Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Road to Perdition - 821 Words

1. Analyse how one or more scenes showed the complexity of a character or individual in a visual or oral text. The Film ‘The Road To Perdition’, directed by Sam Mendes. Is a story where a father and his son travel across the wide and vast country named America. They are on the run from an unrelenting assassin. The film is set way back in the 1930’s America when the country was in the grip of immense gloominess. Embargo was still the law of the land and gangsters like Al Capone were at the height of their power. The audience is forced to plunge into this Underworld of crime as we follow the Sullivan’s on their journey to Perdition. During one of the scenes, Mike senior Hug’s Mike Jnr at the end of the scene with a mid shot shows a†¦show more content†¦This windscreen divider shows us the separation between both Michaels. It also helps us to understand how family and work are separate things in Sullivan’s life. This shows us a different type of complexity to what we see in other parts of the film because Michael Snr is not impressed at Michael Jnr for witnessing what he has done to these men. In all the above examples Mendes has effectively used the layout of the shots to enable us to see that Sullivan is a distant, detached and remote man. This shows complexity as in other shots Mendes shows us a completely different man and in fact, a family man who cares for his family and would sacrifice anything for them. The complexity that Mendes shows of Michael Sullivan Snr is confusing as he is so brutally power Hungary when working for the Mafia and he shows such a soft caring side when around hisShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Road to Perdition1580 Words   |  7 PagesThe Art of Film Film Review #1 The Road to Redemption The most appealing thing about Road to Perdition is its over-arching theme of redemption. Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), an Irish mafia heavy, wants more than anything to keep his son from following in his criminal footsteps. Even though father and son will eventually drive to a place called Perdition to lay low, the story’s title suggests that Michael has for many years been traveling the road to hell. He understands as much, and wantsRead MoreRoad to Perdition Essay example1016 Words   |  5 Pages Director Sam Mendes’ Road to Perdition is the officially-approved US film of the moment, overwhelmingly endorsed by the media and starring â€Å"America’s favorite actor,† Tom Hanks. An unstated assumption is that the movie’s pedigree makes it an obligatory cultural or quasi-cultural experience for certain social layers. It is a gangster film with darkened images meant to impart an art-house quality. Set in the early Depression era, it is also insinua ted that a social insight or two can be found lurkingRead MoreHow Is Hong Kong Independent Essay934 Words   |  4 PagesHong Kong is an inalienable part of China, and this is our common sense is known since our childhood! For the Chinese, our identity is the most important part of the Chinese, so I understand how they impact to the students inner. The refused to perdition, only independent poster is everywhere, cultural square and the campus buildings and hanging independence banner, even around the tree. A mainland female student cant bear these posters, so she tore all the posters. However, she had been alreadyRead More Restraint Essay937 Words   |  4 Pagesleaving other people to deliver the ivory. He has lost all good judgment and mainly follows his lusts. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Kurtz had become, in a white man’s perspective, uncivilized and crazy. â€Å"Each station should be like a beacon on the road towards better things†¦ but also for humanizing, improving, instructing† (Conrad, 29). The stations are centers for modernization and civilization. The farther Kurtz ventures away from the stations, the less civilized he becomes. Kurtz followed no rulesRead MoreComparing the Downfalls of Sophocles Oedipus and Shakespeares Othello1262 Words   |  6 Pageseach characters life. Both were victims of different villians that would lead to their ill-fated demises. A horrible prophecy where Oedipus was to murder his father and then marry his mother was the villain in Oedipuss case. He was on a road to perdition since the day he was born, because the prophecy made his fate unavoidable. Oedipus and his family tried to take every action possible from avoiding the prophecy. Laius and Jocasta even tried to kill their cursed son at birth, but their plan wasRead More The Prostitute In Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment, Notes from Underground, and The Meek One1416 Words   |  6 Pagessocietal dissent. Providence is strikingly illustrated here: Raskolnikov cannot survive without Sonias aid, but neither could Sonia have been redeemed if Raskolnikov had not come along in need of redemption himself; she would have continued on the road to perdition from which her charitable impulses tore her. What is Dostoevsky illustrating here? He is showing us the cruelty of inner struggle and the fact that this struggle can only be won through the power of grace and redemption. Sonia struggles withRead MoreIrreconcilable Realities, an Essay Written by Aaron M. Kenrner1427 Words   |  6 Pagesconsider who is telling it. Kurosawa uses camera placement, transition techniques, lighting and zoom to show the audience that they have all the information to make a conclusion, but it is impossible. In the scene from Road To Perdition (Sam Mendes, 2002), distance and movement is used to give the scene a deeper meaning. In the beginning of the scene, the camera pans to show the inside of the restaurant but stops on mob boss, John Rooney who is walking through the door frameRead MoreThe Super Bowl1222 Words   |  5 Pagessell its soft drinks. Former GOP member Allen West stated â€Å"If we cannot be proud enough as a country to sing â€Å"America the Beautiful† in English in a commercial during the Super Bowl, by a company as American as they come — doggone we are on the road to perdition.†. Allen West like some other Americans feels that Coca-Cola is trampling on American Ideals to sell their drink. Even through America has no official many Americans feel that English is America’s language and if you can’t speak English thenRead MoreBeyond the Problem of Evil Essay6495 Words   |  26 Pagespunish human beings for something that he, by virtue of his omnipotence, seems (at first glance, at least) ultimately responsible for. Does Augustine assert that this seemingly untenable aspect of reality, which is implied by the conjunction of human perdition and divine omnipotence, is nothing? Or that it merely *appears* evil when considered in isolation from the totality of which it is a part? As we shall see, the answer is in one respect no, but in another, yes. The answer is no, insofar as AugustineRead MoreEssay David Berkowitz: the Son of Sam .44 Caliber Killer1950 Words   |  8 PagesThis theory maintains that people enter into law violating careers when they are labeled for their acts and organize their personalities around such labels. In essence, if you continuously told a person that he/she was a â€Å"worthless soul on the road to perdition,† that person may just end up in prison on their way to hell.†Ã‚  (para. 3). Due to the labeling which David endured in reality and in his delusions he was driven to a path that would cause criminal activity. This was a path that would lead him

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Prevalence Of Autonomic Dysfunction And Fac Tors...

DISCUSSION This study was performed to assess the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction, and fac-tors affecting CAN. The study included 56 eligible participants with T2DM. Our study reveals that a significant proportion of patients with T2DM have CAN. Study found that overall 85% of persons with T2DM have CAN (combined early and definite CAN). Mean fasting blood glucose and BMI were significantly associated with CAN in type 2 DM. Parasympathetic involvement was more than sympathetic involvement. Out of all tests performed, heart rate response to standing (EI ratio) and deep breathing (30:15 ratio) were the most common test affected in our study population. S. Aggarwal et al [41] in their study on 50 patients with non cardiac Diabetes Mellitus had demonstrated 70% of patients were tested positive for autonomic dysfunction, however our study reports 85% patient to have autonomic dysfunction.In our study , 8(14%)had no CAN, 24 (42%) had early CAN, and 24 (42%) had definite CAN. A study by Angadi sumaswi et al [42], 32% (16) patients had no CAN. Early CAN was seen in 14% (7), severe CAN in 14% (7), definite CAN in 8% (4) patients. Atypical CAN with other combination of abnormalities was seen in 32% (16) patients. Various studies shows different prevalence of CAN ranging from 58% to 70 % [43-45]. The most common abnormality observed was heart rate response to standing(68%), followed by deep breathing( 64%). Heart rate response to valsalva was the least affected (30%)

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Analysis of Capital Budgeting Practices

Question: Discuss about the Analysis of Capital Budgeting Practices. Answer: Introduction Capital budgeting is defined as the process by which a business organization makes a decision in determining its steps to undertake a certain project. According to Djulic Pindzo (2015), capital budgeting analysis involves the estimation of the amount of money the organization will invest as well as the possible revenue it can generate from the project. Corporate business decisions are adopted while carrying out the capital budgeting process of the firm where different techniques such as net pressure value, the rate of return, etc. are adopted. This paper focuses on the scenario and sensitivity analysis about capital budgeting techniques adopted in business investment plans. It also evaluates the differences and similarities that are identifiable in the capital asset pricing model and capital market line. Sensitivity analysis in capital budgeting In his study, Vjetrov (2016) denotes that sensitivity analysis in capital budgeting involves a clear investigation and understanding of the risks and methods involved that can affect the business in one way or the other. For instance, the organization or business enterprise will require adopting different ways of methods in the evaluation of the possible financial effects on undertaking a particular project. In his study, Vjetrov points out that the management of the business needs to have an understanding of the time frame as well as the value of the project and compare the result with the required investment expenses. Such a strategy enables the company to calculate the time frame that the project requires so as to generate an income that is commensurate to the expenses invested earlier. The business will as well be able to estimate the cash flow from the project with time in comparing the possible results of the business whether it is profitable or will lead to a loss. The method adopted can as well be calculated from the rate of discount at which the project will break even. It hence means that sensitivity budgeting will assist the management of the business to have an additional understanding or insight in their decision-making strategies. On the other hand, capital budgeting methods require assumptions as well as estimating on the possible performance of the project in the future. The results of the calculations are used by the business shareholders and managers in decision-making towards the profitability of the project. However, Vjetrov (2016) points out that care needs to be taken as the estimations and the assumptions made maybe not accurate. In such a case, the resulting impact is the failure of the project invested by the business. Sensitivity analysis is hence adopted by the organization in understanding the possible direction the project may take in case of the unreliability of assumptions and estimates. The estimates and assumptions made are then changed into calculations to see the financial impacts of the project through sensitivity analysis. Adopting the sensitivity analysis thus prepares the management of the business to better analyze the project before investing in case it is possible that the business will not generate the expected results. In capital budgeting, calculations in the sensitivity analysis hence involve changing one assumption to another to see the possible impact it can create in the changing results of the project. It hence helps in understanding the time of the year the business is likely to turn even after investing on the project. Scenario analysis in capital budgeting In their study, Djulic and Pindzo (2015) point out that scenario analysis is the process that estimates the expected or projected value of a business portfolio after a certain period. However, it assumes the specific changes in the portfolio values and key factors or securities occur like the possible changes in the rate of interest for the business. The same study denotes that scenario analysis is adopted in the estimation of the changes in the value of the portfolio in responding to unstable or unfavorable business event and may be adopted in the examination of theoretical worst-case business scenarios. As a budgeting technique, Vjetrov (2016) in his review asserts that scenario analysis adopts the computation of different rates of reinvestment for the expected returns that are as well reinvested within the investment horizon. With a basis of the statistical and mathematical principles, a scenario analysis provides the process of estimation of shifts in the portfolio values based o n different situation occurrences also called scenarios following the what if analysis principle. Vjetrov (2016) also denotes that a scenario analysis can be used in examining the possible amount of risks that can be experienced within an investment about potential events variations that ranges from highly improbable or highly probable values. The same study points out that there are various approaches that can be adopted in scenario analysis. For instance, the determination of the standard deviation of the monthly or daily security returns while computing the expected value of the portfolio in every return generated from the security that can be a more standard deviation than the average return. In such a case, it gives a reasonable certainty level for an analyst regarding the possible portfolio change in value within a certain period by the stimulation of the identified extremes. The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is a process of measuring the comparison between a systematic risk of the expected return and security. The security market often adopts the results calculated from the CAMP formula in determining if a business investment in a portfolio or security is reasonable. In his study, the CAMP formula is a rate of return that is free from a risk with the addition to the beta of the multiplied portfolio or security by the expected return in the market without the risk-free return rate. When adopted, it gives the projected return of the security as pointed out by Djulic and Pindzo (2015, p. 67). Re = Rf + (E (RM) Rf) Where Return on Equity, Rf = risk- free rate, E{RM} Expected rate of return on the market, = beta coefficient, E{RM} Rf is the difference that exists between the return rate in the expected market and the risk-free rate. Beta is the measure of systematic risk of the stock. Beta describes the sensitivity of stocks returns to the changes in the market. An asset with a beta of zero means its return is independent of changes in the market return. The capital market line (CML) on the other hand is a graphical representation of the CAPM formula that plots the expected return of stocks on the y- axis and the beta on the x-axis. The intercept is the risk-free rate, and the slope represents the market premium. Individual securities expected return and risk are plotted on the CML graph. If it is plotted above the CML, it is undervalued as the investors expect a greater investment return for the same amount of risk (beta). In case it is plotted below the CML, it will be overvalued. Therefore the Capital Market Line (CML) adopts the use of CAPM formula in calculating the expected return of a portfolio or security. It is a represents the CAMP formula in a graphical manner. In a free and competitive financial market as described in the CAPM, security cannot be sold for long at low values that can yield more than that of the appropriate SML return. In such a case, the security would be very attractive in comparison to other securities of similar risk. The investor would thus bid his price until the expected return can fall to an appropriate SML position. Conversely, the investors can as well sell off the available stocks at a price that is high enough to place the expected return below the appropriate position. In such a case, Lam and Oshodi (2015) denote that the resulting price reduction would continue till the projected return of the stock rising to the justified level by the systematic risk. The company is required to earn the cost on equity-financed portion of the business investments to avoid the falling of its stock price. In case the organization doesn't expect earning the equity cost, it should refund the shareholders, to earn return on different securities at similar risk levels within the business marketplace. With the equity costs involving a market expectation, measuring the available few techniques is difficult. The empirical SML appears less sloped as compared to the theoretical SML. As Exhibit VI illustrates, low beta securities helps in earning a return that is higher than CAPM predicts while high-beta stocks earn less than expected. A variety of deficiencies in CAPM and in the statistical methodologies employed have been advanced to explain this phenomenon. As a risk measure, beta appears to relate the past returns as a result of the close relationship between total and systematic risks. It is hence difficult to empirically distinguish their effects. Noneth eless, the inclusion of factors representing unsystematic risk appears to add little explanatory power to the risks/ returns relationship. Notable differences between CAPM and CML The measurement of the risk factors is one of the major differences between SML and CML. While standard deviation measures risks for CML, the major risk factor determinant for the SML is the Beta coefficient. The CML measures the risk through two main methods, i.e., the standard deviation and the use of a total risk factor strategy. CML is used in showing the return rates depending on the rates of return and risk levels for a special portfolio (Walker 2011, p. 138). The non-coefficient and coefficient portfolios are measured by the security market line graphs while the SML graphs measure the risk through beta comparison that helps in finding the securitys risk contribution for the portfolio. Also called the Characteristic Line, SML shows a graphical representation of the return and risk market at a given period. The Capital Market Line graphs as well define the efficient portfolios as the Security Market Line graphs define both the efficient and the non-efficient portfolio. In the calculation of the returns, the expected portfolio return of the portfolio for the CML is shown in the Y- axis while for SML, the Y-axis shows the securities in return. The portfolio's standard deviation is indicated along the X-axis for CML, whereas, the Beta of security is indicated along the X-axis for SML. List of references Djulic, K, Pindzo, R 2016, 'Analysis of the Capital Budgeting Practices: Serbian Case',Management (1820-0222), 79, pp. 47-52, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 21 January 2017. Lam, K, Oshodi, O 2015, 'The capital budgeting approaches ',Construction Management Economics, 33, 7, pp. 587-600, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 21 January 2017. Vjetrov, A 2016, 'Analysis of the Capital Budgeting Practices: Serbian Case',Management (1820-0222), 79, pp. 47-52, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 21 January 2017. Walker, M 2011, 'The Continuing Increase in the Use of Sophisticated Capital Budgeting Techniques',California Management Review, 27, 1, pp. 137-148, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 21 January 2017.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Marketing and Ice Cream Producers free essay sample

In 2002, it ranked as the top ice cream producer which offered 170 different ice cream products and had more than $25 million in sales. In addition, Ice-Fili’s flagship ice cream brand â€Å"Lakomka† was responsible for 30% of the company’s sales. However, Ice-Fili has been losing its market share and experiencing a decrease in sales volume in recent years due to the increasingly competitive Russian ice cream market. External Analysis Life Cycle Stage The Russian ice cream industry was in the growth stage after 1996, the ice cream consumption value had a huge increase from 222,000 tons in 1996 to around 376,000 tons in 2002. However, the industry reached the shakeout stage in 2002 since the demand for ice cream approached saturation level and the competition between companies became more intense (300 companies in 2002). PEST Analysis The table below shows how the macro-environmental factors influence the ice cream industry in Russia. Political| GOST: a minimum standard determining the ingredients and quality, which protected traditional Russian ice cream producers| | The Dissolution of the Soviet Union: state-run economy transferred to an open-market economy, which lowered entry barriers and lead to higher competition| Economic| Open Market: created an opportunity for foreign producers to expand their ice cream brands in Russia| | Financial Crisis of 1998: hindered some potential entry candidates and adversely affected existing firms | Social| Increased Popularity of Bulk Ice Cream: enabled ice cream producers to capture the home consumption segment| | Increased Consumption of Substitute Products: as alcohol and soda products become popular among young people, the ice cream industry faced the challenge of decreasing sales| Technological| Rapid Development of the Ice Cream Equipment: an opportunity for ice cream producers to efficiently produce and maintain high quality products| Porter’s 5 Forces Bargaining Power of Suppliers * For suppliers of ingredients: low concentration and low switching costs * For suppliers of equipment: high concentration and high switching costs Bargaining Power of Suppliers For suppliers of ingredients: low concentration and low switching costs As mentioned in the SWOT analysis, one of the company’s weaknesses is poor brand recognition and low customer loyalty. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing and Ice Cream Producers or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, brand awareness and loyalty is considered as a success factor of Russian ice cream industry. Thus, one strategy Ice-Fili should consider is focusing on marketing its brand. By introducing products through great advertisements and extensive marketing campaigns, more people will be attracted and want to try the products. If the company can do well in marketing, it can increase its brand awareness and also create larger market for the ice cream industry as a whole. Nevertheless, advertising and marketing costs would increase by 5% of total sales in 2003 as opposed to less than 2% in 2001. In sum, the gains in sales and brand awareness can outweigh the costs spent on the implementation of this strategy. Alternative 3: Distribution Network Expansion Another success factor mentioned in external analysis is extensive distribution network. A strong distribution network can lead to wider products availability. Although Ice-Fili offers a variety of products, its distribution network is weak. Therefore, Ice-Fili needs to increase its presence in gastronomes, mini marts, and restaurants. By expanding the distribution channel, Ice-Fili can increase its market share and tap a broader market. However, there are some constraints need to be considered, such as budget constraints, firm’s production capacity, limitation on transportation carriers, etc. Recommendation In consideration of the potential costs and benefits, we recommend Ice-Fili focus on marketing its brands first. Ice-Fili could invest in commercials or marketing campaigns on television with the company’s logo and slogan, put up posters especially during peak months, and give promotion (prizes, coupons for students). With additional revenues gained by marketing activities, Ice-Fili could then develop the distribution network and produce more of other products to capture new market segments.