Accounting Basics for Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Accounting Basics for Managers - Essay Example In the financial year 2012, Home Depot shows impressive growth both financially and operationally. In the financial year 2011, Home Depot revenue increased by 3.53% to a striking $ 70,395 million which has resulted in the operating profit increased by 14.08%. Following its operational growth strategy, Home Depot has introduced diversity in its business. The company is showing interest in covering all the horizons of the globe by opening more and more stores in various areas of the globe as it planning to serve a diverse range of customers. Gross profit margin is one of the key profitability ratio indicators which indicate how well a company is in the process of utilizing its working capital in earning the desired level of profit. In order to calculate the gross profit margin ratio, the gross profit (i.e., sales less the cost of sales) is divided by the revenue of the company. As apparent, the gross profit of the company has increased slightly from the previous financial year which co uld be due to the fact that the cost of sales of the company increased with a bigger percentage as compared to the percentage of the revenue of the company. This could be due to increased raw materials prices from the supplier which the company could not recover from the customers through increased selling price. The next profitability indicator is the net profit margin. The net profit margin is calculated by dividing the net profit (i.e., gross profit less administrative and selling expenditure) with the total revenue.

The Concept of Culture in the Translation Studies Coursework

The Concept of Culture in the Translation Studies - Coursework Example Each approach to translation attempts to trace in detail the actual process of translation and to describe how translators actually translate. One of the most important methods to emerge today in translation studies is the cultural approach. This paper will explore the merit of this method in translation studies. It was the Romans who first introduced the use of the concept of culture as an indispensable aspect in translation studies. According to Rainer Schulte and John Biguenet, during their period translation meant incorporating subject matters of foreign culture into the language of one’s own culture. For critics, this could mean looting those elements from Greek culture that would enhance the aesthetic dimensions of the Roman culture. However, as what Cicero proclaimed, he was translating ideas and their forms and was therefore setting the word-for-word rendering of the original-language text secondary or of no import at all. Culture, hence, was pivotal here even if its a spects were used to enhance another. Saint Jerome, the famous translator of the Greek Bible into Latin, favoured this method, arguing that translation meant expropriating ideas and insights from another culture to enrich one’s own language. Saint Jerome in fact improved on this, contributing to the definition of the history of the discipline. One of the authors who would credit Saint Jerome as their influence is Rufinus of Aquilea, one of the most important translators of Greek texts into Latin in late antiquity.

Self-build Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Self-build - Dissertation Example Findings revealed that the self-builders are satisfied with most of their projects’ aspects and all share a desire to promote self-building to other families. However, self-builders find the planning and permission gathering process tedious and tend to consume much of their time, money, and energy. Therefore, policy reforms regarding planning and permissions are suggested to alleviate the hardships that self-builders face even at the early stages of the project. Most importantly, the study revealed that planning is a significant component of self-building which primarily influences cost and build time. Self-builders should therefore, take it incumbent upon themselves to put the same effort to planning as they would the actual building. Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Table of Contents 2 List of Figures 3 Chapter 1 – INTRODUCTION 4 Chapter 2 – EVALUATION OF SELF-BUILD CONSTRUCTION METHODS 7 Chapter 3 – REVIEW OF THE PROCESS OF SELF BUILDING 14 Looking / Finding Land 15 Financing the Self-Build Project 15 Designing the Self-Build Project 16 Planning the Self-Build Project 16 Choosing the Building System 17 Project Management 19 Compliance with Building Regulations 20 Building Contract 22 Compliance to Health and Safety 23 Materials and Scheduling 23 Chapter 4 – ANALYSIS OF THE PILOT STUDY DATA 26 Chapter 5 – CONCLUSION 43 REFERENCES 45 Appendix 1 – SURVEY INSTRUMENT 48 List of Figures Figure 1: Greatest Motivation to Self-Build 27 Figure 2: How Land was Availed of for the Self-Build Project 28 Figure 3: Factors which Facilitated Availment of Land for Self-Build Project 29 Figure 4: Early Problems Encountered in Self-Build 30 Figure 5: Type of Land / Plot Purchased or Used 31 Figure 6: Mortgage Type Availed 32 Figure 7: Build System Used 33 Figure 8: Total Floor Area 34 Figure 9: Status of Self-Build Home 35 Figure 10: Self-Build Project Budget 36 Figure 11: Percent of Budget Covered by Loan 37 Figure 12: Pers on Who Handled the Self-Build Project 38 Figure 13: Build Time 39 Figure 14: Level of Satisfaction on the Outcome of the Self-Build Project 40 Figure 15: Suggested Self-Build Reforms 41 Chapter 1 – INTRODUCTION The construction industry in the United Kingdom provides employment to about 2.4 million people. The sector contributed 8 per cent to the UK Gross Domestic Product. The construction sector also supports all other industries and government services in the UK in terms of their dominant role in the establishment of buildings and infrastructure. This may yet be a signal that as of 2010, the construction sector is springing back up from the slump in 2009 precipitated by the deepening recession (The Construction Industry Training Board, 2010). A review of the construction output reported by Office for National Statistics (2011), however, revealed that total output from the sector dropped by 18.3 per cent in February of this year, from last quarter figures. New work output de creased by 19.1 per cent, while repair and maintenance plummeted by 16.8 per cent. The largest decrease in construction output was in new work for private housing at 23.3 per cent. This documented decline may well be a consequence of the problem of housing affordability which Riley (2005) forecasted to be getting worse in the coming years. The government lost no time in implementing interventions to ease out

FINAL LEGAL RESEARCH PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

FINAL LEGAL RESEARCH PAPER - Essay Example Therefore, these researchers end up not publishing their information regarding varied flaws they normally find characterizing certain digital products. For instance, Dmitry Sklyarov’s arrest prompted Fred Cohen to withdraw information regarding â€Å"Forensix† software from his website claiming he was afraid of DMCA’s liability once he steps in US (Von Lohmann, 2010). Some scientists as well as researchers have expressed their fears especially when visiting US in the quest of attending varied conferences. This is because they deem US’ authorities will arrest them due to their past openness in revealing flaws that characterize certain Corporations’ products who have filed charges before without their knowledge (Von Lohmann, 2010). Hence, prompting these scientists and researchers to compel conference organizers to hold such events in other non-US states (Von Lohmann, 2010). Other researchers have decided not to reveal their findings all together in t he quest of ensuring they have maintained cordial relationship with the US. This is detrimental especially to the unsuspecting customers who may not understand exactly certain flaws that characterize most of the reputable products they have been using (Von Lohmann, 2010). a. ... nt researchers â€Å"play safe† by withholding their varied researches concerning flaws, which they have ascertained evident in some digital products, for instance, Mr. Song (who has authored varied security researches) (Von Lohmann, 2010). b. Introduction to the Problem DMCA liability has prompted numerous researchers to withdraw as well as withhold essential researches concerning flaws, which they have ascertained characterizing certain digital products. Since most of these researchers fear prosecutions and arrests once they visit US (Von Lohmann, 2010). Studies have also revealed how certain researchers especially Russian programmers to date decline attending US conferences and prefer them held in other states. This is due to the past information they have revealed concerning flaws evident in some of the most reputable products produced by US corporations for years (Von Lohmann, 2010). c. Purpose Statement This study seeks to ascertain exactly what prompts scientists and pr ogrammers decline unveiling essential information, which they have found characterizing some reputable digital products. d. Research Questions and Sub questions i. What is the impact of DMCA liability to both scientists and programmers since its inception to date? ii. What are the researchers’ views concerning DMCA liability? iii. So far, what damages has DMCA liability caused to both scientists and programmers? iv. Does the DMCA liability affect only the US’ scientists and programmers? v. What are some of the examples that indicate DMCA liability has interfered with both researchers and programmers’ legal rights? vi. Is it true researchers and other experts in this field withhold essential information fearing prosecution or barred from visiting US? e. Statement of Significance Scientists,

Significance of US Involvement in WWI Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Significance of US Involvement in WWI - Essay Example The World War I had a significant play on the USA’s further development and growth. For corporate America, the war has started long before it began for the common citizens. Charles Schwab, the president of Bethlehem Steel, one of the world’s largest weapons merchants, within first two months of strive took a trip to London having money-making interests in mind where he received contracts from the British government for millions of weaponry shells and ten 500-ton submarines. Assembling of such foreign vessels was against the law, however Bethlehem Steel went ahead with it, and the Wilson administration did not take any action to prevent it from doing so. The company earned $61 million in 1916, which was more than its combined gross revenues for the previous eight years. (Dwyer, 2004) Another thing that the war brought was an influx in funds selling ammunition, which had a positive effect on the economy of the United States. According to Thomas Fleming in The Illusion of Victory: America in World War I, the United States was supplying Great Britain, France and Russia with 40 percent if their war material.(Fleming,71) The president Woodrow Wilson, upon being elected with the slogan â€Å"he kept us out of war† only few months later appealed to Congress to declare that a state of war between the United States and Germany. When calling for war, he was appealing to the grates American idea – fight to make the world safe for democracy. (Fleming, 1-3) By the time America officially declared war to Germany, the international banking firm of J. P. Morgan in New York already loaned Britain and France $2.1 billion (which is worth around $30 billion by 2004 measures), and had gained $30 million – around $425 million in 2004 dollars – in profit. (Fleming, 70) Perhaps the next significant fact of participating in the war is best explained by the president Woodrow Wilson’s in his own words when he said, in regards to his concept ion for American-inspired democratic after-war global peace and harmony and unity: As head of a nation participating in the war, the president of the United States would have a seat at the peace table, but . . . if he remained the representative of a neutral country, he could at best only ‘call through a crack in the door. (Fleming, 79) What Wilson really wanted to get through the war was to raise the status of the USA in the world, for the country to have more influence on an international scale. No American interest was at stake in WWI, the war never affected American territory, however a total of 120, 000 men died. The war significantly raised the authority of the US in major international issues. It allowed the United States to interfere in solving European issues, which did not even concern them. (Thomas, 137) So the most significant changes that World War I brought was a strengthened economy and bigger authority in international matters. Another significant fact about Wo rld War I is that it set the stage for War World II. The Life and Death of Sergeant York Alvin Cullum York was born the third oldest of a family of eleven children. The York family just barely managed to make a living by farming and hunting, and York became a proficient marksman at an early age. Prior to the World War I, York was employed on the railroad as a day laborer. He had virtually no experience with money managing and later suffered from chronic fiscal problems. When York had the money, he would spend it, invested it poorly, and would generously give it away to other people who he believed needed it. As York came of age he earned a reputation as a deadly accurate shot and a trouble maker. He would spend too much time drinking and gambling in borderline. He was generally considered a problem and someone who "would never amount to

Goals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Goals - Essay Example I also aspire to become a successful individual by earning due recognition as an expert in the field in which I'm passionate. And in order to prepare myself for a successful career ahead I have set for myself, some goals which I intend to achieve in due course. 1. Lose 15 pounds of Weight: Today's life is full of activity, tense moments, stressful working, competitive environment etc. which calls for a physique fit enough to take long hours of working together with a host of other activities. I have the fortune of growing in a jolly good environment which helped me gaining a few pounds more. Though I am fit enough to work for hours together, but I sincerely feel that I need to control my body weight so that in the years ahead the backbone doesn't have to bear excessive load. I plan to lose about 15 pounds of my body weight within the next one year, which will help me in finding the professional look. In the corporate world, physical appearance also matters, but for a young female it becomes an added advantage if she could maintain the balancing act. I am aware that even to lose the weight I need to consult dieticians and experts, so that I could do it in a manner acceptable to my body and I could sustain the slim and trim look for a long p eriod ahead. 2. To be 'Well Read' and Read Critically: Internet and IT are the buzzwords today.

Operations Management Essay Example for Free

Operations Management Essay 1. History Since starting out in 1989, the Glad Group has grown to become one of Australias leading property service providers. Initially established as Glad Cleaning Services, the company provided cleaning solutions for shopping centres and businesses. In November 2006 Glad Cleaning Services re-branded itself to the Glad Group, now offering integrated property solutions. With a strong focus on customer service and great value pricing, the Glad Group has continued to develop and maintain long-term relationships with its clients over the years. Company founders Nick and Lucy Iloski recognised there was a need to offer an integrated service that specialised in flexible solutions for the retail and commercial markets. Their customer focused approach was welcomed in the market and the company grew rapidly. Today, the Glad Group excels in five key property services: Retail Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Security, Maintenance, and Waste Management Environmental Solutions. Glad offers these services individually, or as an integrated property solution. 2. Introduction 2.1. Customer Service The Glad Group is based on a culture of integrity and dedication. Commitment without compromise underpins every operation Glad undertakes. Glad Group takes customer service seriously and aims to deliver enduring value through innovative, customer focused property solutions that provide a safe, clean and friendly environment for clients, their customers and the community. High standards of customer service are obtained through employee training, compliance, and industry innovation and embracing technology. Individuals are empowered through an environment of support and encouragement, making service and solutions quicker and easier for clients. The Glad Group believes trust, integrity, and dependability is essential in every working relationship and always treats clients, employees, contractors and community ethically and with respect. 2.2. Quality Control The Glad Group is accredited to ISO 9001 Quality Management System, AS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety and ISO14001 Environmental Management System. Glad’s comprehensive integrated management system along with the use of Praxeo and Kevah software ensures the staff comply with the current laws, acts, regulations and codes of practice. This has created a safer and more secure work environment, resulting in a progressive reduction in incidents and accidents. 3. Location The Glad Group has been providing property services to the Australian market since 1989. Today the Glad Group is proud to provide services nationally to a range of market sectors including major, regional and neighbourhood shopping centres, commercial buildings, schools and universities, federal, state and local government offices and financial institutions. Glad Commercial Cleaning has several work locations. Investa Property Group, which is one of the clients of Glad Group, owns the office building at Deutsche Bank Place, 126 Phillip Street, Sydney. Located on the prime eastern edge of the CBD, Deutsche Bank Place has commanding and unrestricted views of Sydney Harbour and the Botanical Gardens and it is very convenient for employees to travel to and from. Deutsche Bank Place is a 240 m skyscraper in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is located at 126 Phillip Street in the north-eastern end of the central business district, across the road from Chifley Tower. Construction began in 2002 and was completed in 2005. The buildings architect is Norman Foster of Foster and Partners. Deutsche Bank is the primary tenant, occupying 9 floors and owning the naming rights. It is owned and managed by Investa Property Group. Other major tenants are Allens Arthur, Bain Company and Seven Wentworth. The 42,256m ² of total net lettable area boasts a NABERS Energy rating of 4.5 stars and a spectacular entry plaza. The building also offers cafà ©s, a brassiere, tenant showers, lockers and bike racks, a child care centre and outdoor areas. Located at the top of Hunter Street in the heart of the CBD, it is readily accessible by car and all public transport options. 3.1. Access It is very important these kind of commercial buildings to be easily accessible because there are lots of employees working in this building assuming 100 people for each level for a building that has 31 commercial levels beside other workers such as cleaners and securities as well as to receive the deliveries inside conveniently and timely. 4. Action Plans 4.1. Sustainability At Glad people believe corporate responsibilities include protecting the environment. Thats why an accredited environmental management system was developed. This system helps identify products or services that could affect the environment. To assist the system several policies, codes of practice, guidelines and International standards were adopted which exceed legislative compliance. All this ensures the best outcome for the environment. Every Glad employee receives training and development in the companys environmental system. It is very important to continuously develop and tailor site specific training and education packages that focus on recycling and sustainability solutions and procedures. The Glad Group use and offer the following environmentally friendly products and services: ï  ¶Green cleaning products and water wise machines Reusable microfiber cleaning cloths Water recycling products Biodegradable products Waste management (recycling) consultancy Recently, Glad acquired the most powerful portable high pressure steam cleaner in Australia. This new chemical free steam cleaner is a powerful unit that is not only environmentally friendly but also provides: Improved levels of sanitisation Indoor/outdoor applications Graffiti removal Water heated to extremely high temperatures killing bacteria, mould and viruses in large areas Chemical free portable high pressure steam cleaning for carpets Ideal for pavement/hard surfaces/entries facades Pollution free operation Uses recycled water system Extraction of waste water (waste water is taken to the site and then removed from the site) 4.1.1. New Steam Clean Technology The Glad Group have mobile chemical free cleaning technology that can come to your site and clean just about anything, from floors and carpets, to car parks and railway platforms. Not only does the system of high pressure (3000 PSI) and steam (260 °C) clean, it also removes the waste and residue instantly via the extraction system (400 ft of hose). Furthermore, not only does the truck bring its own water, it takes the waste water away for recycling. 4.2. Risk and Insurance Management The Glad Group takes hazard assessment and risk management very seriously. Glad’s comprehensive approach ensures clients; their customers and employees are safe from hazards that might cause injury. Glad commission Proclaim to actively investigate and manage public liability claims swiftly and professionally on behalf of the Glad Group and clients. Prior to the commencement of any contract a risk analysis is conducted, site specific safe work method instructions are designed and then audit on an ongoing basis. To further improve safety, Glad also operates a cutting edge software system called Glad Easi. Its a touch screen reporting program designed to provide an effective and auditable trail of information regarding employees, contractors and visitors within work sites. Due to the comprehensive approach to health safety and the efficiency of reporting methods, the Glad Group has one of the lowest public liability and workers compensation premiums in the industry. This results in considerable cost savings to clients. 4.3. HR Compliance The Glad Group is accredited to ISO 9001 Quality Management System, AS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety and ISO14001 Environmental Management System. Glad’s comprehensive integrated management system along with the use of Praxeo and Kevah software ensures the staff comply with the current laws, acts, regulations and codes of practice. This has created a safer and more secure work environment, resulting in a progressive reduction in incidents and accidents 4.4. Induction and Training All Glad Group employees are selected through an extensive interview process. Applicants must also provide evidence of their eligibility to work in Australia. Further checks such as, criminality record and immigration (DIMA) are then conducted by the Human Resource Department to ensure eligibility. Prior to issuing all cleaners, security guards and maintenance personnel with photo identification cards, the Glad Group provide detailed induction training at Head Office via Glad Compliance Department. This includes a number of training videos incorporating OHS endorsed procedures and detailed site instructions. All training is evaluated and recorded on an employees electronic training record. Eligible staff is also enrolled in Certificate I, II, III and IV courses in Cleaning and Asset Maintenance. Each of supervisors has a certificate in Asset Maintenance and extensive site experience for commercial and retail sites. 5. Innovation 5.1. G.M.R The Glad Mobile Reporting system is a powerful and flexible software solution used on hand held PDAs. This software has assisted the Glad Group in the management of property services and the assets and life cycles of our clients properties. The benefit it provides to clients is real-time on-site inspection reports such as: Quality assurance inspections Incident/accident reporting Damage/condition reporting OH S audits 5.2. Glad Easi The GLAD EASI system is a touch screen software solution designed to provide an audit trail of vital information for the Glad Group and its clients. The GLAD EASI system captures data such as: Time and attendance Employees entering and exiting the premises with delivery of information at both entry and egress Authorised entry for contractors and safety requirements to be met on entry and egress Safety aspects associated with the sites The system is also used for ongoing training of site personnel via extensive OHS video series. 5.3. Escalator Machine An innovative widely used easy to move machine to clean hard floor, stairway and escalator is coming soon to be used not only for ease of use but to save time as well.