Friday, December 27, 2019

Environmental Threats - 1435 Words

Environmental threats There are several things to be considered when making an evaluation of the environmental threats that a company faces and this analysis will look from the general to the particular to some of these. At the general level, economic factors can always have an impact on the development and evolution of the company. Motor Tire Limited, like all other business entities on the market, is subject to the impact of the global economy, as well as the economic policies of the governments. With that in mind, Motor Tire Limited will have to adapt to the threat of economic downturns that would, in turn, decrease demand for the products that the company is selling. At the same time, governmental instruments such as the interest rate could also play into the way that the macroeconomic environment changes, posing a potential threat to the company. Socio-economic threats, on a larger scale, could include threats such as the decrease of the volume of workforce, with less potential employees on the market, something that will affect Motor Tire Limiteds output. It is difficult to provide a solution to this threat, but the current economic situation in the world would imply that Motor Tire Limited should adopt a prudent policy and strategic approach. It should likely focus on consolidating its market, and work towards reaching its market share objectives in a way that is not too risky and that doesnt not leave the company overexposed. A process of consolidation alsoShow MoreRelatedThe Threat Of Environmental Harm1255 Words   |  6 PagesThe doubt surrounding possible threats to environment has often been used as a reason to avoid taking action to protect the environment. However, it is not always possible to have clear evidence of a threat to the environment before the damage happens. The Precautionary Principle has been widely incorporated, in various forms, in international environmental agreements and declarations and further developed in a number of national laws. An element common to the various formulations of the PrecautionaryRead M oreClimate Change And Environmental Threats1260 Words   |  6 Pages Climate change and environmental threats came more into focus in the last years and presently they represent a large challenge for the society. This means that environmental considerations have to be integrated into a number of different decisions made by businesses, individuals, policymakers and public administrators (Finnveden et al. 2009). Environmental Systems analysis is the field that ‘attempts to find supply technology systems solutions to these challenges’ (Chalmers University, 2012) InRead MoreEnvironmental Analysis : An Organization And Evaluating The Level Of Threat Or Opportunity They Present Essay2769 Words   |  12 PagesEnvironmental Analysis Environmental analysis is a process for identifying all external and internal elements that can affect the performance of the organization and evaluating the level of threat or opportunity they present. Opportunity and threat assessments are then incorporated into decision making process in order to better align strategies with the organizations environment (Investor Words, 2015). Every destination needs to know about their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threatsRead MoreThe Environmental Threat Of Aviation1201 Words   |  5 Pagesaviation when it expands globally. With the foreseen growth in this field, there is going to be unavoidable problems, which allow the opportunity to address the problems. The biggest possible environmental threat to aviation is a lack of knowledge. In today’s media, global warming and other environmental topics that are played with politicians. The United States’ Congress can’t even come to a definite conclusion that global warming exists. This could be due to some’s desire for dependence uponRead More Environmental Threats Essay example1895 Words   |  8 Pages Contemporary Issues Environmental threats Overpopulation Every 20 minutes, the world adds another 3,500 human lives but loses one or more entire species of animal or plant life - at least 27,000 species per year. ZGP July 1999 World population growth peaked at about two percent per year in the early 1960s. Latest population figures indicate that the rate of growth has slowed to 1.33 percent annually, equivalent to 78 million people a year. 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The hypothesis is that the frequency of maternal ewe’s behavior of facing adversary such as any environmental threat increases from the pre-natal stage to the post-natal stage as they give birth to be more protective for its offspring. Introductory: For the mammals, the female nurse and care for the offspringRead MoreSecurity Controls And The Utilization Of Technical And Nontechnical Strategies Essay875 Words   |  4 Pagesmechanisms, ID, encryption techniques and intrusion detection program or software). Nontechnical controls on the other hand are administration and operational controls that includes security approaches; operational methodology; and physical and environmental security NIST, 2002). SunTrust Bank should implement technical controls with respect to how information and data are being encrypted, what program is being utilized to identify any intrusion to their network and system and how customers/clientsRead MoreBehavioral And Contextual Factors That Affect The Females And Minority Students Career Choices Essay1557 Words   |  7 PagesBesides stereotype threats, there is also a group of behavioral and contextual factors which affect the females and minority students’ career choices. These individual diff erences affect the adolescent’s potential outcome in STEM. These differences are also supported by two theories which also can explain the results of career choice. First is the theory from Lent, Brown, Hacket (1994,2000) called the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) which emphasizes self-efficacy as well as its link to theRead MoreRacial Stereotypes On Race, By President Abraham Lincoln1908 Words   |  8 Pagesin society today is important when learning about the impacts of stereotypes on race, especially in exploring theories such as stereotype threat. This principle of racism being normalized is the first of the five tenets established in a structured outline of a way of thinking called the Critical Race Theory. Claude Steele says that he believes stereotype threat is a standard predicament of life. In saying this he means that by simply being a member of society we know what generalizations are made

Thursday, December 19, 2019

What Does It Take - 746 Words

If you want to learn how to draw, you don t just want know how to do nice drawings, and you don t want to learn how to copy somebody else s drawings. You want to create great drawings of your very own, don t you? So what does it take? It actually takes less magic than most people think. I don t know who started the myth that only a few especially talented people can learn how to draw. There are even some art teachers out there who believe that. But if you learned how to draw the alphabet, and are able to write a sentence that other people can read, you can learn how to draw. It just takes lots of practice, and some guidance from people who have learned a few tricks. In a way it s a lot like learning to play baseball - you need to train your eye to see better than you ever have before, and you need to train your fingers and hands to move the way you want them to. The first time you took a swing at a baseball, you probably missed. So don t expect to become a professional artist overnight. Now, does that mean that everyone who has the patience and the willingness to learn will become a famous artist? No, not necessarily. It means that if you are willing to practice and to make mistakes, you will very soon be drawing far better than just about anyone you know, and your friends and family and teachers will be amazed. People may even ask you for copies of your drawings, beg you to make special ones just for them, and request that you make drawings for theShow MoreRelatedWhat Does It Take For A Leader?1339 Words   |  6 PagesWhat does it take to be a leader? Can leadership be taught? What are some of the skilled sets that are needed to be a leader? In my opinion you need communications, the ability to delegate responsibilities/tasks, commitment, positive attitude, creativity, the ability to inspire your team, vision and intuition. I interviewed two good leaders from my department. 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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Enforcement of Accounting Standards †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Enforcement of Accounting Standards. Answer: Introduction: Analysing over the financial terminology and techniques are required for every organization. It assists the company to analyze various aspects and the position of the comapny in terms of finance. Financial analysis could be done by the chief financial officer of an organization through using the various methods and the techniques. According to the Higgins (2012), financial analysis could be done through trend analysis, horizontal analysis, ratio analysis, capital budgeting analysis, capital structure analysis, cost of company analysis, WACC analysis etc. Further, it has also been found that analyzing the market and making a better decision according to the economy position is also required for a business. In this report, it has been analyzed that how the financial terminology and techniques assist an organization to make various better decisions. Further, it has also been analyzed that how the audited financial statements affects the decisions and the choices of the investors and financial analysts about the investment in the company. More, for preparing this report, Unilever Limited has been taken into consideration. The study of management and financial accounting has been done over the company to make better decision about the performance and the position of the company (Fulin, 2011). Firstly, the audited financial statement of the company has been analyzed and further, the study has been conducted over the various strategies and policies to analyze the performance of the company. This report would depict about the various problems which has been faced by the company and the way through which, these problems could be overcome by the company. Further, it has also been found that the management and financial accounting evaluation assist a company to make various better choices. Company and industry overview: Unilever N.V. is a consumer goods company. Headquarter of the company is in Britain. This company has various subsidiaries companies which are performing their operations into various other countries. The main products of the Unilever are beverages, food products, personal care products, cleaning agents etc. According to the current report, it has been found that this company is the largest company in segment of consumer goods. This company is one of the oldest global companies (Morningstar, 2017). Currently, this company is performing in 190 countries and the diversification of the company is still ongoing. Further, it has also been analyzed that the 400 brands are owned by this company and the turnover of the company was Euro 50 billion in 2016 (Engle and Hunton, 2015). Further, the study has been done over consumer goods industry of company and it has been found that this industry is continuously enhancing its business. Growth rate of consumer goods industry is quite attractive. F uture trends of the industry explain that position of the industry would be superior in near future. Further, the study has been done over financial statement of the company to analyze the performance and stability and profitability position of the company. This study has been done to analyze the position and the strategy of the company. In this report, various managerial accounting and financial accounting methods have been conducted over the company to analyze the performance and the position of the company (Elmuti and Kathawala, 2001). Following are the audited financial statement of the company: UNILEVER NV ADR (UN) CashFlowFlag INCOME STATEMENT Fiscal year ends in December. EUR in thousands except per share data. 2014-12 2015-12 2016-12 Revenue 48436000 53272000 52713000 Cost of revenue 30229000 Gross profit 48436000 53272000 22484000 Operating expenses Sales, General and administrative 14683000 Total operating expenses 14683000 Operating income 48436000 53272000 7801000 Interest Expense 568000 Other income (expense) -40790000 -46052000 236000 Income before taxes 7646000 7220000 7469000 Provision for income taxes 2131000 1961000 1922000 Net income from continuing operations 5515000 5259000 5547000 Other -344000 -350000 -363000 Net income 5171000 4909000 5184000 Net income available to common shareholders 5171000 4909000 5184000 Earnings per share Basic 1.82 1.73 1.83 Diluted 1.79 1.72 1.82 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 2841209 2837572 2840200 Diluted 2888827 2854070 2853900 EBITDA 7980000 7515000 9501000 UNILEVER NV ADR (UN) CashFlowFlag BALANCE SHEET Fiscal year ends in December. EUR in thousands except per share data. 2014-12 2015-12 2016-12 Assets Current assets Cash Cash and cash equivalents 3382000 Short-term investments 599000 Total cash 3981000 Receivables 5310000 5034000 3329000 Inventories 4278000 Deferred income taxes Other current assets 7037000 7652000 2296000 Total current assets 12347000 12686000 13884000 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Gross property, plant and equipment 21207000 Accumulated Depreciation -9534000 Net property, plant and equipment 11673000 Equity and other investments 760000 Goodwill 17624000 Intangible assets 22174000 25059000 9809000 Deferred income taxes 1286000 1185000 1354000 Prepaid pension benefit 694000 Other long-term assets 12220000 13368000 631000 Total non-current assets 35680000 39612000 42545000 Total assets 48027000 52298000 56429000 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities Current liabilities Short-term debt 5266000 Capital leases 9000 Accounts payable 13788000 8591000 Taxes payable 1081000 1127000 1312000 Accrued liabilities 3655000 Other current liabilities 18561000 5104000 1723000 Total current liabilities 19642000 20019000 20556000 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 10933000 Capital leases 134000 Deferred taxes liabilities 2061000 Accrued liabilities 159000 Pensions and other benefits 3947000 3254000 3867000 Minority interest 612000 643000 626000 Other long-term liabilities 10175000 12943000 1739000 Total non-current liabilities 14734000 16840000 19519000 Total liabilities 34376000 36859000 40075000 Stockholders' equity Common stock 484000 Additional paid-in capital 134000 Retained earnings 23179000 Accumulated other comprehensive income 13651000 15439000 -7443000 Total stockholders' equity 13651000 15439000 16354000 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 48027000 52298000 56429000 UNILEVER NV ADR (UN) Statement of CASH FLOW Fiscal year ends in December. EUR in thousands except per share data. 2014-12 2015-12 2016-12 Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net income 5547000 Depreciation amortization 1464000 Stock based compensation 198000 Inventory 190000 Accounts payable -281000 Other working capital 142000 Other non-cash items 5543000 7330000 -213000 Net cash provided by operating activities 5543000 7330000 7047000 Cash Flows From Investing Activities Investments in property, plant, and equipment -1804000 Property, plant, and equipment reductions 158000 Acquisitions, net -1701000 Purchases of investments -208000 Sales/Maturities of investments 173000 Purchases of intangibles -232000 Other investing activities -341000 -3539000 426000 Net cash used for investing activities -341000 -3539000 -3188000 Cash Flows From Financing Activities Debt issued 6761000 Debt repayment -5248000 Common stock repurchased Dividend paid -4081000 Other financing activities -5190000 -3032000 -505000 Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities -5190000 -3032000 -3073000 Effect of exchange rate changes -146000 -541000 284000 Net change in cash -134000 218000 1070000 Cash at beginning of period 2044000 1910000 2128000 Cash at end of period 1910000 2128000 3198000 Free Cash Flow Operating cash flow 5543000 7330000 7047000 Capital expenditure -2036000 Free cash flow 5543000 7330000 5011000 Through analyzing the above statement of the company, it has been found that the position of the company has been enhanced in last 3 years. Through the analysis over the statement of the company, it has been found that various changes have taken position into the performance of the company. Through the income statement of the company, it has been found that the revenues of the company have been highest in 2015. Further, it has also been found that the net income of the company is highest in 2016 (Dyckman and Zeff, 2014). More, through this study, it has also been found that the earnings of the company are highest in 2016. Through the entire evaluation over the income statement of the company, it has also been found that the performance and the profitability position of the company have been enhanced in last 3 years. For analyzing the performance of the company in a decent way, trend analysis and vertical analysis study has also been done over company. (Calculations have been given in appendix). Through the vertical analysis calculations, it has been found that income statement of the company expresses that the level of expenses of the company has been lower from 2015 and 2014 in 2016 in context of total revenues of the company. Further, the analysis explains that net income of the company has also been enhanced in 2016. The current net profit margin of the company is 9.83% which used to be 9.21% in 2015 (Deegan, 2017). Further, the horizontal analysis of the company explains that the changes are quite higher in the income statement of the company. The gross profit of the company has been lower in 2016 by 57.79%. Though, the expenses of the company has also been lower and lastly, the analysis over net profit of the company explains that the total profit of the company has been enhanced by 5.90% in 2016. And it expresses that the position of the company has been superior from last 2 years. Further, the balance sheet of the company has been evaluated and it has been found that the total assets of the company have been highest in 2016. Further, it has also been found that the total liabilities of the company are highest in 2016 (Du and Girma, 2009). More, through this study, it has also been found that the total stockholders equity of the company is highest in 2016. Through the entire evaluation over the balance sheet of the company, it has also been found that the performance and the profitability position of the company have been enhanced in last 3 years (Deegan, 2013). In addition, for analyzing the performance and worth of the company, trend analysis and vertical analysis study has also been done over company. (Calculations have been given in appendix). Through the vertical analysis calculations, it has been found that balance sheet of the company expresses that the level of current assets of the company has been enhanced from 2015 and 2014 in 2016 in context of total assets of the company. Further, the analysis explains that shareholder equity of the company has been lowered a bit in 2016. On the other hand, total liabilities of the company have also been enhanced and depict about a better position of the company. Further, the horizontal analysis of the company explains that the changes are quite higher in the balance sheet of the company. The total assets of the company have been enhanced in 2016 by 7.9% (Appendix). Though, the total liabilities of the company have also been enhanced by 8.73% and lastly, the analysis over total shareholder equity of the company explains that the enhancement rate of equity of the company is 7.90% in 2016. And it expresses that the position of the company has been superior from last 2 years (Deegan, 2013). Lastly, the cash flow statement of the company has been evaluated and it has been found that the total operating cash flow of the company have been highest in 2016. Further, it has also been found that the investing cash flow of the company is lowest in 2016. More, through this study, it has also been found that the total financing activities of the company is lowest in 2016 (De Haan and Amtenbrink, 2011). Through the entire evaluation over the cash flow statement of the company, it has also been found that the performance and the profitability position of the company have been enhanced in last 3 years. Evaluation of financial performance: Further, the evaluation study has been done over the financial data of the company to evaluate the performance of the company and it has been analyzed that the following changes have taken place into the position of the company in last 3 years: Financial Data Description Unilever Limited (Euro) 2014 2015 2016 Revenue 4,84,36,000 5,32,72,000 5,27,13,000 Cost of goods sold - - 3,02,29,000 Gross profit 4,84,36,000 5,32,72,000 2,24,84,000 Operating profit 4,84,36,000 5,32,72,000 78,01,000 Net profit 51,71,000 49,09,000 51,84,000 Inventory - - 42,78,000 Current assets 1,23,47,000 1,26,86,000 1,38,84,000 Receivables 53,10,000 50,34,000 33,29,000 Current liabilities 1,96,42,000 2,00,19,000 2,05,56,000 Payables - 1,37,88,000 85,91,000 Equity 1,36,51,000 1,54,39,000 1,63,54,000 Total liabilities 3,43,76,000 3,68,59,000 4,00,75,000 Total assets 4,80,27,000 5,22,98,000 5,64,29,000 Description Formula Unilever Limited 2014 2015 2016 Profitability Net margin Net profit/revenues 10.68% 9.21% 9.83% Return on equity Net profit/Equity (Arnold, 2013) 37.88% 31.80% 31.70% Liquidity Current ratio Current assets/current liabilities 0.63 0.63 0.68 Quick Ratio Current assets-Inventory/current liabilities 0.63 0.63 0.47 Efficiency Receivables collection period Receivables/ Total sales*365 40.01 34.49 23.05 Payables collection period Payables/ Cost of sales*365 103.73 Asset turnover ratio Total sales/ Total assets 1.01 1.02 0.93 Solvency Debt to Equity Ratio Debt/ Equity 2.52 2.39 2.45 Debt to assets Debt/ Total assets 0.72 0.70 0.71 (De Haan and Amtenbrink, 2011) Through, the above analysis of the company, it has been found that the liquidity position of the company has been changed from 2014 in 2016. This analysis depict that the current position of the liquidity of the company has been changed and it has been better in 2016 (Deegan, 2013). Further, it has also been found that the profitability position of the company has been changed from 2014 in 2016. This analysis depict that the current position of the profitability of the company has been changed and the current position of the company has been lowered in 2016 than 2014 and 2015 (Bertomeu, Darrough and Xue, 2017). More, the efficiency position and solvency position of the company has also been analyzed and it has been found that the efficiency position of the company has been better than last years (Davies and Crawford, 2011). The cash conversion cycle of the company has also been better. More, it has been found that the working capital of the company has also been better in 2016. Lastly, the solvency position of the company has also been analyzed and it has been found that the debt position, equity positive, total assets position etc of the company has been improved in 2016 than last 3 years (Brealey, Myers and Marcus, 2007). Through the above analysis, it has been found that the performance and the position of the company on various levels have been better (Borio, 2014). Still, the company is suggested to make few changes into the performance of the company. Further, the strategic position of the company has been analyzed and for analyzing the strategic position of the company, trend analysis has also been done over the company. Following are the calculations of the strategic position of the company: UNILEVER NV ADR (UN) CashFlowFlag INCOME STATEMENT Fiscal year ends in December. EUR in thousands except per share data. 2014-12 2015-12 2016-12 Revenue 48436000 9.98% 53272000 -1.05% 52713000 Cost of revenue 30229000 Gross profit 48436000 9.98% 53272000 -57.79% 22484000 Operating expenses Sales, General and administrative 14683000 Total operating expenses 14683000 Operating income 48436000 9.98% 53272000 -85.36% 7801000 Interest Expense 568000 Other income (expense) -40790000 12.90% -46052000 -100.51% 236000 Income before taxes 7646000 -5.57% 7220000 3.45% 7469000 Provision for income taxes 2131000 -7.98% 1961000 -1.99% 1922000 Net income from continuing operations 5515000 -4.64% 5259000 5.48% 5547000 Other -344000 1.74% -350000 3.71% -363000 Net income 5171000 -5.07% 4909000 5.60% 5184000 Net income available to common shareholders 5171000 -5.07% 4909000 5.60% 5184000 Earnings per share Basic 1.82 -4.95% 1.73 5.78% 1.83 Diluted 1.79 -3.91% 1.72 5.81% 1.82 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 2841209 -0.13% 2837572 0.09% 2840200 Diluted 2888827 -1.20% 2854070 -0.01% 2853900 EBITDA 7980000 -5.83% 7515000 26.43% 9501000 UNILEVER NV ADR (UN) CashFlowFlag BALANCE SHEET Fiscal year ends in December. EUR in thousands except per share data. 2014-12 2015-12 2016-12 Assets Current assets Cash Cash and cash equivalents 3382000 Short-term investments 599000 Total cash 3981000 Receivables 5310000 -5.20% 5034000 -33.87% 3329000 Inventories 4278000 Deferred income taxes Other current assets 7037000 8.74% 7652000 -69.99% 2296000 Total current assets 12347000 2.75% 12686000 9.44% 13884000 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Gross property, plant and equipment 21207000 Accumulated Depreciation -9534000 Net property, plant and equipment 11673000 Equity and other investments 760000 Goodwill 17624000 Intangible assets 22174000 13.01% 25059000 -60.86% 9809000 Deferred income taxes 1286000 -7.85% 1185000 14.26% 1354000 Prepaid pension benefit 694000 Other long-term assets 12220000 9.39% 13368000 -95.28% 631000 Total non-current assets 35680000 11.02% 39612000 7.40% 42545000 Total assets 48027000 8.89% 52298000 7.90% 56429000 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities Current liabilities Short-term debt 5266000 Capital leases 9000 Accounts payable 13788000 8591000 Taxes payable 1081000 4.26% 1127000 16.42% 1312000 Accrued liabilities 3655000 Other current liabilities 18561000 -72.50% 5104000 -66.24% 1723000 Total current liabilities 19642000 1.92% 20019000 2.68% 20556000 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 10933000 Capital leases 134000 Deferred taxes liabilities 2061000 Accrued liabilities 159000 Pensions and other benefits 3947000 -17.56% 3254000 18.84% 3867000 Minority interest 612000 5.07% 643000 -2.64% 626000 Other long-term liabilities 10175000 27.20% 12943000 -86.56% 1739000 Total non-current liabilities 14734000 14.29% 16840000 15.91% 19519000 Total liabilities 34376000 7.22% 36859000 8.73% 40075000 Stockholders' equity Common stock 484000 Additional paid-in capital 134000 Retained earnings 23179000 Accumulated other comprehensive income 13651000 13.10% 15439000 -148.21% -7443000 Total stockholders' equity 13651000 13.10% 15439000 5.93% 16354000 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 48027000 8.89% 52298000 7.90% 56429000 (Brigham and Ehrhardt, 2013) Through the above analysis, it has been found that this company is required to enhance the total current assets to manage the liquid position of the company (Brigham and Michael, 2013). Further, the chief financial officer of the company is required to evaluate the internal and external aspect and the market situation to make a better position of the company in the market. The costing of the product must be enhanced by the company to manage the revenues of the company (Brigham and Houston, 2012). Further, it has also been analyzed that the cash flow of the company is negative and thus the financial officer of the company must make the new strategies and policies to manage the cash conversion cycle of the company (Bromwich and Bhimani, 2005). This would help the comapny to enhance the cash flow of the comapny as well. More, through the above analysis, it has also been found that the various positions of the company have been changed in last 2 years (Brown, Preiato and Tarca, 2014). More, it has been found that the new policies and strategise are required to be done by the chief financial officer to manage the position of the company and this new policies would also help the company to make the performance of the company better (Bui, Petersen, Poulsen and Gazerani, 2016). Conclusion: Further, through this study, it has also been found that this company is required to enhance the total current assets to manage the liquid position of the company. Further, the chief financial officer of the company is required to evaluate the internal and external aspect and the market situation to make a better position of the company in the market. The costing of the product must be enhanced by the company to manage the revenues of the company. Further, it has also been analyzed that the cash flow of the company is negative and thus the financial officer of the company must make the new strategies and policies to manage the cash conversion cycle of the company. This would also help the comapny to enhance the cash flow. More, through the above analysis, it has also been found that the various positions of the company have been changed in last 2 years. More, it has been found that the new policies and strategise are required to be done by the chief financial officer to manage the position of the company and this new policies would also help the company to make the performance of the company better. Uniliver NV is managing its business and the performance in improved manner and few changes into position of the company would help the company more t increase the position of the company in the market. References: Arnold, G., 2013.Corporate financial management. Pearson Higher Ed. Bertomeu, J., Darrough, M. and Xue, W., 2017. Optimal conservatism with earnings manipulation. Contemporary Accounting Research, 34(1), pp.252-284. Borio, C., 2014. The financial cycle and macroeconomics: What have we learnt?. Journal of Banking Finance, 45, pp.182-198. Brealey, R., Myers, S.C. and Marcus, A.J., 2007. FundamentalsofCorporate Finance. Mc Graw Hill, New York. Brigham, E.F. and Ehrhardt, M.C., 2013.Financial management: Theory practice. Cengage Learning. Brigham, F., and Houston.J. 2012.Fundamentals of financial management. Cengage Learning. Brigham, F., and Michael C. 2013.Financial management: Theory practice. Cengage Learning. Bromwich, M. and Bhimani, A., 2005.Management accounting: Pathways to progress. Cima publishing. Brown, P., Preiato, J. and Tarca, A., 2014. Measuring country differences in enforcement of accounting standards: An audit and enforcement proxy. Journal of Business Finance Accounting, 41(1-2), pp.1-52. Bui, S.B.D., Petersen, T., Poulsen, J.N. and Gazerani, P., 2016. Headaches attributed to airplane travel: a Danish survey. The journal of headache and pain, 17(1), p.33. Davies, T. and Crawford, I., 2011. Business accounting and finance. Pearson. Davies, T. and Crawford, I., 2011.Business accounting and finance. Pearson. De Haan, J. and Amtenbrink, F., 2011. Credit rating agencies. Deegan, C., 2013.Financial accounting theory. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Deegan, C., 2017. Twenty five years of social and environmental accounting research within Critical Perspectives of Accounting: Hits, misses and ways forward. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 43, pp.65-87. Du, J. and Girma, S., 2009.Source of finance, growth and firm size: evidence from China(No. 2009.03). Research paper/UNU-WIDER. Dyckman, T.R. and Zeff, S.A., 2014. Some methodological deficiencies in empirical research articles in accounting. Accounting Horizons, 28(3), pp.695-712. Elmuti, D. Kathawala, Y. 2001. An overview of strategic alliances.Management Decision,vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 205-217. Engle, T.J. and Hunton, J.E., 2015. Retraction: The Effects of Small Monetary Incentives on Response Quality and Rates in the Positive Confirmation of Account Receivable Balances. AUDITING: A Journal of Practice Theory, 34(3), pp.201-201. Fulin, S. 2011. Preface by SHANG Fulin. Corporate Governance of Listed Companies in China, 9-10. Gitman, L.J. and Zutter, C.J., 2012.Principles of managerial finance. Prentice Hall. Higgins, R. C., 2012.Analysis for financial management. McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Morningstar. 2017. Unilever NV. Retrieved from https://financials.morningstar.com/income-statement/is.html?t=UNregion=usaculture=en-US available as on 26th Nov 2017.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Role playing in video games and real life relationships an Example of the Topic Psychology Essays by

Role playing in video games and real life relationships Introduction Need essay sample on "Role playing in video games and real life relationships" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed People often wonder what one gets from computer role playing games (RPGs). They think it ruins ones life values. Well, you can say that if you are addicted to it, for it will really cause problems. Often times, RPG players are caught up in the web of things to attend to, actions and characters to play that they do not keep track of time, so the people they love and care about, family and friends think they are so very into it. There are so many topics of interest along this field, but this paper will look into how RPG affects real life relationships. Computer Role Playing Games Computer role playing games (CRPGs), often shortened to RPGs, is a type of video or computer game that uses traditional gameplay elements found in pen and paper role playing games (wikipedia p1 line 1-5). In these games, players are given the freedom to improve their characters in various settings; often travelling long distances and having encounters and combats along the way. Some critics say that most RPGs focus on combat and statistical character management rather than story telling and character development (wikipedia p6 line 48-49). Examples of modern RPG games are Diablo, Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest. They can also be culturally classified as Western (American/European) and Japanese (East Asian) games (wikipedia 4-6) College Students Usually Tell Us: I'm not in the mood to write my paper. Because I want to spend time with my girlfriend Essay writer professionals advise: Your Best Essay Helper Best Essay Writing Service Write My Essay Online Reviews Essay Writing Services Essay Writer Service Computer role playing games situationer Computer/video games, in general, have generated interest since its birth. According to Squire in his introductory paragraph in an article in the international journal of computer game research, these games have both fascinated and caused fear in politicians, educators, academics and the public at large (1). He cited that some advocates of digital game-based learning imply that developing educational games is a moral imperative, as kids of the videogame generation do not respond to traditional instruction (See Katz, 2000: Presnk, 2001). He also reported that Provento (1991, 1992), an educator, worry that games is inculcating children with hyper competitive or warped sexual value (1). Subrahmanyam, Greenfield, Krauf and Gross conducted a review of researches on the impact of computer use on childrens and adolescents development on several aspects including cognitive skills, academic development, social development and relationships, and perceptions of reality and violence behavior. Their research review suggested that spatial skills were related to video game playing (14). In a cross cultural study carried out in Rome and Los Angeles, Greenfield, Camaioni et al. (cited in Subrahmanyan, et al. 14) said that in playing a computer game style shifted from verbal to iconic skills. The same authors cited Cole (16) experiment on use of electronic communication and games with children in classroom and after school settings for nearly 15 years. The after school programs are called the Fifth Dimension, and include use of educational software, computer games, Internet search and multi-user dungeons (MUD) activities. His findings indicate that well designed games and Internet activities for home use can have lasting impact on childrens academic performance. Computers, RPGs and real life relationships As the child grows into teen and adulthood, his sphere of relationships became bigger, from the parents and relatives this expanded to friends and peers. This is part of growing up. However, the solitary nature of most computer activities raised concerns on the child forming electronic friendships (Subrahmanyan et al 17) with the machine than friendships with peers, thereby hindering development of interpersonal skills. In a study by Mitchell (cited in Subrahmanyan 17) done in 1980s, 20 families with new home computer game sets were interviewed on the benefits and dangers of playing games. Results suggest that computer games brought the members of the family together for shared play and interaction. Does this finding still apply today considering that computer game sets at home have increased and are usually located in respective bedrooms indicating solitary play. This area can be a subject of further study. In RPGs, the personal knowledge of players outside of the game can contribute to the evolution of the game story. Liz Henry mentioned that in a Vinland game, she knew about a player and his real relationship with his father. So she maneuvered her character to let the story play with father-son relationships. Likewise, she said that the game master knew of her life ambitions and conflicts being a poet, so the game master explored how Norse Vinlanders viewed poets and poetry. Although Liz Henry discussed the relationships from the game viewpoint, this can be taken from the persons view on real life relationships. The players life is brought into the game. If conflicts in the relationship exist, these are explored in the game. It is good if these conflicts are resolved in the game, and somehow resolved also in real life relationships. Liz Henry also cited other ways wherein game play can cross story/real life boundaries (17-18), as follows: players use characters to explore aspects of their own personality current events or issues such as war, became central to the story players real life relationships influence events or understanding of the story players get to know each other better in real life through analysis of each other character players use characters who are unlike themselves to explore different identities or ethical systems players use a game to deepen their understanding of a particular history or culture players game in a fictional world such as Tolkiens, and deconstruct it Children, teenagers and young adults can use the characteristics in the RPGs to explore their own personality. For example, in Pokemon, the best selling RPG series worldwide which sold 91 million units across 11 different titles as of 2004 (wikipedia P8 L48), children and teenagers can explore what they wanted to achieve and where do they want to go. Their sense of competition with peers, the desire to achieve, go places and have adventure can come to fore. They can also find out whether they have the desire to take care of pets and other things from this RPG. This can also mirror how they relate to other people in their lives such as cousins and friends. In Final Fantasy, the second best selling series worldwide which sold 60 million units in 2006 (wikipedia P4 L49-50), the players can see explore their own personality in terms of good traits that they see from the characters such as being humble, and desire to protect people from harm. In this RPG, the values they learn in real life can be affirmed too. However, for children, there should be processing of what they see and hear from these games so that the real and reel life can be distinguished, and thus not cause blurring of reality. The gender issue and relationships can also be seen in the RPG games played. Liz Henry quoted from a Hong Ooi, The easiest way to tell a Real Man from the rest of the role playing crowd is by the game he plays. Real men ply Dungeons and Dragons. Quiche Eaters play GURPS and Story Teller (P16 L27-28). The playing style of girls and women in RPGs show that they are less competitive than males. They are more concerned on The process by which a goal is reached, not the goal itself according to Elizabeth B. (Henry P6 L37 and P7 L1). This also manifests in the way the females relate with the people around them. Women are known to be nurturing creatures, so they are more on to processes than end results. Although focused on the outcome, importance is placed on the steps or procedure how to relate to people and achieve tasks and/or goals. Achieving peace and harmony in relationships at the individual, family and community levels can also be one area of research for individuals interested on the effects of RPGs on the players. One fear about games with violence portrayed is its effect on the player. Will he or she get to have that quality of being violent in real life? Will she adopt it in his or her relationships Kurt Squire has this to say, Despite (and perhaps because of) the hundreds of hours Ive spent playing war games, Im pretty much a pacifist. I love Return to Castle Wolfestein, yet Id never own a gun (P2 L34-36). The concerns on the effects of violent video games, according to Kurt Squire, drew attention away from the broader social roles and cultural contexts of gaming (P2 L40-41). These contexts are yet left unexamined and maybe this can be another area of research. Squire gleaned from anecdotal evidence from teachers that the impact of gaming on millions of players who grew up playing best selling games suc h us SimCity, Pirates or Civilization is starting to be felt (P2 L59-60 and P3 L1). There also cultural differences in the RPGs, mainly the Western (American/European) and the Japanese (East Asian). In the Western RPGs (good examples are Baldurs Gage, Fallout, Planetscape: Torment, The Elder Scrolls and Neverwinter Night), the personalities of the characters are more varied than the Japanese counterparts and avoid any real absolutes in morality. They feature ancient struggles for power that never end with any given faction (wikipedia P5 L1-9). These are also reflective of their society and the relationships at the community and individual levels. The Japanese family of graphical RPGs (good examples are Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star, Suikoden, Grandia and the Lunar series) are inspired by Japanese comics Manga and animation Anime. They are more into epic, ultimate battle of the forces of good and evil, and players often end up fighting for a good cause (wikipedia P5 L20-29). In these RPGs, the players can carry over the sense of good and evil outside of the game and into real relationships. There is a need for de-processing the game (or de-briefing as used in a Bond movie) in the mind and emotions of the children and teener players so as to situate them in real life. And in this de-briefing the parents and the elders should play a major role. Sobrahmanyan et al reported that some research analyses focused on Internet have shown that the use of computer is associated with declines in social involvement and the psychological well being that goes with social involvement (P18 L40-42). They gave as an example the analysis of a longitudinal data on HomeNet study (Kraut et al.) wherein they found out that as participants spent more time online; they experienced greater declines in social and psychological well being. In particular, I quote greater use of the Internet was associated with small, but statistically significant, declines in social involvement as measured by the communication within the family and the size of peoples networks, and with increases in loneliness, the psychological state associated with social involvement. Greater use of the Internet was also associated with depression. Among teenagers, greater use of the Internet was also associated with declines in social support (P19 L1-8). An interview with a player To provide a reflective insight on the RPG and the player, I have interviewed an avid player who is a graduating student in college in a prestigious university. He said it has two effects on the real life relationships. One is the negative effect, that is, on budgeting of time. More often, I forgot about time as I pursue the game. I spent more time than I should on it, so I forgo my time for studies and even duties at home. My parents are upset since I usually go home late. Being immersed in the game even outside of the game, my personal relationships with the family suffered. Furthermore, he said, I became lazy, not doing my tasks at home and even my studies requirements, and it made me stubborn. He spent more than the required years to finish his course. The positive effect of the game, according to the interviewee, is the release of stress RPGs it offers, the bonding between and among friends who play common games, and even among boyfriend and girlfriend relationships. Comments and Recommendations Studies have been conducted on the impact of computer use on children and teeners, on role playing games and how it affects relationships. However, there are few studies on how exactly RPGs fit into the lives of the children and teeners as well as their parents and friends. Questions on why do the prefer to play games and role play, rather than engage in real life relationships, and pursue deeper and closer relationships among families and friends are also good pursuits for study. In the discussion, some small areas for study have been raised. From the personal interview I conducted, I suggest a cross sectional short research on the effects of the RPGs on the lives of teenagers and young adults can be made, especially high school college students. Likewise, parents of these students can also be studied in terms of the behavior of their children, and their relationships with them. This could provide interesting results that can help the field of study on RPGs, students and relationshi ps that would be helpful in the field of digital games and education and social sciences. Works Cited Cole, M. Cultural psychology: A once and future discipline. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1996. (cited in Sobrahmanyan, et al., 2001) Greenfield, P, Camaioni, L., Ercolani, P, Weiss, L, Lauber, B and Perucchini, P. Cognitive socialization by computer games in two cultures: Inductive discovery or mastery of an iconic code? Henry, Liz. Group Narration: Power, Information, and Play in Role Playing Games. Katz, Jon. Up, up, down, down. Slashdot.org. Originally published November 30, 2000. Kraut, R, Scherlis, W, Mukhopadhyay, T, Manning, J and Kiesler, S. The HomeNet field trial of residential Internet services. Mitchell, E. The dynamics of family interaction around home video games. Special Issue: personal computers and family. Marriage and Family Review 8 (1985): 1-2, 121-135. (cited in Squire, K, 2002) Prensky, M. Digital Game-Based Learning. New York: McGraw Hill, 2000. (cited in Squire, K, 2002)