Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Coffee and Starbucks Essay

Attention Getter: You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you that a drug that creates the same signaling activity in the brain as cocaine is sold legally on almost every street corner across the nation. This is a fact however, and the drug is caffeine. It is one of the main ingredients in coffee, and is currently the most frequently used recreational drug in the world. Establish Credibility: I personally consider myself a coffee expert, and have been drinking at least one cup of coffee almost every morning for the last three years. Relate to the audience: Now, I know not every one of you drinks coffee but as you can tell by the multiple Dutch Bros, Starbucks, and other coffee shops around town it is a very big part of our culture today. Preview: Throughout the course of this speech, I will discuss three major points relating to coffee. First, I will give some information on the history of coffee and when it first came into human culture, followed by the positive health benefits and some of the negative health risks associated with coffee. [First of all, I’m going to talk a little bit about the historical side of coffee and how it first got popular in our culture. ] Body I. Main Point: To understand why coffee is such a big part of modern day society, we must first understand where it originated. A. Sub-point: Coffee was first cultivated on the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century. 1. Supporting details: Not only were the Arab’s the first to cultivate coffee, but they also were the first to trade coffee. 2. By the 16th century, the popularity of coffee was already expanding and Persia, Egypt, Syria and Turkey all had discovered about the amazing beverage. B. Sub-point: By the 17th century coffee was still gaining notoriety around the world, however it was still not a household favorite as it as today. 1. Supporting Details: Coffee houses started sprouting up everywhere in the 1700’s, however tea was still the most popular drink around. 2. In 1773 a heavy tax on tea was inflicted by King George, which led to a pretty famous revolt called The Boston Tea Party. 3. Since people couldn’t afford tea after the tax, coffee quickly took over as the most popular morning beverage across the world, and remains the most popular today. [Although coffee has been drank for hundreds of years, the majority of its health benefits have only recently been discovered in the last few decades. ] II. Main Point: The majority of people drink coffee just to get through each day, however it does have many positive benefits to your health. A. Sub-point: Within just the last few years alone there has been research done showing that coffee may protect against type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. 1. Supporting details: According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, liver cancer is the ninth leading cause of cancer and coffee has been shown to reduce risk of liver cancer by 40%. 2. Drinking coffee reduces the risk of diabetes as well, which is a common risk factor of liver cancer. B. Sub-point: One of the other medical uses of coffee is in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 1. Supporting details: The most common neurodegenerative disease and number 1 cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s. 2. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, however it has been shown that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting the disease. [You might be thinking coffee is a miracle drink after some of those statistics, however it also has many negative effects on health as well. ] III. Main Point: There are a great deal of health issues that can result from drinking coffee, with some of the most common being addiction, insomnia and increased blood pressure. A. Sub-point: As a college student, one of the last things you will ever want to experience is insomnia, but it is a regular side effect of coffee. 1. Supporting details: By blocking certain receptors in the brain, coffee prevents chemicals that induce sleep from being used. B. Sub-point: Another widely studied effect of coffee, specifically caffeine, is how addictive it is. 1. Supporting details: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and regular use will result in a physical dependence. 2. If a regular coffee drinker doesn’t have their daily cup, they will feel fatigued, irritable, and experience headaches within the first 24 hours. Conclusion 1. Transition Signal: In conclusion, coffee isn’t for everyone but if you do choose to consume it, you at least now know how it affects you. 2. Summary of Main Points: Throughout this speech we looked at how coffee first gained popularity in the human race, some of it’s positive health benefits as well as some of the negatives. 3. Call to Action: Even if you’ve never been a fan of coffee, try drinking a cup before your next study session and see if you still don’t like it. 4. Memorable end: Although it may be addicting and cause serious potential health problems, there must be something special about coffee considering over half of adults in the U. S. drink it daily. References: 1) â€Å"Coffee Acts Just like Cocaine, Says Scientist. † BeverageDaily. com. Beverage Daily, 02 Sept. 2002. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 2) Goldschein, Eric. â€Å"11 Incredible Facts About The Global Coffee Industry. † Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 14 Nov. 2011. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 3) Gunnars, Kris. â€Å"13 Proven Health Benefits of Coffee† Authority Nutrition. N. p. , n. d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 4) â€Å"The History Of Coffee. † – National Coffee Association. NCA, n. d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 5) Stromberg, Joseph. â€Å"This Is How Your Brain Becomes Addicted to Caffeine. † Smithsonian. N. p. , 9 Aug. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. 6) Van Dam, Rob. â€Å"Ask the Expert: Coffee and Health. † The Nutrition Source. Harvard School of Public Health, n. d. Web. 09 Nov. 2014. 7) Weber, Belinda. â€Å"Coffee Consumption Cuts Liver Cancer Risk. † Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 22 Oct. 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. .

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Principles of accounts Essay

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the persons who have been helpful towards the successful completion of this assignment. First and foremost I would like to thank Shadae Russell, Shakeyra Millington, Jonathon Butler and Ovasha Bartley for their support and assistance towards carrying out the research to complete this assignment. Secondly I want to thank my guardians for providing me with the suitable materials to finalize this assignment. I would also like to thank Mrs. K. Elliot for her assistance and guidance in completing this project. Last but certainly not least I would like to thank God for his extended mercies unto me. Introduction This assignment is about a business that started approximately three (3) years ago which is situated in a busy area that allows it to generate large amounts of money each day to carry out its operations. This assignment contains all the information about this Blanna’s Fashion Boutique business. The information which this assignment contains includes the financial records for the period ending September 30 2011. This assignment serves to keep track of all the money that goes inside the business bank account, all the cash which the business uses within visiting the business bank account, all the money that goes outside of the business bank account, all the money that came into the business by cash and not with the use of cheques and the purposes for each transaction. Therefore this assignment provides a clear understand of all the operations the business under goes on a day to day basis. Table of Contents Headings Page # Cover Page I Title PageII AcknowledgementIII Introduction IV Aim of the Project1 Description of Business Entity 2 Mission Statement 3 Logo and Slogan 4 Accounting Cycle 5 Accounting Information Journals 6-7 Cash Book 8 Ledgers 9-13 Trial Balance 14 Stock Valuation 15-19 Trading, Profit and Loss and Appropriation A/c 20-21 Balance Sheet 22 Bank Reconciliation Statement 23 Accounting Ratios 24-25 Performance of the Business 26 Comparisons 27 Recommendations and Suggestions 28 Conclusion 29 Appendix Price list (showing mark up %) 30 Diagrams Charts and Graphs Pictures Invoices, Cheques, Receipts etc References Aim of the Project The aim of this project is: To arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the financial sector of businesses. To highlight the strength and the weaknesses of the Blanna’s Fashion Boutique business. To present the financial records for the year ended September 30, 2011 for Blanna’s Fashion Boutique business. Description of Business Entity Blanna’s Fashion Boutique is a partnership. This business is owned and operated by Anna Kay Blake, Shadae Russell and Ovasha Bartley a Group of ambitious young ladies. Our main aim is to make a profit while catering for the needs of the community which it is situated in. Blanna’s Fashion Boutique is situated in Montego Bay at the Blue diamond plaza 10 Pearl Street. This business has been in existence since June 20, 2008. We employ approximately fifteen (15) workers. We cater for the petite to the full figured women. We produce a wide variety of slippers, pants, skirts, handbags and accessories. Prices are always lower than that of our competitors. In cases of fashion emergencies you can call us at (1876) 3553980/4275646 or email us at Blanna’s_EmergencyStop5@yahoo. com. The mission of Blanna’s Fashion Boutique is to: Provide the latest fashion for all females Provide goods and services at a reasonable cost Ensure that the quality of our goods meets the standards of our business. Ensure that whatever the business do doesn’t affect the environment negatively. Provide employment for members of the community Provide sponsors to underprivileged children Logo and Slogan Logo Slogan With passion we send out the latest fashion Accounting Cycle General Journal Date Details Folio Debit Credit September 1 Bank CB01 364000 Cash CB01 27160 Debtor (J. Simpson) SL01 31600 Motor Van GL02 62840 Building GL03 100000 Stock 24960 Creditor (Super Supreme) PL01 10560 Capital GL01 600000 Opening entries 610560 610560 Purchase journalPage 01 Date Details Folio Amount 1-Sep Super Supreme International PL01 237,040 27-Sep Super Supreme International PL01 57,960 Sep 30 Total credit purchases to be transferred to the purchases account in the general ledger GL02 295,000 SALES JOURNAL Date Details Folio Amount 5-Sep J. Simpson SL01 57000 13-Sep B. Banton SL03 78,550 20-Sep N. Kidman SL02 104,400 Sep 30 Total credit sales to be transferred to the sales account in the general ledger GL13 239,950 RETURN OUTWARDS JOURNAL Date Details Folio Amount 9-Sep Super Supreme International PL01 13,600 Sep 30 Total return outwards to be transferred to the return outwards account in the general ledger GL16 13,600 Return Inwards Day Book Date Details Folio Amount 24-Sep B. Banton SL03 16,800 30-Sep N. Kidman SL02 9,600 Sep 30 Total goods returned to us to be transferred to the return inwards account in the general ledger GL15 26,400 Cash Book Date Details Folio Discount Allowed Cash Bank Date Details Folio Discount Received Cash Bank September 1 Balance b/d GJ01 27,160 364,000 September 1 Machinery GL3 48,000 September 2 Bank C 50,000 2 Cash C 50,000 3 Sales GL13 59,350 3 Rent GL4 30,000 7 Sales GL13 37,750 6 Fixtures GL5 65,000 18 J. Simpson SJ01 12,000 45,000 8 Wages GL12 10,000 29 B. Banton SJ03 6,175 55,575 11 Insurance GL6 6,100 30 Sales GL13 120,540 11 Electricity GL7 3,300 11 Rates GL8 2,600 15 Super Supreme International PL01 7,500 142,500 15 Wages GL12 10,000 16 Drawings GL10 6,200 19 Furniture GL11 3,600 22 Wages GL12 10,000 29 Wages GL12 10,000 30 Balance c/d 123,075 239,000 18,175 350,375 409,000 7,500 350,375 409,000 General Ledger Date Details Folio Amount Date Details Folio Amount Capital A/C Page 01 September 31 Balance c/d 600,000 September 1 Balance b/d GJ01 600,000 October 1 Balance b/d 600,000 Motor Van A/C Page 02 September 1 Balance b/d GJ12 62,840 September 30 Balance c/d 62,840 October 1 Balance b/d 62,840 Buildings A/C Page 03 September 1 Balance b/d GJ01 100,000 September 30 Balance c/d 100,000 October 1 Balance b/d 100,000 Machinery A/C September 1 Bank CB01 48,000 September 31 Balance c/d 48,000 October 1 Balance b/d 48,000 Rent A/C September 3 Bank CB01 30,000 September 30 Profit & Loss 30,000 Fixtures A/C September 6 Cash CB01 65,000 September 31 Balance c/d 65,000 October 1 Bal b/d 65,000 Insurance A/C September 11 Bank CB01 6,100 September 30 Profit & Loss 6,100 Electricity A/C September 11 Bank CB01 3,300 September 30 Profit & Loss 5,500 30 Accruals c/d 1,200 5,500 5,500 October 1 Accruals b/d 1200 Rates September 11 Bank CB01 2,600 September 30 Profit & Loss 2,600 Drawings September 16 Cash CB01 6,200 September 30 Balance c/d 6,200 September 30 Balance b/d 6,200 Furniture September 19 Cash CB01 3,600 September 30 Balance c/d 3,600 October 1 Balance b/d 3,600 Wages September 8 Bank C01 10,000 September 31 Profit & Loss 40,000 15 Cash C01 10,000 22 Bank C01 10,000 29 Bank C01 10,000 40,000 40,000 Sales September 30 Trading Account 457,590 September 3 Cash CB01 59,350 September 7 Cash CB01 37,750 September 30 Cash CB01 120,540 September 30 Total Credit Sales SJ01 239,950 457,590 457,590 Purchases September 31 Total Credit Purchases PJ01 295,000 September 31 Trading Account 295,000 Return Inwards September 31 Total for month RI01 26,400 September 31 Trading Account 26,400 Return Outwards September 31 Trading Account RO01 13,600 September 31 Total for month 13,600 Discount Allowed September 30 Total Discount Given to customers 18,175 September 30 P & L 18,175 Discount Received September 30 P & L 7,500 September 11 Super Supreme International 7,500 Purchases Ledger Super Supreme International September 9 Return Outwards RO01 13,600 September 1 Balance b/d GJ01 10,560 15 Bank CB01 142,500 1 Purchases PJ01 237,040 15 Discount Received CB01 7,500 27 Purchases PJ01 57,960 30 Balance c/d 141,960 305,560 305,560 October 1 Balance b/d 141,960 Sales Ledger J. Simpson September 1 Balance b/d 31,600 September 18 Discount Allowed CB01 12,000 September 5 Sales SJ01 57,000 September 18 Bank CB01 45000 September 30 Balance c/d 31,600 88,600 88,600 October 1 Balance b/d 31,600 N. Kidman September 20 Sales SJ01 104,400 September 30 Return Inwards RI01 9,600 September 30 Balance c/d 94,800 104,400 104,400 October 1 Balance b/d 94,800 B. Banton September 13 Sales SJ01 78,550 September 24 Return Inwards RI01 16,800 September 29 Discount Allowed CB01 6,175 29 Cash CB01 55,575 78,550 78,550 Trial Balance Blanna’s Fashion Boutique Trial Balance as at September 30, 2011 Details Debit $ Credit $ Capital 600,000 Motor Van Buildings 100,000 Machinery 48,000 Stock 24,960 Rent 30,000 Fixtures 65,000 Sales 457,590 Purchases 295,000 Cash 123,075 Bank 239,000 Wages 40,000 Return Outwards 13,600 Super Supreme International 141,960 Electricity 3,300 Insurance 6,100 Rates 2,600 Furniture 3,600 Drawings 6,200 Return Inwards 26,400 N. Kidman 94,800 J. Simpson 31,600 Discount Received 7,500 Discount Allowed 18,175 1,220,650 1,220,650 Stock Valuation (A) Pants Date Received Issued Balance Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount 1-Sep 12 900 10,800 1-Sep 96 1,000 96,000 12 96 900 1,000 10,800 96,000 3-Sep 12 12 900 1,000 10,800 12,000 84 1,000 84,000 5-Sep 12 1,000 12,000 72 1,000 72,000 13-Sep 24 1,000 24,000 48 1,000 48,000 20-Sep 24 1,000 24,000 24 1,000 24,000 27-Sep 36 1,100 39,600 24 36 1,000 1,100 24,000 39,600 30-Sep 24 12 1,000 1,100 24,000 13,200 24 1,100 26,400 (B) Blouse Date Received Issued Balance Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount 1-Sep 12 400 4,800 1-Sep 96 440 42,240 12 96 400 440 4,800 42,240 5-Sep 12 12 400 440 4,800 5,280 84 440 36,960 13-Sep 24 440 10,560 60 440 26,400 20-Sep 36 440 15,840 24 440 10,560 30-Sep 12 440 5,280 12 440 5,280 (C ) Handbag Date Received Issued Balance Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount 1-Sep 4 1,600 6400 4 1,600 6,400 3-Sep 1 1,600 1,600 3 1,600 4,800 7-Sep 1 1,600 1,600 2 1,600 3,200 13-Sep 1 1,600 1,600 1 1,600 1,600 27-Sep 4 1,650 6,600 1 4 1,600 1,650 1,600 6,600 30-Sep 1 3 1,600 1,650 1,600 4,950 1 1,650 1,650 (D ) Skirts Date Received Issued Balance Quantity Unit Cost Amount Quantity Unit Cost Amount Quantity Unit Cost Amount 1-Sep 12 780 9,360 1-Sep 60 820 49,200 12 60 780 820 9,360 49,200 3-Sep 12 780 9,360 60 820 49,200 7-Sep 12 820 9,840 48 820 39,360 13-Sep 12 820 9,840 36 820 29,520 30-Sep 24 820 19,680 12 820 9,840 (E) Slipper Date Received Issued Balance Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount Quantity Unit Price Amount 1-Sep 48 900 43,200 48 900 43,200 5-Sep 12 900 10,800 36 900 32,400 7-Sep 12 900 10,800 24 900 21,600 20-Sep 24 900 21,600 27-Sep 12 980 11,760 12 980 11,760 Trading, Profit and Loss and Appropriation Account Blanna’s Fashion Boutique Trading Profit & Loss Account for the year ended September 30, 2011 $ $ $ Sales 457,590 Less Return Inwards (26,400) Net Sales 431,190 Less Cost of Goods Sold: Opening Stock 24,960 Purchases 95,000 Less Return Outwards (13,600) Net Purchases 281,400 Cost of Goods Available 306,360 Less Closing Stock (54,930) 251,430 Gross Profit 179,760 Add Revenues Discount Received 7,500 187,260 Less Expenses Wages 40,000 Rent 30,000 Electricity 4,500 Insurance 5,100 Rates 2,600 Depreciation 400 Discount Allowed 18,175 100,775 86,485 Net Profit Add interest on Drawings: Shadae 620 Less: 85,865 Interest on capital Anna kay 12,500 Shadae 7500 Ovasha 10,000 30,000 Salary: Anna kay 12,000 42,000 43,865 Share of Profit: Anna kay 18,277. 08 Shadae 10966. 25 Ovasha14,621. 67 43,865 Balance Sheet Blanna’s Fashion Boutique Balance Sheet as at September 30, 2011 Fixed Assets Cost Accumulated Depreciation NBV Buildings 100000 100,000 Fixtures 65000 65,000 Machinery 48000 400 47,600 Furniture 3600 3,600 Motor Car 62840 62,840 400 279,040 Current Assets Stock 54,930 Debtors 126,400 Prepayment 1,000 Bank 239,000 Cash 123,075 544,405 Less Current Liabilities Creditors 141960 Accruals 1,200 143160 Working Capital 401,245 680,285 Financed by: Capital 600,000 Net Profit 86,485 686,485 Less Drawings 6,200 680,285 Bank Reconciliation Statement Updated Cash Book Balance b/d 239,000 Bank Charges 65 Credit Transfer 4200 Standing Order 15000 Balance c/d 228,135 243200 243200 Bank Reconciliation Statement as at September 30, 2011 Balance as per Bank Statement 222,535 Add Late Lodgments 45,000 267,535 Less Unpresented Cheque 39,400 Balance as per Cash Book 228,135 Accounting Ratios Inventory Turnover Ratio- Cost of Goods sold Average Inventory/2 =244,470 24960+61890/2 =5. 62 Current Ratio- Current assets Current Liabilities =551365 143160 =3. 85 Gross profit as a percentage of sales- Gross profit x 100 Sales =179,760 x 100 457590 = 39. 28% For every sale of $100 the business earns $39. 28 as gross profit. Net profit Ratio- Net profit / Net sales x l00 =86,485 / 431,190 x 100 =20. 06% For every sale of $100 the business earns $20. 06 as net profit. Acid Test Ratio- Current Assets- Stock Current liabilities = 544,405 – 54,930 143160 =3. 42 Performance of the Business In preparing the financial statements of Blanna’s Fashion Boutique the Trading, profit and loss and appropriation account shows a profit of eighty six thousand four hundred and eighty five thousand dollar (86,485) at the end of the financial period of September 30,2011. The business started out with six hundred thousand dollar. In the closing of the financial period of Blanna’s Fashion Boutique there was an increase in the amount of capital that the business has. The business made a gross profit of one hundred and seventy nine seven hundred and sixty dollars (179,760) instead of making a gross loss. Comparisons The comparison is being done between the opening capital and the closing capital for Blanna’s Fashion Boutique, at the end of the financial period. At the beginning of the financial year the opening capital was six hundred thousand dollar (600,000). At the end of the financial period the closing capital is six hundred and eighty thousand two hundred and eighty five dollar (680,285) which means there is an increase of eighty thousand two hundred and eighty five dollar (80,285). Another comparison is being done between the fixed assets of the business and the current assets. The fixed asset of the business is two hundred and seventy nine thousand and forty dollar (279,040) while the current asset is five hundred and forty four thousand four hundred and five dollars (544,405). This means that the amount of money that the business spend of items that stays in the business with no intention of selling it is lesser than the amount of money that the business spend on assets that will allow the business to generate a profit. Recommendations and Suggestions It is recommended that Blanna’s Fashion Boutique: Ploughed back a portion of the profit that the business makes into it. Introduces new products to the business. Purchase new equipment for the business Uses some of the profit that the business makes to attach another department on to the business. It is suggested that Blanna’s Fashion Boutique should: Purchase cheaper equipments to use in the business. This will increase the amount of money available in the business. Offer more sale discounts this will force more customers to purchase from Blanna’s Fashion Boutique. Conclusion It is clear that Blanna’s Fashion Boutique keeps all the records of the transactions that take place in the business over the financial period of time. Blanna’s Fashion Boutique could increase the gross profit and net profit of the business by adhering to the suggestions or recommendations outlined. Never the less Blanna’s Fashion Boutique made a good net profit of eighty six thousand four hundred and eighty five dollars (86,485) during the month of September in 2011. Blanna’s Fashion Boutique was able to make a profit due to the large amount of sales the business made. Price list Goods Price Pants $ Blouse $ Handbags $ Skirts $ Slippers $ INVOICE Debit note Principles of Accounts School Based Assessment (2012-2013) You are required to name the firm and state the nature of the business. This must be in accordance with the items sold*. After the initial accounting entries (Tasks 1 -3) have been completed you will then record the additional adjusting entries as set out at Tasks 4 and 5. You may choose goods from the following list for the transactions. * Computer Store Clothes and Accessories Store A Keyboard Pants (guess) B Mouse Blouse (guess) C Printer Hand bags (guess) D Surge Protector Skirts (guess) E Speakers Slippers (guess) ABC Enterprise (Remember that you are to rename the firm) The following transactions were taken from the books of ABC Enterprise. You are required to asses them carefully then write up the relevant books as outlined in the requirements below: 2011 Sept 1Opening Balances Capital$600, 000 Bank$364, 000 Cash$ 27, 160 Debtor (J Simpson)$ 31, 600 Creditor (Super Supreme International)$ 10, 560 Motor Van$ 62, 840 Building$100, 000 Stock 1doz A$ 10,800 1doz B $ 4,800 1doz D$ 9,360 Sept 1Bought goods on credit from Super Supreme International. 8 doz A @ $1,000 each 8 doz B @ $440 each 4 boxes C @ $1,600 each 5 doz D @ $820 each 4 doz E @ $900 each Sept 1Bought Machinery by cheque $48, 000. Sept 2Withdrew $50, 000 cash from the bank account to be used in the business. Sept 3Cash Sales 2 doz A @ $1, 650 each 1 box C @ $2, 950 each 1 doz D @ $1, 400 each Sept 3 Paid rent by cheque $30, 000. Sept 5 sold goods on credit to J. Simpson. 1 doz A @ $1, 650 each 2 doz B @ $800 each 1 doz E @ $1, 500 each Sept 6 Bought fixtures with cash $65, 000. Sept 7 Cash Sales 1 box C @ $2, 950 each 1 doz D @ $1, 400 each 1 doz E @ $1, 500 each Sept 8Paid wages $10, 000 by cheque. Sept 9Returned goods to Super Supreme International as items were damaged. 1 doz A 1 box C Sept 11Paid the following expenses by cheque: Insurance $6,100, Electricity $3,300 and Rates $2,600. Sept 13Sold goods on credit to B. Banton: 2 doz A @ $1, 650 each 2 doz B @ $ 800 each 1 box C @ $2, 950 each 1 doz D @ $1, 400 each Sept 15Made payment to Super Supreme International by cash $150, 000, received a 5% cash discount. Sept 15Paid wages with cash $10, 000 Sept 16Owner withdrew $6,200 cash to fix his personal motor car. Sept 18Collected Cheque from J. Simpson for goods sold on Sept 5th 2011, $45, 000. Sept 19Bought furniture $3,600 with cash from Courts Ja. Ltd. Sept 20Sold goods on credit to N. Kidman 2 doz A @ $1, 650 each 3 doz B @ $ 800 each 2 doz E @ $1, 500 each Sept 22Paid wages with cheque $10, 000. Sept 241 doz D returned to us by B. Banton as they were the wrong size. Sept 27Bought goods on credit from Super Supreme International. 3 doz A @ $ 1,100 each 4 boxes C @ $1, 650 each 1 doz E @ $ 980 each Sept 29B. Banton settled his account less 10% cash discount. He paid with cash. Sept 29 Paid wages $10,000 by cheque. Sept 30 Received goods from N. Kidman: 1 doz B Sept 30Cash Sales 3 doz A @ $1, 815 each 1 doz B @ $ 800 each 4 boxes C @ $3, 000 each 2 doz D @ $1, 400 each Task 1 Write up ALL Subsidiary Books and then post the transactions to the ledgers. Please ensure that you distinguish between, General Ledger, Sales Ledger and Purchases Ledger. Show the opening entries in the General Journal at September 1, 2011. Task 2 Prepare ABC Enterprise Trial Balance as at September 30, 2011 Task 3 Using the FIFO method of stock valuation, determine the closing stock. Task 4 Design a logo and slogan for your business and provide the relevant information on the business entity Prepare ABC Enterprise Trading, Profit and Loss Account for the month ending September 30, 2011 and a Balance Sheet as at that date, after taking into account the following: a) Insurance expense was paid in advance, $1000. b) Electricity was outstanding by $1, 200 c) Machinery is to be depreciated at 10 % annually using the straight line method (show the depreciation for the month). Show adjustment to the above information in the ledgers. Task 5 Prepare the Bank Reconciliation Statement using the Bank Statement below Bank Statement DR CR Balance $ $ $ Sept 1 Balance 364 000 Sept 1 Burke’s (Machinery) 48 000 316 000 Sept 2 SNPN Ltd (Cash) 50 000 266 000 Sept 8 Wages 10 000 256 000 Sept 11 NWC (Rates) 2 600 253 400 Sept 20 Wages 10 000 243 400 Sept 24 Credit transfer (Q Smith) 4 200 247 600 Sept 29 Wages

Monday, July 29, 2019

My Career Path within S-chem Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My Career Path within S-chem Company - Essay Example The s-chem company is popularly known as Chevron Phillips chemical company LLC. It’s located in the Eastern region of Saudia Arabia. The company composes of two joint venture projects with the Saudia industrial investment group. The combination of the two is what made the formation and the name s-chem. The company’s first investment commenced operation in 1999 December being a production of benzene. The s-chem company employs over 4,700 professionals at manufacturing sites, operational and mechanical sites, and research or technology centers around the world. Although people can get jobs as a trainee research scientist in the industry with a good first degree, it may be advisable to study for a doctorate as promotion within research for those who want a long term career in the company. There are a lot of opportunities I have seen posted in the company’s website that correspond with my career such as, operation trainer, mechanical director and manufacturing supervisor. The salary range is very pleasing and the company as a policy of providing employs with accommodation for a period of 3 months before you settle on your own account. But due to high exportations there is a lot of relocation in which the company carters for accommodation expense. To get promotions, instead of focusing on one or the other the s-chem lets you combine both ends of the spectrum (Molinaro, 2001). They value diversity and lively exchange of opinions and ideas; this has built my passion for working hard as a student to get a chance in the s-chem company. Working overseas depends with on the nature of the job and how imminent it is (Garner, 1993). According to their policy mechanical directors or supervisors have a lot of responsibilities in relation to working overseas with a huge pay when you are off the desk. Graduating my course and advancing in my studies gives me a better position to earn the trust

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The international debt crisis-causes, consequences, and remedies Research Paper

The international debt crisis-causes, consequences, and remedies - Research Paper Example A nation usually runs a surplus in the capital account when it runs a current account deficit. A capital account surplus is an inflow of the foreign capita; in the nation which is often advantageous to a country. The main question that is posted by critiques is where these monies go and their role in the growth and development of the economies. If it is used for consumption, it will not have any injections and therefore more debts. It will be more stress to the country as opposed to when it is invested. It is unarguable that debt crisis is a challenge to a number of countries across the globe. In a number of economies, the crisis started during the mid-1970s when a number of the Organizations of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) managed to amass wealth and banks were willing to lend billions of dollars. A number of developing economies borrowed huge sums of money at floating and low interest rates. Due to the irresponsibility of the debtor governments and the creditors, the money borrowed was not used in the productive purposes, i.e. investment; rather it was used for immediate consumption. Consequently, these countries could not generate enough finances to repay the loans. The incidences of adjustable interest loans increased during Reagan’s administration in the United States to reduce inflation through the enforcement of stringent rules. (Madura, 2012) During this time, the prices of the raw materials collapsed, meaning that a number of poor countries did not have enou gh money to repay the debts. Most developing countries failed to pay their debts and have heavily relied on the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. There was however a condition those countries were to adopt economic structural adjustments. The government of the affected countries was forced to cut costs on education, health, and other social services to be able to repay the debts. In Latin America, the per capita of most countries plummeted, the GDP stagnated and

Birthday Story of Private John G. Burnett Assignment

Birthday Story of Private John G. Burnett - Assignment Example In May 1838, federal army troops under the command of General Winfield Scott began arresting the Cherokee and moving them in the stockade until they could be removed west. In this exodus, he even lost his wife, who succumbed to pneumonia after giving out her only blanket to a child (Byers 8). Party politics in a big way contributed to the removal. The U.S. government formally adopted a removal policy, carried out in the 1830a when President Andrew Jackson, from Tennessee, who was a forceful proponent of Indian removal. President Jackson began aggressively to implement a broad policy of extinguishing Indian land titles and relocating the Indian population. Out of altruism, the troops treated the tribe members so unkindly, and the roundup was very cruel. Families were separated; the elderly and the ill were forced out at gunpoint and herded into forts with minimal facilities and food, something which resulted in many deaths of the Cherokees (Byers

Saturday, July 27, 2019

United States History, World War II through 1970s Essay

United States History, World War II through 1970s - Essay Example Nearly all continents of the world were involved in this war either direct or indirect. However, this war largely involved countries that had seen a rapid growth in their economy. The war involved two extreme sides, the allies, and the axis. The axes were the original inventor of this war while the axis joined this war to protect their interest, which was under threat from the axis. The United States was involved in this war at later stages. Initially, United States was hesitant to join the war due to its foreign policy (Willmott, H et al, 2009). America only joined this war when its interest was threatened in eastern Asia. The impacts of this war continue to be felt today. However, the impact was prominent in the period from 1945 to the 1970’s. This paper seeks to discuss the United States history after world war two through the 1970’s. There were major turning points that happened after world war two through the 1970’s. The war led to a significant assemblage o f American resources more than seen before in American history. Additionally, there was revival of major industries, and agricultural productivity improved significantly. America was able to overcome the challenges of the Great Depression that took place in the 1930’s and became one of the most powerful economies in the world. Then level of management of American economy improved greatly. Roosevelt administration focused on weapon manufacture rather than production of consumer goods. The War Production Board facilitated this level of production. Mostly, war weapons were produced such as tanks, airplanes, and tires meant for war. Major technological advances resulted due to the influence of World War II. The major historical turning points had impacts on America’s current society, economy, politics, and culture. They for a long time changed the spirit of America politically, socially, culturally, and of more importance economically. America during this period aim was to avoid war at all cost although it had military prowess. However, as various resources were mobilized at all levels, America economy grew tremendously. Consequently, America became one of the richest nations in the world and a major superpower (Willmott et al, 2009). Consumer good increased in the market at an alarming rate and hence America was able to conquer the world. Due to industrial expansion, America developed technologically and was able to land in space in the 1960’s (Willmott et al, 2009). America also developed complicated military weapons and this led it to be involved in military intervention in the world such as Vietnam War (Williams, 2004). In politics, various laws were put into place to allow for all people participation especially the women. Moreover, there was significant cultural transformation as America engaged in sports, music, and entertainment to show its prowess especially due to Cold War influence (Willmott et al, 2009). The rise of industries also led to constant migration of workers, and an increase in population in industrial areas. Americans had myriad reasons of not wanting to be engaged in European conflict that culminated in World War II in the late 1930’s. Initially, World War II did not affect America in any way. This led to lack of support of majority of the citizens. America entrance into the war gained public support after attack on Pearl Harbor (Williams, 2004). Additionally, America was recovering from the effects of depression that took place in 1930. Therefore, America did not want to involve itself with activities that would disrupt its economic growth. Furthermore, America wanted to protect the market for its industrial good. Europe provided a large base for its manufactured good, hence wanted to remain neutral (Williams, 2004). Women played

Friday, July 26, 2019

Designing an Evaluation Method Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Designing an Evaluation Method - Assignment Example To determine what practices are used by long term facility to prevent ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). To develop an educational module for nurses on ventilator bundle for prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) To review and update the existing ventilator bundle protocol for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in long term care. To determine a long term approach that is sustainable for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention in long term care The overall goal of my Practicum Project The overall goal of my practicum report is geared towards the prevention of pneumonia that is associated with ventilator (VAP) using the ventilator bundle in long term care. My practicum report seeks to determine the practices that are used by the facility in preventing ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). At the end of the practicum, I will be able to achieve all my mentioned objectives and goals. With my overall goal as the basis of my practi cum project, I will put my focus in identifying and determining mechanism that can be used by long term facilities to prevent ventilator associated pneumonia. ... The resulting outcome being solely as a result of the practicum report The effect created by the practicum The evidence that the practicum actually works Evidences of improved prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia Determination of success and the benchmarks of the elements of evidence The success of the practicum outcome will be determined using the set benchmarks of the practicum. The success of the practicum therefore will be ascertained when the practicum’s set objectives are met. The practicum project has an overall goal of that is geared towards the prevention of pneumonia that is associated with ventilator (VAP) using the ventilator bundle in long term care. When this is achieved, I will be confident to pronounce success of the practicum. In addition, other benchmarks of the elements of evidence may include: achievement of the set objectives within the specified length of time; the achievement of the intended impact of the practicum; improved general health and q uality of life among the patients with ventilator associated pneumonia; improved lifestyle and disease management; and retained attitude, behavior and knowledge of the patients with the condition (ventilator associated pneumonia). Application of evaluation methods and the needed resources During the practicum evaluation, I will use various methods of evaluation to ensure success is achieved. The methods of evaluation that I will apply include process evaluation, impact evaluation and outcome evaluation. This will ensure that the practicum is evaluated in terms of the quality of practice, needed resources, policies, and personnel; short term outcomes of the practicum; and long term outcomes respectively. The

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Cancer pain in end of life cancer patients Research Paper

Cancer pain in end of life cancer patients - Research Paper Example The article has prepared a step by step, scientific methodology for pain assessment and intervention strategies and based on this methodology, has thoroughly examined the case and provided care as the multidisciplinary team went on recording and analyzing the interventions as well. The study has utilized a standardized scale to assess pain, used four basic approaches to pain relief that includes, â€Å"modify the source(s) of pain(s)(,) alter the central perception of pain(,) modulate transmission of pain to the central nervous system(,) (and) block transmission of pain to the central nervous system (Ferrel, Levy and Paice, 2008, p.575-577). It has also made use of approved methods of pharmacological management of pain including co-analgesic therapy (Ferrel, Levy and Paice, 2008, p.577). ... 2. Fayers, P.M., Hjermstad, M.J., Klepstad, P., Loge, J.H., Caraceni, A., Hanks, G.W. ...Kaasa, S. (2011), The dimensionality of pain: Palliative care and chronic pain patients differ in their reports of pain intensity and pain interference, Pain, 152 (7), 1608-20. This article has drawn attention to the importance of accurate assessment of pain in palliative care (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). This is observed in the context that different chronic pain patients report the intensity of pain in different degrees (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). This study has made use of quantitative methodology to assess pain in chronic pain patients and carried out a questionnaire survey of a sample of such patients. By carrying out a psychometric analysis of the data collected, this article has provided statistical information based on which, two main dimensions of pain have been identified, namely, â€Å"intensity and interference† (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). It is inferred that in order t o have a â€Å"higher-level summary measure of patient's pain experience†, the two dimensions, intensity and interference both have to be assessed in a distinct manner (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). Though this article does not directly deals with the proposed change put forth by this researcher, it provides crucial information on the nature and factor influencing reported pain in palliative patients. Yet, this article does not provide information on morbidity, mortality, and rate of incidence or rate of occurrence in the general population, of this problem. 3. Kumar, S.P. (2011), Reporting characteristics of cancer pain: A systematic review and quantitative analysis of research publications in palliative care journals,

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Art anaylsis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Art anaylsis - Essay Example On research, it is evident that the STEN in STEN MK. V submachine gun is an acronym from the names of the chief designers of the weapon namely Shepherd, Turpin and Enfield. The submachine was produced in several basic marks i.e. mark I, mark II mark III and the initials MK were used for the term mark. The drawing is small, measuring 44 by 33 inches, yet immensely powerful. Though its dimensions may be small, the art work is immensely powerful. In simple terms, the smaller the submachine, the higher is its efficiency and effectiveness. The fire arm is small and yet it is extremely powerful. The STEN was used exceptionally extensively throughout World War II and in the Korean War by the British and commonwealth forces. This background information makes the inscriptions â€Å"God Bless America† on the drawings stock very full of meaning, hence extremely powerful. The aspect of its sight of the submachine on the globe is additive in a symbolic way. The artist used an acrylic, a pl astic polymer pigment which is used with water and dries extremely quickly, on a canvas ground. The canvas has the ability to reflect light. The use of acrylic on canvas gives the drawing exceptionally impressive and distinctive detail and a rich visual sensation. The artist also blends closely related colors in, but the blue color comes out as giving the globe a feeling of calmness. The message seems to be that a STEN Submachine can restore calm in the globe. The artwork has the flag of the United States of America embedded on it and these may be used to mean that the machine is heavily used in America to shed blood, and it is only through the blessing of God that the country will be saved. On the background, closely related colors are also blended making the submachine appear as if it is placed on the entrance of a cave. It also appears that there is light radiating from the background. This gives the submachine a highly symbolic meaning; one feels that the artist meant a gun is a protective instrument. The light that radiates from the back is a symbol of hope, that if a person has a gun they can have hope they are or will be safe. The dominant message that comes out in this work is the correlation between a gun and safety. To enhance the subject matter, a map of the world has been painted and then gun pointed at it, and it is specifically pointed at the United States of America. This is to show that the machine has been used globally and more so in the United States of America. In the map of the world, the United States is painted as one which is torn apart and full of blood. This is to show that regardless of its small size, the machine is able to shed blood in a whole country. During World War II, Britain and the commonwealth countries relied on the United States for supply of guns as it had entered the war without an adequate submachine gun of its own. So, Britain and the commonwealth countries purchased large numbers of Thompson submachine guns from the United States. American factories at the time were operating at peacetime levels, and as such were not able to meet demand for the weapon by Britain. The British army was then defeated at the continent and the Dunkirk Evacuation because of shortage of weapons with which to defend Britain. Thus, a drastic action had to be taken as there were no sufficient numbers of Thompsons submachine guns available. Thus, a shortage in supply led to the invention of the STEN gun so the machine was hastily created. Its

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Philosophy-Great Works of Western Philosophy Essay

Philosophy-Great Works of Western Philosophy - Essay Example Euthyphro features a logical argumentation on the notion of piety between Socrates and Euthyphro, a self-proclaimed religious expert. The situation of the dialogue is based on Euthyphro’s ensuing prosecution of his own father for the charge of murder. The argumentation in the Euthyphro is largely based on the topic’s ‘definition by division’ in order to come to a mutual understanding as well as a more distinct definition of piety. Euthyphro’s notion of piety is derived from his certain knowledge of the gods - what they love and what they don’t. Throughout the dialogue, Socrates positions himself as the ignorant student of Euthyphro eager to understand the profound meaning of piety. At the beginning of the dialogue, Socrates criticizes Euthyphro’s definition of piety claiming that piety is what is pleasing to the gods. The difference between piousness and impiousness as argued by Euthyphro claims that This argument is not free of ambiguity. Difference of opinions among the gods on the same things can create a situation under which the same things would be both pious and impious, which is a logically impossible condition. What is characteristically unique about the dialogue of Plato’s Euthyphro is that Socrates uses the technique of analogy in order to explain the definitions made by Euthyphro. The analogies are used by Socrates in his effort to make himself clear while questioning Euthyphro with regard to the doubts about Euthyphro’s definitions of piety. Above all, Socrates, by means of the expounding argumentation, wishes to come to a universally true answer about the definition of piety. The definition of piety, in order to be considered universally true, logically requires to include the essence of the term. As mentioned earlier, Socrates rejects Euthyphro’s religious definition of piety arguing that disputes among the gods on the piousness and

Monday, July 22, 2019

New Emission Standards Essay Example for Free

New Emission Standards Essay One of the growing Threats to Harley Davidson’s reign of dominance in US markets has been a growing awareness of the environment. In response to this, the bar for emission standards is continuously raised. In 2010 model year or newer motorcycles emission standards for both HC + NOx were reduced from 1.4 prior to 2010 to just 0.8 after 2010 (US Government Printing Office. 2013). For at least 5 years now, there have been rumors circulating that Harley Davidson would abandon the traditional air cooled designs in favor of a new liquid cooled lineup in response to ever growing emission standards (Huze. 2011). If emission control standards continue to tighten, Harley Davidson may be forced to do exactly that. Procurement of Raw Materials Historically, Harley Davidson has relied on limited number of suppliers for raw materials to provide the components used in its manufacturing plants. In some cases, the entire company’s business is dependent on just one supplier to deliver certain raw materials in time. The lack of versatility in this area means that rising input costs could lead to capacity issues in the long run. Additionally, increasing costs for commodities could lead to capacity constraints, ultimately leading to lower production (Harley Davidson, Inc. 2012). Competitive Landscape Currently, Harley Davidson holds 56% of the market share for heavyweight motorcycles, defined as those motorcycles that displace more than 650cc. To some this may be an impenetrable advantage in the market, to other, a source of vulnerability (Taylor III, 2012). For years, Harley has been the undisputed king of the â€Å"bad boys†, but in recent years up and coming companies such as Polaris are trying to muscle in to the motorcycle arena. Polaris, a company known for its snow mobiles has only recently begun selling motorcycles 14 years ago (Taylor III, 2012). Polaris has shown that it understands what its buyers want and has demonstrated success in achieving higher sales through its colorful names such as Victory, 8-Ball, and Jackpot lineup. With aggressive pricing strategies and comparable quality, Polaris has quickly passed foreign competitors such as Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki and is now setting its eyes on Harley Davidson after its recent acquisition of Indian. Harley Davidson – Opportunities (O) Global Expansion In response to declining domestic sales, Harley Davidson has decided to expand its global presence in China and India. In 1995 Harley Davidson entered the Hong Kong market, opening its first mainland China office just 10 years later in 2005 (Miller. 2012). Currently, Harley has 8 full service dealerships in china and have plans to open an additional 5 more within the next 5 years. Harley’s biggest challenges have been the understanding of foreign markets. In China for example, the motorcycle market was riddled with low cost economic alternatives for daily transportation. The average engine size ranges anywhere from just 50cc to 600c. With some of Harley’s heavyweights tipping the scales in the range of 800c to 1600cc beasts, the concept of heavyweight leisure riding was simply not understood yet in foreign markets. Harley would have to start from the ground up if it wants to succeed. Today, Harley has succeeded in growing its international presence in over 70 countries across the globe. Although growth into international markets has been substantial, there is still significant room for further expansion (Miller. 2012). New Product Launches Another area of opportunity for Harley Davidson lies in the arena of launching new products. In 2014 Harley expects to launch eight new models, a record number of new models within the same year. Harley realized that with the baby boomer generation coming to a close, younger audiences will demand new and innovative products. The company, now in its 110th year of operation, has launched a customer driven product development program dubbed â€Å"Project Rushmore† in hopes of succeeding in understanding what design elements are appreciated more by younger buyers (UPI.com. 2013). If they succeed, Harley could feasibly further expand its market share in both US and international markets significantly. Restructuring Plans The Milwaukee based motorcycle maker has succeeded in keeping its full-year shipment forecast intact despite signs of weakness in dealer sales in several markets (Reuters. 2013). In response to this, Harley Davidson has acknowledged the need to restructure the company into a leaner and more cost efficient beast if it is to maintain its market share and keep pace with the competition. Harley hopes to reduce the number of defaults on their loans, improve the company’s cash flows, and improve its liquidation strategy by having at least 12 months of projected liquidity in cash reserves. The company has set an ambitious goal to continue to widen its gross margin figures by nearly a full two percent in 2013 (Reuters. 2013). Harley Recognized that declining retail sales figures could no longer be simply shrugged off as weather related anomalies but were rather a generational decline of the number of loyal riders in the market. This suggests that younger rider’s between the ages of 18-34 are quickly becoming a significant portion of the market. Harley would need to restructure its operations in order to meet the demands of these new riders and develop both a strategy and a product that would appeal to them. Harley Davidson – Weakness (W) Product Recall Issues In late 2011, Harley Davidson recalled more than 300,000 motorcycles to fix a switch problem that presented a safety issue. The switch prevented the brake lights from coming on and could potentially cause the brakes themselves to fail as well (Associated Press. 2011). The defect has already caused at least one crash. As a result, the US Securities and Exchange Commission indicated that they expect that this recall will cost Harley anywhere from 10 to 12 Million Dollars. This coupled with another recall in 2012 for a faulty voltage regulator that affected an estimated 100,000 owners suggests that recalls are costing Harley a sizable chunk of their annual budget. Defects reasons have been tracked back to supplier quality issues arising in the manufacturing production chain. Dependence of Domestic Market Harley Davidson has recently celebrated its 110th year of business within the US. From its onset, it was clear that Harley’s target market was first and foremost the US markets. Much of Harley’s success has stemmed from targeting the baby boomer generation and appealing to big open spaces, the idea of freedom, and the feeling of exclusivity and belonging. Although business has steadily increased for Harley over the past century, it is clear that change is on the horizon. Harley’s competition is ever more aware of foreign markets and consistently devising entry strategies to further expand global market share (Burkey, 2009). Simply put, Harley has been lagging in this area. Harley’s flagship motorcycles carry a significantly higher price tag than foreign competing models making them appealing only to small elite group of riders that can afford the expense. Harley Davidson – Strengths (S) Brand Image Few people cannot instantly recognize the Harley Davidson brand. For over a century now, Harley Davidson has built a positive brand image by targeting a wide range of individuals. Harley Davidson has been continuously ranked among the top global brands in the world, holds over half of the heavyweight motorcycle market share in the US, and is ranked either first or second in the heavyweight motorcycle segment in at least nine countries across Europe (Harley Davidson, Inc. 2012). Historically, Harley Davidson has historically appealed to wide predominantly male audience ranging in ages from early 30s to late 50s. Recently, Harley Davidson has decided to further expand the brand by beginning successful marketing campaigns targeted at an audience of women. With the majority of its ads targeting a relatively specific group of individuals, Harley-Davidson has been able to build a community of enthusiasts around its brand that includes members from very diverse groups, and with almost no advertising. How does the king of heavyweight motorcycling keep its fans so loyal? It gives them a reason to belong (Rifkin. 1997). The symbolism of â€Å"belonging† is a powerful one reinforced by images of riding as part of a pack on the open road. This is further reinforced by a strong positive brand image that individuals frequently associate with superior quality and prestige of ownership. Broad Product and Service Portfolio One of Harley Davidson’s greatest strengths has been a long history of maintaining a broad product and service portfolio. Harley Davidson leverages its premium pricing model supported by a superior quality of its product line up ranging from an extensive line up of heavyweight, touring, custom, and performance motorcycles. Harley Davidson has also been able to successfully keep its owners engaged in personalizing and modifying their motorcycles by offering an extensive catalogue of parts and customization options. When you add the reliability of a two year warranty, and consider the superior level of service afforded to its owners, it is no wonder that Harley Davidson has been able to maintain the upper hand on its competition for so many years. The financial unit of the company has been successful in reducing the percentage of defaults and losses on its in house loans. While the annualized loss experienced on its managed retail motorcycle loans has come down from 1.58% to 1% in the last quarter, the retail 30+ day delinquencies on managed loans has come down from 3.68% to 2.56% (Trefis Team. 2012). Focused Research Harley Davidson continues to dominate market share in the United States commanding over 60% market share for the domestic market. Although Harley Davidson’s targeting of the youth market remains a subject of contention, their strategy remains crystal clear; to keep baby boomers in the saddle for as long as possible (Madson, 2013). To achieve this, Harley Davidson is exploring some concepts that may appeal to aging baby boomers such as a three wheeled Penster concept. The Trike concept has gained remarkable traction over the past few years and Harley Davidson has certainly taken notice. Harley Davidson Strengths and Opportunities (SO) Harley Davidson’s offensive strategy should focus on leveraging the company’s strengths such as its strong brand image and focused research and development to capitalize on opportunities such as further penetration into foreign markets. Harley Davidson is uniquely positioned with a globally recognized brand. This is a monumental advantage when comparing it to penetration strategies from relatively new motorcycle companies such as Polaris. Harley can utilize its strong focused research and development to study foreign market demands and develop a line of products to specifically appeal to that market. This would further help Harley in overcoming another one of its areas of opportunity around new product launches. Recently, Harley Davidson has shown significant progress in their expansion to the Chinese marketplace. Harley projects that within the next five years growing Chinese demand will support the opening of an additional 5 dealerships overseas (Miller. 2012). Growing global demand is proof that not only would this be a good business decision, but it is the necessary next step if Harley expects to keep up with its competition. Harley Davidson Strengths and Threats (ST) Harley Davidson faces some significant threats to its business in the form of changing emission standards for motorcycles, and an ever growing competitive landscape. Emission controls continue to tighten on a global scale making Harleys century long approach to air cooled engines all but obsolete (Huze. 2011). Furthermore, Harley faces some competitive threats from new entrants to the market like Polaris who are actively seeking to tap into Harley’s heavyweight motorcycle market share. Harley Davidson needs to develop a defensive strategy focusing on areas of strength such as focused research and development and broad product and service portfolio to ensure they overcome these threats. One solution would be a proactive approach to changing emission standards. Harley has been toying with the idea of introducing a lineup of liquid cooled motorcycles that would dramatically reduce their ecological footprint (Huze. 2011). Harley Davidson’s superior focused RD would have little issue with finding a way to adapt this new engine to existing models. Furthermore, the infrastructure for servicing these new engines, making adjustments, and maintaining them is already in place with is significant network of service centers around the globe. In doing so, they would not only be ready for any emission control changes that they may face in the future, but also be more competitive across product lines. Harley Davidson Weaknesses and Opportunities (WO) In recent years, Harley Davidson has literally spent millions of dollars dealing with significant recalls and associated issues (Associated Press. 2011). Most notably, two significant recalls that affected a total of more than 600,000 motorcycles over two years. Outside of the obvious cost associated with correcting the issue which is estimated to cost over 20MM over the course of 2009 and 2010, Harley Davidson is exposed to additional legal risk from possible accidents resulting from these defects (Associated Press. 2011). Harley has traced the source of the problem back to defects associated with its parts suppliers. This suggests the need for an improved quality control process prior to using the parts in production. Although this may present an additional cost initially, the reduction from costs associated with recalls off of Harley Davidson’s bottom line would be much more significant. Harley Davidson has already experienced success in its restructuring plans. The addition of inspection points could be seamlessly implemented with minimal impact to its existing business (Reuters. 2013). This would increase the chances of catching defects on parts prior to the parts being shipped to manufacturing. As a result, Harley would experience a reduction in the number of recalls in the coming years. Harley Davidson Weaknesses and Threats (WT) The combination of existing weaknesses to Harley Davidson’s business and the presence of potential threats in the market could potentially spell disaster. Harley should develop a strategy around minimizing their exposure to weakness and the avoidance of existing threats. Harley can achieve this by outsourcing the procurement of raw materials to a larger number of overseas suppliers while being supervised by in-house Harley Davidson quality control specialists to ensure a sustained level of quality of their products (Burkey. 2009). This would help to avoid one of Harley’s largest weaknesses, product recalls, as well as dramatically improve the availability of raw materials minimizing the impact that one single supplier could potentially have on their business (Taylor III. 2012). Furthermore, the fewer amount of recalls and the overall improved degree of quality would bolster the already strong Harley Davidson brand, improving its position in the competitive marketplace (Rifkin. 1997). Citations Associated Press. (Oct. 2011). Harley Recalls About 308,000 Motorcycles For Break Issue. USA Today / Money. Retrieved from: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/manufacturing/story/2011-10-2 4/harley-davidson-brakes-recall/50890560/1 on September 18, 2013. Burkey, Brent. (Oct 2009). Harley-Davidson Time for the tough decisions A plan to restructure core local Harley operations is in the hands of the company.York Daily Record. P4. Harley Davidson, Inc. (Aug 2012). Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial and Strategic Analysis Review. Global Data. P1-3. Harley Davidson, Inc. (Jun 2012). SWOT Analysis. Company Report. P1-9. P9. Huze, Cyril. (Jun 2011). 2012 Harley-Davidson Liquid Cooled Engines. Cyril Huze Post. Retrieved from: http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2011/06/17/2012-harley-davidson-liquid-cooled-engines/ on September 17, 2013. Madson, Bart. (Feb. 2013). H-D RD Product Development Center. Motorcycleusa.com. Retrieved from: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/684/15599/Motorcycle-Article/H-D-R-D-Product-Development-Center.aspx on September 18, 2013. Miller, Paula M. (Jan-Mar 2012). Harley Davidson in China. China Business Review. P41-43. PR Newswire. (Jul 2013). Harley Davidson Post Second-Quarter 2013 Earnings, Revenue and Retail Sales Growth. Regional Business News. P.16. Reuters. (2013). Harley Earnings On Target As Restructuring Pays Off. Chicago Business Tribune. Retrieved from: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-25/business/chi-harley-earnings-20130425_1_harley-davidson-inc-winnebago-industries-sales-volumes on September 17, 2013. Rifkin, Glenn. (Oct. 1997). How Harley Davidson Revs Its Brand. Strategy + Business. Retrieved from: http://www.strategy-business.com/article/12878?gko=ffaa3 on September 17, 2013. Taylor III, Alex. (Oct. 2012). The Hurdles At Harley Davidson. Motorworld. Retrieved from: http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/03/autos/harley-davidson-polaris.fortune/index.html on September 17, 2013. Trefis Team. (May. 2012). Harley Davidson Rides To $59 As Growth Hits On All Cylinders. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2012/05/03/harley-davidson-rides-to-59-as-growth-hits-on-all-cylinders/ on September 17, 2013. UPI.com.

David M’Naughten Essay Example for Free

David M’Naughten Essay David M’Naughten hails from Scotland. He earn his living by being a wood cutter. He hardly can make both ends meet and develop hatred to the Prime Minister of Great Britain in the year 1843. To M’Naughten, the Prime Minister was the cause of his personal and financial sufferings due to the failure of the former to run the British government well. In an attempt to get even with the Prime Minister, M’Naughten attempted to kill the leader. M’Naughten was not successful because his ploy was thwarted by the secretary of the Prime Minister and instead killed the secretary and afterwards attempted to murder the Prime Minister. During the trial, nine witnesses testified that M’Naughten was an insane and the jury acquitted him, finding him â€Å" not guilty by reason of insanity † ( pbs. org. n. d. The Right/Wrong M’Naughten Test†. Paragraph 1) Reporter Bill Mears of CNN Washington in 2006 reported â€Å"There was little doubt that Eric Clark, then 17, shot and killed a police officer six years ago in Flagstaff, Arizona. And prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that the killer had some degree of mental illness he was a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic who believed he was being constantly watched by aliens from outer space†. â€Å"Teen shot and killed police officer he thought was an alien†, 1st paragraph). Eric Clark believe that the police who accosted him was an alien from outer space who came here to get him, and so, Eric shot and killed him. Eric was found guilty of first degree murder three years after the fatal shooting. Eric defense lawyers entered a plea of not guilty due to insanity. It took three years of deliberation by Arizona court whether Erick will be jailed or sent to mental rehabilitation center while serving the sentence. The court Arizona court ruled Eric to languish in jail for life. Based from the two court decisions just mentioned, it appears that there is sort of disagreement among the different U. S. legal courts as to the legal definition of insanity and its acceptance as legal defense in court. This essay will trace the development of insanity as legal defense from its origin up to what it is in today’s legal battle. Evolution of insanity defense As early as 1581, insanity defense has been well considered in Anglo-American law and a legal treatise was enacted saying that â€Å"If a madman or a natural fool, or a lunatic in the time of his unacy do [kill a man], this is no felonious act for they cannot be said to have any understanding will â€Å" ( pbs. org. n. d. â€Å"A Brief History of Insanity Defense†, paragraph 3 ). There was no available record of court proceeding from the date of treatise enactment up to 17th century. Three hundred years later, the British court elaborated the treatise and gave rise to the â€Å"wild beast test† ( 4th paragraph ) which emphasized that â€Å"If a defendant was so bereft of sanity that he understood the ramifications of his behavior no more than in an infant, a brute, or a wild beast, he would not be eld responsible for his crimes ( 4th paragraph). In other words, if the defendant lacks sanity and cannot comprehend the outcome of what he did, as his ( defendant) mind is that of infant or a wild animal, then the defendant is not liable for the crime committed. The codification of this British â€Å" wild beast test† was put at stake in 1843, in the case of David M’Naughten as outlined in our introduction. Queen Victoria was not impressed with the decision of the court and requested a review of the case with a panel of judges. The resulting decision was â€Å"that a defendant should not be eld responsible for his actions if he could not tell that his actions were wrong at the time he committed them â€Å" (The Right/Wrong M’Naughten Test†. Paragraph 3). This was also mentioned in the research of Chiacchia ( 2001) and law. jrank org. n. d. ) This became the basis of the insanity defense in England and adopted by American courts and legislatures for more than 100 years without any modification. Up to 1998, 25 states including the District of Columbia adopted this Right/Wrong M’Naughten Test†. According to legal critics, the M’Naughten test has one major rawback. While the rule focus on the ability to distinguish right from wrong (which is cognitive in nature), it failed to consider the unstoppable desire that was the dominant feeling before and during the consummation of the crime. This resulted to modification of the M’Naughten rule by adding a provision called irresistible impulse ( â€Å"Irresistible impulse†, 1st paragraph). The added provision in effect will absolve a defendant who can distinguish between right and wrong but unable to stop the crime due to his uncontrollable desire to consummate it to get even with the victim. A number of tates adopted the M’Naughten modification and coined another name as â€Å" policemen in the elbow test† (1st paragraph). The name clearly highlight the intense desire to consummate the crime as even if there is police authority around to witness, the defendant will do it. In 1950, advances in psychiatry and psychology as a science was very noticeable. In the light of the advances, legal critics saw the M’Naughten rule as too rigid and antiquated. In 1954, an appellate court discarded the M’Naughten and â€Å" irresistible impulse â€Å" test in favor of a more scientific and medically based insanity test. This became the basis of the Durnham â€Å" Mental Defect† rule. In Durnham v. United States, The U. S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia ruled that a defendant is not guilty † if his unlawful act was the product of mental disease or mental defect. (â€Å" The rise and fall of the Durnham â€Å"Mental Defect† rule, 1st paragraph). The decision was considered as within the demand of the times and a major breakthrough in American legal system as it exemplify the replacement of moral considerations with a more neutral and scientific evidences reflective of the advances of psychiatry and psychology ( â€Å" The rise and fall of the Durnham Mental Defect† rule). Legal experts claim that the Durnham rule is vague and difficult to apply. According to the experts, the term â€Å"mental defect† is very broad and they were concerned that due to its vagueness, more and more defendants will be acquitted than before. The confusion arises over the interpretation of â€Å" mental disease or defect† clause. Will mental defect mean only psychosis or any of the minor mental disorder found in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). Critics were concerned of the possibility that defendants will use alcoholism and other ental disorder with antisocial behavioral symptoms as defense of their crimes. Also, it is not clear where the burden of proof is; that is whether it’s up for the court to determine the mental defect or the burden lies with the defendant and the psychiatrist as professional witness. Another disagreement is that the Durham test inadvertently grant too much influence to the psychiatrist and psychologist as to the result of the court trial. Twenty two states rejected the Durham test in 1972 and a panel of judges considered the Model Penal Code Test of the American Law Institute ( A. L. I. as eplacement (pbs. org. n. d. ). The A. L. I. standard is intended to soften the M’Naughten with the â€Å"irresistible impulse† by introduction of medical and psychiatric evidence requirement. The A. L. I. standard, rule â€Å"that a defendant will not be held criminally responsible if at the time of the behavior in question as a result of a mental disease or defect, he lacks substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law. (pbs. org. n. d.  A Brief History of Insanity Defense, â€Å"The A. L. I. Standard†, 1st paragraph). In ddition to requiring the defendant to show proof that at the time of the consummation of the crime, there is absolutely no understanding as to the nature of the act ( as in M’Naughten test), a certification from a psychiatrist or psychologist is needed to attest to the fact that the defendant lack â€Å" substantial capacity† ( paragraph 2, line 4 ) to understand the right f rom wrong together with the irresistible impulse consideration. Under the A. L. I. tandard, the act of serial killers whose mental defect manifests only during the act of killing and shows normal mental behavior before and after he consummation of the act can lead to his/her conviction. In 1998, 22 states used the A. L. I. rule while 26 used the M’Naughten version regardless of the irresistible impulse clause. It is also provided in the A. L. I. standard, the provision for due process and equal protection concerns for those who were acquitted by reason of insanity for automatic and indefinite confinement to assess and treat their mental disorder and check their dangerousness potential to society periodically. If found during the evaluation that further confinement is no longer needed, then the defendant can be eleased. By early 1980’s all state legislatures except for 10 has reformed their laws incorporating the provision for periodic review. In 1981, a test for stability of the A. L. I. standard ensued. John Hinckley, Jr. , a Washington police officer and secret service agent shot then U. S. President Ronald Reagan and his press secretary James Brady. Hinckley claimed during the trial the following: that he was trying to impress the actress Jodie Foster, with whom he was infatuated. He later described the incident in a letter to The New York Times as the greatest love offering in the history of the world. At one time Miss Foster was a star and I was the insignificant fan. Now everything is changed. I am Napoleon and she is Josephine. I am Romeo and she is Juliet (pbs. org. n. d. A Brief History of Insanity Defense, â€Å"After Hinckley† , 1st paragraph). Hinckley was acquitted by the jury of 13 assault, murder and weapon counts and moreover, ruling him not guilty by reason of insanity. This resulted to a great American public uproar that call for thorough review of the insanity defense strategy and plugging loopholes in the justice system that allows an obviously guilty man to escape punishment. Senator Dan Quayle claimed that the insanity efense allowed pampering of criminals by allowing them to kill without conscience. The psychiatric and legal professional group called for the modification instead of total abolition of the insanity defense resulting to legislation called â€Å" The Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984† ( 3rd paragraph). The act is a stricter version of the M’Naughten rule. The Cornell University Law School in 2006 released the following information related to a more stricter version ( article 17, Insanity defense, U. S. Code Collection, 1st paragraph) (a) Affirmative Defense. — It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under any Federal statute that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the defendant, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts. Mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense. (b) Burden of Proof. — The defendant has the burden of proving the defense of insanity by clear and convincing evidence The burden of proof now is with the defendant and not with the prosecution. The defendant in order to qualify for the insanity defense must show proof that the disorder is severe. The volitional test that excused a defendant who lacked the capacity to fight the â€Å" irresistible impulse† was eliminated, in effect going back to the M’Naughten â€Å" right/wrong â€Å" standard of the 19th century. The influence of psychiatric testimony was effectively limited and more stricter procedure on hospitalization and release of those acquitted was put into effect. Thirty states adopted â€Å"The Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 † while the three states of Montana, Utah and Idaho abolished completely the insanity defense strategy. In the year 2000, a provision to â€Å"The Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 † was enacted nd 20 states instituted it. The provision is called â€Å" Guilty But Mentally Ill â€Å" or GBRI ( Chiacchia. 2006. Insanity defense, â€Å" Guilty but mentally ill†, 1st paragraph, line 2. ). Under the GBRI, the defendant can be sentenced guilty although he is legally insane. The convicted will be jailed and his mental illness will be checked by the government periodically. The criticism of GBRI lies on the fact that very few jail institution can actually look at the mental state of the convicted insane. Examining the success of using the insanity defense in this modern time, Chiacchia ( 2001 ) eported ( â€Å" Insanity defense statistics, 2nd paragraph) that: Successful NGRI defenses are rare. While rates vary from state to state, on average less than one defendant in 100-0. 85 percent-actually raises the insanity defense nationwide. Interestingly, states with higher rates of NGRI defenses tend to have lower success rates for NGRI defenses; the percentage of all defendants found NGRI is fairly constant, at around 0. 26 percent It shows from the statistics that the chances of acquittal using the insanity defense is very slim, considering that practically every loop hole in the American jurisprudence has been effectively ealed with the adoption of â€Å"Guilty But Mentally Ill† provision. Summary and Conclusion It is now a known fact that the insanity defense dates back in 17th century in Great Britain with the acquittal of David M’Naughten. The M’Naughten Right/Wrong Test underwent five modifications from 17th century up to the present time. A number of celebrated cases involving rich families and big political figures as victims in the past three centuries resulted to acquittal of the defendants in the light of the different legal interpretation of insanity defense among states. The acquittal of John Hinckley, Jr. who shot then U.  S. President Reagan and killed his press secretary in 1981 was the strong force that caused widespread public clamor for reviewing and unification of interpretation of the insanity defense strategy. At present, all states except for three ( Montana, Utah and Idaho which scrapped the insanity defense in its entirety) enacted the M’Naughten rule with modifications centered on the burden of insanity proof on the defendant. Twenty states enacted â€Å"The Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 † with provision for Guilty But Mentally Ill, shutting the loopholes.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The characteristics between management and leadership

The characteristics between management and leadership This assignment is initially discussing about the characteristic difference between management and leadership, how their skills are engaged in an organisation including with their roles and responsibilities. Then the discussions follows to the main objectives of this assignment, those are (i) Identifying and evaluating the personal and professional skills which are required for a successful manager and evaluating how he/she meets the organisational or personal goals; importantly covering the key managerial/leadership skills such as time management, running meetings, making presentations, stress management, etc. (ii) Providing a range of suitable practical methods for developing or improving those skills (iii) Identifying preferred learning style by using an effective personal audit in order to develop managerial/leadership skills (iv) Developing a workable development plan in order to develop or improve those skills to become an effective manager according to SMART and SWOT analysis (v) Reviewing/monitoring process and feedback what I have undertaken in order to achieve those skills and finally (vi) Concluding how/what I have learned from my analysis and how I can use this similar approach for future development. 1.1 Manager The Manager plays a vital role in order to achieve and improve the productivity and organizational objectives. He/She is responsible for managing, planning, distributing and monitoring the work of their employees, achieving the effective utilization of the organization resources and brings the employees objectives along with the organization objectives. Good managers are born and not made. Managers are autocratic in nature, they do the right things to avoid risk and they formulate the policies/ systems to consistent manner; also they are rigid with their subordinates (Hollingsworth, 1999). Managers mainly rely on strategy, structure and systems (Watson, 1983). 1.2 Leader Leaders are those who involved in the process of setting a new direction or vision for their group to follow and motivating them by satisfying their basic need in order to achieve the common organization goal, it is the process of influencing the performance of the employee by respecting their freedom towards the group goals. Good leaders are made and not born. Leaders are democratic in nature, they do the things right and they wont formulate the policy they use to predict with set examples; also they like risks and flexible with the other group members (Hollingsworth, 1999). Leaders mainly rely on style, staff, skills and shared goals (Watson, 1983). 2.0 Outcome 1 Methods to improve Personal and Professional skills This part of the assignment mainly identifies and evaluates the importance of personal and professional skills which are required for a successful manager and how he/she meets the organisational or personal goals; importantly covering the key managerial skills such as time management, running meetings, making presentations, stress management, etc. In addition, it provides a range of suitable practical methods for developing or improving those skills. 2.1 Skills for successful manager and its importance The managers important role in any organization or workplace is that to manage the people/worker/subordinates in order to meet the organization objective or goal and also promote positive employee motivation and employee morale. The mangers activities are very complex and varied because they have to coordinate with all the organization resource such as human resource, material resource, financial resource and informational resource in order to achieve the overall organization goal (Pride, Hughes and Kapoor, 2008, P187). The role of the manger is very crucial as they have to deal or handle various people. Therefore, the successful manager must have the personal and professional skills which are very essential and listed in page-**; and utilize them in a proper way, so that they can perform their duties and activities efficiently. Personal skills are his/her own development skills in order to achieve his/her career goals in life and it can be continuously developed on day to day basis; For example, wants to become a manager. Professional skills are working environment skills in order to achieve organisation goals and it can be developed and utilized whenever the opportunity arises in the working environment; For example, becoming an effective manager. In practical, the effective manager must have and develop the both skills in order to achieve his/her goals as well as the organisation goals. To be an effective manager at all level of organisation (i.e lower, medium and top level), they need to possess combination of all the skills listed above. Among these skills, the first four are the very important skills to become a successful manager. This part of assignment evaluates how these skills are important and providing a range of best suitable methods for developing or improving these skills, which enables me to meet both organisational and own goals and objectives. 2.1a Evaluation and Methods to develop Time management Time management skill is one of the valuable assets for manager, and it helps how the valuable time is effectively utilized/ managed in order to meet the goals. As time costs money, it is lost and not recoverable if the time is wasted. Therefore successful manager must find every opportunity to save time in order to improve productivity/profit by analysing workload and understanding subordinates capability, controlling time wasting activities, etc. The key elements to the effective time saving/managing skills are listed below: Define the goals to meet the deadline Budget the man-hour or cost Plan and schedule the workload Provide marginal budget for unforeseen workload or changes Prioritize and organise accordingly Distribute the workload to subordinates Review and track the planned task Use and maintain time management log for daily or weekly Control the wastage time and use effectively Guide/encourage the subordinate to improve production Above listed elements of time management skill can be achieved by set of workable practical methods such as procedures, policies, spreadsheets, checklists, etc. For example, Gantt chart for planning and scheduling, time log sheet for consumed budget hour and to estimate balance hour respective to task, Weekly progress report for reviewing/tracking the planned task, etc. As I want to become a manager, I need to develop or improve time management skill. Though majority of this skill and key elements can be developed while working as manager, I have developed lots of key elements of time managing skill while studying this course, in order to achieve the course outcome. For example, time log sheet enabled me to maintain and review how I am spending daily hours (see appendix-**), Gantt chart for assignment work (see appendix-**), etc. 2.1b Running meeting Organising meeting skill is one of the vital skills for the manager, and it helps to get collective decision-making, better focused discussion, to improve the productivity, to motivate the employee, etc to build an effective organisation. Importantly it is a best place to communicate the management/project objectives to team-worker or other discipline employee, to reward the performer, etc (Pocket, 2006, P47-69). The key elements for the effective running meeting skills are listed below: Defining the purpose of meetings Prepare agenda (meeting time, place, chairperson, attendees) Circulate agenda and Invite the participants in advance Welcome the participants with refreshments Clear and focused discussion by using visual aids Encourage group discussion Take notes for agreed outcomes/ actions/ responsibilities Review past meeting outcomes Control and avoid repeated discussion Encourage feedback/idea and questionnaire session Prepare minutes of meeting and circulate Therefore above mentioned components of meeting running skill can be achieved by set of workable practical methods such as procedures, agenda, minutes of meeting, forum, meeting templates, spreadsheets, etc. Though the key elements of this skill can be developed when the opportunity arises probably while working as manager, I have developed lots of key elements of running meeting skill while studying Strategic management course in order to achieve the group task as a chair person for SILVER SPOON group. For example, agenda sheet enabled me to invite participants and define the meeting perspective, venue and time (see appendix-**) and Minutes of meeting enabled to confirm the action plan to group member (see appendix-**), etc. 2.1c Making presentation Presentation skill is one of the important skills for a successful manager in many aspects of their work, and to communicate efficiently in a group of audience. The most important factors to consider in presentations are audience attitudes, actions, needs and responsibilities throughout the presentation. This enables the audience or subordinates in many ways such as time saving or effort, make money, help to take advantage of opportunities, make them more popular and famous, and increase their curiosity and enjoyment (Suzy, 2008, P6-10). The great presentation is a process and combination of the following key elements: Think and research on the topic before presentation Organize the content with introduction, body and conclusion Attract the audience by eye contact, posture, movement, gesture, etc Interact the audience to think, not only listen Deliver the presentation with confidence Use visual aids effectively Overcome presentation nerves and avoid vague language Effective communication skill by oral/written/drawing Keep it short and simple (KISS) Capability of answering the audience questions Therefore above mentioned key elements of presentation can be achieved by set of workable practical methods such as Power-point slides, handouts, seminars, etc. As manager gives presentation in various groups meeting with subordinates/supervisor/ clients, using techniques should be graspable/ understandable by audience. Actually these above mentioned key elements can be developed while working or when the opportunity arises. Though I have gained bit of presentation skill in Strategic management course when presenting SIVLER SPOON group task, I must need to develop this skill, where I have lot of scopes to improve. 2.1d Stress management Stress is one of the persons reactions of the body and mind to change. It is very important for everyone to manage and control the stress, to become healthier and happier. Effected stress produces physiological, psychological, stress related issues on him/her. Manager has high chances of developing stress due to various demands such as task demands, Role demands, Interpersonal demands and Organisational structure. Though it can not be fully avoidable, but it can be manageable by using effective stress management skill (Robbins and Decenzo, 2008, P206). Overstress resulting to decrease the productivity, decrease profit, leading to mistake, etc. Therefore, it is mandatory for manager to have stress management skill in order to avoid stress related problems; that is control or manage the stress by using time management, running meeting, making presentation skills. The stress management skill is the combination of following key elements (Cartwright and Cooper, 1997, P416): Recognise, anticipate, monitor and regulate stressors Redesign the task or work environment Establish flexible work schedules Encourage participative management Include employees in career development Build a good and supportive team Establish fair employment policies Find alternative routes/solutions Actually this is the follow-up skill of Time management, Running meeting and Making presentation. So, the above mentioned key elements of stress management skill can be achieved by using same set of workable practical methods, which used in others. Actually these above mentioned key elements can be developed while working as manager. So I am looking chance for developing this skill. I also feel that, with remarkable development of other managerial/leadership key skills, I can easily develop the stress management skill. Outcome 2 Personal skills audit 3.1 Preferred learning style As I want to become a more effective manager, I need to learn several skills which are listed in page-**. This part of assignment examines my learning style by undertaking personal skill audit, which helped me to identify my current possessing skills, knowledge, abilities, values and preferred learning style along with my strengths and weaknesses in order to achieve my effective manager goal. Appendix-** illustrates the Learning style questionnaire (LSQ) with my answer, and its result proves shows that my preferred learning style is PRAGMATIST. 3.2 Strengths and weaknesses As I am PRAGMATIST, my learning style strengths and weaknesses are listed below: Strengths: Tries to put own ideas, theories and techniques into workplace Innovative and experimental Analyse and evaluate with various options Set targets, and tries to achieve them Works well independently Weaknesses: Acts without caution end up with negative outcome Task oriented rather than people oriented Undervalues personal feelings Is impatient and needs full control Likes to work independently Referenced from Week-1 hand outs and (Honey and Mumford, 1992) 3.3 How it affects my skills development As I audited and analysed my strengths and weaknesses of my learning style, below discussion reveals that how it will affect and how to overcome in order develop the four key skills for an effective manager. For example, Time management: As I am pragmatist, my planning/target may fail due to without taking any caution or overriding the task to others or effectively not using the source, which clearly affect my performance. However as strength I set/try to achieve the target with ideas, techniques and options, so I try to plan the task with right person/man-hour. Also assigning right task to right person and monitoring frequently enables to track and avoid last minute problems. Stress management: As I am pragmatist, giving more importance to the task rather than people or their feelings, may results to generate huge stress due to poor quality/inefficient project outcome. However as strength I take opportunity to experiment and evaluate with various options, so I try to encourage/educate the subordinates in order to meet the task. Further more, frequently reviewing the task progress and rewarding person enables to avoid workplace stress. Outcome 3 Personal development plan 4.1 SMART analysis Objectives and goals are widely used in planning and design. It is a composite statement of the end target, to be attained within the specified time and schedule. SMART is one of the key methods to create an effective objective or goal. So, the SMART objectives are: Specific : Objectives should be well defined and clearly state that what is to be achieved Measurable : Objectives needs to be quantifiable in order to measure or monitor the goal process and confirm whether it is in favourable condition. Performance could be quantitative and qualitative measure that allows us to make changes if anything goes wrong during the process and stay on track to meet the targets Achievable : Objective is within the capability and ability to reach the most desirable target. Also it must be realistic and appropriate for the business or activity Relevant : Objective should be specific and must relate to the short or long term business target Time defined : The end result should be accomplished with in the targeted deadline (Mike, 2008, P**) 4.2 SWOT analysis SWOT analysis is one of the powerful tools to analyse the personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This process enables to improve the strength, overcome/minimise the weakness/gaps as well as taking the greatest opportunities that are available. Appendix-** explores my SWOT analysis for my personal development and it is in Edexcel level 7 format. 4.3 Personal development plan (PDP) Planning is a logical component of the management process. PDP is an ongoing process throughout our life, which helps to manage/develop any individual skills through the process of self learning, reflection and structure on how to achieve their target/goal. In order to become a successful manager, I must have to plan and define the effective objective by using SMART analysis in order to accomplish the target within the scheduled time. Also I have to assess/examine my strengths and weakness by SWOT analysis in order to develop 4 managerial key skills listed in Outcome 1. From outcome-2, I established my learning style is PRAGMATIST using personal skills audit with my learning strengths and weaknesses. As I have analysed myself thoroughly, my PDP for achieving 4 effective managerial key skills are explored in the appendix-**. In that exploring process, my PDP mainly intended to help the following: Improve my personal and professional managerial skill Identify and develop my transferable skill Focus my thinking and plan forward and set realistic targets Articulate my personal goal and objective Evaluate progress towards the achievement Conclusion This assignment work helped me to understand the personal/professional skills for an effective manager and its importance, analyse suitable workable methods for developing these skills, identifying my learning skills with learning strengths and weaknesses, developing a personal development plan by SMART and SWOT analysis, Monitoring and feedback undertaken, etc. Especially, I gained thorough understanding of 4 Key skills in addition to other skills for an effective manager. From this overall task, I have developed a skill that how to set the target, analysing pros and cons, prepare a planning/route and schedule (viable and time), budgeting, analysing strength and weakness, monitoring and reflecting, scope for efficiency/improvisation, and finally meet the target. By using this PDP and methods, it could be very grateful to succeed in my academic career and also it helps me to efficiently utilize these skills in my future employment in order to make a successful and imaginative organis ation. Conclusion Professional development is very important for every professional, irrespective of their employment. It plays a vital role in order to step up their career ladder. For every business and organization, this advanced professional development program boost up their employees personal and professional managerial/leadership skills and knowledge in order to achieve their business objective and improve the productivity. If the managements are lack in those skills and knowledge then they wont be resisting in the Industrial market. The objectives of this assignment are mainly focused on how to improve the managerial/leadership skills including time management, running meetings, making presentation and stress management and these are very important skills for managers/leaders. This assignment works on to identify and evaluate the strategy or method for developing the personal and professional managerial /leadership skills as listed above. Also this covers the learning strategies and styles whi ch will be very useful for me to build my positive skills and to overcome my weaknesses in order to improve my skills and knowledge. By using this development plan and method, it could be very grateful to succeed at my university and also it helps me to utilize these skills in my future employment in order to make an effective and imaginative organization. foster (Word Count: 200) Appendices Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Bibliography using Harvard Referencing System Textbook Reference: Web Reference Personal / Professional skills Why it is necessary Time management It is cost effective and non recoverable Helps to plan, prioritize, organise, schedule and budget the work Organising meeting It is vital to get the solution from group or to improve the productivity or to motivate the employee Helps to discuss/convey the message among the group such as work plan, progress, new awards, etc Presentation To convey key points or improve delivery style Effective visual aid Stress management To analyse and reduce stress developed in job/ life To improve or control physical/emotional situation Self-awareness and self-management Effective communication To communicate clearly and correctly by written or oral or sketch, etc Map out the ideas/objective thinking in a proper way Problem solving and Decision making To provide/decide best or lesson learnt solution, when the problem arises in workplace or subordinate Performance management To conduct appraisals and guide subordinates for their career development Maintain a performance record of subordinate for easy access and feedback Recognise and encourage the top performers Team development Motivation To motivate/encourage the team towards project/organisation goal by monitoring progress Observing skill To listen/observe what is happening in the group Thoroughly understanding the situation and problem Well as I begin I would like to remember you one point that no one can withstand in the market of an organization when the people lack certain skills and knowledge. In order to ensure for proper skills and knowledge a proper idea about the development of their skills are briefed in this report. Keeping in mind, the four skills developed in this report were time management, stress management, running meeting, and group discussion. Not only the skills but also the learning styles were discussed. What are the techniques and objectives to meet the desired characteristics? How to improve the management skills for the effective leadership? The main concept of learning is mentioned clearly in this report which may be useful in the future requirements for an organization to be effective and imaginative.