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The Principles And Principles Of Democracy - 876 Words

The principles underlying democracy are based on common values that aim to promote dignity and fundamental individual rights. According to Brink (2007), there are two kinds of instrumental benefits attributed to democracy: relatively good laws and policies and improvements in the characters of the participant (p. 22). In particular, there are four democratic principles, which include Equality, Accountability, the Rule of Law and Separation of Powers. These principles are indeed fundamental and essential to the democracy process. Although, certain principles said to be related and contribute to the democracy society, and that they are not as desirable but are considered essential to democracy, I disagree. Furthermore, by evaluating democratic principles as they relate to democratic governance, democracy identifies, develops, and implements government policy in order to protect and meet the needs of the fellow citizens. Analysis Chamber (2009) defines democracy as a method of group decisions making characterized by a kind of equality among the participants at an essential state of the collective decision-making (p.2). Democracy is a form of government and a provision for citizens to participate in the decision-making process for laws and policies. Kraft Furlong (2012) stated that within democracies, citizens might speak out of policy development and government actions (p.21). Throughout history, there have been many theorists that have had differing ideas and an immenseShow MoreRelatedBasic Principles of Democracy916 Words   |  4 PagesThe United States of America has five basic principles which ensure the ability of the country. The basic foundations: fundamental worth, equality of all persons, majority rule minority rights, necessity of compromise, and ividual freedom. This paper reviews three of the five principles: majority rule and minority rights, individual freedom, and necessity of compro mise. Two of these cases of individual freedom plus majority rule and minority rights the United States has failed to upholdRead MoreDeTocquevilles Benefits of Democracy Compared With the Principles Found in Walden1680 Words   |  7 Pagesthree significant benefits of democracy while observing it first hand in America. Those benefits are public spirit, a notion of rights, and respect for the law. Keeping these results of democracy in mind, while reading Thoreau’s Walden a reader will wonder whether or not the author is comfortable with the notion of living in a democratic government. To answer this question, it is useful to assess DeTocqueville’s benefits of democracy and compare them with the principles found in Walden. Of theRead MoreThe Main Factors That Support The Core Principles Of Our Democracy1214 Words   |  5 PagesAbbie Voorhies Essay 2 Essay 2 There are three contemporary factors that continue to deprive the core principles of our democracy. The elections seem to be more about â€Å"winning the game† than the actual issues and ideals. Each factor plays a major influence on how the American politics are run today. There has been many Amendments that have been published to stop voter discrimination. A few are the fifteenth Amendment, in which it states, â€Å"Race no Bar to Vote. The right of citizens of the UnitedRead MoreDemocracy And Its Effect On Democracy894 Words   |  4 PagesDemocracy in its most basic form is a type of governing system ruled by the citizens of a particular society. The first form of democracy can be found in ancient Greece, and the modern form of Democracy was established in part by the French revolution because it brought back the idea of rule by the people. Although, for most of history democracy was not viewed in a positive light. According to Mintz, Close, and Croci many people feared democracy because they thought the masses would not act withRead MoreThe Constitution And Its Impact On Society846 Words   |  4 Pages To begin with, the oxford dictionary defines a constitution as a â€Å"A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed† (oxford dictionary). This basically explains that a constitution is a body of rules and which is given by the government to a society. A constitutional review also known as constitutionality review is basically the assessment, and the constitutionality of the laws inflicted in a society. It couldRead MoreDemocracy: The Struggle that Is and How to Fix It1021 Words   |  4 Pagesin a class that was focused on exploring the world of democracy. Going into this class, like many, I was convinced that democracy was a cut and clear issue. I believed that democracy was a shining beacon in the world of government, and I never really gave a second thought to it. Through the times of this course however, I have come to truly understand the make up of democracy and where it ca me from. The real issue that is had within democracy is the actual implementation and execution of the systemRead MoreThe Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1363 Words   |  6 Pagesfundamental right to democracy, an integral part of Canada’s political system. A functioning democracy is an important factor in providing citizens with the utmost rights and freedoms deserved. Society’s full potential is not being achieved if there are individuals who believe their principle of democracy is being violated. This violation nonetheless, true or not, should not be ignored. The fundamental belief that the entrenchment of our Charter violates the principle of democracy lies at the heartRead MoreRule of law1448 Words   |  6 Pagesviolations occur. The most important application of the rule of law is the principle that government authority is legitimately exercised in accordance with established procedural steps that are referred as to due process. The principle is intended to be a safeguard against arbitrary governance, whether by a totalitarian leader. Thus, the rule of law is hostile both to dictatorship and to anarchy. Since a democracy is characterized by majority rule whereby the law is whatever the majority saysRead MoreReligion in the Public Square: The Place of Religious Convictions and Political Debate889 Words   |  4 PagesConvictions Political Debate (1997), is a presentation of a debate between two foremost thinkers who argue about the place that religion should have in the public forum, more specifically in politics. Robert Audi argues that citizens in a free democracy should make a difference between religion and between secular aspects or state and give them two separate domains. The one has nothing to do with the other and for each to be functioning well and for the state to be functioning effectively; religiousRead MoreThe Electoral College Is A Democracy1012 Words   |  5 PagesThere is no doubt that the United States of America is a democracy, but how democratic are some of the components of our system of government? For example, the Electoral College is used when selecting the president of The United States, but the founders developed the Electoral College based on a theory of how it should work with no practical, real-world example of how it realistically works. Based on the three core principles of democracy which are popular sovereignty, political equality, and political

Accounting Theory and Current Issues Information System Research

Question: Describe about the Accounting Theory and Current Issues for Information System Research. Answer: Introduction The assignment represents several aspects of research and development conducted by a bio- research firm with respect to the aqua- culture feeds. The assignment provides the nature and value of the bio- research to the society as well as problems related to the early research by the company. Research and development is a primary step considered by the business organizations to find the optimum methods for producing the products and services with the best quality. Research activity includes investigation while development involves designing, composing and marketing of products and services (Puchades-Carrasco Pineda-Lucena, 2015). The assignment also covers the problems that the bio- research firm had encountered with the early research as well as differences between the research and development. Accounting methods including journal for the transactions entered by the firm has also been prepared in the assignment. Apart from the accounting for research and development, fair valuation of patent as per the accounting principles and rules is also presented in the assignment. Nature and Value to the society Bio- Sustainable Feeds (BSF) Ltd. engaged in the bio- research since two decades with respect to the aqua- culture feed based on plants and fish feds. The research involved a cost of AUD $360 million out of which AUD $120 million collapsed due to failure in survival of high- value piscavorian fish. The research and development also includes the process of conversion of low value fish at the rate of 10.0 kg to high value fish at a rate 1.0 kg. The firm, BSF Limited experienced negative results that involved destruction of 1/3rd of total production of fish as well as size of the matured fish was smaller. In the recent years, aquaculture is the fastest growing activity as the means to increase the supply of seafood and other food crops. Aquaculture provides value to the society because most of the individuals survive on the diets based on meat and fish along with the food crops (Warusawitharana, 2015). It is considered to be valuable to the society because aquaculture food provides proteins, vitamins, fibers and carbohydrates which are important for human nutrition. The firm is engaged in the research of plant and fish based aquaculture feeds to improve the quality of food crops for the consumption of society. Australia is a country where large number of population survives on sea- food including canola, soya-bean, salmon fish therefore, it is important to produce the crops with the best quality for human consumption (Landau et al. 2015). Problems with the early research The firm, Bio- Sustainable Feeds (BSF) Ltd involved in the process of research since two decades and encountered with several problems in the early research. The firm experienced the loss of around AUD $120 million due to failure in endurance by high value fishes like trout, tuna, salmon etc. Accordingly, problems that are faced by the BSF with the early research are discussed as follows: Problems in the quality of growing the food crops One of the significant problems faced by the BSF in its early research is diversion in the quality of growing the food crops for human consumption. The firm observed the diminishing value in growing the food crops with respect to the growth of luxury fish. This problem was faced due to the conversion technologies and equipments used by the firm for plants and fish feeds. Problems in survival of fish feeds Another problem that the firm faced was the demolishing of fish feeds due to the conversion of low value into the high value. The firm faced the loss of around 30% of the total weight in high value fish feeds while 5% in case of low value. High costs in the process of research and development Earlier bio- research performed by the firm, BSF Ltd involved huge costs in the various activities of the research and development. Conversion of low value fish into high value fish would involve huge costs along the loss of AUD $120 million. Apparently, the cost of food crops would involve high costs for the human consumption if the firm wants to maintain the same quality of the feeds. Beneficial for the rich society and not for the poor ones Results of the earlier research would provide the benefits to the rich society but for the poor society, it might reflect the risk of malnutrition and starvation. Since the procedure of aquaculture or fish farming is a hectic process as well as involve huge for several procedures therefore it might not be beneficial for poor society. Explanation and differences between research and development Research and development is an investigating process conducted by the business organization to improve the products and services involving the implementation of designs and concepts. It is typically performed on the long- term basis for the profitability and best quality products of the organizations (Dinh, Kang Schultze, 2015). However, research and development are two different concepts involved in the product life cycle. Process of research involves the discovery of the concepts and methods to create the product while development is associated with designing and processing to create or modify the products and services. Research procedures include study of ideas and concepts to enhance the product quality while development is the execution of findings of research works (Ezzamel Xiao, 2015). Accounting of research and development Accounting of research and development is regulated by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) 138 Intangible Assets. According to the principles of the standard, the cost of research and development will be recognized in the books of accounts if the following components are present in the research and development transactions. The cost of equipments and services used in the research procedures Salaries, wages or commission related to research process Depreciation charges of the equipments used Any other costs that is directly attributable to the research work. Further, the cost of research and development is recognized in the books of accounts only if it is probable to receive expected future benefits and its cost can be measured reliably. At the initial stage, expenditure on research and development is to be recognized at cost and is required to be amortized over the future years in proportion to the use of research work (Grabowski, DiMasi Long, 2015). In case of grant received by government, the amount should be deducted from the value of carrying cost if such amount of research and development is incurred by the organization. However, of the amount of research and development is written off by the organization, the value of grant should be credited in the profit and loss account (Baskerville Wood-Harper, 2016). Reasons for differences and engagement in research and development by firms Organizations and firms are engaged with the process of research and development to develop the products and services with the best and improved technologies and means. Since, the organizations business operations and activities are in large number, it becomes difficult to manage simultaneous accounting of research and development (Stone et al., 2016)). Therefore, research and development is differentiated to present clarity in understanding and presenting better accounting records. Additionally, accounting methods of research cost and development cost are different hence, it is important to segregate the costs involved in research and development of products and services (Bulmer, 2016). Firms undertake the process of research and development to improve the quality of products and services to provide with Unique Selling Point (USP). The process of research and development provides the organization, a right to acquire patents as legal protection for the methods and techniques used to manufacture and develop the products. Similarly, investment in research and development assists the business organization with tax benefits and opportunities (Toker, Turker Vural, 2016). Fair market value of Patent In the given situation, the expected net market value of the patent of BSF Ltd. is AUD $ 700 million if it is sold in 2 years or AUD $ 200 million each year with the useful life of 10 years. Expected net market value of the Patent Amortization period Discount rate Amortization Amount- year 1 Amortization Amount- year 2 Adjusted Amount in the accounting year $ 700 million 2 years 8% p.a. 350 324.1 350 $ 200 million each year for 10 years, if it is produced and sold as well as adjusted for two years 10 years 8% p.a. 200 185.2 385.2 Table 1: Valuation of Patent (Source: Created by author) However, if the patent is used for 10 years, the total expected market value would be AUD $2000 million with the adjustment in amortization value for two years. As per AASB 138, the initial cost of patent is recognized if its future economic benefit will flow into the entity. BSF is engaged in research work since two decades therefore it would be suitable to consider a patent with useful life of 10 years. Therefore, the fair market value of the patent AUD $2000 million with 10 years of useful life is AUD $1311 at discounting rate of 8%. Market value-per year $ million Discounting factor 8% Present value $ million 200 0.926 185.200 200 0.857 171.400 200 0.794 158.800 200 0.735 147.000 200 0.681 136.200 200 0.630 126.000 200 0.540 108.000 200 0.500 100.000 200 0.463 92.600 200 0.429 85.800 Total 6.555 1311.000 Table 2: Fair value of Patent (Source: Created by author) Journal entries for research and development transaction from 2013 to 2016 Journal entries for the research and development transactions in the books of Bio Sustainable Feeds (BSF) Ltd from the accounting year 2013 to 2016 are as follows: Year Particulars $ AUD million Dr. Cr. 2013 Bank A/c Dr. 500.00 To Government Grant Received A/C 500.00 (Being grant received from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization for research and development work in the year 2013) Year 1 Research Development cost Dr. 340.00 To Bank A/C 340.00 (Being the amount spend on research work recognized during the year 2013 to 2016) Year 2 Research Development cost Dr. 160.00 To Bank A/C 160.00 (Being the amount spend on research process recorded during the year 2013 to 2016) 2016 Research Development cost Dr. 360.00 To Bank A/C 360.00 (Being the cost of research process accounted during the year 2016) 2016 Loss on Research Development Dr. 120.00 To Research Development A/C 120.00 (Being the loss of research cost recorded due to lapse of high value fish survival during the process of research work) 2016 Equipment A/C Dr. 200.00 To Research Development A/C 200.00 (Being development cost expected to incur has been capitalized) 2016 Patent A/C Dr. 1,311.00 To Bank A/C 1,311.00 (Being fair market value of Patent with estimated useful life of 10 years has been capitalized during the year) 2016 Amortization Expenses A/C Dr. 385.20 To Patent A/C 385.20 (Being value of Patent has been amortized in proportion to the useful life of 10 years and adjusted for two years) 2016 Profit and Loss A/C Dr. 385.20 To Amortization Expenses A/C 385.20 (Being amortized expenses of patent has been transferred to Profit and Loss A/C during the year) Table 3: Journal Entries (Source: Created by author) Reasonability of assertion Patent is an exclusive right approved by the sovereign state to the investor or business owner for a limited period. It restricts the other manufacturers or producers to use such exclusive designs, concepts and processes for the production, modification or improvement of products. It is an intangible asset and is essential to record in the books of accounts since it is a legal authority to forbid others from using the unique technologies of the patent user (Bhaduri Selarka, 2016). Therefore, it is important to recognize the values of the patent by following the standards and principles of the AASB. Valuation of method is essential and can be done using economic analysis that uses three approaches i.e. cost, income and market. As per the cost approach, value of patent is determined by the replacement cost to protect the right whereas under income approach, the value of patent is measured by using future cash flows. According to the market approach the value of patent is derived based on the willingness of payment for similar asset by other buyers. Additionally, the value of the patent can also be measured by using the technological process, business of the firm and purpose of the conducting the research (Deephouse, Newburry Soleimani, 2016). In the given situation, BSF Ltd. stated that the valuation of its patent has been predicted for the exclusive control over the bacteria based feeds technology. The firm is involved in the bio- research process by using aquaculture feeds for the purpose of improving the quality of food crops. Since the firms research process includes conversion of low value fish feeds to high value fish feeds, the managements contention is correct and valid for predicting the value of patent. Conclusion It can be said concluded that the bio- research firm, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange involved in the research and development of aquaculture sea feeds for human consumption. Initially the firm faced certain problems with the research procedures including loss of AUD $120 million but later it used bacteria based feeds to overcome the issues. The firm also received grant of AUD$500 million from CSIRO, Federal Government of Australia in the year 2013. BSF Ltd. utilized the amount of grant between the year 2013 to 2016 and expected to spend further of $200 million for the development of aquaculture feed. Additionally, the firm also predicted the value of patent based on the technology for its useful life of 10 years at a discount rate of 8.0% p.a. Reference List Baskerville, R. L., Wood-Harper, A. T. (2016). A critical perspective on action research as a method for information systems research. InEnacting Research Methods in Information Systems: Volume 2(pp. 169-190). Springer International Publishing. Bhaduri, S. N., Selarka, E. (2016). Corporate Governance and Corporate Social ResponsibilityIntroduction. InCorporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility of Indian Companies(pp. 1-10). Springer Singapore. Bulmer, M. (2016). Some problems of research into class imagery.Working-Class Images of Society (London 1975), 163-79. Deephouse, D. L., Newburry, W., Soleimani, A. (2016). The effects of institutional development and national culture on cross-national differences in corporate reputation.Journal of World Business,51(3), 463-473. Dinh, T., Kang, H., Schultze, W. (2015). Capitalizing Research Development: Signaling or Earnings Management?.European Accounting Review, 1-29. Ezzamel, M., Xiao, J. Z. (2015). The development of accounting regulations for foreign invested firms in China: The role of Chinese characteristics.Accounting, Organizations and Society,44, 60-84. Grabowski, H. G., DiMasi, J. A., Long, G. (2015). The roles of patents and research and development incentives in biopharmaceutical innovation.Health Affairs,34(2), 302-310. Landau, B. J., Jones, D. R., Zarnoch, C. B., Botton, M. L. (2015). Development of Aquaculture Methods to Enhance Horseshoe Crab Populations: An Example from Delaware Bay, USA. InChanging Global Perspectives on Horseshoe Crab Biology, Conservation and Management(pp. 513-536). Springer International Publishing. Puchades-Carrasco, L., Pineda-Lucena, A. (2015). Metabolomics in pharmaceutical research and development.Current opinion in biotechnology,35, 73-77. Stone, L. L., Mares, S. H., Otten, R., Engels, R. C., Janssens, J. M. (2016). The co-development of parenting stress and childhood internalizing and externalizing problems.Journal of psychopathology and behavioral assessment,38(1), 76-86. Toker, H., Turker, D., Vural, C. A. (2016). Social Responsibility Education in Turkey. InSocial Responsibility Education Across Europe(pp. 1-28). Springer International Publishing. Warusawitharana, M. (2015). Research and development, profits, and firm value: A structural estimation.Quantitative Economics,6(2), 531-565. Bibliography List Bruck, P., Rthy, I., Szente, J., Tobochnik, J., rdi, P. (2016). Recognition of emerging technology trends: class-selective study of citations in the US Patent Citation Network.Scientometrics,107(3), 1465-1475. Grimaldi, M., Cricelli, L., Di Giovanni, M., Rogo, F. (2015). The patent portfolio value analysis: A new framework to leverage patent information for strategic technology planning.Technological Forecasting and Social Change,94, 286-302. Han, E. J., Sohn, S. Y. (2015). Patent valuation based on text mining and survival analysis.The Journal of Technology Transfer,40(5), 821-839. Harris, K. M., Phelan, L., McBain, B., Archer, J., Drew, A. J., James, C. (2016). Attitudes toward learning oral communication skills online: the importance of intrinsic interest and student-instructor differences.Educational Technology Research and Development, 1-19. Odasso, C., Scellato, G., Ughetto, E. (2015). Selling patents at auction: an empirical analysis of patent value.Industrial and Corporate Change,24(2), 417-438. Ware, L., Warren, J. (2016). Rule of reason for post-expiration patent royalties.Journal of Intellectual Property Law Practice,11(1), 37-45.

Social Security Tax System Essay Example For Students

Social Security Tax System Essay Revamping Our Future Social Security Tax SystemThispaper will discuss the current United States Social Security Tax system, thepurpose of that system and our goal for selecting this topic. Also, it willexplain our analysis of its current standing, different ideas about what tochange in our current standing to secure and guarantee a strong future for it. We will conclude by recommending the best course to accomplish this goal. Contents Abstract 2 Contents 3 Title 4 Current U.S.A. Social Security Tax System4 Low Risk Investment 7 High Risk Investment 8 Graph: Social Security TaxIncreases 9 Conclusion/Recommendations 11 References 12 Revamping Our SocialSecurity Tax System to Secure its future Current U.S.A. Social Security TaxSystem Social Security has been around for more than 60 years. It has been animportant part of American life. It was created in 1935 shortly after the greatdepression. Social Security was created to be a protection for the Americanpeople against the hazards of unemployment, old age, and ill health. TodaySocial Security not only provides minimum protection for the retired worker, italso provides benefits for workers and their families due to death of a familywage earner or loss of income due to disability. Today there are about 150million workers who are protected by social security, more than 44 millionreceive retirement, survivors and disability benefits form social security. American wage earners and their families are protected by social security andthey pay taxes to help make the system work. There are two philosophies SocialSecurity bases its payments on. First, the system is designed so that there is alink between how much a wage earner pays into the system and how much he or shewill receive in benefits. For example, a high wage earner will receive morebenefits while a low wage earner will receive less. Second, a base for economicsecurity is provided by the Social Security system. Social Security provides avaluable package of retirement, disability and survivors insurance, whichrelieves families of financial burdens from supporting other family members. Social Security has made an enormous difference in the lives of older Americans. American workers can retire as early as age 62. At this age, wage earners areeligible to get reduced benefits from Social Security. Wage earners may wait forfull retirement age to be eligible for full retirement benefits. Currently, fullretirement age is 65, but will be moved up gradually starting in 2003. The newretirement age will be 67 for people born in 1960 or later. Social benefitspayments are paid out to more than 9 in 10 retirees. In America, only 11 percentof senior citizens live in poverty. Without Social Security benefits, thepercentage of seniors living in poverty would be much higher. Social Security isthe major source of income for about two-thirds of elderly Americans, and forabut a third Social Security is virtually their only source of income. RetiredAmericans are given a dependable monthly income from Social Security. Automaticincreases are tied to increases in the cost of living. Social Security givesretired American citizens a measure of deserved financial indepen dence (and thatmeasure is becoming lower every year). Social Security is more than a retirementprogram. It is also a protection plan for American citizens. Valuable disabilityand survivors insurance protection are given to younger wage earners and theirfamilies. There are about 1 in 3 workers who are Social Security beneficiariesthat are not retired. Monthly survivors benefits are given to about 7.5 millionpeople and more than 6 million workers and family members receive disabilitybenefits. Social Security provides a foundation on which to build retirementsecurity. Social Security, pensions and savings is a three-legged financialstool for a comfortable retirement. Unfortunately, there is only a little morethan half of all workers whose employers have pension plans; and people are notsaving for their future retirement. Pre-retirement earnings for the averageworker are about 40 percent, provided by Social Security. Financial advisors saythat the average worker will need 70 percent of pre- retirement earnings to livecomfortably. Saving is an important part of retirement planning. Social Securitywill begin mailing statements to workers age 25 and older. The statement willshow a workers earnings history, as well as giving estimates of retirement,survivors and disability benefits. This statement will help with futurefinancial planning. Demographics have been the main reason for Social Securityslong-range financing problem. People, today, are living longer and healthierlives. In 1935, when Social Security was created, a 65-year-old persons averagelife expectancy was 12 1/2 more years. Today, it is about 17 1/2 years andraising. And to add to this, at about 2010, 76 million baby boomers will beretiring. There will be nearly twice as many older Americans as there is todayin about 30 years. And at the same time, the number of wage earners payingSocial Security taxes, per beneficiary, will drop form 3.3 to 2. Americasretirement system will be strained caused by these cha nges. SocialSecurity is an economic compact among generations. Many people think that theirSocial Security tax contributions are held in interest-bearing accountsearmarked for their own future retirement needs. Social Security is actually anintergenerational compact the Social Security taxes paid by todays workersand their employers go mostly to fund benefit payments for toadys retirees. A Review Of Ralph Elisons Invisible Man EssayThe president says this course of action will keep Social Security solvent until2055. At the heart of his plan is a proposal to allocate 11 percent of surplusesto create universal savings accounts. These government-subsidizedUSA accounts: would help individuals save for retirement. A portion ofindividual savings in the accounts would receive matching federal funds. Inaddition, Clinton says he is dedicated to working with Congress on a bipartisanplan that would shore up Social Security until 2075. These negotiations willinvolve controversial issues, whether to raise taxes, slash benefits or raisethe retirement age. Some Republicans, most notably in the House, prefer thatsome of the surplus be returned to taxpayers in the form of tax cuts. Thetaxpayers would then be free to invest this money as they choose, possibly inhigh-yield private savings accounts. But many lawmakers across the politicalspectrum say that cutting taxes would be tantam ount to squandering the surplus. These lawmakers generally agree that the current budget surplus presents anhistoric opportunity to shore up the disintegrating Social Security system. Republicans have said that they are reserving H.R. 1 for legislation based onthe presidents Social Security plan, when and if it is offered. This Policy.comSpecial Report examines the present and future of the embattled Social Securitysystem. Focusing first on the workings of the system, this report explores theleading reform and privatization proposals being discussed in Washington. Thereport also features an examination of how Social Security effects women andminorities, links to Social Security calculators, polls and Policy.com featureevents on retirement security and Social Security reform. Conclusion/Recommendations We feel that something must be done to the SocialSecurity Tax System, especially as it stands now, to secure a bright and strongfuture. We feel that the Keynesian approach, with a mixed investment base byeach individual will satisfy its future. References Social Security. (1999). TheFuture of Social Security . Available: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/1055.html. Apfel, K.S. (1998). President Clintons State of the Union. Available: http://ssa.gov/press/state_of union_ press.html . Social Security at the Crossroads, Amy Steinhttp (Online). http://www.policy.com/issuewk/1999/0306_60/Intro60.htmlBibliographyReferences Social Security. (1999). The Future of Social Security . Available: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/1055.html . Apfel, K.S. (1998). President Clintons State of the Union . Available: http://ssa.gov/press/state_ofunion_ press.html . Social Security at the Crossroads, AmySteinhttp (Online). http://www.policy.com/issuewk/1999/0306_60/Intro60.html

Ben Folds Five Essays - Ben Folds, Darren Jessee, Live,

Ben Folds Five Ben Folds Five is a band who started in 1994. Ben Folds Five is a trio not a quintet, which it is often mistaken for. The band originated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ben Folds Five is known for it's half punk and half alternative sounds. The famous band Styx and the famous band Journey have given Ben Folds Five music the title of "punk rock for sissies." In the late 1980's, Ben Folds played bass in a band called Maj=sha. The band was not very successful. Maj=sha only cut one record not giving itself a big name. In the early 1990's, he played drums in a group called Pots and Pans. Folds then moved to New York after Pots and Pans broke up. He did some theater work and signed a publishing deal with Sony Music for his singing. This publishing deal allowed him three weeks to return to Chapel Hill and form a new band. Ben Folds Five then originated. The trio includes three band members with much experience under their belts. The lead singer and pianist Ben Folds has been in many bands mentioned earlier. The bassist Robert Sledge formerly played with a band called The Toxic Popsicle. The drummer Darren Jesse was a former member of Limbo. Soon after the trio got together, they released a single, "Jackson Cannery," which lead to a deal with a New York based publishing company called Caroline. Ben Folds states he feels more comfortable in littler towns like his own back home. So for their first year or two, they only stayed in local towns and small towns across America to perform. Getting the piano sound popular was not easy for this band. The sound popular then was the grunge distorted-guitar sound. Ben Folds knew it was going to be tough to become popular without that guitar sound. But still persued his dreams. Folds states, "I won't compromise-we just don't play if there's no piano. If you compromise with people, you're screwed in this industry. It's like walking into class on the first day, and if you're a geek, kicking someone's butt so that no one will mess with you." This statement stuck with him his whole career. It was printed in numerous magazines across America. Today Ben Folds Five travels across America still doing live concerts and touring with other bands. Ben Folds Five really hit the charts with their only number one song "Brick." With this original sound of only a piano, bass, and drums, I feel this band is bound for great success. They have original music along with their own original sounds.

Apple External Environment Analysis Essay Example

Apple External Environment Analysis Essay Example Apple External Environment Analysis Paper Apple External Environment Analysis Paper Apple Industry Analysis It became successful in the personal company industry because of its incredible innovative products and business strategy. Small computer was the costumer- friendly product that has a clear future vision. Steve Jobs found this market and believe the demand for this market was big. Apple was the most successful initial public offering after Ford Motor Company in 1980. Apple also was the fast company that hit the Fortune 500 in the history. However, Apple nearly goes into bankruptcy by the middle of 1 sass due to he fierce external competition from the IBM and the Microsoft and the internal rapidly growth. In order to stay afloat, apple focused on innovated their personal industry line. This helps Apple became successful ever after. Nowadays, the Apple Company involved in designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication and media devices and portable digital music players. It also sells the relative service, software, third party digital content and applications and etc. The main product included Phone, Pad, Mac, Pod, AppleT/. The professional software applications and pirating system ISO and SO X are also the part of product for the Apple. Apple sells the delivers digital content and application online through Tunes Store, App Store, books Store, and Mac App Store to provide service for the item they sale such as Mac. Customer can buy the entire product through online store, the retail stores, direct sales force that located worldwide. Not only these, customer can buy the Apple product as well as through third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers. (Apple Inc. Form 10-K, September 28, 2013) Mission statement According to the information show on the Apple website, there is no clear official Apples mission statement. The following paragraph can be seeing as the mission for the Apple Inc on the Apple Corporation website. Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers on the world, along with SO X, life, rework and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its pods and tunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary phone and App Store, and is defining the future Of mobile media and computing devises with pad. (Apple Inc. Form 0-K, September 28, 2013) This is Apples mission statement because it matches with the characteristics of a mission statement in some parts. During this paragraph, the product, services and the market for Apple has been clearly described. Customer can understand who are they and what they do through this short paragraph. However, in another way, this mission statement is more like a product list. Without list all the product, this mission statement nether mentioned customer nor the value or the purpose for the company. It is clear to see that Apple Corporation is the product-oriented company. Vision statement The vision for the Apple Corporation is also can be seen as its mission statement. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to student, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings. (Apple Inc. Form 10-K, September 28, 201 3) Unlike the mission statement, the vision statement is clearly customer- oriented. The market, product, customer and the self-concept for the future Apple Corporation has been mentioned in this one sentences. The future path of the Apple is clearly described as to bringing the best personal imputing experience to all the customers. Strategy Based on the vision of Apple Corporation. Company will continue bringing the best product for the customers by innovation. Using unique ability Apple will continue design and improve its own operating system and all the other service, hardware and application to customer. Let the customer enjoy the new product that more easy-to-use and innovated design. Apple Corporation will continue investment in research, design, marketing and advertising. All these investments will play important role at developing and sale the new products. As the part of online store, all the customers who have ISO vices can discover, buy and download application and book from Apple store and book. Third- party application and digital content also are the important parts of tunes store, which provide large number of revenue for Apple Corporation. To expand the discovery and delivery platform for the third- party who provide high quality hardware or software are also parts of strategy. The company believes that knowledgeable salesperson who can transform the value of product has the ability to attract and keep customers. The strategy for the marketing part is included that enhancing and expanding doth online and retail stores to reach more customers and provide them a high-quality buying and post sales experience. (Apple Inc. Form 1 0-K, September 28, 201 3) Strategy objective The financial objective- Continuing working in product innovation to extent the current product lifestyle. Through update the current system or launch the new product to maintain and growth market share and make profit. The customer related objective- the best way to keep loyal customer is by launch new innovative product. Keeping current customer base and extent the new market with the special focus on the developing countries like China ND India will help Apple Corporation win the competition with the competitors. External Macro environment analysis Political Factors: Apple Corporation manages its business based on the geography base, which are general based on the location of its customers. Nowadays, Apple has retail store in 13 countries and sell their product through reseller and other ways all over the world. According to the annual report of 2013, the domestic and international sales accounted for 39% and 61 %. The international market plays an important role for Apple Corporation. Wars, disasters, bad global relations and terrorism can affect business. In order to inter the foreign market, the company activity is affected by the local laws and regulation. For example, tax import and export requirement, intellectual property, labor, ownership and infringement, foreign exchange controls, environment and etc. Those policy are different in different countries. In some of the countries, to enter the market may need to do the additional testing, product modifications, delays in product shipping dates, or decline product from the product list. All these will increase the operation cost and affect the sales of Apple product. As the policy may consistent change, in the future, the cost of ongoing business will continue increase. Any delay the introduction of new product caused by the changes of law or regulation has the possible result that product or service are less attractive to the customer even worst may damage the Apple image in its customers and retailers. Apple Inc. Form 10-K, September 28, 2013) Economic Factors In the past few years, the worlds economy starts getting better from the recession. But the inflation rate still high, while the earning for the customers did not change. The unemployed rate is increase in many countries. Due to all these reason, customers purchasing power may reduce. People trend to Penn less and do not buy the product that is experience. According to the finance data provide by the Apple annual report, the net income of 201 3 (37,037 million) was less than the 2012(41 , 733 million). (Apple Inc. Form 1 0-K, September 28, 2013) The sales in some product are decreased. During the economic recession period, currency exchange rate become volatile. Apple using the margins on sales of the products in foreign countries to paid the foreign suppliers. Using this way to minimum the affect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Social Factors As the global warming become more and more serious. Environmental retention problem become major issues in many countries. Some of them are where Apple operates. Most of the Apple product is produced outside the American. For example, phone is mainly produced in China. However, in the past few years, as the people and government in China are start consider the environment issues that caused by the manufacturers. And the labor cost has increased in China. The total cost for producing phone has consistent Increase. Technology Factors: Apple Corporation is in the market that has fast technology changes, no matter for personal computer, mobile phone and all the other electronic products. All of products are facing the heavy competition to the other companies such as Samsung. The characters of the technical industry are short product life period, need to introduce new product frequently and need to improve product performances frequently. In order to facing the rapidly changes in this industry, companies need to spend lots of money on research, design and development. However, this is good for Apple Corporation as they are using the unique operation system that designed by themselves. Macro- environment affect industry Environment Apple Corporation are belong to the electronic industry, which is the industry hat worth billions of dollars. More and more people work and daily life communication are relay on the consumer electronic such a computer and mobile phone. The size of the electronic manufacturers continues increase. The electronic wastes are coming with the development of industry. The electronic devices are usually made by the toxic materials that are very hard to recycle. In one year, over 3 million tone electronic waste are produced in the United States. (ERA. ) Its clearly to see that in todays society people are trend to be more environmental friendly. Not only the material that use to make the electronic vices need to be save, but also the other materials. Currently, the people in the industry are trying to design the sustainable electronics to help reduce the wastes. Tim Cook reveals his vision of industry. The future of the electronic industry is to use greener materials, less packaging, keep electronic product out of the landfills. Cay Yard, 2014) Demographics Currently, the customer for the electronic devices like computer and mobile phone are the young people at age between 18 and 35. Its turn out that lots of company are forgot a important market-the middle age adult. The adult in he age between 40 and 60 should be the major market as most of them are earning money. Nowadays, with the technology development people are forced to use electronic devices. Especially for the middle age people who has a job. Those people are willing to buy the product for the work and start learning technology. Middle age is the group of people that has the highest purchasing power no matter in what time. After ten years, the young people at age of 18 to 35 are growing to the middle age and start work. This group of people is both familiar with all the electronic device and have money will revive much more revenue for the electronic industry. The developing countries like China also have a potential to growth in the future. Based on the population of those developing countries, the major market for the electronic industry in the future will transform from developed countries to the developing countries. Economic Electronic industry is one of the fastest developing industries in the world. In some way, it is driving the economy groom. Electronic is important for almost every major industry in the world. The trend for the global industry is to become more and more automated. The productivity for the electronic industry or the information technology industry will increase much more than the other industry, especially in the developing country where skilled labor are experience. Porters Five Forces model Rivalry Among Existing Competitors- Strong The electronic and information technology industry are both well know as the fast growth industry. The competition between companies is strong. This is the reason why the larger companies for the industry are less. The threat of existing competitors is very high for the Apple. The company is now operating three major markets: personal computer, mobile phone and the music players. For the personal computer area, Apple needs to compete with the big company like Dell, Toshiba, HP and etc. Apple using its unique operation system successful occupied parts of the market. However, as the difference of the market strategy, all the company is focus on different market. For the mobile phone area, Apple has to compete the big companies like Samsung and Blackberry. For the music player area, Apple occupied 72% of the market. Cole, 2013) However, the competitors like Sony are continue improve themselves. The only way to keep all the market share is to consistently improve and provide new product. In the future, as the market for the industry are moving from the developed countries to the developing countries, how to win the competition without lower price will be the top issue that Apple should work with. Bargaining Power of Buyers Strong For the Apple Corporation, the buyers will be almost every one in the world. According to the large customer base, its clearly to say that the bargaining power of buyers is strong. There are so many choices for buyers. (different brand that provide the similar product. ) Customers can easily switch between the brands. The individual buyer often knows the basic information for the reduce. These group of customer looking for the computer that has high quality but lower price. The bargaining powers for them are moderate. Apple is mainly targeting the customers that have academic institute, colleges and schools students, and retail buyers. School and some other organization is the big buyer for the apple computer area. Their bargaining power as a buyer is high. As the technology industry contain uses development, the new buyer come into the market. This large number of customers may change the current market. But one thing fall not change is that the power is control by the customers. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Weak Expect the suppliers like Intel. The bargaining power for the suppliers is low. For the big company like Apple, there are thousands of suppliers want to establish the relationship with it. For the suppliers, the competition be;en their own industries is strong. The low enter requirement caused lots of new enter. However, its hard to get large order since the existing relationships between current suppliers and company. Apple has lots of choices, the number of satisfaction substitute suppliers are many. The cost for Apple switch the supplier from one to another is low. The bargaining power for Apple as the buyer is strong, which sometime can influence the price for the product. Not only Apple as a buyer can influence the price, the price competition between the suppliers will also lower the price, which lower the cost for Apple. Currently, people are start pay more attention on the environment protection. According to Tim Cooks vision Of environment, the current supplier may have to become even greener to maintain the relationship with Apple. Threat of New Entrants moderate The electronics industry keep attracting to the new enter with its rapid growth and increasing customer base. In another way, the industry are not attracting ewe enter as they are enter to the mature market that have to face the fierce competition. The giant player like Apple, Dell, Samsung are in the market and control the most of market. Its hard to compete with these companies. To enter the high-tech industry the capital requirement are relatively high. The giant company like Apple are already controlled the supply and marketing channel. It is hard for a new enters get assessing to those channel. Another important parts is that in the current market, customer are usually loyalty to the larger and old brand. This is the challenge for the new enter to et market share from the well-know competitors. Threat from Substitutes moderate The threat from the substitutes is moderate for Apple. There is not much product can substitute the electronic devices like computer, smartened and music player. However for some of people, they do not need these entire products especially for the elder people. They may more like to read news on newspaper rather than on the websites and writing on the paper rather than taping on Computer. The traditional way is the substitute for this industry. However, as the industry continually developing the threat from this part will consistently decrease.

Social Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social Research - Essay Example Another problem is how to be objective and, at the same time, practical, because the researcher wants to understand society as well as to change it or transform it with the findings of the research. (Myrdal, 1969). 2.- There is an irrational taboo about discussing the influences of tradition, environment, and personality of the researcher. So the aim of the sociology of social sciences should be to destroy that irrational taboo, and the philosophy of social sciences should be aimed at finding logical means for achieving objectivity in social research. The latter is the topic of Myrdal's essay. Sociology and philosophy of social science research are important since they try to avoid systematic biases in research and faulty knowledge. The theoretical knowledge is related to cause and effects issues, and the practical or political knowledge is related to the means and ends issues. (Myrdal, 1969). 3.- The solution of the logical means is to dsicover the valuations that are actually determining the theoretical and the practical research, to find the relevance, significance, and feasibility of them in order to transform them into specific value premises for research, and to determine the approach and define the concepts in terms of value premises that have been explicitly stated. (Myrdal, 1969). 5.- Beliefs are the ideas about how reali... Through comparison it can be detected if the beliefs are true or false. But valuations are very complex since they are shifting and contradictory. It can be argued that behavior happens through selective focusing and it is really opportunistic. Besides that it can be stated that there are higher and lower valuations. Most of the time lower valuations are selfish in the process of rationalization when the individual tries to find good reasons that are not true reasons behind his/her behavior. So Myrdal argues that "All ignorance, like all knowledge, is opportunist." Private or personal opinions and public or political opinions are different most of the time. (Myrdal, 1969). 6.- Social research questionnaires should include quantitative questions in which the respondents could not give their valuations about reality. 7.- In order to measure the valuations of the respondents a different set of questions should be conducted for measuring them indirectly. Myrdal's ideas are very important for the researcher to be taken into account when conducting social research due to the fact that biases and faulty knowledge can be avoided in a systematic way. The issues related to the irrational taboo about the influences of tradition, environment, and personality should also be addressed appropriately by the researcher. A good research should differentiate among the concepts of opinions, beliefs, and valuations. By doing so the researcher can infer facts and policies of real value for the research community. The aim is to come up with valid and reliable data from the social science research that can be useful for understanding and transforming the social