Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Influences of Asia, Africa and the Americas Toward...

Human World Views The Influences of Asia, Africa and the Americas toward Contemporary Society September 13, 2015 The progression of morality as it relates to the influence of family, religion and society varies between Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Our contemporary society has been influenced tremendously in many different areas by these different societies. Social order in Asia was established by Hammurabi’s Code of Laws. Hammurabi himself was an Amorite king of Babylon, he set these laws to place order in Babylon. Hammurabi’s lex talionus explains that the punishment of a crime should be equal to what crime has been done, these laws are described as â€Å"an eye for an eye† and â€Å"a tooth for a tooth† (Levack, B., Muir, E., amp;†¦show more content†¦Similarities between ancient Egypt and now is that the subject of divorce is a private matter, unless one of the two wants to publicize it. As for the America’s in their advanced agriculture system led to modern society’s agriculture as well. This system was put to use by Ancient Peru after hunters were in search to consume foods other than meats. Ancient Peru created the spread of corn, cassava, and potatoes (Adas, 1992), this resulted in the growth population in the Americas, because people who only had access to cassava were able to e at this new thing called corn. This sense of spreading food is similar to how we can get Florida oranges, and Georgia peaches to Delaware, by trade. Lastly, Contemporary society and the Americas both served as a melting pot for existing civilizations. People of many descents migrated to the Americas in search of something new, and today people from other countries migrate to the many states of America to start a new life with new opportunities. Once all the newcomers came and got settled in the Americas, a defined culture had set in as well, which was different from the rest. Today you still hear people refer to our â€Å"American culture† across many different areas of life. In comparison to all of the societies mentioned above, each one has contributed to modern American culture in the subjects of literature and art. Egyptians were the first to develop an alphabet through theirShow MoreRelatedThe Development of Liberalism throught the Ages1377 Words   |  6 Pagesso far a s it aids towards his self expression and individual action. They also said that states were supposed to help economic transaction by controlling the basic norms yet leaving room for individual expression. They had contrary opinions to Marx’s idea of a state where individuals are equal and everybody gets the same benefits. Liberalists are more inclined towards capitalists as they propagate the idea of individuality, individual choices affecting one’s disposition in society. In the works ofRead MoreContemporary Issue in Eastern Religions1627 Words   |  7 PagesRunning head: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN EASTERN RELIGIONS There are over one billion people from different types of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe, ranging from the southern Philippines to Nigeria they are united by their common Islamic faith. A small group live in the Arab the world and the world s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia, where substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet UnionRead MoreForces That Drove European Imperialism3495 Words   |  14 Pagesrapidly increase their production. However, the new innovative methods resulted in over production and the accumulation of surplus capital. With the additional capital at their exposure, many investors sought to expand into new territories in Africa and Asia in order to take advantage of the abundance of resources and cheap labour in these countries. As a result of the over production of goods by the industrialized European economies, prices dropped due to the decreased demand for the excess of productsRead MoreTaking a Look at the Jazz Age1600 Words   |  6 PagesWorld War 1 has come to an end, and America is rejoicing. The Jazz Age was a time of change and new beginnings for Americans. During the Jazz Age, the United States erupted in new musical and cultural changes. These changes can be seen through the shift in literature, from conservative to contemporary writings, by literary giants like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Bessie Smith. The Jazz Age was known as the Roaring Twenties, and is still popular today due to its infamous jazz music, flappers, and prohibitionRead More Endgame By Samuel Beckett Essay1144 Words   |  5 Pagesaccomplishment (Garraty 307). Countries either held a highlighted concern with present wartime/possibility of war, or involvement with the then sprouting movement of Existentialism. The then â€Å"absurdist theater† reflected the values and concerns of the modern society (Petty). The accomplishments of man, such as the Soviet launching of both Sputnik satellites, sparked international competition. 1957 was not a year of unification and worldly brotherhood, it was a time that pushed for individual accomplishment andRead MoreThe Old British Empire s Influence On Modern Museums Essay2263 Words   |  10 Pagesa phrase that is known all too well in regards to British Imperialism and colonization spanning over Africa, Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe. Over the years, England in particular, has had a major influence across the world as a global superpower by sharing its own technology, culture, religion and more. But as much as they have shared, they have also taken to enrich their own society with artifacts, designs, foods, and other aspects of the foreign culture. This dynamic between Great BritainRead MoreMark Twain s The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn And The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer1654 Words   |  7 Pageshis fluid and flexible writing, his ability to portray emotion and passion via ink on d ead slices of trees is a mirror image of the- alleged- freedom that America purports. Even in death, his penname is renown- his autobiography a jumbled, yet appealing mess that was released 100 years after his expiration. Out of the numerous writers in America, Mark Twain is the enigmatic stand-out. ​Mark Twain- also known as Samuel Clemens- was an author known best for his fictional novels: â€Å"The Adventures of HuckleberryRead MoreMass Media Today a Summary1563 Words   |  7 Pagesethnocentrism and racism in Europe and North America as people are escaping to this part of the world. Wild capitalism thus combines with wild ethnicism and racism in a frightening mixture of policies and social practices that result in keeping many people or even whole countries and continents, down and out- this is manifesting in the phenomena of ethnic cleansing with immigration restrictions. What is the role of the media in this complex contemporary framework of social, economic and cultural forcesRead MoreWesternization Vs. Eating Disorders1645 Words   |  7 Pageswhich reside among the boarder of Thailand, practice the elongating of the neck through the use of brass rings. African and Amazonian tribes consider beauty through the stretching of their lips that is achieved using large lip plates. Tribes in Africa strive to achieve a larger body weight by eating over 15,000 calories a day in order to be more desirable partners as well as to gain a higher status. Similarly, in westernized countries individuals suffer from eating disorders and malnourishmentRead MoreHistorical Trends Of Asia, Latin America, And The Middle East2194 Words   |  9 PagesJonathan Leighton Dr. Mayer Hist 104 25 July 2014 Analyze World History From 1920-1990 Focusing On Asia, Africa, Latin America, And The Middle East There has been some noticeable historical changes that have taken place in different regions across the globe. This paper will thus concentrate on the analysis of historical trends of Asia, Latin America and Africa in the last century. Historical change has been facilitated by the changes in relationship and interactions that has allowed creativity

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Analysis Of The Book What Every Environmentalist Needs...

Student Name: Huanbing Zhang Student Number: 999611503 JGE 331 Book Review (what every environmentalist needs to know about capitalism) To begin this critical review of this book, the brief and precise introduction and summary of the whole book is needed before discussing with the authors’ main arguments. However, this book is mainly emphasizing the magic relations between the capitalism and current environmental problems. In the other words, while there are some people who argued that the capitalism thinking is necessarily required for addressing all of the problem, not just environmental ones, human are encountering the authors argued for the opposite side of that, especially in terms of such all of environmental issues that the authors have listed in chapter one as â€Å"rapid speed of the melting glacier, ocean acidification due to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, loss of biodiversity, ground water pollution and deplete, changed natural land pattern†(p. 14), the capitalism instead is a rooted problem that makes these environmental issues worse. Following that, the authors gave the enough amounts of evidences explaining why capitalism thinking changed the way in which people lived from getting natural resources for their basic necessity to unlimited calling for the never enough for luxury life. Therefore, as the needs for natural resources grew infinitely the authors thought that it is no doubt that the environmental issues would be worse with capitalism thinkingShow MoreRelated`` This Changes Everything : Capitalism Vs. The Climate ``1799 Words   |  8 Pagesattempts with her book â€Å"This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate†, attempts to reboot contemporary thinking around this notion. The author is an award-winning activist journalist and author of the world s best bestsellers No logo, no space, no choice, no work and Shock Doctrine. How Modern Capitalism Uses Natural Disasters and Social Crises. She is engaged with several liberal magazines, including Rolling Ston e and The Guardian. â€Å"This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate†Read MoreAn Analysis Of Naomi Klein s Writing On Climatic Change Versus Capitalism1988 Words   |  8 Pageshas changed the thoughts and beliefs of quite some people in her book This Changes Everything. Her writing on climatic change versus capitalism has transformed many people’s mindsets through the various solutions that she has provided. Naomi points out many helpful solutions in her book, but then not all of them are useful to the people as discussed. The cause of this uncertainty is the provision of incomplete information in her book. However, there are some critiques of her writing which includeRead MoreThis Changes Everything Book Analysis. â€Å"This Changes Everything:1980 Words   |  8 PagesThis Changes Everything Book Analysis â€Å"This Changes Everything: Capitalism Vs The Climate† is written by Naomi Klein and explores the devastating effects of climate change and how people worldwide are refusing to take action to fix it. The main topics that the book covers include the way that people look away from climate change issues to serve their own needs. She also covers how the Government has not bothered to tackle the issues of climate change due to the greed and selfishness that humans holdRead MoreThe 1988 Free Trade Agreement1931 Words   |  8 Pagesthe 1988 free trade agreement with the United States of America is to ask a complicated question that is likely to garner a different answer from each respondent. The best that one can do when analyzing the multitude of components that led to this agreement is to eliminate any pre-conceived notions that they may hold about liberalized trade, and attempt to objectively assess the issues that this country faced in the years leading up to 1988. Free trad e between Canada and the US is likely one of theRead MoreEssay on Should Polluters Pay For Polluting? 1998 Words   |  8 PagesThesis: If polluters are harming the environment, the pollution is a moral danger to the ecosystem and should be resolved. If polluters can pay economic compensation for their disruption of the environment, this will not necessarily resolve the problems of the environment. Three authors in this essay offer different perspectives on the issue of making polluters pay, their explicit views of this subject are not observably mentioned in their work, just different positions for and against the ideaRead MorePolitical Risk Management and Insurance: A Contextual Comparison12751 Words   |  51 PagesAbstract This dissertations presents concept of political risk in the context of Efficient Market Theory (Hypothesis) and State capitalism. The paper explores the link between the three ways of insuring political risk to economic theories. Using case study of a multinational firm the political regime and its effect has been explored on business situations and how it can be managed. Political risks are the threats arising for a business due to the actions of a host government. Multinational firmsRead MoreTracing Theoretical Approaches to Crime and Social Control: from Functionalism to Postmodernism16559 Words   |  67 PagesMany individuals played an important role in the production of this thesis, and I would like to take this opportunity to note my heartfelt appreciation. First, I am indebted in particular to my entire family; most importantly, Mom; every path I have taken has been to make you proud, and I hope to fulfill your dreams through my shoes. I would also like to thank my sister Michelina, Joel, Dad, Nanny, Ken Jarret, Uncle Ian Aunt Kari, my guardian angel Thomas, Gran my late Grampy–without yourRead MoreEnvironment: Energy Development and Environmental Problems11602 Words   |  47 Pagesemissions today, much of such emissions are from industrial activity from companies owned by rich nations. --Physical location is thus not as important as national ownership. | Ability | It is the rich nations who possess most of the technological know-how and financial means to deal with environmental catastrophe and to research possible alternative energy solutions. It is also the rich nations who are able to most help the developing nations when it comes to coping with the consequences of globalRead MoreSience23554 Words   |  95 Pages and answer the following questions. 1. What is the greenhouse effect? 2. How does it relate to climate change? 3. Draw and label the greenhouse effect. 4. Scroll down to the section â€Å"The Greenhouse Effect is Natural. What do we have to do with it?† What are some ways that humans are thought to be contributing to climate change? 5. Scroll down to the section â€Å"Small Average Global Temperature Change can have a Big Impact.† (Do not use the large mapRead MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 Pagesterms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at the address above You must not circulate this book in any other binding or cover and you must impose the same condition on any acquirer British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Data available Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication Data Data available Typeset by SPI Publisher Services

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Business Ethics and Values for Social Responsibility

Question: Discuss about the Business Ethics and Values for Social Responsibility? Answer: Identification of Each Stakeholder and Impact of Economic Crisis to Stakeholder The different stakeholders of the bank are customers of the bank, shareholders of the bank and government. All these stakeholders were affected by the great depression of 2008 that are described below Customers of the bank Banks at that time were changing their strategy to increase their business and a lot of loan was approved that exceeded the guarantee amount. Most of the bank in USA and the UK were unable to recover that money. Due to this depression, the banks had become stricter and they were not providing any loan to the business organizations (Crane Matten 2010). The savings account holders were in a dilemma whether they will get the money or not. Thus, the confidence of the customers was draining and bank was losing their normal business because of high interest rate for loan and low security of their savings account. Shareholder of the bank Customers were losing confidence in the banking business and the share prices were well below the required level. The investment of the shareholders was under huge threat, and this was not encouraging any further investments by the investors. The onset of the credit crunch created problems for the shareholders as the banking sector was running out of cash to operate their business. The unethical business process of the bank was the main reason that developed the situation. Government The major reasons behind the financial crisis were the two major players namely USAs Lehman Brothers and UKs Northern Rock in the banking sector. Both the banks ran out of money and government had to take initiatives to minimize the rumour. Thus in such a situation, the government provided lots of funding to the bank and helped to regain the confidence of the customer. Huge capital investment by the government of UK was a bold tep that makes them economically unstable and several other developments was prohibited however; the government is still trying to recover the situation by controlling the banking activity strictly. Argument from the utilitarian perspective According to the utilitarian perspective of normative ethics, it is the moral and ethical action that maximize the utility of the resources. According to the defination, in this casestudy no action from the banking sector was nither ethical nor profitable. Thetrefore from the utilitarian perspective it was a avoidable damage that may be restricted with proper vission and ethical action. f we consider the government approach in the banking industry in the UK, then it becomes very difficult to get further borrowings from the financial sector because every investment should be backed up by proper and calculated bank guarantee. Therefore, from the utilitarian perspective, it can be said that the government of UK has taken the right step in tightening the banking regulation of the country. The customers were losing their confidence in the banking sector and that was a threat to the economic condition of the country because UKs economy was highly dependent on the banking sector. However, the government of the country provided the required funding of 70 billion to the countrys banking sector to regain the customers hope. In spite of huge funding by the government, it was not sure, that all the financial institutions would run their business ethically. Therefore, it is the right decision to implement strict regulation by the government to control the banking sector from any further crisis (Crane Matten 2010). However, some of experts are saying that the strict regulation of the banking sector will lose the business that will not help the organizations to overcome the losses they have suffered. On the other hand, if we consider the government funding, then it will be impossible for the government to provide such kinds of fund any more in such a short period. Therefore, to ensure the customer confidence and a stable economy of the country, the government has taken an appropriate action that will ensure ethical operations by the banking sector. The aggressiveness of the banking business therefore, will be low and this will ensure the repayment of their loan from the reliable sources. Explanation about UK Banks that acted ethically in their operations From the philosophical perspective of the maxim of duty, it can be considered that the banks in the UK have not acted ethically because of their several aggressive strategies, in order to increase their business. In the early 1980s most of the banks were conservative, since, they were more dependent on the customers who deposited money in their bank. Therefore, customers have a great influence in the operating procedure of the bank. However, from the late 1990s, the bank business started to grow when many business organizations started to borrow their fund to strengthen their cash flow. The unethical practices by the bank officials were introduced to survive the competition in the market and most of the investments were made on land guarantee. . People were borrowing money to make their home. However, payment of the loan was provided up to 125% due to the competition. Along with the banks, many customers also made the unethical practice by borrowing money from several banks with the same land. The banking business was aggressive at that time and the minimum government regulation was available to control the businesses that lead to the unauthorised funding, which in turn resulted in huge loss by the non-payment of the loans (Mallin 2004). Customers was losing hope because banks were unable to return the depositors money that was guaranteed to them. All the factors acted as the unethical practice of the UKs banking sector. It was clear that the UK banks have not acted ethically in their business operations because they was providing the loan to most of the borrowers without verifying the degree of guarantee and at some instances banks were providing loan that was in excess of the bank guarantee. All these practices were unethical because in the early 1990s the source of the fund was depositors money that the bank used to provide loan with interest. Therefore, the money of the public was under the risk due to the aggressive activity of the bank that was ideally unethical. The practice of the banking sector was unethical because those customers who were highly dependent on the borrowing and made a proper repayment within time, but were unable to take loan to operate their business activity. Involvement of Clashes of Rights with the mentioned situation (Judgement of relative importance) The clashes of rights that are involved in this situation are the business right of the bank and the operating activity that was involved with the customers confidence. The relative importance of the right is associated with the customers and shareholders that are possible to judge. With this situation of the banking sector, the most affected persons are the shareholders who have invested a lot of money to make profit. The customers are also affected in this situation because they have provided the funds to the bank and in this situation; they do not know how they will get the return. Both the rights matter here because the bank was committed to both stakeholders. It was important for the bank to provide the information and take proper attention of their investment. The violation of the action by the bank officials was unethical. However, there was no such regulation of the government that would restrict the borrowing (Fisher Lovell 2009). Therefore, without any hindrance the busine ss of providing loan become popular, that involves many unethical practices form different industries, and among them, the real estate was the main. According to rights theory, as long as the distribution of wealth in society is achieved through fair acquisition and exchange, the distribution is a just one, regardless of any degree of inequalities that may ensue. Therefore, for both the stakeholders, right to information is the most relevant in this context. None of the stakeholders was aware about the fact that the bank is providing loan to their customers without any proper document just to compete in the market. If the customers had the information of the banks negligence then they might not depend on the bank, which is same in case of shareholders as well. If the shareholders knew it then they might not invest so much. Right to information is inalienable in this case because the bank has unethically provided loan to their customers only to make more profit. Application of normative theories Virtue Ethics The current situation of the banking sector can be explained with the two normative theories namely virtue ethics and egoisms. According to the virtue ethics, it is the action of the individual, which is more important to identify the codes of conduct to take an action. From the organizational perspective, the decision authority of the bank has decided to become aggressive which was unethical without the return guarantee. However, banks were more interested to provide more loans without thinking of the return. For example, managers of the bank decided to make aggressive business. Banks that were more involved with the activity of aggressive business faced the biggest problem in the industry and the government had to take the initiative to help them to gain the customers confidence (Mallin 2004). According to the virtue ethics, the officials in the banking sector were part of the race and change was introduced in the late 1990s with the onset of globalization. Therefore, several inter national banks like American Home Mortgage, ABN AMRO, Lehman Brothers etc. were also involved with the actions of unethical practices that are most relevant to the normative theory of virtue ethics. Egoisms The situation can also be explained with the theory of egoisms that explain an action is morally right or wrong. In the late 1990s, most of the banks became liberal and provided loans to their customers for several reasons. The main purpose was to invest in the land or in the real estate sector. All the investment of the bank was done to increase the business and to survive the increasing competition. In this case, the bank had taken these actions to bring more benefits to their customers and shareholders by providing more interest and profit. Therefore, the intention of the action was good, but the result of the action was on the negative side. The importance of the egoisms was more relevant because of the sustainability factor that will increase the intensity of the action without implementing the fact of return (Mallin 2004). Therefore most of the banks had done the same thing and provided a lot of money to their customers without thinking or verifying the process of repayment tha t lead to the disaster in the banking sector as well as generated the financial crisis. Reference List Crane,A Matten,D (2010) Business Ethics. (Third Edition). Oxford University Press. Fisher,C A.Lovell (2009) Business Ethics and Values. Prentice Hall. Mallin,C (2004) Corporate Governance. Oxford University Press.

Monday, December 2, 2019

When Words Are not Enough The Magic of Music

Music is the sphere where the most unbelievable extremes meet; perhaps, this is the only sphere where complete harmony is possible. However, to have a better understanding of the music, careful analysis of its components is as important as the general impression. Analyzing several notable performances, one can feel the heartbeat of the musical rhythm.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on When Words Are not Enough: The Magic of Music specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The three pieces under the analysis are strikingly different, yet they all possess certain unifying feature. Each of them represents a different musical style; in Ostrowsky’s performance of Marquez’s Dragon, it is the Mexican music, in Mackey’s composition it is closer to classics, as well as Grainger’s music. It is obvious that the tempo of the three concerts vary considerably. In Golemo’s version of Grainger, it is close to Andante Moderato, whereas in Mackey’s Aurora the tempo is somewhat slower, approaching Larghissimo. Marquez’s Dragon is moving with the grace of Adagio. The rhythm of each piece, the sounds and silences, have a stunning effect on the audience. While the music in Ostrowsky and Golemo’s interpretation create a constant flow of sounds, which crates an impression of integrity, Mackey’s piece in Heidel’s version sounds much more strained, making the audience feel the tension of the moment, with help of the uneven rhythm. Speaking of the melody of each piece, one must necessarily mark that the peculiarities of each composition are emphasized with help of the original interpretation of the orchestra. One of the finest examples of the classical musical pieces, the three compositions create the impression of integrity and wholeness, with their conjunctive melodies. Although Golemo and Ostrowsky tend to change the melody in the most dramatic moments of t he performance, which sends shivers down people’s spines, there is no doubt that the three compositions make complete pieces with not a single trace of incompleteness. Considering each musical piece, one can come to the conclusion that each of them is a complete theme. Listening to the enchanting melodies, one can set his/her imagination completely free; as (s)he follows the curvy path of each composition, one will inevitably mark that the music tells the story of the place far-away. One of them triumphant, another sad, the third thrilling and intriguing, they created entire themes, the stories told in music.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another important feature of the compositions is their texture. With help of the variety of musical instruments, the melodies in each case sound polyphonic, which enriches the musical pieces and makes them incredibly profound. This make s the music sound most harmonic and adds the musical compositions expressivity. Each instrument performing its function and none of them singled out, they create the most impressive music altogether. Like an organism where every molecule is of paramount importance, these melodies comprise the sounds of dozens of musical instruments, yet they make an impression of a complete piece with each of its elements an integral part of the whole. Speaking of the musical pieces, one must necessarily mention their dynamics. It must be admitted that there are certain switches of dynamics in the Golemo’s performance, as well as the concert conducted by Marquez, these changes are easily perceived as the logical continuation of the â€Å"stem† melody; like a river that can branch different ways yet stay the same, powerful and magnificent in its beauty, the symphonies played by Marquez and Golemo vary, yet these variations are taken as a whole. In contrast to them, Ostrowsky tends to ke ep the melody within the boundaries of its slow pace. Impressive and enchanting, these musical pieces evoke the grandest visions and lead one to the Promised Land of the classical music. This essay on When Words Are not Enough: The Magic of Music was written and submitted by user Fletcher R. 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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Death Of A Salesman, American Dream essays

Death Of A Salesman, American Dream essays After reading Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, I notice a major difference can be noticed between my vision of the American dream, and the Loman familys vision of the American dream. To mean the American dream is to decided on your own what you want to do for a living when you are older, and how you want to go about getting there. There are many roads you can take to get to your goals. You can go to college if you desire to, or if your goals and standards are set lower, you can achieve them without college. The choice on how you want to live your own American dream is limitless in my eyes. In my opinion the Loman family has a terrible view of the American dream, and will never be able to achieve true success. The Loman family lives in more of a dream world than reality. They often sugar-coat their lives and make things seem much better than they are instead of actually facing lifes hardships and dealing with them. The entire Loman family does not see life for what it really is, they see life on how they wish it was. Instead of trying to gain their desired lifestyle, they pretend they already have it. Willy Lomans imagination is much larger than his sales skills, which leads to him getting pay cuts and eventually leads to him getting let go from his company. Willys sons Happy and Biff serve as clueless children who live through their fathers lies and false lifestyle. Willys wife Linda serves as a loyal wife who stands by her husband and lives in his dream world. Through out the play I believe Arthur Miller shows many examples of the American dream, but none of them are of the nuclear Loman family. In the beginning of the story a boy named Bernard (neighbor) states that Biff needs to study with him today for the Regents exam that their class would be taking next week. Bernard also stated the results will determine who gets college scholarship. After hearing this Willy...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Composition and Properties of Glass

The Composition and Properties of Glass When you hear the term glass you may think of window glass or a drinking glass. However, there are many other types of glass. Glass is the name given to any amorphous (non-crystalline) solid that displays a glass transition near its melting point. This is related to the glass transition temperature, which is the temperature where an amorphous solid becomes soft near its melting point or a liquid becomes brittle near its freezing point. Glass is a type of matter. Sometimes the term glass is restricted to inorganic compounds, but more often now a glass may be an organic polymer or plastic or even an aqueous solution. Silicon Dioxide and Glass The glass you encounter most often is silicate glass, which consists mainly of silica or silicon dioxide, SiO2. This is the type of glass you find in windows and drinking glasses. The crystalline form of this mineral is quartz. When the solid material is non-crystalline, it is a glass. You can make glass by melting silica-based sand. Natural forms of silicate glass also exist. Impurities or additional elements and compounds added to the silicate change the color and other properties of the glass. Glass Examples Several types of glass occur in nature: Obsidian (volcanic silicate glass)Fulgurites (sand that has been vitrified by a lightning strike)Moldavite (green natural glass likely resulting from meteorite impacts) Man-made glass includes: Borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex, Kimax)IsinglassSoda-lime glassTrinitite (radioactive glass formed by heating of the desert floor by the Trinity nuclear test)Fused quartzFluoro-aluminateTellurium dioxidePolystyreneRubber for tiresPolyvinyl acetate (PVA)PolypropylenePolycarbonateSome aqueous solutionsAmorphous metals and alloys

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Reactive Power (VAR) Compensation using Photovoltaic (PV) Inverter Assignment

Reactive Power (VAR) Compensation using Photovoltaic (PV) Inverter - Assignment Example The error is sent via PI controller and summed to the grid’s voltage in order in order to get a voltage amplitude equivalent to that of the inverter. Active power generated by the inverter is compared with reference active power signal to produce error. Error passes via PI controller, giving rise to a loading angle. This loading angle is then summed to grid’s voltage phase angle, hence resulting to an increased inverter phase angle. The Phase Locked Loop will still recognize the fundamental positive sequence of the source voltage even at the worst cases scenarios of voltage harmonic distortion.   At these conditions, the active filter absorbs balanced and sinusoidal currents from the source, which are in phase with corresponding fundamental positive sequence of the source voltages. The development of this regulation structure for active power filter is employed when combining with other structures that are to be connected in dc link bus. The structures are static converters that are capable of exchanging active power between an energy source or an energy storage device (capacitor at night). The inverter easily transfers this active power to the grid.   A Power Conditioner with energy storage capability is a viable solution in improving the reliability and the qual ­ity of an electric energy supply. There are several tasks that are performed at a single time, for example current harmonic reduction, smoothing of pulsating loads and reactive power com ­pensation. Moreover, the Power Condioner should work as Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) at a short time during interruptions of the grid supply. The Power Compensator is a flexible that is coupled to energy storage device like supercapacitor and battery. At the inverter’s dc side, there is a capacitor that stabilizes proper voltage level for better operation of the inverter that acts current source. The rectifier delivers dc power

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Managerial Economics Resit Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Managerial Economics Resit Assignment - Essay Example However, in a free market economy, price is highly influenced by the market forces of demand and supply and the utility or the value customers are expecting from a commodity is also influenced by these market forces. This paper addresses factors that determine the price of computers in a free market and explain why computer price has continued to fall even while the demand constantly increased. Price determinants of computer in free market Free market is a market system with few government restrictions on how a product or service can be produced and marketed or on how a factor of production can be employed (Kates, 2011). Government in all other market systems do intervene in matters regarding how a good or service can be produced and marketed and how factors of production such as land, labor, capital and organization can be employed more than in the case of free market. As there are relatively few government restrictions in countries like United States and Canada, their economies are said to be closer to free-market economy. In a free market economy, price is determined by the market forces of demand and supply. Consumers are willing to pay for a goods or service only if they are worth the price. Similarly, suppliers are ready to produce and market only if consumers are ready to pay for them. Market equilibrium occurs when market demand and supply are equal and this is how the price of a commodity is determined. Thus, value or utility of the commodity and willingness to pay are significant factors that determine the demand and supply forces in the market. In a free market mechanism, price is never affected by outside forces such as government restrictions. The resources are allocated by the spending decisions of millions of consumers and producers. As governments place no or relatively very less restrictions on what can be bought and sold, owners of factors of production and producers of goods and services have fuller right to buy and sell whatever they own thr ough the market system. When it comes to computers in a free-market, the price is determined according to the demand and supply forces. As depicted in the table and graph below, price of computers in a free market is determined in the equilibrium point where the demand for computers and its supply intersect. When price of the computers areas lower as 10,000 or 15,000, the demand may increase to 60 and 50 respectively and the supply will reduce to 20 and 30 respectively. As the table shows, there is only one price of shifts ($ 20,000) where the market is in equilibrium. Quantity demanded is equal to quantity supplied at 40, 000 computers. At all other states, the market price is in disequilibrium wherein supply of computers and demand for computers are in a state of imbalance. Disequilibrium occurs either when the demand exceeds supply or the supply exceeds the demand for computers. Price per computer $ Demand (000 computers) Supply (000 computers) Market position Effects on price 10 ,000 60 20 Shortage Rise 15,000 50 30 Shortage Rise 20,000 40 40 Equilibrium Stable 25,000 30 50 Surplus Fall 30,000 20 60 Surplus Fall 35,000 10 70 Surplus Fall As far as computers in free-market mechanism is considered, government will not intervene in resource allocation. In other economic systems, governments may choose to interfere in the price mechanism mainly because they want to control,

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Great Expectations Essay Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a novel that focuses on the life of Philip Pirrip and his expectations. Throughout the book these expectations change and as they do, the reader comes to realise the key theme of how a characters upbringing and environment can dehumanise them. This essay will examine this key theme and how it demonstrates and helps the reader understand Pips growth as a character.  Initially, Pip is a very compassionate and sensitive character. We see this right from the start as the first scene describes him at his families grave crying. The reason for this behaviour at this stage of the book is Pips sister and guardian Mrs Joe Gargery. She concluded by throwing me- I often served her as a connubial missile-  This quote shows that Pip feels in most ways inadequate to his sister and that this domination is the reason for his sensitive and compassionate appearance at this stage of the book.  However, when Pip receives his expectations from Mr Jaggers, and he moves into lodging with Herbert, this domination is no longer valid. As Pip falls deeper and deeper into debt with his flippant spending, he moves further away from Joe and his old home. This gap becomes more apparent after Mrs Joes funeral, when Pip has an awkward conversation with his used to be good friend Biddy. In this conversation Pip presents himself as much more of a selfish and uncompassionate young man: Biddy, said I in a virtuously self-asserting manner, I must request to know what you mean by this?  This quote demonstrates Pips growth as a character as it shows the speed at which he has changed into more arrogant and self-righteous Pip since his childhood. It helps the reader understand the theme of how a characters upbringing and environment can dehumanise them, by showing that in his new, wider-boundary environment, Pip has become somewhat dehumanised. This dehumanisation is demonstrated in this conversation, as Pips manner is made to seem selfish and arrogant to underline the gap between Pips humanised place of upbringing and his somewhat dehumanised state in London. After Mrs Joes death, Pip seems more compassionate and thoughtful. This is because his visit back to his place of birth has helped him realise the change that he has undergone while he has been away by showing him the emotional distance he has put between himself and his family, and the consequences these distances have had on his relationships with his friends and family back home. This compassionate change is reinforced when he sets up Herberts job in a bid to see his friend more financially stable. I did really cry in good earnest when I went to bed, to think that my expectations had done some good to somebody.  This quote shows that Pip has realised the main theme of how a characters environment and upbringing can dehumanise them, by acting in this compassionate and thoughtful way. Also by referring to Herbert as somebody at the end of this quote, Pip shows the reader that he does not believe that his expectations have done himself that much good. In conclusion, Pip reacted throughout the novel towards his environment and upbringing in both negative and in the end positive ways. At the beginning of the novel, he seemed a very modest and sensitive young boy. However when he receives his expectations this marks the beginning of the changes and dehumanisation that he undergoes whilst he is in London. Thankfully though, after his experience at Mrs Joes funeral Pip realises these changes that he has undergone and endeavours to be more compassionate and thoughtful. This shows the reader that Pip has almost completed a full circle of growth, in terms of his behaviour in relation to his upbringing and environment, and this was reinforced by the main theme of how a characters upbringing and environment can dehumanise them.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Bilingual Education vs English Immersion Programs :: essays research papers

Bilingual Education vs English Immersion Programs Bilingual Education is defined as any school program that uses two languages. In a more theoretical sense it is any educational program whose ultimate goal is for the participants to be fully versed in all facets of both languages (i.e., able to listen, speak , read, and write in both languages). The definition of a coordinated, developmental bilingual approach has emphasized the goal of being equally fluid in both languages. Realistically, this has not been the goal for most K-12 bilingual schools in the United States. More commonly in the United States we are using the words â€Å"bilingual program† to describe a program that will provide literacy and content in the primary language, while building English fluency, to the point where all instruction will occur in English. These programs are label transitional bilingual programs as their ultimate goal is to transition all students into an English only learning arena. One of the down sides of these programs is that they are no t maintenance (development)bilingual programs which are designed to preserve and develop student’s primary language while they acquire English as a second language. Bilingual Program Models All bilingual program models use the students' home language, in addition to English, for instruction. These programs are most easily implemented in districts with a large number of students from the same language background. Students in bilingual programs are grouped according to their first language, and teachers must be proficient in both English and the students' home language. Early-exit bilingual programs are designed to help children acquire the English skills required to succeed in an English-only mainstream classroom. These programs provide some initial instruction in the students' first language, primarily for the introduction of reading, but also for clarification. Instruction in the first language is phased out rapidly, with most students mainstreamed by the end of first or sec ond grade. The choice of an early-exit model may reflect community or parental preference, or it may be the only bilingual program option available in districts with a limited number of bilingual teachers. Late-exit programs differ from early-exit programs primarily in the amount and duration that English is used for instruction as well as the length of time students are to participate in each program (Ramirez, Yuen, & Ramey, 1991). Students remain in late-exit programs throughout elementary school and continue to receive 40% or more of their instruction in their first language, even when they have been reclassified as fluent-English-proficient.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Tuckman Group

Storming Stage: Every individual in the group will come up with different ideas to solve the problems of the reject; Also members will share their experiences and bring in what they have learnt from different projects form the past which will be great benefit to this one (what worked and what didn't work). At this stage every idea is valuable to make the project perfect -All ideas or contributions must be noted and treated as important. Morning Stage: At this stage, they work out strengths and weaknesses Of all the members to know who can do what based on individuals background, experience and area of expertise.The task is now assigned to everyone from the processes listed in the forming stage. They also prepare a timely schedule for the completion of the tasks as well as meeting dates in which each stage of task is fed back to the group ( as they are all from different countries, their meeting could be done using ‘Conference call' or online). They will have to prepare their sc hedule in line with the tight deadline they have been given. Performing Stage: This is the stage in which the project is actually completed, tested and executed. The improvement process is completed and updated unto the company's database.Samaritan oversees the whole process as a team leader. Paul will be in charge of the budget – looking at how much the company is willing to spend on this project; the actual cost of resources needed; cost of contracting out if necessary; and how well they can manage the fund available to complete the project. Michael has a good knowledge of stakeholders, so he is going to be looking at the needs of clients; the benefit and suitability of the improvement process to the company's operation. Michael along with Alice will be working together looking at the cost benefit analysis of the project.They will be considering and weighing the benefits of he project to its cost to the company in long term. Susan and Alice will be given the responsibility of writing the programmed, of needs to improve the process using programming languages, which will be incorporated into the existing process software and updated. Everyone is now aware of what is expected of him or her and from here they move onto the fourth stage which is; Adoring Stage: after the new process is implemented, then the team's objective is completed and thereby dissolved, this is referred to as the adoring stage.The basis for which the group was plopped has been actualities. When there is need for any other improvement then another group/team will be established which may comprise of the same or different set of people. Mourning Stage: This won't really apply to this team as their task has been completed and the team has been automatically dissolved. The mourning stage is when a group loses its member(s) and there happens to be no replacement. It may only apply to this team if doing he period they are working on the project, a member resigns is being sacked from the c ompany and not been replaced by any other person.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Traditions and Beliefs

A  tradition  is a practice, custom, or  story  that is memorized and passed down from generation to generation, originally without the need for a  writing system. Traditions are often presumed to be  ancient, unalterable, and deeply important, though they may sometimes be much less â€Å"natural† than is presumed. Some traditions were deliberately invented for one reason or another, often to highlight or enhance the importance of a certain institution. Traditions may also be changed to suit the needs of the day, and the changes can become accepted as a part of the ancient tradition. Folk Beliefs, otherwise known as â€Å"Superstitious Beliefs†, forms part of a people's value systems and culture. They basically reflect the customs, traditions, and mores of a group, which has been based on religious beliefs, opinions, or popular old practices. Also they tell of how a people view the unknown and the Means to appease the gods that control the future. Filipinos still adhere to numerous widely-held folk beliefs that have no scientific or logical basis but maybe backed-up by some past experiences (yet can be dismissed as mere coincidence). Some are still practiced to this day primarily because of ‘there's nothing to lose if we comply' attitude while the others are totally ignored for it seemed downright ridiculous. A number of Filipinos have Folk Beliefs about life, family, luck, wealth, etc. Some of which were presented by the four groups last Monday, April 26, 2010. I have noticed that almost all groups presented folk beliefs about courtship and marriage. Courtship is one that is still being practiced among the strictest of the Filipino families. This is performed by the male (who is the suitor since it is wrong to do it the opposite way) visiting the home of the female. In the olden days, courtship doesn't start until the male suitor had obtained permission from the parents. This was done with the male suitor being accompanied by another respectable elder and approaching either the father or the mother of the female and obtaining permissions days in advanced to visit at a particular day and time. Nowadays this form of getting the parent's permission is still being practiced in the provinces, however, due to western influences, there are ome variations more adaptable to the modern times. One alternative is to make a phone call, asking for the parents' or guardian's permission through an elder to schedule a visit. Another way is for the suitor to approach the parents in a public place, and informally asking for permission to visit. Either way, it is to show proper respect to ask for permission prior to the formal visit. Proper ly greeting the parents by placing the back of the right hand of the parents to the suitor's forehead is practiced to show respect. This is called pagmamano in Tagalog. When the permission has been granted, the suitor whether accompanied by a friend or an elder will visit the girl's home and offers gifts. Gift bags or boxes of goodies or Filipino snacks purchased from a local store and flowers are generally given. The snacks or other goods are offered to the family of the girl then the flowers and special sweets (like chocolate or candies) are given to the girl. In a strict Filipino home, during courtship, the parents are present during the first visit. This is the opportunity to get to know each other. This is sometimes called courting the parents first and winning their hearts and approval then letting the boy or suitor court the girl. Subsequent visits are then scheduled if all went well during the first visit and, depending on how long the courtship will last; the answer is given by the girl with the parents' knowledge as well. After the courtship stage and the girl decides that she also would like to take the suitor's offer of love and commitment, then the girl will give the favorable answer to the suitor. At times it takes months before the answer is given. In the olden days, strict parents would sometimes give a series of tests, having the suitor do some chores like fetching some water from the well, cutting firewood to be used for cooking dinner, helping the father of the girl do some yard or farm work. Nowadays, a more modern approach is being performed by the suitor whereby he offers gentlemanly help to the parents, sometimes carrying groceries as he sees them walking down the streets, offering them a ride if he happens to be driving their way, doing other favors that can help win their favor and better his chances of getting the girl's love as well. After the girl announces to the parents that she is ready to be engaged the parents would be around to congratulate the suitor. From then on, the suitor is treated like a member of the family. Sometimes, even before marriage, the suitor is introduced to the friends and relatives of the girl's immediate family as future part of the family or future son-in-law. Engagements may take longer than a year, and then the date shall be set for marriage. During the waiting period they are free to go on dates, at times with a chaperone. Nowadays, after the first few chaperoned dates they can date on their own, especially those who live in the cities where it is not as strict as in the rural areas of the country. When the two decides that they are ready to get married, then the pamamanhikan (official request of the male and his parents or guardians for the girl's hand in marriage) begins. This is usually done in the evening after dinner. Then, if the parents of the girl agree, they will give them their blessings and set the date of the wedding. The engagement sometimes last from several months to a couple of years due to extensive preparations. The majority of Filipino weddings are now Catholic weddings, but some native traditions remain. Most have special â€Å"sponsors† who act as witnesses to the marriage. The principal sponsors could be godparents, counselors, a favorite uncle and aunt, even a parent. Secondary sponsors handle special parts of the ceremony, such as the candle, cord and veil ceremonies. Candle sponsors light two candles, which the bride and groom use to light a single candle to symbolize the joining of the two families and to invoke the light of Christ in their married life. Veil sponsors place a white veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulders, a symbol of two people clothed as one. Cord sponsors drape the yugal (a decorative silk cord) in a figure-eight shape–to symbolize everlasting fidelity–over the shoulders of the bride and groom. The groom gives the bride 13 coins, or arrhae, blessed by the priest, as a sign of his dedication to his wife's well-being and the welfare of their future children. The four groups, as far as I can remember, presented more beliefs and traditions about death, marriage, life and luck. These were: †¢ The table should not be cleared while an unmarried woman is still eating because she might end up an old maid. †¢ Do not sweep your floor at night or else you are sweeping your luck out of the house. †¢ If one cuts his fingernails at night, a member of the family will die. †¢ One must not organize teams of 3 or 13, otherwise one member will die. †¢ Eating Pancit on their birthday will enable them to live longer. †¢ The use of the word â€Å"Po† or â€Å"Opo† means â€Å"Yes† in a very polite manner. It is usually said by a young person to an elder. Holding a family reunion to celebrate a birthday in the family, fiestas, for Christmas or New Year's Celebration. †¢ One must be able to have â€Å"handa† during feast days. The first belief tells me that when you clear the table while an unmarried woman is still eating, that woman will stay single all her life. I still don’t believe in such belief because I have met and seen single women getting married even if this clearing of tables while they ate happened to them. This is also my very first time to hear such belief. The second belief is one I heard when I was still very young. I was at my grandfather’s house at Negros Oriental one summer. One night, there housemaid swept the floor and was scolded by my grandfather’s sister for doing such act. I wondered why and so I asked my parents about it. They, too, didn’t know why sweeping floors during night was not allowed. Now, I know why. I still don’t believe in such belief although luck in that house has gone in and out. I believe it’s just coincidental when someone sweeps during the night and then you become very unlucky in the future. The third belief is somehow coincidental for me when you cut your fingernails and someone in your family dies. I have also tried a lot of times already cutting my nails at night and I have also tried losing a member of my family already but I don’t think it was because of what I did. I don’t see any connection between cutting fingernails during the night and death. With the fourth belief, I have heard this since I was in my grade school years. I still hear such until now. I usually go around with two of my very close friends. We always take pictures of ourselves yet not one of us has died, fortunately. I was told that whoever is in the middle will die first. It sounds pretty scary at first especially when I was still very young and innocent. However, as I grew up and hear such, it becomes lame to me and somehow funny because I have had lots of experience already with having two friends with me. The group presented this by three people who was about to take a picture of themselves and then their friend told them they shouldn’t be three otherwise the one in the middle will die. And so they invited more people to join them so they wouldn’t be three. The fifth belief tells me that eating Pancit will make your life longer. I always hear such especially during festivities and celebrations. On birthday celebrations, there is always pancit on the table because it is said that this will make you live longer on earth. They always say â€Å"pansit, pampahaba ng buhay†. I’m pretty sure it is such because pancit is long. We don’t usually practice such tradition in our family. The sixth belief shows respect to the older people when you say Opo or Po. It is our tradition to say such. We also â€Å"mano† or kiss the right hand of an older person when we greet them. Actually, you don't really kiss that hand. You just bow a bit, and gently take the older person's right hand with your right hand, and move it towards your own forehead. Sometimes, it's the back of their hand that touches your forehead. In our family, we practice such tradition as a sign of respect. When we got to our province in Negros and get to meet with the very many relatives of ours, we â€Å"mano† every older relative. Other relatives of ours especially my aunts and uncles who are in their late 20’s and early 30’s wont let us â€Å"mano† them because they don’t want to be â€Å"old†. The seventh and eight traditions have been practiced for years by almost all Filipinos. These happenings bring family members together especially those who are living away or are working in different places and rarely have the chance or time to come home. The presence of family visitors and reuniting members delight the other members of the family, aside from stories and gossips to tell. And, if a visitor is a foreigner or a relative who comes from abroad, the family is very proud especially when the neighbors are around, and offers everything just to please the visitor. Once the visitor is gone, the family will either praise or mock the visitor. It’s mostly not the presence but the presents. We always celebrate feast days by having handa and inviting people to eat inside the house. In our family, we do the same during our village’s fiesta. We invite friends, relatives and neighbors to dine and celebrate with us. Such tradition brings families and friends closer and patches up the times you missed together. With the very many traditions and beliefs of the Filipinos, I can say we only practice a few. Our family is not the type who believes in such beliefs. We only practice those traditions that are very common like celebrating festivities and occasions and giving of gifts during special days. I don’t believe in these beliefs because they sound ridiculous for me but I respect them and the people who believe in them. We were not raised believing in folk beliefs because they are mere stories and doesn’t have any connection with the real world. Sometimes, I wonder why people have made so many beliefs. Is it their way of scaring people especially beliefs about death and misfortune? I believe it is only you who can bring luck to yourself and it is not harmful to believe and practice such beliefs and traditions. I just learned that folk beliefs are not real and not practical and one’s life must not always work around with beliefs.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Misrepresentations of African Americans in the Media essays

Misrepresentations of African Americans in the Media essays Misrepresentations of African Americans in the Movies It seems that the entertainment industry has helped to shape the way that African Americans are viewed by modern day America. As a white male who has little or no experience within an actual black family unit, I am not sure exactly how accurate media portrayals are. However, I am fully aware of the stereotypes that often plague the African American race. Myths and untruths about the work ethic and sexual ferocity of Black males, the unskilled or careless parenting of Black mothers and fathers, and the general moral deterioration of the Black family as a whole run rampant in todays films, television shows, and other forms of media. Through real life interactions and experience, books and classes, and common sense, I have put these stereotypes to rest for myself. I know that they are not accurate. Unfortunately, there are many who do fall victim to the stereotypes, and there are many more who experience prejudice and pain because of them. After watching some movies that are currently popular, it seems to me that the majority of current films that are aimed at an African American audience fill and support these negative stereotypes of African Americans. When Hollywood pitches an idea for a film, it is aimed towards a specific audience. Some of these movies are specifically aimed towards African American teens. These films usually star African American actors and actresses, sometimes popular rap stars, and they usually take place in an urban setting. I have seen two such comedy movies recently; Friday, starring Ice Cube, and How High, starring Method Man and Redman. Because these movies star popular rap artists, they are meant to attract those artists core audience, African American teens. However, upon viewing these films, I was disturbed rather than amused. Because of the extremely high number of racial stereotypes that these movies held, I co...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Scoring and Percentiles - PrepScholar 2016 Students Encyclopedia

Scoring and Percentiles - PrepScholar 2016 Students' Encyclopedia SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The SAT measures reasoning skills and college readiness on a 2400 point scale, with a maximum score of 800 for each of its three sections, Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The SAT has used this scale since 2005, following its addition of the Writing section and essay. Before that, it was scored out of 1600, a scalethat will returnwiththe redesigned SAT in March of 2016. Note: this article is a series in the PrepScholar2016 Students' Encyclopedia, a free students' and parents' SAT / ACT guide that provides encyclopedic knowledge. Read all the articles here! Forstudents in the class of 2014 who took the SAT, the average Critical Reading score was 497, average Math score was 513, and average Writing score was 487.Since colleges use the SAT as an admissions test, they typically share data on the average scores of their accepted students. High school students may use this data to define their target SAT scores and compare their results with those of other applicants to the same or similarly ranked schools. While most colleges do not advertise an SAT score requirement, some admissions officers have suggested that they do not look at an application unless it contains a certain minimum score. Students receive their scores about three weeks after taking the test, as do any colleges they listed as score recipients at the time of registration. Students can indicate additional score recipients for $11.25 each. Basic score reports tell students their scaled scores and raw scores broken down by question type. Students can also order the Question and Answer service ($18) for a detailed report of their performance by each question, along with online answer explanations. Students receive one point for every correct answer, zero points for skipped answers, and a deduction of 0.25 points for wrong answers on multiple choice questions. The ten grid-in math questions have no point deductions for wrong answers, and the essay is graded on a scale between 2 and 12. Students receive essay and multiple choice subscores for the SAT Writing section (the multiple choice questions are scored between 20 and 80). Their composite Writing score is based approximately 30% on the essay and 70% on the multiple choice. A score of 0 on the essay is possible if the section is left blank or is illegible, completely off-topic, or written witha prohibited instrument. Raw scores are converted to scaled scores between 200 and 800 through a process called equating, which takes into account the scores of all students who took the SAT on a given administration. Students also receive a percentile that compares their score to that of other test-takers. The following chart shows the most recent conversion of raw scores to scaled scores. While these figures may have some variation from year to year, they remain more or less the same over time. Raw Scores to Scaled Scores for the Class of 2014 Raw Score Critical Reading Scaled Score Math Scaled Score Writing Multiple Choice Scaled Score Raw Score Critical Reading Scaled Score Math Scaled Score Writing Multiple Choice Scaled Score 67 800 31 500 550 55 66 800 30 500 540 54 65 800 29 490 540 53 64 790 28 480 540 52 63 770 27 480 530 51 62 760 26 470 420 50 61 740 25 460 510 49 60 730 24 460 500 48 59 720 23 450 490 47 58 700 22 440 480 46 57 690 21 440 480 45 56 680 20 430 470 44 55 670 19 420 460 43 54 670 800 18 410 450 42 53 660 790 17 410 440 41 52 650 760 16 400 530 40 51 640 740 15 390 420 39 50 630 720 14 380 410 38 49 620 710 80 13 380 400 38 48 620 700 78 12 370 390 37 47 610 690 75 11 360 380 36 46 600 680 73 10 350 370 35 45 600 670 71 9 340 360 34 44 590 660 70 8 330 350 33 43 580 650 68 7 320 330 32 42 570 640 67 6 310 320 31 41 570 640 66 5 300 310 30 40 560 630 64 4 290 290 29 39 550 620 63 3 270 280 27 38 550 610 62 2 260 260 26 37 540 600 61 1 240 240 24 36 530 590 60 0 220 220 22 35 530 590 59 -1 210 200 20 34 520 58- 58 -2 and below 200 200 20 33 520 570 57 32 510 560 56 Writing on 20-80 scale and combined with essay score. Score percentiles compare test-takers to one another on a given SAT administration. The following chart shows the percentiles for various ranges of composite scores for the class of 2014. Composite Score Ranges and Percentiles for the Class of 2014 SAT Composite Score Range Percentile Range 2350-2400 99+ to 99+ 2300-2350 99 to 99+ 2250-2300 99 to 99 2200-2250 98 to 99 2150-2200 97 to 98 2100-2150 96 to 97 2050-2100 95 to 96 2000-2050 93 to 95 1950-2000 91 to 93 1900-1950 88 to 91 1850-1900 85 to 88 1800-1850 81 to 85 1750-1800 77 to 81 1700-1750 73 to 77 1650-1700 68 to 73 1600-1650 63 to 68 1550-1600 57 to 63 1500-1550 52 to 57 1450-1500 46 to 52 1400-1450 40 to 46 1350-1400 34 to 40 1300-1350 28 to 34 1250-1300 23 to 28 1200-1250 18 to 23 1150-1200 14 to 18 1100-1150 10 to 14 1050-1100 7 to 10 1000-1050 5 to 7 950-1000 4 to 5 900-950 2 to 4 850-900 2 to 2 800-850 1 to 2 750-800 1 to 1 700-750 1Â ­ to 1 650-700 1Â ­ to 1Â ­ 600-650 - to 1Â ­ While the chart above displays data on composite score ranges, the next chart shows percentiles by section score ranges for the class of 2014. The Math section is slightly more competitive than the other sections, meaning that a student would have to achieve a higher score in Math to be in a top percentile. For example, a score of 750 translates to 97th percentile in Math, but 98th percentile in Critical Reading. A score of 700 is 93rd percentile on Math versus 95th on Reading, and a 600 is 75th on Math versus 80th on Reading. SectionScore Ranges and Percentiles for the Class of 2014 Section Score Range SAT Reading Percentiles SAT Math Percentiles SAT Writing Percentiles 780-800 99 to 99 99 to 99 99 to 99+ 760-780 99 to 99 97 to 99 99 to 99 740-760 98 to 99 96 to 97 98 to 99 720-740 97 to 98 95 to 96 97 to 98 700-720 95 to 97 93 to 95 96 to 97 680-700 93 to 95 90 to 93 94 to 96 660-680 91 to 93 87 to 90 92 to 94 640-660 88 to 91 83 to 87 89 to 92 620-640 84 to 88 79 to 83 86 to 89 600-620 80 to 84 75 to 79 82 to 86 580-600 75 to 80 70 to 75 78 to 82 560-580 70 to 75 64 to 70 73 to 78 540-560 64 to 70 59 to 64 68 to 73 520-540 57 to 64 52 to 59 62 to 68 500-520 50 to 57 45 to 52 55 to 62 480-500 44 to 50 40 to 45 48 to 55 460-480 37 to 44 33 to 40 41 to 48 440-460 31 to 37 27 to 33 34 to 41 420-440 25 to 31 21 to 27 28 to 34 400-420 19 to 25 16 to 21 21 to 28 380-400 14 to 19 12 to 16 16 to 21 360-380 10 to 14 9 to 12 12 to 16 340-360 7 to 10 6 to 9 8 to 12 320-340 5 to 7 4 to 6 5 to 8 300-320 4 to 5 3 to 4 4 to 5 280-300 3 to 4 2 to 3 2 to 4 260-280 2 to 3 1 to 2 2 to 2 240-260 1 to 2 1 to 1 1 to 2 220-240 1 to 1 1Â ­ to 1 1 to 1 200-220 - to 1 - to 1Â ­ - to 1 Most admissions officers consider SAT scores within a certain range to be more or less equal, rather than giving a significant advantage to a score that is higher than another by 20 or 30 points. Therefore score ranges and percentiles are particularly important pieces of data for students to consider when determining whether their SAT scores make them competitive candidates to their college(s) of choice. Redesign Alert The new SAT will be scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, with a maximum score of 800 for the Math section and 800 for Reading and Writing together. There will be no more point deductions for wrong answers. Read more from theSAT Encyclopedia! Further Reading What Is a Good SAT Score? A Bad SAT Score? An Excellent SAT Score? How Is the SAT Scored? Scoring Charts Calculate Your SAT Target Score

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Family history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Family history - Essay Example Through agriculture, my parents have managed to educate us to the highest levels of education despite the struggles that come with such a business. However, my parents are hopeful that we will get good jobs so as we do not end up like them though my youngest sister has shown great interest in agriculture especially on cash crops. My granddad has played a crucial role in our family. He always says that regardless of all the odds in life, one must endeavor to succeed. Even at his age, he has sought to open his own business that has all sorts of merchandise. The returns are indeed appealing and any person would envy his work. As the siblings in the family, we are more challenged by the day to strive to do more especially when we see our grandfather wake up so early to start his days at his business. This business has also boosted the little income that we get from agriculture. Life is looking up for us and we expect brighter days ahead. Religion also plays a role in the success of our family. My parents are always keen to ensure that we follow the expected norms of the society through inculcating the good deeds in our religion. This has played a major role in ensuring that we are admirable by all in the society and are also the envy of many. For my case, the virtues taught by my parents especially of honesty and hard work have enabled me survive in the tough times of today’s society. I have succeeded in my education, and though I do not have a job yet, I am sure I will get one and give it full effort and dedication. My family is also fond of giving especially to the poor and the homeless. After every three months, it is compulsory that we visit the unfortunate in the society. One would question why we do such activities yet we do not have enough, but my parents do not take any excuse for not helping others. I find this reasonable as if our situation is not very comfortable with farming as our chief source of livelihood, then for the ones without a job is

Friday, November 1, 2019

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 227

Assignment Example Biodiversity and abundance in the same water is also average, relatively lower than site three because of less favorable habitats in agricultural lands. Site two, on the other hand, is an urban area. The Institute for Natural Resources, nd, paragraph 4 describes water from such sites to have the lowest biodiversity and abundance due to less favorable habitats, high concentration of dissolved heavy metals like Lead and Copper from industries as is the case here. The water also has the lowest pH as a result of dissolved acidic gases from the atmosphere, highest conductivity due to high concentrations of dissolved salts picked up by run-off. Furthermore, it has high Biological Oxygen Demand due to high temperatures from rooftops and pavements. Site three is open woodland. Water from this site has the highest biodiversity and abundance due to favorable habitats, low Biological Oxygen Demand because of low temperatures, lowest conductivity due to low concentrations of dissolved salts. In addition, fecal bacteria are high due to uncontrolled wastes. The same has lowest concentrations of nitrates, phosphates, Copper, Lead and dissolves salts due to absence of pollutants (Institute for Natural Resources, nd, par

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Unemployment Rate or GDP OR CPI Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unemployment Rate or GDP OR CPI - Research Paper Example Thus, since GDP is a full representation of economic growth and production, it has a relatively large impact on nearly every aspect in the economy. When a certain economy is considered healthy, there are a number of related characteristics; low rate of unemployment and an increase in the level of wages as many businesses demand more labor in order to cater for the ever growing economy (Brezina, 20). Any slight change in the level of GDP is significant to a given economy since it affects the entire stock market. Economists have always argued that any bad economy is always associated with lower profits which implies that there are lower prices o stock in the markets. Thus, many investors in any economy will ever worry about the negative growth of GDP as it is a sole factor used to determine if an economy is on recession or not. A recession is associated with declining revenues in businesses, unemployment and layoffs (Lochner, 3). Moreover, when the growth rate of GDP is relatively fast, most Federal Reserve raise the rates of interest in order to stem inflation or rather the increasing prices in an economy. This could imply that the loans which are meant for homes and cars will become more expensive and thus businesses will experience high cost of borrowing. GDP is an extremely important measure in any country’s economy. Despite the fact that GDP cannot be easily determined, its value represents so many aspects in any given economy. This measure is significant to overall spending of a nation since depressions and recessions of a particular country are largely caused by the overall rate of spending. Furthermore, GDP is a measure of confidence since when the government, companies and individuals spend; it is a likely indication of a growing economy. However, when no one is spending, it is a likely indication of a contracting economy. Therefore, this

Monday, October 28, 2019

Management Control System of a Commercial Bank XY

Management Control System of a Commercial Bank XY This paper attempts to examine the management control system in a Pakistani commercial bank. The commercial banking sector in Pakistan is very competitive. The majority of commercial banks have customer retention on its top priority. Commercial banks are encouraging employees to upgrade their knowledge and skill. The working environment is also congenial in Pakistani commercial banks. Management control systems are essential tool to help management to steer an organization towards its strategic objectives. Designing and implementing an appropriate management control system based on Pakistani national culture can improve both the short and long term performance of commercial banks. This will make commercial banks more efficient and cost effective in extending banking services to all the customers. However, the future research needs to examine the relationship between management control system and effectiveness of the commercial banks of Pakistan. Introduction The introduction part begins with historical background of management control and management accounting. This leads further to an establishment of the purpose of the study and its limitations. 1.1 Historical Background The Management Control and Management Accounting The need for management control arose after the Industrial Revolution and gave companies the opportunity of greater growth and expansion than what had been possible earlier. Larger parts of the value chain were situated within these new and greater companies instead of being spread on different locations in smaller companies or single persons. After these great changes, companies started to require financial measures as business ratios and transfer pricing, and from that point the development of different types of management controls and accounting controls began ( Kaplan Johnson 1987). The Dupont Company is often considered to be the inventor of the modern management control (Kaplan 1984). In the early 1900s, DuPont decided to organize itself by dividing the organization into separate functions, e.g. manufacturing, sales and purchasing. Every single one of these functions had their own manager who could be very specialized in how to manage the specific function. Hence, the senior managers did not have to be involved much in those activities and could fully focus on things as long- term strategies. It was this type of decentralized organization that made Dupont realizes that they needed a performance measurement system. They launched a new accounting measure, return on investment (ROI), because they thought it would be more accurate to use than the old measures which measured earnings and profits as a percentage of sales or costs. Dupont along with General Motors are considered as the pioneers in this area and were also involved in creating different types of decent ralized organizations, budgeting and planning cycles (Kaplan, 1984). In an article from 1984, Kaplan discussed what had happened in the development of the area from 1925 to that point. He considered that not as much as expected had happened between 1925 and 1984. Of those new ideas that had been presented, many were just academic theories which had little or no influence on the real organizations, who should be the beneficiaries. As of today the opposite problem from what Kaplan said in 1984 can be spotted. Today there are almost too many choices in accounting and management control, and they are not as well studied as the older theories and tools (Malmi and Granlund, 2009). There is also another problem with the new theories and tools, companies and organizations seem to have too much faith in them and use them in an uncritical way. They are considered as the solution of all management problems. Examples of these new theories and tools are, activity- based-costing (ABC), business process reengineering (BPR), balanced Score cards (BSC) and total quality management (TQM). These systems are often expensive to acquire and use, and companies perhaps, do not evaluate the relation between costs and benefits of the systems they use, or why they use it at all. Are they used just because they are modern and all the competitors use it, or do they really create value for the company (Siverbo and Akesson 2009). 1.2 Contribution of the Study The banking sector serves as the main source of resource mobilization in developing economies. Commercial bank play significant role in the economic development. Today and more precisely in future, companies, organizations (banks) and other decision making entities whether profit making or not, will face major management challenges. Irrespective of whether the main goal of the organization is to make profit or not, it becomes necessary to institute a mechanism in those entities to control the activities of managers so that they remain on track of the proper routes as established by management. In order to keep activities of the organization in track a management control system is essential (Rijal S., 2006). With the background just proposed I find it interesting to see how a company like a commercial bank XY has commenced its banking operations from November Ist, 1997 as a public limited company is currently operating a large network through 223 branches in Pakistan, with the registe red office at B.A. Building, I.I. Chundrigar, Karachi. The bank perceived the requirements of customers and matches them with quality products and service solutions. During the past five years, bank has emerged as one of the foremost financial institution in the region endeavoring to meet the needs of tomorrow as well as today. To continually upgrade the quality of service to the customers, training of team members in all the integral aspects of banking, customer service and MCS was specially focused. The portfolio concentrates on all aspects of conventional banking as well as the financial needs of corporate sector. Dynamic and high value product includes Car Financing, Home Financing, Rupee Travelers Cheques, Credits Cards, Debit Cards, Online Banking, ATM and consumer Durables. In addition to this, Islamic Banking Division is a recent initiative, which operates as separate branch. With such a huge expansion of branches network, the importance of a well-functioning management cont rol system becomes crucial for their success. People have different beliefs and goals that they want to achieve, which makes it challenging for the management of the company to make every employee take actions in line with what is desirable(www.scribd.com). In this case study author aim to describe the management control systems of a commercial bank with its virtual name XY from Pakistan, since it is expanding and growing with good speed as compared to other banks due to its good MCS system. 1.3 Problem Formulation Bank XY is a commercial bank in Pakistan that is growing rapidly and expanding its branches network in the country. Bank XY has had a huge success and uses almost the same control systems in every branch all over the country (Telephone Interview, 2010), which makes it interesting for me to describe and analyze one of them. My principal research question is that, What management control systems are used at different levels of the commercial bank XY in Pakistan? 1.4 Purpose of Study The main objective of this study is to analyze and describe the management control system of commercial Bank XY in Pakistan. I shall also try to explain how the different management control systems are used in the bank. 1.5 Limitation of the Study The focus of this study is to describe the management control systems used by managers to direct employees, behavior. Considering the size of Bank XY,s organization and the time I have deliberated to this study, it is reasonable for me to limit the study to include few bank branch and the management control systems controlling these branches from higher levels of the organization. I shall also focus on the internal environment, which means I shall not consider most of the external environment that is not crucial to the understanding of the management control system within the bank branch. Data and Methodology This case study will be written by the qualitative school of thought, since author aim is to understand the management control system of the certain company he has chosen. Author has no ambitions to make any general assumptions based on this single study, in contrast to if he had chosen to do a quantitative research study on several companies. The type of case study he has chosen to use is the abductive ase study, since he wanted to have the opportunity to return to the theory even after empirical materials had been collected (alvesson Skoldberg, 1994). The paper is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data have been collected by phone interview developed for branch manager and employees at different branches. The responses were received from the 12 managers and supporting employees of 12 bank branches. Secondary data have been collected from the website of Bank XY, Pakistan. The data, collected from various sources have been analyzed with the support of previously developed theory. Theory In this chapter, I shall examine the main theories of management control. Before explaining the definitions of management control systems (MCSs), Author shall try to explain management and management control. 3.1 Management and Management Control Literature written on the subject, management is defined in several ways, but all have something to do with the process of allocating resources and direct activities to fulfill the organizations overall objectives. Management is a broad subject and can be divided into smaller elements such as operations, finance, marketing/sales and product development. The management process can also be separated into smaller parts that are objective setting, strategy formulation and management control. Objective setting is a necessary process to formulate and sometimes reconsider the direction and destination of the company. If the objectives are not set it is impossible to determine if the resources are allocated in the right way and if the right activities have been performed. Strategy formulation is the process where organization finds out how to use their resources to meet their objectives. The management processes of objectives setting, strategy formulation and management control is a process of continuum (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). 3.2 Merchants Management Control Alternatives According to Merchant and Van der Stede (2007) companies and other organizations have four management control alternatives i.e., result control, action control, personnel controls and cultural controls. 3.2.1 Result Controls The basic idea of results controls is that you do not tell your employees how to do things but what you want them to achieve and how they will benefit if they achieve it. For example, a manager tells an employee that he wants him to produce ten units a week, and if he succeeds he will receive a reward of $50. By these actions the manager may control his employees to do what he desires without interfering too much in their work practices. The process of result controls include four steps, the first is defining the dimensions on which results are desired, the second is measuring performance on these dimensions, the third is setting performance targets for employees to strive for and the last is providing rewards to encourage the behaviors that will lead to the desired results. Results controls are usually used on professional employees who are considered to be able to work effectively without being told how to do things, but instead work efficiently towards targets (Merchant and Van de r Stede, 2007). 3.2.2 Action Controls Action controls are somewhat the opposite of results controls, employees are told what to do and how they should do it, e.g. by rules and procedures. The difficulty with this is that the rules and procedures must be optimized, or else the employees will do everything wrong, despite their doing what they were told by their managers (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). 3.2.3 Personnel Controls Personnel controls refer to the assumption that employees by nature want to control themselves. Managers do not have to tell employees what to do and then monitor their every moves to be sure that they do the tasks that that where intended. The assumption is that employees like to perform well for themselves and this should result in a well performing company. Unlike, or at least not as much as results and action controls, these types of controls require more careful selection of employees. Everyone have to fully qualified for the position they occupy on the organization to make it possible to use personnel control. Motivation is another important aspect to make this work; managers have to keep their employees constantly motivated. This may be achieved by training, further work related education or different types of rewards (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). 3.2.4 Cultural Controls When personnel controls trust the ability that people want to perform well, cultural controls rely on the ability that group to keep up the values and approaches the organization aims at. In the group organization everyone is supposed to take responsibility and care of everyone else and the peer pressure is important. The idea is that the group should motivate itself; the assignment of the managers is in this case to instruct the group in what to be motivated to do. To their help managers can use things as codes of conduct or group rewards and if the group performs well the group will receive a reward. If only group rewards are provided the individual employee will try to do his/her best to make the group perform well, instead of just caring about themselves (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). 3.2.5 Control System Tightness The benefit from any well functioning MCS is that the likelihood that the company will achieve its objectives increases. This benefit can be described in terms of MCS tightness (or looseness), where a tight MCS increases the probability that the employees will take actions that is desirable by the organization. Managers often use more than one kind of management control alternative to tighten control. Sometimes these controls overlap and sometimes they are complementary, which enables the combination of them to create tight control over all of the factors critical to the organizations success (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). Whether a results control is tight or loose depends on the characteristics of the definitions of the desired result areas, the performance measures, and the reinforcement or incentives provided. According to Merchant and Van der Stede (2007), for management control to be considered tight in a results controls system, the results dimensions must be congruent with the true organizational objectives, the performance targets must be specific, with feedback in short time increments, the desired result must be effectively communicated and internalized by those whose behaviors are being controlled, and if results controls are given exclusively in a given performance area, the measures must be complete (PP 118 119). Congruence problems can exist because the management does not understand the organizations true objectives or the measure dimensions do not reflect the organizations true objectives (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). For a results control system to be tight, the performance measures also have to be precise, objective, timely and understandable. If the performance measures used do not possess these characteristics the control system cannot be considered tight since behavioral problems are likely. Furthermore, if rewards (or punishments) are directly and definitely linked to the accomplishment or non-accomplishment of the desired targets, the MCS is more likely to be tighter (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). Action control systems can be considered tight only if it likely that employee will consistently perform the actions desired to achieve the companys objectives and not take any undesirable actions. The tightness of the action accountability controls depends on characteristics of the definitions of desirable and undesirable actions, the effectiveness of the action-tracking system and the reinforcements (rewards and punishments) provided. An effective action tracking system is where employees can be certain that their actions will be noticed relatively quickly. Punishment is more common in action control contexts than in a result control context, since they often include employee violation of rules and procedures (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). Tight personnel/cultural controls are most likely to be found in charity and voluntary organizations where employees feel some kind of satisfaction by doing good, in family businesses, where the interest of the family employees are same as the organizations (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). Empirical Data The first section of this chapter includes history and other essential facts of a commercial bank XY, Pakistan. The next section includes the empirical information author obtained during his telephonic interviews with the managers and employees at Bank. 4.1 History and facts about Commercial Bank XY Bank XY was founded in June 21st, 1997 its banking operations started from November1st, 1997. The bank engaged in commercial banking and related services. The bank is currently operating through 223 branches. Bank XY target market conceits of individual client as well as number of business organization. Bank XY has segment the market on demographic, psychological and behavioral style to target maximum number of segments with different varieties of products suitable for each segment. Dynamic and high value product includes Car Financing, Home Financing, Rupee Travelers Cheques, Credits Cards, Debit Cards, Online Banking, ATM and consumer Durables. In addition to this, Islamic Banking Division is a recent initiative, which operates as separate branch. This facilitates their commitment to a culture of innovation and seeks out synergies with clients and service providers to ensure interrupted services to its customers. The bank perceived the requirements of customers and matches them wit h quality products and service solutions. During the past five years, bank has emerged as one of the foremost financial institution in the region endeavoring to meet the needs of tomorrow as well as today. To continually upgrade the quality of service to the customers, training of team members in all the integral aspects of banking, customer service and MCS was specially focused (www.scribd.com) 4.2 Telephonic Interviews at Bank XY All the empirical material in this section was obtained during the telephonic interviews. Author interviewed managers at different levels with involvement in personnel, sales, financial and business related areas at Bank XY. Author also made phone interview with an employee at the Bank XY Head Office. 4.3 MCS in Commercial Bank XY 4.3.1 MCS for Selection of Employee Every new employee is carefully selected to fit the profile of how Bank wants them to be and the employees need to know how important the core values are for the bank. The education and banking experience have important consideration during selection of new employees. The personality and which values you have are also important. Hence, selection of employees is important and tries to employee people that already have the right values and beliefs to fit the culture. They also think it is important that the applicants have an interest for bank job. They believe that if the applicant has visited their own website to look for employment, they have taken the first step to show to show interest in bank job. When a new person is employed he or she undergoes an introduction education and training for few days. 4.3.2 Generic Strategy of Commercial Bank The generic strategy of commercial bank XY is divided for two main areas of business, deposit and lending. The different branches of the same commercial banks at the different geographical location are adopting result, action, personnel and culture controls jointly. In case of lending majority of branches uses result and action control simultaneously. 4.3.3 Marketing of New Services Most of the commercial bank branches promote their products/services very aggressively by using result and action control. The majority of the commercial bank branches are concentrating in maintaining customers and only some branches are competing for customer acquisition. 4.3.4 Target setting Practice The commercial bank set target for their branches for the purpose of planning and controlling the activities. In most of the branches target is fixed in terms of number of clients, amount of deposit and the amount of lending. Individual target are also set and properly communicated to them. 4.3.5 Performance Measurement The commercial bank compares actual performance with predetermined target of their branches frequently. 4.3.5 Reward System In commercial banking sector, benefit/reward/salary/promotion is mostly determined by performance followed by education, experience, new relationship/ customer marketed in deposit or lending and factors respectively like majority get benefit for better performance and some did not get performance benefit. The commercial bank provided bonus to their employees out of profit. The amount of bonus is based on the amount of salary the employees are getting. Some bonuses are related to outstanding performance also. 4.3. 5 Encouragement to employees to learn new Skills The commercial bank is encouraging his employees to discharge better performance and enhance educational qualification and attain trainings. The majority of employees working in the bank get leave sanctioned from their bank to attain training related to their jobs. It also supports that the commercial bank is encouraging employees to learn new skill and knowledge. 4.3.6 Cooperation Majority of the employees feel they get complete cooperation from their coworkers. It indicates the working environment is very conducive in the bank to discharge better performance. Analysis In this chapter author has analyzed the empirical data collected at the interviews on the basis of the theories described in the theory part. 5.1 The Combination of Merchant,s Control Alternatives at Bank XY As described by Merchant and Van der Stede (2007) the benefit from a MCS can be expressed by the tightness or looseness of the MCS. As specified, a tight results control system must include results dimensions that are congruent with the organizations true objectives, performance targets that are specific, feedback in short time intervals, effective communication of the desired result and complete measures if the results control system is used exclusively (Merchant and Van der Stede, 2007). As author shall argue below, he thinks that all these factors are met at the Bank branch. First, the measures that the branch working seem to be congruent with the true organization objectives since they measure advances/loans, deposits and costs such as personnel, branch office and operational cost very carefully. They also use non-financial performance measures such as the customer satisfaction index which enables them to overcome the shortcoming of the financial performance measures. Since they take customer satisfaction into consideration they decreased the possibility of increasing result at the expense of decreasing customer satisfaction, which is congruent with their true organizational objectives. Secondly, the targets they use seem to be specific since they use detailed measures to evaluate their performance, e.g. they not measure the number of borrower and depositor, but also borrowed and deposited amount per each customer. Furthermore they set specific targets of how high percentage of customers should be satisfied with their services e.g. the turnaround time for loan application, the waiting time in the counters. Thirdly, the employees get feedback in short time intervals since performance is communicated on a daily basis as well as more detailed feedback weekly at meeting, and yearly when they e.g. see the target achievement report. Lastly the desired results are communicated effectively through their regular meetings and the process of setting the business and action plans. According to Merchant and Van der Stede (2007), a tight results control system also have comprise performance measures that are, precise, objective, timely and understandable. Furthermore they argue that the results control system is likely to be tighter if rewards or punishments are directly and definitely linked to the accomplishment or non-accomplishment of the desired targets. I think that the performance measures of Bank Alfalah meet the characteristics described by Merchant and Van der Stede (2007). The salary system used by the bank is also linked to their performance on the desired targets. Hence, it seems like the results control system of the bank can be considered as tight. The action control systems of a commercial bank does not include as many rules, but instead they have a quite strict organization and governance structure. They also use daily, weekly, monthly performance follow up sheets and manuals to control the actions of employees. According to Merchant and Van der Stede (2007) examples of action controls are behavioral constraints, preaction reviews and action accountability. They further argue that the action control systems can be considered tight only if it is likely that employees will consistently perform the actions. Bank branch does not use as many physical constraints but rather more administrative constraints such as restricting some decisions making to higher levels of the organization. However, in general, the bank branch managers and supporting employees have quite a high influence on their own department of the branch and can make many decisions on their own. The employees actions are supervised by their closest manager and since bank has many different organization levels and each has their own manager it is likely that the managers can track their subordinates actions quite carefully. Furthermore, since the results control system is tight it is also reasonable to believe that undesirable actions will be discovered fairly quickly. Reinforcements used are group rewards such as one basic or two basic salaries that will be paid if the bank employees have achieved the targets. To sum up, there is no doubt that bank uses action controls and action control systems but I would not consider them either tight or loose, but rather moderate or average. As concluded by Merchant and Van der Stede (2007) the personnel/cultural control systems are rarely tight, except in organizations whose corporate cultures are strong. Bank culture includes customers care-consciousness, equality, advances/loans and deposits target focus. These values are prominent and present in their vision, mission as well as in everything they do. They also emphasize the importance that every employee should share their values to fit in. This implies that bank corporate culture is strong which enables me to conclude that their personnel/cultural control is tight or at least moderately tight. Conclusion The Pakistani commercial banking sector is very competitive. The commercial banks are competing mainly in services in order to put in competitive position, to retain customers services at top priority. The majority of the commercial bank branches have been using results control system. All the commercial bank branches are applying the concept of management control system by setting targets for their branch and at individual and comparing it with actual performance. The target for a branch is fixed in terms of number of clients, amount of deposit and lending. Target is also fixed for the majority of the individuals employees. The target of the branches and individuals level is frequently monitored against their performance. The manager of the different branches of the commercial bank desire to evaluate the performance of the branch. According to individual employees responses, their financial and non financial benefit is based on performance followed by education and training and experience respectively. But the yearly bonus is based on salary they are getting. The managers of different bank branches encourage employees to participate in decision-making process. The commercial bank encourages employees to upgrade their knowledge and skill as the benefit is based on educational qualification and training after performance, they provide paid leave to participate in training and for further education. The working environment in commercial bank is very congenial as the majority of the employees felt that they get very much cooperation from their coworkers. However, the future research needs to examine the relationship between management control system and effectiveness of the commercial banks in Pakistan.