Featured Post

A World Without Computer

I have once accepted that the world would not change much in light of the fact that I’m not inspired by PCs by any means, yet it ende...

Monday, January 27, 2020

Impact of Technology on Information

Impact of Technology on Information Task Write 1500-2000 words explaining with example how technology has changed the way information is used. Your essay should cover four technologies. For the purpose of this essay it is recommended that you do comparative research on technologies and their impact on information. What is the Information Technology? Information technology (IT) The Application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise. Information technology made human life is so easy in the 21 century. Our life is changed greatly more and more in last few year. What the reason behind that? Ofcource Technology is a main factor producing and promoting of changing human life. All technologies who use information that are most important of in the world. In Google map, you can find any location easily and reach there. In transport, you can get information of timing of arrival and depart of buses, trains, planes etc. Everyone is listening music or reading news or viewing movies from the palm electrical stuff, Mp3, I pad, mobile or other similar things. This essay is look back of technologies which are conduct or related information spreading, collection, retrieving and application. It would be ungrateful on our part not to recognize how immense the boons are which modern technology has given to mankind. Can we think of living without computers, mobile phones, electricity or modern methods of publishing? We all know the impact of technology in medical science education system on us. EDUCATION How education system change in past years. So many changes are made compare to past. At the past student learn from his teacher. They had book knowledge. All information can find from only book. It is so time consuming. Finding information from book is get bored the student. Teacher ask question to student and student answer the questions. Information can get so far from books. How Changes made in education system? First change in education system is E-Learning method. In past year if student want information and study about that then they want to go at particular place or get information from book. Now in E-Learning system student get information at the home using internet. They can easily learn from so many easy method without moving place. Student get directly get information from web. Using this method so many change made in education system. Bernard Luskin, an educational technology pioneer, advocated that the e of e-learning should be interpreted to mean exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational in addition to electronic. Parks suggested that the e should refer to everything, everyone, engaging, easy. These broad interpretations focus on new applications and developments, as well as learning theory and media psychology. (Education technology article) Main purpose of E-Learning system is that to share method and information on E-Learning, development of common and Euro control deliverables, such as the best practice and service provide documentation for E-Learning development and the digital learning asset sharing platform A learner can get more knowledge and information from visual ex. Video, Poster Board etc. compare to audio. Poster board take place of audio visual in this modern system. In school, Colleges everywhere learning can done by projector or board. It is easy to catch up information for user. Speaking of textbooks, e-books are becoming more prevalent in schools with the advancements of e-reader and tablet computers. I think in the near future that students will not carry around big bulky Backpacks filled with heavy textbooks. In past student carry the heavy book and get information. That the boring thing to do. In present year, student can download e-book in your laptop, phones, and tablets. And whenever they information or anything they take phone and get information in easy way. In this present year people can expand yourself from knowing different languages. Technology facilitates our ability to extend classroom community by using web-based platforms. Teachers and students can use this platform to discuss homework, post assignments, and interact with peers as they work on projects. We now use libraries, but so much of our research and learning is now more web-based. What used to take hours in the library to find, we find instantaneously. As a result, we need to sort through huge amounts of information efficiently. We know how to get and use information. I would argue that because it takes less time to find information, we spend more time digesting, thinking, and learning about new information. Radio Radio is the device that get information from any place in world. The meaning and usage of the word radio has developed in parallel with developments within the field of communications and can be seen to have three distinct phases: electromagnetic waves and experimentation; wireless communication and technical development; and radio broadcasting and commercialization .(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_radio). Radio technology began with wireless technology. Radio technology is related to other wireless invention â€Å"TELEGRAH†, â€Å"TELEPHONE†. In fact all three technology are similar. In 1873 James Clerk Maxwell experiments with the radio waves through free space. After more experiment by David E. Hughes and Heinrich Rudolf Hertz in signal from radio waves, they invent the concept of radio. Radio is first device that allow the mass communication. It has able to information transfer from far and wide area, not only for national wide, it include also international wide. Following image of old radio. First mainly use of radio is contact between ships in the sea. During time of distress, a sinking ship would use a radio messaged nearby vessels and stations on the land to ask for aid. The radio saw a surge of use during the First World War. Both sides used the radio to relay messages to troops and top officials as well as people not on the battle front. At the end of the war, President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points was sent to Germany via use of the radio. After the war’s end, with the grow up broadcasting began in Europe and United State. Radio-telegraphy is the sending by radio waves the same spot dash message (Morse code) utilized as a part of a telegraph. At starting transmitters were called flash whole machines. It was created and utilized generally for the correspondence of boat to-shore and boat to-ship. The imparting was between two focuses, and it was not open radio television as what we are utilizing these days. It was an upheaval in human data change and transmitting. As early as 1899 the United States Army set up wireless communications with a lightship off Fire Island, New York. Before a wireless system was used by US navy, they even used homing pigeons for communication. As early as 1899 the United States Army set up wireless communications with a lightship off Fire Island, New York. Before a wireless system was used by US navy, they even used homing pigeons for communication. Though we have plenty of choice of new products to listen to news or other things but radio with AM function is still used now by many people, probably by more senior users who are used to listen to the traditional radio sets in daily life.In fact home radio receivers portable or dest one had long been used as a main device for people to get news around the world before the Television was invented.As for radio broadcasting, it took place in 1915, when human speech was first transmitted across the continent between New York City and San Francisco and across the Atlantic Ocean between Naval radio station NAA at Arlington, Virginia and the Eiffel tower in Paris. We need to recall that we can get gigantic measure of data however we need to utilize our cerebrum to anaalise those data. Since data we go anyplace like online or radio or etc, it doesnt mean they are genuine or helpful. In the event that we are utilized with one gadget for quite a while we may lose one capacity around there. Case in point when individuals use GPS to drive, without GPS, they may not know to discover the home. Perhaps we can not stop the new innovations to enter our life, we can not stop ourselves to purchase new versatile, new I-pad, however the paramount thing is that how we utilize them as a part of right way in light of the fact that they have effectively changed the way we used to get data. Marketing Marketing is changed in past years. So many changes made. Main purpose of marketing is attract and retain customer valuable content with the intention of changing or enhancing consumer behavior. In past year, Marketing is done throw paper advertisement, by poster, audio concept etc. Marketing is concern with the business strategy. In past hundred years many principles had change in marketing strategy. In past year, Marketing is done throw paper advertisement, by poster, audio concept etc. In this present year marketing done throw Facebook, YouTube, Twitter type social media where people can interest in product, so Marketing is done very easily. According to Tech Target, more than 64% of car buyers use the Internet to research car models, features, and prices. Even more, 68% of new car buyers attest to visiting an average of seven different sites, such as Kelly Blue Book, Autobytel, and Edmunds. In past year, marketing done throw paper. All paper wrote by himself by people and give other for marketing. They can write document by hand writing. There are time consuming and waste of paper. In this generation that work done by printing machine. All document write in computer and you can copies easily available. As long as people still read newspapers and magazines, text marketing will remain important. Early mail frameworks were utilized principally for sending individual letters and interchanges between organizations, however dashing advertisers soon found that mail could be an extraordinary approach to market organization and its products. while numerous individuals whine uproariously about garbage mail, there are still ways to utilize mail promoting viably, and it can be an extraordinary approach to assemble a client base when beginning a business. Mail promoting is not the least expensive advertising system accessible, however it can be massively viable if utilized accuratel y. In present year marketing also done throw audio and video visual. You can record your advertisement and advertisement on radio. You can make video transfer throw internet or view video advertisement on film interval, on online web advertisement or on television. You can easily marketing your product. The fame and regulation of radio gave advertisers a fresh out of the box better approach to connect with potential clients. Since it was difficult to charge for access to a radio station, early stations depended on promoting, and radio promotions are still the essential means by which radio stations produce income. Indeed online radio stations still depend on sound recordings for promoting. TV promoting came a bit later, however it stays as prominent as ever, and all promotion backed feature wholesalers will proceed to use feature promoting for future. Early web browsers began allowing images, website operators began running advertisements. These advertise were typically banner ads, and operators would charge for each ad shown. Later, only ads that users clicked resulting in charges. Today, many ads are based on text, and advertisers only pay when users click on them. On popular platforms, advertisers compete based on price for better advertise placement. Like facebook and other social networking website advertisement Technology has long changed how we live our lives, but some of us fail to realize how profound the changes it brings are. When it comes to advertising, businesses can no longer create a sign and hope that others will spread the news. Fortunately, there are a number of effective an d affordable options for businesses of all sizes, and those who take advantage of what advertising can do using modern technology stand to make tremendous strides. Communication Communication is process of interaction or interchange word between people. Changing on technology effect the communication technology. Many device find for the communication as example like phone, messages service, internet call, new application for communication all that. Many year ago people communicate with the symbol. People can pass the message by symbol. Communication done also by writing. Few year ago people can write letter and post. And other people receive post read and get answer. That waste the time. Phone is the most important innovation by graham bell that change the communication and information exchange way. So many innovation can made in communication. In past people can communicate just with talking and writing paper and this present time people can get information throw telephone. Just call and ask and get information. In communication that has two main part. Telecommunication Videocommunication Telecommunication means communication at distance with technology. In this present time so many changes has done. Many invention done. Like phone, calling, messeging Audio-video transfer. Tele-communication included audio messages such as coded drumbeats, lung-blown horns, and loud whistle. Telecommunication can increase the ability to access throw film and music. Telecommunication and videocommunication play most important role in social activities. In 1920-1930 social dimensions of the device became a prominent theme in telephone advertisements. Using Television people can seen films or entertain at home. They cannot travel for video entertainment. With Radio and internet people can listen music at the home. At the past that all thing not available. Now in this generation wireless telecommunication is available that people can communicate with anyone at any place. Internet, radio, television, telephone all the major components of telecommunication. Video-communication is the conduct of a video conferencs by a set of telecommunication technologies which allow two or more locations to communicate by simultaneous two-way video and audio transmissions . In past there are no any video chatting is available. Now in a days Skype, viber so many application that use for video communication. References www.necsi.edu.research/management/education www.wikipedia.org.wiki/e-learning www.wikipedia.org/wiki/history_of_radio www.personal_psu.edu/jtk187/art2/radio.htm www.MBA-exchange.com/candidates http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/telecommunication http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videoconferencing

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Financial Statement Analysis Essay

I. INTRODUCTION Financial analysis is the selection, evaluation and interpretation of financial data, along with other pertinent, to assist in investment and financial decision-making. Moreover, it is also the process of identifying financial strengths and weaknesses of the firm by properly establishing relationship between the items of the balance sheet and profit and loss accounts. When looking a specific company, the financial analyst will often focus on the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flows statement. One of the most common ways of analyzing financial data is to calculate ratios from the data to compare against those of other companies or against the company’s own historical performance. For example, return on assets is a common ratio used to determine how efficient a company is at using its assets and as a measure of profitability. This ratio could be calculated for several similar companies and compared as part of a larger analysis. Financial analysis converts raw information of financial statements in useful financial information. Only after financial analysis, we can use financial statements for decision making. This financial information is useful for planning for example; we can estimate our future ability of earning on advertising if we did financial analysis of our advertising expenses with direct return on the investment in advertising. Like this, we can do financial analysis of each and every item of profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement. II. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES This study aims to analyze the financial statement of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc and Far Eastern University for the periods of 2007 to 2011 using financial statement analysis. This analysis are to apprehend the information contained in financial statements with a view to know the weaknesses and strengths of the firm and to make a forecast about the future prospects of the firm thereby, enabling the analysts to take decisions regarding the operation of, and further investment in, the firm. To be more specific, the analysis is undertaken to serve the following purposes (objectives): * Assessment of Past Performance. Past performance is a good indicator of future performance. * Assessment of current position. Financial statement analysis shows the current position of the firm in terms of the types of assets owned by a business firm and the different liabilities due against the enterprise. * Prediction of profitability and growth prospects. Financial statement analysis helps in assessing and predicting the earning prospects and growth rates in earning which are used by investors while comparing investment alternatives and other users in judging earning potential of business enterprise. * Prediction of bankruptcy and failure. Financial statement analysis is an important tool in assessing and predicting bankruptcy and probability of business failure. * Assessment of the operational efficiency. Financial statement analysis helps to assess the operational efficiency of the management of a company. RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (DYCI) started as a non-sectarian secondary institution. It was established in 1950 as the Francisco Balagtas Academy (FBA). In 1987, the name of the institution was changed to Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges (DYFBC). Through the years, the school has been an integral part in the formation of many young men and women of Bulacan, metamorphosing into successful practitioners in their various fields of interest. In 2001, the name of the institution was changed again and became Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (formerly Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges, Inc.) was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2001, primarily to own, operate, maintain, or otherwise administer a school or colleges of any nationality providing therein education in different courses. Far Eastern University.The Far Eastern University, Incorporated (the University or FEU) is a domestic educational institution founded in June 1928 and was registered and incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 27, 1933. On October 27, 1983, the University extended its corporate life for another 50 years. The University became a listed corporation in the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 11, 1986. The University is a private, non-sectarian institution of learning comprising the following different institutes that offer specific courses, namely, Institute of Arts and Sciences; Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance; Institute of Education; Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts; Institute of Nursing; Institute of Engineering; Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management; Institute of Law; and Institute of Graduate Studies (PSE website). In November 2009, FEU entered into a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement to establish a joint venture company (JVC) for culinary arts. The registration of the JVC was approved by the SEC on May 7, 2010. In 2010, the University established the FEU Makati Campus (the Branch) in Makati City. The Branch started its operations in June 2010 (PSE website). III. FINDINGS/ANALYSIS FINANCIAL RATIOS Financial ratio analysis is the calculation and comparison of ratios which are derived from the information in a company’s financial statements the level and historical trends of these ratios can be used to make inferences about the company’s financial condition, its operation and attractiveness as an investment. There are four categories of ratio used in financial statement analysis. These are: (1) Liquidity Ratio(2)Activity Ratio(3)Leverage Ratio(4)Profitability Ratio This part of the study is organized the calculation and comparison of ratios of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. and Far Eastern University using the four categories of financial ratios. Specific ratios for each category are also presented and analyzed 1. Liquidity ratio. Which measure a firm’s ability to meet cash needs as they arise. * Current ratio. The current ratio indicates a company’s ability to meet short-term debt obligations. The current ratio measures whether or not a firm has enough resources to pay its debts over the next 12 months. This ratio shows the current assets available to cover current liabilities at the balance sheet date. There should be a reasonable buffer of current assets over current liabilities as an indicator of the ability of the firm to pay its debts as and when they fall due. As presented, the current ratio of FEU is insignificantly increasing, which could mean more current assets may still be invested in other wealth-generating activities. This implies that FEU has to revisit its capital budgeting initiatives. As to the current ratio of DYCI is generally decreasing which has 4.36 in 2007 that reflects inefficient working capital management to 1.56 by 2011 which falls into a healthy mark of business current assets and liabilities that indicate both account are well functioning and helpful to the operation. * Quick or acid-test ratio. The quick ratio is a measure of a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations using its most liquid assets (near cash or quick assets). Quick assets include those current assets that presumably can be quickly converted to cash at close to their book values.As a supplement to current ratio, quick or acid-test ratio aims to show the more liquid current assets available to pay the more immediately payable liabilities. With reference to current assets, FEU has its quick asset for the year 2010 of 2.26 and 1.92 for the year of 2011. The acid test ratio of FEU is steadily decreasing from 2007 to 2011 which could be interpreted as a deterioration of liquidity.While quick ratio of DYCI is same as their current ratio decreases because the only current assets they have arecash and cash equivalent and trade receivables which are both included in the quick assets. DYCI is less liquid than their previous. * Working Capital to total assets. Working capital to total assets ratio is useful while evaluating the company’s level of liquidity. Working capital measures a company’s ability to cover its short term financial obligations by comparing its Total Current Assets to its Total Assets.FEU’s working capital to total assets shows that from 0.57 in 2007 has its increased up to 4.26 in 2011 which indicates a positive sign, showing that FEU’s liquidity is improving over time. While DYCI has decreased its working capital to total assets between years 2007 with 0.21 down to 0.08 in 2011 that indicates the company may have too many total current liabilities, reducing the amount of working capital available. * Cash-flow liquidity ratio. Cash-flow liquidity ratio measures how well a company can handle its Short Term Debt with its cash and other liquid assets. It seems like quick ratio of FEU has become inconsistent with considerable decline in the liquidity ratio. This just confirms the discussion presented in the current ratio portion that not all current assets of FEU fall under the immediately realizable current assets when needed to pay off maturing debts. In the financial ratio of DYCI the cash flow liquidity ratio is unstable where it goes from 2.44 in 2007 it went down to 1.72 by 2008 and escalate to 2.36 and 3.57 by 2009 & 2010 but drastically recede during 2011 to 2.71 it shows that DYCI can provide cash payment to its short term obligation. 1. Activity ratio. Which measure the liquidity of specific assets and efficiency of managing assets. * Trade Receivable turn-over. Trade Receivable turn-over measures how many times a company’s accounts receivable have been turnover into cash during the year.FEU’s converted trade receivables into cash 3.14 times in 2011, low from 20.17 in 2007. The turnover if receivable doesn’t improve which may indicate a not do good quality of receivable and no improvement of the firm’s collection and credit policies. While the DYCI has a 41.92 times in 2011, up from 26.09 times in 2007. The receivable has improved and this may indicate better quality of receivable and improvement of the firm’s collection and credit policies. Generally, a high turnover of DYCI is good because it could indicate efficiency in the collection of receivable, but a very high turnover may not be favorable because it may indicate that credit and collection policies are overly restrictive. * Average Collection Period. This helps evaluate the liquidity of accounts receivable, the ability of the firm to collect from the customers.The ratio for FEU, indicate that during 2011, the firm collected its accounts in 116 days on average. No improvement over the 18 days collection period in 2007. This is one of the main reasons why it has significantly higher current assets.While the DYCI’s financial ratio reflects that decreased their average collection turnover by 5 days from 14days in 2007 to 9days by 2011 which signifies that there’s an excellent credit term management and falls into outstanding receivables. Hence, cash is circulating wellalthough out the operations that generates revenue.FEU has the longest collection period. Whether the average of 18 days taken to collect an account is good or bad, it depends on the credit terms FEU is offering. * Working capital turn-over. Working capital turn-over measures how well a company is utilizing its working capital to support a given level of sales. FEU’s financial ratio shows that working capital turnover in 2007 with 2.04 down to 1.07 in 2011 indicates a decreasing ratio which is a low ratio that FEU is investing in too many accounts receivable to support its sales, which could eventually lead to an excessive amount of bad debts and obsolete inventory. On the other hand DYCI has a working capital turnover between year 2011 with 17.11 and 9.62 in 2007 that means a high, or increasing Working Capital Turnover is usually a positive sign, showing the company is better able to generate sales from its Working Capital. But an extremely high working capital turnover ratio can indicate that DYCI does not have enough capital to support it sales growth. This is a particularly strong indicator when the accounts payable component of working capital is very high, since it indicates that management cannot pay its b ills as they come due for payment. * Asset turn-over ratio. Asset turn-over ratio measures how efficiently a company’s assets generate revenue For FEU, the total asset turnover has decreased relative to the industry. As reflected in the financial ratio of asset turnover in 2007 with 0.58 times that there is no improvement primarily in 2011 with 0.49 times. Like DYCI also has no improvement on their asset turnover ratio like FEU. The year 2007 and 2011 the ratio is low from 1.41 down to 0.84. But similar to the previous financial ratio, as a rule of thumb, to be considered effective, it should be at least 0.30 times. Using this, it can be said that the two firms both FEU and DYCI keep an effective mechanism on utilizing their total assets. * Capital intensity ratio. Capital intensity ratio measure of a firm’s efficiency in deployment of its assets.As reflected on the financial ratio of FEU. The capital intensity in 2007 was 1.72 and has an improvement with 2.05 in 2011. So FEU’s capital intensity ratio is high, it is said to be capital intensive. Like DYCI also a high ratio in 2007 with 0.71 up to 1.19 in 2011. This means that both firms have to make a significant investment in assets relative to the amount of sales revenue those assets can produce. Hence, FEU is more capital intensive than DYCI 1. Leverage ratio. Which measures the extent of a firm’s financing with debt relative to equity and its ability to cover interest and other fixed charges. * Debt ratio. Debt ratio measures the proportion of all assets that are financed with debt.Total debt includes all current liabilities and long term debt. Creditors prefer low ratios because the lower the ratio, the greater the cushion against losses in the event of liquidation. As presented, in 2007 with a 0.15 down to 0.12 in 2011 it seems like FEU will be highly favored because they have the lowest ratio and lower the risk. On the other hand DYCI will also be highly favoredbecause of its 0.89 in 2007 up to 0.91 in 2011. They both have the lowest ratio and indicate lower the risk because they didn’t have reached the generally considered maximum ratio of 50%. To much debt would pose difficulty in obtaining additional debt financing when needed or that credit is available only at extremely high rates of interest and most onerous terms. * Debt to equity ratio. Debt to equity ratio measures the riskiness of the firm’s capital structure in terms of relationship between the funds supplied by the creditor and the investor.As reflected from the financial ratio of FEU. FEU’s debt to equity ratio has increased between 0.88 of 2011 and 0.85 0f 2007, implying a slightly riskier capital structure. On the other hand the financial ratio of DYCI’s debt to equity ratio decreases from 0.11 in 2007 and 0.9 in 2011 which implies a no risk capital structure. 1. Profitability ratio. Which measure the overall performance of a firm and its efficiency in managing assets, liabilities, and equity * Operating Profit Margin. A ratio used to measure a company’s pricing strategy and operating efficiency.FEU’s operating profit margin doesn’t have an improvement because of its 34% in 2007 down to 26% in 2011. This is unfavorable because it indicates the ability of the company that there is no control in operating expenses while sharply decreasing sale. Unlike the operating profit margin of DYCI is consistently in equal level which is 1% in 2007 until 2011 with 1% as well. * Cash Flow Margin. Cash flow margin is cash from operating activities as a percentage of sales in a given period.FEU’s cash flow margin between 0.32% in 2011 decreased from the operating margin of 0.43% in 2007. On the other hand the DYCI’s cash flow margin in 2011 of 0.21 was higher than the operating margin. This indicates a strong positive generation of cash. The performance in 2011 represent a solid and impressive improvement over 2005 which is -0.01 when the firm failed to generate cash from operations and had a negative cash floe margin. * Rate of Return on Assets (ROA). It gives an idea as to how efficient management is at using its assets to generate earnings.This ratio measures efficiency with which assets are used to operate the firm. As a rule of thumb, a higher return on total assets is preferred since lower ROAmay mean higher degree of leveragetherefore higher interest expense and lower net income. Referring to financial ratio of FEU between 2011 from 2008 FEU consistently showed the highest ratio than DYCI with 1% in 2011. * Rate of Return on Equity. It gives an idea as to how efficient management is at using its assets to generate earnings. This ratio measures the rate of return on common shareholders’ investment. This is considered as the most important accounting ratio as this has something to do with the DuPont equation. As a rule of thumb, the higher the ROE, the better since low ROE but high ROA may mean that the firm is using greater debt. Reflected inthe financial ratio of FEU between the year 2007 to 2011 is inconsistently showed the highest ratio than DYCI with its low ratio of 7% in 2007. Summary of Financial Statements Analysis of FEU and DYCI Short-term liquidity and Activity Short-term liquidity and activity analysis is of particular significance to trade and short-term creditors, management and other parties concerned with the ability of a firm to meet near-term demand for cash. Both FEU and DYCI’s current and quick ratios are insignificantly decreasing indicating a deterioration of short-term liquidity. On the other hand the cash flow liquidity ratio of both firms doesn’t improved and has become inconsistent with considerable decline in the liquidity ratio. The average collection periods for accounts receivable of FEU doesn’t improved. There is no improvement that may be the result of poor day-to-day credit management or such temporary problem concerned by a depressed economy. While the DYCI decreased their average collection turnover by 5days which signifies that there is an excellent credit term management and falls into outstanding receivables. Presently, there appears to be no major problem in DYCI’s short-term liquidity position but FEU seems that there is a problem in average collection period that must have been improved. Long-term Solvency The debt ratios for FEU and DYCI shows a steady decreased in the use of borrowed funds. Total debt has decreased relative to total assets implying a slightly riskier capital structure. Given the decreased level of borrowing, the times earned and fixed charged coverage improved slightly in 2011. These ratio should however be monitored closely in the future particularly if the both firms continues to expand. Operating Efficiency and Profitability FEU and DYCI both decreased from 2007 to 2011 that means inefficient utilization or obsolescence of fixed assets. The assets turnover in 2011 of both firms also decreased implying that the company is not using its assets optimally and no progress traceable to improved management of receivables. Operating profit margin of FEU doesn’t have an improvement, unfavorable and manage to improve its operating margin in 2011 principally due to the ability of the firm that there is no control in operating expenses. Unlike DYCI that is in the stable level from 2007 to 2011. Referring to financial ratio of FEU and DYCI both firm increased considerably in 2011. These ratios measure the overall success of the both firm in generating profits from its investment and management strategies. Conclusion: It appears that Far Eastern University and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. doesn’t have any major problems and is well proportioned for future growth but FEU must improve their average collection period. Close monitoring the firm’s management of receivables is important considering the size of the company’s capital tied up. The both firm should however be cautious of the increased risk associated with debt financing. IV. RECOMMENDATION The analysis of the Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., financial statements shows that there is no consistent ratio on the increase of their comprehensive income unlike the Far Eastern University who maintains the increase of their profit. Therefore, it is advised that a stronger and more effective policy shall be developed and implemented regarding the ratio of the revenue and all expenses. When it comes to their cash every end of the year, Dr. Yanga’s improve better than FEU. For the past 5 years, FEU keeps on decreasing their cash on hand. It is observed and analyze that FEU’s cash on hand decrease, while their account receivables increase. So, the expected cash to be use in the entire year was still receivable that affects their accounting plans. It shows that FEU has a weak credit and collection policy, so it is advised to focus on those credit accounts, and also in accepting creditors and promissory notes. As reflected in the financial ratio of Far Eastern University and Dr. Yangas colleges, Inc. there is no major problems for both firms and is well proportioned for future growth. However the Far eastern University has a problem in their average collection period. Therefore, possessing a lower average collection period is seen as optimal, because this means that it does not take a company very long to turn its receivables into cash. Ultimately, every business needs cash to pay off its own expenses. In that case it is advised that FEU must improve an excellent credit term management to fall into outstanding receivables. Hence, cash is circulating well although out the operations that generates revenue.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Internet Piracy

Internet Piracy has become a worldwide phenomenon. In the U. S. alone more than 100 songs are downloaded every minute. With this growing problem, 3 main groups suffer. The recording artist suffers financially, the RIAA (The Recording Association of America) also suffers financially and finally the downloader suffers if caught. This catch 22 tool has been a thorn in the side of technology since its introduction in 1999. Since then, downloading- or peer-2-peer sharing- has become one of the worst acts of technology affecting the world at large. Since the introduction of Napster back in the year 2000, many more P2P sharing networks have been invented to keep the illegal industry alive that left the RIAA in a fix. However, in the light of such programs there has also been uproar of other legal P2P programs that offer the same speed for a price. Many people don’t believe in paying a price to get their music. The RIAA, which collectively represents every major and minor artist out in the market right now has been slapped with programs taking profits from the artist as well as the industry it self. In an effort to control pirating, the RIAA, according to an article in Information Week, the RIAA has been trying to pressure people to stop downloading by sending out more than â€Å"†¦400 letters to 13 U. S. universities advising of potential copyright infringement lawsuits against students†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Adegoke. 2007. ) The issue here is though, the letters are just half the solution. What happens to the finances of the artist. Times have changed and unlike back in the time of a young Michael Jackson, artists don’t make their money in music sales. It used to be- before the threat of P2P networks- that records were being certified 8 and 10 times platinum because of sales. Now a days artists like Mariah Carey, who had a 2005 comeback debut with the Emancipation of Mimi, make the majority of their profits with the sale of tickets for concerts. Mariah Carey who experienced international success with the album went on to get a certification of three times platinum with in just two months of release. (Billboard. 2007. ) This certification however doesn’t take into consideration the number of downloads that were happening before the release up to the date of certification. As the RIAA cracks down on scaring people to get their act together and to purchase songs legally, other programs like iTunes, the operating program behind the ipod and also one of the main (legal) online music providers in the world, has provided an inexpensive way to legally get songs from an internet based program with out all the repercussions of dealing with the RIAA. Although it’s more common now to use iTunes as a music staple, there are people who despite the legality and popularity of the program prefer and advertise the use of the compact disc in its entirety. In An article by Valerie Block of Craines New York Business, she states that’s she wasn’t into the free and dangerous downloading websites and programs (Block. 2007. ) But as iTunes became so popular, she enjoyed the ease of â€Å"†¦Buying singles for 99 cents and albums for 10 bucks. † Like Block, many consumers don’t enjoy forking over almost twenty dollars for a disc of material when in fact all they want is one song. Doug Morris, who is the head of Universal Music Group, wants to- as said by Block- â€Å"weaken the four-year-old e-tailer's (iTunes’) grip on digital music sales. (Block. 2007. ) Just as there are people who have a fond opinion about downloading music for free, there are also people who believe that programs like iTunes are taking away the meaning of the entire piece of material by just downloading single tracks. Personally, as someone who has been downloading music from both iTunes and Ares Pro, I fail to see why it would af fect the artist in such a manner. To my knowledge, all the artist cares about is the opportunity for their fans to enjoy their material and also to be able to make a profit from it. Block, who is an avid iTunes downloader states that rapper turned business mogul Jay-Z has refused to put his latest work in the iTunes store. (Block. 2007. ) The rapper who just released a theme C. D. called American Gangster based on the theme of the movie featuring Denzel Washington, stated in the article, â€Å"his album should be purchased in its entirety, like, say, a Picasso†. (qtd. in Block. ) The issue of downloading programs legality has- in my opinion- been blown way out of proportion in many ways. These efforts don’t do anything for the artists, as they are depriving the consumers a chance to enjoy the material that the artist have worked hard for them to enjoy. Besides, who is the recording industry kidding, no matter the amount of downloads that go on in a day, artists still make money. Between every time a song is played on the radio, played as an advertisement stunt in the next Pantene commercial, modeling gigs and appearances and other business endorsements they are making more money than many people. Further more, the RIAA only seems to be irecting their line of downloading prejudice to the programs that are in the front, both neglecting the less popular programs such as Bear Share and online forums that offer both tracks off the latest compact discs as well as the disc in its entirety. As a challenge to the RIAA and artists like Jay-Z, a change in pricy pieces of material should be looked into to avoid both the issue of legality in downloading as well as the issu e of finances amongst the artists. Works cited Arney, Juliane. â€Å"Become a music master: here's what you need to know about downloading music for the internet. IDEA Health & Fitness Source 22. 5 (May 2004): 63(3). Academic OneFile. Gale. Albertus Magnus College. 5 Dec. 2007 . Crawford, Kate. â€Å"Adaptation: tracking the ecologies of music and peer-to-peer networks. † Media International Australia incorporating Culture and Policy 114 (Feb 2005): 30(10). Academic OneFile. Gale. Albertus Magnus College. 5 Dec. 2007 . Siegfried, Robert M. â€Å"Student Attitudes on Software Piracy and Related Issues of Computer Ethics. (Author abstract). † Ethics and Information Technology 6. 4 (Dec 2004): 215(8). Academic OneFile. Gale. Albertus Magnus College. Dec. 2007 . Smiles, Robin V. â€Å"Technology's pros and cons. † Black Issues in Higher Education 21. 2 (March 11, 2004): 4(1). Academic OneFile. Gale. Albertus Magnus College. 5 Dec. 2007 http://find. galegroup. com/i tx/retrieve. do? contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28KE%2CNone%2C11%29downloading%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28TX%2CNone%2C18%29downloading+music+%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=BasicSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&searchId=R2¤tPosition=41&userGroupName=27001&docId=A114697869&docType=IAC

Thursday, January 2, 2020

How far is military force an effective instrument for the promotion of humanitarian values - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2398 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Politics Essay Type Analytical essay Level High school Did you like this example? Recent years have seen an increase in military force being used as a tool for increasing the scope for humanitarian values within conflict zones. This paper assesses this trend, and uses a number of conflict case studies as a vehicle for evaluating this premise. In doing so, this paper considers that the Libyan intervention in 2011 offers a case study which argues that state led humanitarian intervention is borne out of a political, as opposed to a humanitarian, need. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "How far is military force an effective instrument for the promotion of humanitarian values?" essay for you Create order This undermines the promotion of humanitarian values. The concept of military led humanitarian intervention can be found within a highly subjective area of academic and political thought. With regards to this, there are some commentators, such as Waxman (2013: n.p.) who consider that military led humanitarian intervention consists of   the use of military force to protect foreign populations from mass atrocities or gross human rights abuses whilst others, including Marjanovic (2012: n.p.) see this particular course of action as being a state using military force against another state when the chief publicly declared aim of that military action is ending human-rights violations being perpetrated by the state against which it is directed. With regards to this subjectivity there is a series of overlapping concepts that help to further the debate in this area. These overlapping areas can be found within a number of conceptual areas including war and conflict within which humani tarian values are negatively impacted by activities which impact upon non-combatants, these include human rights abuses.   Where humanitarian values are considered, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (2013) holds a perspective which suggests that these comprise of aspiration in relation to humanity, neutrality, independence, and impartiality. In this regard, therefore, one can suggest that where military forces are deployed in order to promote or support humanitarian operations it is necessary that these forces act accordingly within the boundaries of these guiding principles. In their totality, therefore, it is arguable that there exists a number of factors which need to be present where a situation occurs that requires military led humanitarian assistance. With regards to any underpinning intervention that relates to issues covered within humanitarian interventions, Weiss (2012: 1) believes that it is possible that an underlying notion of a responsibilit y to protect is a dominating factor in contemporary geo-political thinking, however instead of this doctrinal approach being used across the globe Weiss (2012) believes that the global community tends to cherry-pick the various conflicts that it intervenes in, this is discussed elsewhere in this paper. That said, Minear Weiss (1995) had previously indicated that any military intervention that seeks to promote humanitarian values should incorporate a post war recovery planning and redevelopment programme. However recent decades, particularly since the end of the Cold War, has seen an increase in the numbers of military led humanitarian interventions that are related to activities undertaken to improve the human condition (Weiss, 2012: 1). This latter issue, concerning the human condition, suggests that there has been a genuine shift in the contemporary conflict environment. This shift is primarily based on the progression from conventional warfare to of asymmetric warfare which invo lves a number of non-state actors and combatants. This is a factor that has not been ignored by Weiss (2012). Here the suggestion that, today, only state led military interventions can promote humanitarian values has been promoted because non-state actors are not bound by regulations and international protocols regarding the dynamics and conduct of war. Indeed this particular perspective gains an increased level of support where the current post Cold War conflict environment is considered. For Pattison (2010) the years following the end of the Cold War have resulted in a vastly increased number of military operations that have been designed to support humanitarian values through intervention. These interventions have occurred in a plethora of collapsed or failed states and include, but are not limited to. post Gulf War (1991à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"2003) Iraq, Bosnia Serbia (1995), The Balkans and Kosovo (1992-1999), East Timor (1999) Somalia (2002), Haiti (2004), and Libya (2011). The se interventions, for some, also include the post 9-11 eras intervention in to Afghanistan and latterly in Iraq (2003-2010) (Pattison, 2010). In this regards, Weiss (2012) believes that the underlying concept of humanitarian intervention has helped to increase the potential for international interventions into other states because of a need to increase the level of protection offered to non-combatants from conflict. However, the earlier indication of cherry picking conflicts offers for a greater insight into the nature of political discourses which take place at the United Nations (UN) Security Council with regards to these conflicts and where state led political aspirations are an overbearing factor in the intervention tools and choices made by states. Indeed one can argue that the current and ongoing conflict in Syria offers as a casing point particularly since all state actors which have intervened possess their own aspirations in shaping the future of that particular country (Ha aretz, 2014; Press TV, 2013; Ruthven, 2014; Time, 2015). In some respects, therefore, the issue of humanitarian intervention and its related values base is being abused in order that these political aspirations can be furthered (Dagher, 2014). This aspect, however, is a perpetual factor in the international arena, particularly where realist agendas are taken into consideration (Bayliss Smith, 2001). One area where international intervention has been encouraged is in relation to ethnic conflict. Kaldor (1998) recognises that the end of the Cold War resulted in an increase in the frequency of ethnically charged conflicts and that these types of conflict have been offered as a rationale for international humanitarian based interventions In respect of this, Kaldor (1998) argues that the changes that have taken place within conflict dynamics that has resulted in belligerent forces not being constrained by international regulations, including the Geneva Convention protocols, Laws of A rmed Conflict or relevant United Nations Charters (Kaldor, 1998) has led to humanitarian values being used as an excuse to further the political aspirations of a number of states. The result of this changed dynamic has perpetuated and has spread to a number of conflict zones around the world. However, it has led to an increase in the reliance upon conventional forces whose role has been to offer peace keeping and security services to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in support of their own operations. In this respect it is noted that Christoplos, Longley, and Slaymaker (2004) consider that the intervention strategies have also altered in recent years. Here, they note that   the underpinning intervention programmes now seek to promote humanitarian values and that this is evidenced by the creation of a tripartite doctrinal system which now utilises areas of national and personal rehabilitation; added to this are post war recovery programmes that are intended to help redeve lop both the state and social infrastructures; finally there is the central issue of relief programmes that seek to maintain the fabric of civil society during crisis periods. For Seybolt (2007) this perspective adds weight to any argument that promotes the possibility that military humanitarian interventions can assist NGOs in their duties via the provision of security provisions. However, it is also recognised that adding external military forces into a combat zone has can lead to further complications primarily because military operations possess a potential for using force when necessary (Davidson, 2012; Ministry of Defence, 2011). In promotion of a perspective which says that deployed military forces can utilise force is well grounded in military doctrines. For example the UK Ministry of Defence promotes a policy whereby The peacekeeper fulfils a mandate with the strategic consent of the main warring parties, allowing a degree of freedom to fulfil its task in an impartial ma nner, while a sustainable peace settlement is pursued. (Ministry of Defence, 2011: 1.1). This perspective suggests that it is possible for military personnel whose primary function is to assist NGOs as part of the promotion of humanitarian values is in fact a secondary consideration. Ultimately the use of military force within humanitarian interventions is a purely political choice that is intended to help reshape the political landscape of the affected region or state in the post conflict environment. With regards to the current Syrian conflict, one can argue that the divergent and conflicting political perspectives and aspirations is a factor which will undermine the potential for any real focus upon the promotion of humanitarian values. Indeed, it is also recognised that this eventuality does little to promote the principles of humanitarianism as argued by the likes of the ICRC (2013). In effect the possibility that military forces can conduct purely military operations, or war p hase fighting, during a humanitarian intervention undermines any utilitarian or altruistic claims made by the respective political powers. In its totality this suggests that the aforementioned issue of political realism is both present and ongoing.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Indeed such an argument can be backed up by a policy review of the recent and ongoing Afghan conflict. A review of UK doctrinal papers promotes this papers preference that military operations incorporate the possibility that war fighting, as well as security duties, is a contingent factor in the preparations for any military force. Stabilisation programmes in the Afghanistan intervention occurred in an environment where the UKs military had the consent of the host nation government but no other warring party (Afghanistan: Taliban 2001 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" present)..A military force may decide in such situations that the defeat of a specific enemy is essential to the success of the operation. (Ministry of Defence, 2011: 1.1). Essentially, therefore, in political terms it is feasible that political intentions can undermine any altruistic argument in relation to the deployment of military forces to carry out humanitarian operations. For some the recent humanitarian intervention into Libya is an example of this outcome. The recent UN backed military intervention in Libya was mandated via humanitarian intervention that was intended to provide relief and assistance (United Nations, 2011). The promotion of this intervention was supposed to further the seven values of humanitarian intervention, as promoted by the ICRC (2013) however one can argue that the resultant intervention was mainly politically motivated because there is sufficient evidence to indicate that Gaddafis regime had been a long time foe of those states which executed the intervention (USA, UK France) (Boulton, 2008). In promotion of their intervention, the USA UK, and France had argued that a failure to intervene would result in a hum anitarian crisis caused by the perpetuation of conflict. However, Kuperman (2011) argues that the resultant UN Resolution 1973 (United Nations, 2011) created conditions where the intervening military forces could operate beyond the realms of Resolution 1973. These included, for example, allowing the USA, UK, and France to conduct stabilisation operations so that the authority of the Gaddafi regime could be undermined, thereby helping to bring this conflict to a swift conclusion. In layman terms this meant military intervention via war fighting. With regards to this, Kuperman (2011) also argues that Libyan state functions were impacted, including the freezing of its financial and economic assets. It was also argued that the intervening forces of the USA, France and the UK oversaw the deployment of private military contractors whose role was to undertake anti Gaddafi operations thereby seeking to overthrow his regime (RT News, 2012). In effect, the usage of humanitarian justifications for military intervention in conflict can be defined in terms of the actions and justification of the states whose forces have been committed to operate in those areas and regions. In its totality, therefore, the usage of military force as an effective instrument for the promotion of humanitarian values is limited. These limitations can be found within the underlying political rationales that exist within states that are prepared to commit forces for these operations, particularly where these states have an interest in the realisation of a particular outcome. Whilst humanitarian led interventions have become a mainstay of the post Cold War climate, one can argue that the promotion of the seven humanitarian values that are promoted by the ICRC (2013) are undermined by the intervening forces because of their ability to both flout their mandate, as well as their ability to conduct war fighting operations under the guise of humanitarianism. In essence, therefore, one can argue that there are genuine limits to the ability of military forces to promote humanitarian values however these limitations are not factors which states consider when seeking to intervene in any conflict. Bibliography Bayliss, J., Smith, S., (2001), The Globalisation of World Politics. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Boulton, A., (2008), Memoirs of the Blair Administration: Tonys Ten Years, London: Simon Schuster. Christoplos, I., Longley, C. and Slaymaker, T., (2004), The Changing Roles of Agricultural Rehabilitation: Linking Relief, Development and Support to Rural Livelihoods, available at https://odi.org.uk/wpp/publications_pdfs/Agricultural_rehabilitation.pdf, (accessed on 17/10/15). Dagher, S., (2014), Kurds Fight Islamic State to Claim a Piece of Syria, (online), available at https://online.wsj.com/articles/kurds-fight-islamic-state-to-claim-a-piece-of-syria-1415843557, (accessed on 17/10/15). Davidson, J., (2012), Principles of Modern American Counterinsurgency: Evolution and Debate, Washington DC: Brookings Institute. Haaretz, (2014), Russia demands Israeli explanation of air strikes in Syria, (online), available at https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.6305 84, (accessed on 20/10/15). International Committee of the Red Cross, (2013), Humanitarian Values and Response to Crisis, (online), available at https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/misc/57jmlz.htm, (accessed on 17/10/15). Kuperman, A., (2011), False Pretence for war in Libya, available at https://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/04/14/false_pretense_for_war_in_libya/, (accessed on 17/10/15). Marjanovic, M., (2011), Is Humanitarian War the Exception?, (online), available at https://mises.org/daily/5160/Is-Humanitarian-War-the-Exception, (accessed on 17/10/15). Minear, L and Weiss, T.G., (1995), Mercy Under Fire: War and the Global Humanitarian Community, Boulder: Westview Press. Ministry of Defence, (2011), Peacekeeping: An evolving Role for the Military, London: HMSO. Pattison, M., (2010), Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility To Protect: Who Should, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Press TV, (2013), Hezbollah t o remain in Syria: Official, (online), available at https://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/02/10/350058/hezbollah-to-remain-in-syria-official/, (accessed on 20/10/15). RT News, (2012), Stratfor: Blackwater helps regime Change, (online), available at https://www.rt.com/news/stratfor-syria-regime-change-063/, (accessed on 17/10/15). Ruthven, M., (2014), The Map ISIS Hates, (online), available at https://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2014/jun/25/map-isis-hates/, (accessed on 20/10/15). Seybolt, T., (2007), Humanitarian Military Intervention: The Conditions for Success and Failure, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Time, (2015), Iran Looms Over ISIS Fight as Baghdad-Tehran Alliance Moves Into Tikrit, (online), available at https://time.com/3741427/isis-iran-iraq-tikrit/, (accessed on 20/10/15). United Nations, (2011), Resolution 1973, (online), available at https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10200.doc.htm#Resolution, (accessed on 17/10/15). Waxman, M., (2013), Is humanitari an military intervention against international law, or are there exceptions?, (online), available at https://www.cfr.org/international-law/humanitarian-military-intervention-against-international-law-there-exceptions/p31017, (accessed on 17/10/15). Weiss, T., (2012), Humanitarian Intervention, Cambridge: Polity Press.