The Color of Water free essay sample

The book uncovers how the main character Ruth, dealt with her negative memories of her past experience and how she was able to become a strong individual. In addition, in a Time magazine article â€Å"Intermarried.. with Children,† by Jill Smolowe and Greg Aunapu, explores how other families deal with interracial marriages. In the Social Science Quarterly there is an article, â€Å"Racial/Ethnic Identification of Children of Intermarried Couples† where the author reflects on how biracial families form their identity. Issues like interracial marriage as shown in the Time magazines article and loss of identity are relatable to â€Å"The Color of Water. â€Å"The Color of Water† written by James McBride is about a Jewish, white woman named Ruth who married two African-American men and had eight children in the first marriage and four in the second marriage. Their story is told through Ruth eighth child James. James had a conflict trying to understand why his mother was white and he was black. We will write a custom essay sample on The Color of Water or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Ruth refuses to tell her children about her past, because she wants them to believe that everyone is equal and fears they will think differently if they hear about her past. She did not want them to learn how hurtful racism could be. The Color of Water† begins with Ruth telling her son that she is dead. Ruth’s family has told her she was dead in their eyes because she went against their religion by marrying a black man. Her family disowned her because she did not marry a Jewish man and she went against all orthodox rules. Ruth’s contradictions confused her children when they were younger, but they grew into adults that better understood the hurtful side of racism and what their mother dealt with. They appreciate their mother’s experiences since she dealt with both racism and religious prejudice. Even though she was white, her own family had been evil to her. Ruth’s name changes three times in the book. First it is Rachul Dwajra Zylska which was her Hebrew name, then her name became Rachel Deborah Shilsky which was the name given to her when she came to America, and then when her family disowned her she became Ruth McBride Jordan which was her married name. McBride is the last name of the first husband and Jordan of the latter. In â€Å"The Color of Water†, James felt as an outcast during his childhood years because he did not resemble his mother and most of his classmates resembled their parents. However, James always had various questions to ask his mother about their background but Ruth was never the type of person to have an open discussion about her past. Some of her children grew up confused, some of them sided with their African-American side, and some didn’t question their background. Not having an open discussion with one’s children about one’s heritage can increase the chances of the child not being educated on their heritage. This also conflicts to them not accepting their heritage. Due to this, some children tend to have negative experiences when dealing with peers who do not accept children of color or mixed race. It is important to educate one’s child of their background so that the child can better handle their peers and the pressures that come with dealing with race and society. The Time magazine article â€Å"Intermarried.. with Children,† by Jill Smolowe and Greg Aunapu examines some of the increasing number in the United States of racial, ethnic and religious barriers people have before starting a life together. In past and current events families and their children have been threatened because of being integrated. According to the article in 1963 a family of Jewish and black descent had to get bodyguards because their children of â€Å"mixed ancestry caused near riots at their public school. † The homes of interracial families have reportedly been targets of hate crimes by members of their communities who do not accept mixed race households. According to the â€Å"The Color of Water† â€Å"James and his siblings were often the sole black students in school, and suffered from the prejudice of the white world. James discovered jazz during this period of life, embracing it as an escape from painful realities. He continued to try to resolve the dilemma of his race, frequently with frustrating results. His mother dodged the issue, occupying her children with â€Å"free cultural and artistic activities in the city. †(76) According to Ruth’s technique of avoiding the issue of James pain, the outcome only increased to James becoming negligent with himself while dealing with his mother refusal to give him a clear understanding of the issue. In â€Å"The Color of Water† the author had mentioned a negative experience his mother went through during her childhood years. As a child Ruth had dealt with prejudice against Jews in Suffolk, Virginia. In addition, to being threatened by people who were racist towards Jewish people she was also sexually abuse by her father. This is a common issue that some people face in their lives; in which there are various negative outcomes that some people would prefer to deal with their pain. For instance, some people may have very low self-esteem, or may have suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol abuse etc. Although Ruth had a difficult childhood, she did have a moment when she had low self-esteem due to all the negative things that occurred in her life, and with that she was capable of overcoming those obstacles. James McBride’s search for his racial identity intensified during adolescence. While his older siblings were earning college degrees, McBride out of all his siblings rebelled the most. He ended up on a street corner, hanging out with punks and stealing. His mother sent him to his sister, Jackie’s house. James was hanging out with people who had nothing better to do with their time While In their company, something finally clicked and he realized the street corner was a dead end. James suffered while searching for his identity. During his adolescence, he went through a period of uncertainty and anxiety it turned self-destructive. Although Ruth dealt with her negative memories of her past experience, she overcame it and was able to become a strong individual. Ruth believed that her own children should experience more freedom that she did. However, â€Å"she accorded with her parents belief in the value of hard work, which she passed on to her children by reinforcement and example. † (98) She encouraged her children to embrace discipline and diligence from a young age. When James realized this about this mother he decided to approach his identity issue another way. James returned to high school, went on to college, and became a journalist. In the Social Science Quarterly there is an article, â€Å"Racial/Ethnic Identification of Children of Intermarried Couples† where the author reflects on how biracial families form their identity. According to the article children of biracial families tend to suffer the most of identity issues while growing. Children of African American and white couples are least likely to be identified as white, while children of Asian American and white couples are most likely to be identified as white. Intermarried couples in which the minority spouse is male, native born, or has no white ancestry are more likely to identify their children as minorities than are those in which the minority spouse is female, foreign born, or has part white ancestry. In addition, neighborhood minority concentration increases the likelihood that biracial children are identified as minorities. Like McBride and his siblings they all identified with their African American side of the race than with the white race. They grew up in Red Hook Brooklyn a predominantly African American neighborhood. They went to African American churches. Their mother raised them to identify with the African American community. Still, James identity was an issue because of the color of his mother skin. According to the article it is best to deal with children identity issues from a young age in order not to cause any confusion to them when they become adults. The title â€Å"The Color of Water† is significant because it shows that it does not matter what color you are and while as a child James asked his mother â€Å"what color is God† and Ruth tells her son that God is neither black nor white, he is the color of water, the perfect analogy. McBride’s recounting of his mother’s life helped him answer questions about race and identity that had troubled him his whole life because he realized how hard his mother’s life really was after he looked back at all the things she did. McBride perceives the historical events as continuing battles of race and his family was ones of the families that had to go through the racial battle. Ruth made her children get summer jobs and after-school jobs, and as they grew up, Ruth had high expectations for their careers. She supported them and was considered a strong, brave, independent single mother after her second husband’s death. This is what made Ruth a strong positive person by her positive attitude and strength to move forward with her life and holding high expectations for her children. This is what helped James move on and just live life, because his mother instilled in him values that go beyond race. Bibliography McBride, James. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. New York: Riverhead Books, 1996. Print. Qian, Zhenchao. Options: Racial/Ethnic Identification Of Children Of Intermarried Couples. Social Science Quarterly (Blackwell Publishing Limited) 85. 3 (2004): 746-766. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Dec. 2012. Smolowe, JillAunapu, Greg. Intermarried With Children. Time 142. 21 (1993): 64. MAS Ultra School Edition. Web. 17 Dec. 2012. The Color of Water Literary Research Paper Grecia Olivares-Diaz English 209-Section 001 – Children’s Literature Professor Adero-Zaire R. Green December 19, 2012 The Color of Water free essay sample Discuss the significance of the title for booth speak and the color of water? He significance of the title of speak Is literally what Its shouting out, It says Its about a kid who learns to speak up for him/herself . And the color of water the title Is a metaphor meaning that something that has no color Like water because It reflects from the sky. For example In the book James asks Ruth what color god Is she answers that god Is no color he Is the color of water and water does not have a color so he Is neither white, black, or any other; he has no color. )what Is a prominent theme for the color of water? How does It parallel the message In speak? He prominent theme for the color of water Is that no matter the color of your skin or yours or your family past. We will write a custom essay sample on The Color of Water or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page You will always be family even If they arena your parents they will love a there own. And also motivate your self to figure things out. And never let the past bring your feet forget the past and let It add to your success and make you stronger. Just Like In speak Melinda didnt let her past ruin her future. She fog and recovered. Keep moving forward and never look back. By Mooney 2)how does the setting contribute to the struggle of identity within the novel?How 3) what traits does James inherit from his mother? Which of these traits are most admirable for helpful in his personal Journey? The significance of the title of speak is literally what its shouting out, it says its about a kid who learns to speak up for him/herself . And the color of water the title is a metaphor meaning that something that has no color like water because it reflects from the sky. For example in the book James asks Ruth what color god is she answers hat god is no color he is the color of water and water does not have a color so he is 5)what is a prominent theme for the color of water? Owe does it parallel the message in speak? The prominent theme for the color of water is that no matter the color of your skin or yours or your family past. You will always be family even if they arena your parents they will love a there own. And also motivate your self to figure things out. A nd never let the past bring your feet forget the past and let it add to your success and make you stronger. Just like in speak Melinda didnt let her past ruin her future.

Advanced Selling Strategies †Business 500 Level Book Summary

Advanced Selling Strategies – Business 500 Level Book Summary Free Online Research Papers Advanced Selling Strategies–Business 500 Level Book Summary Most sales success comes from the mind. Performance is a function of attitude, skills and action. By accepting complete responsibility, we undertake our own creative force and end up making things happen. The intensity to produce results creates results, which feeds the desire to create more results. There are seven mental laws of selling. The Great Law, or of cause and effect; Compensation, or of sowing and reaping; Control, which affects feelings; Belief, and with emotion creates reality; Concentration, with which what is dwelled upon grows and expands in the mind; Attraction, where you attract similar minded people; Correspondence, where your outer mind is a mirror of the inner mind. There are seven exercises to achieve mental fitness. These are positive: self talk, self imaging, mental food, people, training and development, health habits, and positive actions. Salespeople should always perform an analysis of there strengths and weaknesses and at the same time ensure their mission statements match their values and beliefs. The biggest fear of selling is the fear of rejection. Conversely, the biggest fear of buying is the fear of failure – people don’t like to be criticised or question by their friends. Everyone wants to be a Mr. or Mrs. Jones, so why look different, save the embarrassment. And everyone who has a negative buying experience files the experience away to further fuel more anger and resentment the next time. Which is why there are so many buyer reactions, but most of them could be categorized into specific sets. The critical factor in selling today is to help people reduce their perceived exposure to risk. Risk increases with the size of the sale and becomes directly apparent to a buyer in direct proportion to their unfamiliarity with the sales person. Therefore successful salespeople position their products as the low risk product, but before they do this, they build trust with buyers. Salespeople need to ‘relieve the tension’. So, rather than the old dog style of selling, today 40% of the sales process is building trust, 30% diagnosis, 30% presenting and closing (or closing while presenting). Listening is everything. God gave us two ears and one mouth so we could use them in that proportion in order to help us to learn how to trust each other. Listening develops character, and is a self discipline which must be practiced. Listening means listening attentively, and practicing how to shut up (especially when asking for the sale) and learning to pause before replying. Seven steps towards relationship building include: never criticising, never complain, never condemn, always approve, accept and appreciate with admiration the beliefs and opinions of clients. And, give them the attention and agreement they need from you. Building MEGA CREDIBILITY means everything counts. Every piece of evidence that proves a clients delight with the company or sales person must be recorded as precisely, concisely and clearly as possible. Photos, highlighted letters, testimonials etc, must be maintained in a presentation format for future customers to absorb before the sales person even starts talking about his/her product. When it comes to people buying from you, there seems to be a Law of Duality, of primary and secondary, of reasons that sound good and the real more subtle hidden reasons. Find the secondary reasons then you’ve found the green ‘hot’ button to trigger the client to buy from you. A salesperson should think like a doctor and ask, â€Å"Where does it hurt†? The goal is to take the pain away, do the deeds that solve the most pressing needs. This means discovering the both the primary positive motivators, and really working on that one big green button on his chest. We must remember our clients make most of their judgments about us within the first four seconds of meeting us. It’s almost as if their final judgments of us are made in those four seconds. And they certainly confirm those judgments as soon as we open our mouths. So leave nothing to chance dress, smile, smell, appear, time, stand perfectly before the client. Prospecting is the filling of the sales pipeline. One good way to fill the pipeline is to examine past clients: what do they all have in common that made them buy from you in the first place? What are they all attempting to avoid or achieve? When phone prospecting, the first objective is simply to sell an appointment (to get ten minutes of time to meet face to face). A well formulated opening statement such as the idea, benefit or result of what is being sold must be developed, such as, â€Å"would you be interested in a 100% written guarantee that your property will be sold for the highest possible price and without costing you absolutely any money in the process?†. Never tell over the phone how this is done, simply ask for the time to show how it’s done. Presenting in sales is made easier by examining and diagnosing the client first. But the sale is made in the presentation too, which means although the presentation makes only a fraction of the effort required to win the sale, the effort to win in the presentation is made easier by the understanding the green hot button needs of the client first. It means simply â€Å"Gap Analysis† – be the detective that finds the problem, then let’s the client feel how wide that gap is, and how you’re going to bridge that gap with a solution. The most important element of presenting is simply this: never say a thing if you can ask it. Telling is not selling. A salesperson telling may not be wrong; it’s just that it’s coming from the wrong person (the salesperson). The client should discover the solution for themselves. Use open ended questions to open up conversation, use closed ended questions to narrow the conversation to a concluding close. It’s important to listen to the customer’s unspoken words. Why should I listen to you? What is it? What’s in it for me? So what? Who says so? Who else has done it? The key is mega credibility, such as photos of delighted clients sticking sold stickers on their For Sale boards with their agency’s team. Closing is likened to golf, you ‘drive for show, but you putt for dough’. And objections from the customer are not a bad sign. Objections are good, they indicate interest and you should be excited to receive them. Objections should be received with an acknowledgement and respect of the customers’ feelings and opinions. All objections could be categorised into six groups: price, performance, follow-up service, competition, support, warranties and assurances. Answers to these groups should be bullet proof. Early objections must be found and answered immediately, preferably before the launch of a presentation. It’s no good having these objections rattling around in the minds of prospects during the presentation. Always handle objections diplomatically, such as, â€Å"obviously you have a good reason for saying that. Do you mind if I ask what it is?† Objections are the rungs on the ladder of success. As prospects hesitate or procrastinate the question needs to be asked, â€Å"There seems to be some question in your mind that’s causing you to hesitate about getting started with us today. Do you mind if I ask what it is?† These type of questions need to asked until the client has exhausted all his/her objections. Then it could be said, â€Å"With us now understanding all the facts, would you be ready to go ahead now†? And where people have to refer the decision to a higher authority, â€Å"rather than waste your time tomorrow, let’s makes that a condition of providing our service to you. We’ll write than up exactly as you want to, subject to you speaking with xxx, and at least that way, when won’t be wasting each others time having to go over every all over again another day, you wouldn’t want to have to do that would you?† Sometimes the client simply feel (or thinks) he/she cannot reveal the reasons to not going ahead. So that’s where we use reverse psychology. We get up and leave. We leave them, just get up and say thanks for your time, and say, â€Å"It would really help me with my other customer if I know exactly where I went wrong in my presentation to you.† Some good closes for the how much question include, â€Å"that’s the best part, if we’re not exactly right for you at anytime, then there is no charge†! Keeping in mind that to some clients price is the major factor, so, â€Å"Is price your only concern†, and â€Å"Are you going to make a decision in this areas solely on the basis of price’? Also ask, â€Å"How much too much does it cost?† Followed by, â€Å"isn’t it true you probably get what you paid for†? And â€Å"did you ever get anything cheap that turned out to be good†? Then close with, would you let us handle everything from here† AND remain silent, shut up, locks eyes with the client and remain zipped for easily over five minutes is you have too. Some errors when closing include: arguing, personal opinions, knocking the competition, overselling and assuming too much authority. Some obstacles include: negative expectations, lack of sincerity, being on completely different wavelengths or just simply a personality clash. Buying signals include the client asking for more technical or for finer details about service. The customer’s body language may change to the tea kettle position (that’s a new one) and chin rubbing. Perhaps the client will start calculating numbers or suddenly become friendly. What ever the indications, these are ‘yes’ statements, so they need to be seized upon, that is what the client is asking for. And that basically covers what I found most compelling from chapters one to ten. Finally, â€Å"What’s past is prologue† (Shakespeare). Research Papers on Advanced Selling Strategies - Business 500 Level Book SummaryIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseThree Concepts of PsychodynamicAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanThe Project Managment Office SystemResearch Process Part OneComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoEffects of Television Violence on Children

Corporate Governance and Global Financial Ethics Essay

Corporate Governance and Global Financial Ethics - Essay Example By conducting a thorough review of the organisation’s management, through the examination of performance, records and statements; auditing allows for identification of pitfalls and their consequent rectification thereby facilitating maximization of shareholder’s value. Auditing usually occurs at the internal and external levels. The internal audit is conducted by an audit team that is part of the organisation, which reports to senior management team of the organisation. External auditors on the other hand report to the organisation’s shareholders with the main purpose being to improve the validity and reliability of the internal audit outcomes. Internal audit serves just as an important function to the shareholders as external auditing does. The process identifies organisational outcomes thereby facilitating the development of a framework and mechanisms through which organisational processes can be restructured and made more effective to facilitate the attainment of organisational objectives. However, in order to achieve this goal, the internal audit process must itself be an effective one. The effectiveness of internal auditing can be maintained by adhering to particular codes of conduct. One of the most important factors for effective auditing is that it must be independent from the activities and operations that it evaluates (CIIA, 2014). The CIIA prescribes that to facilitate the independence of the internal auditing team; the chief internal auditor should serve at a senior capacity within the organisation (2013). Such a position furnishes him/her with the standing and authority to challenge the executive. Moreover, th e CIIA further contends that the audit team should have access to all managerial decision-making forums (2013). The independence of the internal audit team is facilitated by the recruitment of independent individuals. Such

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Essay Example Some scholars have argued that this legislative framework is too intrusive, that corporate fraud ought to be managed through market mechanisms rather than intrusive governmental agencies, and that the Act is more political than helpful (Ribstein, 2005). Other scholars concede the intrusive effects of the Act, but argue instead that the main policy objectives, such as curtailing corporate fraud and improving transparency, are enhanced by the Act (Cunningham, 2003). This essay will argue that, given the nature and the scale of the scandals that have occurred in the absence of such legislation, corporations ought to be compelled to comply with the Act; in order to more fully develop this thesis, this essay will present the type of abuse which led to the legislation, an overview of the main provisions of the Act, and an analysis of the conflicting opinions regarding the efficacy of the Act. In the Enron case, a major employer that was deemed financially stable and a model of sound business practices collapsed suddenly and dramatically. This was a company with billions in annual revenues, well-respected by a broad spectrum of the public, and politically well-connected. Its collapse was subsequently described as the result of deliberate and conscious decisions, by both Enron's management and by its outside accounting firm, to engage in accounting fraud (Fox, 2003). In short, corporate liabilities were understated or hidden and corporate assets were inflated or misrepresented. The public had been lied to, the investors had been lied to, and a great many people were injured when the company was finally forced into bankruptcy. A similar case involved WorldCom, at one time the second most significant long-distance telephone service provider in the United States, which engaged in fraudulent accounting practices in order to misrepresent its true financial condition to banks, c reditors, and other investors (Jeter, 2003). This didn't merely involve creative accounting; quite the contrary, WorldCom entered fictional transactions into its accounting records. When the weakened financial structure could no longer be hidden, the company filed for one of the largest bankruptcy cases in America history. In the final analysis, both of these cases illustrate the types of problems that the Act was designed to minimize. 1.2 An Overview of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 As a preliminary matter, the most significant feature of the Act was its creation of a governmental agency to oversee corporate accounting and financial practices. This agency is now known as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The focus is on publicly traded companies, rather than privately held forms of business organization, and the scope of the agency's power is broad. It is vested with rulemaking authority, with disciplinary powers, and with enforcement authority. In short, this agency is possessed of the same powers as the United States government-legislative, judicial, and executive-with respect to the accounting practices of public companies. Thus, it can be argued that the legislation has created a private government for public companies. An examination of the particular provisions of the Act further demonstrates the

Rapid Response to Natural Disasters

Rapid Response to Natural Disasters Rapid Response[c1] One of the most important features of logistic support management is a quick response following a natural disaster. With the recent improvement of information technology, the logistical operation has been able to be conducted on time and the delivery of the required materials to the victims has been more efficient than ever. A rapid response towards the natural disaster is crucial in order to minimize the damage being done and also reduce the number of lives lost, especially in the aftermath, which could be due to lack of medical coverage or insufficient food or water. This is why transportation method such as land, air and water transport is the most important before, during and after the disasters struck. In providing a rapid response towards a disaster, there come certain challenges with it such as[1]; Relocating critical equipment and commodities when a disaster warning is given Relocating[c2] the critical equipment and commodities needs to be carefully structured and planned as it needs to as far away as possible from the disaster location, to be completely safe from its effect radius. But it needs to be as close as possible to the disaster in order to provide a quick relief to those who are affected by the disaster. (suggestion buat assessment tentang disaster effect radius, and put away from that radius) Evacuation plans If[c3] a disaster struck a nation in all of a sudden, the people will all be still in the location and facing the disaster as it happens. This kind of situation will require a perfect evacuation plan as it involves a massive chaos and difficult to get things done in order. A chaotic situation is an already badly struck location will cause further damage and an increasing number of loss as it hastens the process of rescuing the people and providing an effective disaster aid. (suggestion – training and educating people about evacuating safely and in order. Rehearsal) Clearing path for the movement of people and materials after the disaster Related[c4] to the evacuation plans is the path or road being used to move the people out of the disaster area, as it might not be as in good condition as it were before. It might be congested with traffic of the people wanted to get out of the area, or full of rubbles from the destructions of the buildings and facilities, or being filled with mudslides or submerged in floodwater. These are the problems faced when a disaster relief operation is trying to provide a rapid response towards a disaster. (suggestion ) Method and procedures in the movement of casualties As[c5] a disaster struck, it normally causes a lot of casualties, with most of them involving major injuries that may lead to death. As rapid response is aiming towards reducing the number of death, it requires a proper management in terms of the method and procedures of dealing with the casualties. Not all personnel involved in the disaster aid relief operation are well trained with the procedures as it also involves volunteers from around the world. Though their intention is good, it may also hasten the process and thus the effort of trying to provide rapid response in diminished. (suggestion – provide more training for volunteering bodies around the world of a standard operating procedure and methods being used) Bringing in rescue and repair team, together with their facilities and equipment Transport In the event of a disaster, the resources needed as part of a relief operation must be transported to the affected area as quickly as possible to attend to the casualties and also reduce the number of death and prevent further damages to that area. But providing the amount of transport for all that in such a short time is a big challenge as part of the logistic support group. It is key to use whatever transportation left in the affected area, especially as bigger and better transport from outside is being delayed with the route being cut off as a result of the disaster. And getting the cooperation from the agencies, companies or any organization with any method of transportation is also a challenge as it might involve funds, assets and other matters that need time to be coordinated. (suggestion deal with local organizations, agencies or companies as part of their own disaster plan) (suggestion – create a networking system between all agencies and organizations for cooperation in terms of transportation to increase the efficiency of the relief operations) Coordination and Collaborations Dealing with the event of a natural disaster, it is hard for the affected nation to handle the matter on its own, as their system is crippled and the organization is in chaos. This is why it will need help and support from other nation, especially their neighboring countries or member countries of a regional organization. During a disaster relief, part of the logistic matter is moving and distributing the commodities in as short time as possible to the victims, and this normally involves huge transportation coordination and is a very expensive matter. And certain processes or procedures are too complex to be used in such a critical time where everything needs to be done in such a short space of time. (suggestion – more detailed cooperation between member countries of any organization must be made (OIC, NAM, etc.), not focusing only on regional organization. Better coordination brings better process standardization – better cooperation and better results) (suggestion – information sharing on the critical needs, then easier to coord) Undestanding Environments For the coalition or regional organization, a disaster relief operation mostly involves working in a very different environment and also limited to several constraints. For example, in a disaster that involves conflicts, the distribution and transportation of goods might not be as smooth as it should be. Even with good conditioned roads and transport vehicles, they might me susceptible to attacks, ambushes or mines. Their supply center and relief workers might also be targets for these attacks, which might hamper the process of reaching out to the victims. Political situation might also pose a problem to the success of the relief operation as different groups tries to take advantage of distribution process in the name of their own organization for political gains. Though it has nothing to do with the disaster relief operation organization, it does hamper the initial objective of delivering the goods as quickly as possible to the right community. (suggestion – local capabilities must be identified, as the utilization of their capcities will provide benefits to the relief operation. must identify mana proses yg boleh cepat, mana yg akan lambat. Siapa yg boleh tolong, siapa yg akan menyusahkan.) Sustenance Support Even though the initial support or relief is crucial in saving lives and minimizing damages, it needs to be sustained for a longer period of time in order for it to be completely functioning as it is supposed to be. Resupplies must be coordinated so that the right amount is delivered, as it might vary from the initial quantity and specifications, as adjustments on the commodities are being made from time to time. (suggestion – after receiving the initial support, local authorities must work out the on adjustments and on providing resupplies. Not totally depending on supports from others only.) Packaging xxx (suggestion The aspect of the logistic support that must be given the importance is the Packaging of commodities. Handling equipment, determine the bulk of the unit package should be done accurately as to protect it from damaging. However, Storage and transport circumstances determine the strength of the package unit. For example medicines in plastic bottles survive rough road transport. Other related aspect that should be kept in mind is Shelf-life Climate, Spoilage, Pest resistance (FEMA, 2013, NDMA, 2010). Protecting Important Provisions After the episode of disaster large-scale, relief logistics require consistent and sustained supplies of critical and fast-moving products such as fuel, oil, lubricants, tires, and essential spare parts. In addition, expansion of an operation requires shipments of high value specialist equipment. The time of disaster condition is critical any need may rise therefore before during and after the disaster the protection, handling and provision of the related supplies must be done carefully, such as; Fuel import, refining, and storage, Materials handling and storage at ports , Unloading and bagging equipment, container handling, and secure Storage, Handling and storage at Airport , Storage at developing regional airfields, local assembly and secure packing of tires and spares parts ( UNDP, 2006; NDMA, 2010). Security Time taken to get clearance or permission will cause delay. Commercial airfields ports might be damaged as a result from the disaster. So need to use unconventional ways such as military infrastructure as nearest point of entry. This will need special clearance requires more time to get permissions Security arrangements should be reviewed as soon as the disaster hits. Access to some routes and airfields may be destructed to reach the location or clearance and permits may be needed by the logistic supply teams, especially in emergencies. Hence, Arrangements should be made to obtain the relevant documents before, rather than after, the onset of a disaster (Iqbal et al., 2007; UNDP, 2006). Distribution Distribution of products to victims at the disaster location is distinct from transport and handling bulk package of commodities. The assignment of distribution is commonly decentralized to a distinct agency. It includes the physical and non-physical transfer or distribution from their point of production to the point at which they made available to the victims. The effectiveness of distribution systems depends largely on how recipients are selected and identified in the first place. Often this is a complex and highly political activity, over which external implementing agencies has only limited influence (UNDP, 2006). Bibliography United Nation Development Program (UNDP). (2006). Logistics: Disaster Management Training Program. New York. [1] UNDP. (2006) [c1]Dah siap rephrase [c2]Yang nombor (i) semua chong sendiri..nak kena bubuh reference ke? [c3]Yang nombor (i) semua chong sendiri..nak kena bubuh reference ke? [c4]Yang nombor (i) semua chong sendiri..nak kena bubuh reference ke? [c5]Yang nombor (i) semua chong sendiri..nak kena bubuh reference ke?

America’s Failing Public Schools: Charter Schools Are Not the Solution

America’s Failing Public Schools: Charter Schools Are Not the Solution    It was with wild fanfare that the state’s Republican legislature and Republican Governor enacted their reforms for the state’s public school system. Among the panaceas was charter schools, a ‘90s education fad that gives individual parents the right to send their children to state-approved public charter schools at public expense. Politicians reasoned that less-bureaucratic charter schools would teach students better than traditional public schools because charter schools wouldn’t be subject to the same mandates that the state had heaped upon public schools. Furthermore, traditional schools would be forced to compete with charter schools as they lured thousands of students and millions of dollars away from traditional public schools. Competition from charter schools would then lead to all-around better schools in the state as traditional public schools improved themselves to remain competitive with the cutting-edge charter schools. The charter school program aimed to allocate educational resources via market mechanism by shifting towards freedom of contract. However, the plan unfairly mixes individual decision making with the expenditure of public tax dollars. Moreover, the competition through which legislators sought to improve education throughout state schools has failed to materialize as students enrolled in Michigan charter schools remain a drop in the bucket. In this paper, I will show how the charter school movement represents a limited shift towards freedom of contract and explain why this shift is unfair to the taxpayers of the state of Michigan. Further, I will argue that the market mechanism has not yet become a factor in public educa... ... other today, but as the numbers indicate, an effective market for K-12 education is a long way off. Personally, I do not believe that the salvation lies in charter schools or an individualist approach to educating children. Instead, I think it takes a village, or even the entire state, to come together as a community and reach consensus on ways to improve the existing educational infrastructure in the state, i.e., traditional public schools. Granted, needs are not the same across the board, but there are innovative programs that have worked in some areas that could be successfully repeated in other areas. Competition is not the salvation. Cooperation is the means by which we will improve schools in Michigan. In the words of one Michigan educator, â€Å"We should not waste our time implementing schools of choice, we should work to create choice schools in Michigan.†

The Major Profitability Ratios

The major profitability ratios are: 1. 1. 1. 1RETURN ON CAPITAL: Describes the earning capacity of the enterprise and it is measured by the following ratio: Profit before interest and taxation Average operating Assets The Return On Capital ratio measures how well the average operating assets (assets such as debtors, cash, fixed assets, stock) are generating the company s income, and is indicative of the management techniques applied by the company to utilise its assets. A poor income rate of return could indicate that valuable assets are under utilised.As a result of this problem, an enterprise, which shows a negative Return on capital could be under the influence of poor management. The earning capacity of XYZ Limited for 1998 and 1999 |Ratio|2000|1999|1998|Comments| |||||| Return on|||||| Capital|NPBT|100|88|70|| |Av. OA|(286 + 230) 2|(230 + 162) 2|(162 + 144)|Industry ave| ||100 x 100|88 x 100| 2|| ||258|196|70 x 100|| ||38, 76%|44, 9%|153|| ||||45. 7%|| |||||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : XYZ Limited s return on capital declined from 45. 7% in 1998 to 44. 9% in 1999.This decrease is mainly due to the increase in assets, but further investigation is required to analyse the extent of this decrease. The decrease continued further from 44. 9% in 1999 to 38. 76% in 2000. Again this decrease is due to an increase in assets. The question that arises therefor is: â€Å"Is this phenomena as a result of mismanagement of assets, or just because XYZ Limited is starting up and still growing? † Additional investigation would be required to analyse the extent of the decrease. 1. 1. 1. 2NET PROFIT RATIO: The primary objective of an enterprise is to make a profit.Profit is earned from sales and serves as an important measure of return of capital. The Net Profit percentage can be measured by the following ratio: Net Profit Sales This Net Profit Ratio measures the overall effectiveness of the enterprise s operations, before interest, tax and other non-â€Å"operati ng† items. The shortfall of this ratio in terms of its effectiveness is perhaps the fact that its usefulness is limited to comparisons with other companies. In addition, there is no guideline as to what the ideal absolute value should be. Changes to the Net Profit % can be influenced by one of two components, viz. – Gross Profit Percentage Operating Expenditure In addition, the percentage of sales consumed by operating expenses (i. e. Gross Profit % – Net Profit %) is often indicative of management efficiency in controlling operating costs. Disciplined management techniques, for example, by cutting costs can lead to two consequences, viz. : – A more profitable enterprise An efficiently operating enterprise The Net Profit % of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Net Profit % Margin|2000|1999|1998| Net Operating Income|100|88|70| Net Sales|900|800|700| |11. 11%|11. 00%|10. 00%| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N :The Net Profit Percentage Margin increased steadily in proportion to the Gross Profit percentage during the horizon of 1998 to 1999 (10% to 11%). This improvement in the enterprise s return on capital indicates that a proportionately greater profit was earned from sales in 1999 that in 1998. The crux of the matter, however, is not yet known whether this improvement is as a result of larger Gross Profit or lower expenses. Further analysis would be required. During the period of 1999 to 2000 the Net Profit Percentage Margin increased by a further 0. 11% (11% in 1999 to 11,11% in 2000).Again this improvement can be ascribe to an improvement in the enterprise s return on capital. And as noted in the previous horizon, it cannot be determined whether this improvement is as a result of larger Gross Profit or lower expenses. Further analysis would be required. 1. 1. 1. 3Gross Profit % Margin Gross Profit % is an indication of the return of the enterprise s core business. The Gross Profit percentage can be measured by the following r atio: Gross Profit Sales The Gross Profit percentage ratio may be difficult to calculate, as many companies do not disclose their Gross Profit figures.This ratio measures the overall profit margin the enterprise is making on the goods it sells. Perhaps a weakness of this ratio is that by disclosing this type of information a company could potentially expose itself to its competitors. Changes in the Gross Profit % can be influenced by the following factors: Change in markup – changes in the selling prices of goods, or possibly trade discounts will have a direct impact on the GP margin. Sales Mix – an enterprise may deal with numerous different products, which have different mark-ups, and as a result, the sales mix will have an influence on Gross Profit % margin.A changing sales mix should be ascertainable from the segment report (if prepared) by the enterprise. Inventory theft – the theft of inventories would cause unequal quantities of inventories to be reflec ted as sales and cost of sales, and will definitely have a negative impact of the GP margin. The Gross Profit % of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Gross Profit Margin|2000|1999|1998| Gross Profit X 100%|300|256|210| Sales|900|800|700| |33. 33%|32. 00%|30. 00%| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : During the period 1998 to 1999, XYZ Limited s Gross Profit percentage margin increased from 30. 3% in 1998 to 32. 9% in 1999.Changes in Gross Profit from one period to the next may be influenced by an increase in sales volume, but further analysis would be required. During the period 1999 to 2000, XYZ Limited s Gross Profit percentage margin increased by 1,1% (from 32. 0% in 1999 to 33. 3% in 1999). A closer look into the enterprise would be required to analyse the following factors: – Higher selling prices Lower purchasing prices Incorrect inventory counts Stricter prevention or loss control policies For obvious reasons, this type of analysis is only possible if the unit selli ng price and the costs are known. 1. 1. 1. Return on Equity (ROE) Return on Equity is measured by the following ratio: Net Profit After Tax Total Equity Return On Equity (ROE) is an indication of good or bad the shareholders prospered during the year. The objective of any enterprise must be to yield sufficient returns in line with the risks taken on by the owner. In addition, the Return on Equity ratio also gives the investor an idea of the sort of return of investment he/she is achieving. This can be compared with returns on alternative investment opportunities such as savings accounts, gilts, and fixed properties. The ROE of XYZ Limited is as follows: –Return on Equity200019991998 Net Profit After Tax|56|48|33| Total equity|186|154|102| |30. 11%|31. 17%|32. 35%| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : During 1998 the Return on Equity ratio, as calculated above, indicated that for every rand in equity XYZ Limited generated 32. 35 cents in profit. Also noticeable is that during 19 99 and 2000 this profit was measured as 31,17 and 30. 11 respectively. Apart from the fact that there was a mediocre decline in percentage over the three-year period, nothing signifies that the company is undergoing stress in terms of the ROE figures. Thus no further analysis would be required. . 1. 1. 5Earnings Per Share Describes the earning per share of the entity and it is measured by the following ratio: Earnings Per Share Total Equity Earnings Per Share indicates the value of the company s share as perceived by the market. The higher increase in value, the higher the favourable perception of the enterprise. The EPS of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Earnings Per Share|2000|1999|1998| Net Profit After Tax|56|48|33| Number of Shares Issued|10|10|8| |R5. 60|R4. 80|R4. 13| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : XYZ Limited s earnings per share favourably increased over the three horizons from R4. 3 (1998), to R4. 80 (1999), to R5. 60 (2000). This steady increase in share value ove r the three-year period is indicative of the higher favourable perception of XYZ Limited s 1. 1. 1. 6P/E Ratio Describes Price/Earnings per share capacity of the entity and it is measured by the following ratio: Price Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Per Share indicates the internal growth of an enterprise. The P/E ratio also signifies how much investors are willing to pay per rand of current earnings. Furthermore, an increase in P/E usually indicates that an enterprise shows potential for future growth.The P/E Ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – P/E ratio|2000|1999|1998| Price per Share|28|20|16| Earnings Per Share|6|5|4| |5. 00|4. 17|3. 90| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : The Price/Earnings per share for XYZ Limited steadily increased over the horizons of 1998 (3. 90) to 1999 (4. 17); an increase of 0. 27. This increase is healthy for the company as it reflects it as a growing capability. However, since XYZ Limited is in its start-up phase this increase is understandable. The Price/Earnings per share for XYZ Limited, again, steadily increased over the horizons of 1999 (4. 17) to 2000 (5. 00); an increase of 0. 3. What is interesting to note is that this internal growth suggests that perhaps it is one of the contributory factors, which influenced the negative trend in the return of capital and since the company is relative new, growth is inevitable. 1. 1. 2 Liquidity Ratios Liquidity ratios, in essence, measure the ability of the enterprise to pay its bills on time. In other words, the more liquid an enterprise possesses, the more able it would be in terms of paying its bills. In addition, Liquidity ratios also measure the management of a firm s ability to employ working capital. The major liquidity ratios are: Current Ratio Acid-test Ratio Stock Turnover days Creditors payment ratio 1. 1. 2. 1Current Ratio The Current ratio measures the amount of times the company s assets cover its liabilities. Current liabilities consist of creditors who must be paid in cash in the short term. Current assets mainly consist of stock, debtors, and cash. The calculation of the current ratio is as follows: Current Assets Current Liabilities There is no generic rule of thumb about what the figure should be, but generally speaking, an acceptable ratio usually computes between 1 and 2, even though this may vary from industry to industry.The significant thing about the current ratio is that it is used to make comparisons, rather than an absolute measure of liquidity. As a short-term ratio, it makes sense, due to the fact the company s liquidity in the short term depends upon whether it has enough current assets to pay its current liabilities. Another important aspect of the Current Ratio is that it is an important tool for creditors and bank managers (in the case of overdrafts) as signifies that the company can make the commitment to its lenders. The current ratio could also be used in terms of risk management in the event of a negative trend in t his ratio.For example, if the rate at which the company s assets are converted into cash is slower than that of the repayment of the company s creditors, there would be liquidity problems in that enterprise. The Current ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Current Ratio|2000|1999|1998| Current Assets|186|110|22| Current Liabilities|70|36|20| |2. 66 : 1. 0|3. 06:1. 0|1. 10:1. 0| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : The Current ratio for XYZ Limited during the period 1998 to 1999 increased considerably from 1. 10:1. 0 to 3. 06:1. 0. The poor acid-test ratio in 1998 indicated that the company had experienced problems.This is obviously not the case due to the fact that the enterprise was just starting up. Another observation of this particular horizon is that it signifies that in 1999 the company expanded (grew) substantially since its inception – which contributed to the enormity of the gap. During the period of 1999 to 2000 the current ratio of XYZ Limited expectedly â₠¬Å"levelled-out† from (3. 06: 1. 0) to (2. 66:1. 0); and even though it is still above the industry norm (2:1). Even though this horizon indicates that XYZ Limited has the capabilities of servicing long-term debt and current liabilities, it must still be viewed with caution. 1. 1. 2. Acid Test Ratio The Acid-Test ratio (or sometimes referred to as the Quick ratio) is a more severe form of the current ratio where current assets are readily converted to cash are calculated as a proportion of the current liabilities. The calculation of the Acid-test ratio is as follows: Current Assets – Stock Current Liabilities The Acid-test ratio also compares current assets to current liabilities, but removes stock from the assets, since stock is usually the least liquid of all the assets and the most difficult to convert into cash. This ratio, in fact, gives us a more accurate assessment of the liquidity of the enterprise.A quick ratio of 1:1 would be considered as the norm , but may v ary from industry to industry. The Quick ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Acid Test Ratio|2000|1999|1998| Current assets – Stock|120|70|7| Current Liabilities|70|36|20| |1. 71:1. 0|1. 94:1. 0|0. 35:1. 0| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : The Current ratio for XYZ Limited during the period 1998 to 1999 increased considerably from 0. 35:1. 0 to 1. 94:1. 0 respectively. The poor acid-test ratio in 1998 is indicative of the fact that the company was in its infancy stage and was probably committed to its lenders.XYZ Limited then somewhat leap-frogged in 1999 to a more favourable position due its debtors recovery. During the period of 1999 to 2000 the quick ratio of XYZ Limited declined marginally from (3. 06: 1. 0) to (2. 66:1. 0) respectively; and even though it is still above the industry norm (1:1). The decrease in XYZ Limited s quick ratio could be ascribed to expansion in operations and growth and even though was still able to meet its short-term commitments. 1. 1. 2. 3Stock turnover days The calculation of the stock turnover days is as follows: Average inventory X 365 Cost of salesThe inventory stock days calculates the sales an enterprise contains in its year-end inventory. The most efficient scenario would be to have no inventory holding, but is impractical, as it would make an enterprise inoperable. It would therefor be considered as a management inventory control policy. The Stock turnover days ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Stock Inventory Turnover Days|2000|1999|1998| Ave inventory X 365|66|40|15| Cost of sales|600|544|490| |40. 15|26. 84|11. 17| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : It is interesting to note that during the period 1998 and 1999 this figure for the stock turnover days seemingly increased by 25. 7 days (from 11. 17 days in 1998 to 26. 84 days in 1999). This increase in the number of days could be as a result of growth or due to stock holding. XYZ Limited showed an increase in the number of days for the horizon 1 999 (26 days) and 2000 (40 days). This negative trend over this period and the previous horizon could be misleading and potentially indicates that stock piling occurs. It is difficult to assess this condition as the company could be in the process of delivering a huge order or has over stocked in anticipation of sales projection. 1. 1. 2. 4Creditors PaymentsThe calculation of the creditors payments is as follows: Average Creditors X 365 Cost of sales The creditors payments days indicates the period an enterprise uses to pay it s trade collectors. This can potentially give rise to cash discounts by suppliers. The Creditors Payments ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Stock Inventory Turnover Days|2000|1999|1998| Ave Creditor X 365|40|26|20| Cost of sales|600|544|490| |24 days|17days|14days| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : XYZ Limited showed an increase in the number of days for the horizon 1998 (14 days) and 1999 (17 days). And again during 2000 (24 days).This, however, does n ot signify anything as the company is still able to pay its suppliers in less that 30 days, which suggests an efficient payment process. 1. 1. 3 Leverage Ratios Leverage (Gearing) ratios, in essence, gives the analyst an indication of the sort of debt an enterprise has and how the operations is financed. All leverage ratios will contain long-term debts and short-term debts. This is usually compared with the total assets of the company. Financial institutions and banks are usually keen to know the company s leverage as they are keen to find out how much an enterprise has borrowed and what it can afford to borrow.The major leverage ratios are: 1. 1. 3. 1Debt Ratio The debt ratio is an indicator of all the debt that the company has , to its total assets. The calculation of the debt ratio is as follows: Total liabilities Total assets Due to the accounting equation, it can be generally assumed that the company has financed its assets by the above proportion of â€Å"non-owner† fun ds. â€Å"Owner funds† refers to share capital and retained earnings. Lenders generally stipulate that this ratio should not exceed a certain percentage because it is usually more risky to lend to a company who lacks owners funds (i. . share capital + retained earnings) as apposed to its â€Å"non-owners† funds. Again, the desirable value of this ratio is difficult to evaluate and its usefulness lies in how it compares to the same ratio in other similar companies. The debt ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Debt ratio|2000|1999|1998| Total liabilities|100|76|60| Total assets|286|230|162| |34. 97%|33. 04%|37. 04%| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : The debt ratio for XYZ Limited during the period 1998 to 1999 decreased marginally from 37. 04% to 33. 04%. this was mainly due to an increase in assets.Due to this effect on leverage, the debt equity ratio caused the return on shareholder s equity to remain fairly constant even though an increase in return on capit al was encountered. During the period of 1999 to 2000 the debt ratio of XYZ Limited increased marginally, suggesting that the company did not have the same profitability as the previous horizon. 1. 1. 3. 2Long-term Debt Ratio The long-term debt ratio is an indicator of only the long-term debt that the company has, to its total assets. The calculation of the long-term debt ratio is as follows: Long-term Debt Total assetsLong term debt is fairly static. Generally lenders do not like to give long-term loans to finance short-term (current assets). They prefer to lend on a long-term basis for items such as fixed assets. The ratio therefor indicates what proportion of the assets has been financed by long-term debt. The debt ratio of XYZ Limited is as follows: – Long-term debt ratio|2000|1999|1998| Long-term debt|30|40|40| Total assets|286|230|162| |10. 49%|17. 39%|24. 69%| |||| I N T E R P R E T A T I O N : The debt ratio for XYZ Limited during the period 1998 to 1999 decreased mar ginally from 24. 9% to 17. 39%. This was mainly due to an increase in total assets. Due to this effect on leverage, the debt equity ratio caused the return on shareholder s equity to remain fairly constant even though an increase in return on capital was encountered. During the period of 1999 to 2000 the debt ratio of XYZ Limited increased significantly mainly due to an increase in total assets and a decrease in long-term debt. What is noticeable in this ratio is that XYZ Limited is not particularly bad for the company. In fact, the company is seemingly doing very well.