Friday, December 27, 2019

Issues Regarding Corporate Governance Of Companies

Issues regarding corporate governance of companies are growing in importance. Corporate governance involves ‘the system of rules, practices and processes by which a company is directed and controlled’ (Investopedia, 2014). A company should treat all its stakeholders with respect and integrity. A controversial branch of governance is the extent to which executives gain compensation. This may or may not reflect their performance or be within the best interests of their shareholders; who are the owners of the company. Since the formation of the limited company, whereby management is separated from ownership an agency problem has emerged, as executives and other directors’ aims may not be in line with shareholders’ interests. Different†¦show more content†¦They highlight the arm’s length contracting view, recognising that executives do not automatically serve their shareholders, while directors can be relied on by shareholders. However, t his has not always been so. It was stated that independent directors who were generous with the CEO, might reasonably expect the CEO to use their bully pulpit to support higher director compensation (Bebchuck and Fried, 2002 p30). It seems feasible that agreements which benefit top executives and other directors at the same time could occur; with shareholders ultimately losing out. Psychological factors can also influence independent director’s decisions. Bebchuck and Fried (2002) highlighted that many had some prior connection to the CEO or other senior executives, and even suggested that independent directors that did not know the CEO may begin with a sense of obligation and loyalty (p31). It could therefore be that an independent board members incentives are inclined at the start towards favoring executives. This could overshadow the rewards shareholders gain when the company is performing well or equally when the company is under performing, whereby executives could exploit gains independently of performance. The authors hold strong credentials with Bebchuck being a director of corporate governance program at Harvard Law School, and Freid being a professor of law. Although they are American authors,

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Abc Kitchens - 1991 Words

Abstract ABC Complete Kitchens, Inc. has a plan to develop framework and strategy of building a new plant in six months within a Midwestern U.S community. The previous presentation has shown the whole activities for this establishment. However, due to the world economic crisis, we must carefully consider the effect of the economic factors to the operations of our new factory. Therefore, due to limited time and resources, only some major macro and micro economic factors that could directly impact on our plant operations such as inflation, unemployment and financial issues, will be discussed in this paper. Besides, legal considerations including crime, torts, liability and foreign legal system which possibly cause bad effect to the†¦show more content†¦2. Adverse effect The world economy as well as the US economy is facing a lot of difficulties such as financial issues, high inflation and unemployment rate, and bankruptcy. Not only big customers but also individual ones have to cut down spending. Potential customers such as restaurants, hotels and conventional centers are the subjects which were strictly affected by the economic crisis. They also loose a significant number of customers which causes a bad effect to their spending and profit. Besides big customers, our individual ones are also affected by the unemployment, income reduction, and high cost of living. They need to spend less money for unnecessary household commodities like kitchen implements. The recession also causes difficulty for real estate market. A lot of construction projects are pending while they are considered to be a big customer for kitchen equipments. The sales of high-grade products will go down first because these products are mostly made for high-income customers. It is difficult for us to get profit from such products as kitchen cupboard and equipment with sophisticated design. 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Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Impairment Loss For Cash Generating Units Excluding Goodwill

Question: Discuss About The Impairment Generating Excluding Goodwill? Answer: Introduction In order for a company to perform its daily operations, it will need to invest in assets such as machinery, property, plant and equipment, factories, land etc. The purpose of these assets is to assist the company to generate revenue. However, as time passes by, an asset can become obsolete or damaged resulting in a change in value. This change in value is referred to as impairment. However, it is rare to find an asset that generates cash flows independent of other assets. For example, an airline company will own planes and licenses which it will list under its assets. If each of these assets is invested in alone, it cannot generate cash flows. In other words, the airline cannot own planes without a license to operating. Similarly, the airline cannot have a license without owning a few planes. This combination of assets is what is referred to as a cash generating unit (CGU). Just like individual assets, a CGU can also be impaired In 2008, one of the scandals witnessed by ABC Learning was related to overvaluation of assets, specifically the improper valuation of its childcare subsidiaries and goodwill (Koch, 2009).Consequently, there has been a lot of attention to the impairment practices of companies (Andersson Wenzel, 2014). In this essay, I discuss how a company should recognize impairment losses and the steps they should take to measure these losses with respect to cash generating units excluding goodwill. Definition of Impairment Losses and Cash Generating Units The amendments on how to treat impairment losses in cash generating units are contained in Australian Accounting Standards Board 136 (also known as AASB 136). AASB 136 defines an impairment loss as follows- carrying amount of CGU less recoverable amount of cash generating unit (AASB, 2015). In general, the recoverable amount is the amount that is obtained via using or selling an asset. AASB 136 is applicable to the following list of assets- land, goodwill, building, machinery, intangible assets, equipment, subsidiaries, joint ventures, and subsidiaries. However, the rules do not apply to the following assets- inventory, contract assets, investment property or insurance contract (AASB, 2015, p. 6). Cash Generating Units are defined as assets/group of assets that are able to generate cashflows independent of another group of assets (AVC Learning, 2017). Measurement of Impairment Losses for a Cash Generating Unit AASB 136 paragraph 9 and 10 requires assessment of assets and CGUs for impairment to be done at end of reporting period and on an annual basis for intangible assets and goodwill (AASB, 2015, p. 8). If there are indicators that indeed a Cash Generating Unit is impaired, then the company must calculate the CGUs recoverable amount and compare it to the CGUs carrying value (AASB, 2015). The carrying amount is the value of the asset as stated in the financial statement less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (AASB, 2015, p. 7). The CGUs recoverable amount is calculated as the maximum of value in use and fair value less cost to sell. We define the fair value less cost to sell as how much a company will realize from selling the CGU. The value in use is the present value of discounted future cash flows that is attached to using this combination of assets (AASB, 2015). When a CGUs recoverable amount is lower than the carrying value, then the CGU is impaired. Otherwise, when the CGUs recoverable amount is greater than its carrying value and there have been no previous impairments, the CGU is not impaired consequently, the company should do nothing (AASB, 2015). An impairment loss in respect to a CGU is recognized by reducing its carrying amount. The loss will then first be allocated to any goodwill, then next it will be allocated to other assets within the CGU in proportion to their carrying amount (AVC Learning, 2017). It is important to ensure that each assets carrying amount within a CGU does not fall below the maximum of the following numbers: a) zero b) value in use c) and fair value less costs to sell (Holt, 2012 Subject to limits, the unallocated amounts would then be allocated again back to other assets within a Cash Generating Unit (Holt, 2012). Reversal of Impairment Losses in Cash Generating Unit Impairments can be reversed when the conditions which led to its impairment in the first place has been lifted. AASB 136 paragraphs 110 require these conditions to be assessed annually (AASB, 2015, p. 21). If conditions have been lifted, then the company should calculate the recoverable amount. If carrying value is less than the CGUs recoverable amount then impairment reversal can take place subject to a limit of no more than the ceiling. AASB 136 paragraph 117 defines the ceiling as the assets carrying amount, had no impairments taken place (AASB, 2015, p. 22). Conclusion Many assets generate cash flows in a combination as opposed to individually. This group of assets is referred to as cash generating unit or simply a CGU. Similarly to individual assets, a CGU can change in value over time due to damage of individual assets and other factors. Therefore, it is important that the company regularly checks for impairment indicators, to assess if there are changes in values. The purpose of this check is to avoid reporting of overvalued assets which could distort a companys financial statements or forecasts and thus not reflect its true and fair value. References AASB. (2015, August). AASB 136: Impairment of Assets. Retrieved from Australian Accounting Standards Board: https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content105/c9/AASB136_08-15.pdf Andersson, S., Wenzel, F. (2014). Application of IAS 36- Impairment of Fixed Assets. A qualitative study. University of Gothenburg, School of Business, Economics and Law. AVC auditing. (2017, April 1). CGU and Allocation of Impairment Loss. Standard You Tube management. Holt, G. (2012, March). An amendment to IAS 36 . Retrieved from ACCA GLOBAL: https://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/member/discover/cpd-articles/corporate-reporting/goodwill-cgus.html Koch, D. (2009, November). The ABC of a Corporate Collapse. CPA Australia. Vogt, M., Pletsch, C., Moras, V., Klann, R. C. (2015). Determinants of Goodwill Impairment Loss Recognition. Sao Paulo: Paper presented at the XV USP Controlling and Accounting Congress.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Dark Ages Essay Example

The Dark Ages Essay Introduction During the reign of the Roman Empire, Europe had advanced in terms of technology and literal work as well as education. During this time, civilization had boomed with many cities being built that facilitated structured formal civilization. During this time agriculture, economy and trade had boomed. It is also a time when literal work was at its peak during those ages. However, towards the fifth century, the roman army was loosing grip of the empire due to economic, political, social and military hardships. The army was becoming increasingly unable to defend the territory during the barbarian invasions and lost. Upon loosing, what was left of the Roman Empire was destruction and stagnation in economy as well as hardship since the civilization had been lost. After the fall, many regions of the territory including Europe were left in social, economic and literal crisis. Several centuries after the fall of the empire literal work was limited and development went down. This has come to be known as the Dark Ages of Europe where there is little known to historians about what was happening at the time. It took a few centuries and great efforts from different parts of Europe including Irish people in coming out of the dark ages through their efforts in preserving of the literal work done before the fall of the Roman Empire. We will write a custom essay sample on The Dark Ages specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Dark Ages specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Dark Ages specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Meaning of Dark Ages The Dark Age represents the first centuries after the fall of Roman Empire and before the middle ages that left Europe quite susceptible to violent warlords, natural calamities such as famine, disease and economic downturn. The term was used as a metaphor to show the contrast between the prior ages and after the dark ages when there was development in both economics and literal work that resulted from education at the time (Mommsen, 1942). The dark ages denotes a time when literal work was limited and hardly any literal production was realized at the time. It characterizes a period during which historical records and other written materials were scarce. Further, it was a period when very few people knew how to write and read. The darkness described was an intellectual one where very little intellectual work took place compared to the period before and after (Mommsen, 1942). Why the Dark Ages were Dark What made the dark ages dark was the effect of lack of intellectual capacity and the waves of war and invasions that followed as well as the theological teachings that advocated that only what was in the bible was true. During the Roman Empire, much of the territories within Europe were unified and well protected by the roman army. This had contributed to an economic, political as well as social development across the whole of Europe. After the fall, maintaining the unification was hard without the protection of the Roman Empire leaving the territories open for grabbing by the warlords that were seeking power. Waves of war accompanied by cultural, economic, political and literal work declined almost to a standstill (Snodgrass, 2000). During the invasions, the barbarians left nothing standing including buildings, arts and even schools. Thus, knowledge was only left to a few people within the monasteries. Without knowledge and literal work for reference, Europe was left in a mess where productivity in all aspects went down. The main reason it was named Dark Age was lack of learning and production of arts or literal work. People were in no position to learn and produce such works due to the hard times of the Dark Age especially warfare from the warlords that roamed through out Europe. This lasted for several centuries before the middle ages when the Europeans started the work of thinking and advancing again. However, this was influenced by the eastern territories that had not been conquered by the barbarians such as China and India where great civilizations thrived during the 1000s.During the invasions by warlords, food would be stolen, people killed, and cities destroyed. This would live the people homeless and wit hout food. What made it quite dark was the lack of intellectual material and lack of scholars to advance the available knowledge. Lack of knowledge made it impossible to advance economically and the people within this age lived a devastating life. It is a time when a third of Europe’s population was lost to plagues that ravaged the territory. At this time, the only formal education was found in church, which acted as the unifying power. The Christian teachings taught that whatever was not in the bible was not true and people should not have to do what is outside of the biblical teachings. Thus, if biblical teachings did not support scientific discoveries, people were not supposed to study science. Thus, the people living in this age only clung to the hope that a better life awaits them in heaven. The hardships during this time made the dark ages dark. Coming out of the dark ages The dark ages had left Europe in crisis and people had lost al hope. Although civilization had stopped in Europe, other territories continued with scientific discoveries. Some of the territories that continued with civilization were Israel, India, China and other territories in the east. During the Dark Age when the Catholic Church was considered the ruler of Europe, the pope ordered crusades. The crusades were religious wars that aimed at restoring access of Christians to Jerusalem. During the Dark Age after some of the invasions, Christians were stopped from accessing Jerusalem. This did not go down well with the Catholic Church tat considered Jerusalem a sacred city that represented the three Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islamic. Thus, the crusades were started in an effort to regain access (Snodgrass, 2000). During the crusades, the warriors who went there interacted with the people they met in the eastern territories and realized there was better civilization than back at Europe. Soon, the crusaders would return home with new technology and skills. As the crusades went on, more was realized and the Europeans interacted with newer architecture, arts and other literal works. It is here that Europe prepared inadvertently to come out of the Dark Age by interacting with other civilizations in the east such as Israel (Snodgrass, 2000). Impact of Ireland in Emerging From Dark Ages During the dark ages, the literal work was lost to many parts of Europe. However, there was a time when efforts to revive the literature was done in the Carolingian period. The Carolingian period represents the period in which efforts were made to revive intellectual and cultural literature and classical texts (Herren, 1981). The Irish during this period had developed a taste for the Latin classical work. There was classical Latin learning in Ireland during the dark ages in the seventh and eighth centuries. The Irish served to protect most of the classical literature through incorporating the principles and ideas in the publications between the ninth and subsequent centuries. During this time, some English scholars went to study in Ireland. â€Å"What, pray, I beseech you eagerly, is the benefit to the sanctity of the orthodox faith to expend energy by reading and studying the foul pollution of base Proserpina, which I shrink from mentioning in plain speech †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Herren, 1981). Further continuation implies that Aldhelm’s disciple went to Ireland to study since he was preparing to go to Ireland. In coming out of the dark ages, Ireland had a significant impact through preserving of the classical literature. The Chivalric Code During the dark ages, many warriors emerged paying loyalty to a leader who would be from their tribe. Their quest was adventure and conquering. Many of the warlords sought their services in the invasions. They were highly trained with their training going for many years. Working for the small warlords the knights were brutal and went around taking anything they want when the Dark Age progressed (Moelker and Kummel 2007). However, powerful people began to reunite the European knights, where a code of conduct was set out to prevent them from engaging in brutal activity. The code set out came to be known as the chivalric code describing how a knight was supposed to treat others within the society especially the weak such as women. It required knights to be gentle and courteous towards women and during their conquest. In modern times, this can be considered a code of ethics that seeks to regulate how the powerful within the society should treat the weak (Moelker and Kummel 2007). However, in military field it would mean stopping women from becoming soldiers since it considers women as weak. Conclusion Warfare and invasions by warlords in Europe was heightened after the roman empire fell. The Roman Empire had established formal structures and governments, laws and formal education that played a crucial role in the economic and social development. When it fell, all this was lost including the literature at the time. The great civilizations were lost in the destruction by ranging wars. It took an effort of several territories and the church as well to get Europe out of the Dark Age. Annotations Herren M. (1981). Classical and Secular Learning among the Irish before the Carolingian Renaissance. Florilegium, 3: 118-157. The article seeks to present evidence about learning in Ireland during the dark ages that many scholars have not accounted for. The Carolingian period represents the period in which efforts were made to revive intellectual and cultural literature and classical texts. The Irish during this period had developed a taste for the Latin classical work. There was classical Latin learning in Ireland during the dark ages in the seventh and eighth centuries. The Irish served to protect most of the classical literature through incorporating the principles and ideas in the publications between the ninth and subsequent centuries. The article further cites that some Englishmen studied at the generosity of the Irish in their land at their expense as well. Thus, Ireland played a crucial role in coming out of the Dark Age through studying and reserving the classical literature. The article illustrated proof that the Irish people exploited the opportunity to study Latin classical literature during the Dark Ages. It portrayed the role that Irish played in coming out of the Dark Ages as that of academic scholars interested in continuing to study classical literature, preserving it and educating the English students simultaneously. Herren discussed various instances of individual accounts of people during the Dark Ages such as Aldhelm. â€Å"What, pray, I beseech you eagerly, is the benefit to the sanctity of the orthodox faith to expend energy by reading and studying the foul pollution of base Proserpina, which I shrink from mentioning in plain speech †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Herren, 1981). Further continuation implies that Aldhelm’s disciple went to Ireland to study since he was preparing to go to Ireland. The article provides a good account of the impact Ireland had on the world in emerging from the Dark Age. Moelker, R. Kummel, G. (2007). Chivalry and Codes of Conduct: Can the Virtue of Chivalry Epitomize Guidelines for Interpersonal Conduct? Journal of Military Ethics, 6 (4): 292-302. This article was published in the journal of military ethics asking a question about the relation or relevance of chivalry codes of conduct and their relation to interpersonal conduct. The article cites that there exists doubt about chivalry being a virtue or just a code of conduct for the military, considering it is not a theological or cardinal virtue. However, some philosophy, tradition and history have been found to regard chivalry as a virtue, describing the agreed conduct of a knight in the middle ages. It contains codes of courteous behaviors that are formal or informal, making interpersonal behavior civilized. It seeks to regulate the behavior between the two genders within the social interaction. The article seeks to find out whether the chivalric code of conduct provides a guideline for leading a virtuous life. the chivalric code represented the expected behavior or conduct of a knight in his quest for adventure, conquering, serving in the army and relating to others within the society such as women with care and love. The article refers back to the historical contexts meaning of chivalry, which meant a definition between roles of men to women. â€Å"Despite this, archaic, symbolic, or anachronistic forms of chivalry may have survived, in which the male was perceived as strong, and protector while the female was perceived as weak, passive, in need of protection, and courteously treated† (Moelker and Kummel 2007). As the chivalric code described how the knights should treat women or those, considered weak in the society, so does the modern world need to treat others with courtesy. The contemporary world should be able to adopt some of the features of the chivalric code that prescribed how men should treat women and weaker people in the society. The article implied that considering chivalric behavior as a virtue would exclude women from serving in the military, as they were considered weak and in need of protection. I agree with the authors that chivalry is a benevolent sexism that excludes wo men. However, it applies in other contexts within the modern society such as protecting the weaker people including women from violence. This article is quite useful in defining the chivalric code and answering the question of its relevance to modern ethics. Mommsen T.E. (1942). Petrarch’s Conception of the ‘Dark Ages. Speculum, 17 (2): 226 – 242. The article presents a conception of the Dark Ages as portrayed by Petrarch, an Italian poet and scholar, as well as one of the earliest humanists in the 14th century. The article cites that the Dark Ages, in its most popular meaning, is used to denote the period in which there was an intellectual depression in the European history that corresponds with the Middle Ages. The Dark Ages and Middle ages have been used to describe the same period but from different perspectives. However, the two names have come to be distinguished as representing two different ages. â€Å"But they have come to be distinguished, and the dark ages are now no more than the first part of the middle age while the mediaeval is often restricted to the later centuries, about 1100 to 1500,† (Mommsen, 1942). The Dark Age now represents the age between the fall of the Roman Empire and revival of the literature. The article clarifies the meaning of the dark ages in details, stating what period can be considered as the Dark Age since it is supposed to represent an era when intellectual work or literature was limited. It clears the controversy contained in considering the Dark Age as the same period as the Middle Ages. Its credibility is entailed in the use of Petrarch’s conception of the Dark Age, and middle age considering he wrote during the middle ages. The fact that the article borrows from Petrarch’s idea who wrote during the middle ages implies that the Dark Age, which represents an age of intellectual depression, could not be the same as the Middle ages since he produced literal work. This makes the definition of the Dark Ages as being an era of intellectual depression agreeable. Snodgrass, A.M. (2000). The Dark Age of Greece: An Archaeological Survey of the Eleventh to the Eighth Centuries BC. Edinburgh, UK: Edinburgh University Press, The book is written after new archeological evidence has been found supporting the idea of a dark age. Snodgrass presents the evidence that provides an insight into what the Dark Age represented by showing some of the reasons it was considered so. He starts by defining the Dark Age in the first chapter, The Concept of a Dark Age. â€Å"There if a far-off island of knowledge, or perhaps knowledge; then darkness; then the beginning of continuous history,† (Snodgrass, 2000). By this, he defines the meaning of Dark Age, which is a period in which history was not well recorded due to lack of literal materials. It is between two eras, the first one being an age where information or knowledge is available to an age when information is not available followed by a continuous history well recorded. He further provides evidence of why it was considered dark. At the time, there was scholarly scarcity, and people who lived in this age were poor, isolated and aware of the lost skills. The b ook shows a period of discontinuity in development, intellectual knowledge and other issues present before and after the Dark Age. Information regarding this age was scarce, consequently limiting our knowledge about it. This is what qualifies it as a dark age. Through providing strong evidence of the dark age in terms of scholarly and life during this period, the author manages to provide a detailed lens through which to look at Europe’s experience during this age by focusing on Greece. It depicts the experiences of the Dark Age to the people who lived in it, thus providing a good account of the Dark Age. Considering the author makes use of evidence from archeological data collected recently, it provides students with a source of information about how the Dark Age might have affected those who lived in it and reasons it is considered dark. It helps in answering the question on what made the Dark Age dark. References Herren M. (1981). Classical and Secular Learning among the Irish before the Carolingian Renaissance. Florilegium, 3: 118-157. Moelker, R. Kummel, G. (2007). Chivalry and Codes of Conduct: Can the Virtue of Chivalry Epitomize Guidelines for Interpersonal Conduct? Journal of Military Ethics, 6 (4): 292-302. Mommsen T.E. (1942). Petrarch’s Conception of the ‘Dark Ages. Speculum, 17 (2): 226 – 242. Snodgrass, A.M. (2000). The Dark Age of Greece: An Archaeological Survey of the Eleventh to the Eighth Centuries BC. Edinburgh, UK: Edinburgh University Press,

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Microsoft vs. Apple

Introduction Apple incorporation is an international company that deals in electronic gadgets, computer software and hardware. Its operations began on 1ST April 1976 through the efforts of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as the founders. Apple incorporation mainly specializes in the manufacture of iPhone, iPod, Macintosh computers and iPad which is the latest computer technology. It is currently the world’s largest technology company and the second largest in the world after Exxon Mobil.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Microsoft vs. Apple specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Microsoft is a corporation based in America that deals in developing of a vast collection of computer software and licenses. Bill Gates founded it in the year 1975 together with his friend Paul Allen. Its growth was mainly achieved from the famous windows operating systems and their tricky business licensing rights as seen in the MS-DOS. Micr osoft is also well known for its most preferred office suite in the world that is commonly used for instance the Microsoft office 2003, 2007, 2010 that are common in the computer market (Coursey, 2009, p.1). Differences Since both deal in the development of operating system a distinction is made in the release and their uses. For instance when Microsoft is producing operating systems they produce one operating system but with several versions of the same. This is seen in windows xp where we have service pack one, two and three or in windows vista home basic, business and ultimate. They produce them in such a way that it’s the same only a few features have been improved or upgraded. Contrary Apple releases are final such that only one operating system with no upgrades. They also ensure that their operating systems give their customers maximum satisfaction. Apple specializes in both hardware and software production in that it manufactures the computer itself and the operating s ystem. The Apple operating systems only function on Mac computers which are produced and distributed by Apple incorporation (Coursey, 2009, p.1). Their operating systems do not function well on other non-Apple computers. Unlike Apple, Microsoft only deals in software production and distribution. They do not produce computers and thereby the sell their software to computer manufacturers such as dell, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, Lenovo among others. The computer manufacturers then sell their computer brands with Microsoft operating systems installed.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Microsoft operating systems are compatible with almost all computers. This implies that Microsoft operating system can run on any computer in the world today except the Mac. Unlike Microsoft that runs on many computer brands, Apple operating system and software are only meant for Mac computers only. T his means that apple products are exclusively meant for Mac computers only. Similarities Both Apple and Microsoft corporations are worldwide companies that deal in the development and distribution of computer software and operating system. The most recent Microsoft operating systems include windows seven, vista and server among others while Apple’s most recent is the Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (Bleeker, 2010, p.1). The two companies provide software that help in the running of a computers and other electronic gadgets. The two just like any other businesses have their goals and objectives. These include making profits and satisfying their customers’ wants and needs. They have to make sure they stay in business and it is through this that they have come up with a licensing program. The license helps to prevent imitation of their products and that is why genuine products from both companies have serial numbers or product keys. Conclusion In a nutshell Microsoft and Apple Corporation both deal with software and hardware development and distribution. They mainly aim at providing solutions brought about by the desires and wants of their customers. Their products have become part of our lives that we cannot do without due to their application in the daily lives today. Reference List Bleeker, E. (2010). Apple vs. Microsoft: Who Owns the Future? Retrieved from https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/06/04/apple-versus-microsoft-who-owns-the-future.aspx Coursey, D. (2009). Microsoft vs. Apple: Running stupid, Not Scared. Retrieved from https://www.pcworld.com/article/168603/Microsoft_vs_Apple_Running_Stupid_Not_Scared.html This essay on Microsoft vs. Apple was written and submitted by user N1k0las to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

THE BIRDS ALFRED HITCHCOCK essays

THE BIRDS ALFRED HITCHCOCK essays Alfred Hitchcock was the master of horror thrillers- a genre that he single- handedly created and developed. Hitchcock's films were meant to evoke a blood-curling response from the viewers and the two films that managed to achieve that completely were Psycho and The Birds. The Birds was released in 1963 and while it was a total fantasy with no hint of realism, the director used exceptional camera tricks and photography techniques to convince the viewers that it could actually happen to them. "The Birds was fantasy in purest form. Hitchcock deserted his former dependence on classical unity in plot construction and occupied himself instead with a strictly thematic approach, which, henceforth, became his principal mode of operation. In the wild, savage behavior of the birds he wanted to show the menace which surrounds us everywhere, although we are The film was loosely based on Daphne du Maurier's short story The Birds. But Hitchcock personally chose to make a number of additions and subtractions to enhance the impact of the movie. So it was not solely Maurier's story but it has certainly been a source of inspiration for the film. Hitchcock's camera work and his cinematic genius is a good example of limitation giving birth to immense creativity. With limited technology, Hitchcock managed to create exceptional special effects. For example there were "more than 370 trick shots in this picture and a mixture of fake birds and trained birds, including trained seagulls" and special attention was paid to location. Only some outside scenes were shots at real locations, most other scenes were specifically shot within the studio by recreating the interiors of original buildings. It is quite interesting to learn that most of the aerial shorts were over-blown images of painted mattes that helped achieve an amplified image of the town. Hitchcock used his exceptional camera ski...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Quantitative Portfolio Management - Homework 1 Case Study

Quantitative Portfolio Management - Homework 1 - Case Study Example From the graph, Roy (1952) argued that investors should pick portfolios in order to maximize the likelihood of getting above some threshold minimum return.. Drawing a straight line from this minimum return tangent to the efficient frontier. Lower thresholds result in optimal portfolios with less return / risk, once you have identified the efficient frontier Using the idea that risks come from different sources, a â€Å"single index model† assumes that actual returns can be separated into systematic (i.e. market-related) and firm-specific parts †¦ here, the â€Å"market† (e.g. S&P500 index) is the source of market-related movements in security i: Since there is no perfect match for this assets, that various portfolio combinations of most two-asset portfolios will lie on a curve to the left as you reduce correlation between pairs of assets, you will have to risk for a given level of portfolio return. Result: One portfolio (P) dominates all of the other efficient portfolio on the efficient set Investors who choose combinations of P and the risk-free asset get the highest return for a given level of risk, compared to all other risky