Thursday, October 31, 2019

Below the line marketing activities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Below the line marketing activities - Essay Example Below the line, efforts should â€Å"aspire to establish targeted relationships between marketers and individual consumers, and offer comparable ease in measurability (V12 Group, 2006: 2). The key term in this definition is measurability, which is something that below the line efforts provide. However, a below the line activity such as the distribution of target customer promotional cards would indicate the volume of promotional literature returned, offering a specific return ratio based on percentages sent and volume returned. When using this type of below the line marketing, it is clear to see that a significant advantage lies in measurability for the sake of strategic or operational planning. Carter (2006) offers a wider variety of activities associated with below the line marketing, including text message promotions, sales catalogs, trade shows and public relations events. Unlike above the line efforts which are generally variable in cost, below the line efforts are usually fixe d fees associated with the promotion. The development of various keychains or other logo-inspired products used for promotion would be common items of the below the line marketing activity. Flack (2008) offers the importance of below the line promotion by suggesting that the consumer population has evolved far beyond the traditional, promotional writing pen, thus companies need to come up with a more brand-focused and innovative series of promotional materials in order to capture the sophisticated consumer attention.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Minimum wage essay Essay Example for Free

Minimum wage essay Essay Minimum wage has been a very controversial topic. Nowadays people just can’t survive on minimum wage. Prices are rising but yet the pay is still the same. How do they expect us to survive on eight dollars and twenty five cents? Minimum wage workers in Chicago land locations had joined others across the country for a one-day strike, which was held August 29, 2013 outside the ROCK N ROLL McDonalds in the River North neighborhood, demanding their wage to be at least . 00 an hour. There was a worker there named Tyree Johnson who said he has been working on McDonalds for a total of 21 years and still earning a total of eight dollars and twenty five cents an hour. He states â€Å"Every time I would ask for a raise they would just tell me you shouldn’t have joined that union, were not giving you any raise†. The workers who had gathered up there said that they were tired on choosing between paying the rent or paying the groceries. Another minimum wage worker named Dejun Jackson says it takes him three jobs to raise a family. He gets up at 4:30am to start his shift at 5:45am. He ends his first job around 1 O’clock and has to be in his second job around 1:15. He does not end his second shift until 9 or 9:30pm. He states he has no time to see his kids except the weekends for the same reason that he has two jobs. Between his two jobs he works a total of 70 hours a week. Within a year he makes an average of $50,000. Dejun Jackson is also in school hoping one day he would be able to work just one shift and spend more time with his family. But just by having just one job he wouldn’t be able to make it through since one job helps him pay the pills and the other the cost of his school. I agree that people cannot live on minimum wage since the cost of living has gone up drastically. This has always been a conflict and will continue to be unless they raise minimum wage. The type of life we are living now days won’t simply just get us through by working on minimum wage. People have things to pay for example rent, food transportation, clothes, bills; school etc. People that get pay minimum wage are usually on government assistance which means everybody who is paying taxes are actually paying for the food stamps or any type of services that they are receiving from the government. It would be better if the companies would just pay their workers a decent amount of salary instead of other people having to pay for whatever the company is not paying them. The authors’ argument is very logical since it states why people can’t survive on minimum wage. This makes people have two jobs just too sustain a family. People wouldn’t be able to make through just by having one job, since the cost of living has gone up drastically.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Pleasure Image Of Honolulu Tourism Essay

The Pleasure Image Of Honolulu Tourism Essay When we say Hawaii, the first things that come to our mind are nice weather, sandy beaches and relaxation. For my assignment I chose the capital and largest city of Hawaii, Honolulu. The reason of choosing this heaven on earth as the convention destination is not only because of its personality as the city of pleasure, but also because Honolulu represents an economic centre and principal port of the Hawaiian Islands where business can be conducted. Due to the fact that Hawaii ranks among the top 3 destinations for leisure travel in the US, Honolulu is a location that attracts a possible event clientele. From the pleasure side, Honolulu has an agreeable year-round climate, so planned events could be held at any given time of the year. Due to the fact that Honolulu has the lowest rate of violent crime of any US city, visitors can feel safe and secure. Besides enjoying the great climate and swimming on the magnificent beaches, the spectacular views of active volcanoes on the outlying islands also represent an attraction. The wealth of natural beauty combined with the splendid volcanoes offers a truly great choice for tourists. However, regardless of all the beauty of the volcanoes, tourists primarily are coming because of sun, sea and beaches. Several beaches are covered with black and green sand, which leaves no one indifferent. Their banks are covered with finest black and green stones, which are incurred by volcanic activity. The color of the beach combined with the beautiful blue oceans is unforgettable. Honolulu is a popular tourist destination and Surfers Paradise. The most famous and popular local beach is Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach has numerous hotels. Above the town rises the volcanic crater Diamond Head. From the top of the volcano is a beautiful view of Honolulu and surrounding areas. A further tourist attraction is the famous military base of Pearl Harbor. Additionally, in the surrounding areas are bamboo forests. Additional places of interest are: Aloha Tower, is described as the beautiful 10-story Aloha Tower, one of Hawaiis best-known landmarks. It is built in 1926 when all travels were done by boat. The tower was created in order to make an impression for tourists during entering and leaving the harbour. Kapiolani is Honolulus largest park, which contains a zoo, an aquarium, and the well -known Waikiki Shell structure. The Honolulu Botanical Gardens which contains four gardens in and around the city. The Arizona Memorial, for the 1,100 who died during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The University of Hawaii The Bishop Museum, well-known for its studies of Polynesia. The Honolulu Academy of Arts, known for its Asian and Hawaiian collections. Kawaiahao Church (1841), where funerals for Hawaiian monarchs and nobility were held. Iolani Palace, the previous home of Hawaiis kings, which represents the only royal palace in the United States. The factors that affected the citys growth as the business centre of Hawaii are: geo-political position of Honolulu; tourism development; diversification of industry; development of harbour facilities; the achievement of an international airport; constructions of luxury hotels; natural habitats of endemic species; ores; forests and volcanoes. Because of all this, Honolulu attracts a large number of tourists yearly. The Hawaiians make several hundred billion dollars annually selling sea, sun, palm trees and its superior climate. THE BUSINESS IMAGE OF HONOLULU From the business point of view, Honolulu has the remarkable 1.1 million-square-foot Hawaiian Convention Centre. Moreover my research indicates that Honolulu has hosted conferences and events for many well-known corporations, including: The National Psychological Association National Medical Association Hawaiian State Department of Health As a result of developed tourism, the population is focused on tourism and hospitality. During the past 100 years and due to its many advantages, the island attracted investors from the United States to invest considerable sums of money in its development. Honolulus current industry foundations include tourism, followed by: federal defence expenditures; agricultural exports (chiefly pineapples); telecommunications and mining. Moreover, worthwhile mentioning industries of Honolulu are: jewellery; printing and publishing; clothing; food and beverages; rubber products; construction materials and electronics and computer equipment. Additionally, Honolulu represents the regional headquarters for many well-known companies such as: Hawaiian Airlines; Bank of Hawaii; Oahu Transit Services, Inc. and Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. In addition, this city has several colleges and universities, including the University of Hawaii-Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University of Honolulu. MEETING SERVICE PROVIDERS Based on my research extra meeting service providers in Honolulu are: The Catering Connection Unlimited Inc. represents the Award Winning Catering Connection Unlimited. It offers detailed execution, superior quality, creative culinary creations and complete beverage services. Creations in Catering represent Food Services famous for creating and producing successful on-premise and off-premise catered functions and special events. Creations in Catering is Known in the industry for producing award-winning presentations, Creations in Catering has gained recognition on the international, national and local levels for its expertise and creativity. Production Hawaii is Event Rental Dà ©cor service which offers event equipment such as Clear-span structures, Canopy tents, Stages, Portable floors, Carpeting, Dance floors, Tables, Chairs, Bleachers, Air conditioners, and Pipe Drape Trade Show Booths. Anthony Calleja Photography is Production Design Service by a professional photographer and artist whose specialities include Commercial, Corporate, Events, Banquet Dinners, Conventions, Product, and Stage Performances. CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAUS SERVICES Convention and visitor bureaus are organizations which offer to the meeting planners access to a variety of services, packages and value-added extras through meeting preparation, planning and applying. The main functions of CVBs are locating meeting places, checking hotel availabilities, arranging events. The advantages that CVB facilities offer to meeting planers are: Access to a range of services and value-added extras through a bureau. Help for developing the convention schedule through the creation of pre and post-conference activities, spouse tours, and hosting of special events. Direction for products and services that will work best to accommodate clients needs and budgets. Mediatising and matching meeting needs to the products, services, and speakers available in a community. Connecting planners with the suppliers, from motorcoach companies and caterers to off-site entertainment venues. Offering information about services and facilities in the destination. Informing about local events with which your meeting may beneficially coincide (like festivals or sporting events). Providing hotel room count and meeting space statistics, keeping a convention/meetings/events calendar in order to help planners avoid conflicts and/or space shortages. Matching properties to specific meeting requirements and budgets. Work with city government to get special permits and to cut through formalities. Some of the specific services that can be offered to the meeting planners are as well: collateral material ; help with on-site logistics, including registration ; housing bureaus ; supplementary services, for example production companies, catering, transportation ; speakers and local educational opportunities ; security ; coordination of local transportation and access to special venues. Hawaii Visitors And Convention Bureau http://custom.cvent.com/33CBACD109164CAB81B5F1D8FEA72786/pix/RFP/CF55FB69F5CF4D158028D9B5B66451AA/8e9114ca3d454f94aad464c7693ef81b.jpg 2270 Kalakaua Avenue Suite 801 Honolulu HI 96815 Listing/VenueOverview.aspx?ofrgstub=cf55fb69-f5cf-4d15-8028-d9b5b66451aapnum=1so=1returl=%2fRFP%2fVenues.aspx%3fma%3d47%26vtt%3d1%26wt.mc_id%3dDG_Right_Nav%26vt%3d32ckm=L1JGUC9WZW51ZXMuYXNweD9tYT00NyZ2dHQ9MSZ3dC5tY19pZD1ER19SaWdodF9OYXYmdnQ9MzI= 21.275800 -157.823400 3 CVB According to the Hawaiian Visitors and Convention Bureau description, Hawaii is world renowned destination of breathtaking natural beauty. Despite the image of a dream destination, Honolulu is a centre of international commerce and business meetings. AVAILABLE HOTELS AND CONFERENCE CENTRES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS My research points towards available hotels and conference centres as follows: The Hawaiian Imin International Conference Centre is designed for an international audience, offering outstanding resources to produce successful events of all kinds. The Hawaiian Convention Centre is easily located closest to the hotel-plentiful Waikiki Beach, which offers more than 30,000 hotel rooms. The centre is located 7.5 miles of The Honolulu International Airport .The Hawaii Convention Centre gives to the guests opportunity to take pleasure in Hawaii from inside. As it described more than 60 percent of the centre is landscaped with palm trees and green tropical plants. The Centre includes tropical garden and waterfall. Worthwhile mentioning is the fact that the centre was voted the most beautiful convention centre in the world by the International Association of Exhibition Management and is the winner of nine consecutive Prime Site Awards. The convention center has nearly 150,000 square feet of meeting space, cutting-edge technology and delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa according to the description represents an ideal place for planning an event by reason of premier meeting rooms set in the heart of a tropical island getaway. The hotel as it is described features 19,500 square feet of function space, 2,050 square feet of pre function space, and 9,800 square feet of exhibit space. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki, with short walking distance from shopping, dining, and attractions. It includes more than 12,000 square feet of gathering space provides the perfect setting for parties, weddings, or business functions. As it described, there are eight meeting rooms ranging from the intimate 780-square-foot Board Room to our 4,340-square-foot Ballroom, which can host a reception for up to 300 guests. Outdoor spaces include the simply outstanding Diamond Head Lawn Terrace with breathtaking views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful Roof Garden and Roof Garden Lanais are ideal for small to mid-size meetings and receptions for up to 50, and our private beach perfect for a sunset wedding for up to 150 guests. Best Western The Plaza Hotel is located just half mile from Honolulu International Airport and Honolulu Military Bases.The hotel is nestled between downtown Honolulu, Waikiki and the military bases, close to some of Honolulus major business districts. The hotel has four different size banquet facilities, enabling to accommodate from 10 to 200 guests. Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki Hawaii offers excellent facilities and services as well as the perfect location for events. The Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio hotel is located in the heart of Waikiki, closed to the famous Waikiki Beach. Apart the good location, the hotel has flexible meeting facilities of 17,000 sq ft. The Doubletree Alana Hotel Waikiki is located at the entrance to Waikiki in Hawaii. As it described, hotel is four miles from downtown Honolulu, and short walk from Hawaii Convention Centre. Turtle Bay Resort represents a breathtaking background for meetings and events. Featuring 31,000 square feet of function and pre-function space it represents an ideal destination for events. THE OBSTACLES OF HONOLULU The biggest problem for the local population is constant volcanic activity, which often forced population to change residence and move the entire settlement away from active volcanoes and earthquakes, which are the results of their activities. Furthermore, a double-edged sword is the major waves that sometimes reach the height of 25 ft.   Waves are known to have destroyed the coast, particularly these associated with frequent hurricanes and tropical storms. One of the disadvantages of Honolulu is the high cost of living. Moreover, according to information given by tourists experiences, Honolulu has more cars than the Roads and Highways which can cause massive traffic. In my opinion, some of the obstacles, such as the high cost of living and the issues with the considerable traffic need to be addressed and solved. From my point of view, the costs of living should be decreased, as well as the number of cars. Furthermore, by decreasing the number of cars and developing a more organized traffic system, road congestions may be avoided. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, Honolulu interested me as a location for pleasure tourism and as an economic centre as well; what I gained from my research was that I went deeper into the analysis of the city and its facilities available for conventions and meetings. Additionally, based on my research and looking at Honolulu at the point of view of meeting planner, I learnt a lot about city facts and facilities available for organizing conventions and meeting, moreover Meeting service provides, available hotels and conference centre for special events and convention and visitor bureaus services. Feb. 6th, 2010

Friday, October 25, 2019

Far From The Maddening Crowd :: essays research papers

c â€Å"Far from the Maddening Crowd† â€Å"Far from the Maddening Crowd† is a story of three men with nothing in common except the conquest for the same woman. It takes place in the 19th century in a country town of West England, where the sound of the wind along with the singing of the birds is a melodic rhythm, the field is green, and the flocks of sheep graze peacefully like cotton balls. On top of the hill lived Bathsheba, a beautiful and independent young woman. After the death of her father, she confronted with the role of managing the farm she inherited from her father. Batsheba faces her duties and responsibilities with control and authority. This is in contrast to her personal life; she is confused because she does not know which one of her three pretenders she wants as a prospective husband. One of Batsheba’s pretenders was Gabriel Oak, a shepherd of flocks and a man who was loved and respected by everyone. Gabriel was a kind man whose eyes implied tenderness. He wanted Batsheba’s love, but she told him that she was independence and needed a husband that would tame her. He lost all of his wealth when his flock of sheep had strayed off a cliff and had to become Batsheba’s Foreman. Bathsheba arouses an unrestrained passion in Mr. Boldwood, a middle-aged, wealthy man who had never bothered with the feelings of a woman, until, he receives an anonymous letter where he was teased with a marriage proposal. When he found out that Batsheba had written the letter, he proposed to her. Batsheba felt guilty for what she had done to Mr. Boldwood and was willing to marry him even without feeling any love for him. Batsheba meets the third pretender; Sgt. Troy, a good looking, daring, young man, depressed by being left at the altar by the woman he loves. Bathsheba felt jealousy and distraction toward him, which she thought was love. He desires only Bathsheba’s wealth. Bathsheba and Sgt. Troy were married even though Mr. Boldwood offered Sgt. Troy a fortune in exchange for not marrying Batsheba. Gabriel and Mr. Boldwood were left broken hearted; Mr. Boldwood sworn vengeance to Sgt. Troy. As soon as they were married, Sgt. Troy started ill treating Bathsheba, and he does not help her with the farm duties; instead, he demands money to support his gambling. But there was Gabriel Oak always by her side and working arduously on the maintenance of the farm.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Macbet Act II Scene II Essay

This scene was one of the most significant, as it the scene where Macbeth murders Duncan, but feels remorse and guilt afterwards. The murder is not shown so that it is left to the audience’s imagination. Also, to signify that the murder has taken place, an owl shrieks. This was thought to be a sign of a bad omen, and it suggests that it is upsetting the natural balance of things (at that time people believed that everything had a natural order and to change this would change other things), as even the natural world knows that Duncan has been murdered. Shakespeare creates tension by setting the scene at night so that when Macbeth returned, Lady Macbeth did not know who it was at first and for a moment she thinks that Macbeth had not succeeded in killing Duncan and the attendants had woken up, and she says; â€Å"†¦th’attempt and not the deed confounds us†¦Ã¢â‚¬  meaning that if Macbeth only tried to murder Duncan and did not succeed then they would be ruined. Macbeth’s character so far is shown as noble and loyal, as in act 1 scene 2 Macbeth is talked about as being; â€Å"A good and hardy soldier† (line 4). In reward for his greatness, Duncan awards Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor (as the witches predicted). Macbeth does have some ambition, because when the witches tell him he is going to be king, he wants to speak more to Banquo about it. However, in his letter to Lady Macbeth, he says; â€Å"Art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it† meaning that he would like to be king but not attain it by bad deeds. Lady Macbeth’s thoughts are that she wants Duncan to be killed. She calls on evil spirits to give her the strength to do it; â€Å"Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here and fill me from the crown to toe topfull of direst cruelty; make thick my blood, stop th’access and passage to remorse† (Act 1 scene 5, lines 39-43) which means ‘evil spirits- make me as strong willed as a man and fill me with cruelty, and make me have no remorse’. The setting of act 2 scene 2 is Macbeth’s castle. This is shown as quit an eerie setting, as you can hear noises from the outside, and it very dark. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are on stage. In lines 1-8, Lady Macbeth is feeling bold, from line 1; â€Å"That which hath made them drunk, hath made me bold†. She comments on how she had drugged the attendants, and she says in lines 7-8; â€Å"That death and nature do contend about them, whether they live, or die†. This shows that she is not really concerned whether they live or die. However, in line 9 she begins to worry that they have been caught, and also says; â€Å"Had he [Duncan] not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t†, showing that she is not completely evil, as she could not murder Duncan as he resembled her father. At the end of the scene she becomes strong, as she takes the daggers from Macbeth (as he brought them back) and goes and puts them back. Macbeth’s mood is that of distress and remorse. This is shown by the fact that he accidentally brings back the daggers when he was supposed to place the by the attendants. This creates dramatic tension, as this would incriminate Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. At he end of the scene, Macbeth feels he can’t live with himself, and says in line 76; â€Å"To know my deed, ’twere best not know my self† meaning that if he is to acknowledge what he has done, he must assume a new identity, as a murderer, and forget who he really is. Dialogue on and off the stage is that of death. Lady Macbeth tries to reassure Macbeth that he has he has done the right thing, as he is very disturbed about what he has done. The dialogue also shows how the outside and natural world is reacting to what has been done; the owl hooting, the crickets crying, the knocking and also when someone laughed in their sleep and one cried â€Å"Murder!† (Line 25) The effect of these noises reflects the beliefs of that time that to change the natural order of things (how things naturally turn out) is to affect everything. It creates tension by suggesting that the outside world will find out and Macbeth will be punished. The audience’s response is that they feel that something supernatural is happening, due to the noises, and to the images Macbeth sees and sounds he hears, like the voice he hears (lines 44-46) saying he will sleep no more. When Macbeth first appears on the scene, his first words are (line 14); â€Å"I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?† The words ‘I have done the deed’ suggest that he cannot bring himself to admit what he has done. The words ‘didst thou not hear a noise?’ suggest that he expected to be caught, and that someone would have heard and come after him. His conversation with Lady Macbeth is that he is in some way shocked about what has happened. He says what he heard, and in lines 38-39, and 33-34, Lady Macbeth talks to him but he doesn’t hear her as he is too deep in his own thoughts. Macbeth uses short, sharp sentences; like â€Å"†¦ when?†¦As I descended?†¦Hark, who lies i’th’second chamber?†¦This is a sorry sight†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (lines 17, 19, 21 and 23), because he is repeating what happened, and he is very distraught about what he has done. This effects the audience by creating tension, as Macbeth see ms to have gone mad. In lines 29-36 Macbeth says how he could not pronounce ‘Amen’ after someone cried ‘God bless us’. This shows that Macbeth does not feel he deserves God’s blessings, as he is too evil. In lines 38-46, Macbeth says that he heard a voice saying that he had murdered sleep. This shows his guilt that he will never be able to sleep again, and his remorse, as he shall never have peace from what he has done. Lady Macbeth’s reaction is to tell him not to keep thinking about these thoughts, and to reassure him. She is aware that they must put the daggers back, so at this point she has no guilt or remorse. When Macbeth comes back after murdering Duncan, he is carrying the daggers he used. This suggests to the audience that he is not in a proper frame of mind, and is still shocked by what he has done. It also suggests that he is not in control. Lady Macbeth had told him to leave them by the attendants to incriminate them. When he comes back, Lady Macbeth tells him to go and put them, back, but when he won’t, she does it. This shows that she does not mind blaming innocent people. The audience’s reaction is that she is very much in control, and knows what both of them must do. Macbeth will not go back because he says; â€Å"I’ll go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done; look on’t again, I dare not.† This reveals his guilt because he can hardly comprehend that he has done something so awful. This also shows his conscience, as he says ‘I dare not’, showing he does not know what his reaction would be, so knows he is not in control of h imself. When Macbeth returns, his hands are red with Duncan’s blood. Once Lady Macbeth puts the daggers back, her hands are also red. Macbeth says in lines 63-65; â€Å"Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No: this my hand will rather the multitudinous sea incarnadine†. This means that he feels that all the seas in the world could not ash the blood off his hands, and that instead his hands would turn all the oceans red, and also that it will never wash off the blood stain on his conscience, so he feels that he will never be as innocent as he was before the murder. Lady Macbeth says in lines 67-68; â€Å"My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white.† The words ‘my hands are of your colour’ mean that her hands are red, but also that she is now as guilty of the murder as Macbeth is. The words ‘but I shame to wear a heart so white’ means that she is criticising her husband, by saying that she would not want to be so cold and heartless. The washing of the hands is significant later because Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and washes her hands in her sleep. Macbeth’s feeling’s are of extreme guilt and in line 62 he says; â€Å"What hands are here? Ha: they pluck out mine eyes.† This means that he wishes he did not have any eyes so he did not have to see the blood of the man he murdered. At the end of the scene, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear knocking. Lady Macbeth does not show any guilt or conscience, as she is only concerned with them getting back to their rooms to not seem suspicious and to get rid of the blood on their hands. Macbeth says how he cannot carry on if he does not forget who he is as he has a bas conscience, and in line 77 he says; â€Å"Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou couldst.† This shows that he wishes Duncan was still alive, so feels guilty about him being dead. The audience’s reaction is that they feel slightly sorry for Macbeth, as he was pressured into the murder by Lady Macbeth and know has to live with his guilt. This scene is the turning point of the play, because it is the point of no return; after Duncan is murdered there is no way Macbeth can go back. It is also the start of Macbeth’s journey from good to evil. At this point his guilt is at its highest, and later he is a bloody tyrant. This is because Lady Macbeth reassures him that once this is done everything will be fine, so he kills because he feels he has to, but later he kills because he is angry (act 4 scene 2). Lady Macbeth also changes. In the beginning, she is in control and has no conscience, but in the end, she is so out of control and so guilty that she kills herself. Her change is also shown by her speech, as in act 2, scene 2, line 70, she says; â€Å"a little water clears us of this deed†, whereas in act 5, scene 1, lines 44-45, she says:† all the perfumes in Arabia will not sweeten this little hand†. Also, she begins to sleepwalk and acts out washing her hands. Finally, in act 5, scene 9, lines 37-38, Malcolm says about Lady Macbeth; â€Å"by self and violent hands took off her life†. This has a double meaning for the audience, as it means Lady Macbeth killed herself, but it could also be interpreted and by her violence and her guilt (of her ‘blood-stained’ hands) she killed her soul. The ending of act 2 scene 2 creates dramatic tension by ending with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both in different frames of mind; Lady Macbeth making sure they don’t get caught and Macbeth lost in thought and guilty over what he has done.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

A Silver Dish

Add one extra variable Into the equation, and the entire solution has hanged, Just as well If you were to take one variable out. In this essay, I will be using the butterfly effect theory to explain how events will be altered when one characteristic Is taken out of the main character, after first identifying four of his characteristics and showing how it supports the development of the story as well as his character. What does it mean to have responsibilities and what is its importance in life? Responsibility consists of the duty or obligation that one owes to another or oneself.One can direct the responsibility towards family, friends, and even God. Responsibility results in a positive character trait that shows a high degree of unselfishness. It teaches each person that there will always be something beyond themselves to care about. Responsibility can consist of moral, legal, mental or physical obligations. Woody, a businessman in Chicago, has an endless amount of responsibility. à ¢â‚¬Å"He [father] came to Woody In the backyard one spring day and said, ‘From now on you're the man of the house' â€Å"(Bellow 543).At the age of fourteen, Wood's father had abandoned him, leaving Woody the responsibility of taking care of his mother and two younger sisters. He cares for his mother and his two sisters who are all mature adults. He also cares for his father and his father's wife, though he shares no blood with his stepmother. † Since his wife, after fifteen years of separation had not learned to take care of herself, Woody did her shopping on Fridays, filled her freezer. He had to take her this week to buy shoes. Also, Friday night he spent with Helen- his wife De facto.Saturday he did his big weekly shopping. Saturday night he devoted to Mom and his sisters. He was too busy to attend to his own feelings†(Bellow 541 Wood's countless obligations to his family UT him in a position of the dominant male, the caretaker. â€Å"Mother and the girls tur ned into welfare personalities and lost their individual outlines. Ah, the poor things, they became dependents and cranks. In the meantime, Woody, the sinful man, was their dutiful and loving son and 561). How would the story have changed If Woody had no sense of responsibility?As a child, Woody had no choice but to take full responsibility over his family, seeing as nobody else would. During these hard times for Woody, his selfless acts were the glue that held his broken family intact. If Woody were to exile all selfless feelings from his body and replace it with pure selfish thoughts, only the worst would be in store for his family. â€Å"Woody, who took full responsibility for them all, occasionally had to put one of the girls (they had become sick) In a mental 541). If Woody had Ignored shadows, known only as the crazy women you tell your children to avoid.The narrator went on to say that, † he paid for heat and light and food, and dressed them all out of Sears, Roebuck a nd Webfoot's, and bought them a TV, which they watched as devoutly as they prayed†(Bellow 561). With his mother in the hospital religiously, his sister checked into a mental institution, and his other sister unable to stabilize herself or her career, Woody had no choice but to take responsibility. If he hadn't done so, knowing that his father would never step up to his responsibilities, his family would have indefinitely perished to the harsh reality of poverty.Woody had shown signs of true loyalty to his family, loyalty that will always be in existence, even for his father. Some people believe that loyalty makes one predictable. Others may say that being loyal means being unable to think for oneself. And some may even indemnify loyalty as a weakness. Loyalty is the willingness to make an investment or personal sacrifice to strengthen a relationship. Though it is rare to find, a loyal person is a valuable asset to anyone. Loyalty involves obedience, sacrifice, and compassion, a mix that is not easy to find.Family requires undoubted loyalty from family members as well as friendships require friends to convey the meaning of loyalty to strengthen a bond between one and another. A loyal man can be described as a man who sacrifices his life for his family, his friends, and even his country. In his case, loyalty will be described as Woodsy endless devotion to his father. Woodsy father had, on every occasion, let Woody down, yet he has always stood behind his father. Mimi got to lend me money to buy gasoline- the caddie money you saved†(Bellow 543).The only money Woody had been able to save up working a side job, Woodsy father had taken it as getaway cash. Woody had not hesitated upon giving his father what he had asked for, even though this meant Woody was an enabler for his father's wishes upon deserting his family. â€Å"Why had he let Pop have his way? Why did he agree to meet him that day, in the dim rear of the lorry? â€Å"(Bellow 549). Woodsy fa ther had return for one purpose, he needed money. Woody had decided to take him to Ms.Skulled, the woman who out of good faith, paid for Woodsy college tuition for two years to become a minister. Woody had taken a risk by bringing his father to the only person who supports him in life. What he did not expect is that his father was planning on stealing her personal belongings for extra cash. Even when his father had done so, Woody had stood by him and said, â€Å"He denied that he or Pop had touched Ms. Shouldn't property. The missing object- e didn't even know what it was- had probably been misplaced, and they would be very sorry on the day it turned up†(Bellow 559).By staying loyal to his father, an admirable and rare trait, he had in fact proved himself to be deceitful and therefore disloyal to those who had supported him as he was growing up. Take one variable out of an equation, and the answer will be entirely different. Just as an equation, remove a character trait from Woodsy character, and the entire story will differ from the original. If woody had not been so loyal to his father, many things would have been different. To start, if Woody had not given his father the money to escape, His father could have never returned, believing that there was no warming welcome to accept.If he had indeed returned though, and asked Woody once more for money, I believe that Woody would have turned him down. Woody was well off in his life, entity from himself. When his father returned again, if Woody had thought in more of a selfish manner, he would have turned his father down, and would not have dealt with the pain of his supporters giving up on him. By being more selfish, Woody would have been seen as a more respectable character, without weakness for the man who mined his life. Woodsy loyalty to his father had been the variable in his life that continuously forced a downfall in his life.Loyalty is comprised of many things, but one thing loyalty does require is honesty. Honesty is another quality that is rare to find in this world, a quality that should be treasured. Honesty is the ability of being sincere, truthful, trustworthy, honorable, and fair. When you look at being honest and telling the truth it would seem as a simple task to practice. Being honest means keeping a friends secret unknown, admitting to your mistakes, and telling the truth despite the consequences. When you make a statement, make a truthful one. However, it seems that being entirely honest can be more difficult than one may perceive it to be. Woody was moved when things were honest. Bearing beams were honest, undisguised concrete pillars inside high-rise apartments were honest. It was bad to cover anything. He hated faking†(Bellow 542). Everything in his life that Woody had been able to appreciate had been honest. Woody had tried to learn from his father's mistakes, and instead being an honest man. After bringing his father to the house of the woman who could possibly help Woody and his father with their money issue at hand, Woody witnessed his father stealing a silver dish from the kind lady. ‘Before they come down, pop, will you dig that dish out of your long Johns. ‘ Pop turned stiff on him. He became absolutely military. He said, ‘Look, I order you! ‘ Before he knew it, Woody had Jumped his father and begun to wrestle with him†(Bellow 556) Being an honest man, Woody must go against his loyalty for his father and stop him from committing theft towards the one person who can help them. Woody does his best to be honest with everybody around him, but to be honest with one may result n dishonesty towards another. Dishonesty is a word used to describe the absence of honesty.If Woody would have been known as a man with the absence of honesty, the Woodsy life may have been altered entirely. If he had allowed his father to continue on with his theft, he would not only have felt guilty for allowing the terrible de ed to continue, he would have been an accomplice. He must have to choose a side, to stand behind his father or against him. By standing with him, it could have ignited a spark within Woody, causing him to follow in his father's footsteps as a kleptomaniac. He old have gone on to lead a life of crime, forgetting his mother and two sisters at home to starve.Truth and honesty are not easy qualities to come by, yet truth can always be found in religion. Religion can be defined as a system of beliefs, symbols, and values that provide a group of people with the solution of the question of the ultimate meaning. Religion is a way to acquire a higher feeling of self-importance. Man unites himself with the Infinite and feels ennobled. Through religion, men and woman are able to give their lives purpose. Religion is the central element in the life of civilization. Woody, immersed in Christianity, is known to be a man deeply connected to his religious roots.Woodsy religion is what put him on th e path for a new life, a path opposite of his fathers. Religion is the one source of comfort that Woody is able to find in his life. It gives to get up and tell a church full of Scandinavians that he, a Jewish lad, accepted Jesus Christ†(Bellow 545). Woody testified of his faith to Christianity and went on to say that, † he moved his own heart when he speak up about faith†(551). Woody had been known to the general public as a faithful Christian boy, servant to none except God. Although Woody had studied for two years in a seminary, preparing to be a minister.Two years of college during the Depression was more than most high-school graduates could afford†(Bellow 539). Without his father in his early years of life to show him the way, religion introduced him to the right path. Religion is what paid for his college tuition, taught him the meaning of honesty and how to take responsibility. Just like the rest of the character traits, take religion out of Woodsy ch aracter and the story will drastically change. Ms Skulled, out of good faith, had paid for his auction for two years in hopes of Woody becoming a minister.If Woody had chosen to be a nonbeliever, he would have undoubtedly lost his opportunity to go to college. By doing so, he could have lost his future opportunities to be able to support his mother and two sisters, as well as his father and his fathers spouse, Haling. Without religion, Woody might have not been able to find truth in the world, and therefore have no reason to be an honest, truthful person. If he had chosen the path to be free of religion, he might have not cared for being a sinner and in fact turned into his father, a gambling, stealing, irresponsible man.In conclusion, there had been many attributes that describes Woodsy character. The four character traits that I had chosen to talk about were his responsibility to his family, loyalty to his father, honesty in life, and faith in his religion. All of these characteri stics help develop their story in their own way, and I have proved this using the theory known as the butterfly effect. Change one detail in the past, and entirely alter the outcome of the future. Each characteristic helps develop the story in its own way, each critically changing the story when it had been removed from the list of his character traits.

American West, 1860

American West, 1860 Introduction As the American civil war was ending in 1980, the focus turned to the west. There was later a confirmation in the same year indicating that there was a shift of the frontier. This hence raised questions pertaining to the manner in which this frontier was settled in approximately 25 years. With the development of the American nation, there was a shift of the frontier to the west. In addition to this, the territory known as the final west stretched from Missouri to Pacific Ocean.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on American West, 1860-1900 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This vast land was composed of 1.2 million square miles, which was approximately 40% of the whole nation. The Great American desert was a branded name of this vast area that was labeled by ancient travelers. The annual rainfall of the area is said to be less than 20 inches of rain, thus suggestions have been put forward suggesting this as the cause of the branded name. The dry conditions of this area resulted to great treeless plains that contained prairie grass. These mountains were rich in lumber and minerals and sloped to Washington, Oregon and California coast areas that were fertile. In spite of possessing a vast wilderness, the West incorporated different types of cultures and surroundings[1]. Development and settlement The development that took place in the West escalated after the civil war. In 1860s, the initial steps of these developments began and later in 1970s, the development activities increased significantly thanks to the just completed transcontinental railroad that was completed in 1869. Transportation changes took effect with the coming of this railroad as Americans could only take a period of one week to travel from one coast to another. Apart from transformation changes, the railroad also contributed to both economic development and capital investment. The Homestead Act of 1862, stories from relativ es and friends and advertisements were among the major factors that contributed to the buying and settling on portions of the millions of free acres. These free acres were bought by black freedmen, farmers from the eastern region and Europe’s immigrants. These homesteaders underwent numerous calamities as they tried to settle in their newly acquired pieces of land. These calamities were composed of hailstones, thunderstorms, harsh winters, and tornadoes. The occurrence of these calamities did not deter the spirit to succeed of these settlers as they innovated ways of surviving using the available resources in the plains. For instance, they would use buffalo chips as a source of fuel[2].Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Culture and politics Although the conditions faced by the homesteaders were harsh, they used different activities to adapt to the environment. They adapte d a culture of farming in which they would plant drought resistant crops. Use of windmills and dry farming techniques were also employed for the sole purpose of succeeding in countering the dry and arid area they settled in. On settling on the Great Plains, â€Å"these families faced isolation and cultural deprivation† and at the same time, they underwent isolation[3]. Women underwent hardship periods that were accompanied with periods of loneliness. This therefore led to the women being the first pioneers in development initiatives that involved â€Å"establishment of churches, manifestation of culture and schools†[4]. Later towns developed from families, which translated in communities and later on into towns. Social development was hence the cause of this transformation. Political organizations were formed that range from alliances to granges. These political organizations acted as the voices of the numerous farmers that lived in the West in a war against the barons of the railroad and eastern bankers[5]. Economy and trade According to Becker in 1860, the economy of Houston Texas was blossoming, as the area was equipped with over 330 miles of railroad. In addition to this, the city exported three times the amount of cotton it was exporting in 1957. Despite the existence of slavery in this city, the slave ownership rates were minimal as compared to the eastern states. The railroad access to Mexican ports played a greater role in uplifting the city’s economy. This is evident as the trade merchants would send the cotton acquired in Texas to ships destined for Europe at the Mexican ports and in return, they would acquire bananas and sugar from Cuba, Jamaican rum, gunpowder and many other essential commodities. Increase in trade resulted to Texas becoming the heart of trans-Mississippi region. The civil wars had earlier on devastated the economy of the west but this did not deter the homesteaders from working in a collective form so as to de velop the arid area they settled in. Rebuilding of the west infrastructure was a collective initiative among the leaders, citizens, and businesspersons. The rebuilding of the infrastructure resulted to the west being the central hub of transportation[6]. In Texas wild herds of cattle roomed in vast areas. In addition to this, there was high demand of beef in Texas. This resulted to cowboys driving these herds of cattle northwards towards the railheads.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on American West, 1860-1900 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The cattle activities continued from 1866 up to twenty years later when the market of cattle collapsed. Excess speculation by the â€Å"Eastern and foreign investors created a financial bubble that burst when the worst drought in memory was followed by the brutal blizzard of 1887†[7]. Starvation and freezing temperatures faced thousands of cattle that finally died. Althoug h the cattle industry went on to survive, things did not return to normal[8]. End of an era According to Etulain and Malone, in 1893, the American Historical Association met in Chicago for the sole aim of participating in the World Columbian Exposition that was celebrating for discovering a new world. The document presented to these historians on that day would later on end up creating a new discovery of its own. Professor Turner of the Wisconsin University delivered a speech on â€Å"The significance of the Frontier in American History.† Although the speech did not startle the audience, it would later on play a major role in changing the perception of how historians view the American West and the American past. The speech which was known as â€Å"Turner thesis† or â€Å"frontier thesis† challenged the perceptions of American civilization that indicated that European legacies as the major influences in the history of America. In contradicting this perception, Tu rner indicated that the American frontier had the major influence in spawning individualism, nationalism, and democracy in the American society. Turner goes on to explain that the presence of the vast area of free land in the west, increase in settlement and the ever progressing recession are some but a few explanation of the American development. The frontier that swept across the country had now come to a halt, as it is evident in the 1890 census. Settlements had now occupied the previous open spaces of the west and hence Turner while concluding his essay indicated the significance in frontier passing. This was because the frontier’s passing symbolizes the end of the first American history period and the beginning of a new era that destined to begin without beneficial influences and bounties of its previous past. Hence, by looking at the previous trends of the past there was a significance difference in closing of an era. A good example is that the Indians did not roam free as before as they were confined after their defeat to forlorn reservations.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This was cemented by the Dawes Act of 1887, which was meant to assimilate the Indians into the American main stream as farmers. Cowboys on the other hand also seemed to be heading for oblivion. Open range stretches of land were shrinking fast and ranchers fenced off their ranches thereby contributing to the buying of hay especially for winter[9]. Conclusion During the civil war period, America underwent a great transformation in terms of expansion of economy. Drastic increase of population into frontier was witnessed as the population is said to have doubled between1879-1900. It was in this era that the west experienced drastic changes in terms of infrastructure development and increase in settlement. Although the land in the west was arid, the homesteaders made use of the available resources thus indicating plenty of vast opportunities that lied in the vast region. Bibliography Anon. Into the West 1860-1900. N.d. Web. Becker, Ann Dunphy. Houston: 1860-1900. NH: Arcadia publishing, 2010. Web. Etulain Richard and Malone Michael. The American West: a modern history, 1900 to the present. NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2007. Web. Footnotes Anon. Into the West 1860-1900. N.d. Anon. Into the West 1860-1900. N.d. Anon, ibid. Anon, Ibid. Anon. Into the West 1860-1900. N.d. Ann Dunphy Becker. Houston:: 1860-1900, (NH, Arcadia publishing, 2010), p. 7. Ann Dunphy Becker, Ibid. Anon. Into the West 1860-1900. N.d. Richard W. Etulain and Michael P. Malone. The American West: a modern history, 1900 to the present, (University of Nebraska Press, 2007), p. 1 2.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

In the nineties the world has been faced with many different crimes and social deviences essays

In the nineties the world has been faced with many different crimes and social deviences essays In the nineties the world and society has been faced with many different crimes and social deviancies, most of which have been as a result of rebellion and a form of expression. Whether it is to force a change or to create something new deviance is at a strong high. At the dawn of a new millenium some of society feel the need to express themselves in proscriptive norms and leave our mark on the world. The words deviance and crime are two words often mistaken for each other. Crime is a unlawful activity while deviance is a behavior that is different from that of the accepted social or moral standards. Deviance most of the time is the gateway to crime. A strong example of this would be the recent exploits at the Woodstock 99 music festival. In the September 2nd issue of Rolling Stone magazine the author Kurt Loder writes about the transgression that takes place when the music festival turns sour. He writes about how amid the music and peaceful motto of the festival some individuals feel the need to be malicious and irregular. He goes on to tell that when the band Limp Bizkit performed the song Break Stuff the violence took place. There was an unending blizzard of empty plastic water bottles sailing through the air and bouncing off skulls further down front, across the field people were ripping up the plywood barriers...and launching big, splintery crowd-surfing boards atop a sea of upsteached hands...The bonfires roaring out of control, the looting, the explosions, the whole stupid riot. Festival security, such as it was, collapsed in the face of this sudden war-zone situation. There was also accounts of different and unusual sexual activities. Kurts interpretation was like most others. This day that was supposed to be a social gathering in a peaceful atmosphere turned into a battle field of abnormal de...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Immigration reform and economic growth Research Paper

Immigration reform and economic growth - Research Paper Example nding immigration reform are also provided via an interview with Tamar Jacoby, the president and CEO of Immigration Works USA, and an immigration policy columnist for the LA Times. Essentially, this research paper hypothesizes and demonstrates that comprehensive immigration reform can both satisfy the American economy’s need for workers – especially in sectors like agriculture, construction, and the service industry – and at the same time establish a legal framework to regulate the inflow of migrants to the U.S. II. Background The importance of immigration reform to the U.S. is highlighted by Jacoby in a semi-structured interview with the researcher. In her capacity as an immigration policy columnist and the president and CEO of Immigration Works USA, Jacoby notes that immigration is a very important issue for the U.S., particularly in the campaigns leading up to recent 2012 presidential election. Moreover, other countries have been making significant progress in tegrating immigrants in a way that promotes multiculturalism and, in doing so, have integrated immigrants more acceptably into the national workforce with the results that immigrants in other countries are increasingly becoming productive members of the community. In this regard, according to Jacoby, the U.S. has a lot of room for improvement and growth in terms of immigration reform and its socio-economic improvement. Jacoby’s observation of the significance of immigration reform in the U.S., and the room for improvement, is supported by the background facts. With the 2012 presidential elections approaching, the focus on the dire state of the U.S. economy took center stage. Both sides were more fixated on short-term solutions such as tax reductions, improving infrastructure, reducing government... This paper offers a comprehensive review of current immigration policy of the United States, and adduces arguments in favor of the immigration reform. This paper demonstrates this need for economic reform by tracing the history and current developments in immigration policies and laws and their consequences for the U.S. economy and the lives of illegal immigrants. For the most part, illegal immigrants take on unskilled jobs, particularly in domestic and agricultural industries that Americans are unwilling to take. However, as a result of their illegal status, they are denied the protection that legal workers are guaranteed and thus are often exploited and underpaid. The current immigration policy and laws in the U.S. focus on border control and enforcement as opposed to taking an approach that would legalize immigrants and thus improve wages offered to low-skilled workers The U.S. has always premised its economic policies on the free movement of goods and capital. The free movement of services and people via immigration reform cannot be distinguished from the free movement of goods and capital. It is in economic interests of the U.S. to reform immigration policies in a way that focuses on opening paths to immigration, Reforms should accord amnesty to those immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for at least five years, provided they are not threatening national security. Those who have been living in the U.S. for at least three years would be subject to removal with an opportunity to re-enter the U.S. legally.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Compensation, Rewards, and Incentives Research Paper

Compensation, Rewards, and Incentives - Research Paper Example The various compensation, rewards and incentives programs designed By IBM have facilitated the organization to draw quality and skilled workforce and maintain workplace satisfaction of the existing employees. Furthermore, the monetary and non-monetary incentive programs practiced by IBM have facilitated the organization to prevent competent and quality employees from leaving the organization along with motivating them to perform dedicatedly in the workplace. The benefit programs have enabled the organization to foster and deliver enhanced employee development. Furthermore, the benefit programs of IBM have facilitated the organization to profitably respond to the rapidly altering market and industry trends. The benefit programs have also facilitated IBM to maintain skilled and agile workforce within the organization. The increased level of employee satisfaction within the organization has enabled IBM to quickly and effectively meet the supply and demand scenario as well as positively manage and develop costs and other revenue generation prospects associated with its performance (Boudreau, 2010). These factors have had a deep-rooted impact on IBM’s attainment of being on the ‘Best Places to Work For’

My Writing Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

My Writing Process - Essay Example My Writing ProcessMy writing process reflects in the picture in the Slide # 6. For me, writing is a medium of expression of feelings, desires, thoughts, emotions, and unsaid words. It is an infinite field where I can play. I generally remain very calm and peaceful but deep inside my mind and heart, there are several not-so-peaceful things going on all at the same time. Crime, violence, and lack of justice make me upset. The sad feelings keep intensifying inside my heart and when there is no more capacity, they start coming out of my pen over the paper like the gas escapes a pressure cooker. I can relate my writing process to the picture in the Slide # 6 as there is gas leaving the fissures with tremendous pressure while the rocks are sitting in the water that symbolizes my calm mood and peaceful nature. It seems like my self-has been translated in terms of the various features in the picture. The feature that specifically translates my thoughts is the steam escaping from the rock fis sures. I let my thoughts out while I am writing. I am a very careless and irresponsible writer generally. One after the other, all my thoughts, emotions, and messages keep emerging on the paper in ink in a disorganized fashion. Once I am done, I review the whole paper to draw conjunctions between different words, sentences and paragraphs so that the final piece of writing conforms to the rules and principles of standard writing.

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers - Essay Example When flaws in this approach became apparent, during the mid-1990s, the focus shifted towards product orientation, which urged the marketers to spend all their resources in perfecting the quality of their products. The next ideology shift during the late 1970s brought the selling orientation, which preached the idea that in order to ensure sales and profits, companies should follow highly aggressive sales strategies (Lancaster & Massingham, 2010, p. 20).   Nevertheless, all these ideologies were stepping stones in allowing marketers to come up with the marketing innovation, which puts customers at the top of everything which the motto, â€Å"a customer is always right†. Marketing approach urges marketers and companies not to engage in â€Å"hunting† but â€Å"gardening†. Marketers agree that â€Å"make and sell† strategy is extremely short-sighted and today, in order to succeed, companies need to follow a â€Å"sense and respond† strategy. Organisations should not put in all their efforts to find the right customers for their products, but the focus should be on finding the right products for your customers (Solomon, 2006, p. 370).   More importantly, in order to find right products for your customers, you first need to have a thorough understanding of the needs and wants of your customers. Only when businesses have the proper knowledge about the buying patterns of their consumers, they can sustain their revenues and ensure that they rank high in terms of customer satisfaction.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Analyze how globalization has impacted political and economic systems Essay

Analyze how globalization has impacted political and economic systems and appreciate America's role within global, political, - Essay Example North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) etc are some of the regional trade blocs formed to exploit the opportunities of globalization. This paper focuses more on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) to analyze the impacts of these trade blocs on globalization. Impacts of globalization on political and economic systems The history and formation of the trade bloc Since the mid-1980s there has been a profound change in the structure of the international economy due to the widespread growth and internal enhancement of regional trading blocs in all parts of the globe. The World Trade Organization (WTO), for example, notes that almost all of its 134 members are signatories to regional trade agreements with other countries. As of February 1999 the GATT/WTO has been notified of 184 regional trade agreements of which 109 are currently in effect. These re gional trade groups, according to Fred Bergsten of the Institute for International Economics, account for approximately 60 percent of world trade. The United States, Mexico, and Canada created a free-trade area (NAFTA) that became effective in January 1994 (Reardon et al, 2002) NAFTA has proposals to expand the size of this trade bloc to the entire American continent. Same way, Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) was formed on January 6, 2004 at Islamabad, Pakistan during the 12th SAARC summit. The members of this trade bloc are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The role that the countries involved in the trade bloc play in the global economy â€Å"Regional trade blocs have the effect of lessening trade restrictions between members, while increasing or standardizing trade restrictions for non-members. In terms of worldwide trade, the net effect is arguable† (Reardon et al, 2002). One of the major barriers in increasing trade acti vities between different countries before the entry of globalization was the governmental trade restrictions imposed by countries. Globalization has brought the concept of free trade between countries and many of the countries which implemented globalization started liberalize the governmental restrictions on trade activities between countries. American economy has the ability to affect the entire global economy. Any fluctuations taking place in American economy is watched with lot of concerns by other countries because of the increasing interdependence of global economy and the trade activities many of the global countries have with America. However, most of these liberalizations of trade rules between countries were taken place between countries which have warm relationships. Countries in the same region with political and economic problems between them have failed to liberalize trade rules. Such problems created more problems to other countries also in doing free trade activities . For example, India and Pakistan are enemy countries and their enmity created problems in signing an agreement between Iran and India in establishing a gas pipe line from Iran to India through Pakistan. However, the formation of SAFTA helped these enemy countries to assemble under one umbrella and currently the problems in establishing the gas line is going to be solved amicably. In short, countries started to realize that the

Sport success in qatar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sport success in qatar - Essay Example s success in sports improve as it started by building sports city, creating a national day for sports in its calendar, apart from hosting the world cup football and the Doha athletic world championship. The Federation for International Football Association (FIFA), is the international governing body of football, with headquarters based in Zurich (Simon, 2013). The foundation was founded in 1904 under the Swiss law. It has a total of 209 member association, of which, Qatar is one among the number. One of its goals is to constantly improve football through sponsorship, promotion, and organization. The body employs over 305 people from more than 35 nations, and it is composed of the Congress, Executive Committee, General Secretariat, and the committees in charge of assisting the executive body. Through its executive committee, FIFA carries out world cup hosting biddings in accordance with the FIFA Provisions and Statutes. Four years ago, FIFAs Executive Committee announced Qatar the winner of the 2022 world cup hosting, a competition that was highly contended. The Executive Committee, however, confirmed that the exact date for this hosting will be discussed in their meeting in March 2015. While awaiting that decision, the task force responsible for the international match calendar of 2018-2022 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatars team, chaired by the President of the AFC Shk. Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa will hold a prior meeting in Doha, in February of 2015 (FIFA.com, 2014). The FIFA Executive Committee confirmed to strongly support the creating of an independent body that will oversee the process of implementation of the reform program in Qatar regarding the issues of labor rights. This will take place in support of the recommendation put across by the DLA Piper report. This report also gave mandate to the FIFA President Blatter, with Dr. Theo Swanziger to go ahead with and discuss this issue with the political authorities of Qatar and be sure that the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers - Essay Example When flaws in this approach became apparent, during the mid-1990s, the focus shifted towards product orientation, which urged the marketers to spend all their resources in perfecting the quality of their products. The next ideology shift during the late 1970s brought the selling orientation, which preached the idea that in order to ensure sales and profits, companies should follow highly aggressive sales strategies (Lancaster & Massingham, 2010, p. 20).   Nevertheless, all these ideologies were stepping stones in allowing marketers to come up with the marketing innovation, which puts customers at the top of everything which the motto, â€Å"a customer is always right†. Marketing approach urges marketers and companies not to engage in â€Å"hunting† but â€Å"gardening†. Marketers agree that â€Å"make and sell† strategy is extremely short-sighted and today, in order to succeed, companies need to follow a â€Å"sense and respond† strategy. Organisations should not put in all their efforts to find the right customers for their products, but the focus should be on finding the right products for your customers (Solomon, 2006, p. 370).   More importantly, in order to find right products for your customers, you first need to have a thorough understanding of the needs and wants of your customers. Only when businesses have the proper knowledge about the buying patterns of their consumers, they can sustain their revenues and ensure that they rank high in terms of customer satisfaction.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Sport success in qatar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sport success in qatar - Essay Example s success in sports improve as it started by building sports city, creating a national day for sports in its calendar, apart from hosting the world cup football and the Doha athletic world championship. The Federation for International Football Association (FIFA), is the international governing body of football, with headquarters based in Zurich (Simon, 2013). The foundation was founded in 1904 under the Swiss law. It has a total of 209 member association, of which, Qatar is one among the number. One of its goals is to constantly improve football through sponsorship, promotion, and organization. The body employs over 305 people from more than 35 nations, and it is composed of the Congress, Executive Committee, General Secretariat, and the committees in charge of assisting the executive body. Through its executive committee, FIFA carries out world cup hosting biddings in accordance with the FIFA Provisions and Statutes. Four years ago, FIFAs Executive Committee announced Qatar the winner of the 2022 world cup hosting, a competition that was highly contended. The Executive Committee, however, confirmed that the exact date for this hosting will be discussed in their meeting in March 2015. While awaiting that decision, the task force responsible for the international match calendar of 2018-2022 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatars team, chaired by the President of the AFC Shk. Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa will hold a prior meeting in Doha, in February of 2015 (FIFA.com, 2014). The FIFA Executive Committee confirmed to strongly support the creating of an independent body that will oversee the process of implementation of the reform program in Qatar regarding the issues of labor rights. This will take place in support of the recommendation put across by the DLA Piper report. This report also gave mandate to the FIFA President Blatter, with Dr. Theo Swanziger to go ahead with and discuss this issue with the political authorities of Qatar and be sure that the

The Effect Of China As A Power House On U.S. Economy Essay Example for Free

The Effect Of China As A Power House On U.S. Economy Essay Analysts have described the rise of China as a poor, stagnant country to an economic powerhouse as the greatest economic growth of this modern time. Studies show that, from 1979 when the first economic reform was made to 2006, China’s economy has increased by over 11 folds. Its gross domestic products grew at an annual rate (GDP) of 9. 6 percent and its real per capita GDP grew to over eight folds. Its world trade ranking rose from 27th to 3rd and its is projected to be the first in the next decade. Because of this rise, the business relationship between the U. S and China has grown over the recent decades. The U. S. -China economic relationship rose from $4. 3 billion in 1983 to $343 billion in 2006. For the United States, China has become their second largest trade partner, most imports done in the United States come from China and these imports amounts to billions yearly. China is also the fourth largest export market for the U. S. economy and the second largest for its imports. The purchasing power of the U. S. citizens is increased due to the inexpensive imports from China. In addition, many U. S manufacturing firms also have most of their manufacturing done in China. This is to take advantage of the huge Chinese market and the cheap labor force that is available to them. China’s purchases of U. S. Treasury securities have funded federal deficits and helped keep interest rates relatively low. Though despite the perceived threat of China’s economic growth, unites states economy has maintained a full employment rate and robust economic growth. Nevertheless, the rise of China as an economic powerhouse has raised concern among many U. S. policy makers. Their fears include the taking over of China as the world’s largest trade economy in the next few years and the world’s largest economy in the next two decades. Going by this view, it is believed that the rise of China begins the relative fall of U. S. another point of concern is the large business relationship between U. S. and China which is value at about $343 billion. The view projected is that China use unfair trade practices. One of those practices are the supply of low priced products, thereby not encouraging exports from the U. S. the practices put threats to U. S. jobs, wages and living standards. The situation tends to worsen when China moves towards improving the quality of products done by them like autos and computers. Some of the recent development is the efforts put forward by China state owned firms to acquire U. S companies and the accumulation of U. S. Treasury securities. Policy makers have expressed concern over chin’s large holdings of U. S. securities and Treasury securities. They believe that China could use it as a political tool against the United States. This I agree with because with such holdings, China can have the power to make dollar collapse if they want. They can do this by liquidating their large portion of their large portion of U. S. Treasury securities holdings if the Unites States impose sanction on the revaluation of Yuan and the threat to do so could be used as a bargaining chip. Looking at all this, one would ask a question; what will the trade with China do to America’s economy? He trade deficit with China has grown to a significantly over the recent years. This is due to the large imports f China’s product into United States and the large exports of America’s products to China. This trade deficit with China has grown larger than any other trade deficit that America has with any other country. The fears are still growing over policies done by the Chinese to boost their exports into U. S and restricting American products into China. EFFECT ON TRADES AND JOBS The effect of the rising status of China on the U. S economy carries a mixed effect. On some sectors of employments and jobs, it carries a positive and negative effect. The imports done from China can destroy most of America’s jobs and manufacturing firms that produces same products. Analysis shows that the current inflow of imports is likely to increase the rate of job loss. The closing down of companies could reduce the economic standard of the country. The relative steadiness of full employment and output are two complementary reasons in the face of steady imports and disruptive markets. The use of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve to control the rate of spending in the country to the level generally consistent with full employment. A well run monetary policy can minimize the deviations that can occur in full employment sector and reduce the duration of such episodes. It helps keep the level of employment high in most years despite trades in general. Giving a better example and expositions to job losses and its relationship to total employment, considering that in any quarter of 2000, the peak of the last economic expansion, the total American jobs of about 137 million, the total job losses was about 9 million and most them was as a result of the foreign trade done. Another similar case was the total job loss of about 7. 4 million in 2004. Apart from the job loss due o foreign trade, the industries are the ones that are hit hard. Secondly, looking at purchasing imports. The increase in the price of imports would also increase the prices of exports. This outcome flows from the fundamental economic requirements hat imports must be paid for and exports are the only means of making those payments. The exports that are sold could be already finished goods and services. It can also be the sale of assets to foreigners such as savings in the bank, shares and stocks, bonds and real properties. This is to say that, when tallied across transactions in assets or goods, a nations trade is always in balance and in any in balance in the trading of goods must be compensated with in balance in the trading of assets. Therefore, most types of exports have positive effect on employments. There is a positive effect of exportation of goods from U. S. on employment is high. When foreigners increase their purchase of exported goods, the total output and employment increases. This counters the level of job lost that is caused by the rate of importation. Therefore, this is to say that the large Chinese market has a positive effect on the employment rate of the United States. Looking at it from another point of view, because the sale of assets is equal to the level of savings in the United States, it exerts a downward push on the domestic interest rates. This stimulates the interest sensitive activities such as spending on consumer durables, residential constructions, raising output, and employments in this sector. Therefore, this is to say that the negative effect of imports on the economy and the rate of employment are offset by the increased rate of exports from other parts of the economy. Another common concern of the rising status of China is that is puts downward pressure on the wages of domestic workers. Foreign trade is seen by American companies as the search fro a low-cost labor environments. This is turn will place American workers in a competition of low wage working environment. This is what is termed as race to the bottom between domestic and foreign workers. In a general summary, China’s economic growth has increased substantial commercial business activities with the U. S economy. It is now the third largest U. S. trade partner, the second largest source of import and the fourth largest source of exports. Status showing for over the past five years, China is fast becoming the rising source of exports for U. S. goods and is likely to me a good market for U. S. products provided that trades barriers continues to fall. It is projected that within two decades, China will surpass the United States and become the world’s largest economy. It is believed that any fall in the living standard of U. S. will lead to the rise in China’s status. The high level of low-cost imports from China has benefited the U. S. in many ways. First, the low imports have helped to keep the rate of inflation down. It has increased the overall consumer welfare, enabling them to be able to purchase other goods and services. Finally, the low-cost imports have benefited many U. S. firms that use these imports for the production of their goods. This is of course making the U. S. firms very competitive. Although this rise is often seen as a threat, economists see it as mutually beneficial to both parties. This is to say that both economies need each other to keep up. Looking at low-cost imports from other points of view, the imports from China has negative effect on some firms and jobs such as the textile industries. The import causes diminishing effects on their level of output, wages, and employments. Nevertheless, it is believed that the imbalances in trade between these countries are not the cause for the job loss and low output. Most economists contend that, the rise the value of Chinese currency would not have any effect on the manufacturing industries. They maintain that the appreciation would largely shift manufacturing to low-wage countries not to the United States. China maintains a number of inefficient and distortionary policies such as Government Financial Support for CEOs, industrial polices tend to assist investors. Economists note that although subsidies on exports can negatively affect import-competing domestic firms and workers, they also benefit consumers and users of imported inputs who can obtain such goods at lower prices than under the conditions of free trade. In effect, this improves the U. S. terms of trade because it means a given level of U. S. exports can obtain more imports. On the other hand, the use of subsidies by China lowers its terms of trade and promotes inefficiencies in the economy. Even if Chinese subsidies produce net benefits to the U. S. economy, many U. S. policymakers oppose their use because they do cause some U. S. firms and workers to suffer. Public perceptions that some countries are not playing by the rules of trade may impact their support (and that of their government representatives) for further trade liberalization on a bilateral on multilateral basis. Some trade practices, such a failure to protect IPR, hurt both the U. S. and Chinese economies. China traditionally has focused on low-end, labor-intensive manufacturing, much of which did not compete directly with U. S. firms. However, China is attempting to move into more advanced production and hopes to become globally competitive in a number of industries, such as autos and information technology. This has raised concerns that China may pose the kind of competitive challenge to major U. S. industries that Japan posed during the 1980s. Although it is difficult to accurately predict how advanced China’s economy will become, it currently lags significantly behind the United States. The divergent experience of the U. S. and Japanese economies since the 1990s suggests that the competitive threat from China is questionable, especially considering the extensive economic challenges China faces in the years ahead. Chinese purchases of U. S. Treasury securities have helped the federal government fund its budget deficits and therefore have helped keep U. S. interest rates down. At the same time, China has become the second-largest foreign holder of these securities, and some analysts contend that this status gives China economic leverage over the United States. But any attempt to harm the U. S. economy by unloading these holdings would likely cause comparable harm to the Chinese economy. Similar arguments are made regarding China’s attempts to purchase U. S. companies. However, analysts contend that it would not be in China’s economic interest to purchase U. S. companies if it did not intend to operate them profitably. In general, given the growing importance of the U. S. economy to China’s economic growth, policies to destabilize the U. S. economy would destabilize China’s economy as well.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Effectiveness of Garlic Cloves on Blood Pressure: Research

Effectiveness of Garlic Cloves on Blood Pressure: Research CHAPTER-III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research methodology includes Research approach, Research design, Variables, Description of settings, Criteria for sample selection. It further deals with Description of tool, Content validity, Reliability, Pilot study and Method of data collection. RESEARCH APPROACH An evaluate approach will be considered as an appropriate research approach to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic cloves on Blood pressure among patients with Hypertension. RESEARCH DESIGN The research design used in this study was quasi experimental design. E O1 X O2 C O1 O2 E Experimental group C Control group O1 Pre test O2 Post test X Administration of garlic cloves Variables Independent variable: Garlic Cloves Dependent variable: Blood pressure Description of Setting The study was conducted in primary health centre Rural area Alangium community which is 20km away from Sara Nursing College. In the primary health centre general ward facilities are available the population Alangium community 22,097 among them 12,054 are female, 10,043 are male.it consist of north street, and Muslim street. The people get medical aid from the primary health centre one primary school, and secondary school are there for educational purpose. Water and electricity facilities are available. The common occupation in the village in agriculture most of the people are coolie workers, going for construction work and other include and shop. Study population The population of the study was patients with Hypertension. Sample The Sample for this study was patients with Hypertension attending OPD at PHC, Alangium during the study period and those who meet the inclusive criteria. Sample size The total Sample size was 50.Among them 25 were assigned to experimental group and 25 were assigned to control group as per the convenience of the Researcher. Sampling technique Convenience sampling technique was used for this study. Criteria for sample selection The Sample was selected on the basis of following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria Patient who are between 40 – 60 years of age. Patient who are willing to participate in this study. Both males and Females. Patient with Blood pressure level between 140/90mmHg and 160/100mmHg. Patient who are in anti-hypertensive drugs. Exclusion Criteria Patients with hypertension with other systemic illness. DESCRIPTION OF TOOL Section- A Structured interview schedule for demographic profile Structured interview schedule was used in this tool .It comprised of demographic data such as age, gender, educational status, religion, occupation. No score is given to this demographic profile. The data will be used for descriptive statistics. Section- B Structured interview schedule for Life style Questionnaire A structured interview schedule was used to collect information regarding life style questionnaire such as, duration of illness, history of hospitalization, treatment, dietary pattern, food habits, exercise, recreational activities, family history of hypertension. No score was given in this section and it was used for descriptive analysis. Section- C Observational method to find out blood pressure by using Digital blood pressure monitor. Digital blood pressure monitor was used to assess the blood pressure among patient with hypertension. According to the readings of Digital blood pressure monitor were classified in to normal, pre hypertension, stage I hypertension, stage II hypertension. Based on the category were given. Table 3.1: According to joint national commission VII of early detection and treatment of hypertension, 2003 Blood pressure category Systolic blood pressure mmHg Diastolic blood pressure mmHg Normal And Pre hypertension 120-139 or 80-89 Stage I Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99 Stage II Hypertension ≠¥160 ≠¥100 Content validity Content validity of the tool was obtained on the basis of opinion of medical surgical experts [5 medical surgical nursing specialist,1 medical officer1,1 dietician]. The tool was found valid suggestions were incorporated. Reliability To ensure the reliability of the instrument, blood pressure was checked to 6 patients with hypertension. The reliability of the instrument was established by Inter-rater reliability method and the Karl Pearson coefficient formula was used to find the consistency of the tool.The obtained reliability co-efficient of systolic blood pressure (r=0.8), and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.9) Hence the tool was reliable. Pilot study In order to find out the feasibility and practicably a pilot study was conducted at Sanjay hospital, Palani for a period of 1 week (26.6.2013 to 1.7.2013) 6 patients with hypertension were selected (3 experimental group and 3 control group). Pretest was done for experimental and control group and intervention given for 5 days for experimental group and posttest was done for both groups. The study was found feasible to conduct. METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION Ethical consideration; Formal written permission was obtained from the medical officer of primary health centre Alangium. Oral consent of each individual was obtained before the data collection. Period of data collection Data collection was done over a period of 4 weeks from 5.8.2013 to 31.8.2013 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE The written permission was obtained from the medical officer (Dr.Bharathi) prior data collection. The samples were selected by convenience sampling technique oral permission was obtained from them after explaining the objective of the study. The 50 samples were selected know case of hypertension detected at PHC on the basis of convenience sampling technique. Approximately 8 samples was selected daily and 4 samples was allotted to control group and 4 samples was allotted to experimental group pretest was done for both groups. The researcher checked the blood pressure using Digital blood pressure monitor for both experimental and control group then the researcher daily visited the experimental group in home under the supervision of the researcher 10 grams of garlic cloves was given with after breakfast. For the control group the investigator assessed the blood pressure level and advised to continue the prescribed treatment. Posttest was done on 22 th day for both experimental and contr ol group by using Digital blood pressure monitor. PLAN FOR DATA ANALYSIS The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The following plans for data analysis were developed. OBJECTIVES STATISTICAL ANALYSIS To assess the pre and post test systolic level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group and control group. Descriptive Analysis: frequency distribution , percentage. To assess the pre and post test diastolic level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group and control group. Descriptive Analysis: frequency distribution , percentage To compare the pre and post test systolic level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group and control group. Descriptive Analysis Inferential statistics: Mean ,Standard deviation ,paired ‘t’test To compare the pre and post test diastolic level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group and control group Descriptive Analysis Inferential statistics:Mean,Standard deviation ,paired ‘t’test To evaluate the effectiveness of garlic cloves on reducing the systolic blood pressure among patients with hypertension. Descriptive Analysis Inferential statistics:Mean,Standard deviation ,Independent ‘t’test To evaluate the effectiveness of garlic cloves on reducing diastolic blood pressure among patients with hypertension. Descriptive Analysis Inferential statistics: Mean,Standard deviation ,Independent ‘t’test

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Understanding Consumer Choices and Behaviors Essay -- furniture, qualit

The IKEA brand is associated with simple, low cost, stylish products. The concept was furnishing products and house-wares that had wide appeal to a variety of markets and segments, both consumer and the business market exclusively. Both markets were looking for well styled, high quality furniture that reasonably priced and readily available. Initially, IKEA did not customize its products to local markets, but kept to standardized products and operations worldwide. This standardized strategy of internationalizing minimized costs. IKEA developed a model for the business, where it was able to keep costs low. From the customer point of view, they were able to buy low cost furniture, however they had to assemble and collect the flat-packed furniture from stores. IKEA to was able to reduce costs, as this costly part of the value chain was carried out by the customer. IKEA had excellent international procurement. Thirty buying offices were created to source from over 1,400 suppliers worldwi de, IKEA negotiated prices that were between 20-40% lower than competitors for comparable goods. IKEA was successful at i) identifying worldwide suppliers and ii) managing quality and iii) prices with suppliers, to keep margins low. It had excellent supply chain management and utilized the latest IT infrastructure. Due to the sheer number of orders and components required by the company - IKEA developed an efficient system for ordering from suppliers, integrating them into products and delivering them to stores. This was achieved by a world network of 14 warehouses. Inventory was stored - and the IT system managed supply and demand to stores, keeping inventory costs low. Anticipating the needs and wants of customers. IKEA was successful in product desi... ...): Social Creativity and the Social Function of DIY Experiences. Advances In Consumer Research, 37775-776. Inks, S. A., Schetzsle, S., & Avila, R. A. (2012). Exploring the Use of Business Social Networking Tools in Sales: Current Perceptions and Future Expectations. Marketing Management Journal, 22(1), 1-16. Edmonton Journal. (2008). IKEA's Secret: The Customer. Retrieved from http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=d2f94f61-48c1-4d48-b276-6481c4804895&k=5397 Dholakia, R. (2012). Technology and Consumption: Understanding Consumer Choices and Behaviors. New York: Springer. United States DIY Products. (2002). DIY Products Industry Profile: United States, N.PAG. O.C. Ferrell & Michael Hartline (2011). Marketing Strategy, 5th edition, South-Western/Cengage Learning. Copeland, C. & Hartline, M. (2010). IKEA Looks to Further Penetrate the U.S. Market

Saturday, October 12, 2019

1970 - 1980 Essay -- Essays Papers

1970 - 1980 During the 1970’s, the United States experienced "Watergate," the most famous political scandal in American History. It was a scandal that began with a break in and ended in resignation. On June 17, 1972 five intruders were caught and arrested for illegally entering the rooms of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington’s Watergate Complex. "The investigation of the break-in lead directly to the reelection campaign of President Richard M. Nixon and unraveled a web of political spying and sabotage, bribery and the illegal use of campaign funds" (Washingtonpost.com). Two-and-a-half-years later along with a number of court hearings led to the 1974 resignation of Richard M. Nixon. Nixon became the first President in U.S. History to resign. During all the political drama the United States brought an end to an unpopular war and made great strides in space exploration. The Vietnam War finally came to an end on January 27, 1973 when the United States and North Vietnam signed the Paris Peace Accords. Under its terms, U.S. troops would with drawl from Vietnam. Even though this ended many years of warfare, the "Vietnam War badly burdened the American economy" (Bondi 125). Turning away from the problem of increased debt, America saw technology at its best. On November 16, 1973 NASA gave us Skylab, our country’s first space station: "Skylab offered is an opportunity to do what none had done before – to study the Sun from space" (Eddy xiii). Despite the happenings of Watergate and the weight of the Vietnam War, this ground- breaking space exploration brought excitement and opportunity to the United States. During the 1970’s the world experienced many events, however, there were a few that made history. On... ...od of the piece captured my imagination, and my thoughts for several days" (Michaels 1). Along with Tim O’Brien another popular author during the 1970’s was Alice Walker. Alice Walker was involved in the Black Nationalism movement in the early 1970’s. This group fought to bring economic equality to the African American community. They also wanted to promote a separate identity and a sense of pride. One of their slogans was "Black is Beautiful". This is seen in Walker's short story "Everyday Use." In this story, she involves characters from both sides of the African-American culture. Some represent "new black" and others remain "traditional." Walker is trying to show that African Americans should not be ashamed of their culture or their African American heritage (Raz). In other words they should follow the slogan of the Black Nationalism movement "black is beautiful."

Friday, October 11, 2019

Auditing Problems Quiz

Following are multiple choice questions recently released by the AICPA. These questions were released by the AICPA with letter answers only. Our editorial board has provided the accompanying explanations. Please note that the AICPA generally releases questions that it does NOT intend to use again. These questions and content may or may not be representative of questions you may see on any upcoming exams. 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 1. CPA-05465 Which of the following categories is included in generally accepted auditing standards? a. b. c. d. Standards of review.Standards of planning. Standards of fieldwork. Standards of evidence. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. Generally accepted auditing standards include three categories: general standards, standards of fieldwork, and standards of reporting. Choices â€Å"a†, â€Å"b†, and â€Å"d† are incorrect, based on the above explanation. 1 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 2. CPA-05466 A retailing entity uses the Internet to execute and record its purchase transactions. The entity's auditor recognizes that the documentation of details of transactions will be retained for only a short period of time.To compensate for this limitation, the auditor most likely would: a. b. c. d. Compare a sample of paid vendors' invoices to the receiving records at year-end. Plan for a large measure of tolerable misstatement in substantive tests. Perform tests several times during the year, rather than only at year-end. Increase the sample of transactions to be selected for cutoff tests. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. When an entity transmits, processes, maintains, or accesses significant information electronically, some accounting data and source documents may be available only in electronic form, or only at a certain point in time.The auditor would generally perform tests of controls several times during the year to compensate for this limitation. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Comparing a sample of paid vendors' invoices to receiving records provides evidence that the company received the goods for which it paid, but only if records are available in sufficient detail to make such a comparison. If detailed records are retained for only a short period of time, such comparisons would need to be performed throughout the year, not just at year-end.Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. The auditor's judgment as to an appropriate level of tolerable misstatement is based on considerations of materiality and audit risk. Increasing this level implies that the auditor is willing to accept a larger error, which would not be an appropriate response to the limitation described. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Increasing the sample size related to cutoff testing will not provide evidence about transactions occurring throughout the period under audit, since cutoff testing relates to year-end. 2 007 AICPA Newly Released Questions à ¢â‚¬â€œ Auditing 3. CPA-05467 (Adapted) After testing a client's internal control activities, an auditor discovers a number of significant deficiencies in the operation of a client's internal controls. Under these circumstances the auditor most likely would a. b. c. d. Issue a disclaimer of opinion about the internal controls as part of the auditor's report. Increase the assessment of control risk and increase the extent of substantive tests. Issue a qualified opinion of this finding as part of the auditor's report.Withdraw from the audit because the internal controls are ineffective. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. The auditor uses tests of controls to evaluate control risk. In situations where there are a number of significant deficiencies in the operation of the client's internal controls, the auditor would increase the assessment of control risk (and the risk of material misstatement) and revise substantive testing accordingly (for example, by increasing the extent of substantive tests). Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect.An auditor is required to communicate significant deficiencies to management and those charged with governance, and a disclaimer of opinion on the effectiveness of controls would be included in this communication. However, such disclaimer would not be part of the auditor's report on the financial statements. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Since the auditor's report provides an opinion on the financial statements (and not on internal control), significant deficiencies in internal control do not result in a qualified opinion. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect.The auditor need not withdraw from an audit simply because internal controls are ineffective, but rather would increase the assessment of control risk and revise substantive testing accordingly. 3 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 4. CPA-05468 Which of the following procedures would be most effective in reducing attestation risk? a. b. c. d. Disc ussion with responsible individuals. Examination of evidence. Inquiries of senior management. Analytical procedures. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. Evidence obtained directly by the accountant (e. . , through physical examination) provides more persuasive evidence than evidence obtained through inquiry, discussion, or analytical procedures, and therefore reduces attestation risk. Choices â€Å"a†, â€Å"c†, and â€Å"d† are incorrect, based on the above explanation. 4 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 5. CPA-05469 Which of the following is an inherent limitation in internal control? a. b. c. d. Incompatible duties. Lack of segregation of duties. Faulty human judgment. Lack of an audit committee. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct.Inherent limitations in internal control are limitations that exist despite implementation of appropriate controls. For example, faulty human judgment may result in errors in the design or use of i nternal controls. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Assigning incompatible duties to a particular individual indicates a missing control, rather than an inherent limitation in internal control. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Lack of segregation of duties indicates a missing control, rather than an inherent limitation in internal control. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect.Lack of an audit committee indicates a missing control, rather than an inherent limitation in internal control. 5 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 6. CPA-05470 Which of the following statements is correct regarding a review engagement of a nonpublic company's financial statements performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS)? a. An accountant must establish an understanding with the client in an engagement letter. b. An accountant must obtain an understanding of the client's internal control when performing a review. . A review pro vides an accountant with a basis for expressing limited assurance on the financial statements. d. A review report contains an accountant's opinion of the financial statements taken as a whole. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. A review report is issued when inquiry and analytical procedures provide a reasonable basis for the expression of limited assurance on the financial statements. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. While the accountant is required to establish an understanding with the client, preferably in writing, an engagement letter is not required.Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. When performing a review under SSARS, the accountant is not required to obtain an understanding of the client's internal control. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. A review results in the expression of limited assurance that no material modifications are necessary for the financial statements to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The limited nature of the work performed during a review does not provide sufficient evidence for an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. 6 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 7.CPA-05471 Which of the following procedures does a CPA normally perform first in a review engagement in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS)? a. b. c. d. Inquiry regarding the client's principles and practices and the method of applying them. Inquiry concerning the effectiveness of the client's system of internal control. Inquiry to identify transactions between related parties and management. Inquiry of the client's professional advisors, including bankers, insurance agents, and consultants. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct.In performing a review engagement in accordance with SSARS, the accountant should inquire of management regarding the accounting principles and practices used, and the method of applying them. Choice â€Å"b† is i ncorrect. When performing a review under SSARS, the accountant is not required to make inquiries concerning the client's system of internal control. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. The accountant may inquire about the existence of related party transactions, but would likely make a more basic inquiry, about the client's accounting principles and practices, first. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect.In performing a review engagement in accordance with SSARS, the accountant generally directs his/her inquiries to members of management, not to external parties. 7 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 8. CPA-05472 (Adapted) Which of the following cash transfers results in a misstatement of cash at December 31, 20X1? Bank Transfer Schedule Transfers a. b. c. d. Disbursement date per books per bank 12 /31/X1 01/05/X2 01/04/X2 01/11/X2 12/31/X1 01/04/X2 01/04/X2 01/05/X2 Receipt date per books per bank 12/31/X1 01/04/X2 01/04/X2 01/04/X2 12/31/X1 12/31/X1 12/31/X1 01/04 /X2ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. Since the disbursement was not recorded until January 20X2 while the receipt was recorded in December 20X1, cash will be overstated at December 31, 20X1. Choices â€Å"a† and â€Å"c† are incorrect. Both the disbursement and the receipt are recorded in 20X1, so there will be no misstatement of cash at December 31, 20X1. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Both the disbursement and the receipt are recorded in 20X2, so there will be no misstatement of cash at December 31, 20X1. 8 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 9.CPA-05473 Which of the following describes how the objective of a review of financial statements differs from the objective of a compilation engagement? a. The primary objective of a review engagement is to test the completeness of the financial statements prepared, but a compilation tests for reasonableness. b. The primary objective of a review engagement is to provide positive assurance that the financial statements are fairly presented, but a compilation provides no such assurance. c. In a review engagement, accountants provide limited assurance, but a compilation expresses no assurance. . In a review engagement, accountants provide reasonable or positive assurance that the financial statements are fairly presented, but a compilation provides limited assurance. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. A review provides limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, whereas a compilation provides no assurance. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. A review does not test for completeness, nor does a compilation test for reasonableness.A review provides limited assurance about the financial statements based on inquiry and analytical review procedures, while a compilation provides no assurance and includes no testing for reasonab leness. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. A review provides limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and it is based on inquiry and analytical review procedures. Positive assurance (such as an audit opinion) is only provided when more extensive procedures have been erformed. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. A review provides limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and it is based on inquiry and analytical review procedures. Positive or reasonable assurance (such as an audit opinion) is only provided when more extensive procedures have been performed. A compilation provides no assurance at all. 9 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 10.CPA-05474 (Adapted) Prior t o commencing fieldwork, an auditor usually discusses the general audit strategy with the client's management. Which of the following matters do the auditor and management agree upon at this time? a. b. c. d. The appropriateness of the entity's plans for dealing with adverse economic conditions. The determination of the fraud risk factors that exist within the client's operations. The control weaknesses to be included in the communication with those charged with governance. The coordination of the assistance of the client's personnel in data preparation.ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. Prior to commencing fieldwork, an auditor would establish an understanding with the client as to the services to be performed and the overall audit strategy. This understanding may include arrangements involving the conduct of the engagement, such as timing, client assistance, and the availability of documents. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The auditor does not evaluate the appropriate ness of the entity's plans for dealing with adverse economic conditions prior to commencing fieldwork.The auditor might consider this as part of evaluating the client's ability to continue as a going concern, but this would not occur prior to commencing fieldwork. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Determination of existing fraud risk factors is generally made during the fieldwork stage of the audit, as information and evidence is obtained. Also, fraud risk factors are assessed by the auditor, and would not necessarily be agreed upon with management. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Identification and evaluation of control weaknesses generally occurs during the fieldwork stage of the audit, as information and evidence is obtained.Only those weaknesses that rise to the level of being significant deficiencies (or material weaknesses) are required to be communicated to those charged with governance. 10 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 11. CPA-05475 (Adapted) An auditor's engagement letter most likely would include a statement that: a. b. c. d. Lists potential significant deficiencies discovered during the prior year's audit. Explains the analytical procedures that the auditor expects to apply. Describes the auditor's responsibility to evaluate going concern issues.Limits the auditor's responsibility to detect errors and fraud. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. An auditor's engagement letter typically includes discussion of limitations of the engagement, such as the fact that the auditor will obtain only reasonable assurance, and therefore a material misstatement may remain undetected. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. An auditor's engagement letter typically covers the objectives of the engagement, management's responsibilities, the auditor's responsibilities, limitations of the engagement, and other matters involving the conduct of the audit.Potential significant deficiencies discovered during the prior year's audit would n ot typically be included in the engagement letter. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. While the auditor's engagement letter might include a discussion of the overall audit strategy, it typically would not include specific audit procedures. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. While the auditor's engagement letter might include a discussion of the auditor's responsibilities, this is usually discussed in fairly general terms. An engagement letter would not describe the auditor's responsibility with respect to specific issues (such as going concern issues). 1 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 12. CPA-05476 Which of the following factors most likely would cause a CPA to decline to accept a new audit engagement? a. b. c. d. The CPA does not understand the entity's operations and industry. Management acknowledges that the entity has had recurring operating losses. The CPA is unable to review the predecessor auditor's working papers. Management is unwilling to permit inquiry of its legal counsel. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. If a prospective client is unwilling to permit inquiry of its legal counsel, the CPA must consider the implications of this refusal.Such refusal may indicate a lack of cooperativeness on the part of management, or an attempt to be less than forthright with respect to litigation, claims, and assessments. Furthermore, a client's refusal to permit inquiry of its legal counsel ordinarily would result in a disclaimer of opinion. It would be unlikely that a CPA would accept a new engagement under these circumstances. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. An understanding of the client's operations and industry should be obtained during the planning stage of the audit.It does not necessarily need to be obtained before acceptance of the engagement. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. The fact that the entity has had recurring operating losses may increase the auditor's assessment of risk on the engagement, but it would not preclude acceptance of the engagement. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Although the predecessor's audit documentation provides some audit evidence with respect to opening balances, consistency of accounting principles, and other matters of continuing significance, alternative means of obtaining such evidence generally do exist. 2 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 13. CPA-05477 An enterprise engaged a CPA to audit its financial statements in accordance with Government Auditing Standards (the Yellow Book) because of the provisions of government grant funding agreements. Under these circumstances, the CPA is required to report on the enterprise's internal controls either in the report on the financial statements or in: a. b. c. d. The report on the performance audit. The notes to the financial statements. A letter to the government funding agency.A separate report. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The report on the audit of the financial statemen ts should describe the scope of the auditor's testing of compliance with laws and regulations and internal control over financial reporting, and should either present the results of those tests or refer to a separate report containing that information. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The CPA was engaged to audit financial statements in accordance with the Yellow Book, not to perform a performance audit. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect.The notes to the financial statements are a management representation and would not be used by the CPA to comply with requirements to either report or opine in conformity with Yellow Book requirements. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Governmental Auditing Standards require that the auditor describe the scope of the auditor's testing of compliance with laws and regulations and internal control over financial reporting and present the results of those tests as part of their report or in a separate report, not simply in a letter to the fundi ng agency. 13 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 14.CPA-05478 An auditor determines that the entity is presenting certain supplementary financial disclosures of pension information that are required by the GASB. Under these circumstances, the auditor should: a. Add an explanatory paragraph to the auditor's report that refers to the required supplementary information. b. State that the audit is not being performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. c. Document in the working papers that the required supplementary information is presented, but should not apply any procedures to the information. . Compare the required supplementary information for consistency with the audited financial statements. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The auditor should perform certain limited procedures on supplementary information accompanying the financial statements, including evaluating whether the information is consistent with the audited financial statements. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Generally, the auditor's report on the financial statements would not include a reference to required supplementary information unless there were a problem with it (e. . , it was omitted, inappropriately prepared, or the auditor was unable to satisfactorily complete required procedures). Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. An audit can and should be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards even when required supplementary information is presented. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. The auditor should perform certain limited procedures on supplementary information accompanying the financial statements. 14 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 15. CPA-05479 Comfort letters ordinarily are: a. . c. d. Addressed to the client's Audit committee Underwriter of securities Audit committee Underwriter of securities Signed by the client's Independent auditor Senior management Senior management Indepen dent auditor ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. A comfort letter is a letter from the independent auditor to the named underwriter just before the registration of the client's securities. Choices â€Å"a†, â€Å"b†, and â€Å"c† are incorrect, based on the above explanation. 15 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 16.CPA-05480 Which of the following factors would most likely influence an auditor's consideration of the reliability of data when performing analytical procedures? a. b. c. d. Whether the data were developed in a computerized or a manual accounting system. Whether the data were prepared on the cash basis or in conformity with GAAP. Whether the data were developed under a system with adequate controls. Whether the data were processed in an online system or a batch entry system. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. Strong, effective internal controls improve the reliability of data.Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The type of accounting system used does not affect the reliability of data. Both computerized and manual accounting systems can provide reliable data, as long as there are appropriate controls in place. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. The accounting basis used does not affect the reliability of data. Reliable data may be provided regardless of whether the cash basis or accrual basis (GAAP) is used, as long as there are appropriate controls in place. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. The type of processing system used does not affect the reliability of data.Both online systems and batch systems can provide reliable data, as long as there are appropriate controls in place. 16 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 17. CPA-05481 When an auditor tests the internal controls of a computerized accounting system, which of the following is true of the test data approach? a. Test data are coded to a dummy subsidiary so they can be extracted from the system under actual oper ating conditions. b. Test data programs need not be tailor-made by the auditor for each client's computer applications. c.Test data programs usually consist of all possible valid and invalid conditions regarding compliance with internal controls. d. Test data are processed with the client's computer and the results are compared with the auditor's predetermined results. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The test data approach refers to a technique in which the client's application program is used to process a set of test data, the results of which are already known by the auditor. If the client's program is operating effectively, it should generate the same results determined by the auditor. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect.An integrated test facility (not a test data approach) utilizes dummy accounts. For example, using an integrated test facility (ITF) approach, test data is initially commingled with live data, but coding to a dummy account allows later extraction from the system under actual operating conditions. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Test data programs should be tailor-made by the auditor for each client's computer applications, to ensure that the data is in an appropriate form for that client's system, and that it includes the types of invalid conditions in which the auditor is interested. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect.Test data contains the types of valid and invalid conditions in which the auditor is interested (it is not necessary to test all combinations of valid and invalid conditions). 17 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 18. CPA-05482 Under which of the following circumstances would an auditor's expression of an unqualified opinion be inappropriate? a. b. c. d. The auditor is unable to obtain the audited financial statements of a significant subsidiary. The financial statements are prepared on the entity's income tax basis. There are significant deficiencies in the design and operation of the enti ty's internal control.Analytical procedures indicate that many year-end account balances are not comparable with the prior year's balances. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct. If the auditor is unable to obtain the audited financial statements of a significant subsidiary, a scope limitation exists. Assuming the effect is material, the auditor would issue either a qualified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Financial statements prepared on an entity's income tax basis are â€Å"other comprehensive basis of accounting† (OCBOA) financial statements.The auditor may issue a special report, which can include an unqualified opinion, on OCBOA financial statements. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Significant deficiencies in the design and operation of an entity's internal control do not preclude issuance of an unqualified opinion, although they do increase the risk of material misstatement and will likely result in modifications to th e nature, timing, and extent of the auditor's testing. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. An unqualified opinion may still be expressed when there are significant changes in year-end account balances as compared to prior year balances, as long as the auditor as obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the current balances. 18 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 19. CPA-05483 An auditor's principal objective in analyzing repairs and maintenance expense accounts is to: a. b. c. d. Determine that all obsolete plant and equipment assets were written off before the year-end. Verify that all recorded plant and equipment assets actually exist. Discover expenditures that were expensed but should have been capitalized. Identify plant and equipment assets that cannot be repaired and should be written off. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct.The auditor reviews repair and maintenance expense accounts to test for completeness of asset additions (i. e. , the auditor is looking for items recorded as repairs or maintenance that would more properly have been capitalized as betterment of an asset). Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Analyzing the repairs and maintenance account does not provide evidence about obsolete assets. The auditor might review asset records for old assets, or observe assets that are not being used, in an effort to determine whether obsolete plant and equipment assets were written off before year-end.Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Analyzing the repairs and maintenance account does not provide evidence about the existence of assets. The auditor might select recorded plant and equipment assets, and then physically locate and observe them, in order to verify existence. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Analyzing the repairs and maintenance account does not provide evidence about assets that cannot be repaired. The auditor might review asset records for old assets, or observe assets that are not being used, in an effort to determine whether assets that cannot be repaired have been properly written off. 9 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 20. CPA-05484 Which of the following statements is correct concerning materiality in a financial statement audit? a. Analytical procedures performed during an audit's review stage usually decrease materiality levels. b. If the materiality amount used in evaluating audit findings increases from the amount used in planning, the auditor should apply additional substantive tests. c. The auditor's materiality judgments generally involve quantitative, but not qualitative, considerations. d.Materiality levels are generally considered in terms of the smallest aggregate level of misstatement that could be considered material to any one of the financial statements. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. Because the financial statements are interrelated, materiality levels are generally considered in terms of the smallest level of misstateme nt that could be material to any one of the financial statements. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Analytical procedures are performed during an audit's review stage to evaluate the overall financial statement presentation and to assess the conclusions reached.They generally would not result in a change in materiality levels. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. If the materiality amount used in evaluating audit findings increases from the amount used in planning, the auditor should consider whether the audit plan needs to be modified. Typically, an increase in materiality levels would result in a decrease in audit risk, which would result in less substantive testing, not more. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Qualitative considerations may lead to situations in which misstatements that do not exceed materiality limits are still likely to influence the economic decisions of users.In such cases, an otherwise immaterial misstatement is deemed to be material. 20 2007 AICPA Newl y Released Questions – Auditing 21. CPA-05485 As a result of tests of controls, an auditor assesses control risk too high. This incorrect assessment most likely occurred because: a. Control risk based on the auditor's sample is less than the true operating effectiveness of the client's control activity. b. The auditor believes that the control activity relates to the client's assertions when, in fact, it does not. c. The auditor believes that the control activity will reduce the extent of substantive testing when, in fact, it will not. . Control risk based on the auditor's sample is greater than the true operating effectiveness of the client's control activity. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The risk of assessing control risk too high is the risk that the assessed level of control risk based on the sample is greater than the true risk based on the actual operating effectiveness of the control. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The risk of assessing control risk too low is the risk that the assessed level of control risk based on the sample is less than the true risk based on the actual operating effectiveness of the control.Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Assessing control risk too high relates to an incorrect evaluation of risk by the auditor, not to whether the control activity relates to the client's assertions. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. If the auditor believes that a control activity will reduce the extent of substantive testing when, in fact, it will not, this implies that the control risk based on the auditor's sample was less than the true risk based on the actual operating effectiveness of the control. This would be an example of assessing control risk too low, not too high. 21 007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 22. CPA-05486 At the conclusion of an audit, an auditor is reviewing the evidence gathered in support of the financial statements. With regard to the valuation of inventory, the auditor co ncludes that the evidence obtained is not sufficient to support management's representations. Which of the following actions is the auditor most likely to take? a. b. c. d. Consult with the audit committee and issue a disclaimer of opinion. Consult with the audit committee and issue a qualified opinion. Obtain additional evidence regarding the valuation of inventory.Obtain a statement from management supporting their inventory valuation. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. If an auditor has doubts about a material assertion (such as the valuation of inventory), he/she should gather sufficient evidence to eliminate the doubt. Choices â€Å"a† and â€Å"b† are incorrect. The auditor would not consult with the audit committee regarding the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained, as this is determined based on the auditor's own judgment. In addition, if the auditor is able to obtain additional evidence, it might be possible to issue an unqualified opinion.Finally, e ven if no additional evidence is available, the auditor will still need to decide whether a qualified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion is more appropriate, depending on materiality. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Since management representations are in fact â€Å"statements from management,† obtaining additional statements from management would not provide additional support. 22 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 23. CPA-05487 An audit supervisor reviewed the work performed by the staff to determine if the audit was adequately performed. The supervisor accomplished this by primarily reviewing which of the following? a. b. c. d.Checklists. Working papers. Analytical procedures. Financial statements. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. Audit documentation, or working papers, comprises the principal record of audit procedures performed, evidence obtained, and conclusions reached. Reviewing the working papers allows a supervisor to understand the work performed and the evidence obtained, and to evaluate whether the audit was adequately performed. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Checklists might be used within the audit documentation, but checklists alone would not provide a comprehensive record of the audit procedures performed, the evidence obtained, and conclusions reached.Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Analytical procedures might be documented within the working papers, but such procedures alone would not provide a comprehensive record of the audit procedures performed, the evidence obtained, and conclusions reached. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Reviewing the financial statements would provide no information regarding the audit procedures performed, the evidence obtained, or conclusions reached, and therefore would provide no basis on which to review the work performed by the staff. 23 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 24.CPA-05488 The auditor's inventory observation test counts are traced to the client's inventory listing to test for which of the following financial statement assertions? a. b. c. d. Completeness. Rights and obligations. Allocation and valuation. Understandability and classification. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct. The auditor should test the physical inventory report by tracing test counts taken by the auditor to the report, thereby verifying its completeness. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Tracing from test counts to the client's inventory listing does not test rights and obligations.Rights and obligations might be tested by examining paid vendors' invoices, inspecting consignment agreements and contracts, or by confirming inventory held at outside locations. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Tracing from test counts to the client's inventory listing does not test allocation and valuation. Allocation and valuation might be tested by examining paid vendors' invoices, evaluating direct labor rates, recalculating overhead ra tes, or examining an analysis of inventory turnover. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Tracing from test counts to the client's inventory listing does not test understandability and classification.Understandability and classification might be tested by confirming inventories pledged under loan agreements, examining drafts of the financial statements for appropriate balance sheet classification, etc. 24 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 25. CPA-05489 Which of the following is an analytical procedure that an auditor most likely would perform when planning an audit? a. b. c. d. Confirming bank balances with the financial institutions. Scanning accounts receivable for amounts over credit limits. Recalculating inventory extensions of physical inventory counts.Comparing the current-year account balances for conformity with predictable patterns. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. During planning, analytical procedures consist of a review of data aggregated at a high level, with an objective of enhancing the auditor's understanding of the client. Comparing the current-year account balances for conformity with predictable patterns would fulfill this purpose. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Confirmation of bank balances is a substantive audit procedure (not an analytical procedure) that would be performed during the fieldwork stage of the audit. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect.Scanning accounts receivable for amounts over credit limits is a detailed procedure related to one specific account, and it would be performed during the fieldwork stage of the audit. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Recalculating inventory extensions of physical inventory counts is a detailed procedure related to one specific account, and it would be performed during the fieldwork stage of the audit. 25 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 26. CPA-05490 In which of the following circumstances is substantive testing of accounts receivabl e before the balance sheet date most appropriate? . b. c. d. The client has a new sales incentive program in place. Internal controls during the remaining period are effective. There is a high turnover of senior management. It is a first engagement of a new client. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. The higher the auditor's risk assessment, the closer to period end substantive procedures should be performed. Conversely, effective controls reduce control risk and reduce the risk of material misstatement, allowing more interim testing to occur. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect.A new sales incentive program results in an increase in the risk of material misstatement, making it less likely that interim testing will be performed. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. High turnover of senior management results in an increase in the risk of material misstatement, making it less likely that interim testing will be performed. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. In the first engage ment of a new client, the auditor will have less knowledge of the client and therefore would be less inclined to utilize interim testing, which increases audit risk. 26 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 27.CPA-05491 An auditor reads the letter of transmittal accompanying a county's comprehensive annual financial report and identifies a material inconsistency with the financial statements. The auditor determines that the financial statements do not require revision. Which of the following actions should the auditor take? a. b. c. d. Request that the client revise the letter of transmittal. Include an explanatory paragraph in the auditor's report. Consider withdrawing from the engagement. Request a client representation letter acknowledging the inconsistency. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct.When information accompanies audited financial statements in a client-prepared document, the auditor is required to read the information. If such information is materi ally inconsistent with the financial statements and the financial statements do not require revision, the auditor should request that the information (in this case the letter of transmittal) be revised. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. The auditor would only revise the report to include discussion of the material inconsistency if the client were unwilling to revise the transmittal letter appropriately. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect.The auditor would only consider withdrawing from the engagement if the client were unwilling to revise the transmittal letter appropriately. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. The auditor would not request a client representation letter acknowledging the inconsistency, as correction (and not simply acknowledgment) of the error is desired. 27 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 28. CPA-05492 An analysis of which of the following accounts would best aid in verifying that all fixed assets have been capitalized? a. b. c. d. Cash. Depreciation expense. Property tax expense. Repairs and maintenance.ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. An analysis of the repairs and maintenance account would best aid the auditor in verifying that all fixed assets have been capitalized. This account is generally analyzed to test for completeness of asset additions (i. e. , the auditor is looking for items recorded as repairs or maintenance that would more properly have been capitalized as betterment of an asset). Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. An analysis of cash would not identify fixed assets that were not properly capitalized, since cash would be paid for the purchase regardless of whether the item were expensed or capitalized.Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. An analysis of depreciation expense would not identify fixed assets that were not properly capitalized, since no depreciation would be included for items not already classified as assets. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. An analysis of property tax e xpense would not identify fixed assets that were not properly capitalized, since no property tax would be included for items not already classified as assets. 28 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 29. CPA-05493 When companies use information technology (IT) extensively, evidence may be available only in electronic form.What is an auditor's best course of action in such situations? a. b. c. d. Assess the control risk as high. Use audit software to perform analytical procedures. Use generalized audit software to extract evidence from client databases. Perform limited tests of controls over electronic data. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct. When companies use information technology (IT) extensively and evidence is available only in electronic form, generalized audit software packages generate the programs necessary to interrogate the files and extract and analyze the data. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect.The use of information technology does not automat ically imply that control risk is high. The auditor would need to evaluate the client's controls to make this determination. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. Although audit software might be used to perform analytical procedures, the data would first need to be extracted from the client's system. A generalized audit software package is the best way to do this. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. If information technology is used extensively, the auditor would likely perform more than limited tests of controls over electronic data. 29 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 30.CPA-05494 The ultimate purpose of assessing control risk is to contribute to the auditor's evaluation of the risk that: a. b. c. d. Specific internal control activities are not operating as designed. The collective effect of the control environment may not achieve the control objectives. Tests of controls may fail to identify activities relevant to assertions. Material misstatements may exist in the financial statements. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The auditor's ultimate purpose assessing control risk is to evaluate the risk of financial statement misstatement.Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The auditor's evaluation of whether or not specific internal control activities are operating as designed is part of his/her assessment of control risk; however, the ultimate purpose of making this assessment is to evaluate the risk of financial statement misstatement. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. The auditor's evaluation of the collective effect of the control environment is part of his/her assessment of control risk; however, the ultimate purpose of making this assessment is to evaluate the risk of financial statement misstatement. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect.Tests of controls are not used to identify activities relevant to assertions. Tests of controls are used to evaluate the operating effectiveness of internal control in preventing or detecti ng material misstatements. 30 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 31. CPA-05495 After making inquiries about credit granting policies, an auditor selects a sample of sales transactions and examines evidence of credit approval. This test of controls most likely supports management's financial statement assertion(s) of: Rights and obligations Yes Yes No No Allocation and valuation Yes No Yes No a. b. c. d. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"c† is correct.By ensuring that credit approval is obtained before goods are shipped to customers, the auditor is testing management's assertion that accounts receivable are collectible (allocation and valuation). Ensuring that credit approval is obtained before goods are shipped does not support the rights and obligations assertion. Choices â€Å"a†, â€Å"b†, and â€Å"d† are incorrect, based on the above explanation. 31 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 32. CPA-05496 Which of the following chara cteristics most likely would be an advantage of using classical variables sampling rather than probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) sampling? . b. c. d. The selection of negative balances requires no special design considerations. The sampling process can begin before the complete population is available. The auditor need not consider the preliminary judgments about materiality. The sample will result in a smaller sample size if few errors are expected. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct. Inclusion of negative balances requires special design considerations with PPS sampling, but it does not require special design considerations with classical variables sampling. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect.All items in the population should have an equal chance to be included in the sample. Therefore, the sampling process should not begin before the complete population is available, regardless of whether classical variables sampling or PPS sampling is used. Choice â€Å"c† i s incorrect. When planning a particular sample for a substantive test of details, the auditor should consider preliminary estimates of materiality. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. If no errors are expected, PPS sampling generally requires a smaller sample than other methods. 32 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 33.CPA- 05497 Which of the following matters is an auditor required to communicate to those charged with governance? a. Adjustments that were suggested by the auditor and recorded by management that have a significant effect on the entity's financial reporting process. b. The auditor's consideration of risk factors in assessing the risk of material misstatement arising from the misappropriation of assets. c. The results of the auditor's analytical procedures performed in the review stage of the engagement that indicate significant variances from expected amounts. d.Changes in the auditor's preliminary judgment about materiality that were caused by pro jecting the results of statistical sampling for tests of transactions. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct. The auditor is required to communicate significant audit findings to those charged with governance. Significant audit findings include material, corrected misstatements brought to management's attention as a result of the audit. Unless all of those charged with governance are also involved with managing the entity, such findings should be communicated by the auditor. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect.The auditor is not required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding his/her fraud risk assessment. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. The auditor is not required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding the results of specific audit procedures. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. The auditor is not required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding changes to his/her preliminary judgment about materiality. 33 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 34. CPA-05498 For which of the following audit tests would a CPA most likely use attribute sampling? . b. c. d. Identifying entries posted to incorrect accounts. Estimating the amount in an expense account. Evaluating the reasonableness of depreciation expense. Selecting receivables for confirmation of account balances. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct. Attribute sampling is used to estimate a rate of occurrence, and often involves a yes-no question. Attribute sampling could be used to determine the error rate in posting journal entries, perhaps by asking, â€Å"Is the entry posted to the proper account? † Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect.Variables sampling is typically used to estimate a numerical quantity, such as the amount in an expense account. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Variables sampling is typically used to estimate a numerical quantity, such as a reasonable amount for depreciation expense. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Attribute sampling is used to estimate a rate of occurrence, not to select the items to include in a sample. 34 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 35. CPA-05499 Which of the following strategies most likely could improve the response rate of the confirmations of accounts receivable? a. b. c. d.Restrict the selection of accounts to be confirmed to those customers with large balances. Include a list of items or invoices that constitute the customers' account balances. Explain to customers that discrepancies will be investigated by an independent third party. Ask customers to respond to the confirmation requests directly to the auditor by fax. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. The auditor should consider the types of information respondents will be readily able to confirm. For instance, some accounting systems facilitate the confirmation of single transactions rather than entire balances.In such cases, the auditor might conside r including a client-prepared statement of account showing details of the customer's account balance being confirmed. By making it easier for customers to determine which items are included in the balance being confirmed, the auditor also makes it more likely that those customers will respond. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Restricting the selection of accounts to be confirmed to those customers with large balances doesn't improve response rates, as customers with large balances are not necessarily more likely to respond than customers with small balances.Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Explaining to customers that discrepancies will be investigated by an independent third party would not necessarily encourage them to respond, as they might be reluctant to set off this investigation. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Responses received by fax should be verified by calling the senders and requesting that the original confirmations be mailed back. Asking customers to res pond by fax might actually reduce the response rate for receiving the original confirmation, since customers may decide that since they already sent the fax, they don't need to send the original back as well. 5 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 36. CPA-05500 Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform in auditing the statement of cash flows? a. Reconcile the amounts included in the statement of cash flows to the other financial statements' amounts. b. Vouch a sample of cash receipts and disbursements for the last few days of the current year. c. Reconcile the cutoff bank statement to the proof of cash to verify the accuracy of the year-end cash balance. d. Confirm the amounts included in the statement of cash flows with the entity's financial institution.ANSWER: Choice â€Å"a† is correct. To audit the statement of cash flows, the auditor reconciles the amounts on the statement to amounts on other financial statements. Choice â⠂¬Å"b† is incorrect. Vouching a sample of cash receipts and disbursements is a procedure used to audit the cash balance, rather than the statement of cash flows. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Reconciling the cutoff bank statement to the proof of cash to verify the accuracy of the year-end cash balance is a procedure used to audit the cash balance, rather than the statement of cash flows. Choice d† is incorrect. Confirming cash amounts with the entity's financial institution is a procedure used to audit the cash balance, rather than the statement of cash flows. 36 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 37. CPA-05501 In establishing the existence and ownership of long-term investments in the form of publicly-traded stock, an auditor most likely would inspect the securities or: a. b. c. d. Correspond with the investee company to verify the number of shares owned. Confirm the number of shares owned that are held by an independent custodian.Apply analyti cal procedures to the dividend income and investments accounts. Inspect the cash receipts journal for amounts that could represent the sale of securities. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. Confirmations should be requested from the custodian for securities that are in the possession of third parties. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The investee company may not have timely information regarding the ownership of its stock, nor would an investee typically want to correspond with all of its shareholders in this manner.Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Analytical procedures might be used to test the reasonableness of dividend income, but this would not provide evidence about the existence and ownership of the investments. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. Inspecting the cash receipts journal for amounts that could represent the sale of securities might provide evidence regarding sales (and gains or losses on sales), but would not provide evidence about the existence a nd ownership of the investments. 37 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 38.CPA-05502 The standard report issued by an accountant after reviewing the financial statements of a nonpublic entity should state that: a. A review is limited to presenting in the form of financial statements information that is the representation of management. b. A review consists of inquiries of company personnel and analytical procedures applied to financial data. c. The accountant does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the financial statements. d. The accountant did not obtain an understanding of the entity's internal control or assess control risk. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct.The standard report issued by an accountant after reviewing the financial statements of a nonpublic entity states that a review consists of inquiries of company personnel and analytical procedures applied to financial data. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. A compilation rep ort uses language similar to this, stating that a compilation is limited to presenting, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. A compilation report uses language similar to this, stating that the accountant does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the financial statements.A review provides negative assurance. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. While it is true that a review of the financial statements of a nonpublic entity does not require the accountant to obtain an understanding of the entity's internal control or assess control risk, the report does not explicitly state this. 38 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 39. CPA-05503 When an accountant compiles projected financial statements, the accountant's report should include a separate paragraph that: a. b. c. d. Explains the difference between a compilation and a review.Documents the assessment of the risk of material misstatement due to fraud. Expresses limited assurance that the actual results may be within the projected range. Describes the limitations on the projection's usefulness. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The accountant's report on compiled projected financial statements should include a separate paragraph that describes the limitations on the projection's usefulness. For example, the paragraph states that there will usually be differences between projected and actual results, and indicates that the accountant has no responsibility o update the report for events occurring after the date of the report. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. The accountant's report on compiled projected financial statements does not include an explanation of the difference between a compilation and a review. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. The accountant's report on compiled projected financial statements does not document the assessment of the risk of material misstatem ent due to fraud. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. The accountant's report on compiled projected financial statements does not express limited assurance that the actual results may be within the projected range.In fact, it specifically states that no opinion or any other form of assurance is expressed, and that there usually will be differences between projected and actual results. 39 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 40. CPA-05504 (Adapted) An auditor intends to use the work of an actuary who has a relationship with the client. Under these circumstances, the auditor: a. b. c. d. Is required to disclose the contractual relationship in the auditor's report. Should assess the risk that the actuary's objectivity might be impaired. Is not permitted to rely on the actuary because of a lack of independence.Should communicate this matter to those charged with governance as a significant deficiency in internal control. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"b† is correct. While a specialist who is unrelated to the client will provide the auditor with greater assurance of reliability, a specialist who is related to the client may be acceptable in certain circumstances. In such situations, the auditor would likely perform additional procedures to verify objectivity. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. If the auditor is expressing a standard unqualified opinion, no reference would be made to the specialist in the auditor's report.Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. While a specialist who is unrelated to the client will provide the auditor with greater assurance of reliability, a specialist who is related to the client may be acceptable in certain circumstances. Choice â€Å"d† is incorrect. The fact that the actuary has a relationship with the client is not considered to be a significant deficiency in internal control. 40 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 41. CPA-05505 Before applying principal substantive tests to an entity's ac counts receivable at an interim date, an auditor should: a. b. c. d.Consider the likelihood of assessing the risk of incorrect rejection too low. Project sampling risk at the maximum for tests covering the remaining period. Ascertain that accounts receivable are immaterial to the financial statements. Assess the difficulty in controlling the incremental audit risk. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. When audit procedures are performed before year-end, the auditor must assess the incremental risk involved and determine whether sufficient alternative procedures exist to extend the interim conclusions to year-end. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect.The risk of incorrect rejection relates to the efficiency of audit testing, since an item that is initially (and erroneously) rejected will be subject to additional audit testing that should correct the error. The likelihood of assessing this risk lower than it should be does not affect the auditor's decision regarding the appropria te timing of audit work. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect. When audit procedures are performed before year-end, the auditor must assess the incremental risk involved, but this risk would not necessarily be assessed at the maximum level. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect.Interim testing may be performed on material accounts, as long as the auditor assesses the incremental risk involved and determines whether sufficient alternative procedures exist to extend the interim conclusions to year-end. Immaterial accounts would not need to be tested. 41 2007 AICPA Newly Released Questions – Auditing 42. CPA-05506 (Adapted) Which of the following procedures would a CPA most likely perform in the planning stage of a financial statement audit? a. b. c. d. Obtain representations from management regarding the availability of all financial records.Communicate with those charged with governance concerning the prior year's audit adjustments. Make inquiries of the client's attorney regardi ng pending and threatened litigation and assessments. Compare recorded financial information with anticipated results from budgets and forecasts. ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. The planning process should include application of analytical procedures, such as comparison of the financial statements with budgeted or anticipated results. Choice â€Å"a† is incorrect. Management representations are typically obtained at the end of the audit, not during the planning stage. Choice â€Å"b† is incorrect.Assuming all of those charged with governance are not also involved with managing the entity, the auditor is required to communicate with those charged with governance concerning adjustments arising from the current year's audit, not adjustments from the previous year. Choice â€Å"c† is incorrect. Inquiries are typically made of the client's attorney during the fieldwork stage of the audit, not during the planning stage. 42 2007 AICPA Newly Released Question s – Auditing 43. CPA-05507 A CPA is engaged to examine management's assertion that the entity's schedule of investment returns is presented in accordance with specific criteria.In performing this engagement, the CPA should comply with the provisions of: a. b. c. d. Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS). Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS). Statements on Standards for Consulting Services (SSCS). Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE). ANSWER: Choice â€Å"d† is correct. Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements apply to engagements in which a practitioner is engag