Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Computer Engineering A Computer - 1340 Words

Josh Piersma Mrs. Linn Advanced Writing November 18, 2014 Computer Engineering INTRODUCTION Looking through the various topics of which to write a paper on, I came across computer engineering. For as long as I can remember I have had a fascination with computers. When I was seven years old, I came across a cube shaped object at my grandparent’s house. The object was called a computer, specifically an Apple Emac. My grandpa told me about all the interesting things this computer could preform. From then on, I was fixated on using the computer. Every time I went to my grandparent’s house, I asked if I could play on the computer. From then on, my fascination for computers only grew exponentially. Beginning my research, I already knew the†¦show more content†¦They used a variety of people to try to create the first known digital computer. The computer was calle ABC, which stands for Atanasoff-Berry Computer (â€Å"History of Computing†). John Vincent Atanasoff was a former professor around the time he created his this computer, but he was physics a nd mathematics professor. He needed to find someone that could connect all the wires and to make sure he did not electrocute himself while building the computer (â€Å"History of Computing†). He then met a professor while walking along campus one day. This professor was a electrical engineering professor named Harold W. Anderson. Talking with him Atanasoff told Anderson about this computer the wanted to build, and what type of student he would need and Anderson replied, â€Å" I have your man: Cliff Berry †( â€Å"History of Computing†). This then began the process of making the worlds first digital computer. The machine they built would not be recognizable compared to todays computers. The ABC looked nothing like today’s computers: It was the size of a big desk, weighed 750 pounds, and featured rotating drums for memory, glowing vacuum tubes, and a read/write system that recorded numbers by scorching marks on cards (â€Å"History of Computing†). The term computer soon took off, and engineers all over the world took to designing their own digital computer. The next big step that engineers had to figure out how to make computers talk. To get a computer to communicate with another

Monday, December 16, 2019

Essay on Business Decision Making - 794 Words

Introduction Thinking critically and making decisions are important parts of today’s business environment. It is important to understand how the decision making process works and the steps involved. The nine steps of the decision making process are: identifying the problem, defining criteria, setting goals and objectives, evaluating the effect of the problem, identifying the causes of the problem, framing alternatives, evaluating impacts of the alternatives, making the decision, implementing the decision, and measuring the impacts. (Decision, 2007.) By using various methods and tools to assist in making important business decisions an individual can ensure the decisions they make will be as successful as possible. In this paper it†¦show more content†¦When we came up with a decision to fix a problem the stimulation had a visual graph to use that examined different metrics of how our choices affected sales, workers, the cost and the company and whether the decisions would be su ccessful or unsuccessful. This visually allowed us to see the outcomes to our decisions and gives us more experience for the future decisions and way to succeed in our goals. All the techniques assisted in following the decision making steps including measuring the impact which is easily forgotten. It is very important to ensure our decision was effective and if it was not. Understanding why the decision was not effective and re evaluating the alternatives and the issues that come into play will help us identify what was missed or overlooked so the problem can get fixed. This also helps ensure the same mistakes are minimized, if not identified so the same issues do not reoccur and something can be learned for the future. The techniques of the stimulation measured the success of change and it provided feedback as to which measures. The simulation provided a usefulShow MoreRelatedBusiness Decision Making2235 Words   |  9 Pagesdata Task (2) 7-11 * Analysing data for business purposes Task (3) 11-14 * Information in appropriate formats for decision making Task (4) 14-18 * Using software-generated information for making decisions Conclusion 18 References 18 Introduction In business, making good decisions requires the effective use of information. Business Decision Making provides the opportunity of learning a variety of sourcesRead MoreBusiness Planning And Decision Making879 Words   |  4 Pagesare constantly making plans or making decisions. In morden business world, a plan has to be made if a new project been assigned, or there is going to have a major change in the direction of where the business will be reroute. 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However, relationships with stakeholders can make business decision complicated. Stakeholder relationships are a key factor to running a sustainable organization. In business as well as life there are always those grey areas in decision making. This is where ones Morals and ethics come into play when making decisions. Is there a moral or ethical dilemma that can arise when exposing stakeholders to whom you have close personal or professionalRead MoreUnit 6 Business Decision Making Essay4217 Words   |  17 Pageseffectively for business purposes Representative values: mean, median, mode; calculation from raw data and frequency distributions using appropriate software; using the results to draw valid conclusions Measures of dispersion: standard deviation for small and large samples; typical uses (statistical process eg control, buffer stock levels) Calculation: use of quartiles, percentiles, correlation coefficient 3 Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Shine Essay Example For Students

Shine Essay Directed by Scott Hicks, the drama Shine is a formalist masterpiece. Writing the piece as a fiction film gave the author license to alter the events in the story of David Helfgott, a real musician who had a nervous breakdown on his way to magnificence. Geoffrey Rushs portrayal gave life and believability to David, and Rush won an Academy Award for his realistic method acting. He had not only to provide depth to the character, but had additional physical demands placed upon him due to Davids irregular speech and his tendency to twitch. Both setting and costume are unobtrusive, allowing the audience to focus on the characters rather than their adornments. The formalistic style allows for manipulation of time, and the film begins in medias reas, jumping back and then foreward as it progresses. The structure is highly fragmented, and much of the action is cyclical. Every element of film composition is elegantly intertwined in this picture, mingling together to form connections and patter ns out of seemingly separated things. The film opens with a close shot side-view of the protagonists face as he smokes a cigarette, smoke drifting up from his lips and into the surrounding darkness. He is talking, but that soon is faded into the sound of rainwater. The rain becomes visible as it replaces Davids face in a fade technique, and David enters the frame and walks from the right of the screen to its left, suggesting change and action. He arrives at a restaurant window, peers in, and falls into a strange conversation with the employees. This is now the chronological middle of the story, and, while common in Medieval literature, is a highly unorthodox place to begin a picture. Though this film is more easily classified as a formalist piece, it has outstanding avant garde elements throughout. The transition from the restaurant to the car is masked by the dialogue covering it. Since the acting overrides editing as a way to convey meaning in Shine, Hicks employs many sound motifs to ease editing transitions and make them seem more natural. As the discussion fades and the rain again takes auditory prominence, the scene darkens and the water becomes the clapping of many hands. In this way David eases into a flashback of hi s childhood. He walks small and silent to the stage for his first competition, and a long shot is used to emphasise the fright and anxiety of the boy. Other transitory devices include Davids glasses, his hands on the piano keys, and sometimes a change in his costume, such as when he first plays the restaurant in rags. When he stands to receive his applause, he is dressed much more nicely, now an employee of the establishment. Hicks also employs classical cutting techniques, which depend on the content curve (the moment when the audience has had a chance to assimilate all information presented but not analyse or become bored with it) to determine breaks in scenes. One example of this technique is after David presents his professor with the Rack III and asks Am I mad enough? The scene is cut before the professor answers, and the following scene is the professor intensively training David on the very piece. Cutting for continuity is commonly used to condense time while maintaining a sense of the actions taking place between two major events. Preparations for one of Davids concerts are edited in such a manner, making a ritual out of the ordeal while not wasting too much time on it. Besides editing, relationships can be suggested through film devices such as proxemic ranges, angles, and reaction shots. After David loses his first competition, his father stares at the ground while walking well ahead of the boy. His father is disappointed, and David is rather unaware of any problem as he innocently plays hopscotch as he follows. The reactions of Davids father and his instructor are shown through parallel editing when the announcement of the National Champion does not coincide with their hopes for David. Both are displeased, but Mr. Helfgott simmers with barely restrained anger. Since he was denied music as a child, he forces it upon David and demands greatness from him. Later in the film, David is filmed standing on the second floor of a library balcony as his father calls to him from below. The low angle used when the scene is shot from the fathers point of view suggests his decrease in power and his growing respect for his son. Moments before they walked down the hall to the room, the fathers arm wrapped protectively and proudly around Davids shoulders. This relationship reverts to its former, however, as Davids father beats him for wanting to leave the family and study in America. Though no oblique angles are used, the effect of the handheld camera is enough to effectively portray the violence and confusion of the scene. This feeling is reinforced by the overlapping dialogue of the family and the tight framing. Arts and ethics EssayIn search of his own fortune, David leaves after expressly being told not to. This one difference is strong enough to tear the family apart and create a conflict around which the story can revolve. The irony of the situation is that, while trying desperately to preserve his family, Davids father actually succeeds in alienating his son and putting undue stress on his relationships with the other family members. The music he counted on to bring David and himself together also split them apart. Until his breakdown, David had all but adopted the old professor as his father because he understood David well and was kind to him. The literary aspect of this film comes not from the fact that it was adapted from a novel (since it was not), but from its strong basis in the literary convention. For example, the motifs of rain and applause are a common technique of literature, as is the shifting point of view. The story is told from first a third-person limited perspective, then goes into personal flashbacks from Davids memory, and the remainder of the film switches back and forth between the two. Also, the film is rife with imagery and symbolism, both of which are favourite literary devices. Such symbols can be interpreted from the viewpoint of the theories of Structuralism and Semiology. Water is the most obvious of these symbols, and traditionally means cleansing, rebirth, and calmness. However, rain means bad weather and difficulties, and dirtied water (such as that in the bath) is poison. Just before Davids first adult recital, all of his pages float in clear blue pool water as clouds drift by above them. This is finally the foreshadowing of a rebirth. While not a universal symbol, the glasses signal Davids dependency on things outside himself. Such things eventually destroy him, since he is not able to break through the multitude of walls and fences that fill the screen and live for himself. A lion appears twice, first when David describes his father to Katherine and later when he awakens at the base of a huge sculpture of one. Lions are typically strong and powerful, the king of all they survey. The fact that David wakes up with one behind him foreshadows his fathers return and his support of his son. The medal won for the recital of Rack III and the composition itself both become symbols of the father that was so bent on having his child son play the impossible piece. The fact that David chose that as his premiere work told of both his lasting devotion to his father and his determination to please. When Mr. Helfgott returned the medal he was recognising the accomplishment and forgiving his disowned son at once. The closing shot is one of David and his wife as they leave his fathers grave and the cemetery, the camera pulling back on a crane as the two become lost in the vast stretch. No longer is the audience involved; the story is over. The main themes of this film- complications, deterioration, and loss- are expertly portrayed through the harmony of all divisions of filmmaking. Both Hicks and Rush are excellent, and, despite herself, this eclectic critic enjoyed the film.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Romeo and Juliet Coursework Essay Example Essay Example

Romeo and Juliet Coursework Essay Example Paper Romeo and Juliet Coursework Essay Introduction Romeo and Juliet is an epic love story that climaxes in tragedy. The story follows two lovers from opposing families over the course of two days, and it features many twists and turns that always keeps the audience on its toes. In my opinion, Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare’s greatest plays. It features love, tragedy, comedy, action and a classic story that will never be forgotten.During this essay I will discuss the passions that are in this play, and how they feature. Are passions dangerous, and do they need to be controlled? Or are passions what make life worth living, and without them the world would be dull and meaningless? I will discuss both these questions, and try to come to a conclusion.Every character experiences some kind of passion during the play. Romeo and Juliet obviously both feel love, but they feel other passions such as anger, sadness and vengefulness. For instance, Romeo feels anger when Tybalt has killed Mercutio. â€Å"Alive, in triumph! and Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!† is what Romeo says when he eyes Tybalt after the killing. This shows how angry Romeo is at Tybalt. Previously, Romeo was speaking in kindness to Tybalt, telling him he loved the Capulet. Tybalt did not yet know that Romeo and Juliet were now husband and wife, and wished to fight the groom. Romeo declined, and Mercutio stepped forward. Mercutio was killed in combat, and Romeo became angry. In his fury, he killed Tybalt. This is a defining moment in the play because the fight resulted in Romeo being banished from Verona.Yet, as Romeo feels such anger at one point, he feels much loveduring another. â€Å"Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! Her beauty hangs upon the cheek of night, as a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear† is what Romeo says upon seeing Juliet at the Capulet party. This not only demonstrates that Romeo thinks Juliet is absolutely beautiful; it also brin gs some poetry to the play. Throughout the scenes, Shakespeare manages to add many pieces of poetry into the play, which gives the scene that little extra magic. This quote also highlights how passion is necessary at the right moments. If there were no passion during this scene, the scene would be pointless.I think it may be worth noting at this point that since the couple met, they have never held a real conversation. I think it is ironic how the two can tell each other they love one another when they have never talked about their personalities or lives. Whenever Romeo and Juliet meet, all they ever talk about is how they love each other and want to stay togetherJuliet has a wide range of emotions and passions throughout the play. She also feels happiness, but also feels sadness and deep sorrow. â€Å"Is there no pity sitting in the clouds that sees into the bottom of my grief?† is what Juliet speaks when she finds that she must marry Paris, even though she is married to Rom eo. Yet she cannot tell her parents she is married, as they can never know she is sharing her life with a Montague. I think she also feels anger towards her family at this point too. She cannot be with her love because of the families’ frivolous feud and she wants it to end. It is worth noting that Shakespeare never reveals why the families quarrel. I believe he does this because he wants to make the audience feel that the grudge they bear against each other is so old, neither families remember why they fight. I think this shows that angry passions do need to be controlled, as they can have dangerous consequences.Sadness features quite often in this play. Most characters feel sadness at some stage in the play. Once again, it is ironic that possibly the greatest love story ever written features so many negative feelings. Maybe Shakespeare wanted to teach us something about love; love can only lead to pain. While many good things come from love in this play, it all eventually l eads to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet dying. One could blame their deaths on the families fighting, but they would never have died if they had not been in love.The audience always knew that the play would be ending in sadness and tragedy. In the prologue the audience is told â€Å"A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life†, revealing that both Romeo and Juliet kill themselves. Therefore, throughout the play the audience always has on their minds that the couple will kill themselves before the end of the play. Even when the audience should be happy that Romeo and Juliet are in love, they always know that it will end in death. I think Shakespeare does this to keep the theme of tragedy running in the play, even at the happiest of moments.In contrast to many other characters, Mercutio’s personality rarely changes. At every appearance during the play, even leading to his death, Mercutio is witty and charming, his language filled with sexual comments. However, d uring Mercutio’s death scene his words become deadly serious. When Mercutio first appears, he is headed with Romeo, Benvolio, and friends to the Capulet party. Mercutio debates everything the sad, gloomy Romeo says and lightens up the mood with his wit. His upbeat personality contrasts sharply with Romeo’s melancholy. He counters Romeo’s every complaint with comment that is bound to make the audience smile. It is also ironic how Romeo is the main character and hero of the story yet the focus is always on Mercutio whenever the cheerful character is around.Mercutio dies in a very memorable way. He and Tybalt are duelling, and Mercutio is doing very well. Yet Romeo foolishly intervenes and Mercutio is slain. It is debatable that if Romeo had never got in the way of the duellists, Mercutio would have probably won the duel. However, Romeo’s new found love for the Capulet family blinded him and all that was on his mind was stopping the fight, no matter what the cost. This obviously shows that passions do need to be controlled in certain situation, as they can lead to this. However, if the characters passions were controlled this scene would not exist. If they were controlled there would be no anger felt toward each other therefore this encounter would have been avoided.When Romeo tells Mercutio that the wound is not deep, Mercutio replies: â€Å"No, ’tis not as deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but ’tis enough, ’twill serve†. This time, Mercutio’s wit is accompanied by a curse on both families. The wound is only small, but is enough to kill him. He says â€Å"A plague o’ both your houses!† many times before he dies. This shows that even when Mercutio has been witty and charming, he is angry with the families because of their frivolous row. As Mercutio is one of the audience’s most loveable characters, this makes the audience angry with the families for such a ridiculous f eud that can lead to such consequences.From Mercutio’s death, the play’s tragedy doesn’t stop. A vital character from the play is killed, and this triggers the tragedy. From this moment on, nothing happens that is celebrated. Many people are angry with Shakespeare for killing off such a cheerful and important character half way through the play. I agree with them.The friar is a close friend to both Romeo and Juliet. It is the Friar who agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet in secrecy, though he knows their parents would not consent. He also concocts the plan for Juliet to play dead and is supposed to get the word out to Romeo. He fails. I cannot help but notice that everything that the Friar touches goes wrong.I believe that the Friar’s passion is to bring the two feuding families together. This is why he marries the two star crossed lovers as he believes that it will bring the two families closer together.Romeo greets the Friar â€Å"Good morrow, father†, and Friar Lawrence responds by calling Romeo â€Å"Young son†. Though these exchanges are appropriate because of the religious context, this interchange has greater importance. It is not just the exchange between the priest and the penitent. The Friar also stands in for Romeo’s own father since there are no scenes between Romeo and his parents. The Friar is the only person to whom Romeo turns for advice, and he is the last person to whom Juliet turns after all others have forsaken her. In this sense, he is father to them both and responsible for upholding order.The Friar is always there to comfort and help the two lovers, especially Romeo. One part that stands out is in the Friar’s cell, when Romeo has just been banished. Romeo is having a tantrum, and is incredibly upset that he has been separated from Juliet and fair Verona. The Friar tells Romeo this: â€Å"O deadly sin! O rude unthankfulness! Thy fault our law calls death; but the kind Prince, Taking th ey part, hath rush’d aside the law, and turn’d that black word â€Å"death† to â€Å"banishment.† This is dear mercy, and thou seest it not.† The Friar is telling Romeo that he should be thankful and lucky to still be alive. At this point, The Friar tells off Romeo, and demands that he stop crying and acting like a girl. From this scene it is obvious to see why The Friar is seen as a father figure to Romeo, as he is saying everything a father would say to his boy in such a situation.However, even though he is seen as a father figure, many of his ideas go awry. He is the person to suggest that Juliet should fake her death, therefore leading to Romeo’s death. This was obviously a ridiculous idea from the start, one that would never work. I think the Friar has a constant passion, one that is to try and direct Romeo and Juliet. This shows that passions need to be suppressed and controlled because he often leads the couple the wrong way. Ultimatel y, it is the Friar that kills Romeo and Juliet. He is the person to suggest the ludicrous ‘fake death’ plan, and this drives Romeo to suicide. Romeo’s death then destroys Juliet.At the end of the play, the Friar’s loyalty is tested. He is in the tomb when Juliet awakes, and she spies Romeo’s corpse. Instead of staying to help, he hears a noise and flees. How can someone seen as a father figure do this? Even though the two lovers regularly turn to him, his advice is usually bad and he proves how disloyal he is at the end of the play.Even though such terrible things can come from passions, I still believe that the world needs them. I believe that they could never be controlled as they put the excitement into our lives. Without passions, there would be no point in living. Without passions, life would be incredibly dull. We need passion to keep us alive. I believe Shakespeare felt the same, even though such feelings can lead to such disastrous consequen ces. As the old saying goes, what is the point in living if you can’t feel alive? Romeo and Juliet Coursework Essay Thank you for reading this Sample!

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Essay on Controversy in the Creative Work of Takashi MurakamiEssay Writing Service

Essay on Controversy in the Creative Work of Takashi MurakamiEssay Writing Service Essay on Controversy in the Creative Work of Takashi Murakami Essay on Controversy in the Creative Work of Takashi MurakamiThe term â€Å"superflat† was first used by Takashi Murakami who became the founder of this direction and was since then known as Japanese Andy Warhol. This term is a totally new visual language that distinguishes the creative work of Takashi Murakami from other artists in the sphere of pop culture. If to give a deep overview of the term, it becomes clear that from the one perspective, Murakami uses the aesthetics of anime and manga or in other words, pop art. On the other hand, flat images root back to the classics of Japanese art. It is not a coincidence that such a direction was founded in Japan and promises to become a â€Å"national† style in modern art.The following research examines several works of Takashi Murakami to find out more about the superflat term and the place it occupies in the pop culture of Japan. Thus, the art works under discussion will include Flower Matango, Superflat Monogram and Mr. DOB that vividly illustrate the term of superflat and contribute to the deeper understanding of the term.Takashi Murakami claims that the Japanese culture does not have any 3D images. The Japanese art works are mainly characterized by 2D forms that are known as superflat. This forms a special charm of Japanese art. It was Takashi Murakami who first introduced the term of superflat and Po-Ku Revolution formed from the words â€Å"pop† and â€Å"otaku†. This is a neologism that characterizes the tendencies of Japanese pop culture. It is worth noting that Takashi Murakami is a bright representative of this kind of culture.To find out more about the artist, it is worth saying that Takashi Murakami is a modern Japanese artist who works according to two directions of media art including digital and commercial mass media. He balances between the terms of high and low art using popular themes that can be found in the sources of mass media information and pop culture.Today, the artist is a worldwide known director of the Kaikai Kiki studio and the author of multiple pop art images that have long become beloved characters of a great number of anime and manga fans. The works of Takashi Murakami are easily recognized out of thousands of others. He has a special and totally inimitable style that evolves only good emotions in anime and manga fans.Nina Cornyetz claims that the notion of superflat is a sort of Murakami’s attempt to revitalize the pre-Westernized and wholly ingenious Japanese artistic tendency in terms that at the same time accommodate a totally Westernized pop culture (Cornyetz). The goal of Takashi Murakami is to connect the representational aesthetics of Japan and thoroughly explore the dynamics of the contemporary animation artists and a group of Edo-era masters.Proceeding with the analysis of the superflat reality in the creative work of Takashi Murakami, it is worth mentioning that back in 2009, Louis Vuitton presented a new project featuring the artist under discussion. The cooperation between the France-born designer brand and the Japanese artistic master resulted in the short animated video entitled Superflat First Love featuring a multicolored Panda that is a guide to a Japanese teenage girl. It is actually a sequel to the priory released video known as Superflat Monogram. It featured that same amiable Panda with big eyes that was swimming in the ocean of the multicolored monograms of the brand. The moving characters of both videos are created in such a way to be deliberately flat and floating (Jinying). It is the signature style of what Takashi Murakami named superflat.The only aspect that distinguishes the Japanese artist Takashi Murakami from the classical artists of pop-art is his close attention to all segments of the market. Apart from creating animation videos, the artist develops superb designs of Louis Vuitton bags and many other accessories. The artist claims that he has always dreamed to create i dols of the otaku culture. Apart from the artistic practices, Murakami also pays much attention to the philosophic problems. The direction known as superflat is based on the philosophy according to which Japan is all about the flat perception of the world (Jinying). Thus, everything is based on one level – mass culture, work, entertainment and family. High culture is not to the liking of the Japanese people who choose the other direction. The notion superflat is used by Takashi Murakami in his artistic creations that include images containing illusions of depth and perspective.Examining the roots of superflat, it is worth saying that after the war, the art experienced destruction. Everything was ruined. However, as a winner, America became the leader of the world’s culture. This is how pop culture was born. The Japanese people strived for this pop culture, but were unable to provide an economic base necessary for it to flourish. As a result, Japanese people offered min imalistic and cheap means of entertainment in the sphere of art. For the Japanese people the art existed somewhere on the level of brands. According to Takashi Murakami, the Japanese nation has been raised in such reality.One of the major heroes of Murakami’s works is Mr. DOB who is a psychedelic character with a wide smile and three eyes. Later, this character found friends with the same physiologically strange features. Mixing the aesthetics of Japanese and American subcultures, Murakami introduced a new word â€Å"poku† that represented hybrid of pop art and otaku.According to multiple researchers in the sphere of the Japanese art, the Japanese culture has no 3D images. The charming and attractive feature of it is superflat. The works of Takashi Murakami are easily recognizable among thousands of others. This artist uses the aesthetics of kawaii Japanese multiplication and thus, his artistic works bristle with cute and slightly abnormal animals, flowers, mushrooms a nd berries (Stout).Some researchers claim that just like Andy Warhol, Murakami tries to eliminate the link between the high art and modern pop culture by commercializing the art. He does not only create highly extravagant works, but also distributes them among the mass consumers by creating various designer novelties in cooperation with Louis Vuitton.Murakami’s superflat videos for the French designer Louis Vuitton with the use of the trademark’s monograms are not all about the two-dimensional Panda, but can also be seen on its body. The animated character is not simply the consumer of the trademark, but it also personifies the brand itself. The animation Panda has big staring eyes and an attractive smiling face. The non-perspective way of visualization does not simply mark the superflat art or Japanese anime and manga, but is also dominating the whole visual culture, including television, video games, cinema and the Internet (Jinying). Takashi Murakami became a founde r of the unique Japanese artistic tradition. And the notion of superflat is still one of the best characteristics describing this trend of non-perspective vision.The works of Takashi Murakami often expose sexuality that sometimes exceeds the borders of the existing limitations to it. The researcher Edward Rubin accuses Murakami as a murderer of the French heritage, national artistic identity and the most sacred aspects of the French culture (Rubin). Certain researchers and critics consider that Murakami shows no respect to Versailles, when his works are exhibited. The exhibitions of Murakami demonstrate grotesque dolls. His works diminishes the entity of the museum’s style. Moreover, they destruct the harmony of Versailles as a symbol of French history and culture. Thus, Takashi Murakami is perceived in a controversial way by both the artistic critics and general public.As an artist, Takashi Murakami can be called a revolutionary master of anime and manga. It is also worth me ntioning that Murakami creates controversial characters that are perceived by people in different ways, thus making the whole artistic work of the artist highly unconventional. All characters of Murakami possess something unique and inimitable. All this makes them stand out from the crowd being different from everything else existing in today’s world of animation and art.Today, according to â€Å"The Time†, Murakami belongs to a hundred of the most influential people of the world. His exhibitions are annually visited by millions of anime and manga fans. Although the creative work of the artist bristles with nudity and pornography, his works still remain on top of popularity among his followers. The above paper has analyzed several characters of Takashi Murakami that contributed to a better understanding of the artist’s creative activity. Now it becomes clear that the Japanese artist Takashi Murakami is not only a greatly controversial artist, but also quite unco nventional in his views on pop culture as a whole.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Quotes About Simplicity

Quotes About Simplicity Living in simplicity is about more than taking your time to soak in the warmth of the sun or stopping to smell the flowers, although those actions could certainly fit in a simple lifestyle. Simplicity is about deciding what is necessary and important in your life and then not being distracted by the business that fills our days. It is about focusing on the important, rather than the urgent. The term simplicity can also imply a lack of pretense or sophistication, although many would claim that the most uncomplicated life is the most sophisticated.   John Kabat-ZinnVoluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more. Albert EinsteinEverything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind. Charles WarnerSimplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough. ConfuciusLife is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Winston ChurchillAll the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. Charles de LintLife is like art. You have to work hard to keep it simple and still, have meaning. SocratesBeware the barrenness of a busy life. Dalai LamaMy religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. William MorrisHave nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Orison MardenThe waste of life occasioned by trying to do too many things at once is appalling. Ronald ReaganThere are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.   Warren BuffettThe business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective. Doris Janzen LongacreThe trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich and creative, it isnt simple. Elizabeth SeatonLive simply that others might simply live. Henry David ThoreauAs you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness. Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. Leonardo Da Vinci Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Hans Hofmann The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. Stendhal Only great minds can afford a simple style. Oscar Wilde Simple pleasures are always the last refuge of the complex. Arnold H. Glasgow Success is simple. Do whats right, the right way, at the right time. Lao Tzu I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ï » ¿Ã¯ » ¿In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Sources of Tort law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sources of Tort law - Essay Example Judicial acknowledgment of spontaneous standards brings about a declaratory (more willingly than constitutive) function that cares for custom as a legal reality. The legal system finds the law by being acquainted with social standards, but does not "create" the law (Fisheries, 1951, International Court of Justice, Kontou, 1994). The most distinguished demonstration is the organization of tort law, where, devoid of a central legislative power, custom positions adjacent to treaties as a principal source of law. (Statute of the International Court of Justice, Article 38 section 1). At any time they are provided with legitimate position in a legal system, customary rules are frequently provided with the similar impact as other key sources of law. Even though frequently secondary to formal legislation, customary rules obtain their power from the agreement of a standardized practice and an individual conviction that obedience to them is mandatory (opinio iuris), devoid of essentially being officially integrated into any written body of law (Malanczuk, 1997, NorthSea Continental Shelf, Roht-Arriaza, 1995, Sands, 2003, Scott, 2000). Consequently, they are more often than not characterized as irrelevant sources of law (Brownlie, 1990, The Corfu Channel, 1949, Trendtex Trading Corporation, 1977, Vierdag, 1982, Weber, 1978, Baxter, 1970, Brownnlie, 1987, De Vattel, 1960, Goldsmith and Posner, 1999). This conception entails that the custom continues to be the definite source of law notwithstanding following its judicial recognition. In this context, the judicial assess ments that are on familiar terms with a custom present merely persuasive evidence of its subsistence and do not themselves turn out to be foundations of law. Sequentially, this puts off the doctrine of stare decisis from shaping up customary law. Contemporary legal systems commonly distinguish customary rules that have materialized either within the boundaries of positive legislation (consuetudo secundum legem) or in fields that are not regimented by positive law (consuetudo praeter legem). Where custom is in open disagreement with legislation (custom contra legem) the latter more often than not wins through. In some cases in point, nonetheless, a custom supplants previous legislation (abrogative custom), and a number of arguments have been completed in favor of the up-and-coming practices that run counter to outdated stipulations of public tort law (desuetudo) (Kontou, 1994, International Law Commission, 1962. Internatinal Law Commission, 1966, Mendelson, 1998, Tunkin, 1974). The perception of opinio iuris initiates a difference involving mere behavioural regularities and internalized responsibilities. This difference may possibly be associated to the parties' responsiveness of the anticipated collective payoffs from the game, a difference that is significantly vital in the normative context (Weber, 1978). A couple of groupings of social rules are commonly recognized. These include those that reveal simple behavioural arrangements that are not indispensable to the legal order. Another is those that reveal an internalized conviction that the implementation is essential or publicly sought-after. A simple behavioural regularity, missing the qualitative component of opinio iuris, does not produce a customary rule. In legal terminology, such behaviour is a sheer usage; in economic contexts it merely stands for an

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Cybercrime Investigation and Digital Forensics Assignment

Cybercrime Investigation and Digital Forensics - Assignment Example At the same time, this provides backdoors for hackers to intrude into the healthcare information systems and get access to highly confidential information like patient medical reports, lab results, and other potentially lucrative information like insurance details. When a healthcare industry’s data is being breached, it not only results in financial and reputation crisis to the industry and the specific organization but also causes dramatic effects to the patients depending on the nature of the disclosed data. When such incidents happen, digital forensics renders a helping hand in investigating the potential crime scene with evidences that can be presented for prosecution. This report provides a detailed description about the investigation procedure from a perspective of a cyber forensic company’s lead forensics investigator which would help in identifying and prosecuting a potential breach incident that happened in a healthcare company. To begin with, it would be more appropriate to explain our company’s approach in providing the overall plan for processing the potential crime incident that has occurred in a healthcare company. Our investigation team comprises of security and digital forensic professionals who work in close coherence with highly experienced corporate investigators and well trained background verification team (â€Å"Investigating a data breach,† n. d). Whenever data breach incidents happen, our response team would provide complete guidance regarding the post incident proceedings and provide services highly specific to the requirement of the healthcare industry. Our overall planning process comprises of collecting and securing the digital evidences, visualizing indications for data breach using a triage approach, rigorous analysis of evidences, presenting the investigation results for prosecution, and providing remediation for preventing future reoccurrences (Nelson,

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Learning Strategies and Information-Processing Development Essay Example for Free

Learning Strategies and Information-Processing Development Essay Learning can be simply defined as the process that leads to relatively permanent change in behavior or potential change in a person’s behavior. Learning makes one change the way they perceive the environment, react to stimuli and interact. Cognitive psychology is a very important branch of modern psychology. The main focus of this approach is the memory-how information is stored and retrieved. Several theories have been developed with regard to this subject such as the stage theory (Atkinson Shriffin, 1968). The stage theory model is widely accepted since it proposes that information is processed and stored in three sequential stages i.e. â€Å"the sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory† (Atkinson Shriffin, 1968, p. 90). In addition to this model other accepted theories include levels-of-processing theory proposed by Craik and Lockhart (1972), the parallel-distributed processing model and the connectionistic model. This paper examines how attention, memory, recognition and knowledge are related to various learning strategies. In addition, the paper discusses how visual-perceptual, motor and language relate to information processing development. Information processing development As stated in the introduction above, cognitive psychology forms an integral part of the discipline of psychology. The most widely used theory is the stage theory whose focus is on how information is stored in memory. Information is processed in three stages and this is done in a serial and scholastic manner. Another important theory is the â€Å"levels-of-processing† theory whose proposition is that the learner utilizes different levels of explanation as he or she processes in formation. A major advantage of the information-processing strategies is in their explicitness and accuracy in diving complex cognitive functions into distinct elements that can be easily studied. However, when it comes to analyzing cognition into its distinct parts; information processing fails to re-unite them into a general, comprehensive construct. In addition, most information processing tools such as computer models have lost touch with real-life learning experiences (Berk, 2009). Information processing approach towards cognition seeks to explain how the learner (children and adults) operate on the different types of information. Most scholars view the mind as a complex system (a type of computer) through which information flows and is manipulated. General models such as the store model by Atkinson and Shiffrin assume that information is stored in three parts of the brain for processing: â€Å"the sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory† (Berk, 2010, para.1). Craik and Lockhart (1972) level-of-processing model assumes that information is transferred from working memory to the long-term memory depending on the level processing. There exist several other information processing developmental models such as the Case’s theory which is a reinterpretation of Piaget’s theory of information processing model. Case views cognitive development as the increase in information processing capacity as a result of brain development which can be linked to more efficient learning strategies. Connectionism on the other hand explains information processing development as a result of learning strategies such as computer-simulated strategies which enhance; inter-connectivity of processing units that are well stratified just like the neurological structure of the brain. Siegler’s using his model of learning strategy choice argues that, learners always generate a number of strategies for problem solving, the more the experience, the more strategies are selected or discarded (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). Attention is a critical factor when it comes to human thinking, it dictates the information that will be considered when undertaking a task. Attention is greatly enhanced during early and middle stages of childhood. Thus, improved attention makes one to be more adaptable, selective and organized. Enhanced cognitive reticence and efficacy of attentional learning strategies are pertinent to the fine-tuning of selective attention. The fine tuning of attentional learning strategies takes place in four stages: â€Å"production deficiency, control deficiency, utilization deficiency, and effective strategy use† (para.2). Whenever there is a problem with attention students would develop learning disorders. The argument here is that, when a student is learning a new concept, their attention needs to be focused on the new concept.   If they fail to fully pay their attention, it means that they will have a serious problem with the learning of the new information (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). Memory strategies are said to improve with age, as children continue to develop various methods such as, organization, and elaboration. This increases the likelihood of storing information in working memory and its consequential transfer to the long-term knowledge bank. Thus, over childhood stages and even in adolescence, students’ recall steadily improves as knowledge is continually amassed and its organization is improved effectively. Childrens metacognitive abilities usually change from passivity to activity. A more productive view of mental functioning increases with the increase in awareness of information processing strategies, cognitive aptitudes, and task variables. Self-regulation cognitively develops gradually during childhood and adolescence stages. Recently, scholars of information-processing have focused their attention towards academic learning of children (Berk, 2009). Visual-perceptual, motor and language relation to information processing development A visual-perceptual skill is simply the brain’s ability to process information as seen.   Previously, most scholars had assumed that a deficiency in visual-perceptual skills was directly linked to the malfunctioning of the eye.   That is having a poor physical vision or poor muscle control in the eye. However, the presence or absence of physical vision has nothing to do with visual perceptual. Instead, visual perceptual refers to the ability of the brain the receiving of visual information, its interpretation, organization, storage, and transmission Thus, if a student’s brain is not properly storing information, recall will definitely be poor. This directly affects the student’s ability to concentrate and read since he or she has a slow recall of words. The slowing down of recall can also have a negative impact on their mathematical abilities let alone their fluency in speech and reading (Smith 2004). Language and phonological processing abilities are affected by the student’s ability to store, process, and retrieve information.   Usually language and phonological problems are rooted to reading disorders.   Many students with reading disorders have difficulty storing, processing, and retrieving information.   A normal student’s left brain hemisphere becomes dominant when they are carrying out tasks involving language processing (Berk 2009). A student’s motor skills are also an important factor when discussing about learning strategies.   Children will learn from their interaction with the environment; this ability is affected hindered by a child’s motor or verbal skills, a child will learn better when their motor skills are well developed.   This can be observed in a math class.   A conventional practice in the learning of fractions is the use of multiplication.   A student with a problem with their motor skills will have a problem with the use of manipulatives.   Thus they will definitely have it rough when it comes to the learning of fractions (Berk, 2010). Conclusion This paper argues that there exist several other information processing developmental models such as the Case’s theory which is a reinterpretation of Piaget’s theory of information processing model. Case views cognitive development as the increase in information processing capacity as a result of brain development which can be linked to more efficient learning strategies. The most widely used theory is the stage theory whose focus is on how information is stored in memory. Learning strategies such as memory strategies are pertinent to the process of information development. Information processing approach towards cognition explains how the learner operates on various kinds of information. The mind is a complex system (a type of computer) through which information flows and is manipulated. Deficits in information processing skills have negative impacts on a student’s ability to learn effectively. This is attributed to the reason that all learning is relatively cumulative.  Thus, problems in learning should be detected early in enough and solved otherwise; they would get worse with advancement of age.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Im Sorry that I was an Ass :: Love Letters Dating Email Relationships

Dear Tabitha, Hey, I am sorry that I was an ass to you for the past couple of days that I was with you. I am sorry and I hope that you will forgive me. I will write you and call you whenever I have time to enjoy talking with you, okay? I just want to explain exactly why I was acting so mad and pissy to you for the last couple of weeks, I know I probably shouldn't but I have to be true to you. I was just so cared and worried that you will not have the same love for me when I come home to you. I know that I shouldn't have acted like that and that is why I am truly and deeply sorry for making you hurt on both the inside and outside, but you must believe that my love for you will either stay the same or grow because without you I am lost. I should have told you all of this before I left but I did not want to see you cry anymore or be hurt with me watching because I can't even stand to watch that. So for all the pain that I have caused you, I am sorry. Believe me, I do love you and I never meant to hurt your feelings. I am very sorry for that but right now I can't stop thinking about how much I actually love you. I don't know if you have been thinking about it, my guess is that you probably have and you might have even cried. To tell you the truth, if I could cry about it I probably, would because I get watery eyes just thinking about how beautiful you are and how happy I am with you. I love you with all my heart Tabitha. I love you so much. It hurts me to sit here thinking about you and knowing that I will not be able to see you for 14 months. Even after talking to you twice today I came back to my room, set out our picture, and I became emotional just looking at your picture and thinking about you.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Ray Ban

Introduction †¢Ray-Ban is an Italian owned brand of sunglasses founded in 1937 by Bausch & Lomb. They were introduced for the United States Army Air Corps. Ray-Ban has popularized the aviator sunglassess and now creates sunglasses to suit everybody. †¢In 2007, Ray-Ban re-introduced the original Ray-Ban Wayfarer design, but expanded the colour options beyond the traditional palette to include patterns like checks and camouflage and colours like navy, white, turquoise, red, and blue. You can see people staring at you with Ray Ban sunglasses when you opened up your fashion magazine. †¢There’s not a generation alive that can't remember owning (or wanting to own) a pair of these iconic sunglasses. o Presidents o movie stars o rock stars o artists o fashion designers o runway models Tribe Profile †¢We found from our questionnaires that Hipsters are quite fashionable people who want to make a statement about themselves with their unique style. We also found that t he majority of Hipsters ages range from 16-28.Therefore we aim to create a modern style of glasses that this age group will find attractive †¢Hipsters can live in various households and generally we found that marital and family status had little effect on their reason if they were to buy the product. Hipster mostly composed of young generation teens who are still studying so their income is greatly limited. Furthermore they mostly live with their parents and we realize that we have to make it affordable for this market as this is the baulk of the hipster market. We also realize that their families are mainly middle class from urban areas. Furthermore the research reveals that macro environmental forces. In particular Demography, Culture, Geography, Economic and Natural environment factors will have a significant impact on the Hipster behaviour. Objectives oTo gain more new customers a month as well taking market share from competitors to increase customer base omaintain our cu rrent customers ogain new customers to increase the number of sales by 20% a month oobtain a higher profit by introducing these sunglasses into the marketplace oincrease brand reputation worldwide The target audience is fully informed about features and benefits of our products oto be fashion pioneers in the industry Product†¢Shades is a new product, that allows users to change their shade colour on the fly using an eletronic switch located on their sunglassess. Customers have the ability to customise their selection of colours when purchasing their new pair. †¢Users cycle through their selected lens colour by pressing a button. The variable lens colour gives more versatility to the user. Demography †¢Age: in between 16-28. Size: Bigger size of young population will result in more sales. †¢Density: Denser population will help in cost cutting as fewer stores will be covering large population which will reduce the fixed costs. †¢Occupation: Anyone with white c ollar job is less likely to be hipster similarly hipsters working long hours and demanding job are less likely to go out or spend more time in dressing up.On the other hand if it’s a student or someone from fashion industry is most likely to go out and spend more time on their looks. †¢Culture: can affect clothing design and style for e. . some culture has their own different printing of native animals, plants and landmarks such as Aborigines similarly in some culture skin show is not appropriate. †¢Geography: Climate can affect clothing style and colours but not as many on glasses. e. g. in hot weather loose clothing and light colours products and in colder areas warm bright colours. †¢Economic environment: Economic condition would have minor effect as glasses are not bought on regular bases. †¢Natural Environment: Our product is recyclable and made of 80% recycled material.Launch Strategy 4ps Product: The new product offers changeable lens colours on the fly. Ray ban consists of wayfarer, aviator, clubmaster, cockpit, caravan, rare prints, Jackie ohh, warrior; daddy o. Ray ban offers several models and dozens of optional features. The glasses come with a comprehensive warranty that is the best part of ray ban glasses. †¢ Promotion: Ray ban spends million each years on advertising in Australia to tell about the company and its many products. Ray ban embedded in both on and offline campaigns , through media channels ,television, magazines, billboards ,online advertisements thought tv celebrities.Ray ban also promoted through discount sales and promo items. †¢ Price: Ray ban understood the need of people very well and diversified it price according to customers’ suitability. Ray ban also have expensive limited edition for those who want for brag. The price for normal Ray ban glasses is between 100 to 200 dollars. Being the leader Ray ban remain their price unchanged. †¢ Place: Ray ban understood the important of diversifying its products which explains its implementation on eyewear market. New innovations and better services, better communication will allow Ray ban to maintain its position in market.SWOT analysis †¢Strengths oLong standing and well established brand. oHigh quality and durable oProvide numerous styles and many color options oMany of the sunglasses are gender neutral oAppeals to many generations oPromise 100% anti reflective lenses, which protect eyes against harmful rays. †¢Weaknesses oCostly products oExclusivity of distribution channels Opportunities oRaise awareness about the important of protective lenses. oChance fro brand extension and expansion. oEmphasize Ray ban as a brand that values individuality and self-expression. To create valuable partnerships with other brands with similar messages and larger audience.†¢Threats oIn hard economic times peoples buy designer products. oMany stores sell cheaper versions of Ray ban. oMay seen as a trend that will d ie out. oConsumer brand loyalty to other sunglasses Competitors †¢ Oakley sunglasses focus on protecting the users' eyes from the sun, they accomplish this through use plutonite, which is a type of patented material, in their lenses to filter out any possible contact that UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light may have with your eyes. ANSI impact tests are safety measures that glasses go through to see how well they are made and will perform. The ANSI impact tests are regarded as the gold standard safety test and Oakley sunglasses exceed the standards set by these tests. †¢ Oakley's High Definition Optics are known for exceeding these standard while using 3D technology to do so. †¢ The lenses seen in Ray-Ban eyewear products are often overshadowed by those seen in Oakley products. These higher quality and standards are often reflected in the expensive price of Oakley glasses.The Prada eyewear collection comes in different designs, styles, and colours. Offers metal frame s that are specially, made from a special metal alloy that is fade-resistant, and lightweight and convenient to use. ($350-$500) †¢ Offer plastic or nylon frames, which offer safe and lightweight protection for the eyes. Most nylon-framed sunglasses by Prada carry the distinctive Prada logo on the side of the frame. ($200-$400) †¢ Offers the Prada Sport eyewear collection, which is, targeted and specially designed for sports enthusiasts and individuals. The Prada Sport eyewear collection, also, comes in, metal and nylon frames. Prada has quality and style with correction eyeglasses.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Hamlet Gray or Dorian Hamlet

Throughout the play Hamlet we see the themes of obsession and good vs. evil, Hamlet struggles with his inner demons until his tragic and untimely death. In the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray we meet a character that is very similar to Hamlet in his continuous struggles with his good vs. evil persona and obsession with youth. Many character is Oscar Wilde’s, Dorian Gray represent those of Hamlet. Both Dorian Gray and Hamlet who have love interest that both happen to die in the midst of Hamlet and Gray’s battle within them selves. All though not all characters are represented you see a pattern with the minor character that help show the tragic hero’s true intentions. Both Hamlet and Dorian Gray struggle with obsession through their lives. While Hamlet’s is more of an obsession with avenging his father’s death while Dorian Gray obsesses over youth and beauty. Hamlet is obviously the more likable character but is makes you wonder how did Oscar Wilde m ake his audience able relate to Dorian, a greedy, evil and selfish human being?Although Hamlet had a peculiar way of showing his love and devotion to his father the reader can still understand why he would seek revenge and obsess over his death, Shakespeare show’s us Hamlet’s true intentions with his famous and lengthy soliloquys. Dorian Gray’s entire philosophy is based off selfishness. Hamlet, unlike Dorian feels guilt for is crimes until the death of Claudius while Dorian Gray puts himself in a false sense of security, while his conscience often thinks about repenting he slowly falls deeper and deeper into evil with the help of The Yellow Book and Lord Henry.Good vs. Evil is large contrast in both novels; both characters suffer with their Evil side but only Hamlet makes an attempt to redeem himself. Towards the end of his life Hamlet attempts to apologize for the deaths of Laertes father and sister, Ophelia and Polonius, He is even upset about the death of La ertes whom he didn’t mean to kill. Dorian Gray on the other hand hardly mourns for the death of his ex-fiancà © Sybil, and take’s great relief in the  deaths of James, Sybil’s brother who comes to avenge her death, his admirer Basil and former friend Alan.While he tries to hide his hypocrisy by constantly false repenting his portrait continues to grow in horror and eventually shows the transformation of what an evil soul he has become. Hamlet, the tragic character who finally realizes toward the end of the play all the pain and suffering he has caused apologizes, dying and noble and honorable death. Dorian Gray on the other hand dies by his own hand, killing himself by stabbing, a death that is neither honorable nor noble.Although the reader could see that Dorian Gray’s last action before death is his way of showing guilt. He can no longer stand the stain on his empty and black soul and kill’s himself, finally showing the true Dorian Gray. Doria n and Hamlet both resemble the obsessive and even murderous side but where they differ is that Hamlet has a conscious unlike his counterpart, Dorian Gray

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Editing Summary Notes Of Political And Financial Assessment Essay

Editing Summary Notes Of Political And Financial Assessment Essay Editing Summary Notes Of Political And Financial Assessment – Essay Example Political and Financial Assessment of Brazil Short Term Exploitive Firms – Political RiskGovernment and Political Stability Studies that was conducted to evaluate the manner at which Brazil is conducting her business activities and the political stability of the country has revealed remarkable improvements. As a result, corporations have been encouraged to invest in Brazil at least for a short time (Brazil Analysis, Research therefore, corporations should not be worried (Brazil Analysis, Research, & Forecasts, 2014, October 7).Exchange rate Although a decrease in interest rate always stimulates the economy growth, it hinders investing by foreign corporations. Reasoning behind it is that the corporation will have to pay more for the amount borrowed when the local currency has depreciated (Brazil Analysis, Research & Forecasts, 2014, October 7).Interest Rate and GPD Both the interest rate and exchange rate have an impact on GDP. Recently, the Central bank announcement of raisin g the interest rates by 0.25% was welcoming news to the corporations. Consequently, they will benefit from both lending money and buying government instruments (Brazil Analysis, Research & Forecasts, 2014, October 7). ReferenceBrazil Analysis, Research & Forecasts. (2014, October 7). Business Monitor. Retrieved November 18, 2014, frombusinessmonitor.com/brazil

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Descriptivism in Linguistics

Descriptivism in Linguistics Descriptivism is a nonjudgmental approach to language that focuses on how it is actually spoken and written. Also called  linguistic descriptivism.  Contrast with prescriptivism.   In the article Beyond and Between the Three Circles,  linguist Christian Mair has observed that the study of human languages in the spirit of linguistic descriptivism has been one of the great democratic enterprises of the past two centuries of scholarship in the humanities. . . . In the twentieth century, structuralist descriptivism and sociolinguistics have . . .  taught us to respect the structural complexity, communicative adequacy and creative-expressive potential of all the worlds languages, including socially stigmatized working-class and ethnic speech (World Englishes: New Theoretical and Methodological Considerations, 2016). Views on Prescriptivism and Descriptivism Excepting only in certain educational contexts, modern linguists utterly reject prescriptivism, and their investigations are based instead on descriptivism. In a descriptivist approach, we try to describe the facts of linguistic behavior exactly as we find them, and we refrain from making value judgments about the speech of native speakers. . . .Descriptivism is a central tenet of what we regard as a scientific approach to the study of language: the very first requirement in any scientific investigation is to get the facts right.(R.L. Trask, Key Concepts in Language and Linguistics. Routledge, 1999) The Realm of Descriptivism When we observe a linguistic phenomenon, such as the ones we observe on the Web, and report on what we see (i.e., the ways people use language and the way they interact), we are usually within the realm of  linguistic descriptivism.  For instance, if we take inventory  of the specific linguistic features of the discourse of a given speech community (e.g., gamers, sports enthusiasts, technology majors), we are within the realm of descriptivism.  A speech community, as Gumperz  (1968:381) points out, is any human aggregate characterized by regular and frequent interaction by means of a shared body of verbal signs and set off from similar aggregates by significant differences in language usage. Descriptivism involves observing and analyzing,  without passing too much judgment, the habits and practices within speech communities, focusing on language users and uses without attempting  to get them to modify their language according to standards external to the language itself .  Descriptive linguistics aims to understand the ways  people use language in the world, given all of the forces that influence such use. Prescriptivism lies at the other end of this continuum and is usually associated with stipulating rules and norms for language use.(Patricia Friedrich and Eduardo H. Diniz de Figueiredo, Introduction: Language, Englishes, and Technology in Perspective.  The Sociolinguistics of Digital Englishes.  Routledge, 2016) On Speaking With Authority About Language Even the most descriptive of linguists have not shied away from describing theirs as the only acceptable approach to grammar nor from ridiculing and condemning the prescriptivist statements of others.To a great extent, this is a story of a contest about who speaks authoritatively about the character of language and the methods for analyzing and describing it. The story reflects a continuing struggle to gain the exclusive right to speak authoritatively about language. The details reveal that prescriptivism remains entrenched in ostensibly descriptive as well as admittedly prescriptive approaches. For one thing, despite a professed commitment to descriptivism, professional linguists sometimes espouse prescriptivist positions, though not often about particular items of style or grammar.(Edward Finegan, Usage. The Cambridge History of the English Language: English in North America, ed. J. Algeo. Cambridge University  Press, 2001) Descriptivism vs. Prescriptivism [D]escriptivism is like common law, which works on precedent and accumulates slowly over time. Prescriptivism is an authoritarian version of code law, which says precedent be damned: if the rule book says this is the law, thats that.(Robert Lane Greene, You Are What You Speak. Delacorte, 2011)At more rarefied levels, prescriptivism  has become a four-letter word, with scholars arguing that it is neither desirable nor feasible to attempt to intervene in the natural  life of language. A deliberate renunciation of prescriptivism is more like atheism than agnosticism: a conscious nonbelief is, itself, a belief, and a refusal to intervene is essentially prescriptivism in reverse. In any event, in their rush away from prescriptivism, linguists may have abdicated a useful role as arbiters and many have left much of the field open to those stylized as language shamans by Dwight Bollinger, one of the few linguists who was willing to write about the public life of language.  Bolinger rig htly criticized  the obvious crank elements, but he also understood the desire, however ill-informed, for authoritative standards.(John Edwards,  Sociolinguistics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press,  2013) Pronunciation: de-SKRIP-ti-viz-em

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Employment law Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Employment law - Term Paper Example Age discrimination can be experienced by all people of all ages but mainly between the older and the younger people mostly if the legal action is implicated for the older workers suffering discrimination. (Sargeant & Lewis, 2004, 87) Ageism encompasses a combination of institutional practices, individual attitudes and relationships Ageism and age discrimination are different from each other, as ageism is application of assumed age –based group distinctiveness to an person, regardless of individual‘s actual personal character. However age discrimination refers to the rough ‘age proxies’ in personal decisions in regards to selecting, hiring, discharging, promotion, transfer, training and mandatory training (Macnicol, 2006, p.3). The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) 1967 in the United States is applicable for all apparent groups. The Government’s consultation document identified both the direct and the indirect forms of age favoritism in employment and most obvious forms is the person’s ability to work or to be developed in relation to their age. When the US government had approved (ADEA) act it became a major issue from 1967.The act declared that the older people should be promoted on the basis of the ability than on the age, excluded the subjective age discrimin ation in employment and also facilitate the workers in solving problems arising from the impact of the age on the service (Sargeant, 2006, p.1-5). B) Describe how the changing demographic will continue to effect age discrimination claims? Age discrimination affects the employees at the later stage of their life when many people are not able to put their best effort in the performance due to disability. ADEA in 1967 has abolished the discrimination in recruitment, transfer and compensation for the people aged from 40-64.The law was further amended in 1978 when the private organization employees can work up to the age of 69 and in 1986 the law abolished the compulsory retirement for age together. According to a study in 1997, the inhabitant non-institutional populace of ages from 16 to 64 had suffered from a poor physical, mental health that lased for over 6 months and this prevented the people in carrying out a job. Two types of demographics in respect to the working-age and disability are age and race. Disability in work rises with age and the proportion of black employees in work disability exceeds the proportion of other rac e and Hispanics. (Seagal, 2002, p.385)Discrimination is also done on the basis of race and national origin hat involves the employment actions like hiring, promotion etc. Religion can also affect the work culture if the employee practices his/her religion art work. Sex discrimination is also another issue that includes hiring only male candidates or o the basis of marital status and it also includes sexual harassment among the women. (Bruce, 2005, p.21) C) Discuss whether or not an employer can consider an applicant's or employee's age when making employment decisions? On the basis if the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) an employer is prohibited to take decisions on the basis of age. Under this legislation an employer cannot force the employees to retire after a certain age, but it can apply seniority system that should not force an older workers leave the job. The law also includes all the list of employees to take a mandatory retirement like federal judges, pilots, enf orcement officers and executives with provision of pensions. (Duekar, 2000, p.118)The act is applicable in both the private and government organization and it can be unlawful if the management fail to abide by the following rules that are: a) if the employer rejects to recruit or discharge an individual with respect to the compensation, terms and condition on the basis of the age; b)to limit or segregate any employees and deprive any employees opportunities that affect the status because of the age factor, c) to reduce the wage or salary of the workers

Thursday, October 31, 2019

The Finland Phenomenon Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Finland Phenomenon - Coursework Example The government funds all the institutes, creates scholarships and benefits for deserving students, international students are given opportunities to come and study in Finnish universities, scholarships are provided to international students and all students are treated equally irrespective of their race and ethnicity. Whereas when we observe the education system of the United States, we get to know that although the government funds a lot of public institutes, it does not however fund colleges and universities. Funding by the government is provided only for specific purposes such as research projects. Students are made to get loans on high interests and spend their lives working to pay it off. Although the government of US creates scholarships but only in a limited number and those who fail to get a scholarship fail to continue their study whereas in Finland, free education enables everyone to pursue their dreams. The Finnish and American education systems have some unique student and teacher behaviors and characteristics. Some of them include: teachers being kind and generous to their students and students giving respect to the teachers. Also, one of the most important characteristic of the teachers was their interest in teaching the students and making them a better person by getting down to the mental level of the students, helping them and guiding them in the professional as well as personal lives and being more of a friend than teachers. This video gives us important information and guidelines related to the educational systems of two of the most respected and great nations of the world. Also, it guides us to develop the education systems of third world countries such as ones in Asia and Africa. It teaches us how we can work in a better way to communicate with students and create a better educational environment. One the most

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Traditional Strategic Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Traditional Strategic Planning - Essay Example This school was administered and spread by professional managers, people with MBA's staff experts (especially in finance and management) consultants & government controllers. Their intended message was to formalize. The message received by their intended listeners was to make a program and administer one. They belonged to the Prescriptive school category. Their theory states that a stitch in time saves time. Their failure was caused by their not supporting real time strategy making nor encourages creative accidents. c) Positioning school - This was founded by Sun Tzu in his literary work The Art of War. This school concentrated on economics or the industrial organization and the military history. This school was championed by consulting boutiques type of business and United States writers. They espouse the theory of analyzing things. The message that was received by their listeners was that they should calculate their every move and not concentrate on creating or committing. This the ory belonged also to the Prescriptive management school of thought. Their theory was to consider only the facts of in management decision making. Their shortfall was due to their strategy being reduced to generic positions that were selected thru formalized analysis of industry. d) The Entrepreneurial school was established by J A Schump and A H Cole with collaboration from other economics faculty. Their writings were based on economics. Their intended message was to envision the future but the listeners interpreted their teachings as to centralize and hope for the best. They belonged to the second type of school called the descriptive. Their theory was to take themselves to the leader. Their failure was due to the unclear vision and they depended too much on the leader to for decision making purpose. e) The Cognitive school was established by H A Simon and J March. Their base discipline was Psychology (cognitive). This school was preached by pessimists who are psychologically bent. Their intended message was to cope with any situation or create a solution. The message that got thru to the listeners was that worry was evident in all their actions. This school was described as Descriptive. Its saying goes I will see if when I believe it. Their failure was due to the too subjective approach to strategy formulation. f) The learning school was established by LIndbio, Cyert, March, Weick, Quinn, Prahlad & Hamel. There seems to be no base discipline in this school. Chaos theory in mathematics had started here. The movers of this school were people who loved to experiment, ambiguous and adaptable to many situations like in Japan and Scandinavia They are espousing that the prefer learning but the message that reaches the listeners seems to be the movers just want a play atmosphere to abound. Their school falls under Descriptive type. Their very famous line goes if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Their failure seems to be that their strategic management process seems to be chaotic or in trouble. Their teachings seem chaotic.g) The power school was established by Alison, Pfeffer, Salancik & Astley. Their base discipline is political science. They are moved by people who love power, politics and conspiracy. Their intended m

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Theories And Implications On Corporate Financial Decisions Finance Essay

The Theories And Implications On Corporate Financial Decisions Finance Essay This paper concerns mainly on exploring the area of corporate valuation models and their implications in assessing the value of corporate firms. The models to be reviewed and analyzed are Economic Value Added (EVA), Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Free Cash Flow (FCF). The selected models would be used on 5 publicly listed firms in the Bursa Malaysia. The aim of this study is to analyze the three models on how it can be utilized in helping a firm to create, sustain and access its corporate value. This paper consists of six parts, which are introduction, literature review, importance of theories and its implications on corporate financial decisions in Malaysia, application of concepts, tenets, fundamentals, technical issues, etc to the five chosen firms, methodology to analyze 5 years financial data of the selected firms and conclusion. Introduction In this paper, three corporate valuation models have been chosen as our main concern, which are Economic Value Added (EVA), Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Free Cash Flow (FCF). We then apply the selected valuation models and methodologies to five publicly listed firms in the Bursa Malaysia from the food and beverage industry. The five companies are Dutch Lady Milk Industries, Fraser Neave Holdings Berhad, Nestle Ltd, QSR Brands Bhd and Yeo Hiap Seng (M) Berhad. Summary will be made by reviewing ten journal articles under the literature review part for a preliminary understanding of the models. This paper includes four journal articles for EVA as well as another seven journal articles for FCF and CAPM. In addition, we will identify the importance of the theories and describe its implication on corporate financial decisions in Malaysia. This study has provided us a great learning opportunity by accessing the company value of the real corporate firms. It also provides us a lear ning platform in how to utilize the valuation tools to evaluate companys performance for investment purpose in the future. Literature Review Economic Value Added (EVA) Economic Value Added (EVA) is a corporate valuation tool developed by Stern Stewart Co. to assist managers in their decision making by incorporate two basic principle of finance inside. The first principle is the financial goal of any company for shareholders wealth maximization and the second one is that a companys corporate value is based on the extent to which investors expect future earnings to exceed or fall short of the cost of capital. Another way to explain is that, EVA is developed to align decisions with shareholders wealth. According to Stewarts study in 1994, it is proved that EVA as the single best tool of measuring wealth creation on a contemporaneous basis and the result in describing changes in shareholders wealth is about 50 percent better than its greatest accounting-based rival of EPS, Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). EVA model assist managers in better investment decisions making, to identify improvement opportunities as well as to consider the short-term and long-term benefits for a firm. Based on Taubs study in 2003, it is observes that most of the valuation models used among industries focus only on the financial or accounting information. Unlike EVA, it combines factors like accounting, market and economy information in a companys performance evaluation. Various studies have proved the superiority of using EVA over other traditional models for evaluate companys performance due to its transparency and capacity to obtain more important information. According to Kudla and Arendts study in 2000, EVA can eliminate the arising conflicts and confusion when a company employs multiple measures like EPS, Return on Investment (ROI), Return on Equity (ROE) and Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT). Furthermore, EVA can also be used as a tool to eliminate economic distortions of General Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) to focus decisions on the actual economic outcomes. It promotes better evaluation of decisions that have an impact on the income statement and balance sheet or trade-offs between each other. Also, EVA managed to cover every aspect of the managerial cycle through the use of the capital charge against NOPAT. There are also studies indicate that EVA is a superior measure of the managerial decisions quality. From Fishers study in 1995, EVA is suggested to be treated as a reliable pointer in estimating a firms value growth in the future. Also, according to Sterns study in 1989, the purpose of EVA is to change the management behavior as well as their performance, leading managers to act in the owners interest. It can be used as a motivation tool to encourage managers to create shareholder value by being a basis for management compensation. Importance of the theories and implications on corporate financial decisions in Malaysia As business grows wider and complex across the border, there is a demand for better valuation tool to evaluate the performance of the business. It is important to adopt more innovative performance metrics so that the companys management behaviors can be closely monitored to achieve the goal of maximizing the shareholders benefits. It is also important to access a firms value for any decision making regarding business expansion or contraction. According to the article of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Latest Trends in Corporate Performance Measurement (1992), many companies were experiencing difficulties in implementing measurement frameworks and these statements have been brought to today. There is a study conducted by Dr. Issham Ismail in Malaysia with the purpose to examine the relationship between EVA and the company performance in Malaysia. The study indicates that EVA has a strong relationship with stock return as compared to other measures due to its focus on long-term performance. EVA enhances stock performances by including more informational content in describing the stock returns. According to the study, EVA is considered as a better alternative to other traditional valuation tools such as EPS, ROE, etc. Its characteristic of transparency and capacity to provide more important information helps investors in Malaysia to make better investment decision as well as the resources allocations decisions. Besides that, EVA and MVA can be also treated as performance measures and signals for any strategic change (Lehn and Makhija, 1996). There is another study conducted by Norfarah, Suhaila and Wan Mansor in Malaysia regarding the adoption of EVA on real estate corporations in Malaysia. In Malaysia, real estate sectors have grown to become a large sector and continue to develop for the past two decades even through difficult economic period. Some has been performing well in the industry such as IOI Properties and Boustead Properties Bhd while some of them are experiencing hardship like Country Heights, Land General, and Damansara Realty. In order to identify the company potential of adding more shareholders value, an alternative corporate valuation model has been introduced, which is EVA, proposed by Stern Stewart Management Services. The adoption of EVA is considered to be more comprehensive as its measurement tool provides a clearer picture of whether a business is raising or reducing shareholder wealth. Most of the multinational companies such as Sony, Coca-Cola and Monsanto have formally announced their adoption and implementation of EVA as management systems in their quest of the value. On the other hand, EVA based performance plan produces positive result towards a company management. There is a study on the effects of adopting management bonus plans based on residual income measures. According to Wallaces study in 1997, EVA based performance plan motivates managers to utilize companys assets in a more productive and efficient way. This hence, reduce of the conflict between managers and shareholders interest and the decreasing agency cost eventually help the company to boost its profit after the adoption of the residual income based incentives plans. As a result, EVAs superiority is proved in encouraging managers for shareholder wealth creation. However, in order to work out the EVA compensation system, it requires large commutation effort and extensive training for both managers and their subordinates. Lastly, EVA and its practical applications as a management control system for performance measurement which helps manager to make better investment decisions. Methodology Economic Value Added is an evaluation tools used to examine a companys true economic profitability because it factors in net operating income after taxes interest minus the opportunity cost of capital deployed to earn that net operating income. In other words, EVA tells whether a companys financial performance is higher or lower than the minimum required rate of return for shareholders or business lenders. Besides that, EVA also tells investors if their amount of invested capital in the business is providing them a higher return than their minimum, or if it is better to shift their capital elsewhere. There are few steps required in calculating EVA and this is how Economic Value Added (EVA) is used by the financial analysts. Annual reports from the five selected firms have been sourced respectively in this report. First of all, we have to identify the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) from the income statement. Next we have to calculate the Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT) by deducting the Income Tax Expenses from the EBIT. Afterwards, we need to determine the invested capital deployed in the business by deducting Non-interest Bearing Current Liabilities from Total Assets. Then, we need to calculate the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) using the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). WACC calculated by adding Risk Free Rate with Beta multiply by Market Risk Premium, where Market Risk Premium is calculated by deducting Risk Free Rate from Market Return. Take WACC multiply with the Invested Capital and finally, EVA can be found by deducting the multiplication of WA CC and Invested Capital from the Net Operating Profit after Tax. The calculation formulas for EVA are as follows: EVA = NOPAT (WACC * Invested Capital) where, NOPAT = Profit Lost Before Interest and Tax Income Tax Expenses and, Invested Capital = Total Assets Non-interest bearing Current Liabilities and, Cost of Equity, WACC is calculated by using CAPM Model where, WACC = Risk Free Rate + ( Beta * Market Risk Premium ) where, Market Risk Premium = Market Return Risk Free Rate Free Cash Flow Literature Review Free cash flow (FCF) refers to the cash generated by the assets of the business available for distribution to all the shareholders and it cant be affected by the businesss capital structure. A firms stock value is calculated by projecting the future free cash flow (FCF) that will be generated by the business assets and then compute the present value of FCF by discounting them at the appropriate required rate of return. FCF appeared to be an appropriate valuation model to be used when (1) the firm doesnt pay dividends at all or pays out lesser dividends than dictated by its cash flow, (2) free cash flow tracks profitability or (3) the analyst takes a corporate control perspective. The present value of FCF is the most fundamentally useful valuation tool used in assisting any investing decisions like investment opportunities appraisal and corporate valuation (Arumugam, 2007). It can also be used to measure the potential of investment opportunities as well as to forecast the firms future performance by accessing its corporate value. Based on an article written by Ben Lardes in March 2010, a companys free cash flow reflects a lot of information about the company performance. Obviously the higher the free cash flow of a business is, the more money you can expect to earn as the businesss shareholder. Every firm has different FCF, which is depends on how well is their performance over the periods. For instance, a well performing firm may have a good amount of positive cash flows. On the contrary, a firm may not have a positive cash flow at all if it has been struggling to succeed. A firm will have a negative FCF if its expenses are exceeding its income. By looking at the FCF, a company can decide whether to go on with its current business direction or to change its management operation. However, negative FCF does not always signify problems within a business. The negative FCF may be due to the preparation of business expansion in the future. The age of a company and its circumstances should always be in the consider ation before judging it purely based on its free cash flow. According to the study conducted by McClure, although FCF has its merits, it still has some limitations and the most significant one would be the garbage in, garbage out principle. Predicted FCF is used as the main input in DCF calculation to evaluate any investment decisions, thus the quality of FCF is very important in the valuation process in order to get an appropriate and reliable outcome. If all the FCF values have found to be inaccurate, then it will be useless in assessing the firms stock price. Therefore, the ability to make good future projections of FCF is critical. The more you confident about the future cash flow, the better project evaluation you can made, leading to a desirable profit from your investment. In this case, the forecast of potential cash flow appeared to be the tricky part, as you are required to prepare a full financial model to get a better estimation. This requires some serious analysis of the business, the macro-economic environment, the legal and regu latory framework and the competitive landscape (Cartmail, 2010). Importance of the Theories Implications on Corporate Financial Decisions in Malaysia Investing decisions can be made based on a simple analysis like selecting your desire firm with a product you expect to have high demand in the future. The underlying expectation is that the company will continue to produce and sell high-demand products and will generate cash flow back to the business. The second part is that the companys management will know where to spend this cash to continue its operations whereas the third assumption is that all of these expected future cash flows are worth more today than the stocks current price.   Free cash flow (FCF) tracks the remaining operating cash flow for the shareholders after laying out the money a firm required to expand or sustain its asset base. It is important as it allows business to pursue more opportunities that could enhance shareholders value. Present value of all free cash flows is the key indicator of a firms equity value. The growing FCF is often a prelude to increased profits. Firms that facing surging FCF as a result of revenue growth, debt elimination, improvement of operational efficiency and others, can reward their investors tomorrow. Thats the reason investors cherish FCF as a sound valuation metric. The odds are good when a firms FCF is increasing, it is believed that the firms share value will soon be increased as well. An important thing to note is that, negative FCF is not bad in itself, however it could represent a sign that a firm is engaging in large investments (Investopedia, n.d.). DCF is one of the favorable and sound tools to be used in corporate valuation because it can produce outcome, which has the closest value to an intrinsic stock value. Unlike other valuation tools like P/E ratio, DCF analysis relies on FCF. It is believed that FCF reflects a clearer view of a firms ability in generating cash, as profits can sometimes be clouded by accounting tricks, but cash flow cannot. The reason is because cash flow generation is hardly to be influenced by accounting assumptions and practices. Also, FCF is a trustworthy measure that eliminates most of the arbitrariness and guesstimates found in reported profits (Investopedia, n.d.). Other than that, FCF can be considered as a forward-looking metric because it depends more on future prospects rather than past results. In addition, it also enables expected operating strategies to be included in the valuation as it allows varies business components to be valued separately. On the other hand, free cash flow theory has important implications for the leverage effect on a firms investment financing decisions. The FCF model implies that for an over-investor, an increase in leverage should lead to a reduction in unprofitable investment spending. Additional leverage will leave less amount of free cash flow at the discretion of the managers at the same time that it increases the intensity level at which the companys activities can be closely monitored. Overall investment will become more efficient as the firm substitutes contractually obligated debt service for negative net present value investments. Empirically, the reduction in unprofitable investment spending should contribute to an increase in the firms stock price that reflects the improved efficiency of managerial investment decisions. Methodology Free Cash Flow (FCF) is the cash generated by the companys assets and it is available for distribution to all the shareholders. It is used to tracks the remaining operating cash flow available for the shareholders after laying out the money a firm required to expand or sustain its asset base. It is calculated by deducting Net Investment in Operating Capital from Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT), where NOPAT is calculated by deducting Income Tax Expenses from the Profit Lost before Interest and Tax (EBIT) and Net Investment in Operating Capital is obtained by using the Operating Capital at time t to minus the Operating Capital at time t-1. Operating Capital is calculated by adding up Net Operating Working Capital (NOWC) and Net fixed Assets, where NOWC is calculated by deducting Non-interest Bearing Current Liabilities from Operating Current Assets. The calculation for FCF is as followed: Free Cash Flow (FCF) = Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT) Net Investment in Operating Capital where, NOPAT = Profit Loss before Interest and Tax (EBIT) Income Tax Expenses and, Net Investment in Operating Capital = Operating Capital at time t Operating Capital at time t-1 where, Operating Capital = Net Operating Working Capital (NOWC) + Net fixed Assets where, NOWC = Operating Current Assets Non-interest bearing Current Liabilities Capital Asset Pricing Model Literature Review Basically, Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is based on Markowitz (1959) and Tobin (1958), who introduced the risk-return portfolio theory. The primary implication of the CAPM is the mean-variance efficiency of the market portfolio. The efficiency of the market portfolio implies that the positive linear relationship between expected returns and market betas is exists and only beta is playing a significant role in explaining the expected returns of stocks. Several attempts have been done to test the implications of the CAPM using historical rates of returns of securities and historical rates of return on a market index. The CAPM is relies on several assumptions with the fact that every investor wants to maximize the expected satisfaction of their wealth. An addition to the risk aversion is that all of them are having the same expectations towards the returns of the securities. The returns of the securities follow a normal distribution, which characterizes the phenomenon of homoscedasticity. Besides that, CAPM also assume that every investor is allowed to borrow any amount of money at the risk free rate. Finally, there are no taxes or other barriers which lead to an imperfection of every market, that is, the market is assume to be in equilibrium and have a perfect competition among all the participants in the market. According to Grigoris and Stavross study in 2006, one of the earliest empirical studies that support the theory of CAPM is that of Black, Jensen and Scholes [1972]. By using monthly data of return and portfolios rather than individual stocks, Black et al tested whether the cross-section of expected returns is linear in beta. By constructing a portfolio made up by an amount of securities, investors managed to diversify away most of the firm-specific risk, thus increasing the precision of the beta estimates and the expected rate of return of the portfolio. This approach eliminates the statistical problems that arise from measurement errors in beta estimates. The data found to be consistent with the predictions of the CAPM, at which the relationship between the average return and beta is close to linear and that portfolios with high (low) betas will have high (low) average returns. There is another classic empirical study that supports the theory conducted by Fama and McBeth in 1973. In the study, they examined whether there is a positive linear relation between average returns and beta. In addition, the author also investigated whether the squared value of beta and the volatility of asset returns can explain the residual variation in average returns across assets that are not explained by beta alone. There are several studies in the early 1980s suggested that there were deviations from the CAPM risk return trade-off due to other variables that affect this tradeoff. The objective of the studies was to find the missing components that CAPM omitted in explaining the risk-return trade-off and to identify the variables that created those deviations. Banz [1981] tested the CAPM by examining whether the size of firms can explain the residual variation in average returns across assets that remain unexplained by the CAPMs beta. CAPM is being challenged by indicating that firm size does explain the cross sectional-variation in average returns on a particular collection of assets better than beta. The author concluded that the average returns on stocks of small firms were higher than the average returns on stocks of large firms, vice versa. This study has known as the size effect. The general reaction to Banzs [1981] findings, that CAPM may be missing some aspects of reality, was to support the view that although the data may suggest deviations from CAPM, these deviations are not as significant to invalidate the theory. Importance of the theories and implications on corporate financial decisions in Malaysia CAPM, which is a theoretical representation of the financial markets behavior, can be used in the estimation of a companys cost of capital. Despite the limitations, the model can be a superior addition to the analytical tool kit of financial manager. The modern financial theory relies on three major assumptions. First, we assume the participants in the securities market are dominated by rational, at which all the investors are risk averse. Risk-averse person often seek to maximize satisfaction from the returns on their investment. CAPM also assume a perfect competitive market, which is in the equilibrium. It means that the financial market is populated with highly sophisticated and well informed buyers and sellers, meaning that the financial market has the characteristic of transparency. The third assumption implies that investors will choose to hold diversified portfolios, means that every investor wants to hold a portfolio that could reflects the stock market as a whole. Although i t is impossible to own the market portfolio, it is relatively easy and inexpensive for investors to eliminate specific or unsystematic risk and construct a portfolio that tracks the stock market through diversification. Another significant problem is that, it is not possible for investors to borrow at the risk-free rate in the real world. This is because the risk associated with individual investor is particularly higher than the risk associated with the Government. This inability to borrow at the risk-free rate means that the slope of the SML is shallower in practice than in theory. However, CAPM is generally considered as a better method to calculate the cost of equity and it explicitly takes into account the sensitivity of a companys security return to market risk. It is clearly superior to the WACC in providing discount rates to be used in investment appraisal. Research has shown the CAPM to stand up well to criticism, although the arguments against CAPM have been increasing in the recent years. Investment managers in Malaysia have widely applied CAPM as well as its sophisticated extension as the investment valuation metric. CAPMs application to corporate finance is the recent development. Although it has been employed in many utility rate-setting proceedings, it has yet to gain widespread use in corporate circles for estimating companies cost of equity. Methodology The Capital Asset Pricing Model indicates a simple linear relationship between expected rate of return and systematic risk or market risk of a security or portfolio. The model is an extension of Markowitzs (1952) portfolio theory. The researchers who are commonly credited with the CAPM development are Sharpe (1964), Linter (1965) and Black (1972) and that is the reason CAPM is normally referred as SLB model. Markowitz (1952) developed a concept of portfolio efficiency through the combination of risky assets that minimizes risk for a given return or maximizes return for a given risk. Variance of expected returns has been used as the measure of risk and then the efficient portfolio will be developed to minimize risk for a given rate of return. The equation of CAPM indicates the relationship between cost of capital and market returns. The general idea behind CAPM is that investors need to be compensated for two reasons: time value of money  and risk. The time value of money is represented by the risk-free rate, Rf  in the equation and investors are being compensated for the forgone opportunity cost and time value of money due to their investment over a period of time. The other half of the equation represents the risk and the risk premium is the compensation for the investors for taking on any additional risk. It is calculated by using a risk measure (Beta) to the market premium (Rm-rf). The calculation of CAPM is as followed: Ri = Rf + ( Beta * Market Risk Premium ) where, Market Risk Premium = Rm Rf where, Ri = return on equity or portfolio Rm = return on the market portfolio Rf = return on risk-free asset Beta = sensitivity of security or portfolio to the systematic risk The equation indicates that the expected rate of return on asset i is equal to the rate of return on the risk-free asset plus a risk premium. The risk premium is calculated by multiplying beta with the difference between the expected rate of the return of the market portfolio and the risk-free rate. Risk free rate can be obtained from the return on Malaysian Treasury bill at particular time of the stock trading while beta can be calculate from the historical prices of stock and the market and the market return can be calculated based on the market index. To calculate the beta value, we need to first calculate the covariance of the security and the market. Second, we need to calculate the variance from market return. Next, we need to divide covariance of the particular security and market by variance of market to obtain the value of beta.