Manufacturing process Essay

?What are two items regarding the manufacturing process related to the organization that the team finds unique or interesting? One of the processes that we found interesting concerning the Coca Cola Company is that the company operates through multiple local channels. The operation is set-up to manufacture, sell concentrates, beverages bases and syrups with partnerships with within the local regions in the world. This occurs because Coca Cola is comprised of many bottling partners who manufacture, package merchandise, and distribute the final branded beverages through local customers and vending partners worldwide who then sell to their local consumers with in their region of distribution. This is a unique operation because most consumers would think that Coca Cola is located at one place of operation and distributed worldwide. Another unique aspect that we found interesting is that Coca Cola has a conservation process called Sustainable Packaging. This process starts with the company having and showing an active role with recovery and recycling process. One way they are in the forefront in this process is that they support and invest the placement of several thousand recycling bins in public areas every year. They also directly invested in six plastic bottle to bottle recycling plants around the world, these plants process millions of pounds of material each year. This process helps to produce new packaging along with other items within the company. These innovated conservation awareness processed has gain favorably and partnership with Ocean Conservation and Keep America BEAUTIFUL. These two process from producing the product to investing in conservation show the cradle to grave aspect of the Coca Cola Company.

Economic development in poor countries Essay

Seen by some as the greatest opportunity to enlarge the free market or by others as the greatest danger that humanity has ever encounter, the problem of globalization has urged the great spirits of humanity to debate its impact upon the entire human community. For the super-powers of the world globalization is a well-known and acceptable phenomenon. It could be because the economy of the G8 has been statistically improved since we are all one. Anyhow, all the rich and average countries of the world start to embrace and lead a strong propaganda in favor of it. What about the poor countries that are not entitled to an opinion about the invasion of their countries? The impact of globalization in these countries can be irreversible and determinant for their future. The first major impact is evidently the economical one. For the industry and the internal market, globalization could mean a total freezing of any chance to survive on the free market. Obviously the products from the developed countries tend to be of a better quality and the prices are often smaller than the national brands. This is a double blade possibility. Either the economy of the poor countries will collapse and will be destroyed forever, or there is the chance that the main national producers would start introducing the necessary quality into their products. Anyhow at first, the national economy will suffer and the poor countries will become poorer than before. On the other hand, the second-hand products have full access to these countries. They may seem to be a good thing, especially because the people do not have the possibility to afford new goods, like cars, electronic gadgets and even clothes. As everything is free to merchandise, there is the risk of becoming ‘junk’ country that can be used as a garbage bin for the products unusable in more developed countries. Anyhow the less developed countries should be careful about anything that gets in. Even if the tendency is to accept all the things that come from the rich countries, there must be prudency and conscious choice. We must admit that it is very hard to choose what to adopt when the general tendency is to promote globalization. Each country must analyze its economical situation to see if it is compatible enough. One way or the other, they will have to cope with any situation given. The new global order has also been characterized by increased financial volatility Analyzing from the Third World debt crisis of the early 1980s to the Mexican breakdown of 1994-95 to the current Asian debacle, financial crises have become more and more threatening. With increasing privatization and deregulation, the discrepancy between the influence of financial forces and of the governments and increases the potential for a global breakdown steadily enlarges. If this is the case, we must analyze the current crisis through which the entire planet is suffering from. It is a real and down-to-earth example of how an earthquake in the economy of the great can affect the less unfortunate. The crisis involves the US economical superpower together with the Asian market and the EU developing economical system. For USA, the crisis is marked by stock fluctuations and an unstable market. The price of oil drops rapidly and several industries are brought to bankruptcy. Now, the world’s superpowers can deal with the crisis easily. For example, the rescue project for the US is merely under 1% of the GDP. As the economy of the country is weaker, the percentage involved is growing. The case of Germany speaks out, as the investment for getting out of the crisis will affect more than 25% of their GDP. Now if this is the case of a developed country then a poor country could enter in a financial collapse just by trying to maintain them to a level of decency. The current crisis is a real challenge for the globalization system and conception. It affects us all but for sure it can kill some economies and bring them down for good. The truth is that the entire world begins to be linked to some economic giants and when they start collapsing, everyone goes together with them. Another issue of globalization is the free work-market. It is a positive thing that people can work wherever they want and wherever they are appreciated for their qualifications. There is also the risk of economical nomads. These economical nomads are represented by the companies that tend to move their factories in the poorer countries; for the single reason that there the wages are smaller as the production stays the same. This nomadic attitude appears to be beneficial for the company itself, but closing a factory in one country in order to re-open it in another is definitely a hit for the economical situation of entire regions. There is the example of Nokia that speaks out clearly this approach. Nokia Company closed a factory in Germany to open one in Romania. The only reason was that a Romanian employee could be paid with wages from 300-1000 euro, as a German was paid with amounts from 3000 euro and up. The economical balance changed for both Germany and Romania. Anyhow, it is a fact that when the wages become larger, the company will move out in another poorer country. On the other hand this discrepancy between wages for the same production turns out to be the premises for the enrichment of a certain elite. Income inequality rose markedly both within and between countries. In the United States, the median real wage rate was lower in the latter year. Inequality rose to levels of 70 years earlier, and underemployment, job insecurity, benefit loss, and worker speedup under â€Å"lean† production systems all increased. Insecurity is functional. As it is the greatest weapon that can be used to form certain groups of interest that tend to manipulate all the economical situation to their own convenience. The gap in incomes between the 20 percent of the world’s population in the richest and poorest countries has grown from 30 to 1 in 1960 to 82 to 1 in 1995, therefore the Third World conditions have in many respects worsened. Incomes have fallen in more than 70 countries over the past 20 years. Some 3 billion people, that mean half the world’s population, live on fewer than two dollars a day. Other 800 million suffer from malnutrition. In the Third World, unemployment and underemployment are common. Massive poverty survives side-by-side with the influential elite. More than 75 million people a year are seeking asylum or employment in the developed countries. The Third World governments allow virtually unrestricted capital flight and seek no options but to attract foreign investment. The premises that have made globalization possible are the very conditions that are now threatening it. The communication breakthroughs that enable global mass production can also expose its horrors: unemployment, dropping wages, social and economical insecurity. The tools that make possible overnight wealth for a handful of global speculators also make possible overnight global financial panic. Globalization should be handled like a very fragile pot that can break into many pieces any moment. As for the poor countries, they are the only ones who can decide whether globalization has a positive effect or a negative effect. Well, that is theoretically speaking. Practically, they have no choice. Sooner or later the wave will get them and they will all have to suffer the consequences. The general consideration of the entire world could be finding efficient ways of preventing the worse to happen. Until then, the socio-political factors will decide if in real life everything functions like we know it in theory. References: 1. The Threat of Globalization, Edward S. Herman, New Politics vol. 7, no. 2 (new series), whole no. 26 Winter 1999; 2. Progressive Globalism: Challenging the Audacity of Capital, William K. Tabb, Monthly Review, February 1, 1999; 3. Statement on Globalization, UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, May 11, 1998; 4. The Three Rounds of Globalization, Ashutosh Sheshabalaya, The Globalist, March 14, 2000; 5. Globalization on Trial, Rumina Sethi, Tribune (India), June 27, 2004.

Electrical design for a new leisure centre Essay

Electrical design for a new leisure centre - Essay Example Thirdly, the system design is justifiable because of the quality of lighting that comes from the bulbs and tubes provided. The brightness of the various lights and the colors are friendly to the eyes of the customers in the Leisure centre. The transmission voltage ranges are low, ranging from 2 kV to 35 KV because of the step down and step up transformers within the power system of distribution. Combined centre and the Ice rink areas consume more power units than the rest of the leisure centre. The final justification of the power distribution system design was that the continuous monitoring of the electric meters and circuit breakers. There are primary distribution lines, which carry the medium voltage power to the distribution transformers at the customer premises. Voltage is lowered to the utilization voltage through the transformers to suit the house hold appliances. At this voltage, power is transmitted through the secondary distribution lines. Residential and commercial customers are connected to the secondary distribution line while non-residential buildings and customers demanding larger amounts of power are connected to the primary distribution lines. Leisure centers have a large electrical load than residential buildings; therefore, electrical equipment installed should be more robust and larger. Leisure center’s owners should purchase electricity at large voltages since it comes in a cheaper rate. Owners, in this case, provide and maintain their own step-down transformer mounted in a transformer room inside the building or on a pad outside the room. . This is made to ensure the reduction of volta ges to their required levels. Electricity is therefore transmitted to switchgear, whose role is to distribute electricity efficiently and safely to various electrical closets within the building. Safety features contained in the switchgear include circuit breakers. In this system, circuit breakers allow power disruptions downstream, which may

Read the article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Read the article - Essay Example The thing to be kept in mind is that the economic constraints forcing the Liberals to raise tuition fee in Quebec are very different from those in Chile. Somehow, the writer is perhaps trying to link the unpopularity of the Chilean government with the Charest government in Quebec. In the first paragraph, the writer seems to be realistic and fact based while elaborating on acts of vandalism and mass protests being attributed to a large proportion of the students in Quebec. It becomes amply clear in the second paragraph that the education funding in Quebec is right now undergoing many changes. Now, the big question that needs to be asked is that had the students in Quebec tolerated this change, if it was led in by some other government than that of Mr. Charest? In that context, the Liberals come out in a positive light in the sense that they are willing to lead and manage change in consonance with the imminent economic realities in the province. Perhaps, this also leads to the conclusion that Parti Quà ©bà ©cois (PQ) is pro status quo and intends to grab power by pandering to the youth sentiment. It is amply clear that Quebec faces a huge budgetary deficit and hence needs to cut down on the government spending. However, is it that the government intends to make the best of this situation by fomenting the youth sentiment or is it that it is sincere in its intentions of cutting down on the budgetary deficit by initiating austerity measures in other aspects of the government spending also? The one other thing that needs to be asked is that why the successive governments in Quebec continued to resort to populist measures, as far as the funding of university education is concerned and why did they not initiate the austerity measures well in advance? Why now only? The steps taken by the Liberal government to manage student unrest seem to be reasonable, logical and understandable. The

Consumer Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Consumer Culture - Essay Example However the case for Thorstein Veblen, he argued the differences of the working class and not of the society as a whole. Hooks in the rest of the book looks in to investigating latency even with class matters, and also the far reaching singular and aggregate disappointment to assume ownership over class disparity. She contends that our commitment as natives who want equity is to develop an ethic of solidarity with the poor that incorporates a pledge to living essentially and offering assets. Similarly as with huge numbers of her different books and expositions, Hooks’ examination of class coordinates reflection on her knowledge of intersection class limits as she moved from her position as a youngster from a working population family in an isolated dark neighborhood to her position as a tenured teacher and open erudite. A few book lovers may not like the way snares rehashes a few stories from individual encounter in the book, however as she notes, her attentiveness to class progress keeps on being formed by the reconsidering and retelling of her encounters . To be honest, Hooks duty to genuinely recognizing the significances of her political investigation for her particular life has dependably been one of the extraordinary qualities of her written work. By arranging her dialog in the setting of her moving connection to class benefit, snares epitomizes a focal claim in the book that genuine solidarity (instead of sympathy) with destitute is conceivable just throug h a readiness both to basically think about where each of us stands inside worldwide class chains of importance and to test class disparities through our movements. Consistent with snares, equity obliges a continuous attention of class molded by a difference that interdependency supports the life of the planet. In her exchanges of broad communications, consumerism, lodging, training, antiracism, and womans rights, hooks

Information Systems Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Information Systems Plan - Essay Example The Information management system of Fitness center automates the above functionalities and allows the users to choose their daily schedules and exercises, with pre-calculated measures and to - do lists. The Sophisticated system offers alerts on regular tests and cholesterol levels giving clarity on health progress. The users can also enter complete laboratory test results, inoculations and medications, which can be kept as their personal digital health record. The combination of weight readings, meals, exercise, supplement or medication, test results, personal notes and detailed one-step charts and graphs for grams of nutrients, calories consumed and burned, exercises, any measurement or test, medications or supplements taken and more. The IS can also be configured with more user-friendly features like alerts on upcoming tests, doctor appointments, tutor schedulers, due dates for payments and balances in accounts. Such type of IS offers integrated member information on a common plat form through a real time integration of data resources. The potential areas for ... Purpose: The purpose of the Fitness Center Management module is to address the needs of health and fitness management institutes in tracking their visitors, fitness center members' information, payment, and equipment inventory and maintenance. Systems development Systems development is the activity of creating new systems or modifying existing ones. It refers to all aspects of the process from identifying problems to be solved or opportunities to be exploited to the implementation and refinement of the chosen solution. The information system to be established in an organization is considered as Project Management in development terms. The system development project is responsible for determining the objectives of the information system and delivering a system that meets these objectives. Many system development teams use a project manager to head the systems development effort and the project management approach to help coordinate the systems development process. A project is a planned collection of activities that achieves a goal, such as promoting the activities of fitness plant or developing a new decision support system. Besides completing the project on time and within the specified budget, the project manager is usually responsible for controlling a project's quality, training personnel, easing communications, managing risks, and acquiring any necessary equipment, including office supplies and sophisticated computer systems. The roles involved in IS of a Fitness center: Setting priorities and selecting projects typically requires the involvement and approval of senior management. When objectives are set, planners consider the resources necessary to complete the projects, including employees (systems analysts, programmers, and

Individual Rights and Social Order Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Individual Rights and Social Order - Assignment Example Additionally, it was necessary to safeguard the overall well-being of the community. The Commission also observed that in fulfilling this function, a system of justice tends to possess a divided role. Some of the roles were certain prevention of activities and the apprehension and formal processing of individuals, who have committed illegal acts in the society. According to Beames and Stonehouse (2007), a good society is one that nurtures both social values and the rights of an individual. A significant facet of good societies is that they find a healthy tension between individual needs and the needs of a group. Social order lies at the opposite end of the spectrum from individualism. Social conservatives are more interested in reinforcing the moral order. They prefer legislation use, rather than relying on normative means of impacting the behavior of an individual, to promote the values they hold. Examples of normative means that can influence individual behavior include leadership, moral voices within the society and education. Individual rights is the act of seeking to protect the personal freedoms of an individual within the criminal justice system, while social order is whereby the societys interest take precedence over the rights of an individual. Numerous laws and regulation have been put into place to balance the two sides throughout the American history. People are guaranteed the right to free assembly and free speech. However, those rights guaranteed by the Constitution may be limited when those actions harm others. For instance, when the actions of a citizen become violent, the authorities have a duty to halt the violence ant to shield the society. Governments considered to be democratic promote the freedom value but must also place limits on the freedom of an individual. Actions that might cause harm or alarm are forbidden for the common good. For instance, a person has the freedom of speech,

Birth Control in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Birth Control in the USA - Essay Example A recent study has proved that 42% of teenage girls living in urban society involved in sex before they reach 15 and 26% of them having sex at the age of 14 (Guttmacher Institute, 2012). The statics reveals that it would be beneficial if the young girls get the access to protective contraceptives and condoms. Elders believe that young school going students must not found involved in sex and therefore, birth control pills are not something for them (Eichner 129). According to them, if the teenage girls get the easy access to condoms or contraceptives, there is a likelihood that the trend might get reach to the peak as it will surely encourage them to have sex whether safe or not. No matter what people think, the sad part is that teenagers are not going to stop the sex activities and therefore, it would be ideal to accept the reality and allow them to have protective sex in order to counter the harsh consequence in term of pregnancy. Many hospitals and doctors have the rule of parent’s permissible note from the teenage group girls so that they can prescribe the pills. However, there are some clinics that offer birth control pills or condom with family insurance without the note to young teenage girls of age 15 and above without seeing their parents. Family insurance helps when the girl using condom or pill accidentally gets pregnant. So, the discussion is very clear that if a teenage girl wants to involve in sexual activities, she has complete right to have the access to the preventive material so that she can avoid unwanted pregnancy. It is also good for the society where a new addition is not needed for the time being from a young girl or the school going teenage girl faces a dropout.  

Comparative Financial Analysis of Target Corporation and JC Penney Term Paper

Comparative Financial Analysis of Target Corporation and JC Penney - Term Paper Example JC Penney likewise had its beginnings in a small dry goods store in 1902 (JC Penney, 2011). Target operates some 1,750 stores within the United States; JC Penney also operated some 2,000 stores at one time, although some have since then been closed due to the economic crisis. Sources of data Data for this study were sourced from the companies’ respective 10-K reports and annual stockholders’ reports from the years 2005 to 2010,and from thence sourced the needed financial statements (income statement and balance sheet), and their accompanying notes and explanations. The reports and additional data were downloaded from the companies’ official websites. Capital accounts: Market and book values The spreadsheets attached to this report show the six-year comparative balance sheets and income statement as they originally appear; as common size, per cent of assets balance sheet and per cent of sales income statement; and then as ratios to the accounts for 2005, the desig nated base year. Then a spread sheet shows the comparative financial ratios computed for the two companies, indicating liquidity, activity, debt, profitability, and per share ratios. For the capital accounts, the most recent per share valuation figures, which are drawn from the spread sheets, are as follows: Indicator Target JC Penney Earnings per share (EPS) $4.03 $1.64 Book value per share (BVPS) $21.99 $22.94 Market price per share (MPS) $44.09 $29.17 Price to earnings ratio (PER) 10.78 X 17.8 X Price to book value (PBV) 2.0 X 1.27 X Dividends per share $0.92 $0.80 Payout ratio 23 % 50 % Data sources: JC Penney 2010 10-K Report; Target 2010 Annual Report From these figures, it is apparent that the two companies have nearly identical book value per share, but significantly different EPS. Target’s EPS is nearly three times that of JC Penney, and in that sense it is more profitable for the shareholders. This higher profitability makes Target more attractive to investors, so i ts market price is considerably higher (Cooper & Argyris, 1998:505; Lee & Lee, 2006:176; De Pamphilis, 2009:292). Target may have a higher price to book value (PBV) and therefore appears more expensive than JC Penney in this regard, but based on PER Target is still cheaper at only 10 times, compared to JC Penney’s nearly 18 times. Target also gives out a higher cash dividend per share, even though payout ratio is smaller and more earnings are being retained in the company. Fixed and non-current assets The balance sheets show that Target’s assets are more than two times that of JC Penney although they have roughly the same number of outlets. The common-size balance sheets show that Target’s current assets average only 40% of the total assets, while JC Penney’s current assets average 50% of its total assets. This does not necessarily mean that JC Penney is under-invested and holds too much liquidity. The sales figures show that JC Penney is only undertaking one-third the business of Target, therefore it may need a greater proportion of its assets for working capital and to bankroll the inventory turnover. Target appears to be operating more efficiently than JC Penney, devoting a lower proportion of its assets to generate a higher volume of sales. Both companies have a measure of goodwill and intangible assets, although their fair values exceed their carrying value. Deferred tax accounts and tax

Wikis as Education Tool Essay Example for Free

Wikis as Education Tool Essay With the development of today’s technology, it has allowed the creation and proliferation of information in a more convenient manner. Due to this, individuals have used this towards achieving competency and gaining the necessary foundation for learning that paves the way for improvement. Seeing this, instruments such as â€Å"wikis† have allowed the creation and further expansion of data. By taking into consideration the advantages of this mechanism in education, it can further harness the way educational goals are administered and achieved. The development of the term ‘wiki’ in education started in 2006. It is composed of information that is subject for changes and improvement on a particular subject given. â€Å"Wikis are more versatile than a class blog, because blogs are typically one way communication and Wikis are updated by teachers and students† (Wetzel, 2008, p. 1). Since this idea is powered by the internet, it allows people to actively collaborate and contribute both information and insights on a subject, thus widening the horizons for change (Baird and Nye, 2009). Its creation originates from a posting of a particular topic of interest. Under this, the user then allows his/her work to be subject to editing and updating on areas that need further expansion. â€Å"Wikis improve upon more traditional modes of writing collaboration like sharing paper and document files since a wiki page is shared on the Internet and easily accessed and edited online† (Baird and Nye, 2009, p. 1). At the same time, since its creation, it has adopted new approaches that have made this process more user-friendly and applicable to all. â€Å"The use of hyperlinks, tables, images, media, as well as incorporating the customized layout that we see with carefully designed web sites is present in wikis† (Baird and Nye, 2009, p. 1). Looking closely at the content associated with ‘wikis’, the topics offer a myriad of information that students can deem to contribute. It can look into areas of Natural Sciences such as Biology, Physics, Chemsitry, etc. or other topics such as History, Mathematics, Religion, and Sociology. The presence of this diverse subject matter exemplifies its potential in creating an active environment for learning and enhances educational goals and objectives (Elgort, 2007). That is why continuing strategies should be explored to actively tap on its strengths and capability as an instrument for teaching and facilitation. Realizing the relevance of such approach in education, I feel that it can be an essential device for intensifying training and facilitate learning. In doing this, I need to understand the parameters and scope of what my subject of interest would be. After this, I have to actively link this on how I wish to use ‘wikis’ to encourage cooperation among my target students. â€Å"Decisions need to be made not only about how information is structured but also what navigational support is provided to the reader, and these decisions are crucial to the ways in which the reader interacts with the wiki† (Elgrot, 2007, p. 234). I feel that this is an initial step in making sure that the initiative is in-line with the objective, needs and standards mandated. After this, the next step involves the creation of an active system wherein students can explore the meaning of the subject and point out their relative inputs and understanding based on the information provided. This means that communication and interaction via the website is an important agenda to consider. By highlighting areas wherein changes or modifications can happen, it can increase the likelihood of participation and further acquisition of knowledge and information. To conclude, the creation of wikis is one instrument that technology has provided to humans today. By actively exploring its capabilities, it can be seen that this setup can be applied to intensify and increase learning objectives. At the same time, as people realize the relevance of such practice, it can be an alternative approach in education which can make it adaptive to 21st century trends. References Baird, R. and Nye, M. (2009) Beyond Wikepedia: Wikis as Learning Tools in CITES EdTech.Retrieved May 11, 2009 from http://www. cites. illinois. edu/edtech/newsletters_articles/articles/baird/beyond_wikipedia-spr09. html Elgort, I. (2007) Using wikis as a learning tool in higher education in ascilite. [online] Retrieved May 11, 2009. 233-238. Wetzel, D. R. (2008) Using Wiki Technology to Engage Students: Educational Technology Strategies for Creativity and Collaboration. Retrieved May 11, 2009 from, http://teachertipstraining. suite101. com/article. cfm/using_wiki_technology_to_engage_students

Health Promotion And HIV

Health Promotion And HIV The origins of health promotion lie in the 19th century when epidemic disease eventually led to pressure for sanitary reform for the overcrowded industrial towns. Alongside the health movement emerged the idea of educating the public for the good of its health (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). In 1977 the World health Assembly at Alma Ata committed all member countries to the principles of Health for all 2000 (HFA 2000) that there should be the attainment by all the people of the world by the tear 2000 of a level of health that will permit them to lead a socially and economically productive life Naidoo and Wills, 2000). The Ottawa charter held on the 21st of November 1986 was the first international conference on health promotion and provided the basis for the current practice of health promotion. It defined health promotion as the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. To reach a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, an individ ual or group must be able to identify and to realize aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment (WHO, 1986). Health is, therefore, seen as a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities. Therefore, health promotion is not just the responsibility of the health sector, but goes beyond healthy life-styles to well-being. It went ahead to identify strategies for health promotion namely; build healthy public policy, create supportive environment, strengthen community actions, develop personal skill and reorient health services (WHO, 1986). HIV/AIDS BACKGROUND AND ZIMBABWE The HIV virus is the cause of the Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). All countries of the world are now affected with about 39.5million people living with the disease globally. 2.1million of the global 2.9million deaths due to AIDS in 2006 occurred in Africa ( UNAIDS/WHO, 2007). The extent of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic in Africa makes it qualitatively different from other regions. According to UNICEF (2005), the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa has already orphaned a generation of children and it projected that by 2010, 18 million African children less than 18 years are likely to be orphaned by HIV. Africa has the worlds youngest population, with the youth constituting 33% of the total population. Subà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Sahara Africa is home to 70% of young people living with HIV/AIDS and 90% of the AIDS orphans in the world. Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is compounded by gender and age, making young people and women in particular more likely to contract the virus than others. The age distribution of HIV infection in Africa is skewed towards younger females, with infection rates among teenage girls five times higher than teenage boys in some countries.Zimbabwe is not spared this burden. One in six African is a Zimbabwe which has a population of about estimate of 140 million people. The first case of the Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was identified in Zimbabwe in 1986. HIV prevalence then rose steadily from 1.8% in 1998 to 5.8% in 2001. However, in the 2003 survey, the National HIV prevalence had dropped to 5%. At a current level of 5.6%, HIV/AIDS prevalence is highest amongst young people less than 30 years (World Bank, 2006). Several factors have been identified as the most important in driving the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe. These include; early marriage of females and inadequate access to condoms and contraceptives particularly for young people. Young peoples lack of access to contraceptives is exacerbated by the age-structured society where children and young people have little or no control over their health, especially sexual health. There is also inadequate sexual education in schools as well as a restricted discussion of sexual health matters in public and even in families. Zimbabweans can have multiple wives as they think they can afford to take care of. This is very ambiguous and the result is that a lot of women are mistreated and left to take care of themselves without actually being empowered to do so. Other factors implicated are the presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), stigmatization and the inadequacy of health care systems (APIN, 2006). In addition, various cultural prac tices and values influence the health practices and sexual behaviour of our focus group. This makes them particularly vulnerable. Vulnerability can be defined as the degree to which an individual or a population has control over their risk of acquiring HIV, or the degree to which those people who are infected an affected by HIV are able to access appropriate care and support. (AIDS Vancouver, 2005) Zimbabwe being a male-dominated society, women are viewed as inferior to men, in some areas in particular in rural areas and some townships. Womens traditional role is to have children and be responsible for the home. Their low status, lack of access to education, and certain social and cultural practices increase their vulnerability to HIV infection. Many marriage practices violate womens human rights and contribute to increasing HIV rates among women and girls. Zimbabwe has legal minimum age for marriage, however in some areas early marriage is known to be allowed by parents, as they consider it a way to protect their young daughters from the outside world and maintain their chastity. Girls may get married between the ages of 14 and 15, and a large age gap usually exists between husbands and wives. Young married girls are at risk of contracting HIV from their husbands because it is considered acceptable for men to have sexual partners outside of marriage and even for some men to have more than one wife. Because of their age, lack of education, and low status, young married girls cannot negotiate condom use to protect th emselves against HIV and other STIs. Practices such as female genital mutilation also contribute to the scourge (APIN, 2006). COMPARATIVE STATISTICS From Appendix 1(behind), the tables show WHO statistics (2007) and compares different parameters from Zimbabwe, Brazil and South-Africa. It estimates Zimbabwes population, for 2005, at 131.5 million. This is compared to South Africas figure of 47.4 million and 186.4 million for Brazil. Zimbabwe and Brazil are classed as developing countries while South Africa is a middle-income African country. All these countries have achieved varying degrees of success in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Deaths due to HIV (per 100,000) are 8 for Brazil, 167 for Zimbawe and 675 for South Africa. Figures for HIV prevalence in adults aged 15 years and above show that the prevalence is reduced in Brazil (454 per 100,000 people), but Zimbabwe (3,547 per 100,000 population) and South Africa (16,579 per 100,000 population) still have very high numbers. This buttresses the fact that Africa still has major problems in the fight against HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS POLICY IN ZIMBABWE According to the Federal Government of Zimbabwe, the overall goal of the HIV/AIDS Policy is to control the spread of HIV, to provide equitable care and support for those infected by HIV and to mitigate its impact to the point where it is no longer of public health, social and economic concern, such that all Zimbabweans will be able to achieve socially and economically productive lives free of the disease and its effects. (Federal Government of Zimbabwe, National Policy on HIV/AIDS, 2003; pp. 13-14). The objectives of the policy include, among others to foster behaviour change as the main means of controlling the epidemic and to ensure that prevention programmes are developed and targeted at vulnerable groups such as women and children, adolescents and young adults, sex workers, long distance commercial vehicle drivers, prison inmates and migrant labour. The target is to improve the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices of high-risk populations, including youths and adolescents , to HIV/AIDS by 20 percent by the year 2005 and 40% by 2010. With the WHO statistics, there seem to be a lot of work to be done in achieving the above target. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT MODEL THE INTERVENTION The model was developed by a combination of two existing models of health promotion namely Caplan Holland (1990) and Beattie (1991) (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). Beatties model uses criteria of mode of intervention (authoritative-negotiated) and focus of intervention (individual-collective) whereas Caplan and Holland use theories of knowledge and theories of society (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). From Caplan Holland (1990) the following components were taken: radical humanistic perspective (empowerment approach) and humanistic perspective (educational approach). From Beattie (1991) were taken; health Persuasion (educational approach) and personal counselling (behavioural approach). This model thus comprises of the 4 components namely; Radical Humanist/Empowerment approach where individuals are encouraged to form social and organizational networks including self-help groups, Humanist/Health Education approach this involves peer education and awareness campaigns, including activities such as dramas, role plays and debates, Health Persuasion which is essentially behaviour modification and life skills, Personal counselling which is client led and focus on personal development. The health promoter is a facilitator rather than an expert. (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). APPROACHES The components of this model made use of three main approaches to health promotion: behavioural, educational and empowerment approaches. The empowerment approach is based mainly on the formation of social and organisational networks including self-help groups, peer groups, abstinence clubs etc. The emphasis of this approach is to help people to identify their own concerns and gain the skill and confidence to act upon them Naidoo and Wills, (2000), and the behavioural approach aims at behaviour modification. It also uses personal counselling as a means of promoting healthy sexual behaviour, therefore aiming to impart life skills to the students, which would teach them to communicate, to learn to say no to casual sex, to wait till the right time and to make the right decisions. The educational approach aims to provide knowledge and information with the hope that this information would enable the students to make the right and informed choices (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). This would be achieved by means of awareness campaigns, debates, lectures, dramas, role plays, posters and other information, education and communication (IEC) materials. A key part of the education of these students would be peer education. Over the years, there have been various studies and theories supporting the use of peer education as a successful health promotion strategy. Peer pressure can be quite enormous and influential particularly in the focus age group. APPLYING THE COMPONENTS OF THE MODEL DISCUSSION As earlier mentioned, there are four main components of this health promotion model: health education, health persuasion, empowerment and personal counselling. EMPOWERMENT Empowerment in the broadest sense is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.the process by which disadvantaged people work together to increase control over events that determine their lives'(Laverack, 2004). This entails raising consciousness of both the primary and secondary audiences; emphasis is on the exploration of personal responses to health issues. The students are encouraged to form social networks such as self-help groups and peer-educator-led groups. These social networks can lead to self-empowerment. The WHOs definition of health promotion as increasing peoples control over their health places it alongside the key concept of community empowerment (Laverack, 2004). Community empowerment can be viewed as both a process (something used to accomplish a particular goal or objective) and an outcome (in which empowerment is the goal or objective itself). There is considerable overlap between community empowerment and other concepts such as community participation and community development. Community empowerment builds from the individual to the group to the broader community (Laverack, 2004). Health promoters have conventionally viewed community empowerment as a part of bottom-up approached. In this the outside agent act to support the community in the identification of issues which are important and relevant to their lives, and to enable them to develop strategies to resolve these issues. Community empowerment includes personal (psychological) empowerment, organizational empowerment and broader social and political changes. Community empowerment has been viewed in health promotion literature as a five-point continuum model comprising the following elements; personal action, the development of small mutual groups, community organizations, partnership, social and political action. Each point on the continuum can be viewed as an outcome in itself, as well as a progression onto the next point. If not achieved the outcome is stasis or even a move back to the preceding point on the continuum (Laverack, 2004). The latter goes on to say the dichotomy between top-down disease prevention and lifestyle change and bottom-up community empowerment approaches is not as fixed as it is sometimes portrayed. As applied in this youth empowerment model, both approaches were used. HEALTH EDUCATION Health promotion is rooted in the narrower, more established field of health education. Health education is communication activity aimed at enhancing positive health and preventing or diminishing ill-health in individuals and groups, through influencing the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour of those with power and of the community at large (Downie et al, 2006). Use of education in health promotion has to do with communication aimed at enhancing well-being and preventing ill-health through influencing knowledge and attitudes. The purpose is to provide knowledge and information, and to develop the necessary skills so that a person can make informed choice about their health behaviour (Naidoo and Wills, 2005). Health education interventions are valued because they empower people, enabling them to make desired changes and increase their control over their health. It involves working directly with them, enabling communication and feedback that in turn can be used to fine-tune the intervention, enhancing its effectiveness (Naidoo and Wills, 2009). This can be carried out in classrooms, and clubs aiming to empower the students. The peer educators will also be used at this stage as well as PLWHA. The contents for education in HIV prevention will include issues such as meaning and cause of HIV/AIDS, means of transmission non-transmission, modes of prevention, available treatment and management for PLWHA. HEALTH PERSUASION Health persuasion in this initiative forms a part of the Prevention Education. These are intentions directed at individuals and involve mainly health professionals, trained counsellors and peer educators, all acting as facilitators. The aim of this is to influence the development of positive health behaviour in the students, so that as they grow older, they can have good sexual health. People Living with HIV/AIDS are also involved as they are some of the greatest champions of HIV prevention as earlier mentioned. The ultimate aim of health persuasion is encouraging people to adopt healthy and careful lifestyles. The emphasis is on abstinence, safer sex and faithful partnership. The avenues included: classrooms and School HIV/AIDS prevention clubs, distribution of fliers and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials and involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS. PERSONAL COUNSELLING This focused on personal development and students (one-on-one or in groups) are helped by a facilitator to identify their health needs to increase their confidence and life skills. Peer Education This is the teaching or sharing of information, values and behaviours between individuals with shared characteristics such as behaviour, experience, status or social and cultural backgrounds (Macdowall et al, 2006). It is a prevention strategy for reaching youth either in school settings or for marginalized out of school youth, mainly through community based out reach programmes. Approaches to recruiting peer educators have included; providing information about a project and then asking for volunteers (Macdowall et al, 2006) identifying and approaching popular opinion leaders from among target groups; and asking members of the target groups to nominate peers. HEALTH PROMOTION RATIONALE Zimbabwe for obvious reasons stated above has a problem in tackling the scourge of HIV/AIDS and this required a multi-pronged approach in order to make an impact. Thus, developing a health promotion model targeted at the youth is in place. According to WHO, it is imperative to focus on young people because they have a high risk of contracting HIV since once they become sexually active, they often have several, usually consecutive, short-term sexual relationships and do not consistently use condoms. Likewise, IV drug use spreads at an alarming rate in this age group. Furthermore, young people often have insufficient information and understanding about HIV/AIDS; they may not be aware of their vulnerability to it or how best to prevent it. They also often lack access to the means of protecting themselves (WHO, 2004). The National HIV/AIDS policy specifically focuses on adolescents and youths, with a view to changing their sexual behaviour and practices, particularly before they become s exually active. School based programmes are logical avenues to provide most youth with preventive health education which should include helping the youth to identify their personal values and to promote positive self -esteem to enable them to resist pressure to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Zimbabwe practices a 7-2-3 system of education. Here individuals are expected to spend 7 years in the primary school, 2 years in sixth form 3-4 years in the University. The secondary school age in Zimbabwe is between 12-18 years. The focus for the model is in high school students aged 12 to 18. There were several reasons why the school is a key arena for health promotion. First, in accordance with a prevention is better than cure philosophy, it is better to encourage young people to adopt healthful lifestyles than to try to change unhealthful behaviour patterns in adulthood. Secondly, there is evidence that risk factors for disease in adulthood often originate early in life. Thirdly, schools provides a unique opportunity to augment other influences on health-related behaviour with properly planned programmes of health education (Downie et al, 2006). As early as 1982, it was reported that the age of first sexual intercourse had continued to drop in Zimbabwe and was then such that 50% of 16 year kids were already sexually active (Nwokocha and Nwakoby, 2002). Thus, the age range for the study is appropriate to equip them before they become sexually active. Mzikazi High School Bulawayo, Zimbabwe was the chosen high school. Mzilikazi is in Matebelaland, second capital city of Zimbabwe with an estimated population of 1.2 million residents. The city has a rich tourism culture and hospitality. Current research estimates the prevalence of HIV in Bulawayo at 6.19% , making it the second highest of all the states in Zimbabwe (The Herald News, 2006). Its easy access to Victoria Falls makes it a centre for visitors from different parts of the world. All these aid the sex trade in a country so rich yet poverty is the order of the day. People who do possess some knowledge about HIV often do not protect themselves because they lack the skills, support or incentives to adopt safe behaviours. High levels of awareness among the youth, a population group particularly vulnerable and significant as regards the spread of HIV/Aids, have not led, in many cases, to sufficient behavioural change. Young people may lack the skills to negotiate abstinence or condom use, or be fearful or embarrassed to talk with their partner about sex. Lack of open discussion and guidance about sexuality is often lacking in the home, and many young people pick up misinformation from their peers instead. PARTNERS IN THIS HEALTH PROMOTION The key partners in this initiative were the primary the students, and the secondary parents, teachers, school nurse and other members of the school community including staff. Other partners included professionals such as all clinical health practitioners such as doctors, nurses, and others health professionals who will act as facilitators, the local School Authorities, and donor agencies that are focused on HIV/AIDS issues they play a very crucial roles in community HIV prevention programmes. Donor agencies were involved in the provision of funds that were used in executing the project. PLWHA (People living with HIV/AIDS) have very important impact as people see for themselves living testimonies of the HIV scourge. It must be stated that stigmatization and discrimination against PLWHA are common in Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, some progress has been made more recently because of increased national campaigns and more visible and vocal societies and support groups for people infected with or affected by HIV. Their efforts have helped educate the public about HIV/AIDS, dispelling myths and giving the disease a human face (APIN, 2006). A potential reason for failure of school health promotion is that of culture clash between the school and the home and elsewhere (Downie et al, 2006) hence the inclusion of the parents in the secondary audience. However while the concepts of outcome succees were addressed to some degree in the study, there was nevertheless, a lack of firm and consistent evidence that positive outcomes had been achieved by the partnership concerned. Partnership working is seen as providing benefits that are achievable, improve health of whole population through working in partnerships with groups and individual to systematically address health needs within a community, (Coles and Porter, 2009). The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society, (Achenson, 1998). Wilson and Charlton (2004), claim that culture clashes in partnership working can often expected between people from different social background. In this study the barrier between the partners was the cultural background for the children , parents and the leaders. In this instance the NGOs were the leaders of the health promotion. The break down in communication and understanding of the intended education started when the educators told the students it is advisable to use condoms whenever you have sex. In Zimbabwe there is a deep-seated unwillingness to talk openly about sex, partly due to rules of re spect that lie at the heart of family and kinship structures, which limit communication across generation and sexual divides. Certain prevalent cultural norms and practices related to sexuality contribute to the risk of HIV infection. Negative attitudes towards condoms, as well as difficulties negotiating and following through with their use. Men in southern Africa regularly do not want to use condoms, because of beliefs such that flesh to flesh sex is equated with masculinity and is necessary for male health. Condoms also have strong associations of unfaithfulness, lack of trust and love, and disease. Certain sexual practices, such as dry sex (where the vagina is expected to be small and dry), and unprotected anal sex, carry a high risk of HIV because they cause abrasions to the lining of the vagina or anus. In cultures where virginity is a condition for marriage, girls may protect their virginity by engaging in unprotected anal sex. The importance of fertility in African communities may hinder the practice of safer sex. Young women under pressure to prove their fertility prior to marriage may try to fall pregnant, and therefore do not use condoms or abstain from sex. Fathering many children is also seen as a sign of virile masculinity. Polygamy is practised in some parts of southern Africa. Even where traditional polygamy is no longer the norm, men tend to have more sexual partners and to use the services of sex workers. This is condoned by the widespread belief that males are biologically programmed to need sex with more than one woman, ( ). Urbanisation and migrant labour expose people to a variety of new cultural influences, with the result that traditional and modern values often co-exist. Certain traditional values that could serve to protect people from HIV infection, such as abstinence from sex before marriage, are being eroded by cultural modernisation. ( ). However the NGOs wanted to continue with this education even the other secondary partners could tell it is affecting the whole process, with advice to first stop teaching the children, educate the parents first so when the children are taught it does not cause conflict. This dilemma here appears largely about power who has it, who needs it, and how much? Successful partnership requires leaders to redefine the boundaries of power in the organisation, and this can prove challenging, ( ). Careful design of the organisations decision-making processes and the setting of clear boundaries can help you tackle the leadership dilemma. Therefore with partnership, effective communication enables us to discuss each others concerns, acknowledge our different points of view and strive to understand those views. Good communication is especially important when there are strong views or feelings about an issue. The key thing to remember is that communication goes in all directions. Effective communic ation isnt just about telling people things. Its mostly about listening to each other. Consequently good communication is crucial to partnership. Lack of communication often creates an information vacuum. This vacuum is sometimes filled with rumour and speculation. . Evaluation Two different views of evaluation pervade the literature on health promotion. From the first view point, evaluation involves assessing an activity in terms of the aims or specific objectives of that activity. William (1987) has written as follows: .the purpose of evaluation is that it should demonstrate whether an activity has been successful or to what degree it has failed to achievee some stated aims. Before we can evaluate, then, we need to be clear about the aims of the activity in relation to the degree of attainment of these aims. From the second view point, evaluation is a broader process. It involves assessing an activity by measuring it against a standard which is not necessarily related to the specific objectives or purpose of the activity. This approach has been advocated by Green et al. (1980). From the second view point, evaluation is a broader process (Downie et al, 1996). Evaluation can be defined as the critical assessment of the value of an activity (Macdowall et al, 2006). Evaluation is needed to ensure that health promotion activities are having the intended effects. Evaluating activities helps inform future plans and contributes to the building up of a knowledge base for health promotion. It also helps prevent the reinvention of the wheel, by informing other health promoters of the effectiveness of different methods and strategies (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). Downie et al (1996) identifies reasons for evaluating health promotion activities. These are to assess the extent to which projects are achieving their stated objectives, to inform the development of materials and methods, to ensure ethical practice, to optimize use of resources and to assess the place of health promotion within overall efforts to achieve health gain. Evaluation includes assessments of different kinds of events at varying time periods. A distinction is often made between process, impact and outcome evaluation. Process evaluation: this involves assessing the process programme implementation. It addresses participants perceptions and reactions to health promotion interventions. It is therefore a useful means to assess acceptability and may assess the appropriateness and equity of a health promotion intervention (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). In doing this in our health promotion study, inputs (time, IEC materials, money); self-evaluation (self-reflection); feedback from primary and secondary audience (using questionnaires, question and answer sessions, individual discussions) will be used. Impact and Outcome evaluation: Evaluation of health promotion programmes is usually concerned to identify their effects. The effects of an intervention may be evaluated according to its impact ( the immediate effects such as increased knowledge or shifts in attitude) and outcome ( the longer-term effects such as changes in lifestyle). Impact evaluation tends to be more popular because it is easier to do. Outcome evaluation more difficult because it involves an assessment of long-term effects (Naidoo and Wills, 2000). Evaluation of the impact could be planned or unplanned. Planned impact can be assessed using pre-session and post-session questionnaires or a review session with the target audience. Some of the planned impact/outcomes would include increasing attendance to activities, increase in the number of people taking part in voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), increase in age of first sexual encounter and reduction in HIV prevalence rate. Unplanned impact/outcome will include counselling for other issues such as drugs and alcohol use, provision of support for PLWHA within the school community by referrals to NGOs and other support groups that can provide treatment and help them cope with other effects of living with HIV/AIDS. Limitations There are limitations to the implementation of this health promotion model. There is an ethical dilemma with regards what will be too much sexual information for the teenagers considering the cultural background. Many parents will object to some information given to their children. Issues pertaining to funds for running and sustaining the programme need to be considered. There could also be some logistics problems in terms of accessing rural areas: power, security, mobility and communication facilities all have to be provided and these are all functions of funds. Acceptability of the programme by the primary audience may be in question. The students may view the activities as being prescriptive rather than participatory, also, they may view the health professionals and facilitators as being old school in terms of age or social background or socioeconomic status and this could be a barrier which might face the programme. This is where the peer educators come in and may go a long way in overcoming this problem. If the students are able to see the project/activities as theirs, it would help to sustain the efforts after the health professionals may have left. Such continuity could be anchored on peer educator groups, abstinence clubs and other social networks. Long-term assessment of empowerment and change in behaviour is difficult. Is there any behaviour change? If so, is the behaviour change due to this Health Promotion activity alone?. These are pertinent questions which will need to be addressed at the long run. The model focuses mainly on empowerment without addressing other socio-economic determinants of sexual hea

The Analytical Contrast of Corporate Deviance in Differential Associati

The applications of these theories encompass contributing social environments that are synonymous with the work ethics being fostered in corporate deviant behaviourisms. One ideology in particular, the â€Å"American Dream† is attacked as a promoter of this through its means of success being defined in culture as monetary gain and social status as the way of life (Schoepfer, 2006, p. 4-9). This mentality is adapted to the corporate world as a dominant coalition amongst business practices is developed whereupon a group of interdependent individuals who share a common interest remains dominant in its ability to force organizations to function in accord with their goals and knowingly abuse this unique position (Albanese, 1984, p. 2-5). From this perspective Sutherland and Merton connect the barriers or lack thereof that perpetuates these ideologies in business ethics therefore being the cause of the crimes themselves. In essence, it is a vicious circle of necessity created by the conditions outlined as tolerable as long as they lean towards monetary success. Suggesting differential association as a learned behaviour imbedded in the corporate structure that acts both as an educator and pusher of monetary gain onto those within it. Merton’s concept of strain from institutions can be linked to contributing factors such as the â€Å"American Dream† ideology as stimulating social needs put forward by the culture without encompassing a means of success (Merton, â€Å"cited in† Adler, 1999, p.160-161). In other words, the mentality associated with the American dream is synonymous with creating tension between the means of achieving a common goal and the means of success available to those who share that goal (Cloward, 1960, p.1). This context of balance... ...Crime and the American Dream. Journal of Criminal Justice , 4-9. F. Adler, W. Laufer (1999) The Legacy of Anomie Theory (pp. 94-97,160-161). Transaction Publishers. J. S. Albanese (1984). Corporate Criminology: Explaining Deviance of Business and Political Organizations. Journal of Criminal Justice , 2-5. J. Braithwaite (2006). White Collar Crime. Annual Review of Sociology , 8-10. F. Williams, M. McShane (2004). Criminological Theory. New York: Pearson Education. N. Piquero, S.G. Tibbets, M.B. Blankenship (2005). Deviant Behaviour. Canadian Research Knowledge Network , 1-23. R. Cloward, L. Ohlin. (1960). Delinquency and Opportunity . Macmillan Publishing. E. Sutherland (1956). In The Professional Thief. Chicago: University of Chicago press. T. Makkai, J. Braithwaite. (1991). Criminological Theories and Regulatory Compliance. Criminology volume 29 , 1-5.

The summary of The Fall of the House of Usher :: essays research papers

The Narrator had received a letter from a boyhood acquaintance, Roderick Usher, begging that he come to him "posthaste." Usher had written to explain that he was suffering from a terrible mental and bodily illness, and longed for the companionship of "his only personal friend." The plea seemed so heartfelt that the Narrator immediately set out for the Usher ancestral home. Approaching the ivy-covered, decaying old house, the Narrator was struck b y an overwhelming sense of gloom which seemed to envelop the estate. The very sight of the manor caused within him "an illness, a sickening of the heart, an unredeemed dreariness." But even though the"eye-like" windows of the mansion seemed to be staring at him, he managed to swallow his fear and continue in his carriage up the path to the door. As he rode, he tried to recall Roderick Usher as he had once known him; years had passed since they had last met. He remembered his old friend as an extremely reserved fellow, quite handsome but possessing an eerie, morbid demeanor. Roderick's family was noted for its particular musical genius - and for the fact that no new branch of the family had ever been generated. For centuries, the title of the estate had passed directly from father to son, so that the term "House of Usher" had come to refer both to the family and to the mansion. Sad ly, though, Roderick was the last surviving male issue of the Usher clan. Finally, the carriage crossed over the creaking moat bridge to the door, and a servant admitted the Narrator. He was led through intricate passageways and past hung armored trophies to Roderick Usher's inner chamber, a sorrowful room where sunlight had never entered. Usher himself looked equally shut in, almost terrifying: pallid skin like that of a corpse, lustrous eyes, and long hair that seemed to float about his head. Moreover, he was plagued by a kind of sullen, intense, nervous agitation, similar to that of a drug-addict experiencing withdrawal. The list of his complaints was dismaying: He suffered much from a morbid acuteness of the senses; the most insipid food was alone endurable; he could wear only garments of a certain texture; the odors of all flowers were oppressive; his eyes were tortured even by faint light; and there were but peculiar sounds, and these from stringed instruments, which did not inspire him with horror.

How Mildred Taylor uses the Characters and Events to show the Prejudice

Mildred Taylor, the author of 'Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry' clearly depicts racism in her novel. She skillfully uses the characters and events in the novel to show prejudice in Mississippi in the 1930s, when the book was set. At the time Mississippi was renowned as one of the worst states for racism. Taylor has created many situations in her novel were several of the characters are victimized as well as discriminated against. Throughout the novel white people form an irrational judgment on the black race, innocent people are burnt and lynched. 'Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry' is a novel which ventures on how hatred, humiliation and degradation fill the gap between the two races that are separate from each other, the races of the black and white. Taylor uses one of the main characters in this novel, Cassie Logan to show how racism impacted on their everyday lives. When Cassie goes to Strawberry for the first time, she is put out of her comfort zone and into the real world. Through these episodes Taylor shows us that Cassie had to grow up, and learn that being defensive cannot always solve the problem. As Cassie angrily confronts Mr. Barnett as she has not been served, he angrily ?recoiled? and told her to get her ?little black self? away from the counter to wait. As Mr. Barnett tries to get rid of Cassie he bellows, ?whose little nigger is this? leaving Cassie feeling ashamed and confused. Taylor uses this incident and characters to show that black people were considered, by some, to be less important than whites, since Cassie had been waiting for nearly an hour. The language spoken by Mr. Barnett is strongly patronizing, and it expands the portrayal of racism. Another point where Cassie is complete humiliated is when she bum... ...hool every day, whilst the white school bus goes past and sprays them with red dust. This also shows segregation, whites and blacks had to be as far apart as possible according to the whites. In the novel we see segregation many times: when Big Ma parks the wagon the other side of the field, the different schools and different buses. Taylor does use strong and powerful language through her characters and events to portray the racism. She also had a clear structure, some may find it confusing at times, but overall it does not affect how prejudice is portrayed as events follow each other. I think that the final message of the novel, perhaps, is that survival is possible, but that there are inevitable losses along the way, and that whatever race we are should not matter. Taylor uses memorable characters and big and small events to show prejudice in 1930?s Mississippi.

Personal Model of Helping

I take pride in everything that I do and strive to give my all to the people who need my help, and this is the basis of my personal model of helping. I cannot give someone only part of my effort because the individual may not take me serious and not be able to use the help that I am offering. My goal in offering this help is to assist them in overcoming any negative situation they are trying to get out of. People reach out for help and when they do so they want the best help that they can find because they can seek a positive resolution. I know that circumstances in life can take a toll on a person, and these circumstances cause them to be in the situation that they are seeking help for but to change their behavior and improve themselves they need to give 100% as well as the people who are offering help to them. How and why and you formed this viewpoint This viewpoint was formed because there are individuals who seek help from professional counselors every day because they believe that these professionals can get them back of track with their lifestyle and overcome the struggles of hardship they have been facing. If this individual does not believe that the help they are getting from the professional is successful than it would seem that either the professional or the individual seeking help is not giving 100% effort on their part in order to get positive results. There are many different reasons an individual seeks therapy; it can be gambling problems, drug or alcohol addiction, abuse, health issues, family issues, or even death of a family member. A professional counselor needs to be prepared for any reason that a client may seek help from them and be ready and willing to offer them appropriate help of treatment. View of helping My view of helping is a result of a person taking pride in their profession of helping others and them going the extra mile and giving the effort necessary to make sure the client is on the right path for a positive resolution. People do not appreciate being judged by others and believe that many cannot relate to their situation because they do not understand the lifestyle and hare life they have experiences to this point. It is difficult for these individuals to admit they need professional help, and then to seek that help from a stranger who may judge them or the situation that he or she is in. The relationship between the clinician and the participant The relationship between the clinician and the participant should be welcoming and inviting to prepare for the session and to open lines of communication. When individuals talk to others that they do not know personally they have to gain a level of comfort so that they can open up and discuss personal matters that are causing their issues. I can relate to a client’s story by listening to them on a personal level and then sharing my experiences once they have built a rapport with me and show interest in my knowledge. Many views that individuals have of counselors or therapists is that they live a happy and worry free lifestyle and that he or she may/does not have a personal issues they are struggling with because of their profession; however this is not usually the case and many counselors seek therapy as well. Many professionals have issues and skeletons in their closet that they do not want anyone else to know about, and every person has a story to tell of their experiences in life and it is not fair for the counselor or others to be judged based solely of these experiences or for them seeking help to overcome personal struggles. Technique or approached to change There are many approaches that a counselor can take to change the perceptions a client may have about their lives, and show them another way to view their situation. When clinicians address behavioral issues with their client the techniques come from modeling. An example would be a client who struggles with expressing themselves may benefit from seeing the counselor use beneficial skills they need to acquire by demonstrating them in a role play scenario. It can be beneficial to select a model to assist in any role play scenarios who is similar to the client the counselor is trying to help. Age, gender, ethnicity, and social status should all be taken into consideration (Parrott, 2003). Positive reinforcement is another technique in therapy that is successful because it provides positive rewards or recognition for success or positive actions and behaviors. Relaxation training is another method of therapy that can be successful in treating a variety of disorders when other techniques are proven unsuccessful. Some disorders that can be treated successfully with relaxation therapy are headaches, pain, anxiety, hypertension, and PTSD. The basic idea of relaxation training and therapy is that the tension of muscles exacerbates anxiety and results in the individual feeling less anxious by them learning the knowledge to understand the difference between tense and relaxed muscle groups and the appropriate methods to treatment training (Parrott, 2003). A coherent model that is consistent, shows adequate understanding of the material presented, and reflects the ability to integrate and synthesize the course material Behavioral therapy shows successful results because it uses approaches that focus on certain characteristics of the individual in an attempt to successfully identify the appropriate therapy approach to helping the understand their behaviors and to gain self-control. â€Å"In addition to the rise of behaviorism, experimental research on the psychology of learning also contributed to the development of behavior therapy. This is an approach based on a view known as logical positivism, under which everything that exists is empirically verifiable. From this perspective, if the material universe, understandable only as matter and energy operating according to universal laws, is all that is, then human beings are material beings only and hence explainable by natural laws; In a sense, the experimental method was putting behaviorism’s philosophy into practice† (Parrott p. 271). The kinds of problems that can be addressed with your model The model learning theory can be used to address behavioral therapy approaches and techniques. Counselors are able to use this to observe their clients actions and behaviors to see if these approaches and techniques are successful for certain clients or all clients they are counseling. Cognitive –Emotive Dissonance; This is the most important stage in new learning and is characterized by two important features. : (1) the occurrence when people begin to act and think differently by understanding their new approach and control to their behavioral goals (2) the individual has emotional feelings that are uncomfortable when they start to believe that their actions are incorrect and they are not behaving appropriately. People using describe these feelings that they experience as â€Å"feeling wrong† or â€Å"not feeling right to me. † An example of this that occurs commonly would be while driving in a place you are unfamiliar with, such as an American questioning themselves for driving on the wrong side of the road in Europe. These types of emotions and feelings are unavoidable in experiences associated with psychotherapeutic therapy or any changes made to a person’s habits or accustomed behaviors. This is the stage of maximal therapeutic resistance in psychotherapy. If this approach is poorly handled and not addressed appropriately by the counselor then clients usually become noncompliant and stop attending therapy. Conditioning; this is the process of learning behaviors and the reaction or response to learned actions or familiar stimulus and how this changes and becomes a new behavioral response. There are two types of conditioning: (1) Classical conditioning where the response to certain stimulus is a learned behavior or innate response to a neutral stimulus, such as salivating to smell of something specific. 2) Operant conditioning where the behaviors they are learning are new, and they develop what their responses and reactions will be. Discrimination; The process in which a subject’s reaction are only appropriate to one similar or two different stimuli. Drive; A force that impels and motivates individual or animals to make a certain behavioral response based on the actions that have occurred. In behavioristic terms, drive is often dr iven by physiologic deprivations such a shelter, food, water, or necessities to survive. It also can be a reaction or response as a result of pain or unbearable or unpleasant stimulus (Maultsby & Wirga, 1998). Multicultural Issues Multicultural issues come from the diversity of others seeking help. There are many different reasons in which individuals seek counseling, so with this being said the counselor should be prepared on how to approach any situation they are confronted with by their clients. They need to be well versed in multicultural issues that can influence the approach to therapy uch as cross-cultural counseling where the client and the therapist do not share the same background, values, or lifestyle and these can be obstacles to overcome for any professional. People of cross-cultural differences find it difficult to settle of agreements with certain techniques or approaches to therapy that would be the most successful for the client. Gender issues are something to consider, where a male therapist may not be well versed or experienced in matters of women issu es and it can seem that they are not taking the clients matter serious where a female therapist may be able to relate to what the client is experiencing. Individuals who are disabled may feel singled out by others and isolated from the general population so the therapist needs to research and understand how to appropriately approach a client with this issue. Clients who are religious may not view therapy as a successful tool because of their beliefs. Certain professionals have techniques or therapeutic methods that are successful for many of their clients. The challenge they face is how to handle issues that are spiritual or religious in any way, ensure ethical integrity with the client while still being able to offer a method of treatment that they believe will be successful (Parrott, 2003). Limitations and strengths of the model The limitations of therapy or strengths of the treatment or model of therapy can depend on the clients learning abilities or disabilities, health issues, or cognitive challenges from clients who suffer from mental disorders, PTSD, or anxiety. The population this model can help The behavioral model can help many individuals within the population, and in order for this model to be successful people have to be open to receiving help even if it means putting them in situations that can bring them back to negative situations that are the roots of the individuals issues. The population that is seeking the help could be individuals addicted to drugs who want to get help to overcome and fight their addiction but do not understand the proper approach to overcoming these issues. Prostitutes who want to stop the emotional and physical abuse they are causing to themselves by selling their body for money. Even married couples who are at the end of their relationship but want to try to save what they once had in order to avoid divorce. Other clients who can benefit from this model of therapy ould be clients who suffer from health issues and are trying to understand how to cope with it, parents who are trying to gain control over a rebellious child, or even individuals who suffer from phobias that are interfering with them living a successful life. Original Thinking Individuals have to be open and accepting of therapy for it to be successful, when an individual is open to receiving help and seek a positive resolution to their issues then the counselor can par ticipate in the client’s therapy and give them the necessary steps to take for a successful change. Being an effective counselor means being open to new techniques, ideas, and approached to therapy that could be successful for the client. Each client and every case is different so there are different approaches to take in handling the situation in a professional manner. Conclusion There are many needs for therapy that need a successful approach, and a therapist willing to adapt to the needs of the patient. Utilizing all theories, methods, and techniques available to the therapist will help them have the tools necessary to offer treatment for any issue that their client presents them with. When a therapist is confident in their abilities and can relate to the issues faced by their client then they will have the inside needed to develop a successful approach to treatment and to present their client with a plan that explains their model of helping so that the client can be actively involved in the success of their treatment.ReferencesIndividual Counseling, Life Skills–Behavioral Therapy, and Group Experiences www.lifelongaes.com/services%20and%20fees/counseling.html. Kondrat, A. (2009). Behavioral and Cognitive Approach in Psychology. Retrieved from http://suite101.com/article/behavioral-and-cognitive-approach-in-psychology-a98399 Maultsby, Maxie C. & Wirga, Mariusz. (1998). Behavioral Therapy. Howard University College of Medicine. www.arcobem.com/publications/Beh-Tx.htm. Parrott, L., III. (2003). Counseling and psychotherapy (2nd ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Thomson/Brooks/Cole. Smith, M.A., M., Segal, M.A., R., & Segal, Ph.D.,

Nordstrom Financial Statement Analysis

NORDSTROM (JWN) I. Nordstrom’s overview Nordstrom is classified as an Upscale Independent Department Store Chain and is noted as one of the largest department stores of its type. Nordstrom is founded in 1901 by two partners, John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. It’s headquarter is in Seattle, Washington area. Nordstrom carries a wide variety of merchandise and specialty goods, which includes apparel, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, handbags, accessories, and in some locations, home furnishings. Nordstrom is dealing with competition on many different levels.It is competing with higher end stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition, it is also competing with second tier stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s. Dealing with diverse competition, upscale retailer Nordstrom has been famous for superior customer service for over 100 years and has been recognized on every 100 Best Companies To Work For list publishe d in Fortune magazine since 1998. Nordstrom operates over 200 retail locations across the country with worldwide revenue $10. 9 billion in 2011.It has two reportable segments: Retail and Credit. The Retail segment includes 115 ‘Nordstrom’ full-line stores, 89 off-price ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, two ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques, and one clearance store that operate under the name ‘Last Chance. ’ Nordstrom full-line stores and online store are substantially integrated to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience across channels. The Nordstrom Rack stores purchase high-quality name brand merchandise directly from vendors and also serve as outlets for clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores.The Credit segment includes wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom FSB, through which Nordstrom provides a private label credit card, two Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. The credit and debit cards fe ature a shopping-based loyalty program designed to increase customer visits and spending. Although the primary purpose of our Credit business is to foster greater customer loyalty and drive more sales, Nordstrom also generate revenues through finance charges and other fees on these cards.In retail department stores, consumer’s purchases are made within each department because each department is treated separately to achieve economies in promotion, buying, service, and control. Instead of categorizing departments by merchandise, Nordstrom created fashion departments that fit individual lifestyles. The retailer's best customers benefit from Nordstrom's â€Å"Perpetual Inventory† initiative, which provides the â€Å"right product, at the right place, at the right time. Nordstrom’s customer service is superior in that they put maintaining a customer relationship their top priority. It‘s main goal is to provide outstanding service every day, one customer at a time, and support the employees who deliver service to those customers. Each Nordstrom employee has a business card, which he or she gives to customers, to encourage them to reach back directly if they need anything. In addition, Nordstrom spends much less on traditional advertising than its competitors do, and to Nordstrom, â€Å"satisfied customers are much more persuasive than an ad†.Its legendary customer service is a competitive advantage that can't be easily duplicated, and the company spends a lot of time, money, and effort training employees to maintain that distinction. Even in times of economic distress, Nordstrom still maintains an unwavering commitment to making choices that are in the best interest of the customer. Therefore, Nordstrom keeps growing and maintains a great financial result in comparison with other department stores. Nordstrom business strategies are: 1. Maintaining good relationship with vendors and consumers 2.Maintaining good relationship with em ployees and providing effective training to them to develop future leaders 3. Expanding into new markets, technological investments, acquisitions and the timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, relocations and remodels. 4. Having effective inventory management; efficient and proper allocation of capital resources; successful execution of information technology strategy; and effective cost control in advertising, marketing, and promotion campaigns. 5.Managing debt levels to maintain an investment grade credit rating as well as operate with an efficient capital structure for its growth plans and industry II. Company financial ratio analysis: 1. Liquidity: Liquidity:| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Current Ratio| 2. 16| 2. 57| 2. 01| 2. 01| 2. 06| Cash Ratio | 0. 73| 0. 80| 0. 39| 0. 04| 0. 22| Cash Flow from Operations Ratio| 0. 46| 0. 63| 0. 62| 0. 53| 0. 19| Overall regards to liquidity ratios, the higher the number the better; however, a too high also indicates that the firms were not using their resources to their full potential. Current ratio of 1. or greater shows that a company can pay its current liabilities with its current assets. JWN’s ratio increased from 2. 06 in 2007 to 2. 57 in 2010, and slightly decreased to 2. 16 in 2011. JWN’s cash ratio increased significantly from 22% in 2007 to 80% in 2010. JWN has a cash ratio of 73% in 2011, which is useful to creditors when deciding how much debt they would be willing to extend to JWN. In addition, JWN also has moderate CFO ratio of 46%, indicating the companies’ ability to pay off their short term liabilities with their operating cash flow. There was a great improvement in JWN’s liquidity ratios over the past 5 years.In general, JWN has efficient liquidity ratios which allow the company to cover its seasonal cash needs and to maintain appropriate levels of short term borrowings. 2. Activity: Activity| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Inventory Turno ver| 6. 20| 6. 29| 5. 93| 5. 84| 5. 66| Avg. # of Days Inventory| 58. 83| 58. 03| 61. 59| 62. 53| 64. 50| Receivables Turnover| 5. 06| 4. 51| 4. 16| 4. 60| 7. 35| Working Capital Turnover| 3. 67| 3. 89| 4. 52| 5. 13| 5. 98| Fixed Assets Turnover| 4. 54| 4. 25| 3. 70| 4. 08| 4. 86| Total Assets Turnover | 1. 36| 1. 38| 1. 35| 1. 52| 1. 74| Length of Operating Cycle| 130. 9| 138. 87| 149. 38| 141. 93| 114. 18| I Inventory turnover shows how efficient a firm can keep its inventory turning at a steady flow from the manufacturer to the store and out to the consumer. Therefore, the higher the better because this means the firm is getting its inventory out to consumers at a more efficient pace. JWN’s inventory turnover is approximately the same in 2011 than in 2010, 6. 20 and 6. 29 respectively, which has slightly higher the number of days inventory from 58 days to 59 days. Same as inventory turnover ratio, AR turnover show how efficient a firm is at collecting its receivable.The fa ster a firm can collect its receivables, the better. JWN’s AR turnover has increased from 4. 78 in 2010 to 5. 36 in 2011. An increase in both inventory and AR turnover reduces the Length of Operating Cycle from 139 days to 131 days. In addition, there is also a good sign when JWN’s fixed asset turnover and total asset turnover increase. In general, JWN has ability to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends, consumer preferences and spending patterns, and to match its merchandise levels, mix and shopping experience to sales trends and consumer tastes, significantly impacts its sales and operating results. . Profitability: Profit| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Gross Margin | 0. 39| 0. 39| 0. 36| 0. 37| 0. 39| Return on Sales| 0. 06| 0. 06| 0. 05| 0. 05| 0. 08| ROA | 0. 09| 0. 09| 0. 07| 0. 07| 0. 14| ROE | 0. 34| 0. 34| 0. 32| 0. 34| 0. 44| Upon evaluation of the operating efficiency, Gross profit margin, Return on sale, ROA, and ROE, JWN did a pretty good job du ring the fiscal year ended Jan 28th 2012. Gross profit margin, the net profit margin, ROA, and ROE have the same rate for 2011 and 2010, which are 39%, 6%, 9%, and 34% respectively. By evaluating JWN’s profitability ratio, JWN once again is upward looking.ROA is a comprehensive measure of profitability, taking into account how a firm’s assets and profits are used to create future profit. ROE is a profitability measure and is influenced by the affiliation between a firm’s debt and its owner’s equity. JWN has done an extraordinary job at maintaining moderate ROA and ROE ratio over 5 years period. Analyzing JWN’s profitability ratio shows that JWN should continue being profitably in the future. 4. Leverage: Leverage| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Total Liabilities / Total Equity| 3. 34| 2. 69| 3. 19| 3. 68| 4. 02| Total Liabilities (BV) / Equity at Market| 0. 7| 0. 48| 0. 44| 0. 39| 0. 39| Times Interest Earned| 9. 61| 8. 80| 6. 04| 5. 95| 16. 85| As firm’s debt grows larger, debt to equity ratio in turn increases. Debt to equity ratio is an important factor in considering a firm’s credit risk. JWN’s debt to equity ratio increases 25% from 2. 69 in 2010 to 3. 34 in 2011. If this ratio decreases, there is less leverage within the firm. The increase in debt to equity ratio is due to the increase in long term debts and the decrease in total stockholder equity. Times interest earned ratio is a coverage measure; an increase has a positive impact on the firm.There was a significant decrease in Time interest earned ratio from 16. 85 in 2007 to 5. 95 in 2008. However, this ratio increased slightly over years. JWN’s Times interest earned has increased from 8. 80 in 2010 to 9. 61 in 2011. Ultimately, JWN generate more than enough income before interest and tax to cover for its interest expense. 5. Market related statistics: Like many luxury stores, Nordstrom has seen its sales rebound since late 2009 as well-he eled shoppers have become more comfortable with spending, despite volatility in the stock market.Nordstrom also has worked hard to make it easier to shop by adding Wi-Fi access for shoppers at all of its full-line department stores, offering free shipping on most items without any minimum purchase in September 2010, and fusing its online and in-store inventory systems so shoppers can find out online what's in stock at any given store in the chain. Nordstrom said it expects revenue at its stores open at least a year to rise 4 percent to 6 percent in the current full fiscal year, and it expects to earn $3. 30 to $3. 45 per share.JWN analyzes its dividend payout ratio and dividend yield, while taking into consideration its operating performance and capital resources, and plans to target a 25% to 30% dividend payout ratio in 2011. JWN has increased its dividend payout ratio and its dividend yield in 2011, 29% and 1. 9 % respectively. JWN paid dividends of $0. 92 per share in 2011, $0. 7 6 per share in 2010, and $. 64 per share in each of 2009 and 2008. 6. Quality of financial information Nordstrom uses a more moderate strategy when it comes to its accounting policies.It basically uses similar basic standards as other firms in the industry. Management and select employees of Nordstrom receive stock options and bonuses based on how profitable and how much growth the company is, which may lead to intentional accounting distortion to increase these benefits. Although distortion would be beneficial to management, the standards used by Nordstrom to account for stock issued to employees seem well disclosed and straight forward. Compared to the accounting policies and estimates used in the past five years, Nordstrom has not significantly changed any of its accounting standards.Estimates such as returns are based on past returns and performance and have not altered much in recent years. Nordstrom’s uses its historical data to estimate future performance for the use o f the inventory account. Nordstrom’s accounting policies and estimates seem to have no significant distortions. The changes in policies are well recorded and explained in the footnotes, leaving no concern about their accounting policies. The changes in policies accounting standards and estimates all seem to be legitimate. The manner in which Nordstrom discloses their financial information to the public is of extremely high quality.Nordstrom exceeds their expectation of providing customers and shareholders with an adequate explanation for nearly every element of their finances. After the presentation of each financial statement, Nordstrom provides a detailed clarification concerning each component listed in a manner that could be easily interpreted by the common inquirer. In general, Nordstrom effectively communicates their activities with their investors and are relatively free of unpredictable or unexplainable transactions. III. Comparison to the industry average and another store (Dillards)Liquidity:| JWN| DDS| Industry| Rating-JWN| Current Ratio | 2. 16| 1. 83| 1. 15| 8| Cash Ratio | 0. 73| 0. 26| 0. 12| 8| Cash Flow from Operations Ratio | 0. 46| 0. 58| -| -| Leverage|   | Total Liabilities / Total Equity| 3. 34| 1. 10| 1. 33| 4| Total Liabilities (BV) / Equity at Market| 0. 57| 0. 72| 0. 17| 4| Times Interest Earned| 9. 61| 5. 83| 7. 41| 7| Activity|   | Inventory Turnover | 6. 20| 3. 12| 6. 14| 6| Avg. # of Days Inventory | 58. 83| 117. 12| 59. 45| 6| Receivables Turnover | 5. 06| 232. 73| 22. 91| 3| Working Capital Turnover| 3. 67| 8. 88| 40. 9| 3| Fixed Assets Turnover| 4. 54| 2. 54| 6. 06| 4| Total Assets Turnover | 1. 36| 1. 47| 1. 91| 4| Length of Operating Cycle | 130. 98| 118. 69| 75. 38| 3| Profit|   | Gross Margin| 0. 39| 0. 37| 0. 29| 6| Return on Sales| 0. 06| 0. 07| 0. 06| 5| ROA| 0. 09| 0. 11| 0. 11| 5| ROE | 0. 34| 0. 22| 0. 25| 6| Both JWN and DDS maintained an efficient liquidity ratio which allowed them to cover their season al cash needs and to maintain appropriate levels of short term borrowings. DDS do not generate as much profit as JWN but it also has much lower leverage ratio than JWN.JWN has much higher debt to equity ratio than the industry average. However, its Time Interest Earned ratio is better than the industry. JWN’s activity ratio seems to be better than DDS, but below the industry average. JWN’s Beta is 1. 57 which theoretically indicates 57% more volatile than the market. DDS’s Beta is 2. 53 which is . 96 higher than JWN’s Beta and also means more volatile than the market. A beta of greater than  1 offers the possibility of a higher rate of return, but  also poses  more risk. In addition, JWN also has much higher dividend payout ratio and dividend yield than DDS.In general, JWN has higher rate of return and less volatile than DDS. JWN has higher dividend yield and lower dividend payout ratio than industry average. The growth and income pick pays an indus try-leading dividend yield of 1. 90%. Its ROE and Net profit margin are also higher than the industry average. Nordstrom clearly has a higher return than its competitor and is likely to be more profitable than its competitor and industry. In comparison with DDS and the industry average, it is apparent that there are no concerns with the accounting for the components of JWN ratios.JWN was consistently somewhat outperformed its competitor and the industry average. In its industry, JWN is apparently a leader in utilizing its capital to create value for the firm, creating profits, and increasing shareholder value IV. Growth in revenue and income Year| Revenue| Net income| 2011| $10,877| $683| 2010| $9,700| $613| 2009| $8,267| $441| 2008| $8,573| $401| 2007| $9,080| $715| 2006| $8,666| $678| Statistics|   | JWN| YoY growth in revenues | 2011| 12. 13%| YoY growth in net income| 2011| 11. 42%| YoY growth in revenues| 2010| 17. 33%| YoY growth in net income| 2010| 39. 00%|YoY growth in re venues| 2009| -3. 57%| YoY growth in net income| 2009| 9. 98%| YoY growth in revenues| 2008| -5. 58%| YoY growth in net income| 2008| -43. 92%| YoY growth in revenues| 2007| 4. 78%| YoY growth in net income| 2007| 5. 46%| YoY growth in revenues| (Average)| 12. 13%| YoY growth in net income| (Average)| 11. 42%| Nordstrom generates revenues from its credit segment, which consists of a wholly-owned federal savings bank that offers Nordstrom VISA credit and debit cards, and a private label card. Nordstrom also profits from its Faconnable boutiques located in France, Portugal, Belgium and the U.S. The remaining revenues are brought in by the retail store segment; the stores specialize in high quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories. Nordstrom also sells direct via the internet at www. nordstrom. com. JWN’s revenue for 2011 increased 12. 7% compared with 2010 driven by the strength of Nordstrom full-line stores, rapid growth in its online business and improving results a t Nordstrom Rack. JWN opened three Nordstrom full-line stores, eighteen Nordstrom Rack stores and one Treasure & bond store, relocated two Nordstrom Rack stores, and acquired HauteLook during the year 2011.These additions represented 4. 0% of its total revenue for 2011. Same-store sales increased 7. 2%, with increases of 8. 2% at Nordstrom and 3. 7% at Nordstrom Rack. Nordstrom’s revenue was in a range of $8 billion to 11 billion from 2007 to 2011. There was a slightly decrease or increase in revenue over 5 years period. Nordstrom’s net income was in a range of $401 mil to $715 mil. There is a significant decrease in 2007 net income. It went from $715 mil to $401 mil, which is approximately 44% decrease in net income.However, its net income increased dramatically in 2010, from $441 mil in 2009 to $613 mil in 2010, which is nearly 40% increase in net income. In order to predict an accurate forecast for Nordstrom’s Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, and Ba lance sheet, a sustainable growth rate is needed. After examining Nordstrom’s past performance and computing past growth rates on Nordstrom’s financial, Nordstrom has an average growth in revenue and net income 12. 13% and 11. 42% respectively. V. â€Å"G† Growth rate Risk free rate |   | 3. 10%| Market rate|   | 10. 00%| Beta|   | 1. 58|Rate of return| Rf + B(Rm-Rf)| 14. 00%| # of share outstanding|   | 208| EPS|   | 3. 15| P/E ratio|   | 17. 48| Book value per share|   | 9. 42| Equity| Book value/share x # of share| 1959| Forecasted Net Income| EPS x # of share | 655. 2| Required Income| Equity x rate of return| 274| Residual Income| Forecasted NI – Required income| 381| Market price per share| P/E ratio x EPS| 55| Market capital| market price x # of share| 11453| Unrecognized intangible value (UIV)| market capital – equity| 9494| Growth rate| [(UIV *rate of return)-residual income]/UIV| 10%| With a risk free rate of 3. 0%, market r ate of 10%, and JWN’s Beta 1. 58, Nordstrom has a rate of return of 14% and growth rate of 10%. The growth rate 10% is slightly lower than the forecasted growth rate 11. 42% in net income and 12. 13% in revenue, based on the its past 5 years financial information. With the growth rate of 10%, the discount rate 14% from CAPM model is high enough for Nordstrom. Without the growth rate, discount rate 14% is too low because the capital market and market price per share will be $4679 million and $22. JWN’s market capital and market price per share are actually $11,453 million and $55/ respectively.With growth rate of 10%, JWN will have 14% in rate of return. VI. Recommendation about stock After evaluating Nordstrom’s past performance and forecasted its future growth, there should be a â€Å"BUY† in Nordstrom stock. Nordstrom has established itself as a high-end apparel retailing company. Nordstrom has founded itself upon excellent customer service and an unmat ched reputation. Its main competitors are Saks, Dillard’s, and Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom’s accounting policies are moderate and very well disclosed; they leave no room for any potential red flags to be raised. Nordstrom’s transparent accounting olicies show that the managers have confidence in the firm and its ability to perform. No distortion is used in their statements proving the firms high integrity standards. Upon completion of Nordstrom’s ratio analysis it is apparent that there should be no concerns as to how Nordstrom compares to its competition. In most cases Nordstrom was either average or stood above the competition. There were very few cases where Nordstrom fell behind in its market. Nordstrom would grow at an average 10% percent per year. This is shown through increasing sales and expansion of new stores.Nordstrom has $10,877 million net revenue, $683 million net income, EPS $3. 15, and dividend $. 90/share in fiscal 2012. Nordstrom is expecte d to have $11,705 Million net revenue, $735 million net income, EPS $3. 48 and dividend $. 90 per share during fiscal year 2013. JWN recently acquired online private sale leader HauteLook Inc, which will help the company in building its multi-channel retail format. The acquisition will facilitate Nordstrom to increase its direct business capabilities, implement an enterprise-wide inventory management system, direct sales to online customers and enhance customer service.JWN’s operations are based on a variable cost business model and about 40% to 45% of selling, general and administrative expenses are variable in nature. This flexible cost structure not only helps the company to mitigate the impact of sluggish sales trends on margins, but also enables it to quickly capitalize on the emerging opportunities when market conditions recover. Consequently, Nordstrom can expect a steady improvement in profitability moving forward. Nordstrom has 8. 6% increase in same-store sales for the five week period ended March 31st 2012 compared with the five week period ended April 2nd 2012.Total retail sales of $1. 03 billion for March 2012 increased 14. 7% compared with total retail sales of $897 million for the same period in fiscal year 2011. In addition, Nordstrom has a 7. 1% increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended April 28th, 2012 compared with the four-week period ended April 30th, 2011. Preliminary total retail sales of $802 million for April 2012 increased 10. 5% compared with total retail sales of $726 million for the same period in fiscal 2011. First quarter same-store sales increased 8. 5% compared with the same period in fiscal 2011.First quarter total retail sales of $2. 53 billion increased 13. 7% compared with total retail sales of $2. 23 billion for the same period in fiscal 2011. In addition, JWN also invests 16. 4 million USD in Bonobos, an exclusive brand of men? s clothes that sells pants and other clothes online. Nordstrom will al so sell Bonobos products through its online store and through more than 100 brick and mortar stores. This move is one of Nordstrom? s efforts to capitalize on the growth opportunities and innovation potential that the web provides, which reflects a smart decision from a dynamic management team.