Basics of the Operating System

Heather RussellNT1430 Unit 1 Chapter Exercises Unit 1 Chapter 1 1. What is free software? List three characteristics of free software. Free software is software that users have the freedom to distribute and change. The three main characteristics of free software are: The source code has to be distributed with the program, you cannot restrict people from redistributing/modifying/using the software, and users must be allowed to redistribute modified versions under the same terms/licensing. 4.What is the Free Software Foundation/GNU? What is Linux? Which parts of the Linux operating system did each provide? Who else has helped build and refine this operating system? GNU stands for â€Å"GNU'S Not Unix†, and it was designed to be a UNIX-like operating system developed by Richard Stallman. Linux is the name of operating system kernel developed by Linus Torvalds. GNU's tools aside the Linux kernel make the operating system known as â€Å"Linux† aka â€Å"GNU/Linux†. Th ousands of people helped refine the operating system online.Chapter 2 1. Briefly, what does the process of installing an operating system such as Fedora/RHEL involve? Installing Fedora/RHEL is the process of copying operating system files from a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive to hard disk(s) on a system and setting up configuration files so Linux runs properly on the hardware. Several types of installations are possible, including fresh installations, upgrades from older releases of Fedora/RHEL, and dual-boot installations Chapter 3 1. What is a live system?What advantages does it have over an installed system? A live system gives you a chance to preview Fedora without installing it. It does not write to hard disks. 4. Where on the disk should you put your /boot partition or the root(/) partition if you do not use a /boot partition? Put /boot at the beginning of the drive (partition 1) so that there is no issue of Linux having to boot from a partition too far into the drive. 8. When do es a Fedora/RHEL system start X by default? When the system enters Run Level 5Chapter 11 1 How does single-user mode differ from multiuser mode? When a system is in single-user mode, you can log in only at the console. Not all of the filesystems are mounted, and many daemons are not running. With the system in multiuser mode you can log in at any terminal or workstation that is set up for login, most or all of the filesystems are mounted, and all of the daemons that your system is set up to run are running. 3 What do the letters of the su command stand for? Hint: It is not Superuser. ) What can you do with su besides give yourself Superuser privileges? How would you log in as Zach if you did not know his password but knew the root password? How would you establish the same environment that Zach has when he first logs on? The letters stand for substitute user. You can give yourself privileges of any user whose password you know (or any user when you are running as root). You can also execute a command (other than a shell) as the specified user.

The Double Helix – Character Guide

Double Helix Readers Guide * Max Perutz – was the head of the unit where Crick works at Cambridge University. Perutz also shared important X-ray crystallography imagery with Watson and Crick that he had received from Maurice Wilkins and Franklin. Whether he was supposed to give this information to Watson and Crick without Franklin’s knowledge is unknown, nor is it entirely known how important her work was to the discovery of the structure. Sir Lawrence Bragg – the head of the Cavendish laboratory at Cambridge university, met with much resistance from Watson and especially Crick. Bragg is the youngest ever Nobel prize winner, which he won for the discovery of the Bragg low of X-ray crystallography. Bragg also wrote the foreword to Watson’s book, adding dramatically to the respectability of the book. * John Kendrew – English educated, also worked in the Cavendish laboratory under the direction of Bragg. Worked closely with Perutz and shared the 1962 N obel prize with him for their work on X-ray crystallography. Erwin Schrodinger – his book What is Life was a great inspiration to Watson, who agreed that many secrets can be uncovered if the scientific world dedicated itself to discovery of what the true secrets of life are * O. T. Avery – important because their research on DNA/protein after Griffiths experiment on the transforming factor, was decisive enough for Watson to believe that DNA was the genetic material (not protein as was believed) * Max Delbruck – pioneered bacteriophage research which allowed Hershey and Chase to conduct their experiments with radioactive labeling. Maurice Wilkins – was Rosalind Franklin’s partner in X-ray crystallography and played an important role in providing Watson with the B-structure of DNA that Franklin and Gosling had made. Franklin, Gosling and Wilkins all worked at King’s College, London. * Rosalind Franklin – Although Franklin had not agreed to the exchange Wilkins had made (providing of B-structure imagery to Watson), her work proved that DNA was helical and that the bases were on the inside with the sugar phosphates on the outside (as she had said all along).In short, her 3 contributions were crucial to Watson’s development of the model, although the B-model proved one of her theories wrong but several right. Furthermore, Watson and Franklin had a very heated relationship, which led to many heated debates and sometimes even conflicts. * Linus Pauling – the greatest chemist in the history of the United States, worked at Cal Tech and was the closest competition to Watson and Crick in the discovery of the structure of DNA. Famous for the discovery of the hydrogen bond and the alpha-helical structure of protein.He’s also famous for publishing a wrong model of DNA (three strands) for which he saw major public embarrassment. * Herman Kalkar – was the head of the laboratory in Copenhagen where Wa tson did phage research soon after he graduated. He did not enjoy his time in Copenhagen, which is why he left soon after getting there. * Salvador Luria – James Watson was Luria’s first graduate student at the University of Indiana. Luria would go on to do groundbreaking work with phages in biochemistry. He would later win the Nobel prize for medicine along with Hershey and Delbruck for their work on phages. J. T. Randall – was the head of the King’s College laboratory team with Wilkins as his deputy. He shared the 1962 Nobel prize with Watson and crick * Dorothy Hodgkin – was the other major female character in the book. Both of the women clearly struggled in a world that was heavily dominated by men. However, Hodgkin was known to get along with men much better than Franklin. She said this was because of her gender, whereas Franklin experienced the opposite. Franklin and Hodgkin worked closely in the contemplation of the DNA structure. Both scien tists were X-ray crystallographers.Hodgkin won the 1964 Nobel prize for chemistry * Willy Seeds – was famous for calling Watson â€Å"honest Jim. † Worked with Maurice Wilkins in the King’s laboratory and was famous for his pioneering work on the DNA fibers. Him calling Watson honest Jim was clearly sarcasm because they King’s scientists were still bitter about Watson stealing their data to make his model * R. G. Gosling – this was Franklin’s lab partner at King’s College laboratory * Erwin Chargaff – discovered the bases in the purines and pyrimidines (double and single ring) and also discovered that A matches with T and C matches with G.Gave Watson an important clue in his model building, that he had to match the bases. * Al Hershey – was a scientist that was known for conducting the final proof of DNA being the hereditary material. Their experiment ended the race and assured the scientific world that DNA was the inher ited material. * Martha Chase – was Hershey’s lab partner, and was one of the few other women in the scientific world * Peter Pauling – Linus’ son, came to study in London and Watson showed him around. In the process Peter gave Watson some important hints that his father was getting close to the discovery of the alpha helical structure.

New enterprise operation

Once firms understand the issues involved coming up with an effective strategy, they should therefore evaluate their internal strengths and weakness as well as opportunities in the environment.   This is summarized as SWOT analysis which refers to strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. Therefore good analysis of these key factors will put a company in a better position of healthy competition in a global business environment.Therefore, I have critically and categorically provided a detailed analysis of the following   papers: the paper on strategic planning in some empirical findings (SMEs) and a paper on growth, Entrepreneurship, structural change, time and Risk.   The first paper on strategic planning tries to bring some insight to entrepreneurs and business managers.This paper attempts to provide managers and entrepreneurs with a variety of knowledge on how to employ tools of strategic management and planning when operating a business or discovering business opportuni ties to create goods and services.   Mostly it provides some guidelines to small and medium sized business managers and entrepreneurs with strategies to evaluate their strength and weaknesses and opportunities.   Good planning for a business should form the basis part of experiencing high standards of quality results (Anita 2004, pp87-90)The second research paper on growth entrepreneurship, time and risk tries to provide entrepreneurs with some knowledge and guidelines as how to manage risk.   The perception of the entrepreneur on risk analysis and ways of overcoming the risks are also covered in this research paper.Again the paper has elaborately talked about different kinds of risks and the risk return relationships. In summary this research paper-points out how entrepreneurs and managers cope up with the risks that arise in their decisions making and what determines the way they view the risk of their decision.   Otherwise lack of entrepreneurship would create an environm ent where task are taken back to olden days where growth is not achieved or realized.The two research papers have been presented by the use of different research methods of collecting information.   For example, the research paper dealing with strategic planning in SMEs has been provided after a thorough research has been done.   Different methods of data collection have also been used to come up with this documented paper. Research Paper on strategic planning has showed the usefulness of questionnaires as a method of collecting data the so called primary data.   This has helped to provide first hand information on the topic to be researched on.   However, in most of the cases the questionnaires have proved to be misleading especially when it is posted.The person filling in the questionnaire or administering the questionnaire may just decide to provide wrong information or figures especially if quantitative analysis is to be provided.   All the same since oral interview co uld be the best, questionnaire has proved to be best since several questions can be researched and answered at researcher’s convenient time hence time saving.   The questionnaire has covered the whole topic areas and research finding figures have been provided to support or to give further explanations on the topics researched on.   For example table on page 856 of articles by George stone house and Jonathan Perberton.   But the findings ware found to be inaccurate or degree of accuracy was low because of the way in which the questionnaire was filled.The research method used in the second paper on growth entrepreneurship, structural change time and risks in just too theoretical.   Everything was done by extracting information from secondary sources, that is information was obtained either from books, journal or from periodicals.   Though this method seems to be good because a lot of books and other sources are researched on, the research method at times tends to pro vide information which may be outdated.Several books undergo review after every year so the validity of the information provided is questionable.   However, since the researcher has consulted a number of sources then I can say that the method is good.   Very many scholars have also been quoted in the paper showing that the research was detailed or thorough.   An example has been on the analysis of entrepreneur’s perception on risk management.   The weakness of this research paper is that technical meaning of some terms has not been explained elaborately for example where the researcher was talking about types of risks.The mode of presentation also differs in the two papers for example the paper on strategic planning in small and medium size enterprises presents the findings using both qualitative and quantitative thus a mixture of the two methods.   This has clearly come out when the questionnaire was completed and supported using some figures on a table form.The ta ble has shown us the number of those who were consulted and the results obtained.   The figures help in providing us with information on whether the sampled population of people who administered the questionnaire was a representative one that is not biased because sample size should be large enough to provide effective and efficient result.   The table has shown as the number of the companies in both services and manufacturing sectors that uses different kinds approaches of planning (mintzberg, 1990, p 184)On the other hand the paper on growth Entrepreneurship, structural change, time and risk is purely qualitative in nature.   It has been produced after several collections of different scholar’s views and thoughts have been put together.   Nobody was interviewed or consulted during the research so only books or secondary sources of information were researched on.Whether the information is outdated or current we cannot tell .We also realize that a survey has been used in the research paper on strategic planning where the companies researched on were divided into large, medium and small.   This breakdown could intensify the finding therefore making the research to be appropriate and applicable because of good representation.   The survey could also help to determine the type of strategic planning carried out by these companies so that when doing analysis pieces of advices could be given to bring improvement on the business.The research paper on strategic planning acknowledges that the choice of planning strategies defined by a business industry determines the profit the company is going to make.   This paper argues that strategic management involves careful planning; thinking and some frameworks designed which help the mangers of business firms or organizations to improve on the quality of work done.   This was done with restriction to Uks manufacturing and service industry.It has also talked about the differences about the three ambiguou s terminologies used in strategic management.   The three terms are mostly confused since they appear to be same but they are totally different in meaning.   They include strategic thinking, which means that a manager has to think and do brain storming beyond every days operations for him to develop long term vision for the business.   Without the vision then it implies that business would collapse or perform poorly. (Demarest 1997, pp374-384)Another terminology is strategic learning, which involves a system where organizations try to learn about themselves and environment by inventing method goals which are achievable in the long run.   This will rate the company in a global market where it is to compete with other competitors.   So strategic learning involves gathering useful information and skills which the company uses to improve its production.The other term is strategic management which means a combination of procedures managers employ to run the whole business plan for the business in future.   Lastly there is strategic planning which refers to the way a manager is going to implement the objectives in order to achieve his goals and objectives.The other paper on growth entrepreneurship, time and risk talks about the ways on how the entrepreneur manages the risk.   The idea behind this is to maximize the benefits and minimize threats in the environment inorder to improve the business.   The paper has also given us some strategies that can be used to minimize risks. For example the use of division of labor as a way of distributing risks around different levels.Role of entrepreneurship in social capital and growth has been discussed in the paper whereby we find out that entrepreneurship expands institutional development and social capital accumulation.     Social capital accumulation encourages them distribution.   Therefore in brief entrepreneurship has brought positive changes or growth in business and expansion of social capital.Thi s second paper also talks about how uncertainty affects growth and how entrepreneurs cope with risks.   The risk should be minimized to avoid unnecessary losses in business set up.   In short the paper has shown us the way the entrepreneurs should react to risks, social capital and uncertainties as a way of creating structural changes in a business environment. (Holcombe, 1998, pp 45-60).Even though the two papers have exhausted the ways entrepreneurs and managers can improve the business, I suggest there is one area they have not talked about.   This is in the area of strategy development and implementation.   This is where firms should come up with a means of evaluating their internal strength and weakness as well as the opportunities and threat in the environment.   This is what is called SWOT analysis which refers to strength, weakness, opportunities and threats.   They should also identify critical success factors like choosing on the task that can be done particula rly to achieve the stated operations strategy.   These are activities that make a company realize some success in a competitive business world.The two papers differ in analyzing the contents more significantly.   For example paper on strategic management shows how different procedures can be used by a company or industry to increase its production.   If the entrepreneurs follow the different strategies then fruitful results would be obtained.   Paper on risk management or entrepreneur’s perception on risk new touches about management strategies.   Instead it shows us how the perception or worldview of the entrepreneur on risk can enable him minimize the losses and maximize the profits.The argument and analysis made on paper dealing with strategic planning carries some weight and stronger findings as compared to the paper on entrepreneurship, structural charge, growth, time and risk.   The differences come because the research approach in the first one is more deta iled and a number of data collection methods have been used.   For example survey was done before the actual questionnaire was posted.   Research finding were also analyzed and supported with some figures unlike in the case of the other paper.   Introduction of the paper containing strategic planning is clear and understandable by almost to everybody, good English has also been used that everybody can capture.   Explanation and differentiation of different terminologies has also been expressed showing that the paper is just too good.In conclusion the research on new enterprise operations can bring tremendous changes in the business world.   If the entrepreneur’s use the findings obtained from the research effectively then the world will change very fast as far as business operation is concerned.   Improvement in production quality and managerial skills require strategies, which are properly laid down.   These strategies should work on environmental analysis, det ermination of corporate mission and building a competitive advantage such as low price, good quality, after sale services, broad product lines and high benefits.REFERENCEAnita, M. (2004). How Industries Change. Harvard Business Review, 82 (10) October, pp.87-94.Dernarest, M. (1997). Understanding Knowledge management: Long Range Planning, 30  (3) Pp.374-384Holcombe, R.G. (1998).   Entrepreneurship and Economic growth. Quarterly journal of AustrianEconomics, 1 (2), pp. 45-62.Mintzberg, H. (1990).   The design school: reconsidering the basic premises of strategicManagement journal, 1(3), pp. 171-195.

Botticelli, Birth of Venus and Venus De Milo Essay

Botticelli, Birth of Venus and Venus De Milo - Essay Example The well-mixed primary colors resulted in clearly defined secondary colors. The colors provided an outstanding emphasis on the beauty’s milky skin color. Artists illustrate Venus as one of the most beautiful and chaste goddesses who remained as a symbol of coming spring. Painters designed her nudity to depict some significance in itself because all artworks of Renaissance history revolved around the theme of Christianity at that time. At the time, it was not easy to portray a woman as nude (Siapkas & Sjogren, 2013). Most aspects of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus manipulate in motion. For instance, a succinct observation of the orange tree leaves in her background as well as her hair shows that Zephyrs had blown them away. They are floating behind her, the cloaks and the waves gently breaking. Further, the breeze also blows and lifts her drapery of the figures. Representative/Objective The Venus de Milo statue had a carved right arm that lay across the torso with a rested right hand on the left knee that remained raised. Meanwhile, the left arm held up an apple at an eye level. The statute comprises two blocks of marble that sculptured on separate occasions, then joined at the hips (Judovitz & Duchamp, 2010). The sculptors used tendon joints to fashion the left arm and foot, though as different pieces. Venus de Milo had some of its parts broken during transportation including right hip and three other pieces.

Think of one character from hamlet who makes either a good decision or Essay

Think of one character from hamlet who makes either a good decision or a bad decision. Identufy that decisiom, tell us how it a - Essay Example This essay considers Hamlet’s decision to delay killing Claudius, examines how it affects Hamlet, indicates why Hamlet made that decision, and indicates that Hamlet made the wrong decision. Hamlet’s decision to delay killing Claudius represents the worst decision of the play and the decision to which nearly all negative narrative elements emerge from. One of the primary reasons for the negative aspects of this decision is the problems it creates with Hamlet’s relationships. During the beginning scenes of the play the reader comes to grasps Hamlet’s growing anger at Claudius. Referring to Claudius who asks Hamlet a question, Hamlet responds, â€Å"A little more than kin, a little less than kind† (Act I, scene ii, 267). Here Hamlet is indicating the nature of his relationship with Claudius in a negative way; more than kin means Claudius is now more than merely his uncle, and less than kind means Hamlet is angered about this occurrence. While this stat ement doesn’t overtly indicate Hamlet’s psychic dysfunction, it does give an early indication of his growing negative demeanor that would come to affect not only him, but all the other characters in the play. As this act advances and Hamlet interacts with his mother, his general spite and hatred becomes evident. He states, â€Å"'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,/ Nor customary suits of solemn black,/ Nor windy suspiration of forced breath,/ No, nor the fruitful river in the eye,/ Nor the dejected 'havior of the visage,/ Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief,/ That can denote me truly† (Act I, scene ii, 280-285). At this point it’s clear that Hamlet has been significantly affected by his father’s death and is angered at Claudius for the action. In these regards, Hamlet’s indecision to kill Claudius and resolve the problem has both affected his relationship with his mother. Another of the central elements related to Hamletâ €™s decision to delay killing Claudius is the psychic confusion it creates within Hamlet’s own demeanor. While Hamlet’s decision not to kill Claudius at this point has affected his relationship with his mother, perhaps the more central concern of this decision is its effect it had on Hamlet himself. While earlier Hamlet had indicated his discontentment towards Claudius, he later goes to internalize his discontent. In Hamlet’s first soliloquy, the reader comes to realize the incredible psychic confusion and anger Hamlet is experiencing. Hamlet states, â€Å"Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt,/ Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew,/ Or that the Everlasting had not fixed/ His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God, God!† (Act I, scene ii, 333-336). Here the reader discovers that Hamlet is experiencing suicidal thoughts as a result of the actions relating to Claudius. Indeed, this becomes a prominent theme throughout the play, with many of Hamlet ’s soliloquys indicating his intense passion and desire to commit suicide; this is perhaps most notably seen in ‘to be or no to be’ soliloquy. With this intensity of expression, it’s clear that Hamlet would be better off murdering Claudius and resolving his psychic confusion, rather than suffering the sling and arrows of outrageous fortune. In addition to Hamlet’s decision to delay killing Claudius affecting his demeanor and his relations with others, Shakespeare also indicates that the combining of these elements is also a treacherous element throughout the pla

Organisational Structure and design for a virtual world - Dell case Essay

Organisational Structure and design for a virtual world - Dell case - Essay Example But like every coin has two sides the virtual world also has limitations too (Camarinha-Matos and Afsarmanesh, n.d., p.4-6). This project deal is about the case of Dell who uses the virtual organisation’s model for its operations. The case outlines the opportunities that the virtual organisation’s model has provided to the Dell in improving its operations as well as the limitations the company faces because of using virtual organisation structure. The report includes a detailed study on the virtual organisation including the merits and the demerits of these types of organisational structure. The organisational structure has been analysed in detail to assess compare the different organisational structures with the virtual organisational structure. The case have been critically analysed to assess the strength and weakness of the company on using this type of organisational structure so that solutions can be identified for improving the limitations. Company background Dell Computer Incorporation which began its operations during 1984 as a hardware manufacturing firm under the leadership of Michael Dell is found to diversify its operations to enter the electronic commerce paradigm. The company initially depended greatly on revenues emanating from direct sales operations which were conducted based on orders received out of telephonic contacts. Dell being able to serve orders in an optimal manner became successful to gain huge amount of business profits in a quick span of time. Diversification from the current business and sales strategy was assumed by the company by drifting from direct sales to conducting sales through the help of internet. ... Diversification from the current business and sales strategy was assumed by the company by drifting from direct sales to conducting sales through the help of internet. For the above purpose the company went in to create its own website where different types of products along with relevant information were published which helped the clients of the concern to effectively book them. Operating based on the orders placed in by the clients as during the direct selling period it helped in to maximise the utilisation of is electronic commerce interface. The electronic commerce interface not only helped the company to enhance its sales revenue on a daily basis but also helped the concern to enhance its relation with its clients and customers. Clients of Dell obtained the pleasure of getting their queries addressed online which thereby enhanced the goodwill factor of the company. Enhancement of the electronic commerce paradigm was conducted by the company by engaging its supplier network which helped the company management gain control over its production parameters and deliver ordered products on a timely basis. In this context the company also designed a separate organisational team which mainly started focusing on the electronic commerce process in order to enhance its feasibility (Kraemer and Dedrick, 2001, p.4-6). Literature review Virtual organisation The advance use of information technology helped to create a newer organisational structure which is referred to as virtual in nature. In this regard, Wiesenfeld, Raghuram and Garud (1998) state that the virtual nature of the organisation is enabled owing to the connection of different organisational activities based on an online

RELIGION IN PROMETHEUS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

RELIGION IN PROMETHEUS - Essay Example We are then prompted to ask, what is the connection between science and religion? The key to Prometheus is the spoiler alert. In its proposition, the engineers with their religion of self-sacrifice are said to have seeded life on earth and elsewhere. Inferring from the film, the crucifixion of Jesus about 2000 years ago is said to have prompted a civil war among the engineers. The theme of the war was founded on the meaning of the Cross Event as practised on earth. Ridley Scotts Prometheus has become the most debated film of the summer. It is beautiful and significant and presents human questions that appear the most primary of the time (Hey, 2008). However, whether the questions are asked well in the film and if the responses given out of that are satisfactory is debatable. One of the most controversial and intriguing thematic concern of the films is the involvement of an overt discussion of faith and science. The character of Dr Elizabeth is a scientist whose father was a missionary in the Catholic Church. The controversy arises in her character. The argument is pegged on the fact that she maintains her religious faith despite her argument for the evidence that an alien ancient species had used genetic engineering to create humanity in its image. Instead of questioning the concept of a supernatural creator, Elizabeth shifts her belief to the credence of an intergalactic God who made the creator species. The 1968 ‘Chariots of the Gods book by Erich Daniken promotes the pseudoscience ‘ancient astronaut theory (Juhant & ZÃŒÅ'alec, 2011). It is quite interesting to imagine how the scientific community would react to Scotts move to embrace this approach. However, it would be more interesting to contemplate the reaction of the religious communities to its plotline. The belief in an external force that plays a role in the creation of humanity could be a concept that has the potential for both anger and delight among the religious groups. It should be

First Presbyterian Church of Coral Springs Dissertation

First Presbyterian Church of Coral Springs - Dissertation Example The Presbyterian Church is a church whose roots originate from the Protestant Christian denomination having started in the United States. The church has developed its standards based on the doctrines that govern its followers with an indication of respect for God almighty that they serve. The church relies heavily on the doctrines to educate the people. These have worked in successfully revealing the needs and lives of Christians in a moral approach. The church established in 1983 through a merger of two churches has survived over the years and slowly created its own space that it fills each time. The church has a grown membership that has seen over 1667767 members present in the book while 20383 represent the number ordained ministers (Summary of Statistics). Despite the decline in membership in the church, many other factors have influenced the need for the church to vigorously apply management skills and understand the aspects that will play a role in describing the ideal cloth. T hese form the basis of the research. The literature review below provides support on the application of strategic planning and other formal approaches in planning for the success of the church. The first article seeks to detail the approach that many churches seek to employ in their strategic planning process. The author provides an exploratory approach to detailing the application of strategic planning by the churches in a bid to improve their business position.

Myocardial Infarction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Myocardial Infarction - Research Paper Example The area deprived of blood supply is said to have suffered ischemic injury. The ischemic injury, if severe enough to cause the complete block of oxygen and nutrients causes death of the heart tissue, which is termed as Myocardial Infarction (Guyton et al 200, Ganong 2005). Pathophysiology The blood vessels supplying the heart are called coronary arteries. There are three main coronary arteries which supply different areas of heart along with their branches. These are 1) Right coronary artery, 2) Left anterior descending artery, 3) Left circumflex artery. Above 90% cases of myocardial infarction occur as a result of coronary artery blockage, thus the disease is also referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD). The most common and dangerous cause of coronary artery obstruction, and thus MI is Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis refers to the narrowing of arteries because of accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are basically thrombi composed of lipid foam cells (choleste rol) and different cell components including smooth muscle, macrophages and collagen fibres. In most instances, the ischemic myocardial infarction is precipitated by the phenomenon called acute plaque change. Acute plaque change results from the rupture of pre-existing thrombi that partially occlude the lumen. The rupture exposes the underlying thrombogenic endothelium. The plaques are also termed as vulnerable plaques as they contain lipids in high amounts, along with collagen fibres and inflammatory cells. When ruptured, the reactivity of these components causes the inflammatory destabilization and result in the infarction (Libby P 2001). The acute phase reactant, C reactive protein (CRP) is thus found to be high during the acute myocardial infarction (Blake et al 2003). The infarction can occur in either of the two patterns, complete occlusion of a single coronary artery referred to as transmural infarct, which results in complete ischemia of the area supplied by that particular coronary artery. Subendocardial infarcts on the other hand occlude the arteries incompletely, and thus allow some perfusion. But since subendocardium is the least perused area of the myocardium, it is more prone to ischemic death. The aim of reperfusion is to save the viable muscle from necrosis (Huber et al 1996). The myocardial injury is reversible for up to 30 minutes after the ischemic attack, thereafter the injury becomes irreversible. The entire muscle becomes necrotic within six hours, if the collateral arteries are not well developed (Robbins et al 2005, Mohan 2007). Etiology of Myocardial Infarction The development of atherosclerotic plaques and pathogenesis of the process into the myocardial infarction is a complex one. It is a chronic disease taking years to evolve before it causes any modifiable consequences. The evolvement is subtle and the resultant damage is severe. The pathogenesis of the disease involves several factors. The balance among these factors in the long r un determines the outcome of the condition. These factors can either be modifiable or non-modifiable. The modifiable factors are the ones that a person can control by bringing about certain changes. They include controlling the level of fats in diet, cessation of smoking, regular exercise and maintaining the blood pressure in the normal range (Manson et al 1996). The hyperlipidemias, i.e. elevated low density

Hard Treatment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Hard Treatment - Assignment Example The eighteenth century corporal punishment was done through the offender’s body. In the nineteenth century, the imprisonment move was merged with other penalties that prompted the decrease of the human rights. This was a response to the wrongdoers. In that case, Kleinig views imprisonment as a form of reforming ones villainous character or immoral habit. Below are the some of positive and negative constraints according to the kleinig’s point of view of the prisoners subjected to punishments. Kleinig has found that cruelty inflicts physical pain on the prisoners. This has been extremely exaggerated to the general suffering of these people. He argues that such actions which come in with cruelty are imposed to these people to cause aguish and fear in them for the respect of the department stuff. Some of these cruel activities done to the prisoners may end up to injuries either mentally or physically. Kleinig believe that both individuals and institutions are cruel to the p risoners. According to the research, many deaths that are reported from the prisons are caused by the prisoners themselves. In that case, he has notified that though punishments are given to rectify and rehabilitate the wrongdoers, being cruelty would be excessive punishment which would not be helpful but only destroying. This would also limit the people to achieving the goals that are accepted in the social life. According to Kleinig, both cruelties to sentient and rational sentient is an act of dehumanizing. On the other hand, the cruelty suffering undergone by the prisoners tends to undermine their human distinctiveness which acts as their capacity for appraisal. On the other hand, many individuals and institutions tent to give unusual punishments such as boiling them in oil, quartering or drawing them or burning them on their stakes. In such case, kleinig has found such act to be unusual and cruel hence dehumanizing. According to Klenig, though the prisoners should adhere to the punishments given to them, they should be permitted to have the human dignity. Even though are not given the time to exercise their human rights, human dignity is fundamental to all human beings. In that chase, he argues that the prison institutions should express the non humiliation which is so common among the prison institutions, in order to avoid prisoners’ rejection from the human common wealth. Kleinig also tackles chaining of the prisoners. He says that this is humiliating them and expresses in humane. On the other hand, Kleinig, touches the sentencing of a prisoner. He says that giving a long sentence to the prisoners is contrary with the myth of correcting and rehabilitating the prisoners. Instead, they lose their human dignity and have less time to enjoy their lives. In that case, they face various challenges such as being chained from the wrist to the ankle, perform hard and tiresome labor, being under life surveillance and be denied to receive any assistance from the outside. Kleinig says that when one is forced in to such life style, various opportunities are disqualified. Firstly, they do not perform their parental responsibility. This is because; the long term imprisonment punishment does not allow one to interact with his or her family. Secondly, a man would not be able to enjoy his marital authority. In continuation, Kleinig, gives in humanness as another constraint that leads to hard treatment. In that case, according to him, inhumane is the act of disregarding the human sensibility as human beings.

Environmental Problems, Mitigation Measures and Effectiveness Essay

Environmental Problems, Mitigation Measures and Effectiveness - Essay Example The other anthropogenic activity is destruction of the natural environment by unsustainable use of resources, a factor that has also resulted in world climate changes (Dalby, 2002: 44). Atmospheric pollution is the main cause of global warming; it results from the accumulation of carbon IV oxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are by-products of industrial combustion, which means that the extent to which a country contributes to global warming by these gases depends on the level of industrialization; a high level of industrialisation causes increased consumption of fossil fossils. Fossil fuels like natural gas, oil and its products have a high carbon content that is released in huge quantities and at a faster rate than can be sequestered by natural carbon sinks like forests and oceans. In this case, first world nations and rapidly developing third world nations are the main contributing agents to environmental degradation by industrial pollution. On the other hand, environmental degradation can occur due to unsustainable use of natural resources like forests and water bodies; this is a serious problem in developing countries (Adil, 2005: 315). The economies of these countries are primarily agricultural based; the high rate of population growth necessitates high agricultural production for food security. However, deteriorating climatic conditions have reduced the productivity of land in these areas, forcing people to clear more forests for agricultural purposes. Consequently, forests that play a role in precipitation are destroyed, and the areas receive less rainfall; this has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, which forces further clearance of forested areas. This cycle goes on and on until many of productive lands have become barren, especially due to poor farming practices and the dependence on rains for agriculture in these countries. Some of the effects of environmental degradation include loss of biodiversity; decreasing ice coverage on mountain tops and poles that pose a threat to sustenance of the hydrological cycle; and desertification by loss of vegetation cover. Moreover, it causes climatic changes like extreme weather conditions whereby dry areas get drier, hot areas hotter, and wet areas wetter; and a rise in sea level that destroys sceneries and property (Barry and Eckersley, 2005: 255). Based on the economic implications of these changes and their threat to survival of life in the planet, governments and international organisations have taken measures to mitigate the effects of the environmental problems that result from these changes (Carter, 2001: 282). These measures target the two main aspects of environmental degradation including pollution and unsustainable use of resources; there have been some level of success though with some limitations too. This paper discusses the measures taken by governments and internationa l organisations; the extent of success of these interventions; the limitations facing effective implementation of interventions; and the consequences of these measures. Intervention Measures Governments have come up with environmental policies that aim at encouraging adoption of environmentally sustainable approaches by their citizens. For instance,

The Magna Carta and the Constitution Essay Example for Free

The Magna Carta and the Constitution Essay Magna Cartas original version which states that the king should not ignore or violate the traditions, customs or laws and could not take any arbitrary actions against his subjects. l Magna Carta provides for rule of law, ensures fairness tOf3 0T laws, contalns commitment to Oue process 0T law ana gives respect Tor economlc rights. While these rights were the privileges given to barons in England by way of declarations in Magna Carta, the founders of the U. S. drew inspiration from Magna Carta and made these rights applicable to all the citizens of America and became part of the Bill of Rights. Magna Carta is therefore a source for the U. S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights 1791; which representing 10 amendments as part of the 1st amendment to the U. S. Constitutions. Clause 39 of Magna Carta provides that no freeman shall be punished except by lawful Judgment by his peers or by the laws of the land. This was to prevent the King to deliver sentences without the authority of law. The U. S. Constitution provides for rule of law by which no person is above the law. In this context both, Magna Carta and the U. S. Constitution are similar. Whereas the Magna Carta was issued by the Monarch, the U. S. Constitution was given by Americans unto themselves. The 14th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution includes the stipulation of due process, this provides for fair trial before depriving any person of his life, liberty or property. The trial is what is meant by due process. Again it must be a fair trial as part of the due process. In The Magna Carta, the due process of law is known by law of the land and legal Judgment of peers. In order to constitute due process, there should be a right to fair and public trial, right to be present at the trial, presence of an impartial Jury, right to be heard as part of ones own defense. Besides, the laws must be in written form, taxes must be for only public purpose, and property can be taken only for public purpose with due compensation. In this way The Magna Carta pales in comparison due to not being as descriptive as the U. S. Constitution for the meaning of due process. Both Magna Carta and the U. S. Constitution require that laws shall be fair and discriminatory. Thus, Magna Carta and the U. S. Constitution share many things in common. Magna Carta of 121 5 was a bold initiative of the then King, without which the U. S. Constitution would have taken still longer time to be what it is today.

The marketing plan on levemir

The marketing plan on levemir The marketing plan on levemir 1.0 Executive Summary The marketing plan on Levemir for the Indian market presents the approach to increase market share of Levemir in basal analogue to 50% and in the basal insulin categories to 30% by 2012. We think that this target is achievable because of improving economy, market growth and our competitive advantage. In doing so we would retard the growth of Lantus and upgrade our existing patients on Insulatard (basal human insulin) to Levemir and would position Levemir the preferred basal insulin of choice for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 2.0 Corporate Vision We will be the worlds leading diabetes care company. We will offer products and services in other areas where we can make a difference. We will achieve competitive business results A job here is never just a job Our values are expressed in all our actions Our history tells us, it can be done There was no mission statement but Novo Nordisk (NN) had the vision statement as mentioned above. Ideally a mission statement should cover the firms priorities in terms of customer focus, value provided, market scope, guiding values and core competencies. The vision statement of NN is fair enough to clarify all these aspects, may be they could have added or modified more about their core competencies. 3.0 Current Marketing Situation Information about Indian Pharmaceutical, Diabetes Care and Insulin market is described in the appendix p 24. 3.1 The Basal Insulin Insulin Analogue Market The insulin analogue market is growing at 27%, predominantly contributed by the multinational pharmaceutical firms including NN, Eli Lilly and Sanofi-Aventis (fig 1). NN is leading the insulin analogue market with 54% market share followed by Eli Lilly and Sanofi-Aventis (fig 2). Figure 1: Insulin Analogue Market Growth Figure 2: Insulin Analogue Market Share Basal Insulin market can be categorised as animal, human and analogues and it offers a total market of Rs.58 crores and growing at 57%. In terms of volumes the total basal market is 810.4 million units (MU) and NN is the market leader in this segment with 46% market share. However, this share is largely because of high contributions coming from human basal. In the category of basal analogue, Sanofi-Aventis is a clear leader with ~77% market share and NN with 23% market share (fig 3). The key market insights from the basal analogue segment are as follows: The total basal analogue is worth Rs. 58 crores Lantus (insulin glargine): Rs. 45 crores Levemir (insulin detemir): Rs. 13 crores Lantus has ~77% market share and Levemir has 23% market share. Figure 3: Basal Insulin Analogue Value Market Share 3.2 Internal Sales Trend Total sales in 2007 and 2008 were Rs. 309 crs (23.6% growth) and Rs. 363 crs (17.5% growth) respectively. With respect to Levemir, sales were Rs. 8.88 crs (94% growth) and Rs. 16 crs (81%) in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The sale of Levemir until YTD November 2009 is 28 crores. The planned growth for Levemir next year (2010) would be 70%. Introduction of Levemir PenFill will further strengthen Levemirs stand against Lantus. 3.3 External Environment India is a growing economy with a stable government and Indian Pharmaceutical Market is also growing rapidly at 15%. Moreover, India has the highest number of diabetes population (51 million) in the world and is growing with westernization. Hence, its a dream of every Pharmaceutical company with diabetes products to be present in India. High market attractiveness and no barriers to entry so number of players in diabetes and insulin are growing. NN is focussed in shifting the patients to insulin analogues from human insulins as the analogue market has barriers to entry due to patents in place, less competition, no price war and has high profit margin. It is discussed in detail in the appendix p 27. 3.4 Market Size (Patient Population) India has the worlds largest population of people with diabetes, with an estimated 51 million people suffering from the disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), India is expected to have 87 million people ailing from diabetes by 2030. India is considered as the diabetes capital of the world with a patient population of more than 50 million. Diabetes strikes the Indian population a decade earlier than the west. The reasons for the pandemic are attributed to genetic predisposition, changing lifestyle and urbanization. Treatment data (Table 1) suggests that out of 51 million, only 13 million people are diagnosed with diabetes but only: 7 million people are on medication Only 1.7 million are on insulin alone or in combination with OADs 3.5 Competitor Mapping Analysis The main competitors for NN India are: Eli Lily Sanofi-Aventis Wockhardt Biocon USV 3.6 Novo Nordisk SWOT Analysis (Internal Audit) Table 4: NN in the insulin market Strengths Diabetes is the core focus since 1920s esp. Insulin therapy Strong RD Well established in Indian market Developed the insulin market in india Continuous innovations Strong partnership with the Key Opinion Leaders in diabetes Large sales force > 500 dedicated for insulin products Weaknesses Lantus was the first basal analogue to launch in India, Levemir is not able to grow faster Higher attrition rate in the sales force Products are costly Opportunities India is the diabetes capital of the world with 51 million diabetic population Huge market for growth Develop the analogue market Threats Entry of local players Lantus patent expired launch of biosimilars, price cutting New therapeutic product launch such as GLP-1 analogues, DPP-IV inhibitors 3.7 Growth Strategy As per the Ansoffs matrix, NN is developing a new market for analogues. Hence, it is in the market development phase. As the human insulin market is crowded by generic players and more local players are entering due to market attractiveness and no barriers to entry, NN is focussing on creating and developing a new insulin analogue market so that the patients can be shifted to insulin analogues. The model is depicted pictorially in the appendix p34. 3.8 Portfolio Analysis Among the various diabetes care products, the insulin analogues including NovoMix, Levemir and NovoRapid are growing very fast and star as per the matrix. The human insulins (Mixtard, Actrapid Insulatard) are cash cows. The only OAD of NN is in the Dog stage and this maybe due to that we are not focusing in this product as we want to grow the insulin analogue market. As per NN strategy, we want to develop the analogue market, hence heavy investment and more noise level would be the key to our success. 4.0 Marketing Objectives Levemir the preferred basal insulin of choice for the treatment of both type 1 2 diabetes. Acceptance of Levemir as once-daily insulin by the doctors. To increase the value market share of Levemir in basal analogue category to 50% in next 3 years. To achieve a value market share of 30% in the basal human insulin category by 2012. To make Levemir a 30 crores brand by 2012. To launch Levemir Penfills by March 2010. To counter the growth of Lantus. To upgrade 50% of the patients on Insulatard (human insulin) to Levemir by 2012 To increase NovoRapid sales by copromotion with Levemir. 5.0 Marketing Strategy The complete range of insulin analogues, along with various delivery devices, in the Indian diabetes care market will be available only from NN. With NovoMix we will drive the analogue category in India which is predominantly a premix market (~80%). Levemir will be a part of this intensive offering, to shake up the market share occupied by Lantus. Being the only company with a full analogue portfolio, gives us the ability to initiate people with diabetes on a full analogue basal oral regimen. Levemir would be placed in the minds of the customers as the basal insulin of choice for intensive treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In both type 1 and type 2 patients, Levemir will be a once daily dose available in FlexPen. 5.1 Segmentation Prescribing doctors were divided into different categories on the basis of their prescription behaviour, qualification and influence on other peers, society or key decision maker in large institutions of repute (table 6). Prescription pattern was found out by market research (external agency) and internal data obtained from the sales team. The number of sales call, expenditure on the Dr for research purpose, international sponsorships, exposure to international forums and advisory board membership would vary for each category of physician. Levemir prescription would be generated primarily from the A and B class doctor. Hence, segmentation will help the sales force to focus better on the key customers and less cannibalisation into premix analogue segment. 5.2 Targeting Patients: Levemir will be targeted at the following categories of patients: Type 1 Diabetes: For intensive control Type 2 Diabetes: For patients on basal-oral therapy The main patient benefit will be improved control and safety coupled with no undesirable weight gain compared to Insulatard and Lantus. These benefits will be offered together with a far superior delivery device the FlexPen. Majority of the patients will come from basal-bolus to Levemir. As can be seen from the figure 5, 40% of the patients will come from basal-bolus therapy followed by basal only (20%). It will be important to focus on these two segments to ensure rapid market penetration. Prescribers: Levemir will be targeted at the following categories of doctors and prescribers (table 7): The target doctors for Levemir will be Diabetologists, Endocrinologists, Cardiologists and Physicians particularly Lantus prescribers. Key customers are described in detail in appendix p32. 5.3 Positioning The product proposition or the key to owning the positioning in the doctors mind is based on better glycaemic control and positive differentiation of Levemir over both Insulatard and Lantus. The positioning line for Levemir in India will be as follows: Add Levemir once-daily, reduce weight gain Weight neutrality assists the physician to achieve optimal control with fewer hypoglycaemic episodes and no undesirable weight gain. Levemir once-daily with OADs has to be ingrained in the doctors mind. Key messages: The key messages will aim to reinforce good glycaemic control and weight neutrality would be the key differentiator from Lantus: Weight neutral property Good glycaemic control with once-daily dosing with OADs. Controlling Diabesity leads to better quality of life and safety Levemir together with NovoRapid and NovoMix 30 are the only insulin analogues available in the advanced delivery system the FlexPen. Ultimate Control Key Messages are described in detail in the appendix p 35. 5.4 Critical Success Factors To block the growth of Lantus that has now been in the market for over 5 years Manage neutralize the entry of newer players such as Apidra (Sanofi) and Glargine from Wockhardt and Biocon. Ability of NN field force to effectively create awareness and brand acceptability for Levemir among prescribers will be crucial in establishing Levemirs position in the market. The benefits of basal-oral in type 2 and basal-bolus therapy in type 1 patients will have to clearly emerge. This will help in reinforcing the benefits of Levemir and strengthening the brand among the doctor and patient communities. Acceptance of the price point by the prescriber and the purchaser/ patient is critical for Levemir to gain prescriptions as well as market shares. Clear targeting of Levemir to Class A B doctors. Successful launch of Levemir Penfills in March 2010. 6.0 Marketing Mix 6.1 Product Levemir is a solution for injection that contains the active substance insulin detemir. It is available in pre-filled pens (FlexPen). Levemir is used to treat adults, adolescents and children over the age of six years who have diabetes. The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription. Levemir is imported to India from the manufacturing plant in Copenhagen (Denmark). Levemir is an insulin analogue prescribed to patients with diabetes for meeting the basal insulin requirement. Other insulin analogues of NN are NovoRapid and NovoMix 30. All the insulin analogues including Levemir are patented product of NN. 6.1.1 Product Life Cycle Management Source: mbarreiro.wordpress.com/ Levemir was launched in May 2006 in the Indian market. Levemir was second to Lantus in basal insulin analogue category in India. Although Levemir is 3 years old in Indian market, still it has not grown as expected compared to the global market. As per the product life cycle graph, Levemir is in the initial part of growth phase, needs more attention and intensive promotion to reach the peak. Hence the focus will be on the single biggest benefit of Levemir i.e. Less undesired weight gain and Once-daily therapy with OADs in all our communications. This will ensure that Levemirs key differentiator of Weight Advantage is completely understood and appreciated by the prescriber base. The integration of Levemir with NovoRapid will be extremely important to establish Levemir as the key part of basal-bolus therapy. This will be achieved with joint promotion and communication activities with NovoRapid with the key objective being the importance of basal-bolus therapy in the proper treatment of diabetes. Strong brand showcasing in all reputed diabetes journals, conferences and meetings with leading Key Opinion Leaders endorsements will be the key to success of Levemir so that Levemir reaches the peak of growth phase. 6.2 Price Pricing in India has to be extremely competitive as it is a very price sensitive market. Pricing here follows certain regulatory procedures. Since insulin falls under the price controlled drugs and pharmaceutical products category there is a maximum selling price which needs to be approved from the pricing authority NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority). They would evaluate the recommendation on the following parameters: Affordability for the masses and criticality of making this product available to all if Life saving (Insulin comes under this category). Manufacturing cost the pharmaceutical company claims to incur Competitive pricing Post this NPPA gives clear approval based on which a license to market is procured. The following price was approved by NPPA after our recommendation. Product Type MRP (Rs) Levemir FlexPen 988 NN is a market leader in diabetes market globally including India and is known for its strong research and development activities. Levemir is an innovative patented product; the pricing is based on the value perceived by the customers (doctors). The pricing decision has also been done taking into account on the price of the competitor that existed during launch, Lantus Optiset Pen (MRP = Rs 801). 6.3 Promotion NN would adopt both Push strategy and Pull strategy as promotional tools. The Push strategy would be through promotional activities target at the prescribers (doctors), whereas the Pull strategy would be through increasing awareness of the end consumer (diabetic patients) about good glycaemic control, less undesired weight gain, less hypoglycaemia and easy to use insulin pens. Advertising Sales Promotion Public Relations Personal Selling Sampling The promotional tools are described in detail in the appendix p35. 6.4 Place Distribution channel structure: Levemir will be distributed via wholesalers through our channel partner M/S. Abbott India Limited. There will be no change in the distribution channel for Levemir. We will focus on Metros and larger cities to gain market volumes. Levemir will be made available in select retail outlets. The pharmaceutical distribution channel in India is described pictorially in figure 7. Figure 7: The Pharmaceutical Distribution Channel in India Note Figures in %age indicate %age of medicines supplied to the entity Acknowledgement: I am grateful to Mr Devdutt Dash, Senior Product Manager Levemir, Novo Nordisk India for providing the market data on Indian Pharmaceutical Industry, Diabetes Care, Insulin Insulin analogues and internal sales data of NN, Levemir and Lantus. 7.0 References and Bibliography 1. Kotler, P, Armstrong, G, Wong, V Saunders, J. ed. 2008. Principles of Marketing. Pearson Education Ltd: Prentice Hall. 2. mbarreiro.wordpress.com/ 3. Roger, J. B. 2nd ed. 2000. Market-Based Management: Strategies for Growing Customer Value and Profitability, (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall), p.127. 4. tutor2u.net/business/strategy/ansoff_matrix.htm 5. Wood, M.B. ed. 2007. Essential guide to marketing planning. Pearson Education Ltd: Prentice Hall. 6. www.financialexpress.com//indias-gdp200910/435703/ 7. www.IDF.org 8. www.novonordisk.com

Accounting Ratio Analysis And Comparison Of Companies Finance Essay

Accounting Ratio Analysis And Comparison Of Companies Finance Essay 1) Question 1 Find the most recent financial statements for two companies of same company industry which are listed in KLSE (Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange).Evaluate the financial position and performance for each of these two companies using accounting ratio analysis. You are required to compute and compare the accounting ratio between these two companies, and conclude the results of your finding. The limitations or problems of using accounting ratios for performance analysis should be included in your conclusion. entify and discuss three different ways for transferring capital or fund from saves to borrowers in the financial market. Table of content Page Questions 1 Introduction for question 1 3 7 Calculation for Gamuda and WCT Berhad 8 14 The ratio comparison between two companies 15 16 Conclusion 17 Question 2 18 24 Bibliography 25 Appendix 26 2) Question 1 Introduction Accounting ratios are the ratios that expressed and counted based on the financial statement of a company. Besides that, accounting ratios are also useful indicators of a firms performance and financial situation. Most of the ratios can be calculated from the information that is provided by the financial statements. Each type of accounting ratio provides an important data about a firms ability to repay its debts, its financial standing, and the potential for profit and how valuable stocks or investments in the company are. On top of that, accounting ratio also can be used to analyze the calculation and comparison of ratios which are derived from the information in a companys financial statements. Accounting ratios are a valuable and easy to interpret the numbers that is found in statements. When computing financial relationships, a good indication of the companys financial strengths and weaknesses becomes clear. Accounting ratio analysis the ratios into categories which tell us about different facets of a companys finances and operations. The following types of accounting ratios that is used, Liquidity ratios Asset turnover ratios Financial leverage ratios Profitability ratios Dividend policy ratios The purpose of an accounting ratio is to make financial reports regarding the performance of a company in a specified period normally by a year. These financial reports are later made available to the tax authorities, investors and creditors of the firm. Accounting ratios are calculated and grouped into five different categories for measuring the five different aspects of the business performance. There are five aspects of business measured by an accounting ratio. Profitability of company Liquidity of company Asset management of company Debts management and gearing of company Market value of investment to ordinary shareholders and common stockholders The formula for accounting ratio that are used to measure each aspect or area of business by accounting ratios are Profitability of company Gross profit markup (%) = Gross profit à · Cost of goods sold 100 Gross profit margin (%) = gross profit à · net sales value 100 Operating profit margin (%) = operating profit before interest and before taxation à · net sales valuex100 Profit margin on sales (%) = net income available to common stockholders à · Net sales value -100 Basic earning power (BEP) = operating profit before interest and before taxation à · total assets 100 Return on total assets (ROA) = net income available to common stockholders à · total assets 100 Return on common equity (ROE) = net income available to common stockholders à · common equityx100 Liquidity of company Current ratio/working capital ratio = current assets à · current liabilities Liquid ratio/quick ratio/acid-test ratio = liquid assets à · current liabilities Asset management of company Inventory turnover or stock turnover = cost of salesà · average stock value OR cost of salesà · closing stock value Total assets turnover = net sales à · total assets Debtor ratio = debtor à · credit sales Days sales outstanding (DSO) = debtor à · credit sales 365 days Debts management and capital gearing of company Debts ratio = total debts à · total assets Debts equity ratio = total debts à · common equity Times interest earned = profit before interest and before taxation à · interest charges Market value of investment to ordinary shareholders/common stockholders Earnings per share = net income available to common stockholders à · number of ordinary shares in issue Price/earnings ratio = market price per ordinary share à · earnings per share Earnings yield = gross earnings per share à · market price per ordinary share 100 Market price/book value ratio = market price per ordinary share à · net book value per ordinary share Besides that, there are three methods to compare accounting ratios for business performance measurement which are inter-temporal comparison between two periods, inter-firms comparison between two companies and comparison with industry averages. The two companies that are selected for business performance measurement are Gamuda Berhad and WCT Corporation Berhad. Gamuda Berhad is a Malaysia-based investment holding company which is the most famous in civil engineering construction. The industry of this company also operates in three business segment which involves engineering and construction, construction of highways and bridges, airfield facilities, railway, water treatment plants, dams and general and trading services. WCT Berhad is a Malaysia-based company which provides the provision of engineering services. The Company operates in three segments: civil engineering and construction, civil engineering works specializing in earthworks, infrastructure works, and property development. The information for these two companies which are required for business performance is measurement by accounting ratios in income statements and balance sheets of the two companies. Ratio with formula (Profitability of company) Calculation for 1st company (Gamuda Berhad) Calculation for 2nd company (WCT Berhad) Gross Profit Markup(%)= Gross profit=2455143000-1580125000-363348000-8595000-19973000-19260000-40866000 =RM422976000 Cost of goods sold =1580125000+363348000+8595000+19973000+19260000+40866000 =RM2032167000 =20.81% Gross profit =RM354659000 Cost of goods sold =RM4311943000 =8.23% Gross Profit Margin(%)= Net sales value=2455143000-0 =2455143000 Gross profit=2455143000-1580125000-363348000-8595000-19973000-19260000-40866000 =422976000 =17.23% Gross profit =RM354659000 Net sales value =sales return inwards =4666602000-0 =RM4666602000 =7.60% Operating Profit Margin On Sales(%)= Net sales value=2455143000-0 =2455143000 Operating profit before interest and taxation =259852000 =10.58% Operating profit before interest and taxation =RM244145000 Net sales value =sales return inwards =4666602000-0 =RM4666602000 =5.23% Profit Margin On Sales(%)= Net income available to common stockholders =280693000 Net sales value =2455143000-0 =2455143000 =11.43% Net income available to common stockholders =RM147098000 Net sales value =sales return inwards =4666602000-0 =RM4666602000 =3.15% Basic Earning Power= Operating profit before interest and taxation =RM259852000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =2347737000+4203173000 =RM6550910000 =3.97% Operating profit before interest and taxation =RM244145000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =RM1925297000+RM2553187000 =RM4478484000 =5.45% Return On Total Assets= Net income available to common stockholders =RM280693000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =2347737000+4203173000 =RM6550910000 =4.28% Net income available to common stockholders =RM147098000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =RM1925297000+RM2553187000 =RM4478484000 =3.28% Return On Common Equity= Net income available to common stockholders =RM280693000 Common equity =Ordinary share capital + Reserves =2025888000+1231637000 =RM3257525000 =8.62% Net income available to common stockholders =RM147098000 Common equity =Ordinary share capital + Reserves + Share premium =388856000+369256000+492134000 =RM1250246000 =11.77% Ratio with formula (Liquidity of company) Calculation for 1st company (Gamuda Berhad) Calculation for 2nd company (WCT Berhad) Current Ratio= Current assets =RM4203173000 Current liabilities =RM1930241000 =2.18:1 Current assets =RM2553187000 Current liabilities =RM1807550000 =1.41:1 Acid-test ratio= Liquid assets =Current assets Inventories =4203173000-79738000 =RM4123435000 Current liabilities =RM1930241000 =2.14:1 Liquid assets =Current assets- Inventories =2553187000-113709000 =RM2439478000 Current liabilities =RM1807550000 =1.35:1 Ratio with formula (Asset Management of Company) Calculation for 1st company (Gamuda Berhad) Calculation for 2nd company (WCT Berhad) Inventory Turnover= Cost of goods sold=1580125000+363348000+8595000+19973000+19260000+40866000 =RM2032167000 Closing inventories or stock =RM79738000 =25.49 times Cost of goods sold =RM4311943000 Closing inventories or stock =RM113709000 =37.92 times Total Assets Turnover= Net sales value =sales return inwards =2455143000-0 =RM2455143000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =2347737000+4203173000 =RM6550910000 =0.37 times Net sales value =sales return inwards =4666602000-0 =RM4666602000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =RM1925297000+RM2553187000 =RM4478484000 =1.04 times Debtor Ratio= Debtor or receivables =RM1607772000 Credit sales =RM2455143000 =0.65:1 Debtor or receivables =1206971000+265684000 =RM1472655000 Credit sales =RM4666602000 =0.32:1 Day Sales Outstanding= Debtor or receivables =RM1607772000 Credit sales =RM2455143000 =237.25 days OR =0.65-365days=237.25 days Debtor or receivables =1206971000+265684000 =RM1472655000 Credit sales=RM4666602000 =116.8 days or =0.32-365days=116.8 days Ratio with formula (Debts Managements of company) Calculation for 1st company (Gamuda Berhad) Calculation for 2nd company (WCT Berhad) Debts Ratio= Total debts =total non-current liabilities + current liabilities =1312946000+1930241000 =RM3243187000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =2347737000+4203173000 =RM6550910000 =0.50:1 Total debts =total non-current liabilities +current liabilities =1183958000+1807550000 =RM2991508000 Total assets =total non-current assets + total current assets =1925297000+2553187000 =RM4478484000 =0.67:1 Debts Equity Ratio= Total debts =total non-current liabilities + current liabilities =1312946000+1930241000 =RM3243187000 Common equity =Ordinary share capital + Reserves =2025888000+1231637000 =RM3257525000 =1:1 Total debts =total non-current liabilities +current liabilities =1183958000+1807550000 =RM2991508000 Common equity =Ordinary share capital + Reserves + Share premium =388856000+369256000+492134000 =RM1250246000 =2.39:1 Times Interest Earned Or Interest Cover= Operating profit before interest and taxation =RM259852000 Interest charge or cost =RM43813000 =5.93 times Operating profit before interest and taxation =RM244145000 Interest charge or cost =RM50308000 =4.85 times Ratio with formula (Market Value of Investment to Stockholders of Company) Calculation for 1st company (Gamuda Berhad) Calculation for 2nd company (WCT Berhad) Earnings Per Share= Net income available to common stockholders =RM280693000 Number of ordinary shares issue or ordinary share capital =2025888000 shares =RM 0.14 Net income available to common stockholders =RM147098000 Number of ordinary shares issue or ordinary share capital=388856à ·RM0.50=777712 shares =RM0.19 Price Earnings Ratio= Market price per ordinary share=RM3.20 Earnings per share=RM0.14 =22.86 times Market per ordinary share=RM2.60 Earnings per share=RM0.19 =13.68 times Earnings Yield= Gross earnings per share =100à ·75 Rm0.14 =0.187 Market price per ordinary share=RM3.20 =5.83% Gross earnings per share =100à ·75-RM0.19 =0.253 Market price per ordinary share=RM2.60 =9.74% Market Price Per Book Value= Market price per ordinary share=RM3.20 Net book value per ordinary share =Common equity / ordinary share in issue = Common equity =Ordinary share capital + Reserves =2025888000+1231637000 =RM3257525000 Number of ordinary shares issue or ordinary share capital =2025888000 shares ==Rm1.61 = =1.99:1 Market price per ordinary share=RM2.60 Net book value per ordinary share =common equity / ordinary share in issue Common equity =Ordinary share capital + Reserves + Share premium =388856000+369256000+492134000 =RM1250246000 Number of ordinary shares issue or ordinary share capital =388856à ·RM0.50=777712 shares ==RM1.61 = =1.61:1 Profitability of company: Gross profit markup, Gross profit margin, Operating profit margin, Basic earning power, and return on total asset of Gamuda Berhad is higher than the second company that is WCT Berhad. This indicates that the company was effective in controlling the expenditures. Besides that, for Basic earning power and Return on common equity, the first company is lower than the second company. This is because the ineffective use of assets and capital employed in business activities are at higher costs to reduce the production volume and sales volume. Liquidity of company The current ratio and the Acid test ratio for the companies Gamuda Berhad is higher than the second company WCT Berhad because the has the Gamuda Berhad highest amount of current assets and also highest amount of liquid assets that can be used to finance its current liabilities so that the company has highest liquidity to finance its short-term liabilities and also got chances to face short-term liabilities financial problem. Asset Management of company The inventory turnover for the Gamuda Berhad is much lower than the WCT Berhad because Gamuda has a slow stock turnover in the business which kept in store was very slowly taken out for resale, resulting large amount of stock accumulated to tie up money, which were having poor inventory management. For total assets turnover, the first company is low than the WCT because the Gamuda has a lowest sales from the assets indicating that company was inefficiently using the assets in business. On top of that, debtor ratio and day sales outstanding of the first company is higher than the WCT because the company got longer credit time to collect money slowly from debtors so that the balance is collected to tie up money and thus, having poor management on debtor collection. Debts Management The debts ratio for the Gamuda is less than the second company because the Gamuda got lower debts burden with smaller amount of debts and also bearing low interest cost to the available profit. Therefore, times interest earned for the Gamunda is much higher than the WCT because it has a bearing high interest charges to the available profit. Market value of investment to stockholders Earnings per share and earnings yield for the Gamuda is less than the WCT which indicates that the company has less growth in business profit , resulting lower net income available to each unit share , being less attractive and lower value to the common stockholders. Due to lower earnings per share, stockholders have to use more times of profit earning, more times of net cash inflow and a longer period to recover back their share investment. Besides, the price earnings ratio for the Gamuda is higher than the WCT. Market price per book value for the Gamuda is higher than the WCT that shows the company share price has inequitably risen up above its real asset value or book value for not being realistic to the stockholders. Conclusion As a conclusion, I will like to choose WCT Berhad because this company has a better performance in the business and here are some goods points of this company. On top of that, the WCT berhad company also have the highest Basic earning power and Return on common equity which is meant to increase the production volume and sales volume at lower costs as well as to increase the profit earning. Other than that, WCT berhad also has the is highest Inventory turnover which indicates a fast stock turnover where the goods purchased kept in store are fast taken out for resale so that the stock is not accumulated and money is not tied up with stock. Thus, the WCT berhad company did not face any short-term liabilities, and they are stable. The different firms using different financial policies which are also the comparison problems in inter firm. Question 2 Definition Financial markets are an organization for the people who are shortcoming of money and want to borrow money. Besides that, each financial market has different ways of financial methods in terms of its maturity and the asset backing it. Different financial markets have different ways of serving customers and operate different types the country. Financial markets dissent from physical asset markets because it is called tangible asset markets or real asset markets to deal with the tangible and physical manufacture such as machinery, computer and other physical assets. Physical asset market and financial market can also work as the future or spot market. Future market defines as the deals being sold for on the future delivery at some future date such as a year into the future whereas the spot market is define as the deals is being bought on the spot delivery within a few days. There are many types of various in financial market for an example such as money markets, capital markets, mortgage markets, consumer credit markets, primary markets, secondary markets, initial public offering (IPO) market and last but not least private market.   Money markets: Money market is a market dealing with short-term financial methods. Money market methods are include bankers acceptance, commercial paper, federal funds, treasury bills, and highly liquid debt securities which funds are loaned or borrowed for a short periods of less than one year. Money market is a segment of the financial  market in which financial instruments with high liquidity and very short maturities are traded. The money market  is used by participants as a means for borrowing and  lending in the short term, from several days to just under a year. Money markets do not have a fixed physical location. A money market fund is also called a mutual fund that empower in money market securities. Capital markets: Financial market that works as a conduit for demand and supply of primarily long term debt and equity capital. It channels the money provided by savers and depository institutions banks, credit unions, and insurance companies to the borrowers and investors through a variety of financial instruments called securities. It transports the money that is provided by depository institution and savers to invest or borrow through choices of financial methods called securities. Capital market also runs as an interchange for trading existing that request on capital in the form of shares or stock. Mortgage markets: A market for loans to people and organizations buying property a market for mortgages those has been bought by financial institutions and are then traded as asset backed securities. This arrangement will sum up the transaction in commercial mortgage, multi-family residential mortgage, home mortgage and farm mortgage. The holders of mortgage including the lenders that both originate the investment and change them as assets, such as thrift institution, commercial banks and insurance companies as well as those institutions that gets the loans in the secondary market.   Consumer credit markets: Consumer credit market is about a borrower uses any line of credit or loan to purchase goods services at the retail level. The cost of credit is the additional amount, over and above the amount borrowed, that the borrower has to pay. It includes interest, arrangement fees and any other charges. Consistently, consumer credit finances can be use at any asset that it will minimize quickly and it is not use for investment purpose. Loans for education, vacation or cars are also examples of consumer credit. However, consumer credit does not include loans that are for real estate. Primary markets: Primary market consists of the first buyers and issuer of the issues. Investors who buy shares in a new security issue meant they are buying from the primary market. Besides that, investors who purchase bonds and stocks in the primary market normally are not refundable commissions because the fees for selling the issue are built into its price and collected by the issue. Secondary markets: This market in which the existing and already purchases a security or other financial assets are able to trade among the investors after they have been issued by the institutions or corporation. Secondary markets is a market which investor buys a security from another investor rather than the issuer, the consequences to the original issue in the primary market is also called as aftermarket.   Initial public offering (IPO) market: IPO is the first sale of stock to a company. Furthermore, the most common reason is by offering securities or shares to the public for the first time. The most difficult part of an IPO is to find out the proper price to initially proffer the new stock. If the price is too high, the buyers will not be interested but if its too low, the company will sacrifice a lot of money that might have been made if others are higher. Private market: Private markets in financial transactions are worked out directly and privately between the two parties without going to the public where the transactions may be structured in any manner to those who appeals to the two parties. The three different ways for transferring capital or fund from savers to borrowers in the financial market are direct transfer from savers to borrowers, indirect transfer from savers to borrowers through investment banking house and indirect transfer from savers to borrowers through a financial intermediary. Direct transfer from savers to borrowers: Direct transfer takes place when an organization issues and sells its stock or shares immediately to the savers without passing through any other financial institution so that the organization as borrower immediately delivers its securities to the saver who in turn gives money to the organization. By this, the fund or capital is immediately transferred from savers to the organization or borrower. Issue corporations securities to Business Corporation -Æ’Â   Savers (Borrower)   Æ’Å ¸Ã‚  (Money Lender)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Receive capital of fund from Indirect transfer from savers to borrowers through investment banking house: This takes place when investment underwrites the issuance of a cooperations securities and where the contributors bank serves as a middleman to facilitate the issuance by buying the securities of the organization and then resell the same securities of the organization to the savers so that the money paid by the savers for buying of organizations securities are passed by the investment bank and will be received by the organization which acts as borrower. Issue Corporations Resell corporations Securities to Securities to Business Æ’Â   Investmentâ‚ ¬Ã‚   -Æ’Â  Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Savers (Money CorporationÆ’Å ¸ Banking House Æ’Å ¸ Lender) Receive fund from Receive fund from Indirect transfer from savers to borrowers through a financial intermediary: This takes place when a financial intermediary also know as a bank or a mutual fund that is obtain fund that are from the savers and by issuing its own certificate or securities of deposit to the savers. Then, the financial intermediary uses the fund that is collected from the savers to buy and to hold the securities of other company as contributors. In this case, the fund or the capital is transferred from the saver to financial intermediary when the saver has pay the money to the financial intermediary in interchange for receiving a certificate if securities or deposit issued by the financial intermediary. Therefore, the financial intermediaries will incredibly increase the efficiency of money and capital markets. This is shown in the following diagram:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Issue corporations securities to  Issue intermediarys own securities to Business Corporation -Æ’Â  Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Financial intermediary Æ’Â  Savers (Borrow) Æ’Å ¸Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Æ’Å ¸ (Money Lender)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Receive fund from  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Receive fund from Investment banking house: The investment banking house runs by buying all the new security issue from a company or organization at one price and selling the issue with a smaller unit to the investing public at a inadequate high price to cover the expenses of sale and earn a profit. The company or corporation that distributes and underwrites the new issue of business organizations securities to assist the organization to collect fund for financing.   Financial intermediaries: Since the financial intermediaries are usually very large and they have gain economies of scale in analyzing the creditworthiness of those borrowers potential in collecting and processing loans. There are many type or various in financial intermediaries and those are commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mutual savings fund, credit unions, pension funds, life insurance companies and mutual funds. Commercial banks: Commercial banks are totally different from investment banks because commercial banks, they lend out money to the borrowers whereas the investment banks, they assist business company to raise fund or capital from the savers. Savings and loan associations: Savings and loan associations served residential and commercial mortgage borrowers where they likes to collect money or funds from those small savers and lend out this money to his house buyers or any other types of borrowers. Mutual savings fund: Mutual savings fund and savings and loan associations are almost the same process because they also accept savings from individual savers and lend out the money on a long-term basis to his house buyers and consumers.   Credit unions: This is a cooperative association which members are supposed to have something in common, so that the association collects funds from members and then lend to other members who need money to finance their house mortgage, house improvement and auto purchases. Pension funds: This is a retirement plans that given by the organization or government agencies for their employee   and administered primarily from the life insurance companies or the trust departments of commercial banks. Life insurance companies: Life insurance companies collect funds in the term of annual premiums and then invest back in to real estate, bonds, mortgages and shares, after that they will make their payments to the beneficiaries of the insured parties. Mutual funds: Mutual funds will collect savings from those savers and then use the savings to buy shares, short-term debt and long-term bonds method

Life Under the Taliban Essay -- Taliban Afghanistan Middle East Essay

Life Under the Taliban Afghanistan is one of the poorest and most troubled countries in the world. The land that occupies Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internally warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Darius I of Babylonia circa 500 B.C., and Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 329 B.C., among others. In recent years, war and lawlessness had destroyed much of the country; millions of people went into exile and brought its economy to a standstill. This paper looks to explore the recent history of Afghanistan, how the Taliban came to power, and the impact their Islamic laws had on the Afghanistan society including their treatment of women. Brief History During the imperial days Afghanistan became a buffer zone when both Britain and Russia agreed that an incursion into Afghanistan would be considered a declaration of war against each other. Both respected this arrangement. After Britain's departure from the region, Russians increased their influence in Afghanistan with help and support from India, which wanted to keep Pakistan carved out of British India in 1947. Meanwhile, the Russians believed that the Americans, who replaced Britain as the new superpower, were too far away from this region to get physically involved. So in 1979, when the pro-soviet communist regime in Kabul showed signs of weakness, the Soviet Union sent its troops into Afghanistan. They faced no resistance and captured the entire country in a few days. However, the Soviets were mistaken about the United States response to their invasion. The Americans did not like the Soviet presence in Afghanistan as it could have allowed the Soviet Union to have undue influence in South Asia and the oil rich Middle East. In engaging the Russians in Afghanistan, the Americans also saw an opportunity to avenge their defeat in Vietnam. The Pakistanis were equally keen to prevent the Russians from strengthening their position in Afghanistan, particularly because of the theory, which was popular at the time, that Moscow wanted to reach the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Many in Islamabad believed that after consolidating themselves in Afghanistan, the Russians would make a move to take over Pakistani city of Karachi, the nearest seaport for the former soviet Central Asia. Pakist... ...essed 08 February 10, 2004. ?A Job Half Done In Afghanistan?.The New York Times, May 15,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.?Taliban Appears to be regrouped and well funded?. Christian Science Monitor, May 8,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.? Where taliban go to find warm beds and results?. Christian Science Monitor, December 11,2003, Black, Andrew.?Talibans Rise Was Fueled By International Community?.The Press Association Limited, September 30, 2003 Goodson, P. Larry. Afghanistans endless war.United States of America:Univeristy of Washington Press, 2001. Hilton, Elizabeth.?Just Poppycock?.The Guardian, December 11, 2003 ?How The Taliban Erased History; One Year After Taliban Forces Savaged Afghanistan?s Two Celebrated Buddahs, The Story Of Their Destruction Has Emerged?. Washington Post.March 16,2002 Kramer, Martin.?The Camera and The Burqa?.Middle East Quarterly, March 1,2002 Nojumi, Neamatollah.The rise of the taliban in afghanistan.New York,NY:Palgrave, 2002. ?Taliban Comeback in Afghanistan?. Mideast Mirror October 10, 2003 Tompkins,Richard. ?Analysis:Afghanistan 2 years later.? United Press International, September 14, 2003,p8 Life Under the Taliban Essay -- Taliban Afghanistan Middle East Essay Life Under the Taliban Afghanistan is one of the poorest and most troubled countries in the world. The land that occupies Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internally warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Darius I of Babylonia circa 500 B.C., and Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 329 B.C., among others. In recent years, war and lawlessness had destroyed much of the country; millions of people went into exile and brought its economy to a standstill. This paper looks to explore the recent history of Afghanistan, how the Taliban came to power, and the impact their Islamic laws had on the Afghanistan society including their treatment of women. Brief History During the imperial days Afghanistan became a buffer zone when both Britain and Russia agreed that an incursion into Afghanistan would be considered a declaration of war against each other. Both respected this arrangement. After Britain's departure from the region, Russians increased their influence in Afghanistan with help and support from India, which wanted to keep Pakistan carved out of British India in 1947. Meanwhile, the Russians believed that the Americans, who replaced Britain as the new superpower, were too far away from this region to get physically involved. So in 1979, when the pro-soviet communist regime in Kabul showed signs of weakness, the Soviet Union sent its troops into Afghanistan. They faced no resistance and captured the entire country in a few days. However, the Soviets were mistaken about the United States response to their invasion. The Americans did not like the Soviet presence in Afghanistan as it could have allowed the Soviet Union to have undue influence in South Asia and the oil rich Middle East. In engaging the Russians in Afghanistan, the Americans also saw an opportunity to avenge their defeat in Vietnam. The Pakistanis were equally keen to prevent the Russians from strengthening their position in Afghanistan, particularly because of the theory, which was popular at the time, that Moscow wanted to reach the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Many in Islamabad believed that after consolidating themselves in Afghanistan, the Russians would make a move to take over Pakistani city of Karachi, the nearest seaport for the former soviet Central Asia. Pakist... ...essed 08 February 10, 2004. ?A Job Half Done In Afghanistan?.The New York Times, May 15,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.?Taliban Appears to be regrouped and well funded?. Christian Science Monitor, May 8,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.? Where taliban go to find warm beds and results?. Christian Science Monitor, December 11,2003, Black, Andrew.?Talibans Rise Was Fueled By International Community?.The Press Association Limited, September 30, 2003 Goodson, P. Larry. Afghanistans endless war.United States of America:Univeristy of Washington Press, 2001. Hilton, Elizabeth.?Just Poppycock?.The Guardian, December 11, 2003 ?How The Taliban Erased History; One Year After Taliban Forces Savaged Afghanistan?s Two Celebrated Buddahs, The Story Of Their Destruction Has Emerged?. Washington Post.March 16,2002 Kramer, Martin.?The Camera and The Burqa?.Middle East Quarterly, March 1,2002 Nojumi, Neamatollah.The rise of the taliban in afghanistan.New York,NY:Palgrave, 2002. ?Taliban Comeback in Afghanistan?. Mideast Mirror October 10, 2003 Tompkins,Richard. ?Analysis:Afghanistan 2 years later.? United Press International, September 14, 2003,p8

Weltys Characterization in A Curtain of Green Essay -- A Curtain of Gr

Welty's Characterization in A Curtain of Green      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Myth, symbol, and allusion are not an uncommon characteristic in Eudora Welty's works. By using characters such as Odysseus and leaving hints of symbolism in works such as The Optimist's Daughter Welty places many questions in the minds of her readers. After a reader has pondered these questions a categorization of the story takes place in the readers mind. Although different readers have different interpretations of literature one collection of Welty's short stories can be classified into two categories. Katherine Anne Porter's introduction to Eudora Welty's A Curtain of Green explains the two categories:    as painters of the grotesque make only detailed reports of actual living types observed more keenly than the average eye is capable of observing, so Miss Welty's little human monsters are not really caricatures at all, but individuals exactly and clearly presented: which is perhaps a case against realism, if we cared to go into it. She does better on another level-for the important reason that the themes are richer-in such beautiful storiesLet me admit a deeply personal preference for this particular kind of story, where external act and the internal voiceless life of the human imagination almost meet and mingle on the mysterious threshold between dream and waking, on reality refusing to admit or confirm the existence of the other, yet both conspiring toward the same end. (xxi)    According to Porter the two categories found in A Curtain of Green are that of grotesque or monstrous and that of beauty or standing on the gateway between consciousness and unconsciousness. Acknowledging that there are two categories for Welty's stories Porter also address'... ...989): 59-70.    Boyce, Charles. Shakespeare A to Z . New York: Dell, 1990.    Brown, Alan. "Welty's A Curtain of Green." The Explicator 51.4 (1993) 242-44. Encarta Learning Zone. 1997-2000. Dionysus. 24 April 2000 <http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?ti=057f8000>    Hauser, Marianne. "A Curtain of Green" The New York Times. 17 April 2000. http://channel.nytimes.com/books/98/11/22/specials/welty-curtain.html    Mythology The Myth of the Phoenix. 17 April 2000. http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/1132/phoenixlhtm    Porter, Katherine Anne. Introduction. A Curtain of Green. By Eudora Welty. New York: Harvest, 1979.    Sykes, Dennis J. "Welty's 'The Worn Path.'" The Explicator 56.3 (1998): 151-53.    Welty, Eudora. The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty New York: Harvest, 1994.