Business ethics Essay

The case regarding Fashion First is a very interesting case as it allows for a discussion to take place in relation to ethics. Ethics could be defined as moral principles that govern a person’s or group’s behavior. In other words, ethics allow for individuals to distinguish between right and wrong, and to make decisions based on what is right or wrong for any particular situation. In this situation, Sandy, the part-time bookkeeper of Fashion First is approached with a situation where she noticed that $500 cash was missing from each deposit while she was looking through weekly deposit chats. After a more thorough inspection of the monthly tax documents that the owner of Fashion First, â€Å"Buzz† Thompson (her manager) filled out, she noticed that the monthly gross revenue was $2,000 less than what had actually been counted. After she approached â€Å"Buzz† Thompson about the scenario, â€Å"Buzz† asserted that she shouldn’t be concerned since she wasn’t the person who signed the forms. This brings up an ethical dilemma that allows for a discussion on what the â€Å"right† thing to do is, and how morals could affect the decision made by Sandy. This case is very interesting due to the fact that Sandy is only an intern who is an accounting student at a University. Heather Hunter, a Senior in the CPA firm, was one for Sandy to go to if in need of anyone to talk to or attain advice from for anything regarding the company. Sandy mentioned to Heather her knowledge of unlawful actions regarding Fashion First. Sandy’s concern related to the handling of sales revenues, as monies are counted and deposited on a weekly basis as a chart is filled out with categories carefully delineating the type of payment: cash, checks, American Express, or Visa/Mastercard. She would bring her chart to her employer (in this case Mr. Thompson) and her employer would bring his own written in total of the actual amount deposited on his own chart, basically comparing the two charts. The issue in this case of apparent fraudulent behavior completely disregards the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice and its principles. This IMA Statement follows the principles of honesty, fairness, objectivity, and responsibility, and if any member fails to comply with the following standards may result in disciplinary action. Mr. Thompson clearly fails to comply with the standards of the IMA Statement in many ways. In regards to competence, â€Å"Buzz† fails to â€Å"perform professional duties in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and technical standards† and fails to â€Å"provide decision support information and recommendations that are accurate, clear, concise, and timely. † The amounts in his chart are low in comparison to the chart calculated by Sandy; therefore the information is inaccurate, and not concise, as it is against the law. In regards to confidentiality, it is mentioned to â€Å"refrain from using confidential information for unethical or illegal advantage. † Mr. Thompson does the complete opposite as he illegally mistakenly counts $2,000 less than what had actually been counted in Sandy’s chart. This is â€Å"illegal advantage† as that $2,000 is in his pocked at the end of the day. In regards to Integrity, Mr. Thompson disregards the responsibilities which read: â€Å"refrain from engaging in any conduct that would prejudice carrying out duties ethically† and abstain from engaging in or supporting any activity that might discredit the profession. † It is obvious that what he is doing is illegal, and that it â€Å"discredits the profession. † In regards to credibility, Mr. Thompson does not â€Å"communicate information fairly and objectively,† as he tells Sandy that she shouldn’t be concerned since she isn’t the one who signed the forms. This is unethical behavior by â€Å"Buzz† Thompson, and Sandy did the right thing by approaching him in regards to the situation.

Nothing Lasts Forever: Critical Analysis of Ozymandias

Nothing Lasts Forever: A New Critical Analysis of â€Å"Ozymandias. † Throughout the history of man, there has always been a select few who wish for immortality. They build awe-inspiring kingdoms, erect massive statues, all in a vain effort to leave their mark on the world. None of them has been successful, thus far, and Ramesses II is no exception. In the poem â€Å"Ozymandias,† by Percy Bysshe Shelley, a traveler shares his experience at the site of a statue depicting Ramesses II. The statue has fallen into disrepair at the hands of the harsh environment, as well as the eroding process of Time.At first reading, the text presents itself as a poem about the withering away of a once great statue. However, through the use of symbolism, setting, diction, and irony, the poem reveals that while men may strive for immortality, the true â€Å"king of kings† (line 11) is Time. Legs on the human body are necessary for motion and balance, but they also act as an important symbol of Ramesses II’s kingdom. Without these twin apparatuses, the human body is incapable of moving forward. In this respect, the two â€Å"vast and trunkless legs of stone† (line 2) found bodiless in the poem symbolize the overthrow of Ozymandias’s empire by Time.Without legs on which to stand, his kingdom has lost its momentum and has subsequently been devoured by the sand. In addition, the top half of the statue—the head and part of the torso—is laying in the sand â€Å"half sunk† (line 4). As with the legs, the positioning of the head and torso is symbolic. Ozymandias is gazing at the sky, looking up what remains of his decimated kingdom, a â€Å"wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command† (line 5) on his face. To look up to someone else is to acknowledge their position of authority over others.Through the positioning of the statue, Ramesses II is acknowledging that Time has conquered him. His empire has been reduced to dust, clai med by the sands of Time. The poem describes the setting as â€Å"boundless and bare/The lone and level sands stretch far away† (line 13-14), which amplifies Time’s dominance as a theme. What is a desert? To the unknowing reader, it is nothing more than a large sandbox. With the exception of sand and rocks, it’s an empty, dead land. However, when compared to other terrains, such as a forest or ountain range, it is surprisingly uncomplicated. In â€Å"Ozymandias,† the harsh environment and unforgiving terrain is a symbol of brutal honesty. Humans are poorly tolerated in deserts, and should a man decide to build his empire in one, he will be faced with brutal honesty and will be tested. The choice of location is just as crucial to the theme as the location itself. Since the statue is in its original environment, overtaken by the harsh winds and buried in the sand, and not preserved behind a glass case, it argues against Ozymandias’s immortality.Rathe r than be displayed for others to learn and respect his accomplishments, the remains of his kingdom have been left behind, deemed useless and unwanted by the world. Had the traveler viewed the remains of the statue in a museum, Time’s purpose in the poem would have taken on a whole new meaning. Given the state of his later surroundings, Ozymandias’s words â€Å"Look at my works, ye Mighty, and despair† (line 11) are ironic, and the imagery of his former kingdom proves that Time has conquered him. When the traveler recounts his visit to the â€Å"antique land† (line 1), he describes a landscape that is covered in sand.A statue is a symbol of longevity and permanence. Its appearance, if well-maintained, does not wane or deteriorate, forever capturing the beauty and magnificence of the subject for which it was created. Such is the case with Michelangelo’s â€Å"David†, which has only continued to thrive because it is maintained. However, there are no servants remaining to tend to Ramesses II’s statue, no one to remember his legacy. The statue of Ozymandias has broken in half, and the head lays on the ground close by. â€Å"Nothing beside remains† (line 12) the traveler explains, noting â€Å"†¦ the decay/Of that colossal wreck† (lines 12 – 13).Can the King of kings’ legacy continue without proof that it ever truly existed? No, it cannot, which means the words scripted on the pedestal have taken on an entirely different meaning. It is not Ozymandias that the Mighty should fear, but the true King of kings—Time. Time’s empire is in actuality the thing that is â€Å"boundless† (line 13), not the kingdom of Ozymandias, which had a time limit all along. The diction choices in the sonnet are very specific, particularly those describing the statue, and they serve to reflect Ramesses II’s downfall. The raveler describes the statue as being â€Å"on the sand/Half sunk† (line 3-4), which is often interpreted to mean that the statue is buried halfway in the sand. Considering the ironic words engraved on Ozymandias’s statue, the word â€Å"sunk†Ã¢â‚¬â€the past participle of the word â€Å"sink†Ã¢â‚¬â€takes on a different meaning. What is sand, and more importantly, how does it relate to the theme of the poem? When used in conjunction, sand and Time make up an hourglass—the universal symbol of time. The sand surrounding the statue is not merely a mass accumulation of sedimentary rock, but a symbol for the Sands of Time, a term given to the inside of an hourglass.The statue, as well as the kingdom has been devoured by Time. Another few centuries, and the last remnants of Ramesses II’s empire will fall through the hourglass completely. Furthermore, line four continues with â€Å"a shattered visage lies† (line 4). When something is shattered, it is almost impossible to reassemble them. Even a shatte red limb takes months to heal properly, and it is never quite the same from then on. The â€Å"shattered visage† (line 4) spoken of in the poem isn’t just Ramesses II’s statue; it is his legacy that has been broken. The empire that he had created, the one that he was so sure would endure, has collapsed.The hubris of kings is pride and the desire for immortality. Unfortunately, as Shelley’s poem demonstrates, Time is not something that can be manipulated. With his death, Ramesses II’s empire came to a standstill, but Time continued to move and ultimately overthrew the pharaoh. Time is the true King of kings. Through the use of symbolism, setting, diction, and irony, Shelley proves that humans are finite beings and nothing lasts forever. Works Cited Shelley, Percy Bysshe. â€Å"Ozymandias. † Literature: Reading and Writing with Critical Strategies. Ed. Steven Lynn. Pearson-Longman. New York City. 2004. 618 – 619. Print.

Caffein Blues

Despite the short encounter between coffee and North American culture, coffee has gained popularity and gained worldwide reputation. It is not difficult to find a group of people drinking 'Latte Coffee' while reading a morning newspaper, or a group of business executives drinking 'dark barbecue'. On campus, students hold textbooks on the one hand and Mocha on the other hand. According to Starbucks, net profit in October 2005 alone reached $ 550 million (Starbucks). The origin of caffeine is unknown. However, Caffein Bruce: talks about the hidden dangers of waking up the first medicine in the United States, Steven Chernike, M. S, the story, and traces its discoveries to the house of Ethiopian ranch. Apparently, the shepherd is looking at a bird that eats the fruits of a wild evergreen shrub. To my surprise, these animals began to jump suddenly unexpectedly. Then he tried some fruits and began to jump immediately (13-14). They called it a coffee factory and became an Arab monk in the 1 3th century. Then they discovered that the beans of this plant can become drinks, so ... to make coffee. Finally, there is no longer any falling asleep when praying (Cherniske 14) American coffee addicts are more likely than any other type of drug addicts. In his book Caffeine Blues, Stephen Cherniske pointed out cocaine, heroin, even even marijuana. The main substance is caffeine. Does anyone know how much caffeine is contained in 6 ounce coffee? There are 100 mg. 1 cup of coffee or 6 oz of caffeine. People who care may think like this, 100 mg takes 6 hours. Looping away from the system. Starbucks' small coffee and tall coffee is 12 oz. It is caffeine 200 mg. If you are drinking Starbucks at 3 pm and then after 9 pm, you will still have about 100 mg in your system. You may still fall asleep, but your body will be deprived of the benefit of a deep sleep. People who care, I can still sleep 8 hours a day, you have to think again. That's why the next day you feel bad, you need to compe nsate for your system with caffeine. Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant that can ruin our ability to fall asleep. Just because I think that it does not mean that it does not affect your body. If you want to drink coffee it is best to do so early in the day to allow caffeine to wear out. Please set a deadline for 2 PM for yourself. Electronic Devices Artificial light may interfere with sleeping, so you may stay up late at night by phone, laptop computer or television. It is best to keep these devices away from the bed or separate rooms so that your bedroom will be a place to sleep rather than surfing the internet.

About the University Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

About the University - Case Study Example The organization will also be focused on offering a chance to pursue various programs without interferences, thereby eliminating hindrances brought about by various internal and external factors. Besides, this organization will be located in an area with tranquility in order to provide students with favorable environment for studying. Developing Global Goals for the Organization Social cognitive theory focuses on self-efficacy or self-direction, which is considered crucial being a predictor of people’s behaviors. Bandura (1997) establishes a shift regarding people’s reaction towards the past, present and future. Moreover, he argues that human behaviors are guided by their goals and results, which are projected into their future (Bandura, 1997). Crucial reflection of people’s self-efficacy is facilitated by their ability to control themselves and establish a self-reflection. There are situation that in this organization people may fail to live up to the standards that they have set for themselves. Nonetheless, there are researchers, which have been conducted by Bandura (1977) in the field of social cognitive theory, whereby he recognizes the actions that results to people’s ability to process information and make choices in accordance to the things they know in regard to consequences of their actions or actions of others. Team Development and Leadership Perspective As the team leader there is need to set dates for checking on the progress with the other members of team in order to facilitate its development. Moreover, this helped us to maintain the cohesiveness of the group and ensure that everyone behaving in accordance to the expectations of the group. There are three of the most  substantial  traits that a good leader should have in order to facilitate team development; in fact, these traits  are elaborated on the basis of leadership theories. According to Fiedler and Garcia (1987), one of the traits  is explained  in the Contingency Theories which expects the  successful  leaders be able to identify the clues in the environment and that they adapt with their leader behavior in order to meet the differentiated needs of their followers. The Vroom  leadership  theory expects them to participate in decision making. It also provides a set of rules for determination of participative decision making. The third trait is Transformational  leadership  that combines the behavioral theories with the trait theories, while being a Transactional leader I will guide  my group in the  direction  that will establish  objective  by clarify task requirements. Human Development Perspective While managing the human resource in this university, there will be need to focus on satisfying employees psychological and social needs. In this case, the psychological needs will involve motivating them to exercise persona control of their actions and self-efficacy. On the other hand, satisfaction of their soc ial needs will be achieved by empowering them by modeling programs of personal control in terms of the way they can cope with stress or criticism; in fact, this will involve offering them skills to enables them cope with circumstances that they are likely to face during their daily operations. In addition, empowerment will involve provision of relevant sources of knowledge, skills, and convictions, which can allow employees to control their lives. Diversity/Multicultural Perspective There is an interpretation of diversity, which includes the ways in

Joe Orton and the Counter Cultural Movement in the 60's Essay

Joe Orton and the Counter Cultural Movement in the 60's - Essay Example The hardship during the days of the Second World War gave birth to the newest possible philosophies that state it is obvious to follow the trend of open market economy with all its perception of high yielding materialism. This hard cored materialism and pro life oriented attitude was previously known in the western world but now it came into a maximized form which sociologist refer as a pro active action against the mass destruction and insecurity of the last great war. The latest philosophy was to obtain as much as possible that life has to offer. Every social aspect changed with it and along with it changed the world around them. Plays and writer were no different. Colours became more vibrant and approach became more outrageous to keep up with the society. Joe Orton's plays were a product of this period. The funny side of this approach was however different from the basic perception of the life styles of the 1950's through the later 1960 were a confluence of conflicting philosophies. ... (Fletcher, 135-9) It is a well known fact and it has been shown time and again by many literary historians and researchers that the main targeted audience were the baby boomers who had all the opportunities to take all the advantages of almost any and every marketing gimmicks. But Joe Orton's plays had their own vibes even though they supported the antiestablishment norms of the time. Joe Orton was born in 1933 at Leicester and is famous for his social satires in modern playwright history. His career actually span only five years from 1964 to 1967 but within this short time he amused, shocked and outraged the audience with his prolific sense of black comedies that are predominantly scandalous in nature. His major plays include The Ruffian on the Stair, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Loot, The Erpingham Camp, The Good and Faithful Servant, Funeral Games and What the Butler Saw. During his short term as a successful playwright Joe Orton depicted in his plays what was going around in the outer world but he presented them in his own unique manner. (Fletcher, 221-26) Entertaining Mr Sloane was first presented on 1964 and this play appears to be a sexual innuendo with the treatment of a dark presentation. Here we find the characters indulge themselves in murder and rimes associated with murder with little or no repent at all. The sexual approach appears to be reflecting the course of action of the 1960s and ethical values are just not entertained at all. More in alignment with the context of the antiestablishment principals the characters are not will the authority to bring or reach to the aspect of justice but they are more concerned with the living and tend to extract the most out of

Japan Airlines Flight 123 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Japan Airlines Flight 123 - Essay Example This essay focuses on better understanding what caused the Japan airlines flight 123 incident, that happend on the way from Tokyo to Osaka and was registered as ja8119. This essay describes the mechanical problem, which occurred within the engines, that caused vibrations in the flight, primary flight controls functions, human error factors and secondary mechanical factors. In this essay, the accident was said to have been caused by loss of primary flight controls functions. This means that the flight control functions were fault bringing in a mechanical problem on the airplane operation. This implies that the engines and the flight control functions were the two major primary source factors contributing to the incidents. Also this essay describes secondary mechanical factors, which developed many complications throughout the investigation. One of the main secondary factors discussed in this essay was the structure of the aft pressures bulkhead, that was designed in a manner that it could not allow pressure to be released and built up effectively in the plane. As a result, more pressure developed in it, the crack connectivity of rivet to rivet also might eventually lead to destruction of the plane. Evidences, presented in this essay also suggest that ineffectively sized wings flaps were installed on the plane before departure. In conclusion, this essay provides the reader greatly researched investigation of what might cause the damage of a plane. Good explanation and clear structure makes this essay easy to read and understand.

Equity premium puzzle Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Equity premium puzzle - Assignment Example Financial markets analysis shows those equity premiums puzzle still remain a reality with modifications to the assumed preferences and imperfections in the model of risk aversion. There have been some difficulties in the calibration used in the analysis and existence of a substantial equity premium (Lucas 1429). Equity premium and risk free rate puzzles The value premium states that for possible qualities of the danger repugnance coefficient, the contrast of the needed rate of profit for money markets and the riskless rate of premium is too huge, given the watched minor fluctuation of the development rate of capitalization. This puzzle is resolved in the wider context of an economy with rational expectations once the separable time preference is relaxed to allow adjacent complementarities in consumption. On the other hand, given that a large equity premium implies that investors get a high risk; the standard models of preferences in turn imply that they do not like growth that much. Although treasury bills may offer low returns, individuals forgo the consumption at a sufficiently fast rate as they prefer it safe in order to generate the per capita consumption which is average. The risk free rate puzzle states that although individuals like consumption to be very smooth, and where the risk free rate is very low, they still save enough for the per capita consumption to grow rapidly (Lucas 1430). Equity premium and risk free rate puzzles are robust and are explained peculiarities of an individual behavior and asset market structure. Individuals have preferences which are attached and associated with the standard utility functions applied in macroeconomics. The preferences maximize the expected discounted value of utilities generated by the power utility function. In addition, asset markets are complete, where individuals can have insurance contracts for any emergent unforeseen event in the market. Asset trading also constitutes no cost, taxes and fees in brokerage are assumed to be insignificant for this purpose. Investors either find it highly reluctant for consumption risk or stocks trading, and more costly than trading of bonds. The risk free rate puzzle shows that people save even when the returns are low, with equity puzzle demonstrating why individuals are so averse to the risks associated with stock returns, proving the large gaps in understanding of macroeconomics (Lucas 1434). In an attempt to describe and resolve these puzzles in an economy, some scholars explain that it is useful to review the basics of asset pricing. Applying the famous Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAMP), it assumes a perfect correlation between stock returns and a consumption stream of typical investors. Applying this model in an attempt to resolve the puzzle, financial analysts are allowed to calculate and measure the financial security risk. With the use of CAPM, a security risk can be measured using the covariance of the return with the per capita consumption . The difference in the covariance of the returns and the consumption growth is large. This clearly explains the enigma of the equity premium where in a quantitative sense the stocks are not really riskier in comparison with the treasury bills