Tuesday, December 31, 2019

What Does Your Name Mean - Genealogy

Could someone named Biff ever be president? Could a Gertrude ever become a prima ballerina? Does your name really play an integral part in who you are and what you will become? Can changing ones name -- common practice with many immigrant families -- actually change ones destiny? The hidden meaning of names is a popular query on Internet search engines as people hope to learn what their name says about them and who they will become. Different than traditional name meanings found in baby name lists and last name meaning dictionaries, the hidden meaning of a name is more akin to astrology or fortune telling than true etymological science. With some exceptions, most sources which reference the hidden meanings of names appear to use a variation on research known as sound symbolism, which attributes meanings to individual sounds based on their emotional response. So what exactly is sound symbolism? The traditional view of most linguists is that word meanings are related to morphemes (roots, suffixes, prefixes, etc.). There are a few, however, who place great faith in the theory of sound symbolism, suggesting that the letters of the alphabet -- individual sounds such as p or st -- actually mean something based on how they are pronounced. Sound symbolism, in its basic form, suggests that letter meanings influence how we feel about words and how we react to names, whether personal names or brand names. As one such individual, Joseph Gilbert, explains it, look at the words that start with st. Whether steadfast or just plain stubborn, theyre almost all really stuck in one place (stop, stick, stand, stall, stoic, store, stack, still...), unless of course theres a raring, rearing, roaring r in there who can get your st started. Curious, of course, I checked out the hidden meaning in my name. Entering my first name, I was told Your name says that you are curious. People with your name are naturally curious and inquisitive. You are a true researcher and investigator who likes to get to the bottom of complicated things, and find solutions to yet unsolved problems. Of course, trying many possible combinations, I also was unable to find a meaning that was not positive and also was given meanings for names which are, essentially, concocted gibberish. Either way, it was a fun exercise in linguistics. If youre curious about the meanings behind the individual letter sounds, check out the hidden meaning in your name. Numerologist Joy Light also claims to be able to find the hidden meaning in your name by using the numbers which correspond with the letters in your name. By adding all of the numbers in your name together, you arrive at a number that represents your destiny, or what it is in this lifetime you want to accomplish. A hidden meaning behind your name.

Monday, December 23, 2019

Modern Technology And Science Rule - 3169 Words

ords Since the 18th and 19th century the world has spiralled into an ever-changing and fast paced place where the possibilities are endless and technology and science rule. There was the introduction of machines, modern technology and science which gave the world incredible inventions such as the motorcar, aeroplane, the radio and electricity. These are the things that bought civilisation into modernity, it changed not only how people used the world but how they saw the world and envisaged the future. As times changes, architects gracefully chose to or were forced to adapt to the needs and conditions of their present world which were created by this Modernity. Some of these conditions which will be analysed are; the way in which society started to reject traditions and believe in the present and future, the initial reactions of scepticism towards the development of technology and imagination becoming important as people’s views on the world started to shift. The early 19th century was a tumultuous time for civilians and young soldiers’ alike living in Germany, with unthinkable losses in the war and an uncertain political future, this time of uneasy life with hopes for a better future created widespread despair and wild hopes through the country (Gay 2008, p315). This along with the constantly rising trends of modernity and the worlds need to make it new, an ever growing list of modern men throughout Europe strove to make a difference, one of these men was Walter Gropius. â€Å"AShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Economic Globalization704 Words   |  3 Pagescomparative advantage, expanding the scale of production and realizing economies of scale. Economic globalization can promote the transfer of industries and the accelerated flow of production factors such as capital and technology. It can make up for the lack of capital, technology and other factors of production in various countries, take an active part in international mark et competition, rapidly realize industrial evolution and system innovation, improve management and raise labor ProductivityRead MoreScience Is The Pursuit And Application Of Knowledge Essay1158 Words   |  5 Pagesinterdisciplinary disciples pertaining to Science, Math, Technology and Engineering provide a broad spectrum of knowledge and opportunity for segregated sectors of discovery and interpretation. Each spectrum offers and promotes different methodology and ideology yet work together. Educators and researchers use crossed disciplinary approaches to satisfy the needs of our societal demands in this new and upcoming culture. According to the dictionary Science is the pursuit and application of knowledgeRead MoreEthics and Political Philosophy1749 Words   |  7 Pagesactions, which is insufficient when it has become aware of the importance of the temporal dimension, that is, of the responsibility collectively with the future, with the men of the future. It recognizes, however Hans Jonas, who has been other modern ethical unethical of contemporary and immediacy, but also point to the future and anticipates that its own ethic of responsibility will have to be measured with these other, both religious and secular, and in particular with those he called, utopianRead MoreHow was the Gupta Empire (India) scientifically advanced? Describes scientific achievements of the time.1594 Words   |  7 Pagesimprudent to ignore the influential achievements made in the areas of science, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy that made the empire scientifically advanced. Many people fail to realize that countless things mistaken for solely modern-day science, for example, plastic surgery, existed centuries ago. Here, the technologies of the Gupta Empire (320-467), such as the development of a more accurate value for pi, the perfection of the modern numeral and decimal system; surgery, inoculation, the formulationRead MoreThe Machinery in Dracula752 W ords   |  3 Pagesforefront of modern technology during the time. In fact, the way technology is described and used in the novel, it can be viewed as a subliminal compliment from Stoker about the lengths in which society has developed in that regard. Most effectively the Crew of Light gets to utilize technology whereas Dracula is painfully unaware of the advancements of recent sciences. â€Å"Well, you know what we have to contend against; but we, too, are not without strength†¦we have the resources of science† (Stoker 282)Read MoreGermany And Its Impact On The Country Of Germany1204 Words   |  5 PagesOrganization). The architecture of Germany has a long, rich and diverse history. Every major European style from Roman to Post Modern is demonstrated. Germany has made very significant technology and science achievements and have a significant part of the country’s economy. Germany’s people are a very tolerant and forward thinking group of people. Germany is a modern, advanced society, shaped by a multitude of lifestyles and regional backgrounds. The people of Germany have widely accepted aRead MoreCulture Vs. Society.1241 Words   |  5 Pagestransmitted motor reactions, habits, techniques, ideas, and values. Since Krober’s definition, anthropologists have defined culture in several other ways, although the core elements of Kroeber’s original definition are still relevant. Most o the modern definition of culture agree that culture is learned, widely shared, is responsible for most of the differences in ways of thinking and behaving and is essential in completing the psychological and social development f individuals. Cultural anthropologistsRead MoreThe Debate Of Science And Medicine1423 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout the course of human history people have been fascinated by the world around them. Ancient philosophers focused on the questions of human existence while early scientists searched for expl anations beyond those that religion provided. Science became an outlet to provide answers to the unknown while creating further questions for future experimenters to seek information about. Simply observing and explaining nature failed to bring seekers of knowledge satisfaction. It was not enough to haveRead MoreThe Science of Management Throughout History Essay782 Words   |  4 PagesManagement Thought Management - is one of the areas of modern economics, aimed at the creation, planning and implementation of development plan for businesses, organizations, and firms in order to maximize the potential profit of the company, creating a sustainable enterprise management system (Drucker, 1993). Management helps companies to achieve a certain goal step-by-step. In order to achieve targets companies demand managers. â€Å"A Manager is the person responsible for planning and directing theRead MoreSputnik, The Russian State Into The Vast Realm Of Space887 Words   |  4 Pagesspace, beyond the confines of Earth, modernity entered an entirely new construct. The event marked not only an achievement for science and technology, but also for mankind as a whole. Sputnik served as the â€Å"first step toward escape from men’s imprisonment on Earth, modernity entered an entirely new context. The event marked not only an achievement for science and technology, but also for mankind as a wh ole. Sputnik served as the â€Å"first step toward escape from men’s imprisonment on Earth,† cultivating

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Night World Daughters of Darkness Chapter 16 Free Essays

After that, things happened very fast, and at the same time with a dreamy slowness. Mary-Lynnette felt her arms grabbed from behind. Something was pulling her hands together-somethingstrong. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 16 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Then she felt the bite of cord on her wrists, and she realized what was happening. Tied up-I’m going to be helpless-I’ve got todosomething fast†¦. She fought, trying to wrench herself away, trying to kick. But it was already too late. Her hands were secure behind her back-and some part of her mind noted distantly that no wonder people on cop shows yell when they’re handcuffed. Ithurt. Her shoulders gave a shriek of agony as she was dragged backward up against a tree. â€Å"Stop fighting,† a voice snarled. A thick, distorted voice she didn’t recognize. She tried to see who it was, but the tree was in the way. â€Å"If you relax itwon’t hurt.† . Mary-Lynnette kept fighting, but it didn’t make any difference. She could feel the deeply furrowedbark of the tree against her hands and back-and now she couldn’t move. Oh, God, oh, God-1 can’t get away. Iwas alreadyweak from what Ash and I did-and now I can’t move at all. Then stop panicking andthink, her inner voice said fiercely. Use your brain instead of getting hysterical. Mary-Lynnette stopped struggling. She stood panting and tried to get control of her terror. â€Å"I told you. It only hurts when you fight. A lot of things are like that,† the voice said. Mary-Lynnette twisted her head and saw who it was. Her heart gave a sick lurch. She shouldn’t havebeen surprised, but she was-surprised and infi nitely disappointed. â€Å"Oh, Jeremy,† she whispered. Except that it was a different Jeremy than the one she knew. His face was the same, his hair, his clothes-but there was something weird about him, something powerful and scary and †¦unknowable. His eyes were as inhuman and flat as a shark’s. â€Å"I don’t want to hurt you,† he said in that distorted stranger’s voice. â€Å"I only tied you up because I didn’t want you to interfere.† Mary-Lynnette’s mind was registering different things in different layers. One part said, MyGod, he’s trying to be friendly, and another part said, Tointerferewith what? and a third part just kept saying Ash. She looked at Ash. He was lyingverystill, andMary-Lynnette’s wonderful new eyes that could seecolors in moonlight saw that his blond hair was slowly soaking with blood. On the ground beside himwas a club made of yew – made of the hard yellow sapwood. No wonder he was unconscious. But if he’s bleeding he’s not dead-oh, God, please,he can’tbe dead-Rowan said that only staking and burning kill vampires†¦. â€Å"I have to take dare of him,† Jeremy said. â€Å"And then I’ll let you go, I promise. Once I explain everything, you’ll understand.† Mary-Lynnette looked up from Ash to the strangerwith Jeremy’s face. With a shock, she realized what he meant by â€Å"take care of.† Three words that were just part of life to a hunterto a werewolf. So now I know about werewolves. They’re killers and I was right all along. I was right and Rowan was wrong. â€Å"It’ll only take a minute,† Jeremy said-and hislips drew back. Mary-Lynnette’s heart seemed to slam violently inside her chest. Because his lips went farther up than any human’s lips could. She could see his gums, whitish-pink. And she could see why his voice didn’t sound like Jeremy’s-it was his teeth. White teeth in the moonlight. The teeth from herdream. Vampire teeth were nothing compared to this. The incisors at the front were made for cutting fleshfrom prey, the canines were two inches long, the teeth behind them looked designed for slicing and shearing. Mary-Lynnette suddenly remembered-somethingVic Kimble’s father had said three years ago. He’d said that a wolf could snap off the tail of a full-grown cow clean as pruning shears. He’d been complaining that somebody had let a wolf-dog crossbreed looseand it was going after his cattle†¦. Except that of course it wasn’t a crossbreed, Mary-Lynnette thought. It was Jeremy. I saw him everyday at school-and then he must have gone hometo look like this. Tohunt. Just now, as he stood over Ash with his teeth all exposed and his chest heaving, Jeremy looked completely, quietly insane. â€Å"But why?† Mary-Lynnette burst out.†Whydo youwant to hurt him?† Jeremy looked up-and she got another shock. His eyes were different. Before she’d seen them flash white in the darkness. Now they had no whites at all. They were brown with large liquid pupils. Theeyes of an animal. So it doesn’t need to be a full moon, she thought. He can change anytime. â€Å"Don’t you know?† he said. â€Å"Doesn’t anybody understand?This ismy territory.† Oh.Oh †¦ So it was as simple as that. After all their brainstorming and arguing and detective work. In the end it was something as basic as an animal protectingits range. â€Å"For a hunting range, it is small,† Rowan had said. â€Å"They were taking my game,† Jeremy said. â€Å"My deer, my squirrels. They didn’t have any right to dothat. I tried to make them leave-but they wouldn’t.They stayed and they kept killing†¦.† He stopped talking-but a new sound came fromhim. It started out almost below the range of MaryLynnette’s hearing-but the deep rumbling of itstruck some primal chord of terror in her. It was asuncanny and inhuman as the danger-hum of an at tacking swarm of bees. Growling. He was growling. And it wasreal.The snarling growl a dog makes that tells you to turn and run. The sound it makes before it springs at yourthroat†¦. â€Å"Jeremy!† Mary-Lynnette screamed. She threwherself forward, ignoring the white blaze of pain in her shoulders. But the cord held. She was jerked back. And Jeremy fell on Ash, lunging down, head darting forward like a striking snake, like a biting dog, like every animal that kills with its teeth. Mary-Lynnette heard someone screaming â€Å"No!†and only later realized that it was her. She was fight ing with the cord, and she could feel stinging and wetness at her wrists. But she couldn’t get free andshe couldn’t stop seeing what was happening in frontof her. And all the time that eerie, vicious growling that reverberated in Mary-Lynnette’s own head and chest. That was when things went cold and dear. Some part of Mary-Lynnette that was stronger than the panic took over. It stepped back and looked at the entire scene by the roadside: the car, which was still burning, sending clouds of choking white smokewhenever the wind blew the right way; the limpfigure of Ash on the pine needles; the blur of snarling motion that was Jeremy. â€Å"Jeremy!† she said, and her throat hurt, but hervoice was calm-and commanding. â€Å"Jeremy-before you do that-don’t you want me tounderstand? You said that was what you wanted. Jeremy,help me understand.† For a long second she thought in dismay that it wasn’t going to work. That he couldn’t even hear her. But then his head lifted. She saw his face; she saw the blood on his chin. Don’t scream, don’t scream, Mary-Lynnette toldherself frantically. Don’t show any shock. You have to keep him talking, keep him away from Ash. Behind her back her hands were working automatically, as if trying to get out of ropes was something they’d always known how to do. The slick wetness actually helped. She could feel the cords slide a little. â€Å"Please help me understand,† she said again, breathless, but trying to hold Jeremy’s eyes. â€Å"I’m your friend-you know that. We go back a long way.† Jeremy’s whitish gums were streaked with red. He still had human features, but there was nothing at all human about that face. Now, though-slowly-his lips came down tocover his gums. He looked more like a person andless like an animal. And when he spoke, his voicewas distorted, but she could recognize it as Jere my’s voice. â€Å"We do go back,† he said. â€Å"I’ve watched you sincewe were kids-and I’ve seen you watching me.† Mary-Lynnette nodded.She couldn’tgetany words out. â€Å"I always figured that someday, when we wereolder-maybe we’d be together. I thought maybe I could make you understand. About me. About everything. I thought you were the one person who might not be afraid†¦.† â€Å"I’m not,† Mary-Lynnette said, and hoped hervoice wasn’t shaking too badly. She was saying it to a figure in a blood-spattered shirt crouching over a torn body like a beast still ready to attack. MaryLynnette didn’t dare look at Ash to see how badly hewas hurt. She kept her eyes locked on Jeremy’s. â€Å"And I think I can understand. You killed Mrs. Burdock, didn’t you? Because she was on your territory.† â€Å"Nother; † Jeremy said, and his voice was sharpwith impatience. â€Å"She was just an old lady-she didn’t hunt. I didn’t mind having her in my range. Ieven did things for her, like fixing her fence andporch for free†¦. And that’s when she told methey were coming. Those girls.† Just the way she told me, Mary-Lynnette thought, with dazed revelation. And he was there fixing the fence-of course. The way he does odd jobs for everybody. â€Å"I told her it wouldn’t work.† Mary-Lynnette couldhear it again-the beginnings of a snarling growl. Jeremy was tense and trembling, and she could feel her self start to tremble, too. â€Å"Three more hunters in thislittle place †¦ I told her, but she wouldn’t listen. She couldn’t see. So then I lost my temper.† Don’t look at Ash, don’t call attention to him, Mary-Lynnette thought desperately. Jeremy’s lips were drawing back again as if he needed something to attack. At the same time the distant part of hermind said, So that’s why he used a picket=Ash was right;it was an impulse of the moment. â€Å"Well, anybody can lose their temper,† she said, and even though her voice cracked and there were tears in her eyes, Jeremy seemed to calm a little. â€Å"Afterward, I thought maybe it was for the best,† he said, sounding tired. â€Å"I thought when the girls found her, they’d know they had to leave. I waited for them to do it. I’m good at waiting.† He was staring past her, into the woods. Heart pounding, Mary-Lynnette grabbed the opportunity todart a look at Ash. Oh, God, he’s not moving at all. And there’s so muchblood†¦.I’ve never seen so much blood†¦. She twisted her wrists back and forth, trying to find some give in the cords. â€Å"I watched, but they didn’t go away,† Jeremy said.Mary-Lynnette’s eyes jerked back to him. â€Å"Instead youcame. I heard Mark talking to Jade in the garden. She said she’d decided she was going to like it here. And then †¦ I got mad. I made a noise and they heard me.† His face was changing. The flesh was actually moving in front of Mary-Lynnette’s eyes. His cheekbones were broadening, his nose and mouth jutting. Hairwas creeping between his eyebrows, turning them into a straight bar. She couldsee individual coarse hairs sprouting, dark against pale skin. I’m going to be sick†¦. â€Å"What’s wrong, Mary-Lynnette?† He got up and she saw that his body was changing, too. It was stilla human body, but it was too thin-stretched out.As if it were just long bones and sinews. â€Å"Nothing’s wrong,† Mary-Lynnette got out in a whisper. She twisted violently at her cords-and felt one hand slide. That’s it. Now keep him distracted, keep him moving away from Ash†¦. â€Å"Go on,† she said breathlessly. â€Å"What happenedthen?† â€Å"I knew I had to send them a message. I cameback the next night for the goat-but you were there again. You ran away from me into the shed.† Hemoved closer again and the moonlight caught his eyes-and reflected. The pupils shone greenish-orange. Mary-Lynnette could only stare. That shadow in the clearing-those eyes I saw. Nota coyote.Him.He was following us everywhere. The very thought made her skin creep. But there was another thought that was worsethe picture of him killing the goat. Doing it carefully, methodically-as a message. That was why he didn’t eat the heart and liver,Mary-Lynnette realized. He didn’t kill it for foodit wasn’t a normal werewolf killing. And he’s not a normal werewolf. He wasn’t at all like what Rowan had described-a noble animal that hunted to eat. Instead he was †¦ a mad dog. Of all people,Ash had it right. Him and his jokes about rabies †¦ â€Å"You’re so beautiful, you know,† Jeremy said suddenly. â€Å"I’ve always thought that. I love your hair.† He was right in her face. She could see the individual pores in his skin with coarse hairs growing out of them. And she couldsmellhim-the feral smell ofa zoo. He reached out to touch her hair, and his handhad dark, thick fingernails. Mary-Lynnette could feelher eyes getting wider. Say something †¦say some thing †¦ don’t show you’re afraid. â€Å"You knew how Mrs. Burdock’s husband was killed,† she got out. â€Å"She told me a long time ago,† Jeremy said almost absently, still moving his fingers in her hair. He’d changed so much that his voice was getting hard to understand. â€Å"I used little sticks from my models †¦you know I make models. And a black iris forhim.Ash.† Jeremy said the name with pure hatred. â€Å"I saw him that day with his stupid T-shirt. The Black IrisClub . . . my uncle belonged to that once. Theytreated him like he was second-class.† His eyes were inches from Mary-Lynnette’s; she felt the brush of a fingernail on her ear. Suddenlyshe had the strength to give a violent wrench behind her back-and one hand came free. She froze, afraid that Jeremy would notice. â€Å"I threw the goat on the porch and ran,† Jeremysaid, almost crooning the words as he petted MaryLynnette. â€Å"I knew you were all in there. I was somad-I killed that horse and I kept running. I smashed the gas station window. I was going to bum it downbut then I decided to wait.† Yes,and yes, and yes, Mary-Lynnette thought, even as she carefully worked her other wrist free,even as she stared into Jeremy’s crazy eyes andsmelled his animal breath. Yes, of course it was youwe heard running away-and you didn’t fall into the hole in the porch because you knew it was there, because you were fixing it. And yes, you were the one who smashed the window-who else would hate the gas station but somebody who worked there? 0Her fingers eased the cord off her other wrist. She felt a surge of fierce triumph-but she controlled her expression and clenched her hands, trying to thinkof what to do. He was so strong and so quick †¦ if she just threw herself at him, she wouldn’t have a chance. â€Å"And today you all came to town together,† Jeremy said, finishing the story quietly, through a mouth so inhuman it was hard to believe it could speak English. â€Å"I heard the wayhe was talking toyou. I knew he wanted you-and he wanted to change you into one of them. I had to protect you from that.† Mary-Lynnette said almost steadily, â€Å"I knew youwanted to protect me. I could tell, Jeremy.† She was feeling over the furrowed hemlock bark behind her.How could she attack him when she didn’t even have a stick for a weapon? And even if shehad,wood was no good. He wasn’t a vampire. Jeremy stepped back. Relief washed over Mary-Lynnette-for one second. Then she saw with horror that he was plucking at his shirt, pulling it off. And underneath †¦there was no skin. Instead there was hair. A pelt that twitched and shivered in the night air. â€Å"I followed you here and I fixed your car so you couldn’t leave,† Jeremy said. â€Å"I heard you say youwanted to be a vampire.† â€Å"Jeremy-that was justtalk†¦.† He went on as if she hadn’t spoken. â€Å"But that was a mistake. Werewolves are much better. You’ll understand when I show you. The moon looks so beautiful when you’re a wolf.† Oh,Godand so that was what he meant by pro tecting her, by making her understand. He meant changing her into something like him. I need a weapon. Rowan had said silver was harmful to werewolves,so the old silver-bullet legend must be true. But she didn’t haveasilver bullet. Or even a silver dagger †¦ A silver dagger†¦ a silverknife †¦ Behind Jeremy the station wagon was almost invisible in the clouds of smoke. And by now the smoke had the red glow of uncontrolled fire. It’s too dangerous, Mary-Lynnette thought. It’sabout to go. I’d never make it in and out†¦. Jeremy was still talking, his voice savage now.†You won’t miss the Night World. All their stupid restrictions-no killing humans, no hunting too often. Nobody tells me how to hunt. My uncle tried,but I took care of him-â€Å" Suddenly the creature-it wasn’t really a personanymore-broke off and turned sharply. Mary-Lynnette saw its lips go back again, saw its teeth parted and ready to bite. In the same instant she sawwhy-Ash was moving. Sitting up, even though his throat was cut. Lookingaround dazedly. He saw Mary-Lynnette, and his eyes seemed to focus. Then he looked at the thing Jeremy had become. â€Å"You-get away from herl† he shouted in a voiceMary-Lynnette had never heard before. A voice filledwith deadly fury. Mary-Lynnette could see himchange position in a swift, graceful motion, gathering his muscles under him to jump But the werewolf jumped first. Springing like ananimal-except that Jeremy still had arms, and onehand went for the yew club. The club smashed sideways into Ash’s head and knocked him flat. And then it fell, bouncing away on the carpet of needles. The werewolf didn’t need it-it was baring itsteeth. It was going to tear Ash’s throat out, like the horse, like the hiker †¦ Mary-Lynnette was running. Not toward Ash. She couldn’t help him barehanded. She ran toward the car, into the clouds of choking smoke. Oh, God, it’s hot. Please let me just get there†¦. She could feel the heat on her cheeks, on her arms. She remembered something from an elementary school safety class and dropped to her knees, scrambling and crawling where the air was cooler. And then she heard the sound behind her. The most eerie sound there is-a wolf howling. It knows what I’m doing. It’s seen that knife everytime I pry off my gas cap. It’s going to stop me†¦. She threw herself blindly into the smoke and heat,and reached the car. Orange flames were shooting crazily from the engine, and the door handle burnedher hand when she touched it. She fumbled, wrenching at it. Open,open†¦ The door swung out. Hot air blasted around her. If she’d been completely human she wouldn’t havebeen able to stand it. But she’d exchanged blood withfour vampires in two days, and she wasn’t completely human anymore. She wasn’t Mary-Lynnette any more †¦but was she capable of killing? Flames were licking up beneath the dashboard. Shegroped over smoking vinyl and shoved a hand under the driver’s seat. Find it! Find it! Her fingers touched metal-the knife. The silverfruit knife with the Victorian scrolling that she’d borrowed from Mrs. Burdock. It was very hot. Her handdosed on it, and she pulled it from under the seatand turned †¦ just as something came flying at her from behind. The turning was instinctive-she had to face whatwas attacking her. But what she would always know afterward was that she could have turned withoutpointing theknife at what was attacking her. There was a moment in which she could have slanted it backward or toward the ground or toward herself. And if she’d been the Mary-Lynnette of the old days,she might have done that. She didn’t. The knife faced outward. Toward the shape jumping at her. And when the thing landed on top of her she felt impact in her wrist and all theway up her arm. The distant part of her mind said, It went in cleanlybetween the ribs†¦. And then everything was very confused. Mary-Lynnette felt teeth in her hair, snapping for her neck. She felt claws scratching at her, leaving welts on her arms. The thing attacking her was hairy and heavy and it wasn’t a person or even a half-person. It was a large, snarling wolf. She was still holding the knife, but it was hard to keep her grip on it. It jerked around, twisting her wrist in an impossible direction. It was buried in the wolf’s chest. For just an instant, as the thing pulled away, she got a good look at it. A beautiful animal. Sleek and handsome, but withcrazy eyes. It was trying to kill her with its last panting breath. Oh, God, you hate me, don’t you? I’ve chosen Ashover you; I’ve hurt you with silver. And now you’re dying. You must feel so betrayed†¦. Mary-Lynnette began to shake violently. She couldn’t do this anymore. She let go of the knife and pushed and kicked at the wolf with her arms andlegs. Half scrambling and half scooting on her back, she managed to get a few feet away. The wolf stood silhouetted against a background of fire. She couldsee it gather itself for one last spring at her There was a very soft, contained poof. The entirecar lurched like something in agony-and then the fireball was everywhere. Mary-Lynnette cringed against the ground, halfblinded, but she had to watch. So that’s what it looks like. A car going up inflames. Not the kind of big explosion you hear in the movies. Justa poof. And then just the fire, going up and up. The heat drove her away, still crawling, but she couldn’t stop looking. Orange flames. That was allher station wagon was now. Orange flames shooting every which way out of a metal skeleton on tires. The wolf didn’t come out of the flames. Mary-Lynnette sat up. Smoke was in her throat,and when she tried to yell â€Å"Jeremyl† it came out as a hoarse croak. The wolf still didn’t come out. And no wonder, with a silver knife in its chest and fire all around it. Mary-Lynnette sat, arms wrapped around herself,and watched the car bum. He would have killed me. Like any good hunter. I had to defend myself, I had to save Ash. And thegirls †¦ he would have killed all of them. And thenhe’d have killed more people like that hiker†¦. He was crazy and completelyevil, because he’d do anything to get what he wanted. And she’d seen it from the beginning. Somethingunder that â€Å"nice guy† exterior-she’d seen it over and over, but she’d kept letting herself get convinced it wasn’t there. She should have trusted her feelingsin the first place. When she’d realized that she’dsolved the mystery of Jeremy Lovett and that it wasn’t a happy ending. She was shaking but she couldn’t cry. The fire roared on. Tiny sparks showered upward. I don’t care if it was justified. It wasn’t like killingin my dream. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t naturaland I’ll never forget the way he looked at me†¦. Then she thought,Ash. She’d been so paralyzed she’d almost forgotten him. Now she turned around, almost too frightened to look. She made herself crawl over to where he was still lying. So much blood†¦ how can he be all right? But if he’s dead †¦ if it’s all been for nothing †¦ But Ash was breathing. And when she touched hisface, trying to find a clean place in the blood, he moved. He stirred, then he tried to sit up. â€Å"Stay there.† Jeremy’s shirt and jeans were on the ground. Mary-Lynnette picked up the shirt and dabbed at Ash’s neck. â€Å"Ash, keep still†¦.† He tried to sit up again. â€Å"Don’t worry. I’ll protectyou.† â€Å"Lie down,† Mary-Lynnette said. When he didn’t, she pushed at him. â€Å"There’s nothing to do. He’s dead.† He sank back, eyes shutting. â€Å"Did I kill him?† Mary-Lynnette made a choked sound that wasn’t exactly a laugh. She was trembling with relief-Ash could breathe and talk, and he even sounded like hisnormal fatuous self. She’d had no idea how good thatcould sound. And underneath the swabbing shirt she could see that his neck was already healing. Whathad been gashes were becoming flat pink scars. Vampire flesh was incredible. Ash swallowed. â€Å"You didn’t answer my question.† â€Å"No. You didn’t kill him. I did.† His eyes opened. They just looked at each other for a moment. And in that moment Mary-Lynnette knew they were both realizing a lot of things. Then Ash said, â€Å"I’m sorry,† and his voice had never been less fatuous. He pushed the shirt awayand sat up. â€Å"I’m so sorry.† She didn’t know who reached first, but they were holding each other. And Mary-Lynnette was thinking about hunters and danger and laughing at death. About all the things it meant to really belong to the night. And about how she would never look in the mirror and see the same person she used to see. â€Å"At least it’s over now,† Ash said. She could feel his arms around her, his warmth and solidity, his support. â€Å"There won’t be any more killings. It’s over.† It was, and so were a lot of other things. The first sob was hard to get out. So hard thatshe’d have thought there would be a pause beforethe next-but, no. There was no pause between that one and the next, or the next or the next. She cried for a long time. And the fire burned itself out and the sparks flew upward and Ash held her all the while. How to cite Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 16, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Merging Fundamental and Technical Analysis - MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Merging Fundamental and Technical Analysis. Answer: Introduction: Financial analysis is a procedure to examine the financial information of an organization to reach over a conclusion. This financial analysis mainly offers an outcome through reallocating the resources to the internal process and the operations of the company. Financial analysis is usually done by the organization and the management of the business to evaluate the financial performance of the business so that the alternations could be done in the strategies and the policies of the company (Zabarankin, Pavlikov and Uryasev, 2014). Further, financial analyst does the financial analysis to estimate the financial position and financial performance of the business so that they could make the conclusion about the investment and divestment from the company. Moreover, investors do the financial analysis to evaluate the financial position and performance of the business so that they could make the decision about the investment and divestment from the company. Thus, financial analysis is done by the stakeholders of the business to make various conclusions according to their nature. This process assists them to make better decisions about the companys performance. Financial analysis could be done through various bases. Ratio analysis, vertical analysis, horizontal analysis etc are the most common way to analyze the performance of the company through evaluating the financial statements of the business. In this description, ratio analysis has been done to evaluate the position of the Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc and the engineering sector of United Kingdom. Case overview: This report has been presented to the stakeholders of the Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc and the engineering sector or the stakeholders of the industrial engineering sector of the United Kingdom. For evaluating the performance and the position of the industrial engineering sector and the Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc, financial reports of the company has been analyzed and a study of ratio analysis has been performed over the company to reach over a conclusion. For this report, industrial engineering sector has been taken into the concern and the financial performance of the industry has been analyzed. Basically, in the context of this assessment, three well-known, and London Stock Exchange listed public companies from the United Kingdom who are strong competitors have been identified for comparing and assessing their financial performance. These companies are winnowed based on their share prices and market capitalization: Spirax - Sarco Engineering Plc - 4,129.28 listed on 03 June 2013 Hills Smith Holdings Plc - 1,041.79 Market Capitalization listed on 26 March 1969 IMI Plc - 3,598.24 Market Capitalization listed on 09 March 1966 Further, the financial performance of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc has been analyzed in context with the financial performance and position of Hills and Smith and IMI PLC. Further, for analyzing the performance and the position of the company, ratio analysis study has been done. This report briefs about the various position of the company and the industry such as liquidity, efficiency, solvency, capital structure and profitability position. Industrial engineering sector: The Industrial Engineering Sector, also known as the manufacturing industry of the United Kingdom, has a long standing history from the late eighteenth century. During the early years of its establishment, the Industrial Engineering sector was having a great period of prosperity which highly contributed to Britains early economic growth. Further, the various reports and the statistics reports expresses that the Industrial Engineering sector contribution is around 6.7 trillion to the global economy. United Kingdom is ranked the ninth largest industrial nation contributing to ten percent of Gross Value Added (GVA) and forty-five percent of United Kingdoms exportation. In addition to this long standing industrial revolution, the Industrial Engineering sector represents sixty-eight percent of Business Research and Development and provides fourteen percent of business investments. In general, this revolutionary industry contributed approximately 455.6 billion of United Kingdoms POUND1,683 billion GDP in 2014 (27.1 percent) (Ward, 2012). Thus, the industrial engineering sector of the United Kingdom expresses about a great position in the international market. The performance of the industry is growing up rapidly and the future trends are also in the favor of the industry and expresses about a huge growth about the company. Company overview: For analyzing the performance of the industrial engineering sector of UK, Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc has been analyzed. This company is the leading manufacturing company of steam management system, associated fluid path technologies and peristaltic pumps. Head office of the company is in Cheltenham. This company is registered in FTSE 250. Following is the key financial figures of the company in last 5 years: (Morningstar, 2018) The changes into the financial performance of the company expresses about the positive chnages into the company. the growth of the company is continuouslly increasing. Further, the subsisiry companies of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc are also performing well in the market (Ft, 2018). This company has its presence in international market as well and it is recognized for its quality by its customers. The main mission of this company is to enhance the market in the international level and it is also focusing over the customers loyalty of the company. Competitors overview: Further, the competitors of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc has been analyzed which are Hills and Smith PLC and IMI PLC. Hill and Smith PLC is the manufacturing company of safety barrier system. This company also supplies the products into the international market. Head office of the company is in United Kingdom. This company is registered in FTSE 250. Following is the key financial figures of the company in last 5 years: (Morningstar, 2018) Further, the IMI PLC has been analyzed. This is the manufacturing company of engineering products of the company. This company has its online presence and it also supplies the products into the international market. Head office of the company is in United Kingdom (FT, 2018). This company is registered in FTSE 250. Following is the key financial figures of the company in last 5 years: (Morningstar, 2018) Thus, through the analysis over the 3 companies of Industrial engineering sector of the company, it has been analyzed that the performance of the industry is quite good in current scenario (Ft, 2018). Further, the financial analysis have been done over the companies to recah over a conclusion. Literature review: According to Weygandt, Kimmel and Kieso, (2009), financial reports of an organization contains balance sheet, income statement, changes in equity and cash flow statement of an organization. Further, it has been added by Weston and Brigham, (2015) that preparation of financial reports is quite mandatory for an organization. Moreover, it has also been added by Besley and Brigham, (2008) that financial reports assist the organization and its stakeholders to make various decisions about the policies, strategies, performance, investment etc. Bornholt (2013) has depicted into their study that all the financial reports express about the different financial position of the company. Income statement is relevant to analyze the profitability position of the company whereas the balance sheet expresses about the stability position of the company and the liquidity position is analyzed through the liquidity position of the company. Further, the financial reports could be easily analyzed through con ducting the various methods of financial analysis of the company. Moreover, it has been explained by Bierman (2010) that financial analysis is a procedure to examine the financial information of an organization to reach over a conclusion. Further, Fulin, (2011) has added that the process of financial analysis mainly offers an outcome through reallocating the resources to the internal process and the operations of the company. Moreover, the Elton et al, (2009) has explained that the financial analysis is usually done by the organization and the management of the company to evaluate the financial performance of the company so that the alternations could be done in the strategies and the policies of the company. Further, Barlow, (2006) has added in the study of financial analysis that financial analyst does the financial analysis to evaluate the financial position and performance of the company so that they could make the decision about the investment and divestment from the company. Moreover, it has also been added by Higgins (2012) that investors do the financial analysis to evaluate the financial position and performance of the company so that they could make the decision about the investment and divestment from the company. Further, it has also been added by Hillier, Grinblatt and Titman, (2011) that financial accounting is an area which analyzes and evaluates the financial transaction and the financial reports of the company (Lumby and Jones, 2007). Mainly, financial accounting takes the concern of collecting, analyzing and recording the data whereas the financial analysis takes the concern of evaluating those financial accounting reports to reach over a conclusion (Moles, Parrino and Kidwekk, 2011). Further, it has been added by Madhura (2011) that financial analysis is done by the stakeholders of the business to make various conclusions according to their nature. Moreover, this process assists them to make better decisions about the companys performance. In addition to this, it has also been added by Madhura (2014) that financial analysis could be done through various bases. Ratio analysis, vertical analysis, horizontal analysis etc are the most common way to examine the companys performance through evaluating the financial statements of the company (Nobes and Parker, 2008). Though, various contemporary methods are also there which evaluates about the financial performance of the company such as capital asset pricing method, dividend growth model etc. According to Lee and Lee, (2006), ratio analysis is the most used method of financial analysis as it is quite easier to calculate and depicts about the financial performance of the company. Lord, (2007) has depicted into his study that ratio analysis is one of the methods of financial statement analysis which is usually used by the management, CFO (chief financial officer) and the stock investors to evaluate and get the quick conclusion about the financial position and the performance of the company on various levels. Further, it has been added by Brealey, Myers and Marcus, (2007) that ratios could be categorized into various bases such as debt management ratios, solvency position ratios, asset management ratios, market value ratios, liquidity ratios and profitability ratios. Further, it has also been added by De Haan and Amtenbrink, (2011) that ratio analysis is a tool process which contains several features. Ratio analysis makes it easy for the organization and the investors to compare the financial performance with the competitive companies which are quite different in the size. Further, ratio analysis offers a quick outcome to the analyst about the financial performance and the position of the company (Krantz, 2016). Through the ratios study could also be done by the company in form of trend analysis to evaluate the various areas which could be deteriorated or improved by the company in a particular period of time. Though, it has been added by Kruth (2013) into his study that ratio analysis is a manipulative method to analyze the financial performance of a company. Ratio analysis does not take the concern of external factors and the non financial factors of the company. Financial statement contains various notes which are not studied by the investors and the analyst while investigating the financial statements of the company. Further, it has also been added by Kinsky (2011) that ratio analysis makes it confusing for the related parties to make a better decision about the investment, improvement, changes etc in the organization. Moreover, the study over ratio analysis expresses that the formulas of ratio analysis are slightly different is the studies and books of various financial analysts. It has been added by Horngren (2009) that contemporary methods are more relevant than the traditional financial analysis method. More, it has also been added by Kaplan and Atkinson, (2015) that ratio analysis and its outcome is not appropriate for a better decision. Further, the study of ratio analysis does not fit in the methods of financial analysis because it does not evaluate the financial position of the company in a good way. Application of theory: This report paper has been presented to evaluate the financial position and the performance of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc. Financial performance of the business has been evaluated to analyze the position of the corporation in the industrial engineering sector of United Kingdom. For this report, study of ratio analysis has been done. This report explains that the ratio analysis study is quite important for all the related parties to evaluate and investigate the financial performance and the position of the company (Oliver and Schoff, 2017). This study assists all the related parties to make a quick and better conclusion about the situation and the recital of the company. For a better study and a better evaluation report, both the competitors have also been evaluated and the study of ratio analysis has also been done over both the companies: Description Formula SPIRAX-SARCO ENGINEERING PLC (1LNB) HILL SMITH HOLDINGS PLC (HILS) IMI PLC ADR (IMIAY) 2016 2016 2016 Profitability Net margin Net profit/revenues 0.160153156 0.062581 0.078937839 Return on equity Net profit/Equity 0.231753917 0.1455642 0.240795287 Gross Profit Gross profit/ revenues 0.76353314 0.369376 0.137417019 Return on assets Net income/ Total assets 0.140393519 0.0653266 0.0793208 Investment Ratios Price earnings ratio Market value price per share/ earnings per share 58.60502885 109.96967 39.66764526 Earnings per share ratio Net income/ weighted average share outstanding 1.652588556 0.4305732 0.966026588 Liquidity Absolute liquid ratios Absolute liquid assets/ current liabilities (Palicka, 2011) 2.081381011 1.0872483 0.994264959 Current ratio Current assets/current liabilities 2.774969174 1.6879195 1.482125789 Quick Ratio Current assets-Inventory/current liabilities 2.081381011 1.0872483 0.994264959 Efficiency Inventory turnover ratio Cost of goods sold/ average inventory 0.436825007 1.317092 1.462947799 Current asset turnover ratio Total sales/ total average current asset 0.459395592 0.7286832 0.547081352 Asset turnover ratio Total sales/ Average Total assets 0.243431621 0.2865556 0.259783018 Debtor's turnover ratio Net credit sales/ Average accounting receivables (Peterson and Fabozzi, 2002) 1.121801518 1.3820368 1.318637594 Assumption: It has been assumed that entire sales were on credit basis. Gearing Ratios Gearing % Long term liabilities / capital employed -0.156027358 0.2109493 0.293542943 Capital employed Total assets - current liabilities 701800 398200 1125900 The above table expresses about the financial performance and the various position of the company such as profitability ratios, investment ratios, liquidity ratios, efficiency ratios and gearing ratios. The above study expresses about the financial position of all the three companies and it also expresses that how the changes have taken place into the position of industrial engineering sector of United Kingdom. Profitability ratios: Profitability ratios express about the profit position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the success of the firm in earning and generating the firm. Further, these ratios express about the combined effects of debts and assets of the company (Phillips and Stawarski, 2016). Profitability ratios contain net margin, return on equity, gross profit and return on assets etc. all the profitability ratios express about the different position and the profits of the company. Net margin ratio measures the net profit of the company against the total revenues of the company. The net profit ratios of all the three companies express that the net profit of 2016 was 16.02%, 6.29% and 7.9% which expresses that all the three companies are earning the profits but the net profit margin of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc is quite higher than the profit margin of other competitive companies (Ward, 2012). Further, return on equity ratio measures the net profit of the company against the total equity of the company. The return on equity ratios of all the three companies express that the return on equity of 2016 was 23.17%, 14.55% and 24.07% which expresses that all the three companies are earning great profits but the return on equity of IMI plc is quite higher than the profit margin of other companies. More, the gross profit and the return on assets of the company has also been analyzed to evaluate the profitability position of the company and it has been analyzed that the position of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc is quite higher than the profit margin of other competitive companies. Investment ratios: Investment ratios express about the investment position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the investment opportunity in the firm. Further, these ratios express about the combined effects of debts and assets of the company. Investment ratios contain price earnings ratios, earnings per share ratios etc. all the investment ratios express about the different position and the opportunity of the investment in the company (Radebaugh, Gray and Black, 2006). Price earnings ratio measures the market value per share of the company against the earnings per share of the company. The price earnings ratios of all the three companies express that the price earnings ratio of 2016 was 58.60, 109.97 and 39.67 which expresses that all the three companies are earning the profits but the price earnings position of Hill and Smith is quite higher than the price earnings ratio of other competitive companies. Further, the earnings per share have also been analyzed to evaluate the investment position of all the three companies (Ross et al, 2008). The earnings per share ratios of all the three companies express that the earnings per share ratio of 2016 was 1.65, 0.43 and 0.97 which expresses that all the three companies are earning the profits but the price earnings position of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc is quite higher than the profit margin of other competitive companies. Liquidity ratios: Liquidity ratios express about the short term debt obligation position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the position of the company to pay all the short term liabilities. Further, these ratios express about the combined effects of short term assets and short term liabilities of the company. Liquidity ratios include current ratio, quick ratio, absolute liquid ratios etc. (Ross et al, 2007). All the liquidity ratios express about the different position of the company in terms of paying the current liabilities (Voelkl and Fritz, 2017). Current ratio and quick ratios measures the current assets, quick assets in context of current liabilities of the company. The current ratios of all the three companies express that the current ratio of 2016 was 2.77, 1.68 and 1.48 which expresses that IMI PLC is managing the assets in a proper way, rest all the companies are paying extra cost to maintain the liquid position (Schlichting, 2013). Further, the quick ratios also express about the better performance of IMI PLC and explains that an organization should manage the current assets and current liabilities in such a manner that cost could be controlled by the company. Efficiency ratios: Efficiency ratios express about the working capital management position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the position of the company to manage the working capital of the company. Further, these ratios express about the combined effects of assets and the revenues of the company. Efficiency ratios includes inventory turnover ratios, asset turnover ratios, current asset turnover ratios, debtors turnover ratios etc. all the efficiency ratios express about the different position of the company in terms of managing the working capital (Seitzinger et al, 2010). Inventory turnover ratios, asset turnover ratios, current asset turnover ratios and debtors turnover ratios measures the total sales, cost f goods sold, inventory, assets of the company. The efficiency ratios of the company express about the better performance of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc. This company has managed its cost and the working capital management in a better way. Gearing ratios: Further, gearing ratios express about the capital structure management position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the debt and assets of the company to manage the capital structure of the company. Further, these ratios express about the combined effects of assets and the debt of the company. Gearing ratios includes capital employed, gearing percentage etc. all the gearing ratios express about the capital structure position of the company in terms of managing the assets, debts and equity in a better way. Gearing percentage and capital employed measures the total assets, total liabilities and total equity of the company. The gearing ratios of the company express about the better performance of IMI plc. This company has managed its debt, equity and assets in a better way. Interpretation, conclusion and recommendation: Through the above evaluation, it has been found that the Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc, Hill and smith plc and IMI plc are performing better in the market due to a great growth in the industry and various innovations in the industry. Further, the interpretation, recommendation and conclusion of the report are as follows: Interpretation: Through the report and the analysis, it has been found that the profitability ratios express about the profit position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the success of the firm in earning and generating the firm. Through the study over all the three companies and its financial statement, it has been analyzed that the profitability position of an organization must be higher. The more, the profitability position of an organization would be, the more the comapny would be able to earn more. Through the analysis over all the 3 companies of industrial engineering sector, it has been found that the position of Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc is way better than the performance of other companies. Further, through this report, it has been found that the investment ratios express about the investment position of an organization. It is calculated to measure the success of the firm in terms of enhancing the investment in the companies. Through the study over all the three companies and its financial statement, it has been analyzed that the investment position of an organization must be higher. The more, the investment position of an organization would be, the more the investors would prefer the company. Through the analysis over all the 3 companies of industrial engineering sector, it has been found that the position of Hill and Smith plc is way better than the performance of other companies. Further, liquidity position of the company express about the current asset and current liability management of the company. Through the analysis over the liquid position, it has been analyzed that position of IMI plc is way better than any other companies due to better policies of the company to manage the performance. Further, the efficiency position of the company expresses the the Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc has managed the working capital in a better way than any other companies. Lastly, the gearing ratios express that the IMI plc has been managed the capitals structure in a better way. Recommendation and conclusion: Through the above study, it is recommended to the Spirax- SARCO Engineering plc to enhance the revenues and manage the expenditure of the company so that the investment position of the company could be better. Further, the company is also suggested to improve the market price through making few positive changes into the policies of the company and enhance the dividend of the companies. Moreover, the liquid position of the comapny is also required to be better. The company should reduce the level of the current asset to make a better and competitive liquid position as well as it also assists the company to reduce the level of the extra cost of the company. More, the efficiency position of the company has been analyzed and it is suggested to the company to make new polices for the turnover of debtors, current assets, total assets, debtors etc. so that the working capital of the company could be managed and the cost of the company could also be controlled. Moreover, the capital structure of the company has also been analyzed and comapny is suggested to make few changes into its structure to make an optimal capital structure. Thus, it is recommended to the company to make few positive changes into the financial performance, financial strategies ad policies of the company to manage the performance of the company in the industry. Further, the company must analyze the competitive policies and make few changes according to them to make a competitive environment. References: Barlow.J.F.,2006, Excel models for business and operations management, 2nd edition, John Wiley sons ltd, England Besley, S. and Brigham, E.F., 2008.Essentials of managerial finance. Thomson South-Western. Bierman, H., 2010. An introduction to accounting and managerial finance: a merger of equals. World Scientific. Bornholt, G. 2013, "The Failure of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM): An Update and Discussion: The Capital Asset Pricing Model", Abacus, vol. 49, pp. 36-43. Brealey, R., Myers, S.C. and Marcus, A.J., 2007. FundamentalsofCorporate Finance. Mc Graw Hill, New York. De Haan, J. and Amtenbrink, F., 2011. Credit rating agencies. Elton, E.J., Gruber, M.J., Brown, S.J., and Goetzmann, W.N. 2009. Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis. John Wiley Sons. 2018. Hill and Smith plc. Available at https://markets.ft.com/data/equities/tearsheet/summary?s=HILS:LSE [Accessed on 5th Jan 2018]. 2018. IMI plc. 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Friday, November 29, 2019

Managing Workforce Diversity

Executive Summary Workforce diversity is an issue that has generated sufficient interest from business managers, and scholars. Simply put effective management of workforce diversity as recognizing, understanding and appreciating the uniqueness of each individual in the staff. This should however not be motivated only by the potential to increase profit margin. Even so, a diverse workforce might result in increase employee creativity and innovation.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Managing Workforce Diversity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Similarly, an employer who has a good reputation of managing effectively the workforce will automatically attract, recruit and retain the best talent. As result, this group will bring on board different knowledge and experience of dealing with a diverse client base. On the other hand, diversity has its limitations. Some employees might not fit in very well and hence fail to p lay along the team for general good of the organization. Despite this, the benefits outweigh the limitation as portrayed IBM Company and Bank of Montrel. Both the two companies have a reputation of advocating for a diverse workforce. They have included workforce diversification in their corporate strategy and set programs to ensure they achieve these objectives. As a result, they have achieved tremendous success and increased employee productivity. Perhaps, the only challenge they have had to face in the process is committing most of their time and resources (money) in pursuing this endeavour. Introduction Without a doubt, the greatest asset an organization can have is its human resource. Therefore, issues affecting the staff have increasingly become popular among business managers, scholars, policy makers and other stake holders. One issue that have particularly generated sufficient interest is managing workforce diversity. O’leary Weathington (2006) defines diversity simpl y as way of differentiating one person from another. Diversity is about recognizing and appreciating the uniqueness of each person. People can be different in terms of race, sexual orientation, age, gender and physical abilities just to mention a few (Burke 2007). As a result, workforce diversity has become a major business concern. Managing it should not be merely motivated by the potential of increasing the profit margin but also, should be to ensure the work environment is conducive, safe and nurturing (O’leary Weathington 2006). Any business that manages its workforce effectively is bound to enjoy several benefits. Advantages of Workforce diversity It would be hypocritical not to acknowledge the fact that most business primarily exist with an intention of profit maximization. As result, most of the organization activities will be geared towards achieving this goal. Efficient management of the workforce diversity can accelerate the process by increasing the companyâ€℠¢s competitive edge (Ongori Agolla 2007).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More O’leary Weathington (2006) pointed out that are diversified staff is likely to be more creative, innovative and generally possess a relatively high ability of coming up with quality work. As oppose to a homogeneous group, when a diverse group gets acquainted to one another, their job performance becomes superior due to an efficient interaction process (Ongori Agolla 2007). Workforce diversity has also been credited with the ability of increasing the market share. This is because a diversified organization has the necessary resources, in terms of skill, to deal with a multicultural client base. Similarly, various studies have established that most customers prefer to deal with people who they perceive to possess similar attributes as theirs. This factor particularly becomes important to an or ganization which is looking to venture into new and foreign markets, such as a different country (Burke 2007). Another very important point is the fact that according to Burke (2007), a significant group of customers generally favour those organizations that seem to encourage workforce diversity. Having an effective employer brand can significantly increase a business profit margin. This is because; an employer who is positively perceived will automatically attract, recruit and retain the best talent. Workforce diversity is one factor that has enhances this brand. According to Burke (2007), companies that have a diversified workforce and therefore a strong brand, enjoy reduced cost associated with the recruitment process by almost 40%. After recruiting the best talent, consisting of diverse individuals, the quality of management is most likely going to be improved. This is due to the fact managers are forced by various legislation and ethical guidelines to adopt anti-discriminatory policies. Manager also gain additional skills of handling different types of people and therefore are prepared to deal even with are more diverse client base (Burke 2007). Disadvantages Despite the overwhelming merits associated with workforce diversity, there still exist some negative factors that have been associated with it. O’leary Weathington (2006) actually pointed out that workforce diversity can be a double edge sword. This is especially true if the organization manages it primary for the purpose of profit maximization. Unfortunately, most management efforts are geared towards this goal. Mismanaging the workforce diversity makes an organization prone to various set backs. To begin with, the morale of the workers becomes dampened. From reviewing various literatures, O’leary Weathington (2006) discovered that when an employee fails to identify with a certain group, he or she loses the morale and consequently experience job dissatisfaction.Advertising We wi ll write a custom report sample on Managing Workforce Diversity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Browder Miller (2009) there are certain groups of people who react adversely to various initiatives adopted to manage the workforce diversity. For example, a study indicated that women and people from ethnic minority will react positively to a diversified work force. However, white male showed a negative attitude towards these initiatives and even become less productive. When diversity is not positively appreciated by the workforce, an organization will automatically experience a number of stumbling blocks. These barriers will include an upsurge in interpersonal conflict, diminished commitments level, and automatically lack of team work (O’leary Weathington 2006). Case Studies As outlined by O’leary Weathington (2006), the issue is not whether or not to diversify the workforce, diversify is inevitable; the iss ue is how to effectively manage diversification. There are number of organizations that have successful been able to do this and as a result have enjoyed tremendous success. A good example includes the following. International Business Machine (IBM) IBM is a multinational company specializing in information technology and business consulting. Over its long and outstanding history, the company has achieved tremendous success. For example in the year 2000, Forbes magazine ranked it as the world second largest Information and Technology Company both in terms of market capitalization and profitability. Similarly, recent data ranks it as number four in terms of size and number two in terms of Global brand value; coming second after Coca-cola company (Browder Miller 2009). Workforce Diversity at IBM Among the factors attributed to its success is its effective management of workforce diversity. Ted Childs, one of its retired executive, was in fact in 2000 named by a reporter in the Fast C ompany magazine as the most effective diversity executive in the world. Long before the need to effectively manage workforce diversity became an issue, IBM had already incorporated it in its policies as a major strategic objective. Currently the management practices and policies guiding the workforce diversity are well expanded to focus on matters beyond the normal issues such as gender, race, religion, and physical abilities (Browder Miller 2009). Equal opportunity, affirmative action and work/life are the most notable programs this company has taken on to effectively manage its workforce diversity. By equal opportunity, the company implies that all its business activities are free of any form of discrimination. It is the duty of every manager to ensure the workplace environment is conducive for all employees.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Regardless of colour, physical ability, gender, sexual orientation or any other unique attribute, every employee in the organization has an equal chance of pursuing and advancing in their career to the best of their ability. This is in line with equity theory which implies that employees usually expect to be rewarded according to their efforts (IBM 2007; O’leary Weathington 2006). IBM management also acknowledges not all employees are able to compete on an equal ground. When the environment is left on its own without any form of control, some employees will be at a disadvantage. Some of these employees include the disabled, women, aboriginals, among others. Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to formulate an affirmative action that ensured all factors hindering this group of people are excluded (IBM 2007). For example, the organization addresses the needs of the women through the Women in Technology initiative. This initiative was undertaken in 1997 to support talented wome n in the technology industry. Through partnership with other organizations, it encourages more young girls to pursue career in IT sector. Similarly, it creates an effective recruitment process to bring on board more talented women. Another similar initiative is its accommodation fund which aims at enabling people with disability access adaptive equipments that helps them function as well as other people. This fund aims to cover the cost of acquiring these equipments. Also, part of its workforce diversity policies is the work/life program. This program indicates that the organization understands different employees have other needs apart from working (IBM 2007; Browder Miller 2009). Advantages of Workforce diversity to IBM According to O’leary Weathington (2006) employees naturally value a sense of justice and fairness. If they feel this is not being offered to them, then they are more inclined to take actions that will definitely have negative effects on their productivity. However, if they feel their needs is being addressed the vice-versa will happen. Such is the case at IBM, the management at the company have pointed out that they have experienced increased teamwork. For instance, Browder Miller (2009) elaborated that the partnership between senior management and employees has significantly evolved to a point whereby a positive overhaul in organization culture was experienced. According to Browder Miller (2009) most of this organization’s employees feel personally involved in the company’s matters and hence hold themselves responsible for the company’s success. Another important merit is the fact that IBM has used it’s the diversification as bridge to the market place. As result, the capacity to handle foreign culture and belief has tremendously increased. These initiatives have also streamlined the recruitment process enabling the company to attract the best talent. Even when there is scarce talent in the labour marke t, initiatives such as the training of fresh talent ensures the organization has plenty of supply. Women in Technology, is such as initiative. However, a notable contribution of the workforce diversity to the company’s bottom line is the fact it was able to turn 10 million dollars to 200 million dollar. This happened within a span of 3 years, from 198 to 2001, as result of effectively employing a diverse group of vendors (IBM 2007; Browder Miller 2009). Disadvantages Amid all the benefits effective management of workforce diversity has brought to both the employees and the organization, there still exist some minor demerits experienced. One of the major set back is the increase in operating cost. The organization over the past years has been forced to spend huge sums of money to maintain its image as a global organization that highly support diversification. For example, buying adaptive instrument require additional allocation of funds. Similarly, their work/life balance pro gram, which at times allows employees to work at home, has to a certain percentage reduced the control of the manager (IBM 2007; Browder Miller 2009). Another factor that can act as disadvantage to this organization is combining workforce diversification program with affirmative action. The move can be quite counter productive. This is because, more often than not affirmative action are designed to cover certain groups of people who had previously experienced some sort of social injustice. As result, applying it as workforce diversity program can mistakenly favour one group over the other. Therefore, when adopted in an organization, as in the case for IBM, it might lead to resistance. At the moment staffs in this organization very satisfied with what IBM is doing. Therefore it should not relent in its efforts of effectively managing the workforce diversity (IBM 2007; Browder Miller 2009). Bank of Montreal (BMO) Bank of Montreal, or as it is well known BMO, is another company that has a high reputation of effectively managing and encouraging workforce diversity. It is cited as the oldest and fourth largest bank-in terms of customer’s deposit- in Canada. In 1989, it incorporated the establishing and managing of a diverse workforce in its corporate strategy. The move indicated how serious this company is when it comes to managing workforce diversity. Recently, it was awarded the 2010 Canada’s Best Diversity Employer (BMO financial group 2010). Workforce Diversity at BMO The company has taken several steps to ensure workforce diversity is well managed. As an indication of how serious it is on the issue, the top leadership have been fully involved in the process. This is done through the establishment of a CEO council of equitable workplace. The council regularly monitors and review the progress of the organization towards achieving the set goals. Well laid down infrastructure such online platforms, helps in reviewing the progress quarterly. Similar ly, annual performance appraisals are conducted. The assigned managers are held accountable of any regression witnessed. If the progress in their departments is wanting, they should have a good enough reason as to why that is so, while at the sometime suggesting ways of improving the system (BMO financial group 2010). To ensure the environment is conducive enough to support the works of senior management, the company went ahead and develop the diversity councils and affinity groups. Diversity councils are groups which actively involves all the employees of BMO in the process of effectively managing the workforce. They create a platform which allow these employees to champion for are diversified and inclusive work environment. Affinity group contributes to the success of these objectives by including the whole community at large (BMO financial group 2010). In addition, BMO has gone an extra mile to become the top sponsor of the external diversity employer award. This is an award syst em that honours those companies that manages well their diverse workforce. The main aim of the award scheme is to encourage organization to adopt workplace best management practices. Such a move signals that this organization is not merely motivated by profit gains, but it is sincerely concerned about the welfare of the workforce. This conclusion is arrived by considering two factors; the first one is the fact that it encourages other organization to incorporate objectives concerning effective management of workforce diversity, in their corporate. This it does knowing very well that when other organizations adopts its recommendation, their might increase their competitive advantage. As result, pose serious competition especially if they are targeting the same market. The second one, is the fact that BMO is not eligible to contest therefore missing out the opportunities that comes along with being among the winners (BMO financial group 2010). Advantages of Workforce diversity to BMO Both external studies and sources within the company have pointed out to a number of benefits associated with effective management of workforce diversity. These benefits are not any different from those enjoyed by IBM or any other company that has adopted best practices. Particularly the company is enjoying merits in the recruitment and retention process. Initiatives such as equity through education, undertaken by this organization continuously ensure there is supply of talent. This initiative provides education and training to marginalized groups (BMO financial group 2010).. Similarly, the diverse workforce has assisted this organization to understand the customers. Therefore, it has become is to forecast the way customers are likely to react when certain business actions are undertaken. BMO financial group (2010), acknowledge this fact by categorically stating that its diverse workforce reflects its customer base. For a company operating in Canada, whereby visible minorities and p eople regarded as ‘marginalized’ hold quite a substantial purchasing power, this factor becomes very important. More over, when BMO hired Chinese speaking employees in its branches at the Asian markets, its level of success increased since customer responded positively. The employees were culturally competent and therefore well positioned to satisfy the customers’ needs. For example, they suggested new ways of interacting with customers and changes in the organization structure and branding techniques, to include factors such as new colours which reflect the culture of this nation (BMO financial group 2010). Effective management of the workforce diversity has not only benefited the employer but also the employees. Particularly the policies associated with communication has enabled employee voice their concerns in areas where they feel equal opportunity is not being practiced. As result, employees have become more aware their rights. If either one of them feel his or her right is being isolated, they know exactly which offices they can visit to present their case and demand for necessary action to be taken. As result, various surveys have indicated that most employee of this organization continuously feel as essential part of the system. This has automatically resulted into increase productivity and levels of commitment. Actually senior executives have reported a continuous increase in creativity, innovation and collective knowledge (BMO financial group 2010). Disadvantage Various cultural dimensions will determine how people behave or generally conduct themselves. Definitely multi-cultural workforce is bound to experience various challenges. Factors such as language barrier, key values and approach to life can make an employee detach him or herself from the visibly different group. As result BMO has been forced to engage in tremendous effort and dedicate massive resources required to ensure there is harmony among all employees (BMO financia l group 2010). This takes a lot of time and money; extra employees are needed for the sole purpose of ensuring accord. Similar employees, especially top managers, have to spend substantial time analysing and reviewing whether the company is in progress of achieving the objectives. Despite this efforts there still some attitude among employees that do not compile with the general attitude of the organization. This non-physical hostile behaviour administered to minorities by the majorities can result in serious legal implications that might either affect the company financially or dent its corporate image (Burke 2007; BMO financial group 2010). Conclusion Whether to diversify the workforce or not is not the issue; the current business operating environment has made diversification unavoidable. The issue is how a business can effectively manage and encourage work diversity. This should not be merely for the purpose of maximizing the profit, but should be for the general good of its emp loyee. Provided the employee feel an organization has their interest at heart, their productivity will be increased and accordingly result in a higher profit margin. Such is the case for IBM and BMO. Although the two organizations have massively invested towards ensuring an effective and diversified workforce, they have been reaping the sumptuous benefits. Reference List BMO Financial Group, 2010. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Web. Browder, L.M. Miller 2009, Workforce Diversity: The Big Blue Case, McGraw-Hill, New Delhi. Burke, L.M. 2007, Managing the Diverse Workforce Effectively, Rutledge, London. IBM, 2007. Global workforce diversity. Web. O’Leary, B.J., Weathington B.L., 2006. Beyond the Business Case for Diversity in Organisations. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, Dec, 18 (4), pp.1-10. Ongori, H., Agolla, J., 2007. Critical Review of Literature on Workforce Diversity.  Africa Journal of Business Management, 22 (4), pp. 72-76. This report on Managing Workforce Diversity was written and submitted by user Yesenia French to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Instructional Leadership And Curriculum Example

Instructional Leadership And Curriculum Example Instructional Leadership And Curriculum – Coursework Example Instructional Leadership and Curriculum Insights in the instructional Leadership and Curriculum The instructional leadership and the curriculum lead to gain of several insights in the education leadership. The instructional leadership provides insight on leadership content knowledge, that is, the knowledge requirement by the administrators in carrying out their roles as leaders as well as facilitating the students’ study. It outlines the essence of postholing for leaders by provision of the insight on the need to gain in-depth understanding and mastery of a particular subject by the leader in bid to enhance its teaching to students. In addition, the instructional training provides an insight on the dynamics of leadership especially with an increase in the concerned organizational structure (Mitgang, 2007). The instructional leadership and curriculum development provides the principals with management skills on the flaws that presents in their new areas of work. In addition, it is a quality addition medium through which leaders are empowered to develop exceptional skills in managing daily challenges within educational leadership. The instructional leadership therefore offers a wide range of insight that are significant in the development of leadership ability and skills (Mitgang, 2007).How to use the Insight in the Leadership The insights from the instructional leadership and curriculum provide a guideline on the development of personal leadership skills of the leader, in this case, the principals. The concept of postholing, for instance, can be utilized in building the knowledge base that is necessary for efficient and productive leadership. The insights on the identification of flaws within an organization can serve as pivotal points to initiate the transformations in a given organization.ReferenceMitgang, L. D. (2007). Getting Principal Mentoring Right: Lessons from the Field. Perspective. Wallace Foundation. pp 1-23

Friday, November 22, 2019

Morrisons PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Morrisons PLC - Essay Example specially during a period where intense competition and rising prices of doing business in grocery have squeezed profit margins available to retailers. Morrisons has recently experienced losses as it has struggled to integrate the Safeway chain of stores into its own retail base, which has caused its annual profits to drop substantially. Its shares plunged 3% in 2005, to recover somewhat by the end of the year and close off at 183 p or a 2% plunge of 3.75 pence.(Flanagan, 2005). As opposed to the predictions of financial analysts of an income of around 225 million pounds, it only posted profits of around 134.2 million pounds before taxation, with an earnings per share of 3 pounds and 52 pence.(www.morrisons.co.uk, 2006/7). In 2006 however, the position has improved for the 52 weeks that ended January 29, 2006, as per the revised income statement that has recently been published by Morrisons.(www.morrisons.co.uk, 2007). While the losses before taxation were reported as 312.9 million pounds, the same figure shoots upward to 374.4 million pounds when taking into account the Safeway conversion costs. However, the adjusted income before taxation is 61.5 million pounds profit, with net profit after taxes being 45.9 million pounds. However, as pointed out above, the earnings per share of the Company have dropped to 3.52 pounds per share in 2006. The current share prices of Morrison stock is in the range of 250 to 260 pence and has been moving within this range to about 350 pence, which is an average of about 3 pounds per share. The price to earnings ratio is therefore 3 /3.5 = 0.87, which provides an indication that the stock may be overpriced as compared to the returns that are being generated from it. Earnings on stocks are not substantial either, and the high price to earnings ratio provides an indication that that investors may not be actively pursuing purchase of this stock because of their perception that it does not offer very high potential for gain and is in