the preference of the respondents of the previously done survey. Liverpool has been selected as the location of the proposed establishment. Menu flexibility will be provided as many of the customers may have food preferences. Moreover, the name has also been strategically selected to attract the attention of the customers. The market segmentation: Here, the demographic segmentation of the customers of Burger and Shake will be discussed: Age: as found in the previously done survey, most of the respondents belong to the age group f 16 to 25 are the regular consumers of street foods like burgers. Hence, the restaurant will focus on this age group. However, as discussed by Shaw (2011), the incessantly growing rate of the world population as well as the population of Britain, will be helpful for the companies like BS to expand its consumer base. As mentioned by Stevens, Loudon and Mockle (2013), by 2033, UK will attain the 71.6 million-population margin. It will surely be helpful for the food and associated industry in UK. Religion: as discussed by the, the contribution of the halal market in UK is more than 700 million. Moreover, the Muslim population is considerably high in UK. Hence, it can be prospected that a significant profit margin can be obtained from this establishment. Income: The moderate inflation rate of UK will be helpful in increasing the level of the disposable income of the citizens of Britain (Shopping a la Cart 1987). Until 2015, the average income in Britain was around 500 per family. It is more likely that the low or moderate-income group people will be the major customer of the establishment (Global salary Forecast 2016). A macro environmental analysis of the company: The macro environmental factors i.e. political, economic, social, technological and legal are important factor those influence the business operation and the profitability of the company. The growing Muslim population will be helpful for the business growth of BS. Moreover, the company is going to serve grilled meat, which is less caloric. Hence, the macro environment (short term) will be helpful for BS. On the other hand, the economic climate can limit the level of expenditure of the customers. This may harm the fast food business of the similar companies. Macro market factors Explanation Political The UK government is passing strict laws regarding healthy eating habit. These laws can influence the operation and profitability of BS. Economic The inflation, economic growth, interest rate etc. in UK can affect the business of the BS. The growing market of UK is being helpful for the food and beverage industry. In the time of inflation, the restaurants like BS can obtain good profit margin because of their low pricing strategy. Social The busy social life of UK is being helpful for the growth of the fast food industry in UK. However, the growing consciousness against the issue of obesity is turning down the prosperity of the fast food industry in UK. Technological Improving the cooking amenities is important for the companies in this sector. Moreover, the usage of computerised ordering and billing technique is being helpful for the companies like BS. Environmental The companies like KFC, Burger King etc. have faced troubles regarding the animal rights issues. The BS needs to be careful about that. As the level of petroleum is decreasing, the price is continuously increasing. The company needs to focus on that. Legal The BS needs to focus on the food quality as the adulteration is punishable in Britain. Moreover, the nation is passing laws regarding healthy eating. As opined by (Bard 2008), Porters five forces analysis model assists an entrepreneur to establish the competitive force and the status of the market. The Porters five forces analysis on the market of burgers has also been done. Competitive business plan: Suppliers and costs: The BS can get Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) and Adams as its soul halal meat suppliers. Suppliers Activities Halal Monitoring Committee It is a non-profit making organization. The food is certified as the genuine Halal food. It charges less than 2p per chicken or 2p per kilo for red meat (HMC 2012). Adams It is a food and beverage supplier in Liverpool. The price differs in different circumstances (Adams 2016). The pricing strategy: As discussed by Jain and Jain (2014), the pricing policy depends on the market situation. BS will follow the strategy of psychological pricing. Those customers who are eager to pay better will be approached straight to get recommendations for uplifting sales and making it more profitable. According to the result derived from the previously done survey, ( where 45% of the respondents voted for halal grilled burger at 4.90 and 43% voted for meal at 5.99) the restaurant will charge 4.90 for one halal grilled burger and 5.99 for meal. The restaurant will claim 3.95 for the fruit shake. The company will follow the odd- even pricing strategy. As discussed by Jain and Jain (2014), it is a tactic of pricing at with an odd number. It motivates the customers not to bargain (Gitman and McDaniel 2007). On the other hand as opined by Sutherland and Canwell (2008), an even number serves the purpose of Psychological pricing. The promotion plan: A promotional plan is needed to make the people aware of the company existence and boost public responsiveness of an enterprise or its offerings (Formica and Littlefield 2000). It is a amalgamation of promotional tactics to attain the marketing objectives and increase the sales. As the budget of BS is limited, they will mis various promotional strategies to attain the market objectives. Method of promotion Reason website The website will cost 99 (Expert Market 2007). As, the owner will develop the site by himself it will cost nothing to him. The website will provide the performance report and display how the restaurant is engaging the customers (Kaser 2013). Social networking A Facebook page and a twitter account will be managed. The information regarding the restaurants will be shared through these social media sites. Photos will also be shared. The number of the followers will denote the success level. Brochure Almost 3000 brochures will be circulated. The place and distribution channel: Choosing the right location is important for the success of any business initiative (Hsu 2012). According to the result of the survey 45% respondents said that they dont know any restaurant in Liverpool that serves Halal Burgers and Shakes. 20% individuals know one. 7% know more than 5. Hence, in Liverpool Richmond Street, the BS outlet will be opened. It will be helpful in getting a quick distribution channel and effective feedback. Advantages of the location Disadvantages It will be the only halal restaurant in the near location. There are many transport stoppage in the locality. It is a crowded location. Transportation is very much advanced in this location. It is an expensive location. The market share: As the population of Britain is considerably increasing, it can be hoped that the food market will incur the due advantage. As expected by Michel (2014), the UK restaurant market will reach 52 billion by 2017. On the other hand, as mentioned in Fortune (2016), there are more than six million consumers of Halal in Britain. It will provide the annual cost of 2.8 billion (Fortune 2016). Hence, the market sales can reach the stage of worth 250844 by year 2017. The SWOT analysis: Based on the porters five forces analysis one from other industries is profitable, but this doesnt make the business unprofitable as alterations and strategic advantage policy will be used (Formica and Littlefield, 2000), in relation to the external factors that may pose an influence on the BS profitable strategy, the PESTEL analysis was done and it has been found that the BS idea of being a profitable can be achieved as the industry appears attractive to deal in regardless of the recent financial climate (see appendix). There are a number of factors those can influence the operation of a business (Formica and Littlefield 2000). A SOWT analysis of the company can be helpful indentifying the strong and weak points of a company and thus taking necessary steps. Strengths Weaknesses The food will be testy and safe. The service quality will be remarkable. The strategy of students discount will be available. The price will be comparatively low than the competitors. It is a new company. The product or service offerings are not unique. Limited fund Opportunities Threats The demand of fast food is continuously growing. The offerings will be healthy and fulfil the customers need. The competitors are strong and they are offering the same service. The market analysis: If the 4 Ps model of BS can be discussed the following can be found: Product: Halal grilled burger and shakes. Place: Liverpool Richmond Street Price: Halal grilled burger for 4.90 and meal for 5.99. Fruit shake for 3.95. Promotion- Student discount Operation: Staffing: The company will need 3 employees. One will be a sales person. He will be in charge to manage the restaurant while the owner will be absent. He should have the experience of 3 years of being a cashier. Other qualities he will have to possess are the ability to pay attention to the clients etc. Another important employee in the restaurant will be a professional chef to prepare food. He has to have 7 years experience in the same field. He has to have the ability to work quickly and properly. The last member will prepare the shakes and help the chef. He has to have 2years experience in the same field. The salary structure will be as followed: Employee Salary Cashier 10.000 (Pay Scale 2016) Chef 16,000 (Pay Scale 2016) Sous Chef 14,000 (Pay Scale 2016) The quality control and business process: The six-sigma quality management process will be followed in running the business. It will help the owner to operate the endeavor without uneconomical proceedings. The business will be operated in cash-to-cash basis, as the cost of burger and shake are low. The usage of credit card will charge extra amount to the management. The process of operation will be as followed: Source: (created by the author) The mandatory guidelines and procedures to ensure legal observance and possible best practices: Before opening, the owner has to communicate with the local authority, which will help the author in registering the company. The author will also need help form the related authority regarding the business, planning and organizing the waste and recycling. The following things have to be specially concentrated: PRS: as described by Gilbert and Boothby (2014) PRS is a group of songwriters, composers and music publishers. They are license the use of their members musical compositions and lyrics. It is important for music and restaurant business. Value Added Tax (VAT): according to Food Standards Agency (2013) the registration verge is at 79,000 a year. However, if the business has a revenue above the registration amount, it will surely be changed. The business has to be VAT registered. However, The BS is under the stated figure. Hence, it is not important for the company to be VAT enrolled. General Food Law Registration: the company will be registered under General Food Regulation 2004 and it will comply the General Food Law Registration. According to Food Standards Agency (2013), the served foods of such registered companies are safe and it will not be harmful to peoples health. Insurance: the owner will pay around 500.00 to cover open risk and managers obligation. According to FCA (2016), it has be paid by the owner to reduce the business risk. Health and safety: the employer will ensure health and safety services for the employees. According to the health and safety Executives danger evaluation necessities the employer will take the necessary steps. Income tax: as the owner will manage the ash flow, he himself will be responsible for all the necessary deductions. The financial forecast: Sales forecast: as opined by Gallagher and Andrew (2007), sales forecast approximates the sales in financial or physical units, for a particular period under a projected business plan or program. It helps to predict the cash flow of the organization. As opined by Hameurlain, Kng and Wagner (2013), thus, it helps in keeping in mind amount of stock to hold and number of workers to employ. In the context of Burger and Shakes, it can be predicted that the sales of the initial year will be weak in comparison to the second year. The Cash flow predictions: It estimates the amount needed by the company to reach the set objectives. Both the positive and negative ash flow can be experienced. Proposed turnover and loss: As described by Tulsian (2007), it talks about the the financial performance of a business undertaking during an accounting period. However, in the context of Burger and Shakes, within the first two years of starting, high profit is expected. Proposed balance sheet: Burger and Shakes needs to earn a large amount of profit in the years after its establishment. The economic condition of a company generally depicted in the balance sheet (Tulsian 2007). It can be predicted that BS will collect a high profit margin within the first two years of its opening. Break-even analysis: Break even is the milestone where the business sets off to make a profit. Here, the sales revenue incurs the costs of the company (fixed and variable). To break even the Brands profit B S will have to make a monthly deal of 18985.815 in the first year. Thereafter, for the second year the breakeven value can be 180699.9999. Suppositions behind the forecasts: The company is predicted to perform in the following way in the first two years of its operation. Sales: in the first year the sales is predicted to be low, particularly in the initial 5 months of its operation. In the second year, an approximate 40% rise on sales is being predicted. Loans: No official loan will be taken. The author will collect the money from the family members. Capital: around 60.000 can be predicted as the capital of the business initiative. Capital equipment: it can be predicted that approximately 1,500 will cost for the capital equipment. It can be predicted that around 30,000 will be collected in the first year and approximately 50,000 can be collected in the second year. Direct wages: it can be predicted that in the first year, the management will have to pay 20,000. However, in the subsequent years, the cost will be increased. It will be helpful for both the management and the employees. Rent: the rent of the restaurant is 80.000. It is a bit expensive indeed. However, as it is located in Richmond Street, the collection will surely be more than the expenditure. Moreover, the cost of the rent will be same in the next year too. Bills: the bills for power connection, water etc. will be provided by the owner himself in every 3 months. However, the rate of such bills depends on the inflation rate, legal issues etc. hence, if there no such changes occur, the amount payable for these bills will be same. Insurance: 570.00 will paid by the owner as the insurance. It can be predicted it will remain the same in the next year. Advertising: 700 will cost in the first year for the promotional purpose. The owner is thinking to raise the sales volume. Hence, it an easily be predicted that the promotional cost will rise too. Telephone cost: the restaurant will use a landline connection for the purpose of its business operation. It is being predicted to cost 80 every month. Moreover, it is being anticipated to remain the same. Professional fees: the owner himself will develop the website. Hence, it will cost him nothing for the website development and management. Motor/ travel costs: the owner lives 10 min walk away from the proposed site of the restaurant. Hence, it will cost him nothing for coming to the restaurant. Moreover, in the case of emergency, he has a ar. Sundries: in can be predicted that approximately 180 will be needed for the leaning and packaging purpose. In the case of packaging it can be said, as the sales will increase, the packaging cost will go up. On the other hand, it can be predicted that, some of the leaning materials can be preserved for the next year. Therefore, not much amount of money will be needed to pay in the next year. Sensitivity analysis: Sensitivity analysisan be defined as a procedure used to establish how diverse values of an autonomous variable will influence a particular reliant variable under a set of assumptions. Here, the Sensitivity analysisof BS has been described below: Investment requirements: Prior to the establishment of the business, the owner will collect the required money from his family. He is going to borrow 100.000 from his brother. It is easy to borrow from the family. It involves no paperwork and it easy to return. Entrepreneurial groundwork outline: This business plan is suggesting that it will be profitable undertaking as the market is continuously growing. The financial data and forecasts are predicting a healthy profit that will enable the business to thrive. References: Abrams, R. M. (2003). The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies (Fourth ed.). California: The Planning Shop. Adams. (2016). Retrieved 05 22, 2016, from Fast food supplies: https://adamsfastfoods.com/about-us/ Ahlstrom, D., and Bruton, G. D. (2010). International Management: Strategy and Culture in the Emerging World. Mason: South Western. Archie's. (n.d.). Retrieved 07 04, 2016, from https://www.lovearchies.com/ Bard, T. E. (2008). DOEE Getters Venture Basics 101 ECoursebook. Michigan: Venture Basics. Barth, S. C., and Hayes, D. K. (2006). Hospitality Law: Managing Legal Issues in the Hospitality Industry. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Retrieved 07 10, 2016 Bruner, R. F. (2004). Applied Mergers and Acquisitions. New Jersey: John Wiley. Chemelynski, C. (2004). Opportunities in Restaurant Careers. Mc Graw Hill. Retrieved 06 22, 2016 Christensen, M. (2014, 01 26). Live Strong. Retrieved from Are There Benefits of Milkshakes: https://www.livestrong.com/article/516626-the-benefits-of-banana-milkshakes/ Expert Market. (2007). Retrieved 07 16, 2016, from How much does a wesite cost in 2016: https://webdesign.expertmarket.co.uk/how-much-does-website-cost FCA. (2016, 03 30). Retrieved from Principles of Food Regulation: https://www.the-fca.org.uk/about/principles-good-regulation Food Standards Agency. (n.d.). Retrieved 07 26, 2016, from Starting a food business: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/startingup Fortune, A. (2016, 05 31). Halal Beef demand rising as number of younger Muslims grows. Meat Trades. Retrieved from https://www.bnp.org.uk/news/%E2%80%9Csix-million%E2%80%9D-halal-meat-consumers-britain-says-meat-trades-journal Gallagher, T. J., and Andrew, J. D. (2007). Financial Management; Principles and Practice. Freeload Press, Inc. Gilbert, R., and Boothby, H. (2014, 04 25). Soundreef Ltd. Retrieved from Music Royalties in the UK: https://www.soundreef.com/en/blog/1/making-money-from-your-music/music-royalties-in-the-uk-a-quick-guide Gitman, L., and McDaniel, C. (2007). The Future of Business: The Essentials (3rd ed.). Mason: Cengage Learning. Gratton, C., and Jones, I. (2010). Research Methods for Sports Studies (2nd ed.). Oxon: Routledge. Hameurlain,, A., Kng, J., and Wagner, R. (2013). Transactions on Large-Scale Data- and Knowledge-Centered Systems XII. Springer. Retrieved 07 25, 2016 HMC. (2012). Retrieved 07 16, 2016, from Halal Monitoring Committee: https://www.halalhmc.org/ HMC. (2012, 06). Retrieved from Cost and Fees: https://www.halalhmc.org/CostsandFees.htm Hungryhouse. (n.d.). Retrieved 07 04, 2016, from Halal takeaways in Liverpool City Centre: https://hungryhouse.co.uk/takeaways/liverpool-city-centre-l1#cuisines%3DHalal Jain, A. (2009). Principles of Marketing. New Delhi: VK Jain, A., and Jain, P. (2014). Principles of Marketing: for B.Com-II Semester-III and IV. New Delhi: VK Global Publications Kaser, K. (2013). Advertising and Sales Promotion. Mason: Cengage Learning. Lee, A. (2014, 02 18). Get the balance right . Express. Retrieved from https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/460329/Get-the-balance-right-and-red-meat-in-burgers-can-benefit-your-health Lck, M., Maher, P. T., and Stewart, E. J. (2010). Cruise Tourism in Polar Regions: Promoting Environmental and Social. London: Earthscan. Lutz, A. (2014, 09 22). Reason people are obsessed with shakes. Retrieved 07 14, 2016, from Business Insider : https://www.businessinsider.com/why-shake-shack-is-so-popular-2014-9?IR=T Michel, M. (2014, 05 15). Value of Restaurant market. Retrieved 07 20, 2016, from Big Hospitality: https://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Trends-Reports/Value-of-restaurant-market-to-reach-52bn-by-2017 Nelson, B., and Economy, P. (2011). Consulting For Dummies (2nd ed.). New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Ocado Group. (n.d.). Retrieved 07 16, 2016, from Ocado at a glance: https://www.ocadogroup.com/who-we-are/ocado-at-a-glance.aspx Pay Scale. (2016). Retrieved 07 25, 2016, from Cashier Salary: https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Cashier/Salary PayScale. (2016). Retrieved 07 25, 2016, from Kitchen Chef Salary: https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Kitchen_Chef/Hourly_Rat Robertson, K. (2004). Stop, Ask, and Listen: Proven Sales Techniques to Turn Browsers Into Buyers (2nd ed.). Canada: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Retrieved 07 04, 2016 Said, S. (2013, 09 06). Contries that consume the most fast food or junk food. Retrieved from The Richest: https://www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/location/countries-that-consume-the-most-fast-food-or-junk-food/ Schenck, B. F. (2005). Small Business Marketing For Dummies. New Jersey: Wiley Publishing, Inc. Sidek, N. Z., Meriam, S., and Mahazir , A. (2016). Proceedings of the ASEAN Entrepreneurship Conference 2014. Springer. Retrieved 07 15, 2016 Stevens, R. E., Loudon, D. L., and Mockle, R. (2013). Application Service Providers in Business. New York: Routledge Strydon, J. (2007). Entrepreneurship and How to Establish Your Own Business (3rd ed.). Cape Town: Juta. Sutherland, J., and Canwell, D. (2008). Essential Business Studies A Level: AS Student Book for AQA. Buckinghamshire: Folens Limited. Tulsian, P. (2007). CBSE Accountancy 11. New Delhi: Ratna Sagar University of Algiers 3. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.univ-alger3.dz/en/index.php

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Teenage Smoking Essays - Smoking, Habits, Tobacco, Cigarettes

Teenage Smoking In a society where it is not unordinary to see a ten year old child smoking a cigarette in public, where large tobacco companies sponsor all big sporting events and where smoking advertisements are everywhere you look, how can it be understood that what is going on is a form of suicide. Smoking is comparable to a serial killer; a cigarette acts as the weapon used by tobacco companies and its victims subjecting themselves by their own free will to participate in the crime. The governments of the United States and many other countries have chosen to regulate addictive substances, like cigarettes, via taxation; minimum-age purchase laws; restrictions on consumption in schools, the workplace, and public places; and stiff fines for driving under the influence of alcohol. The prices of these substances will rise because of taxation; other forms of regulation, and bans. Thus, measuring their responsiveness to price is important in determining the optimal level of taxation and the impacts of legalization. Contrary to conventional wisdom, studies find that the consumption of addictive substances is quite sensitive to price. Teen smoking has been increasing since 1991. There are economic, psychological and sociological factors that play an important role in this increase. Economically, cigarettes are highly advertised, extremely affordable and accessible to practically anyone. As for the advertisement aspect in the sale of cigarettes, tobacco companies spend billions of dollars per year to advertise their brands. This money is spent on the actual advertisement, and also on manipulating the subconscious minds of teenagers. (Reynolds, 1999) Billboards and magazines lure teenagers to smoke, by using teen idols and appealing photos in their ads. The Canadian Government has been attempting to put a stop to tobacco industries using teen idols in selling their products, by passing Bill C-71, a legislation that forbids tobacco companies from putting up signs for events in which they sponsor. The car racer and teen idol, Jacques Villeneuve can no longer be advertised in his car racing suit as Rothman's cigarettes advertisements are highly visible on it, as this would give off a negative message to teens who look up to him. The only exception to this law however, is that the signs may be put up at the site of the event, in bars or in newspapers which are read by adults. (Scott, 1997) An example of a sporting event is the DuMaurier tennis tournament held in Montreal, and sponsored by the DuMaurier tobacco industry. This event was, until this law was passed, advertised (on billboards, in magazines and on television) all over Montreal. Bill C-71 was an attempt at preventing teenagers from seeing these advertisements, as the government believed this to be an important factor in the growth of youth smokers. This legislation though, was not very effective as statistics show that more than half of Canadian teens have seen advertisements for tobacco sponsored events. (Scott, 1997). During the 1040's and 50's smoking was popular and socially acceptable. Movie stars, sports heroes, and celebrities appeared in cigarette advertisements that promoted and heavily influenced teens. Influence also came from Television and other media sources. The desires to be accepted and to feel grown up are among the most common reasons to start smoking. Yet, even though teenagers sometimes smoke to gain independence, and to be part of the crowd parental influence plays the strongest role as to whether or their children will smoke, Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), 1991. Children are exposed to and influenced by the parents, siblings, and the media long before peer pressure will become a factor. Mothers should not smoke during pregnancy, nicotine, which crosses the placental barrier, may affect the female fetus during an important period of development so as to predispose the brain to the addictive influence of nicotine. Prenatal exposure to smoking has previously been linked with impairments in memory, learning, cognition, and perception in the growing child. (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 1995) Subsequent follow-up after 12 years suggest that regardless of the amount or duration of current or past maternal smoking, the strongest correlation between maternal smoking and a daughter's smoking occurred when the mother smoked during pregnancy. NIDA also reported that of 192 mothers and their first born adolescents with a mean age of 12 1/2, the analysis revealed that 26.6% of the girls whose mother smoked while pregnant had smoked in the past year. Tobacco companies target teens because 85 to 90% of all new smokers begin before or during their teenage years, so marketing demographics compel cigarette companies to target adolescents if they are the ones

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Grace Dawson Artist or Pornographer essays

Grace Dawson Artist or Pornographer essays Grace Dawson: Artist or Pornographer? Mountmonk College has always held very high standards for students and staff. Mountmonk likes to consider themselves better than the other schools at maintaining principles of traditional values as the alumni has done in the past. As the school nears its alumni weekend, we must take into consideration these values, as well as changes in the times as we decide about use of the auditorium for the weekend. Last semester there was an art contest held for the students. All ribbon winning art is scheduled to be displayed in the auditorium during the alumni weekend. One of our students, Grace Dawson, is a photographer and is planning to show one of her photographs in the auditorium over the weekend. Her photograph is of a naked woman kneeling on the ground with a man in a suit kicking her while a naked man watches. We have objections to the display of her art from both the Womens Center and the Director of Alumni Relations . They feel her art is repugnant due to its explicit sexual content and fear that the alumni may withdraw contributions. Grace Dawson argues in her own defense that her photograph is artwork and should be exhibited. She entered this and several other photographs in the Student Art Contest last semester and won a ribbon for honorable mention. She feels that her art deserves to be displayed with the rest of the ribbon winners. Grace Dawson has been unfairly singled out. She insists that she has the right to free speech under the First Amendment and her artwork is a form of protected speech. She should not be, and cannot be, denied the right to freedom of expression even if her expressions are Although we can immediately see that some of the alumni might be offended by the nature of the photos, we must look beyond that to the bigger and more important ...

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Emersons Nature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emersons Nature - Essay Example 2. As is seen from Emerson's work Nature, his approach to natural world is rather idealistic. Nature has a strong relation to divine creation of God, and therefore must be considered as an ideal world. It is not easy for us to see Nature - only children have this ability as their view is natural and virgin. We can consider Nature as a mirror of our spirit as Nature is a real expression of human spirit. Emerson expresses Nature as perfect technology of God, and as people are part of Nature, it should satisfy their needs. Nature gains benefit for people, and even numerous natural calamities are given to us as the result of our behavior. Nature is a real reflection of a human soul, and it has a real linkage with humanity. Art is a reflection of Nature, and human art and self-expression is harmoniously connected with Nature. There is a strong linkage between morality, spirit and Nature. The sense of Nature can be expressed with poetic magical language, and scientific mathematical language fails to express Nature. Emerson also underlined that Nature is real truth, and this truth cannot be limited or wrongly-expressed by people. Nature is initially presented by God as ideal and rational order, and parts of this order are tightly connected to each other. People can influence Nature only by God's will, so we can create nature, but this creation is an expression of the will of God.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

How Has The Global Financial Crisis Impacted Consumer Behaviour with Dissertation

How Has The Global Financial Crisis Impacted Consumer Behaviour with Reference to The UK Car Industry - Dissertation Example h 40 3.8.2 Plagiarism 40 3.9 Chapter Review 41 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 42 Chapter 5: ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS 55 5.1 Conclusions 55 5.2 Recommendations 56 5.3 Reflections 57 REFERENCES 59 List of Figures Figure 1.3.1: Factors influencing Car Buyer Behaviour 6 Figure 2.1.1: GDP Growth in the United Kingdom 13 Figure 2.1.2: Financial Conditions and Housing Price Developments in the United Kingdom 13 Figure 2.1.3: Unemployment in the United Kingdom during the Global Financial Crisis 14 Figure 2.1.4: Seasonally Adjusted Household Final Consumption Expenditure for the UK 16 Figure 2.1.5: UK Consumer Confidence 17 Figure 2.1.6: Seasonally Adjusted Durable Goods Expenditure Growth Rates for the United Kingdom 18 Figure 2.1.7: Seasonally Adjusted Transport Growth Rates for the United Kingdom 19 Figure 2.1.8: UK Mortgage Approvals 20 Figure 2.1.9: UK Investment Risk Appetite 20 Figure 2.2.1: New and Used Car Sales in the United Kingdom 23 Figure 2.2.2: New Car Market Volume and Value in the United Kingdom 24 Figure 2.2.3: Steps that Consumers Took to Offset Rising Fuel Prices 25 Figure 4.1: New Car Registrations for Ford in the United Kingdom 44 Figure 4.2: New Car Registrations for Vauxhall in the United Kingdom 44 Figure 4.3: New Car Registrations for Volkswagen in the United Kingdom 45 Figure 4.4: New Car Registrations for BMW in the United Kingdom 45 Figure 4.5: New Car Registrations for Audi in the United Kingdom 46 Figure 4.6: New Car Registrations for Nissan in the United Kingdom 46 Figure 4.7: Income Distribution Level of those Contemplating Buying a Car after the End of the Global Financial Crisis 49 Figure 4.8: Price Paid for Current Car in the United Kingdom after End of the Global Financial Crisis 50 Figure 4.9: Factors Initiating Decision to Buy a Current Car in the United Kingdom after the End of the Global Financial Crisis 51 Figure 4.10: Number of Models Considered when Buying a Current Car after the End of the Global Financial Crisis in the United Kingdom 52 Figure 4.11: Sources of Information Used when Deciding about Buying a Current Car after the End of the Global Financial Crisis in the United Kingdom 53 Figure 4.12: Trade-offs when Deciding about Buying a Current Car after the End of the Global Financial Crisis in the United Kingdom 54 List of Tables Table 4.1: New Car Registrations for Various Models of Cars during the Global Financial Crisis 43 Table 4.2: Most Popular Models of Cars Sold in the United Kingdom in the Year 2010 47 Acknowledgements Declaration of Originality MASTERS DISSERTATION SUBMISSION FORM Student’s family name: First names: Student ID No: Course: Supervisor: Dissertation Title: How has the Global

Monday, January 27, 2020

Social action plans: drugs and alcohol

Social action plans: drugs and alcohol Table of Contents Background Objectives Proposed Actions Anticipated Outcomes Key roles and responsibilities Timelines and resources required Key risks Evaluation Method References Background Drugs and alcohol is a major social issue (J. David Hawkins, Richard F. Catalano, and Janet Y. Miller, 1992). It is not something that can be solved by the law (Lee P. Brown, 2008). Throughout history, many attempts have been made to try and legalize and control alcohol and drug addiction but has failed. It requires education, international awareness and a lot of work to resolve. Whilst alcohol and certain drugs are not illegal, the potential dangers are well documented. It is in many regards, worse of a problem than other social problems such as smoking. Not only does it create health problems, but creates a habit from a young age that is hard to avoid (Kabir Ayub, 2011). This affects families, schools and the larger part of society. It creates a burden for law enforcers, violence, accidents and a lot of other side-effects. Drugs and alcohol have especially been a major issue in NSW full of pubs and night life. Major incidents of violence at many locations have been recorded. The number of police officers required to monitor and deal with incidents have greatly increased since 2011. New laws, curfews and extreme measures had to be put in place (NSW Government, 2014). This shows that inaction is a major cost to society and is a major burden on the government and law enforcers. Local Christian Churches have been chosen to address the issue. Drugs and alcohol is an international social problem that is very hard to tackle. The local Christian communities serves as a good attempt to address problems in the local community. Studies have shown that peer influence is a major factor in drugs and alcohol abuse (Karl E. Bauman, Susan T. Ennett, 1996). The church will be able to put a positive influence back to society to help change this issue. The church (religion) is and has been a major influence to society. Religion helps shape lives. Objectives The key objectives in this action plan are to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol and to create a series of events to reduce the consumption of drugs and alcohol. In raising awareness of the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol, we hope to increase public understanding of what they are, the potential harm and the damage it has caused to our society. Local churches often run campaigns to promote Christianity and raise awareness of their religion. It would be viable for them to continue as is, but include flyers and other advertisements that target alcohol and drugs. Through a series of special events, such as alcohol free nights, we create incentives for those addicted to drugs and alcohol to attend and make it a habit to reduce consumption of drugs and alcohol. These events are aimed at providing the first steps for affected people to adjust to life without harmful substances. It is business as usual for local churches as they already run local community events. Running alcohol and drug themed campaigns fits in with their schedule and aim to promote and improve the greater community. For example, a family bbq gathering can include an extra clause of being alcohol exempt. The key theme is to use religion and the major influence of the church to shape lives, stop alcohol and drug abuse and to increase awareness. Proposed Actions Use of social media to link and highlight key media that raise awareness. Through official Facebook, Twitter and other accounts of the churches, social media is a strong platform to push information. Door to door knocking and handing out pamphlets is part of a Church’s day to day activities (Archie Poulos, 2010). Within the advertisements, the church can embed information on drugs and alcohol to further increase awareness. Anti-drug and anti-alcohol posters can be posted within the premise. Each time people visit the church they will be able to see these media items and gain awareness to the drug and alcohol problems. Preaches every Sunday can be used to influence the followers on reducing consumption of alcohol. Religion is known to have a major influence and the voice of god is very useful. Prayers will help those guilty of drugs and alcohol be persuaded to change and move away from these harmful substances. Alcohol and drug free events can be introduced as part of normal family events and gatherings. Prizes and other rewards can be introduced as an extra incentive. Families can get together and share their experiences. Anticipated Outcomes The anticipated outcome is increased awareness in drugs and alcohol. Social media activities such as Twitter and Facebook can easily be measured by likes, replies, retweets and other common statistics. This can provide numbers on the number of people have read and reacted to the postings. The local community will be more aware of its harmful effects. They will be able to spread this out to other local communities via word of mouth to further increase awareness. The community will be educated to stop alcohol/drugs based violence and help report/resolve any incidents. Parents will be able to educate their children to prevent the next generation early on. Another anticipated outcome is reduced consumption of drugs and alcohol. Alternatives such as soft drinks and replacements can take its place. Alcohol and drugs driven violence should be reduced. Families will increase in happiness. This will reduce load on the community and even local council/government. This means funding and resources can be better spent elsewhere and further improve lives. Key roles and responsibilities Within a church, many of the staff are volunteers, including the door knocking staff. Different staff will be required for each action point. The organization structure is rather flat. The media advisor will be in charge of coordinating the social media activities. They will be spreading the message via the church’s social media account. Door to door knocking events will coordinated by the normal door knocking organizer. Posters will be reviewed and signed off by the priest. Alcohol and drug free events will be reviewed by the events coordinator. Preaches and prayers will be reviewed by the priest. The key is to add extra roles and responsibilities to existing staff. Timelines and resources required The church anticipates that the promotional campaign will run for a month and based on feedback may be extended. Most of the action points are ongoing and will be held in part every Sunday as part of the Church gathering and extended events. Social media, posters and door knocking will be incorporated with day to day activities. The idea is to enhance and set the theme for the staff to work on – to add their current jobs. No extra resources are anticipated except a potential external graphics design company to create the promotional poster. All other efforts are conducted by current staff of the church, such as priests and other volunteers. Families are encouraged to help out as they normally would. Extra funding is anticipated and this will be sourced from the church’s annual budget. The church does not expect a huge burden on the budget. The staff may have to put in extra hours to meet the deadlines to get this kick-started. The local social worker can be contacted for further assistance and to attend special events to help the church out in assisting any attenders that do have actual problems in life with drugs and alcohol. Local doctors would also be a useful resource in helping with providing material and assisting with drug and alcohol effects on the body. Key risks A key risk in raising awareness about drugs and alcohol is that it may get some people that were previously never interested to try the mentioned products based on curiosity. Many people may be unwilling to identify themselves as an addict to drugs and/or alcohol. This may be due to peer pressure, family issues and others. This will make it difficult to convince these people to join the events created especially for them. Preaches may be seen as some as propaganda campaigns and a way to control and restrict an individual’s freedom. Care must be taken at the wording, how it is addressed and it must be linked back to Christianity. Lack of attendance or feedback may also be an issue. Over time people could be back to their old lifestyle. Evaluation Method An attendance count can be used to evaluate how many people are interested in the series of events. An anonymous informal survey can be used to further gauge the situation. This helps to evaluate how effective the proposed actions are and also direction for further action. A follow up survey months later can be used to see if lifestyle has changed. Informal discussions and interviews can be had to see what effects it has had on lifestyle of people. Social media feedback is the most evident and can generate huge discussions. There are many statistics used to measure the success of a social media campaign, such as the number of retweets. The local police stations can be contacted before and after to determine if the number of reported incidents related to drug and alcohol abuse has decreased. References Lee P. Brown, 2008, Two takes drugs are a major social problem we cannot legalize them, US News, 25th July, 10th May 2014, http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2008/07/25/two-takes-drugs-are-a-major-social-problem-we-cannot-legalize-them Kabir Ayub, 2011, Drug addiction: A Social Problem!, 24th March, 10th May 2014, http://pamirtimes.net/2011/03/24/addiction-a-social-problem/ NSW Government, 2014, New measures rolled out to target drug and alcohol fuelled violence, 21st February, 10th May 2014, http://www.nsw.gov.au/news/new-measures-rolled-out-target-drug-and-alcohol-fuelled-violence J. David Hawkins, Richard F. Catalano, and Janet Y. Miller, Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Implications for Substance Abuse Prevention, Psychological Bulletin Vol 112, 1992, 10th May 2014, http://adai.washington.edu/confederation/2008readings/Catalano_86.pdf Karl E. Bauman, Susan T. Ennett, On the importance of peer influence for adolescent drug use: commonly neglected considerations, Vol 91, Issue 2, pages 185-198 Archie Poulos, 2010, Doorknocking is fun?, 25th Match, 10th May 2014, http://sydneyanglicans.net/blogs/churchlife/doorknocking_is_fun Social Action Plan: Group Name Social Action plan: Team members: Description of the Issue: 1 | Page

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Orange County Essay

After California passed a proposition limiting revenue generated from local property taxes, pressure was put on local governments to raise enough money to fund services. Orange County, like many others in the US, attempted to raise revenue without increasing taxes. Their treasurer, Robert L. Citron, decided to get involved with a high risk high reward product. He chose to invest in derivatives and gamble with public money. Because interest rates were low at the time, Citrons portfolio was returning at an average rate of 8. 52%. This was 5% higher than what the state of California was earning. Orange County was enjoying the benefits of their treasure’s investments. In 1994, 35% of the county’s revenue was from the portfolios returns. The county continued to increase earnings and therefore no one looked into Citrons practices. He did inform the Board of Supervisors that the value of the county’s portfolio depended on interest rates remaining stable or decreasing. So when interest rates rose, the value of the portfolio diminished, eventually leading to bankruptcy. In December 1994, Orange County announced a loss of $1. 6 billion, the most significant loss recorded by a local government investment pool. This also displayed the negative side of the high risk investments made by Citron who was gambling with a $7. 5 billion portfolio made up of players such as cities, school, water works, and regional transportation. [1] There were many factors that led to the bankruptcy of Orange County. A Board of Supervisors member stated that there was a lack of oversight (not an accountable system) and failure of disclosure to investors. Citron also never met with the investment oversight committee that did exist, and as treasurer he had control over Orange County and their trust. Many have questioned if Citron was ever qualified to hold his position in office. Some even blame the state government. Originally they used to fund local governments, but when they started taking back they were taking $6. 5 million more than they were giving them. Before the county declared bankruptcy, an investor; First Boston, was selling its collateral because they saw that the county’s portfolio was declining. This was a hint that problems were around the corner because soon many investors would realize this and pull out. In response, bankruptcy was declared so that the funds would freeze and banks would not be able to liquidate the collateral. Another responsible party was Merrill Lynch, the county’s financial advisor. The purpose they serve is to protect the interests of the county. They did warn Citron about the volatility of the investments however they still bought him the same funds and underwrote a bond issue for $600 million. The warning was only sent to Citron and not to the Board of Supervisors. A lawsuit was filed in 1995 against Merrill Lynch by Orange County. [2] Besides the power he held over the county, another reason for the bankruptcy was Citron’s use of leveraging. As a leveraged fund, it could borrow money to increase its securities portfolio. Citron was able to leverage $7. 57 billion into $20. 5 billion. In essence, when the investment produces a high return rate, the stockholders will have a very high rate of return. On the other hand, if the investment produces a low return rate, the stockholders will have a very low return. They also used longer term maturities which makes it more sensitive to changing interest rates. So there is a high leverage risk as well as interest rate risk. [3] Duration is interest rate sensitivity and because Citron’s portfolio depended on interest rates it is a good measure. Because the portfolio used median term maturities over short term maturities to increase their return, the duration increased. In December 1994 the duration was 2. 74 years. With the leverage ratio at 2. 73, the actual portfolio duration was 7. 4 (2. 74*2. 73). When the interest rates rose in 1994, the estimated loss using duration was $1. 85 million, a little more than the actual amount. interest rates went up about 3. 5 and 5 year bond yield was 5%) VaR could also have been used to find some risks of the portfolio. VaR is a statistical technique used to measure and quantify the level of financial risk within a firm or investment portfolio over a specific time frame. Value at risk is used by risk managers in order to measure and control the level of risk which the firm undertakes. The risk manager’s job is to ensure that risks are not taken beyond the level at which the firm can absorb the losses of a probable worst outcome. investopedia definition) The portfolio was sensitive to interest rates so a change in the rate can be used in 3 simulation methods and the only impactive factor. Using a historical simulation approach, the VaR equals $1. 24 billion. This is lower then the actual value but it is also using past prices to determine the future. In the delta normal method VaR is calculated as $1. 21 billion. This is a little less accurate then the historical method. The best way in theory to calculate Var would be using the Monte Carlo Simulation. However in this situation it treats the portfolio as one asset and equals about $1 billion. Because none of these prove to be reliable enough, a exponentially weighted moving average can be used to improve the accuracy of VaR. What it does it give more weight to recent data then older data. [4] As a result of the bankruptcy many unfortunate consequences arose. Of course there was the $1. 6 billion in debt that needed to be re-payed to investors. Additionally the lawsuit against Merrill Lynch was draining funds from the community with no promising chance of recovery. The once perfect rating that Orange County held was now downgraded to a default rating by Standard & Poor. There were also many political consequences regarding the county and county officials. If the risk of the portfolio was taken into consideration by the appropriate parties, the entire situation could have been avoided. Unfortunately the power to stop Citron was in the hands of Merrill Lynch who did not take the appropriate action. The County also failed to monitor and assess the deal which puts several more people at blame for the bankruptcy.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

“A Young Birch” by Robert Frost Poetry Analysis Essay

In the poem â€Å"A Young Birch†, Robert Frost establishes the futility of existence despite having beauty through the use of symbols, structure, and imagery. Although the birch tree is beautiful, its life is meaningless and its death is unavoidable. The speaker describes the birch tree’s life, but in the end, the struggles that the birch tree faced were pointless. Frost establishes the birch tree’s beauty through the use of symbols in the colour white. The colour white symbolizes beauty and purity. Frost compares the birch’s beauty to the sun’s ability to be bright. â€Å"Soon entirely white / To double day and cut in half the dark† (ll 4-5) The speaker comments on the birch’s ability, being beautiful, to make the days twice as bright, establishing the blinding beauty of the birch tree. The colour white symbolizes not only beauty, but death. Frost uses this symbolism to establish the inevitability of death. â€Å"†¦crack it’s outer sheath / Of baby green and show the white beneath† (ll 1-2) Frost uses the speaker’s comment on the growth of the birch tree to establish the beauty that was always within the tree, but also death, which is apart of every natural living being. Frost establishes the birch tree’s beauty, but also the inevitable death in his use of symbolism in the colour white. Frost establishes the futility of existence through the use of symbols. The speaker describes the growth of the birch tree through the comparison of its size to different man-made objects, the cane and the fishing pole. The cane and the fishing pole are symbols of the birch tree’s growth. â€Å"At first to be no bigger than a cane, / And then no bigger than a fishing pole,† (ll 14-15) The cane and the fishing pole also represent the birc h tree’s inevitable death. These man-made objects are made of wood, which are essentially dead trees. The speaker describes the ever-present force of death, even in the growing stages of life. Frost establishes a sense of futility in the birch tree’s growth. Frost establishes the lack of meaning in the birch tree’s life. The use of the word ornament represents the birch tree’s meaningless life, although being beautiful. This symbol establishes that the only purpose of the birch’s life is to be a beautiful object and nothing more. â€Å"To live its life out as an ornament† (ll 22) The speaker comments that the birch tree’s life is fruitless. Frost establishes the futility of existence in growing and living because of a purposeless existence through his use of symbols.  Frost establishes life and growth as futile through his use of structure. The poem, â€Å"A Young Birch†, is divided into two sections through the tense that is used, present tense and past tense, establishing that life is only a small part of existence and that death is the overpowering force. Frost uses sentence structure and length to represent the birch tree’s growth. Each sentence, with the exception of the transition sentence and concluding sentence, is slightly larger than the last. As the birch tree’s growth is described in the poem, the length of the sentences grows too. The sentence lengths reach a climax of 10 lines and it is cut short abruptly, representing the way death cuts life. Frost establishes death as dominant to life through his use of structure. Frost establishes the birch tree’s imminent death through his use of imagery. The speaker describes the sound of the birch tree breaking out of its outer cover, a stage in its maturity and growth. â€Å"The birch begins to crack its outer sheath / Of baby green and show the white beneath† (ll 1-2) The breaking out of the outer layer of the birch provides a vivid description of the birch tree’s struggles in life. Frost emphasizes the futility in the struggle of life, as death is unavoidable. Frost establishes the ever-present possibility of being killed in his vivid description of death. The speaker describes those that were killed around the birch and the ease in which the birch itself can die. â€Å"He spared it from the number of the slain.† (ll 13) The image of death emphasizes the loneliness of the birch tree, despite having beauty, and the inevitability of death in the birch tree as well. Frost establishes the vulnerability of living things and the benefit in accepting death through his use of imagery. Frost establishes the dominant nature of death to life and the lack of purpose and meaning in life. He establishes that even in growth, purity, and beauty, death is unavoidable and acceptance of death is beneficial. Frost establishes the imminent nature of death and the futility of existence in â€Å"A Young Birch† through his use of imagery, structure, and symbols.