Health Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health Psychology - Essay Example In its true sense health psychology encompasses clinical health psychology, public health psychology, community health psychology and critical health psychology (Marks, 2005). In the present scenario psychology finds its way in medical and physiological aspects, contributing to innovation in thoughts in terms of health and care facilities. The thought further gained strength from the acknowledgment of genetic predisposition along with behavior of the individuals encompassing ability to combat stress, beliefs of the individual about staying healthy, the positive attitude towards life and the kind of lifestyle an individual is leading. All these paradigms are essential in deciphering the nature of individual and the ability to combat disease of any critical condition. Along with these characteristics, social conditions like the attitude of family members, relationships in family, financial conditions, cultural and traditional values an individual possesses, the kind of co-operation an individual seeks from the social set up, the grooming of individual and the perception of the individual for life. All these are essential for the comprehensive understanding about the health psychology which is concerned with behavior of the individual and the kind of medication an individual is taking. Two major issues that emerged in understanding health psychology are- the extent to which the healing is explicit (the placebo problem) and the echelon to which they are executed (the adherence to regimen) (Blackwell, 1976). It is evident that most of the reimbursement of medications could not be procured as they are not performed to their completion. It is essential that the patient adhere to the treatment regimen. Since 1973 research is being carried out to establish the factors serving as stumbling blocks in the path of adherence to treatment regimen. Theories have been formulated to overcome these hurdles and

Transnational Media and Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Transnational Media and Globalization - Essay Example In the process cultural diversity becomes a victim though the extent to which TMCs can be held responsible for these development depends on a number of endogenous and exogenous factors such the ever increasing influence of TMCs due to their rising revenues and involvement in foreign countries. On the other hand how best local communities are able to resist these extraneous influences on their cultures is not particularly amenable to a particular interpretation. In the process theoretical and conceptual frameworks of analysis are used to develop contingency models of behavioral impact arising from activities of TMCs and their behemoth-like approach to societal transformation. A critical analysis of the activities of a broader cross section of the key global media corporations would demonstrate the extent and the nature of their influence on local cultures other variables remaining constant. It's in this extended context that an element of threat to these native cultures is seen in their global role. 1. Analysis1.1. Overview Neo-liberal ideology has persistently been advocating globalization as the sole solution to all economic problems and the underlying political agenda in this ideological approach is obviously mind-gobbling. TMCs have been in the forefront of this propaganda campaign that supports integration of societies into the global system at each level. However it's not so much the intention of TMCs that has been questioned but its emphasis on a particular practical approach to globalization, viz. the world culture theory. According to this theory globalization is "the compression of the world and the intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole" (Robertson, 1992). In fact those elements in the whole system or consciousness are assumed not to question the motive behind globalization. In other words 'the end justifies the means' approach to globalization and the subsequent TMCs' actions are inseparably interconnected.The current literature on the subject of TMCs' role in cultural tra nsformation of societies has been intensely focused on the world culture theory of globalization. Analysts and researchers have identified the extent and the manner of TMCs' involvement in these efforts. The threat perception of TMCs' actions has been interpreted in this context as the ultimate outcome of an otherwise elusive set of nuances associated with subterfuge. Communication is part and parcel of the whole culture centric theory of transformation in the globalization process. This is all the more subtle in the third world society context because these societies or polities have much less power to resist TMCs' attempts at integration or transformation. Global culture thus becomes a vehicle for unity.The evolutionary process of

Managing Financial Resources And Decisions Commerce Essay

Managing Financial Resources And Decisions Commerce Essay Typically, entrepreneurs are dynamic and enthusiastic about their ideas. To be a successful entrepreneur, you need good ideas to fulfil a demand. Every entrepreneur must think about money. For the business there are some sources of funding for budding entrepreneurs. Probably less financial risk in earning start-up funds from friends and family, than in borrowing from a institute so have look first to those sources of finance. Task 1 A Gardening Service can be a good idea for small business of an entrepreneur. For this small business funds can be personal savings, friends and family, grants etc. If any person uses their savings to invest in business, then the source of finance comes under the heading of personal savings. Most of entrepreneur funded with personal savings. Friends and Family is next fund to start-up business.  No one wants to get involved with a start-up company. But in case of friends and family, easy to collect and hassle free. Funds can be collected by friends and family less than  £5000. Then my third funds for gardening service will be Credit Card. this card with pre-loaded cash given by bank. For that we have to pay interest. By credit card fund can be like  £5000. Among these funds, friends and family will be best for the gardening service. Because its easy to collect, it can be big amount for small business, convenient, and easy to start-up for any deal. Producing musical feeding chair for babies Babies like attraction. A musical chair will be good attraction for most babies. Lots of funds need to start of this business. From that I decide three source of funds- Overdrafts, Personal savings, and Friends and family. Overdrafts can be use in small business. Bank will provide overdrafts on customers demand. Overdrafts are secured funds for business provide by bank. An interest has to pay yearly. Entrepreneur can use it any times. So overdrafts can be the good source of finance for this business. Selling customised t-shirt, mugs and other novelty items online People like to shop at online to save their time. If I start selling customised t-shirt, mugs and other novelty items online, like other business entrepreneurs I need to select source of funds. Funds are Angel Investor, Personal Savings, and Overdrafts. Persons who invest in different companies at pre-mature stage to make profit and the chance to guide the company call Angel investors. In compare, business enterprise capitalist spend as a profession and in general on behalf of other investors. Angels typically invest their own funds. The investment from these angels can be from $150,000 to about $1.5 million dollars. These angels are usually entrepreneurs who want to help out promising entrepreneurs with their own businesses. For those reason I like to rising funds by angel investor. Starting a financial consultancy A financial advisor known as  financial  consultant, they offer advice about  money management. Most people come to  financial  consultancy firm for guidance on how to reach their long term financial  goals. To open and run these business three funds can be chosen. . Factoring  is where the  financial  association advances the entrepreneur cash against income from the entrepreneurs outstanding amount. Factoring is a firm, usually are paid a proportion of the invoices value. Factoring is appropriate for this business. Because, this is an institute, they provide funds quickly. Running Bed Breakfast For this business as an entrepreneur I can invest by debt financing, friends and family and personal savings. The majority of new small businesses are funded with Debt Financing via institutes. Banks will provide with a loan or line of credit that comes with repayment schedule and an interest rate. Loan can be provided by type of business and demand of entrepreneur. For opening of the business debt financing could be best source for funds. For this business like to funded with debt financing. Because dont have to give up equity, easy to get loan, maximum banks are giving low interest rate. So debt financing is the best source of funds for the business of Bed Breakfast. Task 2 Personal savings Advantages: No equity-holders to pay. Best way to sue savings. Do not need to borrow. No monthly payment. Disadvantages: Funds will be limited. May face a lot of personal debt. May miss out on earning interest. Friends and Family Advantages: Funds are available quickly. May do not pay any interest. Disadvantages: Limited funding. One time funding. May have to pay interest. Risk of relation if business does not success. Credit Card Advantages: Low interest rate. Bank will provide that. This is won funding. Disadvantages: Limited amount. Have to pay interest. Overdrafts Advantages: Sometimes not need to pay interest. Can be used any time. Can by refund any time Disadvantages: Need to pay interest. Have to apply for that. Amounts are limited. Angel investors Advantages: Angels invest more than money. Provide mentoring and contacts. No monthly payments. Disadvantages: Angels are difficult to find. Take up valuable time. Giving up equity in your company. Factoring Advantages: Provides funds quickly. Helps companies with a rickety and unstable cash flow. Disadvantages: Increased accounting oversight and administration. Cost of money is involved in factoring. Debt Financing Advantages: You build a powerful relationship with banker. Dont have to give up equity. Disadvantages: May be required to provide personal collateral. Have to pay interest. Task 3 Cost comparison of the sources Cost means the amount to be paid for anything bought. Using those sources must have to calculated cost. A Gardening Service Personal savings is best for invest in business among other sources. The cost is very low here, only opportunity cost. Cost of Friends and Family also low. But sometimes entrepreneur have to pay interest. For the using Credit Card can be expensive. Because bank charge for it. Different bank have different policy to charge for amount. Producing musical feeding chair for babies In this business I used overdrafts, personal savings, and friends and family. Here overdrafts have interest cost. But in other two funds no interest cost. Selling customised t-shirt, mugs and other novelty items online Funds are Angel Investor, Personal Savings, and Overdrafts for this business. Angel investors very costly to fund, but they invest a lot. Those investor will take money after invest. For personal saving do not have to pay back and in overdrafts have to pay interest. Starting a financial consultancy Invested funds are factoring, personal savings and credit card. An extensive cost of money is involved in factoring and credit card. For investing personal savings only cost is opportunity cost. Running Bed Breakfast I invested debt financing, friends and family and personal savings in running bed breakfast business. In the Debt Financing lots of interest has to pay to the financial institute. Like interest, security deposit etc, for the personal savings and friends and family no need any deposit. But in friends and family sometime need to pay interest Task 4 As a budding entrepreneur I will go for selling customised t-shirt, mugs and other novelty items online. Because now people like to buy novelty items form online to save money and time. Now a days online selling is going more competitive and challenging. As an entrepreneur I like to take challenging jobs. On the other side selecting source of funds are easy and a good amount can be collected. Conclusion In this business world everything is going very fast so opening a new business is very challenging. Fund collection is one of the most important facts in business. Funds can be collected from different sources. But an entrepreneur must have to select right funds for the right business. Then there is less chance to fail.

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson :: Snow Falling Cedars David Guterson

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson gives readers an idea of what it was like to be Japanese in the 1940’s and 50’s. In our nation at that time, much of the population felt that Japanese and Japanese Americans could not be trusted. Americans did not like the immigrants coming here and taking jobs that were once theirs. Last, of course, the evacuation and containment of the Japanese and even Japanese American citizens made it clear that America did not trust them. Prejudice against Japanese and Japanese Americans was most prominent in the western states, more specifically California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada. These also happen to be the states most populated by people of Japanese descent. The disproportion can be seen in a poll taken in December of 1942 by the American Institute of Public Opinion. When asked â€Å"Do you think the Japanese who were moved inland from the Pacific Coast should be allowed to return to the Pacific Coast when the war is over?† Seventeen percent nationally said they â€Å"Would allow none to return,† whether they were citizens or not. In the western states, nearly twice as many felt this way, an astonishing 31 percent (Merrick 207). This data does not show, however, whether the inlanders were less prejudiced or merely wanted to send the Japanese back to the West. It seems the war was an excuse to lock these people away for a while. Discrimination existed long before the wa r began with a swift attack on Pearl Harbor. Interestingly, Hawaii had few racial problems, despite being at the site of the devastation. People often fear what they do not understand. Why did Germans and Italians not experience such distinct discrimination? European culture is fairly similar to American culture; it is, after all, where most of American culture and inhabitants came from. The Japanese, on the other hand, have severely different customs than the United States, customs that must have been hard for people to understand or value. Many White people saw the quiet reserve of the Japanese descendants as an indication of a cold, heartless, unfeeling person. To Caucasians, dark faces with slanted eyes were something they could not understand; and therefore, could not trust. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson :: Snow Falling Cedars David Guterson Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson gives readers an idea of what it was like to be Japanese in the 1940’s and 50’s. In our nation at that time, much of the population felt that Japanese and Japanese Americans could not be trusted. Americans did not like the immigrants coming here and taking jobs that were once theirs. Last, of course, the evacuation and containment of the Japanese and even Japanese American citizens made it clear that America did not trust them. Prejudice against Japanese and Japanese Americans was most prominent in the western states, more specifically California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada. These also happen to be the states most populated by people of Japanese descent. The disproportion can be seen in a poll taken in December of 1942 by the American Institute of Public Opinion. When asked â€Å"Do you think the Japanese who were moved inland from the Pacific Coast should be allowed to return to the Pacific Coast when the war is over?† Seventeen percent nationally said they â€Å"Would allow none to return,† whether they were citizens or not. In the western states, nearly twice as many felt this way, an astonishing 31 percent (Merrick 207). This data does not show, however, whether the inlanders were less prejudiced or merely wanted to send the Japanese back to the West. It seems the war was an excuse to lock these people away for a while. Discrimination existed long before the wa r began with a swift attack on Pearl Harbor. Interestingly, Hawaii had few racial problems, despite being at the site of the devastation. People often fear what they do not understand. Why did Germans and Italians not experience such distinct discrimination? European culture is fairly similar to American culture; it is, after all, where most of American culture and inhabitants came from. The Japanese, on the other hand, have severely different customs than the United States, customs that must have been hard for people to understand or value. Many White people saw the quiet reserve of the Japanese descendants as an indication of a cold, heartless, unfeeling person. To Caucasians, dark faces with slanted eyes were something they could not understand; and therefore, could not trust.

Accountability Memo

MEMORANDUM Subject: Increasing of public scrutiny on not-for-profit reporting requirements The purpose of this memo is to explain why increasing scrutiny and demand for accountability by the public has influenced reporting for not-for-profit and governmental entities. State and federal regulators are reviewing, audit reports of agencies like ours that receive federal grants and loan monies. Their purpose is to â€Å"ensure that independent audit firms are in compliance with Generally Accepted Audit Standards (GAAS) and recently added requirements under Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) or yellow book standards†.The reporting requirements that the auditor's require to be able to prepare a statement of understanding of internal control structure is of particular interest. Because we are a not-for-profit company, the auditors have to report what certain members have the clearance to report cash donations and make deposits directly to the companies bank acco unt. The auditors also need to evaluate the internal controls we have in place to prevent theft, and report the strengths and weaknesses of our system. As a result, we need to provide the auditors with access to our computer transactions for all finance members.Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this matter and being in compliance will the auditors will help protect our interest in continuing to receive federal monies as part of our operating budget. Sincerely, References: Williams , J L (Summer 1992 . New audit standards for audits of entities receiving federal financial help . Outlook , 60 , n2 .. 51 (1 . Retrieved August 5, 2012 General One via Gale : HYPERLINK http /find . galegroup . com /ips /start . do ? prodId IPS http /find . galegroup . com /ips /start . do ? prodId IPS Steinberg , R M Johnson , R N (August 1991 . Implementing SAS no . 55

Financial Management and Control – Kingspan

Financial Management and Control Kingspan Assignment 6th December 2012 Contents Introduction4 1. Profitability Ratios4 1. 1Gross Profit Ratio4 1. 2Net Profit Ratio4 1. 3Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)4 2. Liquidity Ratios5 2. 1Current Ratio5 2. 2Quick Ratio/Acid Test Ratio5 3. Efficiency Ratios6 3. 1Debtors Days6 3. 2Creditors Days6 3. 3Inventory Turnover Days6 4. Gearing Ratios7 4. 1Gearing Ratio7 4. 2Debt to Equity Ratio7 4. 3Interest Cover7 5. Investment Ratios8 5. 1Earnings per Share8 5. 2Price Earnings Ratio8 5. 3Dividend Cover8 6. Sources of Finance9 6. 1Debt capital:9 6. 2Lease and Hire Purchase9 . 3Share Capital9 6. 4Creditor & Debtors10 6. 5Reducing stock levels10 7. Conclusion10 7. Appendices11 7. 1Appendix 111 7. 2Appendix 212 Introduction Below are the ratio findings based on Kingspan PLC’s annual report year ended 31st December 2010. The ratios are calculated for both 2010 and 2009. The ratios are as follows: 1. Profitability Ratios 1. 1Gross Profit Ratio 201020 09 Gross Profit333,694Ãâ€"100%=27. 96%308,913Ãâ€"100%=27. 45% Sales Revenue1,193,2151,125,523 There is a slightly higher Gross Profit in 2010. Kingspan are now holding onto . 51% more of each euro of sales then they were in 2009.This is due to the increase in sales. 1. 2Net Profit Ratio 20102009 Net Profit (before Int & Tax)67,405Ãâ€"100%=5. 65%62,659Ãâ€"100%=5. 57% Sales Revenue1,193,2151,125,523 There is a slight increase of. 08% in 2010 compared to 2009. If going by the gross profit ratio this should have been higher; this indicates that they need to manage their expenses more efficiently thus increasing their net profit. 1. 3Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) 20102009 Net Profit (before Int & Tax)67,405Ãâ€"100%=7. 65%62,659Ãâ€"100%=7. 97% Capital Employed (W1)880,616786,676 Kingspan has been less efficient in using their capital in 2010; they are down by . 2% from 2009. Although there was an increase in sales in 2010 the decrease in ROCE is due to the higher borrowings in 2 010. If in following years they continue this trend investors could start to worry and sell shares. 2. Liquidity Ratios 2. 1Current Ratio 20102009 Current Assets471,193=1. 55:1398,212=1. 31:1 Current Liabilities304,922303,529 The current ratio in 2010 shows that kingspan are managing their short term debt more efficiently than in 2009; this is due to increasing their current assets and managing to keep their currents liabilities relativity steady.They need to manage their debtors and stock better to further increase the ratio which will entice potential investors. 2. 2Quick Ratio/Acid Test Ratio 20102009 Current Assets less Closing Inventory (W2)342,158=1. 12:1287,391=0. 95:1 Current liabilities304,922 303,529 In 2009 Kingspan may have had difficulty in paying their short term creditors but they have managed to increase it in 2010. Given the ideal ratio of 1:1 they could look at investing the surplus assets for a return. ? 3. Efficiency Ratios 3. 1Debtors Days 20102009 Debtors218,04 7Ãâ€"365=66. 70Days181,071Ãâ€"365=58. 72Days Credit Sales1,193,2151,125,523Kingspan were managing their debtors better in 2009. There is an increase of 8 days in 2010; this could potentially lead to bad debt. Collecting their debt earlier will increase the liquidity of the business. They could offer discounts on early payment or offer a cash price. 3. 2Creditors Days 20102009 Creditors93,024Ãâ€"365=38. 68Days85,228Ãâ€"365=40. 42Days Credit Purchases (W3)877,735769,671 Kingspans creditors days have decreased by 2 days meaning they are paying off their debts 2 days earlier than in 2009. This shows that Kingspan are managing their debt more efficiently and may interest potential investors. 3. Inventory Turnover Days 20102009 Average Inventory (W4)119,928Ãâ€"365=50. 93Days134,291Ãâ€"365=60. 02Days Cost of Sales859,521816,610 Kingspan has managed their stock more efficiently in 2010; by doing so they have increased their cash flow and reduced their holding costs. ? 4. Gearing Ratio s 4. 1Gearing Ratio 20102009 Long Term Borrowing213,671Ãâ€"100%=24. 26%201,141Ãâ€"100%=25. 57% Total Capital (W1)880,616786,676 By decreasing the level of gearing they have decreased the level of financial risk, although they have increased their borrowing the increase in capital is greater meaning that they are using less debt to make their profit. . 2Debt to Equity Ratio 20102009 Long Term Borrowing213,671Ãâ€"100%=32. 04%201,141Ãâ€"100%=34. 35% Shareholders Funds666,945585,535 Debt to equity has decreased by almost 2% in 2010 showing that there are more shareholders funds to borrowings. This shows that Kingspan can manage to pay their debts which is important for future borrowings and investors. 4. 3Interest Cover Interest Cover 20102009 Profit before Interest & Tax67,405=5. 3562,659=4. 91 Loan Interest12,59412,750 There are higher interest rates associated with short term borrowings than there are with long term borrowings.By reducing their short term and increasing their lon g term borrowings Kingspan has reduced their finance costs in 2010. They have also increased their sales giving a better interest cover. It shows that in 2010 Kingspan would be able to pay their interest 5. 35 times compared to 4. 91 times in 2009. Bank and investors would look at this ratio to see how they cover their loans. 5. Investment Ratios 5. 1Earnings per Share 20102009 Profit after Interest and Tax48,657,000= â‚ ¬ 0. 28 47,658,000= â‚ ¬ 0. 28 Number of ordinary shares171,755,762171,503,951Earnings per share in 2010 have remained almost the same as 2009. It is displayed here rounded but 2010 has a slight increase. It shows the profitability of Kingspan and the consistency of the EPS shows security. Shareholders are receiving a slightly higher return in 2010. 5. 2Price Earnings Ratio 20102009 Price per share7. 49=â‚ ¬ 26. 956. 05 =â‚ ¬ 21. 32 Earnings per Share0. 280. 28 It is more expensive to buy Kingspan shares in 2010 than compared to 2009; this shows confiden ce in future earning power. 5. 3Dividend Cover 20102009 Profit after Int & tax & Pref Div48,657=7. 0NIL Earnings per Share6,661 Kingspan can pay their shareholders 7. 3 times from their available profits. They did not pay any dividend in 2009; this could have been a strategic move to increase cash flow. ? 6. Sources of Finance Kingspan operate a number of different finance sources, such as: 6. 1Debt capital: Kingspan have both long and short term borrowings. With short term borrowings such as overdrafts and hire purchase kingspan will pay a high interest rate on their 2009 borrowings of â‚ ¬31,863mn but they have managed to reduce that by over half to â‚ ¬14,259mn.This will reduce the financial costs. The interest rate for long term borrowings is generally a lot lower than that of short term loans; although Kingspan increased there long term borrowings in 2010 by â‚ ¬12,529mn they will be paying a lower interest rate, again saving on finance costs. By reducing their short t erm borrowings and increasing their long term borrowings in 2010, Kingspan have managed to reduce their overall finance cost to â‚ ¬156mn in 2010. The long term borrowings of â‚ ¬213,671mn have been scheduled for staggered repayments over 5 years, this ill allow kingspan to meet their liabilities when due. Interest rates for loans over â‚ ¬300,000 can be discussed with individual financial institutions. Kingspan’s interest rate for both long and short term loans will depend on their credit rating. They will have to be able to produce cash flow forecasts or provide security for the loan. 6. 2Lease and Hire Purchase This form of finance allows Kingspan to obtain the use of an asset without a large initial cost. It is beneficial as the risk remains with the owner and as technology changes they can upgrade the equipment with minimal cost.Kingspan have increased their lease/hire purchase costs by â‚ ¬7mn in 2010. 6. 3Share Capital The core funding in Kingspan is provid ed by shareholders; this increased by â‚ ¬81,410mn in 2010. Although there is risk involved and there may be a high return expected by using this form of financing there is no requirement to pay dividends even if profits exist. As Kingspan do not have preferred shareholders they did not pay out dividends in 2009 and allowed them to retain their profit and improve sales. 6. 4Creditor & DebtorsKingspan's creditors days decreased by 2 days in 2010; depending on the agreement they may have been able to receive a discount for early payment. However agreeing longer credit terms with their suppliers would allow them more flexibility with cash flow. In 2009 Kingspan were also managing their debtors days more efficiently than that of 2010. This may be due to the down turn in the economy and to make sales they could have offered longer repayment options. If needed Kingspan could renegotiate the terms or offer discounts for early payment. 6. 5Reducing stock levelsBy reducing the number of d ays stock is held will save on holding costs such as security, light, heat, warehousing and staff it will also reduce the risk of spoiling or obsolete goods. Kingspan have managed to reduce their stock turnover days to 51 days compared to 60 days the previous year. 7. Conclusion Overall Kingspan is performing better in 2010 than compared to 2009. The sources of finance are working well for the company, they have a low gearing ratio and have moved funds between long and short term borrowing taking advantage of a lower interest rate.They are managing their creditor, debtor and stock turnover days more efficiently than in 2009. They are leasing or using hire purchase to obtain assets this giving Kingspan the use of equipment without a large initial cost. Given the industry and the economic climate in 2010 Kingspan shows to be a liquid company and shows confidence in future earnings. ? 7. Appendices 7. 1Appendix 1 Workings (W1)Capital Employed20102009 Share Capital & Reserves666,945585, 535 Long Term Debt213,671201,141 882,626786,676 (W2)20102009Current Assets471,193398,212 Closing Inventory-129,035-110,821 342,158287,391 (W3) Credit Purchases20102009 Closing Stock129,035816,610 Cost of Sales859,521110,821 Opening Stock-110,821-157,760 Purchases877,735769,671 (W4)Average Inventory20102009 Opening Stock110,821157,760 Closing Stock129,035110,821 Total Stock239,856268,581 ? 2119,928134,291 ? 7. 2Appendix 2 Share prices for Kingspan Fig 1. 2009 share price as of 31/12/2009 Fig2. 2010 share price as of 31/12/2010 http://www. kingspan. com/kingspangroup/investors/share_info/share_chart/