How to Answer the “What’s Your Biggest Weakness” Question in Interviews

How to Answer the â€Å"What’s Your Biggest Weakness† Question in Interviews People typically have a really hard time answering the â€Å"what is your biggest weakness?† question. It goes against all of the self-promotion cramming people do when on the job market. How can I portray myself as the ideal candidate and then start talking about the ways in which I’m not ideal? As it turns out, this is an important question- and one that most interviewees botch. Keep in mind that, first of all, there is no right answer. But you should have a good one all the same.Spin it as a  Growth ExperienceTry rethinking it as an opportunity for you to show how you have faced a particularly large obstacle in the past, and how you learned and grew from that experience. Reframe the question into showing how you deal with your flaws productively, rather than trying to humblebrag and pick a non-flaw (i.e. â€Å"I’m too much of a perfectionist†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ hiring managers see right through this).Use it to Show You’re Not Perfect (It’s Okay!)Con fidence is important, but humility is also. Hiring managers want to see a lot from column A, but also a healthy dose of that little bit of honesty and willingness to confront one’s weaknesses from column B.You know you have weaknesses. So try to figure out a way to A) be honest about them, and B) turn them somehow to your advantage. There are stories out there about candidates who open their cover letters by zeroing in on their potential weaknesses or holes in their resume, rather than trying to bury that lack of experience in their resumes. Think along the lines of: â€Å"At first glance, I know I’m not the candidate you’ve envisioned.† That sort of opening salvo of honesty will certainly grab a hiring manager’s attention, and it will give you a chance to frame your candidacy in the best possible light (i.e. â€Å"But†¦ I am uniquely qualified because†¦.†).Explain That You Are Always Fine-TuningRemember that admitting your inadequ acies doesn’t show that you’re inadequate. Quite the contrary. It usually shows that you are self-aware, and that you take the time to examine the parts of your success-machine that are in need of tune-ups or replacements. That you are constantly trying to improve. That’s often the kind of quality that any employer would be very keen to have in an employee.So prepare. But don’t go into an interview with a canned response. Come up with something that can segue into a story of overcoming obstacles, and keep it work related. Show you’re human, but hardworking, and you’ll never be on the wrong end of this ubiquitous interview question again.

Melting Point Vs. Freezing Point

Melting Point Vs. Freezing Point You may think the melting point and freezing point of a substance occur at the same temperature. Sometimes they do, but sometimes they dont. The melting point of a solid is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid phase and the  solid phase are equal and at equilibrium. If you increase the temperature, the solid will melt. If you decrease the temperature of a liquid past the same temperature, it may or may not freeze! This is supercooling and it occurs with many substances, including water. Unless there is a nucleus for crystallization, you can cool water well below its melting point and it wont turn to ice (freeze). You can demonstrate this effect by cooling very pure water in a freezer in a smooth container to as low as −42 degrees Celcius. Then if you disturb the water (shake it, pour it, or touch it), it will turn to ice as you watch. The freezing point of water and other liquids may be the same temperature as the melting point. It wont be higher, but it could easily be lower.

Hrm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hrm - Essay Example Shifting of skills that permit completion of tasks in the organization can only be possible through training. This is an explanation of the fact that the employees are able to acquire new dexterities that increase their knowledge in business; thus, an expansion in their career expertise. If this happens to all employees, then it is worth arguing that the entire organization will be effective if training is well done. According to Caple &Buckley (2009), learning and development allows the organizations attain their goals and objectives since the employees have been properly directed on the dos and dons of the business. The human resource department, in this case, must take up the role of training very seriously by evaluating the key sectors of the organization that needs improvement. The most important aspect is to assess the business environment, and then come up with actions that will lead to the employees take part in learner-oriented programs. The HR must then devise strategies that will lead to the employees being ambassadors of change in the organization. These strategies must, however, be in line with the organization’s goals. In relation to the study conducted by John (2002), training and development in the workplace offers a great opportunity for the business to have a working environment, both internally and externally. In the course of learning, the employees are able to learn from their fellow employees on the requirements of the changing business environment. Externally, the HR manager exposes the employees to new skills in the business world by enlightening them on the new business requirements. This can be done by sponsoring the employees to workshops and seminars that boost their careers. In the long run, both the individuals and the organization benefit from the training programs. Though at times many businesses are

Epicurus and epictetus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Epicurus and epictetus - Essay Example Essentially, these great scholars of philosophy had different consolation on the reasons for valuing and giving meaning to life (Pojman 530). Therefore, this essay will delve on two Greek philosophers, Epictetus and Epicurus, to try to understand their ideologies regarding the importance of living life without having to worry about the occurrence of death. 2. Epicurus According to ancient philosophy, Epicurus was an ancient philosopher that lived between two hundred and seventy one and three hundred and forty one B.C. He founded his school of philosophy in Athens where he spent most of his life. Epicurus was a philosopher who related the aspect of pleasure with good and the aspect of bad with pain concerning living. This concept became Hedonism, a Greek word meaning pleasure. For Epicurus, being sensuous and exalting life did not quantify for Epicureanism to form an opinion on the views of living. However, Epicurus was of the belief that a pleasurable life came from having calm emoti ons through the appreciation of honest but beautiful pleasantries of life. These pleasures include the good company of friends, a healthy diet, morally upright behavior, and good personal health. Epicurus insisted that people were not to worry about death, but only had to concern themselves with pleasure and pain (Pojman 531). Therefore, Epicurus believed that death was not a feeling hence advising people not to be fearful of death. Ideally, this Epicurus was an ardent believer in the doctrines of philosophy because to him philosophy was a constant factor in the life of any individual. Further, Epicurus felt that people needed to focus on the aspects of life that made them happy as part of living a fulfilled life. However, this Epicurus had a queer belief in matters related to God and other gods, but he acknowledged their existence. In essence, Epicurus believed that these higher deities received much accreditation for what they truly were not. For him, ill fate befell those that li ved wicked lives and blessings followed those that did well hence questioning the credibility of gods being the source of either blessings or curses. 2.2 Epicurus and his argument on death Arguably, Epicurus advised people to believe that death was nothing to them because it was a way of depriving human beings off sensation. In this regard, the understanding of death as nothing of concern influenced living life enjoyably because one lived without needing to be immortal. According to his philosophy, Epicurus encouraged people not to live in anticipation of the pain that would come together with death because this feeling would make them cower towards living. Epicurus pointed out that death did not form a part of people while they were still living but became a part of them once they seized existing. This meant that death was not a concern for the living because they did not believe in the existence of death while the dead could not associate with the same as they no longer existed. I n addition, Epicurus believed that a wise person needed not fear life nor death because life did not offend him neither did death appear evil. On the other hand, Epicurus punctured the belief that the young needed advice on how to live fulfilling lives while the aged needed advice on how to approach their sunset. Arguably, Epicurus reiterated that everyone had a deep desire to continue to live irrespective of his or her age because the

The Intel Corporation Essay Example for Free

The Intel Corporation Essay Introduction The main purpose of this case analysis is to find the issue and problem that Intel Corporation faced and how they improve their performance and solve problems. First, I will summarize the history of Intel Corporation. Second, to point out the challenge that Intel Corporation has. And, third, I will use SWOT analysis to analyze the internal strengths and weakness and external opportunities and threats of Intel Corporation. Eventually, I will give some recommendation. History of Intel Corporation Intel Corporation is a leading microprocessor producer for personal computer (PC) in the world. Intel Corporation was formed by In 1968, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore founded Intel Corporation. After Intel Corporation founded, they recruited several employees from Fairchild Semiconductor to help them. Intel Corporation was mostly influenced by Andy Grove. He was an autocratic leader and gave everyone lots of pressure. Under his rules and management style, Intel Corporation set a good culture result in the future success. Since the dawn of the Intel Corporation, it has gained the leading position in semiconductor industry such as memory chip and microprocessor. Intel invested heavily in their RD department in order to strengthen their innovative leading position to against competitors. However, in recently years, the personal computer industry appears the negative growth rate which may harm for Intel business due to the majority business comes from personal computer. Therefore, Intel Corporation should take a consideration of downward sign to seek opportunity to exploit the blue ocean market. SWOT analysis of Intel Strength 1. Product Diversification Intel has variety products such as processors, motherboards, servers, cable modems, and solid state drive. Although Intel has dominated the market, it still put a lot of efforts on their product innovation. Diversification of Products integrated not only provides customers one-stop purchasing but also attract different field customers. 2. Technology Innovative and Strong RD Competence Intel fully understands RD is the key to allow them to lead in high tech industry. Moreover, the customers will never feel satisfaction with buying the same or few types of microprocessors. In order to satisfy various demands, Intel always spend huge amount and put a lot of efforts into their RD department which makes Intel is able to introduce new products before its competitors. Consequently, Intel can provide the choices to the demand from high-end product with high price and the low-end demand with lower price. 3. Economic of Scale Intel has almost dominated the PC, laptop, and corporate computer’s CPU which allows Intel to build up highly barriers for the new entrants because of the large economies of scale. Once Intel reaches the economies scale, they have a significant cost advantage over its competitors and that this dominant ability will make its competitors are essentially price takers, with little power to set up their own prices. Weakness 1. The Struggle of Expanding Smartphone Business Many experts claim that the smart phone will be flagship product in high tech industry for next decades. However, currently, ARM (The Architecture for the Digital World) dominates the smart phone chip market and acknowledges the first mover advantaged. As a result, it is very difficult to expand smart phone chip business for Intel and lose its competitive advantage. 2. Downward Microprocessor Demand As I mentioned before, smart phone may take some market away from PC and laptop. Currently, the demand of PC and laptop’s CPU is decline but Intel cannot take any advantages on smart phone chip. Moreover, the majority of Intel’s business comes from Microprocessor which is very risky for Intel. As long as the demand drops dramatically, it will greatly harm for Intel. Opportunities 1. Keep Innovative Competitive Advantage Technology Innovation is a key to success in rapid changing and highly competitive high tech industry. Keeps it pioneering introduction new product will develop the entry barriers and gain the competitive advantages. 2. Product Improvement Recently, Intel has launched it smart phone processor chip to compete with ARM face to face. Although, their chip works better than ARM, their chip cost more power than ARM. Therefore, it is a very good opportunity to grasp market share that if Intel improve their product based on their strong RD. Threats 1. Globally Downward of Consumer Purchasing Power Economic crisis will trigger the downward pressure on consumer purchasing ability. Laptop and personal computer is consumer product when the decreased personal income will affect the demand. Consequently, the decreased of the demand will lead to negative impact on Intel’s sales and profits. 2. The Fighting Campaign from Competitor Although Intel has become the biggest company, they still need to pay attention on their competitor-AMD. The decisions made by Intel are highly dependent upon the action of their rivals. Intel needs to closely put their eye on AMD to avoid any technology fall behind to keep their leading innovation. Recommendation Intel should strengthen their PC and sever business by using technical leadership because the PC segment still estimates to have a growing market approximately 17% worldwide. Intel can launch more marketing campaigns and put more efforts on developing new technology to exploit more business. Intel can expand products into new device. The computing landscape is changing such as smart phone, smart phones, and tablets are connecting to the internet and become more intelligent. Intel should be more aggressive to pursue opportunities to expand their business in new device categories.

GentleHands by M.E. Kerr :: essays research papers

What would you do if your Grandfather were accused of being a sadist in WWII? That’s exactly what happened to Buddy Boyle. Gentlehands by M.E. Kerr is about Buddy Boyle, a lower class man who lives year-round in Seaville, and Skye Pennington, a rich girl who only spends her summer there. Skye and Buddy fall in love. On one of their dates, Buddy decides that they should go to his grandfather’s house. Near the end of the summer, Buddy’s grandfather is accused of torturing people during WWII. Buddy and Skye’s love leads into many events in this book. One of the events that Buddy and Skye’s love causes, is Buddy getting in trouble with his parents. At dinner one night, Buddy keeps tell his family about how wonderful Skye’s house is. His father gets annoyed and asks him to step outside for a talk. Once outside, Buddy’s dad starts to beat him. â€Å"What is was a punch to my neck, so hard I fell down from the weight of it.† Although he knows what will happen when he goes out with Skye, he still goes out. Another event that their love leads to is Buddy getting to know his grandfather. On one of their first dates he wants to go somewhere special, so he chose to go to his grandfather’s house. After that day, he becomes close to his grandfather. He starts to live with his grandfather. If Buddy never met Skye, he probably wouldn’t have became close to his grandfather. Despite the relationship between Buddy and his Skye, Buddy’s little brother was suffering. Buddy promised Streaker, his brother that he would go to the bay with him. Instead, he told him that he would turn the sprinkler on for him. â€Å"Then I stuck two dimes in his piggy bank because I felt like a real rat.

Odyssey bibliography Essay

Odysseus was one of the famous Greek poets. He was Laertes and Anticlea’s son and was married to Penelope (a woman thought to be inordinately faithful) and was a father to Telemachus. Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, a favorite place in Athens, and was one of the few Greeks that returned home safely from troy and the Trojan War though it took a long time before they returned. He is believed to have written some poems in the end of eighth century BC. Odysseus was among the leader of Achaeans who have contributed to most part of Greek literature. In his different walks of life, he is view as a hero and in other side as a failure, in the focus of his bibliography as written by homer, his participation in Trojan war and his tricks that made him stand unique paving way for his success in his missions. He was a family man who focused on achievements and did not believe on failures, he believed in as supernatural power of gods that were making him strong in believe that they were in his support in the victory. The essay focuses on the life line of Odysseus, participation and contributions as well as his character traits as narrated by different poets and other literatures. Joachim, 2005) Odysseus early life When Odysseus was a young boy, he exhibited on his talent; his main fond was archery and was excelling on it. Young Odysseus was fond of hunting with his dog, Argos, he could not stop doing what he liked no matter the challenges example is when he was gored by a bear and left a scar on his thigh. The scar was a lifetime mark that would help his old nurse Eurycleia when he returned from his wonderings. He was know to mind less about the appearance, some people went far as saying that he had bandy-legged, but when he began talking, he was unstoppable. His cleverness brought him closer to goddess Athena; he became his protector at troy and later on the sea. Odysseus became one of the original suitors of Helen of troy. He came woo her in Sparta for it was expected of him though his main interest was in her cousin Penelope. To avoid dispute among the suitors that were interested in Helen, Odysseus suggested to her father to help him win Penelope, Helen’s cousin, her father feared the preference of one suitor. Odysseus suggested to Tyndareus to exact an oath to all suitors that they will defend the favored suitor and protect his marriage against anything wrong that may be done to him. Helen married Menelaus of the cursed horse. Icarius of Lacedaemon, the Penelope’s father, offered his daughter to Odysseus, the man who defeated him in foot race. Penelope’s father, the old king of Lacedaemon was trying to make the newly wedded couples to stay in Lacedaemon but Odysseus refused and set for Ithaca. After much insisting, Odysseus had to bade to his wife either to move with him or return to her father. Penelope did not respond but instead she covered her face which was a clear indication that she wished to move with her husband, this was a clear prove of her cleverness and wily as her husband. Martin, 2007) On arrival in Ithaca, Odysseus had to build a new palace for him and his new bride. The couple got a son, it did not take long before the news came to them that Paris had eloped Helen. After the Paris abducted Helen, her father invoked an oath of Tyndareus, Odysseus refused to make good out of it. He pretended to be mad just to proof his sanity after he avoided hitting a child. (Kayakas, 1988) Odysseus character Odysseus is described as a hero due to his cunning intelligence. The use of deceptive speech describes him well and is well manifested in his character traits as a peer of Zeus in counsel. His disguising character takes form altering his appearance and verbal, this may be seen in the event when he blinded Cyclops when he told him that his name was nobody the managed to escape after blinding Polyphemus. When polyphemuss was screaming and Cyclops asks him why he was doing that, he said that nobody is hurting him, every one (Cyclopes) thought no one was hurting him and may be he was suffering in the hands of immortal Zeus. According to Odyssey of Homer, it is evident that Odysseus was arrogant and proud, as he sailed away from the Cyclops’s island, he boasted as he shouted his name saying that no one defeat him ‘great Odysseus’. The Cyclopes were not happy with him and the threw bitter words to him as he tells his father that Odysseus blinded him which enraged Poseidon and caused the god to curse Odysseus home coming and delayed for a long time. (Rodney, 2006) Odysseus events Odysseus events are narrated and given from the middle of the plot; this has been done through flashbacks and story telling. The later authors have done this through imitation, examples of these authors are Virgil and Aeneid, the modern poets were not left behind such as Pope Alexander in the mock epic, mock-heroic also commonly known as ‘the rape of the rock’. At first we find Odysseus trying to assert control on the household and later at Athena’s advice while in search for news concerning his lost fathers. Odysseus was a captive for a long time of the beautiful nymph Calypso who he had spent with his seven years of his lost ten years. (Karykas, 2003) After his release by intercession of his patroness Athena, he leaves and his raft was destroyed by his known enemy Poseidon who was much annoyed because Odysseus had blinded Polyphemus his son. Odysseus washed up Scherie, which was the home to Phaeacians and is assisted by Nausicaa who treats him with great hospitability. When he returned he narrated about his adventures since he left troy to Phaeacians and the leader of his adventures satisfying their curiosity. This flash back extends back to where Odysseus stands and his tale told. Odysseus got a ship through loan from shipbuilding Phaeacians to return to Ithaca, he is assisted by swine hearder Emaeus to meet Telemachus, in the process he got back his house hold and managed to kill the suitors and then he was able to reunite with his faithful Penelope, his wife. Odyssey is divided into 24 books in all modern editions and translations. The message contained there in is convincing but not original, Alexandrian editors developed this by 3rd century BC. Through the period, the books have been given different titles. Barry, 2006) Odysseus and culture Different cultures have risen in concern of Odysseus; some of the cultures describe him as a hero and others as a scoundrel. Odysseus was ruling the Cephallenians, this were the people who were dwelling on the islands that was on the northwest coast of Greece. His palace was on the rocky island of Ithaca, compared to other Greek princes that were fighting at troy; he was not as wealthy as them though he was living a com fortable life. (Malcom, 2000) Trojan War According to myths of Greek, the Trojan war was war that was Achaeans against the city of troy after Helen was stolen by troy of Paris from her husband Menelaus who was the King of Sparta. Trojan War was among the most important events that happened in the Greek mythology which was narrated by many and different works of Greek literature that included the Iliad, Homer and the Odyssey. Trojan War believed to have originated from a quarrel between the Aphrodite, Athena and Hera goddesses after the Eris, goddess of strife and discord offered them a golden apple, and this is also referred to as apple of discord that was marked to be the fairest. When the goddess went to Paris and judged that Aphrodite as the fairest and should be the one to receive the apple. In exchange apple, Aphrodite made Helen to be the most beautiful woman and fallen in love with Paris who would take her to troy. Achaeans desecrated temples and they slaughtered Trojans, they got the wrath of gods’, only few of the Achaeans returned home safely while others found colonies in different places in the shores. The Romans were led by one of the surviving Trojan to their origin, Italy. Wood, 1998) Odyssey describes the Odysseus journey home. He was among the Achaean leaders. Other parts of the war have been narrated by cycle of epic poems, though has survived in fragments. The war episodes were important for they provided materials for the Greek literature and for the Roman poets like Ovid and Virgil. Odysseus had fought for more than ten years in the Trojan War before he came up with the idea of wooden horse. This was probable the reason why wily or c rafty was attached to his name. Odysseus incurred another decade on the way before arriving home after blinding Poseidon’s Cyclops son that brought a wrath to him. This delayed him to arrive in time so this covers him and his crews return way to Ithaca from Trojan War. (Jonathan, 2004) Dilemma of Odyssey Though the ancient Greeks great epic poems were attributed to the confusing figure of homer, not much is known about him and the contribution of odyssey beyond his name being attached to the poems. There is some doubt whether homer was the real author of Odyssey and Iliad. Homer played a primary role in shaping the master work, much is said about the probability of his contribution, if he is the real author, he must be a great literature artist. Odysseys are the most influential poems; Odysseus epics are used in the Greek education and culture throughout the age and have formed a backbone of human education from the time of Roman Empire and spread of Christianity. The translation of odysseys have brought an impact on Renaissance culture of Italy, this have helped in forming European tradition. The poems are of some use in determining when Homer and Odysseus lived, this gives a clue that make it easy to assume that they lived around 8th century, The Odyssey may belong closer to this period. The dilemma behind this is that odysseys were oral; this was to be passed through generations till the time of writing. Odysseus own means of poems are through singing. Another dilemma is what would affect the accuracy of when epics came to written form. (Michael, 1976) Conclusion Odysseus was a man of different character; no one could really describe his character confidently. He was a man of high moral and he used his cleverness to avoid what he wanted and avoid what seemed not good for him. During the Trojan War, Odysseus was a man his group could not do without; his mode of decision making was quite unique and stood as a pillar for the victory. The life of Odysseus was a life well lived, he left a legend behind that would become a literature to learned in European education, this was an epic that taught much of the Greeks’ empire and history.

Corporate valuation Essay

On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 the SEC reiterated its support for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this was conditional upon the accomplishment of a number of milestones. The SEC staff had developed a comprehensive work plan that would help to keep the process moving forward. Including Fiat,more and more huge cooperations are adopting IFRS accounting policies since 2000,not only because it makes more transparency in statements,but it tenses or looses the strict that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of accounting. 1. What are Fiat’s key accounting policies? Which of Fiat’s key accounting policies are affected by the adoption of IFRS? In accordance with the case, the Italy-based Fiat Group’s revenues were mainly generated from the production and sales of passenger vehicles (including large-volume brands and luxury, high-margin brands), tractors, agricultural equipments, and light commercial vehicles. The Group’s main operations was manufacturing cars which needed as many new models, technologies, creativity, and innovations as possible. Consequently, it could be seen easily that the Fiat Group had almost relied on its Research and Development (R&D) activities. Additionally, sales were also a very important activity in every organization, so the Fiat Group was not an exception. Therefore, applying new accounting policy for revenue recognition to show that the Group’s profit was favorable was very vital. The Fiat Group first-time adopted IFRS and the reporting d ate of its first IFRS statement was December 31, 2005. After changing to IFRS, R&D costs were affected the most. Under Italian GAAP, R&D costs incurred were capitalized or charged to operating expenses. For the Fiat Group, it has primarily expensed its R&D costs when they were incurred. Under IFRS, the Group has capitalized development costs in some parts such as the Fiat Auto, Ferrari-Maserati, Agricultural and Construction Equipment, Commercial Vehicle and Components Sectors. The next accounting policy influenced by the first-time adoption of IFRS was revenue recognition – sales with a buy-back commitment. Under IAS 18, sales with a buy-back commitment do not reach the requirements for revenue recognition due to risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the buyers. In result, this kind of sales is recorded as an operating lease transaction instead of revenues under Italian GAAP. Last but not least, sales of receivables also were impacted. All receivables through securitization and factoring transactions (with or without recourse) had been derecognized under Italian GAAP while all securitization transactions have been reversed under IFRS and all portfolios sold w ith recourse or without recourse have been reinstated in the IFRS balance sheet. Unlike U.S. GAAP rule-based standards, IFRS standards tend to be principle-based. Typically, rule-based standards are easily applied and enforced when compared to principle-based standards, however, along with rules, come exceptions. Exceptions to the rule-based standards of US GAAP add a level of complexity that often results in application issues. The move towards IFRS principle-based standards, accounts for exceptions to the rules by allowing judgment to exist when applying the standards to a company’s financials. Conversely, US GAAP encourages companies to comply with set laws anddiscourages evaluating the economic substance of a company’s activities The differences between Fiat’s key accounting methods under GAAP and those under IFRS. 1.Substance over form. Example, Recognition of revenue:to recognize revenues of long-term contracts,IFRS does not allow the Recognition from relative subjects but does accept to value it by contract cost. 2.Less flexibility Example: Recognition of R&D cost:GAPP views them as expense,and IFRS acknowledges researching cost as expense as well,but developing cost can be stated as expense or capitalize cost under IFRS,after its feasibility is confirmed. 3.More transparent Example: Income tax paid: CFO takes all the income tax paid obligation under GAAP,while CFO only states operating tax paid obligation,CFF and CFI states capitalizing one and investment one respectively. 4.Retrospective application of the new standards to opening equity as of January 1, 2004 to properly establish IFRS based data What characterizes the differences between the two sets of methods On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 the SEC reiterated its support for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this is conditional upon the accomplishment of a number of milestones. The SEC staff has developed a comprehensive work plan that will help to keep the process moving forward. The staff will regularly report progress to commissioners and a decision will be made in 2011 as to whether or not IFRS will be incorporated into the U.S. financial reporting system. There are many differences between Italian GAAP and IFRS. 1.Fair value in barter transaction GAAP admits the fair value in barter transaction which is similar to history transactions,IFRS also requires new trade to be similar to history ones but recognizes the fair value as the value in non-barter transactions. 2.Monitor interest It can be viewed as liabilities or equity or mezzanine section Under GAAP,but under IFRS it is illegal unless it is equity. 3.Comprehensive Income It is included in net income under GAPP,but under IFRS it is got rid of. 4.Dividend Received/Dividend Paid Dividend received is included in CFO statement,while dividend paid is included in CFF statement under GAAP,but under IFRS,they two can be allocated in both of CFO and CFF. 5.Upward revaluation(for fixed assets and intangible assets) GAAP does not allow this action but IFRS does. 6.Employee benefits-post employment & long-term Under GAAP,they are kinds of operating expense and actuarial gains and losses deferred and partially amortized over time.Under IFRS,related interest cost is classified in interest expense. 7.Goodwill The period of amortization of goodwill should not exceeding 20 years under GAAP.But under IFRS,goodwill cannot be amortized at all. 8.Sold receivables Under GAAP,it is typically off balance sheet,while it is typically reinstated under IFRS. 9.Start-up and similar charges They are deffered and amortized under GAAP,but are typically reinstated under IFRS. 10.Scope of consolidation Fiat Auto stakes in share parts business is accounted for under equity method under GAAP,while under IFRS,it is consolidated on a line by line basis, Unlike Italian GAAP rule-based standards,IFRS standards tend to be principle-based. Typically, rule-based standards are easily applied and enforced when compared to principle-based standards, however, along with rules, come exceptions. Exceptions to the rule-based standards of US GAAP add a level of complexity that often results in application issues. The move towards IFRS principle-based standards, accounts for exceptions to the rules by allowing judgment to exist when applying the standards to a company’s financials. Conversely, US GAAP encourages companies to comply with set laws anddiscourages evaluating the economic substance of a company’s activities. The trend towards IFRS has evolved around a widespread agreement to synchronize accounting standards internationally. The ultimate goal is to reduce costs for multi-national corporations, and to allow investors to make valid comparisons between companies across the world. Users of financial statements have pushed for the development of global standards that provide more consistent and comparable reporting worldwide. From the perspective of a minority investor in the company shares,I would like to choose IFRS because: Under IFRS minority investors can gain better information IFRS provides more transparent information of company’s management and transaction ,as a consequence minority investors’ confidence enhanced by Fiat’s transparent disclosure thus it leads positive expectation from market Adoption of IFRS is an international trend, competitors such as Peugeot and Volkswagen adopted IFRS. Investor can better understanding both Fiat and its competitors performance The trend towards IFRS has evolved around a widespread agreement to synchronize accounting standards internationally. The ultimate goal is to reduce costs for multi-national corporations, and to allow investors to make valid comparisons between companies across the world. Users of financial statements have pushed for the development of global standards that provide more consistent and comparable reporting worldwide. Summarize the main factors that affect management’s reporting incentives and strategy in fiscal year 2005,which factors might reduce management’s incentive to fully comply with the IFRS? In this part, we would like to conclude what are the main factors that influenced the management incentives and strategy in fiscal year 2005. Under IFRS, FIAT results would be consistent with market standards and they would be more comparable with its competitors from automotive industry. Financial position that was used in the past differs from the IFRS one, because it did not take into consideration financial receivables. Therefore, results, as well as many ratios were different in past. There is also the fact, that many investors did not invest into Fiat because they do not understand to Italian GAAP so much and therefore this investment would involve too much risk. IFRS are able to value the company better than GAAP and there is less space for influencing the financial results. That is also the fact, why IFRS are more beneficial for smaller investors. According to the law, there was a necessity to switch to IFRS but there was not necessity to fully comply with them. Under IFRS, many of financial data are changed. Elimination of goodwill amortisation is able to generate 0,2 billion EUR impact. The goodwill is not longer amortised. There should also be benefit of 0,3 billion EUR from recognition of gains and approximately 0,1 billion gain from impact of development costs. The whole impact therefore creates 0,6 billion euros. Under IFRS, there is different rules connect to selling of products. In connection to that there is the change in equity, which reduced by 0,5 billion Euros. On the other hand, it also increased the debt by 0,8 billion euros. IFRS allow having in consolidated statements only activities that are directly connected to the core business. This is one of the major changes. The company needs to prove, that they are healthy and that the have met or exceeded all their targets. Switching to IFRS could help them with emphasise their good data and performance and increase their value in eyes of investors as well as in eyes of potential creditors.

Castles Essays - Castle Architecture, Castle, Great Hall, Keep

Castles Essays - Castle Architecture, Castle, Great Hall, Keep Castles Whether on the mote, inside the walls of the keep, or as a separate building, the living space of a castle were very basic. The hall, was a large one room structure with a loft ceiling, the hall was sometimes on the 1st floor, but sometimes it was raised to the second story for greater security. Early halls were ailed like a church, with rows of wooden posts or stone pillars supporting the timber roof. Windows had wooden shutters held on by an iron bar, but in the 11th and 12th centuries were rarely glazed. By the 13th century a king or great baron might have colored glass in some of his windows. In a ground floor hall the floor was packed dirt, stone or plaster, when the hall was elevated to the upper floor the floor was always timber, supported either by a row of wooden pillars in the basement below, or by stone vaulting. Carpets, also used on walls, tables, and benches, were not used as flooring in England and northwest Europe until the 14th century. Entrance to the hall was in a sidewall near the lowest end of the hall. An outside staircase next to the wall of the keep reached when the hall was on an upper story. The castle family sat on a stage of stone or wood at the upper end of the hall at the other end than the door to keep away from drafts. The lord sat in a huge chair. Everyone else sat on benches. Most dining tables were set on temporary stages that were taken between meals. A permanent table was another sign of wealth. But all tables were covered with white cloths. Candles made of animal fat lighted the hall. The fireplace provided heat throughout the whole castle. What was used instead of a fireplace was the central open pit, used in ground level halls. Square and circular the fire pits were surrounded by stone or tile and sometimes had a back of brick or stone. Smoke rose through a hole in the roof with side openings that were covered with sloped boards not letting in rain or snow, the hole could be closed by pulling strings. A fire cover made of tile was placed over the fire pit at night to reduce the chance of a fire. Kitchen In the 13th century the castle kitchen was made of timber, with a central pit or several fireplaces where meat could be cooked. Forks and knives were washed in a bucket outside. Temporary extra kitchens were set up for feasts. In the bailey near the kitchen the castle garden was usually planted with fruit trees and vines at one end, and flowers like; roses, lilies, violets, poppies, daffodils, and irises. There might also be a fishpond, stocked with fish. Bedrooms In the earliest castles the family slept at the tallest end of the hall, only a curtain separated the sleeping quarters. These second-floor chambers were sometimes equipped with squints, peepholes in wall decorations by which the owner could keep an eye on what went on below. The lord and lady's chamber, when it was on the upper floor, was called the solar. Its furniture was a huge bed with a heavy wooden frame and springs made of ropes or strips of leather, with a feather mattress, sheets, quilts, fur blankets, and pillows. Beds could be taken apart and taken along on the trips a great lord made to his castles. The bed was curtained, with curtains hanging that pulled back in the daytime and closed at night to give privacy as well as protection from drafts. Servants might sleep in the lord's chamber on a pallet or cot, or on a bench. Chests for garments or wooden pegs for clothes and a stool made up the remainder of the furnishings. Sometimes a small room called the wardrobe joined the chamber a storeroom where cloth, jewels, spices and plates were stored in chests, and where dressing was done. In the early Middle Ages not only servants but military slept in towers or in basements, or in the hall, or in lean-to structures, knights performing castle guard slept near their assigned posts. Later, when larger watch groups

Definition and Examples of Polemics

Definition and Examples of Polemics Definition Polemic is a mode of writing or speaking that uses vigorous and combative language to defend or oppose someone or something. Adjectives: polemic and polemical. The art or practice of disputation is called polemics. A person who is skilled in debate or someone who is inclined to argue vehemently in opposition to others is called a polemicist (or, less commonly, a polemist). Enduring examples of polemics in English include John Miltons Aeropagitica (1644), Thomas Paines Common Sense (1776), The Federalist Papers (essays by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, 1788-89), and Mary Wollstonecrafts A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). Examples and observations of polemics are given below. Some other terms that are related to and some that may be confused with polemics include: ArgumentArgumentationConfrontational RhetoricCritiqueEncomiumInvective Etymology: From the Greek, war, warlike Pronunciation: po-LEM-ic Examples and Observations I am in general of the opinion that the best polemic is the perfect presentation of a new point of view. (Finnish folklorist Kaarle Krohn, quoted in Leading Folklorists of the North, 1970)Polemics are certainly necessary at times, but they are only justified by being necessary; otherwise they produce more heat than light. (Richard Strier, Resistant Structures: Particularity, Radicalism, and Renaissance Texts. University of California Press, 1995)[George Bernard Shaw] is a poet of polemics, as Einstein seems to have felt when he compared the movement of Shavian dialogue to Mozarts music. His polemics are therefore the more dangerous, for polemics are nothing but the art of skilled deception. A prime device of polemics is the either/or pattern, against which so much has been said in recent times, often by great polemicists. Shaw is a great polemicist in his skilled deployment of antithesis.(Eric Bentley, The Playwright as a Thinker, 1946. Rpt. by University of Minnesota Press, 2010) Why Polemic Has a Bad Name in the Academic World Polemic has a bad name in the humanities academy. Reasons for avoiding or seeking to discredit polemic arent always articulated, yet they surely include these: polemic disrupts the shared endeavours of the academy and preempts the civil or technical discourses of professionalism; polemic is a short cut to professional recognition typically chosen by those whose ambition outruns their achievement; conversely, polemic is the last resort of major figures in decline, seeking to maintain their professional dominance; polemic is a cheap, often trivial, substitute for real intellectual production; polemic belongs to the sphere of public journalism, where careers can be made on the basis of verbal aggression alone; polemic caters to the unseemly pleasures of cruelty and malice; polemic tends to become compulsive and consuming. Such reasons, or perhaps only intuitions, suffice to create an aversion to polemic, at least in the U.S. academy; they also tend to render polemic ethically suspect, w ith whatever intellectual justifications it is pursued...If, in fact, polemic has become increasingly discredited in the academy during the past 30 years, is it just a coincidence that the trend coincided with a broader academic rejection of violence in the post-colonial, post-Vietnam era? (Jonathan Crewe, Can Polemic Be Ethical? Polemic: Critical Or Uncritical, ed. by Jane Gallop. Routledge, 2004) Explicit vs. Hidden Polemics A polemic is considered to be direct when its subject is explicitly mentioned and the stance taken therein is also explicitthat is, when there is no need to search it out in order to draw conclusions...A polemic is hidden when its subject is not explicitly mentioned, or when it is not mentioned in the expected, conventional formulation. Through various hints, the reader is left with the feeling that a double effort has been made within the text: on the one hand- to conceal the subject of the polemic, that is, to avoid its explicit mention; on the other- to leave certain traces within the text...that through various means will lead the reader to the hidden subject of the polemic. (Yaira Amit, Hidden Polemics in Biblical Narrative, trans. by Jonathan Chipman. Brill, 2000) The Introduction to Common Sense, a Polemic by Thomas Paine Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason. As a long and violent abuse of power is generally the means of calling the right of it in question (and in matters too which might never have been thought of, had not the sufferers been aggravated into the inquiry), and as the King of England hath undertaken in his own right to support the Parliament in which he calls theirs, and as the good people of this country are grievously oppressed by the combination, they have an undoubted privilege to inquire into the pretensions of both, and equally to reject the usurpation of either. In the following sheets, the author hath studiously avoided everything which is personal among ourselves. Compliments as well as censure to individuals make no part thereof. The wise and the worthy need not the triumph of a pamphlet: and those whose sentiments are injudicious or unfriendly, will cease of themselves, unless too much pains are bestowed upon their conversion.The cause of America is, in a great measure, the cause of all mankind. Many circumstances have, and will arise, which are not local, but universal, and through which the principles of all lovers of mankind are affected, and in the event of which their affections are interested. The laying a country desolate with fire and sword, declaring war against the natural rights of all mankind, and extirpating the defenders thereof from the face of the earth, is the concern of every man to whom nature hath given the power of feeling; of which class, regardless of party censure, isTHE AUTHOR. -Philadelphia, February 14, 1776 (Thomas Paine, Common Sense) In January 1776 Thomas Paine released Common Sense, adding his voice for public consideration over the deteriorating British-American situation. The sheer volume of issues alone attests to the pamphlets demand and suggests a significant impact on colonial thought. [It was reprinted] over fifty times before the year was out, accounting for over five hundred thousand copies...The immediate effect of Common Sense was to break a deadlock between a minority of colonial leaders who wished to form an independent American state and the majority of leaders who sought reconciliation with the British. (Jerome Dean Mahaffey, Preaching Politics. Baylor University Press, 2007) John Stuart Mill on the Abuses of Polemics The worst offence of this kind which can be committed by a polemic is to stigmatize those who hold the contrary opinion as bad and immoral men. To calumny of this sort, those who hold any unpopular opinion are peculiarly exposed, because they are in general few and uninfluential, and nobody but themselves feels much interest in seeing justice done them; but this weapon is, from the nature of the case, denied to those who attack a prevailing opinion: they can neither use it with safety to themselves, nor, if they could, would it do anything but recoil on their own cause. In general, opinions contrary to those commonly received can only obtain a hearing by studied moderation of language, and the most cautious avoidance of unnecessary offence, from which they hardly ever deviate even in a slight degree without losing ground: while unmeasured vituperation employed on the side of the prevailing opinion, really does deter people from professing contrary opinions, and from listening to thos e who profess them. For the interest, therefore, of truth and justice, it is far more important to restrain this employment of vituperative language than the other... (John Stuart Mill, On Liberty, 1859)

Legal implications and risks of the errors on the website Essay

Legal implications and risks of the errors on the website - Essay Example This essay discusses that before you consider this type of loan, you may want to look into whether you really need a second mortgage. If you decide to go for it, make sure that your house is appraised to know its market value. This is because the amount that will be offered in your loan will be dependent on the equity of the house. You should also search for the rates that are the best and that are available by seeking free quotes from several lenders. You will compare and have the capability to choose the best of the rates. Secondly, your monthly payments need to be worked out for both the first and the second loans. Finally, you need to check the terms of the loan, the penalties, and the costs. It is necessary that you understand what deal you are signing and whether you are required to pay for more processing fees or even closing costs. In some companies, there are pre-payment penalties which apply for a second mortgage. When you understand the terms of the loan, you should commit towards proceeding with it.In conclusion, Cosy Couches is obligated to take irreparable measures to alleviate any future anomalies in its website to ensure that no legal implications arise with its customers. Regarding the anomaly that arose, it should be tackled well as discussed above and ensure that the case is settled. On the case of acquiring the loan, the company is in the best line of expansion but it calls for Mr. Martin, the Managing Director, to come up with decisive measures to ensure that the personal guarantee is workable and effective. ... Nevertheless, the company has to offer to make it worthwhile and negotiate with the customer; since the said party has the right to sue for misinforming them.4 It is only right legally, to allow the customers purchase at the price that they placed their orders, despite the fact that this will lead to a loss. Making them change the order may lead to a number of lawsuits that will not only tarnish the name of the company, but that will also be costly.5 However, the customer may take advantage of these circumstances to try and reap from the company by mode of blackmailing, buying more at the same price or even tainting the image of the company. It is in the capacity of the director of the company to bar any more order regarding the old advertisement and still decline sale of the â€Å"sweet dreams† sofa-bed under the claim that the customer manipulated the website for their own gain. The manipulation could have been in the form of hacking into the website or by the use of an insi de man.6 This should only be applied if the customer has tried to divert from the purchasing of the â€Å"sweet dreams† sofa-beds at the price that they made the purchase at. In any case the customer agrees to purchase at the price that is normal, â€Å"?799†, it is important that a gesture of appreciation is shown to them and to also convince them to sign a letter of confidentiality concerning the said matter regardless of which price the said customer bought the â€Å"sweet dreams† sofa-beds at. In the case of intending to expand your business it is important to note that legally, that is only possible if Mr. Martin has a clean record of at least three years and that includes court cases.7 As long as no one sues you in regards to the errors on the website, the