Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury - 954 Words

In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the author uses allegory (often misinterpreted by readers) to show the dangers of mass media consumption and the decline of reading traditional media. Many readers draw incorrect conclusions (lessons learned) from the book due to how generally the book applies its theme. Government censorship, though an important topic, is not the intended focus of the novel Fahrenheit 451. Finally, Bradbury’s original message of the book shows the beauty of traditional media and the dangers of consuming primarily packaged mass media (such as television and radio). In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury used events that were pertinent to the time to try and convey the message he originally intended. While this message has been lost to many, that does not lessen the work’s value as a piece of literature. Going forward this paper will explore the conclusions normally reached by readers, as well as exploring the authors own original intentions for the work. The primary theme taken from the book is from the author’s chosen setting, being of an authoritarian regime in which books are illegal. While this theme is very easy to grasp (as the reader is figuratively bludgeoned over the head with it), it isn’t the only one people have taken away from the book, nor was it the authors intended focus. Another theme that many readers (normally graduate readers from my research) have identified with are the Christian symbols in the book. While these are used, in some casesShow MoreRelatedFahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury719 Words   |  3 PagesThe flash point of paper, or the temperature at which paper will burst in flames, is 451 degrees Fahrenheit. In Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, the main character, Guy Montag, is a â€Å"fireman† in a futuristic society where he and his coworkers start fires, rather than put them out. Books are banned and burned, along with the owner of the book’s house and sometimes even the o wner of the book, upon discovery. Technology has taken over in a sense that social interaction between the average personRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1952 Words   |  8 Pagesis clearly displayed in the plight of Ray Bradbury’s novel about a dystopian American society, Fahrenheit 451, which contains many ideas and bits of content that some people believed should be censored. In fact, one of the reasons that this novel was censored for displaying the dangers of censorship, which is both extremely ironic, and telling as to where this society is going. Thanks to several distributors and oversensitive parents and teachers, Fahrenheit 451 has been banned in many schools overRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1592 Words   |  7 PagesWhen writing the introduction to Fahrenheit 451, author Neil Gaiman stated that â€Å"ideas--written ideas--are special. They are the way we transmit our stories and our thoughts from one generation to the next. If we lose them, we l ose our shared history†. Gaiman is absolutely correct; especially because what he is saying heavily applies to books. Books are a critical aspect in shaping humanity as a whole, they create and share a network of creative ideas, history, and overall entertainment; to loseRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury918 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Fahrenheit 451,† written by Ray Bradbury, is a futuristic, dystopian novel based upon a society secluded by technology and ignorance. In this future society, books are outlawed and firemen are presented with the task of burning books that are found in people’s homes. Montag, a fireman, finds himself intrigued with the books, and begins to take them home and read them. As the story progresses, Montag learns the truth behind why books are outlawed and flees his city to join the last remnants of age-oldRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury847 Words   |  4 PagesSet Knowledge On Fire The book Fahrenheit 451 is a postmodern work by Ray Bradbury first published in 1951. In Bradbury’s story, all books are illegal and are subject to be burned by firemen. Furthermore, the two predominant themes of Fahrenheit 451 are censorship and ignorance. The censorship implemented over the years removes all information from society that is necessary to learn, which accomplishes to prevent people from questioning anything. The ignorance of society has been fostered and theRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1661 Words   |  7 Pages1.) In the novel, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Montag’s view on life reverses. Two characters the influence the main character Guy Montag are the old lady whose house and books were burnt down and Mildred. The old lady was caught preserving books in her home. Firemen including Montag were ordered to burn the books. The old lady refused to leave her books, so she too was burned. She bravely gave an allusion as her last words, â€Å"Play the man,’ she said, ‘Master Ridley.’ Something, somethingRead MoreFahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury818 Words   |  4 PagesFAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY Important People in Montag’s Life In Partical Fulfillment Of English 2 Ms Irina Abramov By Helen Hernandez November 9, 2012 â€Å"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them† -Ray Bradbury. In the past there were events that affected book writers. People will get together to burn books because they thought it was inappropriate or they were against their literature. Montag is a fireman in a futuristic society who would startRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury863 Words   |  4 PagesThe novel, Fahrenheit 451 was written by Ray Bradbury and it took place in the dystopian future. Throughout each novel, we are able to see a major theme, which is censorship. In this essay, I will explain how this theme are explored in the story by using the literary devices. To begin with, in this novel, censorship is not given a straight description, but we can see how the author shows it through many literary elements, such as using the setting, tone and symbolisms even foreshadowing. This novelRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1544 Words   |  7 PagesRay Bradbury, the author of Fahrenheit 451, expresses his perspective on life in an interview. His interview contains a common theme: Do what you love, and love what you do (Bradbury). Bradbury sends a message in his interview that people should love life, and live to the fullest because he believes life is a beautiful thing. Although Bradbury no longer can demonstrate his love for life his message still lives in the pages of Fahrenheit 451. The Government of the society in the novel has told theirRead MoreFahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury904 Words   |  4 PagesLiving in a world with no free thought would be bland as cardboard. But, if that cardboard illuminated with fire, would it have more mea ning than it did before? The answer is yes. In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the main character, Montag, finds much meaning behind the simple element of fire. The symbol of fire is used to represent how Montag changes himself and his ideas and thoughts about fire throughout the novel. At first, Montag views fire as destructive, but enjoys burning because

The Social and Personal Impediments Against Which Genius...

As a composer, and a performer, there can be no question of Mozarts genius, however, what is genius defined as? The main definition is that genius is a very great and rare innate ability or skill- it is a creative power. It is therefore clear that Mozart was in fact a genius in his music; it does no state anywhere, however, that a genius also has to have a divine personality and behaviour and this is clear as Mozart is shown in Amadeus as a silly, scatological, childish and infantile man. To be a genius in one aspect of the mind, such as music, could mean that other parts of the mind are inhibited, such as social skills. An evident and major theme in Amadeus is exploring how a genius functions in a society and how society hinders and†¦show more content†¦Historically, there is evidence from Mozarts own written letters that there was some sort of antagonism between Salieri and Mozart, If he is allied with Salieri, I wont ever get a thing out of him. Be it jealousy or a differ ence in personality, one cannot say, however, the conflict between Salieris mediocrity and Mozarts genius is evident throughout the play. Salieri himself is musically competent, he has been educated and has learnt the skills of music and so is able to recognise Mozarts greatness, however, he seems to be the only one in Mozarts age to have recognised it, ...my only reward...is to be the sole man alive in this time who shall clearly recognize your Incarnation! He shows his obvious awareness of Mozarts posterity and his own mediocrity. We can see Salieri and Mozart in the light of Nietzsches opposing struggle of the Apollian and Dionysian personalities. Mozart embodies the Dionysian elements of a

University Of Montana International Student Association

While writing my profile essay on University of Montana International Student Association to discover the challenges, international students face when they moved away thousands of miles from their home country to study here at the University of Montana. Many face challenges from social (unfamiliar living circumstances), academic (learning style) to cultural (language, culture and personal barriers) issues. Some students adapt easily to life here in Missoula while others experience difficulties. I began to wonder if these problems faced by international students here at the University of Montana are the same compared to other international students attending other university throughout the United States (US). I started doing my research for†¦show more content†¦They contribute to the diversity and internationalization of their classrooms, campuses and communities. In this essay we will be looking into the academic, social and cultural challenges international students face wh en they study here in the US. Follow by why students from different regions (Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Australia etc.) adapt to US culture differently. Lastly I will look into why International students mostly associated with other international students instead of associating with American students. In most college and university here in the US, your courses will most likely be graded in many ways such as in a test, class participation and writing papers. For students that are not used to these assessment such as writing a research paper and citing sources they will have difficult time undertaking these assessment. For example students like Vuk Bojovic from Serbia studying in Illinois wrote When I first came here, I had a problem with research papers, as I have never wrote them in high school in Serbia, I was not familiar with the structure of a paper as well as academic resources and citations. It took me a whole term to work both on my own and with people in the Reading-Writing Center to get a good grade on a paper.(3). While some students having a hard time writing research papers others struggle in class participation assessment. Many college professors in the US

BSHS465LeahPerryWk1AnalysisVidPaper - 1177 Words

Self-Awareness Analysis Student BSHS/465 March 19, 2015 Instructor Self-Awareness Analysis An emotionally intelligent individual manages personal situations and relationships with balance and care. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and author, believes the four domains of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and the combination of the above. When these four domains work congruently it stabilizes an individual in both work and home relationship (Goleman, 2013). A human service worker offers an effective service to the client when socially balanced and focused on developing healthy levels of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is demonstrated both in the workplace and at home by how situations†¦show more content†¦The fourth component is the combination of the three domains working together in unison like a well-oiled machine. If self-management is neglected it certainly will not improve the ability to be empathetic, nor can it help in self-awareness, as this second component works to improve on an individual’s firm gra sp of applying positive emotions under stress. It is also imperative to put these three domains together for healthy relationships to occur. These four domains also lend into social intelligence placing people together as you and I instead of I and it, and these two modes of relating to others takes the object out of how one views people. Experiencing Self-Awareness Daniel Goleman provides examples of individuals experiencing self-awareness at both work and in one’s life (Goleman, 2013). Being conscious of one’s inner world, beliefs, thoughts, and concepts are what comprise self-awareness. In one’s daily life there are situations, struggles, and trials which can impact sound judgement and resolution. Self-awareness helps the individual make healthy decisions and knowing when to ask for help to cope with an overwhelming issue. Also learning to grow through a limiting perspective to compromise with others and seek alternatives (Levine, 2013). Others may disagree with ones beliefs, decisions, and lifestyle, yet the individual can recognize feelings about those in disagreement with them and avoid unnecessary conflict. While in the work

Communication and management skills Free Essays

Introduction: An individual, a family, and the society are engulfed in the cobweb of management skills and     pubic relations in every step of life. One is not actively aware of it. In this materialistic era of industrialization and internet civilization, public relations have not left any part of one’s life untouched. We will write a custom essay sample on Communication and management skills or any similar topic only for you Order Now It creates better or worse effects. Public Relations is good in parts. It takes away one from the truth. Profiteering and Public Relations are alternative beats of the same heart. From the topics covered in James E. Grunig’s book, â€Å"Managing Public Relations,† one gets an idea of the domain of Management of Public Relations. The Public Relations Manager in any Organization is the key man; he has to present the best of the Organization, in all aspects to the individuals and Institutions he is called upon to deal. Theme: The theme of any public relations exercise is ‘how to bell the cat.’ How to win over the other party to your view point! How to sell your product to the customer! How to face the competition! These challenges form the syllabus for public relations managers. The topics covered in the book are extensive and intensive. The book has enough resources for both the students and the professionals. It does the job of a knowledgeable teacher. Both the theoretical and the practical aspects are well taken care of. The Four Public Relations models defined by Grunig, deal with the core issues related to this topic. Main ideas/ techniques: The listing of the topics covered and enumerated is fairly long, but if one keeps out its printout, in the form of a pocket-guide, it will prove useful. The topics are, the concept of pubic relations, origin and contemporary structures of public relations, public relations and public responsibility, professionalism in public relations, elements of public relations management, defining and choosing goals and objectives, identifying organizational linkages and publics, budgeting and decision making, evaluation research, legal constraints, media relations, employee and member relations, community relations, public affairs and government relations, relations with active publics; consumers, environmentalists and minorities, financial public relations, promotion, fund raising and public communication campaigns, public relations writing, press releases, catering to the press, using radio, television and videotape, preparing to speak, brochures, fact sheets and   direct mail, newsletters, newspapers and magazines, photographs and illustrations, slides and multimedia representations, films, exhibits and special events, annual reports and financial writing, public relations advertising, lobbying and toward a mature profession.  So, that is public relations. Interesting and many times, annoying, because it is to deal with the public of various types of emotions, tempers and opinions. Evaluation: It is not possible to evaluate the issues involved in public relations within the perimeters of this small article. An effort has been made to discuss the most important aspect of it, in the prevailing conditions today– the management of media. Media is broadly categorized into print media and electronic media. In first flush of enthusiasm, all like media attention. But handling the media attention is not that easy. Mostly if anything adverse is reported, the readers and viewers believe it immediately. Contradicting the adverse reports is not an easy job; it is both expensive, and at times it invites further media wrath. News papers are published everyday. TV channels give the reporting 24 hours of the day. From where one can bring the enormous resources to meet the adverse challenge? The section of the viewers who have seen the adverse reports may not see your clarifications. They say, a lie reported from a platform a thousand times, becomes the truth. That is the position one would face while dealing with the media. It is necessary for you to evaluate whether the money that you are spending on image building exercise is hitting the right spot. A good press release is no guarantee for bettering the image. It may lead to both positive and negative results. People want to read what they want, not what you want. Every press release, every advertisement must have the sense of timing. You can’t advertise refrigerators for the Eskimos. You don’t advertise for woolen garments during summer, unless it is a heavy discount sale, and the people get attracted to the discount aspect. Pubic Relations, in the developing countries, is yet to take off. In the context of globalization, no business establishment can survive in isolation. The consumer is the king now, with so many brands of identical products available in the market. Fresh products arrive to provide stiff competition as for quality and cost both. It is not enough, what you produce is the best product. People need to know that it is the best product, and why it is the best product, in comparative terms. â€Å"Once you start promoting your business, don’t stop. A sustainable public relations strategy is a long-term endeavor. It can take months to capture the attention of targeted media venues. Plus, it’s important to remind the press about your business on a regular basis, so they don’t forget about you.†(Public†¦.) In Western countries, public relations are part of the top management function. It is the part of the agenda of the Board meetings. Management formulates its public relations policy. Continuous efforts are made by the public relations men to keep the organization on the high pedestal from the point of view of the public. Maintaining popularity is equally important as achieving the popularity. â€Å"We even shadow our own communications tactics trying to monitor their impact on audience perception — tactics such as face-to-face meetings, Internet and email, hand-placed newspaper and magazine feature articles and broadcast appearances, special consumer briefings, news releases, announcement luncheons, onsite media interviews, facility tours, brochures and even special events like promotional contests, financial road shows, awards ceremonies, trade conventions, celebrity appearances and open houses — each designed to impact individual perception and behavior.†(The Fundamental†¦) Conclusion: â€Å"Now this soap has the juice of lemon, which nourishes your skin!† says an advertisement. Well, did you not know that lemon juice is good for your skin and in that case why don’t you squeeze a lemon get some juice and put it in the bucket of water and use it directly? Why buy the costly soap, just for the sake of lemon juice? And yet you buy! Why?-because the model engaged by the Company in the television advertisement has told you so. You pay for the soap and for their advertisement costs!   Yes, this is managing public relations! References Cited: Grunig, James E. Book: Managing Public Relations Hardcover: 565 pages Publisher: Harcourt Brace College Publishers (January 1984) Language: English ISBN-10: 0030583373 ISBN-13: 978-0030583377 Article: Public Relations Strategy on a Tight Budget www.startupnation.com/articles/1241/1/public-relations-strategy.Retrieved on December 9, 2007. Article: The Fundamental Premise-Public Relations- ezinearticles.com/? Public-Relations:-The-Fundamental-Premiseid=17377 – Retrieved on December 9, 2007. How to cite Communication and management skills, Essay examples

International Domestic Airlines Australia †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The International And Domestic Airlines In Australia? Answer: Introduction Qantas Airlines was established in 1920 in the rural Queensland. It is one of the largest international and domestic airlines in Australia (MELBOURNE, 2011). Furthermore, it is the leading long-distance airways across the world and the strongest brands operating in Australia. It is the flag carrier airway in Australia and the largest airline by size, international destination and international flights. Furthermore, it is the third oldest airline carriers in the globe (Qantas, 2011). The company operates in the world most dynamic and exciting sectors and have continued to be successful and grow all the years. It flies to over 200 destinations across the globe in over 45 nations. It owns low-fare carrier Jetstar and regional carrier QantasLink, both of which are said to operate in Asia/Pacific and Australi region. On overall, its fleet comprises of 300 aircrafts. Qantas also generate its revenues from catering, touring and cargo operations (Qantas, 2016). The company believes in development of its diverse workforce. Thus, it is its priority to reflect a wide range of clients it serve across the globe and acknowledging diverse cultures across its workforce. To achieve this, the company has set up different programs aimed at attracting and retaining personnel from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds. Qantas have built reputation for it excellence in operational reliability, maintenance, customer service, engineering and safety (MELBOURNE, 2011). It key operation is usually transportation of client using its two complementary airline brands; that is, Jetstar and Qantas. In addition, Qantas operate other subsidiary business such as other business and airlines in the specialist markets like Q Catering (Qantas, 2016). Its brands operate domestic, international and regional services. With these considerations, this paper aims to present analysis of Qantas financial performance based on its 2016 annual report. This will be based on anal ysis of its competitors, and financial statements. It financial health would be analysed on the basis of liquidity, market performance, efficiency and profitability ratios Competitors Qantas chief competitors are United Continental Holding, LAN Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Australia Holding and Singapore Airlines. Nonetheless, despite of these rivals, Qantas one of the largest airline operating in Australia, has shown no signal of violent completion in the international flights as it add extra volume (Qantas, 2016). The speedy growth experienced in the past one year had obligated this company to bid some exceptional airfare reductions hurting the travel airlines and agents (MELBOURNE, 2011). This was as a result of growth in international competitor by 11% forcing the company to reduce its airfares, sending ticket revenues per the international seat downward by around 9% and making its earnings from international operations to decrease by 22%. Critical Analysis of Qantas Financial Statements Ratio analysis This entails quantitative analysis of financial information of an organization. This is mainly based on the line items in income statement, cash flow and income statement. In addition, ratio analysis is utilized in assessing numerous aspect of the organizations financial and operating performance like liquidity, solvency, efficiency and profitability (Altman, 1968). This helps in checking whether an organization is deteriorating or improving. Basically, financial ratios help in measuring financial performance of a given organization. To be more specific, financial ratio analysis is the method of analysis which is utilized in obtaining quick signal of the organizations financial performance in numerous key sections (Chen Shimerda, (1981). The most common ratios used in analysing financial performance of Qantas is the profitability ratios, efficiency, liquidity, capital structure and solvency ratios. Profitability ratios These financial ratios try to measure an organizations success in terms of income generation. They usually reflect combined impact of an organizations debt and asset management (Altman, 1968). In this case, profitability ratios such as profit margin, ROA and ROE are used in measuring or evaluating Qantas financial performance. Profit margin The ratio shows dollar amount in terms of income that an organisation earns on every dollar of revenue (Chen Shimerda, (1981). Given these considerations, Qantas profit margin for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 Profit margin -18.76% 3.59% 6.52% ROA shows dollar amount in income earned by an organization on its total assets. It shows how effective the management is in managing its assets or in turning its assets to income (Altman, 1968). With these facts, Qantas ROA for the years was; 2014 2015 2016 ROA -16.42% 3.18% 6.16% This shows the dollar amount of the income that is earned by an organization on its equity. It displays or indicates how effective the management is in utilizing its equity to generate income. With these facts, Qantas ROE for the years was; 2014 2015 2016 ROE -99.34% 16.27% 31.61% Based on the profitability ratio computed above, it is evident that Qantas is financially stable and healthy. This is based on the fact that the company ROA, profit margin and ROE increased over the past three years. The increase is a clear signal that the company management is able to effectively use its shareholders equity as well as assets in generating income. Efficiency ratios These financial ratios are important in highlighting effectiveness of an organization in using its assets. The ratios are usually measured in relation to an organizations total sales. Basically, some of the efficiency ratios that would be used in this case include inventory turnover as well as asset turnover (Lev Sunder, 1979). The ratios are also crucial since they display extent to which total assets of an organization is used and managed in order to meet the firms cash flow expenses and requirements. Receivable turnover This ratio is used in assessing an organizations management effectiveness in managing its account receivable (Lev Sunder, 1979). This means that higher ratio is more preferred since it shows or displays that an organization is collecting its receivable sooner. Given these considerations, receivable turnover for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 receivable turnover 12.67 16.20 19.85 Asset turnover This ratio is useful since it help in measuring how productively an organization is managing its total assets in generating revenue (Chen Shimerda, (1981). Given these considerations, Qantas profit asset turnover was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 asset turnover 0.88 0.89 0.94 Inventory turnover The ratio is used in measuring organizations management of the inventory, meaning that higher ratio is an indicative of better management performance (Chen Shimerda, (1981). Given these considerations, Qantas inventory turnover for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 Inventory turnover 23.98 22.18 19.68 Based on the efficiency ratio analysis above, it is evident that Qantas is more effective in terms of its asset management. This is evidence by increased receivable and asset turnover over the past three years. Working capital management ratios These are the financial ratios used by an organization in managing its working capital. The chief working capital management ratio used in analysing Qantas is working capital ratio (Lev Sunder, 1979). Working capital This is a financial ratio used in assessing how effective the firm is managing its working capital. It helps in determining solvency and liquidity level of an organization (Lev Sunder, 1979). In this case, working capital for Qantas for the past three years was; 2014 2015 2016 working capital (2,593.00) (2,421.00) (3,570.00) Based on the working capital analysis above, it is evident that the company was unable or was experiencing hard times in managing its working capital. This is evidence by decreased or negative working capital in the last three years with the year 2016 recording the lowest working capital. Liquidity ratios These ratios are very useful since they highlight the capacity of an organization to meet its short-term financial needs (Lev Sunder, 1979). Some of the liquidity ratios considered in this case are the quick as well as the current ratios. Quick ratio This ratio is very dynamic while comparing an organization capacity is more dynamic and take into account more readily or liquid assets in settling an organization short-term debts (Lev Sunder, 1979). It tries to measure capacity of an organization in settling its key obligations based on its most liquid assets like account receivables and cash. Given these considerations, Qantas quick ratio for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 quick ratio 0.61 0.63 0.44 Current ratio The ratio is crucial since it assists in measuring the capacity of a given firm to meet all its short-term arrears using its current assets. Here, a decrease in the ratio would means that needs or requirements of current liabilities would be fulfilled by its long-term assets (Chen Shimerda, (1981). Given these considerations, Qantas current ratio for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 current ratio 0.66 0.68 0.49 On overall, based on the above analysis, it is evidence that Qantas was experiencing some difficulties in settling its short-term debt obligations using its short-term assets. In essence, it can be stated that for the last three years Qantas was not able to settle its short-term financial needs. Solvency ratios These ratios are utilized in measuring the capacity of an organization to meet its long-term debt commitments. In other words, these ratios are used in showing whether an organizations cash flow is adequate in meeting its long and short-term liabilities (Lev Sunder, 1979). With these considerations, debt to equity and interest coverage is used in measuring Qantas leverage level. Debt to equity The ratio shows level at which financial leverage is being used by an organization. An increasing debt to equity shows higher interest expenses (Chen Shimerda, (1981). Given these considerations, Qantas debt to equity for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 debt to equity 5.05 4.09 4.13 Interest coverage The ratio is used in measuring an entitys capacity to meet its interest expenses on all its debts using its operating income. This means that a higher ratio shows that an organization is in better position in covering all its interest (Altman, 1968). Given these considerations, Qantas interest coverage for the years was as shown below; 2014 2015 2016 interest coverage -13.88 2.19 4.32 On overall, given the above solvency ratios analysis, it is evident that for the last three years, Qantas has had easier time in settling its interest expenses. This is evidenced by increasing interest coverage ratios. Further, based on debt to equity, it is evident that for the last few years, Qantas has been able to reduce its expenses on debt. Trend-analysis In assessing the financial trend of Qantas financial statements, horizontal analysis is used. Horizontal analysis is crucial since it would assist in highlighting changes or variations in numerous aspects of its financial statements considering the financial year 2014 as base year (Chen Shimerda, (1981). In this case, horizontal analysis of the companys statement of the financial position, cash flow as well as income statements is conducted. Horizontal analysis of the Balance sheet Based on horizontal analysis of Qantas balance sheet as shown in Appendix 1 below, it is evident that most of the items experienced significant decrease as from 2015 going all the way to 2016. For instance, the company cash and cash equivalents decreased with -3.2% in the year 2015 and in 2016 it decreased further in -46.9%. Inventories on the other hand are found to have increased in 2015 with 1.6% and in 2016 it increased by 4.2%. Further, on overall total current assets are said to have increased in 2015 with 2.3% while it decreased with -46% in 2016. In addition, the company property, plant and equipment increased with 2.4% in 2015 and increased further in 2016 to 8.1%. Despite the tremendous increase in the company total non-current assets with 0.2% in 2015 and 5.8% in 2916, it is evident that total assets for the company increased with 1.2% in 2015 but decreased with 4.9% in 2016. Further, liabilities both current and non-current liabilities are found to have experienced signif icant decrease with an overall decrease in total liabilities. Nonetheless, its total equity in found to have increased with 16.9% in 2015 but decreased in 2016 with around 5.7%. Horizontal analysis of Qantas Income statement From Appendix 2 below, it is evident that Qantas total revenue increased in 2015 with around 2.43% while in 2016 it increased with 1.60%. On the other hand, the gross profit for the company increased with around 9.98% in 2015 and with 8.54% in 2016. Furthermore, the company recorded vast increase in its operating income in 2015 with around 617.5% and in 2016 the increase was not as much as in 2015 by it was also high at around 37.73%. In addition, income before taxes increased with about 603.93% in 2015 and in 2016 it increased with around 44.59%. On overall, net income for the years increased with 610.41% in 2015 and in 2016 net income increased with 45.87%. Horizontal analysis of Qantas Cash flow As from Table 3 below, it is evident that Qantas cash flow from the operating activities increased with 47.8% in 2015 and with around 27.35% in 2016. On the other hand, its cash flow for the investing activities decreased with around 13.2% in 2015 but in 2016 it increased with 50.91%. Its net cash flow from the financing activities increased with around 114.2% in 2015 and in 2016 it increased with around 33.26%. On overall, the net change in cash increased with around 284.9% in 2015 and with around 89.98% in the year 2016. The tremendous increase in the company cash flows for the last three years is a clear indication that the company is effective in generating cash flow and that it is financially healthy and stable. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that Qantas is financially health. This is based on the fact that the company profitability, efficiency and solvency ratios for the last three years have increased significantly.To be more specific, with the increased profit margin, ROA and ROE, it can be concluded that the company management is effective enough in managing its shareholders equity and assets to generate income. Furthermore, with high or increasing interest coverage, it is evident that the company is having easier time in settling its interest expenses. Hence, it would be recommendable for any potential investor to invest in Qantas in order to enjoy high returns given that it has been experiencing significant increase in its sales, gross profit and net profit. References Altman, E., I. (1968). Financial ratios, discriminant analysis and the prediction of corporate bankruptcy. The journal of finance,23(4), 589-609. Chen, K., H., Shimerda, T., A. (1981). An empirical analysis of useful financial ratios.Financial Management, 51-60. Lev, B., Sunder, S. (1979). Methodological issues in the use of financial ratios. Journal of Accounting and Economics,1(3), 187-210. MELBOURNE. (2011). ustralian Airline Industry: High fuel prices and strong competition keep profit grounded PRWEB; Retrieved at 12th September 2017 from https://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/11/prweb8983438.htm Qantas. (2011). Qantas airways limited and controlled entities Appendix 4D and consolidated interim financial report for the half-year ended 31 December 2011, Qantas, Retrieved at 12th September 2017 from; https://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/about/investors/2011HYResults.pdf Qantas. (2016). Qantas airways annual report; Retrieved at 12th September 2017 from; https://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/about/.../2016AnnualReport.pdf

Insider Trading Laws - Punishments - Case Studies

Question: Describe about the Insider Trading for Laws, Punishments, Case Studies. Answer: Introduction: Criminology defines corporate crime in many ways. Crime committed by a Company, Crime committed by someone outside the Company or a crime committed by someone inside the Company all come together under the term Corporate Crime (Crowe, 2015). Corporate Crime can be of many types. All of the acts mentioned below may come under the tag of Corporate Crime: False presentation of a Companys Financials Bribery with commercial agenda Unlawful fund handling Dissemination of false information while marketing the company products Exploiting stock market pricing etc Criminal Law is applicable in any of the cases mentioned above. The presiding Legislature decides the amount of damage that any of the above acts may cause to a company or to the State and the individuals residing there. Depending on the severity of the act, penalty is decided. In the Countries which are economically advanced, Corruption and bribery for commercial purposes have become issues of continued concern. Apart from corruption and bribery, Insider trading has become one of the most concerning issues in the present day corporations (Legislation, 2016). Insider Trading: Insider trading is one of the grave concerns for the present day corporations. An insider of a company may have a number of information which is not available for people outside the company. The general public who do not have these internal information of a Company, fall victim when the person inside the Company uses these confidential information for selling or buying stocks / securities of the company. The outsiders or the people who are not part of the company, invest in the stocks / securities of the company without knowing those precious information which provide larger profits to the people inside the company (Austlii, 2001). Therefore, it may be said that the people who are inside the company make undue profit by means of unethical means. There is a conflict among economists regarding the legality of insider trading. Some find it ethical and good for economy of a country as it increases the cost of capital for the issuers of securities and some find it completely unethical and wish to impose legal banning on it. The rules for insider trading vary for different countries. The rules are somewhat complex in nature also. The Case of Lukas Kamay vs the Queen: In the year 2015, the most significant verdict in the history of insider trading was given by the Supreme Court Justice Ms Elizabeth Hollingworth. The case was fought between the Queen of Australia and Mr Lukas Kamay, a former NAB banker and a former analyst from Australian Bureau of statistics, Mr Christopher Hill. Both Kamay and Hill was sentenced to Jail for that Insider Trading offence. Mr Lucas was imprisoned for Seven years and three months and Mr Hill was sentenced for three Years approximately. Ms Elizabeth Hollingworth, Honble Justice of Supreme Court of Australia, commented that the case was the worst example of Insider Trading in the country of Australia. Hill, a former analyst of ABS copied some of the internal information of his company and sent them via his mobile phone to Lukas Kamay. The sent information consisted of the labour force, new expenditure in Capital; retail dealings etc of the Company. Kamay used this important information to strike hugely profitable trading deals. Kamay made a profit of 2 Lakhs 84 thousnad dollars out of the deal. He accumulated a profit of approximately 7 Million dollars within a few months. Throughout this unethical practice, Hill went on passing important and confidential information from his own company to Kamay. The information he passed on to Kamay included very important and confidential financial information of his company. According to Justice Hollingworth, the whole unlawful process was driven by highest level of greed and by the single reason of financial profit. The Judge while passing her sentence mentioned that both Kamay and Hill had pleaded guilty in advance and as they were very youn g, they could start their life afresh after successful rehabilitation (Vines, 2015). Hill was unaware that Kamay had dealings with a number of confidential forex accounts for trading with companies like Axigroup and Pepperstone. Both these Organisations had gone to Australian Securities and Investment Commission reporting about the mistrustful trading. By these tradings Kamay earned approximately 7.2 million Dollars wheras Hill could make only a profit of 19,500 Dollars. Kamay was charged with several offences like Insider Trading, Identity theft and illegal money handling. He pleaded guilty for these charges. Psychological analysis of the two offenders gave different results. While the analysis of Kamay revealed that he had a narcissistic attitude and was not very repentant for his deeds, Hill was in a depressed and very repentant state of mind. Keeping the age of these two offenders and their earlier clean record, the Judge decided to hand them light sentences so that they could successfully rehabilitate post their punishment (Theaustralian, 2015). Oliver Curtis Case and imprisonment: In a very recent case of insider trading Mr oliver Curtis was handed two years of imprisonment by Justice Lucy McCallum. Curtis was an employer of the investment Bank of Transocean group. During the year 2007-2008, he was charged with the offence of insider trading. The Justice commented that Curtis was completely aware of his wrong-doings and deals which were illegal in nature and he collaborated with one of his best friends to use insider trading to its fullest to make illegal profit out of it. She also remarked that Curtis did not show any repentance or remorse for his misdeeds. The publicist wife of Curtis pleaded not-guilty for her husband. The Justice passed her verdict with a clear saying that the offender Curtis in this case has not shown any remorse for his wrong doings which has forced her a to pass a sentence against him. Curtis was handed with one year imprisonment and was also served with a good behavior order for another year. Mr Hartman the co-offender in this case who aided Curtis in his illegal insider trading dealings, had admitted of his offence and expressed his repentance for his wrong-doings. But, Curtis was non-committal of his offence till the very last. The Judge while passing her sentence said that she thought that Curtis was not of the material or mental intent to repeat the same nature of offence in future. She also said that the family of Curtis well supportive and financially well-placed. Therefore the imprisonment would not affect them in a harsh manner. She also commented that the damage in the professional reputation of Curtis may not be matter of great concern as his father was a successful banker and was capable of looking after him (Whitbourn, 2016). She believed that Curtiss bonding with his family may help him to come out clean after a successful rehabilitation. While closing her judgment, she also said that the so called white-collar crime like Insider Trading affects the life of individuals who are into trading and thus causes great damage to community. Her judgment was largely influenced by the fact that Curtis did not show any amount of repentance during his trial for his wrong doings. I) Comparison in the approaches of the Judges in the cases mentioned above: In both the cases, the nature of crime was almost the same, using insider information of a company to use them for personal benefit and illegal money-making. But the approaches of the judges were a little different. In the case of Kamay and Hill, the Judge Ms Hollingworth gave much importance on the fact that both the offenders were very repentant for the misdoings and pleaded guilty. Though there was a difference between the psyche of the offenders in this case, but none of them were believed to repeat their offence once again. The sound nature of their family background was also into playing while the Judge decided upon her sentence. She believed in both the offenders case, rehabilitation in a successful manner was a possibility. But the most important part of her judgment was based upon the amount of money involved into the case. The huge amount of money which was illegally accumulated by Kamay played a big role in his long imprisonment of approximately seven years. The Judge believed that the amount was so large that the victimization of the general traders was of more severe in nature than any other cases of the past. In the case of Curtis Hartman, the Judge emphasized on the observation that unlike Mr Hartman, Curtis was not at all repentant of his misdoings and he did not plead guilty also. But keeping in mind his professional efficiency, his earlier record and his close affinity towards his family, the Judge decided that he is unlikely to repeat his offence. Also the amount of money illegally handled in this case was not of that enormous magnitude. So she decided for a sentence of shorter time period within which she believed rehabilitation would be possible in successful manner (Piotrowski, 2016). II) Kamays appeal and its success: Kamay pleaded guilty for his offence and though he was handed over with a long period of imprisonment, approximately of seven years, the Judge considered his repentance for his misdeeds as a good sign and despite the magnitude of the financial involvement in the case, she handed over a judgment with consideration with the belief that it may lead to the path of the offenders successful rehabilitation. III) Principle of Parity during the judgment by a Judge: The principle of parity plays a huge role in influencing the nature of judgment passed by a Judge. In the same case of Kamay and Hill, hill was handed with lighter sentence than Kamay because of the evidence provided after his psychoanalysis which showed that he was extremely remorseful and completely aware of his misdoings. Also the amount of profit cumulated illegally was less in his case. Therefore, he was handed over with lighter sentence than that handed to Kamay. Similarly, in the case of Curtis and Hartman, Curtis was handed with a punishment more severe in nature than Hartman. Curtis was nonchalant with the crime he committed; he did not play guilty also. On the other hand, Hartman pleaded guilty and was very remorseful for his doings. So, the judgment was also more considerate to him than that to Curtis. IV) Role of Australia security and Investment commission in Criminal Offences: Australia Security and Investment commission (ASIC) looks after maintaining the regulations in equity capital market. The purpose is to create a secured environment for investment so that the domestic and foreign investors feel encouraged. By several methods like surveillance, prosecution and enforcement, ASIC tries to reduce the loss of shareholders. A key role of ASIC is to find out illegal corporate dealings like insider trading which may affect the future of other lawful traders. By tracking down such criminal activities and taking prosecution action against the offenders is a major role played by it (Asic, 2016). V) Insider trading in legalized environment: possibilities: Trading by a person who is an insider of a company is a matter of legal concern. But in a recent development, corporate act is allowing the insiders of a company to trade with its shares in a legalized manner. Under this regulation, an insider of a company may place a plan to trade with company shares well in advance, at a time when he does not have any inside information of the company. He may have the right to deal with the shares according to his preplanned strategy. Thus the violation of corporate law may be avoided. But there are confusions over the possibilities of manipulation of inside information in this type of activity. Conclusion: The fine line between legalized and unrealized Insider trading makes the nature of offences more complex day by day. As an Insider of a company, one person should be extremely cautious about his dealings and handlings of information and trading in order to avoid unwanted situations of prosecution and punishment. References: Asic. (2016, April 20). Asic. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Asic: https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/what-we-do/our-role/ Austlii. (2001). Commonwealth Consolidated Acts. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Austlii: https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca2001172/s1043a.html Crowe, E. (2015, June 01). What Is Criminology? - Definition, History Theories. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from study: https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-criminology-definition-history-theories.html Legislation. (2016, August 24). Criminal Code 2002 . Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Legislation: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2002-51/current/pdf/2002-51.pdf Piotrowski, D. (2016, June 23). Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Dailymail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3655845/Oliver-Curtis-sentencing-Roxy-Jacenko-s-husband-face-jail-insider-trading.html Theaustralian. (2015, March 17). Lukas kamay jailed for seven years. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Theaustralian: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/insider-trader-lukas-kamay-jailed-for-seven-years/news-story/952d8812aa879f484214f7a5ebb3cae1 Vines, H. (2015, March 16). 'Greedy' pair Lukas Kamay, Christopher Hill jailed over $7 million ABS insider trading scam. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Abc: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-17/pair-sentenced-over-abs-insider-trading/6324526 Whitbourn, M. (2016, June 02). Oliver Curtis, husband of Roxy Jacenko, jailed for insider trading. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from Smh: https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/oliver-curtis-husband-of-roxy-jacenko-jailed-for-insider-trading-20160623-gpputd.html