Robert E Lee Essays (674 words) - Fitzhugh Family Of Virginia

Robert E Lee Robert Edward Lee was born on January 19th, 1807 in Stratford, Virginia. Robert's father was thrown in debtors jail many times for not paying on time. He was introduced to war early in his life; his brother Sydney had shown him a cannon ball and told him about the revolution. Mrs. Lee's stepson was old enough to claim the mansion where they lived that his dead mother had gave to him in his will. The Lee's left to live in Alexandria. Lee was brought up in a Christian family. When Lee was 18, he went to West Point. There were only 6,000 other men in the entire army. Later that year, Lee said goodbye to his mother and took a stagecoach from Virginia to New York. At the end of his first year at West Point, he was appointed Staff Sergeant. When he was twenty-two, he took his money that he earned; $103.58 in cash and he started a home. On July 26, 1829, Lee's mother died. Robert was at her bed when she died. Then on June 30, 1831 Lee married Mary Curtis. On September 16, 1832, Mary gave birth to George Washington Curtis Lee. Then in 1835 they had their second child, Mary Curtis. Mrs. Lee was put on bed-rest for many months due to illness. They had five more children: William Henry Fitzgerald, Annie, Agnes, Robert and last Mildred. When he was home, they all attended episcopal Church where he was raised. On May 13, 1846 the United States declared was on their southern neighbor. When Lee was 39, he headed for Mexico. Lee's will said that he was worth about $38,750 with few depts. He only had few slaves: Nancy and her children. And they were to be freed "soon as it can be done to their advantage and that of others. On Christmas, Lee wrote to his wife that he hoped this woul.d be the last time he would be away from her. While they were at war, even though is was hard, he attended church. He returned on June 29, 1843. On September 1, 1852 he was appointed to superintenent of the military acadamy where he had graduated. In 1853, a distressing message reached Lee: Mrs. Curtis had died unexpectedly. The death made him do something he had never thought of doing. He wanted to be confined to the church. It was gunners at Charlestown Harbor who forced Robert E. Lee to make the tough decisions in his life. On April 12, the United States, as the union fired upon by Confederate gunners. The civil war began with the first cannon roar at Fort Sumpter. The north had more of an advantage because they have all of the military supplies and factories. The south was a land of farmers without military supplies and hardly any money to buy them. Then one day when Lee was in hid hotel, he had a visitor. He read a report of the supplies coming into Richmond. 60,00 small arms, and 54,00 flintlocks. I July 21, 1861 they received a telegram that the south had won the first major battle of the Civil War. One evening Lee looked up to see a soldier salute. "Major Rooney Lee was fired upon by Union pickets, Sir, near Cheat Mountain. His companion, Colonel Washington, died instantly. Union pickets put three Minie ball through his body." Then Lee's face lost it's color. "Your son's mount was shot from under him. Major Lee escaped on Washington's horse, sir." Lee sighed in relief. Washington's death hit Lee. He was a good friend of the family. Lee had been involved in the war for the whole time that it was going on. He had many battles, and he was fig hting very bravely and strong until the war ended. He lived a happy life after the war was over. BibliographyRobert E. Lee, Lamonte, Lamid. 1988.Grossmunt & Dumount Robert Lee's Life. 1989. Excerpt from Robert Lee's Life, Readers Digest. September 1989

Pizza Hut Essays

Pizza Hut Essays Pizza Hut Paper Pizza Hut Paper Corporately known as Pizza Hut, Inc, it is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. Pizza Hut, the first International Chain Restaurant in Bangladesh, opened its flagship restaurant in 2003 at Gulshan in Dhaka. From the day of its launching Pizza Hut remains the acknowledged leader of the Pizza Industry, evident from the continuous crowds the restaurant successfully draws in. Pizza Hut has over 15,000 outlets across 100 countries. Following its grand success in Dhaka, the Chittagong outlet was opened in September 2005 and later on in Cox’sbazar as well. Transcom Foods Limited (TFL) started its journey in 2003 as a franchisee of Pizza Hut, the first International Chain Restaurant in Bangladesh, and went on to sign the contract to become the franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in the year 2006. Both Pizza Hut and KFC are subsidiaries of the world’s largest restaurant company Yum! Restaurants International. In a span of ten years, TFL has opened 5 Pizza Hut and 11 KFC outlets so far throughout the country. Pizza Hut Franchise Information Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000 Total Investment: $1. 3M to $3M Net worth requirement: $1M Cash liquidity requirement: $360K Pay an annual 6. 5% royalty on your profit. Must commit to building at least 3 restaurants over 3 years Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years Sources: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Pizza_Hut pizzahut. com/ pizzahutfranchise. com/ startupbizhub. com/how-to-start-your-pizza-hut-franchising-business. htm startingfranchise. in/2012/11/Opening-Pizza-Hut-Franchi se-India. html Menu of Pizza Hut Item Name |Price(Taka) |Item Name |Price(Taka) | |Pizza 2person |940 |Mushroom |450 | |Pizza 4person |1750 |Chicken Mushroom |500 | |Pizza 6person |2320 |Shrimp Mushroom |500 | |Pasta 2person |1050 |Garlic Bread |130 | |Pasta 4person |2080 |Garlic Bread platter |280 | |Arabiatta |400 |Spicy Garlic Mushroom |380 | |Chicken Arabitta |450 |Garden salad |200 | |Hawaiian salad |220 |Red n hot |1150/1500 | |Pasta mint salad |300 |Latin spicy hot, chicken Italia |1300/1650 | |Garden salad |200 |Hawaiian salad |220 | |Salad bar |400 |Cheese lover, veggie lover |250-1200 | |Onion rings |220 |Creamy spinach mushroom |500 | |Shrimp cocktail |280 |Spicy garlic mushroom |380 | |Potato shell with filler |300 |Bolognaise with meatball |450 | |Spanish delight |1150/1500 |Beef lover, BBQ chicken |300-1350 | |Garlic bread platter |280 |Beef Arabiatta |450 | |Veggie supreme |300-1350 |Chicken exotica, spicy beef 300-1350 | |Rustica |300-1350 |Chicken classic |380-1700 | |Seafood symphony |380-1700 |Latin Spicy hot |380-1700 | More menus of Pizza Hut Beef LoverBBQ  ChickenVeggie Lover Chicken Hawaiian Veggie SupremeChicken SupremeBeef Pepperoni Seafood Symphony Salads Breads Pasta [pic][pic] [pic][pic] [pic][pic] SWOT analysis of Pizza Hut Strengths: Innovative range of pizzas under one roof Part of the largest restaurant chain in the world Food attracts people of various ranges from young to old. Over 18,000 franchises around the world Pizza Hut sits on top of global full-service restaurant tree Quick home delivery services. Sound financial situation and international turnover. Hygienic food and quick service. Famous television advertising They are ISO(International Standard Organization) Certified Weaknesses: High price for every menu. Franchise management. Loyal customers are feeling that the satisfaction of the pizzas is declining. There are complex computer systems and internal conflicts from franchisees. There is a lack of an organic pizzas, which will limit the target market. They ar e providing less range of products comparatively with high prices. They are more focused on Western taste instead of Eastern and Asian. Obviously, Pizza Hut is not the low cost producer. They rely on their quality pizza and good service to account for their higher prices Rising competition undermines Pizza Hut as consumers go for greater convenience Rising cheese costs threaten margins Opportunities: New Pizzas with different crust sizes and flavours. Pizza Hut expands Indian market menu and looks to old favourite to bolster sales. Diversification of new products can increase their market shares. Venture more into home delivery. Pizza hut can come up with the new products considering taste of people as like McDonalds They can reduce their prices because of more resources. Threats: Threat from Dominos pizza, also from Mc Donald’s who have tried to introduce a new meal that is a Pizza called: McPizza. Other local restaurants can affect their market share by providing pizzas with lower price. Bird flu. Health conscious people. Social factors can affect their image as a Western organization. [pic] Type: Subsidiary Industry: Fast food restaurant Founded: 1930 in North Corbin, Kentucky (original) 1952 at 3900 South State St, Salt Lake City, Utah (franchise) Founder(s): Harland Sanders Headquarters:1441 Gardiner Lane, Louisville, Kentucky, United States (Operational Headquarters) 1209 North Orange St, Wilmington, Delaware, United States (Incorporation) Number of locations: 18,000 (2012) Key people: David C. Novak, Chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands Roger Eaton, Chairman and CEO of KFC Products: Fried chicken, chicken burgers (chicken sandwiches US), wraps, French fries, soft drinks, salads, desserts, breakfast Revenue: US$15 billion (2011) Parent Yum! Brands What made us great is still what makes us great. KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the few brands in America that can boast a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook who created a soon-to-be world famous recipe more than 70 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. That cook was Colonel Harland Sanders of course, and now KFC is the worlds most popular chicken restaurant chain, specializing in that same Original Recipe, along with Extra Crispy chicken, home-style sides and buttermilk biscuits. There are more than 18,000 KFC outlets in 120 countries and territories around the world. Transcom Foods Limited (TFL) started its journey in 2003 as a franchisee of Pizza Hut, the first International Chain Restaurant in Bangladesh, and went on to sign the contract to become the franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in the year 2006. Both Pizza Hut and KFC are subsidiaries of the world’s largest restaurant company Yum! Restaurants International. In a span of ten years, TFL has opened 5 Pizza Hut and 11 KFC outlets so far throughout the country. KFC Franchise Information Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000 Total Investment: $1. 2M to $1. 8M Net Worth: $1. 5M to $2. 5M Liquid asset: $750,000 Royalty Fee: 5% Advertising Fee: (Local 2. 5% of gross revenues National Cooperative Advertising 4. 5% of gross revenues) Renewal Fee: $6,750 Term of Agreement: 20 years Sources: 1) http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/KFC 2) kfc. com/about/ 3) kfcfranchise. com/faqs-qsr-restaurant. hp 4) thefranchisemall. com/franchises/details/10004-0-kfc. htm 5) franchisedirect. com/foodfranchises/kfc-franchise-07095/ufoc/ Menu of KFC |Item Name |Price(Taka) |Item Name |Price(Taka) | |Chicken Snacker |100 |Potato Wedges |125 | |Chicken Snacker box |170 |Chicken rice meal |190 | |Strips Snack |190 Spicy Thai Chicken rice |300 | |Snac k Box (1pic chicken Fries) |170 |Hot Zinger meal |375/395 | |Popcorn Chicken |160 |Zinger meal |370/390 | |Boneless chicken strips |200/395 |Curry crunch chicken |290/575/1145/1700 | |Hot wings |150/290 |2pcs chicken fries meal |350 | |Bucket meal |2350 |Krushers |140/170/180/190/200 | |Bucket Hot crispy |830/1250 |Desserts |80-150 | |Hot zinger |250 |Veggie zinger |210 | |Mixed rice |85 |Chicken zinger |240 | |Combo 1/2/3/4/5 |250/300/600/1200/999 |Burgers |240/250/210 | |Sides |30-125 |Packaged water |80-90 | |tea |50 |Coffee |60 | More menus of KFC: KrushersSoft DrinkGame Box Chicken BucketBox masterChicken Thali Veg FingerColeslawFriesSnack Box  Corn on the cobSundae Soft Twirl Zing KongSnacker(chicken veggie)Brownie Sundae SWOT analysis of KFC Strengths: Second best global brand in fast food industry in terms of value ($ 6 billion) KFC customer base remained loyal to the KFC brand because of its unique taste. World’s largest restaurant company in terms of system re staurants. Chicken made with the same secret blend of 11 Ranks(herbs and spices highest among all chicken restaurant chains for its convenience. Menu variety and strong trademarks recipes. KFC has continued to dominate the dinner and take out segment of the Industry. Existing in the local market for years, therefore, knowing people’s tastes and whims. They are ISO (International Standard Organization) certified. Weaknesses: Losing market share as other Chicken chain increased sales at a faster rate. Lack of knowledge about their customers. Question of over franchising leads to loss of control and quality. Lack of focus on RD. Unhealthy food menu High employee turnover Lack of strong marketing efforts The company has entered so many markets in the past in the United States that its growth rate was about only one percent an year. The company is said to not to pay attention to its resource and development. Opportunities: Introducing new products to its only chicke n range. Introducing new services and technologies. Increasing demand for healthier food. With more investments the company can definitely make its position stronger in the food industry Home meal delivery. Employment opportunities for part time seeker especially for university goings.   Ã‚  Focusing on more nutrition’s. Threats: Bird flu Saturated fast food markets in the developed economies. Trend towards healthy eating. Local fast food restaurant chains. Government regulations. Change in tastes. Currency fluctuations. Lawsuits against KFC. [pic] Type: Public Traded as: SET: CPF Industry: Food and Beverage Founded: January 17, 1978 Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand Key People: Adirek Sriratak, ( President CEO) Products: Animal Feed, Animal Breeder, Meat and Food Parent: Charoen Pokphand Group Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited is Thailands largest agribusiness firm. It is a publicly traded subsidiary of the Charoen Pokphand Group. Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), a company of the CP Group, is the leading agro-industrial and food conglomerate in Thailand. The greater part of the Company production bases is in Thailand with some operating overseas. The Company’s core business lines are livestock and aquaculture. The livestock operations include chicken broiler, chicken layer, duck and swine. For aquaculture business, the two main marine animals are shrimp and fish. C. P. Bangladesh Company Ltd. is a sister concern of C. P. Group Thailand. C. P. Bangladesh Co. , Ltd. s incorporated in Bangladesh on 14th January 1999 doing business in the Agricultural industry, Poultry sector. Though C. P. Bangladesh Co. , Ltd is not in Bangladesh many years, but in this shorter period it has established its own Feed mills, Breeder Farm, Hatcheries, G. P. farm, fish feed mill all over the country. C. P. Bangladesh Co. , Ltd has established with a vision â€Å"To be a leader in Agro-business industry in Bangladesh† and each day it is getting closer to its vision. C. P. Bangladesh Co. , Ltd now produce Poultry feed (both layer and broiler), breeder feed, fish feed and cattle feed, and also animal health medicine. [pic] C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd. is a sister concern of C. P. Group Thailand. C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd. is incorporated in Bangladesh on 14th January 1999 doing business in the Agricultural industry, Poultry sector. Though C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd. is not in Bangladesh many years, but in this shorter period it has established its own Feed mills, Breeder Farm, Hatcheries, G. P. farm, fish feed mill all over the country. They direct invested in Bangladesh by giving the tax to government (Ministry of commerce) without any licensing and franchising. They have established a production factory house in â€Å"Hemayetpur† and supply the materials for the fried chicken in the different branch in Dhaka and Chittagong. C. P. Bangladesh Company Limited was established since 1998 under operation in Agro-Industrial and Food Business by dedication of providing high quality of animal feed mill, farming operation and also processing tasteful, nutritional and hygienic food products under branding of ‘‘FIVE STAR CHICKEN’’ that deliver to all customers in Bangladesh. It Started on April 7, 2008 with a mission- â€Å"Kitchen of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh they have started their fried chicken business through licensing with an amount of TK 250,000. Currently they are operating their fried chicken business across Bangladesh with their 201 branches among them 104 branches are in Dhaka. The Charoen Pokphand Group is the largest business conglomerate in Thailand. Its largest subsidiary is Charoen Pokphand Foods, which achieved 116. 5 billion baht in revenue in 2005, earning a profit of 6. 747 billion baht. Apart from agribusiness, the family-owned conglomerates interests range from retailing, as the franchisee of Thailands 7-Eleven stores, to telecommunications, as the owner of True Corporation, a mobile telephone service provider, Internet service provider, and cable television company. CP Subsidiaries also include PRC registered Super Brand Mall Lotus center chain. The company has grown into a global business, with more than 250 subsidiaries in 20 countries, including China, where it is known as the Chia Tai Group. CP fried chicken’s methodologies of the business in Bangladesh are as follows: This is a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Operating as a licensing company in Bangladesh. Initial licensing Fee: TK 250,000 Renewal Fees: Not disclosed. Sources: 1) cpfworldwide. com 2) http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Charoen_Pokphand_Foods 3) From Street corner retailers. Menu of CP fried chicken Item Name |Price (Tk) |Item Name |Price (Tk) | |Jumbo set |790 |Wing |60 | |Party set | 460 |Happy hot Dog |60 | |Breast |115 |Masala chicken |55 | |Thigh |90 |Spicy chicken |50 | |Leg |60 |Chicken ball |25 | |Chicken sausage |25 |Hot wings |25 | SWOT analysis of CP fried chicken Strengths: Low price compare to KFC Pizza Hut in Bangladesh. More branches than KFC Pizza Hut in Bangladesh. More convenience than KFC Pizza Hut in Bangladesh Horizontal raw material sources in Bangladesh. Sound financial situation and international turnover. Food attracts people of various ranges from young to old. Existing in the local market for years, therefore, knowing people’s tastes and whims. Weakness: Don’t have exclusive decorations compare to pizza Hut KFC. Loyal customers are feeling that the satisfaction of the pizzas is declining. Lack of monitoring controlling system. Lack of focus on RD. Lack of strong marketing efforts. Lack of knowledge about their customers. Lack of menu varieties. Opportunities: They can reduce their prices because of their h orizontal sources of raw materials. With more investments the company can definitely make its position stronger in the food industry Home meal delivery. They can attract more people with their consisting lower prices. Threats: Bird flu. Health conscious people. Local fast food restaurant chains. Government regulations. They need have more product offerings compare to KFC Pizza Hut Their services should be improved. Franchising Franchising is the practice of using another firms successful business model. The word franchise is of Anglo-French derivation from franc meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a (transitive) verb. For the franchisor, the franchise is an alternative to building chain stores to distribute goods that avoids the investments and liability of a chain. The franchisors success depends on the success of the franchisees. The franchisee is said to have a greater incentive than a direct employee because he or she has a direct stake in the business. Essentially, and in terms of distribution, the franchisor is a supplier who allows an operator, or a franchisee, to use the suppliers trademark and distribute the suppliers goods. In return, the operator pays the supplier a fee. Thirty three countries, including the United States, and Australia, have laws that explicitly regulate franchising, with the majority of all other countries having laws which have a direct or indirect impact on franchising. Foreign Direct Investment 🙠 FDI) According to the International Monetary Fund, foreign direct investment, commonly known as FDI, refers to an investment made to acquire lasting or long-term interest in enterprises operating outside of the economy of the investor. The investment is direct because the investor, which could be a foreign person, company or group of entities, is seeking to control, manage, or have significant influence over the foreign enterprise. Licensing: Licensing is the process of leasing a legally protected (that is, trademarked or copyrighted) entity – a name, likeness, logo, trademark, graphic design, slogan, signature, character, or a combination of several of these elements. The entity, known as the property or intellectual property, is then used in conjunction with a product. Many major companies and the media consider licensing a significant marketing tool. Interpretations of our analysis Yummy! Let’s go for Pizza Hut or KFC or CP. Yes, these words are becoming very common for city people in Bangladesh. What more can somebody ask for! In the context of Bangladesh, whenever we talk about party or to hang around with friends or families in many cases Pizza Hut or KFC or CP gets priority among all other choices we have. Though their food items are little bit more expensive than our traditional foods, but still we love it. This time we are not having any of their food items, we are just going to have an analysis of these three companies. For the purpose of our analysis, we had to gather information’s both from the primary and secondary sources. Collecting information’s from the secondary sources were easy compare to primary sources. While we went to collect raw data from the primary sources, we found the managers of those restaurants very uncomfortable of sharing any information’s and that made our journey very difficult. After being refused from them, we went to their corporate offices but still got denied. Since we had to complete our analysis, somehow we did manage some of the information’s about these companies and which we believe can be helpful for concluding our analysis. From the information’s we have found, both Pizza Hut KFC were originated from U. S. A, and currently Transcom Foods Limited (TFL) had brought both Pizza Hut KFC into Bangladesh though franchising and off-course with the help of world’s largest restaurant company named â€Å"Yum! Restaurants International† It’s kind of revolution for the food industry in our country. Transcom Foods Limited (TFL) started its journey in 2003 as a franchisee of Pizza Hut, the first International Chain Restaurant in Bangladesh, and went on to sign the contract to become the franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in the year 2006. In a span of ten years, TFL has opened 5 Pizza Hut and 11 KFC outlets so far throughout the country. Very surprisingly their popularity is increasing in our country da y by day even though their product offerings are different. The way they are dominating the world’s restaurant industry through their product and service offerings, similarly they are dominating in our country as well. Most of the time, they are trying to reach the higher income people. Whereas CP (Charoen Pokphand) is another food company which has targeted all classes of people in our country. Basically CP has originated from Thailand and started it’s business in our country as an agro based industry. But later on, in the year of 2008, they had expanded their business in food industry through licensing. In Bangladesh they have started their fried chicken business through licensing with an amount of TK 250,000. Currently they are operating their fried chicken business across Bangladesh with their 201 branches among them 104 branches are in Dhaka. Even though they are having more branches compare to Pizza Hut KFC, but their product offerings and service quality especially, their locations and the environments are not that good like Pizza Hut KFC. Their internal and external decoration is also different and looks less exclusive than Pizza Hut KFC. But CP’s food prices are way cheaper than Pizza Hut KFC. Moreover, CP’s initial investments and expenses are less than Pizza Hut KFC. From the above mentioned analysis, we can say that, both Pizza Hut KFC are fulfilling peoples demand by assuring their product service qualities as well as environments whereas, CP is not covering any of those issues rather they are more focusing on cheaper product price. Price Comparison with other countries: |Item Name |Bangladesh |India |U. S. A | |KFC 8 pcs Bucket |Tk 830. 00 |Rs 350. 00 |$ 10. 9 | | | |350*1. 25=Tk 437. 5 |10. 99*76. 54=Tk 841. 17 | |KFC 12 pcs Bucket |Tk 1,250. 00 |Rs 500. 00 |$ 16. 49 | | | |500*1. 25=Tk 625. 00 |16. 49*76. 54=Tk 1,262. 14 | |Pizza Hut |Tk 460. 00 |Rs 315. 00 |$ 7 | |Classic Margherita(M) | |315*1. 25= Tk 393. 75 |7*76. 54= Tk 535. 8 | |Pizza Hut |Tk 1200. 00 |Rs 490. 00 |$ 11. 99 | |Veggie Lovers | |490*1. 25= Tk 612. 5 |11. 99*76. 54= Tk 917. 71 | |CP |Tk 790. 00 |Rs 290. 00 | | |Jumbo Set | |290*1. 25= Tk 362. 5 | | Comparative analysis of these three com panies: Company Franchising Cost |Licensing Cost |Initial Investment |Location |Loyalty |Popularity |Product Price |Service |Customer Level | |Pizza Hut | High |N/A |Very High |Moderate |Very High |High |Very High |Excellent |High upper middle | |KFC |Very High |N/A |Very High |Moderate |Very High |Very High |High |Excellent |High, upper middle middle | |CP |N/A |Low |Moderate |Excellent |Moderate |Moderate |Moderate |Low |Middle low | | Company |Product quality |Product Variety |Product offerings |Availability |Home delivery |Inspection |Environment |Customer Satisfaction | |Pizza Hut |Excellent |Various |Active |Very Few |Yes |Frequent |Excellent |Very Good | |KFC |Excellent |Various |Very active |Few |Yes |Frequent |Excellent |Very good | |CP |Good |Limited |Stable |Available |N/A |Les Frequent |Moderate |Good | |

Analysis of Investment Proposition on Cochlear Limited

Cochlear Limited is a biotechnology-based company with listings in the Australian Securities Exchange and global operations in all five continents. CEO Chris Smith heads the company with its board of directors headed by Chairman Rick Holiday-Smith (Cochlear.com. 2016). Cochlear Limited provides hearing solutions through its implantable surgical and non-surgical hearing products. The company has extensive sets of patents and applications numbering over 1000 upon hearing aid and sound processing technology. The company’s major manufacturing base is located in Australia and Sweden while supplies and distribution chains in over 100 countries with its headquarters located in Sydney (Cochlear.com. 2016). The company’s global operations are mainly segmented onto three different sets of geographical areas comprising of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Americas (both North America and Latin America) and Asia Pacific. The company generated a revenue of A$ 925 million for th e financial period ended 31.12.2016 (Markets.ft.com. 2016).   The company provides solutions ranging from minimal degree of hearing constraints to sensory-neural hearing loss. Its primary products comprises of cochlear implants, bone conduction implants and acoustic implant solutions. In terms of its products that are to be surgically implanted, Nuclear 6 is of primary significance owing to its ability to restore hear-ability in cases of complete hearing loss in both ears. The Cochlear Hybrid offered by the company provides hearing solutions for people unable to hear high frequency sounds through providing simulations using electronic synapses. The Hybrid processor offered by Cochlear assimilates and synthesizes external sounds and converts them into electrical and acoustics outputs for the patient’s ears.   The company develops the Cochlear Baha by taking into account people with high quantum of conductive hearing loss and one-sided deafness. Baha comprises of titanium hearing aids that are implanted surgically at the back of patientà ¢â‚¬â„¢s ears (Bloomberg.com. 2016). In terms of revenue generation, the company has displayed steady growth over the past four financial periods with reported revenues of A$ 752.72 million for 2012-13, A$ 804.94 million for 2013-14, A$ 925.63 million for 2014-15 (Markets.ft.com. 2016).The revenues for the period 2015-16 was to the tune of A$ 1.13 billion. The revenues generated in the current year displayed a increase of 22.14% over the past year, thereby highlighting efficient sales management and product pricing strategy. The forecasted revenues for the years 2017 and 2018 stands at 1.244 billion and 1.37 billion respectively at the average growth rate of 10.17%. Figure 1: Current and Prospective Revenues of Cochlear Limited The beta of a particular stock showcases the degree of volatility that the stock experiences as compared to prevalent market volatility. A beta that equals 1 displays same degree of risks as experienced by the market whereas a beta that is lower that 1 shows lesser degree of volatility and therefore is less susceptible to financial risks. On the other hand, a beta that is above 1 shows a high degree of volatility coupled with high prospects of returns. Figure 2: Stock price volatility between June 2016 and October 2016 Cochlear limited has a beta of 1.2, which specifies the fact that in case the financial markets raises by a margin of 100, the stocks of Cochlear will rise by 120. This also reiterates the fact that a fall in the market by margin of 100 will result in shares of Cochlear falling by 120 points. For investors that are seeking to earn high degree of returns, Cochlear presents prospective investments. Whereas in case of risk averse investors, including Cochlear in their investment portfolio may result in increasing the levels of portfolio risk The company has a market capitalization of A$ 7.234 billion as of October, 2016 with the total number of shares outstanding at 57.42 million. The company has an Altman Z Score of 2.989, thereby leading to an inference that the company is unlikely to be filing for bankruptcy in the near future based upon financial metrics. It is because an Altman score of 1.8 is considered the threshold below which the probability of filing for bankruptcy increases substantially. Whereas, on the other hand, a corporate entity with Z score of 3 or above has low or negligible probability of going bankrupt or filing for insolvency. Therefore, based on the parameters as regards to credit risks it can be construed that the company is likely to display satisfactory levels of solvency during the financial periods. Dividend yield is considered another parameter for taking investment decisions because of the fact that it displays whether the stocks of a particular company are overpriced or not. Hirshleifer, Hsu and Li (2013) mentions that stocks with high dividend yields are overpriced as compared to those having a low degree of dividend yields. Risk averse investors seek investments with low dividend yield thereby at a dividend yield of 1.8% it can be inferred that the stocks of Cochlear are underpriced. However, at dividend of A$ 1.2 for each outstanding share it can be displayed that for investors seeking returns from their investment in Cochlear, the company’s stocks are not an attractive proposition. The analysis upon the revenue generating capability of Cochlear Limited shows that at average revenue growth of over 10% the company has efficient operations and sales management. The genre of providing hearing aid solutions has lesser degree of competition for Cochlear globally. The Altman Z score of nearly 3 shows the fact that the company has virtually negligible risks of going bankrupt. Thereby, investors can be advised towards including shares of Cochlear onto their investment portfolio based upon their degree of solvency. Moreover, analysis of the stock’s beta, belonging to Cochlear, shows that the beta stands at 1.2 which therefore displays the fact that the company’s stocks are subjected to high degree of volatility. Based solely on the beta levels it can be construed that the stocks posses high degree of risks with probability of gaining high degree of returns. Overall, judging by the different sets of parameters it can be concluded that in case of investors seeking lesser degree of risks in their investments Cochlear can be construed as a attractive investment proposition. This is owing to high revenue growth, satisfactory levels of dividend yield and sustainable degree of returns despite a beta of above 1. Allen, E.J., Larson, C.R. and Sloan, R.G., 2013. Accrual reversals, earnings and stock returns.  Journal of Accounting and Economics,  56(1), pp.113-129. Bloomberg.com. (2016). COH:ASE Stock Quote - Cochlear Ltd. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/COH:AU [Accessed 31 Oct. 2016]. Cochlear.com. (2016). Cochlear Hearing Implants | Official Website | Cochlear International. [online] Available at: https://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/intl/home [Accessed 31 Oct. 2016]. Fama, E.F. and French, K.R., 2012. Size, value, and momentum in international stock returns.  Journal of financial economics,  105(3), pp.457-472. Google.ca. (2016). Cochlear Limited: ASX:COH quotes & news – Google Finance. [online] Available at: https://www.google.ca/finance?cid=671051 [Accessed 31 Oct. 2016]. Hirshleifer, D., Hsu, P.H. and Li, D., 2013. Innovative efficiency and stock returns.  Journal of Financial Economics,  107(3), pp.632-654. Intelligent Investor. (2016). COH. [online] Available at: https://www.intelligentinvestor.com.au/company/Cochlear-Limited-COH-249441 [Accessed 31 Oct. 2016]. Markets.ft.com. (2016). Cochlear Ltd, COH:ASX summary - FT.com. [online] Available at: https://markets.ft.com/data/equities/tearsheet/summary?s=COH:ASX [Accessed 31 Oct. 2016]. Sorescu, A. and Sorescu, S.M., 2016. Customer Satisfaction and Long-Term Stock Returns.  Journal of Marketing,  80(5), pp.110-115. Getting academic assistance from

Business functions and processes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business functions and processes - Essay Example For instance, installing a technology in a firm whose overall internal structures and infrastructure are not compatible with application of the same is wastage of time, money and human resource. Equally important is that fact that technology can be sometimes the only measure, providing means to meet customer needs in the present competitive environment (Shaughnessy, 2013). Operations are strategized in a manner whereby organisation can compete in a competitive marketplace. For instance, these strategies can be in terms of quality, low cost, customisation and delivery. Traditional challenges in operations management such as, choice of only one strategy, are no longer tolerated as performance standard has been raised though technology and its applications. Nevertheless, for proper integration and implementation of technology in any organisation, it is essential to understand relevance of technology (Heizer and Render, 2011). The business environment is filled with examples of failed attempts while installing technology such as, ERP systems. For instance, Hershey Foods faced numerous problems in its product distribution system after implementation of R/3 system of SAP. This resulted in a huge demand-supply gap and Hershey was not able to supply candies during peak seasons of Christmas and Halloween. Similarly, Whirlpool faced shipping delays due to failed implementation of its ERP system. An interesting point to be noted here is that many of the challenges faced in context of ERP in present business scenario are similar to those faced by managers during implementation of MRP 20 years ago (Shaughnessy, 2013; Brown, et al., 2005). Hence, it can be said that challenges faced during technology implementation is more related to intangible forces such as, lack of leadership, commitment, training and understanding compared to tangible forces such as, technological defects in the systems. Few of the major challe nges

Critique of Kristen Lynch's Presentation Assignment

Critique of Kristen Lynch's Presentation - Assignment Example The non-Western style selected was Confucianism. This was much clearer and more complete than the Western style portion of the presentation. The connection between theory and practice was covered but only broadly, covering understanding needs, motivation, and learning style, but without explaining specifically how the non-Western style chosen fit into practice. The concluding statements cover only a small portion of the content of the presentation. Overall, in fact, a lack of detail was the greatest issue with this presentation. While brevity is generally to be praised in presentations, this particular presentation is overly simplified. In addition, the presenter does not mention the references in-text. The references section is also too short; the entire presentation is apparently based off of only two sources. The greatest strength of this presentation is in its ease of readability for the audience. The slides are well-designed, with good contrast and large text size. The amount of information on each slide is kept to a minimum, allowing the speaker to hold the audiences attention instead of the text. However, the concluding statements lose this quality, switching instead to full sentences that in one case even overlaps the edge of the

scarlet letter :: essays research papers

The author of this novel, Nathaniel Hawthorne, is mostly known for his unique and descriptive writing style. In The Scarlet Letter, he describes his disapproval of the leading character’s morals clearly. For example, before Hester Prynne emerges from the cold and dark prison, she is scorned by a group of women who believe in a harsher punishment for Hester. Meaning, instead of being made to stand on the scaffold bearing the scarlet letter on her bosom, they suggest that she â€Å"she should be put to death or have it branded into her skin, precisely on her forehead.† Since early times, Puritans have had the reputation for strong discipline, their religious beliefs, and harsh punishment for those defying their beliefs. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel that portrays the Puritans as cold and unfeeling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Puritan’s feelings were so lacking of compassion that â€Å" they were stern enough to look upon her death†¦without a murmur†¦but had none of the heartlessness of another social state.† This quote depicts that when the public is faced with a death of a sinner, they would absolutely have no reaction what so ever. These worries and concerns are focused on a passage in chapter one in which Hester is being nagged by a harsh group of women. The one woman, perhaps the ugliest of them all, goes too far in advocating the death of Hester due to jealousy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nathaniel’s tone reveals how he feels towards the Puritan society. He begins early in the novel by describing the Puritans as â€Å"being of the most intolerant brood,† stating the lack of understanding they had toward one another. Finding out about Hester and her beautiful baby Pearl, the town at once without any word from Hester filled their hearts with hatred towards the two. â€Å"Meager, indeed, and cold was the sympathy† that the Puritans offered against Hester in her vulnerable moments aloft the scaffold. Again, Hawthorne’s choice of words indicates his harsh tone towards Puritanism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nathaniel Hawthorne shows again that the Puritan society as cold and unfeeling in his descriptions of Roger Chillingworth and his reaction to relationships. In his search for revenge, Chillingworth responds to his adultery prone wife by sacrificing his life in order to figure out her secret lover. He used be a scholar but now is disguised as a doctor who put forth his best years, â€Å"to feed the hungry dream of knowledge,† but now he is out for something else, revenge on the one man who made love to his wife.

Nutrition †Food Essay

Thesis Statement Most of the college students have unhealthy food preferences. Topic Outline I.Influence of Media A. Calorie-dense foods are extremely rewarding to consume. B.Causes greater snack food consumption. II.Income of an individual A.Eating healthy is expensive. B.Low income individual eat and buy cheaper foods. III.Convenience A.Fast and easy access 1.Delivery services 2.Ready to eat foods a. frozen foods 1.)TV dinners 2.)shelf-stable products 3.)prepared mixes B.Saves time Food, in order to serve its purpose, should first be consumed. Under normal circumstances, food is consumed only if it is palatable enough for the consumer. It therefore becomes a great responsibility of one who prepares and serves food to make the food palatable besides being nutritious and safe. Food habits do not develop in a vacuum. Like other forms of human behavior, they are the result of many personal, cultural, social, and psychological influences (Williams, 1974). Nowadays, teenagers choose food they like without considering about it contains. Because of busy life, they choose fast food, snack which is non-nutritive over nutritive-rich ones like rice, meat, and do not care if it shortens their life, damage their health or cause many diseases. There are numerous factors that affect the food habits of each person within a culture. Some of this is the societal factor and the lifestyle factor. In societal factor, the food production and distribution system are responsible for the availability of foods which differs from region to region and country to country. Food availability influenced by the socioeconomic and political systems. On the other hand, in lifestyle, both availability and control of food at the societal level affect the lifestyle factors of individuals. These factors includes income, occupation, place of residence, regional differences, religious beliefs, health beliefs, physiological characteristics, puberty, gender, person’s state of health and lastly, the household structure and composition (Kittler & Sucher, 2004).