Nike Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nike - Essay Example In the next section, industry analysis has been done to analyze the structure of the industry. It has been found that Nike is facing significant direct and indirect competition however, because of the capabilities of the company; it has been able to improve its business operations. The financial analysis shows a strong financial position of the company. In the last section the business level strategy of the company has been discussed and challenges have been highlighted. Finally, recommendations have been given to improve business strategy. Changing technological trends even in the women’s footwear industry such as designs of women’s footwear are based on woman’s biomechanics such as air bags are designed in consideration to right pounds per square inch Nike’s major competitors include Reebok (domination in women’s aerobics). Adidas appeared as a major competitor of Nike in women’s market because it introduced fashion performance business by introducing fashionable athletic wear. In the Yoga market, Nike faced competition with Puma’s brand Olive. New Balance also appeared as a direct competitor of Nike in women’s market. Nike was leading in women’s running market. In apparel sector, Nike’s major competitors were Reebok and Adidas and company’s shares were very low because of fragmented market structure. Because of changing in competitive market, Nike also faced competition from various other small or large brands like Under Armour, Danskin and Lulu Lemon etc. However, Nike has the advantage that an integrated women fitness service is offered by none of the company. As stated in the case study (2006), in the global branded footwear industry, Adidas acquired Reebok and had the second largest market shares of 34 percent. Nike was the leader in branded footwear industry with 38 percent market shares. The other international footwear brands competing in this industry include Puma, Umbro, Mizuno

Social Problems Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Social Problems - Research Paper Example It is estimated that more than 70000 women die each year due to post abortion complications, deaths which can be controlled through effective monitoring (Heary, 2009). Abortion occurs under two major scenarios i.e. Therapeutic abortion, which is when it is necessitated by the need to save the mother from harm, usually prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner as well as elective abortion, which is when a pregnant woman decides on her own to request for the procedure (Baumgardner, 2008). This paper is a critical evaluation of abortion as a societal dilemma. Abortion Abortion is a process, which can be dated back to more than 1000 years ago, as it is believed that the first case was documented approximately 1550 BC (Baumgardner, 2008). During this time, the practice was viewed as a normal way of birth control and even the church had not at that time deemed it as totally ungodly as it is in the present. In fact, the only restriction the church and the authorities at that time had w as only if quickening could be felt then abortion was considered as unacceptable. Quickening is a term that refers to the movements of the fetus in the uterus and which can be felt by the pregnant woman. In this context, a woman was not permitted to abort a child if quickening had already taken place. In the early US history, it was considered a normal practice to advertise abortion, before quickening, services. It may be important to note that during this time, industrial revolution had not taken place and therefore, the field of medicine had not developed enough to facilitate surgical operations. As a result, abortion was achieved through primitive means such as administration of strong herbs, performing strenuous activities such as weight lifting as well as other vigorous activities, applying pressure on the abdomen for example by lying on a hot coconut shell among others (Baumgardner, 2008). It was not until late 19th century that the legality of abortion in various states began to receive opposition from medical practitioners, civil societies, and the church among other influential groups in the society. According to Baumgardner (2008), some of these groups were motivated by the assumption that the indigenous populations would be dominated by immigrants, whose rate of child bearing was becoming higher than that of the locals. To avoid this, laws were put in place to control and reduce birth control through abortion, in order to maintain and increase their numbers. Similarly, legal health professionals wanted to drive native doctors out of business so as to protect their own business interests. Consequently, they championed for a legislation to outlaw abortion with the exception of therapeutic abortion, which requires the intervention of a qualified health practitioner. Apparently, traditional doctors and midwives were not considered to be qualified and therefore had to close down or work from the underground. It is after these developments that the issue of abortion became contentious, with women rights activists demanding the withdrawal of these legislations while others demanded the opposite (Heary, 2009). Unlike abortion in the ancient times where there was a societal consensus on its legality, the modern society is divided along numerous issues for example its morality. Ancient societies may be forgiven for they may be considered to have been living in a primitive society, which had no basic structures strong

Competitive and marketing analysis for a Gym

Competitive and marketing analysis for a Gym Optimize gym will be a private business. The reason it will be a private business is because it has benefits. The benefits are that the gym will have limited liabilities and will be separate the business from the owners, which means that if the gym goes bankrupt, creditors cannot go after the owners personal assets. Another reason will be that the gym can have some shareholders which will increase funds. The gym should only have one owner to avoid dispute between multiple owners. Optimize gym will be located in Greenacre because there are no other gyms for both men and women. There will only be about 5 employees (Two inside the main gym area, and the other two to conduct boxing and circuit classes). Funds will be obtained from creditors such as a bank and will need an accountant to handle the funds. Purpose of plan The purpose of a business plan is to guide a business to achieve its goals and to prevent failure. It provides a design and sets targets for a business which enables it to evaluate its progress against identified reference points. A well devised business plan provides a business with clear direction and a path for the future, how the business could perform in the future and the priorities that are set for the business. A business plan outlines: A description of the business (Name, address, organisation and management) The goods and/or services the business provides The businesss goals A market analysis Customer needs and size of the market The industry in which the business operates Marketing/production/financial/employment relation strategies. The goals of Optimize gym include: Making a profit (Financial goal, short term) Expanding to a few gyms around NSW (Financial goal, long term) Satisfaction in work self achievement (Personal goal) Long term security Financially (Financial goal, long term) Sponsorship (Social goal) Successful business (Personal goal, long term) Increasing market share (Financial goal) Help people achieve their physical goals (Personal goal) Give men access to a gym since there are no gyms for both men and women in the are (Personal goal) Situation analysis SWOT analysis Strengths Skilled and qualified Workers Experienced managers Great location Good use of technology Great reputation (over 100 members) New and upated equipment Large area inside gym so that equipment isnt squashed 3 rooms (One used for boxing classes, one for circuit classes, and one for main gym area.) Weaknesses High costs for personal service (Personal training) Low amount of staff Average financial position Opportunities To expand A growing market means more people will participate Can attract couples because it is a gym for males and females. Threats Increased rent costs Competitors (fitness first) Competitor Analysis Fitness first Strengths Great reputation Qualified and experienced managers and workers Many workers Trained personal trainers Large amount of equipment Good finance Weaknesses High membership costs Gym could be filled with members at certain times Opportunities Expanding Buying out competitors Threats Competitors (Such as other big gyms World Gym) Market Analysis Customers (Target Market) / Market Research Optimize Gym is located in Greenacre where there is only one other gym. There are also local sporting teams which means that they would want to keep fit if they are going to pursue that sport. Optimize gym will focus mainly on: Men and Women who would like to get the body they always dream of at a low cost. Couples who like to train together. Teenagers The trend recently is for teenagers to go to the gym to keep fit and get good bodies for summer. Groups of friends People would rather go to the gym with friends because it will be less boring and will keep them coming back. Housewives due to them being at an age where it is hard for them to maintain their figure Market Segmentation There are four key business functions which are Operations, Marketing, Accounting and finance, and Employment relations. All of these interrelate, which means that they all rely on eachothers success to be successful. The term operations means the physical production of a good or the provision of a service. Since Optimize is a gym, it means that it is service based. There are many positive qualities for opening a gym which can include: Not being worried about being over stocked Not having to think of ways to innovate products No need to always have stock Being service based also has down sides which can include: If the business is not performing well, you cannot improve on anything other than the service unlike selling products, you can just innovate improve. Replacing broken equipment Marketing is the sector which aims to find out what consumers look for in a product/service and implement them. With Optimize gym, people come to the gym to achieve the bodies that they always dream of and marketing needs to be able to attract customers by creating a good atmosphere and giving them a great experience. Marketing needs to be able to research competitors to find out what is making them good and what is making them bad, also researching the prices of competitors to be able to compete with them. The marketing sector mainly relies on the accounting and finance sector to be able to provide the funds needed to advertise etc. Accounting finance is the sector which provides the financial information needed for decision making by the other sectors. No matter what type of business you are in, you need this sector to be able to keep track of what is being spent and what money you have. This sector is also important because it gives owners information about what is making money in the business and what is losing money which will help them improve on the bad parts of the business. Business use various tools to keep track of the money which include financial records, balance sheets, break-even analysis, budgets etc. Employment relations is the last sector of the four business functions. It is basically the relationship between the employer and the employees. If the relationship is good between them, then the employees will like their job which will motivate them to work hard and not slack off. Having good employment relations will help achieve the business goals by having qualified, trained and skilled employees who are right for the job. Objectives and strategies Objectives are merely goals, but are not like normal goals. They need to be S.M.A.R.T which means that they must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed. The objectives of Optimize gym relate to the four key business functions which are Operations, Marketing, Accounting Finance and Employment relations (As mentioned above) Objectives of operations for Optimize gym include: Increasing participation of members in circuit and boxing classes Increasing how much the fitness professionals help the members, that is improving the quality of service from employees. Some strategies to accomplish these objective can be: Offer occasional trial classes to show members how the classes are run and how beneficial they can be. Offer rewards for employees that you see actually approaching members and giving advice and help on nutrition and teaching about how exercises should be done. Training staff Objectives of the Marketing sector for Optimize gym include: An increase in members by 20% within 12 months Some strategies that can be implemented to achieve this objective include: Offering free trials of the gym Offering free circuit/boxing classes Group discounts on starting memberships Discounts for referring friends (friends must become members for the discount to apply) The objectives of the accounting finance sector for Optimize gym include: An increase in profit by 20% within 12 months Becoming insolvent Having liquidity Having a surplus Some strategies that can be implemented to achieve these goals include: Improving stock control Decreasing expenses Tighter credit policies Finding alternative suppliers (Cheaper stock) Accounting finance interrelated with Marketing because if marketing is good then Optimize gym will have more members which means more return and makes it easier to achieve these objectives. Employment Relations also has some objectives which include: Keeping at least 90% of employees after 3 years Strategies that can be implemented to achieve this objective include Motivating employees to work by offering rewards Increase in payment each year to all employees Offering prizes to employee of the month Job Description Qualifications include: Completion of personal training course At least 2 years experience Staffing requirements Rostering is the process of allocating particular staff to complete particular duties. Employees: Jessica Personal trainer (Completed personal fitness course Worked as a personal trainer for 3 years Sert 3, Sert 4 Diploma fitness) Therese (Bachelor of exercise science) John (Level 1, Level 2 strength and conditioning) Bob (Level 1, Level 2 personal trainer) Anthony Ishac (Boss) (Physio therapist) Day Shift (9am-4pm) Area Shift (4pm-10pm) Area Monday Therese Bob Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Jessica John Anthony Ishac Circuit Room Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Tuesday John Jessica Anthony Ishac Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Massage Room Bob Therese Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Wednesday Therese Jessica Main Gym Area Main Gym Area John Bob Anthony Ishac Boxing Class Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Thursday John Bob Anthony Ishac Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Massage Room Therese Jessica Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Friday John Therese Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Jessica Bob Anthony Ishac Circuit Room Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Saturday John Jessica Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Bob (4pm-8pm) Anthony Ishac (4pm-8pm) Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Sunday Bob Therese Main Gym Area Main Gym Area John (4pm-8pm) Jessica(4pm-8pm) Anthony Ishac (4pm-8pm) Boxing Class Main Gym Area Main Gym Area Price / Promotion The prices at Optimize gym is a price in which the gym is willing to make and what the consumers will be willing to pay. Optimize gym will also use competitor prices as a guide to what the prices will be. The gym is going to have promotions that will help attract customers such as free boxing/circuit classes and also free massage sessions with each 3 month membership or longer. Optimize Gym product strategy should be to attract and keep business coming back. The main goal is to try keeping a positive atmosphere and letting members have a great experience that helps them lead a healthy lifestyle. Optimize gym should try to become separate from other gyms and try to become better. Some ways to separate themselves would be by providing exceptional exercise equipment and having professional trainers conducting classes and giving nutrition advice. By having these, Optimize gym will have a high standard compared to other gyms. Some promotions may include: Advertising on billboards Making facebook pages Television Radio Door-to-door visits offering one day free entry Providing 1 month free membership for members who have been with us for 12 months+ 10% discount when you refer 5 friends Membership Fees Casual Visit: $10.00 10 Visit pass: $75.00 1 month membership: $49.95 3 months membership: $119.95 6 months membership: $199.95 12 months membership: $350.00 1 month membership + Boxing/Circuit class (Any time): $70 (Must choose ONE class) 3 month membership + Boxing/Circuit class (Any time): $170 (Must choose ONE class)* 6 month membership + Boxing/Circuit class (Any time): $300 (Must choose ONE class)* 12 month membership + Boxing/Circuit class (Any time): $400 (Must choose ONE class)* *These memberships will include one free massage session. Class Fees (Boxing / Circuit) 1 Class: $10 1 Month: $40 Monthly Recurring: $35 Massage sessions: 1 hour = $40 (includes any part of the body) Product Prices Optimize Shirts: $25 Optimize Singlets: $20 Weight lifting gloves: $30 Weight lifting belt: $40 Supplement Prices (Approximate prices) Protein Jar: $70 Creatine Jar 200g: $30 Weight loss supplement: $40 Weight gaining supplements: $40 Muscle bulk supplements: $60 Product The products that Optimize gym offers are in great condition. The equipment in the gym are all brand new and are from big trademark brands. The gym area is very big so the equipment are all spaced out. The products that will be sold include gym shirts and singlets, weight lifting gloves, weight lifting belt, proteins, weight loss/weight gain supplements and creatine. The gym shirts will have various sizes with Optimize written on the front with a slogan on the back. They will be black in colour with lime green writing. Place Place refers to how a product is distributed. With Optimize gym, the only products that are sold are the Optimize T- shirts and singlets. They are made by the manufacturer then sent a retailer (Optimize gym) then sold to the consumer. The degree of distribution will be exclusive distribution, which means that only one retailer (Optimize gym) will be able to sell them. Description of the product/service The services Optimise gym offer include: In the main gym area, Optimize gym has trained staff members who have completed various courses in training and fitness and also nutrition and are able to provide excellent information and motivation for members. Optimize gym provides exceptional service inside the gym with the state of the art equipment that the gym owns. It also has trained staff to conduct circuit classes and also boxing which help members increase fitness levels and also learn some self defence along the way. Equipment inside the gym Fitness step x 2 $200 Barbell set (10kg 70kg) $2500 Bodyworx Deluxe Mid-width Weight Bench Press x 2 $1000 Seated preacher curl bench x 2 $500 Smith Machine x 2 $10000 Cable equipment (Shoulder press, lat pulldown, chest) 45 degree leg press $1000 Multi station x 2 $10000 45 degree back extension $500 Dip / pull up assist machine $1000 Wall Balls (Medicine balls) x 4 $200 Dumbbells Rowing machines x 3 $2000 Treadmills x 3 $5000 Exercise bikes x 12 $3000 Power racks Weight plates (1.25kg, 2.5kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg) x 2 $1000 Rubber floors Boxing bags x 4 $400 Boxing ring $1000 Protective gear Wraps Boxing gloves Focus Pads Personal Trainers Jessica Personal trainer (Completed personal fitness course Worked as a personal trainer for 3 years Sert 3, Sert 4 Diploma fitness) Therese (Bachelor of exercise science) John (Level 1, Level 2 strength and conditioning) Bob (Level 1, Level 2 personal trainer) Classes Boxing Wednesday 7pm-8pm Sunday 7pm-8pm Circuit Monday 5pm-6.30pm Friday 6pm-7.30pm Boxing Class Includes self defence training and sparring Circuit Class Includes pushups, Situps, knee lifts, squats, fitness stepping, skipping, tuck jumps and treadmills. Massage Session Must book with Anthony Ishac on the available days (Tuesday and Thursday) Trading Hours Monday Friday: 9am 10pm Saturday Sunday: 9am 8pm *CLOSED ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS* Equipment sold on front counter Beverages Optimize t-shirts Optimize singlets Supplements Weight lifting gloves Weight lifting belt (back support) Power bars Protein shakers Boxing gloves/pads Optimize gym is a great choice compared to its competitors because it provides excellent equipment at a low price also combined with the quality of the service. Offers and Discounts Group discounts Discounts on referring friends Free trials of boxing/circuit classes/Gym membership Discounts on members who have been part of the gym for a long period. Financial Forecasts Optimize Gym Pty Ltd 30 June 2011 Current Assets Cash $6000 Accounts Receivable $50,000 Inventory $50,000 Current Liabilities Overdraft $150,000 Accounts Payable $60,000 Total $106,000 Total Current Liabilities $210,000 Non Current Assets Equipment $1,000,000 Land $500,000 Building/Property $300,000 Non Current Liabilities Mortgage $1,600,000 Total $1,800,000 Total Non Current Liabilities $1,600,000 Other Current Assets Good Will $200,000 Owners Equity Shareholders funds $296,000 Capital $100,000 Retained Profits $100,000 Total Assets $2,106,000 Total Liabilities + Equity $2,306,000 Liquidity = Current Assets . Current Liabilities =$106,000 = 0.5 $210,000 Executive Summary I will be opening a gym called Optimize. Optimize gym is a private business and i will be a sole trader due to various reasons. The major goal of the gym is to create a profit and make members dream bodies reality. Optimize gym offers many services such as nutritional assistance, assistance in exercise, state of the art equipment which are brand new, and will sell various products such as supplements, T-shirts, singlets, training equipment, boxing gloves/pads. Optimize gym conducts boxing and circuit classes to any member, each twice a week and also physical therapy and massage sessions. Optimize gym is located in Greenacre because in that area there is only one other gym which is just for women and all major competitors are located away from this area. The trading days are Monday Sunday. The trading hours are 9am-10pm (Monday Friday) and 9am-8pm (Saturday Sunday). Optimize gym offers a lot of discounts such as group discounts, Referrer discounts and loyalty discounts. The set out of Optimize gym and the services / offers that are available are good for the business at the growth stage because it is able to make enough revenue to pay off debts and have a profit. Critically review the plan and process Over all this assignment was very long. Luckily it asked me to write a plan of approach otherwise i would not have completed all aspects of the report. Overall i worked well in completing each part of the assignment to the date in which it was due, everything was completed as planned. In class i listened to all the tips Mr Fares gave me and also Miss Jones in the past term. I asked the teacher many questions before i went home and completed each part of the plan. I had some strengths and weaknesses. Some strengths were that i knew the content previously which made it easier for me to know what to talk about in the plan, and also had the help of the teacher in areas which i didnt know much in. Some weaknesses were that i was distracted very easily because of the environment i was in (The room i worked in had my Tv, Xbox and stereo) and was also distracted from friends and was thrown off task easily. Overall i met all my deadlines and was happy with the way i completed the plan but the assignment was very long! I think that we needed more lessons in class to learn the content a bit more before starting. Revenue statement for Optimize Gym Pty Ltd for the period ending 30 June 2010 $ Total $ Sales Revenue 200,000 Less Cost of goods sold Opening stock Purchases Closing Stock 40,000 20,000 60,000 50,000 10,000 Gross Profit 190,000 Less Expenses Advertising Bank charges Insurance Interest paid to bank Rent Salaries and wages Superannuation Telephone Accountancy fees 6000 300 6000 5500 10000 80000 10,000 3000 2000 Net Profit (Before Tax) 67,200 Financial Requirements $500,000 To buy equipment, re-stock and pay for damages.

Janies Metamorphosis in Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay example --

Janie's Metamorphosis in Their Eyes Were Watching God    "Dey all useter call me Alphabet 'cause so many people had done named me different names," Janie innocently expresses (Hurston 9). The nickname "Alphabet" is appropriate in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God because she is indefinable to others and herself. From her early childhood, Janie Crawford searches for self-knowledge and grows through her relationships with men, family, and society. The main character continually seeks autonomy and self-realization, but her quest cannot continue as long as she is the object of others. Janie must find her own identity to become the subject of her desires and dreams. To accomplish this, she enters into, not away from, black culture to find her meaning in life. Janie dares not to be pathetic, or tragic, but to defy the expectations of her men, family, and society. Through Janie's life experiences, she is able to shift from the object of other's lives to the subject of her own life. Hurston uses the power of language and different narrative techniques to show Janie's transition throughout the novel. It is important to notice that in Janie's journey from object to subject, the narration of the novel shifts from third person to a mixture of first and third person; thus, the shift shows the awareness of self within Janie. Language becomes an instrument of injury and salvation and of selfhood and empowerment. The use of powerful language is exemplified well in the text when Janie is asked to say a few words as the new Mrs. Mayor. Joe, her second husband, quickly cuts in and says, "Thank yuh fuh yo' compliments, but mah wife don't know nothin' 'bout no speech-makin'. Ah never married her for not... ...izes the chance for happiness. Janie is comfortable knowing that she can live for herself, for she has become the subject of her own life. Janie is a complete woman because her inner and outer self unites; she transforms her social role into an organic role. Being comfortable in one's own skin and self, because of and not in spite of, is the true source of joy. Sources Cited and Consulted Hinton, Kip Austin. "Zora Neale Hurston." Zora Neale Hurston Web Site. Kip Austin Hinton, ed. 07/16/2003. Available at www.1.am/zora Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. New York: Harper & Row, 1937. Kubitschek, Missy Dehn. " 'Tuh de Horizon and Back': The Female Quest in Their Eyes Were Watching God." Modern Critical Interpretations: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.

Palfinger Ag Case Study

Palfinger’s AG – Property, Plant, and Equipment a. ) Palfinger’s property would include the property that they have to store the forklifts and other large inventory that they have on. The equipment would include all equipment that is necessary to make the inventory that they sell such as the cranes. b. ) This number represents the total of the plant, property, and equipment that Palfinger has. This number should be recorded as the historical cost that the plant, property and equipment was purchased at.This total number also has the total sum of amortized depreciation subtracted out to get the net amount of PP&E that is put on the balance sheet c. ) In the notes to the financial statements, Palfinger reports the plant, property and equipment of the following: †¢ Land and equipment †¢ Undeveloped buildings and investments †¢ Plant and machinery †¢ Other plant, fixtures, fittings, and equipment †¢ Payments and assets under construction d. â €Å"Prepayments and assets under construction† represents expenses that have prepaid for and assets that haven’t been finished yet. Because the assets aren’t completed and haven’t been used, they aren’t being depreciated. The reclassification comes from allocation of depreciation from the newly completed projects that now have been put to use. e. ) Palfinger depreciates its property and equipment by using straight-line depreciation over the prospective useful lives of the relevant assets.They allocate 8-50 years on buildings, 3-15 years on plant and machinery, and 3-10 years on fixtures, fittings, and equipment. This policy does not seem reasonable because there is a short 8-year building useful life. Because of this, Palfinger’s ROA and EPS ratios are heavily impacted. f. You can both depreciate replacements investments, and value enhancing investments that are capitalized and depreciated over the new useful life or original useful life.The alternative method to this would be to just expense out the costs of renovations or value enhancing investments. This way it is completely hit on the income statement, and is not shown on the balance sheet. g. ) i. According to the notes to the consolidated financial statements, Palinger bought $61,444 worth of new PPE in 2007. ii. There was a change of ($733) concerning government grants. According to IAS 20 government grants for property, plant, and equipment are presented as reductions of the acquisition and/or manufacturing costs.When these are deducted from the account, it lessens the amount depreciated during the life of the acquired assets. iii. Depreciation expense for 2007 was $12,557. iv. Net book value of total disposed PPE, was $1,501 (Derived from $13,799 – $12,298) h. ) To derive the gain or loss Palfinger incurred, we compute their proceeds from the sale of PPE $1,655 and subtract it from $1,501 (net book value). This gives us a total gain of $154. i. ) i. Str aight Line |Year |Beg |Dep. Exp |Accum Dep. Ending Bal | |1 |$10,673 |$1,880 |$1,880 |$8,793 | |2 |8,793 |1,880 |3,760 |6,913 | |3 |6,913 |1,880 |5,640 |5,033 | |4 |5,033 |1,880 |7,520 |3,153 | |5 |3,153 |1,880 |9,400 |1,273 | ii. Double- declining- balance depreciation Year |Beg |Dep. Exp. |Accum Dep. |Ending Bal | |1 |$10,673 |$4,269 |$4,269 |$6,404 | |2 |6,404 |2,562 |6,831 |3,842 | |3 |3,842 |1,537 |8,368 |2,305 | |4 |2,305 |922 |9,290 |1,383 | |5 |1,383 |110 |9,400 |1,273 | . ) i. Net book value at end of year 1 is $8,793. Less what you received on the sale $7,500. Gives you a disposal loss of $1,293 using the straight-line method of depreciation. You then add the disposal loss from the previous years depreciation $1,880, which results in a total income statement impact of $3,173. ii. Using double- declining method, the first year ending balance of $6,404 is subtracted form the proceeds of the sale netting in a gain of $1,096 on the disposal.Once this is subtracted form the pre vious years depreciation $4,269, you get a total income statement impact of $3,173. iii. The total income statement impact is exactly the same. The computations turn out to be identical because it is essentially a backwards way of computing the initial cost of the asset of $10,673, minus the proceeds from the sale $7,500, which both gives you $3,173. The difference between the two is perception. One reports a gain on disposals, while the other reports a loss. k. ) | Palfinger |Palfinger |Caterpillar |Caterpillar | | |2007 |2006 |2007 |2006 | |Net PPE |149,990 |98,130 |9,997 |8,851 | |Total Assets |528,314 |409,366 |56,132 |51,449 | |Common Size |28. 4% |24% |17. % |17. 2% | |Dep |12,557 |9,980 |1,797 |1,602 | |Sales/Rev |695,623 |585,205 |41,962 |38,869 | |Common Size |1. 8% |1. 7% |4. 3% |4. 1% | This table shows that Palfinger has much more assets involved in PPE at 28. 4%, than does Caterpillar 17. 8%. l. ) |Palfinger |Palfinger |Caterpillar |Caterpillar | | |2007 |2006 |2007 |20 06 | |Sales or Rev |695,623 |585,205 |41,962 |38,869 | |Avg. PPE |124,060 |94,091 |9,424 |8,420 | |PPE turnover |5. 61 |6. 22 |4. 45 |4. 2 | Turnover went down about 11% (5. 61/6. 22) for Palfinger, we also see the despite being less effective they’re still more efficient then Caterpillar by about 26% (5. 61/4. 45) in regards to PPE sales for every dollar spent. m. ) Depreciation, Amortization & Impairment expense1,960 Accumulated Depreciation & Impairment1,960 n. ) i. Due to the companies building location concept ii. Accumulated depreciation impairment1,755 Depreciation, Amortization, & impairment expense1,755 The credit is posted to an account the company has called revaluation reserve, if it is the initial write up. iii. |2007 | |Net Sales | $695,623 | |Avg. PPE Adjusted |124,060 – (1,755 x 0. 5) = 123,183 | |Turnover Adjusted | 5. 65 | The ratio has changed 5. 61 to 5. 65, which is not a very significant difference. Recalculating the impact of the write offâ€⠄¢s compared to the total net PPE is considered a minimal change for the company.

How High School Sports Have Impacted My Life Essay

Participating in high school sports has been a positive and rewarding experience. There are so many benefits to being involved in sports. I have played baseball, basketball and golf and each one of these sports has taught me something about life, the world and myself in general. For example, when I played baseball, I learned the importance of teamwork. Baseball is a team sport and team members must learn to work together and support each other. Although I only played pitcher, I was part of the team and it felt good to belong. I was committed to doing my best and making my team proud. Basketball has been an equally rewarding sport. I was the captain of my basketball team and this experience helped me to develop my leadership skills. As the team captain I had to set a good example for the team members. It was important for me to maintain a positive attitude and try to keep the team motivated. I had to do my best so that the team members would also try their best. The leadership skills that I develop from being the captain of my basketball team will help me in my future career. I learned how to be responsible and how to make decisions and theses skills will always be useful. In addition, I also played golf. Although golf is not a team sport, it is beneficial to everyone who plays. Golf taught me to be able to focus for long periods of time. Golf also requires a lot of practice, so I had to be diligent with practice, and I became a more patient person because of golf. Golf is more than just a sport. It helps to improve thinking skills and the ability to plan. When playing golf I had to think carefully and be able to concentrate with people watching me. I had to make sure that I did not get distracted. Even though golf is a competition, many times I felt like I was only competing with myself. I mean, I just though about what I was trying to accomplish instead of worrying about what the other players were doing. The game of golf is like real life because we have to think about what we want as individuals and learn to focus on our lives. Sports have impacted my life in many positive ways. I learned self-discipline and the importance of making an effort. This has also helped me with my studies. I am an honor student and sports contributed to my ability to discipline myself and stay focused when studying. Sports have also helped me to stay in shape and exercise regularly. For all of these reasons I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to participate in sports.

Writing Grant Proposals Essays

Writing Grant Proposals Essays Writing Grant Proposals Essay Writing Grant Proposals Essay How to Write a Good Project Proposal for Donor Funding by David Ingram, Demand Media Asking colleagues to review grant proposals before sending can reveal areas of needed improvement. Related Articles How to Write a Good Proposal for a Non-profit Orgnization How to Write a Letter Requesting Funding From a Foundation How to Write an Exploratory Project Proposal How to Write a Business Grant Proposal How to Write a Proposal for the Workplace How to Write a Letter of Introduction For Employment Grant proposals are documents used to secure grant funds from institutional or private donors. Writing grant proposals requires specialized skills and experience that allow you to stand out from the wide range of other projects competing for limited grant funds. Small business and nonprofits can hire professional grant proposal writers to increase their chances of winning funding, or company leaders can tackle the process themselves. Knowing how to write a good project proposal for donor funding can give you the edge you need to secure funding for your project. Ads by Google Project Management Software Agile Software Project Mgmt Tool. Download Your Free 10-User Version. www. rallydev. m Step 1 Speak with potential donors before beginning your proposal to determine donors specific giving preferences. Custom-tailor each funding proposal to a specific donor, rather than sending out the same document to multiple sources to increase the attractiveness of your proposals. Each potential donor has a preference for specific areas of need, different types of organizations and different types of projects. Find out what kind of projects each donor has funded before, donors preferred proposal formats and the areas of need that potential organizational donors address with their own services. ep 2 Begin your proposal with a comprehensive needs analysis to set the stage for the project you propose. Your description of your project will have more impact if proposal readers fully understand the why behind what you propose to do. Dig up solid statistics in your proposal to support your claims. A project proposal focused on community education, for example, could share statistics on adult illiteracy and high- school dropout rates in the surrounding communities. Discuss the root causes of the Related Reading: How to Write a Good Proposal for a Non-profit Orgnization step 3 Thoroughly describe the way your project will function, focusing on the impacts it will have in the area of need identified above, to give donors a more complete understanding of your project. Pair a detailed narrative of how your project will work with pictures, graphs, floor plans and any other documentation that will allow donors to visualize the completed project. Be prepared to answer any questions about this section of the proposal with confidence, to show that you know exactly how to put donor funds to the best use. Step 4 Lay out a financial plan showing exactly how you intend to use the money you raise. Even if donors are convinced that your project can effectively serve a need that resonates with them, they will still want assurance that you are going to use the money in the most efficient manner, maximizing the impact of their donations. Draw up a budget for spending the money, including allowances for unforeseen expenses. step 5 Include brief professional biographies of yourself and other top leaders in your organization, focusing on your experience implementing projects similar to the one you are proposing. Use this section to prove that you and the leaders of your roposed project possess the knowledge, experience and contacts to plan and execute a project successfully. Sponsored Links Full-Text Online Libraryonline library of books, Journals, articles. Research online. www. questia. com/Online_Library Producing A Book? Publishing a Book Made Easy. Production Marketing Distributionwww. bookpublishing-companies. com Referred Academic JournalFast Review, Publishing Printing International Journal(US Published)www. iiste. org Research ProposalPublish Your Research Article In International Journal:IOSRJOURNALSiosrJournals. org

10 Neon Facts †Chemical Element

10 Neon Facts - Chemical Element Neon is element number 10 on the periodic table, with the element symbol Ne. While you might think of neon lights when you hear this element name, there are many other interesting properties and uses for this gas. Here are 10 neon facts: Each neon atom has 10 protons. There are three stable isotopes of the element, with atoms having 10 neutrons (neon-20), 11 neutrons (neon-21), and 12 neutrons (neon-22). Because it has a stable octet for its outer electron shell, neon atoms have 10 electrons and no net electrical charge. The first two valence electrons are in the s shell, while the other eight electrons are in the p shell. The element is in group 18 of the periodic table, making it the first noble gas with a full octet (helium is lighter and stable with only 2 electrons). Its the second lightest noble gas.At room temperature and pressure, neon is an odorless, colorless, diamagnetic gas. It belongs to the noble gas element group and shares the property with other elements of that group of being nearly inert (not very reactive). In fact, there are no known stable  neon compounds, even though some other noble gases have been found to form chemical bonds. A possible exception is solid neon clathrate hydrate, which may be formed from neon gas and water ice at pressure of 0.35-0.48 GPa. The name of the element comes from the Greek word novum or neos, which means new. British chemists Sir William  Ramsay and Morris W. Travers discovered the element in 1898. Neon was discovered in a sample of liquid air. The gases that escaped were identified as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and krypton. When the krypton was gone, the remaining gas was found to emit a bright red light when ionized. Ramsays son suggested the name for the new element, neon.Neon is both rare and abundant, depending where youre looking for it. Although neon is a rare gas in the Earths atmosphere (about 0.0018% by mass), it is the 5th most abundant element in the universe  (1 part per 750), where it is produced during the alpha process in stars. The sole source of neon is from extraction from liquefied air. Neon is also found in diamonds and some volcanic vents. Because neon is rare in air, its an expensive gas to produce, about 55 times more expensive than liquid helium.Even though its rare and expensive o n Earth, there is a fair amount of neon in the average home. If you could extract all the neon from a new home in the United States, you have about 10 liters of the gas! Neon is a monatomic gas, so it is lighter (less dense) than air, which consists mostly of nitrogen (N2). If a balloon is filled with neon, it will rise. However, this will occur at a much slower rate than you would see with a helium balloon. As with helium, inhaling neon gas poses an asphyxiation risk if not enough oxygen is available to breathe.Neon has many uses besides lighted signs. It is also used in helium-neon lasers, masers,  vacuum tubes, lightning arresters, and high-voltage indicators. The liquid form of the element is a cryogenic refrigerant. Neon is 40 times more effective as a refrigerant than liquid helium and 3 times better than liquid hydrogen. Because of its high refrigeration capacity, liquid neon is used in cryonics, to freeze corpses for preservation or for potential revival in the future. The liquid can cause immediate frostbite to exposed skin or mucous membranes.When low pressure neon gas is electrified, it glows reddish orange. This is the true color of neo n lights. Other colors of lights are produced by coating the interior of the glass with phosphors. Other gases glow when excited. These are not neon signs even though many people commonly assume they are. One of the more interesting facts about neon is the light emitted from ionized neon can pass through water fog. This is why neon lighting is used in cold regions and for aircraft and airports.Neon has a melting point of  Ã¢â‚¬â€˜248.59  Ã‚ °C (‑415.46  Ã‚ °F) and boiling point of  Ã¢â‚¬â€˜246.08  Ã‚ °C (‑410.94  Ã‚ °F). Solid neon forms a crystal with a close-packed cubic structure. Because of its stable octet, the electronegativity and electron affinity of neon approaches zero.

Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars

Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars Horatio Nelson - Birth: Horatio Nelson was born at Burnham Thorpe, England on September 29, 1758, to Reverend Edmund Nelson and Catherine Nelson. He was the sixth of eleven children. Horatio Nelson - Rank Titles: At his death in 1805, Nelson held the rank of Vice Admiral of the White in the Royal Navy, as well as the titles of 1st Viscount Nelson of the Nile (English peerage) and Duke of Bronte (Neapolitan peerage). Horatio Nelson - Personal Life: Nelson married Frances Nisbet in 1787, while stationed in the Caribbean. The two did not produce any children and the relationship cooled. In 1799, Nelson met Emma Hamilton, the wife of the British ambassador to Naples. The two fell in love and, despite the scandal, lived openly together for the remainder of Nelsons life. They had one child, a daughter named Horatia. Horatio Nelson - Career: Entering the Royal Navy in 1771, Nelson swiftly rose through the ranks achieving the rank of captain by the time he was twenty. In 1797, he won great acclaim for his performance at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent where his audacious disobeying of orders led to a stunning British victory over the French.   Following the battle, Nelson was knighted and promoted to rear admiral. Later that year, he participated in an attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was wounded in the right arm, forcing its amputation. In 1798, Nelson, now a rear admiral, was given a fleet of fifteen ships and sent to destroy the French fleet supporting Napoleons invasion of Egypt. After weeks of searching, he found the French at anchor in Aboukir Bay near Alexandria. Sailing into uncharted waters at night, Nelsons squadron attacked and annihilated the French fleet, destroying all but two of their ships. This success followed by a promotion to vice admiral in January 1801.   A short time later, in April, Nelson decisively defeated the Danish fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen. This victory broke up the French-leaning League of Armed Neutrality (Denmark, Russia, Prussia, Sweden) and ensured that a continuous supply of naval stores would reach Britain. After this triumph, Nelson sailed for the Mediterranean where he over saw the blockade of the French coast. In 1805, after a brief rest ashore, Nelson returned to sea after hearing that the French and Spanish fleets were concentrating at Cdiz. On October 21, the combined French and Spanish fleet was spotted off Cape Trafalgar. Using revolutionary new tactics that he had devised, the Nelsons fleet engaged the enemy and was in the process of achieving his greatest triumph when he was shot by a French marine. The bullet entered his left shoulder and pierced the lung, before lodging against his spine. Four hours later, the admiral died, just as his fleet was completing the victory. Horatio Nelson - Legacy: Nelson’s victories ensured that the British controlled the seas for the duration of the Napoleonic Wars and prevented the French from ever attempting to invade Britain. His strategic vision and tactical flexibility set him apart from his contemporaries and have been emulated in the centuries since his death. Nelson possessed an innate ability to inspire his men to achieve beyond what they thought possible. This â€Å"Nelson Touch† was a hallmark of his command style and has been sought by subsequent leaders.

Billabong Case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Billabong Case - Assignment Example Secondly, when Billabong obtained payment from the merchants, thus it will be translated back into Australian Dollar for application in Australia. As Australian dollar depreciates, the receiving in United State can be interpreted into more Australian dollar than before, bringing rise in trade revenues. The impact of 35.6% depreciation in value of Australian dollar in the subsequent half 2008 was echoed in the interim account ended Dec 2009, with trade revenues in the United States improved by 33.9% (to $385 million). One can envisage the future exchange price by using forward trade rate. In times of fiscal crisis, the forward business rate is not a fine predictor since the market is incompetent. In an inadequate market, Fundamental advance can be employed for forecasting, footed on economic theories and study of variables. Though it is not efficient in forecasting the short-term variations in trade rates, also it is ample as there would constantly be fluctuations that would not be anticipated. Another advance could be using technological analysis to establish the movement of cash by analyzing historical information. This approach is supposed to be a ball that is crystal since there is no hypothetical rationale. The financial catastrophe has caused unanticipated variations in the value AUD. Press prediction for the trade rates predictions of two thousand and nine in the late two thousand and eight were towards continual reduction. It was 67.83 United States Dollars on Christmas Eve two thousand a nd eight. What happens in the foreign exchange market can have a fundamental impact on the sales, profits, and strategy of an enterprise. Accordingly, it is essential that Billabong managers could have understood the foreign exchange market, and what the result of variation in currency trade rates might be for Billabong. 4. The Australian dollar continued to rise by another 20 percent against the U.S dollar in 2010 and 2011. How would this have affected

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Electrical Engineering - Personal Statement Example My father who was an engineer used to teach me about technological advances and has always encouraged me to learn more about this. My first interaction with computers was at the early age when I was only five years. In my primary school, I was very good in science subjects and the same was reflected in my secondary school. I used to perform as the best student in physics and computer subjects. As a result, my teachers continued to encourage me to engage in electrical engineering once I go for higher education. Once I joined the University I chose to undertake a bachelors degree in electrical engineering. While in college I found my studies very enjoyable as I engaged in what I was interested in. Spending most of my time in the laboratory was not something I dread but the best thing is that I take pride in my work. This has contributed to the successful completion of my graduate degree. During my college education, I have also been able to design a functional microprocessor which I pe rceived as an experience and achievement for learning. It was also a major focus for my technical and professional advancement which is now motivating me to undertake a post-baccalaureate study in electrical engineering. I always aspire to take what my heart feels comfortable with and since being an electrical engineer professional is my major goal that’s why I would like to enroll in this program. Having already completed my graduate degree I would like to undertake more research and engage in coursework which will help me enhance my competence in electrical engineering. My main goal is to finish my post-baccalaureate degree and then pursue my Ph.D. The type of research that I am mostly interested in is on optical properties on MEMS devices and develop faster electro-optical interfaces. My special interest in this area is derived from my undergraduate studies in MEMs in the development of advanced and favorable tri-axial accelerometers. Pursuing this type of research will be a challenge to me and at times I might feel defeated but my special interest in this field and learning will give me the courage to accomplish my goal.

Price Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Price Strategy - Assignment Example For success in "pricing strategy," the marketing manager must understand how to heighten the concept by understanding the customers need the clarity on the market and understand the willingness to pay by the customers (Tanner Jr. & Raymond). Before a business determines the pricing strategy, it should first establish its objectives towards pricing and analyze the factors that may influence the optimum price placed on the product. Once the manager establishes the objectives and the factors, then the pricing strategy will focus on achieving the objectives (Tanner Jr. & Raymond). In many cases, the life cycle, or the sage as to which the business is currently at determined how the strategy will be, this is because products often have different stages when it comes to how it will hit the markets. The "Mexican Taco Restaurant "needs to determine the break-even point as per its pricing strategy, for this to be achieved the break-even analysis must be computed. The restaurants average order size of its customers is 7$ which is also the average order amount, the variable cost per order is 3$ while the fixed costs are 2000$ building lease, 500$ electricity and 3100$ for labor. For the "Mexican taco restaurant to reach" the break-even point the manager should adapt to new strategies. The first strategy is determining the price sensitivity, how sensitive is the price set for the product, is it high, or is its low. In determining the price sensitivity the marketing manager must understand that the higher the price the lower the volume, this strategy depend on how sensitive customers are in cases of price fluctuations, in cases where the customers are sensitive to higher prices then the marketing manager should lower the price so as to maintain the customers and also target new customers, this in turn ensures that the company meets its breakeven

Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 27

Education - Essay Example The first reason why America is the best place to get high education is that there are many universities across the United States that offer quality education to a vast number of students. They spread out to many regions and offer all types of courses that the student can choose from depending on their abilities and interests. Some of the top universities in the world are found in America such as Harvard, Yale, and Oxford Universities. This offers a platform for bright students from all over the world to interact and acquire knowledge of great value from each other. As a result, the students have a chance to choose from the many universities at their disposal. These many universities ensure that every student has the opportunity to further their studies and become the profession of their choice. Depending on their preference and determination, they can enter any type of university they want so that they can learn and be able to practice in their areas of expertise. They get to share ideas and learn from the fellow students who also specialize in the same course. The second reason is that the Universities in America have many facilities that the students can use. These include laboratories, libraries and sports fields, which are available to all students who need to use them. The students are taught in these facilities and at their own time utilize them to advance their learning. They have a chance to perform research, make discoveries, and prove theories that they have been learning about. They also have qualified teachers from whom they can ask questions, confirm answers, and ensure they get high-quality education. These results from the students show that they are able to learn different skills besides what they study in the classroom. The research done in the libraries and laboratories improves the ability of the students to be creative and innovative.

What Effects Does Age Have On Graduation Rates From Online Based Research Paper

What Effects Does Age Have On Graduation Rates From Online Based College - Research Paper Example Among these has been the introduction of online college programs that is meant to attract those students who would otherwise not have the time to attend classes on a regular basis. The education system of the United States has become so much eroded that it has now become necessary for students to go to college in order to attain the types of jobs that they would like. In earlier years, especially within the first half of the twentieth century, students who went through high school were equipped enough to attain jobs without having to go to college. However, the education standards came to be raised so much that it has now become necessary for students to spend more time in college in order to ensure that they achieve their academic goals. This has created a situation where individuals are barely able to cope with college education especially when it is considered that the students involved have more priorities other than their academics. It is a fact that many of the college students in the country also have to work in order to earn a living while others even have families and this only works towards increasing the pressure on them to be more productive. The latter situation makes it harder and harder for individual students to continue with their education and this has continued to be even worse as they grow older. This is because the older the students are, the more likely that they will develop other commitments in their lives and this may have an influence on the high dropout rates among them. This is perhaps the reason why the college education system needs to be reformed to such an extent that it stops being class based and instead be based on the internet since the latter is a much easier tool to access for many individuals. This will encourage...A review has also been included in this research which supports the above observations. This study is is substantial to meet the requirements of adult students who are less confortable with traditional college b ased education. The American system of education is considered to be the provider of one of the best quality education when compared to other education systems in the world. However, despite this fact, most of those high school graduates who enter college for the purpose of acquiring higher education unfortunately do not make it to graduation and end up becoming college drop-outs. This happens because of the shifting attitudes of the students regarding the courses which are included in their curriculums and their failure to understand the course outline.Study suggests that only 33% of the freshmen who made their entrance in the University of Massachusetts, were able to complete their education within the period of 6 years. Moreover, less than 44% of students from University of Mexico and 41% graduate from the University of Montana made it to their graduation in the required timeframe . One of the most influencial economists in the current era, Mark Schneider considers the high college dropout rate to be one of the reasons causing slow economic development in the country.

What is a Social Trap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

What is a Social Trap - Essay Example Both in the context of social traps and in the context of paradoxes, it is seen that long-term circumstantial effects must be taken into consideration when one makes a decision; and it is not proper to neglect them for the sake of short-term benefits of an individual or a group (Bazerman and Samuelson, 1983, p. 632). 2. Social traps are mostly representative of situations where a single individual or a collective group of individuals focus on generating short-term benefits in the form of profits and increased revenues from an unexpected window of opportunity through the use of a favorable law or practice ( Platt, 1973, p. 641). Social traps arise mostly due to the process of increasingly indulging in business activities today, which leads to long-term complications in the future. The complications are mutually exclusive in nature, and this eventually leads to a scenario of situational deadlock. Due to social traps, it is seen that individuals mostly resort to a similar line of reason ing in the issues that show the promise of a good opportunity which can help satisfy business or individual needs. Talking in lines of the ‘Tales of the Unexpected’, it can be said that the making, delivering and effectively executing critical decisions for the benefits of a particular scenario requires effective implementation of ideas based on common sense and rational logic (Drummond, 2001, p. 148) The piece also draws the attention of the readers to the importance of the maintenance of the fine level of balance in the case of a logically taken decision and to the evaluation of all related possibilities; it discourages from taking decisions on the basis of focus on immediate gains and opportunities. Paradoxes in the process of decision-making exist, as some problems come directly in conflict with the theory of utility and the choices that can be made (Goldstein and Hogarth, n.d., p.12). The paradoxes are created mainly because people prefer to simultaneously stick to the rational approach to decision-making and to adhere to the established rules and guidelines (Hitt, Black, and Porter, 2005, p. 370).

What Effects Does Age Have On Graduation Rates From Online Based Research Paper

What Effects Does Age Have On Graduation Rates From Online Based College - Research Paper Example Among these has been the introduction of online college programs that is meant to attract those students who would otherwise not have the time to attend classes on a regular basis. The education system of the United States has become so much eroded that it has now become necessary for students to go to college in order to attain the types of jobs that they would like. In earlier years, especially within the first half of the twentieth century, students who went through high school were equipped enough to attain jobs without having to go to college. However, the education standards came to be raised so much that it has now become necessary for students to spend more time in college in order to ensure that they achieve their academic goals. This has created a situation where individuals are barely able to cope with college education especially when it is considered that the students involved have more priorities other than their academics. It is a fact that many of the college students in the country also have to work in order to earn a living while others even have families and this only works towards increasing the pressure on them to be more productive. The latter situation makes it harder and harder for individual students to continue with their education and this has continued to be even worse as they grow older. This is because the older the students are, the more likely that they will develop other commitments in their lives and this may have an influence on the high dropout rates among them. This is perhaps the reason why the college education system needs to be reformed to such an extent that it stops being class based and instead be based on the internet since the latter is a much easier tool to access for many individuals. This will encourage...A review has also been included in this research which supports the above observations. This study is is substantial to meet the requirements of adult students who are less confortable with traditional college b ased education. The American system of education is considered to be the provider of one of the best quality education when compared to other education systems in the world. However, despite this fact, most of those high school graduates who enter college for the purpose of acquiring higher education unfortunately do not make it to graduation and end up becoming college drop-outs. This happens because of the shifting attitudes of the students regarding the courses which are included in their curriculums and their failure to understand the course outline.Study suggests that only 33% of the freshmen who made their entrance in the University of Massachusetts, were able to complete their education within the period of 6 years. Moreover, less than 44% of students from University of Mexico and 41% graduate from the University of Montana made it to their graduation in the required timeframe . One of the most influencial economists in the current era, Mark Schneider considers the high college dropout rate to be one of the reasons causing slow economic development in the country.

Oracle Corporation Essay Example for Free

Oracle Corporation Essay The Central Intelligence Agency had commissioned the project to build a commercial database management system for IBM mainframe computers and code-named it Oracle. Software Development Laboratories took the Oracle name in 1982. After completion of the project, Ellison, Miner, Oates, and Scott had a vision of developing and distributing their database software as a profitable business opportunity. From 1982 to 1986, Oracle had achieved 100% growth. On March 15th, 1986, Oracle went public, one day after Microsoft’s initial public offering. From 1986 to 1989, revenues skyrocketed from $55 million to $584 million, making it one of the largest independent software companies in the world, employing over 4,000 people in 24 countries. The Oracle Corporation’s objective of becoming a profitable database software company had been achieved. Market and industry growth continued until the third quarter of 1990. Oracle suffered a $15 million dollar loss on $240 million in revenues. Between 1988 and 1991, operating margins had plummeted from 23 to 3 percent. During this time, the company’s stock value also fell. Oracle responded by letting go of 400 employees in the United States and reorganizing its senior management team. This business problem was the direct result of something the company simply overlooked. As the company was focusing all of its energies on growth during the late 1980’s, they were losing sight of their internal operations and infrastructure. They also planned their expenses based on the 100% annual growth rate they experienced in the prior years, causing them to lose money. In addition, they delayed the delivery of their latest product, which allowed the competition to draw closer to them. However, the release of their next product would see Oracle quickly rebound and turn things back around. In July of 1991, Oracle was working on a new database software that had the ability to manage text, video, audio, and other data through a set of loosely connected servers. This database software was called Oracle 7, and was one of many IT solutions that would put Oracle ahead of the competition and save the company. 996 saw database sales grow by 20 percent and then to 10 percent in 1997, the year Microsoft released its rival SQL server, which was a cheaper alternative database release with aspirations of stealing Oracle’s market share. During this time, Oracle attempted to expand beyond databases and entered into the two largest application software markets, enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management. Ellison saw this as a lucrative business opportunity, considering the fact that the ERP market was estimated at $20 billion in 1999 and projected to exceed $65 billion by 2003. The CRM market was estimated at $4 billion in 1999 and projected to exceed $16 billion by 2003. Ellison recognized that CEO’s wanted to understand profitability per costumer and to be able to detect dissatisfaction before the customer leaves. He realized that ERP and CRM software would allow CEO’s to do that by turning database information into knowledge about consumers. Ellison’s vision of internet-enabled software began to take shape in 1999 with the release of Oracle8i. It was followed by internet-enabled versions of all the company’s key software products. A key IS solution in the development of Oracle Corporation would be Oracle e-Business Suite, which would include a collection of ERP and CRM applications that automated many necessary business functions. This would be the beginning of the high impact IS solutions to follow. In June of 1999, Ellison declared that Oracle would attempt to save $1billion dollars by the end of 2000 by transforming into an e-business. Ellison then eliminated all non-e-business options from the company. This bold move was an incredible success and a brilliant IS solution to some of the company’s business problems. The changes were easy and smooth to implement. An example given in the case was that of an expense report. In the past, a sales rep would fill out an expense report and manually send it to headquarters. Now the sales rep just completes the forms on the web where the report can be tracked. Not only did this create $6 million dollars in direct savings, the reports were easier and faster to complete. This solution did not only benefit employees, but customers, too. In the past if a customer wanted to demo Oracle’s software, a sales rep had to set an appointment to do the demo in person. Now, the sales rep can gain access to the customer’s browser and, over the phone, can do the demo over the browser at Oracle. com. The shift to self-service was a very necessary and profitable solution for Oracle. They began saving millions of dollars and hours of time. Another business problem Oracle had was a lack of centralization in the business. One clever way they did this was by changing incentives for country managers. Country manager’s incentives were originally based on revenue. This was to be changed to shift their incentives to be based on margin. In the past, 97 e-mail servers existed with almost 120 databases in over 50 countries. This was dramatically reduced when Oracle gave each country CEO a choice. They could receive free e-mail through Redwood Shores or pay to service an e-mail server, which would directly impact their margin, and ultimately, their variable pay. This was a very effective IS solution to the lack of centralization problem the business had. Oracle would continue to centralize the business by pulling human resources, legal, sales administration, and marketing out of each country office and consolidating them at Redwood Shores. Oracle now had a single system that served everything. Oracle saved a lot of wasted money by centralizing its marketing department. The products were the same in every country, so the centralization made sense and was absolutely necessary. By June of 2000, Oracle had gone from 63 to 17 company websites worldwide. By August 2000, the company was down to one website, Oracle. com. This solution saved the company a lot of money that was being wasted operating multiple websites for multiple countries and confusing the brand with different languages, colors, and logos. The transformation to e-business saved Oracle a ton of money, but this wasn’t the only benefit of the move. The switch also generated marketing pull. Oracle’s customer base grew as a result of having better information about their customers’ and sales outlets. The pull strategy came to fruition by two combining factors. The story of the company’s transformation combined with the new gained credibility the company received by performing this transformation so publicly. Now instead of sales reps attempting to sell the CEO of another company their software, CEO’s were going directly to Oracle technology to transform their own businesses. This pull allowed Oracle to open an online store, as opposed to hiring more sales people to handle the increased demand. This latest IS solution, in turn, created more sales. In 1999, Oracle began streamlining its Oracle University, which supported 2500 full-time employees in 143 countries while enrolling about 500,000 students annually. These Oracle courses led to the certification of developers and programmers that the company needed to continue growth. This business solution was yet another great move designed to farm their own employees. iLearning technology was then created as a means of a continuing education extension to Oracle University’s certification process. This software would be hosted online and could be updated daily without patches. Oracle Corporation is a great example of a company who had the ability to predict the future of technology and make innovations to lead the industry. They took risks, and they paid off. Larry Ellison took a big risk when he eliminated all non-e-business elements out of his business and made the transformation to e-business, and his company was rewarded with tremendous cost savings and higher revenues. He also predicted at the end of a June 2000 press conference that the software industry would vanish and be replaced by a service industry. This remains to fully be seen, but it appears there could be truth to this. Cloud computing has been the next innovation in computer technology, as we say many companies now providing services that used to require us to install software on our computers.

Religion The Sacred And Rituals Theology Religion Essay

Religion The Sacred And Rituals Theology Religion Essay This paper will discuss the challenges of both the Islamic and Catholic religion in terms of defining the rituals, how members practice their religion and the overall terms of their devotion. Comparing is not an easy task as Islam and Catholicism are complete ends of the spectrum. For both religions claiming to be peace loving people, who share some of the same religious texts, and have many common beliefs they often cannot get along. Neither religion will tolerate or begin to accept the other religions if strictly and literally practiced by either Islam or Catholicism. Religion is a personal choice and as much as it is a choice, it should be respected by other religions as well. It does not matter what your beliefs are, if you are truly devoted to your faith, you will understand the need for religious tolerance. Religious tolerance is something that is borne out of a complete devotion to your faith. You will honor and accept your religion as something personal; however, in the same regard, you will accept the teachings, practices and traditions of other religions as well In some ways, Islam and Catholicism parallel each other. Although the rituals, prayers and history are different, they basically mirror each other in the basic aspects. The word Islam means submission or surrender in Arabic. To be submissive, means to be submissive to the will of Allah. Catholics hold a Trinitarianism belief that God is three persons in one, the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit. Muslims, or followers of Islam, maintain that Allah is one God and has no equal and no partner. (Dolphin, undated). Islamic doctrine is based on four separate principles or sources: the Quran, ijtihad (individual thought), the Sunnah (traditions) and ijma or community consensus. The Quran is to the Muslims, the Word of God, as the Bible is to Catholics. Unlike the Bible, the Quran was believed to be delivered from Allah, to the Angel Gabriel. The Quran is divided in to 144 surahs or chapters. Each of the early readings revealed in Mecca, are ethical and spiritual. The early readings also include the Day of Judgment. The surahs in later chapters, teach social, political and moral teaching for the communities. (Dolphin, undated). Muslims are uncertain as to whether they will go to heaven or not. However, like the Catholic religion, there are certain steps that must be taken to ensure eternal life. The 5 Pillars of the Islam faith are: Confession of Faith (Shahada), Salat (prayer), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), Zakat (contributing tithings) and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims recite the Shahada or, Confession of Faith: La ilaha illaLlah; wa Muhammadun rasuluLlah. There is no God but Allah; and Muhammad is Allahs prophet. The Quran has six main teachings and like the Catholic faith, each must be adhered to in order to receive a final reward. The first teaching is that you must believe in Allah. To believe in Allah is to believe in the teachings of the Quran and no other. The word of Allah comes directly from the Quran and there is no room for interpretation by man. Muslims believe the message delivered to the Angel Gabriel is unadulterated and therefore implicit. The second teaching is belief in the Angels who are the messengers of Allah. Although Muslims do not submit to Allah, they submit to the teachings of Allah. Allah is not to be questioned. To question Allah or his existence is to deny the existence of his will. The third teaching is belief in the Books, you must believe in the Messengers, you must believe in the Day of Judgment. Although there is judgment at the time of death, the final judgment comes at the end of time. The final belief is that Muslims have to believe implicitly in fate. The Quran teaches that God has determined both good and evil. By acknowledging the teachings of the Quran, one acknowledges there is no other religion. To consider worship in another religion is to blaspheme Allah. The Quran does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Muslims do not acknowledge Jesus death or Resurrection. Fundamental Islam teaches that Jesus was nothing more than a mere prophet and denies the existence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as a Trinity. Allah and his will are the final word. In essence, Allah is the Master (abd) and Muslims are his slaves (abd). To submit totally to the Master is to have complete faith in Allah. (Robinson, 2012) The Catholic faith can be just as confusing and just as intricate as the Islamic faith. The Catholic Church is full of rituals and traditions that are questioned by many. The Catholic Church recognizes that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered and died on the Cross for our sins. To many, the existence of a virgin birth is inconceivable. Catholics recognize God as Our Father. However, that does not mean that God and the Virgin Mary conceived Jesus. The Catholic religion teaches that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. The conception of Jesus was Immaculate and therefore, The Virgin Mary is recognized as our Mother. (The Holy See, 2012). Mary is not worshiped on the same level as Our Father. Mary is revered as the Mother of Jesus and although Catholics do not specifically pray to Mary, they ask for her intercession through Jesus Christ, her Son. The Hail Mary is the prayer most often associated with reverence for the Virgin Mother. The word Hail is used not as a title to acknowledge Mary as being on the same level with Jesus or the Father. It is merely used as a greeting. The word, Hail was used in biblical times much as we usethe greeting, Hello today. Catholics also recite the Rosary, which is another form of ritualistic prayer. The Rosary is not mentioned in the Bible, it is not a mandatory teaching or tradition. It is a man-made prayer which when said properly, allows Catholics to reflect and meditate on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. From the Annunciation by Marys cousin Elizabeth that she was going to be the Mother of the Most Holy One to the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Rosary is used as a teaching tool. The Catholic Church was founded over 2000 years ago on the Pentecost. This was the day the Holy Spirit appeared to the Apostles. As Muslims recite the Shahada, Catholics recite the Apostles Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles Creed once again, is a historical account of the life of Jesus. It is the basic belief that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, became man and ultimately died for our sins. One interesting concept that differs between the Catholic, and Islamic faith is tolerance for killing. It specifically states in the Ten Commandments, Thou shalt not kill. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and are the framework of a Christian life. The Ten Commandments are basic rules for every Christian and/or Catholic to pattern their lives after. There is no room for interpretation of the Ten Commandments. Although the Commandments are depicted in a particular order, there does not seem to be a Commandment which, when broken, is more severe than the others. Islam has tolerance for killing non-combatants. The Quran calls for the elimination of all and any non-Muslim invaders. If the result is death of the invader(s), the Quran considers it to be collateral damage. In order to keep the Muslim faith pure, it is considered perfectly acceptable to extinguish the lives of any person who does not accept the Quran and the Muslim way of life as their own. The teaching of some radical Imams additionally allows for the killing of Israelis who could as adults join the Israeli army, once again based on the belief that the Quran allows for the elimination of anyone who may interfere with the teachings of Islam. Teachings from the Quran that incite the radical Muslims result in the acceptance of suicide bombings, suicide missions such as the September 11th attacks on the United States and every other form of terrorism that radical Muslims have engaged in over the years. In the Catholic religion, there is zero tolerance for the murder of anyone opposed to the teachings and beliefs of the Church. At this juncture, the Catholic religion deems abortion as murder and will excommunicate any woman who, for whatever reason, opts to terminate a pregnancy. There is no exception for a pregnancy that is a result of rape, incest or any other act that results in the fertilization of the egg by the sperm. In the Catholic view, human life begins at conception. In this sense, it could be viewed as a radical opposition to the choice of a woman to choose whether or not to carry a fetus to term even in the mother is incapable of performing her duties as a nurturer. One example of this type of pregnancy would be for a severely mentally disabled woman to become impregnated. In the eyes of the Catholic Church, it does not matter that the quality of life for the child may be severely diminished. It is not a concern if the life of the mother is endangered either. Like the T en Commandments, there is no room for interpretation. Human life begins at conception. For Muslims and Catholics to coexist, there has to be some form of religious tolerance. Although the basic teachings are similar, when the beliefs and traditions are altered from their original state, that leaves room for views that become tainted by man to conform to his personal, political and self-righteous beliefs.

Surfing,Media, and the Internet Essay -- Sports Technology Essays

Surfing,Media, and the Internet Surfing is a passion. It is a culture, a life, a disease. With the help of movies such as Endless Summer, Gidget and Beach Party, and tunes like â€Å"Surfin’ Safari† and â€Å"Surfer Girl,† surfing became the fad of the early sixties, and has lasted. Being exposed to the Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon Beach Party movies brought surfing to my immediate attention. I love their cheesy plots and musical numbers, and of course, their portrayal of the surfing lifestyle. After watching Beach Blanket Bingo, I was hooked. Unfortunately, I live hours from a beach, and further from one with decent waves. So my time thus far has been spent discovering my passion through the media. As it is not as popular as say, football or basketball, surfing is not often televised, and never as a competition sport. A few shows, such as California Dreams and The Real World: Hawaii have attempted to capture the lifestyle of the young surfer. When they were still televised, I watched them both religiously. California Dreams was a laid back version of Saved by the Bell, and was from the late 1980s. Surfing was hardly covered though, and usually it would be shown as two guys walking into a restaurant with surfboards in their arms. The Real World: Hawaii also disappointed, with the main purpose of the show being the cast, â€Å"seven strangers picked to live in a house ...† and not the sport which is such a part of Hawaiian culture. They did, however, work for a surf shop in Honolulu, and were thus connected to surfing without actually being in the waves. Bummer. Out of the handful of movies, which have been made about surfing, most of the more popular ones dat e back to the sixties. Endless Summer, Beach... ... N’ Sport. Feb/Mar 2001. 3 Mar. 2001 . 2. Hart, Kahea. Home page. 13 Mar. 2001. 16 Mar. 2001 3. â€Å"Learn to Surf.† Ocean Pit Pacific. 21 Mar 2001 4. Quiksilver. 6 Mar. 2001 . 5. Seven Shores Australia. 19 Mar. 2001 . 6. Slater, Evan. â€Å"Me, Myself and iMac.† Swell. 14 Mar. 2001. 18 Mar. 2001 . 7. Surfer Magazine. Vol. 42 No. 5 May 2001. 7 Mar. 2001 8. â€Å"Tapping the Sources.† Swell. 19 Mar 2001 9. Tavarua. 6 Mar. 2001

Mary J. Blige †The Magic of Share My World :: Music

Mary J. Blige – The Magic of Share My World Every explorer names his island Formosa, beautiful. To him it is beautiful because, being first, he has access to it and can see it for what it is. But to no one else is it ever as beautiful- except the rare man who manages to recover it, who knows that it has to be recovered.   -Walker Percy, The Loss of the Creature An island. Hmmm, my island. My island on which I will do nothing but sit and admire the beauty and serenity of nature at work around me. A catch. One disc. One piece of music so wonderful, so captivating, that I will listen to it for hours upon end. My disc will signify life- and love. It will be a window to the complex world of who I am. To me it will represent who, and what, I have left behind: the things which I value and care deeply about. In my life, that it is love. Above all else, love is what makes my world go 'round. Joy, anticipation, excitement, longing, sadness, and pain: I want to be able to experience these essential feelings until the day I die. Hardships and bliss alike. It sounds impossible, I know. But there is a disc. There is an artist who captures all of this and a little more in her music. Should I be left on a desert island, Mary J. Blige and her album Share My World are what I would choose to take with me. Stand on my shoulders for a little while. See Mary J. through my untrained, childish eyes. Let her be discovered by you, vicariously through me. I was probably only twelve years old when it started, a time when bike riding and rolling your jeans were the "cool" thing to do. I was at an impressionable age, and I was trying to grow up. I wanted to be just like all the high school girls who went racing through my neighborhood in their sporty little cars, music blaring from the windows. On that particular afternoon, I was sitting in the grass next to my mailbox waiting for my friend in the next neighborhood to ride over. I heard the bass first. I didn't see anything yet- but I heard, far off, a distinct beat. I liked it already. As the noise got closer, I realized it was a song. Mary J. Blige – The Magic of Share My World :: Music Mary J. Blige – The Magic of Share My World Every explorer names his island Formosa, beautiful. To him it is beautiful because, being first, he has access to it and can see it for what it is. But to no one else is it ever as beautiful- except the rare man who manages to recover it, who knows that it has to be recovered.   -Walker Percy, The Loss of the Creature An island. Hmmm, my island. My island on which I will do nothing but sit and admire the beauty and serenity of nature at work around me. A catch. One disc. One piece of music so wonderful, so captivating, that I will listen to it for hours upon end. My disc will signify life- and love. It will be a window to the complex world of who I am. To me it will represent who, and what, I have left behind: the things which I value and care deeply about. In my life, that it is love. Above all else, love is what makes my world go 'round. Joy, anticipation, excitement, longing, sadness, and pain: I want to be able to experience these essential feelings until the day I die. Hardships and bliss alike. It sounds impossible, I know. But there is a disc. There is an artist who captures all of this and a little more in her music. Should I be left on a desert island, Mary J. Blige and her album Share My World are what I would choose to take with me. Stand on my shoulders for a little while. See Mary J. through my untrained, childish eyes. Let her be discovered by you, vicariously through me. I was probably only twelve years old when it started, a time when bike riding and rolling your jeans were the "cool" thing to do. I was at an impressionable age, and I was trying to grow up. I wanted to be just like all the high school girls who went racing through my neighborhood in their sporty little cars, music blaring from the windows. On that particular afternoon, I was sitting in the grass next to my mailbox waiting for my friend in the next neighborhood to ride over. I heard the bass first. I didn't see anything yet- but I heard, far off, a distinct beat. I liked it already. As the noise got closer, I realized it was a song.

The Kite Runner

Question: Even though countless events occur in the novel, the title refers to kite fighting and kite running. What do these activities represent in the novel and why are they so important? To whom or what does the title, â€Å"The Kite Runner,† refer? Kite fighting and kite running represent the fights in the novel and how you can lose the game and someone important in your life. If you win you can gain someone’s love and you can lose someone’s love in an instant. For example, Amir won the competition and at the same time he won his fathers’ love, but he lost Hassan.Imagine if Amir would’ve lost he wouldn’t have gained his fathers’ love, but Hassan wouldn’t have gone for that kite and he wouldn’t have gotten raped and their relationship would have never gotten tainted. I think the title â€Å"The Kite Runner,† refers to Hassan because he’s the infamous kite runner that doesn’t need to follow the grou p and doesn’t go in the same direction. Hassan goes his own way and always gets to the location a while before the kite actually gets there. Hassan is also a very fast runner that was an advantage for him to go along with his perfect kite running skills.He would all do it for Amir since he was so loyal; the title of this novel is something Amir probably would’ve named it. The title â€Å"The Kite Runner,† represents loyalty, because when Hassan ran down his last kite he would ever run for Amir his loyal words were â€Å"For you a thousand times over. † When Amir wanted to be loyal to Sohrab, he ran a kite for him and he said â€Å"For you a thousand times over†. So the title â€Å"The Kite Runner† is loyalty and love and all the things that give you loyalty. The Kite Runner Question: Even though countless events occur in the novel, the title refers to kite fighting and kite running. What do these activities represent in the novel and why are they so important? To whom or what does the title, â€Å"The Kite Runner,† refer? Kite fighting and kite running represent the fights in the novel and how you can lose the game and someone important in your life. If you win you can gain someone’s love and you can lose someone’s love in an instant. For example, Amir won the competition and at the same time he won his fathers’ love, but he lost Hassan.Imagine if Amir would’ve lost he wouldn’t have gained his fathers’ love, but Hassan wouldn’t have gone for that kite and he wouldn’t have gotten raped and their relationship would have never gotten tainted. I think the title â€Å"The Kite Runner,† refers to Hassan because he’s the infamous kite runner that doesn’t need to follow the grou p and doesn’t go in the same direction. Hassan goes his own way and always gets to the location a while before the kite actually gets there. Hassan is also a very fast runner that was an advantage for him to go along with his perfect kite running skills.He would all do it for Amir since he was so loyal; the title of this novel is something Amir probably would’ve named it. The title â€Å"The Kite Runner,† represents loyalty, because when Hassan ran down his last kite he would ever run for Amir his loyal words were â€Å"For you a thousand times over. † When Amir wanted to be loyal to Sohrab, he ran a kite for him and he said â€Å"For you a thousand times over†. So the title â€Å"The Kite Runner† is loyalty and love and all the things that give you loyalty. The Kite Runner Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul This literary analysis will evaluate â€Å"The Kite Runner†, directed by Marc Foster and based on the novel â€Å"The Kite Runner† written by Khaled Hosseini. The movie contains many universal themes however the symbolism and significance of the pomegranate tree often represents and supports the nature of Hassan and Amir’s friendship as the story progresses. The first element that needs to be analyzed is the symbolism behind the pomegranate tree. The pomegranate is mentioned in the Qur’an as being a fruit from paradise.In the Qur’an it is described as being ripe and rich in color, but mirroring the pomegranate tree in The Kite Runner, it too becomes lifeless, suggesting a fall from paradise. The pomegranate trees resemble the friendship between Amir and Hassan. As it falters and weakens, so too does the pomegranate tree. Hassan has an unrequited love for Amir. He admired Amir for his knowledge; Amir would have a nd know things that Hassan could not. The pomegranate trees at the beginning of the movie are representative of the strong friendship that the boys share.Its bright red fruit representing new life and opportunities as they grew, and its large braches like outstretched arms sheltering them from the outside world. Hassan found refuge in Amir’s friendship just as he found refuge in the pomegranate tree. It was a positive and happy place where the boys like to play. Amir reads to Hassan underneath the trees which transport him away from his illiteracy, but just like the trees, Amir towers over him with his knowledge. Amir uses Ali’s knives to carve â€Å"Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul† into the trunk of the tree. This act represented the boys bound to one another and to the tree.After Amir bore witness to Hassan being rapped, he feels as though it is impossible to be in the same room as him. They walk up to the pomegranate tree where the boys sit and talk. Am ir picks up a pomegranate asking Hassan what he would do if he hit him with the fruit. This seems as though Amir wants to test Hassan’s loyalty. Amir hurls a pomegranate at Hassan’s chest, demanding Hassan to fight back. . â€Å"Hit me back! † Amir demands. He wants Hassan to hurt him so he can feel pain. Amir wants Hassan to get revenge on him because of the guilt he had after the rape. Amir pelts Hassan with pomegranates, leaving him drenched in red fruit.The boys share the pomegranate tree; they carved their names on the trunk, fed from the same breast and they also share the same blood. Hassan being covered in red symbolizes the blood spilled after the rape. Although Hassan was the victim, the rape literally cut both of the boys, they were both hurt and their blood was shed. Hassan bled after the rape and Amir will continue to bleed because he failed to help. The rape cut their friendship apart. After being hit repeatedly with the fruit, Hassan cracks a pome granate over his own head without saying a word. Hassan displays his unwavering loyalty towards Amir.He would never do anything to hurt Amir and the simple act of Hassan breaking the pomegranate on his own head symbolizes this loyalty and humility. The cracked pomegranates represent the cracked relationships that form between Amir and Hassan and Baba and Ali. A literal crevasse forms and divides all of the characters after they move away from one another. The tree isn’t seen again until Amir returns to Afghanistan. He travels back to his home and back to the pomegranate tree. Amir and Hassan lifted each other up just by being in one another’s company. Life for them seemed to flourish along with their friendship.The tree represents this. In times of happiness it produced rich red fruit and sunlight flickered though its leaves. The tree is a part of the boys. It seemed to feed off of them and their relationship, when it was strong the tree prospered and grew. When Amir b etrayed Hassan and broke the friendship, the tree died. Their names are carved in it; they have laughed, played and fought around it. It was the centre of their lives for years. Amir, unaware of how far the ripples of his decisions could travel, killed the relationship in an instant. With the death of this beautiful friendship comes the death of the pomegranate tree.All that remains is a faded carving and fading memories of happiness. It mirrors the relationship between Amir and Hassan perfectly as well as the country of Afghanistan. Amir has lost everybody that he loved when he was a child. His soul is empty and barren, a mirror image of the landscape that surrounds him when he travels back to Kabul. Throughout this film, we see the relationship between Amir and Hassan transform. It begins with Hassan’s unwavering loyalty and great love for Amir and ends with the separation and death of the friendship. The use of the pomegranate tree is a great visual representative of this changing relationship. The Kite Runner Loyalty is an attitude of devotion, faithfulness and affection. In the novel The kite runner Loyalty is a prominent theme throughout. There are signs of loyalty between a few characters but the main ones concerning Hassan and Amir . Hassan comes from a rough social background, lacks education and is the main victim of disloyalty by Amir however he was the character who portrayed loyalty the most. Amir is constantly putting Hassans loyalty to the test.He asks him if he would chew dirt and Hassan answers him in saying that if he was asked to then yes he would but he challenges Amirs loyalty at the same time in saying â€Å" but I wonder, would you ever ask me to do such a thing amir agha† . Hassan shows loyalty to Amir when he admits to stealing his watch and his money. He knew all along that Amir wanted to get rid of him and Ali however being the loyal servant and friend he was he admits to a crime which he did not commit for Amirs sake . he does this To ensure Baba does not se e Amir as a liar.The main incident which proves the magnitude of Hassans loyalty towards Amir was when Amir watched Hassan get raped but did nothing to stop it. And although Hassan endured the most traumatic experience of his life he remains loyal to Amir and disregards the fact that he witnessed the entire scenario. He ignores Amirs sinful actions and instead asks if HE had done something wrong. Throughout his life, Amir is haunted by the disloyalty with which he has always treated Hassan, especially since Hassan had always been unquestionably loyal to him.Little things like hand washed and ironed clothes neatly placed on the chair and the wood already burning at breakfast time reminds Amir of Hassans continuous loyalty and causes him extreme guilt Hassan even dies a loyal man by resisting the Taliban when they came to take possession of Babas house. Amir finally gets the opportunity to change his life for the better and for a change demonstrate his faithfulness towards Hassan afte r his death.By Amir making a dangerous trip back to Afghanistan to rescue and raise Hassan's son -Sohrab from the Taliban is a prime example of returning his loyalty to Hassan . Amir flies kites with sorab and tells him how hassan was the best kite flyer. He develops a close relationship with sorab and treats him as if he were his own son. He truly wants the best for Sorab and he is finally given the opportunity to be as loving and loyal as Hassan once was The Kite Runner Loyalty is an attitude of devotion, faithfulness and affection. In the novel The kite runner Loyalty is a prominent theme throughout. There are signs of loyalty between a few characters but the main ones concerning Hassan and Amir . Hassan comes from a rough social background, lacks education and is the main victim of disloyalty by Amir however he was the character who portrayed loyalty the most. Amir is constantly putting Hassans loyalty to the test.He asks him if he would chew dirt and Hassan answers him in saying that if he was asked to then yes he would but he challenges Amirs loyalty at the same time in saying â€Å" but I wonder, would you ever ask me to do such a thing amir agha† . Hassan shows loyalty to Amir when he admits to stealing his watch and his money. He knew all along that Amir wanted to get rid of him and Ali however being the loyal servant and friend he was he admits to a crime which he did not commit for Amirs sake . he does this To ensure Baba does not se e Amir as a liar.The main incident which proves the magnitude of Hassans loyalty towards Amir was when Amir watched Hassan get raped but did nothing to stop it. And although Hassan endured the most traumatic experience of his life he remains loyal to Amir and disregards the fact that he witnessed the entire scenario. He ignores Amirs sinful actions and instead asks if HE had done something wrong. Throughout his life, Amir is haunted by the disloyalty with which he has always treated Hassan, especially since Hassan had always been unquestionably loyal to him.Little things like hand washed and ironed clothes neatly placed on the chair and the wood already burning at breakfast time reminds Amir of Hassans continuous loyalty and causes him extreme guilt Hassan even dies a loyal man by resisting the Taliban when they came to take possession of Babas house. Amir finally gets the opportunity to change his life for the better and for a change demonstrate his faithfulness towards Hassan afte r his death.By Amir making a dangerous trip back to Afghanistan to rescue and raise Hassan's son -Sohrab from the Taliban is a prime example of returning his loyalty to Hassan . Amir flies kites with sorab and tells him how hassan was the best kite flyer. He develops a close relationship with sorab and treats him as if he were his own son. He truly wants the best for Sorab and he is finally given the opportunity to be as loving and loyal as Hassan once was The Kite Runner Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul This literary analysis will evaluate â€Å"The Kite Runner†, directed by Marc Foster and based on the novel â€Å"The Kite Runner† written by Khaled Hosseini. The movie contains many universal themes however the symbolism and significance of the pomegranate tree often represents and supports the nature of Hassan and Amir’s friendship as the story progresses. The first element that needs to be analyzed is the symbolism behind the pomegranate tree. The pomegranate is mentioned in the Qur’an as being a fruit from paradise.In the Qur’an it is described as being ripe and rich in color, but mirroring the pomegranate tree in The Kite Runner, it too becomes lifeless, suggesting a fall from paradise. The pomegranate trees resemble the friendship between Amir and Hassan. As it falters and weakens, so too does the pomegranate tree. Hassan has an unrequited love for Amir. He admired Amir for his knowledge; Amir would have a nd know things that Hassan could not. The pomegranate trees at the beginning of the movie are representative of the strong friendship that the boys share.Its bright red fruit representing new life and opportunities as they grew, and its large braches like outstretched arms sheltering them from the outside world. Hassan found refuge in Amir’s friendship just as he found refuge in the pomegranate tree. It was a positive and happy place where the boys like to play. Amir reads to Hassan underneath the trees which transport him away from his illiteracy, but just like the trees, Amir towers over him with his knowledge. Amir uses Ali’s knives to carve â€Å"Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul† into the trunk of the tree. This act represented the boys bound to one another and to the tree.After Amir bore witness to Hassan being rapped, he feels as though it is impossible to be in the same room as him. They walk up to the pomegranate tree where the boys sit and talk. Am ir picks up a pomegranate asking Hassan what he would do if he hit him with the fruit. This seems as though Amir wants to test Hassan’s loyalty. Amir hurls a pomegranate at Hassan’s chest, demanding Hassan to fight back. . â€Å"Hit me back! † Amir demands. He wants Hassan to hurt him so he can feel pain. Amir wants Hassan to get revenge on him because of the guilt he had after the rape. Amir pelts Hassan with pomegranates, leaving him drenched in red fruit.The boys share the pomegranate tree; they carved their names on the trunk, fed from the same breast and they also share the same blood. Hassan being covered in red symbolizes the blood spilled after the rape. Although Hassan was the victim, the rape literally cut both of the boys, they were both hurt and their blood was shed. Hassan bled after the rape and Amir will continue to bleed because he failed to help. The rape cut their friendship apart. After being hit repeatedly with the fruit, Hassan cracks a pome granate over his own head without saying a word. Hassan displays his unwavering loyalty towards Amir.He would never do anything to hurt Amir and the simple act of Hassan breaking the pomegranate on his own head symbolizes this loyalty and humility. The cracked pomegranates represent the cracked relationships that form between Amir and Hassan and Baba and Ali. A literal crevasse forms and divides all of the characters after they move away from one another. The tree isn’t seen again until Amir returns to Afghanistan. He travels back to his home and back to the pomegranate tree. Amir and Hassan lifted each other up just by being in one another’s company. Life for them seemed to flourish along with their friendship.The tree represents this. In times of happiness it produced rich red fruit and sunlight flickered though its leaves. The tree is a part of the boys. It seemed to feed off of them and their relationship, when it was strong the tree prospered and grew. When Amir b etrayed Hassan and broke the friendship, the tree died. Their names are carved in it; they have laughed, played and fought around it. It was the centre of their lives for years. Amir, unaware of how far the ripples of his decisions could travel, killed the relationship in an instant. With the death of this beautiful friendship comes the death of the pomegranate tree.All that remains is a faded carving and fading memories of happiness. It mirrors the relationship between Amir and Hassan perfectly as well as the country of Afghanistan. Amir has lost everybody that he loved when he was a child. His soul is empty and barren, a mirror image of the landscape that surrounds him when he travels back to Kabul. Throughout this film, we see the relationship between Amir and Hassan transform. It begins with Hassan’s unwavering loyalty and great love for Amir and ends with the separation and death of the friendship. The use of the pomegranate tree is a great visual representative of this changing relationship. The Kite Runner Question: Even though countless events occur in the novel, the title refers to kite fighting and kite running. What do these activities represent in the novel and why are they so important? To whom or what does the title, â€Å"The Kite Runner,† refer? Kite fighting and kite running represent the fights in the novel and how you can lose the game and someone important in your life. If you win you can gain someone’s love and you can lose someone’s love in an instant. For example, Amir won the competition and at the same time he won his fathers’ love, but he lost Hassan.Imagine if Amir would’ve lost he wouldn’t have gained his fathers’ love, but Hassan wouldn’t have gone for that kite and he wouldn’t have gotten raped and their relationship would have never gotten tainted. I think the title â€Å"The Kite Runner,† refers to Hassan because he’s the infamous kite runner that doesn’t need to follow the grou p and doesn’t go in the same direction. Hassan goes his own way and always gets to the location a while before the kite actually gets there. Hassan is also a very fast runner that was an advantage for him to go along with his perfect kite running skills.He would all do it for Amir since he was so loyal; the title of this novel is something Amir probably would’ve named it. The title â€Å"The Kite Runner,† represents loyalty, because when Hassan ran down his last kite he would ever run for Amir his loyal words were â€Å"For you a thousand times over. † When Amir wanted to be loyal to Sohrab, he ran a kite for him and he said â€Å"For you a thousand times over†. So the title â€Å"The Kite Runner† is loyalty and love and all the things that give you loyalty.