Free Research Papers

Free Research Papers Free Research Papers Free Research Papers: Paralympics Games! Before you begin composing free exploration paper, you ought to pick a theme! While you are picking, you may find out about Sports and Games. This subject is exceptionally wide and you may talk about for instance some clear sort of game. Individuals everywhere throughout the world are attached to sports and games. That is something, which individuals of each nationality and class are joined together. Game not just causes individuals to get solid and to grow truly yet additionally makes them increasingly sorted out and better taught in their day by day exercises. It makes for a solid psyche in a sound body. Sports help individuals to keep healthy. Free Research Papers: Paralympics Games. Intriguing point to focus is about Paralympics games. Not every person realizes what it is. Along these lines, this passage is given to extra-conventional sort of game. The Paralympics Games are a significant universal multi-sport occasion where physical handic ap competitors contend. This opposition incorporates competitors with versatility inabilities, removals, visual deficiency, and Cerebral Palsy. In your free exploration papers you should bring up that there are winter and summer Paralympics Games, which are followed Olympic Games. All Paralympics Games are represented by the International Paralympics Committee. Just because, the Olympic Games for the Deaf individuals, was hold in Paris in 1924. Incapacity competitors from wounds of musculoskeletal framework have been partaking effectively in sports simply after the Second World War. The first Paralympics Games were hold in the capital of Italy Rome, in 1960. The opposition was gone to by 400 competitors from 23 nations. The appointment of competitors in Italy has been the most various. Your free examination paper should open to the peruser such data like:In the start of 1976 Paralympics competition under the direction of the International incapacitated individuals Sports Organizatio n got engaged with the amputees, and with low eyesight.Finally, in 1992 was made the International Paralympics Committee. Presently it incorporates 162 nations. Paralympics sports include: toxophilism, shooting, games, cycling, dressage, fencing, judo, weightlifting, shooting, soccer 7x 7, 5 x 5 football, paddling, swimming, cruising, table tennis, tennis and rugby wheelchair, wheelchair b-ball, volleyball, moving on wheelchair. The cooperation of these interesting individuals in the Paralympics Games is their accomplishment, and our respect. This sense must be partaken in your free examination papers. Peruse this article, might be it will move you for composing brilliant free examination paper.

Motivating Staff essays

Spurring Staff papers There are bounty approaches to spurring Staff in an organization. Right off the bat, the supervisors need to comprehend what the necessities of his staff are, and how to rouse them. As various individuals have various necessities, the methods of inspiring them additionally vary. The compensation is one of the most significant elements. Since most laborers needs cash on their day by day life, in this way they work for cash. Pay should have been paid on schedule. Something else, this would demotivate them. At the end of the day, if the laborers had not get their pay when due, the spirit of works might be decreased. Trainings, impetuses, occasions, government assistance, and others prizes might be given to the staffs as the extraneous prize. Most staffs welcome at any rate one of the prizes notice above, so if conceivable, why not give the awards to the staffs as an inspiration factors? In spite of the fact that not every, the vast majority need advancement after a specific time of their works. Maybe this may build their status, or pay rise. Plus, they can place greater duty in their fills in as they have expanded obligation. Another factor is the state of workplaces. The cooling of an office ought to be very much controlled, just as the floors of the workplace. Nobody feels good working in a grimy office. Albeit a spotless office won't fundamental inspiring the staffs, however without a doubt, if such models are not satisfied, the staffs get demotivated. Maybe the vast majority need to act naturally attested. Normally, the supervisor of an enormous association can't recollect all the names of his/hers subordinates. Be that as it may, on the off chance that he/she DOES, the situation might be significantly improved. The staffs may thought, Goodness, the manager can recollect my name even I am only a little laborers. At that point I should make a solid effort to acknowledge such acknowledgment There are no exacting standards for an organization or an association to follow in the methodology of propelling their staffs, however a blends of the techniques proposed above may demonstrate helpful in improving inspirations. ... <!

A Plot Twist

A Plot Twist I’m standing in front of my presentation boards, trying to string keywords into sentences, concepts into arguments, proto-architectural ideas into a proposal for a functional school building. As soon as I started speaking, my sentences were already loopy, my hand wavering between various diagrams I can point to. The panel of jurors judging our architecture studio mid-reviews sat three feet in front of me and I can already tell they’ve stopped taking in the words that are coming out of my mouth. Before I knew it, my mouth had stopped moving. It’s their turn now. I have to admit, I don’t really understand your project. I tried to sum it up again, but another critic zooms in on a detail. You do know that your building needs legs to stand up right? No s***, I thought. But how can I even think that when I know it’s my fault my project is behind on development? He kept going. Let me demonstrate for you. He walked up to my boards and started drawing a stick figure with legs. My classmates laughed. And then my professor threw the last bomb. Now I’m questioning if you even understand your project Boom. Boom. and Boom. When your own professor, the one who has seen the promise and struggles of your project since the inception begins to question, what is there left to salvage? I had seen glimmers of hope while putting this presentation together, but at that moment, I had no idea what I was arguing for, what my project is trying to achieve, why I’m still standing there taking their bullets. I had tuned out near the end and as soon as the chairs started shifting to the next presenter on my left, I’d started walking right, past Steam Cafe and into the bathroom. I’d already felt the tears rushing up while I still stood up there and I wondered if anyone had noticed. I like to pretend they didn’t. My mom has always told me that crying is a sign of weakness, that real life doesn’t believe in tears. But in my defense, I knew this wasn’t about criticism. Every review in the five architecture studios I’ve taken has had its own share of criticisms, to which my classmates and I all knew we had to absorb and many times challenge. No, this was something more. It was the result of a build-up, the result of everything I loved, hated, and learned while being an architecture student at MIT, the result of knowing that after this semester, I will be leaving this very special kind of life behind. I’ve been debating my path on the architecture career for quite some time now. But it has taken a long time for me to admit that, because at MIT, the work really does never stop. As new projects piled up in my face, I was of course excited out of novelty, curiositybut was it a relentless and humble excitement, a mobilizing force that will propel me to want to learn more for the years and years to come? In an earlier entry, I talked about the fear of falling behind and never taking the time to question what you’ve been working hard for. If anything, my dramatic mid-review presentation experience showed me once again how easy it is to get lost in the production of THINGS whether that means drawings, models, renderings to show your professor, or publications, awards, salaries, Twitter followers, or LinkedIn connections to show everyone else. Looking beyond the products of our constant hard workwhen the critics come rolling in however unwelcomed, can we still articulate our own missions? I could not do so in that presentation. These thoughts piggyback on Chris’ latest entry  explaining “the merits of not working too hard” and forgoing the “treadmill” path through MIT. I think by far the biggest rude awakening while crossing the bridge from high school to college is to learn that hardwork doesn’t end with getting into college. We can count on ALWAYS being in a rush to accomplish more. So as Chris suggested, it is truly up to us to peak out from the work zone every once in a while to make sure that we still know where we’re going, to realize what kind of fertile soil or quagmire is really among us. At MIT, architecture is one of the most personal educations you can get. There is no skipping studio class. Your professor expects to see you every other day (and once in a blue moon, on a Saturday) and expects to see your progress. When you’re not doing well, the professor and jurors tell it to your face. It’s a course where how much you work is directly proportional to how well you do; so when you do receive criticism, it’s always your problem. As difficult as this dynamic can be, I really love it. We get so personally invested in our projects that we have an unparalleled sense of accountability. This building better work out, or its on me.  But here is the plot twist. This coming fall, I pre-registered for five classes spanning the Management, Writing, and STS (Science, Technology, Society) departments. Architecture is conspicuously missing. I still have two architecture classes to take to graduate, but those will happen next spring. You can probably imagine the horror when I told my parents I don’t want to be an architect. The first question is what do you want to be then? Well for now, Ill say that Im in love with media studies and details will emerge in future entries. But the next popular question is what have you been doing for the past three years then? And this is when I explain how I have never doubted being an architecture undergrad. From what I’ve experienced, the course 4 design education has far greater lessons than the things we produce in studio and collect in a portfolio. And this is when I share them. What MIT Architecture has taught me about design and life:   Architecture is never anonymous. Your work will be seen, so do work youll be proud of. When you discover a problem, dont ignore it. It will still be there and come back to haunt you as an even bigger problem. Beware there’s a danger to closing off options early on: they could be opportunities to go beyond your present imagination. Dont bypass or underestimate research into precedents. Nowadays, its common to feel like we NEED to be original. But sometimes, new ideas really do come from studying how people have done it before. Own it own it own it. Dress up for reviews. (Or at the very least, make time during the all-nighter to go home, shower, and make thyself presentable. Real-talk.)  And bring your enthusiasm! if you don’t buy it, no one else will. Don’t get caught up wth 100% functionalityIn its dysfunction, you might redefine what the very thing you’re designing could be. Indeed, design is about solving problems. Be observant to where the problems are. Be rigorous. There are ways to test everything and argue why your idea works. Rigorous studies become research and evidence, and in this way, design gains the objectivity of science and engineering. If you are staring at the computer screen and are stuck, stop staring at the computer screen. Talk to someone. Eat something. Go to the bathroom. Stop staring at the computer screen. And finally it isn’t always about requirements, but rather what best conveys your idea. These are the notes Ive jogged down for myself to remember, and I hope they may be of use to you in some way shape or form. And one lasting testament to my studio life? Piles and piles of Moleskines. Post Tagged #Course 4 - Architecture

What Is the Difference Between Relative Absolute PPP

Q: A: Thank you for your terrific question! To distinguish between the two, first consider the more common form of purchasing power parity, Absolute PPP. Absolute PPP A Beginners Guide to Purchasing Power Parity Theory (PPP Theory) The idea is expressed in more detail at A Beginners Guide to Purchasing Power Parity Theory (PPP Theory). Relative PPP PPP Conclusion purchasing power parity arbitrage opportunities to move goods across borders.

Film Theater A Movie Theater - 1524 Words

Attendance is key. This is the main point for any Movie Theatre. The profit for a Movie Theatre is not coming only from tickets but also from all the sales of food and drinks. Nowadays a Movie Theater has a 3 to 4 floors building with different types of restaurants and entertainments for kids so basically there are a lot of different sources of profits for Movie Theater. A Movie Theater has to attract people not only with movies but also with all the fun that people can have in Movie Theater. Technological factors †¢ 3-D equipped †¢ Digital age †¢ The IMAX As we know today all the world is using 3-D. It’s a new technology which entered not only to Movie Theaters. Today all the famous companies like Sony and Samsung start producing TVs mainly with 3-D technology. So 3-D is becoming kind of part of our life. Now we want to see everything in 3-D and this tendency is giving a good chance to Movie Theaters to get more profit. In all the Movie Theaters tickets for 3-D movie are more expensive than for regular movies and this is not surprising anyone. People see the big difference between regular movies and 3-D movies and they are ready and agree to pay more for the feelings that 3-D gives. Currently more than 50% of the screens in USA are 3-D equipped, this is about 13,000 screens. This brings in millions of dollars of additional revenues. According to Nevafilmresearches (http://research.nevafilm.ru/reports/eao/eao2012) Russia has a growing number of screens which are notShow MoreRelatedMovie Theater : The Film Theater1645 Words   |  7 PagesWhether it is music, theater, or art, entertainment has always been able to help people cope with their lives and make sense of the world around them. In the early 1900s, a new type of entertainment emerged, the motion picture. The first movie theater opened in 1905, in Pittsburgh and showed short films. Since then, films have been a huge part of society. However, what made films so successful, was where they were being showed. The movie theater gave a certain magical touch to the movie that encouragedRead MoreThe Performance Of The Nielson Company1552 Words   |  7 Pagesindulge themselves in is cinema. Whether the film is based on your favorite book, legend, or you simply were captivated by the preview you saw on television, movies have constantly brought in large revenues for the producers and theaters. However, with the growing availability of online streaming people now have the ability to access movies in the comfort of their own homes, which brings about the debate of whether watching a movie at home or in a theater creates the most enjoyable experience. TheRead MoreHome Television vs. Theater Movies1100 Words   |  4 Pagesmany debates regarding which of these entertainment forms are the best option. This debate has focused specifically on whether it is better to be entertained by the movie industry in the comfort of ones home or in the luxury of a theater. While there are specific advantages and disadvantages to both options, comparing the two modes of movie entertainment can provide a good idea of what would suit the individual taste the best. When such comparisons are made, one might find both advantages and disadvantagesRead MoreWatching Movies: Movie Theatre vs. Home1077 Words   |  4 PagesMovie Viewing Watching movies is an excellent source of entertainment. It can be an escape mechanism, adrenaline booster, romantic evening, social platform, and/or a tension reliever. The environment in which one chooses to enjoy a film can directly impact the experience one has while watching a film. Certainly there is no wrong or right setting in which to enjoy a movie. Rather, the setting one chooses to immerse oneself in while enjoying a movie is usually dependent on the whole experienceRead MoreMovies : Genres Of Movies892 Words   |  4 PagesGenres of Movies Movie theater tickets have become increasingly more expensive in recent years. As a result, movie genres that offer a broad range of entertainment and stimulation can make the theater going experience more worthy of the ticket price. Some of the more popular movie genres today are mysteries, science fiction, romantic comedies, animation, documentaries and horror films. Although all of these movie genres may be enjoyed in a theater, horror movies are more worth the ticket price becauseRead MoreThe Death Of Movie Theaters Essay1092 Words   |  5 PagesThe Death of Movie Theaters? How Netflix and Hulu are changing the movie going experience. Netflix and Hulu have become some of the easiest and most affordable ways for college students to watch television. While these massive online streaming companies advertise affordability, and vast amount of viewing options, other major entertainment companies are beginning to take notice. â€Å"They’re being able to release high quality movie content and original shows that are being able to rival anything thatRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie 1920 American Film 1318 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Film During the 1920s, American Film was at the peak of its glory. 1920s Film was the biggest form of entertainment and a weekly pastime for millions of Americans, regardless of race and social background. Silent films continued to improve and innovate the film industry. Hollywood established themselves as an American force and produced hundreds of silent films. Also, Hollywood became the birthplace of â€Å"movie stars† such as Janet Gaynor, Rudolph Valentino, and Charlie Chaplin. Movie studiosRead MoreWatching a Movie at Home vs. Theater Essay example667 Words   |  3 Pagessame reason film industry is the largest of any industries with India making the most number of movies per year than any other country. People watch movies at home on their television or in the theaters on a big screen where the film is been displayed with a movie projector onto a large projection screen at the front of the auditorium. Watching a movie at home or in theater is an enjoyable experience for everyone depending on personal preferences. In a theater, one can watchRead MoreRise Of American Theaters And Consumerist Desires1594 Words   |  7 Pages Rise of American Theaters And Consumerist Desires In the early twentieth century movies signified modernity by becoming the most prevalent medium of culture in the United States in a period of time where the social makeup was shifting from a predominantly middle class to working class neighborhoods that were made up of many different communities. As a direct consequence, nickelodeons, temporary storefront theaters, and vaudeville programs all flourished in the working class districts. By the lateRead MoreSwot Cinemas Essay713 Words   |  3 Pagesmanaged by large corporations and manage as profit center to increase their incomes and retained earnings. Weaknesses The main weakness of the Studio production is the cost of bringing films into the market. The average cost of releasing a film is more than $100 million. This cost in producing and releasing the films into the market has dramatically gone up the last five years around 25%. Exhibition Cinemas Strengths: During the global financial crisis in 2008, when the gas prices was going up

Financial Management and Control †Kingspan Free Essays

Financial Management and Control Kingspan Assignment 6th December 2012 Contents Introduction4 1. Profitability Ratios4 1. 1Gross Profit Ratio4 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Management and Control – Kingspan or any similar topic only for you Order Now 2Net Profit Ratio4 1. 3Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)4 2. Liquidity Ratios5 2. 1Current Ratio5 2. 2Quick Ratio/Acid Test Ratio5 3. Efficiency Ratios6 3. 1Debtors Days6 3. 2Creditors Days6 3. 3Inventory Turnover Days6 4. Gearing Ratios7 4. 1Gearing Ratio7 4. 2Debt to Equity Ratio7 4. 3Interest Cover7 5. Investment Ratios8 5. 1Earnings per Share8 5. 2Price Earnings Ratio8 5. 3Dividend Cover8 6. Sources of Finance9 6. 1Debt capital:9 6. 2Lease and Hire Purchase9 . 3Share Capital9 6. 4Creditor Debtors10 6. 5Reducing stock levels10 7. Conclusion10 7. Appendices11 7. 1Appendix 111 7. 2Appendix 212 Introduction Below are the ratio findings based on Kingspan PLC’s annual report year ended 31st December 2010. The ratios are calculated for both 2010 and 2009. The ratios are as follows: 1. Profitability Ratios 1. 1Gross Profit Ratio 20102009 Gross Profit333,694Ãâ€"100%=27. 96%308,913Ãâ€"100%=27. 45% Sales Revenue1,193,2151,125,523 There is a slightly higher Gross Profit in 2010. K ingspan are now holding onto . 51% more of each euro of sales then they were in 2009. This is due to the increase in sales. 1. 2Net Profit Ratio 20102009 Net Profit (before Int Tax)67,405Ãâ€"100%=5. 65%62,659Ãâ€"100%=5. 57% Sales Revenue1,193,2151,125,523 There is a slight increase of. 08% in 2010 compared to 2009. If going by the gross profit ratio this should have been higher; this indicates that they need to manage their expenses more efficiently thus increasing their net profit. 1. 3Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) 20102009 Net Profit (before Int Tax)67,405Ãâ€"100%=7. 65%62,659Ãâ€"100%=7. 97% Capital Employed (W1)880,616786,676 Kingspan has been less efficient in using their capital in 2010; they are down by . 2% from 2009. Although there was an increase in sales in 2010 the decrease in ROCE is due to the higher borrowings in 2010. If in following years they continue this trend investors could start to worry and sell shares. 2. Liquidity Ratios 2. 1Current Ratio 20102009 Current Assets471,193=1. 55:1398,212=1. 31:1 Current Liabilities304,922303,529 The curr ent ratio in 2010 shows that kingspan are managing their short term debt more efficiently than in 2009; this is due to increasing their current assets and managing to keep their currents liabilities relativity steady. They need to manage their debtors and stock better to further increase the ratio which will entice potential investors. 2. 2Quick Ratio/Acid Test Ratio 20102009 Current Assets less Closing Inventory (W2)342,158=1. 12:1287,391=0. 95:1 Current liabilities304,922 303,529 In 2009 Kingspan may have had difficulty in paying their short term creditors but they have managed to increase it in 2010. Given the ideal ratio of 1:1 they could look at investing the surplus assets for a return. ? 3. Efficiency Ratios 3. 1Debtors Days 20102009 Debtors218,047Ãâ€"365=66. 70Days181,071Ãâ€"365=58. 72Days Credit Sales1,193,2151,125,523 Kingspan were managing their debtors better in 2009. There is an increase of 8 days in 2010; this could potentially lead to bad debt. Collecting their debt earlier will increase the liquidity of the business. They could offer discounts on early payment or offer a cash price. 3. 2Creditors Days 20102009 Creditors93,024Ãâ€"365=38. 68Days85,228Ãâ€"365=40. 42Days Credit Purchases (W3)877,735769,671 Kingspans creditors days have decreased by 2 days meaning they are paying off their debts 2 days earlier than in 2009. This shows that Kingspan are managing their debt more efficiently and may interest potential investors. 3. Inventory Turnover Days 20102009 Average Inventory (W4)119,928Ãâ€"365=50. 93Days134,291Ãâ€"365=60. 02Days Cost of Sales859,521816,610 Kingspan has managed their stock more efficiently in 2010; by doing so they have increased their cash flow and reduced their holding costs. ? 4. Gearing Ratios 4. 1Gearing Ratio 20102009 Long Term Borrowing213,671Ãâ€"100%=24. 26%201,14 1Ãâ€"100%=25. 57% Total Capital (W1)880,616786,676 By decreasing the level of gearing they have decreased the level of financial risk, although they have increased their borrowing the increase in capital is greater meaning that they are using less debt to make their profit. . 2Debt to Equity Ratio 20102009 Long Term Borrowing213,671Ãâ€"100%=32. 04%201,141Ãâ€"100%=34. 35% Shareholders Funds666,945585,535 Debt to equity has decreased by almost 2% in 2010 showing that there are more shareholders funds to borrowings. This shows that Kingspan can manage to pay their debts which is important for future borrowings and investors. 4. 3Interest Cover Interest Cover 20102009 Profit before Interest Tax67,405=5. 3562,659=4. 91 Loan Interest12,59412,750 There are higher interest rates associated with short term borrowings than there are with long term borrowings. By reducing their short term and increasing their long term borrowings Kingspan has reduced their finance costs in 2010. They have also increased their sales giving a better interest cover. It shows that in 2010 Kingspan would be able to pay their interest 5. 35 times compared to 4. 91 times in 2009. Bank and investors would look at this ratio to see how they cover their loans. 5. Investment Ratios 5. 1Earnings per Share 20102009 Profit after Interest and Tax48,657,000= â‚ ¬ 0. 28 47,658,000= â‚ ¬ 0. 28 Number of ordinary shares171,755,762171,503,951 Earnings per share in 2010 have remained almost the same as 2009. It is displayed here rounded but 2010 has a slight increase. It shows the profitability of Kingspan and the consistency of the EPS shows security. Shareholders are receiving a slightly higher return in 2010. 5. 2Price Earnings Ratio 20102009 Price per share7. 49=â‚ ¬ 26. 956. 05 =â‚ ¬ 21. 32 Earnings per Share0. 280. 28 It is more expensive to buy Kingspan shares in 2010 than compared to 2009; this shows confidence in future earning power. 5. 3Dividend Cover 20102009 Profit after Int tax Pref Div48,657=7. 0NIL Earnings per Share6,661 Kingspan can pay their shareholders 7. 3 times from their available profits. They did not pay any dividend in 2009; this could have been a strategic move to increase cash flow. ? 6. Sources of Finance Kingspan operate a number of different finance sources, such as: 6. 1Debt capital: Kingspan have both long and short term borrowings. With short term borrowings such as overdrafts and hire purchase kingspan will pay a high interest rate on their 2009 borrowings of â‚ ¬31,863mn but they have managed to reduce that by over half to â‚ ¬14,259mn. This will reduce the financial costs. The interest rate for long term borrowings is generally a lot lower than that of short term loans; although Kingspan increased there long term borrowings in 2010 by â‚ ¬12,529mn they will be paying a lower interest rate, again saving on finance costs. By reducing their short term borrowings and increasing their long term borrowings in 2010, Kingspan have managed to reduce their overall finance cost to â‚ ¬156mn in 2010. The long term borrowings of â‚ ¬213,671mn have been scheduled for staggered repayments over 5 years, this ill allow kingspan to meet their liabilities when due. Interest rates for loans over â‚ ¬300,000 can be discussed with individual financial institutions. Kingspan’s interest rate for both long and short term loans will depend on their credit rating. They will have to be able to produce cash flow forecasts or provide security for the loan. 6. 2Lease and Hire Purchase This form of finance allows Kingspan to ob tain the use of an asset without a large initial cost. It is beneficial as the risk remains with the owner and as technology changes they can upgrade the equipment with minimal cost. Kingspan have increased their lease/hire purchase costs by â‚ ¬7mn in 2010. 6. 3Share Capital The core funding in Kingspan is provided by shareholders; this increased by â‚ ¬81,410mn in 2010. Although there is risk involved and there may be a high return expected by using this form of financing there is no requirement to pay dividends even if profits exist. As Kingspan do not have preferred shareholders they did not pay out dividends in 2009 and allowed them to retain their profit and improve sales. 6. 4Creditor Debtors Kingspan’s creditors days decreased by 2 days in 2010; depending on the agreement they may have been able to receive a discount for early payment. However agreeing longer credit terms with their suppliers would allow them more flexibility with cash flow. In 2009 Kingspan were also managing their debtors days more efficiently than that of 2010. This may be due to the down turn in the economy and to make sales they could have offered longer repayment options. If needed Kingspan could renegotiate the terms or offer discounts for early payment. 6. 5Reducing stock levels By reducing the number of days stock is held will save on holding costs such as security, light, heat, warehousing and staff it will also reduce the risk of spoiling or obsolete goods. Kingspan have managed to reduce their stock turnover days to 51 days compared to 60 days the previous year. 7. Conclusion Overall Kingspan is performing better in 2010 than compared to 2009. The sources of finance are working well for the company, they have a low gearing ratio and have moved funds between long and short term borrowing taking advantage of a lower interest rate. They are managing their creditor, debtor and stock turnover days more efficiently than in 2009. They are leasing or using hire purchase to obtain assets this giving Kingspan the use of equipment without a large initial cost. Given the industry and the economic climate in 2010 Kingspan shows to be a liquid company and shows confidence in future earnings. ? 7. Appendices 7. 1Appendix 1 Workings (W1)Capital Employed20102009 Share Capital Reserves666,945585,535 Long Term Debt213,671201,141 882,626786,676 (W2)20102009 Current Assets471,193398,212 Closing Inventory-129,035-110,821 342,158287,391 (W3) Credit Purchases20102009 Closing Stock129,035816,610 Cost of Sales859,521110,821 Opening Stock-110,821-157,760 Purchases877,735769,671 (W4)Average Inventory20102009 Opening Stock110,821157,760 Closing Stock129,035110,821 Total Stock239,856268,581 ? 2119,928134,291 ? 7. 2Appendix 2 Share prices for Kingspan Fig 1. 2009 share price as of 31/12/2009 Fig2. 2010 share price as of 31/12/2010 http://www. kingspan. com/kingspangroup/investors/share_info/share_chart/ How to cite Financial Management and Control – Kingspan, Essay examples

The Power of Literature free essay sample

Humanity has an instinctive fear of death, though it is a natural course of life. It’s often said that in the moments immediately preceding death, or even a near-death experience, one’s life flashes before his/her eyes. Should it turn out to be a near-death experience, one typically awakens to realize that his/her life has been uneventful—lacking purpose. For this reason, people create bucket lists, stating everything they wish to do before they die. Yet even upon crossing off everything on the list, people aren’t prepared; it’s inevitable. Oftentimes, this is due to a fear of letting go of and hurting loved ones. Therefore, we leave our loved ones with an undying connection, something that keeps us with them. Although photographs contain more memories than we can remember, they only encourage us to dwell in the past. Thus, â€Å"literature is the best way to overcome death,† as it brings the present into the future, and remains for all eternity. We will write a custom essay sample on The Power of Literature or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page To me, writing is a means of expression, an emotional release, while reading is a means of learning and understanding. As such, literature allows the dying to say all that’s on his/her mind, and provides loved ones with something to cherish. Naturally, this concept has a major impact on my life. I’ve enjoyed reading and writing for as long as I can remember, but since middle school, literature has carried a greater weight than pure leisure, bringing with it a sentimental value. Through writing poetry, journal entries, and even stories, I’m able to share my thoughts—both the positive and the negative—with the world. Literature assures that my name is forever engraved upon this earth.

Deborah-Leaders Essay Example

Deborah-Leaders Essay Biblical Servant Leadership Fall 2013 Dry. Martin Deborah From Judges, Chapters 4 and 5 I dont often think about leaders in the Bible, but when I do, I often think of the only woman Judge mentioned In scripture Deborah. She Is one to admire. This woman of God provides a picture of leadership quite out of the ordinary in the society of her time. Very few women in of that day rose to positions of Judge. There were powerful queens, but to be a Judge For a woman it could only mean God had ordained her to this position. Deborah stands out equally for her civic leadership, as for her spiritual dervish; exemplifying qualities we all should possess to lead today. In Deborah day, Israel had no king, no central leader to whom Israel looked. Judges describes these perilous times as In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted During this time Israel found itself oppressed by Cabin, the Canniest king, and Sellers, the general of his army. Japans army was formidable. He had oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for nearly twenty years. This is the situation in which Deborah found herself. We will write a custom essay sample on Deborah-Leaders specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Deborah-Leaders specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Deborah-Leaders specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The narrative of Deborah in scripture calls how she led the Israelites against these fearsome Canniest. She received specific and distinct Instructions and directions from God so that He could deliver the Canniest into their hands. Guided by God, Deborah stood with Bark, urging and encouraging him to lead the armies of Israel to Mount Tabor in a full on assault of these cruel Canniest. Israel obediently followed Deborah as she followed Gods leadership and defeated Easier, the commander of the Canniest; enjoying an extended period of peace. Deborah might rightly be viewed as a true heroine of history. She was a multi-tasked working as a wife and mother, a prophetess and judge, a poet and singer, as well as a political and military leader. As prophetess, Deborah was In exclusive company. Only two other women In the Old Testament (Miriam, Exodus 15:20 and Hula, 2 Kings share this designation. As a judge, God gave her the authority to render civil court decisions with wisdom, prudence, and equity. As prophetess, God used her to deliver His messages to His people; she was careful not to voice her own words, but only Gods as she yielded herself to Him. My vision, as I imagine her, is not one of a cranky, sarcastic Judge Judy type. No, I see her as an honored mediator dispensing advice and counsel in the Spirit of the Lord. The discernment and assurance God gave to Deborah positioned her as one of the outstanding female leaders In history. Her wisdom and judgment were sought after. Judges says that At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lapidated, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Raman and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for Judgment. From this vantage point of power and position, she knew that there were storms of battle constantly churning In the valley below. There was chaos and confusion. From that muck and mess, God caused a woman to rise up and lead this nation to the victory God would show her. She recruited the reluctant battle, she stepped up. Her answer was unhesitant and confidently assertive and forthright l will surely go with you; never theless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Easier into the hand of a woman. wish I could say that I am her namesake, but sadly no. However far from my mothers hopes in a name it may have been, the Lord has seen to it that I would share some attributes with Deborah. I feel a kinship with her and if I were a contemporary of Deborah, I would have wanted to hang out with her. She demonstrated such strength of faith and leadership. In many of the ways illustrated below she represents an ideal leader. I believe we can learn much from her by observing her leadership qualities. In verse 5, the people of Israel came to her. Daily she took her seat of Judgment, mediation and prophecy in the shade off palm tree. The people knew where to find her because she made herself available and approachable. From her station under the palm trees, her countenance shone with confidence in the Lord ND a sure word. She did not think herself to be above them, but created an atmosphere of welcome to all. Since leaders are most effective when they are servants, cultivating an environment where others can find counsel and guidance is important. It begins in the heart and is lived out via the value placed on those who would seek direction. Judges 4:6 confirms that Deborah knew God and spent time with Him. Deborah knew Gods word and held tightly to the confidence in Him to deliver it. This confidence, however, did not breed pride. Deborah remained humble, delivering Gods words, and not her own. Even before Palls admonishment that we must decrease but He must increase, she was wisely aware that any significance in her was really of the Lord. When the people of Israel grew too accustom to their neighbors and their gods, becoming too comfortable with the godless unrestrained living of the Canniest then Israel began to adjust to their culture, becoming prey to those who would seek to dominate them. Deborah, however, chose to listen to the true and living God; bending her will to His to redeem the Israelites from the hands of slavery. She was available to be used by Him and ailing to stand in rejection of the foolishness of false gods and worship of self. How would God not select her to lead Israel into victory? It was her confident trust in God that would encourage the troops to battle. It was Deborah resolute and unshakable confidence that drove the Israelites to snatch the victory of the Lord from the godless Canniest. She was brave and steadfast, even in battle. Is it any wonder, then, in verses 8-10 that as Deborah shared with Bark the battle plan and the command to Go he insisted he would not go unless she went with him? Her story is truly a lesson f God conferring success upon those who allow themselves to be led by Him; giving Him all the credit. Deborah took action and led the leaders at a critical time, but with humility, a servants heart and great love and confidence in the Lord. We can learn from Deborah leadership style by putting aside any personal agenda, listening for Gods clear direction, and letting others know who is really running the show. She could have given herself a nice little pat on the back, but she knew the boundaries of the Lord. While Bark was the general and a leader in his own right, she was infinite enough that she could lead him when the need arose. Leaders always rise to the top in crisis. Leaders will even lead leaders, if the outcome demands it. She victory and ultimately she led him into battle 4:14-for this is the day which the Lord delivered Easier into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you? A modern day Deborah, Margaret Thatcher, once quipped In politics, if you want anything, as a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman. Her daring leadership brought the victory to a downtrodden people and brought peace for decades. So confident were hey in her courage to lead in the face of fierce enemies and her passion for God that they were willing to fight for the cause no matter the number or odds against them. She stood firm in a time of fear. She even took the helm in luring the enemy into the hands of her soldiers. So sure was she in Lords promise of ordained victory that even the fact she was living and Judging in a patriarchal society, where men seemed to dominate everything around her, did not sway or hinder her in leading men into the battle. Deborah demonstrated wisdom by standing for Godly wisdom in a time of escalating deadliness, fraught with humanism and polytheism; when every man did what was right in his own eyes. Her wise influence is evidenced in that all of Israel CAME to her for counsel, Judgment and advice on matters great and small. Deborah offered Godly counsel. Surely, she was seen as a person who was a thinker and equitable judge; dispensing individual Judgment, she prudently led people back to the truth and to God. Deborah used her tongue to speak Gods truth and encouragement to free themselves from oppression, verse 6. Verse 14 recounts her shouts of encouragement Does not the Lord go out before you? Her later song (5:31) recalling the supernatural victory says that her love for God is like the sun, when it comes in full strength. She wise to understand that positive words of victory were like a 812 shot to the troops as they faced the enemy, verse 14; she lifted their spirits to fight and secure the win Israels God has promised them. Oh, that there were men and women of wisdom like Deborah in our modern age; people who would challenge the people of God to restore their loyalties and fidelitys to God. But, sadly, wise leaders are very rare. Deborah also understood her leadership role in history it was only by he grace of God and the obedience of the people to submit to God, 5:2. Though she was the conduit to deliver the message of victory, she did not manipulate, she did not manhandle or demean those she led. She led with the knowledge that she held a place in history only by the choice and blessing of God. She did not dilute the message by sending the Israeli UN to negotiate she knew the will of God for the people of the Lord. This knowledge brought confidence and an unshakable perseverance to convince Israel that the battle was the Lords, if they would but submit to His will. The adversary, the adversity, the position as a woman in a mans world, prosperity, and flattery none could sway her because she knew this was of the Lord. Deborah, because of strength of character and love for God and His word, gave herself completely to the call, God made her capable for the task and she exuded the confidence to get the Job done. Deborah had placed a love for Gods people deep in her being. Her heart, she said in 5:9, was with the rulers. As one version puts it, her heart was with the willing volunteers among the people Her acute and instinctive sense of discernment told he could see the impact of this waywardness on her own family and the families of her community. She did not argue with God over that fact for she had sat in the gate of Judgment and knew the people were selfish and defying God. She was a prophetess, Gods hand was on her, and her heart was for the people. Though human nature often demands that we take our due, take a bow, get the recognition Deborah refused to proclaim her good deeds, but rather the goodness of the Lord in the battle won. She gives God praise, in chapter 5 and verse will sing to the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. She also praised the leaders and that faithful destroyer, Jail, who sealed the deal and killed the wicked Canniest king, Easier calling her most blessed of tent-dwelling women Judges 5:24). Deborah had seen as she Judged she had seen the selfish, self-centered, self-seeking Israelites demand their own way. It did not look good on them and would not look good on her. Deborah was wise to make it clear who sat as the definitive commander in chief: The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, Judges 4:6) and who would gain the praise, Judges 5:3). The life she lived should spur us on. It is a pattern to allow for leaders: Deborah life challenges us in several ways. To seek the wisdom of the Lord as we lead, to retain humility as we lead, to be available to those we lead, give credit to those to whom it is due, be courageous, stand strong in the Lord and in His love and have confidence that this is what he has ordained for you. There is no limit to what can be done when we let Him lead and give Him all the credit when His plan works out. Deborah convened her court under a palm tree over three millennia ago. The Song of Deborah is one of the oldest of these missives in song recorded in he Bible. It states that the stars strayed from their courses and the river washed Sierras armies away in a massive flood. All the Army of Easier fell by the sword; no one was left. Deborah delivered defeat with total destruction. Because of her persistence, because of her presence, because of this utter destruction, peace prevailed. From the first word to the last punctuation, God ordained this woman to lead. She could not and did not deny her giftedness as a leader. Her word for today is her word found in Judges 5:21 March on, my soul; be strong!

Free Essays on Marketing

The marketing mix E4) Describe your marketing strategy using the marketing mix The marketing mix is commonly referred to as the â€Å"4 p’s†, which stand for price, place, promotion and product. These are the four principles of a product which should lay the foundations for the launch and the growth of a product. My product will initially follow the code of the marketing mix therefore it should be successful in its campaign. Product Product is in fact the range of products that a business offers to the market place. Decisions have to be made about quantities, timing product variations associated services, quality, style and even the packaging and branding. Most organisations which are large offer more than just one product or service for the different types of segments. However the basic principle still remains, quality must always be high and consistent for the sale of products to be high and again constant. The product I am focusing on launching is my soft drink, which I will ensure reaches highest quality in production and there after. Branded products are said to be more likely to sell more than normal own branded goods. For example Coca Cola compared to Sainsbury Cola. However I firmly believe that using the right marketing techniques and good uses of promotion will enable me to establish a well reputable product. The product I will be focusing on offering the market is my soft drink which I will name â€Å" Juiceter†. The product life cycle Development Launch Growth Maturity Decline Stage 1 2 3 4 5 Just as everything else does, eventually most if not all products will die out. The product life cycle measures where abouts in the cycle my product would be. There are five stages in the cycle, my product should experience each of them. Stage 1: Development No product is dreamt of on the Monday and launched on the Tuesday! Each new product and idea must take careful... Free Essays on Marketing Free Essays on Marketing Sales worker supervisors oversee the work of sales and related workers such as retail Salespersons, cashiers, customer service representatives, stock clerks and order fillers, sales engineers, and wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives. They are responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees, as well as preparing work schedules and assigning workers to specific duties. Many of these workers hold job titles such as sales manager or department manager. Under the occupational classification system used in the Handbook, however, workers with the title manager, who mainly supervise nonsupervisory workers, are called supervisors rather than managers even though many of these workers often perform many managerial functions. (Sales worker supervisors oversee retail salespersons, cashiers, customer service representatives, stock clerks and order fillers, sales engineers, and sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing; these workers are discussed elsewhere in t he Handbook.) In retail establishments, sales worker supervisors ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods. They also answer customers' inquiries and deal with complaints, and may handle purchasing, budgeting, and accounting. Their responsibilities vary, depending on the size and type of establishment. As the size of retail stores and the types of goods and services increase, these workers tend to specialize in one department or one aspect of merchandising. (Managers in eating and drinking places are discussed in the Handbook statement on food service managers.) Sales worker supervisors in large retail establishments, often referred to as department managers, provide day-to-day oversight of individual departments, such as shoes, cosmetics, or housewares in large department stores; produce and meat in grocery stores; and sales in automotive dealerships. These workers establish and implement policies, goals, objectives, and pr... Free Essays on Marketing Abstract - 2 - Introduction - 3 - What are the macro and micro-environmental factors which are likely to impact upon Skinclad’s business over the next five years? - 3 - Identify Skinclad’s internal factors, structures, systems, strategies, skills, shared values and the marketing mix and identify possible areas where there might be problems. - 4 - Do a SWOT analysis of the current situation. - 5 - Indicates possible marketing relevant courses of action, both internally and externally, to profitably increase sales in the short term within Skinclad’s current production and financial constraints and suggests what might be the strength and weakness areas identified. - 6 - Abstract Skinclad has been established now for a quarter of a decade now, but over the last few years a recession in the industry has forced Skinclad into financial difficulties and the majority of its outlets have terminated the contract with the firm. Now Skinclad has recruited market annalists to help them establish the correct marketing mix and get them up and running again. Introduction Skinclad Ltd has been making high quality outwear for over 25 years now, but over the last few years has ran into financial difficulties due to a deflated market and factors both internally and externally. Skinclad Ltd has decided to recruit the help of a marketing consultancy firm to help maximise sales and profits. What are the macro and micro-environmental factors which are likely to impact upon Skinclad’s business over the next five years? Macro Social and Cultural The consumers will be more obliged to pay a bit extra to guarantee quality. Even though there are far cheaper alternatives abroad (Korea and Taiwan) these garments are somewhat second rate compared to the garments Skinclad offers. Cheaper options available ... Free Essays on Marketing PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKETING RESEARCH How Can My Organization Benefit Abstract When conducting market research some questions are not adequately answered by secondary data, the market researcher must collect primary data. The success of a survey hinges most significantly on the willingness of respondents to provide the desired information. In this paper, we shall cover primary and secondary marketing research and how it would benefit my corporation. PRIMARY MARKET RESEARCH Why bother with market research? Anyone who's ever worked through a business plan knows the answer to this one. Trying to start a business without researching your potential market is as sensible as setting out for the North pole with a surfboard. Market research isn't just something you do when you're working on your business plan and then shelve. It needs to be an integral, ongoing part of your business' development. It's crucial to analyze your market and target your clientele before you waste your money on advertising that won't get you the results you want. Market research is also critical before you spend time and money developing a new product or service. There are a number of business people who just seem to do whatever they feel like doing. For many business managers, market research is a concept as abstract as that of peace, liberty or the pursuit of happiness. For some, market research is a fanciful activity that often requires a rich budget. For others, its application or usefulness is unclear. Since market research can mean different things to different people, it is worthwhile to discuss the basics first. Then, its power and applications can be better understood. The following sections will define market research, give an overview of the different types of research, and conclude with a scenario that puts research to work - using research to identify a business opportunity Why Research? Market research enables busines... Free Essays on Marketing How does advertising affect us in our daily lives? There are many diverse aspects of the advertising industry and its role in popular culture. It has an impact on the choices we make and the choices that are available for us to make. It is powerful on attracting consumers psychologically, visually and also culturally. One industry that tries to persuade people’s thoughts is the tobacco industry. The tobacco companies use terms such as â€Å"light† to mislead smokers into believing that those brands are safer, and therefore they will continue to support tobacco companies by buying cigarettes (Zuckerbrod 1). Another way that advertising influences people is by creating good impressions that can persuade them. It’s a scam because they get people to believe that they reduce health risks, when that is a false statement,† said Stephen Sheller, a Philadelphia attorney. A second way that advertising affects consumers is by encroaching on all areas. One example is with public schools getting corporate sponsorships for money to fund the resources that they can’t afford to pay for. Tax payers don’t want their taxes to increase, so this is a good alternative for public schools that desperately need money. The number of corporate sponsorships is increasing among high school and college athletic teams (Graham 1). The sponsorships help the schools pay for things they need, such as, gym facilities, a library or a technology center. â€Å"We want to give our kids the same resources, and we can’t raise taxes,† said John Kellmayer. Advertisement is also very important in the clothing industry. The more a clothing company is advertised, the more people will want to buy their clothes. Because of this, companies raise their prices on their clothing. They know that consumers will still buy their clothes because they want to have a certa in image. Popular stores such as Abercrombie and Fitch sell their clothing at much higher prices than other less ... Free Essays on Marketing Gimmie the â€Å"GOLD† Their back and their hot on the market. Camel has a new product: New Camel Turkish Gold Cigarettes. This product is new on the market but its name is old and well known. Camel cigarettes have been around for many years now, but the Turkish Gold’s are new. This product is most definitely a winner. The original Camel cigarettes are a big success and so will these. The first thing you notice when you turn the page is the color. It grabs your attention. The color is gold and it’s very bright. The color gold is suppose to represent things of value because gold is valuable. The writing on the article is blue and it has a blue camel right above the slogan. The blue and gold coorindates really well. This advertisement would make you stop and read on or even just look at the colors. The second thing you notice in this ad is the spokesperson. It’s a nice looking, slim-shaped White lady. She’s dress in a gold short dress and also very pr etty. She could attract attention from anybody of any sex or race, but I believe she is try to grab the attention of young white teenage men. I think they are trying to say that if you smoke these cigarettes you could get a woman like the spokesperson in this ad. Some people like things that represent beauty, and that she is, and she also represents the cigarettes. She’s carrying a carton of these Turkish Gold Camel Cigarettes and in a way it looks like she is trying to sell these cigarettes. They also have this glow of light around her and the box cigarettes next to her. Something else I notice is that the lady is dressed in like clothes from the 60’s or 70’s. Although these cigarettes have just hit the market, they try to use the mature look to make you feel like it’s something that’s been around for a while. If people don’t get the mature vibe form the dress she’s wearing that’s okay because the product is new. They may just like the fact that the product is new and ... Free Essays on Marketing Randall’s Department Stores Randall’s had been very successful in building volume and gross profit dollars by increasing the frequency and variety of its sales events, but with continued promotional sales, and everyday low pricing in some departments they may have lost their customer’s confidence in the value of their merchandise. The pre-season, promotional sales, coupon sales and everyday low pricing in certain departments are sending a mixed message. It seems to me that they have to choose to either be in the market of ‘everyday low pricing’. or a mid-size department store. They have to consider who their customer base is and who their competition is, and I would think they would eliminate everyday low pricing. They carry many high quality brands with strong brand images, that don’t seem to fit into the EDLP system. For example, in the Men’s department, they were at risk of losing an important vendor who threatened to leave Randall’s because they did not want to be associated with EDLP. As it is now, as the retailer Randall’s is under pressure from the manufacturer to not mark down their products within a certain time frame, so they may jeopardize their position to even carry these brands. The merchandise they carry is not from the previous season, like a Marshall’s or T.J. Max may carry – that is not their competition. The stores like Prescott’s, D.H. Humphrey and J.C. Penneys are the competition and they are very aggressive in their advertising, price structure as well as the quality of the merchandise they carry. They may have to consider down sizing or even eliminating some departments, like their furniture or appliances because it may become impossible for them to be successful in achieving any substantial market share, or be competitive. They do not have the resources to compete with a Warehouse Electronics, so it may be better to choose not to. By having a more stable pri... Free Essays on Marketing Supply Chain and Logistics Management Supply chain-organizations which create and deliver products Logistics management-transportation and storage of goods to serve customer needs Total Logistics Cost Concept Minimize the cost of moving and storing goods, while providing an acceptable level of customer service Three keys1)movement of goods 2)storage of goods 3)acceptable customer service Acceptable customer service Deliver product when and where customer wants it Factors 1)lead time-time from order of product to delivery for sale 2)inventory on hand 3)customer demand-fluctuating or stable Lead time, inventory and demand If demand is stable, or predictable, lead time unimportant (can order 2 months in advance) and proper inventory can be calculated If demand fluctuates- how much inventory? Lower inventory, lower costs- storage, investment, may become obsolete Adequate Customer Service Bananas 25 29 30 24 22 31 30 25 28 28 29 26 32 29 28 31 100 29 30 27 10 How many to order? If only last one day, then worthless? How high a level of customer service? Perfect Customer Service Very expensive- never run out!!! When? Hospital-blood, medicine Steak house Wendy’s-key items Most businesses try to satisfy most customer demand days Logistics-Movement and Storage Trade-offEach store has a huge warehouse, no transportation- but very costly- building, equipment, investment in inventory, etc. Many stores, but only one warehouse- cheaper, but high transportation costs, higher lead time Compromise-warehouse for a group of stores (Wal-Mart-each store within one day’s drive of a warehouse) Movement Water-Boats, barges-require little energy to move, so: 1)cheap, 2)high capacity; but 1)slow, 2)limited are... Free Essays on Marketing The marketing mix E4) Describe your marketing strategy using the marketing mix The marketing mix is commonly referred to as the â€Å"4 p’s†, which stand for price, place, promotion and product. These are the four principles of a product which should lay the foundations for the launch and the growth of a product. My product will initially follow the code of the marketing mix therefore it should be successful in its campaign. Product Product is in fact the range of products that a business offers to the market place. Decisions have to be made about quantities, timing product variations associated services, quality, style and even the packaging and branding. Most organisations which are large offer more than just one product or service for the different types of segments. However the basic principle still remains, quality must always be high and consistent for the sale of products to be high and again constant. The product I am focusing on launching is my soft drink, which I will ensure reaches highest quality in production and there after. Branded products are said to be more likely to sell more than normal own branded goods. For example Coca Cola compared to Sainsbury Cola. However I firmly believe that using the right marketing techniques and good uses of promotion will enable me to establish a well reputable product. The product I will be focusing on offering the market is my soft drink which I will name â€Å" Juiceter†. The product life cycle Development Launch Growth Maturity Decline Stage 1 2 3 4 5 Just as everything else does, eventually most if not all products will die out. The product life cycle measures where abouts in the cycle my product would be. There are five stages in the cycle, my product should experience each of them. Stage 1: Development No product is dreamt of on the Monday and launched on the Tuesday! Each new product and idea must take careful... Free Essays on Marketing Ben & Jerry ¡Ã‚ ¦s was experiencing a steady growth within their sales figures from 1990 to 1993. However, In March 1994, Cost of Sales increased approximately $9.6 million or 9.5% over the same period in 1993, and the overall gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased from 28.6% in 1993 to 26.2% in 1994. This loss might have been a result of several reasons, such as high administration and selling costs, a negative impact of inventory management, and start up costs associated with certain flavours of the new  ¡Ã‚ §Smooth, No Chunks ¡Ã‚ ¨ ice cream line. Ben & Jerry ¡Ã‚ ¦s selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 28% to $36.3 million in 1994 from $28.3 million in 1993 and increased as a percentage of net sales to 24.4% in 1994 from 20.2% in 1993. This increase might reflect the increase in marketing and selling expenses and the increase in the company ¡Ã‚ ¦s administrative infrastructure. Ben & Jerry ¡Ã‚ ¦s loss was not solely due to their employee orientated approach, but they appeared to have taken out a vast amount of capital lease in their aim to automate their production to keep up with the intense competition. As reflected in the balance sheet, Ben & Jerry ¡Ã‚ ¦s had reinvested huge amounts of property and equipment in 1994 increasing their long-term debts by almost 45% in 1993. Alternatives available to the consumer now, and in the foreseeable future Haagen Dazs is currently the main competitor in the concentrated market place for super premium ice cream. Substitutes are however available. There are other ice creams not in the  ¡Ã‚ ¥super premium ¡Ã‚ ¦ category. To an extent, these are real competitors. However for the market B&J caters for {the up market 25-40 ¡Ã‚ ¦s with a high disposable income} their strategies should not have a great impact on B&J. The frozen yogurt lines which B&J now provides, has a number of direct competitors to deal with. Dealing with other substitutes is not tha...

Globalized Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalized Communication - Essay Example "The racial, cultural, and linguistic mosaic of Singapore underscores the importance of language management throughout the educational system in the country. Much of the success of language management in Singapore is the result of a long-standing policy of multiracialism, multiculturalism, and multilingualism." (Pakir, 1999). English was chosen as the working language, being "neutral" because it was not the language of any of the three major ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese & Indian). The bilingual policy placed English as the official language that the whole population should know. The multilingualism of Singapore has given birth to a colloquial language mostly spoken by the English-knowing public. Known as "Singlish" (short for Singapore English), it differs from English in rhythm and intonation, stress patterns, vowel length and quality and sometimes also word order. "It is the nature of widely spoken languages to fragment into dialects, then into new languages, as Latin did into French, Italian, Spanish and others." (Mydans, 2001) The same is true with English, as more and more countries are adapting it to their own languages. "As they emerge, the world's various Englishes reflect the needs, personality and linguistic roots of their home ground." (Mydans, 2001). "Singlish is simply Singaporean slang, whereby English follows Chinese grammar and is liberally sprinkled with words from the local Chinese, Malay and Indian dialects. Take jiat gentang, which combines the Hokkien word for "eat" (fiat), with the Malay word for "potato" (gentang). Jiat gentang describes someone who speaks with a pretentious Western accent (since potatoes are considered a European food), as in "He went to Oxford to study, now he come back to Singapore, only know how to fiat gentang."" (Tan, 2002) Students are exposed to the English language at the start of their formal schooling. Lee Kwan Yew, the main architect of the bilingual education policy believes that learning a second language early on leads to higher proficiency. He declares, "Language is a key to the acquisition of knowledge. If a student is unable to understand a language, then he is unable to receive information or knowledge in that language. It is therefore crucial that a breakthrough must be made in the English language as early in life as possible." (as cited in Platt, 1982) The concern for connecting to the world in a global community while maintaining one's cultural roots and identity has given birth to the concept of English in Singapore as being "glocal". Derived from the words "global" and "local", it makes for greater awareness of intercultural and cross-cultural exchanges. It indicates that one has to be open to new ideas and yet be embedded in one's own culture. Today, the call is for citizens of all nations is to "Think globally , act locally." (Pakir,

Country Risk Premium Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Country Risk Premium - Essay Example The risk models that are often utilized for corporate financial valuation, it is essential to undertake the ultimate estimation with regards to the risk and return premiums for the average investments termed as equity or market risk premium. It is hence vital for validating the Capital AssetsPricing Model, since it is currently considered as the most utilized both in the practical and theoretical analysis.The research shows that; investors often have to make some cognitive strategies on the verge of investing in emerging countries. This is due to the fact that undertaking huge investments in emerging countries such as Latin America countries, Asia and South East Europe, among others is considered as being riskier than doing so in developed markets such as that of Japan, Western Europe, and the USA. Certainly, the investments returns are also a little bit lower in the developed markets as compared to that of the emerging markets. The estimates of the much-needed return rates based on the developed markets scenario is mostly done with the Capital Assets Pricing Model. The practical weaknesses of this perspective are greatly recognized although there is a wide acceptance of its theoretical fundamentals. In the case of the emerging markets, it is often deemed as being more challenging to assess the return rates. The country risk should usually be rewarded with the country risk premium based on the required return rate with regards to an equivalent rate of investment in the developed countries.

The Use And Abuse Of Technology Media Essay

The Use And Abuse Of Technology Media Essay Technology can be defined as science applied to practical purposes. It is more than hardware and silicon chips. In propelling change and altering our belief systems and culture, technology has joined religion, tradition, and family in the scope of its influence. Its enhancements of human muscle and human mind are self-evident. But technology is also a social amplifier. It stretches the range, volume, and speed of communications. It inflates appetites for consumer goods and creature comforts. It tends to concentrate wealth and power, and to increase the disparity of rich and poor. In the competition for scarce resources, it breeds conflicts. In social-psychological terms, it alters our perceptions of space. Events anywhere on the globe now have immediate repercussions everywhere, with a portfolio of tragedies that ignite feelings of helplessness. Technology has also skewed our perception of time, nourishing a desire for speed and instant gratification and ignoring long-term impacts. Nowadays, when the rapidness of development and research is so impressive, it is easy to think about the advantages of modern technology. Nevertheless some people argue that science can destroy mankind. Im quite agreeing with them, and I believe that modern technology is destroying the values of our Islamic society somehow. Computers, Cellophanes and the World Wide Web are examples of the modern technology; which are used widely nowadays, and they affect our moralities and manners badly, not because they are useless, but because we used to get the negative aspects out of every thing around us. Therefore, the most frequently asked question is: Does technology go the right way and will it save or ruin our Islamic civilization? In this project I wish to set out some of the benefits, the drawbacks and an Islamic view of one of those modern technologies which called The Internet, the influence of it on the Islamic world and the internet from an Islamic respective. As starting point for the Muslims contribution in dialogue with other sectors of society, especially other religious groups, concerning the development and use of this amazing technological mechanism. The Internet is being put to many good uses now, with the promise of many more, but much harm also can be done by its improper use. Which it will be, good or harm, is largely a matter of choice-a choice to whose making the Muslim society brings two elements of great importance: its commitment to the dignity of the human person and its long tradition of moral wisdom. WHAT IS THE INTERNET? Ten years ago, the Internet was practically unheard of by most people. Today, the Internet is one of the most powerful tools throughout the world. The Internet is a collection of various services and resources. The Internet or the World Wide Web is indeed a wonderful and amazing addition in our lives. The Internet can be known as a kind of global meeting place where people from all parts of the world can come together. It is a service available on the computer, through which everything under the sun is now at the fingertips of anyone who has access to the Internet. A human brain to our eyes appears approximately six inches in size only but inside this little bowl hidden an ocean of ideas and thoughts. Internet is not that little word as is generally understood but actually it is the name of whole computer worlds universe which is carrying with it sea of knowledge and information that deals with each and every topic that exists on the face of the earth. Today Internet is providing eve ryone peculiar knowledge and information that one needs. There is no department left about which information are not available on the Internet. In Tokyo, the city of Japan, an exhibition of Information Technology was held in which it was announced that any one who would tell a department name about which no information are given on the Internet would be awarded a prize of one million $ US. However, no one could win the prize at the end of the exhibition. Thus nobody could point out the topic. The internet has allowed our world to become a globally connected network that advances knowledge everyday. A few years ago the internet was changed forever with the creation of Napster. Napster was the first program that allowed internet users to download music and files with a click of the mouse. However, Napster was a company that was said to be profiting from the website, so musicians took a stand and shut Napster down. By that time millions of people had already become used to the idea of free downloads and wanted more. THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL CONNECTION: The last few years in the society have seen incredible changes technologically and culturally. Life has become increasingly easier as machines designed to improve living standards proliferated. Communications and travel capabilities have advanced dramatically, with long distance phone calls soon to be a thing of the past. Computers have brought so much information home that many students do all their research from the comfort of their desktop. Socially the changes have been just as great, though perhaps not always for the better. Children have massacred one another on school grounds. The income inequality gap has steadily risen. Overall, people are feeling less connected to one another than ever before. Many sociologists subscribe to the belief that the internet, in-home computer usage and widespread availability of virtual access, are transforming modern social and economic life. Problematic to these issues, however, is whether the changes have been beneficial or detrimental. The paper shows that some argue that the internet is causing social isolation and forcing a break from genuine social relationships, while others argue that the internet leads better social relationships by freeing people from mundane restraints of geography, isolationism or factors outside normal controls (e.g., illness, schedules). This group argues that the internet allows people to become socially involved on the basis of common interest rather than the vicariousness of convenience. If people were to use the Internet primarily for entertainment and information, the Internets social effects might resemble those of television. However, research has shown that interpersonal communication is the dominant use of the Internet at home. That people use the Internet mainly for interpersonal communication, however, does not imply that their social interactions and relationships on the Internet are the same as their traditional social interactions and relationships, or that their social uses of the Internet will have effects comparable to traditional social means of communication ADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET: In fact, the advantages are out weigh the disadvantages. The most common thing the Internet is used for is research. Children and students are among the top people who use the Internet for research. Today, it is almost required that students use the Internet for research. Thirty percent of teachers give assignments requiring research from the Internet. In the classroom, sixty-six percent of teachers use the Internet to teach. The Internet has become one of the biggest sources for research. Almost everyday, research on medical issues becomes easier to locate. Web sites have become available for people to research diseases and talk to doctors online at sites. Another popular thing to do on the Internet is to check out the news. Almost all local news can be obtained through the Internet. Using the Internet to get the weather allows people to view weather all over the world. Live radar all over the country and local forecasts are just to name a few of the things that may be obtained for weather information on the Internet. Shopping online has also become a huge success and is considered a great advantage of the Internet. No matter what people are shopping for, it can be found on the Internet. People do not even have to leave their homes. A few companies have collected millions of dollars using the Internet for selling. Clothing is probably one of the most bought items online. Almost every major clothing store has its on Web site. Just one click of the mouse on the items they want to purchase and the items are delivered to their front door. DISADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET: Despite all of these advantages of the Internet, there are numerous disadvantages. Many fear the Internet because of its disadvantages. They claim to not use the Internet because they are afraid of the possible consequences or are simply not interested. People who have yet connected to the Internet claim they are not missing anything. Today technological society must realize, it is up to them to protect themselves on the Internet Children using the Internet have become a big concern. When children are online, they can easily be lured into something dangerous. When children talk to others online, they do not realize they could actually be talking to a harmful person. There are a number of tools available today that may help keep the Internet environment safer for children. Some companies, such as America Online, try to monitor everything that is said and done on their online service; however, because thousands of chat rooms are available, it is simply impossible for everything to be monitored. In other words, children want to explore things; however, there are people on the Internet that are just too believable. Most parents do not realize the dangers involved when their children log onto the Internet. Prophet Mohammad SAW Said: كلكÙ†¦ Ø ±ÃƒËœÃƒËœÃ‚ ¹ Ùˆ كلكÙ†¦ Ù†¦ÃƒËœÃ‚ ³ÃƒËœÃ‚ ¦Ãƒâ„¢Ã‹â€ Ãƒâ„¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ Ø ¹Ãƒâ „¢Ã¢â‚¬   Ø ±ÃƒËœÃ‚ ¹Ãƒâ„¢Ã…  ÃƒËœÃ‚ ªÃƒâ„¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¡) (, thus parents should be aware of what their children are doing or seeing .. It is the duty of parents to raise their children upon the teachings of Islam by using all possible good means. In fact, the Internet can help parents in this regard if it is used correctly. However, parents should guide their children to the ways of using it in a positive way and protect them against misusing this service. The prominent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal Nadvi, Imam of Calgary Mosque, Alberta, Canada, and Former Professor at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, States: There are many ways of protecting both children and ourselves from the haram (unlawful) as follows: 1. By creating a barrier between us and sins. 2.By providing alternatives to take us away from the haram. Parents need to establish firm and healthy channels of communication with their children and explain to them the Islamic position concerning these issues and how to deal with them. The best way to achieve this is to be a good role model for their children, for if they see their parents as a good example, they will learn the good from them as well. Parents are supposed to introduce alternatives to them. There are many good Islamic websites that they can visit and learn from. They can be given tasks to do on each website, and then can receive prizes for that. Most importantly we must teach our kids how to choose the right friends, who are aware of Islamic teachings and can protect them from learning about haram.. One of the Islamic rules is the consideration of the other rights. The accessibility and freedom of copyrighting is also one of the disadvantages of the Internet. E.g. Musicians are one of those who are worried because of that. They are upset because the Internet provides their music online at no charge to customers. File-sharing services, such as Napster, provide copyrighted songs to all Internet users. The main concern is the music is free! Musicians feel they are not getting paid for their work. Because of Napster, it is almost impossible to close down all file-sharing services; there are too many of them to count. Legal cases have developed across the country with copyright owners declaring that their music is being plagiarized by people on the Internet. Another major disadvantage of the Internet is privacy. Electronic messages sent over the Internet can be easily snooped and tracked, revealing who is talking to whom and what they are talking about. People should become aware that the collection, selling, or sharing of the information they provide online increases the chances that their information will fall into the wrong hands. Consequently, they will become a victim of identity theft, one of the worst privacy violations with potentially devastating financial consequences. When giving personal information on the Internet, people should make sure the Web site is protected with a recognizable security symbol. On the other hand, this does not mean they are fully protected because anyone may obtain user information. Today, not only are humans getting viruses, but computers are also. Computers are mainly getting these viruses from the Internet; yet, viruses may also be transmitted through floppy disks. However, people should mainly be concerned about receiving viruses from the Internet. Some of these dangerous viruses destroy the computer entire hard drive, meaning that the user can no longer access the computer. Virus protection is highly recommended. THE INFLUENCE OF THE INTERNET ON THE ISALMIC WORLD: Although there has been a tremendous amount of discussion in the popular press about how the Internet is changing all facets of Islamic social life, research on the impact of the Internet is only beginning to emerge. A review of the studies reported in this issue suggests that the Internet may have had less impact on many aspects of social life than is frequently supposed. In many cases, the Internet seems to have created a new way of doing old things, rather than being a technology that changes the manner in which people live their lives. As a consequence, the policy implications of increasing Internet use may be less than is often believed. PRIOR STUDY: (The Internet and Youth Subculture in Kuwait) Abstract Young people in Kuwait constitute both the highest concentration of Internet users (estimated to be approximately 63% of all Internet users in Kuwait) and the largest sector of Kuwaiti society. Moreover, as argued in this article, young peoples Internet practices are likely to stimulate the most significant changes in Kuwaiti society. This article scrutinizes a handful of descriptions by young Kuwaiti of the importance and implication of the Internet in their lives. Survey Research on Kuwaiti Youths and the Internet, 1996-2001: This was the first professional conference to consider the development and impact of the Internet in Kuwait, and the Islamic World in general, ever held in the Gulf. The papers presented that independently came to the same conclusions: 1- Kuwaiti youths seem to be the most deeply effected by the transformations in communicative practices enabled by the Internet. They focused on the ways in which the Internet was detrimental to face-to-face social ties between peers and among family members. They argued that customarily, young (and old) Kuwaiti men had gathered in the late afternoon and evenings to drink tea and eat sweets together. Women had done the same. With the introduction of the Internet, young people argue that they find it more enjoyable to surf the net in the evenings instead of participating in traditional social rituals. A recent regional survey found that 55% of Internet use takes place between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., the hours when tea and home visits, or visits to the diwaniyya (male social clubs) are most likely to occur(  [1]  ). 2- young people are unlikely to use the Internet along with other family members (just over 10% did), which means that family ties are potentially jeopardized by Internet use. Instead, youths share their ideas and positive energies in cyberspace with people they dont know personally. While such interactions foster a positive sense of being one with the world. Only 7.8% of the students surveyed by Mazeedi and Ismail were taught to use the Internet by a family member. Thus the authors conclude that families dont set the rules of standards on how to use the Internet ethically and academically. Moreover, since students often use the Internet to meet with the opposite sex (more than 30% admitted to this as a regular practice) Islamic sanctions against interactions with the opposite sex outside of relatives and marriage are transgressed(  [2]  ). 3- Throughout my fieldwork, I met people who had fallen in love, or attempted to, via the Internet. One person I interviewed explained that her brother and sister-in-law had fallen in love via the computer. They met in a chatroom. Over time they developed a regular cyber-relationship. One day, several months into the relationship, they decided to meet in person. When they went to pay for their Internet subscriptions at the Ministry of Communication building, they decided to wait for each other near the entrance. It was love at first sight and they decided ultimately to marry. There were some problems, however, because he was Shii and she was Sunni, and her parents refused to bless the engagement. Ultimately love won out, and their wedding cake was shaped like a computer, a symbol of the amazing tool that brought them together, enabling the transgression of sectarian lines which divide Kuwaitis and interrupting the ritual of arranged or semi-arranged marriages(  [3]  ). 4- 73.4% of students who use the Internet felt that it was being used in socially abusive and ethically unreliable ways. Similarly, 61.1% of those surveyed felt that the morals and behavior of the students have been affected negatively by the Internet(  [4]  ). 5- Students continue to misuse the Internet. Many of them sneak into Internet cafes to freely browse through sites linked with immoral activities without check(  [5]  ). 6- Cyber-relations could in fact help young men and women in Kuwait to understand the other gender in a way that might improve communication between the sexes in marriage and the family. Moreover, the Internet might give young people more sovereignty over the choice of a spouse. Often family members choose a spouse for their child based upon standards related to what might improve or protect the social status of the family as a whole(  [6]  ). 7- While some Kuwaiti students are critical of the ways in which the Internet enables them to violate the norms they are raised to hold, others are taking full advantage of the Internet as a vehicle for challenging Kuwaiti societys increasingly conservative view of proper public interaction between the sexes. Students increasingly find cyberspace an attractive place in which to experiment with unfamiliar or endangered forms of social interaction. To a degree, students cyber-relations reveal that the Internet supports decentralization, individual empowerment, resilience and self-sufficiency. practices which coincide with the design principles of the technology. The fact that many Kuwaiti youths remain critical of such practices illustrates how Muslim values help to filter and buffer the meanings and implications of such experiences. Local cultural and social frameworks both shape what is revolutionary about the use of a new tool, and in addition, influence the pace of change(  [7]  ). A research project about the effects of the Internet on the social Arab world (  [8]  ): Dr. Albrecht Hofheinz(  [9]  ) put the cyber world into the context of social behavior in order to identify more clearly whether any possible effects of virtual changes are becoming apparent in the real world. As for if people are dealing with religious and political questions, and how do transnational and local publics connect and interact with one another? He commented: In the 1990s, Internet enthusiasts had a vision: all you need is a modem, a PC, and an Internet connection to have the world at your fingertips. This gave rise to the hypothesis that the entire structure of the way in which public opinions are formed would be transformed by significantly facilitating access to publication opportunities for a large number of people. It was felt that public debates would spread around the world, thereby bringing about a radical change in the formation of opinions in Arab-Islamic countries. The theory was that the emancipator effect of this development would be twofold: larger sections of society would become more involved in the formation of opinions and this, in turn, would result in greater participation in decision-making processes. In other words, the Internet would spread democracy. The aim of his research project was to test the theory that more people would get involved in the opinion formation process and would have more to contribute to this process as a result of the Internet. Implicitly, this would pose a threat to the hegemony of traditional hierarchies and authorities in terms of shaping opinions: The theory was that it would soon become second nature to Internet users to form their own opinions and not simply to refer to a single authoritative source and blindly follow the opinions presented there. The fact that users would themselves be able to comment on material published by others and discuss solutions in a non-hierarchical manner would result in the development of a social dynamism that would inherently help accelerate the democratization of decision-making processes. That was the theory on which this research project was based. About the developed of the use of the Internet in Arab countries he claimed: We cant generalize. The state reaction to the Internet phenomenon differs from country to country in the Arab world. None of these countries now completely rejects the Internet. However, some treat the occurrence more restrictively than others. The first countries to open up to the Internet in the early days were traditional, liberal economic, pro-Western states like Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. As for the free access to the Internet in the Arabic world he commented: A comparison of the countries in the Arab world reveals that some allow completely free access to the Internet while others channel all Internet traffic through a filter. This central filter allows them to block access to specific sites. But anyone with technical know-how can get around these filters. This sort of filter censorship can be found in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Syria. The Saudis, for example, only opened up public access to the Internet in 1999 after a long delay: they waited until the technical requirements for total filtering were fulfilled. Beforehand, the debate had centered on how Saudi society could be protected against damaging influences through the Internet. Dr. Hofheinz commented on the way that Arab countries are dealing with the Internet: Many Muslim thinkers and scholars were very careful and feared that the Internet could lead to an infiltration and wearing down of Muslim social and moral standards. In this context, discussions with Islamic overtones took place. These same discussions had other overtones elsewhere: in Asia, for example, but also in Europe and anywhere people think that the Internet might lead to a homogenization of the cultures. In concrete terms, this means that western or American cultural values and ideas are disseminated under the existing balance of power. This discussion has not become any less powerful to this day. On the other hand, Islamic groups were some of the first to make use of the Internet. At the end Dr. Hofheinz talked about his theory: My initial theory has not proven well-founded in the short term. But that doesnt mean that all opportunities have been wasted. I would say instead that the initial theory was naive in its radicalism. It was quite simply naive to expect the introduction of the Internet to unleash a political tidal wave. One has to examine what socialization process are being promoted on the Internet. The trend is clear: the Internet reinforces the role and the self-confidence of the subject. Even the chatting of young people should not be underestimated. It is easier to talk openly in chat rooms about things that are usually only talked about among friends. I still believe that this will lead to a change in political culture: not necessarily a radical change and not only as a result of the Internet, but the Internet is undoubtedly an important factor. THE INFLUENCE OF THE INTERNET FROM AN ISLAMIC PRESPECTIVE: Many researches and scholars consider the internet as the real reason for the flourishing of the so called Islamic Virtual Ummah, what do you think? In so far as virtual today has become virtually identical to cyberspace, this is certainly correct. Further, there is no doubt that the Internet has contributed greatly to a new growth of pan-Islamic feelings among many of its Muslim users. This phenomenon should, however, not be regarded in isolation from its social and historical context. Muslim activists on the Internet have been drawn first and foremost, in the beginnings, in the 1990s, from among these circles, and they have found in the Internet an ideal medium to share reflections on their beliefs, identity, practicies, policies, social life, moral ways, etc. In other words, to think of themselves as a community in new ways that were more self-reflected, and less bound by tradition, than tended to be the case back home. And this new community is often referred to, or thought of as, a virtual ummah. In how far do you think what happens on the Internet has any effect on real life? Especially in the context of the murder of Theo van Gogh in the Netherlands: the murderer apparently used texts from the extremist websites in the letter he left on the body of his victim. The Internet is thus less revolutionary than it is often made to appear. Rather, it is the latest incarnation in a long development of media that have helped Muslims (among other people) to imagine their belonging. The Internet is a medium; media, consumed, are part of peoples socialization and can influence their thoughts and acts. To say so much is trivial but it has to be said since some people still question the effect of the net on real life. Exactly how, and to what extent, media influence peoples thoughts and acts is, however, a very different question. After 40 years of research into the effects of television, there is no unanimity among researches about the nature and quality of these effects. And the debate continues on how exactly to measure such effects. Comparatively speaking, Internet research is still in its infancy, but the problems are essentially the same. People are influenced in their thoughts and acts by a great variety of factors, and to posit some simple linear connections between material posted on the net, or peoples online activities, and their acts in real life, is too simplistic. All that can be said with some certainty is that the Internet is likely to play an increasingly important role in peoples socialization, and that therefore the way material, thought, ideas, social relations etc are presented on the net is going to exert a growing influence on real life. With regard to Islam, for example, this means that increasingly, only material easily accessible on the net will be considered by the majority of Muslim Internet users in the construction of what Islam means, and how one should live properly as a Muslim. Do you think that the Internets effect of reducing and simplifying complicated and rich cultural and religious traditions will eventually lead to a loss of Islamic knowledge and traditional authority? And do you think this is necessarily a dangerous or undesirable development? Primarily it is an unavoidable development that should not be lamented so much as is taken as a challenge. And secondly, the simplification of the scholastic canon that is speeded by the Internet (but which in itself is a development that started much earlier, in the 18th century C.E.) is but one side of a larger development which at heart is dialectical. One the one side, the complicated scholastic tradition is reduced to relatively simple truths but on the other hand, these truths get reappropriated by many more people than ever before, and in the process of this appropriation new ways of thinking are engendered, which in turn will lead to a new culture, or rather, new rich cultures, and new traditions, over time. In your opinion, to what extent is Islam represented on the internet? And in compared to other religions? With regard to the first part of the question, it is noticeable that the representation of Islam on the Internet started from the periphery so to speak- from the US- (and European) based on Diaspora. For long, their voices on the Internet were much more prominent than voices from the established centers of Islamic learning in the Muslim heartlands, and that has sent the note, to an extent. What are the most popular Islamic websites on the net? It is not al-Azhar, or the Zaytuna or Deoband. Rather, it is sites like Islam Online, Amr Khaled, Islamweb, al-islam.com, Isalm Todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Sites that operate from the sides of the old establishment, if you will (and I include Islamweb from Qatar and al-Islam.com from Sakhr among the sides here). So, the representation of Islam on the Internet clearly has changed from what it was before. And one may also argue that for seasoned users those who know how to find things the plurality of voices has dramatically increased. If one knows how to find, one can find pretty much anything on the net today, including pretty much any of the many representations of Islam. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, today society is in the middle of a technological boom. People can either choose to take advantage of this era, or simply let it pass them by. The Internet is a very powerful tool. It has many advantages; however, people need to be extremely aware of the disadvantages as well. People on the Internet participate in a unique electronic culture. Like all other cultures, the Internet culture has its own norms, standards and expectations for members of the electronic community. A number of resources exist to help people who are new to the Internet learning about its electronic culture. These resources usually address one of two topics: ethics or etiquette. Internet etiquette, which is often called netiquette, is similar to and often overlaps with ethical issues; however, netiquette is less a strict code of conduct and more an understanding of what constitutes good manners and electronic community expectation