Financial Performance Analysis Free Essays

ABSTRACT Financial Performance: A subjective measure of how well a firm can use assets from its primary mode of business and generate revenues. This term is also used as a general measure of a firm’s overall financial health over a given period of time, and can be used to compare similar firms across the same industry or to compare  industries or sectors in aggregation. Methods of Financial perfomance Analysis: Ratio Analysis: This is the method in which the ratio between two or more variables related to the business is compared. We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Performance Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are many ratios used to analyze financial statements: Liquidity Analysis Ratio: For example, the net working capital ratio is calculated between net working capital and total assets. †¢ Profitability Analysis Ratio: For example, return on assets ratio is calculated between net income and average total assets. Profit margin ratio is calculated between net income and sales. Earning per share is calculated between net income and number of outstanding shares. †¢ Activity Analysis Ratio: For example, asset turnover ratio is calculated between sales and average total assets. Inventory turnover ratio is calculated between cost of goods sold and average inventories. Capital Structure Analysis Ratio: The most important ratio is debt to equity ratio, which is calculated between total liabilities and total stockholder’s equity. †¢ Capital Market Analysis Ratio: For example, dividend ratio is calculated between annual dividends per common share and market price of co mmon stock per share. All these ratios are collectively used to carry out the financial analysis of business to assess growth, profitability, and solvency of a business. Remember that ratio analysis is as important as horizontal and vertical analysis and must not be overlooked. How to cite Financial Performance Analysis, Essay examples

Organization is like a child and it requires continuous nurturing free essay sample

Organizations that undergo continuous change are argued to have the â€Å"ability to change rapidly and continuously, especially by developing new products (core competence and culture driven)† (Brown and Eisenhardt, 1997, p. 1). The changes are â€Å"those that are ongoing, evolving and cumulative . . . small uninterrupted adjustments . . . † (Pettigrew et al. , 2001, p. 704). These continuous change organizations have had limited treatment in the literature; the case-studies provided so far can be classified as either public sector organizations, learning organizations or firms engaged in New Product Development (NPD). An initial scan of the literature suggests that each of these contexts displays varying degrees of change receptivity. Much of the previous research uses NPD Teams as the unit of analysis (Brown and Eisenhardt, 1997; Miner et al. , 2001). These studies interpret continuous change as innovation, and consequently focus on NPD. Continuous change research has consisted largely of case-based studies as is appropriate in newareas of research (Eisenhardt, 1989). With the emphasis being on NPD, the samples have consisted mainly of technically- oriented employees. We will write a custom essay sample on Organization is like a child and it requires continuous nurturing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Brown and Eisenhardt (1997) and Miner et al. (2001) have highlighted the necessity to create semi- structures that allow flexibility and order to co-exist in order to facilitate continuous change. Miner et al. (2001) and Sitkin et al. (1998) situate continuous change organizations in the organizational learning literature. In terms of findings, Brown and Eisenhardt (1997) highlight the importance of communication and future probe teams inmanaging the continuous

Role Of Greek Gods In The Illiad Essays (999 words) - Trojans

Role of Greek Gods In the Illiad With our view of God, it can sometimes be difficult to comprehend the actions and thinking of the Greek deities. The Christian God does not tend to take such an active role in the affairs of people's lives, where, on the other hand, the Greeks regarded direct involvement by the gods as a daily, uncontrollable part of life. Needless to say, divine intervention was a major variable in the equation of Homer's Iliad. The gods picked who they would favour for different reasons. Except Zeus: As the symbol of supreme authority and justice, he makes judgement calls as to the other gods' involvement in the war, remains impartial, and doesn't seem to get caught up in picking favourites. Even when his own son, Sarpedon, was about to die, Zeus chose to let the outcome go unaltered. On the other hand, Zeus's wife, Hera, displayed the more typical actions of a god. After Paris, a Trojan, judged Aphrodite the fairest over Hera, and, after her daughter Hebe was replaced as cupbearer to the gods by a young Trojan boy, she was quite resentful towards Troy and its people. Obviously she sided with the Greeks and would stop at no length to express her will. Scheming and manipulating she even dared to trick her husband, King of the Gods. Hera, along with Athena, who was also passed over by Paris, is seen as the chief divine aid to the Greeks. Being the god of the sea, Poseidon was another strong supporter of the ocean-faring Greeks. Whenever Zeus turned his back Poseidon tried to help the Greeks in the fight. Poseidon felt that he was somewhat Zeus's equal as his brother, but recognizing Zeus's authority and experience, he looked to Zeus as an elder. There were also Gods who favoured the Trojan side of the conflict. Both Apollo and Artemis, twin brother and sister, gave aid to the city of Troy. Although Artemis takes a rather minor role, Apollo, perhaps angered by Agamemmnon's refusal to ransom Khryseis, the daughter of one of his priests and was constantly changing the course of the war in favour of the Trojans. Responsible for sending plague to the Greeks, Apollo was the first god to make an appearance in the Iliad. Also, mainly because Apollo and Artemis were on the Trojan side, their mother, Leto, also helped the Trojans. Aphrodite, obviously supporting Paris's judgement, sided with the Trojans. Although she was insignificant on the battlefield, Aphrodite was successful in convincing Ares, her lover and the god of war, to help the Trojans. One view of the gods' seemingly constant intervention in the war was that they were just setting fate back on the right course. For instance, when Patroklos was killed outside of Troy, Apollo felt no guilt for his doings. It had already been decided that Patroklos would not take Troy, he should never have disobeyed Achilles in the first place. As a god, he was just setting fate on a straight line. Achilles laid blame on Hektor and the Trojans. He did not even consider accusing Apollo, who never came into question, although he was primarily responsible for the kill. Apollo's part in the matter was merely accepted as a natural disaster or illness would be today. This general acceptance of a god's will is a recurring trend throughout the poem. A prime example of this trend is in book XXIV. Achilles, angry over the death of Patroklos brutally disgraced Hektor's body. Tethering Hektor's corpse through the ankles, Achilles dragged him around Patroklos's tomb every day for twelve days. This barbaric treatment was uncalled for and displeased the gods greatly. Achilles mother, Thetis, was sent by Zeus to tell him to ransom the body back to the Trojans. One may think Achilles would be possessive of the body and attempt to put up a fuss as he did before with Agamemmnon in Book I. But, Achilles showed humility and respect for the gods and immediately agreed to ransom the body to the Trojans, showing that all mortals, even god-like Achilles, were answerable to the gods. This ideology would seem to give the gods a sort of unlimited freedom on earth,

Music Appreciation essays

Music Appreciation essays I have always been a person who has enjoyed life with music. Ive come across numerous people that have told me that they dont really listen to music, and every time I hear it I cant help but look at them funny. I cant imagine how much of a void these peoples lives must be if they dont even appreciate music. Since the dawn of time music has been referred to as an art form. Sultans and Kings had musicians, Countries use anthems to reflect their beliefs, and most of the people today use it to relate to how they feel or to help them cope with things in their lives. Music can define, inspire, separate, or make people come together. What if there was no Christmas music to listen to while opening your presents? What if the Happy Birthday song was never sung? We all enjoy music whether you realize it or not. The first CD I had my mom buy me was Aerosmiths Get a Grip. I used to play it over and over until I could practically recite songs in my sleep. The way the guitar and drums sounded together was like heaven to me. I always thought that they had to be geniuses to come up with this stuff, until I found out how much they loved drugs and alcohol. Then over the years as I liked more bands and read about them, I learned that all of them seemed to have substance abuse problems. So then I realized that it must not be the brains, but something else. When I got a little older and a little more angered with life as an early teenager, I began to really love the way Metalica sounded. I would put my stereo as loud as it could go and just sit there in my room reading the lyrics on the CD cover. Just listening to it in my room would let me forget about whatever was bothering me at the time, and showed me that I wasnt the only one around having issues in my life and just hearing someone else sing a bout it can really boost up your moral. Later on when my girlfriend at the time b ...

9 Tips from Writing a Query a Day How Seinfeld, Fleetwood Mac, and a Writer Inspired Me

9 Tips from Writing a Query a Day How Seinfeld, Fleetwood Mac, and a Writer Inspired Me As a freelance writer, I dislike when editors don’t respond to a query. That frustration hampers my marketing, deterring me from sending queries to major markets very often. My list of feature article ideas sat unused for a long time, longing for homes. Until now. Last month I stumbled onto a writer’s blog about making querying a numbers game where they suggested a class entitled â€Å"30 Queries in 30 Days.† That same day I read Jerry Seinfeld’s approach to productivity: Mark an x on the calendar every day you’ve finished your task, and never break the chain. (SEE: Mridu Khullar Relph mridukhullar.com/ecourse-30-days-30-queries ) Soon I was cranking up Fleetwood Mac’s song â€Å"The Chain† and establishing my calendar. As the band echoed â€Å"You must never break the chain,† I looked at February. Can I write 28 queries or submissions in 28 days? Did I need a class or should I just buckle down? I chose the latter. Here’s what I learned from writing a query a day for a month: Ideas breed more ideas. Ever just brainstormed? The same creativity applies with queries. I started February with a list of 28 ideas, but ended with 40. As I would work with one query, I would think of another idea. Build it, and they will come. Surprise! I heard back from some national markets. If they said no, they said why. They consider professional queries. I have a journalism degree, worked at a CBS affiliate in college, and wrote for a federal agency’s press office for a decade. As a freelancer, I’ve had articles and essays published in locals, regionals, trades, anthologies. With clips and a website, you build infrastructure - voila, your last paragraph of a good query. He’s just not that into you. When the editors don’t respond? Face the fact your idea is not for them. They know their readers better. Or they’ve run something similar. Follow-up, then target the next market and revise. Your email works! Whenever I didn’t get an answer from a sporadic query, I wondered if my email was working or was considered spam on the other end. However, once I regularly sent queries daily, using the premise it’s a numbers game, I got more responses. (Though most haven’t responded yet.) The early bird doesn’t always catch the worm. Because you’re rushing to tailor a query Your paid subscriptions to freelance newsletters are worth it. I checked MediaBistro, TOTAL FFW, ASJA, and Freelance Success archives. Checked Writer’s Digest/Writer’s Market and the magazines masthead to get a editorial contact or email formula. A little help from your friends. When I emailed a writer-friend because she had written for a magazine I was querying, she warned me of issues there. Be helpful with other writers, and they’ll reciprocate. You’ll experience â€Å"rejectance.† Another writer-friend coined this term about acceptance in a rejection. Some editors asked for more ideas from me. Another editor gave me the lowdown on recent changes there. Some explained exactly why they couldn’t use it. Helpful rejections = rejectance! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I heard some no’s. I was also asked to give away an article for free (no). When a door is closed, open a window; re-work it for another market. A February rejection is a March submission; think follow-up opportunities. While I wish I could say I have 28 yesses in my inbox, I cannot. But as I await answers, I’ve beaten procrastination, released ideas, gained editorial contacts, generated leads, and felt productive marking an x on each day of my calendar. â€Å"Never break the chain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or yada yada yada. Thanks, Jerry.

Assessment does not stand outside teaching and learning but stands in Essay

Assessment does not stand outside teaching and learning but stands in dynamic - Essay Example Informal or regular assessment is usually followed in classrooms because teaching often consists of frequent switches in who speaks and who listens, and teachers make many of their decisions within one second. In such a rapidly changing environment, where teachers have to think on their feet and are denied the luxury of hours of reflection over each of their pedagogic choices, assessment has to be carried out on the move. That is why so much informal assessment is often barely perceptible as the flow of the lesson continues, since it is neatly interlaced with normal-looking instruction and activities. Indeed, many teachers would not even regard the common question, ‘Is anybody not sure what you’re supposed to do?’ as assessment, but it is, informing the teacher of which pupils might need individual help before starting on the task in hand. Bennett has explored a large number of theories relating to pupil learning, teaching and assessment, and believes these theories has a lot more to do mainly on psychology rather than teaching and learning, Bennett offers an explanation of the ambivalence sensed by teachers in their quest to identify these theories which effectively inform their practice. He advances the notion that theories take limited account of the complexities of classroom life. The potential value of such theories seems, therefore, to be marginalized by teachers. In citing Doyle's work, Bennett indicates that classroom environments are complex places in which teachers and pupils adapt to each other and where the created environment impacts on them both. The classroom environment is built by the way of communication between teachers and pupils. Doyle's model of classroom learning processes proceeds on the assumption that 'learning is a covert, intellectual activity which proceeds in the socially complex, potentially rich environment'. If this perspective relates to teachers' experiences in carrying out their role then there are clear restrictions to the applications of many theories of learning to teaching contexts. (Dunn, 2002) Identifying the prominence of complexity by no means excuses careful exploration of the issues. It is recognised that one of the aims of schooling is to promote pupil learning yet it is not all agreed about what should be prioritised to comprise such learning. Further more, there remains considerable disagreement as to how learning occurs. It might be said that since the adoption of the National Curriculum we are nearer to agreeing what should be learnt. However, the ways in which learning occurs seems to be rather side-tracked from what are identified as more pressing mechanisms for teaching curriculum content with the main aim of measuring and raising standards.

The benefits and costs of increased trade integration between Essay

The benefits and costs of increased trade integration between countries depends on the relative importance of trade creation ver - Essay Example Most countries, both developed and developing countries have opened their economies with a view to take advantage of the existing opportunities. However, it is not clear whether the benefits and costs of increased trade integration between these countries depends on the relative importance of trade creation versus trade diversion, plus the dynamic gains from integration. The focus of this paper is to ascertain whether in light of the countries involved, the above connotation is true. Trade creation and trade diversion are two important components in increasing the rate of growth of world trade. They are also important components which help increase the benefits and costs of increased trade integration. Viner (2009) was the first researcher to introduce the terms â€Å"trade creation versus trade diversion† which became useful in analyzing custom unions and other trade related economics issues. Trade creation as envisaged by Viner (2009) refers to a situation in which two count ries operating within customs union start trading with each other whereas they formerly produced products in questions for themselves. In international economics terms, it implies that these countries move from autarky to trading with no tariffs on these goods while they both benefit. In trade creation the cost of goods in consideration decreases upon the economic union formation leading to increased efficiency of economic integration. This means that the essence of trade creation is to eliminate custom tariffs on the unifying state’s inner borders causing further decrease in the prices of goods (El-Agraa, 1981). On the other hand, trade diversion, occur whenever two countries start trading within the union (Institute for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2004). But formerly, these two countries imported the product or from outside the union. In this case, importing country had previously had same tariffs on other countries, but had opted to buy from outside the union because that was somewhat lower (Institute for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2004). The country then switches its purchases from its initial lowest price to the higher price country after the union. This eventually has a negative efficiency effect. Basically what this means is that trade diversion involves diverting trade flows from the actual cost-efficient partner countries to less efficient partner countries, which became an economic union member and made its products cheaper within the union but somewhat higher when compared to the other place in the world. Worth nothing is the fact that both trade diversion and trade creation effects occur because of formation of economic union. Currently, efficiency of economic integration of unions is assessed as the final outcome between trade diversion and trade creation effects (Irwin, 2006). Trade diversions as discussed involves creating free-trade areas, and is important in creating larger markets, which provide more completion as it creates increased access to raw materials (Institute for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2004). The happy ending will be the lower unit costs because firms can now gain economies of scale in this arrangement. From the point of view of consumers, greater choices and lower prices makes them happy too. On the other hand, in trade creation two countries involved reduce tariffs on their goods. It can also imply simplifying export or