W6 D Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

W6 D - Assignment Example (â€Å"UN, United Nations†, n.d.) The UDHR also, incidentally, is a part of the International Bill of Human Rights, which encompasses several other instruments that work simultaneously in upholding the fundamental rights of individuals regardless of their legal status. Within the ambit of a globalising world, there have been several instances when nation-states, whether collectively or individually, whether by agreement or otherwise, have stepped in to resolve issues of rampant human rights abuses in tyrannical dictatorships and in instances of racial genocides. Recent examples include the NATO intervening in Libya in 2011to stop its long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi from committing such atrocities; the stepping in of the United Nations’ Peace Keeping Forces in Congo, Kosovo, Liberia and Sudan. These are just a few examples when the concept of â€Å"humanitarian intervention† as enshrined in the UN Charter as an exception to general non-intervention gained publi c light and scrutiny. What this means is that, as a general rule, nation-states are prohibited from interfering in the domestic affairs of other states, except when such an intervention is on humanitarian grounds and is justified by its objective of putting a stop to instances of rampant human rights violations occurring in the state. The evolution of this widely agreed, albeit contentious, law can be said to have been triggered by the Nazi pogroms against the Jews. The collective conscience of the world was shocked as the realization dawned on them that while an attempt was made at exterminating a whole race of people, other people of the world chose to look the other way. That should not be allowed to pass ever again. After it has been established with reasonable agreement amongst jurists that an individual is a subject of international law, as opposed to the object of it, the hierarchical position of importance given to its subjects faced a dynamic change. At this juncture, uphol ding the rights of individual attention received a great fillip at the international level, even at the expense of the rights of a nation-state. This can be said to be a gift of the French and American Revolutions and general enlightenment in the body of laws as to the status of individuals. While, on the one hand, slavery, discrimination and other forms of subjugating people were outlawed, states began to be tasked with a greater burden of international accountability with respect to any violations thereof (â€Å"UN Criticized for Using Private Security Firms†, n.d.). Whether or not an intervention is legitimate and in the interest of upholding international justice remains a question with tenuous answers. There is a wide array of justifications provided by intervening states and even more so by states that have been accused of carrying on these violations. There are different questions: whether such an intervention has been sanctioned by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the UN, whether such an intervention was indeed necessitated by the scale of such violations, whether a proportionate amount of force was used, and whether there exist any ulterior motives or vested interests lying at the

Negotiation Strategy Analysis Essay Example for Free

Negotiation Strategy Analysis Essay Negotiations are handled differently by everyone. Some Negotiators are more passive and others extremely direct. Some love the bargaining process and begin the offer extremely low or high for the purpose of playing the negotiating game with their opponent. Others just prefer to have their best cards on the table with a take it or leave it attitude. Negotiators should learn when and how to use different negotiating styles. After all, negotiations play a huge role in business today. Two main negotiating strategies exist; non engagement and Active engagement. Both strategies will be discussed thoroughly to assist in identifying how different strategies may be used in business. â€Å"The California State University faculty has overwhelmingly approved a new four-year labor contract, ending more than two years of contentious bargaining with the administration† (Hoag C., 2012). The contract did not meet all that was hoped for; however, for the most part the amount taken from faculty was greatly diminished. Although, no pay raises will be granted for four years, finally settling on an agreement seems to put most of the faculty at ease. The contract was approved by approximately 91% of members. Faculty recognizes that public employee unions have it far worst and are grateful that they have managed to preserve much of what they have. Although these negotiations started as long and contentious bargaining, in the end the strategy used shifted to more of a non-engagement strategy. As the faculty realized the offer being given was much better than most are offered within their field they avoided further negotiations. They have been working without a contract for the last 2 1/2 years, which plays a role as well on the avoidance of further negotiations. According to (Lewicki, Barry, and Saunders, 2006), Alternatives can influence the usage of this strategy in different ways. If the negotiators has a strong alternative they will likely avoid negotiations due to the inefficiency of wasting time n egotiating with someone when a stronger alternative is present. From another perspective, if the negotiator has a lack of alternatives or a weaker alternative they will likely avoid dispute so that a resolution can be reached quickly. In this case, the faculty decided to avoid further dispute due to the weaker alternative. Seeing others having to give up much more and recognizing that the longer the negotiations last the longer they will be working without a contract influenced their decision tremendously. Another piece of news that demonstrates an alternate form of negotiating strategy is the issue surrounding the FDA’s law concerning graphic images being placed on cigarette packs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 45 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, which are the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. And the World Health Organization predicts smoking could kill eight million people each year by 2030 if governments do not do more to help people quit (REUTERS, 2012). To assist in combating this increasing problem the FDA passed a law requiring that all tobacco companies place a graphic image along with their warning labels. The images range from diseased lungs to rotting teeth. Tobacco groups appealed this decision saying there is no evidence that the graphic images will assist in bringing the number of tobacco users down. â€Å"In a 2-to-1 decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia said that the law, which is administered by the Food and Drug Administration, violated corporate free speech rights† ( REUTER, 2012). This ruling was contradictory to another case seen early in the year making it likely that the Supreme Court will have to make the final decision. In this case, the negotiators are using an active engagement strategy. Rather than obeying the law without question tobacco groups are fighting for their corporate rights. This case is a classic example of distributive and competition bargaining. The outcome will either be that the tobacco groups will lose and will have to abide by the law; or the FDA will win. In this situation one side will get all. The cases mentioned differ as far as the strategy used. For the University of California faculty, the style more accurately reflects integrative style of negotiating. Each side is winning in some respect. They are aware of each other’s ultimate goals and are able to accommodate each other. In the end, the faculty avoid further dispute which is consistent with a non-engagement strategy. On the other hand, in the case concerning the da and tobacco company neither party wants to give in to each other. The FDA is determined to combat the issues resulting from tobacco products; while the tobacco companies are determined to maintain their labels as is. Circumstances surrounding every negotiation will determine which strategy is best to use. However, to become fully competent in making the decision on which strategy to use, one must understand how each strategy applies in real world situations. The two cases mentioned are excellent demonstrations on their usage. References Hoag, C. (2012, September 5). Cal State faculty approve 4-year contract. The Times-Standard. Retrieved from http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_21470909/cal-state-faculty-approve-4-year-contract Lewicki, Barry, and Saunders, (2006). Negotiation 5th ed. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/DownloadList.aspx?assetMetaId=9ef17708-1ddf-4b07-b135-33c10b621f8eassetDataId=a78264a6-2449-41a9-9752-49dfe94ee641 REUTERS, (2012, August 24). Appeals Court Blocks Graphic Warnings on Cigarettes. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/business/tobacco-groups-win-ruling-on-graphic-cigarette-warnings.html

Apparel Brand Research Project Prada

Apparel Brand Research Project Prada BRAND OVERVIEW Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, Miuccia Pradas grandfather, in Milan.   Ã‚   Located in the prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Prada was an exclusive, stylish store selling luggage, accessories and luxury goods, in fine materials and of sophisticated workmanship. The Milan store quickly became a firm favourite with the Italian aristocracy and the most sophisticated members of the European elite. In 1919 Prada received the warrant of Official Supplier of the Italian Royal Household, and since then has been able to display the royal Savoy coat of arms and figure-of-eight knots alongside the company logo. Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli started working together in the late 70s, laying the foundations of the international expansion that was to come. Patrizio Bertelli broke new ground in the luxury goods sector, introducing a new business model in which he kept direct, internal control over all processes, applying uncompromised quality criteria across the entire production cycle. Miuccia Pradas creative talent and avant-garde approach attracted the attention of the global fashion industry, while her ability to look at the world from an unconventional vantage point allowed her not only to anticipate, but quite often, to set new trends. The classic Prada suitcase was made of heavy walrus skin but as plane travel made heavy suitcases impractical, the company started to make lighter bags and high quality items made of crystals, tortoise shell and wood. They also sold garments of waterproof fabrics to the U.S. However the company had gone into decline in the 1970s. 1950 Miuccia Prada was born. By her mid-20s she had a doctorate in political science and in her 30s, she was a communist. In 1970 she started making backpack bags out of waterproof fabric called Pocone. 1979 She took over the Prada family business. Since sales were down, she expanded into luxury tote bags and backpacks in black with flat classic lines, made from nylon. 1985 She launched a line of footwear for women and her first pret-a-porter clothing line, using high quality fabrics. Her clean lines gave her fame, and she came to be known for under-stated elegant garments. 1993 She received an International award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. 1995 She won Designer of the Year award. 1998 Prada opened their first menswear shop in Los Angeles, USA. They also opened new Prada stores in Manhattan and Las Vegas, as well as Miu Mius first North American boutique, in Los Angeles. Prada is now a worldwide empire, with stores in practically every country in the western world. It is a million-dollar concern, with every celebrity wearing Prada clothes. 2. NATURE OF BRAND AND ITS TARGET MARKET The Prada brand targets an international customer base that is modern, sophisticated, attuned to stylistic innovations, and expects craftsmanship of the highest quality.       The brands iconic trademarks, which are readily recognized around the world, incorporate the Savoy coat of arms and Savoy figure-of-eight knot, reflecting its heritage as an official supplier to the former Royal family of Italy. Introduced in the 1980s, Pradas famous black nylon bag with the signature triangle logo has been an enduring classic, with both the nylon bag and the logo becoming icons in the brands history. The Prada brand represents the best of Italian culture and tradition, sophisticated style and uncompromising quality, and as one of the most innovative fashion brands are capable of re-defining the norm and setting new trends. Prada also captured the attention of literary and cinematic audiences when the novel The Devil Wears Prada was first published in 2003, and then was made into a movie in 2006. The Prada brands distinctive originality is built on its unique approach to style, craftsmanship and constant innovation in materials and designs, as we unceasingly exert creativity in the development of fashionable designs, sophisticated fabrics and innovative production techniques. At the heart of the evolution of fashion, we believe Prada has been a sophisticated interpreter of its times and a forerunner of style and trends. Prada is a premium brand. It is very high quality which unfortunatly comes with a substantially high price tag. 2.1. PRADA GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTATION Under geographical segmentation, product or service is divided accordingly to geographic units, such as nations, states, regions, countries, cities or neighbourhoods. Directly operated stores, including the epicentres, are designed, constructed and managed in accordance with precise guidelines: location chosen are among the most prestigious. 2.2. PRADA PSYCHOGRAPHIC SEGMENTATION Psychographic segmentation divides the market into groups based on social class, lifestyle and personality characteristics. The PRADA brand targets an international customer base that is modern, sophisticated, attuned to stylist innovations, and expects craftsmanship of the highest quality. 3. RETAIL DISTRIBITION CHANNELS Prada, Miu Miu, Churchs and Car Shoe products are sold through two distribution channels: The retail channel, represented by the single-brand stores (including the three Epicentres) directly operated by the company, which currently account for approximately 78% of sales; the independent channel of multi-brand stores, department stores and franchises (so called wholesale). This distribution solution enables the Group to have a presence in the most exclusive points-of-sale which are either single-brand or multi-brand worldwide. The Groups commercial strategy is based on a selective analysis of the potential of individual markets, an innovative approach and rigorous control of display and presentation criteria, and a continuous search for original sales concepts. Prada has always pioneered new solutions combining design, architecture, and technology to create environments that not only encourage sales but also communicate its unique strong brand identity and the cultural influences and values of the Prada world in a consistent and homogeneous way. Towards the end of the nineties, Prada decided to redefine the concept of shopping and enlisted the help of pioneering architects of international renown, Rem Koolhaas and Herzog de Meuron, recent winners of the prestigious Pritzker Prize. The result of this partnership was the creation of the Prada Epicenters: areas and buildings which have rapidly acquired landmark status both locally and internationally. Pradas Epicentres have not only transformed the concept of shopping but have also fused it with cutting edge technology and a multitude of cultural stimuli, offering customers a whole range of unique experiences and exclusive services. There are currently three Prada Epicentres: one in SoHo, New York (designed by Rem Koolhaas in 2001); another in Aoyama, Tokyo (Herzog de Meuron, 2003); and the third in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles (also by Rem Koolhaas, 2004). Directly operated stores, including the three Epicentres, are designed, constructed and managed in accordance with precise guidelines: location chosen are among the most prestigious and the personnel is selected and trained to provide customers with an exclusive treatment. This type of store contributes to maintaining a very close relationship with customers, providing immediate information about the market trend. Moreover, direct-sale stores also provide very valuable support for the brand, acting as true ambassadors communicating the Prada image consistently and uniformly all over the world. Prada manages the independent shops and department stores channel based on selective distribution and a well-defined strategy of control aimed at maintaining outstanding quality and high volumes, ensuring consistency in merchandising and monitoring sales performance. Franchise shops are located in specific markets where this form of retail is imposed by local legislation or custom, and entail partnerships with local entrepreneurs with an excellent knowledge of the relevant market. The wholesale channel, besides ensuring the brand benefits by a series of shop windows in particularly significant positions in key markets, enables a direct and immediate comparison to be made with the competitor brands. Therefore, the sales trend through the independent channel represents a very useful indicator of the consumer trends and brand strength. 3.1. PRADAS FALL CAMPAIGN IS ALL ABOUT MODERN FEMININITY AND NEW FACES The way fashion houses describe their collections and ad campaigns can often sound like pure nonsense. But the person responsible for announcing Pradas fall 2015 campaign did a pretty good job of summing it up as an elegant, ironic ode to meta-modern femininity. Like the collection itself, the campaign shot by Steven Meisel is very pretty, but odd. Theres a sense of isolation in the arrangement of the models, who do not look at or touch each other but stare at an unspecified object off-camera. Theres also a feeling of youth and newness provided by a cast of fairly new faces, including Avery Blanchard, Estella Boersma, Inga Dezhina, Lineisy Montero, Ine Neefs, Greta Varlese and Maartje Verhoef, all of whom have walked the runway for Prada and/or Miu Miu this past seasons. Prada has a knack for casting promising models fairly earlier in their careers, so while some of them already have a campaign or two under their belts, expect to see these girls even more in the coming seasons. Montero, whom everyone started talking about when she walked in the brands fall 2015 show, has already landed a Teen Vogue cover. 4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Website as a whole and all material on this Website, as well the Prada trademark, are owned and registered by Prada S.A., a company with registered office at 23 rue Aldigren, L-1118 Luxembourg. Prada website is operated by Prada S.p.A., an Italian corporation having its principal place of business at Via Antonio Fogazzaro 28, 20135 Milan, Italy, operating holding company of the Prada Group. Prada S.A. and Prada S.p.A. are collectively referred to as PRADA; Prada S.p.A. and its subsidiaries will be collectively referred to as Prada Group hereinafter. All trademarks and logos, whether registered or not, displayed on the Website, including but not limited to the Prada trademark, as well as all the other distinctive marks connected with PRADA and reproduced on the Website, are and will remain the exclusive property of Prada S.A.. These trademarks may not be used in connection with any product or service that does not originate with PRADA, in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among users, or in any manner that disparages or discredits the Prada name and trademark and the products bearing the Prada trademark. Prada website and all the content included therein, including, but not limited to, all texts, information, data, images, icons, photographs, illustrations, multimedia content (graphic, audio and video), charts, indices, descriptions, data, software, HTML codes and screens contained therein and the like (hereinafter collectively Content), is owned by or licensed to PRADA and is subject to protection by international int ellectual property laws, including, but not limited to, rights in the nature of patent rights, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, service marks, moral rights, know-how and any other similar rights recognized under laws or international conventions in any country or jurisdiction in the world. All materials contained in this Website, except for the e-store section, are displayed for informational or promotional purpose only. Subject to these Terms and Conditions of Use, and except as otherwise indicated on the Website, you may access, download, copy, store, manipulate, reformat, print or display any Content to which you have obtained authorized access solely for your personal use and not for business purposes. You may not otherwise download, copy, store, manipulate, reformat, print, display, publish, transmit, distribute, create a derivative work from, resell or make any other use of, the Website, or any Content contained therein. No right, title and/or interest deriving from or pertaining to the Content, material or software of the Website may be deemed assigned to or acquired by you as a result of your use of the Website. You agree to accept and abide by all copyright or trademark notices and other notices contained on the Website and in the Content. All rights are reserved in all countries worldwide. People aware that the Prada products are sold exclusively at Prada monobrand stores, at prestigious multi-brand stores and points of sale belonging to Prada S.p.A.s selective retail network, outlets belonging to the Prada Group and in the e-store section of the Website which is only available in certain countries, as better specified on the Website. Any purchase outside of these points of sale is entirely at the purchasers risk, in particular with regard to the authenticity of any such purchased items. http://www.prada.com/content/dam/external/terms-conditions/EU-EN.pdf 5.OWNERSHIP UPON BRAND Miuccia Prada is the co-CEO and lead designer of the handbag and fashion empire Prada, in which she has a 28% stake. In 1977 Miuccia and her siblings Albert and Marina inherited the family fashion business, founded in 1913 by their grandfather. Miuccia met Patrizio Bertelli, who ran a luxury leather company, at a Milan trade show in 1977 and signed him on as a contractor. A year later, they were married and Bertelli joined the company, taking care of the business side of things while pushing Prada into new directions. He serves as co-CEO with Miuccia, and his stake in the company also makes him a billionaire. In 1986 Prada opened its first store in New York and expanded beyond high-end suitcases, handbags, and steamer trunks. A few years later, the company unveiled a ready-to-wear womens collection and a second brand, Miu Miu. Miuccia, who has a Ph.D in political science from the University of Milan, took the company public with Bertelli in Hong Kong in 2011. 5.1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our Board consists on nine Directors, of whom four are executive Directors, two are non-executive Directors and three are independent non-executive Directors. The ordinary shareholders meeting of 26 May 2015 resolved to appoint the Board of Directors for a term of three financial years. The boards mandate will therefore expire with the shareholders meeting to be convened for the approval of the financial statements for the year ending 31 January 2018. The below shows the current members of the Boards of Directors: Mazzi, Carlo: -chairperson and executive director Prada Bianchi, Miuccia: -chief executive officer and executive director Bertelli, Patrizio: chief executive officer and executive director Cozzani, Alessandra: -chief financial officer and executive director Cereda, Maurizio: -non-executive director Simontacchi, Stefano: -non-executive director Mattei, Gian Franco Oliviero: -independent non-executive director Forestieri, Giancarlo: independent non-executive director Liu, Sing Cheong: -independent non-executive director 5.2. SHAREHOLDERS STRUCTURE As of 31 January 2015, the shareholder structure of Prada S.p.A. is composed as follows 6. LICENCES AND JOINT VENTURES Eyewear In 2000 the PRADA Group developed its first Prada and Miu Miu branded sunglasses, and in 2003 it signed a licence agreement with Luxottica Group, a world leader in eyewear. Under the creative supervision of Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, Prada coordinates the conception, design, styling and communications for all collections, while Luxottica has exclusive worldwide rights to the production and distribution of Prada and Miu Miu sunglasses and eyeglasses. Not only is this an important business agreement, but it is also an excellent example of comprehensive cooperation in creativity, style, production and distribution between two of Italys foremost industrial groups. Fragrances In 2003, an agreement was entered into with Puig Beauty Fashion Group, one of the worlds largest producers of cosmetics and fragrances, creating a joint venture for the production, distribution and development of Prada perfumes. Here, too, Prada is actively involved in the various phases of product, creation and development as well as communications, while responsibility for production and worldwide distribution is in the experienced and highly qualified hands of Puig.In 2004, after lengthy and thorough research by Miuccia Prada in cooperation with some of the most qualified noses in the world, Amber the first Prada perfume for women was created. Greeted with unanimous critical and public acclaim, Prada Amber perfume has enjoyed encouraging commercial success in all markets where it has been presented. In 2006 Prada unveiled its first mens fragrance, Prada Amber Pour Homme, marking the birth of the first Made in Prada perfumes family under the amber scent. A new perfume for women, Infusion dIris, was launched in 2007, which was the key to developing a series of complementary, innovative and personal products for bodycare and for the home. From this new pillar a collection of limited edition fragrances was derived: the Ephemeral Infusion Collection that includes Infusion de Fleur dOranger, Infusion de Tubà ©reuse and Infusion de Và ©tiver. In 2011, Prada Candy, the third pillar of the Prada fragrances, is launched. A new perfume for women that highlights the funny aspect of the brand also in the beauty sector. Mobile telephones In 2006, the PRADA Group entered into an agreement with LG Electronics, one of the world leaders in mobile telecommunications technology, to develop an innovative and iconic mobile telephone. By leveraging their respective skills, Prada and LG explored all of the products aspects together, both in terms of the contents (for example: software, user interface and music), and in terms of the presentation (from the design to the packaging): the partnership created the Prada Phone by LG, a unique, sophisticated and elegant telephone, the first in the world to have an interface that is completely touch screen. The Prada Phone by LG was launched in March 2007 in Italy, Great Britain, France and Germany, and subsequently on the principal Asian markets and in Latin America. The products high qualitative and innovative content enables a significant commercial success to be achieved, with more than 1,000,000 mobile telephones sold. In October 2008 Prada and LG launch the second phone, another quantum leap in mobile phone innovation and design, thanks to ultra-thin keyboard and new enhanced technological features. In December 2011, Prada and LG unveiled the partnerships latest smartphone, the Prada phone by LG 3.0 that combines Pradas distinctive style with LGs innovative technology, including one of the biggest and brightest screens in the world with 4.3inch and 800-nit screen. 7. PRODUCT LOGISTICS Product distribution is handled through five central warehouses, four in Italy and one in UK. It is managed by a group division which coordinates product storage, shipping and distribution, as well as arranging transport and customs procedures. Central to the Prada Groups distribution strategy is the development of its retail channel in all markets, both consolidated and emerging, focusing in particular on nations with high growth potential. The Groups distribution network extends across 70 countries, counting 551 directly-operated stores (at 30 April 2014), which form the backbone of the Groups international expansion strategy, and a selection of department stores and multi-brand retail spaces in the most significant cities and stylish locations. The reasons for this strategy are many: not only the DOS are the supreme showcase for newly-launched collections, but they also offer a direct relationship with customers and provide real-time feedback on how each product category is performing. Over and above their primary role as a sales point, DOS also represent an important communication tool: real embassies of each brand, they portray their image in a clear and consistent manner. Direct sales account for about 83% of consolidated revenues while the remaining 17% is generated by the wholesale channel (multi-brand retail spaces and department stores 16%), from franchising (about 1%). 8. NET SALES OF PRADA 8.1. NET SALES ANALYSIS (amounts in thousands of Canadians) ended January 31, 2016 ended January 31, 2015 % change Net sales of directly operated stores (DOS) 4,344,819 86.30% 4,232,865 83.90% 2.60% Net Sales to independent customers and franchisees 631,349 12.50% 756,214 15.00% -16.50% Royalties 61,666 1.20% 54,329 1.10% 13.50% Net revenues, total 5,037,835 100.00% 5,043,408 100.00% -0.10% 8.2. NET SALES OF DIRECTLY OPERATED STORES (DOS) ended January 31, 2016 ended January 31, 2015 % change Net sales of DOS by geographical area Italy 12.80% 11.90% 10.70% Europe 21.80% 21.60% 3.30% Americas 13.40% 13.10% 5.00% Asia Pacific 35.30% 37.90% -4.40% Japan 13.20% 12.20% 10.70% Middle East 3.40% 3.10% 11.50% Other countries 0.10% 0.10% 41.40% Total 100.00% 100.00% 2.60% 8.3. PRADA GROUP FIGURES www.prada.com/ company profile FEBRUARY 2016 9. CAPITAL OR MARKET VALUE 9.1. INCOME STATEMENT Year on year Prada SpAs net income fell -26.59% from 634.04 million to 465.46 million despite relatively flat revenues. A contributing factor has been an increase in the selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of sales from 48.33% to 54.41%. Gross margin 72.12% Net profit margin 8.76% Operating margin 12.92% Revenue Net Income Return on assets 6.05% Return on equity 9.71% Return on investment 7.59% 9.2. BALANCE SHEET Year on year, growth in dividends per share remained flat while earnings per share excluding extraordinary items fell by -26.59%. Additionally, five year annualized earnings per share growth is in-line with the industry average relative to its peers. Current ratio2 2.24 Quick ratio 1.48 Total debt/total equity 0.3183 Total debt/total capital 0.2402 9.3. GROWTH RATES Year on year, growth in dividends per share remained flat while earnings per share excluding extraordinary items fell by -26.59%. Additionally, five year annualized earnings per share growth is in-line with the industry average relative to its peers. Dividends Per Share Div yield (5 year avg) 0.24% Div growth rate (5 year) Payout ratio (TTM) 99.03% Earnings Per Share EPS growth (5 years)

Women in the Cival War Essay -- essays research papers fc

Women in the Civil War The Civil War, which lasted for four long years, was a â€Å"total war† involving every aspect of society. During this time in one of the bloodiest of wars, northern and southern women were as equally involved as their male counterparts, if not more. Because of this war, women were forced to abandon their traditional roles of the 19th century, and participate in the war effort. Some fearless women disguised themselves as young men, and took on the role of soldiers, in order to show their patriotism. Some of the more cunning women freelanced as spies outside the government sphere, so that they could participate in the war. Others supported the war effort by taking on the roles of nurses who risked their lives on the battlefield; however, most of them worked in hospitals located in the rear. No matter how big or small the role they played during the civil war, the significance of their effort and support broadened beliefs about the abilities of women and what they could achieve outside of the home. One of the more significant roles that women played during the civil war was that of a soldier. Both Union and Confederate armies forbade the enlistment of women, so those that wanted to enlist, crossed gender boundaries and disguised themselves as young men and assumed masculine names. This war was not only a man’s fight, but it was also a woman’s fight. Female civil war soldiers, like the male soldiers, lived in camps, suffered in prisons and died for their respective causes. They were wounded prisoners of war, and killed in action. Going to war was strictly by choice and they were all aware of the risks involved. Many had never fired a rifle before much less contained the understanding of the army way of life, but nevertheless, they still managed and some were very successful. It was estimated that 400 women rolled up their pants, bound their breasts, and cut their hair, in order to enlist with the fighting forces. Among those that joined the Confederate Army ranks was Mrs. Amy Clarke, â€Å"who enlisted with her husband and continued service after he was killed at Shiloh. It was not until she was wounded a second time and captured by the Federal that Mrs. Amy Clarke’s gender was detected†. Female soldiers had plenty of guts; they did not faint at the sight of blood, nor did they swoon in unbearably hot weather. They endured the same physical and... ...ty, NY: Hanover House, 1954. The author of this book provided a plethora of biographies, techniques and accomplishments of women, who spied for the Union Army listing the most influential to the least. Markle, Donald C. Spies and Spymasters. New York : Hippocrene Books, 1994. This book gave examples of female spies from both the Union and the Confederate Armies. These examples included the most significant women and the methods they used that are still practiced in espionage today. United States National Park Service. â€Å"Clara Barton – Angel of the Battlefield.† Home page on-line. Available from http://www.nps.gov/anti/clara.htm; Internet; accessed 30 July 03. This article provided a brief biography of Clara Barton, to include, her experiences on the battlefield as a nurse during the Civil War and a brief outline of her accomplishments after the war. Zeinert, Karen. Elizabeth Van Lew: Southern Belle, Union Spy. New Jersey. Dillon Press,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1995. The author gave an intimate view of one of the most significant spies during the Civil War with a thorough background of Elizabeth Van Lew, not leaving out her adventures and hilarious techniques used.

Parenting: GCSE Child Development Essay

This is an excellent essay that was wonderful to read and mark. It shows a good understanding of the varying needs of the child and discusses how conflict can arise. If the writer wanted to extend the essay, they could discuss some of the theories that look at how relationships develop and how conflict arises. ***** Marked by teacher Sam Morran 01/12/2012 The first 200 words of this essay†¦ Lil Maisky Year 11 Parenting: -Describe the ideal relationship between parents and children. -How do you appreciate your parents and how do they appreciate you? (400 words) Any ideal relationship is based on the appropriate balance in between the commitment and effort of both members concerned. However, the relationship between a parent and child is far more complicated as there is a large amount of responsibility involved. Also, the child is likely to resemble one or both of the parents to a certain extent, but not be as developed or experienced as the parent, thus adding a lot of competition and  argumentative aspects to the relationship. This can be more prominently observed when two members of the same sex are involved (mother and daughter†¦) As the age of the child increases, the responsibility of the parent decreases, most probably proportionally, and this has to be observed by the parent. One has to take into consideration that the child’s young years are all that he/she has experienced and that although it’s existence might only go back as far as a tiny fraction of the parents life, this cannot be understood by the child until

Free Essays on Web Publishing

Web Publishing Before the advent of the World Wide Web, the means to share opinions and ideas with others easily and inexpensively was limited to classroom, work, or social environments. Generating an advertisement or publication required a lot of expense. Today, businesses and individuals can convey information to millions of people by using Web pages. Web publishing is the process of developing maintaining and posting Web pages. With the proper hardware and software, Web publishing is fairly easy to accomplish. For example, clip galleries offer a variety of images, videos, and sounds. A sound card allows users to incorporate sounds into Web pages. With a microphone, a Web page can include voice. A digital camera provides a means to capture digital photographs. A scanner can convert existing photographs and other graphics into a digital format. A video capture card and a video camera can incorporate videos into Web pages. A video digitizer can capture still images from a video (Thrall and Winters 46-68). HTML (hypertext markup language) is a set of special codes used to format a file for use as a Web page. These codes, called tags, specify how the text and other elements on the Web page display in a Web browser and where the links on the page lead. A Web browser translates the document with the HTML tags into a functional Web page. Developing or authoring a Web page does not require the expertise of a computer programmer. Many word processing and other application software packages include Web page authoring features that assist in the development of basic Web pages. Microsoft Office 2000 products, for example, provide easy to use tools that enable users to create Web pages and incorporate items such as bullets, frames, backgrounds, lines, database tables, worksheets, and graphics into the Web pages. (Shelly Cashman Series ® Microsoft Word 2000 Project 2). Web page authoring software packages enable the development of more sophist... Free Essays on Web Publishing Free Essays on Web Publishing Web Publishing Before the advent of the World Wide Web, the means to share opinions and ideas with others easily and inexpensively was limited to classroom, work, or social environments. Generating an advertisement or publication required a lot of expense. Today, businesses and individuals can convey information to millions of people by using Web pages. Web publishing is the process of developing, maintaining, and posting Web pages. With the proper hardware and software, Web publishing is fairly easy to accomplishing. For example, clip galleries offer a variety of the images, videos, and sounds. A sound card allows user to incorporate sounds into the Web page. With a microphone, a Web page can include voice. A digital camera provides a means to capture digital photographs. A scanner can convert existing photographs and other graphics into a digital format. A video capture card and a video camera can incorporate videos into Web pages. A video digitizer can capture still images from a video (Thrall and Winters 46-48). HTML (hypertext markup language) is a set of special codes used to format a file for use as a Web page. These codes, called tags, specify how the text and other elements on the Web page display in a Web browser and where the links on the page lead. A Web browser translates the document with the HTML tags into a functional Web page. Developing, or authoring a Web page does not require the expertise of a computer programmer. Many word processing and other application software packages include Web page authoring features that assist in the Development of basics Web pages. Microsoft Office 2000 product, for example, provide easy-to-use tools that enable users to create Web pages and include items such as bullets, frames, background, lines, database tables, worksheets, and graphics into the Web pages (Shelly Cashman Series ® Microsoft Word 2000 Project 2). Web page authoring software packages enable the Development of more ... Free Essays on Web Publishing Web Publishing Before the advent of the World Wide Web, the means to share opinions and ideas with others easily and inexpensively was limited to classroom, work, or social environments. Generating an advertisement or publication required a lot of expense. Today, businesses and individuals can convey information to millions of people by using Web pages. Web publishing is the process of developing maintaining and posting Web pages. With the proper hardware and software, Web publishing is fairly easy to accomplish. For example, clip galleries offer a variety of images, videos, and sounds. A sound card allows users to incorporate sounds into Web pages. With a microphone, a Web page can include voice. A digital camera provides a means to capture digital photographs. A scanner can convert existing photographs and other graphics into a digital format. A video capture card and a video camera can incorporate videos into Web pages. A video digitizer can capture still images from a video (Thrall and Winters 46-68). HTML (hypertext markup language) is a set of special codes used to format a file for use as a Web page. These codes, called tags, specify how the text and other elements on the Web page display in a Web browser and where the links on the page lead. A Web browser translates the document with the HTML tags into a functional Web page. Developing or authoring a Web page does not require the expertise of a computer programmer. Many word processing and other application software packages include Web page authoring features that assist in the development of basic Web pages. Microsoft Office 2000 products, for example, provide easy to use tools that enable users to create Web pages and incorporate items such as bullets, frames, backgrounds, lines, database tables, worksheets, and graphics into the Web pages. (Shelly Cashman Series ® Microsoft Word 2000 Project 2). Web page authoring software packages enable the development of more sophist...