Inventory period and operating cycle Essay Example for Free

Inventory period and operating cycle Essay Age of inventory will show the number of days that inventory of COSCO is being held before they are sold. Increasing or decreasing the same must be a guided by the objective of maintaining a good working capital condition. COSCO Wholesale has inventory period of 27 days. Before recommendation could be made whether its inventory period should be increased, said inventory period must be compared with the payment terms with suppliers. If the company’s payment terms (Bernstein, 1993) to supplier is 30 days them the age of inventory of 27 days is a good sign that the company is making sale of inventory efficiently, which means that it can sell faster than the next time the company orders and pays for these goods. For COSCO to maintain its 27 days inventory period, it must also tie this up with collection period since higher sales volume is normally associated with longer collection period. Increasing sales on credit with longer collection will decrease inventory period and the two will sum up to operating cycle (Meigs and Meigs, 1995). If the resulting operating cycle still allows a good and manageable working capital situation, then increasing sales on credit must be done up to such point, otherwise mismanaged working could turn the company unable to meet currently maturing obligations. Operating Cycle COSCO’S operating cycle is 30 says which consists of 27 days inventory period and 3 days collection period. To determine whether recommendations should be made whether the cycle could be increased or decreased should be tied up on it working capital situation. If its present working capital situation allows the company to meet it currently maturing obligations then its operating cycle is just right. As discussed earlier, the strategy on operating cycle is affected by decisions made on age of inventory and policy on making sales on credit. One could not just decrease operating cycle without basis like by decreasing age of inventory by underinvestment as this could mean not satisfying the demand for company’s products for the sake of shorter age of inventory and consequently shorter operating cycle. The company’s policy on sales on credit must be sufficient enough to meet realistic targets in terms of sales revenues and working capital requirements (Brigham and Houston, 2002).

The Necessity of Autonomy (Free Will) in Society Essay -- Autonomy Fre

The Necessity of Autonomy (Free Will) in Society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Human nature is not a machine to be built after a model, and set to do exactly the work prescribed for it, but a tree, which requires to grow and develop itself on all sides, according to the tendency of the inward forces which make it a living thing.† John Stuart Mill explicitly describes the necessity of autonomy or free will in society to insure the happiness of all. From this perspective one can recognize that autonomy should not only be unconditionally allowed, but also as an aspect of man that was developed along with the ability to reason. In accordance with the natural evolution of man as a rationale being, to limit one’s autonomy would be to deny the very ability that has allowed man’s development to occur. Although the topic of autonomy is prevalent in the field of psychology, the ramifications of limits to, spread throughout all aspects of society as a whole.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There have been criticisms to the necessity of autonomy from the beginning of philosophical thought. However, it can be recognized that these criticisms are often developed with a limited viewpoint. One such critic, B.F. Skinner who stressed the influence of the environment over the individual, argued against autonomy from that particular view. Skinner stated, â€Å"It is clear now that we must take into account what the environment does to an organism not only before but after it responds. Behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences.† Althou...

Crime Data Comparison Essay

Crime is being committed every second of each day around the world. Citizens of certain communities view crime as unwanted and causes of unnecessary stressors, although citizens from the lower class society view crime as a normal standard for everyday life. Certain crimes across the United States can be directly associated with gender, ethnicity. For instance, woman shoplift more than a man, and men conduct more violent offenses such as murder, armed robbery, and assault are associated with gender specific. The Federal Bureau of Investigations implemented a country wide database known as the Uniform Crime Report, which compiles statistics of criminal offenses from 18,000 thousand agencies that record and report crime data to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The Uniform Crime Report is an essential tool for compare and contrasting the crimes across the nation and various components of crime causation. This paper will cover the various crime rates of Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, while employing the most recent statistics derived from the Uniform Crime Report. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reports on numerous crimes that have been committed in different areas, and while emphasizing violent crimes. Violent crimes include acts as robbery, murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault, and non-negligent manslaughter. In Los Angeles, California, has approximately 3,837,207 people as of 2011, and Phoenix, Arizona, has a population of 1,466,097 in 2011, which indicates the population size is quite different. The obvious hypothesis is that Los Angeles posses two times the amount of population than that of Phoenix. The crime comparison data clearly illustrates per one hundred thousand people residing in Los Angeles, California, committed 20045 violent crimes than that reported crime in Phoenix, Arizona, which 8089 violent crimes in 2011. In 2011, Los Angeles had reported 11956 more violent crimes than those compared to Phoenix. In 2011, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Los Angeles population commits 5.22% of violent crimes  per 1,000 residents with a violent crime rate amount 20045 occurrences, whereas Phoenix has an estimated population of 5.52% of 1,000 residents has commit violent crimes with the occurrence of 8089 (Herald Review, 2013). This signifies that Los Angeles has almost double the amount of individuals with a proportion of 2:1, which means that for every one individual residing in Phoenix, Arizona, there are two people in Los Angeles, California. The crime data indicates that Los Angeles has 44% less dangerous to live oppose to Phoenix. The crime data for Phoenix indicates that residents are 15.8% to get robbed, 2.2 % more likely to get murdered. Despite the number of citizens reported, the amount of crime committed has far greater ratio than that of Los Angeles (Herald Review, 2013). According to the data retrieved from the Uniform Crime Report Los Angeles ranked 95 out of 459 cities throughout California for violent crimes, and Phoenix was ranked number 16 out of 67 cities for violent crimes. Los Angeles has 3.07% of violent crimes when compared to Phoenix, which has 4.64% violent crimes. Phoenix has 0.55% crime and 0.63% for Los Angeles. Los Angeles has the larger percentage because the population is larger. Although the crime rates for Los Angeles, and Phoenix did change between the years of 2011 and 2012, there was a huge change in crime rates. Even though the rates of violent crimes have decreased by 1498 in Los Angeles, California, some crime rates have increased by 1345 in Phoenix, Arizona, although other crimes decreased. A number of factors take place regarding incidents of crimes and why they may have been committed that may explain the difference between the two. According to Schmalleger, hard determinism would be an acceptable understanding of crime causation (Schmalleger, 2013, p. 62). To understand the factors of crime causation theories, theories of crime must be examined because there is more than one factor present when an individual commits a crime. These theories include learning theory, labeling theory, social disorganization, trait theory, social conflict, choice theory, and life course theory. The social process theories, which include the labeling theory and learning  theory, take into thought that criminal behaviors in people are foreseeable based on the interaction with her or his environment. The learning theory is based on the main idea that one must be taught both the emotional and practical skills that an individual will need to commit a crime. These skills are characteristically â€Å"taught† by a friend or family member who shows criminal behaviors them self. The labeling theory is founded on the idea that society creates criminals and crime by placing labels on people who show deviancy. These labels may result in excluded from society and eventually could result in an individual to adopt the characteristics of that label (Gaines & Miller, 2006). The social disorganization theory is founded on the idea that criminal behavior is more likely to occur in areas where social organizations such as schools, family, and the justice system fail to apply control over the community. This means that if the laws, guidelines, and rules of the community or society are not being enforced, criminal activity is more likely to be higher in those communities than those who do enforce the laws (Gaines & Miller, 2006). The trait theory is founded on the belief that psychological and biochemical conditions play a major role in one committing a criminal act. If one has a psychological disorder or a hormonal imbalance, there may be an increased chance that the individual is vulnerable to giving into criminal urges. The choice theory is based on the belief that before one commits a criminal act, that individual weighs the possible benefits versus the costs of committing a crime. If that individual believes they have a greater chance of benefitting from that crime, she or he is most likely going to proceed with that crime (Gaines & Miller, 2006). According to Gaines and Miller, the life course theory is based on the thought that conduct problems such as stealing, lying, and bullying seen in childhood are strong indicators of someone showing future criminal behavior. The social conflict theory states that criminal behavior is founded on the conflict with a ruling social class labeling specific behaviors as illegal because of a social or an economic interest in protecting that community’s  status quo. This is based on the belief that instead of laws showing the values of an entire society, the laws only exhibit the values of the few in society that hold power, and has no oppositions in using the justice system as a means of ensuring that power is kept. If behaviors, such as these are not corrected later in one’s life with improvements such as jobs and positive relationships, wrongful acts of behavior will continue to exist, possibly leading to future criminal activity (2006). The life course theory could explain the differences of criminal activity between Los Angeles and Phoenix as well as the social process theory. The social process theory governs the labeling theory, and learning theory. The development of criminal behavior can be tribute to the environmental conditions. In many cases investigating crime indicate that each crime is different, also the factors contributing to a certain crime can differ. The commonality between the two crime riddled metropolitan areas are the environmental conditions that enhance criminal behavior. In the end crime causation can be linked to several theories but unless mentally unstable should be able to tell right from wrong. References Gaines, L. K. & Miller, R. L. (2006). Criminal Justice in Action: The Core. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/199569524?accountid=458 Schmalleger, F. (2012). Criminology today: An integrative introduction. (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, p.62. The Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2013). A Word about UCR Data. Retrieved from: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/word

Beethovens Fifth Symphony - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1424 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2018/12/19 Category Music Essay Type Review Level High school Tags: Ludwig van Beethoven Essay Did you like this example? Beethovens fifth symphony is one of the best compositions of classical music and one of the most played symphonies (Schauffler, 1933). It was composed between 1804 and 1808 and first performed in 1808 at a concert in Viennas Theatre. At the concert, since it was performed late many people did not really get the music therefore its reception was not as expected. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Beethovens Fifth Symphony" essay for you Create order It was after E.T.A. Hoffman, wrote an interesting review of fifth symphony that the public started appreciating it. Some described it as a song of war time victory. It was thus used during World War II as a campaign tool by the allies. Beethoven was a significant musician and writer especially in the transition in the western music from classical to romantic eras. He was one of the best producers of classical music. He composed 5 piano concerts, 9 symphonies, 16 string quartets, one violin concerto and 32 piano concerts. He was good especially in instrumental music. He started music from a young age and moved to Vienna when he was twenty one years old to study music and thats where he became a pianist. He did not start out as a composer but first dedicated himself to studies and performance. He became a good instrumentalist and some people noticed his talent and offered financial support for his career. He first performed in Vienna one of his piano concertos. He also started publication of his works. After some of his symphonies between 1800 and 1803 he was regarded as one of the young influential composers in music. He continued to grow his music in terms of the depth of emotions, high level of originality and st rength of character. He also taught a few young people who took after him and composed their own music. After losing his hearing he reduced the level of performance at concerts but still composed music until his last days. Fifth symphony was one of Beethovens successful music that he composed. The style of this music was classical, mostly accompanied by many well played instruments. This song has elements in the popular culture such as rock and roll and disco versions. Beethoven describes the opening words as fate knocking at your door. The rhythm of the music is the most important part of it. It has four parts, also referred to as movements, that is, Allegro con brio or Sonata, Andante con moto, Scherzo Allegro and Allegro. The first part, Sonata, is a very powerful part since its the beginning of the song. It is one of the most famous rhythms in western music. It brings out a feeling of intensity, anxiety, suspense and mystery. It prompts the listeners to ask what the meaning is. For example, the oboe has a brief unaccompanied cadenza almost at the beginning of the recapitulation. The opening of this movement involves the horn which brings out the fate rhythm, followed by the violin which is softer and then accompanied by an even softer and lower strings. This movement is amazingly dramatic and melodious due to the change from dark trombones to the sweet woodwinds. It ends with a massive coda play. Many conductors have argued on how to play the first movement, some saying it should be allegro tempo, others think of a weighty treatment and others argue that it should have a slow tempo. The second part, Andante con moto is a lot calmer than the first movement, but also has a few grand moments. Two themes alternate in this movement, the first theme is sweet and melodious followed by the second forceful one. It opens with a unison play of violas and cellos, accompanied by double bases. It is then followed by a harmony of clarinets, violins, bassoons and bass which bring out the second theme. It has a lyrical theme which kind of resonates and reminds the listeners of the first theme. It ultimately expresses bliss. The scherzo allegro has a kind of free form or song form consisting of scherzo and trio or intermezzo. It is a forecast of the last movement and also shows a little of the drama in the first movement. It is seen as the climax of the symphony. The opening is accompanied by winds, returns to the main key C minor, then the horns follow and the music goes on. Beethoven recasts the theme in a completely new dynamic and orchestration. The fourth movement, allegro, is a uniquely surprising move as a lyrical theme is introduced and also another key, C major is introduced which is unusual. This movement expresses joy and victory. It ends the music in a joyful and celebratory mood. Fifth symphony uses a number of instruments; piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 bassoons, strings, timpani, 2 trumpets, 2 horns, 2 clarinets, 2 oboes, 3 trombones and a contrabassoon. These instruments bring out the standard orchestration. To elaborate this, in regards to brass, the music has two trumpets, three trombones (alto, tenor, and bass) and two French horns (E flat C). For woodwinds, two clarinets (B flat C), two bassoons, two flutes, one double bassoon, and one piccolo are used. In general, different instruments are used to bring out the orchestration. The instruments are in some occasions played simultaneously while in other cases they are played separately. For example contrabassoon and the trombones are only used in the final movement, while instruments such as the piano and horns are used in almost every movement. For example, in the second movement the violas and cellos are played in unison while as the first movement begins, only the horn is played. Fifth symphony uses C minor as the main which is very unique and make it a special form of symphony. The tempo of this song has proved to be a difficult one for most conductors. However it is recommended that each movement has its own tempo. The first movement, Allegro con brio, should have a tempo of 108 to the half note , the second movement has 92 to the eighth note, the third movement scherzo Allegro, should be 96 to the dotted half note while the forth movement Allegro should be 84 to the half note. Generally the song should be played at a tempo of 108BPM. The song also brings out a heroic and celebratory mood. The song was released shortly after Beethoven had lost his hearing ability. He said that it shall not bend or break me completely, which relate directly to his music which he describes the struggle as fate which knocks at the door. This song is kind of a narrative which he uses to show hes a hero. The heroic life struggle is described in the opening of the song in C minor to the transition to C major as the song comes to an end which shows a progression of emotions. The strong lyrics and instruments show power and nobility. When fifth Symphony was performed for the first time at Vienna, it did not attract the best reception. In fact there were many critics and negative reception. The orchestra failed to perform well and at some point the performance messed up and Beethoven had to start the song all over again (Robins, 1992). Critics such as Dionys Weber and others at the time described the song as a disappointment because the first movement began with what they regarded as discord. Others said it was absurd. Years later, most of them reversed their criticisms and spoke highly of the music. One of them E.T.A Hoffman, dedicated his review and analyzed Symphony and praised the instrumental work and C minor key. This changed peoples view and the song was played in various concerts and events. People have realized that fifth symphony was a song that not only brought out the emotions in the tone and tempo but also the way instruments were played conveyed an inspiring message. People have learnt the meaning o f the music and now receive it more positively. It is amazing how people changed their view of this amazing song and got to understand the music. It is also evident that Ludwig Beethoven had a lot of skill in composing music and singing. It is especially surprising how he uses C minor in his song which was also very hard for people to believe then. It is a perfect song that resonates with mood, instruments, captures peoples attention and also entertains which is one of the main aims of music. References: 1. Schauffler, Robert Haven (1933). Beethoven: The Man Who Freed Music. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Doran, Company. p. 211 2. Landon, H.C. Robbins (1992). Beethoven: His Life, Work, and World. New York: Thames and Hudson. p. 149