Coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Coursework - Essay Example The episode recaps are easier to understand, and are a more manageable size to study. However, they lack many details that are hard to find. For instance, in the Vietnam War episode, it might be easier to find information if there were tables or graphs of how many people on each side died, etc. The effects of some events, such as the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, are not dealt with in enough depth to show how the people on the other side of the conflict suffered. The site could be improved with links to websites that cover the aftermath of the bombings as well as links to the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The site may also not quite convey the extent to which the Cold Wars potential for global nuclear annihilation gripped the lives of ordinary people, or the effects on generations who grew up believing there was likely no future to the world. Although, this is covered somewhat in the Cold War Memories section. The website would also be more interesting if it included more information on the Vietnam anti-war movement and the ways it was influential in changing the course of the nation. Likewise, an analysis of the effectiveness of nuclear disarmament efforts would be interesting. The most interesting parts of the website include the way that the causes of conflicts are given. It is easy to see what precipitated certain events, for instance, by studying the episodes in order, it is easy to see what events led to the Vietnam War. The interactive quizzes that test your Cold War knowledge, such as about culture of the time, are also interesting and fun. There are many facets to the impact of the Cold War on the United States. The competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union compelled both countries to a space race; the U.S. was inspired to be the first to land on the moon, and the U.S. space program received great support that it may not have otherwise. The Cold War also fueled a nuclear weapons arms race

Citibank case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Citibank case study - Essay Example It showed a net income of US $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2009. In due course of time, the financial condition began deteriorating due to corrupted financial dealings captivating within the banking systems of California in the year 2011. The bank was accused due to its filling of fraudulent documents related to mortgages. As a result, numerous customers of California filed varied types of allegations against Citibank which hampered its brand equity and revenue by a significant extent. Moreover, it also hindered the loyalty and dependency of its target customers resulting in the amplification of organizational risks (Bloomberg L.P, 2012). In addition, the reason for which the lenders accused Citibank was due to change of ownerships of the mortgaged houses. It was mainly identified by a bankrupt home owner of New York named Linda Tirelli in order to regain her collaterals. Besides, it was entirely denied by Citigroup so that the image of the organization can be maintained (Bloo mberg L. P, 2012). Thus, it can be affirmed from the above mentioned facts, that it was a situation of corruption, which declined its individuality from the minds of house owners in California. Question 2: Was the company liable, socially responsible and accountable? Yes, Citibank, as one of the largest players in the international banking and financial sector of United States was accused of providing unethical services to its customers. This is because, Citibank was charged due to its presentation of wrong information regarding the housing mortgages to the citizens of California. Moreover, it also passed various inaccurate facts to the housing departments of United States as well, which resulted in loss of huge funds provided by the government (Scribd, n.d.). The management of Citibank was entirely responsible and accountable for the protest against the violation of the rules of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance programme of United States by offering wrong information to customers. In addition, the higher officials of Citibank were also accused for lending low interest rates in case of housing loans in order to enhance its range of customers as well as total revenue among other apparent players in the market. This resulted in lowering of trust and confidence over the mortgage schemes of FHA insurance offered by Citibank (Scribd, n.d.). Question 3: Is capitalism a just system for allocating resources? Capitalism is referred as the philosophy of financial system that mainly favors personal ownership by an individual or an organization offering services in order to earn revenue or profits. In capitalist economy, an individual or a corporation mainly aims to enhance his/her personal welfare as compared to publics (Scribd, n.d.). Moreover, capitalist economy also desires to prevent his/her individual interest in the market or within the communities. In addition, according to Hofstede (n.d.), individualism is a type of cultural dimension, in which indi viduals are more conscious about their personal relatives and families rather than societies. The citizens of these types of economies are focused on their individual achievement and victory. In addition, self-interest rather than empathy is the prime objective of a capitalist economy (Hofstede, n.d.). Thus, economy of United States also shows highest degree of individualism, which mainly concentrates on the benefits of individuals. Moreover, the citizens of United States were not at all interested to work in

Hedging Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hedging Strategies - Essay Example These payments must be made in Euros and hence, Virtual Books is exposed to potential exchange rate risk on these transactions. In order to mitigate and hedge this exchange rate risk, Virtual Books has various alternatives to eliminate this risk. The first alternative is that of Forward Contracts. A forward contract is an agreement between two parties to buy/sell a specified asset at a forward price at a specified date. Forward Contracts are just a commitment to deliver/take delivery of the said asset and at the time of agreement, there is no exchange. Hence the cost of entering into a forward contract is nothing. Other advantages of a forward contract include customization for the customer, and OTC trade. The major drawback is that this contract is an obligation which must be honored. In case it is not honored, the customer can go for or be taken to litigation. In the case of Virtual books, it can enter into a forward agreement with its bank to buy euros at a predetermined forward p rice. By doing so, they can eliminate the potential risk involved in taking a price on the day of the payment. There will obviously be an opportunity cost involved. Assuming that the market is above the forward price on the day of taking up the contract, the customer will be losing out on a potential gain.

American Airlines Essay Example for Free

American Airlines Essay Situational Analysis: Internal factors: Strengths: Joint Venture with Japanese Airline Partnership with JetBlue Member of oneworld alliance International Flies to North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia Number of routes AAdvantage frequent flyer program Weaknesses: Older airplanes Unstable chairs on their airplanes Current financial situation External factors: Opportunities: Merge with another airline Reorganization of their company Successful retrenchment strategy Increase profits Update planes Purchase new aircrafts Satisfy consumer needs Threats: Company filed for bankruptcy in November 2011 Competition with competitors low cost strategy Price of fuel has increased Labor costs have increased US economic slowdown Problem: American Airlines is struggling with higher costs, mainly, higher fuel costs and labor costs. These costs became so excessive, that American Airlines had to declare bankruptcy. Alternative 1: American Airlines needs to emerge from bankruptcy as a profitable company, which would enable them to explore the possibility of a merger with another airline provided that the two airlines combined would provide efficiencies and higher profitability. Strengths: Potential increase in profits Opportunity to eliminate duplicate costs Potential to enhance brand recognition because now they will have more routes and more to offer Weaknesses: Always potential for disruption and disorganization as the merger takes place The cost of the merger (usually underestimated) Miscalculation of the difficulties of merging two corporate cultures Alternative 2: They must use the bankruptcy process to lower their labor cost, both by wage concessions and more efficient work roles. Strengths: Lower costs More efficiency of workers Potential increase in profits Lead to lower flying inconveniences Help exit bankruptcy Weaknesses: Resistance from the employees Disruptions could cause cancelations Alternative 3: Use the bankruptcy to lower other employee costs such as medical insurance and pension. Strengths: Lower labor costs Help exit bankruptcy Decrease debt Weaknesses: Resistance by employees Weaken relationships among employers and employees Recommendation: My recommendation would be alternative two: They must use the bankruptcy process to lower their labor cost, both by wage concessions and more efficient work roles. I’m assuming that this alternative will lower costs the most. American Airlines needs to use the bankruptcy process to implement this alternative effectively. They need to go before the bankruptcy court asking them to cooperate to seek wage concessions and more efficient work roles. A combination of the legal department and the finance department need to be in charge of implementing this alternative. This is a legal matter but the finance department must explain to the legal department what is needed in terms of financial relief. This needs to be implemented as soon as possible. It must start in the bankruptcy court. This can be evaluated by examining if this alternative does lower cost without completely destroying employee to employer relationships. The finance department needs to evaluate their financial numbers (examining costs) on a monthly basis.

Sherwood Anderson Life And Influences :: essays research papers

LaBrie 1 Sherwood Anderson's life experiences And the way they influenced how he wrote Sherwood Anderson often wrote of other people's misery in his short stories and used it in ironic ways when writing his endings. After reading several of his these stories and reading several biographies of his life, I have come to the conclusion that Anderson's life experiences greatly influence the method in which he wrote them. Also, when comparing some of his stories to his life, you will see that many of them can be closely compared to difficult times in which he went through while growing up and as a grown man. Sherwood Anderson was born into a rather impoverished circumstance in a small Ohio village named Camden. His father was a heavy drinker and had a particular hard time keeping a job. His mother was a hard working woman with strict religious beliefs and always taught her children to work as hard as they could. Anderson was the third of seven children, making his family large and hard to support. Anderson was not an exceptional student, but rather was average grade wise. He graduated grammar school and completed nine months of highschool. Anderson was forced to drop out because he needed to work for his family and bring in more income than his mother and two brothers were making. Anderson worked as a laborer in 1896- 1898, then served in the Spanish American War. He attended Wittenburg Academy in Springfield, Ohio, in 1900, then went to Chicago. In Chicago he worked at a produce warehouse, and when he was in his teens he began working as an editor for an advertising agency. In 1904 he began to display unusual talent for success in the mail- order paint business. LaBrie 4   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In addition to having financial problems Anderson also had numerous family problems. I believe that this is the reason that Anderson would use love in his stories and have his characters unable to be with that love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Anderson was first married on May 16, 1904, to Cornelia Lane of Toledo. He fathered two sons, Robert Lane and John Sherwood, and a daughter, Marion with her. On July 27, 1916, Anderson divorced his current wife and married Tennessee Claflin Mitchell on July 31, at Chateaugay, New York. This marriage had many difficulties since Anderson and Claflin did not agree on most things such as business and family life. Because of this, they divorced in 1924, and after this Anderson married Elizabeth Prall.

Ted Hughes The Jaguar Essay -- English Literature Essays

Ted Hughes' 'The Jaguar' How effectively does Hughes convey the power of the jaguar? Ted Hughes’ poem ‘The Jaguar’ describes the animals in a zoo and their lifestyles. It also compares them to the jaguar, which is an animal that lives differently to the others in the way that it views its life. The poem depicts the jaguar as powerful, but in what way? The first line of Ted Hughes’ poem the jaguar is: â€Å"The apes yawn and adore their fleas in the sun.† From the very first three words it is clear that the apes are tired, and the fact that they are in the sun adds to the sleepy air. I think this line was deliberately chosen to begin to convey the monotonous lull of everyday life in the zoo and set a drowsy mood. They are â€Å"adoring† their fleas, which is not a word commonly used in these circumstances. Playing with fleas is normal behaviour for apes, but the use of the word adoring suggests that they are glad of the distraction in their lethargic state. From this line, the apes do not sound threatening, more bored. The second line has a rather different tone; it tells of the parrots that screech as if on fire. Parrots do indeed screech, so this is literal, but it has connotations of pain or perhaps boredom. Obviously they are not literally on fire, so these words could have been chosen to help exhibit their brightly coloured plumage or to remain with the painful image and to display their banshee-like screaming. The end of the line includes enjambment and expresses how the parrots strut like â€Å"cheap tarts to attract the stroller with the nut.† â€Å"Cheap tarts† may also have connotations of the bright, tacky colours of parrots’ feathers, but the parrots also mean to attract attention with their screeches and strutting. Line three goes on to speak of the tiger and lion, who are apparently â€Å"fatigued with indolence†. Again the tone is of sleepiness and possibly boredom, and the idleness of the animals in question. The animals are tired, and in the wild they would probably be more likely to be hunting rather than lazing about in the middle of the day. This particular line is also an example of enjambment, as it runs into the next verse. The last words of the first stanza are: â€Å"tiger and lion† and the first words of the second are: â€Å"lie still as the sun.† The end of the first stanza is therefore going on to a different subject, which intrigues th... ...fe very differently because of the way he beholds it. The crowd at the zoo is not very interested in the zoo creatures until they encounter the jaguar, and is so stunned to see an animal living as it would in its natural habitat that they are enthralled by it. The jaguar is depicted as powerful in that the crowd is in awe of it, and this is very different to how they see the other animals because he acts as he would in his natural home. Therefore the jaguar has power over the watching people because he is grabbing their attention and in effect controlling them. The jaguar has also been depicted as powerful in comparison to the other animals, who have let the cage become their way of living. The jaguar instead is totally ignorant of the cage and instead still believes himself to be in his old environment, and since he is by himself he is automatically the ruler of his environment. He is powerful in the way he moves, which is with refinement and at some points rage, because he move s in a way that illustrates power. He believes himself to be powerful and therefore he is. Overall, the poem successfully describes the jaguar as a powerful being in every respect addressed in the poem. Ted Hughes' 'The Jaguar' Essay -- English Literature Essays Ted Hughes' 'The Jaguar' How effectively does Hughes convey the power of the jaguar? Ted Hughes’ poem ‘The Jaguar’ describes the animals in a zoo and their lifestyles. It also compares them to the jaguar, which is an animal that lives differently to the others in the way that it views its life. The poem depicts the jaguar as powerful, but in what way? The first line of Ted Hughes’ poem the jaguar is: â€Å"The apes yawn and adore their fleas in the sun.† From the very first three words it is clear that the apes are tired, and the fact that they are in the sun adds to the sleepy air. I think this line was deliberately chosen to begin to convey the monotonous lull of everyday life in the zoo and set a drowsy mood. They are â€Å"adoring† their fleas, which is not a word commonly used in these circumstances. Playing with fleas is normal behaviour for apes, but the use of the word adoring suggests that they are glad of the distraction in their lethargic state. From this line, the apes do not sound threatening, more bored. The second line has a rather different tone; it tells of the parrots that screech as if on fire. Parrots do indeed screech, so this is literal, but it has connotations of pain or perhaps boredom. Obviously they are not literally on fire, so these words could have been chosen to help exhibit their brightly coloured plumage or to remain with the painful image and to display their banshee-like screaming. The end of the line includes enjambment and expresses how the parrots strut like â€Å"cheap tarts to attract the stroller with the nut.† â€Å"Cheap tarts† may also have connotations of the bright, tacky colours of parrots’ feathers, but the parrots also mean to attract attention with their screeches and strutting. Line three goes on to speak of the tiger and lion, who are apparently â€Å"fatigued with indolence†. Again the tone is of sleepiness and possibly boredom, and the idleness of the animals in question. The animals are tired, and in the wild they would probably be more likely to be hunting rather than lazing about in the middle of the day. This particular line is also an example of enjambment, as it runs into the next verse. The last words of the first stanza are: â€Å"tiger and lion† and the first words of the second are: â€Å"lie still as the sun.† The end of the first stanza is therefore going on to a different subject, which intrigues th... ...fe very differently because of the way he beholds it. The crowd at the zoo is not very interested in the zoo creatures until they encounter the jaguar, and is so stunned to see an animal living as it would in its natural habitat that they are enthralled by it. The jaguar is depicted as powerful in that the crowd is in awe of it, and this is very different to how they see the other animals because he acts as he would in his natural home. Therefore the jaguar has power over the watching people because he is grabbing their attention and in effect controlling them. The jaguar has also been depicted as powerful in comparison to the other animals, who have let the cage become their way of living. The jaguar instead is totally ignorant of the cage and instead still believes himself to be in his old environment, and since he is by himself he is automatically the ruler of his environment. He is powerful in the way he moves, which is with refinement and at some points rage, because he move s in a way that illustrates power. He believes himself to be powerful and therefore he is. Overall, the poem successfully describes the jaguar as a powerful being in every respect addressed in the poem.

A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt Essay

When looking at the play, A Man for All Seasons, Richard Rich lied, cheated, deceived, hurt close friends and committed perjury to obtain his goal. He went from Attorney General of Wales to the Solicitor General, to the Secretary for Norfolk and finally to the Chancellor of England. Sir Thomas More, was very selfish towards achieving his own personal goals. He believed that if he went about everything the way God would have done it that he would reach heaven. In this process he managed to hurt his wife Alice, his daughter Margaret, and put his friends in awful positions. When every aspect is considered Sir Thomas More, evidently wanted eternal salvation and only really truly cared about him self. King Henry VIII was a man of power and intimidation. He did not let anything stand in his way. Cardinal Wolsey, was executed because he put up resistance toward the King, along with Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas More. Any individual that caused a ripple in his path was executed. â€Å"Henry VIII, started with everything and squandered it all†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bolt, vii). Henry VIII wants an heir for his thrown and no matter how many women he has to marry then divorce to get it that is his primary intention. Richard Rich, Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII all use reprehensible means, which harm others in order to achieve their own personal goals and in the end are never justified. Sir Thomas More does not justify the pain and suffering he causes by trying to live a glorious life that will put him in heaven. More has a one-track mind. With this, his beliefs and values are very strong towards the way of God and the right and the wrong; but his actions are very self centered and selfish. When More, was asked his opinion on the matter of King Henry’s divorce he replied, â€Å"†¦As I think of it I see so clearly that I can not come with Your Grace that my endeavor is not to think of it at all†¦.There is my right arm. Take your dagger and saw it from my shoulder, and I will laugh and be thankful, if by that means I can come with Your Grace with a clear conscience† (Bolt, pg31). His pride and values get in the way of his loved ones future and outcome. More is acting the way his heart tells him but not the most beneficial way in his circumstance. King Henry is one who hates opposition or doubts and Sir Thomas More is giving him doubt and grief on not siding with him on this issue. With having the King on your bad side the chances of you living a good life or living at all is very slim. Also, More shows selfish acts when Margaret approaches him, while he is in his jail cell. â€Å"When a man takes an oath, Margaret he’s holding his own self in his own hands†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg.83) This shows his selfishness towards himself and his goal of going to heaven. He does not care about his life hear on earth or what he leaves behind he just wants what is best for himself. Hence, Sir Thomas More attitude toward his family’s life was very poor. By talking about the King and by not siding with him he threw his life and his families life out the window. For food he made Alice eat mutton and did not provide for his family. Also, by him thinking of resigning his position is another example of himself being selfish and not providing for his family. His selfish acts towards himself hurt his friends and his family and do not justify his means for eternal salvation. Firstly, Richard Rich does not justify his means by his ends at all. This man is a lying deceiving little man that will do whatever it takes to gain rank and power. His betrayal towards Sir Thomas More was very futile in Sir Thomas’s conviction. â€Å"I’ve lost my innocence.†(pg.44) Rich has just sold out information to Cromwell in order to move ahead in rank. From here on Rich is starting down a path that will lead to hurting a lot of people’s lives. Secondly, Rich betrayed More for obvious reasons. He wanted to get ahead in life but also, there was the taste of money that came along with it. â€Å"Every man has his price.†(pg.2) This is just showing again why Richard Rich keeps on hurting individuals. In life one will betray another for some benefit and this in it self is an example of Macchiavelli. Hence, when Rich took the stand in the court to persecute More he showed again his greed and will to not stop at any cost to get what he wanted. â€Å"He said, ‘Parliament has not the competence.’ Or words to that effect.† Rich was saying what he knew the King wanted to hear. He was committing perjury against More so that he could eventually move into the spot of Chancellor of England. With this being said it shows that his greed and lust could not justify Rich’s means for money and self-advancement. Lastly, King Henry VIII only lived and strived for power and for dominance over everybody in England. If anybody ever crossed his path they were executed and nothing was said about it. Henry liked to show everybody that he ruled and no one else. â€Å"No opposition I say! No opposition!†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg.33) King Henry is again showing More that his opinion on his divorce is not going to be taken lightly in any sense. Even though More is the Chancellor of England Henry is still pressing him to side with him on the matter and not the Pope. Also, Henry showed dominance over Margaret. The King always has to be the smartest and most powerful one among all. In this certain occasion when Margaret could speak better Spanish then Henry he was very defensive. Right away he asked her if she could dance her response was no. â€Å"Well I can dance superlatively!† (pg.28) Henry is trying to put her down for showing her dominance over him. Also, Henry always wanted to be in power of the Church of England. This was the only thing that he was not in full complete control of and he needed to be to divorce Catherine for Anne Boleyn. The only way he could do this is to kill Cardinal Wolsey and clear the path for his dominance. Catherine provided him with a daughter and without an heir to the thrown this marriage and his legacy would not work. â€Å"Queen on the throne of England was unthinkable.† (pg. Viii) The King had to have power over the Church of England because he would not receive a divorce if he did not receive a boy through Anne. Henry used intimidation to justify his goals and his means were not reasonable nor were his actions justified. With Sir Thomas More, Richard Rich and King Henry VIII all having their means not justify their actions it showed that they were all doing this for some self-advancement in life. So again clearly through points and quotes all three used reprehensible means which harm others, in order to achieve their own personal goals and in the end are never justified. Work Citied Bolt, Robert. A Man for All Seasons, Toronto: Irwin Publishing, 1963