Explore how Bob Dylan portrays transient figures in Like a Rolling Research Paper

Explore how Bob Dylan portrays transient figures in Like a Rolling Stone, and discuss how these portrayals contribute to t - Research Paper Example Bob Dylan was growing up personally and evolving his music in the context of the early Beat movement at this time. However, what was an underground movement in the early 60’s rapidly became mainstream with the Beatles and other rock groups gaining mass popularity in 1965. This transition can be seen on Bob Dylan’s album â€Å"Bringing it Back Home† (1965), which included one side of folk songs in the style he had popularized and come to be known by, and the other side featuring Dylan’s first electric guitar based rock songs. (Kemp, 2001) Thus, in the classic song â€Å"Like a Rolling Stone,† Dylan composed a morality tale in the style of an anthem addressed particularly to this division within the movement, discussing the different aspects involved with the mystical and revolutionary path of the underground when it meets the mainstream acceptance and propagation. Eastern Mysticism rooted in Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Yoga, and Sufism was highly inf luential on the Beat Poets of the 1950’s and forms the metaphysical basis for many of their works of literature. Bob Dylan can be considered highly influenced by the Beats, and also widely read in their literature at the time. This influence can be seen in the counter-culture lifestyle promoted by Dylan in his music. As Dylan biographer Sean Wilentz wrote in a New Yorker article on the Beats titled â€Å"Penetrating Aether: The Beat Generation and Allen Ginsberg’s America,† â€Å"Dylan knew the poems, Ginsberg later claimed. ‘Someone handed me Mexico City Blues in St. Paul in 1959,’ Dylan told him. ‘It blew my mind.’ It was the first poetry he’d read that spoke his own American language, Dylan said—or so Ginsberg said he said. Maybe, maybe not. Without question, though, Dylan read Mexico City Blues and was deeply interested in Beat writing before he left Minneapolis for New York. (Like other Beats and hipsters, his friend Tony Glover ordered a paperback copy of William Burroughs’s Naked Lunch from France, where it had been published by Olympia Press in Paris in 1959 as The Naked Lunch— uncertain whether the book, deemed obscene by American authorities, would clear customs. The book indeed arrived, and Glover lent it to Dylan, who returned it after a couple of weeks.) And Dylan’s involvement with the writings of Kerouac, Ginsberg, Burroughs, and the rest of the Beat generation is nearly as essential to Dylan’s biography as his immersion in rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and then Woody Guthrie. ‘I came out of the wilderness and just naturally fell in with the Beat scene, the bohemian, Be Bop crowd, it was all pretty much connected,’ Dylan said in 1985. ‘It was Jack Kerouac, Ginsberg, Corso, Ferlinghetti †¦ I got in at the tail end of that and it was magic †¦ it had just as big an impact on me as Elvis Presley.’† (Wilentz, 2010) Ro lling Stone magazine states that Bob Dylan was the first musician of the modern era to have his lyrics considered by critics and the public to be works of literature. (Kemp, 2001) In this regard, Bob Dylan can be considered a Beat Poet, and his music concerts were played in venues with audiences made up of

How to achieve peace in Pakistan Essay Example for Free

How to achieve peace in Pakistan Essay Pakistan was founded. Pakistan was built to fulfill the needs of the Muslim community by providing them equality, Justice and freedom. However, soon enough it failed to fulfill the promises it had made to its society thus instability, restlessness and wretchedness reigned throughout the nation. Achievement of peace in Pakistan is actually the desire of every follow Pakistani or at least a huge majority of them. To devise a proper strategy we need to analyze and understand the causes f unrest and chaos in Pakistan. Factors causing disturbance in Pakistan can be categorized in internal and external factors. Internals factors consist of social, economic, political and administrative whereas external factors are related to regional instability and international so-called war on terror involving Kashmir, Iran, Afghanistan and Baluchistan. For achievement of peace and stability we need to address the huge gap between haves and have nots. Firstly socially, there seems to be a huge gap between the different classes within the country. A large majority when sees a small minority enjoying a very luxurious life style they naturally rebel and resort to unlawful activities to become rich overnight. We can say this is a poor vs. rich tension, which disturbs the peace of society in various ways such as crime and law breaking. Secondly, politically, in Karachi different political parties have armed wings. Karachi being the biggest city has greater influence. Respective political leaders protect crimes of members of these gangs. While political leaders re enjoyingi government position at the same time they are patronizing criminals, murderers, target killers, extortionists and land grabbers. Thirdly, economically, Karachi being port city and major economic hub affects Pakistan. One day of strike and unrest in Karachi costs billion of rupees to national exchequer. Lastly, on the administrative side, law enforcement agencies are plagued by corruption. They are packed with cronies of influential people along with lack of proper training and sufficient resources. In some cases sources of trouble and unrest outnumber civil law nforcement agencies. Furthermore criminals are able to get relief from tax and justice procedures. They can even intimidate eyewitnesses and thus obstruct dispensation of Justices. This further erodes confidence of public on the prevailing system and thus increases unrest and instability. Therefore, to achieve peace we need to address all these issues immediately. The first step should be to break the vicious cycle of illiteracy, poverty and disease by providing educational and health facilities and equal Job opportunities on merit. We have to uplift standard of general public through a fair system based on social Justice by educating general public through print and electronic media about the responsibilities and rights of a citizen. Law enforcement agencies need to be revamped by selecting officers and cadres on merit, proper training and equipping them with latest equipment and technology and where necessary paramilitary forces can be used to assist them. A fair and speedy Justice system, which ensures that troublemakers are taken to task without ny delay, should be formed. Similarly, on the international front we have to get out of Afghan war. We should not allow proxy wars to be fought in our territory. In KPK and Baluchistan political reconciliation is required since administrative measures alone have failed to give desired results. To sum up, peace in Pakistan cannot be achieved in bullet but a set of social, economic, political and administrative system could help our country to gradually move towards the right path and a path towards stability.

Passionate Storms :: essays research papers

Passionate Storms   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kate Chopin’s â€Å"The Storm†, is a story filled with metaphorical references between a thunderstorm of rain and a thunderstorm of passion. Calixta, Bobinot, and Bibi led, what one would assume to be, a rather normal life. While Bobinot and Bibi are in town shopping they notice a storm approaching, and â€Å"Bobinot, who was accustomed to converse on terms of perfect equality with his little son, called the child’s attention to certain sombre clouds that were rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar.† However, a moment a Mother Nature’s fury unleashed a wealth of passion between Calixta and her former beau Alcee Laballiere.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Calixta was at home sewing while Bobinot and Bibi were at Friedheimer’s store, and she did not realize that a serious, yet pleasurable, storm was fast approaching. Once she noticed that it was getting darker she quickly set about closing doors and windows. Calixta remembered hanging Bobinot’s Sunday coat on the front gallery and as she was retrieving it Alcee rode up seeking shelter from the storm. â€Å"May I come and wait on your gallery till the storm is over, Calixta?† he asked. Although Alcee wished to remain on the gallery, Calixta insisted that he come inside and stay until the storm passed. Although it was dark outside, inside Alcee admired the fact that â€Å"she was a revelation in that dim, mysterious chamber; as white as the couch she lay upon.† Calixta realized that â€Å"her firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time it’s birthright, was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to co ntribute its breath and perfume to the underlying life of the world.† â€Å"Her mouth,† unlike the torrential rains, â€Å"was a fountain of delight.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As though their adulterous tryst were timed with the weather, their forbidden lust filled afternoon was over just as the storm was moving on. Although basking in the after-glow, neither dared to sleep. â€Å"The rain was over; and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems.† Their passion was as fierce as the crashing torrents of the rain outside and then the after-glow from both being mutually satiated was like the sun coming back out.

Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl” in social context

Jamaica Candid's â€Å"Girl† in Social Context Jamaica Candid short story â€Å"Girl† was the first fiction work, which she has written. 650 words of prose poem Is a mother teaching her daughter how she should behave and to do everything that Antigen women do. There Is no Introduction, no action, no character description and no composition seen, only two voices, which at the end appears to be the mother and the daughter. Antigen, was the place, were Candid grew up during ass's and ass's.When she escaped from her family, Jamaica changed her name and started to write. The mother in the story seems to have full control of setting her daughter for her teenage years. While, the girl is kind of poor one, because she has to put up with the very intense rules that she gets from her mother. A mother gives commands to her daughter with a firm tone of voice, while daughter interrupts her mother twice: to protect herself and to ask the question.Jamaica Candid, using only two voices , is able to open the major Issues: felicity, social classes and traditions. In like manner, despite the makeup and high heels, femininity is hard org If to mention cleaning the house and looking remarkable while doing It. In â€Å"Girl† woman seems to be Identified with the looking after the house and Its Inhabitants. It Is not surprising that In order to malignant their luxury and decent lady card, girls must obey the motherly advice.In the following quote expressed by the mother of the girl, where she is giving commands for her daughter in order to teach her to be decent lady, femininity is one of the main clauses about the problem if to speak about being successful lady in the family. â€Å"Wash the white clothes on Monday and put them n the stone heap; wash the color clothes on Tuesday and put them on the clothesline to dry' (1-2). This is the first commandment of a long list, that girl, in order to be honorable lady, must follow.The commandment begins with the cleaning of clothing – and, in particular, this concerns the correct cleaning, to avoid the blending of colors. Commandments like this, always seems hard to accomplish. Generally speaking, Candid represents, that both the mother and the girl are controlled by the rules of fervently. Additionally, class and social standing have already been lassie back when someone had clearly more shiny stones than the other. In â€Å"Girl† it was not only just shiny stones, but also girl's skin color, her table coating quality and smoothness of her seams.In a colonial Antigen, where British culture is seen as a native, African descent Antigens as Candid and, as I think, also a girl, already are at the top of the hierarchy. In â€Å"Girl† it seems that the dead person can easily lose their social standing, and it is much more difficult to pick it up once you lose it. In the following quote expressed by the mother of the girl, where she is giving commands or her daughter in order to teac h her to be decent lady; interaction with negligent boys and girls is forbidden, in order to be a respectful lady. You mustn't speak to wharf-rat boys, not even to give Some people are so removed from society that they are not even treated as people; they are rats. Whereas slovenly men and women are even In lower social standing than the black people from Antigen, absolutely no one Is talking with them. As shown above, Candid stated that society Is based on policing behavior. In â€Å"Girl†, there is someone who is always watching. E keep our balance; it helps us to know how to narrate the whole world, that it makes matter a lot of easier, it can, of course, also be oppressive, archaic, and Just stupid.In â€Å"Girl† the mother teaches her daughter traditions for several reasons; tradition can help the daughter to become a respected lady, retains lady successful life with no bad luck. In the following quote expressed by the mother of the girl, where she is giving comma nds for her daughter in order to teach her to be decent lady; the daughter is bound to keep up with tradition, in order to live a successful and fulfilling lady life. Soak salt fish overnight before you cook it†(7). Salted fish is fish that have been salted and dried to keep it not using the refrigerator.The fish is very salty, so, in order to eat it, lady has to steep it very carefully. In a word, food is the most important part of the tradition, as it is associated with femininity lessons, whose have been thought by the mother. The British traditions are as important as the African ones in the â€Å"Girl†. Both are important details of the cultural heritage of the girl. In the final analysis, Jamaica Candid, using only two voices, is able to open he major issues: femininity, social classes and traditions.The mother gives commands to her daughter in order to prepare her for the fulfilling and respectful lady life. Although we believe that the girl is helpless at the be ginning, because she speaks only twice; trying to defend himself, but the motive of Candid gives all the power to the girl. This prose poem is a mother teaching her daughter how she should behave and to do everything that Antigen women do. There is no introduction, no action, no appears to be the mother and the daughter.

A Report That Examines The Role Of Expert And Lay Knowledge In Understanding And Managing Risk

This report is going to examine how risks we face in our daily lives rely on different forms of knowledge to create an understanding of them and their consequences. This report will examine how people use expert and lay knowledge about risks in order to live with them. A brief description of risk is provided. The discussion focuses on how we live with risk and interpret expert and lay knowledge regarding risk and risk avoidance. It is also suggested that people make their own choice as to what and how they use information and to what degree of risk they consider acceptable in their lives. This is influenced by the knowledge they have and how they interpret that. Clearly an expert will be in a stronger position to accurately assess risk compared to a lay person. 1. Expert Knowledge – someone that has knowledge, skill and is qualified in a particular subject. 2. Lay Knowledge – someone who does not have specialized knowledge or training in a subject. This report will examine three examples of risk and will detail not only expert information but it will review lay opinion as well. 1. Firstly the cycling and the benefits of wearing helmet will be assessed. 2. Then a case study that detailed an allotment and the hazardous substances found in the soil. 3. The last risk to be observed will be sun exposure, sun tanning and risks and how consumerism can play apart in forming our choices. 1. Our Risky Lives 1. Risk – a state in which there is a possibility of known danger or harm, which if avoided may lead to benefits (Carter and Jordan, 2009). Almost everything we do in life comes with some degree of risk. It is how we interpret the risk that determines how we live. Some risk is taken without thinking, some risk is unavoidable, and in other cases we can reduce the risk or avoid the risk all together. 1. Cycling and the benefits of wearing a helmet Cycling will introduce the idea of risks and risk management in our material lives. Cyclists manage their risk with lights, occasional hand signals and helmets. Cyclists have to negotiate the use of the helmet, whether or not to wear one but not doing so means any injury sustained may be the cyclist’s own fault. One study shown 85 per cent reduction in the risk of head injury among cyclists who wore helmets (Thompson et al., cited in Carter and Jordan, 2009). Other research found that, when car overtakes a cyclist, the car comes significantly closer to a cyclist who wears a helmet (Walker, cited in Carter and Jordan, 2009). Taking both studies into account seems to suggest that if you wear a helmet then you are more likely to have an accident but if you have an accident then you are less likely to have head injuries. 1. Hazardous substances found in the soil Soil on an allotment will show how knowledge of an invisible risk is produced by experts but can be contested and how the allotment users used knowledge to manage the risks. The benefits of a social activity such as gardening were suddenly brought into question by publication of a scientific test on the soil. The material environment changed from being good into something that was dangerous. The soil was safe then became poisonous and then become safe again, all without the soil itself being changed. The existence of two soil tests confirms that even within science there are debates over how best to assess risk. In the case study, the same soil shifted from being safe to dangerous and back again solely as a result of different measurement practices (Carter and Jordan, 2009). This shows how the expert knowledge may or may not influence the decisions people make about managing risk. Gardener did not listen to expert knowledge about safe soil, because two contrasting results of the tests did not feel quite trustworthy. 1. Sun Exposure and expert knowledge of sun risk The last risk to be assessed will be sun exposure and sun tanning and risks. Increasingly over the last number of years dangers of sun exposure and tanning have come to the fore. Even though advice and evidence which has been produced people still continue to expose themselves to the harmful UVA rays. In this section we can look at a second case study of risk and risk management concerning holidaymakers and their attitudes to a tan. To understand the apparently risky practices connected with sun exposure we have to take seriously the ways in which people make sense of expert advice, and measure it against their own knowledge and experiences of the material world in which they live (Carter and   Jordan, 2009). The research conducted by Simon Carter used a mixture of interviews and focus groups with tourist aged 20 and 35 years of age who regularly travelled abroad for holidays. The first thing that this search found was that people could recall health education advice by seeking shade, using a sunscreen or covering the body. People knew what the expert advice said about the dangers of sun. However, people did not fully follow this advice because they had their own ways of understanding and making sense of the healthy and risky elements of their material lives. The knowledge produced by experts was different from that produced by holidaymakers. This distinction between expert and lay knowledge meant that expert knowledge was interpreted rather than followed to the letter by the public (Carter and Jordan, 2009). The expert knowledge does not straightforwardly determine public opinion. 1. Lay knowledge of symbolic risk The effects that the sun has on the body are both a source of material risk, from cancers, and of symbolic risk, such as being peely-wally (Carter and Jordan, 2009). Suntan became a material sign or symbol that is for the visual consumption of other tourists. 1. Beck’s thesis . The examples of sun exposure and of poisoned soil demonstrate how we may have entered into a particular kind of relationship to risk in society today. German sociologist Ulrich Beck examined the move from the Industrial Society in which political deliberations where concerns with the distribution of wealth to a Risk Society that focuses on the distribution of harm (cited in Carter and Jordan, 2009 p. 80). Beck also argues that we have become dependent on external information usually expert knowledge to assess the risks we face, instead of using personal experience or common sense. For example, the allotment holders could not determine the risks contained in their soil, they were told about potential danger by scientific experts. Similarly, the possible risk from sun exposure has to be made clear to people by expert evidence. One of Beck’s main concerns is the role of expert knowledge in defining the risks, whether that risk is nuclear radiation, arsenic in the soil or the sun. 1. Conclusion In modern society much more effort is being put into measuring risk. Experts aim to examine potential hazards and produce evidence that will allow us to make informed decisions. Assessing risk often relies on science and expertise. These are practices which involve choices and assumptions that can create debate. A risk society is one in which calculations of risk become increasingly prominent. Many modern risks are invisible and need experts to make them visible to the public.

Technology has improved the music industry in 3 main areas essays

Technology has improved the music industry in 3 main areas essays A certainly emerging trend in the music industry is the way technology has improved it so drastically. In the past, for instance, vinyl records were very popular and is the premium medium for music distribution because it has far more superior audio quality than its predecessor, the audio tape cassette. After a couple of years, the music industry saw its first compact disc or CD. It was a giant leap for music technology. The CD featured digitally encoded signals, far more accurate and better than the analogue vinyl. This ultimately resulted in more capabilities and diversity in music. We can see that technology has improved the music industry in three areas: instrumental, auditory and distribution advancements. The three main aspects where technology has made significant improvements are instruments, audio techniques and methodologies and music distribution and copyright. Examples of the way technology has affected the different aspects are countless. Some examples are illustrated here. Musical instruments, firstly, has been greatly influenced by technology. The early English organ, that used manual valves to control sound production is now replaced with electronic circuitry. This circuit is preprogrammed to tell the valves to release enough air to produce a certain tone. Early organs depend on how much pressure the organist applies to the keys and after much playing of the organ, the slight inaccuracies of the instrument will result in misaligned tonal sounds. Thus, the circuitry completely eliminates the need to tune the instrument regularly and ensures accurate reproduction of sound all the time. The Germany-manufactured pipe organ that sits in Singapores Esplanade arts centre, is an application of electronic technology in organs. The wind instrument is the largest and most advanced in South-East Asia (Rachel, 2004, p. 29). Computer chips that h ave been integrated into the pipe organ provides a wider r ...

Green City Project Analysis Essay Sample

Green City Project Analysis Essay Sample Green City Project Analysis Essay Sample Green City Project Analysis Essay Sample This research involves the profound analysis of implementation of the Green City Project in the real life. The basic aim of the research is to show the beneficial character of appliance of the mentioned project. The sufficient data proves that Green Cities can be an alternative for the future world prosperity. The great attention is paid to the transport, the usage of the alternative resources and the recycling industry. In addition, such notions as zero waste products, ecologically friendly transport fuels, sustainable economy, urbanization and popularization were analyzed. In fact, the initial objective of the paper was to provide comprehensive and grounded information about the problem of urbanization. The reason is obvious since the urbanization is considered to be one of the components that destroy the Earth. Along with that, the paper aims to represent the influence of the development of the world as well as society. Taking into consideration the above mentioned issue, the prob lem of saving the Earth arises. The environmental instability damages the nature as a whole and but living creatures in particular. Upon the examination of the mentioned components, it becomes clear that Green Cities can not only save the human life but also protect the environment. Through showing the importance of development of the sustainable cities, the research highlights the possible benefits of the eco cities. Green Cities Urbanization has become one of the paramount issues in the contemporary world. Due to the extreme development of IT and the hectic pace of life, the worldwide population has dramatically increased. The amount of factories and plants has increased respectively. People started setting up businesses thus developing alternative income resources. In addition, applying the innovative technologies helps make human life less complicated and much faster, as well. Nevertheless, the problem of the global urbanization is quite controversial. On the one hand, the lasting urbanization promotes the innovative progression and world’s prosperity. On the other hand, it causes enormous social and environmental problems. Accordingly, the latter has negative consequences for the humanity. Firstly, the lasting urbanization causes the increase of crime rates and inequality respectively. Secondly, it makes the enormous pressure on local as well as global environment. Thirdly, due to urbanization, the health rates started dropping down showing the high level of the fatal diseases expanding among the population of the contemporary world. Accordingly, protecting the cities from the obvious damage and providing the alternative methods of preventing the world’s destruction are becoming the issues of great concern. The sufficient way is the development of green cities. This will help save the planet from the fatal demolition and get optional benefits from natural resources. The objective purpose of the paper is to suggest information about green cities and provide the potential benefits of the implementation of the â€Å"Green City† project. The analysis of the profound literature makes it is possible to conduct the research. The main information is taken from the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the United Nation Environmental Programme. The information provided in the mentioned resources is knowledgeable and sufficient respectively. Numerous tables and figures are provided in the sources, which helps analyze the problem in every aspect. In addition, the information mentioned in the resources is relevant and depicts the current situation in the world. For example, the World Bank suggests information about the rate of the fatal diseases in the contemporary world. It provides the evidence of the dangerous impact of the illnesses. The World Health Organization illustrates data about the car emitted noise and its influence on the human health. Along with that, they provide the data about the pollution of air caused by fossil fuels and harmful substances. The United Nation Environmental Programme depicts the app roximate amount of money spent on the development of the recycling industries. The analyzed literature was taken from the investigation of the particular problem in the world. It includes the representation of tables, figures and schemes, analysis of the current situation, comparison of the past and the contemporary data, and summing up the material. That is to say, literal overview helps conduct the current research. General Information about the Project The paramount goal is to provide the profound information about the main essence of the project. The contemporary world develops with the high speed. It brings a wide range of new technologies, machines and devices that facilitate human life. The cities have become the most convenient places for living. For this reason, more and more people started moving to cities for their convenience. This process promotes the increase in the urban population. In accordance with the World Bank, urbanization has become the striking characteristic of the modern world (World Bank, 2009). There is a prediction that in ten years, the population of the developed cities will triple. Consequently, the cities will face the challenge of building economically and ecologically sustainable future. The prosperous future of the developed cities can be under the threat of demolition. The lasting progress of regional economy, the consumption of carbon, the emissions of various gases lead to the destruction of cities. For this reason, the appliance of the sustainable green cities will be the perfect solution for the current problems. The green city is a perfect place to live in. Its basic aim is to provide ecologically sustainable conditions of living. They are developed to better not only human life but also the state of the environment. All the components of the city will be inseparable. In other words, it will be the waste-free manufacture. Special attention will be paid to transport, the appliance of alternative resources and recycling industry. In fact, the process of greening cities will take some time. The basic steps will be to reduce the level of chemical emissions, create the qualitative environment for all the citizens, assure sustainable consumption, and adopt the usage of alternative energy sources (World Bank, 2009). The reason is quite obvious: the m entioned components are the key factors in destroying the environment; thus, they should be leveled. Transport Transport is considered to be one of the basic polluters in the modern world. Due to the extreme urbanization, the amount of transport has increased respectively. Accordingly, the emissions from the vehicles pose a great threat to human health. Air pollution causes the emergence of the cardiovascular illnesses. The respective data prove that transport promotes bronchitis, strokes and asthma (World Bank, 2011). In addition, air pollution is one of the main reasons for deaths in the modern society. The global attention is fixed on the huge human and material losses during road accidents. According to World Health Organization, in the developing countries, the level of the road deaths is the highest and comprises 90% (World Health Organization, 2004). The scientists suggest that road accidents will be the fifth principal reason of death in the world. Noise is also suggested to be the growing concern from both ecological and economical perspectives. The noise produced by vehicles has negative influence on health. The World Health Organization depicted the most general issues related to the sustained noise rates. These involve hearing fatigue, hearing worsening, namely tinnitus, effects on social behavior, insomnia, and worsening of the immune system. In addition, the sustained exposing to noise has been connected with holdbacks in cognitive development of children (Evans and Maxwell, 1997). It should be admitted that transport has an enormous impact on the human life. Consequently, the green cities aim at reducing the transport emission and providing ecologically friendly means of transport. Therefore, all vehicles will use ecologically friendly fuels. In addition, green cities will apply the usage of electric cars. The benefits will be enormous. On the one hand, the electric cars will produce less pollution and thus cause less da mage to the environment. On the other hand, they will make noise helping to reduce the level of noise production in the cities respectively. An important role will be devoted to such vehicle as bicycle. In fact, bicycles are the most popular alternative type of transport in the modern society. They are comfortable and cheap, as well. They are of paramount importance in the huge cities. Due to the hectic pace of life, numerous traffic jams have become typical for big cities, so bicycles will help reduce their emergence. One more possible benefit of bicycles is the fact that they are absolutely ecologically friendly. For this reason, they promote healthy lifestyle and protect cities from the pollution. One of the most important issues of the green cities is the sustainable transport. The sustainable transport will help not only save the city clean but also better economical, environmental and social life of the humanity. In order to achieve the development of this kind of transport, every green city needs to follow certain strategies. The perfect example will be the avoid strategy. Avoiding travel needs is the main aim of the sustainable transport campaign. Together with the interventions that reduce travel, there are the improvement of urban design as well as the usage of information and innovative technologies (World Health Organization, 2004). Additionally, the extreme development of IT enables considering telemobility as an alternative way of reducing the level of travelling in the city. The main components of the telemobility include telework, teleshopping, and telemedicine (World Health Organization, 2004). Consequently, it will not only make human life less complicated but r educe the level of the pollution, as well. It can be admitted that green cities are designed for protecting human life and nature as a whole. In regard to the public transport, it is one of the important components of every city. For this reason, it is paramount to make it more sufficient. The public transport in the green cities will be designed according to the sustainable system. In other words, the public transport will be car-competitive. The following steps will help to achieve this aim. The first step is to adopt the integrated network of routes (World Health Organization, 2004). The second step is to better the state of the transport thus make it more convenient and secure. The third step is the appliance of the distinctive marketing identity for all systems. By taking the mentioned steps, it will be possible to reduce the amount of cars in the city and enhance the usage of the public transport respectively. The Usage of Alternative Energy Resources Along with transport, the green cities will use alternative energy resources for manufacturing as well as living. Nowadays, the problem of usage of alternative energy resources is quite controversial. The supporters of that point claim that the Sun, wind, water and soil can make human life healthier and cheaper. The opponents stick to the point that natural resources could not produce the necessary amount of energy and they are not reliable. Nevertheless, the analysis of the recent data proves that natural resources are the future of the humanity. For this reason, the green cities will use the energy from the Sun, water and wind for the development of the production. It is possible to install special solar devices for getting solar energy in every house. They are not so expensive, but they will save money and time. The Sun is the lasting natural source of energy. It heats the Earth; thus, it is possible to use its energy and keep it during certain period of time. In fact, numerous co ntemporary countries have already used solar and wind energy. In this respect, the bright example is Austria. In this country, there are many plants and factories that are based on the winder and solar energy. The main benefit of appliance of natural resources is that they do not emit harmful gases into the environment. Consequently, they are ecologically friendly for humans and nature as a whole. In order to achieve the desirable aim, the green cities will follow a certain strategy. The first aim is to reduce the level of artificial energy. By persuading people to use natural resources, it is possible to level the use of non-natural energy. The second aim is to build plants and factories that will work only by means of natural resources. The government of the green cities will help citizens install the desirable eco devices that will heat the flats and houses. The investments in clean-energy campaigns cause cash savings; the scope of the mentioned investments is substantial. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, $63.2 billions were invested in to the development of clean-projects ( United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2009). It should be admitted that the usage of natural resources results in numerous benefits for humans and nature as a whole. The Recycling Industries The last and the most important component of the green cities will be recycling industries. Every city possesses a wide range of waste, so it is needed to be recycled. Nevertheless, before applying the recycle system, it is paramount to examine the people’s behavior, as well as their lifestyles and values. In accordance with Lehmann, there are three frameworks for sustainable urban progression, namely zero fossil-fuel usage of energy, zero waste, and zero emissions (Lehmann and Crocker, 2012). Consequently, zero waste is a vital component of the mentioned framework. In addition, the sustainable urban development requires three steps to be followed, namely rising resilience, strengthening of all systems and networks, the analysis of the influence of climate and city context. Basically, nowadays, there are many products that people do not use and just throw away. It is paramount to build the recycling plants in order to make use of the waste. For this reason, ecologically friendly cities are the right solution for the mentioned problem. The green cities promote the projects that will gather waste and make use of it. Along with that, the cities will encourage citizens to use zero-waste products. The corresponding laws will be adopted in order to count the amount of emitting waste per person. If the amount is overrated, the person will have to pay money that will be invested in the bettering recycling systems. In fact, such a campaign will teach citizens to control the level of zero-waste products in their native cities. Analyzing the afore mentioned information, it can be noted that the implementation the â€Å"Green City Project† can bring enormous benefits for the humanity and nature. The initial aim of the project is to develop the city that will be zero-waste and fossil fuel-waste. The city will be constructed basing on the eco principles. The great attention will be paid to the reduction of harmful transport, usage of alternative resources and recycling industries. Each of the mentioned factors will provide huge advantages for people. Firstly, the health rate will improve greatly. Secondly, the nature will be more protected. Thirdly, the life will become much easier and faster. The mentioned project is oriented towards the environmental protection. The reason is quite obvious: all creatures on the Earth are totally dependent on the nature. Therefore, it should be treated in an appropriate way. The extreme development of the world has changed the nature and its main components. Individuals started moving into big cities in order to find better jobs and opportunities. In such a way, the urban population started increasing greatly. It leads to a number of serious problems. The most obvious are huge amount of traffic jams, the rising level of fatal diseases, inconvenience and dirtiness. Taking into account the afore mentioned facts, one of possible solutions to the problems may be the green cities. This project is developed to help reduce the negative effects of the urbanization. The basic target of the project is to protect humans’ life and save nature. Transport, usage of alternative resources and recycling industries are the main objectives of the project. The citizens of the green cities will use electric cars and bicycles in order to reduce fossil fuel emitting. In addition, the public transport will be more car-competitive and comfortable for passengers. In relati on to the alternative resources, the government will help to tackle the problem. All the citizens will be able to install solar devices for the convenient usage of the solar energy. The recycling industry will be booming due to the adoption of certain laws that will help control the waste-emitting level in the country. It should be admitted that green cities are the perfect example of the future. It will result into a great number of benefits for the humanity.

How to Determine the Equation of a Line

How to Determine the Equation of a Line There are many instances in science and math in which you will need to determine the equation of a line. In chemistry, youll use linear equations in gas calculations, when analyzing rates of reaction, and when performing Beers Law calculations. Here are a quick overview and example of how to determine the equation of a line from (x,y) data. There are different forms of the equation of a line, including the standard form, point-slope form, and slope-line intercept form. If you are asked to find the equation of a line and are not told which form to use, the point-slope or slope-intercept forms are both acceptable options. Standard Form of the Equation of a Line One of the most common ways to write the equation of a line is: Ax By C where A, B, and C are real numbers Slope-Intercept Form of the Equation of a Line A linear equation or equation of a line has the following form: y mx b m: slope of the line; m Δx/Δy b: y-intercept, which is where the line crosses the y-axis; b yi  - mxi The y-intercept is written as the point  (0,b). Determine the Equation of a Line Determine the equation of a line using the following (x,y) data. (-2,-2), (-1,1), (0,4), (1,7), (2,10), (3,13) First calculate the slope m, which is the change in y divided by the change in x: y Δy/Δx y [13 - (-2)]/[3 - (-2)] y 15/5 y 3 Next calculate the y-intercept: b yi  - mxi b (-2) - 3*(-2) b -2 6 b 4 The equation of the line is y mx b y 3x 4 Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line In the point-slope form, the equation of a line has slope m and passes through the point (x1, y1). The equation is given using: y - y1 m(x - x1) where m is the slope of the line and (x1, y1) is the given point Determine the Equation of a Line Find the equation of a line passing through points (-3, 5) and (2, 8). First determine the slope of the line. Use the formula: m (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)m (8 - 5) / (2 - (-3))m (8 - 5) / (2 3)m 3/5 Next use the point-slope formula. Do this by choosing one of the points, (x1, y1) and putting this point and the slope into the formula. y - y1 m (x - x1)y - 5 3/5 (x - (-3))y - 5 3/5 (x 3)y - 5 (3/5)(x 3) Now you have the equation in point-slope form. You could proceed to write the equation in slope-intercept form if you wish to see the y-intercept. y - 5 (3/5)(x 3)y - 5 (3/5)x 9/5y (3/5)x 9/5 5y (3/5)x 9/5 25/5y (3/5)x 34/5 Find the y-intercept by setting x0 in the equation of the line. The y-intercept is at the point (0, 34/5).

Using internet newsgroups for online market research Paper

Using internet newsgroups for online market - Research Paper Example It is also through these groups that I will be able to relay information about how easy and convenient it is to access my boots. Being an active member in forums and contributing to important topics will play a major role in establishing links and good relationships. Through discussions and frequently asked questions, I will be able to know people’s likes and preferences as well as the challenges they encounter trying to access business services. This way, I will have the ability to adopt the best marketing strategies that are more appealing to the people and that are likely to increase sales. There are discussion groups that will allow me to advertise my products. This will give me an opportunity to attract potential buyers specifically by insisting on affordability and comfort of my boots. There are various ethical principles that I might violate if I use messages from newsgroups however much it may be difficult to distinguish private space from public space on the internet. For instance, I might violate the principle of ownership. Collecting information and claiming false ownership is unethical. The principle of acquisition might also be violated. Acquiring and using information without the owner’s consent is unethical. Another principle is the principle of identity. Providing false identity so as to acquire permission to use information is ethically inappropriate. The principle of accountability might also be at stake. A person is expected to be accountable for any situation that may arise as a result of using message that he/she did not publish (Josephson, 2010). In my view, there is no ethical problem in using newsgroups for marketing purposes or using messages from discussion forums. According to me, ethical problems are only applicable in most internet related activities if content is used for the wrong reasons such as

Leadership based on a video 12 angry men Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership based on a video 12 angry men - Essay Example At one instance where he got agitated he offered his own position to another jury member which shows his weakness. He did not portrayed any of the attributes that a leader might have practiced. He was not the most intelligent in the room neither was he extrovert or conscientious. He was bound by the rules and norms followed by a jury foreman and he kept on reminding jury members of them although he never used his influence to strictly enforce them. His pause when the architect did not favor the guilty verdict in the beginning shows that he was hesitant and was only a follower of popular opinion. Furthermore there were no inherent leadership qualities that would separate him from other jury members as a result his idea of conducted a secret ballot in the beginning was shot down and he was referred to as a â€Å"kid† by Juror # 10. After seeing the movie it is felt that there was a very insignificant role played by the jury foreman as he relinquished his responsibility to lead t he group and losses his composure. After losing his composure he was only fulfilling the demands of the Jurors, for example taking a vote or asking the guard for exhibits (12 Angry Men, 1997). Q2. How was the behavioral leadership theory depicted in the movie? Provide at least three examples from the movie to support your argument. The movie has substantial content that supports behavioral leadership theory, leadership can be learned and is not a born trait (Carpenter et al., 2010). It is observed in the movie that during the course of time most jurors show courage and learn to accept both fact based information and humanistic elements (Carpenter et al., 2010). Initially most of the Juror’s appeared convinced of guilty verdict and to a certain extent biased but as the discussions progressed they change themselves and learned to stand up for what they believed and distanced themselves from biasness. The foremost example is Juror # 9, the nice old man who agrees with the majori ty initially but later on his confidence, courage and ability to understand and present both fact and human based elements convinces other jury members, something presented in the behavioral theories as Laissez-faire style of leadership. His keen observation related to wearing the glasses proved sufficient to convince Juror 4 who was till then adamantly supporting the guilty verdict. Similarly the African American Juror, who grew up in slums was very shy as he abstains from commenting and stayed silent in the beginning although later on he stands up for who he was and using his experience he brought forward his arguments about the murder weapon (knife) and how they are usually applied. The third example was Juror # 7, the sports fan who had no interest what so ever in the case as he wanted to get over with it so he can go to the baseball match. Later on as facts are revealed to him he shows interest and changes his behavior as a sarcastic member of the group to an accepting member w ho supported the truth by removing his perceptual bias towards the accused teenager. It is a fact that all the men in that room learned and grew that day, fighting their personal prejudices, bias, indifference, anger, cultural difference, fears and bad experiences to reach a fair judgment but all due to Juror

Analyze Friendships Mysteries, to my Dearest LucasiaandOn Being Essay

Analyze Friendships Mysteries, to my Dearest LucasiaandOn Being Brought .. To S. M., A Young - Essay Example y—an ode to a loved one—and manipulating and taking a huge innovative step forward by switching the identity of the speaker, by making it a poem about two women loving one another. She is also taking a rebellious stand against male hierarchy and saying lesbians are as good as anyone else. Wheatley too was a rebel: the first published African American poet. Indeed, few people at the time could believe that a black woman could write so well: she was even challenged in court on the subject. She too brings religion into the picture writing in her poems, trying to show that all people are equal and worthy of respect. For example, she writes: â€Å"Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,/May be refind, and join th angelic train† She also worked hard to promote the works of other African Americans as in her poem â€Å"To S. M., a Young African Painter, on Seeing His Works.† Her criticism and poetry helped definitively shape African American literature, much the way that Philips’ poetry shaped lesbian literature. They are both

IKEA in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

IKEA in China - Essay Example The corporations decide to enter into new country to capture the new market and in this process they primarily focus cross cultural factors for building multicultural teams. However, they have to face several difficulties due to mismatch of organisation culture and social culture (Rajagopal, 2007, p.8). This paper will attempt to analyse distinct features of cross cultural differences affecting international trade in context of IKEA’s business in China. To offer basic understandings and interpretations of cross cultural difference, some relevant models and concepts will be critically analysed and discussed. This paper will also include the basic difference of Swedish and Chinese cultures. Role of expatriate managers in managing multi-national corporations will also be discussed. Finally, the paper will end by summing up the entire discussions and findings. IKEA is a privately-owned global furniture company. It is a Sweden-based company and founded by Ingvar Kamprad who started to sell matches at the age of seven during 1920. During 1940-1950, he entered into the furniture business and the business experienced a rapid growth within a short span of time (IKEA-a, 2010). Currently, it offers large varieties of furniture for domestic and commercial purposes. It also provides furniture for children (IKEA-b, 2010). IKEA has expanded its business in the global market and it is present in the entire Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia pacific regions. The business idea of IKEA focuses on its core value, product range, low price and betterment of everyday life of its valuable consumers (IKEA-c, 2010). Business and culture are inter-related with other and hence, before presenting critical analysis of cross culture, expatriate management and multicultural operations. The national culture is the prime factor that affects the culture of an organisation and its behaviour.

Super size me Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Super size me - Movie Review Example This film earned Morgan Spurlock the best director award in 2004 appreciating his personal investigation and contribution into issues associated with health hazards caused by fast foods. In the 30 days in which Spurlock subjects himself to a steady diet, his normal equilibrium and fit body undergo ugly and dark changes; his cholesterol increases dramatically, grows so fat, his organs develop beatings, and his days are characterized by mood swings, headaches, narrowed sexual energy, and addiction symptoms. The outcome of the film is a too obvious gimmick that cannot sustain any documentary features. This, Spurlock achieves by spending most parts of the film probing on subtle means that the fast food industry has wormed its way into the young children hearts and school lunchrooms. Making himself the subject of the documentary he was covering, Spurlock targets the commercial food industry as his main subject. The outcome of those 30 days was a sure proof of the mental and physical effec ts of easting fast food. The film also targets the American’s food culture through its politics and school corporation. The movie â€Å"Super Size Me† shades a different kind of light on obesity which has proved to be American’s biggest health issues (Super Size Me). The liberty value is what most American citizens value the most. They fight for the freedom of speech and freedom to work and be successful in life. However, this liberty value also involves the freedom to ruin their lives. This view is individualistic; it leaves the responsibility of each citizen’s prosperity on their heads. The worst that comes out of this situation is that it leads to a society that is selfish in which every man’s state is of no significance. This remains a critical issue to the nation as its citizens are intelligent and have a good sense in doing the right things for themselves and to those around them. This is however not the case, people have

IKEA in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

IKEA in China - Essay Example The corporations decide to enter into new country to capture the new market and in this process they primarily focus cross cultural factors for building multicultural teams. However, they have to face several difficulties due to mismatch of organisation culture and social culture (Rajagopal, 2007, p.8). This paper will attempt to analyse distinct features of cross cultural differences affecting international trade in context of IKEA’s business in China. To offer basic understandings and interpretations of cross cultural difference, some relevant models and concepts will be critically analysed and discussed. This paper will also include the basic difference of Swedish and Chinese cultures. Role of expatriate managers in managing multi-national corporations will also be discussed. Finally, the paper will end by summing up the entire discussions and findings. IKEA is a privately-owned global furniture company. It is a Sweden-based company and founded by Ingvar Kamprad who started to sell matches at the age of seven during 1920. During 1940-1950, he entered into the furniture business and the business experienced a rapid growth within a short span of time (IKEA-a, 2010). Currently, it offers large varieties of furniture for domestic and commercial purposes. It also provides furniture for children (IKEA-b, 2010). IKEA has expanded its business in the global market and it is present in the entire Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia pacific regions. The business idea of IKEA focuses on its core value, product range, low price and betterment of everyday life of its valuable consumers (IKEA-c, 2010). Business and culture are inter-related with other and hence, before presenting critical analysis of cross culture, expatriate management and multicultural operations. The national culture is the prime factor that affects the culture of an organisation and its behaviour.

Are Both Alien and Sedition Act and Hartford Convention No Longer Rele Coursework

Are Both Alien and Sedition Act and Hartford Convention No Longer Relevant - Coursework Example The Alien and Sedition Acts were signed into law by President John Adams in 1798. The Alien Act was approved on July 6, 1798. The Alien Act which was an Act Respecting Alien Enemies had three sections while the Sedition Act also is known as An Act in Addition to the Act, Entitled "An Act for the Punishment of Certain Crimes against the United States had four sections.It was very apparent during those times that Federalists composed more than half of the Members of the Congress. With this advantage, they enacted laws that aim to place limitations and restrictions on the rights of immigrants in the United States. The Alien Act was viewed to be a way of threatening the Irish immigrants.In general, this act increased the residency requirement for American citizenship. It was initially five years and was increased to fourteen years. Aside from this, the President was given the authorization to imprison or deport aliens who were proven to be "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States". The Act also defined the role of the courts and marshals to apprehend convene and remove aliens who were considered to be threats to the safety and peace of the United States.The Sedition Act aimed to silence and to limit the freedom of speech and freedom of the press. With the majority of the Congress in the hands of the Federalists, this was also viewed as their tactic to confine and contain the power and strength of the Republicans. This Act stated that any persons who gather together with the goal of challenging, questioning or opposing the implementation of the law of the United States were to subject to imprisonment of not less than six months and not exceeding five years with an additional fine of five thousand dollars.  

The New American Desk Encyclopedia Essay Example for Free

The New American Desk Encyclopedia Essay Both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson have large, enduring legacies in American history. While Hamilton is largely responsible for the United States becoming an economic giant with an economy based on finance, manufacturing, and trade, I admire Thomas Jefferson more, particularly for his broad, considerable intellect and his challenging views on human liberty. Modern America admittedly fits Hamilton’s vision much more than Jefferson’s. After serving as Washington’s aide-de-camp, Hamilton organized the infant United States’ economy and foresaw a capitalist America not unlike Britain’s, which dominated world trade and had a growing number of factories, abundant capital, and vast commercial enterprises. (Jefferson’s rural nation of yeoman farmers was a noble vision but not realistic in the modern world then taking shape. ) Hamilton was also a strong advocate of federalism, which gave the centralized national government far more authority than the one conceived in the Articles of Confederation. However, he was no friend of broad democracy, known in his time as an unscrupulous elitist and ambitious social climber who adhered to what today seem like outdated notions of â€Å"natural aristocracy† maintained by â€Å"enlightened self-interest† (New American Desk Encyclopedia 548-549). He openly mistrusting the American public (which he considered â€Å"a great beast† and little more than an unruly mob) and opposed the Bill of Rights, the basis for American civil liberties (which Jefferson’s protege Madison wrote). For believers in broad democracy and individual liberty, though, Jefferson is by far the more admirable figure. The First Amendment is perhaps his greatest legacy, stemming from his statutes on religious freedom in Virginia and firm belief in church-state separation. He was also a believer in freedom of the press, claiming to prefer a nation where there was a free press and no government, rather than vice versa (Countryman 69-71). The Declaration of Independence is almost entirely his creation as well, a vivid, articulate piece of writing that has influenced democratic thought worldwide. It helped inspire the French revolution less than a generation later, and even the United States’ past enemies have invoked it, including Ho Chi Minh, who based Vietnam’s 1945 independence declaration on Jefferson’s document. He was also a superior intellect, known as one of the colonies’ best minds while still a young man. Jefferson was a gifted writer, skilled diplomat, believer in liberty (his ideas on the subject were progressive for their time), architect, inventor, creator of the University of Virginia (revolutionary in its time for offering a wholly secular higher education), and amateur scientist who commissioned Lewis and Clark to explore the newly acquired American West. He was also a contradictory figure, as an educated, affluent slaveholder who wanted a rural nation of free yeoman farmers enjoying widespread democracy. He was also accused of siring at least one child by his slave, Sally Hemings. (In his defense, the Declaration of Independence’s first draft contained a strong condemnation of slavery, which other Southern delegates made him remove, and he was himself ambivalent about the practice. ) While Alexander Hamilton helped make the United States prosperous and economically powerful, Jefferson played an even greater role in helping make it a democracy (albeit a limited one compared to democracy today), setting an example of a civil society based on the rule of law and individual liberties that other nations would follow over the next two centuries. His lasting legacy helped shape the meaning of liberty and democracy, which became a worldwide phenomenon during the late twentieth century, helped change the world’s politics, and helped define modernity itself. REFERENCES Anonymous. The New American Desk Encyclopedia. Third edition. New York: Signet, 1993. Countryman, Edward. The American Revolution. New York: Hill and Wang, 1985. Davis, Kenneth C. Don’t Know Much about History. New York: Avon, 1990.

Child Labour in Malawi

Child Labour in Malawi Theories of child labour rely on the universal concept of a child and a set age limit of responsibility and working life, however in many developing countries this concept does not exist or cannot exist because of poverty and lack of education.. Work can also not be limited to paid employment, as many children often help out in domestic work at home, a phenomenon not limited to the developing world, as it can be seen in the responsibilities of children who are carers in the UK. So with the differences in the social aspects between the countries in the developed and developing worlds, can we apply the theories of development, modernisation and dependency to the concept of child labour in the Malawi province when it is a largely western construct- this paper will discuss child labour in relation to these theories and attempt to draw conclusions on the notion of child labour in a developing countries. A child according to UNCIEF is a person under the age of 18 years and the convention states that international law that state parties must maintain that all children benefit from special protection measures and assistance (www.unicief.org). It goes on to state that a child must have access to education and health care and must be knowledgeable about and contribute to the process of attaining their rights. Conversely, the notion of a child is a challenging one according to James et al, in their book Constructing and Reconstruction Childhood, the writers go on to state how childhood is a social construction, and has different forms in different societies. (Prout et al, 1967). This view is in contrast to that of the western notion of child that appears to adopt the blanket view of the child and one size fits all. Children globally should be protected and remain in the family unit until they reach the age of 18years. It does not however allow for different cultural approach, or whether a child contributes to the household due to poverty, or indeed the child needs to fund their education (Leonard, 2009). To define a child is a difficult and emotive issue, and definitions and norms surrounding childhood vary over time and place, and within developing societies the move from childhood to adulthood may not be based on age (Johnson, 2012). According to the University of Malawi Centre for Social Research child labour has existed in Malawi for a long time. It goes on to state that it part of the Malawian culture to have children assist their parents in the home, and it was not until the late 1890s that child labour formalised (University of Malawi). In developing countries such as Malawi children are integrated into the household economy at an early age, where according to the International Labour Orginastition where 93.7% of girls and 90% of boys between the ages of 5-14 are unpaid family workers. Paid labour is 3.8% for girls and 4.7% for boys, self-employed is 2.6% for girls and 5.3% for boys (www.ilo.org). In to Whites consortium the writer argues that cultural doctrine in relation to child work appears to be a more general issue when it is raised on the international level of debate. White goes on to say that ethical issues are raised, and he raises the question as to whether the rights of different cultures should be recognised when debating child labour (white, 1999). The discussion continues in Whites paper where globalisation is concerned and takes the form of international debates regarding taking the child labour subject across borders, cultures and political worlds (Kent, 1995: 80). This according to White results in a debate that will never be resolved (Alston, 1994: 16). White believes that with regard to universalism of which he states there are three; cultural relativism that cultures cannot be compared, resulting in according to White cultures that can only be understood in their own terms. The second is cultural relativism as an ethical and political belief, in that culture is immune from critism from outsiders. Whites third cultural relativism pertains to developed worlds view of developing world and how we need to learn and observe and not change (White, Ben. 1999). This would tie in with the notion that west is not always best where the majority countries are concerned. The western notion could be misunderstood an issue raised by Leonard when she notes that children work in many types of work in developing or majority world countries and its the minority that work in the production of goods for the global market (Leonard, 2009). The estimate of child work involved in family based work is 70% (ODonnell et al. 2002). Leonard also argues that targeting child labour will categorises all child work and has a negative effect on the economics of the child and their nation state (Leonard, 2009). This further the debate on Whites third cultural relativism and the need to learn and respect for different cultures and to understand what other cultures define as child work as opposed to child labour and how western notions are not the best way to future development (White, 1999). In the now developed countries of the world millions of children once worked in mines, mills agriculture and on the streets, often in similar conditions to that of todays developing world, but yet the developed countries took several generations to address the issue of child labour according to Hindman. (Hindmand, 2009). It is this western notion of childhood that is imposed on the now developing countries that are sometimes viewed as deviant or backward when they dont adapt the west is best approach to childhood. It is this western notion of development that Frank argues developing countries could never adopt as developed countries have never experienced colonialism. He goes on to argue that many countries such as China and India were quite advanced before they were colonised in the eighteenth century how a peripheral account of development for developing countries would be that the deviancy of developing countries cannot be explained feudalism of traditionalism ( Frank, 1967:1969). It is according to Frank past experience of colonialism and domination that have reversed the development of what he term advanced developing countries and forced them to become economically regressive, and he terms this the development of underdevelopment this he writes signifies as unnatural and was created by historical colonialism (Frank, 1967: 1969). Defining development according to storey, 2009 was for many years straightforward and was seen as equivalent to economic growth of which Gross National Product (GNP) was used as the main indicator and is used in determining the individual total or per capita. This equation is used to determine the development or under development of a country (Storey, 2009). Social scientists Walt Rostow developed the idea that growth consists of five stages in which developing countries moved from traditional society to an age of high mass consumption. But the concept of growth without development came into question in the 1960s and 1970s (Storey, 2009). It was not until 1990 that Human Development Index (HDI) was introduced to accurately measure whether people were better off in terms of health, freedom, education and other aspects of life that were not measured by Gross National Product (GDP). Human Development Index was an alternative to Gross National Product; it does not however include the cultural features that make up a society (Lopez, 2009). There have been critism of HDI no more so than Storey when he states how the Human Development Index is extremely motivated by Western notions (Sen. 1981). Developing countries according to Frank 1990 became a urbanised western areas that are drained of their natural resources. This was prevalent as a result of colonialism and according to Baran 1957 India was at the fore of development in the world in the eighteen century. Their economy was seen as comparatively progressive and their production was the best in the world (Baran, 1957). The policies forced onto India were to result in India becoming dutiful to Britain and resulting in India becoming dependant on Britain and moving backwards from a moderately progressive industrial nation to a regressive agricultural nation (Baran, 1957) According to Frank this was a dependency theory with regard to international capitalism, and resulted in the division of labour that was responsible for the underdevelopment of many countries. The division of labour is the reason for poverty and capitalism regards the division of labour as essential when it comes to the distribution of resources (Frank, 1967). In 1963 an agreement was reached between European Community and its former colonies to address the underdevelopment of the former colonies and to contribute to a equally useful trading scheme with a range of trading measures. But in 1986 the European Union repositioned itself with regard to global economic position. This was followed by the Maastricht Treaty (1992) saw policy changes to include the smooth and slow incorporation of developing countries world into the world economy, this saw the change in the method in which governments approached support and trading treaties, this according to Mc Cann lead to a more globalising focus on the type of help that developing countries would receive. Mc Cann believes that the EU has the capacity and the financial means to give more help to developing countries. But he notes that after 50 years after the first help from the EU under the Treaty of Rome, developing countries continue to experience social and economic marginalisation, and these further impacts on the poorest and most helpless in developing countries (Mc Cann, 2009). The overseas Development Institute briefing paper for 1973 state that the International Munirity Fund (IMF) has become more interested a better balance between supply-side and demand-management, and the progress of economic growth within the said nation. It goes on to say how the IMF insist on reforming info-structure to encourage growth in the economy and this results in cuts to education and hospital which impact directly on children who may as a result of these measures need to work to help their family or themselves (www.odi.org.uk). In an International Monetary Fund (IMF) working paper by de Carvalho Filho 2008, on Household Income Determinant on Income on Child Labour and School Enrolment. The discussion focuses on household income as a problem where child labour and school enrolment is concerned. This plays back to the need for children to work as opposed attending school. It goes on to note the importance of policies that will improve the human capital of poor children and cut inequality in developing countries (www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2008/wp08241.pdf). The paper does not however focus on the determination of the IMF to ensure that the country seeking aid is required to restructure and to cut spending in order to get financial help from IMF in the first instance. According to Aide Internationale Pour Lenfance a nongovernmental organisation, the IMF contribute to child labour when they insist that countries severely indebted to them reduce their spending on education and healthcare increasing poverty and child labour www.aipe-cci.org/en/en-index.html . World Bank Global Child Labour Program was established in 2003 to research child poverty, and to actively address child labour within its lending and non-lending procedures. Another topic within this programme is for the World Bank Organisation to enable greater support between multilateral agencies (www.worldbank.org). In Malawi according to the World Bank Oginasation has a poverty level of 67.34% the WBO plans to transform Malawi form being an importing and consuming economy to a mainly manufacturing and exporting one (www.worldbank.org). Malawi gained its independence from colomlism in 1962, with a history of corruption and high interest loans it is according to an article in the economy watch dated 9th April 2010,one of the poorest countries in the world. It relays mainly on agriculture and its main crop it tobacco that employs a high percentage of children, and has been criticised by the International Labour Organisation for its use of child labour with some children as young as 11 years working sorting tobacco leave ( www.economywatch). . Tabaco growers are worried as the World Health Organisation Agreement on tobacco that will see governments move their economies away from tobacco growing, leaving the poorest vauranable and unsure of what crop they can grow to sell on the world market (www.bbcnew.co). Malawi gets significant financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank. The drive to reduce loans has led to server economic policies being implanted by the current government that has imposed severe hardship on the poorest of Malawi

Amistad :: essays research papers

Amistad is about a mutiny in 1839 aboard a slave ship, La Amistad, which eventually comes to port in New England. The West Africans who have commandeered the ship are taken into custody and the plot revolves around who "owns" them or if, indeed, they should be freed. This sets up the main event of the film, a courtroom drama about rights and origins, with the required flashbacks to the voyage and the gruesome conditions aboard the ship. The problem with this approach is that we learn less about the real conditions of slavery and instead focus on the more sanitized conditions surrounding the courtroom. In addition, we get a film which is largely about the efforts of the whites battling the case and much less about the struggles of the Africans themselves. There are too many strands in the film which lead to no-where. At one point Cinque makes an interesting point of international law that might help the case. While the legal minds are inspired by his insight and initiative, the idea is quickly dismissed as unworkable and he plays almost no role in designing the case which might lead to his freedom. The events on the slave ship are even more scattered. Cinque is involved in a brief eye-contact relationship with a young woman but there is no development to give it emotional power. The women's ensuing death is as shocking as it is unexpected and while it works as a good visual, her undeveloped role as a real person results in the loss of any deeper meaning. Furthermore, the Amistad case is portrayed as a spark that helped ignite the Civil War, but the movie does not go into greater detail. It simply flashes ahead and shows that the Civil War had begun. Also, the fact that few strong personal bonds develop between the principal characters to give the story the emotional force that it needs hurts the dramatic level of the film. There is an obvious connection between the Africans' leader, Cinque, and the young lawyer working for his release. However, the strength of this budding relationship is unconvincing. Moreover, it is seriously disrupted when control of the defense team is taken over by the aging ex-president, John Quincy Adams. Furthermore, the movie lacked depth in the Supreme Courtroom. In Washington, only one side of the case is presented: that of the Amistad captives. Amistad :: essays research papers Amistad is about a mutiny in 1839 aboard a slave ship, La Amistad, which eventually comes to port in New England. The West Africans who have commandeered the ship are taken into custody and the plot revolves around who "owns" them or if, indeed, they should be freed. This sets up the main event of the film, a courtroom drama about rights and origins, with the required flashbacks to the voyage and the gruesome conditions aboard the ship. The problem with this approach is that we learn less about the real conditions of slavery and instead focus on the more sanitized conditions surrounding the courtroom. In addition, we get a film which is largely about the efforts of the whites battling the case and much less about the struggles of the Africans themselves. There are too many strands in the film which lead to no-where. At one point Cinque makes an interesting point of international law that might help the case. While the legal minds are inspired by his insight and initiative, the idea is quickly dismissed as unworkable and he plays almost no role in designing the case which might lead to his freedom. The events on the slave ship are even more scattered. Cinque is involved in a brief eye-contact relationship with a young woman but there is no development to give it emotional power. The women's ensuing death is as shocking as it is unexpected and while it works as a good visual, her undeveloped role as a real person results in the loss of any deeper meaning. Furthermore, the Amistad case is portrayed as a spark that helped ignite the Civil War, but the movie does not go into greater detail. It simply flashes ahead and shows that the Civil War had begun. Also, the fact that few strong personal bonds develop between the principal characters to give the story the emotional force that it needs hurts the dramatic level of the film. There is an obvious connection between the Africans' leader, Cinque, and the young lawyer working for his release. However, the strength of this budding relationship is unconvincing. Moreover, it is seriously disrupted when control of the defense team is taken over by the aging ex-president, John Quincy Adams. Furthermore, the movie lacked depth in the Supreme Courtroom. In Washington, only one side of the case is presented: that of the Amistad captives.

Euroland Food S.a

UVA-F-1356 Euroland Foods S. A. ACCESSING YOUR DOCUMENT(S) Please follow these instructions to successfully access your document(s): 1. Enter your email address and click Submit. Note: Your email is the email address used to create your Darden Business Publishing account when you placed your on-line order. 2. Agree to the Terms of Use; doing so will permit you to unlock the document. 3. Select â€Å"Allow† to enable the PDF document to communicate with the external servers. (Failing to â€Å"Allow† will render the document to remain inaccessable. ) DOCUMENT EXPIRATION Our electronic delivery system is a convenient way for ou to immediately access your document and print it, while always being able to access the most current version. This document will expire in 90 days after you first open it. When the expiration date passes, the document will be locked and inaccessible, so be sure to print your hard copy if you require it. After the document is unlocked, you will be ab le to view and print it for 14 days off-line; after that, you must go to the â€Å"My Account† section of DardenBusinessPublishing. com and log into the document under â€Å"Digital Downloads†. ? Automatically sign me into this document in the future. (Do not select this when using a public computer)TERMS OF USE †¢ I understand and agree that this document will be active for viewing and printing for 90 days from the date I first open it. After 90 days, I will receive an expiration notification, and I will no longer have access to the electronic document. †¢ I understand that I may access this document on up to two different computers within the 90-day active period. †¢ I agree not to forward this document to anyone else. †¢ I agree to print only one copy of this document for my personal use. †¢ I agree to print multiple copies only if I have already purchased copyright permissions for the exact number of copies I wish to make.Document ID: 2012 -1-23 ( Version 2. 6. 0 B uild The protectedpdf technology is  © Copyright 2006 Vitrium Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending. UVA-F-1356 Version 1. 1 EUROLAND FOODS S. A. In early January 2001, the senior management committee of Euroland Foods was to meet to draw up the firm? s capital budget for the new year. Up for consideration were 11 major projects that totaled more than (euro) EUR316 million. Unfortunately, the board of directors had imposed a spending limit on capital projects of only EUR120 million; even so, investment at that rate would represent a major increase in the firm? current asset base of EUR965 million. Thus, the challenge for the senior managers of Euroland Foods was to allocate funds among a range of compelling projects: new-product introduction, acquisition, market expansion, efficiency improvements, preventive maintenance, safety, and pollution control. The Company Euroland Foods, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, was a multinational producer of high-quality ice cream, yogurt, bottled water, and fruit juices. Its products were sold throughout Scandinavia, Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, western Germany, and northern France. (See Exhibit 1 for a map of the company? marketing region. ) The company was founded in 1924 by Theo Verdin, a Belgian farmer, as an offshoot of his dairy business. Through his keen attention to product development and shrewd marketing, the business grew steadily over the years. The company went public in 1979, and, by 1993, was listed for trading on the London, Frankfurt, and Brussels exchanges. In 2000, Euroland Foods had sales of almost EUR1. 6 billion. Ice cream accounted for 60% of the company? s revenue; yogurt, which was introduced in 1982, contributed about 20%. The remaining 20% of sales was divided equally between bottled water and fruit juices.Euroland Foods? s flagship brand name was ? Rolly,? which was represented by a fat dancing bear in farmer? s clothing. Ice cream, the company? s leading product, had a loyal base of customers who sought out its high-butterfat content, large chunks of chocolate, fruit, nuts, and wide range of original flavors. This case was prepared by Casey Opitz and Robert F. Bruner, Dean and Charles C. Abbott Professor of Business Administration, and draws certain elements from an antecedent case by them. All names are fictitious. The financial support of the Batten Institute is gratefully acknowledged.It was written as a basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. Copyright 2001 by the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation, Charlottesville, VA. All rights reserved. To order copies, send an e-mail to [email  protected] com. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means? electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise? without the per mission of the Darden School Foundation. -2- UVA-F-1356 Euroland Foods sales had been static since 1998 (see Exhibit 2), which management attributed to low population growth in northern Europe and market saturation in some areas. Outside observers, however, faulted recent failures in new-product introductions. Most members of management wanted to expand the company? s market presence and introduce more new products to boost sales. Those managers hoped that increased market presence and sales would improve the company? market value. The company? s stock was currently at 14 times earnings, just below book value. This price/earnings ratio was below the trading multiples of comparable companies, and it gave little value to the company? s brands. Resource Allocation The capital budget at Euroland Foods was prepared annually by a committee of senior managers, who then presented it for approval to the board of directors. The committee consisted of five managing directo rs, the president directeur-general (PDG), and the finance director. Typically, the PDG solicited investment proposals from the managing directors.The proposals included a brief project description, a financial analysis, and a discussion of strategic or other qualitative considerations. As a matter of policy, investment proposals at Euroland Foods were subject to two financial tests: payback and internal rate of return (IRR). The tests, or hurdles, had been established in 1999 by the management committee and varied according to the type of project as shown in Table 1. Table 1. Project hurdles. Minimum Acceptable IRR Maximum Acceptable Payback Years 1. New product or new markets 12% 6 years 2. Product or market extension 10% 5 years 3.Efficiency improvements 8% 4 years 4. Safety or environmental No test No test Type of Project In January 2001, the estimated weighted-average cost of capital (WACC) for Euroland Foods was 10. 6%. In describing the capital-budgeting process, the finance director, Trudi Lauf, said: We use the sliding scale of IRR tests as a way of recognizing differences in risk among the various types of projects. Where the company takes more risk, we should earn more return. The payback test signals that we are not prepared to wait for long to achieve that return. -3- UVA-F-1356 Ownership and the Sentiment of Creditors and Investors Euroland Foods? s 12-member board of directors included three members of the Verdin family, four members of management, and five outside directors who were prominent managers or public figures in northern Europe. Members of the Verdin family combined owned 20% of Euroland Foods? s shares outstanding, and company executives combined owned 10% of the shares. Venus Asset Management, a mutual-fund management company in London, held 12%.Banque du Bruges et des Pays Bas held 9% and had one representative on the board of directors. The remaining 49% of the firm? s shares were widely held. The firm? s shar es traded in Brussels and Frankfurt, Germany. At a debt-to-equity ratio of 125%, Euroland Foods was leveraged much more highly than its peers in the European consumer-foods industry. Management had relied on debt financing significantly in the past few years to sustain the firm? s capital spending and dividends during a period of price wars initiated by Euroland. Now, with the price wars finished, Euroland? bankers (led by Banque du Bruges) strongly urged an aggressive program of debt reduction. In any event, they were not prepared to finance increases in leverage beyond the current level. The president of Banque du Bruges had remarked at a recent board meeting: Restoring some strength to the right-hand side of the balance sheet should now be a first priority. Any expansion of assets should be financed from the cash flow after debt amortization until the debt ratio returns to a more prudent level. If there are crucial investments that cannot be funded this way, then we should cut th e dividend!At a price-to-earnings ratio of 14 times, shares of Euroland Foods common stock were priced below the average multiples of peer companies and the average multiples of all companies on the exchanges where Euroland Foods was traded. This was attributable to the recent price wars, which had suppressed the company? s profitability, and to the well-known recent failure of the company to seize significant market share with a new product line of flavored mineral water. Since January 2000, all the major securities houses had been issuing ? sell? recommendations to investors in Euroland Foods shares.Venus Asset Management had quietly accumulated shares during this period, however, in the expectation of a turnaround in the firm? s performance. At the most recent board meeting, the senior managing director of Venus gave a presentation, in which he said: Cutting the dividend is unthinkable, as it would signal a lack of faith in your own future. Selling new shares of stock at this dep ressed price level is also unthinkable, as it would impose unacceptable dilution on your current shareholders. Your equity investors expect an improvement in performance. If that improvement is not forthcoming, or worse, if investors? opes are dashed, your shares might fall into the hands of raiders like Carlo de Benedetti or the Flick brothers. 1 1 De Benedetti of Milan and the Flick brothers of Munich were leaders of prominent hostile-takeover attempts in recent years. -4- UVA-F-1356 At the conclusion of the most recent meeting of the directors, the board voted unanimously to limit capital spending to EUR120 million in 2001. Members of the Senior Management CommitteeSeven senior managers of Euroland Foods would prepare the capital budget. For consideration, each project had to be sponsored by one of the managers present. Usually the decision process included a period of discussion followed by a vote on two to four alternative capital budgets. The various execu tives were well known to each other: Wilhelmina Verdin (Belgian), PDG, age 57. Granddaughter of the founder and spokesperson on the board of directors for the Verdin family? s interests. Worked for the company her entire career, with significant experience in brand management. Elected ? European Marketer of the Year? n 1982 for successfully introducing low-fat yogurt and ice cream, the first major roll-out of this type of product. Eager to position the company for long-term growth but cautious in the wake of recent difficulties. Trudi Lauf (Swiss), finance director, age 51. Hired from Nestle in 1995 to modernize financial controls and systems. Had been a vocal proponent of reducing leverage on the balance sheet. Also, voiced the concerns and frustrations of stockholders. Heinz Klink (German), managing director for Distribution, age 49. Oversaw the transportation, warehousing, and order-fulfillment activities in the company.Spoilage, transport costs, stock-outs, and control systems w ere perennial challenges. Maarten Leyden (Dutch), managing director for Production and Purchasing, age 59. Managed production operations at the company? s 14 plants. Engineer by training. Tough negotiator, especially with unions and suppliers. A fanatic about production-cost control. Had voiced doubts about the sincerity of creditors? and investors? commitment to the firm. Marco Ponti (Italian), managing director of Sales, age 45. Oversaw the field sales force of 250 representatives and planned changes in geographical sales coverage.The most vocal proponent of rapid expansion on the senior-management committee. Saw several opportunities for ways to improve geographical positioning. Hired from Unilever in 1993 to revitalize the sales organization, which he successfully accomplished. Fabienne Morin (French), managing director for Marketing, age 41. Responsible for marketing research, new-product development, advertising, and in general, brand management. The primary advocate of the re cent price war, which, although financially difficult, realized solid gains in market share. Perceived a ? window of opportunity? or product and market expansion and tended to support growth-oriented projects. Nigel Humbolt (British), managing director for Strategic Planning, age 47. Hired two years previously from a well-known consulting firm to set up a strategic planning staff -5- UVA-F-1356 for Euroland Foods. Known for asking difficult and challenging questions about Euroland? s core business, its maturity, and profitability. Supported initiatives aimed at growth and market share.Had presented the most aggressive proposals in 2000, none of which were accepted. Becoming frustrated with what he perceived to be his lack of influence in the organization. The Expenditure Proposals The forthcoming meeting would entertain the following proposals in Table 2: Table 2. Project proposals. Project Expenditure (euro millions) Sponsoring Manager 1. Replacement and expans ion of the truck fleet 33 Klink, distribution 2. A new plant 45 Leyden, production 3. Expansion of a plant 15 Leyden, production 4. Development and roll-out of snack foods 27 Morin, marketing 5. Plant automation and conveyor systems 21 Leyden, production . Effluent-water treatment at four plants 6 Leyden, production 7. Market expansion southward 30 Ponti, sales 8. Market expansion eastward 30 Ponti, sales 9. Development and introduction of new artificially sweetened yogurt and ice cream 27 Morin, marketing 10. Networked, computer-based inventorycontrol system for warehouses and field representatives 22. 5 Klink, distribution 11. Acquisition of a leading schnapps brand and associated facilities 60 Humbolt, strategic planning 1. Replacement and expansion of the truck fleet: Heinz Klink proposed to purchase 100 new refrigerated tractor-trailer trucks, 50 each in 2001 and 2002.By doing so, the company could sell 60 old, fully depreciated trucks over the two years for a total of EUR4. 05 million. The purchase would expand the fleet by 40 trucks within two years. Each of the new trailers would be larger than the old trailers and afforded a 15% increase in cubic meters of goods hauled on each trip. The new tractors would also be more fuel- and maintenance-efficient. The increase in the number of trucks would permit more flexible scheduling and more efficient routing and servicing of the fleet than at present and would cut delivery times and, therefore, possibly inventories. It -6- UVA-F-1356 would also allow more frequent deliveries to the company? s major markets, which would reduce the loss of sales caused by stock-outs. Finally, expanding the fleet would support geographical expansion over the long term. As shown in Exhibit 3, the total net investment in trucks of EUR30 million and the increase in working capital to support added maintenance, fuel, payroll, and inventories of EUR3 million was expected to yield total cost savings and added sale s potential of EUR11. million over the next seven years. The resulting IRR was estimated to be 7. 8%, marginally below the minimum 8% required return on efficiency projects. Some of the managers wondered if this project would be more properly classified as ? efficiency? than ? expansion.? 2. A new plant: Maarten Leyden noted that Euroland Foods yogurt and ice-cream sales in the southeastern region of the company? s market were about to exceed the capacity of its Melun, France, manufacturing and packaging plant. At present, some of the demand was being met by shipments from the company? s newest, most efficient facility, located in Strasbourg, France.Shipping costs over that distance were high, however, and some sales were undoubtedly being lost when the marketing effort could not be supported by delivery. Leyden proposed that a new manufacturing and packaging plant be built in Dijon, France, just at the current southern edge of the Euroland Foods marketing region, to take the burden off the Melun and Strasbourg plants. The cost of that plant would be EUR37. 5 million and would entail EUR7. 5 million for working capital. The EUR21 million worth of equipment would be amortized over seven years, and the plant over ten years.Through an increase in sales and depreciation and the decrease in delivery costs, the plant was expected to yield after-tax cash flows totaling EUR35. 6 million and an IRR of 11. 3% over the next 10 years. This project would be classified as a market extension. 3. Expansion of a plant: In addition to the need for greater production capacity in Euroland Foods? s southeastern region, its Nuremberg, Germany, plant had reached full capacity. This situation made the scheduling of routine equipment maintenance difficult, which, in turn, created production scheduling and deadline problems.This plant was one of two highly automated facilities that produced the Euroland Foods? s entire line of bottled water, mineral water, and fruit juices. The Nurembe rg plant supplied central and western Europe. (The other plant, near Copenhagen, Denmark, supplied the Euroland Foods northern European markets. ) The Nuremberg plant capacity could be expanded by 20% for EUR15 million. The equipment (EUR10. 5 million) would be depreciated over seven years, and the plant over ten years. The increased capacity was expected to result in additional production of up to EUR2. 5 million a year, yielding an IRR of 11. 2%. This project would be classified as a market extension. 4. Development and roll-out of snack foods: Fabienne Morin suggested that the company use the excess capacity at its Antwerp spice- and nut-processing facility to produce a line of dried fruits to be test-marketed in Belgium, Britain, and the Netherlands. She noted the strength of the Rolly brand in those countries and the success of other food and beverage companies that had expanded into snack food production. She argued that the Euroland Foods? reputation for wholesome, quality pr oducts would be enhanced by a line of dried fruits and, further, that name -7- UVA-F-1356 association with the new product would probably even lead to increased sales of the company? s other products among health-conscious consumers. Equipment and working-capital investments were expected to total EUR22. 5 million and EUR4. 5 million, respectively, for this project.The equipment would be depreciated over seven years. Assuming the test market was successful, cash flows from the project would be able to support further plant expansions in other strategic locations. The IRR was expected to be 13. 4%, slightly above the required return of 12% for new-product projects. 5. Plant automation and conveyer systems: Maarten Leyden also requested EUR21 million to increase automation of the production lines at six of the company? s older plants. The result would be improved throughput speed and reduced accidents, spillage, and production tieups.The last two plants the compan y had built included conveyer systems that eliminated the need for any heavy lifting by employees. The systems reduced the chance of injury by employees; at the six older plants, the company had sustained an average of 223 missed-worker days per year per plant in the last two years because of muscle injuries sustained in heavy lifting. At an average hourly total compensation rate of EUR14. 00 an hour, more than EUR150,000 a year were thus lost, and the possibility always existed of more serious injuries and lawsuits. Overall, cost savings and depreciation totaling EUR4. 3 million a year for the project were expected to yield an IRR of 8. 7%. This project would be classed in the efficiency category. 6. Effluent-water treatment at four plants: Euroland Foods preprocessed a variety of fresh fruits at its Melun and Strasbourg plants. One of the first stages of processing involved cleaning the fruit to remove dirt and pesticides. The dirty water was simply sent down the drain and into th e Seine or Rhine Rivers. Recent European Community directives called for any wastewater containing even slight traces of poisonous chemicals to be treated at the sources, and gave companies four years to comply.As an environmentally oriented project, this proposal fell outside the normal financial tests of project attractiveness. Leyden noted, however, that the water-treatment equipment could be purchased today for EUR6 million; he speculated that the same equipment would cost EUR15 million in four years when immediate conversion became mandatory. In the intervening time, the company would run the risks that European Community regulators would shorten the compliance time or that the company? s pollution record would become public and impair the image of the company in the eyes of the consumer.This project would be classed in the environmental category. 7 and 8. Market expansions southward and eastward: Marco Ponti recommended that the company expand its market southward to include s outhern France, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, and/or eastward to include eastern Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Austria. Ponti believed the time was right to expand sales of ice cream, and perhaps yogurt, geographically. In theory, the company could sustain expansions in both directions simultaneously, but practically, Ponti doubted that the sales and distribution organizations could sustain both expansions at once.Each alternative geographical expansion had its benefits and risks. If the company expanded eastward, it could reach a large population with a great appetite for frozen dairy products, but it would also face more competition from local and regional ice cream -8- UVA-F-1356 manufacturers. Moreover, consumers in eastern Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia did not have the purchasing power that consumers to the south did.The eastward expansion would have to be supplied from plants in Nuremberg, Strasbourg, and Hamburg. Looking southward, the table s were turned: more purchasing power and less competition but also a smaller consumer appetite for ice cream and yogurt. A southward expansion would require building consumer demand for premium-quality yogurt and ice cream. If neither of the plant proposals (proposals 2 and 3) was accepted, then the southward expansion would need to be supplied from plants in Melun, Strasbourg, and Rouen. The initial cost of either proposal was EUR30 million of working capital.The bulk of this project? s costs was expected to involve the financing of distributorships, but over the 10-year forecast period, the distributors would gradually take over the burden of carrying receivables and inventory. Both expansion proposals assumed the rental of suitable warehouse and distribution facilities. The after-tax cash flows were expected to total EUR56. 3 million for southward expansion and EUR48. 8 million for eastward expansion. Marco Ponti pointed out that southward expansion meant a higher possible IRR bu t that moving eastward was a less risky proposition.The projected IRRs were 21. 4% and 18. 8% for southern and eastern expansion, respectively. These projects would be classed in the marketextension category. 9. Development and introduction of new artificially sweetened yogurt and ice cream: Fabienne Morin noted that recent developments in the synthesis of artificial sweeteners were showing promise of significant cost savings to food and beverage producers as well as stimulating growing demand for low-calorie products. The challenge was to create the right flavor to complement or enhance the other ingredients.For ice cream manufacturers, the difficulty lay in creating a balance that would result in the same flavor as was obtained when using natural sweeteners; artificial sweeteners might, of course, create a superior taste. In addition, EUR27 million would be needed to commercialize a yogurt line that had received promising results in laboratory tests. This cost included acquiring s pecialized production facilities, working capital, and the cost of the initial product introduction. The overall IRR was estimated to be 20. 5%.Morin stressed that the proposal, although highly uncertain in terms of actual results, could be viewed as a means of protecting present market share, because other high-quality icecream producers carrying out the same research might introduce these products; if the Rolly brand did not carry an artificially sweetened line and its competitors did, the brand might suffer. Morin also noted the parallels between innovating with artificial sweeteners and the company? s past success in introducing low-fat products. This project ould be classed in the new-product category of investments. 10. Networked, computer-based inventory-control system for warehouses and field representatives. Heinz Klink had pressed unsuccessfully for three years for a state-of-the-art -9- UVA-F-1356 computer-based inventory-control system that would lin k field sales representatives, distributors, drivers, warehouses, and possibly even retailers.The benefits of such a system would be shorter delays in ordering and order processing, better control of inventory, reduction of spoilage, and faster recognition of changes in demand at the customer level. Klink was reluctant to quantify these benefits, because they could range between modest and quite large amounts. This year, for the first time, he presented a cash-flow forecast, however, that reflected an initial outlay of EUR18 million for the system, followed by EUR4. 5 million in the next year for ancillary equipment. The inflows reflected depreciation tax shields, tax credits, cost reductions in warehousing, and reduced inventory.He forecast these benefits to last for only three years. Even so, the project? s IRR was estimated to be 16. 2%. This project would be classed in the efficiency category of proposals. 11. Acquisition of a leading schnapps2 brand and associated facilities. N igel Humbolt had advocated making diversifying acquisitions in an effort to move beyond the company? s mature core business but doing so in a way that exploited the company? s skills in brand management. He had explored six possible related industries in the general field of consumer packaged goods and determined that cordials and liqueurs offered unusual opportunities for eal growth and, at the same time, market protection through branding. He had identified four small producers of well-established brands of liqueurs as acquisition candidates. Following exploratory talks with each, he had determined that only one company could be purchased in the near future, namely, the leading private European manufacturer of schnapps, located in Munich. The proposal was expensive: EUR25 million to buy the company and EUR30 million to renovate the company? s facilities completely while simultaneously expanding distribution to new geographical markets.The expected returns were high: after-tax cash flows were projected to be EUR198. 5 million, yielding an IRR of 27. 5%. This project would be classed in the new-product category of proposals. Conclusion Each member of the management committee was expected to come to the meeting prepared to present and defend a proposal for the allocation of Euroland Foods? s capital budget of EUR120 million. Exhibit 3 summarizes the various projects in terms of their free cash flows and the investment-performance criteria. 2 Any of various strong dry liquors, such as a strong Dutch gin.Definition borrowed from American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed. -10- UVA-F-1356 Exhibit 1 EUROLAND FOODS S. A. Nations where Euroland Foods Competed Note: The shaded area on this map reveals the principal distribution region of Euroland? s products. Important facilities are indicated by the following figures: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium Plant, Antwerp, Belgium Plant, Strasbourg, France Plant , Nuremberg, Germany Plant, Hamburg, GermanyPlant, Copenhagen, Denmark Plant, Svald, Sweden Plant, Nelly-on-Mersey, England Plant, Caen, France Plant, Melun, France -11- UVA-F-1356 Exhibit 2 EUROLAND FOODS S. A. Summary of Financial Results (all values in euro millions, except per-share amounts) Fiscal Year Ending December 1998 1999 Gross sales 1,614 1,608 1,611 Net income 77 74 56 1. 13 1. 08 0. 81 Dividends 30 30 30 Total assets 716 870 984 Shareholders? equity (book value) 559 640 697 1,271 1,258 784 Earnings per shareShareholders? equity (market value) 2000 -12- UVA-F-1356 Exhibit 3 EUROLAND FOODS S. A. Free Cash Flows and Analysis of Proposed Projects1 (all values in euro millions) Project 1 2 Expand Truck Fleet (note 3) Investment Property Working Capital 3 New Plant (Dijon, France) 4 5 6 Expanded Automation Plant and (Nuremberg, Conveyer Germany) Snack Foods S ystems 7 8 9 10 Southward Expansion (note 5) Eastward E xpansion (note 5) A rtificial S weetener InventoryControl S ystem StrategicA cquisition (note 6) 30. 00 3. 00 37. 50 7. 50 15. 00 0. 00 -17. 10 -11. 85 4. 50 5. 25 6. 00 6. 75 7. 50 10. 50 11. 55 -45. 00 3. 00 7. 50 8. 25 9. 00 9. 38 9. 75 10. 13 7. 50 7. 88 8. 25 35. 63 -15. 00 1. 88 2. 25 2. 63 3. 00 3. 38 3. 75 2. 25 2. 25 2. 25 2. 25 10. 88 6 4 6 5 6 5 7 6 6 4 5 6 IRR Minimum Accepted ROR Spread 7. 8% 8. 0% -0. 2% 11. 3% 10. 0% 1. 3% 11. 2% 10. 0% 1. 2% 13. 4% 12. 0% 1. 4% 8. 7% 8. 0% 0. 7% NPV at Corp. WACC (10. 6%) -2. 88 1. 49 0. 41 3. 74 NPV at Minimum ROR -0. 19 2. 81 0. 82 Equivalent Annuity (note 2) -0. 04 0. 46 0. 13 Y ear 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Undiscounted Sum Payback (years) Maximum Payback Accepted 2. 50 21. 00 0. 00 0. 00 4. 50 0. 00 30. 00 30. 00 EXPECTED FREE CASH FLOWS (note 4) -9. 00 -21. 00 -30. 00 -30. 00 -9. 00 4. 13 5. 25 4. 50 -9. 00 4. 13 6. 00 5. 25 4. 50 4. 13 6. 75 6. 00 4. 50 4. 13 7. 50 6. 75 6. 00 4. 13 8. 25 7. 50 6. 75 4. 13 9. 00 8. 25 7. 50 4. 13 9. 75 9. 00 8. 25 1 0. 50 9. 75 9. 00 11. 25 10. 50 9. 75 12. 00 11. 25 29. 25 7. 88 56. 25 48. 75 22. 50 4. 50 22. 50 0. 00 45. 00 15. 00 -27. 00 4. 50 6. 00 6. 75 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 42. 75 -18. 00 8. 25 8. 25 7. 50 6. 00 -25. 00 -30. 00 7. 50 13. 50 16. 50 19. 50 22. 50 25. 50 28. 50 31. 50 88. 50 198. 50 5 6 5 6 3 4 5 6 21. 4% 12. 0% 9. 4% 8. 8% 12. 0% 6. 8% 20. 5% 12. 0% 8. 5% 16. 2% 8. 0% 8. 2% 27. 5% 12. 0% 15. 5% -1. 31 17. 99 13. 49 13. 43 1. 75 69. 45 1. 79 0. 48 14. 85 10. 62 10. 97 2. 67 59. 65 0. 32 0. 09 2. 63 1. 88 1. 94 1. 03 10. 56 1 The effluent treatment program is not included in this exhibit. The equivalent annuity of a project is that level annual payment that yields a net present value equal to the NPV at the minimum required rate of return for that project. Annuity corrects for differences in duration among various projects. In ranking projects on the basis of equivalent annuity, bigger annuities create more investor wealth than smaller annuities. This refl ects EUR16. 5 million spent both initially and at the end of year one. 4 Free cash flow = Incremental profit or cost savings after taxes + Depreciation Investment in fixed assets and working capital. 5 Franchisees would gradually take over the burden of carrying receivables and inventory. 6 EUR25 million would be spent in the first year, EUR30 million in the second, and EUR5 million in the third. 2