The book of Eli argument Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The book of Eli argument - Research Paper Example It had a lot of in depth detail about the way it played out its characters into the movie. The movie had a lot of enigmatic scenes and the storyline was beautifully depicted and played out. Denzel Washington plays the role of a warrior in the movie He depicts this role to utter perfection where every scene has been carved out of supreme control and smoothness so as to reflect the true nature of the given situation. Denzel Washington spends his time travelling in the movie. He is travelling across an eerie landscape in the movie. He does this by maintaining huge amounts of concentration and dedication to work things out for him. The brown, dusty environs look familiar and not, dotted with abandoned cars and the occasional corpse. Eli feels at home when he is travelling around the place. He feels that he is a state of Trans. When Eli pauses, the camera settles near his feet, and the sky opens above him like a sheltering hand. With his green jacket and unsmiling mouth, he looks like a v eteran of an unknown war, a soldier of misfortune — though, given the fog of religiosity that hangs over the movie, he might be an avenging angel. He is a master of his own destiny in the movie. He has taken the road which is tougher to ride on, and still he carried on so amazingly that it looked as if he was provided the brief to do the act. . The main script of the movie was based on the writings of Gary Whitta and the Hughes Brothers have played an excellent role in converting the same into a storyline that has been acted out very professionally and promisingly. On its opening weekend, the movie ranked number 2 after avatar which is a very big achievement considering there were other box office releases that weekend as well. What made the movie so intact and tight was the sense of direction that had been placed emphasis upon. The Hughes Brothers have been successful in inserting fresh aspects and outlooks into the way most people view the post apocalyptic era of America to day, in the modern day and age. The direction has helped to provide a different spin on the movie and had received positive reviews by critics worldwide. The movie helped to grip the attention of the audience and Washington played his role to the best of his abilities, being one of the main reasons that the movie was so widely accepted and gained popularity. There are many scenes full of suspense which astonish the audience to a great extent and leave them longing for more. In conclusion, the Book of Eli received a vast amount of positive criticism from far and wide mostly because of the fresh spin that its directors placed on the style and way that the movie was narrated as well as the acting roles played by actors like Gary Oldman and Denzel Washington. Even though many movie goers argued that the movie did not satisfy their desire for action, most derived the fact that this movie provided for an excellent dose of excitement and chills which left the people wanting even more. With excellent shooting done with high end digital cameras, the audience found it extremely comfortable to sit through the various effects and watch every moment of the movie and absorb it within so as to understand the kind of situation the

Science Direct Essay Example for Free

Science Direct Essay In the Science Direct (2006) article â€Å"The Last King: A royal maternity case solved by ancient DNA analysis† the author’s Jorgan Dissing, Jonas Binladen, Anders Hansen, Birgitte Sejrsen, Eske Willerslev and Niels Lynnerup informs the reader about the last Danish Viking Kings, Sven Estriden who died in A.D. 1074 and was entombed in the Roskilde Cathedral. The problem on hand and what the author’s make an attempt to reveal is whether or not Sven Estriden’s mother, Estrid was entombed in the pillar across the chancel, as there have been many doubts among historians whether the woman was indeed Estrid or someone else. To find whether Estrin was the actual mother, the author’s used variety of different tests and methods. The analysis done by these proficient authors included, DNA extraction methods and examination of skeletons while taking the most special care to ensure nothing got damaged proving that the woman buried was not Sven’s mother. The ‘Last Viking King’ is written by a number of authors who have very prestigious academic backgrounds. There is in fact, no doubt that there is no shortage of professionals represented in regard to this scientific endeavor. Within this article the reader is given the academic departments that the authors are associated with; Jorgen Dissing is associated with the Research Laboratory, Jonas Binladen in the Department of Evolutionary Biology, Anders Hansen is associated with the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Department of Forensic Pathology, Birgitte Sejrsen is associated with the Department of Forensic Pathology, Eske Willersley the Center for Evolutionary Genetics and last but not least Niels Lynnerup who is affiliated with the Antrophological Laboratory. Between these authors, four are from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, one author is from the Biological Institute and the last author is from the Niels Bohr Institute. All six author’s are from the University of Copenhagen located in Denmark, which has produced 8 Noble Prize winners and the university itself has been ranked 44th in the world. (University of Copenhagen, 2012) With such variation of researchers in different fields the author’s worked in, it may have been reasonable to find some researcher’s from another university to contribute and also have actual author’s who had worked in the area of writing to help out. By no means do these authors fall short in terms of their qualifications and areas of expertise and one can only be reassured these author’s were more than certified in doing this study, but in terms of writing the article may have been more appealing if one of the author’s had a background history in writing. In order to answer the question â€Å"Was the individual in the tomb indeed Sven’s mother Estrid?† the author’s used different methods that included extracting DNA, and examining skeletons to help them on their quest to find the answer. The first method consisted of extracting DNA from tooth samples. In order to do extraction of DNA, most methods are designed to deal with fresh tissues containing high molecular weight DNA and intact cells. (Nature Publishing Group, 2007) In ancient specimens there is usually no cell structure that are preserved due to extraordinary time periods the specimen has gone through. (Nature Publishing Group, 2007) So incases of ancient DNA extraction bone and teeth samples may be used to help extract potential DNA. In the case of this article, two teeth, the cannies and premolars, were extracted from both King Sven’s skull, and two from the skull perceived to be Sven’s mother Estrid. The researchers methods of extracted DNA came from their tooth samples, by using one tooth at a time. Some of the main stages the tooth went through included; being cleaned with a paper clutch soaked in 10% commercial bleach and UV-irradiated for 20 minutes on each side. Then the surface of the tooth was sealed by the application of two layers of cellulose lacquer. From there the root was cut horizontally around 5 millimeter from the root/crown, junction where then the surface area that was exposed by UV irradiated for 20 min. Next a dental drill was used to remove the pulp. The DNA was extracted using the dialysis approach of Kolman and Tuross. (Binladen, Dissing, Hansen, Lynnerup, Sejrsen Willersley, 2006, p.23) A second tooth was used for replication of key D-loop but the study was done in a separate laboratory and by only three of the authors; Anders Hansen, Eske Willersley and Jonas Binlanden. (Binladen, Hansen, Willersley, 2006, p.23) The author’s logical approach of Extracting DNA included using the samples of teeth from both specimens as the evidence is shown in the article. The author’s do a good job leading you on a path that depicts step-by-step process of how the authors extracted the DNA from the tooth samples. This second method used to find out whether if Estred was the mother buried in the tomb the author’s conducted an examination of Estrid’s skeleton to attempt an mtDNA analysis of the remains. MtDNA other wise known as mitochondria DNA is passed down from their mothers to their sons and daughters. MtDNA tests are a good way to test your direct maternal lineage. (Genetic Home Reference, 2012) In this research If the women in the tomb was in fact Estred’s mother, the mtDNA sequence should have been exactly the same, as mothers pass it down to their children, which would mean it would have been inherited by the son Sven. In the research the author’s found â€Å" that mtDNA from Sven and Estrid differs at two nucleotide positions makes maternal kinship between the two highly unlikely.† (Binladen Et al, 2006 p.26) On top of doing mtDNA test’s the authors also did physical anthropological examination of the skeletal remain of the women, they came to realize the individual was no more than 30 – 40 years old at the time of their death. This makes it impossible for the individual in the tomb to be Sven’s mother, considering historic facts state the mother passed away during the age of 70. The second thing the author’s realized was when they did the same process mentioned above with Svens remains there results showed the age of death for sven was 40 – 60 years old which fall according to historic records that state Sven was around 55 years of age at the time of his passing. These tests do a good job of showing you evidence of the fact that the individual in the tomb couldn’t have been Sven’s mother due to the age restrictions. The researchers did the test in the correct way taking mtDNA of both the mother and the son remains examining both to find compelling evidence if there was a match between the two. All though these tests show you with the most accurate depictions of whether the individual in the tomb was indeed the mother. When dealing with work that involves the analysis of DNA, a number of precautions have to be taken into account during your research. First of you have to provide safety for your researchers, often times when your dealing with ancient DNA it is almost guaranteed you will be working with some type of chemicals that can cause skin irritation if you don’t use gloves, more specific chemicals that you work with, can do a lot more significant damage, like severely burn your skin. Another precaution to take is to be careful of the tool’s you’ll be working with, this may include sharp cutting tools and drills, which can also cause severe body injury if not used with the proper safety equipment, like gloves and protective eyewear. Aside from the safety of the workers, a number of precautions have to be taken also to ensure the ancient specimens your associating yourselves with don’t get damaged. Everything from what type of equipment you handle your specimens with, to the room temperature you leave your specimens in play a vital role in making sure nothing gets damaged or wrecked. The researchers from the very start did a good job of respecting their ancient specimens by taking every essential step necessary to protect the specimens. In the beginning when authors Jonas Binladen And Niels Lynnerup retrieved the skeletons from the pillars â€Å"full body suits, facemasks and sterile gloves were worn throughout.† (Binladen Et al, 2006 p.22) Another example can of taking extensive measures to care for the specimen can be seen by the laboratory’s being altered to suite the specimens needs â€Å"The laboratory is fitted out with positive, filtered airflow, hanging UV – lights for sterilization of surfaces.† (Binladen Et al, 2006 p.23) Another example of making sure the specimen was damaged by equipment or by the lab it was in â€Å"all equipment to be used in the lab was sterilized, metal tools and glassware by baking at 250 degree Celsius for 24 hr, other equipment by wiping the surfaces with a cloth soaked with 10% bleach.† (Binl aden Et al, 2006 p.23) In addition to sterilizing the labs and equipment the best chemicals were used for this study â€Å"All chemicals and reagents were of analytical grade or the highest purity available† (Binladen Et al, 2006 p.22) To ensure their perseverance of the specimens the authors even at the end restored the teeth back into the skull â€Å"Subsequently, the teeth were restored by removing the lacquer with acetone, the tip of the root was glued into place, and the teeth were replaced in the skulls.† (Binladen Et al, 2006 p.23) Based on the measurements done by the researchers to ensure the specimens wouldn’t get damaged they did a absolute amazing job. From cleaning out the labs and equipment they used to choosing the best chemicals needed you could tell in a instant that the number one objective besides finding the answer’s, was to not damage any of the actual ancient specimens. Staff workers even made the commitment of coming directly to the laboratory from home. â€Å"staff workers that worked in the laboratory came directly from home and were equipped with full body suits, hairnets, filtered – containing facemasks, and gloves.† (Binladen Et al, 2006 p.23) In conclusion, there was a sense of legitimacy to the methods the authors used in finding out their answers, from DNA extraction’s and skeleton examinations. The authors did a successful job in convincing the reader with clear evidence from their results that concluded the individual in the tomb was too young to be Sven’s mother according to historic records. Overall this article doesn’t inform you whom the real individual found buried next to Sven is, but it does leave you with some opinions that the women may have been one of Sven’s daughters in law. To further reinstate this fact, the reader is told both daughters in laws were queens and had the same name of, Estrid. Ultimately, the full identity of the individual in the tomb is still not evident, the only thing that is supported is the fact it was highly unlikely that Sven’s mother Estrid was the individual entombed. References Dissing, Jorgen, Jonas Binladen, Anders Hansen, Birgitte Sejrsen, Eske Willersley, and Niels Lynnerup. The Last Viking King: A Royal Maternity Case Solved by Ancient DNA Analysis. (2006): 21-27. Print. Jones, Cheryl. Researchers to Drill for Ancient DNA in hobbit Tooth: Scientific American. Researchers to Drill for Ancient DNA in hobbit Tooth: Scientific American. N.p., 5 Jan. 2011. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. Mitochondrial DNA. Genetics Home Reference. N.p., Oct. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 12 July 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. Powell, Kimberly. MtDNA Testing for Genealogy. About.com Genealogy. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. University of Copenhagen. Topuniversities. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012.

Moving to America in The Third and Final Continent by Jhumpa Lahiri :: essays research papers

RR - â€Å"The First and Final Continent† Rude Awakening Everyone has been there. Upon completing the interview process, you have just been hired for a job that will change your life as you know it. Besides learning the tricks of the trade, you also must learn to work with people who have different views and backgrounds. As days turn into years, you have adjusted to the job and people and reflect back to when you first started and conclude, â€Å"It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.† In the short story, â€Å"The Third and Final Continent† by Jhumpa Lahiri, a young man has to deal with life in America. Originally from India, he moves to London to continue his education and later accepts a position at MIT in Boston, Ma. Throughout the story he reflects back to when he first came to the United States and is content with how it has turned out. As the story begins, a young man who has recently married, moves to Boston to start his new job. His first night is spent at â€Å"the YMCA which is within walking distance to MIT† (150). He is unable to sleep because of the intolerable noises such as â€Å"sirens and flashing lights [that] heralded endless emergencies, and a succession of buses rumbled past, their doors opening and closing with a powerful hiss, throughout the night† (150). However, as days go by he adjusts to the noise and begins to search for a decent place to live. He finds a home on a quiet street that is renting a room for $8.00 a week and develops a relationship with his landlord, Mrs. Croft. With the help of her daughter Helen, he discovers she is over 100 years of age and supported her family alone by giving piano lessons for over 30 years. However, his stay is shortly lived because he is awaiting the arrival of his new wife Mala. The couple moves into another apartment and begin their new life together. In the beginning, it starts of rocky because their marriage was arranged by his older brother. â€Å"[He] waited to get used to her, to her presence at [his] side, at [his] table, and in [his] bed, but a week later [they] were still strangers† (150). Moving to America in The Third and Final Continent by Jhumpa Lahiri :: essays research papers RR - â€Å"The First and Final Continent† Rude Awakening Everyone has been there. Upon completing the interview process, you have just been hired for a job that will change your life as you know it. Besides learning the tricks of the trade, you also must learn to work with people who have different views and backgrounds. As days turn into years, you have adjusted to the job and people and reflect back to when you first started and conclude, â€Å"It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.† In the short story, â€Å"The Third and Final Continent† by Jhumpa Lahiri, a young man has to deal with life in America. Originally from India, he moves to London to continue his education and later accepts a position at MIT in Boston, Ma. Throughout the story he reflects back to when he first came to the United States and is content with how it has turned out. As the story begins, a young man who has recently married, moves to Boston to start his new job. His first night is spent at â€Å"the YMCA which is within walking distance to MIT† (150). He is unable to sleep because of the intolerable noises such as â€Å"sirens and flashing lights [that] heralded endless emergencies, and a succession of buses rumbled past, their doors opening and closing with a powerful hiss, throughout the night† (150). However, as days go by he adjusts to the noise and begins to search for a decent place to live. He finds a home on a quiet street that is renting a room for $8.00 a week and develops a relationship with his landlord, Mrs. Croft. With the help of her daughter Helen, he discovers she is over 100 years of age and supported her family alone by giving piano lessons for over 30 years. However, his stay is shortly lived because he is awaiting the arrival of his new wife Mala. The couple moves into another apartment and begin their new life together. In the beginning, it starts of rocky because their marriage was arranged by his older brother. â€Å"[He] waited to get used to her, to her presence at [his] side, at [his] table, and in [his] bed, but a week later [they] were still strangers† (150).

Issai 30 – Code of Ethics

ISSAI 30 The International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions, ISSAI, are issued by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, INTOSAI. For more information visit www. issai. org INTOSAI Code of Ethics I NT OS AI P r ofe ss i o n a l S t an d ar ds Co m mi t te e PSC-Secretariat Rigsrevisionen †¢ Landgreven 4 †¢ P. O. Box 9009 †¢ 1022 Copenhagen K †¢ Denmark Tel. :+45 3392 8400 †¢ Fax:+45 3311 0415 †¢E-mail: [email  protected] dk INTOSAI EXPERIENTIA MUTUA OMNIBUS PRODEST EXPERIENTIA MUTUA OMNIBUS PRODEST INTOSAI General Secretariat – RECHNUNGSHOF (Austrian Court of Audit) DAMPFSCHIFFSTRASSE 2 A-1033 VIENNA AUSTRIA Tel. ++43 (1) 711 71 †¢ Fax: ++43 (1) 718 09 69 E-MAIL: [email  protected] gv. at; WORLD WIDE WEB: http://www. intosai. org Table of Contents Chapter 1 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Chapter 2 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 Integrity †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 5 Chapter 3 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Independence, Objectivity and Impartiality †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 5 Chapter 4 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Professional Secrecy †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 6 Chapter 5 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Competence †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Glossary †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 3 Chapter 1 Introduction Concept, Background and Purpose of the Code of Ethics . INTOSAI has deemed it essential to establish an international Code of Ethics for auditors in the public sector. 2. A Code of Ethics is a comprehensive statement of the values and principles which should guide the daily work of auditors. The independence, powers and responsibilities of the public sector auditor place high ethical demands on the SAI and the staff they employ or engage for audit work. A code of ethics for auditors in the public sector should consider the ethical requirements of civil servants in general and the particular requirements of auditors, including the latter’s professional obligations. . With the Lima Declaration of Guidelines on Auditing Precepts 1 as its foundation, the INTOSAI Code of Ethics should be seen as a necessary complement, reinforcing the INTOSAI Auditing Standards issued by the INTOSAI Auditing Stan dards Committee in June 1992. 4. The INTOSAI Code of Ethics is directed at the individual auditor, the head of the SAI, executive officers and all individuals working for or on behalf of the SAI who are involved in audit work. However, the Code should not be interpreted as having any impact on the organisational structure of the SAI.Due to national differences of culture, language, and legal and social systems, it is the responsibility of each SAI to develop its own Code of Ethics which best fits its own environment. Preferably these national Codes of Ethics should clarify the ethical concepts. The INTOSAI Code of Ethics is intended to constitute a foundation for the national Codes of Ethics. Each SAI has the responsibility to ensure that all its auditors acquaint themselves with the values and principles contained in the national Code of Ethics and act accordingly. . The conduct of auditors should be beyond reproach at all times and in all circumstances. Any deficiency in their pro fessional conduct or any improper conduct in their personal life places the integrity of auditors, the SAI that they represent, and the quality and validity of their audit work in an unfavourable light, and may raise doubts about the reliability and competence of the SAI itself. The adoption and application of a code of ethics for auditors in the public sector promotes trust and confidence in the auditors and their work. . It is of fundamental importance that the SAI is looked upon with trust, confidence and credibility. The auditor promotes this by adopting and applying the ethical requirements of the concepts embodied in the key words Integrity, Independence and Objectivity, Confidentiality and Competence. Trust, Confidence and Credibility 7. The legislative and/or executive authority, the general public and the audited entities are entitled to expect the SAI’s conduct and approach to be above suspicion and reproach and worthy of respect and trust. 8.Auditors should conduct themselves in a manner which promotes co-operation and good relations between auditors and within the profession. The support of the profession by its members and their co-operation with one another are essential elements of professional character. The public confidence and respect which an auditor enjoys is largely the result of the cumulative accomplishments of all auditors, past and present. It is therefore in the interest of auditors, as well as that of the general public, that the auditor deals with fellow auditors in a fair and balanced way. . The legislative and/or executive authority, the general public and the audited entities should be fully assured of the fairness and impartiality of all the SAI’s work. It is therefore essential that there is a national Code of Ethics or similar document which governs the provision of the services. 1 From the IXth Congress of INTOSAI, meeting in Lima. Can be obtained from the INTOSAI General Secretariat in Austria. 4 10. In all pa rts of society there is a need for credibility.It is therefore essential that the reports and opinions of the SAI are considered to be thoroughly accurate and reliable by knowledgeable third parties. 11. All work performed by the SAI must stand the test of legislative and/or executive scrutiny, public judgements on propriety, and examination against a national Code of Ethics. Chapter 2 Integrity 12. Integrity is the core value of a Code of Ethics. Auditors have a duty to adhere to high standards of behaviour (e. g. honesty and candidness) in the course of their work and in their relationships with the staff of audited entities.In order to sustain public confidence, the conduct of auditors should be above suspicion and reproach. 13. Integrity can be measured in terms of what is right and just. Integrity requires auditors to observe both the form and the spirit of auditing and ethical standards. Integrity also requires auditors to observe the principles of independence and objectivity , maintain irreproachable standards of professional conduct, make decisions with the public interest in mind, and apply absolute honesty in carrying out their work and in handling the resources of the SAI.Chapter 3 Independence, Objectivity and Impartiality 14. Independence from the audited entity and other outside interest groups is indispensable for auditors. This implies that auditors should behave in a way that increases, or in no way diminishes, their independence. 15. Auditors should strive not only to be independent of audited entities and other interested groups, but also to be objective in dealing with the issues and topics under review. 16. It is essential that auditors are independent and impartial, not only in fact but also in appearance. 17.In all matters relating to the audit work, the independence of auditors should not be impaired by personal or external interests. Independence may be impaired, for example, by external pressure or influence on auditors; prejudices he ld by auditors about individuals, audited entities, projects or programmes; recent previous employment with the audited entity; or personal or financial dealings which might cause conflicts of loyalties or of interests. Auditors have an obligation to refrain from becoming involved in all matters in which they have a vested interest. 8. There is a need for objectivity and impartiality in all work conducted by auditors, particularly in their reports, which should be accurate and objective. Conclusions in opinions and reports should, therefore, be based exclusively on evidence obtained and assembled in accordance with the SAI’s auditing standards. 19. Auditors should make use of information brought forward by the audited entity and other parties. This information is to be taken into account in the opinions expressed by the auditors in an impartial way.The auditor should also gather information about the views of the audited entity and other parties. However, the auditors’ own conclusions should not be affected by such views. Political neutrality 20. It is important to maintain both the actual and perceived political neutrality of the SAI. Therefore, it is important that auditors maintain their independence from political influence in order to discharge their audit responsibilities in an impartial way.This is relevant for auditors since SAIs work closely with the legislative authorities, the executive or other government entity empowered by law to consider the SAI’s reports. 21. It is important that where auditors undertake, or consider undertaking, political activities they bear in mind the impact which such involvement might have – or be seen to have – on their ability to discharge their professional 5 duties impartially. If auditors are permitted to participate in political activities they have to be aware that these activities may lead to professional conflicts. Conflicts of interest 2. When auditors are permitted to provide advice or services other than audit to an audited entity, care should be taken that these services do not lead to a conflict of interest. In particular, auditors should ensure that such advice or services do not include management responsibilities or powers, which must remain firmly with the management of the audited entity. 23. Auditors should protect their independence and avoid any possible conflict of interest by refusing gifts or gratuities which could influence or be perceived as influencing their independence and integrity. 4. Auditors should avoid all relationships with managers and staff in the audited entity and other parties which may influence, compromise or threaten the ability of auditors to act and be seen to be acting independently. 25. Auditors should not use their official position for private purposes and should avoid relationships which involve the risk of corruption or which may raise doubts about their objectivity and independence. 26. Auditors should not use i nformation received in the performance of their duties as a means f securing personal benefit for themselves or for others. Neither should they divulge information which would provide unfair or unreasonable advantage to other individuals or organisations, nor should they use such information as a means for harming others. Chapter 4 Professional Secrecy 27. Auditors should not disclose information obtained in the auditing process to third parties, either orally or in writing, except for the purposes of meeting the SAI’s statutory or other identified responsibilities as part of the SAI’s normal procedures or in accordance with relevant laws.Chapter 5 Competence 28. Auditors have a duty to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and to apply high professional standards in carrying out their work to enable them to perform their duties competently and with impartiality. 29. Auditors must not undertake work they are not competent to perform. 30. Auditors sho uld know and follow applicable auditing, accounting, and financial management standards, policies, procedures and practices.Likewise, they must possess a good understanding of the constitutional, legal and institutional principles and standards governing the operations of the audited entity. Professional Development 31. Auditors should exercise due professional care in conducting and supervising the audit and in preparing related reports. 32. Auditors should use methods and practices of the highest possible quality in their audits. In the conduct of the audit and the issue of reports, auditors have a duty to adhere to basic postulates and generally accepted auditing standards. 6

Performance Appraisal – Running Over Town-Terry Popple, A Little Time- Beautiful South, and Sweet Georgia Brown- B.Bernie/M. Pinkard/K. Casey

The three pieces I have studied are: 1. Running Over Town-Terry Popple 2. A Little Time- Beautiful South 3. Sweet Georgia Brown- B.Bernie/M. Pinkard/K. Casey I have decided to perform Running Over Town for my performance piece. This song is a country- rock. The main feature of this piece is the changing mood of the song. The drum kit makes an impact with the well- placed fills and the different beats used. The fills used paradidles and double strokes. The song has a good ABAC structure. The use of a rim click and the bell of the cymbal adds to the feel of the piece and makes it stand out. When I performed this I added three stroke ruffs in the fills and adapted them to how I thought would sound best. This is what the composer tells you to do in the piece Using a drum kit, bass guitar, lead guitar and a keyboard gives the song a fairly thick texture and a range of instruments. The dynamics used on the drum kit emphasise the main parts of the song, where the theme changes and where the song is developed. In this piece I think that the range of my instrument is fully explored because a variety of fills are used. Also, more than one voice is played. These voices are: * the cymbal – as well as hitting it normally the bell of the cymbal is used * the snare drum – it is hit with the snare on and a rim click is also played * the hi-hat – it is played closed and open. Therefore the drum kit has been explored and various different sounds are produced. Three special performing techniques are used in this piece. The first is the opening of the hi-hat which produces a splash sound which cannot be made anywhere else on the kit. The second is the playing of the bell of the cymbal which adds to the different sounds coming from the cymbals. Lastly the rim click is used which helps convey the mood and theme of the piece. This piece is originally composed for the drum kit and has not been arranged for it. My instrument relates to the others in the ensemble by playing the rhythm and keeping the time. It adds to the texture of the piece and influences the whole sound when all the instruments play as one. It is vital to the piece as it would not sound right with out it because someone needs to play the rhythm. The links between my performance piece and the others that I have studied is that they all use rim clicks throughout the song to enhance the sound of the piece. This is also a performing technique that is required to give the desired effect while playing the piece. In my performance piece I also had to splash the hi-hat, use varied fills, play on the bell of a cymbal and add dynamics. All these are performance techniques that the composer has decided to use. The first two pieces use regular eighth note grooves with a backbeat on 1 and 3. This is common of rock music. But the third piece is a jazz piece which uses an advanced jazz groove which involves triplets, as all jazz grooves do. The expectation of the pieces affects the way they are composed. If the audience was expecting a slow piece performed by an orchestra then the composer would have to change his or her ideas and add more instruments. For example, the composer might slow the piece down and replace the drum kit or guitar with a string section of the orchestra. The pieces would also be performed differently in that the performers may feel like playing the piece faster because the audience prefers energetic music. All of my chosen pieces are notated in the same way but not composed in the same way as they are all different styles of music. The first piece is a country- rock piece so is played with a jerky guitar and has quite a fast tempo (allegro). Also it has a piano playing the main melody. The second piece is rock and sounds a lot like the first but it uses string instruments instead of the guitar and it also uses a keyboard to play the melody. Unlike the others the song has two singers. At the beginning it sounds like the first piece as it uses a keyboard, a rim click and a groove similar to the drummer in the first piece. The third piece is a lot different as it is a different style of music. It is a jazz piece so the drummer uses a jazz groove which is played using triplets unlike the two other drummers. A keyboard is used in this piece but is used in a different way to the others, and it doesn't play the melody all the way through. There is a double bass in this and a saxophone along with a keyboard and a drum kit. My Performance When I performed my piece under exam conditions in front of the two music teachers I think that it went well, because when I played the grooves in the piece I played them smoothly and correctly. Also, when I performed I played confidently and made few mistakes although, to keep the rhythm perfect I thought that I would have played better with the backing track so I could hear when the rhythm changed by listening to the other instruments. I also think that I added the dynamics well and played at the right tempo. The fills that I added also fitted the piece and added extra to the overall sound of the piece. I think my performance was played as the composer intended it to be played as I had played along with a backing track while practicing and this helped me to play the right sort of style. I also think that this was played in the same style and theme as the composer had intended. There were a few special features in my performance piece. There was a rim click which was used in a certain groove which enhanced the piece as it suited the country style. Along with this I played the bell of the ride cymbal. Another technique I used was splashing the hi-hat. This is when you take your foot off the hi-hat and play it with your hand as the hi-hat is being released. I think that I handled the difficult bars with ease as I decided to play a piece that I could handle instead of one that I would make mistakes in because it was too hard. I might have improved the piece by playing it with headphones to help me keep in time as I didn't have the backing track on and therefore I could have enhanced the sound because I would be playing with a better rhythm and style. Overall, I think I performed my piece well and gave a memorable and convincing performance, but there is room for improvement. Composition Brief My composition brief is to compose a piece that shows the different uses of a rim click in three or more genres of music. I also hope to show that the drum kit has been explored in my composition and that it has been used to its full potential. I am going to use rim clicks in: basic quarter, eighth and sixteenth note rock grooves; shuffles; Latin and jazz grooves. Along with the grooves I am going to add some fills. I am also hoping to add dynamics and texture to the piece as at the beginning it will start with only one hand playing the kit and then increase to using all my limbs. I am going to use techniques that I have studied and liked. This brief relates to the pieces that I have studied as it uses a rim click which is what my three chosen pieces have in common. I am going to expand, develop and explore this technique in my composition. This is in all the three pieces I have studied but I particularly liked it in the first piece (Running Over Town). I am going to use this technique in jazz and shuffle grooves which both revolve around triplet feels. I have used the jazz grooves from the third piece but have made them simpler and added my own style to them. The rock grooves are played straight and do not need as much care as the other grooves. These I have taken from the second piece I have studied as I think that they are very affective. Also, the Latin bossa nova groove does the same thing. This is just something I want to add because I think that it will give the composition a wide range of genres. I intend to use a few special techniques in my composition which include using ghost notes (which is when you play a note quieter than the others), a rim click, splashing the hi-hat and hitting the bell of the cymbal. Using these techniques would help me fulfil my composition brief as it would show how the drum kit is being used at its full potential.

Should You Get a Second Job

Should You Get a Second Job Not making enough to support your lifestyle? Need a little extra in the bank, or for your retirement account (it’s never too early!)? Here are 7 issues to weigh when asking yourself if you should  consider taking a second job. 1. Your Money SituationAre you drowning in debt from a big expense? Anticipating one soon? Or do you need a second job because your primary career isn’t paying you enough to live? If it’s the first thing, proceed. If it’s the second, think about changing jobs instead and shifting into something more lucrative. Otherwise, when contemplating a second job it’s best to make yourself a timeline of how long you’ll work that job to get yourself on more secure footing. Have an exit strategy in mind.2. Your Current Job SecurityIf you’re worried about your job security at your current job, now may be an ideal time to take on a second. You’ll hedge your bets a bit. Just in case anything goes south at your first job , you’ll have a back up plan at least part-time to get you through.3. The Possible PerksSecond jobs can be chosen to benefit you. For example, if you love clothes or makeup or even furniture, a second job in retail can give you access to deep discounts on the stuff you buy the most. That’s two ways you end up richer. Alternatively, you could find a second job in your industry that can increase your skill set and marketability in the long run of your career.4. The Chance to LearnIf you’re contemplating a career or job change down the line, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet and gain a little experience in another industry. A second job is like a paid internship, giving you a chance to explore your options without any serious commitment.5.  The Realities of Your ScheduleReally budget out your time and schedule- not just your paychecks and your bills. Do you have the time and physical stamina to work two jobs? If you’re up for it, but wary, m ake sure to give yourself an exit date and to consider erring on the side of shorter hours in your second job. There’ll be no use for extra cash if you’re too physically and emotionally exhausted to live your life.6.  Your Current Job and Its DemandsDon’t take a second job only to lose your first because you diluted yourself and eased up on your standard of work. Make sure that you don’t dip in time or energy to compromise what you are already doing.7.  Your Basic PrioritiesThe last thing you need to do is prioritize your life. Would you rather have the time to socialize with friends or to spend with your family or on a hobby- and perhaps draw your financial belt a little tighter? Or is the money your biggest, most dire need? Once you figure out what’s most important, the decision should (almost) make itself.

Persuasive Argument For Good Nutrition essays

Persuasive Argument For Good Nutrition essays In today's hectic, high-speed Internet, quickly changing world, it has become common for us to think about the here and now, and put off concerns about the future as vague possibilities that we will deal with once we come to them. This, sadly, has reflected on our health, and the nutritional choices we are making. What we need to realize is there are important benefits to eating healthy, benefits that may not garner immediate gratification, but benefits that are well worth the wait! Our frenzied lifestyle is compounded by our tendency to put our careers in front of our health. Grabbing a burger and super-sized fries, on the go at lunch, only to scarf it down and hurry back to the office is common. Breakfast for busy workers can consist of a doughnut or bagel with black coffee, or worse, nothing at all! Working late is typical, leaving no time or energy to stop at the gym after a long, hard day. Dinner too often consists of fast -food, take out, or pre-packaged microwaveable meals eaten in front of the television, before heading off to bed. All of these habits, when they occur on rare occasions are not detrimental in and of themselves, however when they become the staple of the way we live and eat, our health suffers. Surely, we may be saving those finite minutes during the day, thanks to convenience, but in the end, we are shaving years off our lives. Not a good trade at all. In addition, for humans, eating is not merely a means to obtain the fuel we need to get through the activities of the day. Instead, we have taken eating and altered it into a social activity. We eat together to celebrate. We eat together to grieve. We eat together to say goodbye to someone. And, we eat together when we welcome them home. (Kluger, Gorman, Our very lives are threatened due to the poor nut...

French Literary Tenses - Temps littéraires

French Literary Tenses - Temps littà ©raires There are five French past tenses that are not used in spoken French. They are called literary or historical tenses because they are reserved for written French, such as LiteratureJournalismHistorical textsNarration At one time, literary tenses were used in spoken French, but they have gradually disappeared. When they are used, they raise the speakers register to an extremely refined (some might even say snobbish) level of French. They may also be used for humorous effect. For example, in the French movie Ridicule, the aristocracy use literary tenses in their word games, in order to make themselves sound more educated and refined. Each of the literary tenses has a non-literary equivalent; however, there are subtle nuances that are lost when using the equivalents. Most of these nuances dont exist in English, so I explain the difference in my lessons. Because literary tenses are not used in spoken French, you need to be able to recognize them, but you will most likely never need to conjugate them. Even in written French, most of the literary tenses are disappearing. The passà © simple is still used, but the others are often replaced by their spoken equivalents or by other verbal constructions. Some say that the disappearance of literary tenses leaves gaping holes in the French language - what do you think? Literary tenses  are not used in spoken French - they have non-literary equivalents, explained here. For a definition of literary tenses and a description of where/when they are used, please read the  introduction.Click the name of each literary tense to learn more about to conjugate and use it.I. Passà © simpleThe passà © simple  is the literary simple past tense. Its English equivalent is the preterite or simple past.Il  choisit.- He chose.The spoken French equivalent is the  passà © composà ©Ã‚  - the English present perfect.Il  a choisi.  - He has chosen. You can see that by not using the  passà © simple  and the  passà © composà ©Ã‚  together, the  French language  has lost the nuance between he chose and he has chosen. The  passà © simple  indicates an action that is complete and has no relationship to the present, whereas using the  passà © composà ©Ã‚  indicates a relationship with the present.II.  Passà © antà ©rieurThe passà © antà ©rieur  is the literary compound past tense.Quand il  eut choisi, nous rà ®mes.  - When he had chosen, we laughed.Its equivalent in spoken French is the  plus-que-parfait  (the English pluperfect or past perfect).Quand il  avait choisi, nous avons ri.  - When he had chosen, we laughed.The  passà © antà ©rieur  expresses an action that took place right before the action in the main verb (expressed by the  passà © simple). Aside from being extremely rare in spoken French, the  passà © antà ©rieur  is even disappearing in written French, as it can be replaced by several different constructions (see the lesson on the  past anterior  for more information).III. Imparfait  du subjonctif*The imparfait du subjonctif  is the literary simple past subjunctive. Jai voulu quil  choisà ®t.  - I wanted him to choose. (I wanted that he chose)Its spoken French equivalent is the  present subjunctive.Jai voulu quil  choisisse.  - I wanted him to choose. (I wanted that he choose)The distinction lost here is this: by using the imperfect subjunctive in French, both the main clause (I wanted) and the  subordinate clause  (that he chose) are in the past, whereas in the spoken French, the subordinate clause is in the present (that he choose).IV.  Plus-que-parfait  du subjonctif*The plus-que-parfait du subjonctif  is the literary compound past subjunctive.Jaurais voulu quil  eà »t choisi.  - I would have wanted him to choose.(I would have wanted that he had chosen)Its spoken French equivalent is the  past subjunctive.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jaurais voulu quil  ait choisi.  - I would have wanted him to choose.  Ã‚  Ã‚  (I would have wanted that he has chosen)This distinction is even more subtle, and is a combination of the  passà © composà ©Ã‚  and  imparfait du subjonctif  nuances: by using the  plus-que-parfait du subjonctif, the action is in the remote past and has no relationship to the present (that he had chosen), whereas using the past subjunctive indicates a slight relationship with the present (that he has chosen). V.  Seconde forme du conditionnel passà ©The  conditional perfect, second form, is the literary conditional past.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Si je leus vu, je leusse achetà ©.  - If I had seen it, I would have bought it.Its spoken French equivalent is the  conditional perfect.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Si je lavais vu, je laurais achetà ©.  - If I had seen it, I would have bought it.The use of the second form of the conditional perfect emphasizes the fact that I didnt buy it, whereas the non-literal conditional perfect makes it sound more like a opportunity that just happened to be missed. *The English equivalents for these two literary tenses are unhelpful, because English rarely uses the subjunctive. I gave the literal, ungrammatical English translation in parentheses simply to give you an idea of what the French structure is like. Summary Literary tense Literary tense classification Non-literary equivalent pass simple simple past pass compos pass antrieur compound past plus-que-parfait imparfait du subjonctif simple past subjunctive subjonctif plus-que-parfait du subjonctif compound past subjunctive subjonctif pass 2e forme du conditionnel pass conditional past conditionnel pass More Literary French The  present subjunctive  has some literary uses.Certain verbs can be negated with the  ne littà ©raire.In literary French, the  negative adverb  ne... pas  is replaced by  ne... point.

The Life Of Frederick Douglas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Life Of Frederick Douglas - Essay Example It was only when he got to be about six or seven that he was brought onto the plantation to work. Even though it was rumored that Douglass had a white father, perhaps even his master, he was treated as a slave since the moment of his birth. He was separated from his mother, Harriet Bailey, before he was a year old. This custom, as Douglass explains, was derived from the notion that â€Å"to hinder the development of the child’s affection towards its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child† (Douglass 17). He felt no loss when he was told his Mother had died. The only family he was close to was his Grandmother, until he was brought to the plantation. It was here, during the moment of their separation, that Douglass discovered he was a ‘slave’, and what it meant to be a slave. Similarly, Harriett Jacobs did not know she was a slave until roughly the age of six, upon her Mother’s death. â€Å"I was so fondly shielded that I never dreamed I was a piece of merchandise† (Jacobs 7). Jacobs’ knowledge of the cruel treatment of slaves came when she was twelve years old, after her kind mistress passed away and Jacobs was handed over to her mistress’ sister and family. Unlike Douglass, Jacobs’ family was kept together during her childhood. She lived in a cabin with her parents and younger brother, Willie. Her Father was a carpenter, and he was able to earn these allowances by working as such and turning part of his earnings over to his mistress (Jacobs 7). Where Jacobs had been treated as family, Douglass was made certain that he was nothing more than a slave. Children on Captain Anthony’s plantation would eat out of a trough, like pigs. There were no beds or blankets provided to the slaves, and â€Å"children from seven to ten years old, of both sexes, almost naked, might be seen at all seasons of the year† (Douglass 22). Where Jacobs was proud

Risk Allocation for an Insurance Company Term Paper

Risk Allocation for an Insurance Company - Term Paper Example The level of risk of an insurance company is measured by the probability to pay out under an insurance policy that they have issued. Identification of risk factors is very important for an insurance company. Actuary studies the insurance payout history and also identifies the risk factor for each and every insurance policy due to which the insurance company has to pay out. For example: - people who are in their sixties may die in next five years than who are in their twenties (Crews, 2009). According to insurance companies, they need to bear the risk of occupancy like common hazards due to heat and power, special hazards due to flammable hazards in manufacturing industry or hazard caused by smoking habit of an individual. To protect the insured from those hazards, insurance companies provide some protections like improvement in quality of fire department in municipality to protect the interest of public. To protect any individual or any particular organization, they recommend smoke d etectors, fire alarm, watchmen and automatic water sprinkler system. Insurance companies also recommend that a high hazardous business should not set up beside a lower hazardous business. Insurance companies choose their risk based on different criteria like- 1. Lifestyle 2. Behavioral Risk 3. Occupational Risk. Lifestyle risk defines that insurance companies certainly does not like those people who are engaged with Sky diving, car racing or bungee jumping. Because these activities involve high risk and leads difficulty in getting insurance. Insurance companies have identified some behavioral risks like people who have habit of smoking or chewing tobacco as these habits involve risk towards serious illness. Thus insurance companies choose it as their asset risk. Insurance companies have identified some occupational risk for which they either charge high premium or don’t want to cover it which includes occupations like explosive handling, law enforcement officers. There are al so some insurance companies who are specialized in insurance related to high risk with a high premium rates. The premium helps them to cover cost of risk. Insurance companies choose their liability risk such as conditions for coverage which includes risk related to breach of the contract, damage and duty of the contract. Generally liability depends on its likeliness to happen and on the product. Underwriting Process in Insurance:- Underwriters are those people who assess the capability of a business enterprise or an individual. Underwriting refers to a specific process which is used by financial service providers like banks, insurance companies, and investment house to analyze the ability of a customer to receive equity share, insurance, mortgage and loan. Purpose of underwriting includes achievement and maintenance of profitability of a business and to reduce the adverse effect of risk. Underwriting also helps to earn adequate surplus over the cost of production by following the gu idelines of underwriting. Insurance underwriters analyze the exposure and risk portfolio of the client to decide that whether the client should get the insurance coverage or not and even if he gets then how much should be the premium and the amount of coverage he should receive. Insurance companies have their own set of guidelines which helps the underwriter to decide how much risk the company should accept.

Select one of the following topics for your essay

Select one of the following topics for your - Essay Example s registered in public opinion polls emphasizes such aliens’ use of educational, health, and welfare services or the added costs to the criminal justice system caused by illegals.† In addition to the resource utilization by illegal immigrants their extended load on economy and maintenance of security have become serious challenges in the recent past. Now is the time for this nation to decide and prohibit any illegal entrance into its homeland. We need to focus on more serious technological advancement instead of involvement in useless issues and conflicts as well as leaving an additional burden over border and security agencies. The cost and benefit analysis and studies on legal immigration and illegal entrances are now mature and should be dealt accordingly. Another aspect of the debate over legal and illegal immigrants is that more and more Americans are now growing aggressive and blunt in their outrage against illegal immigrants. This may cause damage to our national harmony and peace of mind no matter how liberal we are. Schor states, â€Å"We are running out of resources and available tax dollars and yet we have people who want more immigrations. This is dumb. I do not feel that my tax dollars should be spent on illegal immigrants.† The sentiment against illegal immigrants gets more and more intensified whenever our civic requirements are not aptly fulfilled for US citizens and legal immigrants. Health care, transportation, welfare, education, utilities, natural resources etc. there is drain everywhere and there a staunch disagreement everywhere on immigration policies that supports legalization of illegal immigrants. The most important aspect of this debate is the morality concerns over the argument that illegal immigrants should face a denial of civic resources because legal or illegal they are present on our soil and people favors a minimum life standard for them. Terminating health care, education, food and jobs assistance to these illegal immigrants

Can You See the Real Me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Can You See the Real Me - Essay Example In communication per se, had people been able to communicate effectively by means of internet and cyber chatting Where can a person expose its real self Has there been a difference of how a person shows it self face-to-face and through internet In Can You See the Real Me Activation and Expression of the "True Self" in the Internet, Bargh, McKenna and Fitzimons (2002), the idea that a person possesses a multiple sense of persona has been described by different psychologists and sociologists. True to the fact that a person can change moods and expressions in different situations, it is ideally easy to believe that a person or a stranger in the cyberworld can openly be with its "true self" rather than face-to-face situations or encounters. If a person in the cyberworld remains anonymous and is spared with the risks of social sanctions while remaining socially active, then a person can reveal its "true-self" in the internet rather than face-to-face encounters. During the process of identifying if a person in the cyberworld remains anonymous and is spared with the risks of social sanctions while remaining socially active, then a person can reveal its "true-self" in the internet rather than face-to-face encounters, forty six students enrolled in introductory psychology course in New York University of which 18 were male and 28 were female were identified as the Independent Variables (IV). These students participated by pairs of which 16 is of the same sex and 7 was cross sex. On the other hand, the Dependent Variables (DV) are the true self and actual self of the participants, wherein, the reaction to the set of tests will be observed to prove the hypothesis. CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS OF VARIABLES Independent variable is the variable that is controlled and manipulated by the experimenter. Dependent variable is not manipulated; instead the DV is observed or measured for variation as a presumed result of the variation in the IV.1 In this case, the students will be manipulated by the experimenter by conducting a series of tests. How they react to these tests, whether they reveal their true self or actual self, will be observed and identified as a result of the manipulation of the experimenter to the students. METHODOLOGY The gathered data were analyzed using a 2x2x2x2 repeated measures of ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) of which, then interaction mode: online or face-to-face, interaction length: 5 or 15 minutes, self concept: actual self or true self, and participants in pair were being observed. The first two factors describe the variables between participants and the last 2 factors describe the variables within the participants. OPERATIONALIZATION OF VARIABLES The participants were experimented with the use of stimuli for the computerized reaction time task consisted of trait words which are presented to the participants in random order. Consisting of 8 practice trials and 45 experimental trials, each word will appear in the center of the screen until the participant responds. 35 words of the experimental trials frequently encountered trait terms which are "wise" and "bossy" of which half are positive and half are negative. The 10 other words of the stimuli were the "actual self" and "true self" words which were generated earlier from the participants but were placed in the last part of the stimuli so that the participants will not detect its connection towards the experiment. All the sessions were conducted by a single

The use of the x ray machine in the medical field. And how it was Research Paper

The use of the x ray machine in the medical field. And how it was invented and how far it has come (technology wise) and also it - Research Paper Example The discovery was actually accidental. The scientist found that invisible rays were emitted from a cathode ray tube and that these could penetrate wood and also paper. These rays were able to create a glow on a screen that was several years yards away. The glow was fluorescent. The screen that was observed was barium platinocyanide screen (Assmus, 10). The tube generating X-rays, the cathode rays was Crookes tube (Assmus, 10). The scientist made use of these properties to study the structure of bone of human hand. Several years after discovery of these rays, actual X-ray machines were invented. In 1900, it was discovered that radium rays are actually dangerous to skin. Radiology began to emerge as one of the medical specialities in 1900. Skill, the technical know-how and interpretation of image improved significantly (Linton, 27) X-rays are basically electromagnetic waves and their behavior is similar to light rays (Dendy, 48). However, their wavelengths are short. One useful propert y of the X-rays is, when the rays are directed towards a target that is of low density, they pass through the target uninterrupted. In case the target is of high density, like that of parts of human beings, the X-rays either get absorbed or are reflected. This occurs because of very less space between adjacent atoms in high density targets, which do not allow short waves to pass through. When the X-rays pass through completely through the target like in case of flesh, dark areas are seen on the screen. When they are blocked by high density targets like bones, they appear as light areas (Assmus, 14). It was Roentgen who discovered that X-rays basically originate from the tube at a point where the cathode rays strike the glass and then disseminate (Assmus, 14). He found that the origin point of X-rays moves as the rays coming from cathode are moved by a magnetic field. The X-rays however, are insensitive to magnet. Based on these findings, Roentgen concluded that X-rays are distinct f rom the rays emerging from the cathode, the cathode rays (Assmus, 14). "Roentgen justified calling the new phenomena rays because of the shadowy pictures they produce: bones in a hand, a wire wrapped around a bobbin, weights in a box, a compass card and needle hidden away in a metal case, the inhomogeneity of a metal" (Assmus, 14). Two years after Roentgen's discovery, which was basically radiation secondary to artificial ionization, a French scientist by name Henri Becquerel, discovered natural ionizing radiation from certain types of rocks. The radiation rays were similar to X-rays by Roentgen. The rocks were later refined by his colleagues Marie Curie and Pierre Curie to deliver radioactive substances radium, uranium and polonium. Radium is now being used to treat cancers (Linton, 26). Roentgen won Nobel Prize for his discovery in 1901. That was the first Nobel proze in Physics ever (Linton, 28). William Coolidge from General Electric Laboratories developed cathode X-ray tube tha t was an improved version and was hot. The X-ray machine was shielded suitably to prevent scattering of radiation that harmed the technicians. Thus, X-rays emerged from the tubes, known as Coolidge's tubes, through a lead shielded aperture. This method of exposure to X-rays allowed patients to be placed within a beam of X-rays and at the same time allowed others to be kept away from the beam. A further advancement in this method of X-ray exposure

Big Daddy Kanes song and Its Fitting in Blues Essay

Big Daddy Kanes song and Its Fitting in Blues - Essay Example Big Daddy Kane’s song does not express his people’s experience in near-comic or near-tragic voice, that is, the second step of Ralph Ellison’s process, which shows penetration of the blues into hip hop (Sanchez). Instead, â€Å"Word to the Mother (Land)† manifests Africans’ endurance and moral courage in their beneficial contribution for their freedom. They are seen by the rapper as awareness of Africans’ nature which has broken chains depriving them from liberty. Naturally, â€Å"Giving up to brothers five on the back hand†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or rather to say mutual support and striving for better life together with African American brothers and sisters is depicted by Kane’s song as an essential component needed for attaining their goals. Reaffirming of African Americans’ existence is another point of Big Daddy Kane’s song, which shows its fitting in the third step of the process seen by Ralph Ellison as a characteristic feature of the blues (Sanchez). Actually, the rapper emphasizes not only on his belonging to African Americans and his proud of their will-power but also points at their domination over other skin colors. As it comes from the song, â€Å"†¦the color of black is most dominant†. Still, such use of words must not to be perceived letter for letter, since there is a great probability that in such a way Big Daddy Kane has pointed at the inwardness of the black heart hidden behind the black skin. It refers to the fact that African American â€Å"†¦mother is portrayed as passing on her bad values to her offspring†

The use of the x ray machine in the medical field. And how it was Research Paper

The use of the x ray machine in the medical field. And how it was invented and how far it has come (technology wise) and also it - Research Paper Example The discovery was actually accidental. The scientist found that invisible rays were emitted from a cathode ray tube and that these could penetrate wood and also paper. These rays were able to create a glow on a screen that was several years yards away. The glow was fluorescent. The screen that was observed was barium platinocyanide screen (Assmus, 10). The tube generating X-rays, the cathode rays was Crookes tube (Assmus, 10). The scientist made use of these properties to study the structure of bone of human hand. Several years after discovery of these rays, actual X-ray machines were invented. In 1900, it was discovered that radium rays are actually dangerous to skin. Radiology began to emerge as one of the medical specialities in 1900. Skill, the technical know-how and interpretation of image improved significantly (Linton, 27) X-rays are basically electromagnetic waves and their behavior is similar to light rays (Dendy, 48). However, their wavelengths are short. One useful propert y of the X-rays is, when the rays are directed towards a target that is of low density, they pass through the target uninterrupted. In case the target is of high density, like that of parts of human beings, the X-rays either get absorbed or are reflected. This occurs because of very less space between adjacent atoms in high density targets, which do not allow short waves to pass through. When the X-rays pass through completely through the target like in case of flesh, dark areas are seen on the screen. When they are blocked by high density targets like bones, they appear as light areas (Assmus, 14). It was Roentgen who discovered that X-rays basically originate from the tube at a point where the cathode rays strike the glass and then disseminate (Assmus, 14). He found that the origin point of X-rays moves as the rays coming from cathode are moved by a magnetic field. The X-rays however, are insensitive to magnet. Based on these findings, Roentgen concluded that X-rays are distinct f rom the rays emerging from the cathode, the cathode rays (Assmus, 14). "Roentgen justified calling the new phenomena rays because of the shadowy pictures they produce: bones in a hand, a wire wrapped around a bobbin, weights in a box, a compass card and needle hidden away in a metal case, the inhomogeneity of a metal" (Assmus, 14). Two years after Roentgen's discovery, which was basically radiation secondary to artificial ionization, a French scientist by name Henri Becquerel, discovered natural ionizing radiation from certain types of rocks. The radiation rays were similar to X-rays by Roentgen. The rocks were later refined by his colleagues Marie Curie and Pierre Curie to deliver radioactive substances radium, uranium and polonium. Radium is now being used to treat cancers (Linton, 26). Roentgen won Nobel Prize for his discovery in 1901. That was the first Nobel proze in Physics ever (Linton, 28). William Coolidge from General Electric Laboratories developed cathode X-ray tube tha t was an improved version and was hot. The X-ray machine was shielded suitably to prevent scattering of radiation that harmed the technicians. Thus, X-rays emerged from the tubes, known as Coolidge's tubes, through a lead shielded aperture. This method of exposure to X-rays allowed patients to be placed within a beam of X-rays and at the same time allowed others to be kept away from the beam. A further advancement in this method of X-ray exposure

Multilateralism and Regionalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Multilateralism and Regionalism - Essay Example Most of these regional agreements remained within the concept of free trade areas and most of them were based on a multilateralization of bilateral agreements or unions. The mushrooming of initiatives gave birth too many treaties and institutions of economic integration which still exist, but never were a success, because regional areas were conceived as likelier sites for import-substituting industrialization than small national markets. Few of these regional groupings were successful in furthering freer trade or deeper economic integration between partners. In the developing world regional agreements were seen as a means of reducing dependence on economic ties with the capitalist core region. The theory of comparative advantage, certainly, argues that unobstructed exchange between countries will augment the total amount of world output if every country tends to focus in those goods that it can generate at a comparatively lower cost compared to possible trading partners. Every country then will trade several of those lower-cost goods with other nations for goods that can be formed elsewhere more economically than at home. In the end, with free trade amongst nations, all countries will discover that their consumption potential recline outside their domestic production potential. Comparative advantage and its expansions from a theoretical perspective have not resulted in any considerable weakening of the general strength of this body of theory nor of its consequence, a free trade system. The rationale for free trade is thus quite old. Building his case on the gains from trade to be had from specialization reflecting the division of labor, Smith had the essence of the argument right. But it was left to David Ricardo (building on James Mill) to clinch the case formally. Ricardo used a stripped-down model- only one factor of production with constant productivity of labor in two goods, but with relative productivity between the goods different across two countries-to show that both countries could gain from trade via specialization. The Ricardian analysis implied that this "technical possibility" of gaining from trade would be realized if a policy of free trade were adopted in an institutional setting where prices guided resource allocation. But the analytically satisfactory proofs of trade's benefits that we modern economists demand are the handiwork of theorists working in the twentieth century. David Ricardo armed advocate of free trade with the theorem of comparative advantage. His basic assumption was that every economic value was created by labor (the labor theory of value) and a belief that the three basic factors of production (land, labor, and capital) could not move across national boundaries. Ricardo and other economists, however, were interested in learning what law governs the distribution of national income among the factors production, and what the determinants of international trade patterns are. Heckscher - Ohlin approach The classical Ricardo assumed, literally or in effect, a single factor of production. Obviously, that assumption precluded considerations such as the consequences of varying input proportions and of changes in trade on the distribution

Identity Essay Example for Free

Identity Essay Often times we will hear phrases like, â€Å"loss of identity† or â€Å"identity crisis†. What many people never stop to think about is what â€Å"identity† means. Generally identity can be taken to refer to specifications of a person, personal conception and expression or group expression and affiliation. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary identity carries the following meaning; the distinguishing character and personality of an individual or individuality. Everyone has an identity which they hold dear to them. Identity could be of various types; it could be individuality, racial, gender, political among others. In psychology identity relates to self image or an individual’s mental model of himself or herself. In other word it is relates to self-esteem and individuality. This is the most critical aspect of identity. Self-esteem is an important contribute rot overall well-being of all people. Self esteem is the opinion one has of himself or herself. It is without a doubt that the environment we develop in and the experiences we go through shape our opinion of ourselves and therefore determine our self-esteem. A high self-esteem is when one has a good opinion of himself or herself. Low self-esteem is when one has a bad opinion of himself or herself. Low self-esteem is like a cancer that keeps eating at ones confidence and sense of accomplishment. When one has low self-esteem then often times that person’s everyday life will be affected in that that person begins to accomplish less, kind of like a self-fulfilling prophecy. This is because that person sees himself o herself as unable to achieve compared to other or unreliable or even less attractive compared to others. As a result of this attitude the person’s behavior will almost always reflect this attitude and end up bringing the results that the person expected, failure an underachievement. A positive identity or self-esteem on the other hand will almost always lead one to success. Like an image I once saw on the internet of a cat that was starring into a mirror and what was reflected was a lion! Just like that cat a person with appositive identity will always see himself or herself as capable of overcoming any challenge that comes across his or her way. This attitude goes a long way to ensuring that this person achieves success, think of Lance Armstrong who in spite of being diagnosed with testicular cancer went on to win the Tour de France seven times and founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation (Armstrong Jenkins, pg 10). Another aspect to identity is cultural identity. Cultural identity here covers, racial identity, and religious identity. There is nothing wrong with racial or religious identity as long as it does not border discrimination. However often times we find ourselves so engrossed with our racial or religious identities so that we often unconsciously favor those who identify with our identities and discriminate against those who are of a different racial or religious identity. As an international student I can attest to the truth of this as quite often I have been looked down upon simply for having a different cultural identity. There has been a rise in an â€Å"us’ versus â€Å"them† mentality among non-Muslims and Muslims in the United States, especially following the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is sad to see people who once lived unrestricted by religious identities go to the level of phobia. People should learn push beyond these stereotypes that paint people of other religious and racial identities as inferior or evil. We are the entire human race; black, brown, white Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Atheist, we are all human beings. We should therefore love one another and appreciate our difference because it is what brings variety into our world. Identity refers to an individual’s opinion of himself or a distinguishing character or personality in the person. A positive identity can go along way in ensuring success in a person’s life, while a negative identity does the opposite. It is therefore important that we cultivate appositive identity for ourselves. Cultural identity is also another aspect. I have learnt that it is important that we appreciate our varying cultural identities and that we foster love and cooperation instead of discrimination and phobia.

Resource Based View Of Strategy

Resource Based View Of Strategy This report is based on a detailed case study analysis the acquisition of Abbey done by Santander in UK financial sector. During the analysis, the student will use tools such as PESTEL, Porter Five Forces, Generic Strategy, Ansoff Matrix to analyse and evaluate if Santanders move to acquire Abbeys bank was a successful approach. However, the student will propose strategic orientations and options so that Santander resolves around the issues identified from an inside out perspective as well as from the consumer orientated perception. 1-Introduction When analysing the student starts by defining the terms of strategy used by different authors from the position school, from an inside out perspective and from an outside in perspective to identify a standing point of how are the different and contradictory strategies applicable to Santander case study. Secondly, the definitions of strategy will help the student guide himself towards recognizing Santanders market position and dynamics. Hence, applicable strategies viewpoints are mentioned below. 1.1-Deliberate vs. Emergent Decisions According to H. Mintzberg and J. A. Waters (1994), the concept of strategy comes from 2 processes the planned strategy process and the emergent strategy process. In the planned strategy, targets are very clear, straightforward and then converted into actions. In the emergent strategy, judgments appear from negotiating, opportunity and positive feedback. Mintzberg says that a strategy emerges overtime and an organization might start with a viewpoint and sum that it calls for a certain position, which is to be accomplished by way of a cautiously constructed plan. In addition, instead of saying that one strategy is better than the other, the authors claim that what is best depends on the nature of the organization. [4][The rise and fall of strategic planning, 1994] This concept is clearly justified within the case study. Under the management of the CEO Francisco Gomez Roldan, Santander planned to revolutionize the company by implementing a three year plan which consisted in implementing a new operational model, rebuilding Abbeys sales competences ,and the development of an independent commercial bank. Later, an emergent strategy was then applied by the new CEO Antonio Horta Osorio who emphasized the concept of Five Themes: efficiency, service quality, customer loyalty and teamwork meritocracy. 1.2-Resource Based View of Strategy The Resource Based View model approach says that a company resource is its main source of sustainable competitive advantage in the market which competes as well as the strategic choice made by management. RBV strategy objective is to develop its internal resources to meet the demands of the market (inside-out strategy). Barney (1986) claims that developing a match between the firms resources and the success factors in the industry, is a demanding task and the success of the match is a function of the accuracy of managerial expectations about the value of strategy. [3][ David J. Teece, Strategic Management Journal] When justifying the statement above, the student found that the resource based view strategy is applicable to Santander case study because, one of the main strategies of Abbey was to diversify into new markets, rebuild its internal dynamic capabilities, and focus on efficiency by delivering a new IT Platform which could be assumed to be a rare resource within its market, as well as to reduce costs and cut down its internal processes in order to drive the company forward. Also, the complexity of the overall management role is such that good quality, top management, in itself is a potential source of competitive advantage (Castanians and Helfat, 1991). [3][David J. Teece, Strategic Management Journal] 2-Industries and Markets In order to identify the industries and the markets where Santander competes, the student must explain the core operation of Abbey before and after Santander acquisition. Previously, Abbeys three main business divisions consisted of the Personal Finance Services division which included Banking and Savings (mortgages, savings accounts, current accounts and unsecured loans), Investment and Protection (life and health protection, investment and pensions products), and General Insurance. The Treasury Service division was accountable for the liquidity and capital management activities of Abbey, while the Portfolio Business Unit deals with businesses considered for divestiture.[6][Santander (D)Transformation and Growth in the UK] In the future, its retail division consists of sales productivity, customer and savings retention, cross sales and the exploitation of new growth opportunities. The Insurance and Asset Management division comprised the legacy insurance business of Abbey and the asset management business. The third division Abbey Financial Market covered activities in derivatives and structure products as well as short term markets. .[6][Santander (D)Transformation and Growth in the UK] As described above, the student is now able to mention that Santander is competing in the financial services industry sector along with its competitors which are Barclays, HSBC, HBOS, and LTSB, Insurance Companies and retail supermarkets such as Tesco. Its sales come from the management of peoples money and other businesses. Santander is a retail and commercial private bank with numerous branches in the UK, Europe, and South America. With the acquisition of Abbeys Bank, Santander found itself a major player in mortgages, savings and protection. These represent the solid market position where Santander competes. 3-Overview market analysis According to Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK, Santander is presently one of the largest banks in the UK market, and has one of the lowest rates of the market. With the acquisition of Abbeys bank and with the implementation of the three year plan, Santander has grown dramatically in terms of size and value. This strategic move was very important in order to gain market share and get access to new customer segments. In order to forecast revenue growth Santander started to offer a full scale commercial bank divided into three categories: core business, under presented markets and new opportunities. In the core business Santander aimed for lending market share exceeding 10% from 2006 for the mortgages segment. In the under-represented markets Abbey boost it sales to win 10% share of new bank accounts due to the aggressive campaigns to win higher customer value in cross sales initiatives and the development of a premium bank service. The entry into a new market to exploi t new opportunities in credit cards, consumer finance and corporate banking represented an enormous income pool but it had major competition with the big 5 seen in Exhibit 3, 4, 5 and 6 from the [Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK].[6] 3.1-Structure and Dynamics Porters five forces is a model that helps identify the attractiveness of five competitive forces: the threat of entry, the threat of substitutes, the power of buyers, the power of suppliers and the extent of rivalry between competitors. These five forces together constitute an industry structure and an analysis of its market dynamics. The student is using this model to identify issues in a wider scope. Some issues mentioned in the model are not only relevant for the service oriented businesses but also for the banking sector. Within the time frame of the Santander analysis case study, a constant evaluation is required in order to avoid being myopic within the results presented. According to Michael Porter (1980), a business has to recognize the dynamics of its industries and markets in order to compete successfully in the market. [9][Competitive Strategy: Techniques for analysing industries and competitors] 3.1.1-Causes of supplier power In the case of the bargaining suppliers power, information technology plays a major role in the functioning of the bank. Santander had stopped all pending IT projects of Abbeys bank in order to integrate a full complete System of the Partenon (it is a platform that allows the incorporation of a global data centre which could be moved across any market, also allows the launch of new products with minimal lead time). From 2006 to 2007 the roll out of Partenon reconfigured the all Abbeys infrastructure including a new communication branch network. Partenon was a necessary investment that reduced massive costs in the first two years.[6][Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK] The student assumes that a major supplier is IBM as the database that hold the customers information runs on IBM middleware and so the bargaining power is present as all systems must be operating at all times. Therefore IBM can bargain, because it is being realized an optimal service in keeping the system on. Santander reliance on a single IT system does not provide risks as the acquisition of other banks in different business processes and markets. 3.1.2-Factors of buyer power The bargaining power of customers is very high, due to customers having many options in choosing which bank they should go to. Moreover, the products provided by Santander are very important for their customers but not necessary crucial as there are similar products being offered within their competitors. 3.1.3-Threats of new entrants The threats of new entrants in the financial UK industry sector are very low, since large banks (Barclays, HSBC, and HBOS) have strong market position and many years of experience. Therefore, the cost of entrance in this sector is very high as new entrants will have to gain customers confidence and loyalty in order to establish themselves. Also, the distribution channels are controlled by existing players as the governments regulations are severe to approve new entrants. 3.1.4-Threats of substitutes There is a high level of substitutes providing different products and low prices as compared to the major players in this industry, some banks have improved performance constraints for the same products provided by Santander. Futhermore, it is hard to gain new customers because brand image and its loyalty are very important in the UK market (e.g. the internet is substitute). However, Santanders strategy in regards to its prices to conquer new customer segments using different sales strategies is very effective and Santander is a leading organization with this unique sales capabilities and efficiency. 3.1.5-Rivalry among Existing firms According to the diagrams provided in the Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK case study, competition is intense in this particular industry because banks have similar offering in terms of the value for the money, margins and cost-effectiveness in the long term for different businesses. Barclays , HSBC, RBOS, LTSB, Insurance Companies, Retail Supermarkets such as Tesco are Santanders main competitors and these companies have similar strategies as well as few differentiation between the products offered from each bank, consequently there is more competition in terms of price than anything else. On the other hand, the financial service industry sector is very sensitive to the economic cycles. At the time when Santander case study was written, Bank of Santander was an industry frontrunner due to its knowledge and financial strengths. As an industry leader, it is problematic for other retail banks to compete against, which lessens businesses and risk investment. With the acquisition of Abbey, Santander gained solid position in one of the most lucrative investment marketplaces in the world. As the bank expands rapidly, it minimizes the threat of straight rivalry and increases the profit of Santander. In addition, the student finds it necessary to link the analysis and evaluations conducted on the structure and dynamics of the competing markets using the five forces model by Porter (1980) with the critical success factors for succeeding in the financial markets. 4-Crucial success factors The idea of critical success factors as a source for deciding the information of leaders was proposed by RH Daniel as an approach that had potential to be used in the practice of assessing info units which was spread by F Rockart (1979). Basically, if a business possessed critical factors which would in the sense be associated with the factors of an organization, then the business would fail catastrophically. Furthermore, Critical Success Factor (CSFs) is determined by the satisfactory results obtained within the different SBUs (e.g. Santanders). It ensures the successful competitive performance of a business. [2][David Aaker, Strategic Marketing Management] So, the student has identified critical success factors that are fundamental important for the success of Santander in the financial industry sector, they are: The managerial position of both CEOs was and still is a critical success factor for Santander business because Antonio Horta Osorio a top manager who was with Santander for over a decade and had rich experience in global banking, in fact his influence to the Santanders global banking strategy was a vision that generated growth by implementing the Five Themes (efficiency, service quality, customer loyalty, teamwork and meritocracy). So, his responsibility and the position that he has had in the Santander commercial banking is a critical success factor. Santanders resources and capabilities in the sense of where the company has positioned itself in the marketplace in order to gain market shares is a critical success factor. The different strategies implemented to cut costs, to boost sales throughout the different channels (branch network, telephones and intermediaries).The full implementation of Partenon IT infrastructure to reduce costs is also another critical success factor with major influence in the financial industry sector. The environmental changes such as Economic, regulatory, political and demographic also influence the critical success factors for business to compete in this market. [2][David Aaker, Strategic Marketing Management] 5-Differentiation Santander has a consumer oriented business model which provides higher levels of returns in its earnings and despite the difficult economic situation faced by banks lately, Santanders control and risk management principles is a different approach used by this organization to differentiate itself from its competitors. Also, Santanders reputation in terms of what they have achieved along the years it is different. For instance, in 2004 when Santander bought Abbeys bank, the investment and the turnaround or the change provided in the business was tremendously efficient and surprisingly effective. Perhaps, Santander is one of the most efficient banks in the world with a high cost to income ratio. Nevertheless, its culture and corporate structure in the retail and commercial bank sector is different in the sense that, all the branches share a common policy framework. As a whole, Santander offers bank services in a choice of currencies to its global clients. Likewise, it provides mortgages in different currencies too. A further internal analysis was conducted and the student as found important aspects to mention as Santander internal resources, competences and capabilities (see Appendix 2) plays a major role within the differentiation of the company itself. 5.1-Resources According to the Strategic Management Journal (Wiley Blackwell), resources is defined as firms specific assets that are difficult if not impossible to imitate, for example the specialized production facilities possessed by Santander. [3] [Strategic Management Journal (Wiley Blackwell)] Santander UK and other branches operate as a geographic subsidiary. They operate independently in each market, working effectively as a separate entity. Moreover, each unit manages its own capital liquidity, with its own funding sources. Broadly the whole Santander Group applies controls for all its subsidiary units which mean that they share a common policy framework in areas such as risk management, internal audit and financial management. Each unit shares practice and experiences in product development as well as the IT operational framework and a common brand. [8][Santander Supplementary Evidence, 2011] According to Santander Structure Evidence, the student draws upon the fact that in order to have a structure model that best fits the environment of retail and commercial banks, Santander must engage or work along its customers in order to provide solutions for the betterment of the client. [8][Santander Supplementary Evidence, 2011] The fact that the organization structure is part of their unique resource, Santander also possesses other means such as tangible and intangible resources (see Appendix 2). Perhaps, the IT platform Partenon is an integral resource that embodies their capabilities and competences overall. 5.2-Competences Strategic Management Journal (Wiley Blackwell) states that organization routines and core competences define the firms ultimate business as a core. Primary proficiencies must be consequent of seeing across the range of a firms (and its competitors) products and services. Specifically Santanders primary competences reside in the enhanced operations efficiency in order to increase revenues and reduce costs, as well as, the ability to expand to other markets and to improve relationship management with other banks, insurance companies and building societies. Santander is highly known for its marketing power and for the competence to deliver good value and innovative products for retail customers. [3][Strategic Management Journal (Wiley Blackwell)] 5.3-Capabilities Furthermore Leonard-Barton 1992, states that the capabilities of a firm reside on the ability to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competences to address rapidly changing environments. [3][Strategic Management Journal (Wiley Blackwell)] Basically, Santanders main capability exist in delivering strong performance management by enhance retention, increase incentives for cross sales. Control and risk management is another capability that Santander possesses in order to defend its market share regardless of the prevailing conditions. Another Santander capability resides in the delivery of increased sales throughout the sales channels (the branch network, telephones and intermediaries). In fact with the acquisition of Abbey, Santander had forecasted that with their sales capabilities the staff would be able to increase productivity by 40% and an even higher figure, namely 60% was targeted in telephone based sales.[6][Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK] After the identification of its internal capabilities, the students have identified sources that constitute an advantage for competing in the financial industry sector. 6-Sources of Competitive Advantage M. Porter 1980, states that competitive advantage is achieved by offering buyers better value for product either by means of lower prices or by giving better products and services which validates higher prices. Porter suggests the use of four generic business strategies which is a tool used to identify sources of competitive advantage. [9] [Competitive Strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors] Using the generic business strategy by Porter, the student has drawn below the strategy approaches that exemplify the sources of competitive advantage used by Santander. Segmentation Focus Differentiation Leadership Cost LeadershipNarrow Scope Broad Scope Uniqueness Low Cost In the figure above, you can clearly identify that Santander has more than one source of competitive advantage in the short term and long term perspectives. Differentiation Leadership- with this strategy, Santander is targeting a large market with aims to achieve competitive advantage across the whole financial industry. Basically, this strategy is regularly related by means of charging a premium price for the product. [9] [Competitive Strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors] Cost Leadership- this strategy is to become the lowest cost producer in the financial industry by reducing costs and enjoying the best profits. By doing so, Santander has cost advantage over the competition and can significantly gain market share. [9] [Competitive Strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors] For instance, Santander has the most advanced banking technologies (Partenon) and operations platforms in the finance industry, which permits it to turn cost savings efficiency into superior value for the customer. Santander is one of the utmost efficient banks in the world, with a high cost to income ratio. In addition, Santander uses customer focused management which allows closer connections and consumer retention through better quality service. However, it is necessary to identify strategic marketing issues that could possibly influence Santander in the future. 7-Macro/Micro Environmental The PESTEL framework tool was used to evaluate and identify the major macro/micro environmental issues that are affecting the business strategies of Santander as well as to measure in what way the environmental aspects may well influence business performance at present and in the forthcoming future. 7.1-Political Political Intervention in Capital Markets(threat) )(high priority) The economy controls and imposes a rising amount of regulations, the government selected regulators who can execute price controls in most of the main utilities. There are all sorts of implications regarding the political interventions such as fiscal policy used to modify the level of demand for different products and also the pattern of demand within the economy. Perhaps, over the last few years privatization in the UK economy has given to a new trend of nationalization comprising certain banks. So, Santander is on imminent pressure from this political power which could have a huge impact on the future of Santander in the UK. 7.2-Economical Eurozone Credit Crisis. (threat) )(high priority) Housing market is declining. (threat) (low priority) Eurozone credit crisis and the global recession threaten to destabilise Santanders position in financial market industry as customers are highly concerned about the debts that banks face. These uncertainties are a high priority to be resolved in the future as consumers cannot predict what will happen to the bank and their saving. So, it is necessary to ensure customers that the bank is safe from the global recession and Eurozone crisis. The housing market is downgrading in the current years as consumers have huge debts and low credit limit that they cannot afford to pay off their mortgages, therefore there is less people wanting mortgages which means that Santander will face a challenge to overcome this issue. In addition, this threat is to be resolved with low priority in the long term, the student assumes. 7.3-Social Growth in Emerging Markets (Opportunity)(low priority) Social impact of the change of brand from Abbey to Santander(threat)(high priority) According to Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK case study, Santander saw an opportunity to make profits from the corporate banking market. The reason is that Abbey lacked business loans and fee earnings products that restrained a corresponding growth in earnings. In the long run, Santander would benefit from building particular product areas on standalone basis both organically and by small acquisitions. With the acquisition of Abbey, Santander radical change of its brand could have an enormous impact on the culture of the organization as well as on its customers. The reason is that a sudden change on an iconic image that Abbey had to the new logo of Santander causes confusing among the customers as it is a threat for the organization itself to lose customers for other banks. In reality, this sudden change of the brand is a marketing crime the student thinks, as basically Santander is trying erase the past of Abbey and implement its new way of business. This is an important issue that must be resolved with high priority as Santander can lose confused and unsatisfied customers to its competitors. Also, it is a must to resolve this issue with an influence to bring in new identity and culture so that the staff does not become unclear of their position in the organization. 7.4-Technological Online banking (Opportunity) (high priority) Credit card expansion (Opportunity)(high priority) According to Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK case study, Santander Bank has gone through several integrations in the latest years, with the acquisition of Abbeys bank and the expansion to other markets in South America. Online bank is within the highest priorities as to keep customers loyal to Santander and to keep customers satisfied and safe as online banking is an investment to provide greater value product service. Santander had a huge opportunity to make enormous profits in the Credit Card market in a short period of time. Santander in 2006 launched a plan to tackle its current customers base and guard in the UK with solid innovative product offerings.[6][Santander (D) Transformation and Growth in the UK] 7.5-Legal Money Laundering. (threat) (high priority) Money Laundering is an issue faced by all major financial services as the UK government must ensure that all customers are safe and to fight against financial crime. In addition, Santander must be at all times(present and future) aware of this threat which if found guilty of laundering money , its reputation will be demolished and the consumers will not trust the bank to put their saving in Santanders bank. In addition, Santander is regulated by the United Kingdoms Financial Services Authority (the FSA) under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000(the Act) as Santander must comply with UKs money laundering and countering terrorist financing regime to prevent this issue from happening.[1][Anti money laundering and counter terrorist financing] After a PESTEL analysis conducted on the strategic marketing issues facing Santander, the student developed two strategic options that could be implemented in order to tackle some of the issues identified in the PEST analysis. 8-Strategic Options Developed There are several business strategy alternatives that are commonly used and that have led to the success and survival of many organizations in long period of time from which some knowledge and perception are accessible. So, the student draws upon some strategic options that are considered for on-going investment, assurance and programmatic management overtime, as well as the culture and the values that the organization need to support the strategic options chosen. The strategic options are: being global and customer relationship management. 8.1-Being Global The global strategy is mostly established by organizations that find it essential to compete successfully with other firms over an international perception in which the interrelationships between country markets are drawn on to form collaborations, economies of scale, strategic flexibility and prospects to influence insights, programmes and production economies. For instance, a product or service established in one marketplace could be used in another, or a price advantage can be an effect from economies of scale created by the global market. In addition, operating in numerous countries can lead to better flexibility as well as significant sustainable competitive advantage. [2][David Aaker, Strategic Market Management] For instance, HSBC is a global financial corporation, IKEA is a global retail company, and Luis Vuitton is a global fashion brand which means that being global provides purposeful benefits in a way that the customers can access the services of HSBC or buy Louis Vuitton goods everywhere. So, being global would ultimately provide reputation and reassurance that the firm has the business abilities to compete effectively internationally. [2][David Aaker, Strategic Market Management] 8.2-Customer Relationship Management The main idea of customer relationship is that cost-effectiveness could be appreciated if enduring and valuable relationships are formed among companies and their consumers, whereas loyalty as always been the front of industry rational, two trends have been the core of implementing this strategy. Fred Reicheld, Don Pepers and Martha Rogers (1980) stimulated the view that costs can be reduced and profits maximised if customers are marketed directly as well as the IT infrastructures such as database management, data mining and web based services could be tools that help with the interactivity with mass customization. [2][David Aaker, Strategic Market Management] For instance, Manchester City football Club is world renowned for the support they receive from their fans. Man city faced problems with increasing salaries and transfer fees as they needed to maximise their revenue. So, that club tackle these issues by managing its customer relationships in a more sophisticated way to meet its financial challenges. The club implemented a smartcard system where fans could book tickets over the phone and on the internet as well as to purchase the club goods using the smartcard. This system justifies how the management of customer relationships is a strength influenced by technology and how useful it is to tackle most issues within organizations using customer relationship management. [2][David Aaker, Strategic Market Management] In addition, a further analysis was conducted on Santanders marketing strategy as well as strategic orientations proposed to be implemented in the long term and short term aspects. 8.3-Marketing Strategy According to Market Orientation Article , a firm which is characterized as market oriented could have: developed an appreciation that understands present and potential customer needs is fundamental to providing superior customer value; encouraged the systematic gathering and sharing of information regarding present and potential customers and competitors as well as other related constituencies; organization wide priority to respond to changing customer needs and competitor activities in order to exploit opportunities and circumvent threats (Hunt and Morgan,1995; Kohli and Jaworki,1990; Narver and Slater,1990).[7][Market orientation and dimensions of strategic orientation] To justify the definition above, Santander is very much market oriented company, as most of their strategy is to develop products that cater to the needs of their clients. Initially Santander bought Abbey for a clear reason that they had a total of 18 million customers and a strong brand. For instance, Santander expertise in sales brought a convincing sales strategy to rebuild Abbeys sales capabilities by implementing new sales channels which generated business and increased productivity by 40%. Moreover, to boost revenue growth Santander segmented the product range in order to be adaptable in the increasingly competitive climate. Within the deployment of its new product range, the company used the sales channels to advertise the products as items that clients