Monday, September 30, 2019
Tamil Eelam Issue in Indian Politics
ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- Politics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For the political magazine, seeà The Politic. For other uses, seeà Politics (disambiguation). Politicsà (fromà Greekà politikosà ââ¬Å"of, for, or relating to citizensâ⬠) is theà artà orà scienceà of influencing people on a civic, or individual level, when there are more than 2 people involved. Modern political discourse focuses on democracy and the relationship between people and politics. It is thought of as the way we ââ¬Å"choose government officials and make decisions about public policyâ⬠. [1] * | ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â [edit]Etymology European Parliament The wordà politicsà comes from theà Greekà wordà (politika), modeled onà Aristotle's ââ¬Å"affairs of the cityâ⬠, the name of his book on governing and governments, which was rendered in English in the mid-15th century as Latinized ââ¬Å"Polettiquesâ⬠. [2]à Thus it became ââ¬Å"politicsâ⬠inà Middle Englishà c. 1520s (see theà Concise Oxford Dictionary). The singularà politicà first attested in English 1430 and comes fromà Middle Frenchà politique, in turn fromà Latinà politicus,[3]à which is theà latinisationà of the Greek politikos), meaning amongst others ââ¬Å"of, for, or relating to citizensâ⬠, ââ¬Å"civilâ⬠, ââ¬Å"civicâ⬠, ââ¬Å"belonging to the stateâ⬠,[4]à in turn from (polites), ââ¬Å"citizenâ⬠[5]à and that from (polis), ââ¬Å"cityâ⬠. [6] ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- [edit]History The history of politics is reflected in the origin and development, and economics of the institutions ofà go vernment. [edit]The state Main article:à State (polity) Sun Tzu The origin of theà stateà is to be found in the development of theà art of warfare.Historically speaking, all political communities of the modern type owe their existence to successful warfare. [7] Kings, emperors and other types of monarchs in many countries including China and Japan, were considered divine. Of the institutions that ruled states, that ofkingshipà stood at the forefront until the French Revolution put an end to the ââ¬Å"divine right of kingsâ⬠. Nevertheless, the monarchy is among the longest-lasting political institutions, dating as early as 2100 BC in Sumeria[8]à to the 21st Century AD British Monarchy.Kingship becomes an institution through heredity. The king often, even inà absolute monarchies, ruled his kingdom with the aid of an elite group of advisors, aà Councilà without which he could not maintain power. As these advisors, and others outside the monarchy negotiated for p ower,à constitutional monarchiesà emerged, which may be considered the germ ofà constitutional government. [citation needed]à Long before the council became a bulwark of democracy, it rendered invaluable aid to the institution of kingship by:[citation needed] 1.Preserving the institution of kingship through heredity. 2. Preserving the traditions of the social order. 3. Being able to withstand criticism as an impersonal authority. 4. Being able to manage a greater deal of knowledge and action than a single individual such as the king. The greatest of the king's subordinates, theà earls,à archdukesà andà dukesà in England and Scotland, theà dukesà andà countsà in the Continent, always sat as a right on the Council. A conqueror wages war upon the vanquished for vengeance or for plunder but an established kingdom exactsà tribute.One of the functions of the Council is to keep the coffers of the king full. Another is the satisfaction ofà military serviceà a nd the establishment ofà lordshipsà by the king to satisfy the task of collecting taxes and soldiers. [9] [edit]The state and property Propertyà is the right vested on the individual or a group of people to enjoy the benefits of an object be it material or intellectual. A right is a power enforced by public trust. Sometimes it happens that the exercise of a right is opposed to public trust.Nevertheless, a right is really an institution brought around by public trust, past, present or future. The growth of knowledge is the key to the history of property as an institution. The more man becomes knowledgeable of an object be it physical or intellectual, the more it is appropriated. The appearance of the State brought about the final stage in the evolution of property from wildlife to husbandry. In the presence of the State, man can hold landed property. The State began granting lordships and ended up conferring property and with it cameà inheritance.With landed property came ren t and in the exchange of goods, profit, so that in modern times, the ââ¬Å"lord of the landâ⬠of long ago becomes the landlord. If it is wrongly assumed that the value of land is always the same, then there is of course no evolution of property whatever. However, the price of land goes up with every increase in population benefitting the landlord. The landlordism of large land owners has been the most rewarded of all political services. In industry, the position of the landlord is less important but in towns which have grown out of an industry, the fortunate landlord has reaped an enormous profit.Towards the latter part of the Middle Ages in Europe, both the State ââ¬â the State would use the instrument ofà confiscationà for the first time to satisfy a debt ââ¬â and the Church ââ¬â the Church succeeded in acquiring immense quantities of land ââ¬â were allied against the village community to displace the small landlord and they were successful to the extent that today, the village has become the ideal of theà individualist, a place in which every man ââ¬Å"does what he wills with his own. â⬠The State has been the most important factor in the evolution of the institution of property be it public or private. 10] [edit]The state and the justice system As a primarily military institution, the State is concerned with theà allegianceà of its subjects viewing disloyalty andà espionageà as well as other sorts ofà conspiraciesà as detrimental to its national security. Thus arises the law ofà treason. Criminal acts in general, breaking the peace and treason make up the whole, or at least part ofà criminal lawà enforced by the State as distinguished fromà the law enforced by private individuals or by the state on behalf of private individuals.State justice has taken the place of clan, feudal, merchant and ecclesiastical justice due to its strength, skill and simplicity. One very striking evidence of the superiority of the royal courts over the feudal and popular courts in the matter of official skill is the fact that, until comparatively late in history, the royal courts alone kept written records of their proceedings. Theà trial by juryà was adopted by the Royal Courts, securing it's popularity and making it a bulwark of liberty.By the time of theà Protestant Reformation, with the separation of Church and State, in the most progressive countries, the State succeeded in dealing with the business of administering justice. [11] [edit]The state The making of laws was unknown to primitive societies. That most persistent of all patriarchal societies, theà Jewish, retains to a certain extent its tribal law in theà Gentileà cities of the West. This tribal law is the rudimentary idea of law as it presented itself to people in the patriarchal stage of society, it wasà customà orà observanceà sanctioned by the approval and practice of ancestors. citation needed] The state of affairs wh ich existed in the 10th century, when every town had its own laws and nations like France, Germany, Spain and other countries had no national law until the end of the 18th century, was brought to an end by three great agencies that helped to create the modern system of law and legislation:[citation needed] 1. Records:à From the early Middle Ages in Europe there come what are called folk-laws and they appear exactly at the time when the patriarchal is becoming the State.They are due almost universally to one cause: the desire of the king to know the custom of his subjects. These are not legislation in the sense of law-making but statements or declarations of custom. They are drawn from a knowledge of the custom of the people. Unwritten custom changes imperceptibly but not the written. It is always possible to point to the exact text and show what it says. Nevertheless, the written text can change by addition with every new edition. 2.Law Courts:à By taking some general rule which seemed to be common to all the communities and ignoring the differences, English common law was modeled after such a practice so that the law became common in all the districts of the kingdom. The reason why in the rest of Europe, there was no common law till centuries later is because the State in those countries did not get hold of the administration of justice when England did. One of the shrewdest moves by which the English judges pushed their plan of making a common law was by limiting the verdict of the jury in every ase toquestions of fact. At first the jury used to give answers both on law and fact; and being a purely local body, they followed local custom. A famous division came to pass: the province of the judge and the province of the jury. 3. Fictions:à Records and Law Courts were valuable in helping the people adapt to law-making but like Fictions, they were slow and imperfect. Though slowly, Fictions work because it is a well known fact that people will accept a cha nge in the form of a fiction while they would resist it to the end if the fact is out in the open.British parliament Finally there is the enactment of laws or legislation. When progress and development is rapid, the faster method ofà political representationà is adopted. This method does not originate in primitive society but in the State need for money and its use of an assembly to raise the same. From the town assembly, a national assembly and the progress of commerce sprangà Parliamentà all over Europe around the end of the 12th century but not entirely representative or homogeneous for the nobility and the clergy.The clergy had amassed a fortune in land, about one-fifth of all Christendom but at the time, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Church was following a policy of isolation; they adopted the rule ofà celibacyà and cut themselves from domestic life; they refused to plead in a secular court; they refused to pay taxes to the State on the grounds that they had a lready paid it to theà Pope. Since the main object of the king in holding a national assembly was to collect money, the Church could not be left out and so they came to Parliament.The Church did not like it but in most cases they had to come. [citation needed] The medieval Parliament was complete when it represented all the states in the realm: nobles, clergy, peasants and craftsmen but it was not a popular institution mainly because it meantà taxation. Only by the strongest pressure of the Crown were Parliaments maintained during the first century of their existence and the best proof of this assertion lies in the fact that in those countries where the Crown was weak, Parliament ceased to exist.The notion that parliaments were the result of a democratic movement cannot be supported by historical facts. Originally, the representative side of Parliament was solely concerned with money; representation in Parliament was a liability rather than a privilege. It is not uncommon that a n institution created for one purpose begins to serve another. People who were asked to contribute with large sums of money began toà petition. Pretty soon, sessions in Parliament would turn into bargaining tables, the king granting petitions in exchange for money.However, there were two kinds of petitions, one private and the other public and it was from this last that laws were adopted orà legislationà originated. The king as head of State could give orders to preserve territorial integrity but not until these royal enactments were combined with public petition that successful legislation ever took place. Even to the present day, this has always been the basis of all successful legislation: public custom is adopted and enforced by the State. citation needed] In the early days of political representation, theà majorityà did not necessarily carry the day and there was very little need for contestedà electionsà but by the beginning of the 15th century, a seat in Parliam ent was something to be cherished. Historically speaking, the dogma of the equality of man is the result of the adoption of the purely practical machinery of the majority but the adoption of the majority principle is also responsible for another institution of modern times: theà party system.The party system is an elaborate piece of machinery that pits at least two political candidates against each other for the vote of an electorate; its advantage being equal representation interesting a large number of people in politics; it provides effective criticism of the government in power and it affords an outlet for the ambition of a large number of wealthy and educated people guaranteeing a consistent policy in government. citation needed] These three institutions: political representation, majority rule and the party system are the basic components of modern political machinery; they are applicable to both central and local governments and are becoming by their adaptability ends in th emselves rather than a machinery to achieve some purpose. [12] [edit]The state and the executive system The administration is one of the most difficult aspects of government.In the enactment and enforcement of laws, the victory of the State is complete but not so in regards to administration the reason being that it is easy to see the advantage of the enactment and enforcement of laws but not the administration of domestic, religious and business affairs which should be kept to a minimum by government. [citation needed] Theà German Chancellery(Bundeskanzleramt) inà Berlin Originally, the state was a military institution. For many years, it was just a territory ruled by a king who was surrounded by a small elite group of warriors and court officials and it was basically rule by force over a larger mass of people.Slowly, however, the people gained political representation for none can really be said to be a member of the State without the right of having a voice in the direction o f policy making. One of the basic functions of the State in regards to administration is maintaining peace and internal order; it has no other excuse for interfering in the lives of its citizens. To maintain law and order the State develops means ofcommunication. Historically, the ââ¬Å"king's highwayâ⬠was laid down and maintained for the convenience of the royal armies not as an incentive toà commerce.In almost all countries, the State maintains the control of the means of communication and special freedoms such as those delineated in theà First Amendment to the United States Constitutionà are rather limited. The State's original function of maintaining law and order within its borders gave rise toà policeà administration which is a branch of the dispensation ofà Justiceà but on its preventive side, police jurisdiction has a special character of its own, which distinguishes it from ordinary judicial work.In thecurfew, the State shows early in history the import ance of preventing disorder. In early days, next to maintaining law and order, the State was concerned with the raising ofà revenue. It was then useful to the State to establish aà standardà ofà weights and measuresà so that value could be generally accepted and finally the State acquired aà monopolyà ofà coinage. The regulation of labor by the State as one of its functions dates from the 15th century, whenà the Black Plagueà killed around half of the European population. citation needed] The invariable policy of the State has always been to break down all intermediate authorities and to deal directly with the individual. This was the policy untilà Adam Smith'sà The Wealth of Nationsà was published promoting a strong public reaction against State interference. By its own action, the State raised the issue of the poor or the State relief of theà indigent. The State, of course, did not create poverty but by destroying the chief agencies which dealt with t s uch as the village, the church and theà guilds, it practically assumed full responsibility for the poor without exercising any power over it. The Great Poor Law Report of 1834 showed thatà communismà was widespread in the rural areas of England. In newly developed countries such as theà coloniesà of theà British Empire, the State has refused to take responsibility for the poor and the relief of poverty, although the poor classes lean heavily towards State socialism. citation needed] Taking into account the arguably significant powers of the State, it is only natural that in times of great crisis such as an overwhelming calamity the people should invoke general State aid. [citation needed] Political representation has helped to shape State administration. When the voice of the individual can be heard, the danger of arbitrary interference by the State is greatly reduced. To that extent is the increase of State activity popular.There are no hard and fast rules to limit Stat e administration but it is a fallacy to believe that the State is the nation and what the State does is necessarily for the good of the nation. In the first place, even in modern times, the State and the nation are never identical. Even where ââ¬Å"universal suffrageâ⬠prevails, the fact remains that an extension of State administration means an increased interference of some by others, limiting freedom of action. Even if it is admitted that State and nation are one and the same, it is sometimes difficult to admit that State administration is necessarily good.Finally, the modern indiscriminate advocacy of State administration conceals the fallacy that State officials must necessarily prove more effective in their action thanà private enterprise. Herein lies the basic difference betweenà Publicà andà Business Administration; the first deals with theà public wealà while the second deals basically inà profità but both require a great deal ofà educationà andà ethical conductà to avoid the mishaps inherent in the relationship not only relating toà businessà andà labourà but also the State and the people administrating itsà government. 13] [edit]The varieties of political experience The swearing of the oath of ratification of the treaty of Munster in 1648à (1648) byà Gerard ter Borch. According to Aristotle, States are classified intoà monarchies,à aristocracies,à timocracies,à democracies,à oligarchies, andà tyrannies. Due to an increase in knowledge of the history of politics, this classification has been abandoned. Generally speaking, no form of government could be considered the absolute best, as it would have to be the perfect form under all circumstances, for all people and in all ways.As an institution created by the human nature togovern society, it is vulnerable toà abuse by people for their own gain, no matter what form of government a state utillises, thus posing that there is no ââ¬Ëbest' form of government. All States are varieties of a single type, the sovereign State. All theà Great Powersà of the modern world rule on the principle ofà sovereignty. Sovereign power may be vested on an individual as in anà autocratic governmentà or it may be vested on a group as in a constitutional government.Constitutionsà are written documents that specify and limit the powers of the different branches of government. Although a Constitution is a written document, there is also an unwritten Constitution. The unwritten constitution is continually being written by the Legislative branch of government; this is just one of those cases in which the nature of the circumstances determines the form of government that is most appropriate. Nevertheless, the written constitution is essential.England did set the fashion of written constitutions during theà Civil Warà but after theà Restorationà abandoned them to be taken up later by theà American Coloniesà after theirà ema ncipationà and thenà Franceà after theà Revolutionà and the rest of Europe including the European colonies. [citation needed] There are two forms of government, one a strong central government as in France and the other a local government such as the ancient divisions in England that is comparatively weaker but less bureaucratic.These two forms helped to shape theà federal government, first in Switzerland, then in the United States in 1776, in Canada in 1867 and in Germany in 1870 and in the 20th century,à Australia. The Federal States introduced the new principle of agreement orà contract. Compared to aà federation, aà confederation's singular weakness is that it lacksà judicial power. [citation needed]à In theà American Civil War, the contention of the Confederate States that a State couldà secedeà from the Union was untenable because of the power enjoyed by the Federal government in the executive, legislative and judiciary branches. citation needed] According to professorà A. V. Diceyà inà An Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution, the essential features of a federal constitution are: a) A written supreme constitution in order to prevent disputes between the jurisdictions of the Federal and State authorities; b) A distribution of power between the Federal and State governments and c) A Supreme Court vested with the power to interpret the Constitution and enforce the law of the land remaining independent of both the executive and legislative branches. 14] [edit]Political party Main article:à political party Aà political partyà is aà political organizationà that typically seeks to attain and maintain political power withinà government, usually by participating inà electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions. Parties often espouse an expressedà ideologyà or vision bolstered by a writtenà platformà with specific goals, forming aà coalitionà among disparate interests . [citation needed] [edit]World politics Theà United Nationsà building inà New York CityThe 20th century witnessed the outcome of two world wars and not only the rise and fall of theà Third Reichà but also the rise and fall ofà communism. The development of theà Atomic bombà gave the United States a more rapid end to its conflict in Japan inà World War II. Later, the development of theà Hydrogen bombbecame the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. Theà United Nationsà has served as a forum for peace in a world threatened by nuclear war. ââ¬Å"The invention of nuclear and space weapons has made war unacceptable as an instrument for achieving political ends. [15]à Although an all-out final nuclear holocaust is out of the question for man, ââ¬Å"nuclear blackmailâ⬠comes into question not only on the issue of world peace but also on the issue of national sovereignty. [16]à On a Sunday in 1962, the world stood still at the brink of nuclear war during th e Octoberà Cuban missile crisisà from the implementation ofà U. S. vsà U. S. S. R. nuclear blackmail policy. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- [edit]As an academic disciplinePolitical science, the study of politics, examines the acquisition and application ofà power. [17]à Political scientistà Harold Lasswellà defined politics as ââ¬Å"who gets what, when, and howâ⬠. [18]à Related areas of study includeà political philosophy, which seeks a rationale for politics and an ethic of public behaviour,à political economy, which attempts to develop understandings of the relationships between politics and the economy and the governance of the two, andà public administration, which examines the practices of governance. citation needed]à The philosopherà Charles Blattberg, who has defined politics as ââ¬Å"responding to conflict with dialogue,â⬠offers an acco unt which distinguishes political philosophies from political ideologies. [19] The first academic chair devoted to politics in the United States was the chair of history and political science atà Columbia University, first occupied by Prussian emigreà Francis Lieberà in 1857. [20] ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- [edit]SpectraPolitical views differ on average across nations. A recreation of the Inglehartââ¬âWelzel Cultural Map of the World based on theà World Values Survey. Main article:à Political spectrum Several differentà political spectrumsà have been proposed. [edit]Left-right politics Main article:à Leftââ¬âright politics Recently in history, political analysts and politicians divide politics intoà left wingà andà right wingà politics, often also using the idea of center politics as a middle path of policy between the right and left.This classificat ion is comparatively recent (it was not used byà Aristotleà orà Hobbes, for instance), and dates from theFrench Revolutionà era, when those members of theà National Assemblyà who supported theà republic, the common people and aà secular societyà sat on the left and supporters of theà monarchy,à aristocraticà privilege and the Church sat on the right. [21] The meanings behind the labels have become more complicated over the years. A particularly influential event was the publication of theà Communist Manifestoà byà Karl Marxà andà Frederick Engelsà in 1848.Theà Manifestoà suggested a course of action for aà proletarianà revolution to overthrow thebourgeoisà society and abolish private property, in the belief that this would lead to aà classlessà andà statelessà society. [citation needed] The meaning of left-wing and right-wing varies considerably between different countries and at different times, but generally speaking, it can be said that the right wing often valuesà traditionà andà social stratificationà while the left wing often valuesà reformà andà egalitarianism, with the center seeking a balance between the two such as withà social democracyà orà regulated capitalism. 22] According toà Norberto Bobbio, one of the major exponents of this distinction, the Left believes in attempting to eradicate social inequality, while the Right regards most social inequality as the result of ineradicable natural inequalities, and sees attempts to enforce social equality as utopian or authoritarian. [23] Some ideologies, notablyà Christian Democracy, claim to combine left and right wing politics; according to Geoffrey K.Roberts and Patricia Hogwood, ââ¬Å"In terms of ideology, Christian Democracy has incorporated many of the views held by liberals, conservatives and socialists within a wider framework of moral and Christian principles. ââ¬Å"[24]à Movements which claim or formerly claimed to be above the left-right divide includeà Fascistà Terza Posizioneeconomic politics in Italy,à Gaullismà in France,à Peronismà in Argentina, andà National Action Politicsà in Mexico. [citation needed] [edit]Authoritarian-libertarian politics Authoritarianismà andà libertarianismà refer to the amount of individualà freedomà each person possesses in that society relative to the state.One author describes authoritarian political systems as those where ââ¬Å"individualà rightsà and goals are subjugated to group goals, expectations and conformitiesâ⬠,[25]à while libertarians generally oppose theà stateà and hold theindividualà asà sovereign. In their purest form, libertarians areà anarchists, who argue for the total abolition of the state, ofà Political partiesà and ofà other political entities, while the purest authoritarians are, theoretically,à totalitariansà who support state control over all aspects ofà society. citation nee ded] For instance,à classical liberalismà (also known asà laissez-faireà liberalism,[26]à or, in much of the world, simplyà liberalism) is a doctrine stressing individual freedom andà limited government. This includes the importance of human rationality, individualà property rights,à free markets,à natural rights, the protection ofà civil liberties, constitutional limitation of government, and individual freedom from restraint as exemplified in the writings ofà John Locke,à Adam Smith,à David Hume,à David Ricardo,à Voltaire,à Montesquieuà and others.According to the libertarianà Institute for Humane Studies, ââ¬Å"the libertarian, or ââ¬Ëclassical liberal,' perspective is that individual well-being, prosperity, and social harmony are fostered by ââ¬Ëas much liberty as possible' and ââ¬Ëas little government as necessary. ââ¬Ëâ⬠[27]à For anarchist political philosopherà L. Susan Brownà ââ¬Å"Liberalism andà anarchismà are two political philosophies that are fundamentally concerned with individualà freedomà yet differ from one another in very distinct ways. Anarchism shares with liberalism a radical commitment to individual freedom while rejecting liberalism's competitive property relations. [28] ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- [edit]Political corruption Main article:à Political corruption ââ¬Å"| Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it. | â⬠| à | ââ¬âà William Pitt the Elder[29]| | Political corruptionà is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such asà repressionà of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption.Neither are illegal acts by private persons or corporations not directly involved with the government. An illegal act by an officeholder constitutes political corruption only if the act is directly related to their official duties. [citation needed] Forms of corruption vary, but includeà bribery,à extortion,à cronyism,à nepotism,à patronage,à graft, andà embezzlement. While corruption may facilitateà criminal enterpriseà such asà drug trafficking,à money laundering, andà trafficking, it is not restricted to these activities. citation needed]à The activities that constitute illegal corruption differ depending on the country or jurisdiction. For instance, certain political funding practices that are legal in one place may be illegal in another. In some cases, government officials have broad or poorly defined powers, which make it difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal actions. [citation needed] Worldwide, bribery alone is estimated to involve over 1 trillion US dollars annually. [30]à A state of unrestrained
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Accomplished Senior Level Accountant Resume Essay
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT / AUDITOR Accomplished Senior Level Accountant with exceptional analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of internal controls concepts.à Expertise in conducting operational and financial audits and identifies and implements business process improvements. à Effectively writes recommendations to strengthen internal controls resulting in improved operational efficiencies.à Excellent communication skills. Fluent in English & Chinese à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS à ¼Ã Internal Controls à ¼Ã Superb Organizational /Analysis Skills à ¼Ã Staff Development & Training à ¼Ã Policies / Procedures à ¼Ã Operational / Financial Audits à ¼Ã Team Leadership RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, Chicago, ILà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 2001-Present Auditor-in-Charge (2006-Present) Staff Auditor (2001-2006) As Auditor-in-Charge, conducts audits through formal walkthroughs of accounting processes, internal control evaluation and testing, risk assessments high level analytical review, business organization and strategy analysis, and consideration of fraud. Develops audit procedures. Developed and maintains the audit budget, tracking any deviation and reporting it to the Supervisor. Prepares audit summary reports with documented audit findings and recommendations. Facilitate information requests from audit team members to accounting personnel ensuring a smooth workflow process. Mentors new hires on career development through on-the-job training. In the capacity of Staff Auditor, conducted financial audits of large insurance companies such as Allstate Insurance Company, Zurich Life Insurance Company and Country Insurance Company. Successfully audited over 30 various companies and performed substantive audit procedures to test the validity of financial information. Documented audit procedures and testing conclusions. Analyzed/validated financial data regarding material assets, net worth, liabilities, income and expenses. Verified large amounts of asset and liability account balances in excess of $1 billion. Provided corrective actions for companies to avoid fines and license suspensions. ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE CENTER FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS, (City/State)à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 2003-Present Voluntary Tax Preparer Prepared federal and state income tax returns using TaxWise for hundreds of low income families. COMPUTER SKILLS Microsoft Word à ¨ Excelà à ¨Ã ACL à à ¨ TeamMate Audit Management System EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-CHAMPAIGN, Champaign, Illinois Bachelor of Science, Accounting, 2001 CERTIFICATIONS Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), 2005 Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI), 2004 Certified Financial Examiner (CFE), 2004 Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 2003
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Airline Customer Relationship Management Tool
Existing System b. proposed System 3. Feasibility Report a. Technical Feasibility b. Operational Feasibility c. Economical Feasibility 4. System Requirement Specification Document a. Overview b. Modules Description c. Process Flow d. SDLC Methodology e. Software Requirements f. Hardware Requirements 5. System Design a. DFD b. E-R diagram c. UML d. Data Dictionary 6. Technology Description 7. Coding 8. Testing Debugging Techniques 9. Output Screens 10. Reports 11. Future Enhancements 2. Conclusion 13. Bibliography * INTRODUCTION The Main Objective of this System is to design a system to accommodate the needs of customers. This application helps a customer to know about the flightââ¬â¢s information and can reserve seats throughout the globe irrespective of the location. This is a computerized system to make seats reservations, keep ticket bookings and availability details up-to-date. This web based system provides all flightââ¬â¢s information, availability of flights, availabili ty of seats. It contains information about pilots, air hostess and airport information. It also provides time schedules for different flights and source, destination details. It provides cost of tickets and enquiry details. Features of the project Reduces the complexity present in the manual system and saves time. 1. Users can access the required data easily. 2. It maintains accurate information. 3. Provides instantaneous updated information to all users. 4. Communication is fast and clear and avoids misunderstandings. It is a computerized system to make room reservations and keep room bookings and availability of details up-to-date System Analysis Purpose of the System This web based system provides all flightââ¬â¢s information, availability of flights, availability of seats. It contains information about pilots, air hostess and airport information. It also provides time schedules for different flights and source, destination details. It provides cost of tickets and enquiry details. Existing System * This system doesnââ¬â¢t provide register the multiple Flights * This system doesnââ¬â¢t provide online help to the public Proposed System The development of this new system contains the following activities, which try to develop on-line application by keeping the entire process in the view of database integration approach. * This system provide online help to the public * This system provide agents registration and book the bulk tickets * This system provide late running flights information before 3 hours * Online status of the tickets must be provided in real time Feasibility Study TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY Evaluating the technical feasibility is the trickiest part of a feasibility study. This is because, at this point in time, not too many detailed design of the system, making it difficult to access issues like performance, costs on (on account of the kind of technology to be deployed) etc. A number of issues have to be considered while doing a technical analysis. i) Understand the different technologies involved in the proposed system Before commencing the project, we have to be very clear about what are the technologies that are to be required for the development of the new system. i) Find out whether the organization currently possesses the required technologies * Is the required technology available with the organization? * If so is the capacity sufficient? For instance ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Will the current printer be able to handle the new reports and forms required for the new system? â⬠OPERATIONAL FEASIBILITY Proposed projects are beneficial only if they can be turned into information systems that will meet the organizations operating requirements. Simply sta ted, this test of feasibility asks if the system will work when it is developed and installed. Are there major barriers to Implementation? Here are questions that will help test the operational feasibility of a project: * Is there sufficient support for the project from management from users? If the current system is well liked and used to the extent that persons will not be able to see reasons for change, there may be resistance. * Are the current business methods acceptable to the user? If they are not, Users may welcome a change that will bring about a more operational and useful systems. * Have the user been involved in the planning and development of the project? Early involvement reduces the chances of resistance to the system and in * General and increases the likelihood of successful project. Since the proposed system was to help reduce the hardships encountered. In the existing manual system, the new system was considered to be operational feasible. ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY Economic feasibility attempts 2 weigh the costs of developing and implementing a new system, agai nst the benefits that would accrue from having the new system in place. This feasibility study gives the top management the economic justification for the new system. A simple economic analysis which gives the actual comparison of costs and benefits are much more meaningful in this case. In addition, this proves to be a useful point of reference to compare actual costs as the project progresses. There could be various types of intangible benefits on account of automation. These could include increased customer satisfaction, improvement in product quality better decision making timeliness of information, expediting activities, improved accuracy of operations, better documentation and record keeping, faster retrieval of information, better employee morale. System Requirement Specification Modules Description No of Modules The system after careful analysis has been identified to be presented with the following modules: The Modules involved are 1. Admin 2. Flight 3. Reservation SDLC METHDOLOGIES This document play a vital role in the development of life cycle (SDLC) as it describes the complete requirement of the system. It means for use by developers and will be the basic during testing phase. Any changes made to the requirements in the future will have to go through formal change approval process. SPIRAL MODEL was defined by Barry Boehm in his 1988 article, ââ¬Å"A spiral Model of Software Development and Enhancement. This model was not the first model to discuss iterative development, but it was the first model to explain why the iteration models. As originally envisioned, the iterations were typically 6 months to 2 years long. Each phase starts with a design goal and ends with a client reviewing the progress thus far. Analysis and engineering efforts are applied at each phase of the project, with an eye toward the end goal of the project. The steps for Spiral Model can be generalized as follows: * The new system requirements are defined in as much details as possible. This usually involves interviewing a number of users representing all the external or internal users and other aspects of the existing system. * A preliminary design is created for the new system. * A first prototype of the new system is constructed from the preliminary design. This is usually a scaled-down system, and represents an approximation of the characteristics of the final product. A second prototype is evolved by a fourfold procedure: 1. Evaluating the first prototype in terms of its strengths, weakness, and risks. 2. Defining the requirements of the second prototype. 3. Planning an designing the second prototype. 4. Constructing and testing the second prototype. * At the customer option, the entire project can be aborted if the risk is deemed too great. Risk factors might involved development cost overruns, operating-cost miscalculation, or an y other factor that could, in the customerââ¬â¢s judgment, result in a less-than-satisfactory final product. * The existing prototype is evaluated in the same manner as was the previous prototype, and if necessary, another prototype is developed from it according to the fourfold procedure outlined above. * The preceding steps are iterated until the customer is satisfied that the refined prototype represents the final product desired. * The final system is constructed, based on the refined prototype. * The final system is thoroughly evaluated and tested. Routine maintenance is carried on a continuing basis to prevent large scale failures and to minimize down time. The following diagram shows how a spiral model acts like: Fig 1. 0-Spiral Model ADVANTAGES * Estimates(i. e. budget, schedule etc . ) become more relistic as work progresses, because important issues discoved earlier. * It is more able to cope with the changes that are software development generally entails. * Software engineers can get their hands in and start woring on the core of a project earlier. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT AND HARDWARE REQUIREMENT Software Requirements Operating System:Windows XP Professional or Above. Languages:C#. NET, ASP. NET Data Base:SQL Server. Web Server: IIS 5. 0 OR Above. Hardware Requirements Processor:Pentium IV Hard Disk:40GB RAM:512MB or more
Friday, September 27, 2019
Is Boxing Safe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Is Boxing Safe - Essay Example Specifically, brain injury will be examined, as this is one of the largest concerns surrounding boxing as a consequence of the repeated blows which the combatants take to the head. Injury is a common and accepted component of boxing. Certainly, it seems logical that a sport that involves a physical contest between two people would result in injuries on both sides. One study estimated that the rate of physical injury was around 17.1 per 100 matches. Of these, 51% were facial lacerations, with the remainder including hand, eye and nose injury . An article in 2010 highlighted the potential for injury within boxing and there is debate about whether boxing should remain an Olympic sport. However, this debate is by no means new, although rules and equipment has changed much since the inception of the sport. . The sport involves substantial physical contact between two individuals. The contact can often be bloody and violent, and there is significant concern by researchers, neurologists, ad vocates and other parties that the sport is dangerous and can result in permanent damage to the brain. The outcome of this debate is substantially different depending on whether amateur or professional boxing is considered. In amateur boxing, the risk of injury is significantly reduced by the use of rules and equipment. Conversely, in professional boxing the risk is much higher. ... Many neurologists consider that the sport puts the brain at such risk that it should be banned . A distinction needs to be made between amateur and professional boxing. The rules and equipment used in amateur boxing have been designed to decrease the chance of serious injury. They fight less rounds, normally three or four per fight rather as opposed to the 12 round fights that are often present in the professional leagues. Furthermore, the rounds which amateurs fight are shorter than professional boxers lasting two minutes instead of three. This adds up to a significant different in time spent in the ring. Headgear is worn that protects much of the face in order to decrease the risk of injury. Finally, a medical examination is required before any boxer enters a bout so that any problems can be detected early. Many studies have examined the effect that amateur boxing has on neurological activity. One study examined three groups of men, one group that were field and track athletes, one group that were soccer players and the third that were former amateur boxers. No signs of serious brain damage were detected in any of the groups . A review of observational studies that had been conducted between 1950 and the present was examined, the authors found that in less than a quarter of the studies there was evidence of chronic brain injuries, and these were mostly small. The authors concluded that there was no strong evidence supporting amateur boxing causing chronic traumatic brain injury . However, this is not the case in professional boxing. While the studies above indicate that chronic traumatic brain injury does occur in amateur boxing, the rate is much lower than for professional boxers . Studies have shown that chronic
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Ethical Decision Making and Contemporary Managers Essay
Ethical Decision Making and Contemporary Managers - Essay Example The Enron scandal a few years back and the JP Morgan failure are merely tips of the iceberg in the sense that they clearly point towards the fact that many times the managers in the corporations, moved by self-interest or a more than rational commitment to the shareholders, do end up resorting to unethical decisions which in the long run have a very destabilizing impact on the economy and the society. Hence, one big challenge facing the managers serving the corporations is to resort to ethical decision making in their day to day professional conduct, irrespective of the pulls and pressures they are always vulnerable to. As per the Oxford Advanced Learnerââ¬â¢s Dictionary, ethics mean ââ¬Å"moral principles that control or influence a personââ¬â¢s behavior (518)â⬠. Going by the fact that managing corporations is a job that is about allocation and distribution of resources, exercise and delegation of legal and financial power, sharing and concealing of information, there is no denying the fact that contemporary managers do many times come across situations which could press them to waver from the established principles and ethics (Pava 17). The ethical challenges faced by managers within an organization could be of many types. For instance, many times the managers have to face a situation which requires them to strike a balance between reducing running costs and the health and safety of the employees. Here, a manager gave to ethical decision making while never cut upon the expenditure that assures the safety and well-being of the employees. ... Also, for instance, in the present age of technology and IT revolution, managers are required to respect the information pertaining to customers, while at the same time resorting to an optimal use of the available information to maximize sales and profits. No wonder, these calls for a dedicated ethical decision making and the weighing of the decisions taken in the light of the set ethical benchmarks. As employees, shareholders and customers expect the companies to be ethical and above board, a failure of the management in this area my mar the reputation and viability of a corporation in a serious way. Going by this, the most important question that comes to mind is that what can the managers do to act in an ethical way? First and foremost, a manager, to be able to act in an ethical way must have an internal map dedicated to ethical decision making. If a manager adheres to any religion, it is really good as it could serve as a source of deciding as to what is right or wrong. However, managers who are not given to religious affiliations could also draw inspiration from the available secular sources to develop a personal ethical compass that could guide them during their course of decision making. The next thing that could go a long way in promising ethical decision making on the part of the managers is that corporations should make sure that junior managers do always have access to senior mentors within the organization who have a reputation for ethical decision making (Sims 209). This will allow the young managers to have a practical exposure to the challenges involved in ethical decision making and will prepare them to be the leaders of the future. Besides, in their day to day working, the senior management should make it a point to encourage ethical
Law Problem Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Law Problem Questions - Essay Example ââ¬Å"Can you bring a bag for ?20 and meet me?â⬠ââ¬Å"Any chance of my usual, Friday 8 pm?â⬠ââ¬Å"Are you ââ¬Ëbig Maxââ¬â¢? Any chance bag ?50 Thursday?â⬠The prosecution want to adduce these messages and others which are similar, as evidence against Max. They also want to introduce evidence about his contacts. Explain whether or not they will be able to do this, paying close attention to the Criminal Justice Act 2003. (300 words) According to the Criminal Justice Act of 2003, it is common knowledge that what is possible to charge someone with a crime for which there is insufficient hard evidence, but ample circumstancial evidence. For example, there are many things that can be taken into account under the new Act passed by the Parliament, including the notion of character. Based upon the reputation that daily builds oneââ¬â¢s character, law enforcement officials can piece together a story for the judge that details what this personââ¬â¢s life is lik e, what his usual routines are, and other details that might be substantially important in deciding oneââ¬â¢s guilt or innocence. ... fore, the new Criminal Justice Act of 2003 increases Maxââ¬â¢s chance of being snagged by the new Actââ¬âwhich allows autrefois acquit, also famously known as ââ¬Å"double jeopardy.â⬠Double jeopardy is allowed by the new Act, especially if there is compelling evidence to believe that for some reason a crime has been committed. However, of course what constitutes compelling would probably have to be an overwhelming amount of evidence in order to determine oneââ¬â¢s relative guilt or innocence. In this case, Max does not have much choice except to allow the legal process to take its natural legal course. (1) EU Law Problem Question (The following events, names and legislation, both European and domestic are all fictitious.) Council Directive 2009/ABC on Air Travel Protection requires Member States to introduce a measure by 1 November 2010: 1) giving passengers the right to a full refund on airline tickets purchased within the European Union where a journey is cancelle d irrespective of the cause of the cancellation; 2) giving passengers an automatic right to claim expenses for overnight accommodation from the airline, where a journey in the European Union is delayed by more than four hours irrespective of the cause of the delay; and ?3) giving passengers the right to a block payment of ?200, payable immediately, for all checked-in luggage lost on flights within the European Union. On 20 November 2010, Sadie purchased a ticket from UK Air Ltd which is financed partly by private shareholders and partly by Government grant. Four members of the Board of Directors of UK Air Ltd are appointed by the Minister for Transport. Unfortunately, Sadieââ¬â¢s flight from London to the Bahamas was cancelled due to adverse weather. Sadie immediately exercised her right to claim
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Week 6 Current Events Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Week 6 Current Events - Assignment Example Third category of laws is recognized as laws designed to restrict carrying and use of firearms that can be used for criminal purposes (Zimring, 2004). I believe that the best gun control laws is to try to ensure that the firearms are not legally placed in the hands of dangerous individuals such as criminal offenders, individuals suffering from psychological disorders and youth. This is because the probability of a criminal offender indulging in future criminal behavior is quite high. Furthermore youth as well as people suffering from psychological disorders do not have the mental capacity to make rational choices. People who make rational choices tend to consider the negative and the positive side of their actions before carrying out any action. But youth and the people suffering from psychological disorders do not have the mental capacity to make rational decisions and may end up using guns and this might lead to increase in homicide rate. 2. The theories of zero tolerance as well as the broken windows theory is based on the premise that strict actions need to be taken as soon as a crime is committed and due to these strict actions, future criminal activity can be deterred. This theory was first developed by Kelling et al. but it was even tested before the theory was devised (Kelling, 1997). Laws and policing methods based on this theory have been implemented by Bratton when he was made the head of the Transit Police department of the region of New York. While Bratton was the head of the police department he implemented these laws in several ways and this finally resulted in easing the crime rates in the area of New York City. The various ways through which these laws were implemented includes the authority given to the police officials to stop the citizens of the area as soon as they were witnessed violating even small rules and regulations. For example the police officers
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Computer Simulation of Action Potentials in Squid Axon Assignment
Computer Simulation of Action Potentials in Squid Axon - Assignment Example During the experiment, it was seen that the latency of the response was dependent on the strength of the stimulus, and not on the duration by which the membrane is exposed to the stimulus. However, in contrast to latency, the strength of the action potential was not modified by either strength or duration of stimulus. As well, it was observed that another stimulus cannot produce an action potential if given immediately after a previous stimulus. This refractory period is caused by the deactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels and opening of K+ channels, resulting to the return of the membrane potential to its negative state. In conclusion, the action potential, and subsequently the signal transmission based on it, is dependent on the opening and closing of ion channels present along the membrane. INTRODUCTION Action potentials are rapid changes in the membrane potential. In turn, this potential is based upon the differences in concentrations of ions, each of which is charged either negative (anion) or positive (cation), across the membrane. The concentration difference is due to a selectively permeable membrane, which prevents the ions from transferring sides to equalize the number of ions between inside and outside a cell. But why is there a concentration gradient in the first place? The Na+-K+ pumps along the cell membrane force three Na+ outside and two K+ inside the cell. As a result, there is a net deficit of positive ions and a resulting negative potential inside the cell. In a resting state, the membrane potential is -90 millivolts (90 mV). Upon depolarization, the membrane rapidly becomes very permeable to Na+, through its voltage-gated channels, allowing the excess of Na+ to pass through into the cell. As a result, the resting potential is changed to as much as +35 mV. Through repolarization, the resting potential is gained back not long after depolarization, when Na+ voltage-gated channels close and K+ passively diffuse down its concentration gradien t through its own voltage-gated channels (Guyton and Hall, 2006). However, entry of Na+ does not immediately cause depolarization. The number of Na+ that enter the cell must be more than the amount of K+ that gets out of the cell since the membrane is more permeable to K+ than Na+. Thus, the sudden change of membrane potential to -65 mV is the said threshold for stimulating the action potential (Guyton and Hall, 2006). Any electrical stimuli above this threshold produce an action potential with the same amount of strength, as stated by the all-or-none concept (Purves et al., 2004). In addition, a new action potential cannot occur unless the membrane is still depolarized. This is because the Na+ voltage-gated channels necessary for depolarization is still deactivated during repolarization. At this point, called the refractory period, no amount of stimulus can initiate action potential (Finkler). Hodgkin and Huxley characterized the voltage-gated channels involved in the generation of action potential. According to these scientists, the Na channels have two gates (the activation and inactivation gates), while K channels only have one. At resting state, the Na+ channels have the activation gate (facing extracellularly) closed while the other gate is opened. At this time the K+ channels are closed as well. When the channels are activated, both the activation and inactivation gates of Na+ channels are opened. Finally, upon repolarization, the inactivation gate is closed, while the other is opened. K+ channels are opened as well. To mathematically describe the effects of such changes on membrane potential, they also provided equations to describe the relationship among Na+
Monday, September 23, 2019
Strategic Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Strategic Marketing - Essay Example Business processes were reengineered by changing reward criteria and performance matrices as well as marketing activities. The idea of providing custom built solutions for the customers proved to be a handy tool for reaching customer satisfaction. Companyââ¬â¢s emphasis also shifted to the global market where it tried to provide the business services by divesting itself on low margin industries. This enabled it to capture new markets and work towards customer satisfaction through different venues using different marketing techniques by adapting to cultural changes in different countries. Perhaps the most important competency that the company inculcated was that of becoming a brand worker ensuring to provide customized and integrated technologies to the customers even if that meant using a rival companyââ¬â¢s product. This led to pervasive customer loyalty. IBM also bolstered its services division by acquiring a management consultancy firm that helped it to increase its business consultants worldwide. This led to the communication of companyââ¬â¢s vision in a much effective way. 2. ... He did thorough research on the business units of the company and tried to integrate them into one so that they may follow standard procedures to create enhanced value for the customers. This move was an audacious decision as it was a contra act of the policy made by his predecessors. He also seemed to follow an adaptive approach in formulating new plans of action. This was evident when he tried to grab the opportunities to make profitable initiatives. Louisââ¬â¢s proactive approach towards business environment led him to gain advantage over his competitors in all respects. Louis also was apt at making bold decisions such as that of exiting the consumer market and playing in the larger business market only. Louis also viewed that IBM was a social entity at large and therefore employees and the workforce played a major role in the organisational success. That is why he took steps to reengineer the human resource management practices of the company making them more employee-centric at the basic level. In order to align the organisational performance with the proposed goals, Louis tried to focus on developing the brand concept. This later helped it to create loyal customers. He also redesigned the marketing campaigns of the firm in order to ensure that the all promotion activities boasted the same value proposition of the firm. All this shows that he was keen to follow a rigorous decision making process. In a nut shell, Louisââ¬â¢s style of implementation is analogous to that of a capable leader. He took bold decisions based on extensive research and tried to retain their viability. He also looked for new avenues to approach and cater through his judicious work style. 3. What are the implications
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Working Capital Simulation Essay Example for Free
Working Capital Simulation Essay SELECTION CRITERIA: In selecting what option to select the team came up with the following criteria: 1.) Selected option should lead to a reduction in working capital requirement and reduce short term debt in the process. 2.) Selected option should reduce the Cash Conversion Cycle. 3.) Selected option should free up locked capital in receivables and inventories. 4.) Selected option should lead to a zero working capital policy in the long run. SELECTED OPTIONS: We decided to tighten accounts receivable and drop poorly selling products because they yielded a percentage decrease in working capital requirement larger than their percentage drop in sales. Also these 2 options fit all the selection criteria we stated above. FINANCIAL RESULTS AND LEARNINGS: The options we chose led to a 44% drop in working capital requirement, drop from 159 days to 128 days in the cash conversion cycle and a 87% drop in debt. Overall we met our expectations of reducing working capital requirement and freeing up additional capital. EBIT has dropped immediately but by 2015 net income was higher by $8,000 despite the drop in $255,000 drop in EBIT in 2013. This surprised the team as we did not expect that in the long run by improving the working capital requirements of the company we reduced costs and increase net income resulting to a total created value of $691,000 for the firm. Despite the immediate decrease in sales in 2013, the overall financial position of the company is better in the long run, and moreover we have a remaining credit limit of approximately $2.8 million which is almost equal to the initial amount of credit borrowed in 2012. PHASE 2: SELECTION CRITERIA: From the learningââ¬â¢s and outcome of phase 1 the following selection criteria was used: 1.) Selected option should yield a percentage increase in salesà with a small percentage increase in working capital requirement. 2.) Selected option should not contribute to a significant degree in debt. SELECTED OPTIONS: Based on our analysis we felt that options 1 and 2 fit the criteria we set for selection best. Combined they show a significant increase in EBIT with a lower increase in WCR. Although we foresee a significant increase in WCR we feel that the credit line we have and the amount of capital we freed from phase would be sufficient to reduce the impact of the additional WCR. FINANCIAL RESULTS AND LEARNINGS: Our choices led to a constant increase in net income over the three years. Short term debt increase by approximately 100% percent but steadily reduced over the next three years. We were happy with the positive growth of the company and the fact that we were able to pay off most of the initial short term funding required by the increase in working capital requirement. Overall the current situation of the company in 2018 is good, although the total value created is less than 20% of that created in phase 1. From this we learned that the value of the firm can be significantly increased more through a reduction in working capital requirement than through increasing the firmââ¬â¢s sales and net income. PHASE 3: SELECTION CRITERIA: For this phase we decided to continue with the selection criteria from phase 1, and continue to try to increase sales with the minimum working capital requirement. We also decided to minimize risk and not go with options that have, however small, a chance of creating net losses for the company. SELECTION OPTIONS: Based on our analysis we felt that renegotiation of supplier credit terms would have a significant reduction to costs, given that most of the other suppliers would also agree to the new terms. Even though the company would need additional working capital we felt that the benefits outweigh the additional funding needed. And given the current credit line utilization andà increased profitability of the company we thought that this was a sound option to take. We also took the global expansion strategy because from a strategic management point of view it seemed like the next step to take in order to increase the companyââ¬â¢s profitability in the long run. We again felt that we have sufficient credit and capital to venture into this expansion. FINANCIAL RESULTS AND LEARNINGS: There was a significant increase in net income but marginal increases in the succeeding 3 years. The most significant impact was in the short term debt wherein projected short term debt in 2021 would be zero, which made us very happy. This means that the company is nearing our goal of having a zero working capital requirement. This zero short term debt would also mean increased profits, and would improve our outstanding relation with the bank. Our final firm value is $4,259,000 which is significantly higher than it was in 2012. Overall we felt that we made the right decisions and our selection criteria were spot on. Value is not only generated in sales, but also in working capital requirement. And through this exercise we also confirmed that firms with efficient working capital requirement would be the most competitive in the market.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Factors Affecting Menu Planning
Factors Affecting Menu Planning Research Report, describing the factors influencing menu planning and menu product development process Introduction In the recent years the food industry has created a boom in the market and has struck the economic status of the world market. The cuisine development and number of opening of eateries have gradually increased and magnetised the attention towards them. In a restaurant to be made successfully operational the main dictum is to fix the menu in order to make it saleable and to communicate to the mass. The point of success and potential of the outlet should be focussed in order to cut a renowned name in the society. The business rotates around the structure of the menu, the cost of the ingredients, the employment cost together on which the entire infrastructure is going to be framed. The menu pattern which is framed to run the restaurant needs a regular introspection and often introduction of new cuisine to enhance the growth of the outlet. The study of this topic is going to carry from the perspective of 10 Greek street, a restaurant in London and shall carry along a self evaluation to e xplicit a clear idea about the project. Task A (a) Principles of Recipe Development 10 Greek Street is a Restaurant in London, a very simple unshowy outlet ,yet containing an interesting platter of menu which is eye catching as well as amicable. The organisation follows the following principles while designing its recipes: To make a healthier recipe 10 Greek Street believes that a recipe should not only be munchy and tasty but it requires a healthy and balanced mixture of ingredients to fulfil the balance of the health. Substitution of ingredient and making the food healthier It targets to create a menu which has a nutritional value like less salt, fat and calories,and more importantly sugar.Food alone is insufficient to make one healthy. So a dietary balance which includes proper mixture of protein , carbohydrate and fat is very much required. Light Cooking ââ¬â The prepared food are not heavily fried in order to ensure that they are not taxing heavily on the consumers health. Healthy Cooking and Living style. The most important factor for a good and healthy life is to make the food edible and digestible, both at the same time. Target Audience ââ¬â The restaurant does prepare the recipes keeping in mind the demands of the target Audience. One can take the example of Brecon Lamb preparation which is cooked with white beans, Tomatoes, Olives and Anchovy prepared with very light and healthy oil and little spices. This is a very popular dish amongst its customers and follows the above principles. Task A (b) Factors that influence the Menu Planning Decisions The factors which influence the menu planning decisions is not only cost oriented but also depends on the target audience , their availability and the quality. Considering each target group which includes teenagers, middle aged and elderly group their demands vary and each needs a different combination of food for their sustenance. Menu planning decisions depends largely on a number of factors which include the customers choice of vegetarian or non vegetarian , either allergic or alien to certain ingredients. Competition in the Market 10 Greek Street, is focussed on the factor that the quality of food, the price of the menu and the quality is under sharp vigilance so as to compete and survive in the Market. Where it is situated:à The most important point of thought for the restaurant is to produce the food according to the locality. The outlet should be aware of the neighbourhood and thus motivate the ambience accordingly. Adopting new trends: The outlet has to groom itself according to the choice of the customers. Being on the country front requires more new and adoptable recipes than the people residing in the suburb who are comparatively less prone to accept the change. The kitchen parameter: The kitchen of the organisation is compact and prepared to produce the food mentioned in the menu chart and does not de motivate the target audience with extra non producible items. Supply, cost and the variety: The restaurant is conscious in supplying the food as per the requirement and does not overrate itself. The costing of each item is buyer friendly ,and the variety concept is applicable only during the occasions such as Christmas, and New Year Eve. Dietary change on demand: The company is flexible to produce the customers with their food of choice when required. Such as for Diabetic people or preparation for the vegetarians. The above principles are very important to run the menu of the organisation and it does so as to keep the pace of its publicity. Task (A) c The Influence and Requirements of the Service Methods The British Food Industry is supposedly one of the biggest food groups across the Globe. Their service method is also very compact to keep their market upright and concentrate on the class of customers whom they can satisfy. The service concept should be Task (B)a Justification of Designing a Menu The British Food Industry considered to be one of the biggest upcoming and growing industries requires an attention of improvement .The study of National Health Service Britain provides the world with a report that obesity is a rampant disease that is percolating the living beings specially the Homosapiens. Fast Food, Junk Grubs and long paucity in the food habits leads to the occurrence of this self eating ailment. The crossing of the Body Mass Index (BMI) leads to the growth of the blood sugar level leading to coronary disease, type two diabetes, and many more. The food habit is the primary concern which requires a regular examination and incurring fatty food requires vigorous exercise to burn out. The food served and the menu catered in the restaurant is often money minting concept than health concern. In that case the structure of the menu being less heavy, cooked in light oil and not being always too delicious can fulfil the requirement of an interesting menu and also the develo pment of the health. It is often stated that the gastronomy factor is in direct in confrontation with the taste buds and people tend to gobble spicy foods to achieve happiness. To halt the process the structure of the menu cards demands fast transformation. Modern age demands a very fast life with gorging into excessive fat and high calorie food with very little of physical exercise. The deposition of extra calorie heads towards the cause of depression and makes a person get into a continuous food habit. The Justification requires to incorporate a new eating style that sounds healthy and gives the stomach a sense of peace. Task (B)b Development of Food Service, Ambience, Supportive Menu, Recipe and Service style. There has been an intense concern about the health System in London and entire Britain. Eating of a balanced diet or following an exercise regime is now often suggested and fast food avoid is a must. People are now delving into the health conscious factor and are cutting down their restaurant food habits .Under such circumstance the food outlets require to cut short their high calorie charts and boil down towards, the easily consumable quality food. There has been enough publicity through the press and medical journals in order to awaken the minds. Not only the company should provide a healthy chart but they should also be the mentors to educate their new food habits. The environment requires peace and service friendly which has been already floated in the market. There should be a change in the development of human brain and subtraction of the concept of junk food from the minds. The process is in progress and the people are gradually finding it a more friendly ambience to become di sease free. Task (C) A new food concept according to the Customer requirement ââ¬â The NHS report stands out to be threatening. If the standard rate of calorie hike is so fast then it can be assumed that the change is on the doorstep. The combination of food which we came across 10 Greek Street comprises of high calorie and fat content. This menu card which is being offered for Lunch and Dining consists of Desserts, ice creams ,mayonnaise ,shrimps all which contains the increase in the body weight . The people have fallen prey to it and what is required is simplicity. The menu format should consist ofââ¬â Boiled vegetables b) Salads c) Fruit Salad d) Protein like fish and lean meat e) fatless milk and soya milk ice cream and desserts. The menu chart requires public attention and their acceptance. It is then only, the new food concept can be introduced and better results are expected. Task( D) Evaluating oneselfReview of the Project Report and Suggestions for the Betterment The SWOT analysis. The food trail that has been studied in the above project aided me to develop a specific thought about a human health concept. The menu which an outlet in general follows, prevents from making a man healthy and nutritious. Strength The healthy food concept which is straight, simple and light keeps a man from many a number of ailments. The diet which is available in an outlet does not always bank on the digestive capacity of a person. It is more bent on the tongue liking factor, the publicity and the demand of the organisation. Whereas a simple outlet which provides good quality food turns the human fraternity more happy and energetic and I have learnt a lesson that way. Weakness The food service sector has by and large increased in number and in London has generated a magnanimous business. And I have observed that keeping in mind the monetary factor the food service industry is very fast adding certain salts and recipes which are detrimental for health.I am assuming a destruction regarding the health of human beings but it is very tough for me to transform the entire system. Opportunity The Food service Industry now is getting into a turning point. Depending on the NHS London survey report the chain of food outlets growing can be curdled and in result very quality systems can emerge thereby divulging the old methods of food making.Good and healthy recipe with low calorie and fat can always be interesting and can pull in more number of people thus in return making them health conscious.I have observed that the medical reports threatens people and they run into solutions.So it can be said that there is always an opportunity to improve and develop. Threat My project Report leaves me threatened with the fact, sooner the better. The journey to change the menu and the recipe system does not depend only on me. It is a mass work and from this I have learnt that its true saying that ââ¬Ë An Apple a Day keeps a Doctor awayââ¬â¢.That is me too need to pay attention on the food cycle and be very much aware. Since entire London is deeply delving into the practise of food and service I feel that it is high time that my thoughts are percolated into their minds and a change is very fast needed. But it also has ensured me that learning is a continuous progress and its not only me but we all need to change our lifestyles as fast as possible.
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