Considerations of Communication Style Essay

Communication style has a very big impact on the dynamics of face-to-face encounters, that is, whether a conversation proceeds smoothly or by fits and starts, whether both continually interrupt each other or are both able to talk simultaneously without interrupting and whether their style of listening match. Differences in ethnic background coupled with those of communication style probably increase chances that implicit unverbalized matters will be overlooked or misinterpreted. To be able to understand deeper and more sophisticated effects of style differences can take years. In exploring such differences of â€Å"the other†, one cannot help but come to understand the cultural factors that have shaped one’s own style. In the communication between Japanese and Non-Japanese there are intercultural communication blocks that have to be considered, which are, problems on direct and indirectness, individuality and groups view, decision making, and discussion. Components of Communication Style  According to some experts there are various things included in the components of communication style, such as: topics of discussions, favorite interaction forms -ritual, repartee, argument, and self disclosure- and involvement depth, as well as the channel people rely upon (Dean Barlund) ; behaviors –gesticulation, eye contact, speech and kinetic rhythm, and listening behavior- (Erickson) ; interruptions, pauses, laughter, inductive and deductive statements, and types of question ( E. S Johnson). However, in this discussion, there are three variables suggested as a core to explore communication style: (1) orientation to interaction, (2) code preference, and (3) interaction format. These are not to be understood as stereotype descriptions of all members of any cultural group but rather as stylistic preferences of the cultural group as a whole. Communication style orientations are anchored in cultural standards but allow for individual movement depending upon the situation and cultural constraints.

Li and Fung Limited Essay

Ans#1- Li & Fung Limited is a global trading group. A company would like to use the supply chain management services of Li & Fung because it manages the supply chain for high volume, time sensitive consumer goods, delivering the right location. It focuses on providing a one- stop shop service through a network of 69 sourcing offices in 40 countries. Company would prefer Li & Fung rather than organising in-house department or appointing a senior manager to handle these activities because it provides services range from product design , development, through raw material and factory sourcing, production planning and management, quality assurance and on to export documentation and shipping consolidation. Moreover company use Li & Fung because it could be an effort to also reduce costs. Ans#2- Li & Fung expand its global sourcing network through acquisitions since it has found developing networks from the ground up tends to take a long time and to be relatively expensive. Li & Fung acquired companies like Inchcape Buying Services in 1995, Swire & Maclaine Ltd , Camberley Enterprises Ltd and Colby Group Holdings Ltd. These all are well established companies. Li & Fung company is in favour of acquisitions because it doubled the size of company and expanded the company’s customer base in Europe and strengthen its position in the U.S. These acquisitions increased the size of Li & Fung’s sourcing network from 48 offices in 32 countries in 1999 to 68 offices in 40 countries in 2001. Ans#3- Internet opens the door to new levels of connectedness to customers. Successful firms on the Web have used cyberspace to achieve their objectives. Li & Fung use the Internet to capture additional business like small to medium- size -businesses that is characterized by small order size and shorter delivery requirements. But they cannot afford large sum of money in inventory. Internet provides solution to these kind of problems. It could allow Li & Fung to consolidate small orders for mass production by existing supplier network. Li & Fung allow these smaller businesses to have their own private label. The choices available online would allow a product to have the small business’s own distinctive label attached with choices available online and would choices of embroidery colors and packaging. Li & Fung should use search engine optimization for increase the awareness of its website. In order to make the additional businesses profitable Li & Fung could use their website †www.studiodirect.com† in many ways. The studio direct will combine its expertise in sourcing and merchandising of apparel with supply chain efficiency. It will derive from its web- based trading. Studio Direct has outsourced every aspect of delivery from pick and pack, shipping and customer clearance.

Love Through the Ages Essay

â€Å"It is better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all.† Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950), a famous poet from the modern period, published â€Å"Love is not all† in 1931, centuries after â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband†, by puritan poet Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672), was published in 1678. While comparing these two poems, one can see many similarities and differences ascribed to the different time periods they were written. â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband† and â€Å"Love is not all† are different in their content and meaning. Although both of the poets are exploring the relationship between love and death, they come to different results at the end of their work. Bradstreet finds her love for her husband so worthy when she says, â€Å"I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold†(l.5). On the other hand Millay thinks that she â€Å"might be driven to sell [his] love for peace,†(l.12). One can notice a contrast in tone between the two poems. Bradstreet’s tone is spiritual, while Millay’s tone is playful. There is one paradox in each of the poems. In â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband†, Bradstreet explains that people who are no longer alive on earth can be alive forever in heaven. She says, â€Å"that when we live no more, we may live ever†(l.12). Millay explains that love can’t save lives but people can die without it. This paradox is spread in the first six lines of the poem. Although these poems are written in different time periods, they have many similarities considering their content and meaning. Ann Bradstreet and Edna St. Vincent Millay have different styles. Part of this difference is ascribed to the different time periods in which they lived. In â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband† images like gold, debt, and nature are some that come to reader’s mind, but in â€Å"Love is not all† one can see more images while reading the poem. People rising and sinking, blood, and fractured bones are some of them. The two poems are different in their diction too. Millay’s diction is contemporary but Bradstreet’s language is archaic and old fashioned. She uses words and phrases that were common in seventeenth century language as when she says, â€Å"Thy love is such I can no way repay† (l.9). Although a regular reader may not notice, both poems have  rhyming scheme. â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband† is written in rhyming couplets, meanwhile â€Å"Love is not all† is written in English or Shakespearean sonnet. The use of figurative language is not really noticeable in any of the poems. Bradstreet says, â€Å"My love is such that rivers cannot quench, nor ought but love from thee, give recompense. â€Å", which is the only metaphor she uses in her poem (l.6). Millay’s most noticeable use of figurative language is when she says, â€Å"Yet many a man is making friends with death†, which is a personification (l.7). As explained, the different time periods in which these poems were written causes the greatest difference in their style. If I wanted to write a poem about love, I would write about the love of mother for her child. I believe the mother’s love is the purest and most beautiful love. I would include many images showing how a mother cares about her child and how her love is unconditional. I would also use figurative language to explain the love of a mother for her child. I may say how a mother protects her child from all the dangers by comparing it to nature. Or I may use simile to show how desperate a child can be without her mother’s support and care. I would conclude my poem by trying to make the reader believe that people should have more respect and care about their parents and the fact that without them, they would be nothing.

Current event article and synopsis about obama care

Current event and synopsis about obama care - Article Example White House spokesman Jay Carney downplayed the CBO report, arguing that â€Å"CBO does not take into account positive impacts on worker productivity due to the ACAs role in improving workers health, including reduced absenteeism.† But there is no worker as unproductive or as absent as the one who works less on purpose because a small increase in pay could suddenly deprive him or her of a large Obamacare subsidy. One White House adviser tried to defend this as creating new â€Å"options† for workers, but this is an ad hoc defense, forced on Obama as an unintended and unwelcome consequence of his health care law. Obamacares disincentive to work directly contradicts Obamas consistent philosophy of work - something he began articulating as long as a decade ago and which he has restated as recently as last weeks State of the Union address. Obamas philosophy is an orthodox liberal one, but it starts with premises most conservatives would embrace. In his 2006 memoir The Audacity of Hope, he extolled the virtues of â€Å"self-reliance," "self-improvement," "drive," "discipline," "temperance," "hard work," "thrift" and "personal responsibility.† Then he added the punch line: â€Å"The legitimacy of our government and our economy depend on the degree to which these values are rewarded.† In a passage that specifically criticizes the perverse incentives of the welfare state, Obama wrote that â€Å"Americans believe in work — not just as a means of supporting themselves but as a means of giving their lives purpose and direction, order and dignity †¦ Americans also believe that if we work full-time, we should be able to support ourselves and our kids. For many people on the bottom rungs of the economy — mainly low-skilled workers in the rapidly growing service sector — this basic promise isn’t being fulfilled.† In short, Obama appeals to the work ethic as something government and all employers have a societal obligation to reward. This echoes in the argument

Personal Development Planning Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Personal Development Planning - Coursework Example The paper will discuss the benefits of studying PDP at a higher education level. It will also highlight on the changes the changes that I would like to bring into PDP for the future students’ justifying the change with a rationale behind it. Lastly, the paper will provide a reflection on how PDP has helped me at the university. PDP in higher education usually comprise of portfolio that contains evidence if the skills that have been acquired over a specific time period. Studying PDP at the university is very crucial since it assists in creating self-directed independent learners who have a higher probability of progressing to higher levels of academic achievement (Rughani, 2001). As cited by Grellier and Goerke (2006), the other benefit is that students can take responsibility for and personalise their learning. Essentially, personal development is a process and not a final product. Therefore, it can be utilised to support the personalisation of learning by facilitating pathways selection that suit individual learner. Through the utilisation of tools like auditing of personal transferable skills that are often used in the personal development frameworks linked with employability, the students can actually make links between their extra-curricular and curricular activities and what the employers value. These particular activities are advantageous in the context of work placements, work-based learning, or internships. Generally, students usually report in questionnaires and focus groups that CV development is something that they find very beneficial. PDP assists the university students to be effective in reviewing and monitoring their own progress and make use of their own evidence and records to show to others what they know they can actually do (Fry, Ketteridge, & Marshall, 2008). According to Fry, Ketteridge and Marshall (2008, p. 120), PDP promotes deeper learning through increasing awareness of the students are actually learning and to

If You Need Love, Get a Puppy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

If You Need Love, Get a Puppy - Case Study Example Notable issues related to the Court’s accounting practices and financial reporting were identified during the audit process such as, a) misstatements and missing documents or signatures on paid receipts for misdemeanor traffic violations, and b) missing cash deposits for ticket revenues. The observed misstatements and the incorrect filing of documents are considered as immaterial since most of the inconsistencies are insignificant and unintentional. However, it is best to practice a tighter control on documentation of receipts to allow accuracy and transparency of government records. On the other hand, I found out that some payments for traffic violation tickets were marked as paid in cash in both the receipt book and on the sheriff’s computer records but do not reflect on the bank deposit. Possible explanations include the inadvertent mixing of the collections the previous day to the next transaction day due to time constraints. To correct this issue, I am recommending that the cash payments should be deposited to the bank not later than a week after the original transaction date. To properly conclude the auditing process, I will be further investigating the ticket revenue records for any missing cash deposits by vouching a bigger number of samples in the coming days. Still, I am open for clarifications and reasons behind such inconsistencies as your staff has been very helpful in providing me with necessary access to records and information to essential data. Thank you for your assistance and I please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries regarding the

The freedom of the children and the sins of the fathers Essay

The freedom of the children and the sins of the fathers - Essay Example Given this dual nature, some good advice may generate bad results, and vice-versa. The point being that one truly never knows the outcome of what one does until one has done it, and given this uncertainty, one should hold individual freedom in a high regard, and furthermore, one should be cautious in the advice that one dispenses, because good intentions don't necessarily translate in good results. I think that Michael's father was thoroughly cautious in his advice. The essence of his message was of respect for free will, as well as of a warning at the entanglement of perspectives, ideas and half-truths that human interaction often consists of. A half truth is what happens not when one lies, but when one does not know the whole of the truth. And I believe that the nature of his advice implied that he knew more than his boisterous and passionate youth of a son. It's basically a matter of committed relativism. Maybe his father realized something that Michael could never have, being part of a younger generation, who never witnessed first-hand the horrors of Nazi Germany. Maybe his insight allowed him to fathom that maybe Hanna was seeking redemption trough punishment.

Analysis of Leadership and Management Research Paper

Analysis of Leadership and Management - Research Paper Example Hence, change is a continuous process in an organization. It acts as an effective tool, which helps the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Change is possible only when the employees are ready to accept the change. Therefore, change leads to the transformation from the old state to the new state, which helps an organization to understand its external and internal conditions. (Collett, n.d.). Successful change management requires employees support and top management support. When the change cannot be managed in a systematic way, there will be a decline in productivity and quality. Therefore, while implementing the change generally people are not mentally and physically fit to accept the change because employees are shifting their old way of doing the things and thus there will be lack of confidence and disloyalty among the employees. Last but not least change will lead to an increase in absenteeism. In case of effective change management, there will be an increase in pro ductivity and organization standard, the employees will start contributing ideas and providing solutions towards the problems, employees’ interest, and motivation level rise up.  Ã‚   To exist in the competitive market, an organization needs to bring behavioral change in employees in order to help them to adjust to the new organizational culture. Therefore, change focuses on creating a new product. For example, Tea Gardens, Jute Mills etc are lucrative organizations but they have been changing from hand to hand perhaps because the new ones are not competent like the earlier ones. That is how changes are continuously going from years to years. Change always requires an extra effort to learn new things since it provides an opportunity for people to feel responsible for the accomplishment of work. From the theories and models of the change management, we generally develop our understanding of planned organizational change. According to Kotter’s framework, change management focuses on increasing employee motivation and encouraging him/her to adopt the change (Heathcote & Taylor, 2007, p.2-7). The reason behind the successful organization change is strong leader ship and educating the employees about the change that will occur in day-to-day activities of the organization. Kurt Lewin represented the three-stage process of change in order to bring the change in the organization. His model is, known as Unfreeze- Change – Refreeze. At the Unfreezing stage, the managers educate the people about the change.  Ã‚  

Addressing human rights abuses in post Gaddafi Libya Essay

Addressing human rights abuses in post Gaddafi Libya - Essay Example The revolution pitted the forces that were loyal to the then Libya leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi against those who were seeking to oust Gaddafi’s government. What began as clashes between protesters in Benghazi with security forces later escalated into a revolution across Libya with those opposed to Gaddafi’s government establishing the National Transitional Council; their interim governing body. During the revolution, various atrocities were committed against the Libyan people thus violating the human rights provisions. The forces that were loyal to Gaddafi committed most atrocities; there are also allegations that those who were opposed to Gaddafi’s government committed some atrocities as well. There were crimes against humanity such as murder, torture, rape, enforced disappearance of people, and extermination among other inhumane acts that caused serious physical and mental injuries to the people of Libya. It is for this reason that Truth and Reconciliation C ommission (TRC) is necessary in order to address the spirit injuries of all kinds that occurred during the revolution. According to Sunga (2009), a Truth and Reconciliation Commission refers to a commission mandated with the responsibility of discovering, investigating, and revealing the past atrocities, injustices, and any other kind of wrongdoing by actors, with an aim of addressing the injuries caused by those acts, hence resolving the conflict that may be within the conflicting parties. The actors can be the government or non- state actors depending on the circumstances. The main aim of TRC is to ensure that the conflicting (or that conflicted) parties are able to co- exist peaceful, and that there will be no recurrence of such acts in the future (p. 4). In the case of Libya, there is no guarantee that the Libyans will accept TRC due to varying reasons. Assuming that they have rejected TRC to address the spirit injuries of all kinds that occurred during the revolution, there are proposed legal alternatives based on international, regional or national laws. First, it is important to state two major possible that would make the Libyans reject TRC. First, they may feel that TRC will allow those who committed crime against humanity to get away with it hence denying justice to the victims. Secondly, they may fear that TRC will take long to address their injuries thus delaying justice to the victims; justice delayed is justice denied (Hayner 2001, p.9). Based on the international law, the legal alternative to TRC in addressing the crimes committed is on prosecution of those accused of perpetrating the atrocities. Since Libya is not a State party to the Rome Statute, the situation in Libya was referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the UN Security Council through the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1970, on 26 February 2011. The Crimes against humanity committed in Libya during the revolution are defined under Article 7 (1) of the Rome Statute (Rome Statute of the In ternational Criminal Court, 1998). As such, the legal alternatives to TRC based on international law will be prosecution of the crimes’ suspects in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Concerning legal alternatives to TRC based on regional laws, the laws will fail to address the spirit injuries of all kinds committed during the revolution. This is because the rule 26 of African Court on Human Rights and Peoples Rights state that the court do not have jurisdiction to hear criminal cases. Therefore, since the atrocities committed in Libya were of criminal nature, the regional court will not provide any suitable alternative since the victims will feel aggrieved. The national law may provide alternative to TRC

Catholiicism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Catholiicism - Assignment Example This prompted many natives in dedicating themselves to serving church rather that working. This is due to the then priests’ intensive evangelization for many of them were energetic and enthusiastic, which triggered vigor not only among the entire clergy but also among Catholics. Hence, this led to significant changes that conveyed difference from the 20Th era up to date assuming ethnicity and pluralism. Ethnicity encompasses an internal state of irrespective of numerous State churches comprising a single American Catholic. This is because of numerous immigrants who relocated to America each based on own ethnic group differed significantly with the other including their own credence regarding Catholics. Hence, giving rise to conflicts on whose way of worship was acceptable way of being Catholic (Albanese 71). The force was so strong that they even fought to maintain their identity similar to Irish in 19Th era. Pluralism refers to peripheral state of one church being among numerous denominations. Although Catholic comprises the minority, it poses a threat to Protestants due to demonstrations and nativist (Albanese 76). This was evident in 1834 whereby due Nativism incidence churches incurred great loses due to destruction through torching. This is because both Protestants and Catholics intended were at loggerheads whereby each intending to lead in America in terms of masses. Consequently, this prompted a catholic archbishop conceive the idea of coming up with Catholic System schools. Centrally to the initial state of evangelization by Catholics together with many becoming nuns, the onset of 20Th era was quite different. This is because of reduction of nuns as many people preferred material gain that came with white-collar jobs; hence, they saw vows regarding chastity and poverty being too demeaning. This is evident to date whereby numerous Catholics only attend church during Holy days like Good Friday, which is an

The Oil Politics Essay Example for Free

The Oil Politics Essay The controversy over oil has been raging for quite a while. It has played into the international politics and the politics of terrorism. The Middle East is the most volatile area of the world at present. Israel is viewed as a satellite of the United States located in the Arab world to represent the superpowers interests in the region. Incidentally the Middle East is a region endowed with oil, a precious commodity sought after by every government. The main occupation and foreign exchange earner for these countries is therefore oil and petroleum products with which they use as a bargaining chip in the global arena. The current fluctuation in the price of petroleum around the world is a cause of worry. Some analysts are leveling blame on the oil producing countries claiming they have deliberately raised the oil prices. On their side, the countries have refuted the allegations instead blaming the rise to private entrepreneurs who hoard the commodity with the hope that prices would increase even further. Apart from the Middle East, North Africa has got also oil deposits. Coincidentally the region is also dominated by Arabs, who have formed grouping the organization of petroleum exporting countries OPEC. As importers complain of the rising oil prices, oil exporters celebrate the economic boom as a result of the rise in prices. Their gross domestic product increases and the general standards of living appreciate. As usual with the developed world to get their hands into any opportunity presenting itself, the oil industry is attracting foreign companies into Africa to help in the exploration of oil. New exploration sites are discovered in the vast continent of Africa, especially in the north. The bedeviled state of Mauritania is so far the latest country in Africa to join the league of oil exporters after explorations proved positive results. Since Exploration costs are damn expensive but this is not a hindrance to the exercise Africa is witnessing the largest investment in the continent ever, in the oil exploration field. Since the year 1990 more than US $20 billion has been spend on explorations around the continent and a further $50 billion is expected to have been spent by the end of the decade. Dominating the oil industry are three international companies, shell, Total and Chevron. Shell is a British Dutch consortium which invested 15% of its global exploration and production budget in the continent of Africa. France-based Total and America-based Chevron has invested 30% and 35% respectively in the industry in Africa. The American oil company has planned for United States$20 billion to be invested in Africa for a five year period. The Gulf of Guinea is the most appropriate part of Africa at the moment attracting the different exploration companies. It is an area with deep waters. This area found in the Western Coast of Africa just at the â€Å"armpit† is suspected to be having large deposits of the precious commodity. Some oil has already been discovered within the coverage area of the Gulf but more is still to be discovered as exploration progresses. Other sub-Saharan countries endowed with oil albeit smaller in quantities are southern Sudan and Southern Chad both under semi desert conditions. They have been producing oil and exporting in small quantities. The explorations are however taking place to find out if more can be tapped. The East Africa margin covering Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania are among targets of explorers for oil. The United States is warming up to reap from the harvest of oil and petroleum products from Africa. The country has been watching Africa from a distant making its calculations on how to have the continents oil. Discoveries in Africa increased making headlines in the last decade. The United States predicted an increase of its oil sourced from Africa by 10% from 16% to 25% by the 2015 the year when the United Nations’ millennium Development Goals are expected to have been achieved. In a report released in December of 2000 the United States National Intelligence Council predicted sub-Saharan Africa’s raise to prominence in the global energy markets. The council is a consultant for the central Intelligence Agency. If the predications come true, then the continent would be ahead of Saudi Arabia in terms of oil export to the United States. In close relation to this, the United States Vice President Dick Cheney formed a taskforce to compile a strategic report on oil. The report finalized by stating that West Africa will soon be among the fastest growing sources in the world in production of oil and gas for the United States (Basedau) As stated earlier, the United States receives around 16% of its oil from Africa a figure is expected to increase to 25% in 2015. at the current consumption rate the United States feels there is due need to increase oil energy inputs. This, the National Security strategy notes will be achieved by the United States strengthening its ties with the continent. In an effort for the United States achieving its dream it plans to invest in democracy crusades to strengthen the political systems in prospective source countries of oil. This is time as some of the target areas are marred by violence a situation that may make it difficult for exploration and transportation of oil. Examples in this case are Nigeria, a country rocked by a rebellion in the Niger Delta where oil is mined. The rebellion is led by people complaining of unfairness in the way resources are distributed. Chad is also facing the same problem with so many attempted coups, necessitating intervention by France to bring order and due process. Southern Sudan is equally bedeviled by the political instability problems. Of late, the Southern Sudanese leader Omar Hassan El Bashir has been recommended for arrest by the international criminal court prosecutor Moreno Ocampo for committing acts of genocide among other crimes against humanity. The fact that oil is in Southern Sudan a section that is demanding its independence from the mainland is a sign of worse times to come. This explains why the United States is busy pushing for a democratic regime in the region. On the 17th of May 2001 President Bush remarked on the importance of diversifying the source of energy used. He mentioned that overdependence on one source may result into a rude shock subjecting the United States to blackmail, supply interruptions and price shocks. The alternative available then remains to search for other sources west cost of Africa being in the list. Other areas are Latin America and the Caspian Sea basin (Klare, 2004). In Africa therefore, United States is planning for Nigeria, Angola and the states within the Gulf of Guinea. However the greatest hindrance for the United States would be as mentioned earlier, the political and ethnic tensions in the oil producing countries. The Delta region in Nigeria had the United States and other explores sent packing in 2003 due to the ethnic animosities and demands for more community project funding. The site produces much of onshore oil in Nigeria. The demands of these groups brought about massive vandalism of oil exploration sites causing a downsizing of Nigeria’s oil production instead of increasing. In its commitment to tap oil from Africa, the United States has therefore opted to give military assistance to friendly regimes to help them fight the menace of the cartels and armed groups blackmailing the government. Nigeria and Angola received United States assistance totaling to three hundred million American dollars from 2002 to 2004. The Excess Defense Articles program of the Pentagon also advanced eligibility to the two countries to receive surplus arms for the same reason. The United States has also been considering establishing naval bases especially in Nigeria and the Sao, Tome and Principe Islands. Currently the United States is supplied with oil from various countries with the highest supplier being Canada. Mexico and Saudi Arabia follow in the list in that order with Venezuela and the African country of Nigeria closing the top five list. Five to eight percent of 20 million barrels total United States demand per day is what each of these countries supply to the United States. An analysis of the 2005 oil supply to the United States puts Latin America highest at 34% of the total imports to the United States. The Middle East comes second supplying 24% while Africa supplied 19%. Canada stood at 16% and lastly Europe and Asia exported seven percent to the United States (Kern 2006). Africa’s oil is advantageous for its lack of sulphur thus making it preferable for stringent refined product requirements. It gives it a growing share in the market for refining centers in the United States. It is estimated that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, holds 3% of the total oil reserves globally. This is to the environs of 40 billion barrels, in the West African region alone (Kern 2006). The figures provided are conservative as the total estimates proven or otherwise may be more by four percent- that is 7%. West Africa countries the Bush Administration is targeting include- and the order remains arbitrary- Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Chad, Nigeria, Gabon and Congo. The fifth largest supplier of oil to the United States, Nigeria is the largest producer in Africa with a daily pumping of 2 million barrels. The figures also represent the quantity produced per day by Iraq before it was unilaterally invaded by the United States in March 2003. Being a member of the international cartel- the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries- Nigeria has to go by the policies and standards set by this grouping. They include limiting production to a certain level subject to the world market conditions. Due to a weak political system, Nigeria, with a population in excess of 130 million people is wallowing in the miasma of corruption and bad governance. Its annual per capita income reduced substantially from US $1000 to a mere $390 in 2006 with most of the proceeds from oil finding its way into individual’s pockets. The continent’s most populous nation earned more than US $300 in 25 years to 2006 but the revenue was shared among the bourgeoisie and the political elite. Only 1% of the population benefit effectively from 80% of the oil proceeds according to the World Bank (Kern 2006). In its recommendation, a 2005 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies pointed out that America should prioritize explicitly the security and governance issue in the Gulf of Guinea in its foreign policy towards the continent. Titled â€Å"A Strategic US Approach to Governance and Security in the Gulf of Guinea† the report called for a promulgation of a robust and comprehensive policy for the West African region (Kerk 2006). As a matter of strategy the United States is considering softer military interventions in the continent. Through the Pentagon’s Trans-Saharan Counter-Terrorism Initiative, the United States provides military training to some nine African countries on ways of dealing with terrorism and on how to effect regional security. The US is further planning on establishing military bases in some African countries bordering the ocean for strategic reasons. Nigeria The damning story is the bloodshed and the hostage taking in Nigeria in Ogoniland. Hostage taking of foreigners is a way of life with the perpetrators demanding for resource control and access to oil money. The continent in general is a hotspot for oil, as east Africa is just about becoming the next oil boom for the continent, after the successful explorations in the west. In the East however, China would be the beneficiary due to proximity, the reason why it has its explorers in Kenya and Sudan. Nigeria is a strategic partner for the west. As the anchor for British and American foreign policies in Africa, the country has developed warm relations with the west. It is the most populous country in Africa with one out of every six Africans being a Nigerian (Ghazrinian 2007). The country has a large experienced army participating in peace-keeping missions around the world. The oil in Africa has not been used to its optimum potential. It is a bad news in some countries bringing on to the continent proxy wars of the west. China for instance gets 30% of its oil from Africa (Ghazvinian 2007). Of this 10% is from the Sudan where the Asian country has been accused of supplying ammunitions to the Sudanese Government, the ammunitions which are used to terrorize the people of Darfur in southern Sudan. The positive side of the Chinese is however, the human resource base they help build in Africa. They have participated in the development of infrastructure in Africa, as is the Angolan case where they jetted in for construction of railway line and tarmac roads with minimal conditions. Getting to the central African country of Chad, a country marred by violence and political instability. The country is in the Sahel region, twice the size of France with a 400 km-long paved road. It is among the poorest countries on earth, with the national airline having only one airplane. Ironically, the country lacks any gas station yet it produces the commodity. Its people are languishing in hell yet the country exports crude oil through Cameroon to Europe and America. The oil is traded through ExxonMobil Company. Worth mentioning also is the fact that some of these oil producing countries have the largest gaps between the poor and rich. In fact they are gulfs, not even gaps. The rich continue flourishing out of oil proceeds with the lower cadre of society languishing in abject poverty, malnutrition, diseases and low education, and living on less than a US$ a day! This then encourages prostitution as the effluent individual use the poor fellows as sex objects thus contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS among other infections venereal diseases (Ghazvinian 2007). The oil factor is a cause of anarchy in most African countries. Democratic reforms are poised to increase with the decrease of oil revenues, as taxes would take up the position currently received for oil revenue. The regime has been neglecting the tax-paying middle class, concentrating instead on oil revenue thus neglecting social reforms. The case in Gabon is a pretty example. It is only when world oil prices fell and prospects for a decline in Gabonese oil realized that the Omar Bongo regime considered the economic reforms by the Breton Woods institutions aimed at democratization. The opposition gained a voice in governmental affairs as was a rise in civil society groups. He had to limit state allocations in 1986 after facing a rear break in the oil industry (Basedau). The presence of petrol-dollars retards people’s thinking on alternative income. Banana project, for instance, has been neglected yet it can earn handsomely to the nation and entrepreneurs in particular. Now they have left unpicked bananas as they import goodies from abroad. Sao Tome and Principe is yet another tiny African Island rocked in political instability but rich in oil resources yet to be exploited. It is facing a dilemma over how to share billions of barrels of oil reserves, offshore its territory. Anticipated are hostilities from its neighbors including the popular Nigeria. As tiny as it is, the country is so different from Africa: from its politics, society and culture. It is more European with little if any traces of African lifestyle (Ghazvinian 2007). In a 2003 speech in Washington USA, Sao, Tome and Principe President Fradique de Menez reiterated his hope and commitment that his Island would not drown into civil war, ethnic hatred and economic regression, because of oil. Oil is instead supposed to bring more development and economic satisfaction to the population (Ghazvinian). The country is however miserably poor with only high school but without any university. Half of the capital city is occupied by government officer. The national budget sums to a meager $50 million financed majorly from agriculture and fishing. Agricultural produce are coffee and cacao, putting the island in the list of the major recipients of direct aid relative to GDP as 35million is received annually in the form of international development aid. The country is not strange to armed coups. It is among the African countries who political cultures are informed by armed coups. Between 1991 and 2007, the island experienced fourteen changes of guard, with more uncertainties expected in case oil would be discovered. Nigeria is on record as having help crush an armed rebellion in Sao Tome in 2003,a clean indication of its involvement in the tiny African state.

Marketing and Micro Environment Essay Example for Free

Marketing and Micro Environment Essay Effective marketing incorporates macro and micro-marketing strategies, terms that may not be very familiar to many small businesspeople. They are important concepts, though, that when applied effectively can help to boost advertising results. Even small businesses can learn howand whyto consider the impacts of macro and micro impacts in their planning and strategy. Micro Environment The micro environment, as the name suggests, is the immediate environment that impacts a business. The micro environment includes considerations related to suppliers, customers and local stakeholders, including local government agencies or regulatory bodies. The micro environment can generally be considered the local environment where the business operates and the business owner is likely to be somewhat aware of the impacts that they are faced with. Macro Environment The macro-environment includes those things that may impact small businesses but which are outside of their control. It is the larger, external environment within which businesses operate from an industry or economic standpoint. Using Strategy Effectively In considering the micro and macro impacts on a business, internal and external factors must be considered. Businesses use a variety of tools in planning to consider these impacts, including the SWOT, which is strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; analysis; the PEST, which is political, economic, social, technological, and Porters 5-Forces Analysis, which is the threat of new competitors, the level of competition, the threat of substitute products, and the bargaining power of customers and suppliers.

Introduction Of Smartphones To Business Management Essay

Introduction Of Smartphones To Business Management Essay 3.1 Introduction This chapter discuss about factors that influences the business environment used by PEST model. Then also discuss industry concept of competition, competitor analysis, such as strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. 3.2 Introduction of Smartphone In 1973, Motorola introduced a first cellular telephone, and then no one had imagined that this would ignite a whole new technological change: The Mobile Revolution. Typical cell phones were used only for voice calling and later for text messaging, but with growth in mobile phone adoption, cell phones are now available with a number of different features like e-mail, video and audio facilities, internet access, etc. Thus, a whole new change in this mobile sector happened and the smartphone race began. This race also created competition between operators and handset manufacturers in getting more returns from mobile phone equipment and services. The rise in the smartphone segment accompanies the mobile internet revolution. However, the main reasons are better margins for Original Equipment Manufactures (OEMs) and higher Average revenue per user (ARPU) for operators. The smartphone is basically a combination of operating system, application, and handset manufacturers. In addition, due t o the increase in the application market of the smartphone and the growing popularity of OS used for mobile systems, it can be said that the near future will witness the most powerfull application running on phones with high powered operating systems. Considering current growth in the smartphone sector, it is estimated to grow by at least 18-20% by 2011 according to iSuppli. Following table shows sales of smartphones during year 2008 and 2009. Worldwide Smartphone Sales to End Users in 2009 (Thousands of Units) Company 2009 Sales Market Share (%) 2008 Sales Market Share (%) Nokia 440,881.6 36.4 472,314.9 38.9 Samsung 235,772.0 19.5 199,324.3 16.3 LG 122,055.3 10.1 102.789.1 8.4 Motorola 58,475.2 4.8 106.522.4 8.7 Sony Ericsson 54,873.4 4.5 93,106.1 7.6 Other 299,179.2 24.7 248,196.1 20.3 Total 1,211,236.6 100.0 1222,252.9 100.0 Table 1: World Smartphone Sales 3.2.1 Overview of Different Smartphone Operating Systems Before moving to Android and iPhone, it is necessary to understand 3.3 PEST Analysis PEST analysis is stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis and describes a framework of macro-environmental factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management Political impact: Whether the diffusion of Smartphone will contribute to information control and national unity, or strengthen information flow and centrifugal forces are question. However, it may enhance individual rights of political involvement by spreading political information and critiques easier and faster than before. As a result, traditional government control of information traffic maybe weakened. Calgary (1994) mentioned that, by using the increasing economic interests of the foreign business in China and Hong Kong, the Chinese government could take advantage of the lobby power of the foreign telecommunications multinationals involved in the diffusion of mobile communications in China as a political card to force foreign governments to make favorable policies toward China. The permission of allowing AT T to sell its used mobile communications system in part of China and Chinas good relation with Motorola are two examples of an indirect political impact from the diffusion. Economic impact: The diffusion of Smartphone communications can help China and Hong Kong economic development. Wireless communications devices can provide convenience to commercial mobility and prompt access to business information in the current social wave of doing business first in China and Hong Kong. Business becomes more mobile than ever in an information age, but chinas still poor wired telecommunications network cannot meet the demand for mobile communications which keep the information sharing and exchange fast to avoid the long time economic bottleneck Chinas limited wired networks and transportation capabilities. There the Chinese people, believing time is money, turn their eyes to pagers and cellular phones as a very useful business tool to make money. As a result, the diffusion of mobile communications adds a new push to Chinas increasing economic activities. China is a unique, large market where a low per capita income combines with consumers desire for advanced communications products. Smartphone in China have created a profitable business in China in the past few years. Benefited by the present demand exceeding supply, sales and operations of pagers and cellular phones can get capital back very fast. Also according to the Western telecommunication professionals, the economics of wireless technology as an alternative to wired services looks even more appealing. Due to difficult terrain, long local loops and the constant need for repairs, the cost of adding a new wired subscriber in China averages around $2k and is often more. But wireless technology cuts this by half. The demand for Smartphone has made the multinationals such as Microsoft, Apple and Android increase their sales and investment in China and Hong Kong. Thus China and Hong Kong can improve its inadequate communication system which has been one of the bottlenecks of its economic development by having the aid of these foreign resources. Also with more foreign players competing in Chinas market for mobile communications, China will be in a favorable position to make better business deals by the way of using one against another. However, the increasing market demand for imported finished products also drains more scarce foreign exchanges out of Chinas reserves. In turn the foreign drain may hurt Chinas economic expansion in other areas such as energy and transportation. Social impact: The diffusion will change the way the Chinese communicate and work. With more Smartphone devices used, the social contacts will increase so much that more social activities will be arranged easily and on time. These objects also provide a convenient channel for the personal dialogue among family members and friends who have been able to get together often like before because of busier individual time schedules and scattered living spaces. Also with more Smartphone adopters, social concerns about health safety, privacy, and intrusiveness will become salient gradually, though some of them are ignored by the Chinese at present time because of the Chinese basically positive attitude toward technological innovations and the relatively small portion of Smartphone users among the Chinese. At the same time, the diffusion, along with other socioeconomic factors, has widened the socioeconomic gap between the early Chinese adopters and the late adopters or have-nots. Smartphone with their unreasonably high cost add a new symbol into the upstart culture which is usually regarded as a negative social phenomenon in Chinas media and a disgusting social habit in most Chinese eyes. A cultural conflict between the haves and the have-nots occurs. The haves want to show their mobile phones in certain public occasions to let others know their social images: they are bus, they are dealing business, they have money, they have more social connections, so they are important. Most users also think the negative social comments on them are form the have-nots jealous psychology; the have-nots hate to see the impudence because they know most of the self-funded Chinese cellular users are dubious people with less education background and less social taste, some of them even are former crimina ls. Sun (1992) mentioned that, the have-lots also believe many of the users can afford a Smartphone because their money is made not through productive activities but through trade, speculation, or gambling on the stock market. The show-off manner of wealth has been accepted by many Chinese interviewees as an eye-catching feature in the Chinese culture though it is never seen as a good behavior. They think, however, that when more Chinese can afford the price lowering Smartphone and accessing mobile communications, the social cultural conflict will be resolved automatically because the present symbol of social status will be worth nothing when more people have Smartphone. This judgment is reasonable, but its prerequisite depends on the diffusion rate of Smartphone in China and Hong Kong. In addition, the diffusion of mobile communications may increase governments social control resource by equipping the police with various wireless devices to locate possible protesters, as one of the government preventive measures showed during the incident anniversaries these years. Technology impact: The diffusion of Smartphone help more Chinese become aware of the technical advances of the wireless innovations. In general, the peoples think natural science and technology are value-free and the continuing technological improvements and adaptations are positive to national development. They see the winners in todays world as determined by economic strengths and technological advantages, rather than ideology and military. So more people usually take a welcome attitude to new technology and like to get more knowledge about the innovations, unless they cannot afford or understand these new technologies. As for the Chinese communication professionals, the diffusion of mobile communications can make them learn more about equipment design, production, and standards either from imported products or from various technology transfer means such as joint venture and cooperative development. Because of their high-education and tech-management background, they have more ability, as change agents, to persuade the decision makers and common Chinese to adopt or reject certain technologies. The diffusion has helped its communications systems to catch up with the mobile communications technological trend in the world. The Chinese accepted the fact of their backwardness in most high-tech fields, but the professionals also know the leapfrogging advantage in a later adopter, having more technological choices after comparative evaluations, saving time and capital. The quick adoption to program controlled switches and optical fibers has provided a successful experience to the improvement of wired networks. So the improvement wireless communication technologies also gives more alternatives among the updated and appropriate innovations to leapfrog its mobile communications system. On the other hand, the diffusion also increases the technology dependence of foreign wireless innovators. Although can take advantage of leapfrogging by importing, it will never obtain the most advanced technology and the key techniques. But the diffusion will stimulate market demands for newer mobile innovations, thus technologically rely on the wireless pioneers from the developed countries for quite a long time, regardless of how strong its national pride is. In short, the diffusion of mobile communications, on one hand, does raise the Chineses knowledge level and enhance Chins communication capability. On the other hand, it also reinforces the technology determinism in the Chinese minds and its technology dependence on the developed countries.

William Faulkners A Rose for Emily Essay -- William Faulkner Rose Emi

William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" As any reader can see, " A Rose for Emily" is one of the most authentic short stories by Faulkner. His use of characterization, narration, foreshadowing, and symbolism are four key factors to why Faulkner's work is idealistic to all readers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The works of William Faulkner have had positive effects on readers throughout his career. Local legends and gossip trigger the main focus of his stories. Considering that Faulkner grew up in Mississippi, he was very familiar with the ways of the South. This award winning author has been praised by many critics for his ability and unique style of writing. One of Faulkner's most popular works, which also was his first short story nationally published in 1930, "A Rose for Emily" is one of the most authentic short stories by Faulkner. By writing about the political and social ways of the South, Faulkner was able to create an illusion of the New South as being what we know today as mainstream America. His use of characterization, narration, foreshadowing, and symbolism are four key factors to why Faulkner's work is idealistic to all readers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Faulkner's use of characterization in "A Rose for Emily" is clearly important to the story. It is obvious to all readers that Miss Emily Grierson is the protagonist, or the principle character. According to a prominent critic, Elizabeth Sabiston, "Emily is a gothic character" (142). Sabiston is referring to Emily that way because of the fact that she slept with skeleton of her lover Homer Barron for forty years. She was awfully stubborn in the opinion of the townspeople. This stubbornness also ties in with Emily's ability to live in reality. After she refused to pay her taxes, directly to the mayor, she tells them to go see Colonel Satoris, who has been dead for ten years. This portrays that Emily's illusion of reality was greatly distorted. Miss Emily was motivated by her lover, Homer, she isolated herself in an old decaying house and she refused to recognize that time had passed. Emily was proud, disdainful and seemingly independent. This shows the importance of characterization. Without these characters, the story would be radically changed. When the reader understands Emily, they can achieve a clearer view of the actions that go on during the story (West 149). Several other characters in "A Rose for Emily" are set in oppositi... .... 158-159. Howe, Irving. William Faulkner A Critical Study. New York: Random House, 1951-52.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  265. Madden, David. "A Rose for Emily." vol. 5 of Masterplots II Short Story Series. Pasadena:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Salem Press, 1986. 1986-1989. McMichael,George. ed. "A Rose for Emily." Concise Anthology of American Literature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fourth edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1998. 1922-1929. Pierce, Constance. "William Faulkner." vol. 3 of Critical Survey of Short Fiction.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pasadena: Salem Press, 1990. 848-857. Sabiston, Elizabeth. "Faulkner". Vol. 52 of Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Daniel   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  G. Marowski and Roger Matuz. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research, 1989. 142. West, Ray B. Jr. "A Rose for Emily." Short Story Criticism. Eds. Laurie Lanzen Harris   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and Shelia Fitzgerald. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1988. page numbers. Rodriguez, Celia. " An analysis of A Rose for Emily." U of Texas. 3 Sept. 1996.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  <http://www.cerl.utexas.edu/~daniel/amlit/reader/south/rodriquezerose.html> The Mississippi writers page. U of Mississippi. 15 June 2000. <   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/ms-writers/dir/faulkner_william/>

Changes in Catherine throughout the Play :: A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller Essays

Changes in Catherine throughout the Play "A View From A Bridge" is a play by Arthur Miller. It is set in 1950s New York. The play concentrates on a poor family and what happens when some Italian relatives come to stay, illegally. I have chosen to concentrate on Catherine because I fell she undertakes the most emotional changes throughout the play. Catherine is a 17 year old girl who is still studying at school. She lives with her Auntie and Uncle, Beatrice and Eddie. I went to see a production of the play at the Belgrade theatre in Coventry. Overall the play was good. The first act was a little slow and tedious but the second act was excellent. They did rush the end part in which Eddie dies. Catherine was a little over the top and looked like she was trying to seduce Eddie at one point. I liked how they ensured that they were all in the correct attire. Eddie wore a shirt and trousers with a large belt. Both Catherine and Beatrice were in dresses with their hair tied up. Rodolfo had a big quiff and dresses like an old fashioned "teddy Boy". I thought the way the stage revolved to give the idea of a journey with superb. The play starts and Catherine comes in. She is very cheerful and talkative with Eddie. She has a new skirt on and asks Eddie if he "like[s] it". She tells him that "it's the style now." We can see from the start that she is very reliant on Eddie and she wants him to approve of everything she does. This idea is establish when she has news for him. She has been offered a job but she has to check it is alright with Eddie. This gives the impression that Eddie has kept her away from the world and has protected her. They then talk about the job and Eddie agrees to let her take it. Catherine's mood changes when she hears that Beatrice's cousins are arriving. She is excited because she hasn't met many people and has no social life. She wants to meet new people. When they arrive Catherine is in awe of them. She hasn't much experience with new people and she is quite hyperactive. She asks many questions and we get the impression that she is attracted to Rodolfo. She asks him if he is "married?" She likes the fact that he is blonde because there are not many blonde men about. "He's practically Blonde!" We can tell Catherine is trying to make a good impression when Eddie says "What's

An Analysis of Neutral Tones by Thomas Hardy Essay -- Neutral Tones Es

An Analysis of Neutral Tones by Thomas Hardy      Ã‚   "We stood by a pond that winter day," (1) This line indicates a still quietness, with lack of the movement of life. There is a vast difference in appearance and movement around a pond in winter and a pond in the midst of summer. This indicates no leaves, and no visible signs of life. The poet is painting a stark and lifeless scene. "And the sun was white, as though chidden of God,"(2) This is indicative of the modernist approach to light as being too harsh and not a positive factor. Chidden means scolded, rebuked, or even blamed. God is not looking favorably upon these people. "And a few leaves lay on the starving sod;"(3) Leaves fall from trees when they are dead, and the term 'starving' refers to the dying of the ground. "They had fallen from an Ash, and were gray,"(4) Ash trees are very beautiful hardwood trees, and this line indicates the passing of beauty, and ties in with the dying leaves mentioned in line three. This first stanza indicates that something once beautiful is dying. "Your eyes on me were as eyes that rove"(5) When lovers who are in love look upon one another, it is usually with a fixed gaze. That old love song, "I only have eyes for you" helps explain the poets anguish when he realizes his lover is no longer mesmerized while in his company. "Over tedious riddles of years ago;" (6) is indicative of some unresolved problems between the two people in this poem. "And some words played between us to and fro" (7) seems to indicate small talk and mindless chatter.    "On which lost the more by our love"(8) tells the reader that the poet is unhappy with the chatter and would rather be speaking of the unresolved problems betwee... ...a definite and recognizable pattern. This poem is certainly not a sonnet, either in subject matter, meaning, or format. The rhyme scheme for this poem is that of A B B A, C D D C, E F F E, G H H G.   There is enough continuity in this rhyme scheme to hold the poem together as a whole through the use of the pattern, however the changing of the actual rhyming words and the fact that, for instance, the A word is only repeated one time (as are all of the others) intensifies the poets feelings of loss over the change in his love's desires. Through the rhyming scheme, the poet is conveying the hopelessness of the two of them getting back together and repeating the beautiful love they once shared.    Works Cited Damrosch, David, et al., ed.   The Longman Anthology of British Literature: Vol. B.   Compact ed.   New York: Longman - Addison Wesley Longman, 2000. p. 2256

Nike stock Valuation

Summary Sections – Valuation Reasons about using FCC analysis Computing FCC from Net Income and SCOFF & Computing FACE from Report Introduction Nikkei is the largest footwear company in the world selling footwear, apparel, equipment through 25,000 retailers. As a stable, yet fast growing company, Nikkei is facing several obstacles in its core section. In this report, we have done thorough business analyses using Porter's Five Force and SOOT approach to get the fundamentals of market condition here Nikkei stands.In the second step, we finished the estimation of the investment value and risk of Nikkei by FCC, PEE Ratio and RIM. Finally, we give the recommendation of buy on Nine's share and the target price is $63. 17. Note: All the calculation formula and processes are listed in the Appendix. The company's dividends policies are not stable every year, sometimes Nikkei does not pay any dividends. In some years the company pays dividends but the dividends paid differ significantly from the company's capacity to pay dividends.Moreover, FCC align with profitability within a reasonable forecast period with which the analyst is comfortable. Last, the investor takes a control perspective in Nikkei company as well as there was an M&A in year 20008. Under the circumstances like this, we consider FCC models to be more useful than EDM in practice. Assumption: 0 There is no preferred stock in Nikkei.

KeepCup Analysis

KeepCup Company is an Australia private company, who are working in exporting reusable cups. KeepCup head office, which in Melbourne is recently exploring for the feasibility of introducing their product overseas to German. This business report provides a business analysis and consideration about the external environment in German. The purpose of this business report is to facilitate KeepCup in order to help the company to make decision for expanding their product exporting to German.The observation will go through on the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological and legal environment of German. Besides reporting the environment condition in German, this report provide analysis about the external environment in relation to KeepCup. In addition, this business report will highlight the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats according to the external environment in German related to KeepCup. The recommendations on the suitableness of this expansion will be based on th e SWOT analysis.The report found that expanding the product distribution to German is a good decision. The opportunities regarded to German’s external environment supersede the threats. The rapid growth in modern technology, highly economic growth, the socio-culture, also the political environment in German can be a convenience way for the company to operate in German. Also the similarity between Labor and Business Law in German and Australia are considered as opportunities for KeepCup.The threat is contrasted in the some differences in socio-culture. However, it is recommended that KeepCup expand their business to German by exporting their reusable cups because of these findings regarding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for expanding to German. This business report will provide relevant and empirical information on the political, economic, sociocultural, technological and legal environments through out SWOT analysis that impact KeepCup for expanding thei r business to German.2. Political Environment Political Environment consists of the government system, stability, government relation and certain political policies. (Bartol and Martin 1998, 71)2.1. Government StabilityGerman has been using democracy ideology from over 60 years ago. This makes a recently, democratic lifestyle and culture is embodied and implemented by every citizen in German (Make It In Germany 2013. The supreme authority in German is divided into 16 Là ¤nder and one central state. This kind of political government defined as a Democratic Federalist. Moreover, the stability of the government of German provides a suitable place for operating a business.2.2. Government RelationInternational relation is important for a big nation such as German. German has been joining six different international organization, which are European Union (EU), United Nation (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), OSCE, World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Monetary Fu nd (IMF). There are two organizations, which are maintaining about trading relationship and the economic stability, WTO and IMF. With joining these two organizations, German has a good relation in politic issue particularly in the foreign or international trade. German has been joining WTO since 1995, this makes recently German opens their economic for foreign investment (Tatsachen Ueber Deutshland 2013).2.3. AnalysisAccording to the stability of the government of German, also the friendly and global political relationship, German is a good place to open a business. These two Political Environment characteristics provide an opportunity for KeepCup because German has a suitable Political Environment for opening business.3. Legal EnvironmentLegal Environment contrasts about two major laws, business law and labor law (Bartol and Martin 1998, 71).3.1. Business LawGerman has a low level of corruption. This country ranks 13th within least corruption country based on the Corruption Percept ions 2012 (Transparancy International 2012). Open international businesses in German are free from teething restriction in the daily business. Overall, the business law in German creates no different or contrast between the local company and foreign company investment or the established company. Moreover, the reliable laws make the companies able to plan their investments in the effective way (Germany Trade and Invest 2013).Apart from it, the business law in Australia has their own Guidelines and effective and consistent decision. The aim of government regarding to the Guidelines is to give a positive impact to the business conduct for companies in Australia (Australian Government 2011). Similar with German, Australia also categorized as one of the world least corruption by 2012 (Transparancy International 2012). Australian Government is concerned about corruption. Moreover, people in Australia also considered corruption as a harmful action for the environment (Bowman and Gilligan 2 009, 438-452)3.2. Labour LawThere are three main points according to similarity of the Labor Law in German and Australia. First of all, the legal working time for employee in German is eight hours per day (Liliane Jung 2011). Compared with Australia, which is eight hours per day, both countries have the same legal working hour (Work Place Info 2012). Secondly, the minimum working age in German are strictly applied by the government for employees in German. Hiring children for working, is forbidden by the law as stated in the YWPA (Young Workers Protection Act).Children under 15 years old are not allowed to work (Liliane Jung 2011). The legal age for working in Australia is also above 15 years old (Lawstuff 2010). This makes there is no different between the legal working age in German and Australia. Thirdly, the working conditions in German are considered as a safe and obligated working environment. The companies in German have a great liability for a particular large social and com munity. In order to improve the working conditions in German, health and safety are considered (Encyclopedia of The Nation 2012). Same with the working conditions in Australia, health and safety are required by the government as stated in National Employment Standards (NES) (Australian  Government 2009).3.3. AnalysisAccording to the similarity about the Business Law and Labor Law in German and Australia, both of the laws provide good opportunities for KeepCup in order to expand their business to German. KeepCup can be easily adapted to the Germany Laws and regulations because they don not need to totally adapt with the laws in German.4. Economic Environment Economic environment includes the stability of business cycle, exchange rate and economic trends which include economic trends and growth (â€Å"The Business and The Technological Environment† 2008, 58-80).4.1. Inflation RateIn July 2013, the inflation rate of Germany is at 1.92 percent. Since 1950, the inflation rate of Germany has been fluctuating with average rate at 2.49 percent until 2013. With this percentage of inflation rate, German can be considered as a good place for investment. The current inflation rate shows that the economic condition in German is in a good condition (Trading Economics 2013).4.2. Economic Trends and GrowthGerman is one of the heavily export countries in world (Trading Economics 2013). Since 10 years ago, the GDP of German has been fluctuating. From 2004 till 2008, the GDP of Germany was in positive number. Then in 2008 until 2010, there was an extreme decrease in the GDP of German which reached a peak at approximately -4.0. However, since 2010, the GDP of German has been going fluctuate at the positive number. Apart from it, recently the government of German is trying to maintain stability of GDP of Germany in the positive number. So, it can be a good condition for foreign investment in German, because they can make more profits if the economic condition in German gr owth (Randow 2013).4.3. AnalysisIn conclusion, both the inflation rate of German and also the economic trends and growth in German can be a good opportunities for foreign company to invest in German, particularly for KeepCup to expand their business to German.5. Socio-cultural EnvironmentSocio-cultural environment shows how the values of society influenced the working conditions (The Hofstede Centre 2013).5.1. The Cultural Dimension of Hofstede (The Hofstede Centre 2013)5.1.1. Power DistanceAustralia and German have a similar index of Power Distance. Both countries are considered as Low Power Distance countries. This culture creates a good leadership style between the managers and employees. Participative and democratic leadership are suitable for these two countries. Decentralized decisions making creates a good collaboration between team members and the leader.5.1.2. Individualism vs CollectivismAlthough the Individualism Index of Australia and German is slightly different, but bo th countries are considered as individualism country. Australia is more individualistic than German, it is considered as highly individualism country. Here people are more focused on their self-skills and individual performances. Moreover, Germany people are slightly more prefer to work as a team rather than working as an individual because the individualism in German is not as high as in Australia.5.1.3. Masculinity and Femininity Both Germany and Australian are considered as masculine. From the business point of view, people in both countries are more focus on performance in working and always try to do the best. Furthermore, with the masculine culture both people from these two countries are considered as hard worker.5.1.4. Uncertainty AvoidanceAustralia and German have different level of uncertainty avoidance. Germany can be considered as High Uncertainty Avoidance, whereas Australian is medium uncertainty avoidance. With the certain laws and legal policies in German, shows that Germany want to creates certainty by providing details and avoid risks. In contrast, Australian likes to try new things. People sometimes like to take a risk for creating a strategy.5.1.5. Term of OrientationGerman and Australia have the same term of orientation which is Short Term Orientation. In business point of view, both countries are using fast strategy and have a measureable payback. They also make a decision based on the recent condition. Logical thinking is using more than reach the consensus.5.2. AnalysisThere are three similarities and two differences between Germany and Australian socio-cultural based on Hofstede Cultural Dimensions. Germany and Australian have the similarities in Power Distance, Masculinity and Term of Orientation. In contrast, German and Australian have the differences in individualism and uncertainty avoidance. However, these socio-cultural dimensions can be opportunities for Keepcup to invest in German, because the similarities are outweigh the diff erences.6. Technological EnvironmentThe technological environment reflects the current technological infrastructure and communication technology (Mosley, Pietri, and Megginson 1996, 82)6.1. Technological Infrastructure German is going fast in improving their infrastructure since last decade. Based on Germany Trade and Invest, now German is the second best quality of infrastructure in the world, because German has some good logistic infrastructures. First of all, is the Port of Hamburg which the second largest port container in the world. Secondly, are the over 250 inland ports which are providing an efficient logistic distribution. Lastly, is the Frankfurt Airport which is the world seventh largest cargo airport and ninth largest passenger airport (Germany Trade and Invest 2011). These three logistic infrastructures creates a good opportunities and simplicities for foreign company to distribute their products to German.6.2. Communication NetworkCompared with Australia, German also h as an ultra high speed internet with fiber optic network and also wide range of mobile coverage. These modern communication network make the economic transactions and communications to national segment or even international segment easier and more efficient. (SAG Germany 2013).6.3. AnalysisThe sophisticated technology infrastructure and communication network in German provide an opportunities for KeepCup to do investment in German. The simplicity of the logistic distribution makes KeepCup easily to distribute their product among German. Moreover, the wide coverage area for communication network in German provides and easy way to communicate between customer to the company or company to company.ConclusionsBased on the SWOT analysis above, is highly recommended for KeepCup to expand their business to Germany. The strengths of KeepCup are greater than their weakness. This condition makes KeepCup can be easily to invest in German in this period of time. Moreover, it also supported by th e opportunities that extremely overcome the threat that KeepCup will encounter. Is highly recommended for KeepCup to start their investment to German first of all with looking for certain local cafà © to cooperate with them regarding to sell their reusable cups.9. Recommendations According to the weaknesses and the threat analysis, KeepCup will not be impacted with their weaknesses and threat in German. This happened because the strengths are overcome the weaknesses of KeepCup and the opportunities for KeepCup are outweigh the threat that the company will contend. These conditions provide three recommendations for KeepCup according to their plan to expand their business to German:1. KeepCup should expand their business in this period of time.2. KeepCup have to eliminate the weakness overcoming them with their strengths.3. KeepCup need to avoid the threats by outweighing them with their opportunities.

Control Key and Word

1. Word flags the potential error in the document window with a colored underline. A ____ wavy underline means the flagged text is not in Word's dictionary (because it is a proper name or misspelled). A)red B) blue C) yellow D) green 2. With a ____, you can convert a printed picture, drawing, or diagram to a digital file. A)fax machine B) copy machine C) scanner D) digital camera 3. The process of developing a document that communicates specific information requires careful analysis and planning. As a starting point, ____.A)analyze the intended readers of the document and their unique needs B)determine the document design and style C)establish why the document is needed D)gather information about the topic4. Character formatting is the process of changing the way characters appear ____. A)on the screen B) in print C) both a. and b D) neither a. nor b5. To see a complete list of automatically corrected words, click ____ on the Ribbon to open the Backstage view, click Options in the Backstage view, click Proofing in the left pane, click the AutoCorrect Options button, and then scroll through the list near the bottom of the dialog box.A)Home B) Format C) File D) Edit6. If the Picture Tools Format tab is no longer displayed on the Ribbon, ____ the picture to display the Picture Tools Format tab. A)triple-click B) ouble-click C) right-click D) single-click7. If yo u want to conserve ink or toner, you can instruct Word to print draft quality documents by clicking ____ on the Ribbon to open the Backstage view. A)Format B) Edit C) Insert D) File8. You want the headline to be ____, that is, positioned horizontally between the left and right margins on the page.A)left-aligned B) centered C) justified D) right-aligned9. A(n) ____ mark, sometimes called a nonprinting character, is a character that Word displays on the screen but is not visible on a printed document. A)unified B) text C) formatting D) editing10. Paragraph ____ is the process of changing the appearance of a paragraph. A)formatting B) controlling C) enhancing D) editing11. A ____ is a computer program that can damage files and programs on your computer. A)virus B) cold C) bug D) flu12. In Word, the default font usually is ____.A)Times New Roman B) Arial C) Cambria D) Calibri13. ____ text prints with an underscore (_) below each character. A)Italicized B) Underlined C) Embossed D) Bolde d14. To save an existing document with the same file name using one click, press the ____ button on the Quick Access Toolbar to overwrite the previously saved file. A)Save B) Save As C) either a. or b. D) neither a. nor b.15. When you ____ text, Word colors the rectangular area behind any text or graphics. A)border B) emboss C) bold D) shade16. ___ properties are associated with all Microsoft Office documents and include author, title, and subject. A)Basic B) Trusted C) Default D) Standard17. The ____ is the first line of text on a document. A)header B) footer C) headline D) body copy18. A ____ is a word or phrase that further describes the document. A)keyword B) tab C) property D) characteristic19. Each time you press the ____ key, Word creates a new paragraph and inserts blank space between the two paragraphs. A)F3 B) ENTER C) TAB D) CTRL20. ____ denotes success, victory, creativity, and enthusiasm. A)Red B) Blue C) Orange D) Purple21. You can center page contents vertically betwe en the top and bottom margins. To do this, click the Page Setup Dialog Box Launcher, click the ____ tab, click the Vertical alignment box arrow, click Center in the list, and then click the OK button. A)Alignment B) Format C) Layout D) Edit22. The ____ consists of all text between the headline and the signature line. A)placeholder B) header C) footer D) body copy23. Word flags the potential error in the document window with a colored wavy underline. A ____ wavy underline indicates the text may contain a contextual spelling error such as the misuse of homophones (words that are pronounced the same but that have different spellings or meanings, such as one and won). A)yellow B) red C) blue D) green24. Word flags the potential error in the document window with a colored wavy underline. A ________wavy underline indicates the text may be incorrect grammatically. A)red B) yellow C) green D) blue25.A single point is about 1/72 of one inch in height. A)1/18 B) 1/9 C) 1/72 D) 1/3626. The MLA style requires that you set the line spacing to ____ for the entire research paper. A)double B) multiple C) 1. 5 D) single27. Word automatically inserts page breaks, called _____, when it determines the text has filled one page according to paper size, margin settings, line spacing, and other settings. A)hard page breaks B) anchored page breaks C) floating page breaks D) soft page breaks28. A ____ is text and graphics you want printed at the top of each page in a document.A)title B) superscript C) header D) footer29. Word automatically numbers notes sequentially by placing a ____ both in the body of the document and to the left of the note text. A)note reference B) footnote C) reference point D) tag30. A(n) ____ is text and graphics that print at the bottom of every page. A)anchor B) end note C) footer D) footnote31. To find a word with a similar meaning to the one already in your document, right-click the word and select ____. A)Other Words B) Dictionary C) Synonyms D) Find new32. A(n) _____ page break is one that you force into a document at a specific location. A)automatic B) manual C) forced D) soft33. If rulers are not displayed, click the ____ button on the vertical scroll bar to display them. A)Normal B) Measure C) View Ruler D) View34. To create a hanging indent using shortcut keys, press ____. A)CTRL+T B) CTRL+R C) CTRL+M D) CTRL+235. If you do not want to keep a change made by the AutoCorrect feature, you can click the ____ button on the Quick Access Toolbar.A)Disable B) No C) Undo D) AutoCorrect Off36. The ____ page alphabetically lists sources that are directly referenced in the paper. A)works cited B) citations C) note reference marks D) endnotes37. A ____ is a named group of formatting characteristics. A)style B) pattern C) header D) format38. Use a ____ to signal that an explanatory note exists. A)footnote B) header C) subscript D) superscript39. The ____ feature in Word automatically corrects certain spelling, typing, capitalization, or gramma r errors.A)AutoMark B) AutoSpell C) AutoCorrect D) AutoFix40. The MLA documentation style uses ____ instead of noting each source at the bottom of the page or at the end of the paper. A)parenthetical references B) works cited C) endnotes D) footnotes41. A(n) ____ is text that you want printed at the bottom of the page. A)footer B) header C) footnote D) endnote42. The amount of vertical space between lines of text in a document is called ____. A)double-space B) vertical spacing C) line spacing D) single space43.To capitalize all selected characters, press ____. A)CTRL+SHIFT+A B) SHIFT+A C) CTRL+ALT+A D) CTRL+A44. The shortcut keys for formatting a paragraph with single spacing is ____. A)CTRL+ALT+S B) CTRL+1 C) ALT+S D) CTRL+S45. If you are using the APA style, you should double-space all pages of the paper with ____ top, bottom, left and right margins. A)2 inch B) 1. 5 inch C) . 5 inch D) 1 inch46. The _____ is a temporary Windows storage area. A)Copyboard B) Clipboard C) Editing fo lder D) Copy and Paste pane47.If you click the ____ button, a menu appears that allows you to change the format of the item that was moved. A)Paste Options B) Format Paste C) CTRL key D) Clipboard48. To use ____, you double-click a blank area of the document window, and Word automatically formats the item you enter according to the location where you double-clicked. A)AutoFormat B) Click and Type C) Cut and Paste D) Show/Hide49. To add a word to the custom dictionary, right-click the flagged word, and then click ____ on the shortcut menu. A)Add Custom B) Insert C) Edit Dictionary D) Add to Dictionary50.The MLA style specifies that a(n) ____ be used for a note reference mark to signal that an explanatory note exists at the end of the document as an endnote. A)footnote B) footer C) superscript D) subscript51. At the top you see Version ___. A)A B) B C) C D) DAnswer Key   1. A2. C3. C4. C5. C6. B7. D8. B9. C10. A11. A12. D13. B14. A15. D16. D17. C18. A19. B20. C21. C22. D23. C24. C25 . C26. A27. D28. C29. A30. C31. C32. B33. C34. A35. C36. A37. A38. D39. C40. A41. A42. C43. A44. B45. D46. B47. A48. B49. D50. C

Analysis of Wal-Mart Managerial Accounting Process Essay

Company Description For the final project of managing finance Wal-Mart Stores Inc is chosen as the discussion target. Being one of the grocery retail shop leaders in the world, Wal-Mart (WM) operates business with 10,000 retail units in 27 countries with about USD444 million of sales in 2012 (Wal-Mart homepage 2012). Driven by the corporate strategies, WM growth rapidly around the world. To support the growth, managerial effectiveness in the operations is very important. Since budget is the first step which put manager’s plan into operation, let’s take a close look at WM’s budgeting process. Budgeting Process Budget reflects a company’s plan, both long and short term, to accomplish business objectives. The focus of the WM’s budgeting system is on providing  better quality and services to the customers. WM follows needed considerations in its budgeting process and procedures. They implements flexible budget in its business that identifies overhead cost drivers and allocates capital to those over head costs properly. Through this way, WM is able to make a budget for different levels of activity. WM set goals and objectives and define their mission and vision clearly in their budgeting process. They plan for the stock requirement in order to achieve the forecasted level of sales. Budgeting process is also helpful to measure the performance of different departments in WM. It enables them to manage costs of different levels of action by weighing the actual costs against the budgeted cost (Plunkett, Attner & Allen, 2011, p. 558-560). WM takes corrective action to control those costs in order to make this closer the flexible budget prepared in advance. WM communicate goals and targets of each employee through budget and continuous report back to the corporate on operation, investment and financial activities based on budget information. Its budgeting procedures help WM to be competitive in cost and to economically use the resources that made better revenue for the company. In contrast to this, in this procedure, prediction is difficult for the manager because they believe on a range of estimates of what to expect financially. In addition, this process also depends on various variables that affects to each other. It is very complicated to prepare and difficult to understand for other employees of the company (Axson, 2010, p. 132-140). Management Accounting System Management accounting system (MAS) in WM play a crucial role to improve their business activities effectiveness. Management accounting information are collected, stored and prepared through use of well designed accounting information system. It simplifies getting information to people outside of the organization when necessary. Through use of MAS, WM determines its initial purchase price of raw material including subsequent operating and maintenance costs. MAS help to evaluate the pricing structure’s effectiveness by showing cost, sales and revenue data. It gives idea to the company to decide the price of the product to be competitive in the market. WM disseminates this information to its various parties through conducting  formal and informal meetings, conferencing, global network and employees’ survey techniques (Needles, Powers & Crosson, 2010, p. 720-722). Moreover, WM mainly uses its accounting reports based on principles of GAAP to make inform its stakeholders about its financial position. WM uses the strategic management accounting system which helps to enhance the effectiveness of decision making within the company. WM use MAS for everything from entering in new market to vendors/products selection and even new pricing process, promotion strategies and to distribution (Needles, Powers & Crosson, 2007). The accounting information from MAS of WM helps in planning, controlling and other managerial activities. Their system also able to come up all kind of alternatives with integrated accounting information which assist management to find out the best strategy for organizational effectiveness improvement (Wal-Mart homepage 2012). WM disseminate managerial accounting information through budgets for all departments which help all departments to facilitate proper integration in all kind of activities within the company. WM currently uses Vision Suite accounting software that includes different aspects of finance like AR/AP, general ledger, check writing and external accounting integration. This software is faster and relatively cheaper and generates accounting documents automatically. Through this, many types of useful reports can be generated for management to make decisions. On the other side, it can be susceptible for computer viruses and hackers. In absence of proper control and security, it can create problems for the confidentiality of the company (Gilbertson & Lehman, 2008, p. 6, 437 ). Costing System In term of costing process, WM is focus on inventory control since that is the most important part of their business to determine its profitability. To determine the cost of inventory, WM uses several costing method. In order to reduce inventory cost as well as determining accurate cost of products, WM uses both LIFO and FIFO. By using the retail method of accounting, inventories are at low cost or at least at market rate. This will help to increase the effectiveness of operation since WM is retail  business and this will facilitates competitive advantage over competitors. According to WM’s 2012 annual report, they use LIFO to determine weighting average cost for products in US and for inventories for international operations are using the FIFO method (Wal-Mart annual report 2012, page 31). These differences way of costing will enhance effectiveness of the company in managing cost. WM accomplish their strategy, â€Å"everyday low cost approach† (EDLC) through these co sting method (Wal-Mart annual report 2012, page 18). So as to allocate cost to different products, WM uses the activity based costing (ABC) system. ABC system enables the WM to better understand the cost structure and cost drivers. On the basis of this, WM takes effective decisions regarding price structure. The ABC approach can exhibit the actual work done relating with production more accurately in order to be useful in management accounting. The ABC system is used by management to collect a full cost view. VM can reduce the overhead cost by minimizing the number of cost drivers (Leitner, 2007, p. 5). In contrast to this, there is possibility that as per this method, costs can be more than profits. Apart from this, it also requires data input from multiple departments that can create greater risk of failure of data inputs. The cost of managing the system is also high due to having more cost pool volume. For instance, Wal-Mart is a large organization, as cost accounting information is difficult to separate, due to the presence of multiple product lines and numerous machine setups in complex production environments (Drury, 2006, p. 350-362). Capital Decision Making Process Evaluation of investment appraisal techniques is useful in capital decision making process by bringing together financial and strategic aspects of the project. The capital investment decisions of WM are mainly driven by its financial priorities such as growth, leverage and returns on investment. The major concern of WM is international expansion and its profitability (Wal-Mart annual report 2012, page 28). WM select and manage projects through the below steps: 1. Project information collection – collect information such as past performance, costs, benefits and associated risks. 2. Evaluating the project – Use cost benefit analysis, net present value, IRR etc to evaluate the project. WM uses discounted cash flow (DCF) investment appraisal technique in capital decision making process. They only invest its capital in projects that meet stringent payback periods and yield at least a required rate of return in a DCF analysis (Brigham & Daves, 2012, p. 544-549). 3. Selecting project – WM uses NPV and IRR method to evaluate projects’ alternative. For selecting projects, they will based on different criteria of the projects, but also taking into account the incremental revenue, time, company reputation etc.. The above help WM to ensure optimal utilization of their capital resources. For example, WM’s new solar project in California, they focused on DCF method to decide that it should invest its capital in this project or not. After implementing this technique, WM determined the average payback period for its energy saving projects that was 6.3 months. It also provided an annual return on investment of 190 percent on these projects that was profitable for the company. Therefore, WM wants to consider these discount flow values for its new solar project in order to make profits as future prospective (Ailworth, 2012). Capital Structure In term of capital acquisition decision, the main criteria are the long term sustainability and stability in performance. The cash flow is the main source of capital that ensures the long term success. WM considers market position, market trend, credit policy, financial status and stakeholders’ interests before deciding the best sources of acquiring financial capital. Sometimes, it also considers the financing cost to arrange the capital for running its operations. Credit rating of the company influences the WM’s decision on capital structure because its good rating helps it to take the credit from the financial institutions (Kronwald, 2010, p. 5-16). Instead of issuing common equity, WM is relying more on funds borrowing from market. Additionally, capital structure of WM is risky as their financing  rely heavily on debt or loans that may impact earnings. WM has been operating at 1.71 debt equity ratio (Yahoo Finance, 2012). Funding decisions of WM is associated with capital rising through debt more because of taking benefits of tax deduction and lower financing cost. â€Å"It has some implications such as funds generation; positive impact on financial result or company performance and meeting needs on operation and investment† (Seidman, 2004, p. 77-80). This is important to maintain low capital cost while achieving the company goals in the capital structure of the company (Wal-Mart Annual report 2012 page 28). Conclusion In order for the company to make effective managerial decision, various kinds of processes and approaches in budgeting and costing are necessary. WM implemented a well quality budgeting process which improves their effectiveness in accomplishing their objectives. Their budgeting process helps to motivate and improve effectiveness of employees and also help to create long term objective for the organization. They use MAS to do have the most cost effective vendors and products selection and also to manage all the accounting information to improve the effectiveness of the managerial decision. In order to reduce the total cost of products and maintain competitive position in the market, WM selected the appropriated costing process and procedure. Given their effective method of capital resources and effective capital structure for obtaining capital which helps WM to be efficiency in a lot of capital decision making as well as objectives accomplishment. In summary, the overall managerial a ccounting practices with WM is quite effective. Information Sources and Methodology Most of the information of this discussion was collecting from the annual report of WM for 2012. In addition, finance text books, journals and web sites are being used as well. For the annual report, 3 years has been reviewed in order to have a more clear picture of their growth as well as if there were any managerial practices or process been changed. A lot of information about WM’s financial and managerial accounting systems such as budgeting/costing process, capital structure etc are available in those resources. Observation methodology is used to analyze information. References Ailworth, E. (2012). â€Å"Walmart to install solar panels on 27 stores in Mass.† Retrieved from: http://bostonglobe.com/business/2012/05/14/walmart-install-solar-panels-stores-mass/kxHjt9sQrPxSvN5sPWTjsN/story.html Accessed on : Oct 25, 2012 Brigham & Daves, P. R. (2012). â€Å"Intermediate Financial Management†. USA: Cengage Learning. Drury, C. (2006). â€Å"Cost and Management Accounting: An Introduction†. USA: Cengage Learning EMEA. Gilbertson, C. B. & Lehman, M. W. (2008). â€Å"Fundamentals of Accounting: Course 1†. USA: Cengage Learning. Kronwald, C. (2010). â€Å"Credit Rating and the Impact on Capital Structure†. Germany: GRIN Verlag. Leitner, A. (2007). â€Å"Activity Based Costing†. Germany: GRIN Verlag. Needles, B. E., Powers, M. & Crosson, S. V. (2010). â€Å"Financial and Managerial Accounting†. USA: Cengage Learning. Plunkett, W. R., Attner, R. F. & Allen, G. S. (2011). â€Å"Management†. USA: Cengage Learning. Axson, D. J. (2010). â€Å"Best Practices in Planning and Performance Management: Radically Rethinking Management for a Volatile World†. USA: John Wiley & Sons. Seidman, K. F. (2004). â€Å"Economic Development Finance†. UK: SAGE. Yahoo Finance (2012). Retrieved from: http://in.finance.yahoo.com/q?s=WMT Accessed on : Oct 25, 2012 Walmart Homepage 2012. Retrieved from: http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-stores Accessed on : Oct 25, 2012 Walmart Annual report 2010 to 2012. Retrieved from: http://stock.walmart.com/annual-reports Accessed on : Oct 25, 2012