Media Comparison Research :: Compare Contrast Research Papers

Media Comparison Research There have been considerable debate on research of media comparison as it relates to education over the past few years. According to Richard Clark, there has been a "paradigm shift" that occurred in instructional media research during the past decade from a behavioral to a more cognitive approach. (Anglin 348). Clark felt that there was "consistent evidence found that there are no learning benefits to be gained from employing any specific medium to deliver instruction. Research showing performance on time saving gains from one or another medium is shown to be vulnerable to compelling rival hypothesis concerning the uncontrolled effects of instructional method and novelty. (Clark 445) Media Defined: Media refers to a class of instructional resources and representing all aspects of the mediation of instruction through the agency of reproducible events. It includes the materials themselves, the instruments used to deliver the materials to learners and the techniques or methods employed. (Allen 1) Media can be defined by its technology, symbol systems and processing capabilities. The most obvious characteristics of a medium are its technology: the mechanical and electronic aspects that determine its function and, to some extent, its shape and other physical features. (Kozma 180) Basics of Media Research There are three major objectives of media research: (1) obtain knowledge about the educational or instructional effectiveness of a chosen medium; (2) increase understanding of how media and technology function and what psychological effects they have on a learner; (3) improve the practice of education through the provision and evaluation of better materials, media, procedures and technologies (Salomon, Clark 1-2). Schramm, as cited by Salomon, stated that while all media can teach very effectively, "learning seem to be affected more by what is delivered than by the delivery system." (Schramm, 1977) (Salomon 1). This has become the basis of disagreement among experts. Discussion Clark’s article argued that most current summaries and meta-analyses of media comparison studies clearly suggest that media do not influence learning under any conditions. In El Salvador (Schramm, 1977), it was not the medium that caused a change in achievement, but rather a curricular reform that accompanied the change. The best current evidence is that media are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition.

Farming In Denmark :: essays research papers

Denmark is located in the Central Northern part of Europe. It is part of the Scandinavian countries, thus it has a relatively cold weather all year long. 75% of Denmark’s land is used for farming. Because of it’s export of agricultural and industrial produce, it enjoys one of the highest standard of living in the world. This case study is meant to study the farming in Denmark. Types of Farming: Denmark is divided into 3 areas: Jutland, Fyn, and Zealand. Farming is found in all of those areas. Denmark’s types of farming are: Dairy farming, Crop farming, Animal farming, and Mixed farming In Jutland, the least intensive farming is found. There they mainly grow rye, oats, and potatoes. Pasture land is also found there. In Fyn and Zealand, the most Intensive farming is found. There they grow cereals with root crops, and pigs. Some areas in Jutland and Fyn are also used for mixed farming. Is the Land Suitable for Farming?: Denmark’s land wasn’t very fertile in the Nineteenth century. It had Sandy soils in the West and Clay land in the East. The government invested a lot of money into making those lands fertile. The low lying and relatively flat land in Denmark added to the existing fertile soils, and partially favorable climate (Winter frosts + Warm and sunny summer with rainfall over the average) makes Denmark ideal for cereal farming. Up till the 1870’s, Denmark was a major exporter of wheat and barley. But eventually, it had to diversify due to hard competition. That was when it realized the high demand for dairy products in foreign countries (mainly Britain), thus it started to export dairy products along with cereals. This meant it had to rely on pasture land for rearing animals Today, Denmark’s land is typical for the types of farming found there. The land remains ideal for cereal farming. Pasture land is also found for cattle. Pigs and poultry remain inside a barn all year long. The land is also ideal for growing potatoes and other root crops. Stalinization isn’t a problem in Denmark due to a high annual rainfall. Where in the World can Similar Farming be Found?: Mixed farming: Mixed farming can be found in North America (i.e. USA), in Asia (i.e. Russia), and in Europe (i.e. France and Spain). Mixed farming can be also be found in the rest of the continents. Dairy farming: Dairy farming is found world wide. It is found in Israel, Italy, USA, France, Britain, and many more.

Additional Solved Sums, Financial Management, Prassanna Chandra

CHAPTER 2 1. As a rule of thumb, real rates of interest are calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from the nominal rate. What is the error from using this rule of thumb for calculating real rates of return in the following cases? Nominal rate (%)7121822 Inflation rate (%)4 6 810 Solution: [pic] 2. As a rule of thumb, real rates of interest are calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from the nominal rate. What is the error from using this rule of thumb for calculating real rates of return in the following cases? Nominal rate (%)481119 Inflation rate (%)13 2 4 Solution: [pic] CHAPTER 3 1. At the end of March, 20X6 the balances in the various accounts of Dhoni & Company are as follows: Rs. in million Accounts Balance Equity capital 120 Preference capital 30 Fixed assets (net) 217 Reserves and surplus 200 Cash and bank 35 Debentures (secured) 100 Marketable securities 18 Term loans (secured) 90 Receivables 200 Short-term bank borrowing (unsecured) 70 Inventories210 Trade creditors 60 Provisions 20 Pre-paid expenses 10 Required: Prepare the balance sheet of Dhoni & Company as per the format specified by the Companies Act. Solution: Balance Sheet of Dhoni & Company As on March 31, 20 X 6 Liabilities | |Assets | | |Share capital | |Fixed assets |   | |Equity |120 |Net fixed assets |217 | |Preference |30 | |   | |Reserve & surplus |200 |Investments |   | |   | |Marketable securities |18 | |Secured loans | |Current assets, loans & advances |   | |Debentures |100 | |   | |Term loans |90 | | | |   | |Pre-paid expenses |10 | |Unsecured loans | |Inventories |21 0 | |Short term ank borrowing |70 |Receivables |200 | |Current liabilities & provisions | |Cash & Bank |35 | |Trade creditors |60 | |   | |Provisions |20 | |   | |   |690 |   |690 | 2. At the end of March, 20X7 the balances in the various accounts of Sania Limited are as follows: Rs. in million Accounts Balance Equity capital 250 Preference capital 80 Fixed assets (net)380 Reserves and surplus350 Cash and bank100 Debentures (secured)190 Marketable securities 30 Term loans (secured)120 Receivables420 Short-term bank borrowing (unsecured) 110 Inventories310 Trade creditors 90 Provisions 70 Pre-paid expenses 20 Required: Prepare the balance sheet of Sania Limited as per the format specified by the Companies Act. Solution: Balance Sheet of Sania Limited as on March 31, 20 X 7 Liabilities | |Assets | | |   | | |   | |Share capital | |Fixed assets |   | |Equity |250 |Net fixed assets |380 | |Preference |80 | |   | |Reserve & surplus |350 |Investments |   | |   | |M arketable securities |30 | |Secured loans | |Current assets, loans & advances |   | |Debentures |190 | |   | |Term loans |120 | | | |   | |Pre-paid expenses |20 | |Unsecured loans | |Inventories |310 | |Short term bank borrowing |110 |Receivables |420 | |Current liabilities & provisions | |Cash & Bank |100 | |Trade creditors |90 | |   | |Provisions |70 | |   | |   |1260 |   |1260 | 3. The comparative balance sheets of Evergreen Company are given below: (Rs. in million) Owners' Equity and Liabilities As on 31. 3. 20X6 As on 31. 3. 20X7 Share capital 70 70 Reserves and surplus 40 80 Long-term debt 80 90 Short-term bank borrowings 80 85 Trade creditors 40 70 Provisions 10 20 Total320415 Assets Fixed assets (net)120210 Inventories 90 95 Debtors 60 65 Cash 25 30 Other assets 25 15 Total320415 The profit and loss account of Evergreen Company for the year ending 31st March 2007 is given below: (Rs. in million) Profit & Loss Account for the Period 1. 4. 20X6 to 31. 3. 20X7 Net sales750 Cost of goods sold 505 Stocks290 Wages and salaries105 Other manufacturing expenses110 245 Gross profit Operating expenses135 Selling, administration and general120 Depreciation 15 Operating profit110 Non-operating surplus or deficit(20) EBIT 90 Interest 25 Profit before tax 65 Tax 15 Profit after tax 50 Dividends 10 Retained earnings 40 Required: (a) Prepare the classified cash flow statement for the period 1. 4. 20X6 to 31. 3. 20X7 b) Develop the cash flow identity for the period 1. 4. 20X6 to 31. 3. 20X7 Solution: |A. Cash flow from operating activities | | |- |Net profit before tax and extraordinary items | |85 | | |- |Adjustments for | | | | | |Interest paid | |25 | | | |Depreciation | |15 | | |- |Operating profit before working capital changes |125 | | |- |Adjustments for | | | | | |Inventories | |(5) | | | |Debtors | |(5) | | | |Trade creditors | |30 | | | |Provisions | |10 | | | |Increase in other assets | |10 | | |- |Cash generated rom operations | |165 | | | |Income tax paid | |(15) | | |- |Cash flow before extraordinary items | |150 | | | |Extraordinary item | |(20) | | |- |Net cash flow from operating activities | |130 | |B. |Cash flow from investing activities | | | | |- |Purchase of fixed assets | |(105) | | |- |Net cash flow from investing activities | |(105) | | | | | | | |C. Cash flow from financing activities | | | | |- |Increase in loans | |15 | | |- |Dividends paid | |(10) | | |- Interest paid | |(25) | | |Net cash flow from financing activities | |(20) | | | | | | | |D. |Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | |5 | | |- |Cash and cash equivalents as on 31. 03. 0X6 |25 | | |- |Cash and cash equivalents as on 31. 03. 20Ãâ€"7 | |30 | NoteIt has been assumed that â€Å"other assets† represent â€Å"other current assets†. (b) A. Cash flow from assets -Operating cash flow90 -Net capital spending (105) -Decrease in net working capital35 -Cash flow from assets20 B. Cash flow to creditors -Interest paid25 -Repayment of long term debt (15) -Cash flow to creditors10 C. Cash flow to shareholders -Dividends paid10 -Net new equity raised 0 -Cash flow to shareholders10 We find that (A)=(B) + ( C) i. e. Cash flow from assets=Cash flow to creditors + Cash flow to shareholders 4. The comparative balance sheets of Xavier Limited are given below: (Rs. in million) Owners' Equity and Liabilities As on 31. 3. 20X6 As on 31. 3. 20X7 Share capital 20 30 Reserves and surplus 10 18 Long-term debt 30 25 Short-term bank borrowings 15 15 Trade creditors 10 15 Provisions 5 8 Total 90 111 Assets Fixed assets (net) 16 20 Inventories 44 55 Debtors 20 21 Cash 5 8 Other assets 5 7 Total 90 111 The profit and loss account of Xavier Limited for the year 2007 is given below: (Rs. in million) Profit & Loss Account for the Period 1. 4. 20X6 to 31. 3. 20X7 Net sales220 Cost of goods sold 140 Stocks 90 Wages and salaries 35 Other manufacturing expenses 15 80 Gross profit Operating expenses 40 Selling, administration and general 20 Depreciation 5 Operating profit 15 Non-operating surplus or deficit 1 EBIT 16 Interest 4 Profit before tax 12 Tax 2 Profit after tax 10 Dividends 2 Retained earnings 8 Required: (a) Prepare the classified cash flow statement for the period 1. 4. 20X6 to 31. 3. 20X7 b) Develop the cash flow identity for the period 1. 4. 20X6 to 31. 3. 20X7 Solution: |A. Cash flow from operating activities | | | | |- |Net profit before tax and extraordinary items | |11 | | |- |Adjustments for | | | | | |Interest paid | | 4 | | | |Depreciation | | 5 | | |- |Operating profit before working capital changes | 20 | | | | Adjustments for | | | | |- | | | | | | |Inventories | |(11) | | | |Debtors | | (1) | | | |Trade creditors | | 5 | | | |Provisions | | 3 | | | |Increase in other assets | | (2) | | |- |Cash generated from operations | | 14 | | | |Income tax paid | | (2) | | |- |Cash flow before extraordinary items | | 12 | | | |Extraordinary item | | 1 | | |- |Net cash flow from operating activities | | 13 | |B. |Cash flow from investing activities | | | | |- |Purchase of fixed assets | | (9) | | |- |Net cash flow from investing activities | | (9) | | | | | | | |C. Cash flow from financing activities | | 10 | | |- Increase in equity | | | | |- |Repayment of term loans | | (5) | | | |-Dividend paid | |(2) | | |- |Interest paid | | (4) | | |Net cash flow from financing activities | | (1) | | | | | | | |D. |Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | 3 | | |- |Cash and cash equivalents as on 31. 03. 20X6 | 5 | | |- |Cash and cash equivalents as on 31. 03. 20Ãâ€"7 | | 8 | NoteIt has been assumed that â€Å"other assets† represent â€Å"other current assets†. (b) ACash flow from assets -Operating cash flow19 -Net capital spending(9) -Decrease in net working capital(9) Cash flow from assets 1 B. Cash flo w to creditors -Interest paid 4 -Repayment of long term debt 5 -Cash flow to creditors 9 C. Cash flow to shareholders -Dividends paid 2 -Net new equity raised(10) -Cash flow to shareholders (8) We find that (A)=(B) + ( C) i. e. , Cash flow from assets=Cash flow to creditors + Cash flow to shareholders CHAPTER 4 1. Premier Company's net profit margin is 8 percent, total assets turnover ratio is 2. 5 times, debt to total assets ratio is 0. 6. What is the return on equity for Premier? Solution: Net profit Return on equity = Equity = Net profit Net sales Total assets x x Net sales Total assets Equity 1 = 0. 08 x 2. 5 x = 0. 5 or 50 per cent 0. 4 Debt Equity Note : = 0. 6 So = 1- 0. 6 = 0. 4 Total assets Total assets Hence Total assets/Equity = 1/0. 4 2. The following information is given for Alpha Corporation Sales3500 Current ratio1. 5 Acid test ratio1. 2 Current liabilities1000 What is the inventory turnover ratio? Solution: Current assets = Current liabilities x 1. 5 = 1000 x 1. 5 = 1500 Quick assets= Current liabilities x 1. 2 = 1000 x 1. 2 = 1200 Inventories= 300 3500 Inventory turnover ratio == 11. 7 300 3. The following information is given for Beta Corporation. Sales5000 Current ratio1. 4 Inventory turnover5 ratio Acid test ratio1. 0 What is the level of current liabilities? Solution: 4. Safari Inc. has profit before tax of Rs. 90 million. If the company's times interest covered ratio is 4, what is the total interest charge? Solution: PBT= Rs. 90 million PBIT Times interest covered = = 4 Interest So PBIT = 4 x Interest PBT = PBIT – interest = 4x interest- interest = 3 x interest = 90 million Therefore interest = 90/3 = Rs. 30 million 5. A has profit before tax of Rs. 0 million. If its times interest covered ratio is 6, what is the total interest charge? Solution: PBT= Rs. 40 million PBIT Times interest covered = = 6 Interest So PBIT = 6 x Interest PBIT – Interest = PBT = Rs. 40 million 6 x Interest – Interest = Rs. 40 million 5 x Interest = Rs. 40 million Hence Interest = Rs. 8 million 6. McGill Inc. h as profit before tax of Rs. 63 million. If the company's times interest covered ratio is 8, what is the total interest charge? Solution: PBT= Rs. 63 million PBIT Times interest covered = = 8 Interest So PBIT = 8 x Interest PBIT – Interest = PBT = Rs. 63 million x Interest – Interest = 7 x Interest = Rs. 63 million Hence Interest = Rs. 9 million 7. The following data applies to a firm : Interest chargesRs. 200,000 SalesRs. 6,000,000 Tax rate40 percent Net profit margin5 percent What is the firm's times interest covered ratio? Solution: Sales = Rs. 6,000,000 Net profit margin = 5 per cent Net profit = Rs. 6,000,000 x 0. 05 = 300,000 Tax rate = 40 per cent 300,000 So, Profit before tax = = Rs. 500,000 (1-. 4) Interest charge = Rs. 200,000 So Profit before interest and taxes = Rs. 700,000 Hence 700,000 Times interest covered ratio = = 3. 5 200,000 8. The following data applies to a firm: Interest chargesRs. 50,000 SalesRs. 300,000 Tax rate 25 percent Net profit margin 3 percent What is the firm's times interest covered ratio? Solution: Sales = Rs. 300,000 Net profit margin = 3 per cent Net profit = Rs. 300,000 x 0. 03 = 9,000 Tax rate = 25 per cent 9,000 So, Profit before tax = = Rs. 12,000 (1-. 25) Interest charge = Rs. 50,000 So Profit before interest and taxes = Rs. 62,000 Hence 62,000 Times interest covered ratio == 1. 24 50,000 9. The following data applies to a firm : Interest chargesRs. 10,000,000 SalesRs. 80,000,000 Tax rate 50 percent Net profit margin 10 percent What is the firm's times interest covered ratio? Solution: Sales = Rs. 80,000,000 Net profit margin = 10 per cent Net profit = Rs. 80,000,000 x 0. 1 = 8,000,000 Tax rate = 50 per cent 8,000,000 So, Profit before tax = = Rs. 16,000,000 (1-. 5) Interest charge = Rs. 10,000,000 So Profit before interest and taxes = Rs. 26,000,000 Hence 26,000,000 Times interest covered ratio == 2. 6 10,000,000 10. A firm's current assets and current liabilities are 25,000 and 18,000 respectively. How much additional funds can it borrow from banks for short term, without reducing the current ratio below 1. 5? Solution: CA = 25,000CL = 18,000 Let BB stand for bank borrowing CA+BB = 1. 35 CL+BB 25,000+BB = 1. 35 18,000+BB 1. 35x 18,000 + 1. 35 BB = 25,000 + BB 0. 35BB = 25,000- 24,300 = 700 BB = 700/0. 35 = 2,000 11. LNG’s current assets and current liabilities are 200,000 and 140,000 respectively. How much additional funds can it borrow from banks for short term, withou t reducing the current ratio below 1. 33? Solution: CA = 200,000CL = 140,000 Let BB stand for bank borrowing CA+BB = 1. 33 CL+BB 200,000+BB = 1. 33 140,000+BB 1. 33 x 140,000 + 1. 33BB = 200,000 + BB 0. 33 BB = 200,000- 186,200 = 13,800 BB =13,800/0. 33 = 41,818 12. Navneet’s current assets and current liabilities are 10,000,000 and 7,000,000 respectively. How much additional funds can it borrow from banks for short term, without reducing the current ratio below 1. 4? Solution: CA = 10,000,000CL = 7,000,,000 Let BB stand for bank borrowing CA+BB = 1. 4 CL+BB 10,000,000+BB = 1. 4 7,000,000+BB 1. 4 x 7,000,000 + 1. 4BB = 10,000,000 + BB 0. 4 BB = 10,000,000- 9,800,000 = 200,000 BB = 200,000/0. 40 = 500,000 13. A firm has total annual sales (all credit) of 25,000,000 and accounts receivable of 8,000,000. How rapidly (in how many days) must accounts receivable be collected if management wants to reduce the accounts receivable to 6,000,000? Solution: 25,000,000 Average daily credit sales = = 68,493 365 If the accounts receivable has to be reduced to 6,000,000 the ACP must be: 6,000,000 = 87. 6 days 68,493 14. A firm has total annual sales (all credit) of 1,200,000 and accounts receivable of 500,000. How rapidly (in how many days) must accounts receivable be collected if management wants to reduce the accounts receivable to 300,000? Solution: 1,200,000 Average daily credit sales = = 3287. 67 365 If the accounts receivable has to be reduced to 300,000 the ACP must be: 300,000 = 91. 3 days 3287. 67 15. A firm has total annual sales (all credit) of 100,000,000 and accounts receivable of 20,000,000. How rapidly (in how many days) must accounts receivable be collected if management wants to reduce the accounts receivable to 15,000,000? Solution: 100,000,000 Average daily credit sales = = 273,972. 6 365 If the accounts receivable has to be reduced to 15,000,000 the ACP must be: 15,000,000 = 54. 8 days 273,972. 6 16. The financial ratios of a firm are as follows. Current ratio = 1. 25 Acid-test ratio = 1. 10 Current liabilities=2000 Inventory turnover ratio=10 What is the sales of the firm? Solution: Current assets = Current liabilities x Current ratio = 2000 x 1. 25 = 2500 Current assets – Inventories = Current liabilities x Acid test ratio 2000 x 1. 10 = 2200 Inventories = 300 Sales = Inventories x Inventory turnover ratio = 300 x 10 = 3000 17. The financial ratios of a firm are as follows. Current ratio = 1. 33 Acid-test ratio = 0. 80 Current liabilities=40,000 Inventory turnover ratio=6 What is the sales of the firm? Solution: Current assets = Current liabilities x Curre nt ratio = 40,000 x 1. 33 = 53,200 Current assets – Inventories = Current liabilities x Acid test ratio = 40,000 x 0. 80 = 32,000 Inventories = 21,200 Sales = Inventories x Inventory turnover ratio = 21,200 x 6 = 127,200 18. The financial ratios of a firm are as follows. Current ratio = 1. 6 Acid-test ratio = 1. 2 Current liabilities=2,000,000 Inventory turnover ratio=5 What is the sales of the firm? Solution: Current assets = Current liabilities x Current ratio = 2,000,000 x 1. 6 = 3,200,000 Current assets – Inventories = Current liabilities x Acid test ratio = 2,000,000 x 1. 2 = 2,400,000 Inventories = 800,000 Sales = Inventories x Inventory turnover ratio = 800,000 x 5 = 4,000,000 19. Complete the balance sheet and sales data (fill in the blanks) using the following financial data: Debt/equity ratio= 0. 80 Acid-test ratio= 1. 1 Total assets turnover ratio= 2 Days' sales outstanding in Accounts receivable= 30 days Gross profit margin= 30 percent Inventory turnover ratio = 6 Balance sheet Equity capital 80,000Plant and equipment. . . . Retained earnings 50,000Inventories. . . . Short-term bank borrowings . . . . Accounts receivable. . . . Cash. . . . . . . .. . . . Sales. . . . Cost of goods sold †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Solution: Debt/equity = 0. 80 Equity = 80,000 + 50,000 = 130,000 So Debt = Short-term bank borrowings = 0. x 130,000 = 104,000 Hence Total assets = 130,000+104,000 = 234,000 Total assets turnover ratio = 2 So Sales = 2 x 234,000 = 468,000 Gross profit margin = 30 per cent So Cost of goods sold = 0. 7 x 468,000 = 327,600 Day’s sales outstanding in accounts receivable = 30 days Sales So Accounts receivable = x 30 360 468,000 = x 30 = 39,000 360 Cost of goods sold 327,600 Inventory turnover ratio === 6 Inventory Inventory So Inventory = 54,600 As short-term bank borrowing is a current liability, Cash + Accounts receivable Acid-test ratio = Current liabilities Cash + 39,000 = = 1. 1 104 ,000 So Cash = 75,400 Plant and equipment = Total assets – Inventories – Accounts receivable – Cash = 234,000 – 54,600 – 39,000 – 75,400 = 65,000 Putting together everything we get Balance Sheet Equity capital 80,000Plant & equipment65,000 Retained earnings50,000Inventories54,600 Short-term bank borrowings 104,000Accounts receivable39,000 Cash75,400 234,000 234,000 Sales 468,000 Cost of goods sold327,600 20. Complete the balance sheet and sales data (fill in the blanks) using the following financial data: Debt/equity ratio= 0. 40 Acid-test ratio= 0. 9 Total assets turnover ratio= 2. 5 Days' sales outstanding in Accounts receivable= 25 days Gross profit margin= 25 percent Inventory turnover ratio = 8 Balance sheet Equity capital 160,000,000Plant and equipment——–Retained earnings 30,000,000Inventories †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Short-term bank borrowings . . . †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Accounts receivable †¦.. . . . Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales †¦. †¦. Cost of goods sold †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Solution: Debt/equity = 0. 40 Equity = 160,000,000 + 30,000,000 = 190,000,000 So Debt = Short-term bank borrowings = 0. 4 x 190,000,000 = 76,000,000 Hence Total assets = 190,000,000+ 76,000,000 = 266,000,000 Total assets turnover ratio = 2. 5 So Sales = 2. 5 x 266,000,000 = 665,000,000 Gross profit margin = 25 per cent So Cost of goods sold = 0. 75 x 665,000,000 = 498,750,000 Day’s sales outstanding in accounts receivable = 25 days Sales So Accounts receivable = x 25 360 665,000,000 = x 25 = 46,180,556 360 Cost of goods sold 498,750,000 Inventory turnover ratio == = 8 Inventory Inventory So Inventory = 62,343,750 As short-term bank borrowings is a current liability, Cash + Accounts receivable Acid-test ratio = Current liability Cash + 46,180,556 = = 0. 9 76,000 ,000 So Cash = 22,219,444 Plant and equipment = Total assets – Inventories – Accounts receivable – Cash 266,000,000 – 62,343,750 – 46,180,556 – 22,219,444 = 135,256,250 Putting together everything we get Balance Sheet Equity capital 160,000,000Plant & equipment 135,256,250 Retained earnings 30,000,000Inventories62,343,750 Short-term bank borrowings 76,000,000Accounts receivable46,180,556 Cash22,219,444 266,000,000 266,000,000 Sales 665,000,000 Cost of goods so ld 498,750,000 21. Complete the balance sheet and sales data (fill in the blanks) using the following financial data: Debt/equity ratio= 1. 5 Acid-test ratio= 0. 3 Total assets turnover ratio= 1. 9 Days' sales outstanding in Accounts receivable= 25 days Gross profit margin= 28 percent Inventory turnover ratio = 7 Balance sheet Equity capital 600,000Plant and equipment. . . . Retained earnings 100,000Inventories. . . . Short-term bank borrowings . . . Accounts receivable. . . . Cash. . . . . . . .. . . . Sales. . . †¦.. Cost of goods sold†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Solution: Debt/equity = 1. 5 Equity = 600,000 + 100,000 = 700,000 So Debt = Short-term bank borrowings =1. 5 x 700,000 = 1050,000 Hence Total assets = 700,000+1050,000 = 1,750,000 Total assets turnover ratio = 1. 9 So Sales = 1. 9 x 1,750,000 = 3,325,000 Gross profit margin = 28 per cent So Cost of goods sold = 0. 2 x 3,325,000 = 2,394,000 Day’s sales outstanding in accounts receivable = 25 days Sales So Accounts receivable = x 25 360 3,325,000 = x 25 = 230,903 360 Cost of goods sold 2,394,000 Inventory turnover ratio === 7 Inventory Inventory So Inventory = 342,000 As short-term bank borrowings is a current liability , Cash + Accounts re ceivable Acid-test ratio = Current liabilities Cash + 230,903 = = 0. 3 1050 ,000 So Cash = 84,097 Plant and equipment = Total assets – Inventories – Accounts receivable – Cash = 1,750,000 – 342,000 – 230,903 – 84,097 = 1,093,000 Putting together everything we get Balance Sheet Equity capital 600,000Plant &equipment 1,093,000 Retained earnings100,000Inventories 342,000 Short-term bank borrowings 1050,000Accounts receivable 230,903 Cash 84,097 1,750,000 1,750,000 Sales 3,325,000 Cost of goods sold2,394,000 22. Compute the financial ratios for Acme Ltd. Evaluate Acme's performance with reference to the standards. Acme Limited Balance Sheet, March 31, 20X7 Liabilities and Equity Equity capital Rs. 60,000,000 Reserves and surplus45,000,000 Long-term debt72,000,000 Short-term bank borrowing40,000,000 Trade creditors30,000,000 Provisions15,000,000 Total 62,000,000 Assets Fixed assets (net) Rs. 110,000,000 Current assets Cash and bank 30,000,000 Receivables45,000,000 Inventories 61,000,000 Pre-paid expenses 10,000,000 Others 6,000,000 Total 262,000,000 Acme Limited Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended March 31, 20X7 Net sales Rs. 320,000,000 Cost of goods sold 204,000,000 Gross profit 116,000,000 Operating expenses 50,000,000 Operating profit 66,000,000 Non-operating surplus 4,000,000 Profit before interest and tax 70,000,000 Interest 12,000,000 Profit before tax 58,000,000 Tax 20,000,000 Profit after tax 38,000,000 Dividends 4,000,000 Retained earnings 34,000,000 AcmeStandard Current ratio 1. 3 Acid-test ratio 0. 70 Debt-equity ratio 2. 0 Times interest covered ratio 4. 5 Inventory turnover ratio 5. 0 Average collection period 45 days Total assets turnover ratio 1. 5 Net profit margin ratio 8 % Earning power 20 % Return on equity 18 % Solution: For purposes of ratio analysis, we may recast the balance sheet as under. Let assume that ‘Others’ in the balance sheet represents other current assets. Liabilities and Equity Equity capital . 60,000,000 Reserves and surplus45,000,000 Long-term debt72,000,000 Short-term bank borrowing40,000,000 Total 217,000,000 Fixed assets (net) 110,000,000 Current assets Cash and bank30,000,000 Receivables45,000,000 Inventories61,000,000 Pre-paid expenses10,000,000 Others 6,000,000 152,000,000 Less: Current liabilities Trade creditors30,000,000 Provisions15,000,000 45,000,000 Net current assets 107,000,000 Total 217,000,000 Current assets (i) Current ratio = Current liabilities 152,000,000 == 1. 8 85,000,000 (Current liabilities here includes short-term bank borrowing also) Current assets – Inventories 91,000,000 (ii) Acid-test ratio = == 1. 1 Current liabilities 85,000,000 Current liabilities here includes short-term bank borrowing also) Long-term debt + Short-term bank borrowing (iii) Debt-equity ratio = Equity capital + Reserves & surplus 72,000,000 + 40,000,000 = = 1. 1 60,000,000 + 45,000,000 Profit before interest and tax (iv) Times interest coverage ratio = Interest 70,000,000 == 5. 83 12,000,000 Cost of goods sold204,000,000 (v) Inventory turnover period = = = 3. 34 Invent ory61,000,000 365 (vi) Average collection period = Net sales / Accounts receivable 365 = =51. 3 days 320,000,000/45,000,000 (vii) Total assets =Equity + Total debt =( 60,000,000 + 45,000,000 ) +(72,000,000+40,000,000) = 217,000,000 Net sales320,000,000 Total assets turnover ratio = == 1. 5 Total assets217,000,000 Profit after tax 38,000,000 (ix) Net profit margin= = = 11. 9% Net sales 320,000,000 PBIT 70,000,000 (x) Earning power = = = 32. 3 % Total assets 217,000,000 Equity earning 38,000,000 (xi) Return on equity = = = 36. 2 % Net worth 105,000,000 The comparison of the Acme’s ratios with the standard is given below AcmeStandard Current ratio 1. 8 1. 3 Acid-test ratio 1. 1 0. 7 Debt-equity ratio 1. 1 2. 0 Times interest covered ratio 5. 8 4. 5 Inventory turnover ratio 3. 3 5. 0 Average collection period 51. 3 days 45 days Total assets turnover ratio 1. 5 1. 5 Net profit margin ratio 11. 9 % 8 % Earning power 32. 3 % 20 % Return on equity 36. 2 % 18 % 23. Compute the financial ratios for Nainar Ltd. Evaluate Nainar's performance with reference to the standards. Nainar Limited Balance Sheet, March 31, 20X7 Liabilities and Equity Equity capital Rs. 100,000,000 Reserves and surplus 65,000,000 Long-term debt 140,000,000 Short-term bank borrowing 70,000,000 Trade creditors 24,000,000 Provisions 19,000,000 Total 418,000,000 Assets Fixed assets (net) Rs. 206,000,000 Current assets Cash and bank 25,000,000 Receivables 70,000,000 Inventories 85,000,000 Pre-paid expenses 20,000,000 Others 12,000,000 Total 418,000,000 Nainar Limited Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended March 31, 20X7 Net sales Rs. 740,000,000 Cost of goods sold 520,000,000 Gross profit 220,000,000 Operating expenses 102,000,000 Operating profit 118,000,000 Non-operating surplus 12,000,000 Profit before interest and tax 130,000,000 Interest 22,000,000 Profit before tax 108,000,000 Tax 46,000,000 Profit after tax 62,000,000 Dividends 20,000,000 Retained earnings 42,000,000 NainarStandard Current ratio 1. 7 Acid-test ratio 1. 0 Debt-equity ratio 1. 4 Times interest covered ratio 5. 5 Inventory turnover ratio 6. 0 Average collection period 40 days Total assets turnover ratio 2. 0 Net profit margin ratio 8 % Earning power 30 % Return on equity 35 % Solution: For purposes of ratio analysis, we may recast the balance sheet as under. Let assume that ‘Others’ in the balance sheet represents other current assets. Liabilities and Equity Equity capital 100,000,000 Reserves and surplus 65,000,000 Long-term debt 140,000,000 Short-term bank borrowing 70,000,000 Total 375,000,000 Assets Fixed assets (net) 206,000,000 Current assets Cash and bank 25,000,000 Receivables 70,000,000 Inventories 85,000,000 Pre-paid expenses 20,000,000 Others 12,000,000 212,000,000 Less: Current liabilities Trade creditors24,000,000 Provisions19,000,000 43,000,000 Net current assets 169,000,000 Total 375,000,000 Current assets (i) Current ratio = Current liabilities 212,000,000 == 1. 9 113,000,000 ( Current liabilities here includes short-term bank borrowing also) Current assets – Inventories 127,000,000 (ii) Acid-test ratio = == 1. 1 Current liabilities 113,000,000 ( Current liabilities here includes short-term bank borrowing also) Long-term debt + Short-term bank borrowing (iii) Debt-equity ratio = Equity capital + Reserves & surplus 140,000,000 + 70,000,000 = = 1. 3 100,000,000 + 65,000,000 Profit before interest and tax (iv) Times interest coverage ratio = Interest 130,000,000 == 5. 9 22,000,000 Cost of goods sold520,000,000 (v) Inventory turnover period = = = 6. 1 Inventory85,000,000 365 (vi) Average collection period = Net sales / Accounts receivable 365 = =34. 5 days 740,000,000/70,000,000 (vii) Total assets = Equity + Total debt =(100,000,000 + 65,000,000 ) +(140,000,000+70,000,000) = 375,000,000 Net sales740,000,000 Total assets turnover ratio = == 2. 0 Total assets375,000,000 Profit after tax 62,000,000 (ix) Net profit margin= = = 8. 4 % Net sales 740,000,000 PBIT 130,000,000 (x) Earning power = = = 34. 7 % Total assets 375,000,000 Equity earning 62,000,000 (xi) Return on equity = = = 37. 6 % Net worth 165,000,000 The comparison of the Nainar’s ratios with the standard is given below NainarStandard Current ratio 1. 9 1. 7 Acid-test ratio 1. 1 1. 0 Debt-equity ratio 1. 3 1. 4 Times interest covered ratio 5. 9 5. 5 Inventory turnover ratio 6. 1 6. 0 Average collection period 34. 5 days 40 days Total assets turnover ratio 2. 0 2. 0 Net profit margin ratio 8. 4 % 8 % Earning power 34. 7 % 30 % Return on equity 37. 6 % 35 % 24. The comparative balance sheets and comparative Profit and Loss accounts for Nalvar Limited, are given below: Comparative Balance Sheets, Nalvar Limited (Rs. in million) | |20X3 |20X4 |20X5 |20X6 |20X7 | |Share capital |1. 6 |1. 6 |1. |1. 8 |2 | |Reserves and surplus |1. 0 |1. 6 |2. 4 |2. 3 |3 | |Long-term debt |1. 4 |1. 5 |1. 8 |1. 6 |1. 4 | |Short-term bank borrowing |1. 3 |1. 5 |1. 7 |1. 5 |1. 2 | |Current liabilities |1. 1 |1. 3 |1. 5 |1. 6 |1. 8 | |Total |6. 4 |7. 5 |9. 2 |8. |9. 4 | |Assets | | | | | | |Net fixed assets |1. 2 |1. 4 |2 |1. 7 |2 | |Current assets | | | | | | | Cash and bank |0. 3 |0. 3 |0. 2 |0. 4 |0. 3 | | Receivables |1. 8 |2. 1 |2. 5 |2. 4 |2. | | Inventories |1. 8 |2. 2 |2. 8 |2. 4 |2. 8 | | |1. 3 |1. 5 |1. 7 |1. 9 |1. 8 | |Other assets | | | | | | |Total |6. 4 |7. 5 |9. 2 |8. 8 |9. 4 | | | | | | | | Comparative Profit and Loss Accounts, Nalvar Limited (Rs. in million) | | |20X4 |20X5 |20X6 |20X7 | | |20X3 | | | | | | | | | | | | |Net sales |3. 8 |4. 2 |5. 3 |6. 5 |7. 8 | |Cost of goods sold |2. 6 |3. |3. 9 |4 |4. 8 | |Gross profit |1. 2 |1. 1 |1. 4 |2. 5 |3 | |Operating expenses |0. 3 |0. 3 |0. 4 |0. 6 |0. 6 | |Operating profit |0. 9 |0. 8 |1 |1. 9 |2. 4 | |Non-operating surplus deficit |0. 1 |0. 2 |0. 1 |0. 3 |0. 3 | |Profit before interest and tax |1 |1 |1. |2. 2 |2. 7 | |Interest |0. 1 |0. 1 |0. 2 |0. 1 |0. 1 | |Profit before tax |0. 9 |0. 9 |0. 9 |2. 1 |2. 6 | |Tax |0. 05 |0. 08 |1 |1. 2 |1. 2 | |Profit after tax |0. 85 |0. 82 |-0. 1 |0. 9 |1. 4 | Required: Compute the important ratios for Nalvar Limited for the years 20X3-20X7. You may assume that other assets in the balance sheet represent other current assets. †¢ Current ratio †¢ Debt-equity ratio †¢ Total assets turnover ratio †¢ Net profit margin †¢ Earning power †¢ Return on equity Solution: We will rearrange the balance sheets as under for ratio analysis. It is assumed that ‘Other assets’ are other current assets |Liabilities and Equity | | | | | | |†¢ Current ratio |2. 2 |2. 2 |2. 3 |2. 3 |2. 5 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Debt-equity ratio |1. 0 |0. 9 |0. 8 |0. 8 |0. | |Total assets turnover ratio |0. 7 |0. 7 |0. 7 |0. 9 |1. 0 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Net profit margin(%) |22. 4 |19. 5 |-1. 9 |13. 8 |17. 9 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earning power (%) |18. 9 |16. 1 |14. 3 |30. 6 |35. 5 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Return on equity (%) |32. 7 |25. 6 |-2. 4 |22. 0 |28. 0 | 26. The comparative balance sheets and comparative Profit and Loss accounts for Somani Limited, a machine tool manufacturer, are given below: Comparative Ba lance Sheets, Somani Limited (Rs. in million) | | | 20X5 | 20X6 | 20X7 | | | |20X4 | | | | | |20X3 | | | | | |Share capital |41 |50 |50 |50 |55 | |Reserves and surplus |16 |36 |72 |118 |150 | |Long-term debt |28 |25 |30 |29 |22 | |Short-term bank borrowing |35 |30 |36 |38 |38 | |Current liabilities |24 |28 |30 |30 |25 | |Total |144 |169 |218 |265 |290 | |Assets | | | | | | |Net fixed assets |72 |80 |75 |102 |103 | |Current assets | | | | | | | Cash and bank |8 |9 |15 |12 |11 | | Receivables |24 |30 |59 |62 |85 | | Inventories |35 |42 |55 |75 |79 | |Other Assets |5 |8 |14 |14 |12 | |Total |144 |169 |218 |265 |290 | | | | | | | | |Comparative Profit & Loss Account of Somani Ltd | | (Rs. n million) | | | |20X4 |20X5 |20X6 |20X7 | | |20X3 | | | | | |Net sales |285 |320 |360 |350 |355 | |Cost of goods sold |164 |150 |170 |175 |174 | |Gross profit |121 |170 |190 |175 |181 | |Operating expenses |64 |66 |68 |68 |64 | |Operating profit |57 |104 |122 |107 |117 | |Non-operating surplus defic it |3 |4 |4 |3 |3 | |Profit before interest and tax |60 |108 |126 |110 |120 | |Interest |8 |6 |10 |12 |12 | |Profit before tax |52 |102 |116 |98 |108 | |Tax |15 |26 |30 |26 |29 | |Profit after tax |37 |76 |86 |72 |79 | | | | | | | | Compute the following ratios for years 20X3-20X7: †¢ Current ratio †¢ Debt-equity ratio †¢ Total assets turnover ratio †¢ Net profit margin †¢ Earning power †¢ Return on equity For ratio analysis purpose, we will rearrange the balance sheet as under. It is assumed that ‘Other assets’ are other current assets 20X3 20X4 20X5 20X6 20X7 |Share capital | |41 | |50 | | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Current ratio |1. 2 |1. 5 |2. 2 |2. 4 |3. 0 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Debt-equity ratio |1. 1 |0. 6 |0. 5 |0. 4 |0. | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Total assets turnover ratio |2. 4 |2. 3 |1. 9 |1. 5 |1. 3 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Net profit margin (%) |13. 0 |23. 8 |23. 9 |20. 6 |22. 3 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earning power (%) |50. 0 |76. 6 |67. 0 |46. 8 |45. 3 | |†¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Return on equity (%) |64. 9 |88. 4 |70. 5 |42. 9 |38. 5 | 26. The Balance sheets and Profit and Loss accounts of LKG Corporation are given below. Prepare the common size and common base financial statements |Balance Sheets (Rs. n million) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Shareholders’ funds |256 |262 | |Loan funds |156 |212 | |Total |412 |474 | |Fixed assets |322 |330 | |Investments |15 |15 | |Net current assets |75 |129 | |Total |412 |474 | |Profit & Loss Accounts | |(Rs. n million) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Net sales |623 |701 | |Cost of goods sold |475 |552 | |Gross profit |148 |149 | |PBIT |105 |89 | |Interest |22 |21 | |PBT |83 |68 | |Tax |41 |34 | |PAT |42 |34 | Solution: Common Size statements: Profit and Loss Account | |Regular ( in Rs. |Common Size(%) | | |million) | | | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Net sales |623 |701 | |100 |100 | |Cost of goods sold |475 |552 | |76 |79 | |Gross profit |148 |149 | |24 |21 | |PBIT |105 |89 | |17 |13 | |Interest |22 |21 | |4 |3 | |PBT |83 |68 | |13 |10 | |Tax |41 |34 | |7 |5 |PAT |42 |34 | |7 |5 | | | | Balance Sheet | | |Regular ( in million)| |Common Size(%) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Shareholders' funds |256 |262 | |62 |55 | |Loan funds |156 |212 | |38 |45 | |Total |412 |474 | |100 |100 | |Fixed assets |322 |330 | |78 |70 | |Investments |15 |15 | |4 |3 | |Net current assets |75 |129 | |18 |27 | |Total |412 |474 | |100 |100 | 27. The Balance sheets and Profit and Loss accounts of Grand Limited are given below. Prepare the common size and common base financial statements Balance Sheet | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Shareholders’ fund |85 |85 | |Loan funds |125 |180 | |Total |210 |265 | |Fixed assets |127 |170 | |Investments |8 |10 | |Net current assets |75 |85 | |Total |210 |265 | |Profit & Loss Account | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Net sales 450 |560 | |Cost of goods sold |320 |410 | |Gross profit |130 |150 | |PBIT |85 |98 | |Interest |12 |17 | |PBT |73 |81 | |Tax |22 |38 | |PAT |51 |43 | Solution: |Balance Sheet |Regular (Rs. n million) |Common Size(%) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Shareholders' funds |85 |85 |40 |32 | |Loan funds |125 |180 |60 |68 | |Total |210 |265 |100 |100 | |Fixed assets |127 |170 |60 |64 | |Investments |8 |10 |4 |4 | |Net current assets |75 |85 |36 |32 | |Total |210 |265 |100 |100 | |Profit & Loss Account |Regular (Rs. n million) |Common Size(%) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Net sales |450 |560 |100 |100 | |Cost of goods sold |320 |410 |71 |73 | |Gross profit |130 |150 |29 |27 | |PBIT |85 |98 |19 |18 | |Interest |12 |17 |3 |3 | |PBT |73 |81 |16 |14 | |Tax |22 |38 |5 |7 | |PAT |51 |43 |11 |8 | |Common base year statements | |Balance Sheet |Regular (Rs. n million) |Common base year (%) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Shareholders' funds |85 |85 |100 |100 | |Loan funds |125 |180 |100 |144 | |Total |210 |265 |100 |126 | |Fixed assets |127 |170 |100 |134 | |Investments |8 |10 |100 |125 | |Net current assets |75 |85 |100 |113 | |Total |210 |265 |100 |126 | |Profit & Loss Account |Regular (Rs. n million) |Common base year (% ) | | |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 |20Ãâ€"6 |20Ãâ€"7 | |Net sales |450 |560 |100 |124 | |Cost of goods sold |320 |410 |100 |128 | |Gross profit |130 |150 |100 |115 | |PBIT |85 |98 |100 |115 | |Interest |12 |17 |100 |142 | |PBT |73 |81 |100 |111 | |Tax |22 |38 |100 |173 | |PAT |51 |43 |100 |84 | CHAPTER 5 1. The profit and loss account of Sasi Industires Limited for years 1 and 2 is given below: Using the percent of sales method, prepare the pro forma profit and loss account for year 3. Assume that the sales will be 3500 in year 3. If dividends are raised to 40, what amount of retained earnings can be expected for year 3? |Year | | |1 |2 | |Net sales |2300 |2700 | |Cost of goods sold |1760 |2000 | |Gross profit |540 |700 | |Selling expenses |150 |180 | |General and administration expenses |120 |124 | |Depreciation |94 |84 | |Operating profit |176 |312 | |Non-operating surplus deficit |12 |10 | |Earnings before interest and tax |188 |322 | |Interest |30 |38 | |Earnings before tax |158 |284 | |Tax |56 |96 | |Earnings after tax |102 |188 | |Dividends |35 |35 | |Retained earnings |67 |153 | Solution: |Year | | | | |1 |2 |Average percent |Proforma Profit & Loss| | | | |of sales |account for year 3 | | | | | |assuming sales of 3500| |Net sales |2300 |2700 |100 |3500 | |Cost of goods sold |1760 |2000 |75. 30 |2635. 43 | |Gross profit |540 |700 |24. 70 |864. 57 | |Selling expenses |150 |180 |6. 59 |230. 80 | |General and administration expenses |120 |124 |4. 90 |171. 7 | |Depreciation |94 |84 |3. 60 |125. 97 | |Operating profit |176 |312 |9. 60 |336. 14 | |Non-operating surplus deficit |12 |10 |0. 45 |15. 61 | |Earnings before interest and tax |188 |322 |10. 05 |351. 75 | |Interest |30 |38 |1. 36 |47. 46 | |Earnings before tax |158 |284 |8. 69 |304. 29 | |Tax |56 |96 |3. 00 |104. 3 | |Earnings after tax |102 |188 |5. 70 |199. 46 | |Dividends(given) |35 |35 | |40 | |Retained earnings |67 |153 | |159. 46 | 2. The profit and loss account of KG Electronics Limited for years 1 and 2 is given below: Using the percent of sales method, prepare the pro forma profit and loss account for year 3. Assume that the sales will be 26,000 in year 3. If dividends are raised to 500, what amount of retained earnings can be expected for year3 . |Year | | |1 |2 | |Net sales |18,230 |22,460 | |Cost of goods sold |13,210 |16100 | |Gross profit |5020 |6360 | |Selling expenses |820 |890 | |General and administration expenses

Effects of Computer Society Essay

Traditionally, courses that deal with computers and society issues focus primarily on enumerating the various ways in which computers impact society. This is done by listing categories of topics such as privacy, computers in medicine, military uses of computers, etc. Classic cases of computer abuse or errant systems are typically described in detail, as a way of simply making students more aware of how computers affect society. These examples are meant to serve as warnings to future professionals, in the hopes that they will practice their profession with greater care. What is missing from these discussions, however, is  why  computers have the impact they do on society. What are the characteristics that are the root of this impact? Are there fundamental differences between this technology and others that have transformed our world in the past? The intent of developing a list of these characteristics is that it could lead to a better understanding of the nature of the social impact of computers. In this way, it might be possible to examine a new computer project at the time of its  design  (not, as is the usual case, a long time after the project has been implemented and disseminated) to determine its potential impacts as a social change agent. The characteristics given below are not necessarily unique to computer technology. However, in many instances computers have created situations that were previously impossible to accomplish (such as space flight), were essentially inconceivable until the technology was applied, or at least were very difficult to achieve without the aid of computer technology. Furthermore, even though other technologies may have had impacts similar to computers in many ways, computer technology has greatly amplified their effects to the point of entirely overshadowing any previous technology’s impact. Finally, the term  computer technology  is meant to be inclusive of any device that is essentially controlled by a basic computer (CPU, program, etc. ). This would include, therefore, modern telephones, VCRs, microwave ovens, CAT scanners, supermarket scanners, and the like. The following are in no particular order. Also, some devices or examples are likely to fit into more than one of the categories below: (1) Ubiquity – It is perhaps stating the obvious that computers appear to be everywhere today. Even when we don’t encounter them directly in their various forms of modern convenience devices, such as digital watches, microwave ovens, VCRs, and the like, we generate transactions that are processed via computers without actively doing anything: the utility companies are recording our usage, the phone company records incoming calls, our answering machine might be recording a message while we are doing something else, someone is performing a credit check on us, etc. (2) Magnification – Computers tend toward magnification in several different ways. First, the explosion of the availability of information is due in large part to the computer’s ability to generate, collect, and store an ever increasing amount of raw data. Since the ability to create and collect data is growing exponentially, so too is the generation of information that can be synthesized from this data. Second, the types of negative impacts a single error can have has grown enormously with computer technology. Finally, the number of people directly affected by a system error has also grown enormously, to where a single software system literally can affect millions directly. 3) Accessibility – Access to information continues to increase at hard to believe speeds. Many information resources are available only in digital form, via, for instance, the Internet. As more information is converted to digital form (e. g. voice and video), the ability to duplicate and distribute such information increases enormously. Indeed, there are some forms of publishing that can exist only within the context of a computer system. The concept of hypertext and hypermedia (including audio and video), the ability to create non-linear accessibility to information, was conceived out of the ability to randomly access information via computers. Its increasing success easily shows how important information in a digital form has become already. (Oz, 1994). (5) Lack of Accountability – It has become a popular complaint that it is getting more and more difficult to locate a human being who is willing to accept responsibility for an error made by a computerized system. While it is tempting to blame such problems on incompetent employees, in truth the problem may be a poor user interface, lack of training, or an error in the software, none of which can be solved by those providing the front-line service. Another difficulty is finding someone who will, indeed, fix an error in an account. It is often the case that service representatives are reluctant to accept the responsibility for making a necessary change. In addition, it can often be difficult to even find a human being to deal with a problem. Getting lost in a voice-mail system has become a modern urban legend. (Nissenbaum, 1994). (6) Temporality – Computers have several effects on time and the timeliness of information. It seems that computer technology is to blame in large part for the â€Å"speed p† of modern society – everything has to get done faster, be there sooner, be available immediately. Another form of temporality in computer systems is that information can be retained over long periods of time, even when they appear to have been destroyed (consider the classic case of Col. Oliver North). There is little reason that information should be entirely lost any more, even due to accident. And it is reas onable to suspect that every scrap of information generated today will be available virtually forever. Another temporal shift for which computers have been responsible is that people who work together do not necessarily have to do so at the same time. Finally, services and information are more frequently available on a 24-hour basis. This allows people to request a service or seek information when it fits their schedule, rather than when it fits the service provider’s schedule. (7) Spatiality – Computers have done more to shorten distances than any previous technology, even the supersonic jet. It is possible to send large amounts of data, messages, video, etc. virtually anywhere in the world via networks such as Internet. Long distance learning, using information databases or video feeds of courses via satellite, is a reality for a growing portion of our modern society. We can now even be on the move when we talk with someone on the phone, or receive a fax. (8) Surveillability – Is there any doubt that computers have made surveillance easier than at any time in history? In addition to the usual surveillance equipment such as cameras and microphones, transactional data is increasingly being collected for virtually all types of transactions, even cash purchases and the acquisition of services. There has even been discussion by the government of using a universal health card, which is seen by many as the first step toward finalizing the move (begun with the co-opting of the social security number) in the US toward a national identification card. (9) Shifting of Relationships/Changes in Intercommunication Protocols – One of the more difficult characteristics to track is how computer technology has changed communication between people and groups of people. In particular, the use of email has been shown to eliminate a lot of the usual visual and verbal cues we often use in communicating with one another (whch can be viewed as both an advantage and as a disadvantage). In addition to removing such cues, computer-mediated communications mask attributes such as race, gender, age, or physical disability, in addition, perhaps, to the person’s social or management status within an organization. (Grudin, 1994; Perrole, 1987). (10) Illusion of Precision – It is not difficult to make many (perhaps even most) people who are not in the computer field believe that any numeric result generated by a computer is correct. Those not well versed in the hardware of computers have little understanding of the fact that numbers must be converted back and forth between decimal and binary forms, or that there is a limitation on the accuracy of numbers due to memory constraints. As a result, they willingly accept values generated by a computer as infinitely accurate. (Liffick, 1985). Conclusion The characteristics described above are factors in the social impact of computer technology. For most there is at least anecdotal evidence of their existence (with seemingly countless examples). For some, there is also experimental evidence. It has finally become widely accepted that technology is not value neutral, as originally thought. By examining this list and using it as a set of landmarks for evaluating new systems, it may be possible to better anticipate the social impact of new systems, prior to their dissemination.

A governing body Essay Example for Free

A governing body Essay Choose cite format: APA MLA Harvard Chicago ASA IEEE AMA Haven't found the essay you want? Get your custom sample essay for only $13.90/page ? A governing body is eminent in every populace. Although the governing bodies of the United States and Sweden are both administered by Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, the role they play in the politics of their respective countries differs greatly. Both countries are subject to laws set forth by age-old constitutions. There is also variance in the number of representative parties for the population of each country. It is important to look at the age of the country and its influence on the government. The period of time in which countries are founded is very important in showing why certain countries have the institutions that they do. The early Swedish government was formed by aristocrats who nominated a king that used his rule to influence religion. This aspect of Sweden’s political history differs from that of the U. S. , which was founded hundreds of years later to be ruled by representation. U. S. Government The United States is the world’s oldest representative democracy. The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the Constitution. Citizens are subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local levels; most areas are subject to multiple local governments, such as county or metropolitan governments in addition to municipal government. The federal government is comprised of three branches, which are designed to check and balance one another’s powers. The Legislative branch is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties, and has the power of making decisions regarding the budget and taxation, also known as â€Å"Power of the Purse. † The Executive branch is comprised of the President, who appoints, with Senate approval, the Cabinet and other officers. The Cabinet administers and enforces federal laws. The president is also Commander-in-Chief of the military. The Judicial branch is the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with Senate approval. The Judicial branch interprets laws and can overturn laws they deem unconstitutional. The United States Constitution is the supreme legal document that governs the American system. The document is considered a social contract for the people of the United States, regulating their affairs through government chosen by and populated by the people. All laws and procedures of both state and federal governments are subject to review, and any law ruled by the Judicial branch to be in violation of the Constitution can be overturned. The Constitution can be amended by two methods, both of which require the approval of three-fourths of the states. Officials at all three levels are either elected by voters in a secret ballot or appointed by other elected officials. Executive and legislative offices are decided by a plurality vote of citizens in their districts. Judicial and cabinet-level offices are nominated by the Executive branch and approved by the Legislature in the federal government and most states, although some state judges are elected by popular vote. American politics is dominated by the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Members of these two parties hold the majority of elected offices across the country at federal, state, and lower levels. Independent or third party candidates tend to do better in lower-level elections; however, there are currently two independent members of the Senate. Within American political culture, the Republican Party is considered conservative and the Democratic Party is considered liberal. Swedish Politics Information published by Nations Encyclopedia advises Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, of which King Carl XVI Gustaf is currently the head of state, but royal power is limited to official and ceremonial functions. The nation’s modern legislative body is the Swedish Parliament, also known as Riksdag, with 349 members, which chooses the Prime Minister. The Riksdag holds supreme authority in modern Sweden. The Riksdag is responsible for choosing the Prime Minister, who then appoints the ministers. The legislative power is then shared between the parliament and the Prime Minister-led government. The executive power is exercised by the government, while the Judiciary, unlike that of the United States is independent. Sweden’s judiciary system also lacks the ability to review laws that may be in violation of the constitution. Acts of the parliament and government decrees can be made inapplicable at every level if they are against constitutional laws. Legislation may be initiated by the Cabinet or by members of Parliament. Members are elected on the basis of proportional representation, or full representation versus the plurality voting system used in the U. S. The Constitution of Sweden can be altered by the Riksdag, which requires an absolute majority and two decisions with general elections in between. Since 1932, the Cabinets have been dominated by the Social Democrats. The following political parties currently hold seats in the Riksdag: Social Democrats, Moderates, Centre Party, Liberal People’s Party, Christian Democrats, Left Party, and Greens. There are six other parties, however, they do not currently hold any of the seats of the Riksdag. The six parties are: Swedish Democrats, Feminist Initiative, The Pirate Party, June List, The Health Care Party, and National Democrats. Religious and Cultural Aspects of Government Historicizing the formation of the Swedish government is to review the affects of aristocracy on government and government on religion. In the middle ages, struggle for power between powerful families and Great Men, also known as Stormannen, caused politically unstable situations. Sweden was a kingdom where the king was elected by members of a council of aristocrats; therefore, the throne was not inherited. The presence of powerful Great Men and chiefs meant that the king’s influence was often quite limited. His political and fiscal control over the country depended upon support from the aristocracy. During the late Middle Ages political anarchy came about in Sweden. Constant struggle for power between a number of families and the Danish King Kristian II ended in the Bloodbath of Stockholm in the early 1500s. The result of this struggle enabled Gustav Vasa to become king in 1521. The most important reform Gustav Vasa made was the reformation of the Church. â€Å"The king was able to gain political control, as well as control the property of the Church, all Swedes suddenly became Protestants instead of Catholics†(History World, 2007). This made it possible for the king to establish himself, not the Pope, as head of the Church, and also to use the Church as a pedagogic tool on the people according to History World. Because everyone had to attend church on Sundays, the state could reach almost the entire populace with information, propaganda, and a certain amount of education. The Bible was, for instance, translated from Latin to Swedish during this time. This had a positive impact on literacy among the ordinary people. In the United States, the formation of the government was influenced by agenda and innovationists rather than religion or how politics could influence religion. â€Å"Our Founding Fathers were not known to practice Christian orthodoxy†(White House, 2007). Although they supported the free exercise of any religion, they believed there could be dangers in incorporating a religion into the creation of a government to serve all people. Most of them believed in deism and attended Freemasonry lodges. According to John J. Robinson, â€Å"Freemasonry had been a powerful force for religious freedom†(Free Masons, 2007). Freemasons took seriously the principle that men should worship according to their own conscious. Masonry welcomed anyone from any religion or non-religion, as long as they believed in a Supreme Being. Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Hamilton, Lafayette, and many others accepted Freemasonry. According to the Free Masonry Organization, in order to be a Free Mason, one must believe in the existence of a â€Å"Supreme Being,† which includes the â€Å"gods† of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion. Although many believe the anti-Biblical and anti-Christian beliefs and practices of this organization are partially hidden beneath an outward appearance of a supposed compatibility with the Christian faith, the organization supports every religion. The influence of a non-uniform Christian society on the U. S. government was probably due to the combinations of cultures and backgrounds of the individuals making up the fairly new society. The compilation of cultures that continues to make up U. S. society varies greatly from those of the Swedish culture at the time their government was developed. Sweden was a very old country; therefore, the majority of the inhabitants had lived there most, if not all, of their lives. The governments of the United States and Sweden both represent their diverse populations through their respective governments. The greatest variance in the way branches operate is in the Judicial system. In the United States, the Judicial System ensures that laws are upheld and amended to meet changing times without going against the Constitution. The Swedish Judicial branch lacks the ability to review laws that may be against their constitution. A governing body. (2017, Mar 02).

Pick up a topic from my instruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pick up a topic from my instruction - Essay Example Shattered by the partition of India, Boori Ma becomes homeless and takes refuge under the staircase of an old brick building in Calcutta where she does menial jobs like sweeping the staircase and in return gets refuge and food along with some odd things at times from the people of the building and neighborhood. Moving away from the usual canonical theme for which Lahiri is renowned, she presents a complete post-colonial and Marxist themes in the story, ‘A Real Durwan’. There is no such strong hinge on Diaspora. Rather the consequence a society, its people and culture encounters after the decolonization founds profound expression in the story (Shands, â€Å"Neither East Nor West†). This essay intends to explore and analyze the subtle theme of alienation and discourse towards existential crisis expressed through the post-colonial critic and reading of the story ‘A Real Durwan’ by Jhumpa Lahiri. At the outset, it might always seem that Lahiri’s story, ‘A Real Durwan’ is a prolific expression of her recurrent motifs and themes of Indo-American Diaspora. However, there is something beyond this mundane and well established fact that can be traced in the story, ‘A Real Durwan’. Something extra is definitely traced in the text by Lahiri but that extra is not only concerned with the geographical barriers and cultural complexity this time. Nevertheless, an impeccable study on the complexity prevailing on the specific nexus of space and time in the post-colonial as well as post-modern backdrop compels to make the character of Boori Ma central to the reading (Shands, â€Å"Neither East Nor West†). The story ‘A Real Durwan’ captivates a time span wider and intensified. Starting from the tenure of post-partition in India, the plot of the novel also oscillates to and fro to the past of Boori-Ma when India was undivided and was under

Homework1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Homework1 - Essay Example In addition, it has opened the country for more foreign investment despite local opposition. This move differs with the way the US government handles infrastructure in its country. The US government invested heavily in its local infrastructure making every part of the country available for trade (Sharma & Mukherji, 2013). c. The Indian government is trying to control the level of involvement of foreign investors in the local trade. This system tries to benefit the local people as the government works to their interest. On the other hand, the system has harmed foreign investors as they find it difficult to access the produce despite the amount of resources at their disposal (Sharma & Mukherji, 2013). d. Wal-Mart would be good for India because of its experience in procuring produce from the small farmers in upgrading a poor supply chain. It has shown success in many countries including Mexico, China, and Brazil (Sharma & Mukherji, 2013). a. There has been constant pressure that resulted to low price on Chinas products. Since the US does not pay an extra amount to cater for a clean production system, China producers do not include cleaning cost in their production (Spencer, 2007). b. With a high production cost, there would a high pricing on an item. However, with a market that requires low pricing on goods despite the cost of production, the company would lower its production cost to match the market price. Instead of spending to treat the wastes, the Chinese producers opt to releasing it in the rivers, reducing production cost (Spencer, 2007). a. Internet connection is expensive for some families who have to meet other needs. Despite this, rise in technology has taken root in education, being a disadvantage to those students without an internet connection (Troianovski,