The Travels of a T-Shirt - Government Subsidies Essay

The Travels of a T-Shirt - Government Subsidies - Essay Example In agreement with government subsidies, this form of government intervention reduces the cost of production and encourages the producers to increase output. Government intervention/producer subsidies are of various forms. An example is state subsidies. State subsidies are financed from general taxation or by borrowing (Schuster, 2006). Government subsidies cause various productive firm’s supply curve to shift to the right. The amount spent on subsidy by the government is equivalent to the subsidy per unit multiplied by total output (Day & Schoemaker, 2005). A direct subsidy commonly offered by a government to supplement consumer’s demands has the effect of boosting demand. This results in an outward shift of demand. Examples of subsidies include an input subsidy, bails, fiscal assistance (loans and grants), government grants to cover losses made by business and a guaranteed on the factor cost of a product. Subsidies make sense in various demand and supply situations of the economy. The travels of T-shirt in Global Economy represents some of the scenarios in which subsidies may play a crucial role in the examination of market forces, power and politics of world trade (Rivoli, 2015). The overall international trade topic is a very crucial topic to discuss in the abstract though when this topic is focused on a single product, it is easy to be dealt with (World Bank Group, 2011). Subsidies in the international trade in most cases dwell with specific products. Only in extreme cases in the world economy do subsidies deal with conglomerate products. Through the story of travels of T-shirt, globalization advocacy is portrayed critically as the major issue behind international trade and individual country’s economy development (Prono, 2006). The competitive economic markets and increased living standards at the expense of the maximum and minimum wage bills among different

The Gross Profit Margin of Mark Equipment Pty Ltd Essay

The Gross Profit Margin of Mark Equipment Pty Ltd - Essay Example The Gross Income Margin is a financial measure to evaluate an organization’s financial wellbeing by disclosing the percentage of cash left after considering the cost of goods sold into account. The gross income value of an organization serves as the basis for the payment of further expenses and future reserves. The gross income margin of an organization can be calculated as the ratio of its revenue less its cost of sales to its revenue value. i.e., Gross Income Margin = (Revenue – Cost of Sales)/ Revenue The cost of sales refers to the direct expenses involved in the manufacturing of the products sold by the organization. The cost of sales value includes the cost of resources utilized in the manufacturing of the products along with the labor expenses utilized in the production of the products. Thus, the cost of sales can be computed as, Cost of Sales = Opening Stock + Purchases – Closing Stock The computation of the cost of sales of a company does not comprise of any indirect costs involved in the process of sale of the products. Thus, the repair and maintenance charges, costs of depreciation of tools and equipments, rent expenditure, wages and charges of water and electricity have been excluded from the calculation of the cost of sales and hence from the computation of the gross profit of the company . Therefore, the cost of sales of Mark Equipment Pty Ltd for the present year and the previous year would be, The assessment of the financial health of Mark Equipment Pty Ltd can be carried out by the examination of the financial ratios of the company. The analysis of the current ratio shows that it has increased from 1.28 in the previous year to 1.34 in the present year. Ideally, the company should have current assets by current liabilities ratio of 2:1, in order to be in a position to comfortably repay their short-term liabilities. Thus, though the percentage of current assets of the company is a little higher than that of the current liabilities, the company should try to improve its current ratio in order to enhance its liquidity. The company also needs to focus on its cash assets so as to improve its creditworthiness. The debt ratio and the debt to equity ratio indicate the financial leverage of the organization. Debt ratio signifies the relationship between the total liabilities and the total assets. The debt ratio of Mark Equipment Pty Ltd has slightly increased from 0.57 to 0.69 during the period. The debt to equity ratio helps in deriving a reasonable relationship between the debt and the equity value of a company . The present value of the debt to equity ratio also increased a little from 0.17 in the previous year to 0.21. Since the values of the mentioned ratios are moderately low, it can be implied that the company is in a position to raise long-term debts, in case it wants to, considering the moderately low interest rate. The fixed asset turnover ratio of Mark Equipment is 22.51 in the present year, whereas the fixed asset turnover of the company for the previous year has been 18.07. The total asset turnover for the previous year was 5.23, whereas it decreased to 3.63 in the present year. It implies that Mark Equipment had been able to generate more volume of sales in relation to the fixed assets it holds . Thus, the company had utilized and managed its fixed assets quite fairly, though it needs to improve the utilization of its overall assets.

Motivating Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Motivating - Assignment Example It is otherwise an abstract term, highlighting an inner human feeling emerging out of a churning of physiological, psychological and social component processes for energizing an individual in â€Å"selection of pursuits for maintaining a sustained, goal-directed performance amidst competing alternatives, intensity of effort and persistence of exertion† (Bandura, 1991, p.158). It tends to become complex when different individuals, groups and cultures acquire very different beliefs about what exactly defines control, success and effectiveness at work. Aided by the right level of positive emotions like humour and happiness to induce commitment towards their goals, supported by their cherished values of interest, skill or utility with the right blend of self-belief for facing challenges is what motivating individuals is all about. The factors motivating individuals are realistic levels of self-confidence, positive emotional climates and strong personal values for work related task s. A personal intention to succeed at assigned goals is very motivating for individuals. Against the outdated early theories treating humans as machine-like entities driven by internal or external factors beyond their control, contemporary motivation theories handling issues such as incentives, drives, needs and the like, influencing and tapping human capabilities through self-direction and self-regulation to an extent appear short sighted. Life Systems Framework approach is aimed at a more rational integrated analysis and appreciation of the unitary and component parts of an individual, both in isolation and in unison for assessing the stability and change in the functioning of the component parts of the person and the person as a whole. Coming under the more recent Motivational Systems Theory, a realistic study of all aspects of the characteristics of people in general, and the organisation and the actualisation of these characteristics in persons for assessing motivation in indiv iduals has become meaningful for going into the subject in depth in recent times. The belief that no one can motivate another person leads to individual motivation being invoked always from within. The degree of motivation is governed by the external environment in which individuals function and the demands made of them. The level of involvement that they feel and the degree of interest they have in what they are doing, is directly linked to the individual’s advancement through an organisation. Open business cultures are increasing transparency. We are living in an ‘aware’ culture of work-life harmony with no security of employment. Individual motivation is undergoing a change in tune with the contemporary requirements of fast changing organisations. Modern manager’s role lies in creating the conditions and encouragement that enable individuals to motivate themselves, despite the pulls and pressures. It is important to have self esteem and mutual respect a mong teammates. They must have a collective belief that, they are capable of succeeding as a team. It is of prime importance in motivating teams, as one can see â€Å"in pressure-packed overtime matches where contestants are evenly matched and a mistake brings sudden death defeat ...perceived group efficacy emerges as the sole determinant of overtime performance† (Bandura, 1997, p.383). An environment helping the team members

Re-organization and Layoff Team Discussion & Summary Essay Example for Free

Re-organization and Layoff Team Discussion Summary Essay Mismanaged layoffs can go horribly wrong. The effect of mismanaged LAYOFFs on the remaining workforce and the effects, lack of management preparation, the human condition, and lack of mitigation strategies. We think that the problem with this article is that not enough managers or HR personal, know how to let a person go from their employment effectively. They sometimes dont realize the impact that it has on the other employees morals. Also, that sometimes companies dont take a closer look to make sure downsizing will be the answer to cutting costs like they think that it will. Every HR or manager should be let go in their lifetime so that they know what it feels like. I believe that this statement holds tremendous merit because the best lessons in life are learned through personal experience. In order to adequately communicate life changing messages of sorts, it should be done by a seasoned manager. I will be very surprised if any company has a potential layoff learning path that will coach and train the management staff for these kinds of things. It is imperative to be sensitive to the individual being laid off as this will impact their livelihood significantly. I do agree that other options much is explored such as relocating or wage cuts before making the decision to lay off people. The Problem Layoffs create uncertainty in the workforce causing loss of productivity in remaining the remaining workforce. The article addresses that a managers approach is paramount; we dont disagree with this sentiment, but I dont see it as a large of an issue as the author of the article. If a company is at a point where they are laying off employees, all other options should have been exhausted. The author writes the article from the position that managers dont know how manage and that layoff are ineffective. I agree layoffs are not useful, but an amount of respect or approach refinement is  going to make the loss of income any easier; I compare that to putting lipstick on a pig. Trying to make a bad situation easier is often more disrespectful than being direct. Firing is something that is done privately and should be kept confident between the manager and the employee being let go. If a manager is letting, someone go for the right reasons the example should be evident to the employees as cause and effect; being held accountable for their actions. If the Manager is abusing their hiring/firing authority that would affect employee morale; forced silence, uncertainty, etc. Problem Solutions The options that were covered in the group discussion I feel very informative. When it comes to releasing someone, whether it is a termination or a layoff, it was discussed if training for those types of situations would be suitable, or if one could even prepare to carry out something of that delicate nature. You can train someone how to do anything, but that does not necessarily mean it will be conducted in the manner it was taught. I think it all highly depends on the situation and the individual who is delivering the news to the employee. The authors best point is one of the best solutions; transparency. Managers should allow people the autonomy of reacting, working through, and coping with a layoff in their own way. Transparency is the most respectful approach that management can take as it shows them the truth of the situation and explains the steps being taken and why. I would add rather than trying to find another position within the company as suggested (the company is already struggling!?) they could offer employment assistance to other enterprises; communicate with other organizations in the same industry to identify openings that people would fit into well. They could put together a communications package that shows them what benefits are available, assistance programs, etc.

Statistics with Aviation Application

Statistics with Aviation Application Christopher Wright   A. Type ofstatistical testyou planto conduct(check one, and giverelevantdetails) à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¨ 1-sample t-test a) Target population: b) Research variable: c) Research question: d) Expected result: à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¨ matched pairs t-test a) Target population(s): b) The research variable will be the difference between and c) Research question: d) Expected result: à ¢Ã…“â€Å" 2-sample t-test a) Target populations (2): Total travel time between Midway and Denver Houston and Denver b) Research variable: Average total travel time c) Research question: Is the average total travel time flying into Denver from Midway and Houston the same? d) Expected result: The average total travel time is not the same. B. Data collection plan(check one,and give relevant details) à ¢Ã…“â€Å" I will use data from a file. Give name of file and details below. I will be using the Southwest Airline Data found in StatCrunch to test my hypothesis. à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  I will obtain data from a website(s). Give Name of website(s), full URLs and details below. à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¨ Other data collection plan: Give specific details below. Project plan is: NOT Accepted x AcceptedDate 3/2/17 Instructor Initials SH Introduction The intent of this t-Test project is to study and determine the average total travel times between Midway International airport (MDW) and Denver International airport (DEN) William P. Hobby airport (HOU) and Denver International airport (DEN). Geographically speaking, both routes travel nearly the same distance with the final destination being DEN. This begs the question, is the average total travel time flying into DEN from MDW and HOU the same? To test this question, this paper will review a random sample of travel times between both routes of travel. Common sense tells us that even though the distance traveled to DEN for both routes is nearly the same, there are other variables (ex. ground delays, maintenance and weather) that can affect the total travel time of an aircraft. Therefore, the hypothesis will be that the average total travel time between the two routes will not be the same. This study will only be discussing all Southwest Airline flights departing from MDW and HOU traveling to DEN. A random sample of 50 routes will be collected and tested. The focus variable will be the average total travel time between the two respective locations and will be collected and calculated in minutes. It is important to note that the result of this test will only be valid within the test parameters. (Source: ForeFlight) Study Design The study will be conducted as a two-sample t-Test with a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. Hypotheses:H0: ÃŽÂ ¼1 = ÃŽÂ ¼2 (MDW-DEN and HOU-DEN routes have the same mean travel time) Ha: ÃŽÂ ¼1 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚   ÃŽÂ ¼2 (MDW-DEN and HOU-DEN routes do not have the same mean travel time) To test whether the total travel for both routes is the same, we will state that the null hypothesis is that the total travel time for both routes is the same. The alternative hypothesis will propose that the total travel time for both routes is not the same. The formulation of the hypothesis for this study will produce a two-tailed (left and right) result. Data The data for this study was collected and is maintained by Embry-Riddle. It is located on the StatCrunch website under the MATH 211/222 data set group. The data that was collected was a sample of overall operations with Southwest Airlines at the Midway (MDW), Houston (HOU), and Dallas Love (DAL) airports. Southwest airlines operates from these airports almost every day and at multiple times during the day. For the sample to be representative of the overall population, it would have to mimic these population parameters. The sample that was collected does just that. It is representative of the overall population of all Southwest Airline operations at MDW, HOU, and DAL because the data includes information from different days and times. This fact also lends itself to the avoidance of bias. The other key with avoiding bias is to be as random as possible while still representing the parameters of the overall population. Furthermore, for the purposes of this assignment we will assume that the appropriate steps were taken by Embry-Riddle to provide its students that avoided bias to the best extent possible. From the large compilation of data, we will now shift the focus to the specific data to be tested. The data from Figure 1, located in the appendix, is the 50 specific data points that will be tested and includes the total travel times of both routes. To continue with preparation for the t-Test, we will ensure that the samples are independent and that the size is normal. The samples are independent because you can only be on one route of flight at a time, either traveling from MDW or HOU to DEN. Finally, for the purposes of this study will say that 50 data points (meeting the assignment requirement) is large enough, and therefore normal. Figure 2 Figure 3Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6Figure 7 Descriptive Statistics After ensuring that the data meets all conditions required for our particular confidence level of 95%, it is important to describe the data through statistical analysis and graphs (Figures 2 through 8). Figures 4 and 7 show that both sets of data have symmetrical distribution with little skew in either direction. Note thought that figure 4 displays Figure 8 a greater standard deviation. The boxplots (figures 3 and 6) help better describe figures 2 and 5, but are more effectively displayed with a side by side plotting as shown in figure 8. There we see that the medians are within 5 minutes of each other and that the data is not vastly separated. We can see that most of the data points from the HOU-DEN route would fit within the MDW-DEN IQR; and that all of the HOU-DEN sample data would fit within the bounds of the min and max data points for MDW-DEN. This side by side comparison makes a strong argument that even through there are differences between the data of both routes, those diff erences may not be statically large enough to reject the null hypotheses. Findings Original Question: Is the average total travel time flying into DEN from MDW and HOU the same? Hypotheses:H0: ÃŽÂ ¼1 = ÃŽÂ ¼2 (MDW-DEN and HOU-DEN routes have the same mean travel time) Ha: ÃŽÂ ¼1 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚   ÃŽÂ ¼2 (MDW-DEN and HOU-DEN routes do not have the same mean travel time) As we previously discussed, the initial look and plotting of the data showed that even though the routes were different, the data was close enough that it may not be statistically different enough to reject the null hypotheses. When looking at figure 10 and 11 to comparing the p-value (0.1627) to the significance level (0.05), we find that the p-value is larger and therefore we do not reject the null hypothesis. This supports the expected findings and shows that even though the data between the two routes was slightly different, it was still not statistically different enough to reject the null hypothesis. In figure 9, the 95% confidence interval is 4.885  ± 3.445, or about (-1.44, 8.33). This confidence interval includes 0 and therefore both the null and alternate hypothesis are plausible. Only after conducting the hypothesis test were we able to conclude not to reject the null hypothesis. Confidence Interval and Hypothesis Test Results Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Final Discussion In conclusion, we see that the average travel times between MDW and DEN HOU and DEN are very similar. So similar that we were unable to reject the alternative hypothesis that they were not the same. The results we obtained in the test were expected, especially considering that the distance traveled for each route is nearly the same. The biggest take away from this project is how close all of the data was for both routes. This shows just how accurate Southwest Airlines can be when it publishes the average times of travel for these routes, and also how effectively the can plan out their flying schedule. Specifically for the test conducted, we can see just how consistent their average flying time is between destinations separated by the same approximate distance. Appendix Total Travel Time Samples MDW-DEN Time HOU-DEN Time 151 154 157 149 144 140 146 141 163 136 146 135 148 143 133 134 131 135 136 132 135 135 128 142 127 141 139 146 138 138 131 148 144 153 145 144 163 146 131 165 150 151 147 143 144 166 149 149 148 151 Figure 1 Sources: ForeFlight. Vers. 8.2.3. N.p.: ForeFlight, 2007-2017. Computer software application StatCrunch. Computer software. www.statcrunch.com. Pearson Education, 2007-2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017. Southwest Airline Data. StatCrunch Data analysis on the Web. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2017. .

International Monetary Fund :: essays research papers

-International Monetary Fund-Addressing Fundamental Economic Goals On an International Level   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The International Monetary Fund is an important function that makes world trade less strenuous. The International Monetary Fund, or IMF as it is called, provides support and supervision to nations in all stages of economic progress. International trade is a key element to enable nations, large and small, to strengthen their economic positions. Larger nations need the international market to export their goods and services, and smaller nations also need this world scale market to import products so they are able to produce more efficiently. In order to achieve these goals, one major component must be in place. The ability to value other nation's currency. Throughout the years, many different ways have been used to do this, mostly ending in failure. There is no perfect way to accurately measure the true value of another country's currency. The International Monetary Fund is an effort to see each country's economic position, offer suggestions, and provide the fundame ntal economic security that is essential to a thriving (world) economy. Many of the domestic economic goals are reiterated by the INF on an international level.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To understand the current INF we will investigate the events leading up to its existence. Between 1879 and 1934 major nations used a method of international exchange known as the Gold Standard. The Gold Standard was simply a fixed-rate system. The rate was fixed to gold. In order for this system to function properly three things had to happen. First, each nation had to define its currency to gold (this definition then could not change). Second, each nation must than maintain a fixed relationship to its supply of money and its amount of actual gold. Third, the on-hand gold must be allowed to be exchanged freely between any nations throughout the world. With all of those policies successfully in place, the exchange rates of the participating countries would then be fixed to gold, therefore to each other. To successfully maintain this relationship some adjustments had to be made from time to time. For example, two countries A and B are doing international business to gether and A buys more of B's products than B buys of A's. Now B doesn't have enough of A's currency to pay for the excess products purchased. B now has what's called a balance of payment deficit. In order to correct for this deficit the following must occur; Actual gold must now be transferred to A from B.

Beowulf’s Confidence Essay

Beowulf was written in the earliest age of English poetry. Back in the Anglo-Saxon times, in order to make a name for themselves, warriors had to fight in battles. They believe that you should fight until death with absolutely no retreating. Beowulf, a young Geatish warrior, comes to Hrothgar’s kingdom to return a favor to him. While Beowulf is there, he fights in two battles; the battle with Grendel and the battle with Grendel’s mother. Much later in the poem, he fights in his third battle, defeating the dragon harming his country. Beowulf’s confidence decreases as each battle occurs. In Beowulf’s battle with Grendel, Beowulf is extremely confident. This confidence is very apparent in his attitude. When he first comes to Hrothgar’s court, he tells him that he had â€Å"firm resolve when [he] set to sea† (Beowulf 22). This confidence is also apparent in Beowulf’s preparation. He chooses to abandon his armor and weapons in the fight. He very dramatically â€Å"[strips] from his shoulders the byrny of steel, / [doffs] helmet from head† (23). Beowulf has a huge advantage on Grendel because he is very strong. He is so strong that the people of his country say that his handgrip is equivalent to that of â€Å"thirty men’s strength† (15). Beowulf’s confidence is extremely evident as he prepares to fight Grendel. Beowulf prepares differently in the fight with Grendel’s mother because he is not as confident as he was in the first battle. Beowulf’s attitude while talking to Hrothgar is less confident due to the fact he is not sure of how the battle will end. He has Hrothgar pledge to â€Å"Protect [his] kinsmen, [his] trusty comrades, / If battle take [him]† (48). Beowulf also shows his confidence lessening by deciding to use armor and weapons in the battle. To prepare for the battle, he â€Å"[dons] his armor† (47) with â€Å"A gleaming helmet† (47) and â€Å"the sword the herald of Hrothgar loaned† (47). Beowulf is still somewhat strong compared to his last battle. When Grendel’s mother â€Å"[grapples] and [grasps] the warrior / With horror grip† (48, 49) and tries to â€Å"tear through the tempered mail / With her savage fingers† (49), she cannot harm him. Beowulf’s confidence is not as apparent in the second battle with Grendel’s mother. Beowulf’s confidence continues to decrease as the battle with the dragon occurs. Beowulf’s attitude was extremely negative. His heart â€Å"[is] heavy with anguish† (75). Beowulf’s confidence level is so low that he has special armor prepared for him. The king â€Å"bade work him of iron a wondrous shield, / Knowing full well that wood could not serve him / Nor linden defend him† (75) against the dragon. Beowulf’s strength has drastically changed since the beginning of the first battle. Rather than having the grip of â€Å"thirty men’s strength† (15), Beowulf â€Å"[trusts] the strength / Of his single might† (82). Beowulf shows little to no confidence in the battle with the dragon. Beowulf’s confidence lessens as each battle approaches. He goes from being a great, bold warrior with much confidence, to an old, fragile king with very little confidence. Beowulf comes to a point of weakness where he can no longer defend for himself and needs help from fellow warriors, like Wiglef. His confidence adjusted so extremely that he goes into the last battle expecting a not so good outcome. At the end of the battle with the dragon, Beowulf passes away, with his weakness and little confidence being a huge factor.