Self Managed Teams Essay Example for Free

Self Managed Teams Essay Self Managed Teams Introduction Self-managed teams (SMTs) are relatively small groups of employees given substantial responsibility for planning organizing, scheduling and production of work products or service. SMTs however are more than just another way of directing groups. The concept, according to John Simmons, involves nothing less than, the complete restructuring of the jobs that people does. Thus, Self-managed work teams are groups of employees tasked with monitoring and reviewing a product or process in a firm and coming up with solutions to problems they encounter. Self-organized semi-autonomous small group whose members determine, plan, and manage their day-to-day activities and duties (in addition to providing other supportive functions such as production scheduling, quality assurance, and performance appraisal) under reduced or no supervision. Also called self directed team, self-managed natural work team, or self managed team. Self managed teams are workers who have been organized into teams on the basis of relatively complete task functions. They make decisions on a wide range of issues, often including such traditional management prerogatives as: * Who will work on which machines or work operations * How to address inter-personal difficulties within the group * How to resolve quality problems, and so forth. Also, these teams usually consist of five to fifteen employees, who: * Produce an entire product instead of sub-units * Learn all tasks and rotate from job to job * Take over vacation scheduling, order materials etc. Such groups are self-regulating and work without direct supervision. Normally, a manager acts as the team leader and is responsible for defining the goals, methods, and functioning of the team. However, interdependencies and conflicts between different parts of an organization may not be best addressed by hierarchical models of control. Self-managed teams use clear boundaries to create the freedom and responsibility to accomplish tasks in an efficient manner. The main idea of the self-managed team is that the leader does not operate with positional authority. In a traditional management role, the manager is responsible for providing instruction, onducting communication, developing plans, giving orders, and disciplining and rewarding employees, and making decisions by virtue of his or her position. In this organizational model, the manager delegates specific responsibility and decision-making authority to the team itself, in the hope that the group will make better decisions than any individual. Neither a manager nor the team leaders make independent d ecisions in the delegated responsibility area. Decisions are typically made by consensus in successful self-managed teams, by voting in very large or formal teams, and by hectoring and bullying in unsuccessful teams. The team as a whole is accountable for the outcome of its decisions and actions. Self-managed teams operate in many organizations to manage complex projects involving research, design, process improvement, and even systemic issue resolution, particularly for cross-department projects involving people of similar seniority levels. While the internal leadership style in a self-managed team is distinct from traditional leadership and operates to neutralize the issues often associated with traditional leadership models, a self-managed team still needs support from senior management to operate well. Self-managed teams may be interdependent or independent. Of course, merely calling a group of people a self-managed team does not make them either a team or self-managed. As a self-managed team develops successfully, more and more areas of responsibility can be delegated, and the team members can come to rely on each other in a meaningful way Objective: The objectives of using SMTs are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of specific tasks. This approach achieves these objectives by having SMT team members look beyond their individual task concerns, to the needs of specific groups and the entire organization. Benefits and uses of SMTs: †¢ Reduced absenteeism †¢ Increased productivity †¢ Increased employee satisfaction, morale cohesiveness †¢ Multi-skilled workforce benefit †¢ Greater level of personal responsibility to the companys targets †¢ Unique flexibility in job functions †¢ 100% of team members all pulling to a common goal †¢ A significant reduction in day-to-day problems †¢ Awards for achievement are shared equally The most beneficial aspects of self-managed teams are that they are management innovations that are based on an accurate understanding of human nature and motivation. They eliminate bureaucratic/pyramidal values and replace them with humanistic/democratic value systems. They provide a work climate in which everyone has a chance to grow and mature as individuals, as members of a team by satisfying their own needs, while working for the success of the organization. â€Å"Self managed teams are closely associated with the concept of employee empowerment which entails the employee to have the requisite authority and resources required by him to carry out his responsibilities. Roadblocks and risks of SMTs Three major SMT roadblocks and risks are listed: 1. The difficulty of rescinding the system, once it is established and experienced by the worker. 2. Varying levels and degrees of resistance by various elements in the organization. 3. Undue peer pressure and its consequences. How Self managed teams differ from Normal Work Team or group A self managed team differs from a normal work team or group in one essential way that the processes or the means to achieve the team goal are designed and decided by the team itself. Given the stiff competition at the global level, all organizations have been forced to focus on developing their human capital. Difference between Self directed team and Self managed teams Work Group A group of people working together Team A group of people working together toward a common goal Self-Managed Team A group of people working together in their own ways toward a common goal which is defined outside the team (Example James River Corporation’s Kendallville Plant ALPHA team. They manufacture cardboard b oxes as defined by executive leadership. Team does their own work scheduling, training, rewards and recognition, etc. Self-Directed Team A group of people working together in their own ways toward a common goal which the team defines (as above, but team also handles compensation, discipline, and acts as a profit center by defining its own future) Before anyone would try to implement something as aggressive as a self-managed (and subsequently self-directed) team, they should know and be able to articulate the expected benefits. A mature self-managed team, when compared to typical hierarchical management, would have measured results showing: How to Manage a Self-Directed Team Self-directed teams are quietly but effectively altering the landscape of corporate business management. Top level managers are finding that self-directed teams are 30 to 50 percent more productive than traditionally structured teams. Step 1 Keep the focus on the whole process. To manage a self-directed team its important to redirect focus on the series of individual steps, as in the Taylor model, to the entirety of the process. By focusing on the entire process, each member of the team is constantly aware of how they and the other members are contributing on a daily basis to accomplish the overall task. Step 2 Gradually transfer management skills and roles. Part of your job as a manager of a self-directed team is to transfer your skills and roles as a manager to the team. The team as a whole needs to receive managerial training. As they do so, the team must decide as a group on how to delegate and divide different roles. You need to manage this process to make sure that it runs smoothly. Step 3 Meet regularly. As a manager of self-directed team you need to reconsider your own role. Its important for you to think of yourself more as a floating member of that team, or as a team consultant, rather than as a supervisor or a manager. If there is anything that you are still supervising it is the implementation of the teams goals in terms of the companys overall mission and vision. Step 4 Give the team an opportunity to correct itself. In cases where a team is under-performing or making errors, you need to manage the situation by bringing the problem to the teams attention and soliciting possible action plans from the team to correct the problem. If the problems persist you should try to re-frame the teams focus or mission. Only as a last resort should you change the membership of the self-directed team. My Learning: Not all groups are teams Some people also use the word team when they mean employees. A sales team is a common example of this loose or perhaps euphemistic usage, though interdependencies exist in organization, and a sales team can be let down by poor performance on other parts of the organization upon which sales depend, like delivery, after-sales service, etc.. However sales staff is a more precise description of the typical arrangement. From Groups to Teams Groups develop into teams in four stages. The four stages are: dependency and inclusion, counter dependency and fighting, trust and structure, and work. In the first stage, group development is characterized by members dependency on the designated leader. In the second stage, the group seeks to free itself from its dependence on the leader and groups have conflicts about goals and procedures. In the third stage, the group manages to work through the conflicts. And in the last stage, groups focus on team productivity Recommendations and Suggestions: 1. To create a team, a demand for performance is more important than team-building exercises. You can get a group together and train them in teamwork for weeks but they won’t be a team until they have a common understanding of the need to perform. First comes the strategic plan, then the tasks needed to carry out the plan, finally, teams are formed to do the tasks. 2. Team basics are often overlooked. Team basics are: size, purpose, goals, skills, approach, and accountability. 3. Teams at the top are the most difficult. Executives have complex, long-term challenges, heavy demands on their time. 4. There’s no need to throw out the hierarchy. Teams are the best way to integrate across structural boundaries. They are the best way to design and energize core processes. 5. Teams permit performance and learning at the same time.

Communications in business

Communications in business The concept of networks contains the competencies which can enable organizational members to produce better products and services. I worked for a company which provided IT support and maintenance, field services, design, consulting and system administration for a wide range of IT products. In 2001, the company sold its equities to outside investors. Since then the investors have become the majority shareholder, causing the family to largely lose control of the company. The corporate culture has been gradually changed, from ‘family corporate umbrella’ to ‘corporate umbrella’. However, the CEO, a member of ‘family corporate umbrella’ culture, has not yet adapted to the new scenario. The new psychological, communicative and social frameworks do not help the CEO understand how individuals and nonhuman agents could work. In the ‘corporate umbrella’ environment, no single theory can help motivations, which can forge, dissolve, or sustain knowledge of the grapevine network with other nonhuman or other human agents. The grapevine communication network could include authority relations and trust five years ago in the Irish company. At that time, the communication network had been impacted by other influential organizational networks within the family as well as the relations specified by the underlying family culture, the closed-internal networks. I was challenged by the concept of organizational family, psychological mechanism, and communicative network. When the company changed its legal entity, from proprietorship to company owned by many investors, the transition has been discouraged and undermined by the ‘corporate umbrella’ concept. The COO, nominated by the investors, has taken over the CEO position, who might not get used to the ‘corporate umbrella’ concept. The CEO has not shared any attributes to the corporation. In fact, corporate exchange environment might reflect that an individual might look for grapevine network with another individual, if the other can somehow reciprocate and offer something in return. The assumption, based on mutual interest, might suggest that any individual will help contribute to a certain responsibility only if other members in the grapevine are willing to do so, which might help explain why at a global level, the entire network could be successful. Additionally, I believe that individuals tend to look for information from those who they think are knowledgeable. The CEO is under the pressure of being audited by the customers. Major banking organizations and the FDA on behalf of the pharmaceutical clients have scrutinized the company operation. Publishing serves more as a sign about which individuals understand and are responsible for certain areas. However, in the company the responsibilities of CEO and COO are overlapped and not clearly defined. The CEO, high-school graduate and non-corporate experience, cannot offer expertise in area in exchange. Managing grapevine networks procedures can be developed. The COO leverage emerging technological capabilities, implement the new communication community and change the company culture, from ‘family corporate umbrella’ to ‘corporate umbrella’. The new infrastructure and new social communication have been implemented in the company. As a CTO (Chief Technology Officer), I was working closer to the operation side and involved with day-to-day activities. The pressures of stakeholders have caused the COO many concerns. Contrast to traditional communication, the ‘family corporate umbrella’ culture, I have come to realize that I was in a highly knowledgeable intensive and connected in organizational world. The structural interconnections have determined what the people in authority, COO and CEO, can know, can do, or cannot do. I understand that the explosion of work, international codes have crossed many disciplines, not just corporate culture. The financial principals, the pharmaceutical regulations, ISO 9001:2000 standards and the Sarbanes Oxley Act seem burdened to the CEO at high school education level. Concurrently, the amount of knowledge about the network and communication has grown after the company has been taken over by investors for five years. As Morgan believes, corporations can be viewed as biological organisms. [1] The simplest structures can be divided into cells and retain the characteristics of life. Usually start-up as a sole trader, proprietorship, a single person operation can begin the corporate life and perform many functions in my company. Thirty years ago, the company was operated under the ‘family corporate umbrella’. At this time, communication was easy since a person could contact within his own environment. Communications should be changed to adapt to the environment. ‘Many companies do not listen to their environment; they simply wait to speak. This means that 80 per cent of information flows outwards from the organisation and only 20 per cent flows inwards.’ [2] The organizational boundary is coupled with the ideas of organizational identity. In fact, at any given time, the boundary can impact the usage of intellectual capital and capability by the company and vice versa. The organization transforms from ‘family corporate umbrella’ to ‘corporate umbrella’. Leveraging intellectual capital by organizations operating might cause more dynamic in open environment. Furthermore, ‘complex organisms are good at differentiating between long-term and short-term communication mechanisms and goals. The nervous system, for example, deals with short-term adjustments to the organism over minutes and hours. The sympathetic nervous system controls responses to external stimuli, while the parasympathetic nervous syste.’ [3] If this concept had been efficiently implemented in my corporation, the staff turnover would have been much lower. I believe that where any procedures, expertise and human resources are properly shared, organizational boundaries can become indistinct. This might rise to new issues of organizational identity, integrity and ownership of intellectual capability. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs[4], social needs become prominence in employees’ feeling and thinking. Their social needs can be fulfilled when they surround themselves with others who understand and generally approve their day-to-day life choices. In fact, once secure in my social life, I sought to fulfill my need for esteem. I was discouraged by CEO. As a CTO, at this stage I would ignore money motivators for the sake of the all-important respect and job title. http://www.itstime.com/maslow.htm[5] I am building a social life to match my growing need to make people proud of me, and to be proud of myself. I have seen many professionals in the company oscillate between social needs and esteem needs. The CEO should understand that managing organizational transformation is related to the dynamic, competitive and interconnected to the economic context as well as the open environment. The ‘corporate umbrella’ metaphor can help him explore issues of the organization integrity and identity; he can understand the cognitive and adaptive behaviors of employees in his company. I believe that if the company can be self organized, good corporate culture, which represents considerable elegant communication, responsive to local change while trying to maintain to organization integrity through intelligent networks, internal communication, and relational contiguity, it can be globally positioned. It can locally generate at its best capability and fineness of control in interacting with open environment. The CEO can help generate robustness and challenge the changing conditions. In short, workplace violence, such as threats, abuse, physical assault, aggressive and abrasive behavior, is an issue that companies have responsibilities to assess. Control measures should incorporate protective, preventive and even encouraging measures. Transformation of ‘family corporate umbrella’ to ‘corporate umbrella’ should be well informed, implemented, and educated in the corporate framework and operations. As a result, effective risk measurements can be undertaken in consultation with employees, and avoid negative emotions developing. Bibliography Maslow, A H. 1970, ‘ Motivation and personality’, 2nd ed. New York: Harper Row. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, viewed January 10, 2007, http://www.itstime.com/maslow.htm> Morgan, G 1998, Nature intervenes: organizations as organisms, Executive ed., 1st ed. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Sage Publications, San Francisco, California. Vincent-Wayne, M, Jackson, P. 2006 ‘the nature of corporate communication’.European Business Forum.London, no.26,p.37 Page 1 Footnotes [1] Morgan, G 1998, Nature intervenes: organizations as organisms, Executive ed., 1st ed. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Sage Publications, San Francisco, California. [2] Vincent-Wayne, M, Jackson, P. 2006 ‘the nature of corporate communication’.European Business Forum.London, no.26,p.37 [3] Vincent-Wayne Jackson 2006 [4] Maslow, A H. 1970, ‘ Motivation and personality’, 2nd ed. New York: Harper Row. [5] Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, viewed January 10, 2007, http://www.itstime.com/maslow.htm>

The Joys Of Motherhood, Buchi Emecheta

The Joys Of Motherhood, Buchi Emecheta During the colonization process, many changes have occurred in Africa and the indigenous populations were forced to adopt and adhere to the western values and lifestyle. The effects were felt on all levels of society and in her novel The Joys of Motherhood; Buchi Emecheta highlights the consequences of this confrontation on a traditional Igbo woman, Nnu Ego. It is show at the very beginning of the novel that fertility is a determinant factor of a womans status and reputation. This standard established by this patriarchal society is anchored in Nnu Ego and she does not know how to be self-fulfilled other than the cult domesticity. However, with the changes that occurred in her society, the joys and rewards of motherhood that she desired for a longtime have been compromised. This extended essay thus investigates the impact of the clash of cultures on Nnu Ego. To do so, I first examined the situation of women during the pre-colonial Nigeria in order to underline the differences during the colonial time. Then, I analyzed the two main conflicts of the novel which are the protagonists struggle for self-fulfillment and her dilemma between assimilating the colonial lifestyle and clinging to her traditional values. After this investigation, I came to the conclusion that the tragedy in the story of Nnu Ego is that her imprisonment in tradition prevented her to recognize and embrace the changes that occurred before her. Emechetas novel is thus both a critique of colonization and the conservative nature of the Igbo tradition that prevents women to emancipate and build a better future. Introduction European colonization in Africa has had both favorable and unfavorable consequences as far as it has destabilized and controlled the indigenous ruling systems while bringing modernization to the continent. This notion of modernity is however just as problematic because it represents an antagonism to the traditional African values which resulted in an inevitable clash opposing tradition to modernity. The confusions and struggles raised from this conflict are dealt in different ways and as regards African women; they are confronted, until now, to obstacles in the cultural, economical as well as the political side. Indeed, in most of African cultures, women are victims of subordination within their society because the opposite gender overpowers and retrains them in their development by dictating their thoughts, behavior and decisions. Buchi Emecheta is one of the first African women novelists to address the issue of the conditions of women and their battle for self-fulfillment and emancipation. In her novel, The Joys of Motherhood, she explores the positive and negative effects of modernization on women as well as their imprisonment between tradition and change. Through the story of Nnu Ego, the protagonist, she also shows how the strict traditions discriminate women who are regarded as mens property, producers of children and are placed in second position on the social pyramid. In order to understand the impact of Nigerias confrontation with western world on women, the following essay will first take a look at the situation of women during the pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria. Then, it will examine the struggles of Nnu Ego for self-fulfillment and emancipation and finally, her dilemma between assimilating the colonial lifestyle and clinging to her tradition. The clash of cultures in The joys of Motherhood and its impact on Nnu Ego The downfall of African women from a position of power happened during the process of colonization. Prior that, societal roles were equal and there was a complementarity between the roles played by each gender. For instance, they even switched roles and women were allowed to work in the agricultural field. In addition to that, women did not only work in pairs with their male counterparts but they were also respected and sometimes worshiped. Most men like Agbadi, a renowned chief and the father of the protagonist, preferred a woman who: was troublesome and impetuous, who had the audacity to fight with her man before letting him have her (p.21). Ona, the mother of Ngu Ego represented that type of women and was depicted as a strong, stubborn and highly respected character. She functioned as queen sister, a chief and was an inspiration to the young women in her village because showed the men that she was just as powerful as them. However, during the colonial era, the traditional rules concerning women were rigidified, which led to the devaluation of female roles and status. Indeed, by introducing capitalism as a new economic system and Christianity as a new spiritual doctrine, the English colonizers have indirectly modified the roles and status of the genders in Nigeria. In modern and capitalist societies, money is a determinant factor of ones status and women have gradually been excluded from trading or any paid work. This resulted in uplifting the status of men and diminishing the status of women whose only roles now were to maintain the household and carry children. As shown in the book, these changes have also affected the vision men had of women because: in [Agbadis] young days, a woman who gave in to a man without first fighting for her honor was never respected. To regard a woman who is quiet and timid as desirable was something that came after his time, with Christianity and other changes (p.10). Thus , considering the fact that men married women: who could claim to be helpless without them (p.36), women were forced to comply with the new standards. Strong minded women like Ona gradually disappeared and women who used to be equally treated in her time were now considered as more vulnerable and weaker than men. By introducing her novel with a short description of Onas life, Buchi Emechetas purpose was to show that the subordination of women is a result of a change in beliefs which gradually anchored in the Igbo tradition. It moreover helps the reader to understand the contrast between Ona and Nnu Ego and gives an insight on Nnu Egos struggles. Buchi Emecheta evokes in her novel two elements which represent an obstacle to Nnu Egos self-fulfillment which are the relationship between men and women and children. The protagonist lives in a mans world in which women must prove that there are good daughters and then good wives in order to gain respect. As an example, when her father arranged a second marriage for her, Nnu Ego did not approve of her new husband, Nnaife, because he was physically different to the men in her village, Ibuza. However, she wanted to prove to herself, to Agbadi and to her society that she wasnt barren but a complete woman. She would [have] rather [died] in this town called Lagos than go back home and say Father, I just do not like the man you have chosen for me' (p.44). She gradually learned to respect this man and put up with his crude ways and ugly appearance (p.44) because he fulfilled her dream which was to have a child. Yet, with the other pregnancies, their relationship degraded because Nnu Ego lo st all respect for her husband. She was not given enough housekeeping money because her husband, Nnaife, spent most of the money on his drink and the children were starving. She then realized that: she was a prisoner, imprisoned by her love for her children, imprisoned in her role as the senior wife. She was not even expected to demand more money for her family; that was considered below the standard expected of a woman in her position. It was not fair, she felt the way men cleverly used a womans sense of responsibility to actually enslave her (p.137). It is shown trough this excerpt that in a couple, the woman must be worthy and accept her fate without complaining. If she fails in doing so, not only will she be branded as a bad and not respectful wife but she would also bring the shame over her family. As Nnu Ego said it, she is imprisoned in a code of conduct established by her patriarchal society which preaches submission. As a result, the man takes all the decisions and as regards the protagonists husband, he is depicted as a selfish man who spends his money without taking into consideration the needs of his family. She was consequently powerless and when Nnaife returned from war with a big fortune he gained the fear and respect of Nnu Ego. He could even afford to beat her up if she went beyond the limits he could stand (p117). This demonstrates on one hand that money and violence are the primary sources of power for men. On the other hand it testifies that the submissive image of women to which Nnu Ego must comply represents a n obstacle for her emancipation and self-fulfillment. This code of conduct imposed on women is also responsible for the fact that a womans voice was rarely taken into consideration as regards the important decisions. For an example, when her husband was at war, Nnu Ego gave birth to a child to whom she did not attribute a name before the return of her husband. She was scared of being regarded as overcivilised woman who chose the names her children by herself, just because her husband was fighting in the war(p.155). Stated differently, endemic sexism, patriarchal attitudes, and the force of blinding tradition bond African men in a hegemonic system that nourishes and protects their interest . This can also be seen through the two polygamous marriages undergone by Nnu Ego. In the first one, she was unable to produce a child and lost her position as a senior wife. Yet, the major function of a wife in her culture is to bear children. Women just like men, grant much importance to the fert ility of a woman because it is the only way to gain respect from the community. The marriage is only truly strengthened with the birth of a child, particularly a boy who will be the heir and the support of the family. The Igbo woman is thus subjected to a lot of pressure during the first years of the marriage because her reputation is concerned. Childless marriages are rarely recognized because: when a woman is virtuous, it is easy for her to conceive (p.31). Nnu Ego is a very emotional character and her barrenness only accentuated her unstable state of mind which manifested through endless tears of frustration and hopelessness (p.32). This situation drove her husband to become polygamous which also undermined her self-confidence. Few had noticed that it was bad for her morale to hear her husband give pleasure to another woman in the same courtyard where she slept (p. 21). In the end, the fact that she remained childless for two years led to the disintegration of her marriage. In the second marriage, she succeeded in having eight children but it did not prevent her husband from looking for a second woman. Nnu Ego and her co-wife were complete opposite and she hated this type of woman, who would flatter a man, depend on him, need him (p.118). Nnu Ego was compared to a jealous cat because she could not understand why her husband bought a new wife especially when they were living in such terrible conditions. She tried to control her feelings, to be sophisticated just like she had been taught but the unfairness of the situation revolted her. She withdrew in herself but was forced to behave properly. She [had] to be careful if she did not want her sons future wives to say but your mother was always jealous whenever her husband brought a young wife' (p.185). Polygamy is in the book another mean for men to control women. Nnu Ego had the feeling she was given more power as a senior wife but in fact, she was imprisoned in her role and her love for her children forb ad her from reacting indecently. Moreover, as a senior wife, Nnu Ego was force to follow some standards which restrain her in self-expression. Indeed, when her husband was enlisted against his will to fight with the English during the Second World War, she and her co-wife were terrified. However: her culture did not permit her to give in to her fears. She was supposed to be strong, being the senior wife, to behave more like a man than a woman. As men were not permitted open grief, she had to learn to hide hers as well. She heard Adaku crying, and she envied her freedom (p.140). The effect achieve by Emecheta was to show that a traditional woman like Nnu Ego is forced to abide to traditional customs, values or beliefs in order to feel fulfilled. If she doesnt she runs the risk of being denied by her husband, classified among bad women and at the same time, compromising her childrens reputation and future. Children thus play an important role in the sense of womens achievement and represent another element which empowers Nnu Ego. Her only goal throughout the novel was to have children and raise them properly since she had been brought up to believe that children made a woman. (p.219) A child is part of a womans identity and the only symbol of hope, success and self-fulfillment for women. This vision of femininity and motherhood established by her culture was the main cause of Nnu Egos failed suicide attempt. When her first child died, Nnu Ego was desperate, in grief and fell into depression. All women agreed that a woman without a child for her husband was a failed woman (p.62). She was brought to perceive herself as a failure and even her closest friends where comforting her husband rather than her. They said to Nnaife who felt guilty: you are to give her children and food, she is to cook and bear the children and look them. A woman may be ugly and grow old, but a man is never ugly an d never old. He matures with age and is dignified (p.71). This disparaging declaration clearly illustrates the image of women and men in the Igbo society. In all cases, the woman is to blame and this has a negative impact on emotional and unstable characters such as Nnu Ego. It could have been fatal but she was determined to refute the fact that she was a failed woman. She lastly gave birth to several children and it is from this moment that she drastically evolved. The financial situation of the couple did not allow them to feed correctly the children and her vision of motherhood began to change. She compared her life to her colleagues who worked and had few children and she regretted having so many children. Her children suffered from malnutrition yet all because she was the mother of three sons, she was supposed to be happy in her poverty, in her cramped room (p.167). She became self-aware that being a mother did not only revolve around having many children but also about raising them properly. She wasnt able to put all the eight of them in good conditions so she put all her hope into her eldest son. Before, her refrain used to be: All will be well when Nnaife returns from war. Now it was: All will be well when Oshia returns from college(p.190). She believed that with rewards of motherhood, she will acquire a higher social status and that he will feed her in her old age and will wipe the tears of shame. In addition to struggling for self-fulfillment, Nnu Ego also struggled between assimilating the colonial lifestyle and sticking to her tradition when she made the transition from a rural world to a modern life. This constitutes another major external conflict of the novel because Nnu Ego was living in a society whose mode of thought and behavior were evolving while she remained firmly attached in traditions. For example, Buchi Emecheta painted a vivid picture of the strict gender division among the Igbo society in her novel. The father instructs his son about how to manage a house, protect the women and introduces him to the rites and traditional meetings. In contrast, the young girls duty is only to help in the house holding. She is firmly taught that her life strictly concentrates on the marriage, having children and cook for her husband. Through this informal education, the young boys are influenced to perceive themselves as higher, better and more important than women whereas the young girls are educated to see themselves as a complement of men. They are also taught to be submissive by bending to the mens requests and desires. As a result, men along with women accept their gender roles as a matter of fact. However, since Lagos is rapidly evolving and tending towards modernization, the daughter of Nnu Ego, Kehinde doesnt understand why she and her sisters have to stay home while her brothers get the chance to study. But you are girls! They are boys. You have to sell to put them in a good position in life, so that they will be able to look after the family. When you husbands are nasty to you, they will defend you (p.176) is the answer given to Kehinde from her mother. This shows that Nnu Ego is still hampered in her tradition while her daughters mentality is changing. This difference of opinion between Nnu Ego and her daughter foreshadowed another major conflict at the novel opposing Kehinde to her parents. However, Nnu Ego eventually rebelled and decided to break the chains of tradition because she could not see her children suffer anymore. In fact, there is an old and Igbo sacred saying which stipulates that women and money are incompatible and if you spent all your time making money and getting rich, the gods wouldnt give you any children ; if you wanted children, you had to forget about money, and be content to be poor. (p.80). Ngu Ego decided during her second pregnancy to abandon her trading works because she firmly believed that it was because she didnt follow the rules that she lost her first child. However, two years later, the family was very poor because Nnaifes incomes were not enough to satisfy their needs. Nnu Egos internal conflict plunged her during a long period of self-doubt and dilemma because she wanted to put her two children in better conditions but was afraid to lose the other child she was carrying. She eventually decided to cross the line which made her benefit from a certain control over the household expenses. The effect achieve by Buchi Emecheta was to show that to be independent, women must initially have some financial freedom. Contrary to her counterparts in Ibuza, Ngu Ego did not completely depend on her husband anymore. It represented on one hand the first sign of revolt and rejection of traditional beliefs. On the other hand, it was a major step for her emancipation and self-fulfillment because she was able to raise her voice. She discovered her power as mother, a woman and a worker. Nevertheless, the fact that Nnu Ego was being more independent did not help her to reach her goal. On the opposite, even if she sacrificed all her money, time and energy on the education of her children, her love and duty for her children were like her chain of slavery (p.186). Emecheta compares Nnu Egos life to a slave in order to emphasize the fact her success will be determined by the success of her children. She strove throughout the whole story to send her boys to school so that they will be member of the new Nigerian elite and tried to raise her daughter according to the traditional model. Such devotion should have helped her to reach her goals but it was not the case because by the time her children grew up the values of her people have changed considerably while she stood firm to her tradition. Nnu Ego refused to adapt to the new mentalities and beliefs and this resulted in a series of disagreements with her children and a series of failure. In the first place, when her eldes t son won a scholarship to study in Canada, her husband was firmly opposed to this idea. In the Igbo culture, when the father reaches a certain age, the eldest son must take over the whole family. However, Oshias dream was to get a higher level of education and this resulted in an irrevocable quarrel. In the end, Oshia was denied by his father and Nnu Ego was blamed for not bringing well her children. From this moment, Nnaife started to refer to the children as Nnu Egos and she was becoming fed up of this two-way standard. When the children were good, the belonged to the father; when they were bad, they belonged to the mother (p.206). It is the same with her daughter who married a man from another tribe. This is considered as the worst act of betrayal and Nnu Ego plunged into despair. She did not understand where she failed and Emechata thus symbolizes Nnu Ego as the danger of resisting change. The heroine was so hampered by tradition which make it looks like women must aspire for c hildren or die(p.187). The conservative side of tradition prevented her from seeing the change around her and its impact on her childrens education. This means that the title of the book, The Joys of Motherhood, is thus ironic and a double-edged sword. On one hand, Nnu Egos cup of happiness was almost full because she was pleased to see her children happy. She was very proud of the fact that she brought up her children even if the road was strewed with difficulties. Her reward was also in the fact that those same children might rub shoulders one day with the great men of Nigeria (p.202). On the other hand, she died alone with a husband who denied her, no child to hold her hand and no friend to talk to her(p.224). Throughout this journey, Nnu Ego has matured and realized that until women keep subscribing to the laws imposed by men, they will be powerless, dominated and unfulfilled. She finally understands that if she failed to live according to the standards expected of her it is because she was a prisoner of traditional values and customs in a modern world. Conclusion As shown in this essay, the patriarchal society in which Nnu Ego lived has established the standards for female valorization. A woman has no identity of her own as far as it is the status and the position of their husbands that defines them. Through the journey of Nnu Ego, Buchi Emecheta shows that the influence of the tradition is highly responsible of the Igbo womens situation because it has on one hand, determined the boundaries between the genders and one the other hand, established standards to which women must follow in order to gain respect and to feel fulfilled. However, colonization has eroded the Igbo traditions which made Nnu Egos life a journey of endless struggles. As a result, the novel is not only a criticism of tradition as regards womens emancipation and self-realization. It is also about a warning of resisting change and it encourages women to fight for gender equality. Nnu Egos self-examination over her successes and failures conveys a powerful message. Indeed, women subscribe to the traditional customs and laws more than men and until they revolutionize this, they will not be able to build a better future for the upcoming generations.

Organ Donation Essay -- essays research papers

How do you feel when you have to wait for something you really, really want?.............What if it was something you couldn’t live without?..........My cousin was five years old when he found out he needed a new kidney. He went on the organ waiting list right away. He was called twice during a six month span that they had a kidney wasn’t a good match. He had to wait again. The third time was a charm. A small adult was in an accident and his kidney was a good match. This story had a happy ending, but so many do not. One of the people on the waiting list for an organ transplant might be someone you know. Today I’d like to tell you about first, the need for organ donors in our area, second, how you can become an organ donor after you die, and finally, how your family and organ donor recipients benefit from your donation. People around the world, but also right here in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois, need organ transplants, and they need our help. The problem is that there is a lack of organ donors who make organ transplantation possible. The need is many organs and tissues such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, and blood vessels. In spring 2004 the Official U.S. Government web site for organ donation states that, â€Å"A new name is added to the national waiting list every 16 minutes.† That means that 3 people will be added to the list during the time we are in class today. The problem is that 10 people will die each day waiting fo...

Nature of Logic and Perception :: essays research papers

According to the American Heritage dictionary, the definition of Logic is â€Å"the study of the principles of reasoning, especially of the structure of propositions as distinguished from their content and of method and validity in deductive reasoning†. It also says that logic is â€Å"valid reasoning.† I believe that logic and critical thinking are closely related in that logic is used in the process of thinking critically. Perception, as stated in the American Heritage dictionary, is â€Å"the process, act, or faculty of perceiving†. Perceiving is to become aware through any of the senses. I think that a lot of my behavior or actions are driven by my feelings or attitudes. An example would be if I were feeling angry my action could be to yell at the person I was angry with. I think that my feelings or attitudes are driven by my beliefs. I come from a dysfunctional family, like most of us I guess (assumption), and my mother was the primary care giver in our home. I have seven brothers and sisters however I was raised with my two youngest sisters so I was the oldest in the house. My older brother is thirteen years older than me and my older sister is just one year old than me. Growing up, I had some a few good memories of my older brother, but I had no memories of my older sister. Actually I should say that I have no visual memories of my sister. My mother told me stories of my sister. The weird thing is that growing up, it seemed like she had this long relationship with here, but in reality it was only a little over a year. After I was born, my mother separated from her husband and lost custody of her daughter and never saw her again until recently when my youngest sister found her. Boy that was an Oprah story! Anyway, the reason I bring all this up is because my perceptions growing up regarding my mother’s life were full of pain.

Financial Statement Analysis Essay

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

Dystopian World

The Houses of Parliament was now a ghost building; there had not been a government since the assassination of Prime Minister Smith, which was a good, yet sinister event, for it was PM Smith who had caused this global never-ending power cut. The situation PM Smith had left us in was abhorrent to us all. As I was looking at the vacated Houses of Parliament noticed the Victorian clock Big Ben had completely stopped. This eerie feature made the clock feel as if the world had stopped in this dramatic time change.It was as if time had stopped around me and I was the only person left on a deserted island. The rasping sound of the cold air that blew around me was high pitched. I knew vaguely that it was about 1 pm on an August afternoon, but there was, again, very little sun. The sun shining was a rare and distant thing. I looked up in desperation at the clouds and saw cascading radiation of light seeping through the dark clouds. I was about to turn away when suddenly I saw SST Pall's Cathed ral. The landmark dome had survived the bombings of WorldWar II where everything around it was crumbling away. This building showed the great British spirit during the war and represented how the building stayed strong, just like the country did throughout 1939-1945. However, this building was now smoking, the dark black smoke rose from the top like steam from a boiled kettle. I stumbled towards the building, trekking through the soft wet mud at the bottom of the river bank. As I got closer and closer, the smell of burning metal was flowing through my nose and could start to see that the top part of the dome was slowly burning away. S saddened to see such marvelous architecture burning away. This stirred emotional memories back to me from 2004 when I was a young boy growing up, when everything was perfect and the country was normal. I had come to the great City with my family for a River Cruise bringing my beloved teddy bear that I had since I was a day old. This bear had been every where with me but on this day the most awful thing happened which I remember so strongly to this day, that my bear had fallen out of my hands into the depths of the water.This feeling of utter deadness and loss falls upon me once more. The most popular City in the world had drastically changed into a grotesque, distorted waste. The City of London was gone and it would never be put right. All the worlds' power is no longer available. There were a few dead bodies frozen in time with rigorists and their bodies covered in film of despair. I looked down at one body and could see long strands of hair covering the pale hard skin. The body I was looking at was of a young girl who had been abandoned by her family because she was too weak to carry on walking.I crouched down and felt a desperate sadness and shiver run down my spine for I had never been this close to a dead person before. I brushed the hair to one side of her face and then I could see her lost, colorless eyes staring into space . The overwhelming feeling the small girl gave me meant could not stay for long and I soon got up and left her. I felt like the only man alive and was soon getting lonely and tired, knowing I was going to end up like that small, exposed girl.It was at that point felt specks of rain bouncing off my face and within a few minutes the heavens opened ND rain was cascading down like a waterfall. With no other clothes I had to find cover. I looked behind me and saw what used to be the famous London Eye. Quickly trekked through the mud until saw a glass cabin of one of the pods of the London Eye. Without contemplating the consequence that I might suffer I entered the murky glass pod and was now sheltered from the pouring rain. As I looked up at the pod the rain leapt off the sides in mass quantity. Ad never been in a war zone before but this is what London felt like. Every. Here I looked could see buildings reduced to ruins, my home being one of them and walls crumbled down into large rigid pieces and all the pathways had been disintegrated into mud baths. It was scary. I knew there was no one out there to kill me but I feared for my life because of the unnatural weather and conditions that has been thrown on planet earth. I lost my belief in God a long time ago but now found myself praying for this world to be changed back to what it used to be.Soon after the prayer I noticed that the rain had finally settled down and to my amazement through he clouds came the brightest sun. Got out of the cramped murky port of the London Eye and stood up. I could not believe my eyes, I felt like I was on the set of a movie, or a miracle was happening as a huge colorful rainbow went over the crumbling Houses of Parliament as if it were a sign. I stared at this rainbow with my mouth wide open. All seven colors looked immense and spiritual and for the first time in many years felt that the spread of new life, hope and security was being radiated over the land. Faith is truly a wonderfu l thing.