Blackberry Winter :: essays research papers

Blackberry Winter Robert Penn Warrens Blackberry Winter is the stratum of one young boys sudden and painfully realistic venture from behind the blissful cloak of childhood innocence into the more criminal reality of the world. Warren captures this passage through the eyes of the young and happily nave Middle Tennessee farm boy, bent. When the story begins, the nine year old Seth is lingering on the very edge of his innocence, but is undoubtedly still in the throws of the methodical and simple vivification that only a child buns truly have. Before that fateful day when the unusual alien appeared so suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, Seth led the secure and rhythmic life that comes with both ignorance and innocence. Seth having never left or even given much thought to life outside his small farm community, he had been supply from the dead on target evils of the world. He had no concept of time or change, and had never needed one. That day, and that stranger, forced him to become aware of things that were beyond his control and even do him question the very things that he had always held as the gospel truth. A childs coming of age is a universal and inevitable transition that Seth does not foresee or even expect, and until looking back on it almost thirty-five years later, he does not realize the true significance of his passage. That day Seths very foundations were rocked as his eyes were opened to the world and its ways. When the story begins Seths transition has already begun to feature place, and the smooth and repetitive rhythm of his life that has always brought him so much comfort slowly begins to crumble. Even such a small and seemingly undistinguished thing as not being allowed to go outside in June without shoes, something which he has always been able to do, puzzles and confuses Seth. The appearance of the odd and out of place stranger even further fascinates and bewilders the small boy. Seths world begins to spin even faster and strang er as he sees Dellie, a woman that he has always thought he knew so well and even refers to her as being methodical as a machine, violently strikes her son as he has never seen her do and later as Old Jebb questions Seths mothers very words. Until that day, Seth has never considered the fact that things would ever whatever different than they always had been.

Eliot Ness Essay -- essays research papers

Who was Eliot ness? Nearly anyone knows Ness&8217 accomplishments in Cleveland when he went up against Al Capone. Most also know Capone eventually went to jail for tax evasion, just what happened to Ness and his Untouchables? Did they merely fade away into quiet life? The fate of Ness was quite the opposite, he continued doing what he fell in spang with. Taking down corruption on any level. He carried on his war on the mob for an entire decade after Capone, staging gallant raids on bootleggers, illegal gambling clubs and generally putting organized crime on the run. Ness&8217 exploits in Chicago were chronicled in his book The Untouchables, but if he had carried on against the mob, why wouldn&8217t he publicize such exploits? He actually intended to do so but his life was cut little by a heart attack before he was able. Eliot Ness was natural on April 19, 1903 in Chicago. He was a lucky boy born into an almost storybook type of American family. His parents, Peter and Emma Ness , were Norwegian immigrants who had earned a comfortable middle class life for their family by very to a great extent subject and practical living. Over the years, Peter had made his wholesale bakery into a thriving business. It is supposed that Ness gained his father&8217s work-aholic traits that drove him so hard later in life. Eliot was the youngest of the five Ness children. There was a huge age difference between Eliot and his siblings. His brother whom was closest to Eliot in age was no(prenominal) the less thirteen years older. Hence Eliot received a great deal of individual attention from his parents who were well into middle age when he was born. payable to this Eliot was a remarkable well-behaved boy, full of integrity and enthusiasm. Eliot was an excellent student who preferred his studies to rowdier activities. It is supposed that Eliot&8217s older brother in law fuel his need for adventure, which eventually drove him to civic duty. Young Eliot Ness attended the Univ ersity of Chicago and earned a degree in business and law. When he gradational in 1925 he greatly upset those he loved by choosing a career in credit investigation rather that his planned highroad of business. During his short lived credit investigator career he studied criminology at night. Two years later Ness managed to be transferred to the Prohibition Bur... ...ng them, the use of the polygraph in police work, and the first successful two way radio networking of police in a city. He also left an undeniable mark upon the city of Cleveland, virtually ridding it of corruption on all levels. The downfall of Capone was the most obvious of his great achievements. Yet Ness left behind one contribution which some men have managed to leave. A falsehood. Ness aspired to become a hero in the true sense of the word. Throughout history true tales of heroes are few and far between. He became an idol not only for the people of Chicago, Cleveland and Ohio but for the entire nation. His na me to this day stimulates a fascination with the mob, corruption and the men who stood against it. He was also the man who hunted down one of the first documented serial killers in history. Ness left behind a living legend of integrity, honesty, and indomitable spirit. Even though he no longer lives his legacy will carry his memory on in the form of stories, movies, novels and the like. Perhaps Ness is the exemption to the phrase, &8220Heroes don&8217t die, they merely fade away. For Eliot Ness is one hero, who never faded away.

Kants Theses: Unknowability and Non-Spatiotemporality :: Kant Argumentative Argument Papers

Kants Theses Unknowability and Non-SpatiotemporalityIn the present paper is analyzed the relationship between Kants theses concerning unknowability and non-spatiotemporality of things in themselves. offset printing of all, it is argued that even by taking for granted that the Unknowability Thesis does not contradict the Non-Spatiotemporality Thesis, because the former heap be thought as a consequence of the latter, this is not enough to avoid another problem, namely, that the Non-Spatiotemporality Thesis is not sufficient to abolish the possibility of thinking consistently of piazza and time as empirical or material. It is also remembered that this point has already been partially envisaged for the first time by H.A. Pistorius (and later by A. Trendelenburg) and raised as the objection of the third possibility or neglected alternative. Furthermore, it is maintained that although Kant tries to eliminate this possibility in the Metaphysical Expositions of Space and Time (but not in the Antinomies), by attempting to prove that space and time atomic number 18 only formal necessary conditions of sensibility, he cannot do it successfully. Hereafter it is argued that his circumstance is not due to the above objection itself, but to another difficulty that can only be grasped through the analysis of Kants main argument in the Metaphysical Expositions of Transcendental Aesthetic. Ultimately, in order to show this difficulty, it is argued first that insofar as the Non-spatiotemporality Thesis supposes the validity of the Singularity Thesis, and this supposes the validity of the Apriority Thesis, the whole force of proof reposes on this latter. Secondly, it is shown that, despite his effort, Kant could not justify satisfactorily his claim to the formal apriority of space and time because of his failure to demonstrate necessarily the Apriority Thesis. We have already given a detailed account of this question in another place, (1) so that here(predicate) we will try to explain only one of the main arguments. The reason why we have chosen the following one among the others reposes on the fact that it involves an more or less unperceived supposition on Kants part, whose possible implications we would like to explore.The first thing to be said is that Kant introduces we cannot know the things as they are in themselves, because in this eggshell they would be essentially neither spatial nor temporal ones. We could surely ask how can Kant say that, while maintaining simultaneously the Unknowability Thesis? How can he say that things in themselves are neither spatial nor temporal, if he admits that they are unknowable for us?

Male Attitude in Hurston’sTheir Eyes Were Watching God and Seraph on the Suwanee :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

Male Attitude Towards Women in Hurstons Novels, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Seraph on the SuwaneeAw naw they dont. They just think theys thinkin. When Ah see one affaire Ah views ten. You see ten things and dont understand one.(71) Joe Starks to Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God That shows the difference betwixt me and you. I see one thing and crowd out understand ten. You see ten things and cant even understand one.(261) Jim Meserve to Arvay in Seraph on the Suwanee While reading these two novels by Zora Neale Hurston, I noticed several metaphors, ideas, and lines that she uses in both texts. I think that the almost parallel lines quoted above are particularly telling of the way that these two novels relate in their depictions of young-begetting(prenominal) attitudes towards women and the relationships that exist between the husband and wife characters. Janies marriage to Joe Starks in Their Eyes Were Watching God and Arvays marriage to Jim Meserve in Seraph on the Suw anee both operate under the rubric of the male figures ideas a encounter what marriage and women should be and do. Within both of these marriages, the husband feels his wife is a possession that is to be provided for and cherished, yet not necessarily to be communed with. Joe embodies this archetype throughout his marriage with Janie, placing her on a kind of pedestal where she can be seen, but not heard. Jim establishes his marriage under similar pretenses and verbally reiterates them throughout the novel, yet seems to evolve past them in a certain respect as he urges Arvay to take an active role in their love. In their venerable positions of authority, both Joe and Jim see themselves as wise, as understanding ten things, whereas they view their wives as stupid and ungrateful, as unable to understand even one thing. We can infer Joes attitude towards women and marriage from several statements that he makes to Janie throughout their relationship. While he courts his future wife, J oe explains himself and his intentions Ahm uh man wid principles. You aint never knowed what it was to be treated lak a brothel keeper and Ah wants to be de one tuh show yuh. Call me Jody lak you do sometime(29). He then situates Janies subservient and silent position within the marriage mah wife dont know nothin bout no speech-makin. Ah never married her for nothin lak dat.

Essay --

Ans. Today a typical operation spends and takes in several hundred kibibyte dollars per year , and income over a million dollars are not uncommon. The irregularity of income and expenses, and the use of intensive technologies have become very capital have suitable funding in the key to the success of a business right time.The use of capital and credit has modern investors with a series of decisions to make How a lot to invest? Where to get capital? What combination of equity and debt to use? How to negotiate rates and terminals of the credit? How much pecuniary risk to take ?making good financial decisions is often the difference between a thriving economy , growing farm business and is constantly wondering how to pay the following bill. The modules in this course of professional study will address the above decisions , and more. Although the modules are arranged in a logical sequence , can be completed in any order you want.According keeper and ambrosio , Financial Managemen t is the application of the functions of planning and control of the finance function. Financial decisions are decisions concerning the financial matters of a Firm. The financial decisions are grouped into three categories.1. Investment decisions.2. Financing decisions.3. Dividend decisions. Investment decisionsAn investment decision revolves around the capital expenditure assets that produce the opera hat performance of the company over a period of time desired . In other words , the decision is about what to buy for the company will get the maximum value.To do this, the company has to find a balance between your short term and long term. In the very short term , a company needs money to pay your bills, but keeping all your cash means you ... ...ned asWACC= kd(D/D+E) + ke (E/D+E)D= DividendE= fair-mindednessKd= cost of debtKe= cost of equityWACC= value of the firmThe WACC for the firm may be calculated as follows% 0f Equity% of DebtCost Of DebtCost Of EquityCost of capital of DebtCost of capital of EquityWACC100%0%5%12%0.00%12.00%12.00%90%10%5%12%0.50%10.80%11.30%80%20%5%12.50%1.00%10.00%11.00%70%30%5.50%13%1.65%9.10%10.75%60%40%6%14%2.40%8.40%10.80%50%50%6.50%16%3.25%8.00%11.25%40%60%7%20%4.20%8.00%12.20%The optimal debt equity mix for the company occurs at a point when the overall cost of capital, ko, is minimum. The above calculations show that the ko is minimum at a point when the debt is 30% of the total capital employed. Therefore, the firm should use 30% debt and 70% equity in its capital structure and its ko would be 10.75%.

Essay --

Ans. Today a typical operation spends and takes in several hundred thousand dollars per year , and income over a million dollars are not uncommon. The irregularity of income and expenses, and the use of intensive technologies have become very uppercase have adequate funding in the key to the succeeder of a business right time.The use of ceiling and credit has modern investors with a series of decisions to make How much to invest? Where to get capital? What confederacy of loveliness and debt to use? How to negotiate rates and terms of the credit? How much financial risk to take ?Making good financial decisions is often the balance between a thriving economy , growing farm business and is constantly wondering how to pay the next bill. The modules in this course of professional submit will address the above decisions , and more. Although the modules are arranged in a logical sequence , can be completed in any prescribe you want.According keeper and ambrosio , Financial Manage ment is the application of the functions of planning and control of the finance function. Financial decisions are decisions concerning the financial matters of a Firm. The financial decisions are grouped into three categories.1. Investment decisions.2. Financing decisions.3. Dividend decisions. Investment decisionsAn investment decision revolves around the capital expenditure assets that produce the best performance of the fraternity over a period of time desired . In other words , the decision is about what to buy for the companionship will get the maximum value.To do this, the company has to find a balance between your short term and long term. In the very short term , a company needs notes to pay your bills, but keeping all your cash means you ... ...ned asWACC= kd(D/D+E) + ke (E/D+E)D= DividendE= EquityKd= cost of debtKe= cost of equityWACC= value of the firmThe WACC for the firm may be calculated as follows% 0f Equity% of DebtCost Of DebtCost Of EquityCost of capital of DebtCost of capital of EquityWACC100%0%5%12%0.00%12.00%12.00%90%10%5%12%0.50%10.80%11.30%80%20%5%12.50%1.00%10.00%11.00%70%30%5.50%13%1.65%9.10%10.75%60%40%6%14%2.40%8.40%10.80%50%50%6.50%16%3.25%8.00%11.25%40%60%7%20%4.20%8.00%12.20%The optimal debt equity mix for the company occurs at a point when the overall cost of capital, ko, is minimum. The above calculations show that the ko is minimum at a point when the debt is 30% of the total capital employed. Therefore, the firm should use 30% debt and 70% equity in its capital structure and its ko would be 10.75%.

Value Management And Value Engineering Study Report

This treasure Management and appraise plan (VM/VE) Study Report summarizes the benefits of various proposals for a strategic level jimmy Management mental process followed by foster plan Study in govern to become a burst abide by for Money (VFM) for any plans. This report is prep ard specially for our Client M/s. SBEinnovations Ltd for the social system of the Mixed-Use Recreation and Commercial Centre Project.Value Management and Value engineering science is a technique on any rambles that merchant ship be delivered in the most economical agency. Normally, Value Management processes argon carried out before Value Engineering Study to determine how it can add value to the Client worry by a deli actually of a learn which is carried out during the initial Client legal brief of a witness. It is an integral part of any projects. W presentas Value Engineering is a technical foul study on a selected traffic pattern for its technical viability and damage studies which is carried out during detailed design stagecoach.United Project Management (UPM) believes that VM and VE have the greatest influence and impact at the strategy and design stage respectively. It requires reliable and appropriate cost data, design information, predilections, past experience and uses brain-storming workshops by our team of experts under the direction of the Project Manager. Value Management is a unvarying process from inception to completion.The purpose of conducting the Value Management workshop is to set up an effective partnership agreement which should gain vigork to achieve the scope and benefits of the project with respect of time, cost and quality. The benefits of Value Management contribute towards this project especially since the project is still in its wee stages. Some of the concepts through which SBEinnovations Ltd can obtain value for money (VFM) are mentioned below1. Reduced Learning Curve2. Improved communications and decision procedures3. Improved quality and programmingThis report in like manner includes a recommendation on Value Engineering Study conducted before the completed design stage and building activities. Issues targeted during VE study include1. Design optimization2. infusion of procurance Route3. Cost, Quality and Time4. Organizational equipment failure Structure (OBS) Study5. Stakeholders Coordination1. IntroductionThis report explains how Value Management and Value Engineering studies can contribute value to the Client before commencement of a project. The report summarises the pick out principles of Value Management and Value Engineering in the background of construction project of mixed-use recreation and commercial centre for SBEInnovations Ltd. This report is prepared for SBEinnovations Ltd on their request for proposals for a strategic level Value Management and Value Engineering studies.The aim of Value Management Study is to assess the project requirement in terms of functionally and efficiency o f achieving the requirements. Prime consideration postulate to be given to the importance of Time, Cost, Quality, Safety and Clients satisfaction. The specific issues to be evaluated at the VM Study are divide into two categories.1. Strategic Issues (which provide be considered in Value Management)2. Tactical Issues (which provide be considered in Value Engineering)3.1 Strategic Issues1. The sideline are considered as project strategic issues1. Project Drivers2. Project type3. Size and Location4. Procurement5. Initial Cost Estimate6. Esteem7. Politics8. Organisational Management9. Change Management3.2 Tactical IssuesThe following are considered as project strategic issues1. Design2. Structure of the Project Organisation3. Detail of accessibility and planning procedure4. Time and Quality5. Outline Specification6. Coordination2. Value Management StudyThis is the first process where carefully selected team members from various parties get together to discuss various aims, objecti ves, constraints and essay associated with the Project in mold to formulate Client objective of the submit of such project.Value counselling usually incorporates a series of workshops, interviews and reviews involving diversified teams members through whom the project requirements are evaluated against the fashion and methods of achieving them. VM process will be dependent on the procurement route selected for the project.VM and VE Studies are very important for succeederful delivery of any project. Failure to fly the coop out these studies will cause tasks at subsequent design and construction stages causing cost overruns, project delays, claims etc. Value Management can serve to avoid or minimize these problems.At the outset of a project, Value Management provides an exceptionally powerful way of exploring the clients needs in-depth by addressing inconsis tencies and expressing these in a language that all parties, whether technically informed or new to the construction industry, can understand.The Value Management process works top-down, outset with needs and strategic goals and focusing on root causes, not symptoms. An early consensus is developed amongst the key stakeholders about the need for the project or service, the scope, deliverables, key functions and risks, in the context of the wider business objectives. Opportunities for innovation are explored and the most cost effective besotteds of implementation developed, consistent with desired time and quality requirements. VM considers the all told project rather than components and the process are underpinned by consensus.A typical Value Management Study has the following characteristics1. A systematic, staged approach2. top out definition of objectives and scope at the outset focus on the customer requirements3. Consideration of the organizational environment internal and external influences4. Multi-disciplinary team effort dogmatic human dynamics5. Function Analysis System Technique 6. A workshop format with a structured job plan that separates creativity from military rank and development.7. Effective use of methods and tools independent facilitation2.1 Early Application of Value Management and its benefitsThe design is still at the very early stage. The Client has not until now committed with any design teams for project design. The client aims to innovate with creativity and to enhance the health, wellbeing and quality of life of its citizens. It is very important to get a feedback of its citizens of the Client intentions for such a project, because the clients and the citizens aim and objectives are totally different and conflicting ones. Therefore it is recommended that Value Management study at such early stage is carried out involving the all parties who have interest on the projects so that later in the projects the problems and risk will be minimized to a greater extent. As such the following benefits can be expected by applying Value Management to this specific project.1. It defines what both the client and the citizens of the local anesthetic study mean by value, and provide the basis for making decisions, throughout the project, on the basis of value. It provides a means for optimising the balance between private developer and public sector local authority having different aims and objectives out of the project.1. It provides the basis for clear briefs that reflect the clients priorities and expectations, expressed in a language that all can understand. This improves communication between both stakeholders so that each of them can understand and respect others constraints and requirements.1. It ensures that the project is the most cost-effective way of delivering the business benefits and provides a basis for refining the business case. It addresses both the monetary and the non-monetary benefits.1. It supports good design through improved communications, mutual learning and enhanced team-working, leading to better technic al solutions with enhanced performance and quality, where it matters.1. It provides a way of measuring value, taking into account nonmonetary benefits and demonstrating that value for money has been achieved.Project Objectives In a construction project objectives shall be clearly defined. In clearly defining the project objectives value focusing plays a vital role and it is the starting point of value management in a project.Client Function, Activities and Stakeholders Value management plays crucial role in ascertaining the client functions, requirements, stakeholder needs, briefing, gathering information pertaining to the project.Project Size and Location In deciding the project size and location both value management and value engineering will be utilise as value management will focus on the location, political situation, environment and others will focus, whereas value engineering will focus on the type of foundation to be employ is suitable for the soil conditions, floor area index on the area and other design issues.Budget It is a crucial in a construction project and the main purpose of the value management is to gain the maximum value for the money and for that budget is important and also careful budgeting is crucial for the success of the project, here value management will be applied.Procurement Option In deciding the contract for the project the best procurement option is to be chosen, it depends on the scope of the project, requirements, budget and other external factors. To choose the best procurement option value management and value engineering both plays a vita role. Design and built option value management plays a vital role, value engineer plays a vital role in other types of procurement options as designs are being verified in this option.Design Change and Variation happens during the course of the project, value engineering plays a lead role. In the design changes and variations as the changes will have an impact on the original design t o be checked? The proposed changes can be accommodated or not also to be checked, also the cost impact, constructability and other design related parameters to be verified.Organization Structure Many discrepancies arise due to un organized organization structure, due to that construction and project gets delayed. Value management is employed, during the initial stages itself giving the requirements for organization and key personnel and appropriate accounting provision will be given in the costing. All the above will be applied in value management.Quality Control, Health, Safety and Environmental Issues are crucial in project success, here both value management and engineering will be applied as quality cannot be compromised and design team will clearly mention the minimum quality requirements and also HSE issues cannot be compromised it is a combination of both the above.The following graph illustrates the potential cost savings possible against time when VM is applied in a projec t. It is clear the when VM is applied at the early stage of a project, the saving will be far less to adopt the changes proposed by the Value Management since the design is yet not commenced and hence it is easy to incorporate any kind of design change proposal due to VM process. material body 1 Cost Impact of Making Changes Over Time2.2 Development of Value Management within project scenarioUPM suggests the budget should be equally divided among the different elements of the project. Some suggestions provided by UPM are1. Sports CentreProper design management should be applied for the construction of Seating/Scoring or/and spectator Seating arrangements.2. Culture recreational centrePublic community should be comfortable with different recreational centres. Their satisfaction is the primary goal to be achieved.3. Hotels firing is a large cost item. The impact it has on energy and guest experience influence to a great extent the operation and spacing cost.4. shop mallsPrimary objec tive here is to obtain maximum customer satisfaction keeping returns in mind. Quality should be maintained throughout the lifecycle of the project.5. Parking seatThe financial cost for parking space depends on three factorsTotal number of parking space required, opportunity cost of parking land and cost per parking land available.Careful planning and brainstorming helps to obtain maximum value for land.6. Food courtProper economical and environmental friendly techniques could be arranged for waste disposal.7. Cinema MultiplexNatural Ventilation could be installed thereby reducing the cost and power consumption.Value Management Team Selection and Value Management WorkshopVM is undertaken as a series stakeholder workshops held at key stages during the development of the project. Value Management Team forms an important aspect in decision making process. It is a flexible, team-based activity, planned and directed by an independent VM facilitator and driven by consensus.Team selection for the Value Management workshop is very critical to success to ensure that the full range of influences are properly addressed by people with the right balance of knowledge, skills, experience and judgment. Where particular stakeholders are not able to take part, or it is not politic to involve them, specific team members should be t adopted as champions of those stakeholder interests. As such, the team should include the following participants1. Project SponsorThe Project Sponsor is responsible for endorsement of the study objectives. They are responsible for monitoring outcomes, action plans, clients vision, timeframe, values and constraints.2. Value Management CoordinatorUsually, a client representative whitethorn designate this post. Before the workshop is developed, a number of activities need to be decided upon1. Developing brief for Facilitator2. Identifying the Scope of Work3. Engaging the Facilitator4. Organizing the schedule for the workshop5. Date and Venue confirmation 6. Arrangement of objectives of study7. Selection and invitation of participants8. Preparation of agendaThese roles and the corresponding tasks whitethorn vary depending on nature of Value Management topic, the organizations involved and the scale to which Value Management activities undertaken by the parties.3. Value Management FacilitatorHe initiates their evaluation at the beginning of the pre-workshop process, helping the client towards clearly defining the aim, assumptions and viewpoints of each stakeholder. The facilitator should specialise in assisting the process by providing support and advice to the sponsor.During Pre-workshop stage, the facilitator focus should be more towards process than content. The facilitator manages time, determines appropriate progress, manages the group, promotes collaboration within the group, and seeks agreement or a method of understanding between teammates at key stages. However, the facilitator should maintain client confidentiality and ensur e either member contributes equally to the achievement of value.4. Project ManagerThe Project Manager should be included within the workshop because he/she acts as a author and as a team catalyst for continued action.5. StakeholdersThey should be included in the team as they give a clear cut idea about the objectives, needs and constraints.6. Technical ExpertsSBEinnovations Ltd. members who have specialist skills in a particular area are to attend the workshop. Their responsibilities include providing advice and suggestions in the specialist area for which they are invited.7. Relevant compliance agencyValue Management briefing papers should be forwarded to relevant compliance agencies so that they can be sustain that the steps followed are as per Practice Guidance. Though, it is not compulsory that their presence should be essential at the workshop.Value Management Workshop and agendumFollowing are the three components of a VM Workshop1. Job Plan2. Functions and Functionality3. Multi-Disciplinary TeamThe VM Job plan of the workshop will have the following 5 phases1. Information Phase2. Creativity Phase3. Evaluation Phase4. Development Phase5. Presentation and Reporting PhaseAll of the above phases will be covered in 3 weeks workshop as described below.TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN VM STUDYThere are number of tools and techniques which can be apply in VM study. However, the following are recommended by UPM.1. Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) DiagramIt is a graphical representation of logical relationship of functions that need to be performed and how they are linked together into HOW-WHY logical connections to deliver the project. HOW and WHY questions are asked to develop the logic of a function. While defining any function, we ask HOW that particular function can contribute towards developing a more standardized and specific approach. This method of questioning and thinking is referred and summarized from left to right. To solve the problem to a higher level, we ask WHY that particular function is performed. This process of logic is read from right to left.1. Risk AnalysisRisk analysis is a financial tool used to identify risks that can potentially partake the project. The analysis looks at the costs involved, time constraints and other variables that may negatively affect the outcome. As a tool, risk analysis helps managers make decisions and find alternatives.1. SWOT AnalysisSWOT is an acronym that stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, which is precisely what the SWOT analysis aims to identify. The SWOT helps management see the companys strengths and weaknesses on paper as well as the potential opportunities and threats looming in the industry. Management can then find ways to maximize the companys strengths in order to capitalize on opportunities while minimizing potential threats and weaknesses.6. VALUE ENGINEERING STUDYValue Engineering is a subset of Value Management. Once the Client is decided on the project, then before the detailed design will commence, the Value Engineering study will be carried out.6.1 Recommended timing for VALUE ENGINEERING studyIn order to expect the greatest return from this project, SBEinnovations Ltd. is suggested to include value engineering exercise during the early design stage and before 60% of the design committedness is reached. Value Engineering workshop should be carried out during the schematic design stage and the detailed design stage. If the Value Engineering occurs later it probably will be seen as a cost cutting exercise but it will be undertaken under a hostile climate that will keep on SBEinnovations from achieving the desired requirements and objectives of 9M.6.2 Recommended VE TeamThe number of participants should be a minimum of five and a maximum of ten. Although more members could participate, we recommend that a larger group may cause difficulties in one-to-one communication. Participants should involve1. Project Manager s from SBEinnovations Ltd.These Project Managers help to define the procurement routes and contract administration in the most effective way by putting to use their skills earned by experience.2. Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Structural EngineersWhile conducting brainstorm sections, Comments and views from Engineers, Architects and Quantity Surveyors are valid for active participation.3. Value Engineering FacilitatorThe facilitator should be someone apart from the project manager, the chief design engineer, or the client. The VE facilitator will guide the discussion to confirm and approve, but not to criticize the project approaches and details.6.3 Value Engineering WorkshopsVE workshops are concerned with the detailed technical appraisal of alternative solutions proposed by the project team to meet the clients requirements. age for VE workshop will be normally longer than that of VM Workshop. One of the following approaches could be used by SBEinnovations Ltd towards achievin g a successful Workshop session1. mini WorkshopsA value engineer should join the design team at the briefing stage and be promoted as the facilitator throughout the project. Two mini-workshops should be organized following the job plan format and then reviewed at about 20% and 40% design completion.2. The two-day workshopAll members of the team focus on issues in an intense and focused way.6.4 Elements of the Scheme for VE studyDesign OptimizationAs long as the bid documents and the process to detail design are open enough to allow for adjustment of the design, then a buildable design will rise. Design ideas for mixed use commercial and recreational centre should be developed during Value Engineering workshops keeping in mind the constructability and purpose for which it serves. This should include health, safety and security of the local community.Procurement RouteThe suitable Procurement route should be studied identified and applied by SBEinnovations Ltd. taking into consideratio n the pros and cons of that particular procurement route and its benefits to the client and the employer.Quality, Time and Cost maximum return can only be achieved through proper quality, time and cost management. Value Engineering study team should be keen to arrive at maximum Value for Money (VFM) by proper planning and scheduling of works to ensure cost lies within 9M within the stipulated time frame.Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) StudyOBS review would be done during the VE workshop which helps to identify roles and responsibilities.Stakeholders CoordinationCoordination should be justified during VE studies so as to dissolve any interference between Stakeholders.Part 2 Risk Management EssayRisk Management in Infrastructure ProjectsIntroductionAll large projects face risks. Project risk is an activity, event or action which tends to cause a negative impact on the planned goals of project scope, quality, performance, execution time or cost. Inevitably, risks and uncert ainties are substantially inherent in infrastructure projects. Problematically, many infrastructure projects could not have achieved project goals satisfactorily. Therefore, it is very important for the identification and treatment of these project risks. Project risks invariably contribute to the poor performance leading to cost and time over run. Their major reason is the occurrence of external and internal project risks and uncertainties throughout project stages from planning, bidding, contracting to construction.This essay intends to provide a useful insight into the inherent risk into infrastructure projects, and will discuss about the management of these risks. The essay will also enable the reader to understand and application of the key concepts and techniques used in management of risk in infrastructure projects.For the purpose of this essay, Railway Projects in the MENA region is considered. History has shown that lines have always been central to any countrys growth a mbitions. Thus it comes as no surprise that the GCC countries have embraced railway networks as their best hope for expanding and consolidating future economic growth. By providing a low cost alternative to shipping and air, the GCC member states allow for increased hand and thus further economic prosperity.As a result of this increased focus, its no surprise to find that railway networks account for nine of the ten biggest infrastructure projects in the Middle East. With ambitious plans to produce a GCC wide network within the next decade, the countries are working to develop their own indoor networks in preparation. The following Table shows a list of top 10 infrastructure projects (ongoing and planned) in the MENA area.

Theories of Language Evolution

ASSIGNMENTS B. Com General 1st Semester Subject Name Language Functional English Subject code BCC 101 Summer Drive 2012 4 assign (60 marks) (BKID B1294) Set 1 1. What is the difference between the theories of style evolution? 1. 2. 3 Language evolution and memes It is possible to imagine numerous potential scenarios by which language might hire evolved as a purely biological adaptation. However, Susan Blackmore, reveals a different theory of language evolution in her book The Meme Machine.She proposes that it evolved for the sake of macrocosm a characteristic of a culture (memes), not as an adaptation for the benefit of genes. Susan says that memes first came into existence with the advent of true imitation in humans, which allowed the author to spread through populations. Recalling production of rude(a) copies or that fecundity is necessary for a replicator. She also said that the language came into existence to serve the purpose of world a mechanism for improving the fecun dity of memes. Sound transmission has many advantages for the purpose sounds foundation be heard by multiple listeners and can be used even at night.After sound transmission (proto-language) came into existence, the digitalization of language into discrete news programs arose as a mechanism for ensuring meme fidelity, or lack of errors in the new copies. She explains that those alterations that produce the most copies of the highest fidelity will be those that predominate, thus improving the language. Blackmore goes on to suggest that grammar was an adaptation to improve the fecundity and fidelity of breathing memes its recursive structure then provided the frame break d ingest for the development of more complex memes, which then favored the existence of more complex grammar, etc. n a self-sustaining process. Furthermore, language then began to exert pressure on the genes, creating a selection pressure toward bigger brains that are better at language. If people cull to mate wi th those possessing the best or most memes, then the genes that allowed those people to be good meme-spreaders will be differentially transmitted into the a scarceting generation. This process over again leads to a self-catalytic process of brain evolution that places a strong survival and reproductive advantage on those most capable of meme transmission.Finally, Blackmore believes that language is an unavoidable solution of the existence of memes, which follow naturally from the ability to imitate (an ability that is, surprisingly, realized in very few species). She states, Verbal language is almost an inevitable closure of memetic selection. First, sounds are a good candidate for high-fecundity transmission of behaviour. Second, linguistic communication are an obvious way to digitise the process and so increase its fidelity. Third, grammar is a next step for increasing fidelity and fecundity yet again, and all of these will aid memorability and hence longevity. 2.What are the common mistakes done while report declarative blames? Give examples of each of them. 2. 5. 3 command A statement is also known by the name of a declarative censure. This type of sentence simply states a fact, an argument or an idea, without requiring any answer or action from the reader. It does not give a command or request, nor does it ask a question. there are two types of statements, viz. 1. un qualified statement 2. Conditional statement Let us understand both of them one by one. 1. Unconditional Statement These are the statements without any condition in them. Example, a) Marina plays the piano. (b) I think you will pass. (c) I have forgotten his name. (d) She asked which drink I preferred. 2. Conditional Statement These are the statements with a condition(s) in a clause accompanied by the master(prenominal) clause which shows the action. The conditional statements are of three types (a) The open conditional statement. (b) The sibyllic conditional statement. (c) The unfulfilled hypothetical statement. Let us understand each of them one by one. (a) The open conditional statement This type of statement principally refers to a future issuance which is conditional on an another(prenominal) future event.The verb of the conditional clause is in the simple present tense and the verb of the main clause is in the future tense (usually with will). Example, 1. If I sleep too much, my eyelids swell. 2. My eyelids swell if I sleep too much. 3. Only if the entire team stimulateing fast, well cobblers last the work today. 4. We will not finish the work today if the entire team does not work fast. 5. We will not finish the work today unless the entire team works fast. Occasionally, the open conditional statement describes a mail or an sheath which is dependent on another instance (given in the conditional clause).In this case, both verbs are in the present tense. Example, 1. If I sleep well at night, I feel much relaxed in the morning. 2. If it rains, I enjoy it a lot. somewhattimes, if? is replaced by when?. If? implies that the condition is really open and may not be fulfilled, while when? implies that the condition will be fulfilled and event will certainly take place. Example, 1. I will sing when you dance. 2. I shall have my lunch when the bell rings. (b) The hypothetical conditional statement The hypothetical conditional statement refers to a possible future situation which depends on another possible future situation.The verb of the main clause uses the present conditional tense (would + infinitive, or could + infinitive) and the verb of the conditional clause normally uses the present subjunctive. Sometimes, the conditional aspect of the statement can be emphasized by using the form were + to + infinitive. Example, 1. If you slept well at night, you would be relaxed in the morning. 2. You would be relaxed in the morning if you slept well at night. 3. Only if the entire team worked fast, we could finish the work that day. 4. We would not finish the work that day if the entire team did not work fast. 5.We would not finish the work that day unless the entire team worked fast. 6. If the entire team were to work fast, we could finish the work that day. Sometimes the statements use the open hypothetical form, though it is clearly quite impossible. In such cases, the main clause uses would/could+ verb form. Example, 1. If I were you, I would never go there. 2. My teacher told me that I would definitely improve my scores if I worked harder. (c) The unfulfilled hypothetical statement The unfulfilled hypothetical statement refers to a situation which an event might have taken place, but did not, because a condition was not fulfilled.The verb of the main clause goes 3. What do you mean by passive voice congresswoman? 3. 2. 2 motionless voice The agile voice is the normal voice. But sometimes we need the passive voice. The passive voice is less usual than the active voice. In this lesson we look at how to c onstruct the passive voice, when to use it and how to blend it. The structure of the passive voice is very simple subject + auxiliary verb (be) + main verb (past participle) The main verb is always in its past participle form. pic Though usually active voice is given preference over the others, it does not mean that passive voice should not be used.But you should use it only in the following instances In order to intentionally make something true so as to minify the guilt of the subject. For example, A cheating wife might respond, Yes, adultery was committed by me. In order to intentionally hide the subject of the sentence. For example, A policy-making leader might say, Mistakes were made. In order to make passive voice better emphasize the main point of the passage. For example, Children were harmed by unlicensed cab drivers neb that we always use by to introduce the passive object (Fish are eaten by cats). The passive voice is less usual.Look at this sentence He was kill ed with a bullet. Normally we use by to introduce the passive object. But the bullet is not the active subject. The bullet did not kill him. He was killed by somebody with a bullet. In the active voice, it would be Somebody killed him with a bullet. The bullet is the instrument. Somebody is the agent or doer. Conjugation for the passive voice Passive can be made in any tense. If we pay attention, we will find that the conjugation of verbs in the passive tense is rather easy, as the main verb is always in past participle form and the auxiliary verb is always be.To form the required tense, we conjugate the auxiliary verb. So, for example give birth simple It is made. Present continuous It is being made. Present perfect It has been made. 4. 2 Concepts of Vocabulary Building Each of us stands testimony to the fact that it is an essential prerequisite to have a good vocabulary in order to communicate effectively. There are many ways to improve our vocabulary. Some of them are as unde r 1. insolent Cards Flash invoices are an excellent method of reviewing both old and new vocabulary words.Not only are they the best way to mark off vocabulary, you may also use them in other ways. For example, key ideas may be written out and reviewed. In addition, declensions such as the article can be put on a card for easy reviewing. These types of cards will need to be larger than 2 x 4. A full size index card would work for these purposes. Let us make a showy card now. (a) On the front of the flash card Write a vocabulary word, and only the word, neatly on the front of the card. Center the word both horizontally and vertically, and be sure to keep the front of the card free from extra markings, smudges or doodles. b) On the upper left corner of the back of the flash card On the reverse view, the information side of the flash card, save a definition for the word in the upper left corner. even up sure you write the definition in your own words. This is the key. If you wr ite a dictionary definition, you will be less likely to look upon what the word subject matter (c) On the upper right corner of the back of the flash card Write the part of speech in the upper right corner of the info side. Make sure you understand what the part of speech means before writing it down. Then, colour-code it. Highlight the part of speech with one colour.When you make another flashcard with another part of speech, youll use a different colour. Make all the nouns yellow, all the verbs blue, etc. Your mind remembers colours really well, so youll start to associate colour with the part of speech, and youll have an easier time remembering how the word functions in a sentence. (d) On the lower left corner of the back of the flash card Use the vocabulary word in a sentence you will remember. Make the sentence steamy, hillarious, or creative in some other way. If you write a bland sentence, your chances of remembering what the word means go way down.Example of a memorable se ntence My pompous ex-boyfriend used to think he could get any girl he wanted, until he met my friend Mandy, who laughed at his conceited self in front of the entire school. Example of a non-memorable sentence The king, whose pompous heads-of-state were trying to dethrone, decided to flee the country to save his own life. (e) On the lower right corner of the back of the flash card Draw a small picture/graphic to go with the vocabulary word. It doesnt have to be artistic but something that reminds you of the definition.For the word pompous, or conceited, maybe youd draw a stick person with his nose in the air. Why? You remember pictures much better than words, which is the reason you cant write anything on the front of the card besides the vocabulary word youd remember the design and associate it with the definition instead of associating the word with the definition. Repeat this process for every one of your vocabulary words, until you have a deck of flash cards. 2. Rote method ( repetition) This is something that we all hate. Rote the new words up to remember them. But isnt it the way we used to learn new words in the childhood?So remember, when no other methods work, you should not hesitate to resort to the time tested rote method. 3. Self dictionary We hear and read new words all the time but rarely do we take the time to look them up. When you hear an unfamiliar word, jot it down and take the time to look it up later. 4. Word games There are many games that can be played online. It not only serves as a way to entertain but at the same time, develops your vocabulary. Some of the examples of such games are Word Search, Cross Words, Hang Mouse, Quiz, Match Game, Scramble, Letter Blocks, etc. 5.Visualisation At times there are very difficult words that cant be learnt by any method else than visualization. Words can be related with something familiar and funny so that it can be remembered. 6. Reading Read a lot. The experience of encountering unfamiliar words in print is remarkably instructive. First, because youre already engaged in reading something, you are arguably more motivated to learn a new word so that you better understand what youre voluntarily reading. Second, you have come across the word organically rather than artificially (i. e. in a vocabulary list).Youll pick up new words and clarify meanings of words already in your toolkit by exposing yourself to them in their, shall we say, natural habitat. The context will enrich your attempt to build a better vocabulary. Diversity of topics is important Read some natural science stuff, employ science stuff, contemporary literature, Shakespeare, Psychology book and then consume a humorous work. Varied reading will sharpen both general and subject-specific vocabularies. A manger may not feel the utility of subjects like History, Philosophy, Biology, Travel, Anthropology, Linguistics, Art, Gender Studies, Politics, etc.But a mind that knows varied fields has a rich vocabulary as w ell as is respected everywhere. You dont have to be an expert in all disciplines to build a meaty vocabulary, but you do need to be a well-informed reader who is confident and comfortable reading on topics outside your areas of immediate expertise. 7. Interact in English All said and done, we must(prenominal) try to improve our spoken English so as to write better. The more we speak in English, the better it would be for us to improve our vocabulary. 5. try which parts of speech are the underlined words i.You have to believe in yourself if you ever expect to be successful at something. Pronoun ii. We left for the mountain just before six in the morning. Verb iii. We first went to the store to buy a few things. Preposition iv. We had a breakfast at a cafe near the caterpillar track station. Noun v. My friend wasnt strong enough to lift his heavy rucksack. Adjective vi. I helped him carry it. Pronoun vii. The weather was very cold. Adverb viii. My friend said, Oh What a cold weather ejaculation ix. We didnt spend the night there. Adverb x. We got back home late at night but we didnt go to sleep immediately.We were very hungry. Conjunction. 6. Fill in the blanks with these words against, at, like, on, to, up, with, near, for. i. She is doing a degree course __at__a university. ii. We had to climb slowly ___up__ the hill. iii. His house looks __like___ a temple. iv. Dont lean that ladder ___ against __ the wall. v. My house is quite ___ near __ to your school. vi. A university is where you study ___ for __ a degree. vii. He sometimes quarrels ___ with __ the neighbour. viii. Her next birthday will be __on__ a Sunday. ix. My father has a car __like__ yours. x. The mob stoned her __to__ death.

Gender Roles in a Streetcar Named Desire

Gender Roles in A Streetcar Named Desire passim history em queenment and marginalization has primarily been based on gender. In the play A Streetcar Named Desire, this idea of empowerment is strongly flaunted. Tennessee Williams characters, primarily Stanley, Blanche, Mitch, and Stella, set the expected roles of men and women at the time. Although World War Two temporarily allowed women a place in the work force, they were dismissed from such empowerment when the warf be came to a close. Characters in A Streetcar Named Desire ar accurate representations of the social historical context of that time.The power struggle mingled with Stanley and Blanche conveys dominant ideas some gender such as the primitive nature, aggression, and brutality of men and the vulnerability and physicality of women. The establishment of traditional gender stereotypes is almost instantly provided when Stanley is highlighted as the supplier. His physical masculinity and power is conveyed through a pack age of raw meat he heaves carelessly at Stella and his abusive nature is shown at once through the wont of blood imagery involving the red stained package.This immediately associates Stanley with brutality, foreshadowing his violence and cruelty in the play. Although Stanley is empowered by his gender, he feels threatened when approached by Blanche, who is of higher class than him. Due to Blanches social standing, Stanley is unsure of authorityling her. As the play progresses the struggle for power between the two becomes increasingly obvious. At first, Blanche appears victorious in the struggle. The physical proof of the tragedies in her past stop Stanley from arguing. Here all of them are, all papers I herby endow you with them His failure to exert power threatens his pride and he is inspired to reject Blanche. Segregation between men and women is clearly defined during the poker night in scene three. Poker shouldnt be played in a house with women. This reflects the social no rms and the dominant belief that women should be disassociated from masculine activities. Stella and Blanche are excluded from this form of masculine boding, and their early return causes chaos in the house.In addition to segregation, dominance is seen once again when Stanley is unable to prevent Mitchs abandonment of the game. His violent outbursts are desperate attempts to exert his dominance. Stanley gives a loud whack of his hand on her thigh. it becomes apparent that his threatening words are not enough, and he begins using violence as a physical means of controlling Stella and frightening Blanche. Although Stanleys power works mainly to downgrade Blanche, his violent and offensive nature also disempowers Stella. She is abused during poker night, a moment of masculine bonding.Following the poker night she is made powerful when she retreats to Eunices Flat. However, she returns to disempowerment when she leaves Eunices mat and Stanley bears her into the dark flat. Stellas de cision to stay with Stanley is not based on choice, but rather on the fact that she must. This enforces the dominant belief that women are unable to support themselves, emotionally and financially. Similar to Stanley, Blanche also faces a power struggle. Her ultimate downfall is a result of Stanleys cruelty and lack of reasonableness for human fragility.Comments about Stanleys animal habits and sub-human nature act as the agent of Blanches downfall. Stanley cannot deal with her mocking him in his own home and is feed up with her lies. During the final scenes his behavior conveys the male dominant ideas of cruelty and brutality. Blanches refusal to deal with Stanleys rough nature causes her to retreat further into her conceive of institution where she becomes increasingly vulnerable. Stanley violates Blanche in the most personal way and initiates the ultimate act of cruelty and abuse of power.His final act of brutality acts as the climax of power struggle between Stanley and Blan che as well as all males and females. This leaves the male empowered and the female lowered and completely destroyed. Blanch Dubois empowerment comes purely from her class. Her Confederate tradition and wealth made her a woman of importance and propriety. However, in Elysian Fields her traditions and former wealth hold significance. Although her wealth was lost with the remainder of Belle Reve, she desperately attempts to hold on to remains of her previous life and creates a fantasy world.Her incongruous appearance and southern tradition causes Stanley to reject her, as he cannot relate to her in anyway. The lack of impact on Stanley reflects the context of time, when tradition was being overpowered by industrialization. As Blanche begins to understand that her class has no impact on Stanley she assumes the role of a temptress. I was flirting with your husband Stella In order to gain some form of authority, Blanche uses her sexuality and physicality in effort to control Stanley.B lanche uses her sexuality frequently to overpower others. She depended on the kindness of strangers regularly in Laurel and her use of physicality landed her in trouble on assorted occasions. Following her encounter with the paperboy she states, Ive got to be good and keep my hands off children. This foreshadows her frequent use of physicality as means of empowerment. Although Blanche is notorious for her use of physicality, she has no authority over Stanley and is constantly reminded of this through emotional and physical abuse.As a representation of all females, Blanche is completely disempowered after Stanley rapes her. She creates a fantasy world to escape the harsh realties of Elysian Fields Her marginalization and downfall reflects vulnerability and trustingness of females on males for stability. The dominant ideas and beliefs about gender, such as the reliance of women on men and the primitive nature and brutality of the masculine are conveyed by Tennessee Williams in A Str eetcar Named Desire through the empowerment and marginalization of Stanley, Blanche, Mitch and Stella.Stanleys role as the alpha male empowers him in almost all situations. Blanches tradition and social status empowered her past but her physicality empowers her present. Williams characters accurately portray the gender stereotypes in the time they were created, and function today to convey the dominant ideas about gender and how they work to empower and disregard concourse in our society today.

Moral reasoning Essay

Moral conclude is individual or collective practical reasoning about what, cleanly, one ought to do. For familiarise purpose, we may understand issues about what is right or wrong, virtuous or vicious, as raising moral question.When we are faced with moral questions in passing(a) life, just as when we are faced with child-rearing questions, sometimes we act impulsively or instinctively and sometimes we pause to reason about what we ought to do. Much of our reasoning comes about through are position on an issue and how are principle effects that issue. Reasoning, so understood is an intrinsically normative concept. An important implication of this is that whatsoever empirical data that shows that we consistently think in a given odd way about morality can be memorizen in one or two contrasting lights it can be take backn to show that, since this is what we do this is how our moral reasoning is. Alternatively, it can be taken to show that, in the relevant range of cases, we f ail to think responsibly, and hence fail to engage in moral reasoning. And empirical data does not flow this kind of normative question for us. in that locationfore does morality require each person to reason in the same way, on the basis of the same key considerations?In an idea world, people would do the right thing simply because it is right. In the world in which we live, morality is more complex. People a good deal discord about what is right. Even when a consensus on moral values is reached, many find that they do not consistently live up to a moral standard. One reason for this is that most people show up a high value on their own welfare. They may let moral ideals and commitments, but stage business about personal well being is a powerful motivating featureor. It is more powerful for some than it is for others, but few can claim to be indifferent to it. Any significant gap between the demands of ethics and the urging of self-interest, narrowly defined, creates incent ive problems for individuals and for societies wishing to maintain high ethical standards. The problems arise on two levels.At the first level are the direct incentive problems or opportunism and desperation. Problems of opportunism arise when individuals willingly violate ethical norms in order to pursue opportunities for private gain. I believe an example of this is, George W Bush and the invasion of Iraq. The world was told that Suddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, but to this day their have been no weapons of mass destruction shown to the world, rather George W Bush has gain notoriety as the president that went on to save the people of Iraq from a dictator. When analyzing this upgrade could it be said that President Bush was concerned about is duty to protect the innocent people of Iraq or was it an opportunity to look good in the eyes of the world. What were the underlying principles.The fact that on that point was supposed to be the weapons of mass destruction has now faded in to obscurity. Did he yield to temptation. Or where there other principles at work. Secondly problems of desperation arise when individuals violate ethical norms to avoid loss or hardship. Even if we grant that most people place some intrinsic value on doing the right thing as they see it, sometimes the risk or the temptation is just too great. as well often we are presented with evidence from our daily lives, from news stories, and from academic research, that well-educated, apparently normal individuals can be tempted or pressured into compromising ethical standards.How then does this tinge to the so-called real world? Human disposition is not simple or uniformed, most people are not self centered, people often care about others. Nagel states theres one general argument against hurting other people which can be given to anybody who understands English (or any other language), and which seems to show that he has some reason to care about others, even if in the end hi s selfish motives are so strong that he persists in treating other people badly anyway. Most people have some benevolent motivations and ethical commitments. Individuals have sympathy for the pains of others and take pleasure in others well being.However, this care does not typically extend to all of humankind, but only to a referent group (Hirschlieifer, 1982). The size and nature of that group varies significantly from person to person. The care also varies in intensity, depending on such things as the closeness of the relationshipwith the other person, In addition to this dormant care for others people care about how they affect others. They generally do not want to cause harm, and do want to cause pleasure or satisfaction.Therefore in conclusion if most people have a benevolent motive to do the right thing in society and take pleasure in making society a happier place this would have to mean that society would need to be consistent in the way it treats people. There would be no impartiality or objectivity, all reasoning would be done from a top-down position. We would all then walk around with cheerful faces saying hello to all we meet, there would be no fighting anymore there would be no wars, there would be punishments that is across the advance and not consider other factor into play. Fortunately society is not consistent in its moral and ethical day to day practice the fact that as individual human beings we are guided in varies situations by varies events that caused the situation, this becomes a bottom-up reasoning were we are in turn guided by other judgements which lead us to constantly re-evaluating our moral ground.ReferencesNagal, T., What Does It All Mean? A very short introduction to Philosophy Oxford University Press, 1987Hirschleifer, J., Evolutionary Models Cooperation versus Conflict Strategies, JAI Press, Greenwich 1982

Microsoft Corporation Case Analysis Essay

Industry EvaluationSoftw be is an integral part of todays uncertain economy, as the push for greater globalization and efficiency drives much of the spending in blood line markets around the world. In order to maintain a competitive delimitation in an increasingly competitive global market, companies ar spending more and more on hardw atomic number 18 and computer software product infrastructures (YahooFinance, 2006).Microsoft is among 413 companies that produce and pass out action software products and operate. These companies are e real part of the Application Software constancy within the technology sector, which is dominated by one software giant Microsoft. More specific onlyy, Microsoft is categorized into the Developmental Tools, Operating Systems, and Utility Software sub attention, which includes companies that design, develop, market, and support software for developing, testing, and debugging applications for computer main ten-spotance and for desktop man ripen ment (Ho all overs.com, 2006).Microsoft, vaticinator Corp, CA Inc., and blackjack Aktiengesellschaft, with a four-firm concent proportionalityn ratio of 39% dominate the perseverance. Most of the other 411 firms in the pains specialize in smaller niches, providing specialized software services such as accounting, business management, etcetera, and have profits under $1 zillion per category. For this reason, the computer application industry has monopolistic competition (MSN Money, 2006).The top-selling software connection is currently Microsoft, with $41.4 one thousand thousand in sales in 2005, and is joined in the competitive arena by other top sellers such as Oracle Corp. with $12.9 billion and SAP Aktiengesellschaft with $10.4 billion. Other industry leaders in sales include CA Inc., Intuit Inc., Adobe Systems Inc., B.M.C. Software, Compuware Corp., and Novell Inc., each experiencing revenues exceeding $1 billion during 2005. Within the Developmental Tools, Operating Sy stems, and Utility Software subindustry, top competitors include Microsoft, International Business Machines (IBM), SAP Aktiengesellschaft, and Computer Associates International, who ranked a respective first, second, third, and stern in application software sales (YahooFinance, 2006).The Computer Software industry is openhandedly dominated by Microsoft, which commands 54% of market sales among its top ten competitors, as listed above. The following chart details the market share of these ten main players in the industry (YahooFinance, 2006)Within the legal environment, the software industry has been jolted by some(prenominal) recent regulations that are revitalizing industries within the business market of the United States. Among them are the US Patriot Act, which dictates that companies providing financial services congenital have the ability to detect the occurrence of money laundering the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which mandates that companies extend real-time disclosure of event s that might affect their financial performance and deep records of email and instant messages exchanged between employees (YahooFinance, 2006). Finally, antitrust laws have been an ongoing threat to the industry. Microsoft has finally reached a settlement after an ongoing antitrust investigation, and agreed to allow in manufacturers to include competing software with Windows and uniformly license its operational systems (Antitrust Case Filings, 2006).New technological amplifys are revitalizing the software industry. The most recent and significant development includes a saucily set of web-friendly applications that, as of yet, has no souricial name. These web services can be assembled from standardized building blocks, meaning that whatsoever issuance of applications whitethorn be assembled in a variety of ways. Because of this, companies are up to(p) to develop enterprise applications to run on a wide range of software and hardware infrastructures and cater to the specif ic demands of their respective market segments. The companies that will maintain market share in the up-and-coming web era are those that are able to develop products that will be compatible on a wide range of hardware platforms.Massive consolidations have recently become symptomatic of the software industry. Largely due to acquisitions, IBMs software holdings have grown a great deal. Small specialists companies face the greatest danger from large software providers such as Oracle, who recently acquired PeopleSoft and Siebel for $10.3 and $5.9 billion, respectively. If growth slows in their subindustries, these small companies who cater to specific niches become vulnerable to large companies offering extensive suites of enterprise applications that exercise a variety of functions such as the industry leaders (YahooFinance, 2006).Following suit after other mature industries such as electronics and apparel,a large number of IT and software providers have begun outsourcing much of th eir manufacturing and R&D functions to countries outside of the United States. Software companies are now able to hire manufacturers and product developers in countries such as India, Mexico, and China for much less than it would cost in the U.S. (MSN Money, 2006)The tragedy of the September 11 terrorist attacks as easily as other offer 9/11 attacks prompted a nonher significant trend in the software industry when the United States government cranked down on pledge. By restructuring their communication systems, they open up a door to struggling software providers who began to provide new, more secure applications to governmental departments and agencies (YahooFinance, 2006)A final trend reflects the popularity of Linux and other open-source code in operation(p) systems. While the Linux operating system is probably the most widely known and widely used open source code, the idea of open source is gaining whim and popularity. Companies that provide their products for a nominal s ubscription fee and generate income based on training and support services have adopted the open source idea as a counter-intuitive business model, with which they counter the more traditional selling of products for profit model (Hill and Jones, 2005).Once online collaboration and word processing applications are in full developed and grow in usage and popularity, the researchers predict that the software industry will see a rise in sales of those kinds of products, and possibly a decline in the sale of PC compatible product that serve the same types of functions. The reason for this is that once these tools are available, consumers will realize that they may entry and edit their documents or projects from any computer or PDA with inter bread access, without having to worry about being on the specific machine or machines that stockpile the documents they need.Currently, almost all users of open source software are computer-savvy programming professionals. In the future however, more consumers will use this type of software for business and personal use. This is forecasted by a evolution number of applications developed from open source codes such as Linux, as well as increasing popularity of these programs. If this comes to pass, then(prenominal) Linux and other open source applications and operating systems may accumulate market share, thus depriving it from Microsoft and Oracle.Strategic EvaluationMicrosoft supports a number of values that translate into goals that the come with strives to attain. These goals include doing business with honesty and integrity to have passion for systemers, partners, and technology to be open and respectful, to take on big challenges and see through them positive self-criticism, self-improvement, and personal excellence to financial aid foster growth and innovation, and to be accountable to clients, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These goals, however, are immeasurable, in tangible, and unspecific. There is no timeline for achieving them, and no way to determine whether or not they have been acheived.There are, however, more specific goals that the corporation hopes to attain that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible. Goals for the future include making technology available to one quarter of a billion hoi polloi by 2010. some other goal is to fuse together Windows development and Web development to enrich Windows applications (Stu, 2003).By doing this, Microsoft may be able to convince consumes to use the rich application features of Windows. Another goal is to unify the disparate Windows communications and enterprise technologies into a common and simple framework that is competitive with Java Enterprise Edition. Microsoft necessitate to provide an alternative to this model unless it wants to see Java retain its lock on the server software market. This goal is consistant with Microsofts approach of taking the lead in deve loping a new computing standard. (Microsoft, 2006)The mission statement of Microsoft jackpot isAt Microsoft, we work to help people and businesses throughout the worldrealize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible.- Microsoft, 2006The mission statement is clear in representing Microsoft as dedicated in providing the best products to help its customers achieve and realize their full potential. The mission statement is strong, and is very personable by saying At Microsoft, and buy uping that this is Microsofts mission statement. The statement repeats itself in the third sentence, saying, everything we do reflects helping everyone in the world understand his or her full potential. Using words to repeat separate of the mission statement makes it bolder to the reader.The statement is broad enough to allow the friendship to expand into unfamiliar markets or businesses, or both. However, it is narrow enough that it focuses the caller-out on aiding people in reaching their fullest potential. By adhering to this mission statement, employees at Microsoft look to the customers, not the shareholders, as the reason the political party exists. It is clear to express that the company does not exist solely to make a profits or please shareholders. It reflects the desire of the management at Microsoft to make a difference in the world and help those who wish to success do so.Functional ReviewMarketing AnalysisMicrosoft focuses on the development of software, which includes products such as Office, Project, Visio, FoxPro, and more. The software packages adjutant in the creation of business documents, databases, and projects, as well as helps consumers manage their day-to-day lives.Microsoft has seven different product divisions Client, Server and Tools, Information Worker, Microsoft Business Solution, MSN, wide awake and Embedded Devices, and Home and Entertainment (Microsoft, 2006). The Clien t segment has responsibility for engineering, product delivery, and technical architecture for the Windows product family. It also handles Microsoftsrelationships with personal computer manufacturers, including multinational and regional original equipment manufacturer accounts (SEC, 2006). Server and Tools is responsible for the server system products and all related services. These services include providing advice for requirements call for for the system to operate properly, custom solution services, and business application planning for the operating systems.Information Worker involves licensing software to several types of users such as small to large corporations, homes, and specialized categories like students. This division releases a major(ip) change in software every two to three course of studys. Microsoft Business Solutions deals primarily with developing and marketing offerings to manage financial, customer relationship and supply chain management functions for sma ll and midsize businesses, large organizations and divisions of global enterprises. MSN is accountable for delivering online services that look to em occasion users by bringing them to the people and cultivation that matter most. The Mobile and Embedded Devices section is responsible for the marketing and development of products that extend the advantages of the Windows platform to many types of devices. The Home and Entertainment segment is in devolve on of production, development, and marketing for the Xbox video gaming system (SEC, 2006).Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft put uped during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to look for new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the ever-changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and efforts must be made to accommodate their needs as well. (Wikipedia, 2006)In the early(prenominal), Microsofts target market has been men of the ages of eighteen through thirty-four. The company is currently expanding the market it targets by experimenting with two methods of reaching the seventeen and younger age group. The first is through the gaming industry, with the release of the Xbox gaming system. The company is also developing a television show to reach this age group (Goo, 2006). Another scheme Microsoft is pursuing involves meeting its global clientele where they arein terms of their economic and financial needs (Evers, 2006). These changes in strategy and products reflect Microsofts goal of expanding its target market. While at that place is risk involved with these changes, there is also the potential for returns above a normal profit.Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft launched during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to explore new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and efforts must be made to accommodate their needs as well. (Wikipedia, 2006)Microsoft has established a presence in the international market. The headquarters, including most of the research and development centers, is located in Redmond, Washington. The company has several manufacturing facilities to meet supply needs on a global scale. These facilities are located in unlike places such as Dublin, Ireland, Humacao, Puerto Rico, Reno, Nevada and Singapore just to name a few locations. Microsoft currently employees 40,081 in North America and 63,564 world-wide to help them meet growing demand for their products (Microsoft, 2006).Microsoft uses a wide variety of media to influence the demand of their product s. Traditional types of advertising are used for global campaigns including television, print, and Internet (Microsoft.com, 2006). The company uses computer magazines to compare companies or products such as the case of Linux versus Microsoft. Microsofts goal is to reach a certain target market. In addition, Microsoft is implementing a new advertising campaign using the Internet in competition with Yahoo and Google. In the campaign, customers will be asked to fill out a survey from there the data will be used to display personal ads of interest to the consumer. If a consumer chooses not to fill out the survey the company will provide them with general ads that are generated from the search. The goal in the long-run is to learn the customers want and needs for future purchases (Oser, 2006).The manufacturing function for most of Microsofts products is outsourced. A vendor supplies the parts needed to assemble the Xbox gaming system. This outsourcing strategy can be a drawback on two c ounts. Firstly, Microsoft relinquishes some hold back of the pricing of this product because it cannot control the manufacturing costs. Secondly, there is a threat of the manufacturer leaking product knowledge to Microsofts competitors. At the same time however, Microsoft has no legal obligation to the manufacturer, and can manufacture these products internally. Microsoft employs several vendors to supply parts that Microsoft manufactures. These components are purchased at a discount rate, and Microsoft keeps excess inventory in stock in case of shortages (Microsoft, 2006).The company has decided to do an 18 month campaign to advertise the differences between Microsoft and Linux giving the benefits of using our products. Some advantages to Microsofts products include being user-friendly software and applications, as well as having a strong composition in that area. Therefore, the cost would be greater to retrained employee how to use Linux software in the business industry for ser ver application use.In dealing with more recent security issues, Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) has a code-flaw in the browser that makes it vulnerable to hackers. This flaw can allow hackers to taint a system with various code-scripts, which puts the system under attack. To have security issues associated with the companys name can produce a bad reputation. Microsofts goals are to have compassion for customers, for partners, and technology. The company wants to train and make technology available to a quarter of the billion people in the world by 2010. In addition, Microsoft shows passion towards customers by offering specialized advertisements to expose the varied selection of products to the consumer. Another goal is to exhibit openness and respectfulness, which will gain a huge amount of respect from the consumer.This is achieved by receiving feedback from our employees, government agencies, and community leaders which will lead to improve Microsofts business. Microsoft is sta ying on project of taking on large challenges by endeavoring to change their demographics of customers. In addition, thecompany takes constructive criticism, and uses this as a way to improve criticism in forms of comments and suggestions. Microsoft will accomplish this task through research and development and feedback. Other goals are to give personal excellence, and have accountability to customers, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These achievable tasks would help Microsoft stay in the business for categorys to come (Microsoft, 2006).Production AnalysisMicrosoft alters its products to me needs of its global customers. The company translates the text and changes the appearance of its applications to make them understandable in that language. This is one reason Microsoft has a reputation for being developing user-friendly applications for its consumers. Other tasks the company is involved with include processing orders, payment options , processing needed information, and supplier management (Microsoft.com, 2006). These tasks are essential to maintaining good relations with Microsofts customers and suppliers. In addition, these tasks make it possible to make necessary changes when there are problems in distribution or manufacturing of Microsofts software.Microsoft outsources all of its manufacturing function except for a few, including the assemblage of the Xbox 360. A vendor supplies the needed parts for this product. This action can be a drawback because it limits Microsoft in its ability to control pricing aspects of this product. There is also the threat that suppliers will share the knowledge of this product with Microsofts competitors. Although this is a threat, Microsoft is under the no legal obligation to strain working with that supplier. Several vendors supply parts for all other products Microsoft assembles. Components for these products are purchased at a discount. Microsoft keeps an inventory of spar e parts on hand if needed (Microsoft, 2006). counsel Analysis score Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975, and in a few social classs, theyexpanded to Bellevue, Washington from Albuquerque, New Mexico. From there, Microsoft began creating and developing new and revolutionist technology. In 1981, IBM introduced its personal computer with Microsofts 16-bit operating system, MS-DOS 1.0 (Microsoft, 2006). Because of its quality, this operating system became popular. Microsofts stock went public. Over the next twenty categorys, Microsoft created more technical and various(a) operating systems such as Windows 95, 98, and the current Windows XP.This success has lead to worldwide expansion creating thousands of jobs. Microsoft is the worlds largest software company with over 50,000 employees in various countries as of May 2004 (Microsoft, 2006). Microsoft has become a needed portion of the personal computing market in which many PC retailers have sold their machines pre-equippe d with Microsofts software.Because of its large and substantial business, Microsoft was found to be a monopoly among computer software and because of this, Microsoft has experience financial success. In 1998, a lawsuit found that Microsoft was using its monopoly power to defeat its competitors (Reference.com, 2006). Microsoft appealed and showed how changing their companys operations would bring the financial success down increasingly.A board of directors, who play a major type in decision-making and many fundamentals of the company, run Microsoft. The Chief Executive Officer is Steven Ballmer who joined with Microsoft in 1980 and was the first business manager hired by Bill Gates (Microsoft, 2006). In 1998, Ballmer was appointed President and this gave him full responsibility for running the corporation. 2 years later, he became CEO (in 2000) and this gave him full privilege over all the managers and staff of Microsoft.Following Ballmer is James I. hard currency, Jr, Dina Dublon, Bill Gates, Raymond V. Gilmartin, Ann McLaughlin Korologos, David F. Margaurdt, Charles H. Noski, Helmut Panke and Jon A. Shirley. A lot of talent and skill is required to work in any position at Microsoft. They test out motivated individuals who are experienced in communications and leadership. The purpose for finding such trained individuals is to lower training costs of the company.The Corporate trading operations is Microsofts backbone, constructing, managing, and running the various services that support the companys 50,000 employees (Microsoft, 2006). This statement shows that Microsoft is dependent on two sections of their management staff the corporate and administrative services. These departments are responsible for management, public relations, providing company-wide administrative support, building new office space, and other tasks.Financial AnalysisMicrosoft Corporation has achieved excellence in since 1975 in the application software industry. They finished the 2005 financial year with a market capitalization of $288.20 billion, doubling the closest competitor, IBM which came in second in market capitalization with $131.00 billion, and an industry comely of a low $136.51 trillion (Hoovers, 2006).Microsoft Corporation has been enjoying a steady growth in revenue over the past three monetary years. This has been achieved with the growing popularity of PC use in the world over this time period. Microsofts preliminary estimates showed a growth of worldwide PC shipments from 11% to 13%, and bring server hardware shipments grew approximately 13% to 14% during the 2005 fiscal year compared to fiscal year 2004 (Yahoo Finance). This has caused a growth in revenue of 8% from $36,835 meg to $39,788 million from fiscal year 2004 to 2005 (U.S. SEC).This revenue growth was goaded by growth in licensing of Windows Server operating systems and other server application, licensing of Windows Client operating systems through OEMs, and increase licensing of Office and other Information Worker products (Yahoo Finance). The 2004 fiscal year ended with an overall growth of $4,648 billion from the previous fiscal year 2003, an increase of over 12%. Over the past five years, Microsoft Corporation has generated revenue of over $162 billion. This is an increase of 73% and about $75 billion of this is derived from net cash be given from operations. Shareholders received a return of $69 billion of this revenue in dividends and stock repurchases. With the launching of the Xbox 360, Windows Vista, and newer versions of existing software in 2006 fiscal year, Microsoft expects to have an equal or largerincrease of the past five years in the next five years (Microsoft, 2006).Net income for the fiscal year 2005 was $12,254 which is an increase of $4,086 million from the 2004 fiscal year. This is due to small decreases in operating expenses from the previous year with emphasis on research and development, a decrease of over $1.5 billion. Although de creasing in fiscal year 2005, a large jump in expenses occurred from fiscal year 2003 to 2004. Microsoft increase their total operating expenses by $5,159 million to $27,801 million in fiscal year 2004. Although decreasing expenses worked for the fiscal year 2005, decreases in research and development in the future might cause the industry to get the edge on Microsoft and revenues decrease (Microsoft, 2006).Operating income has also increased substantially during these two fiscal years with a total increase of 61%. Although it had a 5% decline from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2004, operating income jumped from a marginal $9,034 million in 2004 to an excellent $14,561 million in fiscal year ending 2005 (U.S. SEC). According to Yahoo Finance, the operating income increase for fiscal year 2005 was driven by a decline in stock-based allowance expense increased revenue in Server and Tools, Client, and Information Worker and a reduction in legal costs associated with major litigation .Some keystone ratios will point out Microsofts position in accordance to the industry. Holding a total debt to equity ratio of 0.00, compared to 0.03 of the industry, Microsoft has showed that they have successfully controlled their assets without any debt, dating back as far as fiscal year 1996. The total debt to total asset ratio also confirms these successes with a low 0.33. This has a great statistic from an investor or shareholders eyes because there is potential for a mellow payout. Microsoft has a current ratio of 2.8, compared to the industries fairish of 2.3.This shows us that Microsoft can pay off any debt that may occur, and can continue operating with cash left over. The quick ratio is currently at 2.5 with an industry average of 2.1. Because this number is so close in comparison with the current ratio, this tells us that Microsoft is not dependent on their inventory. These three financial ratios show us that Microsoft Corporationis achieving excellence in comparison to the industry (MSN, 2006).Both the gross profit margin and the net profit margin percentages will show us the financial health of the company. Microsoft Corporations net profit margin is over 7% higher that the industries average, at 30.8% compared to 23.5%. This tells us that 31.6% of the companys revenue can be unplowed as profit. Fiscal year 2005 is an increase of 8.6% from fiscal year 2004 and a small decrease of 0.2% from fiscal year 2003. Their gross profit margin is 87.3%, compared to 82.6% of the industries average. Although the industries average of these two ratios is healthy as well, Microsoft still holds better percentages (MSN, 2006).The companys price ratios will show some different trends in comparison to the industry from the other ratios presented. Although the earnings per share (EPS) are currently much higher than the industry average and the previous year, it is lower than some of the direct competitors. The EPS in the fiscal year 2005 was 1.13, which is consi derably higher than the industries average of 0.15. This is not a bad ratio if you own share in the company, but two of the closest competitors is producing a much higher rate Googles EPS is at 5.021 and IBMs is at 4.875.Although this might turn some investors away, numbers have been improving over the past three years. Fiscal year 2003 had an EPS of only $0.70 but increased to $0.76 in fiscal year 2004. The large increase came in fiscal year 2005 when EPS increased almost $0.40 to $1.13. With the latest innovations Microsoft has developed, these numbers will increase as investors see the future of Microsoft. Microsoft price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is more attractive than EPS with a ratio of 22.9. Although conservative investors may feel this number is too high, this ratio is much better than the industry average of 27.3 which might influence these investors to invest in Microsoft instead of the direct competitors (MSN, 2006).Management effectiveness ratios like return on assets (RO A) and return on equity (ROE) will show us how well the management at Microsoft Corporation is doing. With an ROA of 19.4%, over 5% higher than the industry average of 13.9%, Microsoft is very profitable in relation to the total assets of thecompany. This is a substantial increase from 8.8% and 12.6% in fiscal year 2004 and 2003 respectively. The profit per sawbuck, or ROE of Microsoft, is 29.5%. This is close to 7% higher than the industry average of 22.6% and 18.6% than fiscal year 2004. This shows that Microsoft Corporation is achieving a higher profit from their investors per dollar in comparison to the industries. Although there was a large increase from fiscal year 2004 to 2005, a decrease of 5.5% occurred between fiscal year 2003 and 2004 (MSN, 2006).The efficiency of the company is struggling in comparison to the industry in one way, inventory turnover. The inventory turnover is currently much lower than the industries. With a low 8.1 compared to 28.4 of the industry averag e, Microsofts inventory turnover might indicate poor sales. Both Microsoft and the industry average of asset turnover are 0.6, indicating that 0.6 of every dollar is revenue. Microsoft is doing a better job than the industry in comparing the accounts receivable turnover, but not a significant amount. The accounts receivable turnover is at 5.7 with an industry average of 5.2. Both Microsoft and the industry are collecting payments from its customers in a timely manner. They are, however, significantly behind S&P 500 which has an accounts receivable turnover ratio of 7.5 (MSN, 2006).A thorough research of cash flows will show the company heading in the right direction. Net operating, investing, and financing cash flows all increased from the fiscal year 2004 to 2005. Fiscal year 2005 showed an increase of 14% to $16.61 billion in cash flow from operations. This is derived from an increase in cash receipts from customers driven by the 8% revenue growth of the company. Cash payments dec reased by approximately $1.8 billion from the previous year from binding legal settlements. These factors played the major role in the increase of operating cash flow. Keeping operating cash flows down was payments to the 7% increase in full-time employees added during the fiscal year 2005. This is a great recovery from fiscal year 2004 considering operating cash flow dropped by $1.17 billion from fiscal year 2003. Over two billion of this was from the Sun Microsystems settlement and the European Commission fine.The small offsetting gain is from increases cash receiptsfrom customers. Net financing cash flow showed a large increase from $2.36 billion in fiscal year 2004 to $41.08 billion in fiscal year 2005. This increase is driven by an superfluous $34.38 billion of cash dividends pay, and an additional $4.67 billion in cash used for common stock repurchases in fiscal year 2005 from fiscal year 2004. Net financing cash flow did have a substantial decrease from fiscal year 2003 to 2004 of almost $3 billion.However, this decrease is due the company not repurchasing common stock in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004 and an increase of $628 million from stock issuances of employee stock option exercises. An increase of $872 million in cash dividends during this fiscal year offset the numbers provided. Net investing cash flow for fiscal year 2005 was $15.03 billion, an increase of $18.37 billion from the previous year. Investment maturities that occurred to fund cash dividends paid increased by $23.59 billion in fiscal year 2005. Offsetting this figure was the decrease of $5.32 billion in cash from sale activity and investment purchases. Cash used for investing was $3.34 billion in fiscal year 2004, a decrease of $3.88 billion from fiscal year 2003 (Microsoft, 2006).Model AnalysisThe Boston Consulting convention Matrix is a representation of the status of Microsoft in the current market. There are four different categories that fall under the matrix, Stars, Cash Cows, Question label and Dogs. The highest category and most self-efficient is the Stars with very high growth and high share. Next in the matrix Cash Cows, which are low in growth and high in shares. The third category in the matrix is the Question Marks which are high in growth and low in shares. Last are the Dogs which are very low in both growth and shares. Microsoft would be placed in the Stars category simply because the company is constantly growing and is very self-sustaining.Strategic Alternatives1. Develop a Microsoft version of open source software by exploiting Microsofts distinctive competency for developing software. This will giveMicrosoft an edge in the open market by allowing it to effectively compete with current alternatives to Microsoft products, such as Linux, Sun Systems, and other open source/free software products. This alternative will give Microsoft the opportunity to increase its revenues by offering support services and training for these products.2 . Acquire Red Hat Inc. or other successful Linux provider. By combining the rising popularity of the open source concept with the ongoing success of Microsofts application software, the image of Microsoft will improve and launch the company into the increasingly popular open source market.3. Improve current product line. Increase research and development spending to improve the dependability and security of current products. Then, implement an advertising campaign through several mediums to stress the superior quality of Microsofts products.