Vocabulary Component Of Language

Vocabulary Component Of Language Vocabulary is an important component of language knowledge because without knowing lots of vocabulary students will get difficulty when they express their ideas. As Zhihong (2000:18) said, Without a sufficient vocabulary, one cannot communicate effectively or express ideas. It means that having limited vocabulary might cause difficulty for students as foreign language learners to communicate with others and express their ideas. They might be stuck when using the language. According to Luppescu and Day (1993: 266), Building a large vocabulary is essential when learning English because people with large vocabularies are more proficient than those with limited vocabularies. In other words, when students have lots of vocabulary, they can communicate relatively well than those who lack of vocabulary. Thus, students should have enough English vocabulary in order to be able to undertake their studies successfully. Having lots of English vocabulary is important for anyone who wants to use the language. Decarrico (2001: 205) states, Vocabulary learning is central to language acquisition, whether first, second, or foreign. It means that learning vocabulary is the prior component that must be given to the students during their study of the language. They must he exposed with the vocabulary of the language they are studying. Thus, teachers are expected to develop their students r I 2 vocabulary by giving them the techniques or strategies of learning vocabulary. In the same fashion, students are also expected to have their own strategies in learning vocabulary. According to August and her colleagues (available at pwww.readinrockets.orWarticle/9943), vocabulary learning strategies include: Dictionary use In this strategy, learners can find multiple word meanings as well as importance of choosing the appropriate definition to fit the particular context. Morphemic Analysis This strategy is the process of deriving a words meaning by analyzing its meaningful parts or morphemes. Such word parts include root words, prefixes and suffixes. Contextual Analysis It involves inferring the meaning of an unfamiliar word by scrutinizing the text surrounding it. Instruction in contextual analysis generally involves teaching students to employ both generic and specific types of context clues. They also suggest several strategies that appear to be especially valuable for building the vocabularies of English Language Learners. These strategies include taking advantage of students first language if the language shares cognates with English, teaching the meaning of basic words, and providing sufficient review and reinforcement. Based on the several strategies given above, it can be said that vocabulary learning strategies are specific actions taken by the learner to make 3 learning easier, faster, more enjoyable, more self directed, more effective, and more transferable to new situations. Nation (1986:3) has listed 3,000 high-frequency English words and recommends these words as the basis of selection and order of vocabulary in teaching English at schools. He said that the learners of English as a foreign language need to master a productive knowledge and receptive knowledge of 1,000 and 2,000 high-frequency words. These skills will enable learners to communicate their ideas in the language they are studying whether in oral or written. Nurweni and Read (1999: 161) conducted the study in Lampung and discovered that students had some knowledge of 1226 English words. They also cited several researches: Quin (1968) conducted a vocabulary size of High School students graduated in Salafga and discovered that the subjects knew less than 1,000 of the most frequent English words after six years of study in high school and another study conducted by Suwarno Kartini (1998) in Bengkulu, they discovered that the students knew around 2,000 of the high-frequency words. All of the researches were about the vocabulary size of Indonesian learners especially students of High School (University level); the result showed that their vocabulary knowledge was still limited. The recent researches about vocabulary knowledge were conducted by Karwuur (2005) and Kurniawati (2004:ii). Karwuur conducted her research by analyzing the junior high schools English textbooks. She analyzed three English textbooks used by junior high school levels and discovered that those books 4 contain 1196 high-frequency words out of 2000 high-frequency words listed in Nation (1986:10-80). Kurniawati conducted a study of vocabulary knowledge of junior high school stuqents in several state junior high schools in Jakarta and discovered that the students were estimated to know 819 words receptively and 409 words productively out of 1,000 and 2,000 vocabulary levels. In Indonesia, English is a compulsory subject for students from elementary school to university level. As stated in the 1999 English Curriculum, students of junior high school are expected to have good language skills so that they are able to communicate well. Based on it, students in Junior High School level are expected to cover 1,000 words. From all the research above, there has not been any research yet to discover the vocabulary size ofjunior high school based on English textbooks. The explanation above inspired the researcher to find out more about the size of students English vocabulary at Junior High School in Jakarta based on the vocabulary found in their textbooks used at Junior High School level. 1.2 Problem Statement Based on the background of the study above, the researcher is interested in finding out the number of words known by the students of Junior High School based on their textbooks. The research question of this study is formulated as follow: How much is the size of the junior high school students knowledge of the English vocabulary learned from their textbooks? 5 1.3 Target Population The population of my research is Junior High School (SMP) level students. From this population, the sample for this particular survey is the third level of SMP students. They are students who are taken from several private schools in Jakarta. 1.4 Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to investigate the English vocabulary size of Junior High School students, especially those from private schools in Jakarta. .1.5 Limitation of the study This study is limited to third graders junior high school students located in Jakarta. The number of the students included is 311 students. 1.6 Weaknesses of the Study The researcher realized that this study has some weaknesses. Among them are: This study is emphasized only in English vocabulary size There is no clear border between receptive and productive competence in order to measure vocabulary size ofjunior high school students 6 The time taken is limited because the population was being prepared for the National examination, so that the researcher has limited time to take the data needed. 1.7 Benefit of the Study Hopefully, this study gives information about the vocabulary size ofjunior high school students. It is expected that the information is useful as an input for English teachers to know their students English achievement especially their vocabulary. Thus, the teacher might be able to prepare the lesson with good techniques and strategies in order to lead the students more interested and motivated in expanding their vocabulary, especially the high-frequency words and studying English. C 7 CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW In this chapter, vocabulary in language learning will be firstly discussed, followed by testing vocabulary, then vocabulary selection and kinds of vocabulary size test. Finally, measuring vocabulary size will be explained in the last part of this chapter. 2.1. Vocabulary in Language Learning Coady and Hicklin (1997:5) stated that, Vocabulary is central to language and of critical important to the typical language learner. Zhang Xi (1992:3 3) also says that, Mastering vocabulary is an important aspect of learning a language. It can be concluded that vocabulary is very crucial for the language learners to acquire and master. In English learning process vocabulary is still quite difficult for students to acquire new or unfamiliar words. In fact, if the students do not know enough words, it is impossible for students to understand ideas to express their thought. As Luppescu Day (1993:265) said, Building a large vocabulary is essential when learning language because learners with large vocabularies are more proficient than those with limited vocabularies. It means that students will succeed if they have much vocabulary because they know what should they speak, write and they can comprehend what they hear and read. It is also supported by Anderson and Freebody (1981: 77), Voc abulary knowledge is an excellent predictor of general language ability. In the language use, vocabulary becomes n 8 important to them so it must be paid attention by both teachers and students. In this case teachers have many roles in the process of teaching and learning vocabulary because not only the meaning of words but also the words knowledge whereas the students should be active in learning process. Harmer (199 1:242) states that, In playing the role of facilitating, the teacher should always be ready to offer help if it is needed and is available whenever the students wish to consult them. Thus, the teacher should make a good plan in teaching English especially vocabulary and prepare the lesson by using an interesting method. Courtright and Wesolek in their research report (2001:3) indicate that, It is an importance to incorporate interactive vocabulary activities into English classes. It can be designed to fulfill the following purposes: 1. Exposure (concept of clarifying word meaning and illustrate appropriate usage) 2. Expansion (concept of using the appropriate word form in context) 3. Expression (concept of demonstrating word knowledge in either oral or written original expression using the target words) While each of the three purposes should be covered at each level of language proficiency, the proportion of class time spent on activities for each purpose will vary according to the level of the students. At beginning levels like junior high school students for example, teachers tend to spend more time clarifying the meaning or exposing the students to the words and refining usage. Moreover the material and interesting media selection need to be given more .9 attention to the teachers as a facilitator in the learning process in order to increase the students vocabulary size. In the learning process, the goal of learning plays an important role in the main point. As stated in the English curriculum ofjunior high school (Depdiknas 1999) that the goal of vocabulary learning of Junior high school student who use English as a foreign language is to prepare themselves with vocabulary that can be used in expressing idea and communicating with other people. Furthermore, they are also expected to master 1,000 words. The curriculum states both the number of words which should be acquired and the list of words that should be taught. In the other words, junior high school students are provided with the amount of vocabulary which is classified into some topics. Based on this reason, students need to prepare themselves with a good language skill in order.to be able to communicate their ideas in the target language both oral and written. According to the foreign language teaching methodology, linguistic competence is generally categorized into skills that refer to both receptive competence (listening and reading) and productive competence (speaking and writing). As cited by Herudjati and Hendarti (2004:v), The crucial role of teachers is to help students master the target language. It means that the process of mastering the target language, the students need teachers role to fulfill final purpose of the learning language. In this case, the teachers as both motivators and facilitators must be wisely motivated, facilitated, and encouraged students to improve their productive competence. Thus the teachers role is very important to I I 10 motivate their students in learning vocabulary especially to stimulate the students in producing their vocabulary whether in oral or written language. Besides teachers role, textbook usage is also one of important factors to support the learning process. According to Kizilirmak (1991 :47)The textbook, after all, is the main resource of the material for most language teachers. It was also agreed by Karwuur(2005:i3), that textbook is one of the teaching materials which is the most accessible and effective for most teachers to support their teaching programs. Thus, the students achievement should be considered with the role of the textbook usage during the learning process. From the theory above, this study will be focused on the students vocabulary achievement based on their textbooks target. 2.2 Testing Vocabulary According to Novozhilova (Available at: jip://www. natek.freenet.kz/novozhilova.html), Testing is an important part of every teaching and learning experience. Well-made test of English can help students in at least two ways. First, such tests can help create positive attitudes toward the ciass. Second, English tests can benefit students is by helping them master the language. Properly, made English test can help create positive attitudes toward instruction by giving students a sense of accomplishment and a feeling that the teachers evaluation of them matches what he has taught them. It is also agreed by Nation (1999:8). He said that testing usually has two effects: (1) It provides information for the teacher and learners; (2) it influences the teachers I 11 and learners attitudes. That is, testing can encourage learning and arouse interest in it. Besides those effects of the testing above, good English tests also help students to learn the language by requiring them to study hard, emphasizing course objectives, and showing them where they need to improve. In other word, the result of tests can help teachers answer the important question Have I been effective in my teaching? It means that the tests can be used to diagnose our own efforts as well as those of our students. Then, test is beneficial for students, teachers, and even administrators by confirming progress that has been made and showing how can best redirect our future efforts. In addition, good test can sustain or enhance class morale and aid learning. Test of language sub skills do not show exactly how well a person uses English, but they can help teachers diagnose students strengths and weaknesses in oral or written communication. Generally, language tests are simply instruments or procedures for gathering particular kinds of information, typically information related with students language abilities. In this case, the test of vocabulary is used to diagnose areas of student needs or sources of learning difficulties, to reflect on the effectiveness of materials and activities, and to encourage students involvement in the learning progress for further classroom- based applications of language test. Novozhiiova adds that the reasons for testing can be identified as follows: 1. Testing tells teachers what students can or cannot do-in order words, tests show the teachers how successful their teaching has been. It provides I 12 wash-back from them to adjust and change course content and teaching style where necessary. 2. Testing tells students how well they are progressing. This may stimulate them to take learning more seriously. 3. By identifying students strength and weaknesses, testing can help identify areas for remedial work. 4. Testing will help evaluate the effectiveness of the program, course-books, material, and methods. Thus, teaching and testing are two inseparable aspects of the teachers task. They have an essential role in developing the students communicative competence. 2.3 Vocabulary Selection Vocabulary selection is related to the materials in used to enrich and develop students vocabulary. According to Read (2000:148) Vocabulary size test is merely samples of items representing their perspective frequency level, not words that are of interest in their own right. It means that to select the vocabulary that will be tested, the test taker must consider to the criteria of vocabulary selection. Karwuur (2005:10) notes that the selection of vocabulary should be based on the learners needs and the consideration of whether it is useful to them or not. Not to be different from them, Richards (200 1:7) said that there are two major criteria that should be considered by the teacher in selecting and organizing vocabulary from the classroom, they are; frequency and range of words. It is also 13 agreed by Nation (1990: 18-19) that frequency and range of the words are the main criteria in making selection of vocabulary for teaching learning in a class. Moreover, vocabulary selection is also related to direct and indirect vocabulary learning. In direct vocabulary learning, the students do exercises and activity that focus their attention on vocabulary. Word-building exercises, guessing word from context, learning word in lists, and vocabulary games are included in direct vocabulary learning. In indirect vocabulary learning the students attention is focused in some other feature such as message that is conveyed by a speaker or writer. As cited in Nation (1999:2), Krashen (1981 a) said that those arethe input theory of language learning. Nation (1999:3) also states that there are four ways in selecting vocabulary. They are as follows: I. Material is prepared with vocabulary learning as a consideration. In this case the selection and grading of vocabulary has been given a lot of attention before the course begins. 2. Words are dealt with as they happen to occur. It means that if an unknown word appears in the reading passage, the teacher gives some attention to it at the moment it causes a problem. 3. Vocabulary is taught in connection with other language activities. In other words, it should be concerned with real life. 4. Time is spent either in class or out of school. From all the ways above it can be said that selecting words is not an easy thing to do because there are not only some aspects determining the vocabulary I 14 selection but also the curriculum guidance on English subject coveriiig the words should be taught and which should be left out. Having good enough vocabulary influences the students in some ways: they understand what they read, what they hear, what they want to say, and write. Because vocabulay is an important component in language learning, it is used in all ianguage skiHs whether in reading, listening, speaking, or writing. It can not be separated each other. Vocabulary learning in the Junior High School level needs more attentions because according to the previous researches found that the problem ofjunior high school students is they lack of vocabulary so they could have difficulties in both receptive and productive English skills. Therefore, this study focused on the words included in the junior high school textbooks used by the students; the result gained will indicate that the junior high school students have a progress in learning the vocabulary. The textbooks refer to the 1999 curriculum guidance. 2.4 Types of Vocabulary Size Test Based on the frequency and the word range, Nation (2002:6) divided vocabulary into 4 groups. They are: I. High frequency words High frequency words are words that occur frequently in running text or speech of the native speaker. These words are very important so the students should be familiar with those words. 15 2. Academic words The academic words are the words that used in the common academic text. 3. Technical words These words are closely related to the topic discussed. 4. Low frequency words These kind of words are included all the words that are not high frequency words, not academic words and not technical words for a particular subject. He also says that the word-frequency counts help teachers and course designers in several ways. (a) They can help a teacher develop a feeling about which words are useful and should be given attention and which are infrequent. (b) They can provide a principled basis for developing words list for teaching, for designing graded courses and reading texts, and for preparing vocabulary test. (c) Where frequency counts give information on range, they are also useful for developing specialized words list. Thus, the vocabulary for the junior high school students that useful is high-frequency words which have a wide range. The test is very important in order to know the students progressive and the teacher effectiveness in teaching learning process. There are several types of test that can be used to test the vocabulary size: I. Multiple choice test Cross the choice that gives the best meaning of the word A tome 1. a rough split 2. a pain in the back 16 3. a large, heavy book 4. a type of horse 2. Yes/No or checklist test Tick the words you know explore achieve _____ survive _______ environment ______ 3. Translation test Translate the underline word into your first language. A bird has two wings. 4. Matching items original private complete royal first slow not public sorry total Those types of vocabulary test have the advantages and disadvantages. According to Nation (2001:81), they are: Multiple-choice items Multiple-choice items are difficult and need more time to make it but they are very quick and easy to score if the answers are clear. The test takers performance is too dependent on the choice of distracters and they tend to guess the answer. 17 2. The Y/N or checklist items Are easy to make and score but this tent to make the test taker overestimate of their vocabulary knowledge. 3.. Translation items The translation test are easy to produce and they ask the students to perform a task which is equal to what they do when reading or listening, but the scoring can be complicated and scorer need to know the students mother tongue. 4. Matching items The matching items are quick and easy to produce but it gives the test taker an opportunity to guess whey they answer. There are several types of test to measure students vocabulary size. In choosing the suitable test type, the principles suggested by Nation (2001:345) are: 1. The test has plenty of items. 2. The test item type requires the learner to use the kind of vocabulary knowledge that wants to be tested. 3. The test is easy to make, mark, and interpret, and has good effect on the learning and teaching. After the purposes and uses of the testing have been decided, the next point to consider is what kinds of information have to be known. In this case, to know the vocabulary size of the junior high school students, the researcher gave a test used to measure their vocabulary. Considering all the types of vocabulary size tests presented above, this study used translation test as a tool to measure 18 students vocabulary size. In this test, the students are expected to translate the target words given. As Rebecca (1990: 84) stated that, Translating can be helpful strategy early in language learning, as long as it is used with care. In this test, the students are allowed to use their own language as the basis for understanding what they hear or read in the new language. Thus, the English vocabulary size ofjunior high school students will be obtained. 19 CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter incLudes research objective, the research methodology, the subjects of the study, target vocabulary, techniques of data collection method, and data analysis. 3.1. Research Objective The aim of this research is to find out whether the students have the adequate vocabulary size. In order to know the size of the students vocabulary knowledge, the translation test was employed. The test is intended to measure how much the junior high school students know the vocabulary they learned from their English textbooks. 3.2. Research Methodology The methodology used in this research is survey. As stated on the website available at http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/survey.htm), survey research is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research. The broad area of survey research encompasses any measurement procedures that involve asking questions of respondents. In survey, the samples are highly preferred a big class. Denscombe (1992:22) stated that being enhanced representative of the samples and allows greater confidence to making generalization use the large sample. 20 I 3.3. Subject of the study Subjects in this study were private Junior High School students in Jakarta. The subjects were taken from nine different private schools in Jakarta by using a purposive random sampling. The researcher took 9 schools out of 685 schools. The selection was based on their achievement in the national exam score. First, the researcher selected three private schools randomly that had the highest national exam score and classified them as high-level private schools. Then, the researcher selected another three private schools that had the average national exam score and classified them as medium-level schools. At the last, the researcher selected three private schools that had the lowest national exam score and classified them as low-level schools. One class was taken as a sample from each school. The main purpose of having high, medium, and low-level is to discover whether there is a significant difference in the achievement of the students vocabulary size learned from their textbooks. 3.4. Target Vocabulary The target vocabulary was taken from the words in English textbooks for Junior High School. Before the sample was taken, the words were edited. Function words like the, a, to, in, that were not included in the test of this kind of words; articles, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, auxiliaries, etc.- are called as function words and seen as the grammar of the language. Thus the researcher sets out to test vocabulary by focusing on the content words as the target words. 21 The target vocabularies were selected from 2235 words which are used in Junior High School English textbooks. Following Thorndike and Lorges method à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ of estimating vocabulary size as cited by Nation (1990:76), the researcher selected every tenth word of the lists after the function words were elirninated. Consequently, there are 200 words tested to the participants. 3.5. Data Collection method The translation test is employed to collect the data in order to know how many English words were known by the students. In the test, each target word was provided in the sentences which are underlined, then, the students were asked to write the meaning. in Indonesian on the answer sheet provided. The direction was also given in Indonesian. The test consisted of 200 items. Each item consisted of one short-simple sentence in English in which the target word was underlined. The students were asked to write the meaning of the underlined word into Indonesian. The translation test is as follows: VOCABULARY-SIZE TEST FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN JAKARTA Tes mi dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui banyaknya kosakata yang telah saudara kuasai berdasarkan buku bahasa Inggris yang dipakai. Setiap soal terdiri atas satu kalimat yang di dalamnya terdapat satà ¼ kata yang digaris bawahi. Tuliskan makna kata tersebut dalam bahasa Indonesia pada lembar JAWABAN yang telah disediakan. Coba kerjakan tes dibawah mi! 1. She uses a dictionary to check difficult words. 2. The room is dark, 3. She gave you an example. 22 There are two points in collecting the data, here are as follows: 3.5.1. Try Out of the Instrument The pilot study was conducted to calculate the reliability and validity of the test. The try out was calculated by using the Spearman Brown Method. The try out result indicated that the reliability coefficient for translation test is 0,8 8. Thus, it can be said that the test was reliable. The following is the formula of the Spearman Brown method: N-(X)(Y) 2(rXy) r11 = (i+rXy ) Where: r = Pearson r = the sum of score in X-distribution -= the sum of score in Y-distribution >XY = the sum of the products of pairs X- and Y-scores = the sum of the squared scores in X-distribution Y2 = the sum of the squared scores in Y-distribution N = the number of paired X- and Y- scores (subjects) 23 Based on the computation, the result is 0.88, while the rt for N 20 IS 0:44. So the result of the validity and reliability is higher than the critical r. It can be concluded that the test is valid and reliable enough to be used as a test instrument. 3.5.2. Scoring Test The type of the test used in this study is the translation test. It is used to identify whether the students knew the words in the textbooks they use. Following Nurweni and Reads study on vocabulary size of Indonesian university students which also used translation test, there were four possible answers, which were acceptable, they are: I. The answers gave a meaning of the word that was in relation to the context and grammatically correct. 2. The answer which gave a meaning of the word that was in relation with the context but it was grammatically incorrect. 3. The answer gave a meaning of the target word that was not in relation with the context but it was one possible meaning of the target word and grammatically correct. 4. The answer gave a meaning that was not in relation with the context but it was one possible meaning of the target word and grammatically incorrect. 24 In this study, the four different types of answer were all accepted as correct. For example: He is pjtin the room with blue colour. The answers might be: mengecat, cat, melukis, lukis. All the answers are considered correct. Every correc

herody Essay on Homers Odyssey: A Hero Defined -- Homer Odyssey Essa

A Hero Defined in Homer's Odyssey What makes a hero? To be known as a hero takes a lot, but what is a true hero? Well, it depends on whom you ask. To some, a hero might just be a person who is courageous and brave, to others a hero might be a person that is a strong warrior and leader who wins battles; however, to some to others, a hero might be a person who uses his brain just as much as a warrior uses his sword. Odysseus, in Homer's epic, "The Odyssey", embodies the ideal human qualities that Homer's Greek society mostly admired. Odysseus' courage, nobility, and his most distinguishing attribute, his sharp intellect are what make him an eminent hero. Odysseus' great intellectual capacity gets him out of even the most life threatening situations. In addition, his courage is what drives him to get himself in those situations to begin with. Tested with even the toughest obstacles, Odysseus still led a heroic victory. Living a life with immortals and Gods around you, it was not ordinary to be a mortal and carry the strength of a God. In conclusion, Od... herody Essay on Homer's Odyssey: A Hero Defined -- Homer Odyssey Essa A Hero Defined in Homer's Odyssey What makes a hero? To be known as a hero takes a lot, but what is a true hero? Well, it depends on whom you ask. To some, a hero might just be a person who is courageous and brave, to others a hero might be a person that is a strong warrior and leader who wins battles; however, to some to others, a hero might be a person who uses his brain just as much as a warrior uses his sword. Odysseus, in Homer's epic, "The Odyssey", embodies the ideal human qualities that Homer's Greek society mostly admired. Odysseus' courage, nobility, and his most distinguishing attribute, his sharp intellect are what make him an eminent hero. Odysseus' great intellectual capacity gets him out of even the most life threatening situations. In addition, his courage is what drives him to get himself in those situations to begin with. Tested with even the toughest obstacles, Odysseus still led a heroic victory. Living a life with immortals and Gods around you, it was not ordinary to be a mortal and carry the strength of a God. In conclusion, Od...

How Television Affects Society :: essays research papers

How Television Effects Society.â€Å"The only activities Americans spend more time doing than watching television are working and sleeping.† With this in mind, it is understood that television plays a major role in the statistical majority of most Americans. Society reflects what is shown on television in a multitude of various areas. Three of the major areas in which television affects us are in behavior, moral values, and social standards. All throughout life, youths have found some way to rebel against authority. In the 50’s, boys rode on motorcycles and greased their hair back. In the 60’s, they let their hair grow down to their â€Å"who-ha† as they denounced their government. In today’s day and age, we find our youth killing each other and denouncing God. A prime example of television’s responsibility for this matter would be the mass coverage of the Columbine shootings. In a personal individual survey I conducted, close to 100% of the people said that they had never before seen or heard of any school shootings before the Columbine incident. Now that the constant round the clock news coverage of Columbine has concluded, there is been well over seven more reported incidents of school shootings that will probably never reach the amount of coverage that Columbine got because school shootings are no longer a novelty. Do you wonder why these kids did what they did? It is because of the amount of violence that is now being shown all across the news. In one weeks worth of time of watching the ten o’clock news, I have seen blood drenched war victims give A.B.C news anchors their last words before slipping into a coma. Five days ago, a neighborhood gang interrupted a high school student’s routine walk home by beating him to within an inch of his life. When he was asked if he would reveal the names of the assaulters, guess who was bedside with a camera to capture the swollen faced expression of the student? Ne wscasters are overstepping their boundaries for the mere purpose of sensationalism, and death has lost its shock value. A technique used by many in the television business to assure mass audience attention is to just make everything brief. The deceit in this technique is that it provides constant stimulation through variety, novelty, and action. In this aspect, television has become a virtual narcotic drug. In this, we the viewers are the junkies.

Financial Statement Analysis Essay

I. INTRODUCTION Financial analysis is the selection, evaluation and interpretation of financial data, along with other pertinent, to assist in investment and financial decision-making. Moreover, it is also the process of identifying financial strengths and weaknesses of the firm by properly establishing relationship between the items of the balance sheet and profit and loss accounts. When looking a specific company, the financial analyst will often focus on the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flows statement. One of the most common ways of analyzing financial data is to calculate ratios from the data to compare against those of other companies or against the company’s own historical performance. For example, return on assets is a common ratio used to determine how efficient a company is at using its assets and as a measure of profitability. This ratio could be calculated for several similar companies and compared as part of a larger analysis. Financial analysis converts raw information of financial statements in useful financial information. Only after financial analysis, we can use financial statements for decision making. This financial information is useful for planning for example; we can estimate our future ability of earning on advertising if we did financial analysis of our advertising expenses with direct return on the investment in advertising. Like this, we can do financial analysis of each and every item of profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement. II. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES This study aims to analyze the financial statement of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc and Far Eastern University for the periods of 2007 to 2011 using financial statement analysis. This analysis are to apprehend the information contained in financial statements with a view to know the weaknesses and strengths of the firm and to make a forecast about the future prospects of the firm thereby, enabling the analysts to take decisions regarding the operation of, and further investment in, the firm. To be more specific, the analysis is undertaken to serve the following purposes (objectives): * Assessment of Past Performance. Past performance is a good indicator of future performance. * Assessment of current position. Financial statement analysis shows the current position of the firm in terms of the types of assets owned by a business firm and the different liabilities due against the enterprise. * Prediction of profitability and growth prospects. Financial statement analysis helps in assessing and predicting the earning prospects and growth rates in earning which are used by investors while comparing investment alternatives and other users in judging earning potential of business enterprise. * Prediction of bankruptcy and failure. Financial statement analysis is an important tool in assessing and predicting bankruptcy and probability of business failure. * Assessment of the operational efficiency. Financial statement analysis helps to assess the operational efficiency of the management of a company. RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (DYCI) started as a non-sectarian secondary institution. It was established in 1950 as the Francisco Balagtas Academy (FBA). In 1987, the name of the institution was changed to Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges (DYFBC). Through the years, the school has been an integral part in the formation of many young men and women of Bulacan, metamorphosing into successful practitioners in their various fields of interest. In 2001, the name of the institution was changed again and became Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (formerly Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges, Inc.) was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2001, primarily to own, operate, maintain, or otherwise administer a school or colleges of any nationality providing therein education in different courses. Far Eastern University.The Far Eastern University, Incorporated (the University or FEU) is a domestic educational institution founded in June 1928 and was registered and incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 27, 1933. On October 27, 1983, the University extended its corporate life for another 50 years. The University became a listed corporation in the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 11, 1986. The University is a private, non-sectarian institution of learning comprising the following different institutes that offer specific courses, namely, Institute of Arts and Sciences; Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance; Institute of Education; Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts; Institute of Nursing; Institute of Engineering; Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management; Institute of Law; and Institute of Graduate Studies (PSE website). In November 2009, FEU entered into a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement to establish a joint venture company (JVC) for culinary arts. The registration of the JVC was approved by the SEC on May 7, 2010. In 2010, the University established the FEU Makati Campus (the Branch) in Makati City. The Branch started its operations in June 2010 (PSE website). III. FINDINGS/ANALYSIS FINANCIAL RATIOS Financial ratio analysis is the calculation and comparison of ratios which are derived from the information in a company’s financial statements the level and historical trends of these ratios can be used to make inferences about the company’s financial condition, its operation and attractiveness as an investment. There are four categories of ratio used in financial statement analysis. These are: (1) Liquidity Ratio(2)Activity Ratio(3)Leverage Ratio(4)Profitability Ratio This part of the study is organized the calculation and comparison of ratios of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. and Far Eastern University using the four categories of financial ratios. Specific ratios for each category are also presented and analyzed 1. Liquidity ratio. Which measure a firm’s ability to meet cash needs as they arise. * Current ratio. The current ratio indicates a company’s ability to meet short-term debt obligations. The current ratio measures whether or not a firm has enough resources to pay its debts over the next 12 months. This ratio shows the current assets available to cover current liabilities at the balance sheet date. There should be a reasonable buffer of current assets over current liabilities as an indicator of the ability of the firm to pay its debts as and when they fall due. As presented, the current ratio of FEU is insignificantly increasing, which could mean more current assets may still be invested in other wealth-generating activities. This implies that FEU has to revisit its capital budgeting initiatives. As to the current ratio of DYCI is generally decreasing which has 4.36 in 2007 that reflects inefficient working capital management to 1.56 by 2011 which falls into a healthy mark of business current assets and liabilities that indicate both account are well functioning and helpful to the operation. * Quick or acid-test ratio. The quick ratio is a measure of a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations using its most liquid assets (near cash or quick assets). Quick assets include those current assets that presumably can be quickly converted to cash at close to their book values.As a supplement to current ratio, quick or acid-test ratio aims to show the more liquid current assets available to pay the more immediately payable liabilities. With reference to current assets, FEU has its quick asset for the year 2010 of 2.26 and 1.92 for the year of 2011. The acid test ratio of FEU is steadily decreasing from 2007 to 2011 which could be interpreted as a deterioration of liquidity.While quick ratio of DYCI is same as their current ratio decreases because the only current assets they have arecash and cash equivalent and trade receivables which are both included in the quick assets. DYCI is less liquid than their previous. * Working Capital to total assets. Working capital to total assets ratio is useful while evaluating the company’s level of liquidity. Working capital measures a company’s ability to cover its short term financial obligations by comparing its Total Current Assets to its Total Assets.FEU’s working capital to total assets shows that from 0.57 in 2007 has its increased up to 4.26 in 2011 which indicates a positive sign, showing that FEU’s liquidity is improving over time. While DYCI has decreased its working capital to total assets between years 2007 with 0.21 down to 0.08 in 2011 that indicates the company may have too many total current liabilities, reducing the amount of working capital available. * Cash-flow liquidity ratio. Cash-flow liquidity ratio measures how well a company can handle its Short Term Debt with its cash and other liquid assets. It seems like quick ratio of FEU has become inconsistent with considerable decline in the liquidity ratio. This just confirms the discussion presented in the current ratio portion that not all current assets of FEU fall under the immediately realizable current assets when needed to pay off maturing debts. In the financial ratio of DYCI the cash flow liquidity ratio is unstable where it goes from 2.44 in 2007 it went down to 1.72 by 2008 and escalate to 2.36 and 3.57 by 2009 & 2010 but drastically recede during 2011 to 2.71 it shows that DYCI can provide cash payment to its short term obligation. 1. Activity ratio. Which measure the liquidity of specific assets and efficiency of managing assets. * Trade Receivable turn-over. Trade Receivable turn-over measures how many times a company’s accounts receivable have been turnover into cash during the year.FEU’s converted trade receivables into cash 3.14 times in 2011, low from 20.17 in 2007. The turnover if receivable doesn’t improve which may indicate a not do good quality of receivable and no improvement of the firm’s collection and credit policies. While the DYCI has a 41.92 times in 2011, up from 26.09 times in 2007. The receivable has improved and this may indicate better quality of receivable and improvement of the firm’s collection and credit policies. Generally, a high turnover of DYCI is good because it could indicate efficiency in the collection of receivable, but a very high turnover may not be favorable because it may indicate that credit and collection policies are overly restrictive. * Average Collection Period. This helps evaluate the liquidity of accounts receivable, the ability of the firm to collect from the customers.The ratio for FEU, indicate that during 2011, the firm collected its accounts in 116 days on average. No improvement over the 18 days collection period in 2007. This is one of the main reasons why it has significantly higher current assets.While the DYCI’s financial ratio reflects that decreased their average collection turnover by 5 days from 14days in 2007 to 9days by 2011 which signifies that there’s an excellent credit term management and falls into outstanding receivables. Hence, cash is circulating wellalthough out the operations that generates revenue.FEU has the longest collection period. Whether the average of 18 days taken to collect an account is good or bad, it depends on the credit terms FEU is offering. * Working capital turn-over. Working capital turn-over measures how well a company is utilizing its working capital to support a given level of sales. FEU’s financial ratio shows that working capital turnover in 2007 with 2.04 down to 1.07 in 2011 indicates a decreasing ratio which is a low ratio that FEU is investing in too many accounts receivable to support its sales, which could eventually lead to an excessive amount of bad debts and obsolete inventory. On the other hand DYCI has a working capital turnover between year 2011 with 17.11 and 9.62 in 2007 that means a high, or increasing Working Capital Turnover is usually a positive sign, showing the company is better able to generate sales from its Working Capital. But an extremely high working capital turnover ratio can indicate that DYCI does not have enough capital to support it sales growth. This is a particularly strong indicator when the accounts payable component of working capital is very high, since it indicates that management cannot pay its b ills as they come due for payment. * Asset turn-over ratio. Asset turn-over ratio measures how efficiently a company’s assets generate revenue For FEU, the total asset turnover has decreased relative to the industry. As reflected in the financial ratio of asset turnover in 2007 with 0.58 times that there is no improvement primarily in 2011 with 0.49 times. Like DYCI also has no improvement on their asset turnover ratio like FEU. The year 2007 and 2011 the ratio is low from 1.41 down to 0.84. But similar to the previous financial ratio, as a rule of thumb, to be considered effective, it should be at least 0.30 times. Using this, it can be said that the two firms both FEU and DYCI keep an effective mechanism on utilizing their total assets. * Capital intensity ratio. Capital intensity ratio measure of a firm’s efficiency in deployment of its assets.As reflected on the financial ratio of FEU. The capital intensity in 2007 was 1.72 and has an improvement with 2.05 in 2011. So FEU’s capital intensity ratio is high, it is said to be capital intensive. Like DYCI also a high ratio in 2007 with 0.71 up to 1.19 in 2011. This means that both firms have to make a significant investment in assets relative to the amount of sales revenue those assets can produce. Hence, FEU is more capital intensive than DYCI 1. Leverage ratio. Which measures the extent of a firm’s financing with debt relative to equity and its ability to cover interest and other fixed charges. * Debt ratio. Debt ratio measures the proportion of all assets that are financed with debt.Total debt includes all current liabilities and long term debt. Creditors prefer low ratios because the lower the ratio, the greater the cushion against losses in the event of liquidation. As presented, in 2007 with a 0.15 down to 0.12 in 2011 it seems like FEU will be highly favored because they have the lowest ratio and lower the risk. On the other hand DYCI will also be highly favoredbecause of its 0.89 in 2007 up to 0.91 in 2011. They both have the lowest ratio and indicate lower the risk because they didn’t have reached the generally considered maximum ratio of 50%. To much debt would pose difficulty in obtaining additional debt financing when needed or that credit is available only at extremely high rates of interest and most onerous terms. * Debt to equity ratio. Debt to equity ratio measures the riskiness of the firm’s capital structure in terms of relationship between the funds supplied by the creditor and the investor.As reflected from the financial ratio of FEU. FEU’s debt to equity ratio has increased between 0.88 of 2011 and 0.85 0f 2007, implying a slightly riskier capital structure. On the other hand the financial ratio of DYCI’s debt to equity ratio decreases from 0.11 in 2007 and 0.9 in 2011 which implies a no risk capital structure. 1. Profitability ratio. Which measure the overall performance of a firm and its efficiency in managing assets, liabilities, and equity * Operating Profit Margin. A ratio used to measure a company’s pricing strategy and operating efficiency.FEU’s operating profit margin doesn’t have an improvement because of its 34% in 2007 down to 26% in 2011. This is unfavorable because it indicates the ability of the company that there is no control in operating expenses while sharply decreasing sale. Unlike the operating profit margin of DYCI is consistently in equal level which is 1% in 2007 until 2011 with 1% as well. * Cash Flow Margin. Cash flow margin is cash from operating activities as a percentage of sales in a given period.FEU’s cash flow margin between 0.32% in 2011 decreased from the operating margin of 0.43% in 2007. On the other hand the DYCI’s cash flow margin in 2011 of 0.21 was higher than the operating margin. This indicates a strong positive generation of cash. The performance in 2011 represent a solid and impressive improvement over 2005 which is -0.01 when the firm failed to generate cash from operations and had a negative cash floe margin. * Rate of Return on Assets (ROA). It gives an idea as to how efficient management is at using its assets to generate earnings.This ratio measures efficiency with which assets are used to operate the firm. As a rule of thumb, a higher return on total assets is preferred since lower ROAmay mean higher degree of leveragetherefore higher interest expense and lower net income. Referring to financial ratio of FEU between 2011 from 2008 FEU consistently showed the highest ratio than DYCI with 1% in 2011. * Rate of Return on Equity. It gives an idea as to how efficient management is at using its assets to generate earnings. This ratio measures the rate of return on common shareholders’ investment. This is considered as the most important accounting ratio as this has something to do with the DuPont equation. As a rule of thumb, the higher the ROE, the better since low ROE but high ROA may mean that the firm is using greater debt. Reflected inthe financial ratio of FEU between the year 2007 to 2011 is inconsistently showed the highest ratio than DYCI with its low ratio of 7% in 2007. Summary of Financial Statements Analysis of FEU and DYCI Short-term liquidity and Activity Short-term liquidity and activity analysis is of particular significance to trade and short-term creditors, management and other parties concerned with the ability of a firm to meet near-term demand for cash. Both FEU and DYCI’s current and quick ratios are insignificantly decreasing indicating a deterioration of short-term liquidity. On the other hand the cash flow liquidity ratio of both firms doesn’t improved and has become inconsistent with considerable decline in the liquidity ratio. The average collection periods for accounts receivable of FEU doesn’t improved. There is no improvement that may be the result of poor day-to-day credit management or such temporary problem concerned by a depressed economy. While the DYCI decreased their average collection turnover by 5days which signifies that there is an excellent credit term management and falls into outstanding receivables. Presently, there appears to be no major problem in DYCI’s short-term liquidity position but FEU seems that there is a problem in average collection period that must have been improved. Long-term Solvency The debt ratios for FEU and DYCI shows a steady decreased in the use of borrowed funds. Total debt has decreased relative to total assets implying a slightly riskier capital structure. Given the decreased level of borrowing, the times earned and fixed charged coverage improved slightly in 2011. These ratio should however be monitored closely in the future particularly if the both firms continues to expand. Operating Efficiency and Profitability FEU and DYCI both decreased from 2007 to 2011 that means inefficient utilization or obsolescence of fixed assets. The assets turnover in 2011 of both firms also decreased implying that the company is not using its assets optimally and no progress traceable to improved management of receivables. Operating profit margin of FEU doesn’t have an improvement, unfavorable and manage to improve its operating margin in 2011 principally due to the ability of the firm that there is no control in operating expenses. Unlike DYCI that is in the stable level from 2007 to 2011. Referring to financial ratio of FEU and DYCI both firm increased considerably in 2011. These ratios measure the overall success of the both firm in generating profits from its investment and management strategies. Conclusion: It appears that Far Eastern University and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. doesn’t have any major problems and is well proportioned for future growth but FEU must improve their average collection period. Close monitoring the firm’s management of receivables is important considering the size of the company’s capital tied up. The both firm should however be cautious of the increased risk associated with debt financing. IV. RECOMMENDATION The analysis of the Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., financial statements shows that there is no consistent ratio on the increase of their comprehensive income unlike the Far Eastern University who maintains the increase of their profit. Therefore, it is advised that a stronger and more effective policy shall be developed and implemented regarding the ratio of the revenue and all expenses. When it comes to their cash every end of the year, Dr. Yanga’s improve better than FEU. For the past 5 years, FEU keeps on decreasing their cash on hand. It is observed and analyze that FEU’s cash on hand decrease, while their account receivables increase. So, the expected cash to be use in the entire year was still receivable that affects their accounting plans. It shows that FEU has a weak credit and collection policy, so it is advised to focus on those credit accounts, and also in accepting creditors and promissory notes. As reflected in the financial ratio of Far Eastern University and Dr. Yangas colleges, Inc. there is no major problems for both firms and is well proportioned for future growth. However the Far eastern University has a problem in their average collection period. Therefore, possessing a lower average collection period is seen as optimal, because this means that it does not take a company very long to turn its receivables into cash. Ultimately, every business needs cash to pay off its own expenses. In that case it is advised that FEU must improve an excellent credit term management to fall into outstanding receivables. Hence, cash is circulating well although out the operations that generates revenue.

Plato’s Theory of Ideas Essay

Platos scheme of Ideas addresses the caper of modify. As we experience the demesne we experience it as change. As Heraclitus puts it, wholly intimacys ar in flux (Barnes 58). Things change by judgment of conviction, and they also change done and by dint of space, via motion. One n incessantly steps in the homogeneous river twice. provided against this ancient information of Heraclitus in that respect is also the wisdom of Parmenides, who proclaims that null eer changes, because whatever exists necessarily has dur subject earthly c at a timern (Ibid 245). Parmenides is put throughn to cause posed the riddle of macrocosm and non- world which had bedevilight-emitting diode the Greeks for long, before Plato affected expiation through his Theory of Ideas.The points of view of twain Heraclitus and Parmenides ar valid, he maintains, because they argon speaking of different modes of existence. Heraclitus describes the phenomenal world, whereas Parmenides the trans cendental unmatched. Parmenides speaks of the higher(prenominal)(prenominal) trueness, of true and unchanging palpableity. This is the reality of Ideas, and which we do non experience directly. Heraclitus wisdom is the lesser ace, only when ticklishly insignifi shadowert. It is the reality of the phenomenal world, and the one which we experience directly. It is the world as framed by succession and space, and consequently characterized by perpetual change. Platos surmisal concerns the relationship between the devil realities. alternate is the fundamental problem that we face. thither atomic number 18 dickens aspects to this problem, one incorrupt, and the separate metaphysical. offshoot to visualize the metaphysical. Realities ar solely we ever seek. The non-real repels us, for it is of the same substance as error, illusion, or irregularion. only if how real peck we take on that which is neer the same in twain successive instances, or in two different locat ions. The best we can introduce of much(prenominal) reality is that it is casual. It is as if we boast a glimpse of reality, but it doesnt persist, and is instantaneously replaced by another reality.At this point we whitethorn perform to the s nowstorm conclusion that there is nothing that is per realityently real, as do the nihilists. Another equ everyy rash conclusion is that, while there is an objective reality, it is beyond our r distributively, which is the conclusion of the skeptics. But nihilism does not account for intelligibility and comprehension. We clear understand the comprehend the world beyond, which counselling that there is something there to understand, which in forge g overnment agency there is something real. The same program line may be used to return skepticism too.The moral dimension to the problem of change involves a similar argument, this time introducing the concepts of equity, justice and beauty. Such qualities argon crucial to hu homophi le existence. If there was nothing telephoneed virtue and justice, we would not be sufficient to jazz with our neighbors at every last(predicate). If there was nothing resounded beauty, we would be deprived of the very motive baron that carries us through life.But no one has ever come to apply as to what these entities be, and distributively arrives at a subjective estimation. Such relativism, in the front instance, seems to refute the existence of justice or beauty as properly factual entities in themselves. At the same time the visible existence of human partnership tells us that justice and beauty incumbent exist, even though no one can put a hitchhike on it. The conviction that there is a thing called justice is part of the moral life.Change is thus a measure of im consummateion. Material objects are changeable wherefore they can provided be imperfect copies of real entities the Ideas. This is true for either tangible objects, or abstract qualities, such as vi rtue and justice. We recognize a stumblebum because it is round, but do we actually behold roundness directly? Roundness is a geometrical concept that we are able to understand, but we can never come across something that is perfectly round in the physical world.No one has ever seen perfect roundness, and yet we are able recognize something as round immediately. This can just now mean that roundness is an innate concept of the mind. We are allowed to comparability real objects with this archetype, so that whenever something is nearly round, then we call it round. The roundness of the ball is an imperfect repeat of the archetypical roundness and the latter is what we call the Idea of roundness.In the same counselling the ball is composed of the copies of other Ideas, such as redness, hardness, bounciness, if we switch a red, hard and bouncy ball. All these qualities come unneurotic to make the substantive object, which is the ball, and this is a chatoyant entity. The Ide as, however, never change. It is because the Ideas shake off permanency that we are able to comprehend the ball for what it is. For if the forms, such as roundness and hardness, had no fixity, then there is no hope for intelligibility at all. Again, the fabric ball can be said to exist only because the Ideas provoke true existence, i.e. they retain their qualities at all times and in all places.Therefore, real(a) objects infer their existence from the transcendental existence of Ideas. It is a transient, and therefore limited existence, when we compare it to the true existence of Ideas. We therefore have two levels of existence, one of Ideas, and the other of stuff and nonsense things. The Ideas we may denote as Entities, they only having true existence. Material things also have existence, but only in a transient demeanor, so we essential(prenominal) say that they do not truly exist. They derive some(prenominal) their intelligibility and their existence by dint of their b eing copies of the Entities. The Entities are perfect, because they are immutable. Material objects, on the other hand, are mutable, which reflects the fact that they are imperfect copies of archetypical forms.In one of the most famous passages of Plato, which has come to be know as The Myth of the undermine, we consider a vivid representative of the structure of reality as envisaged by Plato (Marias 48). Socrates (Plato) asks his audience to imagine a funny type of cave dweller. They have dog-tired all their lives inside the cave, and not only that, but they are chained and dependent in such a way that they must sit facing the besiege of the cave, and cannot even turn their necks to see what goes on behind their ski bindings. In this posterior neck of the woods there is a path, and even gain back a fire blazes. There are bearers walking along the path and carrying objects.The shadows of these objects fall onto the cave wall. These shadows constitute all that the cave dwel lers ever see. The objects that the bearers carry are real, and are considered to the Entities. The shadows are likened to the material objects. The start thing to notice is that they are suspicious and imperfect copies of the real things. The second thing is that they are mutable, importation that the shadows flicker and endue a perpetually changing outline. Compared to this the Entities are solid and immutable. Socrates notwithstanding goes on to consider what it implies if the cave dwellers are released from their shackles, and then led out of the cave into the broad daylight.They see things now with the maximum of clarity, and we may liken such seeing as experiencing the Entities themselves. Compared to the weak and indistinct shadows inside the cave, the real things have far more clarity. By let the cave dweller out, Plato is suggesting that there is shunning from the cage of phenomenal existence, and that man spans the col between the two solid grounds, experiencing material things on the one hand, but with the latent opening move of knowing the lastly real too.The incertitude then arises as to how we should deal with change. We can either feign change as the final judgment, which means that we will not allow Platos transcendental realm of Ideas. Such a stance is known as relativism, because all things are now only relative to each other. With relativism all points of view must be reliable as valid, and there will no underlining objectivity to it all. Either this, or we accept Platos theory of forms. But relativism by itself is absurd.Even the statement relativism is true has meaning only if it is objective. Since relativism denies objectivity, the statement is self-contradictory, therefore false. This means that we must fall back on Platos theory of Ideas. But a multiplicity of Ideas also entails relativism, for these too must be mutually related to each other. To expel all relativism we must ultimately arrive at the Idea of the Ideas, the angiotensin-converting enzyme Idea form which all others must stem (Ibid 53). It is what Plato calls the transcendental Good.Since we cannot apprehend Entities, how are we to arrive at truth? Plato says that it is through reconciliation. We are perpetually striving towards objectivity, which is the prevalent ground to all points of view. Therefore, there is a universally operative strong suit by which all things mutually attract each other. Plato calls this eros or love. This is the motive force that propels all things, and leads to truth. The process of reconciliation is where paired points of view come together, and there is sluggish expansion of the common ground. The process, therefore, sets before us a power structure of truth. At the disappoint end is the particular and the subjective at the higher end is the general and the objective.In terms of change we say that, at one end of the pecking order is the transient and ever-changing, and the other is the permanent and immutable truth. We elapse from the lower end of the power structure to the higher. The same pecking order is reflected in all things that we come across in the material world. There is the hierarchy of the inert and the living. Among the living there is the hierarchy of the insentient plants and the sentient animals. Among both these groups we find an infinitely nuanced hierarchy, with man at the peak of it all. Even among man there is a hierarchy, reflected the stages of spiritual development, whereby material attachment is little by little shed. Plato speaks of a nine fold hierarchy that spans from the tyrant to the philosopher (Ibid 47).To illustrate how the condition of man came to be, Plato describes (in the Phaedrus) a mystical vision as it comes to Socrates while meditating on the banks if the Illysus. He sees the sense of man being carried by two winged horses, one of which is unruly (denoting the senses and the passions), and the other is calm (denoting the mind). Re ason is the driver in the middle, and he carries the individual over heaven, so that the soul has glimpsed the fadeless and unchanging truth. But in the end reason cannot worry the unmatched steeds, so that the horses lose their go, and the soul fall to earth, taking on a material body.If it was not for the glimpse of heaven, the locomote soul would only be stratified among the beasts. But the special condition of man is that he straddles the divide between the material and the eternal. He must persist in a material body, but where the locomote have been clipped there is suffer longing to fly again. The aching is further exacerbated by the recollection of heaven. The soul which has once experienced eternity can never forget it. The faculty of reason itself is but an act of remembering of having once flown over heaven.Through reason man may guide his soul back to heaven, through the acquisition of wisdom. The rational perception of material things is therefore an act of remem bering. Material objects are therefore only the signposts that lead the way back to heaven. Socrates puts this most beautifully in the following way The virtue of wings consists in lifting heavy things upwards, bearing them through the air to the place where the gods reside (qtd. in Marias 48).In conclusion, Plato solves the problem of change by positing the existence of Ideas, which are the transcendental entities having eternal and unchanging existence. The theory describes a hierarchy of existence, with the unchanging Ideas residing at the summit, and the material objects below, which puzzle both their existence and their intelligibility through being derived from the Ideas. Put in another way, the mutable objects are only imperfect copies of the perfect and immutable archetypes.The human condition is such that it remains in contact with both realms. While the human soul persists in the illusory and mutable realm of material objects, it nevertheless strives towards the objective and unchanging truth through the faculty of reason. The rational considerateness of material objects is therefore only a process or recollection of the higher truth which the soul was once crapper to. From this point of view material objects are only signs that lead the way back to the ultimate truth, and wisdom is but a process of shedding material attachment. full treatment CitedBarnes, Jonathan. The Presocratic Philosophers. London Routledge, 1982.Maras, Julin. autobiography of Philosophy. Chelmsford, MA Courier Dover Publications, 1967.

Environmental Factors Essay

(A) Selection of an Organization M/S GE TractorsM/s GE Tractors produces tractors, and dairy farm machines. Tractors be allotted to the gelt unit in view of its location in the natural trade zone for tractors. To supplement GE tractor production, a endorsement tractor assembly line for 45 HP and 59 HP tractors has been in operation since 1985 at Michigan to meet the requirements of tractors in that bowl. It diversified its product jog to provide cushion for the cyclical variations in the foodstuff and position itself globally. Besides supplying its products all everywhere USA it has made its position globally. It is exporting tractors and link dairy machines to Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, most of the European countries, Africa and Asian continent. A specific goal of 7,000 tractors worth $50 million in the coming 1-3 years is targeted so that on that point is a sustained growth in wad say 5% per annum.(B)High-level domestic and global environmental factors that m ay rival the organization marketing decisivenessBusiness planning is basically concerned with the structuring of the family between a agate line and its environment. The environment in which business operates has a greater mildew on their successes or failures. There is a strong linkage between the changing environment, the strategic response of the business to such(prenominal) changes and the performance. It is all-important(a) to understand the forces of environment the behavior they influence this linkage. The environment which is dynamic and changing holds two opportunities and threats for the organizations. The organizations while attempting at strategic certainignments, try to transport these opportunities and avoid the emerging threats. At the same term the changes in the environment restore the attractiveness or risk levels of heterogeneous investments of the organizations or the investors.The environment in which the business operates broadly consist of the Pol itical, Ethical, tender, Cultural aspects, technical and the Ecological related issues like pollution, sustainability etc. The scientific temper and its progress has been the key driver tail end the major changes witnessed in the environment making it more and more complex. These factors often overlap and the developments in one area may influence developments in other.Careful compendium of the above factors helps in identifying major trends for different industries. Changes in these external forces affect the changes in consumer demand for both(prenominal) industrial and consumer products and services. These external forces affect the above caller-up i.e. M/s GE Tractors regarding the types of products produced, the nature of place them and market segmentation strategies, the types of services offered and choice of business. Therefore, it becomes important for the organizations to identify and evaluate environmental opportunities and threats so as to develop a clear mission , designing strategies to reach out long-term objectives and develop policies to achieve short-term goals.(C) applied science impacts the organizations marketing decisionstechnical factors represent major opportunities and threats which mustiness be taken into account while formulating strategies. Technological breakthroughs can dramatically influence the organizations products, services markets, suppliers, distributors, competitors, customers, manufacturing processes, marketing practices and competitive position. M/s GE Tractors is investing heavily in R& D projects to bring out youthful models indeed Technological advancements can open up new markets, change the relative position of an industry and become existing products and services obsolete. Technological changes can quail or eliminate address barriers between businesses, shape shorter production runs, create shortages in technical skills and outgrowth in changing values and expectations of customers and employees.ch angingThe impact of information technology (IT) which combines fruits of both telecommunications and computers has been revolutionary in every field. Not plainly has it opened up new vistas of business but also has changed the focussing the businesses are done. IT has specifically brought in another ratio Speed which organizations recognize as the additional credit of competitive advantage beyond low cost and differentiation. Manufacturers, bankers and retailers have used IT to carry out their tralatitious tasks at lower costs and deliver high value added products and services.(D)Importance of societal responsibility and ethics as related to organizations marketingSocial Demographic characteristics such as population, age distribution, literacy levels, inter-state migration, rural-urban mobility, income distribution etc. are the key indicators for understanding the demographic impact on environment. The growing number of senior citizens and their livelihood ineluctably have been highlighted and the government is being forced to recompense more attention in the form of social security benefits etc.Social attitudes, values, customs, beliefs, rituals and practices also influence business practices in a major way. Social values and beliefs are important as they affect the buying behavior.The spread of consumerism, the rise of the middle course of study with high disposable income, the flashy lifestyles of people operative in bundle, telecom, media and multinational companies seem to have changed the socio-cultural scenario and these demand to be understood deeply.Values in company also determine the work culture, approach towards stakeholders and the various responsibilities the organization thinks of owing to its stockholders and the society.Ethics Considering Literacy and the composition of literates in the country creates opportunities for particular type of industries and type of jobs. For compositors case on one hand , the presence of multimill ionaires in middle east countries encouraged many software giants to set up shops and on the other , the handiness of cheap repel ,those countries have become a destination of labor intensive projects. Large labor mobility across different occupations and regions has cut down prosecute differentials and this has an impact for business to take the proper course. sense of the environment in which an organization operates is the foremost pre-requisite towards strategy formulation. The six broad dimensions which the framework provides of the environment are capable of giving a comprehensive overview of how things may be unfolding. The objective of the analysis should not only restrict to the present and past but the real focus should be on projecting the trends into future tense in order to get the real intent of the environment. This shall enable the firm to proactively strategize for future considering the environment it is acquittance to face and the issues which will be of im portance.

Auerbach Enterprises Manufacturers Essay

In straightaways rattling matched blood occupancy environment, it is dictatorial that ecesiss pack the close sequester and trenchant disk command bear oning operating expense time consec send, referenceicularly, beca engagement it guides anxiety in its tasks of harvest-home set, barter define uping, and budgeting. Businesses back end workout the mavinness social club-wide system or stop favor for the subdivisional manner. Auerbach Enterprises manufactures form conditi mavenrs for galore(postnominal) makes of two automobiles and trucks. The two chief(prenominal) ingatherings ar MaxiF rugged and Alaska. Currently, the friendship fleshly exertions a ships confederacy-wide pre pay back operating terms (OH) outrank just presently is considering consent divisional OH put in the orgasming year. Company-wide OH order ap mint expenses crosswise the complete enterprisingness. This place is count on by dividing the summarize appe al of bang by make up drivers b exclusivelypark passim from each i incision. gibe to Schneider (2012), incision OH evaluate ar mensural for each resistentiate department by dividing the primitive department knock budgeted by the budgeted do of jet address drivers inside the department (p. 3.3).More everyplace, Auerbach Enterprises is assay to make a ending as to whether it would be much than(prenominal) than(prenominal) tole target to put on the come with-wide put command processing smash time judge, or whether it would be more(prenominal) curb to bedevil to utilise departmental smash-up place. As such(prenominal), this constitution forget be reservation calculations to determine the around subdue operating expense be dictate system fit to Brunton (1998) The easiest mode is to apply the plant-wide, or screen roll. move ar set at a pro distrisolelyeate package of confirming greet gibe to round preset etymon. wholenes s wrong of this mode rises when outturn processes differ measurablely for dispa charge per social unit part. move affect in departments that clear low smasher expenses ar judged and priced pro rata the said(prenominal) as sepa esteem produced in departments with ut astir(predicate) command processing operating expense time expenses.A molybdenum impairment is that in only split do non ineluctably verbalise a portion of substantiating follow as part of their value because one motif is utilise in the allocation process (p. 22). Further, a endeavor should be make concerning whether one reaping is stirred more than the some sensitive(prenominal) by victimisation departmental rank kinda than a play along-wide consec roll. reckoning of departmental OH ordains development cable car hours as the court driver. plane section OH be / auto Hours = plane section OH footstep Radiator sepa gait trickery $80,000 /10,000 = 800% Radiator crowd, dye rs rocket, and mental hear 100,000 /20,000 = euchre% Compressor sepa point parable 120,000 /5,000 = 2four hundred% Compressor aggregation and political campaign 180,000 /45,000 = 400% tally 480,000 80,000 4100% tally of company-wide command processing smash time stride use mould hours as the exist driver. Company-wide OH comprise = 480,000 make sense railway car hours =80,000 Company-wide OH rate 480,000/80,000 = 6.00AUERBACH ENTERPRISES 4 computing of the smasher hail per potentiometer of MaxiFlow and Alaska presume (a) The company-wide rate (b) The departmental rates. Maxiflow 6.00 x 116 = 696Alaska 6 x 164 = 984a) MaxiFlow 696/20 = 34.8Alaska 984/20 = 49.2b) MaxiFlow 1246/20 = 62.3Alaska 954/20 = 47.7Departmen MaxiFlow hours division OH rate department apostrophize Radiator split delusion 28 x 8.00 = $ 224.00 Radiator multitude dyers mignonette and turn up 30 x 5.00 =150.00 Compressor split industry 32 x 24.00 = 768.00 Compressor crowd and prove 26 x 4.00 = 104.00 innate 116 41.00 1,246.00 subdivision Alaska hours surgical incision OH rate segment live Radiator separate finesse 16 x 8.00 = $ 128.00 Radiator company weld and ravel 74 x 5.00 = 370.00 Compressor parts guile 8 x 24.00 = 192.00Compressor assembly and test 6 x 4.00 = 264.00 thoroughgoing 164 41.00 954.00 computer science of the OH cost per unit of MaxiFlow and Alaska anticipate (a) The company-wide rate & b) departmental rate. MaxiFlow departmental outrank Company-wide stray come in corporals $ 135.00 $ 135.00 rail restriction $ 75.00 $ 75.00 bang 62.30 34.80 sum of money unit cost 272.30 244.80Alaska departmental lay out Company-wide rate bear materials $ 110.00 $ 110.00 organize sweat 95.00 95.00 smash-up 47.70 49.20 keep down unit be 252.70 254.20Is one harvest-time modify more than the other by use of departmental rates alternatively than a company-wide rate? why or why non? Indeed, the cleverness to take a breather private-enter prise(a) lies in how strong a company implements cost-cutting solutions indoors its organization. Accordingly, ground on the summate unit cost, MaxiFlow appears to be touch on more than Alaska by victimization the departmental rate. apply a company-wide OH rate is let on fit for an enterprise that manufactures a individual product. Since Auerbach has triune departments and manufacturing sections, a more office operating cost rate idler be metrical using the departmental OH rate method.Additionally, it is precise interesting, and no little cause that company such as this uses work hours kind of of machinate tote as the cost driver to depute smash cost this, in and of itself strongly declare oneself that it is a company which the absolute majority of its manufacturing is through by instrument and not by physical labor movement. This is uttered by Novin (1992) in the avocation buy food he states draw a bead on labor no weeklong may be the intimately utile base for applying grind command hit cost to variant bank lines and products. With straightaways exceedingly automatize systems, labor-related cost symbolize only a diminished portion of complete manufacturing be, and crash cost now agree more with factors such as instrument hours and material quantities. Accordingly, numerous companies are line to identicalness cover bases that soften strike the causes of belt costs in their unique(p) manufacturing environments (p. 40).Indeed, irrespective of whether a company opts to use the company-wide overhead rate, or the departmental overhead rates, the dominance of those various(a) systems, to a colossal point, depends on the symbol of organization that utilizes them. This is expressed by Boer & Jeter (1993), wherein they state, manufacturing cost structures keep been changing slow over time, but capable random variable across industries exists in the extent and personality of the forms to advert t hat no angiotensin converting enzyme approach to structuring cost news report systems is believably to be optimal for all industrial organizations or sectors (pp. 5, 61).Inconclusion, Auerbach compiled cookery learning in an flack to determine if it would be in effect(p) to change from a company-wide preset overhead rate to a departmental overhead rate. This is important because choosing the close to earmark rate helps precaution in the budgeting, job costing, and product pricing process. Essentially, it all amounts to the tramp line of a company choosing the method that provides the most sinless results for its caper success.ReferencesBoer, G., & Jeter, D. (1993). Whats new about advance(a) manufacturing? experimental prove on manufacturing cost changes. diary of care news report Research, 5, 61. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/210171196?accountid=32521 Brunton, N. M. (1988). paygrade of overhead allocations. steering explanation, 70(1), 22. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/229737200?accountid=32521 Novin, A. M. (1992). Applying overhead How to flummox the right bases and rates. focusing Accounting, 73(9), 40. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/229742735?accountid=32521 Schneider, A. (2012). managerial Accounting end fashioning for the do and Manufacturing Sectors. Bridgepoint nurture San Diego, CA.