Thursday, December 26, 2019

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield

Overview Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, known as â€Å"The Black Swan,† was considered the most well-known African-American concert performer of the 19th Century. African-American music historian James M. Trotter lauded Greenfield for her remarkably sweet tones and wide vocal compass. Early Childhood The exact date of Greenfield’s date is unknown yet historians believe it was in 1819. Born Elizabeth Taylor on a plantation in Natchez, Miss., Greenfield moved to Philadelphia in the 1820s with the mistress, Holliday Greenfield. After relocating to Philadelphia and becoming a Quaker, Holliday Greenfield freed her slaves. Greenfield’s parents migrated to Liberia but she stayed behind and lived with her former mistress. The Black Swan Sometime during Greenfield’s childhood, she developed a love of singing. Soon after, she became a vocalist at her local church. Despite a lack of musical training, Greenfield was a self-taught pianist and harpist. With a multi-octave range, Greenfield was able to sing soprano, tenor and bass. By the 1840s, Greenfield began performing at private functions and by 1851, she performed in front of a concert audience. After travelling to Buffalo, New York to see another vocalist perform, Greenfield took the stage. Soon after she received positive reviews in local newspapers who nicknamed her â€Å"African Nightingale† and â€Å"Black Swan.† Albany-based newspaper The Daily Register said, â€Å"the compass of her marvelous voice embraces twenty-seven notes each reaching from the sonorous bass of a baritone to a few notes above even Jenny Lind’s highs.†   Greenfield launched a tour that would make Greenfield the first African-American concert singer to be recognized for her talents. Greenfield was best known for her renditions of music by George Frideric Handel, Vincenzo Bellini and Gaetano Donizetti. In addition, Greenfield sang American standards such as Henry Bishop’s â€Å"Home! Sweet Home!† and Stephen Foster’s â€Å"Old Folks at Home.† Although Greenfield was happy to perform at concert halls such as Metropolitan Hall, it was to all white audiences. As a result, Greenfield felt compelled to perform for African-Americans as well. She often performed benefit concerts for institutions such as the Home of Aged Colored Persons and the Colored Orphan Asylum. Eventually, Greenfield traveled to Europe, touring throughout the United Kingdom. Greenfield’s acclaim was not met without disdain. In 1853, Greenfield was set to perform at Metropolitan Hall when a threat of arson was received. And while touring in England, Greenfield’s manager refused to release funds for her expenses, making it impossible for her stay. Yet Greenfield would not be dissuaded. She appealed to abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe who arranged for patronage in England from the Duchesses of Sutherland, Norfolk and Argyle. Soon after, Greenfield received training from George Smart, a musician with ties to the Royal Family. This relationship worked in Greenfield’s benefit and by 1854, she was performing at Buckingham Palace for Queen Victoria. Following her return to the United States, Greenfield continued to tour and perform throughout the Civil War. During this time, she made several appearances with prominent African-Americans such as Frederick Douglas and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Greenfield performed for white audiences and also for fundraisers to benefit African-American organizations. In addition to performing, Greenfield worked as a vocal coach, helping up and coming singers such as Thomas J. Bowers and Carrie Thomas. On March 31, 1876, Greenfield died in Philadelphia. Legacy In 1921, entrepreneur Harry Pace established Black Swan Records. The company, which was the first African-American owned record label, was named in honor of Greenfield, who was the first African-American vocalist to achieve international acclaim.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Macbeth Good And Evil Essay - 1281 Words

Macbeth Good and Evil. No one is one hundred percent good or bad, but everyone has a good and evil sides that can be controlled if the distinction between right and wrong is made. The uncontrolled ambition of Lady Macbeth that made her become evil and the deep regret that she had after the evil act was committed show that everyone has a good and an evil sides. Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, introduces three main areas on how someone’s character can vary between good and evil when ambition is not controlled by morality. These include strong desire will lead you to become evil, heavy conscience†¦show more content†¦This is how fast the uncontrolled ambition changed Lady Macbeth’s character. She became so evil she would kill her own innocent baby at her breast. She said, â€Å"How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums And dashed the brains out†(I, 6). Lady Macbeth’s morality was totally destroyed at this point. She didn’t think about what’s wrong or right to do. She was successful at convincing Macbeth, her husband, to kill king Duncan. King Duncan was murdered, his sons fled, and the sovereignty fell upon Macbeth as she wished. However, her conscience started to reproach her later. The scene where Macbeth murdered Duncan in his sleep shows that conscience made Lady Macbeth rethink what she. Lady Macbeth talked to Macbeth after the crime was committed, trying to stop him from complaining about the murder. She said, â€Å"These deeds must not be thought After these ways. So, it will make us mad†(II, 2). Lady Macbeth started to have a new understanding about committing committing an evil act. She realized that the crime can drive her crazy if she thinks about it too much. Lady Macbeth also realized that even though she has the position of queen of Scotland, she can’t be happy knowing that she committe d a crime to get the position. She said, â€Å"Naught’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without content† (III, 2). What she meant is if she get what she wanted and sheShow MoreRelatedThe Struggle between Good and Evil; in Macbeth Essay1022 Words   |  5 PagesMacbeth is without a doubt a play about evil. The play revolves around the bad and wicked qualities in human nature, but Shakespeare also contrasts this evil with the power of good. In this essay I will explore the ways in which Shakespeare contrasted good and evil in Macbeth. These contradictions start in the very beginning of the play, with the witches. In line 12, the witches say, â€Å"Fair is foul and foul is fair.† This is interesting as they are suggesting good and evil as being one. The witches’Read MoreContrasting Evil and Good in Macbeth Essay examples1656 Words   |  7 PagesIn this essay I will look at the ways that Shakespeare has contrasted evil with good in his play Macbeth. 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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Investigative Report On Travellers Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Investigative Report On Travellers. Answer: Introduction The research proposal intends to investigate the behavior, character and need of the target market profile which is the leisure travelers. Background Travelling is no more just a recreation in the modern world but it is becoming a necessity and a status symbol for many. Business organizations are investing millions of rupees to get the best clients and to provide them with the best facilities that will provide them an experience of a lifetime (Xiang, Magnini, Fesenmaier, 2015). A thorough understanding of the target market which are the people that travel with family, is important to examine and cater to the needs and demand of customers. Problem statement The importance of the research is that unless the demands of the targeted market customer are understood, their demands cannot be fulfilled (Mowforth Munt, 2015). For a successful business, every firm has to study their target customer. Research aim The research aim of the research proposal is to examine and analyze the buying behavior, character and needs of the family travellers. Research objectives To examine and study the purchasing behavior and habit of the family travelers. To analyze the needs and characters of the family travelers. To investigate and find out way to fulfill the need and demands of the family travellers. Research questions What is the buying behavior and purchasing power of the family travelers? What is the character and the needs of the family travelers? What are the ways in which their needs and demands can be fulfilled? Significance of the market The significance of the research is to develop an understanding about the clear profile of the target market, which are the section of travelers who travel with family. Literature review According to Bor (2017), family vacations are much more than just mere relaxation. It is an opportunity for families to interact and bond and values to be passed on. An increasing number of affluent families and extended families are choosing to spend their long holidays in vacation style settings (Reid Bojanic, 2009). Cruise ships, resorts, theme parks are very much in demand among the family travelers. Rental properties for short term with kitchen, multiple bedrooms and play area are very popular for large families. For beach vacations, resorts with various activities like tennis, fishing, swimming is popular (Hsiao Chuang, 2015). Customized tours that would cater to the demands of both young and old are preferred by family travellers. Families want educational experiences along with recreation. Historical visits, cultural places are visited more. River cruises are in demand by family travelers because it lets travelers experience multiple places both onshore and offshore (Watne, Brennan Winchester, 2014). Mutigenerational trips are getting more important. There are visitors from every age holidaying together off season travels plans are another growing popular trend among family travelers. Gone are the days when families particularly waited for festive seasons to plan tours. Travelling is no more restricted to Christmas or summer vacations alone (Fountain et al., 2015). Modern travelers are travelling at other times of the years. Kid friendly programs for families are in demand. Family travelers demand family suites. Transportation facilities make travelling easier for them. According to Hay (2017), family vacations are crucial for both relaxation purpose and for improving the bond between them. In the present age, families have very less time to spend with each other. Vacations provide them an opportunity to spend time with family and bond with them. Going on family vacations will create memories (Boes, Buhalis, Inversini, 2015). In this age of speed, people are forgetting the importance of valuable conversation with families. Every family needs to spend time together away from everyday schedule and phone calls (Hall Holdsworth, 2016). Family vacations are also important because it is the chance to pass on values to kids. Family vacations will expose them to new cultures, new food, and new experiences (Schnzel Yeoman, 2014). Vacations are a short escape from the busy schedule and daily stress. Family vacations need not be extravagant or expensive as it is mostly believed. However, a little investment can give a lifetime of memories. Research methodology This research proposal will make use of the secondary method of research analysis and primary method to examine the research topic. The proposal will conduct a secondary research analysis method to analyze in the topic. Various articles, books, and journals would be used to research on the topic. This would give a deeper understanding of the needs and character of the family travellers. For that purpose, the researcher would study several articles and journals that have been previously published on the research topic to get a knowledge about other the authors have written about it before which would give a better understanding on the topic. For secondary research analysis, case studies and articles would be referred to. Focus groups and group studies are most important in secondary research method. Once the secondary research analysis is complete, and all the necessary information has been gathered. The researcher will conduct a primary analysis. For a primary analysis method of data , collection surveys and interviews are used. For this particular research, the researcher will conduct a survey. Important information is gathered from selected participants with the help of a questionnaire that will be distributed to them. For the survey, the participants are chosen after they have fulfilled certain criteria. The criteria of choosing the participants for the survey are explained below. A survey was conducted between 50 participants who were given a questionnaire to fill up. Answers were concluded about the surveys on the basis of the information the participants chose. Findings After the completion of the research, several assumptions could be draw about the family travelers. A majority of the family travellers belong to the business class. The participants belong to the upper strata of the society since the middle classes are unwilling to spend large sum of money on vacations. The lifestyle of the participants is extremely fast. Several participants accepted the fact that in their daily life, they hardly get time interact with their family members. In addition, it was seen that the participants are very active on social media. Even during their trips, they are frequently using social media to post update of their trip. Conclusion Organizations that cater to the demands and needs of family travelers have to deal with a variety of customers preference. From infants to senior citizens, family travelers consist of every age groups which require careful attention and a variety of refreshing ideas that would satisfy an all the age groups (Hsiao Chuan, 2015). Families are increasingly becoming aware and willing to spend their savings on vacations because they are realizing its importance. Gone are the days when family holidays and vacations meant only for the upper strata (Guttentag, 2015). With the rising income and growing needs of the modern society, vacations are becoming an integral part of the society. Organizations can earn large profit by catering to the family travelers. References Boes, K., Buhalis, D., Inversini, A. (2015). Conceptualising smart tourism destination dimensions. InInformation and communication technologies in tourism 2015(pp. 391-403). Springer, Cham. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-14343-9_29 Bor, R. (Ed.). (2017).Passenger behavior, 1st edn, pp.123-145, Routledge retrived from: https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=enlr=id=N1dBDgAAQBAJoi=fndpg=PT6dq=family+travellingots=0A9dRVfbCwsig=6jP1TNv41cPty54kIMkMa9jRR1Iredir_esc=y#v=onepageq=family%20travellingf=false Fountain, J., Schnzel, H., Stewart, E., Krner, N. (2015). Family experiences of visitor attractions in New Zealand: Differing opportunities for family timeand own time.Annals of Leisure Research,18(3), 342-358. Retrieved from: https://aut.researchgateway.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10292/9480/Families%20at%20visitor%20attractions%20final.pdf?sequence=9isAllowed=y Guttentag, D. (2015). Airbnb: disruptive innovation and the rise of an informal tourism accommodation sector.Current issues in Tourism,18(12), 1192-1217. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13683500.2013.827159 Hall, S. M., Holdsworth, C. (2016). Family practices, holiday and the everyday.Mobilities,vol. 11, no. 2, 284-302. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2014.970374 Hay, B. (2017). Missing voices: Australian childrens insights and perceptions of family holidays.Hospitality Society,Vol. 7, no. 2, 133-155.Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1386/hosp.7.2.133_1 Hsiao, T. Y., Chuang, C. M. (2015). Independent travelling decision-making on BB selection: exploratory analysis of Chinese travellers to Taiwan.Anatolia,vol. 26,no. 3, 408-420.retreived from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2014.976763 Mowforth, M., Munt, I. (2015).Tourism and sustainability: Development, globalisation and new tourism in the third world. Routledge. ISBN 0-203-43729-2 Master e-book ISBN Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/3277849/tourism_and_sustainability.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAIWOWYYGZ2Y53UL3AExpires=1518855180Signature=FYchx8rFF8%2Fkw%2F80iH9AHnJtXYQ%3Dresponse-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DTourism_and_sustainability_Development_g.pdf Reid, R., Bojanic, D. (2009).Hospitality Marketing Management (5th ed.). Wiley Publishers. Retrieved from https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Hospitality+Marketing+Management%2C+5th+Edition-p-9780470088586 Schnzel, H. A., Yeoman, I. (2014). The future of family tourism.Tourism Recreation Research,Vol. 39, no. 3, 343-360.Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2014.11087005 Schnzel, H. A., Yeoman, I. (2015). Trends in family tourism.Journal of Tourism Futures,vol. 1, no. 2, 141-147.Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-12-2014-0006 Watne, T. A., Brennan, L., Winchester, T. M. (2014). Consumer socialization agency: implications for family decision-making about holidays.Journal of Travel Tourism Marketing,31(6), 681-696. Retrived from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Torgeir_Aleti_ne_Watne/publication/271931190_Consumer_Socialization_Agency_Implications_for_Family_Decision-Making_About_Holidays/links/54e91c710cf2f7aa4d53122d.pdf Xiang, Z., Magnini, V. P., Fesenmaier, D. R. (2015). Information technology and consumer behavior in travel and tourism: Insights from travel planning using the internet.Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,22, 244-249. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698914001131

Monday, December 2, 2019

Parallelism In Greek And Inuit Mythology Essays - Mythology

Parallelism in Greek and Inuit Mythology The very early creation legends are difficult to trace to their original sources, since they were passed along by word of mouth from one generation to the next. There are many different legends about the origin of the earth, some similar to those told in other cultures. It is interesting that most of these legends can be tied together in one or more ways. The Greek and Inuit tribe versions of early existence are related in many ways. In both interpretations there is one creator. The Greek version explains that Eurynome, the goddess of all things, rises naked from chaos and finds nothing for her feet to stand on. She then separates the sea from the sky and dances upon the waves to the south, where later her hands would turn into a serpent (Switzer 10). Similarly, in the Inuit interpretation, a raven is born out of darkness and chaos. He searches around the dark trying to find his position; he finds water, grass and trees. After contemplating about who he is and what makes the grass grow, he eventually realizes that he is the Raven Father, the creator of all life (Ingpen 67). Secondly, both interpretations use the bird as the principal creator of all things. It is thought that Eurynome is the author of the universe. She becomes pregnant when her serpent hands coil around her. Next, she assumes the form of a dove and lays a huge egg which the serpent keeps warm until it hatches. The egg brings forth all the things that now exist: the sun, moon, planets, stars, and the earth with its mountains, valleys, stream, lakes, all living creatures, including the first humans (Switzer 11). In like manner, Raven flies through the darkness and finds a new land, for which he calls Earth. One day, he notices a giant pea pod and watches it as it splits open and produces a man. He creates the ox and caribou for the man to eat but tells him not to harm them (Ingpen 68). He continues to create animals, but then creates a woman to be the man's companion. Soon the man and woman reproduce and there are many children. Although similar in some ways, the two creation myths also contrast in several ways. The Greek version illustrates that Eurynome asexually becomes pregnant and lays an egg. This giant egg holds all things that now exist. In complete contrast, Raven witnesses man being brought to life through a giant pea pod. It is then when he creates a woman so that they can reproduce and have many children. In conclusion, the Inuit and Greek creation myths compare and contrast in different ways. Although told in two different eras by two completely different cultures, the two legends are still comparable in several ways. There is a variety of legends about the origin of the earth, but similarities can be traced through practically all of them.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Mikes Bikes Sample Final Report Essays

Mikes Bikes Sample Final Report Essays Mikes Bikes Sample Final Report Paper Mikes Bikes Sample Final Report Paper The report is intended to outline details of varying factors that have influenced each years decisions for Bikes Bikes Bikes, which have resulted in both negative and positive impacts. With continuous improvement , the business is increasing at a steady rate. The firms goal was not only to achieve the highest SHIP in comparison to our competitors, but was also to appeal to the maximum number of potential consumers and in result achieve the highest market share within the industry. Through our dedication, willpower, and ambition the company has successfully been able to achieve many of the goals that we had set out for ourselves. Bikes Bikes Bikes started out with a SHIP of $10. 82 and is at a current stance of $42. 37. It has also effectively acquired the highest market share of 28. 9%, surpassing he closest competitor by a significant 7%. As at the beginning of 2015, the strategy that our business had decided to implement was the specialization of producing high quality and high priced bicycles. This strategy came to be through the extensive research conducted by the firms management team in which they discovered that the first set of bikes mountain bikes, had a medium sensitivity to quality and price. As previously mentioned, our goal revolves around providing our consumers with a high quality bike. Moreover, Bikes Bikes Bikes management team also focused extensively on the firms brand awareness and advertising to induce ore value and provide incentive for future consumers. After the steady development of mountain bikes, a new line of road bikes were launched in 201 8, followed by the introduction to a second segment of the road bike in 2019, and lastly a line to appeal to the youth community in 2020. The team critically analyzed multiple strategies and made decisions over the course of the past six years with plans that looked upon maximizing aspects such as SHIP, market share, quality and efficiency indexes and minimizing aspects that could be of potential harm such as debt, wastage, and unnecessary expenses. Although the firm incurred challenges at times, he company was able to encounter an incline at a constant rate in which was a direct result of carefully planned meetings that occurred twice a week.. Moreover, Bikes Bikes Bikes management team created and maintained OF 26 strong relationships with the market by providing generous support distribution. A detailed elaboration on the various decisions made by my team and will be elaborated on in the following report. Sincerely, Wayne Hang president CEO of Bikes Bikes Bikes AFFIRMATION STATEMENT Please read the following items after the completion of your assignment Once you have verified these points, please complete the statement. All team members have referenced and footnoted all ideas, words or other intellectual property from sources, other than the data provided in the multi- player version of Mikes Bikes, used in the completion of this assignment. 2. A proper bibliography has been included, which includes acknowledgement of all sources used to complete this assignment other than data provided in the multi-player version of Mikes Bikes. 3. This is the first time that any member of the team has submitted this assignment (either partially or entirely) for academic evaluation. 4. Each member of the team has read the full content of the submission and is assured that the content is free of violations of academic integrity. Team discussions regarding the importance of academic integrity have taken place. . Each student has identified his or her individual contribution to the work submitted such that if violation of academic integrity are suspected, then the student primarily responsible for the violations may be identified. Note that in this case the remainder of the team may also be subject to disciplinary action. The listed team members listed below have participated in the preparation of this assignment and no other individuals have contributed to this assignment except as acknowledged. Name : Wayne Hang 20574871 Section contributed : Title Page, Letter to the Board of Directors, Introduction to 2018-2020, Strategies and Tactics, Every Years Summary Conclusion, Financing Template Name : Seems El-Bach 20583252 Section contributed : Table of Contents, Introduction to 2017, Strategies and Tactics, Key Performance Indicators, SOOT Analysis, Closing Recommendations, Accounting Template Name : Christina Aka Way Chain 20577525 Section contributed : Annual Performance Analysis for 2015-2020, Introduction to 2016 and 201 9, Marketing Template Name: Honoring Chin 20550322 Section contributed: Introduction to 201 5, Strategies and Tactics Date : Friday, November 28th, 2014 TA: Susan Wang World: S 002 croup 004 Team 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS Strategies, Results, and Analysis: 2015 Marketing, Operational, and Financial Strategies Firm Results and Analysis Summary Conclusions Strategies, Results, and Analysis: 2016 6 Strategies, Results, and Analysis: 2017 11 Strategies, Results, and Analysis: 2018 15 Us Mary Conclusions Strategies, Results, and Analysis: 201 9 20 Marketing Operational, and Financial Strategies Strategies, Results, and Analysis: 2020 24 us Mary conclusions: 2015-2020 28 Performance Indicators SOOT Analysis Recommendations to Board Appendix 33 STRATEGIES, RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: 2015 In 201 5, the firm had introduced a brand new management team in hopes of approaching the business from a new and differentiated perspective. They constructed and proposed multiple strategies the firm could potentially implement to achieve outstanding results. At the point of entry, the firm had established a SHIP of $10. 82, on par with other competitors in the market. Many of the offered strategies revolved around the important central goal that involved maximizing SHIP. To do so, a consensus was reached to adopt a gig quality strategy for the firms existing mountain bikes. Reaching this goal involved steps such as setting the price of the bike, Dave, above market average. However, by natural economics, an increase in price causes a decrease in demand, and thus the company planned to increase spending in areas like advertising and PR. In 2015, Bikes Bikes Bikes faced fierce competition with competitors who adopted similar strategies and fell slightly behind from the extra emphasis placed PR expense, which the mountain bike is minimally affected by. However, the firm did incur an increase in sales, SHIP, ND market share, despite the fact that it didnt reach the initial goals set out. The proceeding analysis will provide more depth as to why the company could not reach the goals set out to the highest extent. With regards to the marketing strategy, the firms priority was to raise product awareness and develop a high quality image for the mountain bike that it currently offers. This resulted in an increased expense in areas of advertising and PR. Although a heavy investment, the future benefits that it is to propose; such as increased sales will outweigh the money invested, and will eventually bring back profit. Often, quality is correlated with price. Goods that are priced higher than similar substitutes are often to assumed to have a characteristic that bring upon the distinction, in which it is often quality. Therefore, the firm decided to increase the price of the bike to $750. The increase in expenditures with respect to advertising and PR can also be justified by the price markup. It is more difficult to sell higher priced goods and therefore an extra effort should be taken to minimize loss of sales. At this point in time, the management team did not have the clearance level to make decisions revolving around operations. However, based on reports, seniors believed that it would be best to maintain a constant production level, slightly differing from the 18, 100 units produced in the prior year. Although the production remained consistent, the ending inventory at the end of the year had increased by 58%, forcing the firm to incur expenses associated with inventory storage. At this time, this is all that can be reported with respect to operations. Once again, the financial decisions for 201 5 were made by higher up management. The firm had began with a debt to equity ratio of 30%, in which it was incapable of paying this year due to lack of funding. However, the increase in retained earnings resulted in an increase in shareholders equity, immediately decreasing the debt percentage by 9%, to 210/6. Although no action was taken during this period, the management team is placing emphasis on the repayment of the debt as soon as possible as it will limit our expenses, with specific regards to interest. Firm Results and Analysis For the firms sole product line of mountain bikes, Bikes Bikes Bikes decided to increase the price from 5700 to $750 following its decision to implement a high price, low volume strategy to increase our sales revenue by 10%. Thus, he companys bikes are sold at the third highest price overall (second to two firms with a set price of 5770). Comparing the prices implemented this year to the common price of $700 last year, it appears that most firms also imposed a high price strategy. With a higher price, product demand was expected to decrease, so the firm invested more money towards advertising (of $1 million) and PR (of $700,000) to raise demand for the companys products in the market. Compared to the competitors, the firm had the third highest advertising budget and the highest for PR (at $1 00,000 more than the next leading firm). The objective here was to increase demand enough to generate more revenue by selling more bikes at a relatively higher price than all the other firms. Since the mountain bike is highly influenced by advertising opposed to PR, by spending more than most competitors in PR but not for advertising expense, the firm did not gain as much sales and market share as originally expected. From the overall decrease in demand, demand forecast accuracy also fell from 100% to 97%. In 2015, there was a total sales of $8,635,575. Similarly, cost of goods sold and gross margin fell to $4, 1 96,650 and $4,438,925 respectively. Coupled with the expenses of $2,334,931, the result was a net income of $1 ,373,478 ($94,452 less than 2014), which showed room for improvement in sales and expense management. This year, the firm placed fifth in net income in the industry, and the fourth highest in sales and cost of goods sold, but the highest in selling and distribution expenses. This lead to more cash being expended than earned as revenue, which impacted the firms profitability and placed the firm at the fourth highest in cash balance overall at $3,748,711. With a current asset value of $3,832,575, this signifies that the majority of the rims current assets is comprised of cash. Therefore, the firm is in a very good position to meet its short term obligations, as a current ratio of 6. 51 means having over 6 times more assets than liabilities due within the coming year. This is a significant Increase in liquidity from the current ratio of 3. 87 in 2014, as a result of $1 ,674,770 increase in current assets with only a $31 , 292 increase in current liabilities. Despite the overall decrease in net income this year, the firms return on sales, return on equity and gross margin percentage ratios increased from 2014 (by 0. 01%, 1. 83% and 2. 1% respectively). This means that the amount of generated income from each dollar of equity and sales is now greater, as well as a higher amount of revenue retained as gross profit this year. Out of all the firms, Bikes Bikes Bikes has the fourth highest value for each of the profitability ratios. This means that although our firm experienced more profitability this year, there is still much more to be done to keep the firm at a competitive advantage. Based on the companys overall performance, Bikes Bikes Bikes experienced an increase in SHIP of $1. 97, as well as an increase in earnings per share of 7 cents. The firm has the fifth highest increase in both categories out of the world (with even the next highest having growth of $1. 02 and 73 cents respectively). However, this signifies a relatively stale growth in comparison to all other competitors and a need to increase efforts in hopes of improving company performance. This year, our production remained at constant levels from 2014 (at 45% production, 15% wastage and 40% idle time). In the market, the firm had the fourth highest in production and subsequently the second highest in idle time percentage. As the wastage percentage is also linked to production, our firm as the second lowest wastage percentage out Of all the firms as well. Thus, we began with 150 units in inventory, produced 1 7,918 additional bike for sales and resulting with an ending inventory of 354 units. The firms inventory turnover ratio decreased from 71. 63 to 70. 2, which means the time needed to sell our inventory increased. Moreover, though carrying costs were forecasted at $4,306,804, the firm ended up with only $4,1 96,650 in the end. For all our operations and decisions this year, we decided to use cash as the only source of financing due to our objective of minimizing debt-to-equity Asia. Currently, due to the existing long term debt of SSL the debt to equity ratio was 0. 21 in 2015. In 2014, the firms debt-to-equity ratio was 0. 3, showing progress due to increased revenue. In comparison, most competitors have a lower debt-to-equity ratio at 0. 19, so it is important to further increase sales and decrease incurred debt in order to catch up with other firms. The companys main source of cash activity involved operating activities, including sales revenue, advertising, PR, salaries and other operating expenses. Our budgeted performance for 201 5 was an inflow of 1 ,884,943, though in actuality, our cash inflow from operations only amounted to $1 As expenditures Were controlled based on management decisions, one of the primary underlying reasons for the shortfall would be due to less revenue generated during the period than forecasted. Though no cash investing activities involving property, plant and equipment occurred, cash movement was present in financing activities. From the existing long term debt of $1 an interest expense of $80,000 was incurred. Coupled with the bank interest earned from cash, a final cash outflow of 321 ,873 occurred. To increase the amount of cash available to insane our operations, the firm should reduce cash outflow from debt and interest. Summary Conclusion TO restate, Bikes Bikes Bikes goal for the year of 2015 was to obtain a increase in sales. The strategy implemented to achieve this goal was correlated with the process of increasing advertising expenditures and production. After a thorough analysis, it was determined that Bikes Bikes Bikes was unsuccessful in achieving this goal because it did not meet the targeted sales revenue. It was specified that we would be able to achieve the goal if our sales had increased from $8,1 90,000 to $ 9,009,000. However, Bikes Bikes Bikes sales for the year had only reached $8,625,575. Moreover, in comparison to competitors, we placed 4th in sales ranking. Since the firm was incapable of living up to the goals, Bikes Bikes Bikes plans to improve this performance by carefully analyzing our information again and appropriately making decisions that will help the firm grow. STRATEGIES, RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: 2016 Following a year of steady performance in 2016, Bikes Bikes Bikes identified a need to further improve its operations in order to better compete within the market. The firm was unable to meet its goal of increasing revenue by 1 0%, ailing short by $383,425. Moreover, the firm ranked fourth in revenue and fifth highest out of all firms for SHIP at SSL 2,79 per share. To better the performance of the company while maximizing SHIP and market share, Bikes Bikes Bikes aims to increase the price of bikes as well as the branding budget in order to generate a higher level of sales. Moreover, by reducing unneeded expenditures like PR expense and excess production costs, the firm plans to maximize net earnings to put the company in a far more competitive and profitable position in the market in the future. Marketing, Operational, and Financial Strategies After critical analysis of 2015, the management team had strong evidence that competing firms had adopted similar high price strategies and that the 50$ increase was not enough. Therefore, a 5$ increase was implemented to be able to compete within the market. Also, the enticed investment in advertising was outshone by the larger investment of other firms. With respect to PR, Our firm incurred a useless expense as it became evident that mountain bikes have a low response rate. As a result, an increase in advertising was prominent and the immediate reduction of PR to O was implemented. This year the team had the opportunity to increase investment in branding. Since one of the firms main goals revolves around raising awareness, expenditures on branding are to have a significant impact, and therefore funds were allocated towards this expense. With consistency to maintaining a high quality image, Bikes Bikes Bikes focuses its strategies on having Sports and Bike stores stock our products. Sports and Bikes stores are often correlated with selling high priced quality bikes such as mountain and road bikes. With future plans to expand into the road bike segment, the team determined that it would be of present day and true value to offer support to these stores, in hopes of providing extra incentive to stock our bike line, and lines in the future. However, a malfunction occurred within the systems just as we were submitting the amounts and instead of transferring $75,000 and $300,000 to Bike Shops and Sports Stores respectively, the amounts submitted were 575 and $300. However, the firm plans to make a complete 360 and administer the accurate amounts in the coming days. Bikes Bikes Bikes decided to continue providing stores with 35% retailer margin as it provides them with higher incentive to stock our bike line. Again this year, the management team did not have the access needed to make financial decisions and therefore could not implement any strategies at this point in time. However, as shareholders equity continues to increase over the years, and the companys decision to not take out a loan has decreased the debt to equity ratio by 6%, bringing it down to 15% for this year. This year the firm experienced a significant increase in cash of 61 % from the 2015 balance, placing Bikes Bikes Bikes at an advantage since it acquires the second highest value. For the single bike line, Bikes Bikes Bikes decided to further increase the price o $755 in compliance with a high price, low volume strategy. Thus, the firms bikes now have the second highest price in the market. As a result, demand and sales volume for the firms bikes decreased further, from 17,714 units last year to 1 7,376 units. Our Performa sales amount was 18,148 units, so the actual result did not achieve the intended level and our demand forecast accuracy fell by 2%. In regards to advertising and PR, a decision was made to decrease the budgets to $950,000 and SO respectively. For advertising, this decrease caused the firm to now spend the second least in advertising. As a mountain bikes demand is minimally influenced by PR ratings, it was concluded that there would be no gain in allocating funds towards PR expense. Thus, the firm has an awareness rating increased from 0. 2 to 0. 22 (the fourth highest overall) and a PR rating of 0. 6, a 0. 04 drop from last year (now at fourth place in the industry). Regarding distribution, retailer margins were maintained at a 35-75 split of revenue with retailers (while other firms varied between sharing 25% or 40% with retailers). In terms of extra support, the firm decided to focus more on supporting sports stores, the most popular Handel to sell mountain bikes (at a support amount of $305 compared to $75 for bike stores and $50 for discount stores). Aside from one firm that chose to give SO of extra support, we provided the lowest amount of extra support. Overall, our firm provided the second most distribution support to retailer at $202,365, second only to the firm who spent $290,771 in total. Thus, the company now has a distribution rating of 0. 4 (which doubled from 201 5) and now has the second highest rating in the industry (only 0. 05 less than the leading firm). For sports stores in particular, 319 stores now stocking he companys bikes (14 more than 201 5) which is the third highest number overall. For bike and discount stores, the amount of stores stocking the firms products reached 76 and 201 stores respectively, the second highest amount of stores stocking for both. This year, production level was decreased from 17,918 units to 17,370 units to reduce expenses, ending inventory and carrying costs. The result was the firm having the fifth highest production percentage (at 43%, with the highest in the industry at 54%), the lowest wastage (at 14%, a 1% decrease from 201 6) and the highest idle time (at 42%). In the end, 348 units of ending inventory, and carrying costs of $4,1 17,843 were recorded, but no lost sales occurred (keeping the firms delivery rating at 1. 0 like all other firms). Inventory turnover ratio fell from 49. 57 to 5. This year, showing a far longer period of time to sell inventory, achieve sales and generate revenue (compared to 2015). By continuing to aim for a minimal debt-to-equity ratio, the firm only used cash to finance its operations this year as well. Overall, the firm experienced a increase in cash inflow from operations to $2,295,274 no activity in cash flow room investing and a decrease in cash outflow from financing o f $4,746 compared to 2015. This was due to increased sales revenue, reduced expenses as well as increased cash balance earning interest in the bank exceeding the interest expense from long term debt. In 201 6, the debt-to- equity ratio decreased from 0. 21 to 0. 15, which is relatively the second highest debt-to-equity ratio overall (the lowest being O. 13). In 201 6, the firm generated a net income of $1 from $8,527,272 in revenue, $4,117,843 in cost of goods sold, and $1,649,915 in expenses. Comparatively, this is the fifth highest revenue and cost of goods sold values of all firms (the highest with $1 1 in revenue and 54,71 6,443 in cost of goods sold). By reducing expenses on areas like PR by $685,026 in total, Bikes Bikes Bikes now has the lowest amount of expenses overall. The companys cash balance this year was $6,061 12, signifying an increase of $2,31 2,401 in cash from 2015. Thus, Bikes Bikes Bikes now has the second highest amount of cash in all. With a current assets balance of $6,143,583, this means that over 98% of the firms current assets is comprised of cash that can be used to pay off obligations and finance our operations. Despite an increase of $1 81 , 359 in current liabilities, the firms current ratio increased from 6. 51 to 7. 8 in 201 6, representing that the company is in an even better position to meet current obligations for the year while continuing its operations. This year, the firms return on sales and gross margin percentage increased by 3. 85% and O. 19% respectively. Incidentally, our return on equity ratio decreased by 5. 99%. As a result, the firm now has the third highest return on sales, gross margin percentage and return on equity ratios. This shows considerable room for improvement. The firms earnings per share increase d from $1. 37 to $1. 86, which is now the third highest in the world.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Sex and culture essays

Sex and culture essays Throughout history views about sex have been defined and redefined by each and every culture. To many virginity is viewed as sacred and cherish able, where as others, it means little. After taking a close look into the Asian, White, Black, Indian and Hispanic culture in the twenty first century we are able to still see the many differences each share, and how cultural influence, along with a growing population of sexual liberals have effected these races views. Also, we will see how a few of these races have changed their views over the many decades that have passed. First we will examine the White or Caucasian race, which is very familiar to many of us. To better clarify my meaning of the white race I wish only to examine the most familiar to me, the America, Caucasians. When looking back throughout history at the American White race, we are able to see the views of sexuality and virginity change dramatically. In the early 1930s many of the members of the White race held strong religious belief that sex was sacred and only to be active within the realms of marriage. Virginity was especially special and people were looked down upon for having lost it before married. In the social aspects, sex was unpopular to speak of or show publicly. This way of collective thinking can be viewed through the music, movies, and media of that time. In many of the silent films people never share a kiss and it was thought of risky to share physical contact. The music was soft and slow without any regard to sexual desire or action. Sharon Ullman states in Sex Seen, The Victorian world of homosocial relationships gradually gave way to one of the heterosocial associations. American men and women have always socialized in some fashion; however, such connections-particularly among unmarried individuals-were closely regulated in the early twentieth century, an era of gender-segregated friendships and social networks. Though such networks survive ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

McDonald's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

McDonald's - Essay Example Being in operation in over 90 countries in the world makes financial and economic trends an important factor in the company’s operations. The choice whether to import resources or purchase them locally is a vital element. Another principal element is the level of taxes that the company is liable to pay; how much do tariffs cost on specific brought in raw materials? What is the level of taxation for multinational corporations? What is the level of unemployment? (McDonalds, 2015). Growing and constantly changing ways of life can have a consequence on the performance of sales. Persons increasingly are looking for more fare that is sophisticated when they venture out to eat. Hamburgers and French fries are not as exceptional as before. Furthermore, while individuals in western states such as the US may enjoy hamburgers and chips (French fries) as they are commonly called, individuals in Asian states, for instance, favor rice. In the past, McDonald’s has recommended a rice burger in China and the company is currently supporting rice to be eaten for supper in that area. Although technology may be seen to play a limited function in the fast food sector, the perception is misguided right at the core. Actually, high technology supports organizations develop their management and output, at the same time cutting on wasted time and assets. It can aid with arrangement, collation, estimating sales and customer traffic, and efficient modes of payment. Technology can additionally be employed for easy, cheap marketing on the World Wide Web. In the current times, individuals care about restoring and safeguarding the environment. They care about issues such as environmental pollution and the consequences that waste packing methods are having on the environs. In the recent past, McDonald’s was put to task by conservationist over the polystyrene wrapping that