Investment analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Investment analysis - Assignment Example Efficient portfolio calls for an optimal investor to adopt an efficient combination of investment that minimizes the level of risk subject to returns on that investment. A major limitation is that the decisions on capital expenditure are based on the expectation, and no facts are available at the time of decision-making. Although information is the basis for decision-making, efficient portfolio creates another element of risk because it is not always true that the expected returns will actualize (Reilly 52). The investor, therefore, may undertake an investment with a higher expected return but in the end it yield unfavorable outcome. The concept of optimal portfolio does not take into account transaction cost and investors may not yearn to change their portfolio as often as the model suggests. Derivatives are instruments in finance whose characteristic and value depends upon the value and characteristic of an underlie such as a commodity, equity, bond or currency. These financial instruments include security derived from a debt instrument share, risk instrument, loan or contract for differences of any other type of security (Reilly 131). Derivative derives its value from the index of price of underlying securities. If the value of the underlying changes, the price of the derivative also changes. In nature, derivatives are not a product or commodity. The price of gold futures contract is obtained from the price of the underlying asset such as gold. The future outcome of all investable assets including derivatives is at stake and is based on so many uncertainties. The expected value of derivatives is faced with the risk and therefore there is a need to adjust these returns for risk giving rise to risk-neutral probabilities. The concept of risk neutrality pricing of derivatives generally means taking both long and short position in the derivatives market (Weaver 89). It does not depend on risk disposition of the investor. It takes into account the

Book Bunker Social Networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Book Bunker Social Networking - Essay Example The books that will be made available will be in categorical order ranging from fiction, non-fiction, hobbies, collections and classics among others. Besides, Book Bunker apart from providing a huge assortment of books will also entail provision for wide range of music collections. Being a start-up company, its prime goal is to attain a greater proportion of local market share. The provisions being included within this business set up include low price, differentiated services and a friendly comfortable environment. With these considerations, the key objective of this report is to outline a set of ideas along with strategies in order to create a social networking program for Book Bunker. In order to endure success and survival in the midst of competitive market scenario, it is necessary for a company to strategize its marketing and advertising plans or programs for increasing the customer base. Correspondingly, Book Bunker plans to endure a relaxed ‘reading room’ like ambience through its provided dà ©cor for the readers which can be a key differentiator for its sustained success. Furthermore, the company’s management also plans to provide an application for smartphones with the inclusion of fun activities and games for the children in order to attract them. In fact, it has been ascertained that planning involves provision of electronic books to the audiences. In the similar context, in order to increase the visibility option of the customers, the company plans to apply media bites on local news and billboards among others. These depict few strategies being undertaken by the company in order to stand in the midst of its competitors. In terms of setting target market, Book Bunker focuses to attract the entire book loving demographic segment comprised within geographical area being operated. However, the key focus will be on consumers desiring to purchase books/music at discount prices Furthermore, school children can be given priority by

Importance of Time in Chinese Culture Essay Example for Free

Importance of Time in Chinese Culture Essay The importance of time is always dependent on the different perspectives of people’s origin, particularly culture. â€Å"Time is one of the most important bases by which culture rests and all other activities revolve† (Riggs et al 31). Different cultures handle time differently. In the past, time was measured in daylight, darkness, or in seasons; however, nowadays, time has become more important and more complicated. Yet, no matter how complicated it has become, it always boils down to the influence of culture, just like China, one of the countries with a very rich culture. The impact of modernization in China on the changes of Chinese’ behavior is significant. However, these changes in their behavior have had a more significant impact on their values. Indeed, Chinese seem to have never given up one of their most important cultural characteristics, Guanxi, which up until now, remains as an important Chinese business element. In the advent of globalization, Chinese has kept and reinforced this unique characteristic even in the most important socio-cultural changes. Yes, China has indeed undergone substantial cultural changes; nonetheless, with regards to the thinking and dealing process, modern China remains rooted to its traditional Yin Yang approach, and this is reflected on their shrewd use of time to keep their relationship intact. Because Chinese people value relationship more than anything else, as they believe that this could lead them to success, it is logical to expect that the Chinese society concentrates on fluid/multi-focus time value. Chinese people are both famous and infamous in different negotiations for their wise use of time as their bargaining tool. Chinese are known to have adept ability to run down the clock because they prioritize their relationships with their associates or business partners first. This way, they know that the value of relationship or guanxi continues. Moreover, Chinese can afford or stand to play the waiting game, provided that there is always someone left to invest and spend for them. Cultures around the world have developed their own way of responding to time. The dimension for time orientation is based on two aspects; the relative significance the culture gives to its past, present, and future, and its way of approaching the time. China has indeed embraced globalization since the last three decades. Despite this, its stronghold to its culture is still very evident. This is because China is considered as a past-oriented culture country. Countries that fall under this category have a culture that is largely leaned towards the past; they see their future as a repetition of their past experiences. Moreover, they have high respect and regard for their collective historical experiences and their ancestors. As per David Thomas’ description of the country, China embraces its tradition and culture of ancestor worship and has strong pride of its customary and cultural persistence for over thousands of years (73). The Chinese society holds the perspective that their past is their guide on how to live their lives in the present. According to an old Chinese proverb, â€Å"Consider the past and you will know the present† (Quotations). Work Cited Riggs, James, et al. Industrial Organization and Management. Manila, Philippines: McGraw-Hill, Inc. , 1980. Lo, Vincent. Chinese Business Culture: Guanxi, An Important Chinese Business Element. 17 March 2005. 01 May 2009 http://chinese-school. netfirms. com/guanxi. html Thomas, David. Cross-Cultural Management: Essential Concepts Second Ed. California: Sage Publications. 2008. Quotations. 14 February 2008. 01 May 2009. http://www1. bbiq. jp/quotations/past. htm

Essay --

â€Å"They can have it any colour, as long as it’s black† was famously said by Henry Ford, in reference to his car factory, without realising he was about to create an era that is often referred to as the machine that came in and changed the world. Throughout the essay we will be looking at several aspects of Fordism- its features and its influence on revolutionising the organisational world. Fordism is a hard area to describe, but in brief it refers to the system of mass production and consumption that produced sustained economic growth and widespread material advancement (Jayne, 2006). Before Henry Ford came into the equation and introduced his new working methods, there were several problems already occurring in the working world that Fordism helped to address. For example, there was divided authority between workers and managers, as well as inefficiencies, contradictions of interest and market competition. Whilst Fordism helped improve certain areas of management an d society, there were also a few problems that arose from it. Fordism was truly revolutionary touching all areas of the industrial sector, creating a new scientific management. It brushed away the old fashioned features related to the early 20th century capitalist society whilst at the same time sustaining economic development. Merkle, 1980 states Fordism wasn’t completely compatible with capitalism, however Henry Ford succeeded in slowly eliminating the ‘bubble and glut economy’ (Lind,M., 2013). Ford really pushed the idea of a ‘high-wage, high-demand economy’ (Lind,M., 2013) by paying his workers enough money to afford the cars they produced. This was only at a national level; internationally the export and import of goods and services from industrial nations all... .... Fast food chains, ie. McDonalds require low skilled staff to produce a standardized product and service; just like the production line workers at Ford. Furthermore, expanding on the idea of mass production, it meant that more products were available for a cheaper price and for a wider range of people, which had a big influence in society. Jessop (in Amin, 1994, p. 9) agrees with this as it expresses the idea that Fordism is an industrial paradigm that involves mass production which is its main source of dynamism. Mass production meant that finally there were products available to everyone and not just the higher classes. Ford was all about the welfare of the customers and wanted his products to be available to everyone. This was evident as he said, â€Å"It is not the employer who pays the wages. Employers only handle the money. It is the customer who pays the wages.†

The Case of Legalized Euthanasia: Analysis and Insights

Euthanasia, also commonly known as mercy killing or assisted suicide, as defined by any lexicon, would refer to the act of intentionally killing a person in a painless or minimally painful manner so as to end that person’s suffering.The word euthanasia was actually derived from two Greek words to wit: â€Å"eu† and â€Å"thanatos†, which mean good and death, respectively. Thus, euthanasia is also sometimes referred to as good death while in other references it is referred to as easy death.Euthanasia or mercy killing is usually carried out for people who are terminally ill and would want to cut short their prolonged suffering from pain and or for those people who are placed in a situation wherein they have become incapable of making such request for themselves. This group of people would include those whose primary existence is being provided by a life support or vital medication.There are actually various types of euthanasia. This would include active, passive an d physician assisted suicide.Active euthanasia, according to various references, would refer to that type of euthanasia wherein there is a direct action involved in causing an individual to die. To illustrate, let us take into consideration one of the most talked about film of the year, the Million Dollar Movie.In the said film Ms. Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) was placed in a situation wherein the only thing that enables her to thrive is by means of a life-support machine. Mr. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), who was Ms.Fitzgerald’s trainer in the field of boxing, as a response to Ms. Fitzgerald’s request to help her end her suffering actually engaged oneself in committing the active type of euthanasia via injecting a substance which is alien to the Ms. Fitzgerald’s body, thus causing Ms. Fitzgerald’s death.Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, is defined as that type of assisted suicide wherein the death of a person is hastened by deliberately alterin g available forms of life support and letting the individual experience the natural course of death.To illustrate, Mr. Frankie Dunn also exhibited this type of euthanasia by means of taking out the life support machine of Ms. Fitzgerald, thus contributing to her hastened death.Passive euthanasia may also be exhibited by stopping necessary and imperative medical procedures, medications, and the like. Likewise, by stopping food as well as water intake thus allowing the person or patient to dehydrate and or starve to death is also another manifestation of a passive type of euthanasia.Physician assisted euthanasia, in contrast with the other two types mentioned, is that type of euthanasia wherein a professional in the field of medicine makes available to his or her patient the necessary information and or means to cut short the patient’s suffering or life.Due to the fact that euthanasia involves an act that deviates from the natural way of dying, it became a precursor to various ethical, religious, and moral issues. Likewise, since there have been many medical cases that involved the act of mercy killing as well as existing and public policies that legalizes it, strong protests on its practice became prevalent. Should euthanasia be legalized despite the many intricacies and social implications it has created?For the purpose of this paper, the author aims to discuss the nature of euthanasia and the claim of Mr. Robert Dworkin et al. in the compendium entitled â€Å"Assisted Suicide: The Philosopher’s Brief†. Likewise, it is also the objective of the author to make a stand on the legalization of euthanasia and support his claim by citing examples from the movie the Million Dollar Baby and other examples of even nature to critically examine Mr. Dworkin’s claim in his published essay.

Fallacies A Logical Fallacy - 1741 Words

A logical fallacy is false or misinforming opinions that prove nothing. At times fallacies seem to be sound, and often have lots of persuasive control, even after it’s undoubtedly exposed as being untrue. Fallacies are not always deliberate, still yet we find them all over the place, like commercials for an example. Though there are several logical fallacies, four logical fallacies generally found in advertising are amphiboly, appeal to authority, appeal to emotion, and non sequitur (logic). Fallacies should not be allowed in advertising because they create more harm than good; alcohol commercials make drinking appear fun but do not always show the consequences of drinking too much and some commercials even use scare tactics to sell products. When a reason contains a fallacy, it is invalid; the conclusion is no longer acceptable, but the listener may not notice what went wrong. There are many ways arguments can go wrong and many fallacies. Some occasionally appear or are unlikely to deceive; others more undoubtedly mislead, especially when people do not examine carefully what is being said. â€Å"Fallacies are put into two groups: formal and informal. A formal fallacy is a type of inaccuracy in the logical structure of an argument. An informal fallacy is basically a flaw in logical form.† The reason may have such a flaw, but when it is put in a correct logical form something else emerges as the real problem. One type of informal fallacy is the argument from ignorance; assumingShow MoreRelatedThe Is A Logical Fallacy?877 Words   |  4 Pagessupport it†¦ but your ideas may be ruined by what is called a â€Å"logical fallacy.† What exactly is a logical fallacy†¦? Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of your argument (Weber). There are a vast number of different types of fallacies, including Begging the claim, Sweeping Generalizations, slippery slope, hasty generalization, Ad hominem, red herring, and circular argument. Many of these types of logical fallacies can be witnessed throughout the media, whether it be in aRead More Logical Fallacies Summary and Application Essay1297 Words   |  6 PagesLogical Fallacies Summary and Application What do you see when you look at Begging the Question, Hasty Generalization, and Appealing to Emotion? When you initially look at these three categories they may not seem to have too much in common. However, when you look deeper you will see that in fact, they are all different types of logical fallacies. Logical fallacies are errors of reasoning, errors that may be recognized and corrected by prudent thinkers (Downes, 1995). The following quote helpsRead MoreThe Logical Fallacies875 Words   |  4 PagesWhat are logical fallacies, evidence, and error in misconceptions? The report will identify nine logical fallacies. If all evidence in an argument appears to be true, still the disputation may be invalid if the logic utilized is not sanctioned (â€Å"Logical Fallacies,† 2014). Another name for it is called logical error, in philosophy. There are many fallacies to be aware of when making a sound argument. The nine logical fallacies are Mere assertion/Circular reasoning/Ad homi nem, Red herring/Pseudo-questions/FalseRead MoreLogical Fallacies. Logical Fallacies Can Be Found In Many1288 Words   |  6 PagesLogical Fallacies Logical Fallacies can be found in many forms of persuasions, in infomercials, political debates, common discussion, everywhere. Although Logical Fallacies are very common, they mar our arguments and should be avoided. In order to avoid them we must first learn to recognize them. To fully understand Logical Fallacies, we will look at the definition of Logical Fallacies, some examples of Logical Fallacies, classifications of Logical Fallacies, and finally why we should, and how weRead MoreLogical Fallacy Julius Caesar877 Words   |  4 Pageswith evidence. Ex. 1: â€Å"Cats are meaner than dogs.† Ex. 2: â€Å"Most people find church boring.† Ex. 3: â€Å"Homework is easy.† http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-generalization.html Logical fallacy: Errors in reasoning used by speakers or writers, sometimes in order to dupe their audiences. Use: Logical fallacy was used in Julius Caesar when Antony and Brutus spoke upon Caesar’s death. Antony was th e one to stoop down and flip Brutus’s words, however he did indeed use money to gain their trustRead MoreLogical Fallacies Exercise3117 Words   |  13 PagesAnswers to fallacy exercise, Part 2. I. Identify the fallacies of sufficiency committed by the following arguments, giv ­ing a brief explanation for your answer. If no fallacy is committed, write no fallacy.1 1. The Daily News carried an article this morning about three local teenagers who were arrested on charges of drug possession. Teenagers these days are nothing but a bunch of junkies. Hasty Generalization – not enough examples. 2. If a car breaks down on the freeway, a passing mechanic isRead MoreFallacies And Fallacies Of Fallacies1006 Words   |  5 PagesWade brueggeman Professor Mcginty English 1301 9 July 2015 Logical Fallacies Have you ever wondered if something is actually making you genuinely laugh or if it is just always laughed at so you feel like you must laugh at at? Sometimes people are so accustomed to the things around them that they are just going through the motions. Now fallacies are common errors within reasoning that will ruin the logic of your argument. They can be either illegitimate arguments or irrelevant points, and are oftenRead MoreAnalysis Of Max Shulman s Love Is A Fallacy 964 Words   |  4 PagesAnti-man Max Shulman’s â€Å"Love is a Fallacy† is an essay about a young man who gets more than he bargained for after trying to teach a gorgeous woman about logic. The narrator is portrayed as a law school freshman who is looking for a possible wife, suitable for a lawyer’s career. Polly Espy is the desired woman. Polly also happens to be the narrator’s roommate, Petey Bellows’ â€Å"girl†. So that the narrator can make his move on Polly, he barters an agreement that he will give Petey the raccoonRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence : Argument And Persuasion Essay1769 Words   |  8 Pagesmade with all the wrong evidence; however, he built the argument in such a way to rally a people for war. The Declaration of Independence is a well-written example of argument and persuasion with its use of structure as a whole, use of specific fallacies, and use of appeals. Foremost, when looking at the Declaration there needs to be an understanding of who the audience is. The most prominent person who would be reading this document would be the king himself, King George III. When looking at theRead MoreRhetorical Devices And Its Effect On Our Lives1191 Words   |  5 PagesAs critical thinkers, it is imperative that we have the ability to take fallacies into account - especially when it comes to advertisement. It is very easy to become influenced based on how products, such as food, liquor, diet supplements, and even toothpastes are presented to us. Some products may appeal to different aspects of our lives, this is done by the use of rhetorical devices. In other words, rhetoric devices are â€Å"used to influence beliefs or attitudes through the associations, connotations

Demographics of the U.S. Trends in Age and Race

In 2014, Pew Research Center released an interactive report titled The Next America, which reveals the sharp demographic changes in age and racial makeup that are on track to have the U.S. look like an entirely new country by 2060. The report focuses on major shifts in both the age and racial composition of the U.S. population  and emphasizes the need for a retooling of Social Security, as the growth in the retired population will put increasing pressure on the decreasing proportion of the population supporting them. The report also highlights immigration and interracial marriage as causes for the racial diversification of the nation that will mark the end of the white majority in the not so distant future. Aging Population Historically, the age structure of the U.S., like other societies, has been shaped like a pyramid, with the largest proportion of the population among the youngest, and cohorts decreasing in size as age rises. However, thanks to longer life expectancy and lower overall birth rates, that pyramid is morphing into a rectangle. As a result, by 2060 there will be almost as many people over age 85 as there are under age five. Every day now, as this major demographic shift takes place,  10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 and begin collecting Social Security. This will continue until the year 2030, which puts pressure on the already stressed retirement system. In 1945, five years after Social Security was created, the ratio of workers to payees was 42:1. In 2010, thanks to our aging population, it was just 3:1. When all Baby Boomers are drawing that benefit the ratio will be reduced to two workers for every one recipient. This suggests a grim outlook for the possibility of those currently paying the benefits of receiving any when they retire, which suggests that the system needs revamping, and quick. End of White Majority The U.S. population has been steadily diversifying, in terms of race, since 1960, but today, whites are still the majority, at about 62 percent. The tipping point for this majority will come sometime after 2040, and by 2060, whites will be just 43 percent of the U.S. population. Much of that diversification will come from a growing Hispanic population, and some from growth in the Asian population, while the Black population is expected to maintain a relatively stable percentage. This marks a significant change for a nation that has historically been dominated by a white majority that holds the most power in terms of economy, politics, education, media, and in many other realms of social life. Many believe that the end of the white majority in the U.S. will herald a new era in which systemic and institutional racism no longer reign. Immigration Immigration over the last 50 years has a lot to do with the changing racial makeup of the nation.  More than 40 million immigrants have arrived since 1965; half of whom have been Hispanic, and 30 percent Asian. By 2050, the U.S. population will be about 37 percent of immigrants—the largest share in its history. This shift will actually make the U.S. look more like it did at the dawn of the 20th century, in terms of the  proportion of immigrants to native-born citizens. One immediate consequence of the uptick in immigration since the 1960s is seen in the racial makeup of the Millennial generation—those currently 20-35 years old—who are the most racially diverse generation in American history, at just 60 percent white. Interracial Marriages Increasing diversification and shifts in attitudes about interracial coupling and marriage are also changing the racial makeup of the nation and forcing the obsolescence of long-standing racial categories we use to mark difference among us. Showing a sharp increase from just 3 percent in 1960, today 1 in 6 of those getting married is partnering with someone of another race. Data show that those among Asian and Hispanic populations are more likely to marry out,  while 1 in 6 among Blacks  and 1 in 10 among whites do the same. All of this points to a nation that will look, think, and behave rather differently in the not so distant future, and suggests that major shifts in politics and public policy are on the horizon. Resistance to Change While many in the U.S. are pleased by the diversification of the nation, there are many who do not support it. The rise to power of president Donald Trump in 2016 is a clear sign of discord with this change. His popularity among supporters during the primary was largely fueled by his anti-immigrant stance and rhetoric, which resonated with voters who believe that both Donald Trump in 2016 is a clear sign of discord with this change. His popularity among supporters during the primary was largely fueled by his anti-immigrant stance and rhetoric, which resonated with voters who believe that both immigration and racial diversification are bad for the nation. Resistance to these major demographic shifts appears clustered among white people and older Americans, who turned out to support Trump over Clinton in the November election. Following the election, a ten-day surge in anti-immigrant and racially motivated hate crimes swept the nation, signaling that the transition to the new United St ates will not be a smooth or harmonious one.