Finance and Business Perfomance Assignment 1 Coursework

Finance and Business Perfomance Assignment 1 - Coursework Example That Sales are growing does not mean this is good because the cost price of goods sold is also increasing faster than Sales. The increase in sales figures may be due to the mark-ups of Louise to the Cost price. Louise is therefore selling a lower volume of goods but at higher prices as confirmed by the - 2% figure above, even though in Year 5, sales grew by 20% after Louise dropped gross margins from 30% to 25%. The gross margin is the ratio of gross profit to Sales and is the mark-up Louise adds to the cost of her products, whilst the net margin is the ratio of net profit to Sales after expenses are deducted from gross profit. Declining (- 4%) gross profits means sales are not increasing as fast as Cost price of goods, whilst the increase (14%) in net profits only means that Louise is controlling her expenses better, as shown by the 17% Average Sales/Expenses figure. Louise can improve the management of her business by spending more on marketing to increase demand and Sales figures. This would result in higher expenses, but it would increase Sales at a faster rate than the Cost price of goods and would result in an increase in net profits. Unless Sales increase, Louise's profits will be squeezed. If the capital of 60,000 in Year 1 is assumed to be the total she invested in the business, which includes initial inventory, improvements on the premises, furnishings and equipment, the van, and working capital to pay for wages and other expenses, the drawings of 64,000 over five years represents her return on that investment which, at a net value of 4,000 over five years does not seem much of a good one (at 1.3% per year). She may be better off depositing her money in the bank for a return of 3% to 5% (Economist, 2007). Of course, Louise may derive fun from running the business or perhaps she invested much less than 60,000 of capital, in which case she may be happy with the 12,800 annual income. An added danger is that assets are growing slower than liabilities (which would include accounts payables or debt to her suppliers), so unless Louise brings down debt, she may go bankrupt. She must manage her cash better to address this. And it seems that Louise is not paying taxes, so she better watch out as the taxman soon cometh 3. By reference to the figures, give a detailed assessment of the impact of the trading and financial performance of "Louise" on the personal financial situation of Louise Walford, over the five year period. [20/200] Louise Walford is not living the high life in Derbyshire we can be sure because her annual income is only 12,800, and unless she drives up sales at the shop to increase her net profits, she risks losing everything if her liabilities continue growing faster than assets. She drew only 8,000 in Year 3, and

Traditional Media Outlets Essay Example for Free

Traditional Media Outlets Essay Introduction The presence of media as a tool of information dissemination has increased largely because of the technological innovations consistently being introduced not only in advancing the productivity rate of media organizations but also in expanding the capacity of the various media outlets to include a wider range of topics (Hudson, 1986). With this expansion, the subjects incorporated into the mass media has also been augmented (Graber, 1980) such that former topics that were once rarely untouched have now been constantly infused with unceasing publicity such as those that tackle Information and Communications Technology (ICT) . The changes made by mass media are evidently found on a series of notions due to consciousness, certain perceptions on reality and the palpable alterations of the masses’ individual lives concurrent on what had reconstituted by the mentioned technological change (Palmer Young, 2003).   Technological or digital innovation dwelled on to by human beings had been observed to have been conducting a protective bubble of fixed racial, cultural and ethnic identity resulting to a sense of detachment which lies on the physical state of the screen persona as well as with the transcends in the reality of social culture (Barker Petley, 2001). Analysis Such innovations which transcribed on media analysis in accordance with meeting customer or audience satisfaction on the lame side had been a crucial issue of competition as well as with the question of product or service advantage (Orlik, Anderson, Day, Patrick, 2007).   These media offers are considerably getting the â€Å"just† amount of credit for whatever level of service they are able to offer, thus, the viewing masses seem to be unaware of the whole gist of the surfing censure and is actually following the hoax of the concern.   What becomes evidently floating in the scene lately, are the so-called â€Å"alliance† of participating media advertisers and the respective network.    Examples of these ‘participating’ network providers which are sought to be the most persistently visited sites are Google, yahoo, and Amazon Online (Beckwith, 2003). The efficiency catered by these online information providers also power the divergence of other web pages which also serves as an upgrade in the websites’ name.   Ã‚  Consequently, the more surfers sweeping on their site, the more money they are able to generate.   Considerably, a mutual benefit from that of the web provider and the viewer are being fulfilled (Beckwith, 2003). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The exactness of the cost and the revenue generated by the aforementioned sites are but indefinite to be defined, for the reason that the scheme and the flow of the advertising differ dependently upon the ‘season’ or under the discretion of the contemporary society. It would seem quite hard to distinguish which of the sites are assumed to be the most significant or rather the one which is offering the best service for the majority (Beckwith, 2003).   Since that, those who are apt to surf actually depend on what they wish to find.   In addition to that, given the fact that each layer of the society hold different jobs or activity with diverse enthusiasm, it is evident that it is possible to shift sites which then give the argument abstain on conviction with regards to the matter (Seelye, 2005). References: Barker, M., Petley, J. (2001). Ill Effects: The Media/violence Debate. London: Taylor and Francis. Beckwith, S. L. (2003). Complete Publicity Plans: How to Create Publicity That Will Spark Media Exposure and Excitement. New York: Adams Media Corporation. Graber, D. A. (1980). Mass Media and American Politics. Political Science Quarterly, 95(4), 701. Hudson, H. (1986). New Communications Technologies: Policy Issues for the Developing World. International Political Science Review, 7(3), 334. Orlik, y. P., Anderson, S., Day, L. A., Patrick, W. L. (2007). Exploring Electronic Media. New York: Blackwell Publishing Limited. Palmer, E., Young, B. M. (2003). The Faces of Televisual Media: Teaching, Violence, Selling to Children. Mahwah N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Seelye, B. K. Q. (2005). AP plans multimedia wire aimed at younger readers (Publication. Retrieved July 14, 2007, from The New York Times: http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/09/14/business/ap.php

Suppleness in Physical Education Essay -- Papers

Suppleness in Physical Education The definition of flexibility, suppleness and mobility is the range of movement possible round a joint and this depends on the amount of stretch allowed by the ligaments, joints, tendons and muscles. Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness for all athletes as increasing your flexibility aids performance and helps to avoid unnecessary injury. It is impossible to have the same degree of flexibility around all joints as the joint structure itself limits flexibility, for example a lot of movement is possible at the shoulder joint because it is a ball and socket joint, but movement at the hinge joint of the knee is more limited. Increasing body temperature helps to improve flexibility, which is a good reason why an athlete should always warm up. Our range of movement deteriorates as we get older, due to shortening of the connective tissue and general joint degeneration caused by wear and tear. Why should a netballer do mobility exercises? The objective of mobility training is to improve the range of stretch of the antagonistic muscles. Mobility plays an important part in the preparation of netballers by developing a range of movement to allow technical development and assisting in the prevention of injury. All athletes require a basic level of general all round mobility to allow them to benefit from other forms of training. In addition, netball players will need to develop specific mobility for those joint actions involved in the techniques of their game. Netballers do not have the option to dribble the ball; therefore netball is very much a passing game. Throwing is one... ...ying netball as players have to repeatedly bend down to gather low passes or rolling balls. As I play the position of centre, a high level of stamina is vital as the centre is the player who links the defence to the attack. The centre is designated to a large area on the court so a lot of movement is required. Netball consists of the players continuously passing the ball, so endurance in the biceps brachii and triceps trachii is essential which enables players to pass the ball accurately with speed and power throughout the game. A good level of stamina will ensure that fatigue will not affect your performance. Lack of stamina is highlighted in the last quarter of many matches in which a player complains of â€Å"jelly legs.† This is usually accompanied by decreased performance in skills requiring muscular strength or power.

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce Essay -- English L

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce is a 19th Century mystery story that is set at the time of the American Civil War (1861-1865) when the Slave owning Confederate States in the South engaged in conflict with the Federal Government of the USA. The story focuses on a character called Peyton Farquhar, whom is about to be summarily hung for trespassing on the Owl Creek Bridge; his fate is to be hung from that same bridge. The story ends with a curious twist in the plot. The main part of the story is set in Farquhar's mind, though whilst reading the reader is unsure (despite careful, hidden hints placed by Bierce) of this fact. Only at the end when it is clearly stated that Farquhar is hanging lifelessly with a broken neck from the bridge that the reader will become conclusively aware of this. It is divided into three parts, which I will analyse, in detail, separately. Part I ====== 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' 'begins powerfully by introducing a man, whom is not named until later on in the tale. This obviously adds to the mystery. It describes with detail of him in somewhat a predicament ~ " hands behind his back", " wrists bounds with a cord", "rope closely encircled his neck". Words of such like are of a lexical set of entrapment and give the impression that the man in question is in danger and is unable to break free. Next, the reader learns that "executioners" (also are soldiers from federal army) are present that show the man has committed a crime, so is a condemned man. It raises questions as to why he is there, and forces the reader to continue reading. Bierce sustains more mystery by not revealing his crime until furt... ...y~ " Ah, how beautiful she is! He springs forward with extended arms". Bierce lures the reader into thoughts of joy by remarking how beautiful the wife is. Suddenly, Bierce stops his complex illusions and proves that proves the prior Part III was not reality, set in the min of Farquhar~ "his body swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of the Owl Creek Bridge. Conclusion ========== Bierce has a unique style to pull the reader into the story. To name a few techniques, his complex illusions keep the audience in suspense, his detailed descriptions allow the reader to picture all aspects of the story and the dividing of the story into three separate parts help them to stay focused. These all work together to provide a compelling, inspiring and powerful story. 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' is a great example how the mind can be deceptive.

Challenges Facing Public Schools Essay

The fundamental purpose of education is to gain knowledge, inculcate the forms of proper conduct and acquire technical competency, (Oak, 2010). These skills and abilities are considered important in our world so as to have socio-economic growth and development individually and in the community. Goel (2007) observes that it is because education is so important that the US Department of Education aims to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Thus in countries such as the US, children who may not be able to afford the cost of schooling can access education in public educational institutions subsidized by the government. Though noble, the concept of public education unfortunately has a number of fundamental challenges that must be investigated for lasting solutions. These challenges are highlighted below, their problem statements and the arising hypotheses: Problem Statement 1 One of the greatest concerns in public schools is violence. Lede (2010) notes that violence in public schools is a growing concern of parents, teachers, school administrators, politicians and community leaders. Lede (2010) continues to observe that â€Å"many communities in the United States of America are faced with the dilemma of how to protect the integrity of the education by eliminating violent behavior among the school’s constituency and the environment where learning takes place. † What are the determinants of violence in public schools? What is the effect of parental involvement and violence in public schools? Is there any relationship between poor teacher training and violence in public schools? Hypothesis Economic and social issues are affiliated with violence in public schools. Parental socialization at the home front influences students’ propensity to violence in public schools. Teacher training does not impact on the existence of violence in public schools. Importance of the statements and hypothesis in the research The statements and hypotheses in this research would assist the researcher in investigating the problem of violence in public schools and begin to explore solutions that address the root cause of the problem and not the symptoms of the problem Problem statement 2  Another one of the core challenges faced by public educational institutions is that of insufficient funds. By virtue of the fact that public schools depend on the government to meet their budgets, more often than not, the schools find themselves without enough money to carry out their activities. What is the effect of lack of sufficient funding on the quality education in public schools? What is the effect of programme prioritization on budget management in public schools? What are other sources of funding that can be explored to ensure constant funding of public schools programmes? Hypothesis Lack of sufficient funds compromises on the quality education offered in public schools. Budget rationalization can be successfully achieved through programme prioritisation of the programmes at public schools. Diversification of the sources of funding to meet budgetary needs at public schools has ensured sustainability of the schools’ programmes. Importance of the statements and hypothesis in the research A research on this issue would ensure that sustainable solutions to budgetary constraints are met that translate to operational efficiency (Maguad, 2007) and a high quality of education is constantly high in public schools. Problem statement 3 Public institutions of learning are faced by the problem of low or no parental involvement. Since many of the students in public schools come from middle and working classes in which both parents have to earn a living to sustain the families, it is rare that the parents find time to be actively involved in their children’s school life. What is the effect of parental involvement on student achievement in public schools? What is the correlation between parental aspirations and expectations for their children and student achievement in public schools? Do parents give away the right to educate their children when they place them in public schools? Hypothesis A student’s performance is influenced by his/her parents’ interest and participation in his school work. Parental aspiration and expectation for children determines the achievements of the children in school. Parents of children in public schools forfeit any right to determine what or how their children are educated. Importance of the statements and hypothesis in the research The research would find out whether parents have an active role to play in their children’s well being for assured achievement in school. The issue of parental involvement could also form the basis of understanding other challenges facing public schools such as student violence (Alliance for the Separation of School & State, 2008). In conclusion, public educational institutions experience many challenges ranging from budgetary constraints, student violence and low parental involvement. Much research needs to be done to establish why these problems exist in the first place and lasting solutions for these institutions.

Ethics in Business Ethics and Human Resources Ethics commonly refer to the rules or principles that define right and wrong conduct

Ethics in Business Ethics and Human Resources Ethics commonly refer to the rules or principles that define right and wrong conduct Ethics in BusinessEthics and Human Resources Ethics commonly refer to the rules or principles that define right and wrong conduct. In the United States, many believe we are currently suffering from an ethics crisis (Ricklets, Robbins Coulter, 1996). Behaviors that were once thought unacceptable lying, cheating, misrepresenting, and covering up mistakes have become in many people's eyes acceptable or necessary practices. Managers profit from illegal use of insider stock information and members of Congress write hundreds of bad checks. Even college students seem to have become caught up in the wave where studies show significant increases in cheating on tests (Robbins et al.). Concern over this perceived decline in ethical standards is being addressed by organizations, and companies are relying on Human Resource (HR) to build an ethical culture. Human Resource departments are creating codes of ethics, introducing ethics training programs and hiring ethics officers. Why is ethics imp ortant to Human Resources? When employees in organizations make decisions to act unethically, they affect not only the company itself, but also its shareholders, employees and customers.Journal of Business EthicsEmployees make a myriad of choices every day in businesses if unethical, they can damage a company's productivity, profits and reputation. Unethical decisions can come in many forms: the employee who conducts personal business on company time to the line worker who fails to report a product flaw just to meet a deadline, and even more serious, the manager who profits from illegal use of insider stock information. All these incidents lack ethics. In most companies today, the competitive advantage rests on the shoulders of its employees. These employees must be trusted to do the right thing, especially when no one is looking. It is up to HR to train, educate and communicate with employees on rights and wrongs...

Boleslavsky Chapter 1 review essays

Boleslavsky Chapter 1 review essays The first concept that we learn in Richard Boleslavskys Acting: The First Six Lessons is about Concentration; a technique that all actors need to focus upon in order to help create a believable presence onstage. He states that Concentration in the quality that permits us to direct all of our spiritual and intellectual forces toward one definite object and to continue as long as it pleases and to do so- sometimes for a time much longer then our physical strength can endure. (pg. 9) At first talking to a young prospective student about how theater cannot be taught. Its merely whether or not you have the talent to play that determines whether you can know theater. He then asks the student what shows she has done and asks her to speak some lines. By doing this he shows he that there is more then one way to express oneself through a set of lines, it was easier for the student to curse something then to struggle to think of how to use the same line to give it praise. He explains to her the creature, as she is called, that she did not understand theater and completely went against everything theater stands for, basically saying she cannot act. By accusing her of this, he evoked a pure, raw emotion in her of pain and sadness. He then explained to her what he had just done, showing the creature that she had just used emotion to work on something and then went into the importance of concentration, telling a small story about a fisherman who used all of his concentration to get his boat safely back to the harbor, and only then did he let his concentration done and fainted. He explains that most all professions have some sort of material concentration, but the actor has the human soul. The creature asked, But how do you start? In wish there is a reply that you use your 5 tools, your 5 senses to start at the beginning to create a character. It is only from there that you can begin to constr ...