Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Effect Of Increasing Business Investment †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Effect Of Increasing Business Investment. Answer: In this particular discussion paper, the economic scenario of Australia has been critically analysed based on interest rate decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia. The mounting pressure of government budget deficit can be identified as one of the largest economic challenges for Turnbull government. Under the current circumstances, in order to reduce the budget deficit, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has cut down the government expenditure in all fronts. As a result of the consequences, investors are reluctant to invest in the economy. In order to tackle the uncertainties of the Australian economy, the RBA has kept the benchmark interest rate to record low at 1.5 percent so that the borrowers will be encouraged to invest in the market (Letts, 2017). Precisely, the impact of the fall in the interest rate on the business investment in Australia has been elaborated in the study. At the same time, the study discusses the effect of increasing business investment due to lower interest rates on the aggregated demand curve, real GDP, and price level in the Australian economy. During the time of economic slowdown, Central Banks of leading as well as developing economies have lowered the benchmark interest rate to boost the economy. In the meanwhile, lower benchmark interest rate policy implemented by the RBA can be considered as one of the vital aspects of Monetary Policy. In the last five years, the Reserve Bank of Australia has reduced the interest rate from 4.25 percent in 2012 to 1.5 percent in 2017 (Tradingeconomics.com, 2017). Hence, an increase in the flow of money can be evident in the Australian market due to the fall in the Banks interest rate. Figure 1 has been given herein below to present the last five years Interest Rate in Australia: Figure 1: Australia Interest Rate (2012 2017) Source: (Tradingeconomics.com, 2017) Precisely, due to the lower rate of benchmark interest, borrowing will be cheaper (Catala?n, Guajardo and Hoffmaister, 2008). As a result of the consequences, both the spending and investment will increase boosting the economic progress and stability. Invariably, lower interest rate provides a smaller return from savings. Therefore, the social public tends to spend the money or invest the money rather than holding the capital (Forstater, 2016). In this way, spending, as well as investment in the market, has been increased. Furthermore, the lower rate of interest rate encourages the consumers and business firms to take loans as borrowing costs are reduced. As a result of the scenario, spending and investments are encouraged leading to greater finance. In addition, lower interest rates contribute to the rising prices of assets such as housing. Due to asset buying, the price of housing will increase so as the consumer confidence (Heath, 2017). Thus, the consumer spending will be higher as well. Based on such aspects, it can be said that lower rate of interest implemented by the RBA will certainly encourage higher investment and spending in the Australian economy. On the basis of the above discussion, it can be assumed that the lower interest rate will increase the business investment in Australian economy. However, the increase in business investment will have certain impact on aggregated demand curve, real Gross Domestic Product, and price level in the Australian economy. The impact of the increase in business investment on the aggregate demand, GDP and Price level has been demonstrated using the figure 2 as below: Figure 2: Impact of increase business investment on Aggregated Demand curve, real Gross Domestic Product, and Price Level Source: (Forstater, 2016) Due to increase in business investment followed by lower benchmark interest rate, the money supply will be increased in the economy. For instance, the increase in business investment will increase the income of the people in Australia resulting in an increase in the purchasing power of the buyers. As a result, the aggregated demand curve will be shifted towards right side from AD to AD1 indicating an increase aggregated demand (Forstater, 2016). Convincingly, as shown in figure 1, the increase in monetary flow due to lower interest rate will cause a rise in aggregated demand. However, the aggregate supply will remain constant in the short run as there is no chance of utilisation more resources in a shorter period of time (Phan, 2014). Hence, the aggregate supply curve will remain constant at AS as presented in the above figure. By following the theory of demand and supply, the rise in the aggregate demand in the market due to the fall in the borrowing rate and increase in the flow of money, the aggregate price level of the product in the Australian economy is expected to increase. On the basis of figure 2, it can be seen that the shift in the aggregate demand curve from AD to AD1 leads to an increase in the aggregate price level from P1 to P2. Therefore, an increase in inflation can be evident in the Australian economy (Fender, 2012). Moreover, the rise in the aggregate demand will also lead to increase in the aggregate consumption that will further increase the real GDP of the nation. For instance, it can be seen from figure 2 that the real GDP of Australia will increase from Q1 to Q2 due to the increase in the aggregate consumption because of the rise in aggregate demand (Scott, Rabanal and Kannan, 2009). Hence, it can be clearly seen from the above illustration that the fall in the interest rate by the R eserve Bank of Australia will lead to increase in the business investment in the nation that will further increase the aggregate demand, real GDP and price level. By considering the above analysis, it can be seen that the decision of reducing the interest rate works in the favour of the Australian economy. The fall in the interest rate will increase the flow of money in the market that will gradually increase business investment. Additionally, the increase in the business investment will increase the earning of the people and enhance the buyers purchasing power. Furthermore, the increase in business investment will boost up the Australian economy by increasing the aggregate demand, price level of products and services and the real GDP of the nation. References Catala?n, M., Guajardo, J. and Hoffmaister, A. (2008).Global aging and declining world interest rates. 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund, IMF Institute and European Dept. Fender, J. (2012).Monetary policy. 3rd ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley. Forstater, M. (2016). Economics. 5th ed. London: A. C. Black. Heath, M. (2017).Australia's interest rates aren't as stimulatory as RBA thinks. [online] The Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/australias-interest-rates-arent-as-stimulatory-as-rba-thinks-20170730-gxlxjo.html [Accessed Sep. 2017]. Letts, S. (2017).RBA holds rates at record low 1.5pc, warns of high dollar risks. [online] ABC News. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-01/rba-holds-rates-at-historic-low/8763628 [Accessed Sep. 2017]. Phan, T. (2014). Output Composition of the Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism: Is Australia Different?.Economic Record, 90(290), pp.382-399. Scott, A., Rabanal, P. and Kannan, P. (2009). Macroeconomic Patterns and Monetary Policy in the Run-up to Asset Price Busts. 3rd ed. Washington: International Monetary Fund. Tradingeconomics.com. (2017).Australia Interest Rate | 1990-2017 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast. [online] Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/interest-rate [Accessed Sep. 2017].

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Earnings Management to Avoid Earnings Decreases and Losses

Question: Describe about the facts about Earnings Management to Avoid Earnings Decreases and Losses? Answer: Introduction The company taken for the study is GAP INC. It is a retail operator in global apparel which operates in 90 countries. The hypothesis is tested through the annual reports of Gap Inc. taken between the years 2010 and 2015. Particular emphasis is given to the years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The study is made in three parts. The first part is about the finding of Charles et al. on Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and AOCI. The second part is about earnings management and trends in estimates according to the findings of Burgstahler and Dichev. The third part is about News Disclosures, their timeline and market reaction. Literature Overview Other Comprehensive Income From the financial reports of Gap Inc, we find that the comprehensive income comprises of net income as well as other gains and losses that affect equity and excluded from net income. The OCI components are Foreign currency translation gains and losses, net of tax; Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax Adjustments reclassified for realized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, net of tax. Annual Reports for study of GAP INC Annual Report 2011(Murphy, 2011 Annual Report) Annual Report 2012(Murphy, 2012 Annual Report) Annual Report 2013(Murphy, 2013 Annual Report) Annual Report 2014(Peck) Proxy Report 2015(Yahoo) Charles et al study and FASB(Chambers, Lismeier and Shakespeare) Charles et al have made a study comparing findings between tests, where comprehensive income using as-reported income post-SFAS 130 period and pre-SFAS 130 period to ascertain the measurement error effect on returns-relevance tests on OCI. The study is made to show that OCI is not priced by investors. Two components of ICI, which are unrealized gains/losses on securities available-for-sale, are priced by investors. According to archival evident, OCI report in shareholders equity in the statement of changes is weighted heavier than OCI as present in performance statements by investors. Pension adjustments in performance statements have been weighted negatively while that, which is reported in statement of changes in equity, provides a positive weight by investors. OCI is priced as predicted by the economic theory relating to transitory income items post-SFAS 130 on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Financial statement of GAP INC. The financial statements of Gap Inc help to study findings of Charles et al for a period of five years from 2010 to 2016 (February). OCI in financial statement or footnotes We find that Gap Inc has incorporated the updated FASB accounting standards in their annual reports from 2012 with unrealized gain/loss for each component both in the financial statements and in footnotes. Unrealized gains and losses that relate to investments, derivative hedges and foreign currency fluctuations are main components of OCI. The derivative financial instruments gains and losses which are designated as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of OCI. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities and foreign currency translations are two components that are estimated by Item 238- marketable securities adjustment and item 230- retained earnings-cumulative translation adjustment respectively. It is (in $M) 28 in 2014; 17 in 2013 and 6 in 2012(Peck). The footnotes of Gap Inc. state long-term debt in note 5 including interest expense; share-based compensation in note 10; leases in note 11; income taxes in note 12; employee benefits plans in note 13; earnings per share in note 14 and segment information in note 16 (Murphy, 2013 Annual Report). Prominent display for user to incorporate in their analysis Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship show gains recognized in OCI as $166 in 2014; $78 in 2013 and $46 in 2012. Derivates in net investment hedging relationships, show gain in OCI as $4 in 2014; $17 in 2013 and none in 2012 ($million). Pattern of each OCI component over time ($ in millions) Table 1: Foreign Currency Transaction Component 2014 2013 2012 Mean Variance Standard Deviation Foreign currency transaction gain/loss -$34 $1 -$3 12.67 342.33 18.50 Realized and unrealized gain from certain derivative financial instruments 28 16 9 17.67 92.33 9.61 Net foreign exchange gain/loss -$6 $7 $6 6.33 0.33 0.58 Source: Annual Report of Gap Inc. Table 1 shows that foreign currency transaction gain/loss appear relatively independent and fluctuate randomly up and down across the years. Table 2: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Component 2014 2013 2012 Mean Variance Standard Deviation Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships 166 78 $76 106.67 2641.33 51.39 Gain recognized in other comprehensive income $53 $59 $5 39 876 29.60 Gain reclassified into cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses $8 $11 $4 7.67 12.33 3.51 Derivatives in net investment hedging relationship Gain recognized in other comprehensive income $4 $17 - 7 79 8.89 Source: Annual Report of Gap Inc. The consistency in cash flow helps to measure earnings over time. The publication of separate statements helps to establish the relevance of the components of OCI. The asset group is available at its lowest level with identifiable cash flows and is largely independent of its cash flows within another group of assets. Footnote disclosure of AOCI As the company did not liquidate or sell its hedged subsidiaries during these periods, the accumulated OCI has not been reclassified into derivative financial instruments income under net investment hedging relationship. Table 3: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income under Note 10 in Annual Report 2014(Peck) $ in millions Foreign Currency Transaction Cash Flow Hedges Total Mean Variance Standard Deviation Balance at Feb 2014 107 29 135 90.33 3017.33 54.93 Foreign currency transaction -47 - -47 -31.33 736.33 27.14 Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments - 118 118 68.67 4641.33 68.13 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - -41 -41 -27.33 560.33 23.67 OCI -47 77 30 20 3919 62.60 Balance at Jan 31, 2015 60 105 165 110 2775 52.68 Source: Annual Report of Gap Inc. Additional disclosures are provided in note 8 regarding reclassification of AOCI and its effect on the consolidated statement of income under their respective items. Table 4: Other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax according to financial reports of GAP INC.(Murphy, 2013 Annual Report) Other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax in $ 2014 2013 2012 2011 Mean Variance Standard Deviation Foreign currency translation, net of tax -47 -51 -71 24 -36.25 1723.58 1.52 Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax 118 48 28 -11 45.75 2920.25 54.04 Adjustments reclassified for realized gains or losses on derivative financial instruments, net of tax benefit -41 -43 -5 31 -14.50 1225 35 Other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax 30 -46 -48 44 -5 2385.33 48.84 Source: Annual Report of Gap Inc. Consistent signals in companies about earnings quality have low persistent earnings. This is due to negative forecast revisions and high accruals or positive forecast revisions and low accruals. We find that Charles et al has made the study stating that unrealized gains and losses which are components of OCI are from 1) sponsoring defined benefit pension plans 2) re-measure of net assets from foreign subsidiaries 3) Hedging derivatives 4) holding marketable securities. Earnings Management/Trends in Earnings (Burgstahler and Dichev) Burgstahler and Dichev have found strong evidence to the fact the earnings are managed by firms to control loss and decrease in income. About 12% manage earnings and avoid a decrease in earnings. About 44% manage earnings to show positive earnings. They point out that the cash flow from operations is used to manage earnings (Burgstahler and Dichev). Long-term summary of income in the annual report. Table 5: Trends in Earnings Year Market Value (in million USD) Income (in million USD) Scaled Value (in million USD) Earnings per share Estimated Earnings per share 2010 - 1204 - 1.89 1.87 2011 9354.7 833 -0.040 1.57 1.59 2012 12362.2 1135 0.024 2.35 2.45 2013 16471.9 1280 0.009 2.78 2.60 2014 17906.9 1262 -0.001 2.90 2.80 2015 18145 2390 0.062 2.43 2.43 Source: Fortune 500 Using Burgstahler and Dichevs methodology in the annual report of Gap Inc. we find that Gap Inc. has shown a steady increase in income from the year 2011 to 2015. Though its income fell in 2011 from $1204m to $833 m, it has been steadily increasing from $833m to $2390m in 2015. The market value of the company for the beginning of each year as well as the earnings per share has been taken from Fortune 500. The scaled changes in yearly earnings are calculated as: Scaled changes = (This years earnings-last years earnings)/Last years beginning market value. From Table 4.1we find that the scaled earnings have fallen less than zero in 2011 and 2014 due to lower earnings. In 2014 it is very close to zero and has missed it very marginally; however it has recorded a steep fall in 2011. In 2012, 2013 and 2015, it has fallen on the positive side of zero. This scaling shows systematic relations between signs of market price and earnings(Gardner). The scaled value has fallen most in 2011(Huddleston). Burgstahler and Dichev show that scaled earnings distribution exhibit discontinuities at zero and that mangers have to take both accounting and real actions to avoid loss. It also shows that managers feel inclined to incur real costs in order to reach targets. The estimated earnings per share have been taken from the website Fortune 500. By comparing the actual with the estimated earnings, we find that the actual earnings per share is more than the estimate marginally in 2010 while in 2011 it has decreased marginally. However in 2015 the actual and estimated earnings per share are equal. An investor appreciates a company that shows positive movement and is able to surpass estimates. It makes him retain his investment in the company as he would get good returns. Good News / Bad News Disclosures This is the third part of the project that looks at the news that the company has announced for its calendar year of 2015 from the SEC website to EDGAR to find Gap Incs filings for 2015. Specifically, all the Form 8-K filings made by the company during the year have been taken. Form-8 filing (Yahoo!)(SEC) Form 8-K, filed with the SEC, helps to notify investors in US public companies regarding specific important events like bankruptcy, change of CEO, etc., have to be filed on Form 8-K as a Current Report within four business days. Good News Entry into a material definitive agreement on Oct 16, 2015; May 21, 201; Bad News Change in directors or principal officer, Financial condition, Financial statements and Exhibits on Oct 21, 2015; Sep 30, 2015; Mixed News Bylaws amended and restated on Nov 14, 2014 Indenture by and between Registries and Wells Fargo Bank on April 12, 2011 To a Vote of Security Holders, Submission of Matters on May 20, 2015; Neutral News Results of Operations and Financial Conditions on Feb 8, 2016; Nov 19, 2015; Nov 9, 2015; Aug 20, 2015; Aug 10, 2015; Feb 26, 2015; Feb 9, 2015. Regulation FD Disclosure, Exhibits and Financial Statements on Jan 7, 2016; Dec 3, 2015; October 8, 2015; September 3, 2015; July 9, 2015; June 4. 2015; April 9, 2015; March 5, 2015 Other Events, Financial Statements and Exhibits on Mar 6, 2015; Time line The earnings announcements are made through quarterly reports. The dates of these quarterly reports are Dec 8, 2015; Sept 8, 2015; June 8, 2015; March 23, 2015. The earnings announcements through quarterly reports are made on the 8th of June, September and December 2015 while in March it is on the 23 Results of operations and financial condition, financial statement and exhibits are made twice in November, August and February The Regulation FD disclosure, financial statement and exhibits are made for two consecutive months but not on the third month. They occur in March and April but not in May June and July but not in August September and October but not in November Other events like a change in directors, entry into a material definitive agreement, and to a vote of security holders, submission of matters do not occur frequently but once or twice a year. Market reaction The market price for 2014 shows a high of $44.59, 42.37. $46.85 and $43.85 in the first, second, third and fourth quarter respectively. It shows a low of $37.00, 38.38, $35.46 and $37.20 for first, second, third and fourth quarter respectively. It has increased during the first and last quarter but decreased during the second and third quarter from its previous year. Through credible future signals, managers can enhance earnings quality. Markets react to good news when statements of disclosures accompany them. Investors seek credibility in the market forecast through disclosures. Conclusion With the proposed change to the 2007 amendment to IAS 1, the users make use of OCI components information regarding the timing and amount of future cash flows, financial instruments and employee benefits(Norwalk). Chambers et al. have found that two components of OCI which are foreign currency translation adjustment as well as unrealized gains/losses on available-for-sale securities have been priced by investors. Burgstahler and Dichev methodology has also been applied to show that income is manipulated to project a better picture to the user. The market fluctuates to good, bad, neutral and mixed news and it is found true through the analysis of the reports of Gap Inc. Though the analysis is limited, the findings are relevant for the welfare of the user. Works Cited Burgstahler, David and LLia Dichev. "Earnings Management to Avoid Earnings Decreases and Losses." Journal of Accounting and Economics (1997): 99-126. Chambers, Dennis J, et al. "An evaluation of Sfas No. 130 Comprehensive Income Disclosures." Social Science Research Network (2006): 557-593. Gardner, David. Motley Fool . 5 December 2015. 25 February 2016 . Huddleston, Tom. Fortune. 16 February 2016. 24 February 2016 https://fortune.com/fortune500. Murphy, Glenn. "2011 Annual Report." Sharing American Style (2012): 1-100. . 2012 Annual Report. Annual Report 2012. California: Gap Inc., 2013. . 2013 Annual Report. Annual Report 2013. California: Gap Inc., 2013. Norwalk, C T. "Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income." IFRS (2011): 1-12. Peck, Art. 2014 Annual Report. Annual Report. California: Gap Inc., 2015. SEC. SEC. 31 January 2015. 25 February 2016 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar. Yahoo. GPS Proxy Statement 2015. 24 February 2016. 24 February 2016 https://finance.yahoo.com. Yahoo! Yahoo! Finance. 24 February 2016. 25 February 2016 https://finance.yahoo.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Power and the Glory of the Roman Empire Essay Example

The Power and the Glory of the Roman Empire Paper I am greatly marveled by the wonderful pictures and information the article tackles on certain details of the Roman world where textbooks normally take for granted. Such examples mentioned in the article, covers what Romans do in their leisure time and details on the structure of the city, which then leads to how its leaders turned Rome to be one of the richest, and most powerful metropolises the world has ever witnessed. It is a good thing that the author started on the foundation of the topic by defining the terminologies and then interconnecting it with other issues. The author presented such information of Rome, its culture, its magnificent blueprint of the city and the other aspects of certain power and strategies manipulated by its leaders, with such creativity that a normal textbook lack. Thus, making it more interesting to read alongside its pictures that reassure us of the glory of the whole Roman Empire. The article is supported by additional information like the formation of the calendar, Marcus Licinius Crassus and the city of Pompey. As I read the part about Pompey, I cant help but imagine it happening before my eyes and be heartbroken by the whole event and at same time, I marvel at the remains of this city. The information unearthed in this city adds to what there was in a Roman town back then. How such work of art also serves as public signs. The actual seeds and pollens seen here tell us what people were eating, another is the minerals in paint and vegetable dyes in scraps of cloth, which reveals about their trade patterns. We will write a custom essay sample on The Power and the Glory of the Roman Empire specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Power and the Glory of the Roman Empire specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Power and the Glory of the Roman Empire specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Another is how Pompeii carries out traffic flow, when examined; the researchers concluded that Romans had one-way streets and no left turn intersections. And lastly, the article describes how such locations played a major role in history, where struggles of order were played out. Combining all these information, I believe that technology also helped in the way of saving these artifacts and also digging carefully and efficiently. For a couple of decades now the leaders of Europe have been struggling to implement a revolutionary and furiously controversial concept: a single European currency. Governments have fallen, fists have flown, and bitter curses have been exchanged in a variety of Romance and Germanic languages over this visionary idea. So explosive are the politics of the proposed Euro that the notion of a single coinage for so many different peoples is an impossible dream. I strongly disagree with T. R. Reids statement, I believe that such revolutionary concept is possible, for there was a time when the Roman Empire has a single currency, a single code and a single Emperor. Rome had a signal achievement in the sheer art of governing. Just like how the Greeks tried and tested all kinds of governing concepts and given us descriptions about it, the Romans, already experienced such revolution. The only roadblock to making this concept come alive is arguments that governments raise about, may it be for their own benefit or their defeat. As Rome is best known to be the most rich and powerful metropolis that the world has witnessed then, there is an assurance to such concept. As a student is drowsed by the unending textbooks and definitions, I believe that this article will alleviate such problem and aid a student in their quest for knowledge. Such information is discussed with illustrations, with pride and excitement that you cant help but be attracted more to the Roman Empire. In this article I believe just the same that a student will be able to put together all the facts that they have learned, link it with the textbook and this additional information and great illustrations on the city of Rome which technology has structured out for us. The article focuses on events that caused certain turnabouts, and also gives us a timeline of the 1st Emperor-Augustus up to Constantine. I say this with zest because I myself have been attracted to such wonder.

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Sample Essay on Freud Theory of Grief

Sample Essay on Freud Theory of GriefYou could ask a counselor for sample essays on Freud theory of grief, and you might not even be sure that she'll give you the one you are looking for. In the following essay, you will learn a few things about grief that most counselors probably don't want you to know.The first thing to do before deciding on a professional counselor or counsellor is to get all of your facts straight, or as straight as you can. It's very difficult to do this if you don't know anything about your own condition.It will help you understand what you have been going through, your past experiences, your physical health, your mental health, and your personal relationship with your loved ones. These are the basics. Next, it will help you to determine if this information will make it easier for you to write a good essay on grief.If you have had a traumatic experience in your life, but you have experienced something positive in the past, it will probably help you discuss this with a professional. However, if you have had a positive experience, it will probably make it harder for you to talk about it with a professional. If you have had negative experiences in your life, a professional will most likely want to talk about it, as well.Also, a professional will want to ask you to tell them your opinions, your memories, and your possible personal experiences and memories that may affect your essay on grief. This may mean that your answers will be on a list, which means that the person reading your essay on Freud theory of grief will be forced to read all of your answers at the beginning of the essay.But, if you haven't had an emotional experience and you are not emotionally affected by things, your essay on Freud theory of grief will most likely be about the positive memories that you have had in your life. So, your answers and your memories of the positive things that have happened in your life will probably be omitted.Now, you need to take the time to thin k about this essay. Decide what questions you need to ask yourself, and determine how many questions there are that need to be answered. Get all of your facts in order, and have some fun with this essay.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Television Censhorship and how it changes the way we live.

Television Censhorship and how it changes the way we live. " F*** Television Censorship"by Ben FlickAccess is threatened today by the government by putting a brown paper bag around "risquÂÆ'Â ©" material on the Internet and television. Industry, responding both to government pressure and consumer demand, has compounded the problem by creating easy tools for censorship. Government is privatizing censorship, pushing it out. Recently there have been efforts to make television and the Internet "family friendly," by giving parents tools to create "kid-safe" environments. But the consequences may be far-reaching, as the tools used in the home to shield children from certain ideas and images increasingly appear in schools and libraries, where they limit the ability of the entire community to gain access to valuable information. The promise of the electronic media - to create a more vibrant and democratic "marketplace of ideas" than has ever before been possible - could be undermined, if rating and filtering is widely embraced.Saniresch shooting f or children’s television pro...By directing a bright light at these censorship tools, we may persuade viewers and users to resort not to ratings and filters, but to open and unfettered access to information and freedom of expression to demand more speech, not enforced silence. The Telecommunications Act creates a statutory scheme to regulate content of television programming. It mandates that new television sets be equipped with a V-chip capable of blocking programs, and it requires to prescribe guidelines to identify programming containing sexual, violent or other indecent material to help parents limit children's viewing - unless the television/cable industry "voluntarily" devises its own "acceptable" rules for labeling programs. The terms "violent" "sexual" or "indecent" are not defined in the Act. In July 1997, the major networks, with the exception of NBC, agreed to begin using TV Parental Guidelines, a television rating system, to supplement the previously introduced mo vie-style age-based rating: TV-G...

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Systems Project Management Approach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Systems Project Management Approach - Essay Example It happens separate from business as usual and the management of projects is normally separate. Project management therefore requires the managers and their teams to develop distinct technical skills and management strategies (Project management institute, 2000). Some of the main challenges include scope, time, quality and budget. While other ones that can come in secondary include optimizing the allocation of necessary inputs and integrates them to meet the objectives (Wheeler, 2000). Organizational Situation The project in question is called Versace. It involves 9 Customer requests. The project is for a global brand management company which has customers located all over the world. Flow of work in the company is illustrated in Figure 3. Customer contacts Administrator by email or phone requesting label design to be created. Then Administrator summarizes Customer request and then passes over to an Artist. After Artist created label design he then passes over the design to Quality Co ntrol Department who evaluates the label design and checks if Customer brief been followed. If Artist made a mistake then QD (Quality Department) sends label back to an Artist to get it amended and if label is correct then it is being transferred back to Administrator. Administrator then checks the design to make sure it is correct and if it is wrong she then sends it back to Artist and if it is correct then she adds costs and sends design over to Customer. After Customer received the design he then evaluates and checks if brief been followed. For this project as many other projects within the company Right First Time (RFT) is very low as customer majority of times adds additional request and workflow is being repeated as many times as customer sends additional changes. It is important to note that each project for each action has set timelines as per below Figure 1 however customer demands for designs to be delivered quicker then set deadlines. Figure 1 - Set Action Timelines 1st A ction (A) 3 Days 2nd Action (B) 2 Days 3rd Action (C) 2 Days 4th Action (D) 2 Days 5th Action (E) 2 Days Figure 2 reflects actual times each action taken for specific number of label designs- Versace. Figure 2 Action Number of Labels Days taken to complete Right First Time % A 1 3 11.1% B 2 4 22.2% C 4 5 44.4% D 1 6 11.1% E 1 7 11.1% Figure 3 - Flow of Work - Versace Systems Project Management Approach The lean systems management approach was chosen due to the fact that lean system methodology regards to project management that all tasks need to serve the purpose of the customer as efficiently as possible (Atkinson, 2006). As outlined above all tasks for the project are in place to serve customer request. Critical discussion on why lean system project management was used Versace project can be described as dynamic and unpredictable as customer requested for extra changes to be done and demanded for timelines to be reduced for actions B/C/D/E. This was not foreseen prior project star ting (Leach, 2005). This therefore increased the duration of the project which affects interaction between activities and resources in ways that are not considered in the traditional methods of project management (Koskela, 2002). The reduction of time for the project actions therefore

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Ideal Sampling Frame in Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Ideal Sampling Frame in Marketing - Assignment Example The scale is mostly used by marketers when previous information about a particular product is not available. If the marketer simply base his decision of manufacturing a product on the basis of the results that state that more consumer has selected the probably will buy and definitely will buy the product, then he may end up making a mistake because usually very low number of consumers who state that definitely will buy might not actually buy the product. Â  The ideal sampling frame is a term used to denote a sample frame in which the entire population is accessible and no one is missing, this does not take place in the real world. In the absence of such frame, an alternate way called representative sampling can be utilized to determining the same sample frame may be used with aid of characteristics of the sample that need to be tested. Â  Probability sampling is referred to the selection of samples that are selected on a random basis and not in accordance with the convenience of the researcher. Non-probability sampling arises when samples are selected in a random manner in accordance with convenience. Example: Conducting a survey of the school you study and selecting school students as sample. Â