Contemporary Symmetric Ciphers

Jordan University of Science and Technology Computer Engineering Department Cryptography & Network Security CPE (541) HW#5 Contemporary Symmetric Ciphers (Double-DES, Triple-DES & Blowfish) Supervised by: Dr Loai Tawalbeh Eng. Sulaiman Al-Basheer Simsam R. Hijjawi 20022171043 Review Problems: 6. 1 What is the triple encryption? It is a three-stages encryption with three different keys, to avoid costly requirements arises from using three different keys with total length of 3Ãâ€"56 = 186 bits a triple encryption with two keys maybe used. 6. 2 What is the meet in the middle attack?It's that attack doesn't depend on any particular property of the DES, instead, it will work against any type of block ciphers. For the double-DES cipher & a given (P,C) pair, this attack works as follow: 1. Encrypt the plaintext P with all possibilities of K1, store the results in a table, & sort that table by the value of X. 2. Decrypt C with all possible values of K2, check each resulted value with the en tries in the table, in case of match, check these two keys against another known pair (P1,C1), if match, accept them as the correct keys. 6. Why is the middle portion of 3DES is a decryption rather than an encryption ? 1. It's a decryption process in order to change the traditional nature of the DES, if it's an encryption, it'll stay a DES but with longer key size. 2. In the cryptography, there is no significance of using the decryption in the middle stage, the only advantage of doing so is to allow users of 3DES to decrypt data encrypted by the users of the older single DES ( C = Ek1[Dk2[Ek1[P]]] = Ek1[P]. Suppose that the middle portion is decryption instead of encryption, ( C = Ek1[Ek2[Ek1[P]]]The previous assumption in equation 1 will not be ever met. On the other hand 3. If an encryption process is done instead of decryption the meet-in-the-middle attack becomes possible. 6. 6 What primitive operations are used in Blowfish? †¢ Addition: Addition the words, it is performed modulo 2^32. †¢ Bitwise exclusive-OR. Problems: 6. 1 For the two design approaches introduced in the textbook, which is the preferred in the followings: Note: the suggested block cipher in my considerations below is DES. security. The single loop compact approach â€Å"single CBC loop† is more secure, this is because the EDE block contains the encryption function C = E k1[D k2[Ek1[P]]] without simplifications, this makes the cryptanalysis like differential attack more difficult than doing it on a simple loop with encryption or decryption process because each loop in the second approach appears like a simple DES that may be attacked alone in a chosen plain-text attack i. e. differential attack. – performance.The second 3 simple approach is the preferred from the performance wise point of view, this is because each block in each loop contains either encryption or decryption processes so it is faster than the first approach. But as I mentioned above, it is more vulne rable to cryptanalysis than the first approach because each loop is a single DES with differential attack possibility. We can also distinguish between the two approaches based on error propagation. 6. 2 Can you suggest security improvements to either option, using three DES chips & some number of XOR functions? Assume you are still limited to two keys.Changing the mode sounds a good solution: 1. For the first approach that contain only a single independent loop, using Counter mode seems to be simpler, because we deal with counters that less longer than plain texts & have no linear or statistical relationship, this may increase the performance of the 3DES in this case. 2. For the second approach, the dependency between stages prevents using the counter mode as an enhancement, a more secure mode is required in this case, using the CFB may eliminate the possibility of differential cryptanalysis because chosen plain text attack is not worth. . 4 Demonstrate that the blowfish decryption is the inverse of the blowfish encryption. Taking in consideration the following: The decryption process is applied in the same direction as the encryption but with reverse order use of the sub keys. Encryption: 1. Assume the following plain text P with E-PL0 & E-PR0 portions. 2. After the ith round, the output of that round will be E-PRi = E-PLi Xor Pi †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (1) E-PLi = F [E-PRi] Xor E-PRi-1 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (2) 3. The cipher text will be: E-PR17 = E-PL16 Xor P18 E-PL17 = E-PR16 Xor P17 C = E-PR17 + E-PL17†³+ sign is a concatenation†It will be the input of the decryption algorithm which is the same as the encryption algorithm but with reverse order key fashion. Decryption: 1. Assume the following cipher text C with D-CL0 & D-CR0 portions. 2. After the ith round, the output of that round will be D-CRi = D-CLi Xor P19-I †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (3) D-CLi = F [D-CRi] Xor D-CRi-1 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (4) 3. the outputs of equation # 1 & equation # 3 and equation # 2 & equation # 4 are the same for each round, this implies the reversibility in the blowfish algorithm between the encryption & the decryption algorithms.

Bay Area Architecture

When talking about California architecture one would surely imagine low red-tiled roofs with white stucco arches, but, in fact, Californian architecture is much more complex and diverse. A strong impact on the building up of the area had Spanish and Mexican occupation that brought in presidios, pueblos, and ranchos. In addition, Victorian tastes were introduced at the arrival of gold-seeking Easterners.In the course of time other factors influenced the landscape of the Bay area and more and more new styles found their embodiment in this ‘alfresco museum of architecture history ’. Namely the turn of the twentieth century was marked by Morris’s idea concerning prevalence of handmade things over those machine-made and return to the Nature, as well as key principles of the Bauhaus school, which said that ‘beautiful’ stands for simple and functional.These trends left traces on the Californian land in the form of bungalows, one- or two-storied houses with g ently pitched broad gables, one large gable covering the major part of the house and often a second, lower gable, covering a porch (1). During the first half of the 20th century, many professionals left their imprint in California in form of amazing collection and mixture of different styles and designs. Among them is perhaps the most influential and mysterious architect of the last century Frank Lloyd Wright.Remarkably, that he introduced his own commonly known as the Usonian style (named after the United States), which reflected his social ideas: â€Å"the buildings were designed for economical construction and to be energy efficient within their specific climate zone† as well as well as shows a dramatic impact of the Japanese culture (open floor plans, flowing interiors with movable screen partitions, an abundance of natural light, overhanging eaves and shallow pitch roofs, etc. ) (2). The Usonian Style is based on the concept that any architectural project should â€Å"n aturally† combine its functions and stay in harmony with the site of its location.Therefore, the Usonian style integrated some elements of the International style architecture of volume, flat roofs, etc. but unlike its prototype, the Usonian style utilizes not industrial but natural materials peculiar for each site such as stone and wood siding (3). In general, the most characteristic features of the Usonian style are: – Open plan – Large overhanging flat roofs, on occasion, low pitched gable roofs were used – Concealed front entrances – Board and Batten siding – Large floor to ceiling windows – Brick used as accent material – Banding of windowsMoreover, windows had typically individual casements, doors were simple panel and house were not typically painted but for an accent color (3). Notably that the architect experimented not only with shapes and forms of the buildings but also with colors, namely he employed purple (maroon) color and the success of such innovation can be seen on the example of his Californian work under the name of Hanna Honeycomb House. Such name is not accidental but due to the specific construction of the building. The house is patterned after the bee honeycomb and incorporates a number of six-sided figures.The author himself gave the following comments on his work: â€Å"The dominant feeling was of wonderful, secluded shelter, with the kind of aura I knew in the big old houses of my childhood†¦ In view of the fact that no house of my childhood was ever so casually joined to the outdoors, so profusely fenestrated and skylighted, or so varied in levels and ceiling heights, I was surprised that I was so emotionally familiar with the place. To feel so secure without the dark and gloom of restricting walls, yet I felt free.Not the kind of airiness associated with open, glass walls, which makes me feel as though I might fall out the windows, but a feeling of having space to move ar ound in and somewhere to go. The hexagon has been conservatively treated, however. It is allowed to appear in plan only and in the furniture, which literally rises from †¦ the floor slab upon which the whole rests. To me, here is a lead into a new, fascinating realm of form—although it is somewhat repressed on the side of dignity and repose in this first expression of the idea† (4:32-33).To see the realized Wright’s architectural design all you have to do is just to come to Stanford campus. The reason for such location is simple – it was designed specially for the Hannas (Paul R. and Jean), a couple of well known Stanford tutors. A first the building was intended for two of them only but as the family widens, so did the house, which was quite easy because of its honeycomb design. In general, the Hanna-Honeycomb house is a one-story building with a central wall adjoining the roof (a clerestory) and made of widespread here redwood, San Jose brick, glass and cement.The whole design of the site comprises not only the main house, but also a guesthouse, storage, garage, as well as a garden house with a pool and a miniature artificial; waterfall. Though seriously damaged during the earthquake of 1989 Wright’s masterpiece was restored and reopened in 1999. Moreover, it is included into the list of National Historic Landmarks and what is more, the American Institute of Architects named it as one of 17 best Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings worth seeing and being preserved as a cultural legacy for next generations.To cut the long story short, the Bay Area may be rightfully regarded the best showroom of various styles and designs, brought in by Spanish and Mexican invaders first, then left as traces of the gold-seekers, and last but not the least, owing to the fact that Californian marvelous landscapes have always attracted famous and not very architects and designers to test their knowledge and skills and to cast their names in the form of beautiful buildings which are so numerous in California.One of them is Frank Lloyd Wright whose first trial on the Californian land proved to be successful and hence we can rest our eyes on of his Hanna-Honeycomb house, which is placed among National Historic Landmarks of the United States. Bibliography 1. Bay Area Architecture. Retrieved on December 3, 2005 from: http://www. cr. nps. gov/nr/travel/santaclara/bayareaarchitecture.htm 2. Frank Lloyd Wright. Retrieved on December 3, 2005 from: http://www. greatbuildings. com/gbc. html 3. The Usonian Style. Retrieved on December 3, 2005 from: http://www. arapahoeacres. org/usonian_style. htm 4. John Sergeant. Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses: The Case for Organic Architecture. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1976. ISBN 0-8230-7178-2.

Early Music and Baroque Era Concert Report Essay

Bach – Brandenburg Concertos No 5 was held at the Hall of Mirrors at the Coethen Castle. According to Goltz (2006) it was held to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Bach’s death. The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra was stationed at the right hand corner of the mirror hall where the stage was illuminated by hanging tier lights. The orchestra was all dressed in black with the men having black tuxedoes and the ladies Black dresses or pants. The Bach – Brandenburg Concertos was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach during the baroque era. Bach used to serve prince Leopold and composed the music for him. The ensemble is small and consists of ten people. The genre of the music performed was a symphony. It had three movements: Allegro, Affetuoso, and then Allegro again. For this concerto number five the instruments used were violins, Harpsichord, Violas and the flute. In the fast movement, the music kicks off in mezzo forte and allegro. It is fast paced and the whole ensemble except for the flute is playing. Then the music goes to a diminuendo to give way to the flute which is accompanied by a violin. It is then joined again by the whole ensemble in a crescendo. Midway it goes to an allegro moderato which there after kept on interchanging with allegro. Towards the end it goes to a piano when the harpsichord takes the centre stages. It finishes off with a crescendo of the violin and the flute. The second movement is an adagio with the music starting at a mezzo piano and is a ritornando. The flute, a violin and the harpsichord take the centre stage. At this stage the harpsichord is audible as there are less instruments playing. It then picks up the volume getting to a mezzo forte and then softening its pitch at intervals. The texture is homophonic and smooth. Just as it is named it is an affettuoso. The third movement starts in an allegro then goes to staccato as a high pitched violin leads. The viola producing thick sound/ basses join in, in a staccato. The music rises in a high pitched crescendo then thereafter goes to a piano. This movement is mainly a ritornello- it keeps on repeating a part before it changes the melody. It ends in a mezzo forte. The Vivaldi: Four seasons was performed by Nigel Kennedy and the English chamber Orchestra. The performance was categorized into four seasons: the spring, autumn, summer and winter. It was composed by Antonio Vilvadi born in 1678 (Baroque Composers -n. d). The Vilvadi four seasons is also referred to as Le Quattro Stagioni. Each of the seasons had three movements in it. All the performances were appreciated by the audience who applauded at the end of each movement. The main focus of the Vilvadi four seasons is the violin with which Kennedy displays his virtuosic musical ability. Violin Concerto in E major, Op. 8 Nr. 1 â€Å"spring† the movements are arranged in an alternating format. The first and the third are in ritornello form. The second movement is slow paced and provides a contrast to the two others. Spring 1 is an allegro paced music. The violin plays a solo that dominates this movement. It joined by basses which take the music to a forte then it goes back to playing in a piano. The most notable is the parts where the violin plays in very high pitched allegro getting a back up from thundering basses to bring out a contrast. It ends suddenly in a ritornando. Spring two is an adagio which starts with a violin which remains the focal point for this movement. It gets an accompaniment from a low pitched string. It ends with piano undertones of a bass. Spring 3 is an allegro which starts with a mezzo forte having a mix of violins. This gives way to a legato solo violin which plays a high pitch with a background of low toned strings. It comes to a piano end after a session of forte music from the whole ensemble. The Violin Concerto in F major, Op. 8 Nr. 3 â€Å"fall†/ autumn starts in an allegro which has staccatos and is high pitched. It gets to an alternate of the staccato rhythm between the high and low pitch strings. The movement remains at an allegro and only gets to a ritardando halfway through. This lasts for three to four seconds and then goes back to mezzo forte then forte to end with a mezzo piano violin. Autumn II starts with a slow introduction by a legato solo violin which is joined by some more piano violins. The music gets to a diminuendo and progresses to die down; a second’s pause then the orchestra brings back the music in an allegro thunder. A harpsichord then comes in softly played together with a solo violin in adagio. This two take the movement to its end. Autumn 3 starts with a thunder from the basses. High pitched violins join in the music at a mezzo forte which then rises to a fortissimo. A highlight for me was the part where the solo violin was accompanied by claps from a percussion instrument. Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 8 Nr. 2 â€Å"summer†1 has a staccato introduction which is in adagio. It then picks up to an allegro which grows in crescendo to a mezzo forte. Again the music dies down to a staccato piano violin, then to a fortissimo that thunders suddenly. This movement style is an alteration between a solo violin and forte sessions which the whole ensemble plays. Summer II has a slow introduction that is unexpectedly interrupted by a thunder from the basses. The basses also come to an abrupt end just as they had come in and the solo violin takes over again. This movement is the shortest and ends with a thunder. Summer III starts forte and picks up its pace. This movement has a good display of staccato playing by the violin. Violin Concerto in F minor, Op. 8 Nr. 4 â€Å"winter† 1 starts with a mezzo allegro that is a staccato. The soft music increases in tempo. The melody is dynamic and moves from piano to mezzo piano then to mezzo forte and eventually forte. It ends in a crescendo. Winter II starts with a solo violin which is mezzo forte and later gets ritardando and dies off. The whole orchestra rejoins and progresses to a diminuendo leaving a legato violin solo. The finish is a diminuendo. Winter 3 starts with a high pitched violin solo which rises in volume as the ensemble joins in. Midway it slows down to almost a stop. Then picks up a crescendo again which takes this movement to the end. I enjoyed the concerts which had a baroque style of music. The thing that amazed me was the Bach piece did not have a conductor. This according to Goltz (2006) was an 18th century practice. This was a very positive experience that made me appreciate the sophistication that had been developed by the composers.

Managing Diversity at Cityside Financial Services Essay - 1

Managing Diversity at Cityside Financial Services - Essay Example It should be noted that the impact of diversity on human capital management and development is multi-dimensional, i.e. it has different forms and characteristics, being aligned with the environment and the culture of each organization. The above trend is verified in the literature published in the particular field. In accordance with Stalcup (2008) the promotion of diversity across an organization could be secured through a series of different plans; the introduction of succession policies that ensure diversity at all (or certain) levels of the organizational hierarchy would be a potential plan of such kind (Stalcup 2008, p.14). In other words, diversity could affect the human capital management of an organization by setting the criteria on which the succession policies of the specific organization will be based. At a next level, diversity sets the term under which the hiring process of an organization will be developed; this fact is highlighted in the study of Sistare et al. (2008, p.16) where emphasis is given on the importance of diversity for the specific part of an organization’s human capital management, i.e. the hiring process. Moreover, it is explained that diversity, as a criterion used for hiring staff, does not threaten the integration of the organization. ... organization’s retention and HR development policies (for instance, the training programs provided to employees of a particular organizational development); the rewarding policies of an organization should also take into consideration the needs for increased diversity in the workplace (Mathis et al. 2008, p.48) Apart from the issues discussed above, another fact should be made clear: diversity could also affect the organizational development in general, i.e. not just the human capital management processes. This issue is explained in the study of Vallabhaneni (2008); in the above study, reference is made to the need for restructuring of the organizational environment in order to promote diversity across a particular organization; in other words, organizations that strongly support diversity have often to update/ restructure their environment in order ‘to respond to the needs of diverse groups of employees’ (Vallabhaneni 2008, p.238). In this way, diversity is get i nvolved in an organization’s development, setting the rules for distributing tasks and organizing activities across the particular organization. The direct involvement of diversity in organizational development is made clear through the following fact: diversity in the workplace has been among the key trends of the human capital management of the 21st century (Lewis et al. 2006, p.20); HR managers who are most capable of responding to the needs of diversity in the workplace are most likely to succeed in organizations of various industrial sectors (Lewis et al. 2006, p.20). In this way, diversity becomes one of the criteria for evaluation of the capability of HR managers to face the challenges of modern market; it is expected that their decisions will be also aligned with the need for increased

I will put it later Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

I will put it later - Essay Example She reminisced how they, as a young couple, experienced the difficulties they have been through as a consequence of their student loans and related it to how the president feels toward students’ needs and what he did to help them get better services. The content of her speech were mostly based from her familial background and experiences. The speech seems well rehearsed because even though the speaker’s own stories were told, the result was short and to the point. If the speech was done extemporaneously, there is the great possibility that Obama could have gotten around the bush but it was not. Her stories were carefully chosen and her statement were meticulously versed to sound as formal as possible but personal enough to create the drama that made her listeners agree with her thoughts and applaud her. Taking into consideration the fact that the first lady is already used to delivering speeches, one might say it could have been an impromptu. However, the speech seems to have been purposefully made to impress the audience by reaching out to them with the message that the family is not any different from all the other families represented by the participants. Moreover, the stories have been strategically arranged not just to present a smooth flow of the narration but to allow also the speaker to put in the essence of why she was telling the stories. For instance, she talked a lot about their parents so that a listener might wonder about their roles in what she was trying to tell them. Eventually, it was made clear that her speech was also a call to the people to continue working despite the hardships they experience, thinking not about their present situation but hoping that their children or grandchildren’s future would be better. The First Lady made an impressive speech. It was so effective that it accomplished its goal of having the

Principle of Management Leadership Paper Research

Principle of Management Leadership - Research Paper Example The Resource Person chosen as a subject for discussion in this paper is the Managing Director of CPI Outsourcing. He is one of the pioneers of the company who built it from a small start-up company to a leading outsource company. II. Job and Leadership Style The job of the Managing Director entails the managing of the company in its daily operation. In a way, he acts like a General Manager because he sees to it that all departments functions according to the desired performance desired by the company. He also ensures that under no circumstance, should the company be late in its service delivery to its client. He also ensures that their accuracy is always maintained because this is what gives the company a competitive edge for their client to source their attendance monitoring and payroll. With regard to leadership style, the Resource Speaker strives to become a transformational leader; a leader that inspires people in the organization to be at their best and to become leaders themsel ves (Tichy & Devanna, 1990). According to him, while the company has very strict processes and metrices that need to be followed, doing the job itself for the sake of complying to these processes and metrices will not suffice for the over-all growth and competitiveness of the company. According to him, people in the organization should inherently be doing their best. Quality should not just be enforced by processes and metrices the but by the culture of an organization. Because from there, quality, timeliness and competitiveness will just naturally follow. Such, he stresses, how important it is to inspire people. He said that â€Å"I am more of the inspiring leader than that of a punitive one.† III. Exercising Power in the Organization Power, or the ability to get something done through other people the way you wanted them is a capability inherent in leadership (Schermerhorn et al, 2004). According to the Resource Person, power should be prudently exercised within an organiza tion. It should be used to achieve the over-all objective of an organization and whenever possible, it should be used to better the welfare of employees. He said that his personal belief about power is that it should be used to empower people in an organization. Because by having a shared sense of power to change things, the organization in general will have a better capacity not only to hurdle challenges but to better itself that could contribute to its long-term growth. IV. Personal Traits and Behaviors According to the Resource Person, as a leader in an organization where people looks up to him for direction and guidance, such it is imperative that he should be mindful of his demeanor and behavior that it should not undermine his ascendancy as a leader. He stressed that this is important because â€Å"if you lose your credibility to the point that people will not believe nor follow you, then that’s it, you’re already done as a leader. If you stay long enough, you w ill not only undermine yourself but the organization as well.† He said that to be able to inspire people to be at their best, it is important that his own traits and behaviors will also be inspiring. He said that though he has certain flaws, but he always strive to be better. According to him, leadership is not just about being high in the organization’

Journal entry 11, 12 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Journal entry 11, 12 - Coursework Example Students have a better understanding of texts if they understand the meaning of the words they read. Reference aids and dictionaries help student expand and intensify their knowledge of words (Armbruster, Lehr, and Osborn, 2006). The process of improving vocabulary is a simple, but at times complex process that requires repeated exposure to words. Evidently, small-group instruction is more beneficial than whole-group instruction for improving vocabulary. Phonemic awareness is essential for educators, as one has to hear, recognize, and manipulate individual sound (Armbruster, Lehr, and Osborn, 2006). In summary, an instructor should focus on specific needs of each student. It makes it easy for instructors to focus on the specific challenges in vocabulary that a child faces. Flexibility in application of EBPs is both useful and detrimental depending on the level of awareness of a student. At times, the ability to apply a strategy that relates specifically to improving vocabulary is effective, rather than concentration on disorders as a whole. Word reading ability and comprehension are two different challenges that students face, and it is essential that educators see them as separate entities (Cook and Cook, 2011). After tackling the issues separately, instructors and educators can implement the collaborative strategy (Boardman, Klinger, Boele, and Swanson, 2012), which involves summarizing information and peer discussion, to improve comprehension for students with learning disabilities. Fluency instruction is also useful for word recognition and comprehension (Armbruster, Lehr, and Osborn, 2006). The ability to recognize words means that one can concentrate in text comprehension and connect ideas in the text. Oral reading helps improve fluency, which translates to better understanding of text. Difficulties in basic reading skills often affect comprehension of expository text. Instructors should provide students with reading approaches that support active

Disability Case Studies Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Disability Studies - Case Study Example Students with bodily challenges can access learning materials through the intervention of these technologies. Children with behavioral and cognitive impairments can utilize modeling technologies that improve their social and communication abilities. These technologies can be used both in school by teachers and at home by parents or special tutors. The devices range from low cost to highly priced high-tech devices that are adapted to different learner capabilities. The following case studies present technologies that can be used for students with low vision, learning disability, autism, and cerebral palsy. Case study #1 Assistive technology gives blind and low vision students support in academic areas as well as in expanded curriculum. Students with low vision have difficulties reading regular print or the blackboard. Assistive technologies help enlarge book prints and blackboard writings enabling these students to attend regular classes and use ordinary books. Learning activities may involve interaction with pictorial information that may require magnification. Students with low vision have difficulties in interpreting pictorial information. Students with poor vision have problems in hand-eye coordination. They have the ability to write, but the shape and size of their letters may lead to ineligible handwriting (Beard, Carpenter and Johnston, 2011). This creates a necessity for Braille technologies or typing assistance. Students with visual impairment require different operating systems when dealing with computer-based assignments. Some students require full-fledged specialized software and built-in accessibility. Assistive technologies enable these students navigate computer systems independently. This improves their participation in class and provides equal abilities compared to normal-vision students. Screen and text magnifiers can improve the visibility of prints and text displayed on computer screens. The magnifiers present the text in large formats, bring the text closer to the student, and improve the angle and projection of the text. A screen magnifier is software installed in the computer that the student can use to improve and manipulate text on the screen. Text magnifiers can be handheld and are used to improve text in print books. The magnifiers give the student control over the size of text, color, icons, and images. This gives the student the ability to read fluently and he can compete with others in the class. Students can also participate in class texts due to improved ability to read, interpret, and answer questions. Screen and text magnifiers are also used in extra-curricular activities such as interclass and interschool competitions where low vision students can participate (Wiazowski, 2009). The high contrast (20/20) pen is a writing tool that makes letters visible due to the high contrast ink. Students with low vision having poor eye-hand coordination may produce illegible handwriting. These pens have extra wide tips and the bold ink creates high-contrast, easily visible hand writing. The pens have a thick diameter that makes them easy to grip. The school can provide students with high contrast pens to improve their handwriting. These pens are quite cheap, and parents can buy them for home use. They are sold in several bookshops, which make them easily available. The pens will improve the

Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 7

Finance - Essay Example Most of these tests however have been carried out in the developed countries and have largely ignored the developing countries. This paper seeks to discuss the levels of market efficiency in the Japanese equity markets in order to determine whether they are successful or not. This will be done by evaluating several empirical studies carried out in the same. Market efficiency literature review Kono, Yatrakis & Segal (2011) carried out a study on the Japanese stock market efficiency. The authors sought to compare the performance of a stock portfolio that consisted of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) against the performance of the overall stock market which was represented by the Topix Index. This was carried out using data that was available from the 30 June 2008 to 30 June 2009. In their study, they constructed the exchange traded funds according to the Modern portfolio theory that was developed in 1952 by Harry Markowitz. The study was based on the null hypothesis that â€Å"A portfolio composed of Japanese ETFs and constructed according to the MPT provides a higher return per unit of risk than the Topix Index†. In order to arrive at the optimal portfolio of ETFs, the authors used the statistical data related to the ETFs, the mean variance optimisation model of the MPT and the risk free rates as well as the expected market return. In order to help in determining the optimal portfolio, they also used a software program that was designed for the same purpose. The optimal portfolio that they used comprised of 7 ETFs which complied with the selection criteria for the study in terms of maturity and criteria. The statistical results obtained from the data analysis were used to calculate the return per unit of risk of each of the ETFs (Kono et al., 2007). The results of the study showed that the ETF portfolio that was used in the study performed better in terms of the ratio of performance to risk as compared to the overall equity market. This means that the portfol io of ETFs had a lower negative return per risk unit than the entire Japanese equity market. The study therefore concluded that it is possible for an optimal portfolio of ETFs to perform better than the whole equity market index if the performance of the portfolio and the market is measured using the return per unit of risk which is also referred to as the Sharpe ratio by players in the stock market. The authors suggested that further research in the Japanese stock market should be carried out to test the relationship between the cash flows of the company and their performance in the stock market (Kono et al., 2011). Andersen, Bollerslev & Cai (2000) carried out a study on the â€Å"Intraday and interday volatility in the Japanese†. The study investigated the volatility of performance in the Japanese stock market. The study used a 4 year sample of 5-min Nikkei 225 returns for the period from 1994 to 1997. Testing the intraday volatility resulted in the observation that they b ehaved in a doubly U shaped pattern which was explained to be as a result of the opening and closing of the morning and afternoon trading sessions of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The authors explain that the observed feature of the doubly U shaped pattern is consistent with other market theories that have advanced the importance of private and asymmetric information when determining the prices of stocks. It was also found that announcements about the macro

Operation Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Operation Analysis - Essay Example Corporate contract bookings were also increased as a result. The average revenue earned by the Business and corporate segment together amounted to 40% of total revenue in Year 1. The percentage remained constant in year 1, and the same two segments with average revenue earnings of 38% approx. also support the current revenue. The company, however, is striving hard in the marketing department to increase its leisure standard and premium sales that are expected to be increased in July due to holidays and successful marketing campaigns. Total revenues of the company were observed to be lowest in February this year with $0.8 million. This also had a negative impact on cash flows of the company. However, the subsequent increase in advertisement expenditures and holiday’s factor, the revenues were reported in this month to be equal to $1.1 million approx. with a net profit of $0.18 million. Departmental financial analysis revealed that departmental profits of the company had increased over time and this month’s departmental profits were reported to be 62% as compared to 54% last year. The growth in profit percentage was due to the cost control measures adopted in the food and beverages expenses, which successfully resulted in the total expenses to be 68% as compared to 95% in the last year. The room services in which profits net of departmental expense were 45% earned major revenues of the company. Cost control measures were also adopted in the administrative and general expenses, which resulted in a decrease of expenses to 12% as compared to 17% last year. Marketing and sales, however, were increased slightly due to the advertisement campaigns and discounts offered by the company to increase the summer sales packages. Fixed expenses of the company were reported to be performing positively, and the positive decline in total fixed expenses was observed. Fixed expenses this month were 13.4% as against 18.4% reported in

Any work of art in Baltimore Museum of Art or Walter's Museum Research Paper

Any work of art in Baltimore Museum of Art or Walter's Museum - Research Paper Example The artist here worked skillfully to make the viewer share these feelings. The artist was inspired by the work and ideologies of modern theologians, who implored the faithful to recognize with Christ in his torment. This painting was intended to point to Christ’s torment by depicting him hanging greatly with bowed head and bleeding wounds. A swarm of other statures forms the backdrop of the cross, and they are frequently notable for their expressiveness. From the artwork, the Virgin Mary weeps piteously in the foreground. Other hosts of statures are in oriental dress just gaze at Christ as if he has somewhat enthused them. These figures reflect a shift from style, but it also permeates the scene with enhanced reality, which in effect makes the episode more available to virtuous rumination (MacArthur 12-25). In this German art, episodes from the Passion have made the concentration of greater independent picture. This approach by the artist bought new probabilities for artists a s well as virtuous viewers. The artist seems to have been influenced by the spirit of Transformation, which is why he worked deftly to involve the emotions in meditation of Christ’s suffering and death. His painting dispenses with details of tales and environment and so compels the observer into undeviating engagement with the body of Christ. He has achieved this by showing Christ’s suffering with categorical realism at close proximity to the observer. â€Å"His style is nothing but a striking demonstration of the potency of artistic custom in the service of expressive effect.†2 The compacted configuration and superlative costumes of the statures both demonstrate the artist’s experience and emphasize the scenes reality (MacArthur 25-28). The Catholic Church reconfirmed the value of images in Christian devotion and the significance of the emotions in religious experience. These judgments warranted that the Church would persist to stimulate commissions for Italian painters, and that the life of Christ would retain its significance in art. Many paintings of the passion of Christ were commissioned for a Church. The body of Christ hanging on the wooden cross pertains to the image of a powerless, undressed tormented man, and many observers of the artwork recognize the culture of crucifixion. The nuisance of Christ’s crucifixion tale on the artwork is somewhat a type of defacement, which is, engraving a sophisticated narrative of sin and consecration onto the body of someone powerless, converting the maimed body of another into a symbol. The painter has used figures and environments in a life-like manner to make the scenes appear existent and the message convincing. Christ is the innermost stature in the painting. The painter has adroitly utilized the symbols and tales of Christianity to narrate the happening in the artwork, shaping how the violence is viewed and understood. â€Å"Christ’s crucifixion endeavors to make conse quential the suffering of another, but still stimulates another desecration.†3 Superimposing a Christian tale on a worshipper’s suffering to provide that suffering meaning in terms of the individuals causing that suffering thinks a narrative of triumph, salvation, where there is none

The apartheid system in South Africa Essay Example for Free

The apartheid system in South Africa Essay The term apartheid was one of the most politically charged words in the second half of the 20th century, and still remains notorious today. Apartheid translated from Afrikaans means separateness or apartness. However when the National Party came to power in South Africa in 1948, it took on a much more sinister meaning and today is associated with racial and ethnic discrimination. The roots of apartheid stem deep into South African history. It started way back during European settlement, and was enforced and maintained right up until the end of the 20th Century. It will forever leave a mark on South Africa and indeed the world; a dark period in human history from which we have and will continue to learn. Tensions between Europeans and native Africans have existed since the first days of settlement and the earliest signs of what would snowball to become apartheid can be traced to these times. In 1488, the Portuguese first sailed past the Cape of Good Hope, eventually landing there and trading for food with people who called themselves Khoikhoi. It wasnt until the 1600s though, when the Dutch East India Company set up a base in Southern Africa, that the roots for what is today known as South Africa were put down. Initially contacts between the Khoikhoi and the new Europeans were peaceful, but over time the situation grew hostile. Aided by their guns, as well as the diseases they brought with them, the Europeans took more and more land and disrupted the natives lifestyle. By 1795 15000 Europeans and their slaves were scattered throughout the Cape colony. Violence between the natives and the Europeans was inevitable. There had been fights between the groups in small battles, but it wasnt until the late 18th Century that there was a large scale frontier war between them. The natives were driven back, but in 1806 Britain took over the Dutch Cape Colony, bringing British settlers to the area. This wasnt a real problem to the Boers, the earliest European settlers, at first, but conflict soon ensued. In 1833 Britain ended slavery throughout its empire, including the Cape. The Boers strongly disagreed with this and they wanted to keep their independence as they believed they had a God-given right to own African land and slaves. In the late 1830s they migrated north and eastwards far from British Rule to establish their own independent republics, in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. However when diamonds and gold were found later in the 19th Century the British interest in these interior areas was re-activated. The Anglo-Boer War was fought as a result during the years 1899-1902. This war was one of the epic conflicts in the building of an Afrikaner ideology and sense of identity. The hate of the British afterwards greatly contributed to the firm Afrikaner belief that they were chosen by God to rule the land, a belief that would be shown and implemented in the apartheid system. Leading up to the First World War, South Africa remained a deeply divided country. Only 21.5 percent of the population were white, Boers were still resentful over the Anglo-Boer war and the majority black population was divided amongst itself. It was also during this time and after the war that the roots of apartheid began to emerge. Policies, such as the Mine and Works Act of 1911, which forced blacks into the category of cheap labour, and the Natives Land Act of 1913, paved the start of the pathway that would lead to apartheid. Even repression from the police was evident in this time, when in 1920 African mineworkers went on strike and were killed in Port Elizabeth for their efforts. Even before the National Party, that would implement apartheid to its extreme, was elected, apartheid was occurring and existed throughout the country. In summary the policy of apartheid was a product of the late colonial era and came into existence due to events during early settlement, and events later such as the Anglo-Boer, that sparked and ignited a mentality that couldnt be suppressed. In1948 a Nationalist Party government under Dr Daniel Malan was elected, promising a white South Africa and a total system of apartheid between blacks and whites. Apartheid came about in South Africa because of an Afrikaner belief of their god-given right to Africa, which was also a racist one. Apartheid was therefore a means to support and institutionalize their view on how the country should be run. Apartheid was kept in place through various means, mainly the use of legislation and technology. The main way that the government implement  apartheid was through legislation. There were countless laws and bills passed, which over time stripped black Africans of their rights, all the while favoring the white elite of South Africa. Race laws affected every social aspect of life in apartheid South Africa. The early policies that were made when the National Party first came into power set the base for the later policies to take effect and branch off. These policies embodied what the apartheid regime was all about, notably two of the earliest policies made, being the Population Registration Act and the Group Areas Act. Both were made in 1950, with the Population Registration Act requiring al South Africans to be racially classified into either white, black or colored, and the Group Areas Act which geographically separated the racial groups. These laws and policies prevented the black population having the same privileges, standards of living and status as the white South Africans. Under the apartheid system everyday life was greatly affected by such laws. For example, under the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act in 1953, people of different races were prohibited from using the same public facilities such as restaurants, transport services, restrooms etc. Under the Population Registration Act different members of the same family found themselves in different race groups. Some of these laws essentially made black Africans foreigners; the correct term was guest laborers who were only allowed to work in South Africa if they held a temporary work permit. The Bantu Education Act of 1953 meant the government took over control of all schools and institutions. The emphasis in black schools was heavily on agriculture and this was another way of controlling black Africans as well as upholding the apartheid system. The annual expenditure on education from the government per pupil was $45 for blacks and $696 for whites. These are just a few examples of laws and policies that were implemented to maintain the apartheid system. Another way the government was able to enforce apartheid was through technology, primarily computers. More than any other single technological advancement; the computer fostered the concentration of administrative power in the hands of Africas white elite.1 Computers were used in almost every government agency, particularly in the police system and the military. The  vast majority of these computers came from America and IBM was the largest computer supplier in South Africa during the time when apartheid was active. The first computer transported from the US to South Africa was an electric tabulator to IBM South Africa, in 1952. Through computers and technology the apartheid regime was able to control every aspect of life, particularly for black Africans. It meant that the government and its organizations could track people their history, their movement, etc and through this shut down protests and silence protesters. The computerized population register is regarded as the instrument that made the biggest contribution to the apartheid system. It was responsible for the passbook system that affected more than 25 million black Africans. Through these devices, information on a persons racial classification, name, sex, date of birth, dates of departure and return to the country, fingerprints and places of work and study could all be recorded onto a database. The passbooks and the computer database meant a person could instantly be identified and checked for a history of government opposition. The population registry wasnt the only computerized resource the government used to control its citizens there were other foreign and imported products used as well. X-Ray machines, passbook fingerprinting equipment and communications logging recorders were also available to the police. Various government departments used computers for financial and other non repressive purposes, when in reality they used them to track opponents of apartheid, and once they found them, police brutality and torture were used and the opponents were often held political prisoners without trial. Also, as the largest part of the government, a majority of the computer equipment purchased by the state inevitably must have found its way into the military, which utilised this equipment against its people. Apartheid was conceived and administered as an ideology for the total organization of the South African society for the exclusive benefit of the white part of the population. This system was implemented and enforced strictly and with brutality for more than forty years. In that time the National Party government achieved a high degree of success in creating  apartheid on a personal, urban and state level. Although this system ultimately failed (in 1991 laws enforcing apartheid were abolished) its mark on South Africa and the world will be present for a very long time and the apartheid era will be a massive legacy to be fully overcome for future generations of South Africans and indeed the world. References: 1 Automating Apartheid U.S. Computer exports to South Africa and the Arms Embargo. Omega Press, Philadelphia, 1982Bibliography:Books:Meisel,J. (1994) South Africa At The Crossroads. Cape Town; The Millbrook PressChristopher,A. (1994) The Atlas of Changing South Africa. London; RoutledgeTames,R. (2000) The End of Apartheid: a New South Africa. Oxford: Heinemann LibraryInternet Sites:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid_in_South_Africahttp://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~cale/cs201/apartheid.hist.htmlhttp://www.africanaencyclopedia.com/apartheid/apartheid.html

Is Language An Instinct Education Essay

Is Language An Instinct Education Essay As you are reading these words, you are taking part in one of the wonders of the natural world. Linguists have continually been bewildered by language and the language debate which has been inundated with arguments by several professionals to support either the instinctive or learned side of the debate. So, in 1994 when The Language Instinct by psychologist Steven Pinker was published, it reignited the discussion. His book utilized the concepts developed by Chomsky who believed that language was instinctive due to a universal grammar- an innate design containing characteristics common to every human language. The other side of the argument builds on the theories by Karl Popper. Geoffrey Sampson (1997) and other linguists held the belief that language is developed by observing and learning from others because we are born with a blank slate. In this essay I will discuss both sides of the arguments in the hope of concluding whether or not language is an instinct. On the one hand, those who believe that language is an instinct express that language is not learned and does not depend on having had the best education. Linguistic ability is not learned like the way we learn to tell the time, or the way we learn to tie our shoelaces. Instead, it is a specialised and intricate skill which forms part of the brain, and develops in a child without conscious effort (Pinker, 2007). Behaviourists claim a childs imitation of their parents language initiates a childs language, yet there are examples of imitation which do not support this concept. Pinker (2007) uses the example that if children imitate parents then why is it that children do not imitate their parents quiet behaviour on airplanes? Chomsky (1980) produced an argument based on the poverty of the stimulus which stated that language is not learned because the information babies are exposed to is much less complex than the data and the rules they end up gaining. Therefore, it is doubtful that language is obtained through a method which consists of learning only. Instead his work suggests that a significant part of language is innate. It is important to consider the idea of universal grammar because if this is genuine and all human languages have aspects in common, then it is possible to say that language is instinctive (Schlenker, 2006). Chomsky supposed that language is innate because every language has a mutual structural basis since there is a part of the human brain which encompasses a limited set of rules, known as universal grammar, for managing language. Another argument to support the statement that language is an instinct is the idea that children invent language. Children may construct a new language, the rules of which seem to be established by that of universal grammar, when they have not been exposed to a clear and logical language. An example of this is the creation of creoles which are languages generated by children who have grown up in an environment involving the use of pidgins (languages that have progressed as a way for people to communicate when there is not a common language between them). Pinker (2007) expressed that in communities where the adults had conversed with a pidgin, the children who had only been exposed to this pidgin transformed it into a creole. The development of language by deaf children in Nicaragua is another similar example to illustrate the view that language is an instinct. In the 1980s when schools for deaf children were built, the children who first started attending the schools developed a meth od of communicating using signs, which was pidgin-like in nature. We can assume a dissociation between language and intelligence because even when intelligence is lessened language withstands. There are two particular cases which provide evidence for this and, in turn, the language instinct: when individuals have average intelligence but their language is significantly impaired; or, when individuals experience an impaired intelligence yet their language is normal. Brocas aphasics and Selective Language Impairment (SLI) patients provide evidence for the first example because they have a normal intelligence but experience extreme problems with their linguistic ability. Brocas aphasics specifically struggle with the production of language and comprehension, whereas SLI patients particularly face problems with the organisation of words into sentences (Expressive Aphasia, 2012). On the other hand, Williams syndrome patients are individuals suffering from an impaired intelligence but normal linguistics ability. Their language is even more developed than others of their age and they can converse with strangers at complete ease. However, they have a low intelligence due to abnormalities in parts of the brain including the cerebellum, right parietal cortex, and left frontal cortical areas (Williams Syndrome, 2012). Eve was not a born know-all. She was ignorant. But she was a good learner (Sampson, 1997). On the other side of the argument Geoffrey Sampson, and many others, for example, contemporary linguist Givon, believed that Pinker and Chomskys argument that language is purely instinctive is neither adequate nor plausible. The main belief expressed by Sampson (1997 or 2012) was that children can effectively learn languages because all individuals are good at learning anything that they are exposed to, it is not fixed structures in part of the brain which contain this in-built knowledge. Behaviourists vocalise that language is learned early in a childs life and consists of many complex systems. Although most children who are five years old have enough vocabulary to be able to communicate competently with others, there are individual differences between children in the capacity of their vocabulary (Blewitt, 2006). Research has found that language is linked to a childs home and school environment (Cunningham, Stanovich, West, 1994, as cited in Blewitt, 2006), and that the variety and amount of language the children are exposed to by conversations with their parents are linked to a childs vocabulary. In a study conducted in 1992 which was conducted over 2 years with visits made to children every month at their home. There were two conditions with participants from either poor families on benefits, lower middle class families (mainly occupying blue collar jobs), or upper middle class with at least one professional parent (Hart Risley, 1992, 1995, as cited in Blewitt, 2 006). All of the parents were actively engaged in playing with their children but the amount of verbal communication each group made with their child was different. In a week, consisting of 100 hours, a child with a professional parent hears 215,000 words but only 62,000 in the poorest homes. By the age of three, there was a positive correlation between the input of the parent and the language of the child. Furthermore, when the researchers looked at just one of the socioeconomic categories, therefore social class was not a factor in the result, the more language the child was exposed to, the more advanced the childs vocabulary. This provides strong support for the idea that language is learned rather than instinctive. John Locke provided the contrary view to naturists by claiming that experience is vital in the development of language. He states that a child is not born with knowledge and the concept of reason, but what is important as the child grows up is the exposure to language and so, it is by degrees he comes to be furnished with them (Sampson, 1997). This particular view which expresses that experience is the cause of all knowledge is known as empiricism. The clear objection to the view that language is instinctive instead of learned, as Chomsky and other naturists believed, is that we would expect everyone to grow up talking in the same language. However, people do not all speak the same language and the differences in the language people speak does not rely on our biological makeup. For example, if a newborn English baby grows up in Japan by Japanese speaking adoptive parents then they will become fluent in speaking Japanese speaker rather than fluent in speaking English. Without a language rich environment which nurturists see as essential for a child to develop language, a child will not acquire the capability to speak. Profoundly deaf children complete the first developmental stages towards speech such as babbling at the same time as those children who cannot hear. However, they rarely grow up into speakers because without the capability of hearing themselves or other people around them, they decrease the amountof babbling which rarely leads to word development (Kiel, 1998). In conclusion, the language debate has provoked much controversy amongst naturists and nurturists. Pinker and other naturists believe language is instinctive and their beliefs continue on from Darwins account that the gradual evolution of instincts generally by natural selection could be applied also to the human acquisition of the capacity for language () On the other hand, Sampson and other nurturists have found significant evidence to support the idea that children are born with blank slates and that it is by observation and imitation of parents and those around them that they develop the linguistic ability early in their lives until age 6-10 when children can converse effectively in challenging settings (Language Development, 2012). It is expected that a combination of an innate instinct to produce syntax with the imitation of the language of parents is the key to a child developing an extensive language.

The Concepts Of Alienation And Anomie Sociology Essay

The Concepts Of Alienation And Anomie Sociology Essay This essay will compare and contrast the concepts of alienation and anomie. Karl Marx first outlined his theory of alienation in The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts (1844) and refers to a define set of social relationships that were first formed in feudal societies which then became disrupted by modern industrial society. Marx himself said when discussing the topic of alienation The worker becomes poorer the more wealth he produces and the more his production increases in power and extent. The worker becomes an ever cheaper commodity the more goods he creates. The devaluation of the human world increases in direct relation to the increase in value of the world of things. Labour does not only create goods; it also produces itself and the worker as a commodity, and indeed in the same proportion as it produces goods. Anomie however, is defined by Emile Durkheim as a change in normalness and a breakdown of social regulations. Durkheim became interested in the social condition charac terised by a breakdown of norms governing social interactions. The state of anomie is impossible wherever organs solidly linked to one another are in sufficient contact, and in sufficiently lengthy contact. Indeed, being adjacent to one another, they are easily alerted in every situation to the need for one another and consequently they experience a keen, continuous feeling of their mutual dependence. (Durkheim, E: 1893). Durkheim went on to develop his interest of anomie further when he began his research into Suicide, where he suggested that when a persons norms and rules that regulate their lifestyle become week, this can lead to a form of suicide which he called Anomic Suicide. Marx believed that there were four degrees of alienation that break down the fundamental link that human beings have to their self defining qualities. Firstly there is product alienation which Marx believed was alienating to the worker because the products that they produce do not reflect their creative energies and are merely objects produced by the command of the employer (Ransome, P: 2010). Which he argues was present in industrialised society but not in feudal societies as a result of capitalism and its economic gain fuelled society. (Morrison, K: 2006). Secondly, Marx said that alienation could come from act of production. This, according to Marx is linked to product alienation as the product of labour is alienating then so is the act of production. So in capitalist societies people have no choice but to work and feel alienated to meet their basic needs. Marxs work stated that The worker feels himself only when he is not working; when he is working he does not feel himselfà ¢Ã¢ ‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦ his labour is therefore not voluntary but forced (Marx, K: 1844). Thirdly, Marx suggested that there was alienation due to common purpose. He outlined that this happened when a workers social relationships become debased and they are taken from a cooperative social dimension, for example on factory lines and in open offices. Finally the fourth alienation type that Marx wrote about was alienation from humanity. Marx believed that this happened when a person worked long hour days -as Marx wrote in the Victorian society this was extremely common- and together with the three other forms of alienation; a person lost their sense of humanity and became alienated from their own inner self (Ransome, P: 2010). Durkheim however argued that anomie in the division of labour alike that of alienation, deprived individuals of a sense of connection with society (Ransome, P: 2010). Durkheim believed that this sense of deprivation caused people to become disorientated and anxious and saw anomie as one of the social factors that influenced suicide (Giddens, A: 2009). He argued that there were four types of suicide: Altruistic, Anomic, Egoistic and Fatalistic (Pope, W: 1976). Altruistic suicide being too much social integration, for example suicide bombers give up their life for the needs of their social group (Giddens, A: 2009). Egoistic suicide, in Durkheims terms was due to insufficient regulation. This can be seen in societies such as religious groups; Durkheim found that suicide was higher in the Protestant religion than it was in Catholic religious groups. He believed that this was due to the Catholic religion having a more strict regulations, so therefore people believed that it was against go d to commit suicide and also with the Catholic society being greater regulated, he believed that this closer connected society made the people have a greater sense of community and moral values so did not feel the need to commit suicide (Ransome, P: 2010). Durkheim related the low suicide rates during World War 1 to this as he believed the face of an external enemy brought about social integration (Giddens, A: 2009). Fatalistic suicide for Durkheim was due to excess regulation. This can be seen in contemporary society in prisons as people feel that they have no sense of future or self worth. However Durkheim felt that this type of suicide was of little importance in modern society but it was of specific historical interest. Historically, this is evident in the slave communities in America during the civil war (Morrison, K: 2006). Durkheim argued that Anomic suicide occurs when rules and norms that govern a persons lifestyle become unstable and break down. He looked at this subject o f suicide by researching the suicide rates of industrial society during periods of economic crisis created by financial recession and periods of economic change. Between 1845 and 1869 in Europe, Durkheim identified that there was a rapid rise in suicide rates, which he linked to the economic state at the time as there was repeated economic crisis, which resulted in a dramatic decline in the business cycle and severe bankruptcies. He also acknowledged that there was a specific pattern of the suicide rates during this time across Europe; he found that there was a rise in the rates of suicide as the state of the economy decreased, and when the crisis deteriorated the rates fell. However as the economy worsened again, the suicides increased (Morrison, K: 2006). When taking into account Durkheims theory of Anomic Suicide and Marxs four types of alienation, it could be argued that there are several similarities between the two social theories. Alienation in basic terms defines the relationship that a worker -mainly- has with their productive role and their self being within society. Anomie can be suggested to relate to this similarly as it seems that it defines a persons self being within society and themselves. However, critiques have suggested that the theory of anomie for Durkheim was not in fact in relation to a person but it refers to society, although there are definite implications of a persons state of mind in his works (Robinson, J; Shaver P and Wrightsman, L: 1991). When referring to the subject of anomie, social thoughts of other sociologists must be taken into account. Robert Mereton extended Durkheims thoughts on anomie and emphasised that an individual intensifies their anomie when they chose to discard their norms to acquire to their intricate desires and thus anomie and deviant behaviour draw from a disjunction between a culturally prescribed aspiration of a society and socially constructed avenues for creating those aspirations (Giddens, A: 2009). Durkheims theory of anomie can be seen as similar to both Meretons interpretation of anomie and Marxs theory of alienation in terms of isolation and disorientation. However clearly it can be seen that there is a significant difference in retrospect to money being the source of the proletarians lifestyle and the theory that it keeps the ruling class on top and the rest of the population down in terms of Marxs thought of alienation, where as Durkheim dealt with the themes of attitudes and expectations of the society within his theory of anomie and people resisting and having the choice of their lifestyle rather than being forced into lifestyles alike in alienation (Perry, R: 2007). Although Marx and Durkheims definitions are clearly the classical concepts of these theories, it has been suggested that contemporary society has obscured these definitions. It can be said that Alienation for Marx and Anomie for Durkheim were metaphors for a radical attack on the dominant institutions and values of industrial society. From this they take on similar issues, but in different perspectives; Marx took on the conception of the relationship between man and society and the value of freedom from constraint through the interest of power and change. Durkheim however, was interested in the transcendental value and moral constraint through problems with maintenance of order. When taking into account Marx and Durkheims research however there are critiques that need to be considered. Many people argued that Durkheims research on anomie and suicide could not be one hundred percent accurate; this was because it was apparent that Durkheim used other peoples research and did not conduc t his own. Durkheim used suicide statistics in Germany, however these statistics were taken by Durkheim at face value and not critiqued. Also it could be argued that Durkheims interdependence theory may not have been completely free from his own background assumptions and laden judgement. The main article that needs to be considered when studying suicide is How do some deaths get categorised as suicides? according to Atkinson, J (1978). When taking into account this question it makes one consider whether the initial research and also Durkheims assumptions were one hundred percent because the research was conducted across Germany, with statistics from many different coroners, who each would arguably have had their own laden judgement as to what constitutes as suicide. So it is argued that Durkheim was taking what the coroner constituted as suicide so therefore the suicide categories are not objective facts but interpretations and meanings given to a particular event. Therefore to hav e done his research more accurately and to allow no criticisms Durkheim should have conducted his own research. He could have arguably done this by talking to people that have themselves attempted to commit and families of those who have, to find the different reasons behind the attempted or actual suicide (Atkinson, J: 1978). One could initially argue that Capitalism is the main cause of both alienation and anomie. In anomie, Durkheim saw a number of indications relating to anomie in the late nineteenth century such as industrial conflict and marital breakup; which he believed was related to the industrial society and the growth of capitalism (Durkheim, E: 1893). However, Marx believed that alienation was aided by capitalism. He believed this as there was a fiercely competitive nature of capitalism that forced industries such as factories to step up their means of production and productivity, to gain economic status and power (Marx, K: 1844). In conclusion, Alienation in retrospect means people becoming isolated from society as a result from industry and Anomie in retrospect is a change in normalness of their social status. It is clear from this that one could argue that alienation and anomie could both mean isolation to a person but however in different forms. So therefore it could be argued that alienation is isolation of a person from their economic status quo, and anomie is isolation of a human being from their social status quo and personal norms. However from the information throughout the essay it can also be suggested that the differences between alienation an anomie comes from the status of the concepts, as alienation is said to be relate and revolve to a person singularly, where as anomie is said to describe a social group rather than one person alone. To conclude, it can be argued that there alienation and anomie have both similar and unique concepts. This is evident from the sources used throughout the essay, however it cannot be regarded completely as research or information that is gathered is never one hundred percent reliable.

Directing Romeo and Juliet: Act 2 Scene 2 Essay -- Drama

Directing Romeo and Juliet: Act 2 Scene 2 I am going to direct act 2 scene 2 from the play Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare. The scene is also known as the balcony scene. During this scene Romeo is looking up at Juliet on the balcony talking about love. The scene is going to be set in as historical environment the 16th century in Verona. Therefore the costumes shall also reflect this era. Juliet will be in her in nightdress (1) and Romeo will be in a party costume (2). This is because he has just been at the Caplet's party. From the previous scene we know that there is a conflict between the Capulets and the Montagues. Romeo is a member of the Montague's and Juliet is a member of the capulet's. Romeo had been convinced to go to the party by his cousin Benvolio and his friend Mercutio. During the party Tybalt wants to hit Romeo but Lord Capulet doesn't let him. This shows the conflict. I will be using a thrust stage. The balcony will be placed on the left corner of the stage. There will be trees and colourful flowers surrounding the balcony. As this scene is set in the 16th century Juliet will be unaware of her rights as a women. The theme of the scene is love. Both Romeo and Juliet are expressing their feelings for each other. The relationship between Romeo and Juliet is very passionate, which will be conveyed though the use of language, their facial expression and body language. They will speak direct from Shakespheres text. In t...

Social Order and Animal Consciousness :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Social Order and Animal Consciousness There is nothing new about the uncanny abilities of animals. People have noticed them for centuries. Millions of pet owners and pet trainers today have experienced them personally. But at the same time, many people feel they have to deny these abilities or trivialize them. They are ignored by institutional science. Pets are the animals we know best, but their most surprising and intriguing behavior is treated as of no real interest. Why should this be so, and what about the implications of animal consciousness and intelligence through the behavior observed by those with close relations to animals. One reason for institutional science’s lack of interest is a taboo against taking ‘pets’ seriously. This taboo is not confined to scientist but is a result of the split attitudes to animals expressed in our society as a whole. During working hours we commit ourselves to economic progress fueled by science and technology and based on the mechanistic view of life. This view, dating back to the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century, derives form Renà © Descarte’s theory of the universe as a machine. Though the metaphors have changed (from the brain as a hydraulic machine in Descarte’s time), life is still thought of in terms of machinery. Animals and plants are seen as genetically programmed automata. Meanwhile, back at home, we have our pets. Pets are in a different category from other animals. Pet-keeping is confined to the private, or subjective, realm. Experiences with pets are kept out of the real, or objective, world. There is a huge gulf between companion animals, treated as members of the family, and animals in factory farms and research laboratories. Our relationships with our pets are based on different sets of attitudes, on I-thou relationships rather than I-it approach encouraged by science. Whether in the laboratory or in the field, scientific investigators typically try to avoid emotional connections with the animals they are investigating. They aspire to a detached objectivity. They would therefore be unlikely to encounter the kinds of behavior and apparent consciousness that depend on the close attachment between animals and people. In this realm, animal trainers and pet owners are generally far more knowledgeable and experienced than professional researchers on animal behavior- unless they happen to be pet owners themselves. Consciousness has been found to be one of the hardest things to define and study. The textbook definition of "Consciousness" is the full knowledge of what is in one’s own mind; awareness.

JetBlue Airways Corporation Essay

JetBlue Airways Corporation has been a rapidly growing discount airline and biggest success story in the industry by using its strong customer service considerations and low fares to build a solid, growing customer base. Synopsis JetBlue Airways Corporation has established itself as a low-fare passenger airline with a differentiated product and a high-quality customer service. They focus on serving underserved markets and large metropolitan areas that have high average fares. They offer both short-haul and long-haul routes that are point-to-point rather than the ‘hub and spoke† route system that has been adopted by most major U. S. airlines. JetBlue was incorporated in Delaware in August 1998 and started operations in February 2000. On April 11, 2002 they announced their initial public offering of its common stock. Their base of operations is at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). On February 14, 2003, JetBlue began their West Coast base of operations at Long Beach Municipal Airport, which serves the Los Angeles area. JetBlue currently operates 180 flights per day. Profile and Mission JetBlue’s goal is to be the leading low-fare passenger airline by offering customers a differentiated product and high-quality customer service. JetBlue can offer low-fares due to its low operating costs. Cost per available seat mile was 6. 2 cents as compared to the reported average cost per available seat mile of 9. 58 cents offered by other major U. S. airlines. JetBlue attributes the low unit costs to the high productivity of its assets and employees. Some of the factors that lead to the low unit costs are the efficient utilization of the aircraft, the operation of only one type of aircraft, which is the Airbus A320, with a single class of service, a productive workforce, and low distribution costs. JetBlue has acquired an all-new fleet of aircraft, the Airbus A320. They currently operate 45 (53 by the end of 2003), with plans to order 100 more. These planes are expected to start arriving in mid-2005 with scheduled completion set for 2011. Each Airplane has a single class layout with a wider cabin space than the competitor’s airplanes. In addition, each airplane is equipped with 162 leather seats with free 24-channel satellite T. V. at each seat. The aircraft is fuel-efficient, very reliable, and versatile. JetBlue has established a strong brand that differentiates itself from its competitors as a safe, reliable, low-fare airline. It does not sacrifice its customer service or an enjoyable flying experience to achieve those features. JetBlue has a strong company culture. It achieves this by hiring friendly, helpful, team-oriented, and customer-focused people. JetBlue has positioned itself in New York, the nation’s largest travel market. JetBlue flies out of lighter congested JFK airport, which has allowed it to provide reliable service. JetBlue has 75 exemption slots that would allow them to fly during the congested period; however two-thirds of the flights are scheduled outside of the peak period. The management team at JetBlue has considerable experience in the airline industry. For example, the experience comes from successful-low-cost leaders such as Southwest Airlines and the extensive experience of managing airline operations in the New York area. Finally, JetBlue has a competitive edge with their advanced technology. The use of laptop computers in the cockpit allows the pilot to calculate weight & balance and takeoff performance. Pilots also use the laptops to access manuals in electronic format. JetBlue features ticketless travel and 4 cabin security cameras on each plane. And for further protection, each airplane has a bulletproof cockpit.

Community Colleges vs College Universites- Compare Contrast Essay

When graduating high school many students are concerned with choices they have to make as to which college they would like to attend. Some may have more options than others that have to be considered as far as their lifestyle, current jobs, other responsibilities they may have, personality and their academic goals. Choosing a college can be quite difficult. You can either decide on a college university or the local community colleges in your area. Community colleges are smaller than universities. Students will find them to have fewer enrollments which mean smaller classroom sizes. They have a better chance of getting hands on learning, asking more questions and learning course material better. Community colleges have strong advising systems and the advisers know their students well. The courses are usually taught by professors unlike some universities whose courses may taught by grad students. Small colleges as these do not offer near as many courses or academic programs as universities. Tuition at community colleges are so much more cheaper than universities, you may have tuition as much as $3,500. 00 to 5,500. 00 at community colleges versus $30,000. 00 to $50,000. 00 at universities and that itself is a great deal to consider. Another great thing about attending a local community college in your area is that most people can drive back and forth from their own home. They do not have to worry about dorm cost or finding apartments to rent when going away to college universities. College Universities may be for you if you’re interested in having much more degree programs to choose from, if you’re a go getter, not afraid to speak up for yourself and take advantage of opportunities. You may also want to attend a university if you are ready to get away and adventure out from your hometown and meet a whole new diversity of thousands of people. If attending a university you can expect a much higher number of students than a community college. Universities have a wide range of majors and class courses. They tend to have better stocked libraries for all of your researching needs. A lot of students choose universities because of the more programs that are offered and they feel when graduating from a university it looks a lot better having a diploma from a university than community college when applying for a job you have majored in. They also like the fact that there are many activities and a large number of sporting events. They also have a chance to break free and are not tied down at home with their parents. Succeeding at a university requires knowing what areas or subjects you are interested in and motivated about pursuing. Class sizes can contain up to hundreds of students and with that many people in one classroom it can be very hard to keep focus, ask questions and get hands on learning like you can at community colleges. Some students love the environment and find it exciting with that many students but on the other hand others feel depressed and overwhelmed because they may not be able to ask questions and find out the exact information they need to learn. Students who attend universities can be ready to hit the books hard each week and be sure to have a lot of study time. Professors are going to expect a great deal of their students and pile a lot of work on them at one time because they are considered as top-notch schools and they want their students to be well educated and really know the material. It can be very stressful for students who work jobs while in college but they have to make money and support themselves some way or another. Even though universities require a lot of work, students still find time to participate in extracurricular activities such as student organizations or community services. Some even join fraternities and sororities. Universities are likely to have great athletic teams and have a NCAA Divisions with games that are on television. Students love to support their college by wearing school colors on game day and attending all of their games whether they are home or away. Students enjoy the tailgating and party time that comes along with the games, too! Students will either live on the college campus or just a short distance off campus. Most students who stay in dorms have roommates. Some may know their roommates and others may be complete strangers and it can be very uncomfortable for them until they learn who and what kind of person they are. You must expect to sleep in the same room as your roommate, share the bathroom and have no privacy. It’s takes a lot amount of time to get from one place to another on a college university campus because of the number of students. You can expect a rush during lunch hour and a timely wait. There will also be very long lines when trying to register for classes and buying books. It’s up to the person where they choose to attend college. Community colleges and Universities can be very similar but again it’s a whole new world especially when living on a University Campus.

Financial Analysis of Lockheed Martin

A Financial Analysis of Lockheed Martin Corporation Colby Scott LeTourneau University A Financial Analysis of Lockheed Martin corporation The world of finance in today’s market is one of numerous ups and downs. With the global economy in constant flux, it is more important than every for companies to examine their financial status and compare their position to that of the relative market as well as their fellow competitors.In order to better understand the ways in which today’s managers examine their position on the market and evaluate their current value as a company we will examine the financial data of Lockheed Martin Corporation and perform a detailed financial analysis on the company. In this analysis we will examine financial rations of Lockheed Martin and in turn compare these rations to that of fellow market competitors.Upon completion of our financial analysis we will be able to understand the financial position of Lockheed Martin as well as the position of Loc kheed Martin in their respective market, and in turn we will be able to fully comprehend the methods and data used by companies in order to evaluate their company. Before going into an in depth analysis of our company, let us first examine the history behind Lockheed Martin. The Lockheed Martin Corporation traces its roots all the way back to the earliest days of flight. In 1909 aviation pioneer Glenn L.Martin organized a company around a small airplane construction business and transformed it into a major airframe supplier to U. S. military and commercial customers. In 1961 the Glenn L. Martin Company became the Martin Marietta Company after the completion of a merger with American-Marietta Corp. , a leading supplier of building and road construction materials. In 1982, Martin Marietta was subject to a hostile takeover bid by the Bendix Corporation which bought the majority of Martin Marietta shares and in effect owned the company.However, Martin Marietta's management used the shor t time separating ownership and control to sell non-core businesses and launch its own hostile takeover of Bendix (known as the Pac-Man defense). The end of this extraordinarily bitter battle saw Martin Marietta survive and forced Bendix to be sold off. In 1913, Allan and Malcolm Loughead (name later changed to Lockheed) flew the first Lockheed plane over San Francisco Bay. The brothers later established their own corporation known as the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company which was later renamed the Loughead Aircraft Manufacturing Company.In 1926, following the failure of Loughead, Allan Loughead formed the Lockheed Aircraft Company in Hollywood, California. In 1929, Lockheed sold out to Detroit Aircraft Corporation. The Great Depression ruined the aircraft market, and Detroit Aircraft went bankrupt. A group of investors headed by brothers Robert and Courtland Gross, bought the company out of receivership in 1932. The syndicate bought the company for a mere $40,000. Ironically, Allan Lou ghead himself had planned to bid for his own company, but had only raised $50,000 which he felt was too small a sum for a serious bid.The first successful aircraft built in any number by the Lockheed Corporation was named the Vega and was best known for its use in several first- and record setting flights by, among others, Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post and George Hubert Wilkins. In the 1930s, Lockheed spent $139,400 to develop the Model 10 Electra, a small twin-engine transport which sold 40 units in the first year of production. Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, flew this plane on their failed attempt to circumnavigate the world in 1937.The Lockheed Model 12 Electra Junior and the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra expanded their market. The Model 14 also formed the basis for the Hudson bomber, which was supplied to both the British Royal Air Force and the United States military before and during World War II. In 1995 the these two companies, Lockheed and Martin Marietta, jo ined together in a merger which created the modern Lockheed Martin corporation, and further expanded with the acquisition of Loral, a defense electronics and systems integration business, in 1996.Today, the Lockheed Martin Corporation is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland and employs 126,000 people worldwide. The company is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems. Lockheed also serves both domestic and international customers with products and services that have defense, civil, and commercial applications, with their principal customers being agencies of the U. S. Government. In 2011, 84% of their $45. billion in net sales were made to the U. S. Government, either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor. Lockheed’s U. S. Government sales were made to both Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD agencies. Sales to foreign governments (including foreign military sales funded, in whol e or in part, by the U. S. Government) amounted to 15% of net sales in 2011. The remainder of net sales was attributable to commercial and other customers. In 2011, net sales at Aeronautics of $13. 2 billion represented 29% of their total net sales.Aeronautics has three principal lines of business and the percentage that each contributed to its 2011 net sales was 68 percent combat aircraft, 20 percent air mobility, and 12 percent in other aeronautics programs. At December 31, 2011, we operated in 545 locations (including offices, manufacturing plants, warehouses, service centers, laboratories, and other facilities) throughout the United States and internationally. Of these, we owned 43 locations aggregating approximately 30 million square feet, and leased space at 502 locations aggregating approximately 26 million square feet.We also manage or occupy various government-owned facilities under leases and various other arrangements. The U. S. Government also furnishes equipment that we use in some of our businesses. We operate in four principal business segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, IS, and Space Systems. Lockheed organizes their business segments based on the nature of the products and services offered. The following table presents net sales and operating profit of their four business segments.Net sales exclude intersegment revenue, as these activities are eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany transactions are generally negotiated and accounted for under terms and conditions similar to other government and commercial contracts. Operating profit of the business segments includes the equity earnings or losses from investees in which certain of their business segments hold equity interests, because the activities of the investees are closely aligned with the operations of those segments. In Millions |2011 |2010 |2009 | |Net Sales | | | | |Aeronautics |13,235 |12,201 |11,473 | |Electronic Systems |14,363 |13,532 |12,803 | |Information systems & Gl obal Solutions |9,959 |9,608 |9,069 | |Space Systems |8,246 |8,654 |8,027 | |Total 45,803 |43,995 |41,372 | | | | | | |Operation Profit | | | | |Aeronautics |1,502 |1,577 |1,433 | |Electronic Systems |1,712 |1,660 |1,583 | |Information systems & Global Solutions |890 |895 |919 | |Space Systems |972 |972 |953 | |Total Business Segments |5,076 |5,104 |4,888 | |VESP and other charges |220 |- | | |Other unallocated Corporate income net |759 |689 |161 | |Total |4,097 |4,415 |5,049 |Now that we have established the background of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, let us now analyze the ratios which provide us insight into the financial status of the corporation. The first ratio which we will look at is the current ration of Lockheed Martin. Using the current ration, we will be able to determine if Lockheed will be able to satisfy the amount of current liabilities based upon their current assets. When looking at the Lockheed’s balance sheet for 2011, we see that they have 11. 157 mil lion dollars in current liabilities and 12. 851 million dollars in current liabilities. In order to compute the current ratio of Lockheed we then take the current assets of 12. 51 million and divide this number by the current liabilities of 11. 157 million thus giving Lockheed a current ratio of 1. 15% for 2011. When looking at this ratio over a period of 2 years we began to see that the ratio calculated for 2011 has decreased . 01 percent from 2010. In examining this ratio, we are able to conclude that Lockheed has a fairly constant liquidity rate which could tell us that the company is relatively stable at this point in time. The second ratio which will help us in evaluating the financial status of Lockheed Martin Corporation is the inventory turnover ratio. This ration will allow us to examine how efficiently Lockheed manages its assets and uses those assets to create income.In order to calculate this ratio we must find the companies net sales and divide this figure by the invent ories that the company has on hand. After examining Lockheed’s financial statements, we find that they reported 45. 803 million dollars in net sales and 2. 378 million dollars in inventories for 2011. After plugging these figures into our equation, we find that Lockheed had an inventory turnover ratio of 19. 26. This tells us roughly that Lockheed’s inventory is sold out and restocked roughly 19. 26 times per year. When examined over a two year period, we find that the ratio of sales to inventories when compared to the 20. 15 ratio calculated in 2010, had only fallen by . 89.When compared to the rival Boeing Company, we find that Lockheed’s inventory turnover ration is considerably higher than the 1. 386 that Boeing reported over the same period. This could lead to the conclusion that Lockheed Martin is in considerably better position than the majority of the other companies with in the same market. The next ratio that we will examine is referred to as the debt ration. This ratio allows us to examine the percentage of funds provided by current liabilities and long term debt. In order to calculate this ratio, we will need to take the total liabilities and divide this figure by the total assets. When examining the financial documents provided by Lockheed, we find that Lockheed reported a total liability of 31. 59 million and a total asset of 35. 067. As we plug this data into our equation we find that Lockheed Martin has a debt ratio of 89. 43 percent for 2011. When interpreting this outcome we must remember to examine the data from two separate perspectives. From the perspective of a creditor, a high debt ratio allows for less cushion against losses in the event that liquidating occurs. This could discourage creditors from lending to the company due to the fact that it poses a greater risk to the creditor. On the other hand, stockholders generally like to see a higher debt ration due to the fact that it magnifies the amount of return that t hey receive.Therefore, it would be wise for a company to maintain a debt ration which is fairly close to 50 percent due to the fact that it allows creditors to feel comfortable while satisfying the desires of the stockholders. Another ratio which provides valuable insight into a company’s financial status is the Gross Profit Margin. When calculating this ratio we must first find the amount of sales, then subtract this number by the cost of goods sold and divide this number by the amount of sales during that period. As we examine the financial data using our Gross Profit Margin formula, we find that Lockheed had a gross profit margin of 10. 2 percent. This number tells us that Lockheed had a gross profit of 10. 2 percent per dollar of sales before any other expenses are deducted.When compared to rival aeronautical company Boeing, we find that Boeing had a gross profit margin that was 11. 9 percent higher than Lockheed. This suggests that Boeing is turning a higher profit margi n than Lockheed and thus does not need to sell as much product in order to generate the same amount of income as Lockheed. By having a lower profit margin than their competitor, Lockheed must have a higher amount of sells in order to keep their place within the market. The final ratio which we will examine is the Price per Earnings ratio or the P/E Ratio. By looking at this ration we are able to identify how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of reported profit.Looking at Lockheed’s current price per share and earnings per share data we find that they are able to maintain a ratio of 28. 67. When viewing this data, we are able to conclude that Lockheed has a fairly strong growth prospect when other things are held constant. When we compare this number to the smaller rival Northrop Grumman and find that Lockheed has a P/E that is 19. 69 higher. When looking into the reasoning behind this difference, we can conclude that Northrop is regarded as being a much riskier com pany than Lockheed and thus could receive less support for creditors. This places Lockheed Martin at an advantageous position due to the fact that they are viewed as a more stable company.This allows them to control more of their respective market and in turn secures their market share for future years. Now that we have viewed the financial ratios of our company and have interpreted the data based upon Lockheed’s market and past financial data, let us now look at the Beta coefficient. When stockholders examine which companies they wish to invest in, they generally seek to invest in companies with the smallest amount of risk possible. In doing so, Stockholders greatly minimize the amount of risk that they themselves accrue and in turn provides confidence within the market. However, we must have a way in order to evaluate the relative risk of a particular companies stock and for that we use the Beta coefficient.In order to calculate the Beta coefficient we will need two sets of data, the closing price for the stock we are examining and the closing prices for the index we’re using. As we look at the Beta value of . 98 for Lockheed Martin and compare it industry rival Boeing’s 1. 31 and Northrop Grumman’s 1. 08 we find that Lockheed has a lower Beat value than both of its major competitors. This suggests that Lockheed is a less risky company to invest in and thus could create greater capitol available through the sale of stock for the company. In addition to drawing potential investors to the company, having a lower Beta value could cause creditors to be more willing to lend money to the company.This would allow a greater possibility for Lockheed’s future expansion in the industry and could serve to propel them to the top of the Aeronautic market. If this were to occur, I forecast that the dividend structure within the company would increase due to the increased amount of wealth that the company is generating yearly. By having mo re funds available for allocation to stockholders, the company would be more willing to pass this added revenue to the stockholders thus promoting more investors to purchase stock. Upon examining the numerous financial data available on Lockheed Martin we are able to determine that the financial status of the company is sound. Lockheed Martin maintains a current ratio of 1. 5 percent which tells us that the company is able to cover the cost of their current liabilities 1. 15 times using their current assets. This tells us that the company does not have any problematic debt at the current time and therefore generates a profit at the end of every operating period. The second indicator of Lockheed’s current and future success is their ability to turn over inventory. In our calculations we discovered that Lockheed had an inventory turn over ratio of 19. 26 percent which told us that they were able roughly able to sell all of their products and restock at least 19. 26 times per ye ar. When viewing this from a financial standpoint this figure is encouraging because it represents a steady profit within the company.The next ratio analysis performed, the debt ratio, informed us that the company had a debt ratio of 89. 43 percent. This high number could serve costly to the company if they ever need seek loans from creditors, but it does satisfy the shareholders by providing a higher amount of leverage. Another ratio that we analyzed for Lockheed Martin was the gross profit margin. After computing this ratio, we found that Lockheed had a gross profit margin of 10. 2 in 2011 which means than Lockheed earned retained 10. 2 percent of every dollar earned. The final ration analysis that we performed on Lockheed’s financial statements was a profit per earnings ratio.After performing this ratio, we found that Lockheed had a better profit per earnings than its rivals thus making it a more desirable company to invest in. This could attract future investors and in tu rn create more profit for the company. From this analysis, I have concluded that Lockheed Martin could not handle much more debt in the near future due to the fact that their debt ration is already considerably high. If the company were to take on much more debt, creditors would become unwilling to provide financial support for the company and the company could risk taking on more debt than their assets could cover. This would cause the overall value of the company to fall and cause the Beat coefficient to ri se to a much higher level.In order to further improve the company from the position that it is in, I believe that the company should take steps to lower the debt ratio. This would cause the creditors to be more willing to invest in the company as well as keep the stockholders satisfied with the amount of leverage the company has. Also, by lowering the debt ratio, the companies eat coefficient would fall even further making the desire to invest in the company even higher. If Loc kheed were to take this step, I believe that the companies stock would continue to rise and the company could in turn increase the amount of dividends that it provides. Bibliography 1. Free SEC Filings Email Alerts – SECFilings. com. (n. d. ). Free SEC Filings Email Alerts – SECFilings. com.Retrieved April 26, 2011, from http://secfilings. com/searchresultswide. aspx? TabIndex=2=7752072=convpdf=11373=%2fdefault. aspx%3fticker%3dLMT%26amp%3bformgroupid%3d1%26amp%3bauth%3d1 2. Free SEC Filings Email Alerts – SECFilings. com. (n. d. ). Free SEC Filings Email Alerts – SECFilings. com. Retrieved April 26, 2011, from http://secfilings. com/searchresultswide. aspx? TabIndex=2=7704986=convpdf=11757=%2fdefault. aspx%3fticker%3dBA%26amp%3bformgroupid%3d1%26amp%3bauth%3d1 3. Ehrhardt, M. C. , & Brigham, E. F. (2011). Corporate finance: a focus approach (4th ed. ). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.