Investigate the Behaviour of Organisations and the Market...

Introduction In this assignment I will identify the structure of markets within the economy and explain how they deviate from the model of perfect competition. I will also expand on which market forces dominate the market place, identifying the organisational responses to demand including the adoption of competitive strategies within the free market. Finally I will explain the role of the competition commission and regulatory bodies. Market Types The most important factor within any market is the number of rivals competing for a share of the business. Competition, as described by Stigler, G (2008) arises whenever two or more parties strive for something that all cannot obtain. Perfect competition is seen as a theoretical ideal and†¦show more content†¦Market forces Market forces are primarily concerned with the supply of and demand for goods and services within the free market. The demand for a good can be influenced by many factors such as price, available substitutes and a person’s income. Price can be one of the primary forces when looking at the demand for a product, it does however have limitations. Demand may not necessarily rise if the price drops below a certain level, people will automatically assume an inferior product and not purchase it. Similarly if a product that is essential to the consumer is priced higher the demand may not decrease, petrol is a good example of this. In order for us to predict how much someone is willing to buy at a given price, we must first create a demand schedule, which can be represented as a demand curve. (Fig 1.) Fig 1. It is apparent that as the price of an item increases, the quantity demanded reduces. This is an over simplification as there are many non price factors affecting demand. The Ceteris paribus clause can best used to describe this method of analysis. Non price factors affecting demand Product substitution occurs when the demand for one product affects the demand of another. Although price can influence peoples decision to buy a substitute, personal taste, brand loyalty and demography can influence decisions often more persuasively than price. People’s income can also affect their purchasing habits, often increasing theirShow MoreRelatedBussiness Environment1585 Words   |  7 PagesDiploma (Business) Level 4 ACADEMIC COLLEGE OF LONDON |Unit Number |1 | |Unit Title |Business Environment | |Name of the Assessor | | |Date of Issue Read MoreBussiness Environment1600 Words   |  7 PagesDiploma (Business) Level 4 ACADEMIC COLLEGE OF LONDON |Unit Number |1 | |Unit Title |Business Environment | |Name of the Assessor | | |Date of Issue Read MoreConsumer Decision Making Process And The Beverage Brand Products1421 Words   |  6 PagesConsumers buying decision making play an important role for the success of every company or organisation. 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For the purpose of the communication crises analysis, caseRead MoreCompensation Packages And Incentive Schemes911 Words   |  4 Pagesincentive schemes. Section three investigates and analyses the arguments that are put forward in their support, section four investigates the arguments that reject them. Section five considers the motivational theories and their link to compensation packages and incentive schemes with effects of both on individual behaviour. And section six summarises current evidence on the effects of compensation packages and incentive schemes, and their effects on individual behaviour. Compensation Packages andRead MoreOrganisational Behaviour Challenges Sb1292 Words   |  6 PagesOrganisational Behaviour in the 21st Century Snehaal Bhalavat October 9, 2010 To explain the challenges faced by today’s organisations, I will first express my understanding on organizational behaviour and further will highlight challenges and explain the problems in context to Indian business. Managing People Often managers think managing people is something that they often think they can do, or indeed ought to be able to do. The interesting thing is that it is neither something theyRead MoreInternational Marketing Analysis Report For Nestle Essay1636 Words   |  7 Pagesinternational Marketing Analysis report for Nestlà ©. This report will mainly focus on the evaluation of Nestlà © s international marketing activities and that of their key competitors. The latest trends and developments within this particular sector investigate will also be investigated. Nescafà ©, the instant coffee from Nestlà © is the most famous products of the company, therefore Nescafà © has been chosen as the company s products for the purpose of this report to conduct a thorough analysis. Within thisRead MoreHow Companies Identify Attractive Market Segments and Choose a Target Marketing Strategy.1749 Words   |  7 Pagesattractive market segments and choose a target marketing strategy. 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It deals with different structures and cultures such as large organizations have different structures and cultures than small ones, and the manufacturing organisations operate in a different way t han those in theRead MoreA Research Study On Business Expansion And Globalization1611 Words   |  7 PagesBusiness expansion and globalisation has significantly enhanced the market competition as well as demand of customer due to which it became essential for organisations to improve their employees and business performance. Therefore, it is essential for organisations to plan training and development programs for employees to enhance their skills, capabilities and knowledge. Training mainly involves systematic as well as planned instruction along with distinctive development activities that are targeted

The Decline Of American Education - 1251 Words

Jessica Hollis Mr. Wichmann English III, Period 4 17 November 2014 The Decline of American Education The future of society depends on the education of the children in the present generation. The American board of education means well by setting standards for the students in the nation. However, is it more important for students to be excellent test takers or excel in the classroom? Is it more important to accept average work as the standard or to push students to surpass their potential? The downfall of American education is a result of the narrow minded focus on standardized testing, the nation’s lazy culture, and rising poverty levels. The dependence on standardized tests has depreciated education by taking attention away from school curriculum. These mandatory tests, unfortunately, â€Å"are being used in high-stakes ways to evaluate and punish teachers† (Strauss). Standardized tests create quotas that are required to be met and force teachers to teach students how to pass tests rather than learn the material of the subject. It is n ot enough these days that a teacher’s students perform well in the classroom; teachers also have to worry about the same students performing well on a standardized test. Schools are also affected by these tests because their rankings are based on their students’ scores. Consequently, this puts pressure on teachers to make sure students have good test taking abilities in order to score well on these standardized tests. This obsession with gettingShow MoreRelatedComprehensive Preparation For A Complete Life1068 Words   |  5 PagesCurrently, there are two forms of education focused on reducing teen pregnancies: abstinence-only education and comprehensive sex education with birth control. 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Essay1096 Words   |  5 PagesUnited States of America, small in history but large in diversity continues to face new challenges with language as time continues to turn. In the documentary â€Å"Do You Speak American?† Robert MacNeil analyzes the English language and reveals many dialects that culturally defines us. Regional dialect is one of the many strongholds of all cultures and now it has reached its’ zenith and today it is slowly declining because it does not possess the human nature of advancement. Optimistically, it allowsRead MoreMandatory Conscription In The Military895 Words   |  4 Pagesconscription has left a bad taste in the mouths of Americans since the Vietnam War. In modern day society, it can be seen as slavery and Americans today have become accustomed to the voluntary army system we currently have. For some, the perceived loss of freedom also means not being able to achieve educational and occupational goals, but that is definitely not the case. 2. Reason to Listen: 1. In fact, there are many educational and occupational benefits for American soldiers. Many citizens of the United StatesRead MoreUs a Declining Superpower? Essay800 Words   |  4 Pagesbecame a superpower. Its strength and status reached another peak in the mid and late 1990s as the Cold War ended: it accounted for about 30 percent of global economic output. However, after it entered a new economic cycle from 2000 to 2001, the American share of the world economy has gradually dropped. At the same time, certain situations, including the â€Å"weakening of advantages compared to other countries,† have appeared in some main areas of the United States national power. This trend alreadyRead MoreExamination of the Education System in Idiot Nation, by Michael Moore 1351 Words   |  5 PagesIn his essay, â€Å"Idiot Nation,† Michael Moore directly conveys the horrid truth behind American education when he utters the sheer words, â€Å"the knowledge (students) acquire in school is not going to serve them throughout their lifetimes. Many of them will have four to five careers in a lifetime. It will be their ability to navigate information that will matter† (Moore 141). According to Moore, American education today is by no means preparing students for the real world of work. In fact, he infers thatRead MoreBOP Statistics : Average Inmate Age870 Words   |  4 Pagesincarceration from impoverish urban communities. Chapman, T. (2010). Encyclopedia of African American education (pp. 651-654). K. Lomotey (Ed.). Los Angeles, [Calif.: SAGE. This encyclopedia portion by T. Chapman gives statistics and discusses various problems with urban education. The credibility is pertinent to the idea of my paper, the accuracy is high and this reference breaks down various issues with urban education. This source relates with the information given with the Nations Report Cards. Both

The Regulatory Environment For Financial Reporting

Question: Discuss about The Regulatory Environment For Financial Reporting. Answer: International The Present Problems Of The Accounting Standards And The Exposure In The Drafts, Framework, Explanations Or Other Declarations 119: On 12th June 2016, the Australian accounting standards board (AASB) reported a list of the changes mentioned in the newsletter. As per the AASB 119, the discount provided to the employees and the benefits from the long-term obligations made in the corporate bond rate. The AASB has further stated that if the corporate bond rate is unavailable then the government bond rate shall be put to use into the accounting standards. It has been further stated that during the reporting procedure then directors responsibilities will be reviewed. Along with the above-mentioned changes, the appropriate Australian securities exchange officials governing the principles have also been taken into consideration (Ethical professional standards, 2016). A more rationalized method of the equity in the accounting has been framed at the time f the transformation process. The implementation of these changes related to the joint venture and investments-equity methodology. In many cases the alterations are due to the hedging and derivatives for the hedging. The hedging is seen in the form of contingents which are placed and the options related to the calling of the debt instruments. During the year 2016 the AASB has further stated the importance and the benefits related to the pension schemes and reviewing of contribution made in pension scheme. Regulating and monitoring the financial reporting As per the statement given by the chartered accountants of New Zealand and Australia, an organization must comply with the standards of required for preparing the audit report and conduction of the auditing is mandatory. It further stated that the reports should clearly be able to explore the quality of the audit conducted. Moreover, the financial reporting council has agreed to accept the changes and the approach (Australian reporting essentials for the June 2015 reporting period, 2016). Reporting of the changes for the issues persisting in the accounting standard There have been number of instances reported with relevance to the accounting standard from 1st May to 31st July 2016. The various instances are related to the issues observed in the present accounting standard (Accounting standards, 2016). As per the proposal placed on July 8 in the year, 2016 related to the compensations and the different components of the compensation involves employee stock and the ownership schemes. The various types of the accounting standards also consider the improved nature of the share of payment given to the employees. It has to be also observed that during the month of June 2016 an update was proposed by the accounting standard with regards to the review of the revenue earned from the contracts of the customers. Other potential developments or influence of politics: The various types of the investment standards have been scrutinized as per the guidelines provided under AASB, where clear collaboration has been identified as per AASB 128, AASB12, AASB 10, AASB 11 guidelines (Accounting Standards UpdatesEffective Dates, 2016). Recognizing the summary of the progress and the alterations made in the financial reporting for the period of June to August 2016 For revising the accounting standards, the political aspect was significant to consider. Furthermore, a standard had been revealed in many jurisdictions where the changes has shown the AASB has played an active role in the international standard required for setting up of the project. The forum is further considered as a paramount importance concerned with the International Accounting Standard Board or IASB. The several types of the commencement laid down by the Chartered Accountants of New Zealand and Australia needs to be taken into consideration. This is due to the importance given to the business and finance and the positive influence from the pre-requisite. Reference List Accounting standards . (2016). Aasb.gov.au. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.aasb.gov.au/Pronouncements/Current-standards.aspx Accounting Standards UpdatesEffective Dates. (2016). Fasb.org. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.fasb.org/jsp/FASB/Page Australian reporting essentials for the June 2015 reporting period . (2016). Charteredaccountants.com.au. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/Industry-Topics/Reporting/Publications-and-tools/Essential-guidance/Guides/Australian-reporting-essentials-for-the-June-2015-reporting-period Australian reporting essentials for the June 2016 reporting period . (2016). Charteredaccountants.com.au. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/Industry-Topics/Reporting/Publications-and-tools/Essential-guidance/Guides/Australian-reporting-essentials-for-the-June-2016-reporting-period Ethical professional standards . (2016). Charteredaccountants.com.au. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/Industry-Topics/Ethical-and-professional-standards.aspx Latest changes . (2016). Charteredaccountants.com.au. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/Industry-Topics/Reporting/Australian-accounting-standards/Latest-changes Update 2015-10Technical Corrections and Improvements. (2016). Fasb.org. Retrieved 23 August 2016, from https://www.fasb.org/jsp/FASB/Document_C/DocumentPage?cid=1176166123481acceptedDisclaimer=

Work free essay sample

Falls from height Crushing by machinery and equipment Stroke (impact) of object Injury of electric current Explosion Burning Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 1 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Accidents on 30 year period in the countries, Members of the EU Transport accidents Injury of electric current Falls from height Machinery Stroke (impact) of object Falls from height = 43% from fatal accidents in construction Stroke (impact) of object = 12% from fatal accidents in construction Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Work with big machineries = 11% from fatal accidents in construction Transport accidents on the building site = 8% from fatal accidents in construction Earth works and excavations = 5% from fatal accidents in construction Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 3 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Injury of electric current = 4% from fatal accidents in construction 1. Definition for labor accidents: 1. All sudden or unexpected health injuries , that happened during, or in connection with the work process, or in the interest of the company, which have caused disability or death. We will write a custom essay sample on Work or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 1. 2 Labor accident is an accident happened during the normal time on the way to the working place or: Return back home, or to the habitual place of residence or other location with additional permanent character; The place where the worker eats or usually has his lunch or; The place where the worker receives his salary. It is not a labor accident, when the victim is intentionally damaged his own health. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2. Procedure in case of labor accident: 2. 1. The immediate superior should be notified without delay. A report must be drawn up and this report must contain following elements: The employer of the injured persons; The names of the injured persons; The place and the time of the accident; The witnesses of the accident the person who gave first aid; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 4 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† A report must be drawn up and this report must contain following elements: What was the task of the workers; What kind of operations have performed the injured persons exactly; Which normal operations have been performed wrong; What kind of damages have been caused; Which violations of the rules have been made; Persons who tolerated the violations; Necessary measurements for avoidance similar cases. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2. Statement of labor accident: The employer is obliged to declare about the labor accident before the social security institutions within 3 working days; The injured person may declare about the labor accident within 1 year after the accident. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 3. Investigation of labor accident The accident has to be investigated by authorized experts of the Social security institute; The investigation has to establish all the facts and details, that might help to define the character of the accident. The injured person may attend, or he may show persons to attend the investigation. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 5 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† A report has to be drawn up. Copies of the record are to be given to the injured person or his heirs and to the employer as well. There is a definite term to appeal against the protocol. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 6 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Parameters of the working environment and their influence on the human body. Complex assessment of the labor conditions. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Content: 1. Production microenvironment 2. Production dust 3. Production Noise 4. Vibrations Vibrations 5. Lighting Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 1. Production microenvironment 1. 1. Definition – it is the complex influence of the temperature , the humidity, the speed of the air movement and the outer temperature of the building facilities and equipment. 1. 2. Limits of the microenvironment Air temperature – between 16 up to 32 ? C; Speed of the air movement – bet. 0,2 up to 0,5 m/s; Relative air humidity up to 70 %; Temperature of surfaces at the working place – bet. 13 up to 25 ? C. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 7 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 1. 3. Kinds of production microenvironment Overheat microenvironment; Freeze microenvironment; Steady microenvironment; Dynamic microenvironment; Radiation microenvironment . 1. 4. Methods for improvement the industrial microenvironment: 1. 4. 1. echnological methods and means – use of modern machines and means which separate minimal humidity and heat, insulated or hermetically sealed machines or cabins, separating heat or freeze. 1. 4. 2. Technical methods and means – the machines and equipments which separate heat or freeze have to be moved to another premises; use of suitable personal working wear and personal means for protection ; use of means for joint protection. 1. 4. 3. Prophylactic preventing methods – current medical examinations, creating a suitable food and drinking regime, suitable diet, physiological regime of labor and rest. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2. Production dust Dust – very small parts or fractions of hard or fluid substance, which is available in the air. In construction the production dust is a result of various processes like cutting, grinding, polishing, working with sand blasting machines, demolishing of buildings, unloading of materials, ready-made of dry mixtures or blends. 2. 1. Classification of the parts as per their extent of dispersion: Dust – parts bigger than 0,1 mm; Cloud – parts from 0,1 mm to 0,001 mm; Smog – parts less than 0,001 mm Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 8 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 2. 2. Classification of the parts as per their substance Organic dust – wool, bone-meal, bacteria, vegetable dusts; Mineral dust – ore, rock, stone, quartz, glass, glass wadding; Mixed. 2. 3. Bad and unhealthy influence of the dust – it appears in form of damages on the skin, lacrimal discomfort of the eyes (tears in the eyes), discomfort and problems in the respiratory organs, toxic and chemical influence. . 4. Methods for reduction the unhealthy influence of the dust Hermetic performance of all processes, connected with separating of dust; Change all dry processes of extraction and production with wet processes; Use of suction systems or suction pumps; Current cleaning of the floor the machines and the equipment; Use of special working wear, dust resisting wear, masks, protective glasses, hats, gloves Use of warm showers. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 9 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 3. Production Noise 3. 1. Definition – it is a combination of sounds, with different frequency and intensity, that causes bad and unhealthy influence on the human body. 3. 2. Kinds of noise: Mechanical – friction, strike and other caused of machines; Gas dynamic and hydrodynamic – cause of pipelines and others. 3. 3. Standarts and limits tolerating the production noise: For industrial premises up to 85 dBA; For intellectual work – up to 40 dBA; For offices and desk work up to 55 dBA 3. 4. Means for protection of the noise: Means for joint protection: insulating shields and walls, rational arrangement screens; suitable positioning of the working places; Means for personal protection: outer antiphons, inner (internal) antiphons, noise resistant helmets. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 10 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 3. 5. Actions which the employer must undertake when the lower action level is exceeded are inform, instruct and train employees on the hearing risks; supply hearing protection to those employees requesting it; ensure that any equipment or arrangements, provided under the Regulations are correctly used or implemented. The main purpose of the Noise Regulations is to control noise levels rather than measure them. Better to control noise at source rather than wear ear protection. The additional measures which the employer must take if the upper action level is reached are: reduce and control exposure to noise by means other than hearing protection; establish hearing protection zones, marked by notices and ensure that anybody entering the zone is wearing hearing protection; supply hearing protection and ensure that it is worn. 3. 6. Noise control techniques In addition to reduced time exposure of employees to the noise source, there is a simple hierarchy of control techniques: reduction of noise at source; reduction of noise levels received by the employee (known as attenuation); personal protective equipment which should only be used when the above two remedies are insufficient. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 11 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 3. 6. Noise control techniques In addition to reduced time exposure of employees to the noise source, there is a simple hierarchy of control techniques: reduction of noise at source; reduction of noise levels received by the employee (known as attenuation); personal protective equipment which should only be used when the above two remedies are insufficient. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 4. Vibrations Vibrations 4. 1. Definition the mechanical vibrations of the various bodies under the influence of external forces. 4. 2. Types of vibration: Low frequency – up to 30 Hz; Average frequency – up to 100 Hz; High frequency – over 100 Hz. CAUTION: Human body organs have their own low frequency and the continues influence of low frequency vibrations could obtain internal ruptures in the body. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 12 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 4. 3 Sources of vibration percussion (hammer), drilling technique, hand vibrators, compressors, excavators, bulldozers, Petrol chainsaw and others. 4. 4 Means and safe methods: To use tools with less vibration; Machines nd equipment to be installed on separate foundations; Hand tools should be equipped with ergonomic handles, that reduce considerably vibrations; To use personal protective equipment, which protect or reduces considerably vibrations (gloves); Providing a rational regime of work and rest. 5. Lighting 5. 1. Types: Natural top, side, combined; Artificial Working evacuation. Go od lighting is obtained when the relation between glass surface area and floor is at least 1:8, and a relation 1:4 in is a very good one. . 2. Measurement. Luminosity is measured in lux (lx), the very measurement is performed with luxmeter. The experts have to compare the already measured values with the normative regulation. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 13 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Workplace or type of work Warehouses and stores General factories or workshops Offices Drawing offices (detailed work) Fine working (ceramics or textiles) Very fine work (watch repairs or engraving) Luminosity (lx) 150 300 500 700 1000 1400 5. Requirements and maintenance workplaces Providing the workplaces with sufficient natural and artificial lighting to create safe working conditions, according legal rules; Cleaning of luminaries; Cleaning windows, walls and ceilings; The color of the walls and ceiling should be white or light; Replacement of damaged light ing. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 14 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Functions and duties of officials (safety managers) in organizing protection and prevention of occupational risks in the companies Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 1. Official status of Health and Safety officials. officials. Health and Safety Officials (Health and Safety Organs at work or Safety Manager) are appointed or nominated by the employer. Health and Safety Officials are: the Safety Authority (Employer Representative), members of Health and safety group (or Health and Safety Committee), composed of employees and workers in the company. Health and Safety Organs at Work (Safety Manager) support the employer in the performance of his duties to ensure health and safety conditions at working place. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2. Main functions of the Health and Safety officials: to organize and to coordinate all activities for ensuring Health and safety working conditions; to advise and to support the employer and other officials in their efforts for ensuring health and safety conditions in the organization of the labor activities; to establish control on behalf of the employer in order workers and employees to respect the legal requirements and duties; to propose and to apply measures for avoidance violations of norms and requirements or defaults. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 15 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 3. Tasks of the Health and Safety officials at Work: organize and participate in the working out rules for the internal labor order; organize and participate in the establishment and assessment of occupational hazards; organize the developing of projects, programs and specific measures to prevent risk to life and health of employees; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD examine the opportunities and quality of services provided by occupational health centers, research laboratories, training centers, etc. and if necessary prepare proposals for contracts; cooperate and assist the occupational health services in the performance of their functions and tasks; required by the relevant officials to create such organization that provides health and safety labor conditions; take measures for coordinate actions, when workers from different companies work together; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD require the introduction of joint protection facilities and provision of appropriate personal protective equipment when there is risk that can not be prevented; organize and participate in the developing of companie’s health and safety rules at work; organize the preparation of accidental action plans for emergencies or extraordinary situations; organize and participate in the development and implementation of programs for training, retraining and instruction; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 16 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† organize and participate in the investigation of work accidents; consult officials, employees in applying the rules for health and safety working conditions; organize and maintain proper keeping the records and documentation, required by the regulations; co-operate with Fire fighting departments, Civil Protection Authorities, Hygiene Authorities and regional Labour Inspectorates; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD in cases when violations of the rules are established they prescribed measures to the officials to remedy the violations; upon violations or defaults they inform the employer and propose appropriate measures, including sanctions against guilty officials; for violations or failure to fulfill obligations the authorities for safe and health inform the employer and propose appropriate measures, including sanctions against guilty officials. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 17 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Organization and management of safety, health and environmental labor conditions in construction in the process of designing and building Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 1. Normative documents 2004 The Commission of the EC has approved a report for practical execution of the Framework directive 89/391 EC, for creating of healthy and safety conditions at the working place, together with more 5 separate directives. They are: 1) Directive 89/654 EC for minimal requirements for health and safety at the working place; 2) Directive 89/655 EC for minimal requirements at use of the industrial equipment; 3) Directive 89/656 for safety at use of personal safety means; 4) Directive 90/269 for minimal requirements at manual operations of goods and 5)Directive 90/270 for safety at work with video display. To these main Directives we have to add also Directive 92/57 EC for safety of the workers at temporary and provisional working sites, and at mobile sites. Both kind of platforms are typical in construction. Next is Directive 92/58 EC for providing symbols for safety at working place. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 18 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 2. Implementation the requirement for providing safe working conditions in construction. . 1. In the process of designing: Obligatory preparation of plan for safety and health as an integral part of the investment project; The Investor nominates a Coordinator for safety and health during the design; The display (usually at the entrance of the site) an Information plate; Increasing (Improving) requirements for the preparation of safety instructions during the execution (performance, implementation) of construction; The Investor (Client or his representative) is obliged to guarantee compliance through the assessment according to the Law on Special Planning that: + The project meets all safety requirements and all installations are clearly indicated in the project; +The project is coordinated and approved by all interested agencies and persons; + All future changes will be coordinated, as appropriate, without breaking the Law for Organization of the Area. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 19 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 2. 2 In the process of construction: The Investor nominated a Coordinator safety and health during construction; The Coordinator informs all involved persons in the building process with the requirements of the Law for safe working conditions and take measures for their observance; Before starting the construction the Assignor informs the Regional Labor Inspectorate about his investment intentions and sends a copy of the Information plate. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Obligation of the Employer in compliance with the principles of safety and health when planning, design, preparation and execution of investment project; Obligations of the Coordinator of Safety and Health for the executive phase of construction to implement (apply) the principles of precaution and safety in accordance with the legal requirements; Obligations of the Builder (Construction company) to ensure complete and safe working conditions for all workers , including subcontractors and self employed persons. Theses Obligations include instruction, training and improving knowledge of safe working conditions for the workers and avoiding pollution and environmental damage and fire safety as well; Obligations of the technical manager and the foreman concerning the implementation and monitoring for the requirements for safety rules at the workplace and the firefighting rules; Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 20 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Obligations of the consulting company on security and control requirements for safe working conditions, environmental protection and fire safety. safety. Control over abiding by the laws, rules and regulations for Safety and Health. The control Health. should be executed by the firefighting and firefighting environmental authorities of the Labour Inspectorate, Environmental Agency and the Environmental Municipality. unicipality. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 21 Course â€Å"Health and safety in constructionâ₠¬  Duties of Employer (Contractor) and of employees to ensure health and safety working conditions Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD The main Directives in construction is Directive 92/57 EC for safety of the workers at temporary and provisional working sites, and at mobile sites. Definitions: Definitions: (a) temporary or mobile construction sites (construction sites) means any construction site at which building or civil engineering works are carried out; (b) client means any natural or legal person for whom a project is carried out; Definitions: Definitions: (c) project supervisor means any natural or legal person responsible for the design and/or execution and/or supervision of the execution of a project, acting on behalf of the client; (d) coordinator for safety and health means any natural or legal person entrusted by the client and/or project supervisor, during preparation of the project design, during execution of the project Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 22 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† The duties for ensuring HS working conditions are in accordance with European regulations for providing occupational safety. 1. Companies and individuals, who employ workers and employees on labor contract and self-employed workers as well, are obliged to provide HS working conditions for all the workers on the site and for all other persons situated on the site, or near the working site on another occasion. These duties concern also the persons subject of training and student practice in all its forms. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2. Duties of the Employer apply in cases, when HS activities are carried out by other organs,or persons contracted to perform. 3. The Employer is obliged: to assess risk; to provide measures for avoiding risk or ensuring safety; to provide special protection for workers who need. This category includes workers with chronic diseases, pregnant, suffering from occupational diseases; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD to organize the monitoring of the implementation in construction; not to allow workers who are not trained, instructed and equipped; to coordinate the provision of health and safety when on site are working workers of other employers; to provide resources for implementation of all measures for ensuring health and safety; to provide maintenance of services for labor medicine; to provide appropriate training in health and safety for each worker. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 23 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 4. Persons who work for their own account or in association with others should assess risks health and safety. 5. Duties of employees in respect of HS: to use correct the equipment, tools, substances, materials and the other equipment; to use correct personal protective equipment and special clothing; to use the correct tool for collective protection; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD immediately to inform the employer about any health hazard and about all faults or all problems in collective protection means; to assist the employer and the supervisory authorities to implement measures for HS; to restore immediate remedies and signaling or to take other measures with the same efficiency. 6. Duties of the Contractor 6. 1. The Contractor must: assess risk during the construction activity; display an information board at the . 2. The Contractor must ensure: technological sequence and terms, according to the HS plans; complete health and safety for all workers, including subcontractors and self employed workers; maintenance updating of health and safety instructions; instruction, training and qualification of workers; the necessary protective equipment and clothing, depending on the existing occupational risks; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 24 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† filing, storage and reporting the performed tests of the facilities and work equipment and control the permanent removal of the defects; the necessary sanitary household premises, hygiene premises , fire safety premises and emergency premises during construction; Maintenance of order and cleanliness on the site and in the storages; Collection, storage and transportation of waste and scrap; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Adapting the stages and / or types of construction works to reality; Ability at any time to provide first aid in case of accident, fire, disaster or emergency; If necessary to develop and approve internal documents for provision of HS, conformed with the specific conditions ; Contractor does not to allow operations outside the construction site and where it is necessary the Constructor should make a special instruction for such operations; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Constructor should determine in th e job description the duties and the responsibilities of the employees regarding HS in order to avoid the risk in the working process; Constructor is responsible for pollution or environmental damages in the construction activities; Constructor has to organize an internal system of examinations, control and assessment of HS status of all workers; Constructor determine persons responsible for implementing measures for first aid in case of disasters, accidents and fires and for evacuation. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 25 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Training and instruction of workers and staff safety, hygiene labor and fire safety Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 1. Training Health and Safety at Work. 1. Training Work. 1. 1. Persons subject to training: Officials who run and manage work processes; Persons nominated by the employer to manage the instructions on health and safety at work; Members of labor conditions committee; Employees or workers whose job is associated with the use, care and maintenance of machines, and requires license for work; Employees or workers engaged in activities which may create hazard to their or others health and life. . 2. Training process: Training Health and Safety at Work is conducted in accordance with programs, approved by the employer, at the following intervals: Official managing the labour processes minimum once in every two years with duration not less than 6 academical hours; Officials managing the labour processes minimum once in every two years with duration not less than 6 academ ical hours; Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 26 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† The officials of Health and safety in the companies and persons, nominated by the employer, to manage the instructions minimum once a year with horarium not less than 6 hours; -For the members of labor conditions committee initial training classes with a total horarium not less than 30 hours, the annual training of representatives has a duration of not less than 6 hours teaching. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 2. Instruction on Health and Safety at Work 2. 1. Kinds of instructions Initial; At the working place Periodic Daily Extraordinary Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD The employer should provide instructions for any worker as well as to: Workers offered by a company, that provides temporary employment; Workers or employees sent on business Workers from other companies, that will work on the site of the company Persons accepted for training or qualification; Persons that is held manufacturing practice; All others visiting the manufacturing units of the company, guests etc. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 7 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† 2. 2. Instructed persons and content of the instructions Initial instruction takes place on those who start the work for the first time as well as individuals who hold manufacturing practice. The purpose of this instruction is the workers to be familiar with: The basic rules and requirements for health and safety at work in the company; Type and nature of the performed work; Specific dangers and risks to life an d health of workers; Requirements for their behavior. The official, who takes the Initial instruction of persons, issues a certificate for the already performed instruction. It must be is stored in the employees personal file. There is a book for initial instructions and both (Instructor and employee) have to sign in. Instruction at the working place is a practical introduction of the employee with the specific requirements for the safe performance of work and place of work before being assigned an individual task. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD It is an obligation of the Instructor a Book for instructions at the working place and each worker is allowed to work independently after the signature of the instructor in the Book for instructions at the working place. Periodic instruction has to support and complement the knowledge of workers health and safety at work. Periodic instruction for construction workers, technical managers, engineers should be held not less than every three months and not less often than once a year for all other employees. Periodical instruction has to be carried out by direct manager of the activity or other person appointed by the employer. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 28 Course â€Å"Health and safety in construction† Daily instruction (or every day instruction) takes place on workers directly engaged in production activities with high risk, including construction work. Daily instruction should be carried out by the direct manager, supervisor or other person appointed by the employer. Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD Extraordinary instruction is scheduled: After each severe accident and occupational disease and after fire or industrial accidents and natural disasters; After serious violations of established rules, norms and requirements on safety and health at work; Upon changes in the technological process, by introducing new machinery and equipment, change of workplace or work organization; When prescribed by the supervisory authority. An extraordinary instruction takes place on workers, which have been absent from work more than 45 calendar days. Lecturer Dr. Eng. Lachezar Hrischev, PhD 29

Auditing Case Study

Auditing Case Study Introduction Auditing is the process of examining the financial statements of an organization, correcting errors, and eliminating possible cases of fraud. The auditing process is a core activity that enables a company to control its internal activities in an efficient manner. Through auditing, most companies are able to achieve their business goals and objectives (Wang Tuttle 2009).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Auditing Case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Several critics have risen concerning the auditing process. While some businesspersons find it worthwhile to invest in the auditing exercise, some find the auditing exercise unworthy. In this case, we have the XYZ Ltd Company; a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that was formed because of the splitting of the parent company, ABC Ltd. XYZ Ltd is the smaller of the two newly formed companies and the previous sales manager of the parent company is the M anaging Director. The managing director does not find it worthwhile for the small company to carry out yearend audits. According to him, yearend auditing is an unnecessary exercise that will only increase the expenses of the company without necessarily adding value to the business. This paper will give a stringent analysis of the newly formed XYZ Company and determine if indeed there is a need to carry out yearend auditing. The paper will also give a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of appointing the same auditors of the parent company to audit XYZ Ltd. Lastly the paper will give an overview of the audit rotation exercise, its advantages and disadvantages. From the discussions, the paper will give decisive conclusions and recommendations that would enable the XYZ Company’s managers to make a worthwhile decision concerning the auditing process. Overview of the newly formed XYZ Company As indicated, XYZ Ltd Company formulated because of the splitting of the parent compa ny. According to the previous descriptions, XYZ Ltd Company is a private limited company that is not legally obliged to have an audit (Hodgdon et al. 2009).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is because the company Act only obliges state owned companies and public limited companies to have audited financial records, whereas, the smaller companies voluntarily choose to have auditors examining their financial statements. However, although having an audit is not a mandatory requirement for XYZ Ltd, the auditing exercise would add some tangible value to the company. Value of auditing to XYZ Ltd Detection and prevention of fraud Fraud is a practice that can make businesses to undergo some massive losses. It is noteworthy that a small company like XYZ has a small operating capital that could diminish drastically if not well managed. Fraud cases such as skimmed payment s from customers, cash theft, improper handling of petty cash and misuse of the company’s credit cards are some of the practices that can lead to total failure of a company. It is quite expensive for a small business like XYZ Ltd to create an internal audit department, however, the company can create a system that checks and controls the financial operations and the company employees. An informal internal audit process would somewhat reduce fraud cases resulting from personal interests (Chi Huang 2011). It is noteworthy that the parent company would have split due to extreme cases of fraud. Prevention of fraud through an informal audit exercise would enable the small XYZ Company to prosper and grow into a big multinational company and even surpass the projected turnover of  £2.8 million in the first year of trading. It is important for the company to create a program that would help in monitoring employees and enforce strict rules regarding any employee who is found guilty of committing fraud cases. The establishment of an internal audit would facilitate the above-mentioned practices though a persistent analysis of the company’s operations. Testing and monitoring of internal controls An Informal internal audit calls for recurrent analysis of the operations within a company. The habitual analysis enables the company’s operations to occur smoothly, where, the employees are kept on toes to offer the best of services. A small company like XYZ Ltd can employ auditors who would design, modify, and control the internal activities of the company. Though auditing, the company is able to streamline its activities in a manner that would enable it to achieve its goals and objectives (Holm Zaman 2012). Essentially, XYZ Ltd is a profit making company that would aim at generating the maximum profits possible.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Auditing Case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn Mo re The auditing exercise would enable the company to keep track of its revenue and expenditure and the gross profits made during a particular financial year. Any form of misappropriation of resources is tracked, where; all the involved stakeholders are made answerable of their actions. Monitoring the company’s compliance with the company policies All companies have policies that guide then in their daily operations. In addition to the informal internal exercise, XYZ Ltd Company can employ a formal internal audit policy that works towards ensuring the company eliminates all actions that would expose it to massive losses. A company may have a policy that extends credit to its customers to prevent losses. An auditing exercise will determine if indeed the company adheres to the policy. Moreover, the auditors will be able to carry out a cost benefit analysis of the credit policy and determine if it is a worthwhile practice. The reports from the auditors will help the decis ion makers to determine new policies that would work if enforced and identify the old policies to eliminate from the company practices (Deis Giroux 2006). An operational audit would examine the financial statements of a business to ensure the business complies with the policies of obtaining maximum efficiency from all business operations. Monitoring the company’s compliance with the government regulations The worst thing that can happen to a small business like XYZ Ltd is facing the adverse consequences of failing to adhere to government regulations. An operational audit exercise plays a great role in advising the business managers of all the applicable government regulations (Bon Kim Yi 2009). It is though an auditing process that a business would know the legal procedures of tax avoidance. Moreover, the government has strict employment laws that companies ought to follow. The auditing exercise would advise the management team accordingly on when it should recruit new empl oyees, when to promote or when to fire an incompetent employee. The auditors would advise the management team of the actions that attract fines as well as the procedures to obtain and comply with government regulations.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The exercise of appointing an auditor The exercise of appointing an auditor may seem very simple, but it is associated with a lot of dilemma. The XYZ Company formed because of the splitting of the parent company. There is no clear reason as to why the parent company decided to separate the pharmaceutical and optical divisions; however, it would be due to mismanagement reasons. Whatsoever the reason, appointing the same auditors as those of the parent company to audit XYZ Ltd Company is associated with several advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of appointing the same auditors Massive experience and expertise As indicated, the auditors have audited the financial records for the parent company for the past ten years. This is a clear indication that the auditors did some marvelous work that sustained the growth and expansion of the parent company (Jackson, Moldrich Roebuck 2010). There is a high probability that the parent company had grown too big such that the managers decided to split it for easy management. The success of the parent company is attributed to the massive experience and the excellent work of the auditors. Similarly, XYZ Ltd Company can appoint the same experienced auditors to audit their financial records. Appointing the same auditors would be an assurance that the newly formed company would grow and last for the next 10 years or more. XYZ Ltd Company will greatly benefit from the quality services from the expertise of the auditors. Affordability and efficiency of the auditing services It is evident that a small business like XYZ Ltd will find it very expensive to obtain new auditors to audit their financial books (Kaplan Mauldin 2010). The auditors of the parent company may have some compassion with the small company and charge the company some affordable rates for the auditing exercise. Moreover, the auditors who are already familiar with the financial records of the parent company will give an effective allocation of the amount set asi de for the auditing expense to ensure that the company does not run at a loss. Smooth flow of activities Bringing in a new set of auditors would somewhat bring in disruptions. If XYZ Ltd Company appoints the same auditors as the parent company, the auditors will put up with the small company easily. In fact, maintaining the same auditors would enhance their morale to improve their quality of services in the subsequent audits (David Thomas 2013). The relationship between the auditors and the company would strengthen, and this would make the auditors to work hard to ensure their auditing work brings in some mutual benefit to all the company stakeholders. Disadvantages of appointing the same auditors Possibility of recurring previous mistakes From a business point of view, an esteemed company cannot decide to separate its operations for any good reasons. There is a very high probability that the company decided to do so because it began experiencing some massive losses because of vagu e auditing processes. If truly this is the reason behind the splitting of the company, it means that the auditors played a critical role in bringing down the parent company. Therefore appointing the same auditors will pose the way to recurring the previous mistakes. In the end, the XYZ Ltd Company would also face the same problem and it may end up collapsing. Lack of the point of comparison and evaluation It is always advisable for companies to evaluate and compare the services offered by a particular company stakeholder. If XYZ Ltd Company uses the same auditors as the parent company, it may not be able to evaluate the efficiency of the services. While the auditors may appear to offer quality services, it would be worthwhile to have a change that would formulate a point of comparison. Probably, the new auditors would reveal fraud cases that the usual auditors would not depict. In essence, appointing the same auditors as those of the parent company will blindfold the XYZ Company and it may not be able to gauge the quality of the auditing services (Kramer et al. 2011). Audit rotation The exercise of changing auditors has often raised eyebrows amongst businesspeople. While some businesspersons regard audit rotation as a worthwhile practice, some of them regard the exercise as unworthy as it only encourages businesses to doubt the competence of auditors. Despite the different perceptions, audit rotation is associated with various advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of audit rotation Increased perfection It is evident that there is no perfect human being; therefore, a different set of eyes on a company’s financial record would detect an error that the preceding auditors could not detect. In fact, for publicly held companies, audit rotation is done every five years, and private limited companies can employ the same practice to obtain quality audit services. The exercise helps in identifying and eliminating intentional and non-intentional errors (Daniels Booker 2011). Companies that embrace audit rotation will be at a safe position, as they would provide clear records of their financial statements to the bank and to the funders. Decreased fraud and increased impartiality Some auditors within a given audit firm may collaborate with the financial managers of a given company to â€Å"steal† from the company. Audit rotation plays a significant role in ending such cases because not all auditors would comply with such evil deals. The shortened period of auditing will not allow audit firms to create close relationships with the management, an action that may have a negative impact on the performance of the auditors. Audit rotation enhances the provision of impartial services by audit firms as they are obligated to rotate the auditors within the firm (Chi et al. 2009). In essence, the audit rotation exercise plays a critical role in increasing impartiality for all the stakeholders of the company. Disadvantages of audit rotation Dis ruption of the company’s activities It is evident that audit rotation, especially if it involves changing the auditing firm would have adverse consequences on the company’s activities. Different audit firms will come up with different advisories to the management team and the company’s activities may be disrupted from one time to another (Bates et al. 2012). Moreover, audit rotation does not allow the development of a long-term relationship between the company and the auditors, which is very important for the delivery of efficient services. Destroyed reputation of the company Some companies have had a tendency of frequently changing the auditing firms. The practice of changing audit firms too often would depict a negative picture of the firm. Investors would shy away from such firms, as they would perceive them as incompetent because they only do â€Å"auditor shopping† and expect better results instead of working of their performance. In essence, audit r otation would bring out misconceptions about a profit making organization like XYZ Ltd Company. Increased risk of audit failure It is evident that every time a new audit firm is appointed to carry out the auditing exercise, the firm requires some time to comprehend the company’s books of accounts. The audit firm fully understands the rules of the game of how to audit the firms accounting books when its term is almost over. The administrative will have to invest time to evaluate the subsequent audit firm and the whole exercise is not only expensive, but it also increases the chances of failure of the auditing exercise by the new audit firm (Daugherty et al. 2013). Conclusions From the discussions, it is evident that auditing is a very essential exercise in any organization. Auditing enables companies to have a clear outlay of the company’s activities. Though auditing, a company can easily depict fraud cases and address them accordingly. From the discussions, it is evide nt that the decision on whether to maintain auditors or to employ an audit rotation depends on their performance. If, for example, the auditors of the parent company, ABC Ltd Company, were not competent, the newly formed XYZ Ltd Company may need to appoint a new auditor to audit the financial books. Secondly, if the new set of auditors do not display their competence after a couple of years, an audit rotation will be essential (Peecher, Schwartz Solomon 2011). In essence, every decision made is associated with advantages and disadvantages. The company managers are obliged to make decisive decisions about the auditing process. There should be strong reasons behind any form of changes in the auditing process. Both the internal and external auditors have a great role in maintaining efficient and reliable financial reports. The auditors should be in a position to give a detailed explanation of every figure that appears in the financial records. The directing managers should only take t he role of the overseers who should only come in whenever there are suspicions of fraud cases. All scandals relating to the books of accounts are handled in a professional manner without downsizing the involved stakeholders. References Bates, HL, Waldrup, BE, Jaeger, DG Shea, V 2012, ‘Issues with mandatory audit firm rotation’, Journal of Business and Accounting, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 70-75. Bon Kim, J, Yi, CH 2009, ‘Does auditor designation by the regulatory authority improve audit quality? Evidence from Korea’, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 207-230. Chi, W Huang, H 2011, ‘Discretionary accruals, audit-firm tenure and audit-partner tenure: empirical evidence from Taiwan’, Journal of Contemporary Accounting Economics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 65-92. Chi, W, Huang, H, Liao, Y, Xie, H 2009, Mandatory audit partner rotation, audit quality, and market perception: evidence from Taiwan, Contemporary Accounting Research, vol . 26, no. 2, pp. 359-391. Daniels, W Booker, Q 2011, ‘The effects of audit firm rotation on perceived auditor independence and audit quality’, Research in Accounting Regulation, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 78-82. Daugherty, B, Dickins, D, Hatfield, R, Higgs, J 2013, Mandatory audit partner rotation: perceptions of audit quality consequences, Current Issues in Auditing, vol.7, no.1, pp. 30-35. David SJ Thomas, EV 2013, ‘Audit firm rotation and audit quality: evidence from academic research’, Accounting Research Journal, vol. 26, no.1, pp.75-84. Deis, DR, Giroux, G 2006, ‘The effect of auditor changes on audit fees, audit hours, and audit quality’, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 55-76. Hodgdon, C, Tondkar, RH, Adhikari, A Harless DW 2009, ‘Compliance with international financial reporting standards and auditor choice: new evidence on the importance of the statutory audit’, The International Journal of Accoun ting, vol. 44, no.1, pp. 33-55. Holm, C Zaman M 2012, ‘Regulating audit quality: restoring trust and legitimacy’, Accounting Forum, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 51-61. Jackson, AB, Moldrich, M Roebuck, P 2010, ‘Mandatory audit firm rotation and audit quality’, Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 420-437. Kaplan, SE Mauldin EG 2010, ‘Auditor rotation and the appearance of independence: evidence from non-professional investors’, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 177–192. Kramer, ST, Georgakopoulos, G, Sotiropoulos, N Vasileiou, KZ 2011, ‘Audit firm rotation, audit firm tenure and earnings conservatism’, International Journal of Business and Management, vol. 6, no. 8, pp. 44-57. Peecher, ME, Schwartz, R Solomon, R 2011, ‘It is all about audit quality: perspectives on strategic-systems auditing’, Accounting, Organizations and Society, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 463-485. Wang, KJ Tuttle, BM 2009, ‘The impact of auditor rotation on auditor-client negotiation’, Accounting, Organizations and Society, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 222–243.

The Secret Universe of Bret Easton Ellis Novels

The Secret Universe of Bret Easton Ellis Novels The term â€Å"shared universe† is usually found in speculative stories, like the epic connections Stephen King has been quietly building by linking all of his novels and many of his shorter works together, or the way H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos continues to be the setting for new stories by various authors. Shared universes are exciting because they add a dimension of epicness that can’t be achieved in a single story and open up opportunities for the author to play around with their own creation by cross-referencing events and characters outside a single narrative.   It’s much rarer to find that sort of meta-textual cross-referencing in non-speculative literature, though. Complicating matters is the fact that the most successful shared universes are built slowly, often without the author’s conscious plan. There’s little doubt, for example, that Stephen King had no idea he was creating a shared universe for the first two or three decades of his career. This led to some fairly incredible retcons in later books as he tried to make everything fit. But this slow revelation is also one of the chief pleasures of a literary canon - that moment in novel three when you start to see the connections is electric. You suddenly realize the author has been putting clues and puzzle pieces in front of you all along. Bret Easton Ellis Novels One of the most unexpected and complex shared literary universes can be found in a very unlikely place: the works of author Bret Easton Ellis. He is a divisive writer. For some people, his name is associated only with his most notorious novel American Psycho and the film adaptation it inspired. Christian Bale played the title role in the film. When American Psycho was published in 1991, the critical reaction was mixed. To put it lightly, the distasteful violence combined with the litany of name-checked designer labels led some to pronounce the novel grotesque. Chances are if you’ve read only one Ellis novel, it’s American Psycho. You may be unaware of the incredibly complex and detailed shared universe Ellis has spun over the course of seven books and 30 years. Camden College The seven books that comprise the Ellisverse are: Less Than ZeroThe Rules of AttractionAmerican PsychoThe InformersGlamoramaLunar ParkImperial Bedrooms These six novels and one short story collection can be considered in some ways as one huge story, sharing many settings, characters, and a general sense that life is a banal nightmare populated by demons who prey on each other. If you read Ellis’ books in order, the realization that everything is connected creeps up on you because Ellis often refers to characters in oblique ways without using their names. The eye of the Ellisverse is fictional Camden College, based on Bennington College, which Ellis attended. Many of the characters in Ellis’ books went to Camden, a college that seems to specialize in drug abuse, sexual shenanigans, and emotional breakdowns rather than any sort of useful major. The Camden connection is often the key to figuring out who characters are referencing when using nicknames like â€Å"the guy from L.A.† or â€Å"Rest in Peace.† The Batemans The other key to the Ellisverse is the Batemans, Patrick and Sean. Patrick, of course, is the probably delusional, possibly murderous serial killer from American Psycho, and Sean is his younger brother. Patrick makes his first appearance in The Rules of Attraction, Ellis’ second novel, which is also Sean’s first reference. While Patrick is depicted in that novel as a pretty distasteful person, there’s no indication that he is (or imagines himself to be) a violent serial killer. What isn’t in any doubt is his mutual hatred for his brother Sean. Patrick then appears, or is referred to, in Glamorama and Lunar Park, becoming increasingly ghost-like and seemingly imaginary. Sean is the main character of Rules of Attraction and also appears in American Psycho, The Informers, and Glamorama. Sean isn’t as violently disturbed as his older brother (whom he hates right back) but he’s also not exactly a nice guy. He lives with a healthy dose of self-loat hing, and attempts suicide several times. Both Bateman boys attend Camden College. Connections in the First Five Books Each novel in the Ellisverse connects to every other one. In Less Than Zero, Ellis’ first novel, we’re introduced to Clay, who has come home from Camden College to Los Angeles. Also featured in the book are his girlfriend Blair, childhood friend Julian, and drug dealer acquaintance Rip. Clay is in The Rules of Attraction, Ellis’ second novel, narrating a chapter anonymously as â€Å"the guy from L.A.† Several verbal tics make him easy to identify. Rip, the drug dealer, is also referred to in The Rules of Attraction in a note placed on Clay’s door saying â€Å"Rest in Peace† called. Rip is Clay’s drug dealer. In The Rules of Attraction, Sean and Patrick Bateman both make appearances. Sean is in love with a girl named Lauren and spends time with a bisexual man named Paul who once dated Lauren and is now obsessed with Sean. According to Paul, he and Sean have a passionate affair, but Sean never once mentions having sex with Paul. Lauren is heartbroken over her ex-boyfriend Victor. American Psycho is dominated by Patrick Bateman, of course, who is either engaged in an epic spree of horrifying violence or suffering a complete mental breakdown, depending on your interpretation of the events. His brother Sean appears, as do Victor and Paul. We also meet Tim, a ​co-worker of Patrick’s, and Donald Kimball, the police detective investigating Patrick’s â€Å"crimes.† The Informers is a series of connected short stories. Sean Bateman returns, as do Tim, Julian, and Blair, and a few other minor characters from the prior three novels. In Glamorama, Patrick Bateman shows up for about three lines, with â€Å"weird stains† on the lapel of his suit in what might be a hint that he really is a psycho killer. The main character is Victor from The Rules of Attraction, and several other characters appear, including Lauren and Sean Bateman. So far, so good. Ellis clearly imagines a world in which all of these terrible people exist. Its a world where time passes and people graduate from school, embark on careers, join terrorist groups, and deal with strange vampires (seriously, read The Informers). With the next two books in the Ellisverse, things get really strange. Lunar Park and Imperial Bedrooms Before we go further, let’s jump back to American Psycho and Glamorama, and a minor character who appears in both: Allison Poole. She actually appears as a character in Jay McInerney’s novel Story of My Life, two years before American Psycho. Allison Poole is based on the real-life Rielle Hunter (who you might recall as the woman who brought down John Edwards’ political career). Patrick Bateman murders (?) Poole in American Psycho, linking Ellis’ fictional universe to McInerney’s in what might be the most audacious bit of shared universing in literary history. Poole then shows up again in Glamorama, perfectly alive, giving credence to the theory that Patrick Bateman doesn’t actually kill anyone and is just, you know, crazy. Ellis’ next book was Lunar Park, and this is where the Ellisverse either goes completely nuts or edges into genius, depending on who you ask. Taking a cue from Stephen King, the man character of Lunar Park is Bret Easton Ellis - or at least, a fictional version of himself. The book is styled as a memoir, and the early chapters describing Ellis’ rise to fame and the first five books are reasonably accurate and realistic. Then the character of Ellis meets an actress and gets married and the story takes a sharp turn into the fictional. What makes this fascinating is that characters from Ellis’ novels turn up in Lunar Park as supposedly real people - including Patrick Bateman and the detective who investigates him in American Psycho, Donald Kimball, and possibly Clay (as there is a character named Clayton who resembles Clay in many ways). Jay McInerney also turns up as a character, making this a delirious land-grab when it comes to shared universes, as Ellis now mo re or less claims most of reality as part of his fictional universe. Even more strange, the possibility that some of these people only exist in the fictional Ellis’ fevered imagination is given a lot of traction. So who’s actually there? It might not be possible to know for sure. And then Ellis gets subtler and yet crazier with Imperial Bedrooms. This book is billed as a sequel to Less Than Zero, and features the returning cast of that novel: Clay, Blair, Julian, and Rip, et al. However, Ellis strongly implies in Imperial Bedrooms that the Clay telling the story isn’t the same person as the Clay who narrated Less Than Zero. The implication is that the original Clay was a fictional version of the real Clay. It’s kind of head-spinning and again demonstrates how Ellis is basically erasing the distinction between a fictional universe and the one we all actually live in. Combined with the question of who actually exists in-universe, and the uncertainty in some of the books as to what actually occurs as opposed to what’s imagined, the Ellisverse starts to become extremely trippy and hallucinatory - on purpose. What Ellis is doing is kind of spectacular. Essentially, the events of his novels and stories are presented as real, or as real as anything in the â€Å"real† world. If Stephen King has his hands full linking all of his fictional works together into a shared universe, Ellis is trying to link everything to his fictional universe of sociopaths, drug addicts, and haunted celebrities. It just might be the most ambitious literary experiment ever undertaken. Sources Birch, Helen. Book Review / American psycho-drama: The informers - Bret Easton Ellis: Picador, pounds 9.99. Independent, October 30, 1994. Elder, Richard. Flopsy, Mopsy, Paul, Sean and Lauren: The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. Los Angeles Times, September 13, 1987. Jordison, Sam. Guardian book club: Bret Easton Elliss American Psycho. The Guardian, July 14, 2010. Kakutani, Michiko. Books of the Times; The Young and Ugly. The New York Times, June 8, 1985. Mendelsohn, Daniel. Lesser Than Zero. The New York Times, January 24, 1999. Scott, A. O. Lunar Park: Hero and Heroin. The New York Times, August 14, 2005. Wynn, Gary. Rielle Hunter on Her Relationship With John Edwards Today, Their Life With Their Daughter Quinn. Suzan Clarke, ABC News, July 22, 2016.

Phd proposal Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Phd proposal - Dissertation Example There is enough scope for both qualitative and quantitative analyses on the topic. Academic research can help to explore the existing ideas and find out new implications. This research proposal, therefore, includes review of the relevant literature that inspired the selection of the topic. The proposal also focuses on the theory to which the research will relate, the methodology supposed to be used and original contribution to knowledge by the research. Research Question Leadership and management: Can transactional leadership theory add new dimensions to the future leadership practices? Research Objectives 1. Explore the concepts of transactional leadership theory. 2. Compare transformational and transactional leadership theories. 3. Find out innovative implications and methods for organisational learning and knowledge management 4. Combine the concepts of the theory with the futuristic idea of empowering leadership. 5. Find out innovative ways to apply the theory in today’s g lobal business environment with the help of case studies and academic research. Review of the Literature Transactional leadership theory has the potential to develop innovative models in the context of modern and future management practices. Some principal concepts entailed in the theory are: 1. People can perform optimally when the commands are clear and definite. 2. A justifiable system of punishment and reward motivates the workers. 3. Monitoring the subordinates is an imperative so that the business expectations are fulfilled. 4. Obedience should be ensured among the subordinates. (Bass, 1985) For a while, this sort of theoretical approach may appear to be based on the older conventions and beliefs. However, re-emergence of this theory in the sphere of modern management research can be observed in the works of Harman and Bitz (2008). According to them, studies considering knowledge management (which is critical in today’s information based global business environment) and leadership as rational variables are limited. Future practitioners may consider exploring the concepts of transactional leadership theory and its dimensions in relation to knowledge management. In this context, it must be mentioned that all leaders exhibit both transformational and transactional leadership attributes which can amply help in knowledge transfer, sharing and creation (Harman and Bitz, 2008). â€Å"Some observers view transactional leadership as the poorer version of transformational leadership, noting that the latter has a more noble or moral drive.† (Andrews, Connell and Wescott, 2010). However, this view can be strongly dismissed because â€Å"Where transactional leaders foster societies that are open and focused on public value creation, and where learning is accommodated by progressive authorizing mechanisms, agents will have space to explore new beliefs, pursue good struggles, experiment with latent abilities, and ultimately generate change that benefits others (even if there is no transformational leader appealing to higher ideals).† (Andrews, Connell and Wescott, 2010) Experimental and quasi-experimental studies conducted by Avolio and his associates show that researches on path-goal model and transactiona

Interpersonal Communication Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Interpersonal Communication - Article Example The writer, Chris Zervas, states that, the area of constructive criticism can be problematic as "We say things we don't mean or recipients hear more than was meant." (1) Therefore, often during constructive criticism in a potentially sensitive area such as the workplace, direct channels of interpersonal communication are not functioning correctly. The sender is communicating the wrong message, using inadequate phrasing and wrong information whilst the other participant receives a distorted or exaggerated message. The receiver subconsciously picks up another message from indirect channels of interpersonal communication. These indirect channels may include the tone of voice of the sender or his body language. The receiver may suspect that the sender has hidden motivations, revealed by these uncontrolled actions. The receiver also may react defensively as he or she may feel that their position within the work team is threatened. Chris Zervas uses his management insight to implement "ski llful communication" which "can make these situations far less volatile."(2) Zervas states that the important connotation of the senders message should make the receiver feel respected and valued, which is the converse of how criticism generally makes people feel.

After Reading The Road Not Taken Essay Example for Free

After Reading The Road Not Taken Essay Introduction Within works of literature, often times the most valuable part of the work is not that which is readily apparent after a quick reading of the work; the true gems to be found within literature are those which are only discovered after a thorough study of the work and a deep consideration of what the author is really trying to convey to a reader, or perhaps conclusions that readers can draw on their own through the use of their imagination and interpretation. With all of this in mind, Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken will be the focus of this research. Why This Work was Chosen There are several reasons why this work was chosen as the focus of the research; first, even when the work is quickly read and taken just at face value, as was earlier discussed, the words flow beautifully and make the mind of the reader travel, just as the narrator of the work seems to do. When Frost uses such adjectives as â€Å"yellow†, â€Å"grassy† and the like, one feels peaceful and calm. On the other hand, just as this work reveals certain elements to the reader from the first reading, closer review and consideration drives the imagination of the reader to create other reactions and conclusions about the work, and perhaps that is the best thing that any work can do-to inspire the reader to a higher level of thought, emotion and belief. With all of this in mind, it is now possible to discuss reactions to Frost’s work which makes all of these points much clearer. Reactions to the Work Simply put, the first reaction that came about through a study of The Road Not Taken is one of excitement for the limitless opportunities open to human beings as indicated by Frost. When Frost wrote: â€Å"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference† (Frost, 1930, p. 131), what he appears to be saying is that by taking on those challenges and directions in life that other cannot or will not take on in fact can strengthen the individual and give them a deeper and more meaningful life. Additionally, this work has also come across as a highly inspirational one, as it tells the reader that they can be or do anything they choose- representation of the ultimate level of freedom. Conclusion As this research moves toward its conclusion, there are a few key points that deserve repeating. First, this research has shown that through the talents of skilled authors, words can in fact be put into sentences and phrases which transport the reader to another place and state of emotion. In this way, people are able to be enhanced and changed by reading, and experiencing, given works of literature. Second, while many works are captivating and enlightening from the first reading of them, the more and more that they are read and more deeply studied, there are new attributes which come to the surface. Third, and perhaps most importantly, literature proves that the human experience is not something which reaches a certain level or age and is considered complete; rather, it is a constantly changing and ongoing phenomenon which is enriched through things such as literature which expand the mind, broaden the imagination, and soothe the soul of readers. These conclusions came to mind as a result of studying The Road Not Taken and only prove, once again, that choosing this work to research was an excellent idea. References Frost, R. (1930). Collected Poems of Robert Frost. New York: Henry Holt.

Allegory for War in Battle of the Ants by David Thoreau Essay example -

Allegory for War in "Battle of the Ants" by David Thoreau The reading journal that I chose was "Battle of the Ants" by David Thoreau. I chose this essay because I felt that it was a strongly written piece about a somewhat interesting topic. When I first read it I was taken aback by its seemingly uninteresting nature of topic, but after I read it a couple more times I began to see its true beauty. The story is about government and war and depicted by ants battling to the death. "The legions of Myrmidons covered all the hills and vales in my wood-yard, and the ground was already strewn with all the dead and dying, both the red and the black," the ants represent humans struggling for freedom and power. There are two types of ants: the red ones who represent the rebellious soldiers fightin...

Plato, Aristotle, and Moses

â€Å"Households, cities, countries, and nations have enjoyed great happiness when a single individual has taken heed of the Good and Beautiful. Such people not only liberate themselves; they fill those they meet with a free mind. † Philo of Alexandria Athens, via Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, and Jerusalem through the Hebrew Scriptures, refer to two general and fundamental ways of life: the life of free inquiry on the one hand, the life of obedience to God’s law on the other.As discussed in class, the fact that most do not read the Hebrew Scriptures as a politically philosophical text, they are overlooking some fundamental political principles that are similar and complimentary to the Greeks. The book of Genesis to the end of the book of Kings is not only revelation in the form of a narrative, but can be seen as a work of reason, and political philosophy. Plato and Aristotle are certainly accepted as political philosophers, while the Patriarchs are not (widely) regard ed as such. Because of this, I shall use the Pentateuch as my basis to discuss my assertion.Given the constraints of this paper, a short reflection on our assigned readings for class, and my limited knowledge of both the Hebrew Scriptures and Greek philosophy, I do not pretend for this to be sophisticated, beyond a thoughtful meditation. With a few exceptions, I shall utilize Moses’ life as the pathway through this illustration. Genesis seems a fitting place to begin. The expulsion from the Garden of Eden was the first â€Å"exodus. † In Genesis, humanity as a whole, and in Exodus, the Hebrews through their transformation into the Israelites, began a trek.They each see a perilous journey ahead as they begin fumbling toward a dimly seen goal. God, Moses, and Socrates all want what is best for His/his people. The people would rather not have it, â€Å"And they said to each other, ‘We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt. ’† A seemingly universa l and consistent source of political strife, what the people want vs. what the ruler thinks is good for them. Plato’s presentation of Socrates is generally in the form of the â€Å"dialectic†. The dialectic between God and his creation is expressed frequently throughout the Scriptures.It seems much more often towards the beginning, waning through the prophets (later, waxing until the final culmination of the â€Å"dialectic† with the condemnation and crucifixion of God the Son). Adam and Eve’s questioning by the Father: â€Å"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, â€Å"Where are you? † He answered, â€Å"I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid. And he said, â€Å"Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from? † The man said, â€Å"The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it. † Then the Lord God said to the woman, â€Å"What is this you have done? † The woman said, â€Å"The serpent deceived me, and I ate. † Cain’s interrogation for the murder of his brother (Am I my brother’s keeper? ), Abraham’s bargaining with God over the destruction of Sodom â€Å"Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Suppose there were 50 innocent people in the city? , and Moses’ unenthusiastic response to God’s command to be the standard bearer to â€Å"let His people go! † At this point in Moses’ life, he has developed a tripartite identity: a Hebrew origin, an Egyptian upbringing, and after his â€Å"exile† in Midian, he has a married and fairly sedentary lifestyle. Moses does not want to be the leader of the Hebrews out of Egypt. Like the â€Å"philos ophers† in the Republic, they do not wish to rule the multitude, they must be compelled to rule. God compels Moses, through the burning bush, to â€Å"carry his cross†. When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, â€Å"Moses! Moses! †Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ But Moses said to God, â€Å"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? † And God said, â€Å"I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. Moses said to God, â€Å"Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name? Then what shall I tell them? † God said to Moses, â€Å"I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you. ’† The transformation that Moses underg oes, having seen â€Å"the face of God† at the burning bush is similar to Plato’s â€Å"Analogy of the Cave†. He emerges with a mission, a calling that is to consume his life; leading the people to truth and justice. Bringing them forth from the darkness of Egypt into the light of Canaan. Like the man who returns to the cave having seen the light, Moses’ trustablitiy is doubted many times.Moses was rejected by â€Å"his people† many times. First, by the Hebrews as he attempted to help them by killing the overseer, sending him into exile. Secondly, by the Egyptians for siding with the slaves. Thirdly, by the Israelites during his attempt to lead them safely to the Promised Land. Like the Israelites, the Athenians did not understand, or refused to accept, the teachings of Socrates, which were intended to renew private and public morality; leading to is eventual condemnation and a nightcap of hemlock. Following the death of Socrates, many of his stude nts fled.Plato returned in an attempt to continue transformation of society and to redeem his â€Å"time†, he also failed. Moses hesitantly heads back to Egypt, to engage in his fruitless negotiation with the Pharaoh; fruitless in part due to the Lord’s â€Å"hardening of his heart†. The ultimate plague set upon the Egyptians is the Angel of Death’s reaping of the first born of each household who does not possess the mark above their doorway. This was not a simple sweeping away of children, intent on causing anguish amongst the citizens, in an attempt to incite them against the Pharaoh (that seems to have been just a bonus).It was a direct assault on the socio-political fabric of society: primogeniture upended, filial duties confused, and the vanishing of an entire generation. The Athenians feared something somewhat less immediately disruptive, the corruption of a few well-placed â€Å"youths†. Socrates’ actions were, they feared, going to d estabilize Athenian society, similar to a malignancy, growing and spreading, infecting the very marrow. Moses, Plato, and Aristotle believed that there was no distinction between morality and politics.If one cannot restore order to his soul, Plato reasoned, than there can be no order in society. Just as the God of the Pentateuch understood when he gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The Decalogue presents a mix of the ordering of one’s soul (mostly the first 4) and the ordering of society in the last 6. The Greeks knew that the liberation of the soul ought to be the chief object of individuals on earth. Cleansing the soul frees humanity from the false loves and degrading appetites so that man(and women)may conform to the nomos, or the law. The nomos, not human beings, is the measure of all things.Moses was not the liberator, God was. Socrates was not the liberator- truth was. Moses and Socrates were attempting to lead the people towards liberation because they were compelled to because of the Truth. Moses and Socrates were not politicians, generals, or just â€Å"leaders†. The possessed a vision, they sought righteousness (in different ways), and pursuers of truth and virtue. Thrasymachos’ â€Å"legal positivistic† view, that objective justice does not exist for rulers, they lay down the laws with the exclusive concern for their own advantage.Plato’s refutation of this view is followed by Aristotle’s argument that even â€Å"great-souled† men are not immune to from the destructive passions associated with the spirited parts of the soul. We see in the account of David, â€Å"A man after God’s own heart†, that even he is not free from temptation or pride. Moses is not allowed to enter the Promised Land, many surmise it is because out of anger and impatience, struck a rock to produce water, instead he should have followed God’s instructions and simply spoke to the rock. While others suggest that i t is his, again out of anger, breaking of the Ten Commandments.Not acting virtuously according to Aristotle’s golden mean, Moses freely chooses to act rashly out of anger, and cowardly, by refusing to allow his rebuke of the Israelites to be sufficient. Moses shows himself, in these incidents, to be lacking in virtue. Because of his â€Å"situational virtuousness† he is punished by God. In the Book of Samuel, the people of Israel clamor for a king to rule over them. Samuel approaches God with this request. The Lord, far from being a â€Å"democrat†, eventually relents: â€Å"Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights. â⠂¬  Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, â€Å"This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots.Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day. † Socrates, via Plato, describes the decay of the healthy city. Its decay is brought about by the emancipation of the desire for unnecessary things, i. e. , for things that are not necessary for the well being or health of the body. Thus the luxurious or feverish city emerges, the city characterized by the striving for the unlimited acquisition of wealth.Once can expect that in such a city the individuals will no longer exercise the single art for which each is meant by nature but any art or combination of the arts which is most lucrative, or that there will no longer be a strict correspondence between service and reward: hence there will be dissatisfaction and conflicts and therefore need for government which will restore justice. There will certainly be need for additional territory and hence there will be war, war of aggression. Those who clamored to Samuel for a â€Å"king† other than the King who brought them out of slavery should have read the Greeks.The story of Solomon’s rise is one of wisdom, peace, fulfillment and beauty. The decent of Solomon is one of war, oppression overindulgence, idolatry, and misery. Solomon traded away a part of Israel's land, while annexing other’s cities (requiring him amass chariots and horsemen), enslaved the Canaanites, accumulated large amounts of gold and sliver, had relations with Egypt, married foreign women although Moses forbade it because â€Å"they would turn their hearts away from the Lord† and eventually began to worship their idols.All of this eventually ending in the destruction of Israel, leaving Judah for the â€Å"sake of David and Jerusalem†. Because of the blessing Solomon began with, and the glory he reached at his pinnacle, his fall was a much more tragic one. The Ten Commandments, and Justice define the problem associated with living in society. Their statement, however does not solve it. God g ives the laws to create an ideal society, Socrates gives the vision of the ideal city.It has been painfully demonstrated, not just through the accounts of Moses, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, but the entirety of human history, that this ideal is seemingly impossible to attain. The political philosophy expressed in the early Biblical narrative, through Revelation, the Greeks will come to understand (or at lease address) through Reason. The establishment of a government (either temporal or divine), the dangers of government, the relationship between the individual to the leader/state (and the leader’s responsibilities), forms of government, and the eventual decline of the state.