Thursday, November 28, 2019

Elements of Design

The movie that I will examine is Never Let Me Go that was produced in 2010. The director of the movie is Mark Romanek and the production design is Mark Digby. The art director is Rachel Fleming. It should be noted that each of the people involved in film production have different roles regarding the design process.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Elements of Design specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To begin with, the director is the general overseer of the events related to film production. It is the duty of the director to liaise with all the stakeholders and ensure that everything is according to plan (Nelmes, 2003). In this regard, it is upon the director to ensure that the style and the expected frame of mind are maintained throughout the film. The director is expected to work together with the production and costume designer to ensure that the visual look of the movie is consistent with the theme of the film. On the other hand, the visual appearance of the film is fully the responsibility of the production designer. They decide settings of the film as well as the costumes that are to be used in every scene of the film. The production designer from the initial stages of the film decides the moods as well as themes of film in conjunction with other people. Guiding the other staff including the make-up stylists and costume manager is also the work of the production designer. Special effects that are crucial for invoking mood changes in film are the responsibility of production designer. Similarly, the art director is responsible for the entire art department (Nelmes, 2003). The art director supervises the artists and crafts people. They are responsible for the general visual design of the film. Light has very crucial effects in film regarding the way various scenes are depicted in any film. It is important to note here that lights are used by various film makers to implement the e ffects they want on their audience. In the film never let me go, lights are used to invoke the atmosphere of sorrow to the audience. The young adults in the movie are not very happy, a point that is driven home by the not so bright lights that are used. While driving in the car, the lights are hardly bright enough though it is during the day. The problems faced by the people in the car are confirmed by the facial expressions as well as the discussions between them (Mark, 2010). Nevertheless, when Miss Lucy breaks the truth to the students, the lights are bright to depict the goodness of the news Lights are used by filmmakers to create aesthetic conditions that are congruent with the themes and modes of the film. It should be noted that lights have the ability of altering the moods of the audience. Dark and low-key lights depict gloomy, quirky or sorrowful moods. On the other hand, bright lights are usually associated with happiness and joyful occasions (Nelmes, 2003). In this regard , contrasting between the bright and low-key tones is very essential in invoking mood changes.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The lights in the movie never let me go are used to show a gloomy mood because the young adults are neither happy nor sad. Though Ruth expects to meet her clone, all of them know that they are destined to die soon and that overshadows the joy of the moment. The lights in the film are that of low-key to show that the story being told is sad (Mark, 2010). The power of lights is used to manipulate the mood of the audience to empathize with the characters in the film. The movie never let me go, is set in a period after World War II when science and innovations were on their peak. This is the period when each nation wanted to come up with the most important discovery in science. Given the fact that the characters involved do not even question why the acts of cloning are taking place, it is evident that the move is set in a primitive culture where people have limited knowledge. The location of the movie is in a country side given the fact that most of the people know each other. This is complimented by easiness of people to meet each other. Everything that is happening in the movie somehow gets to be known by everybody (Mark, 2010). The other aspect of film that is crucial is delivering special message is costumes. First and foremost, costumes can be used to depict the difference between any two characters. An evil and mysterious character in a film can be dressed in black or dark clothes to display their devilish characters. On the other hand, good people in a movie are always dressed in bright colored clothes to depict their well and encouraged behavior. This difference in dressing is crucial in differentiating the characters. On the same note, costume can be used to show the social status of a character in society. Social diff erence in society is a reality and mode of dressing as well as housing is usually the indicators of the social level of a person (Nelmes, 2003). Costumes can also be used to show similarity between any two characters. When film wants to expose the aspects of rich neighborhood the costumes used should depict affluence. There are specific costumes that are meant for royal families and they should be used whenever the film’s plot is about royal family. Moreover, costumes can be used to depict change in characters as well as themes within a film. It goes without saying therefore that costume is a very crucial part in film making. Another very important part that helps in telling a story is make-up and hair style. The way a character has done his or her make-up and hair style will tell whether he or she is rich or a middle income earner. On the same note, hair style and make-up will tell whether the client was in a hurry when dressing or has walked along distance.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Elements of Design specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Notably, when the story is about a person running away from a certain danger and has a lot of things to think about, well kept hair style will not be consistent with the story (Nelmes, 2003). Nevertheless, a shaggy style with no make-up will be perfect to show that the character has some problems. Most importantly, make-up is used to ensure consistence in the looks of a character throughout the shooting of a movie. Arguably, hair style and make-up tells a lot about a given character. Sweat in a character’s face is the best way of showing a nervous character. This may be due to the fact that the character did something wrong. On the same note, it may be that the story is supposed to be set in a hot weather. Hair style and make-up are responsible for giving certain crucial clues about a given character. These clues may include the social status of the characters where well kept expensive hair style is associated with the rich in the society. Hair style may also be used to reflect the time period in which a film is set as well as the life style of the characters (Nelmes, 2003). The simple hair style worn by Ruth, Tommy and Kathy as they drive to town, shows that they do not have much money. Moreover, lack of any pronounced make-up shows their simple lifestyle (Mark, 2010). It is also important to note that make-up and hair style can be used to depict emotional or psychological aspects of the story. The story of the movie is about the predicament that three young adults and other people find themselves in. These people will have to face their fate and have been manipulated to believe that their fate is the same as every other person. In this regard, the mood of the film is quirky. The lights of the film change from dark and low-key to relatively bright in some scenes. The low-key lights are consistent with the gloomy themes of the film. On the same note, hair styles and make-ups used in the film are very simple depicting the simple life that the characters live. Consequently, the design elements are in perfect harmony with the main theme of the film. References Mark, R. (Director Producer). (2010). Never Let Me Go Movie [ Motion Picture]. United States: Fox Searchlight Pictures. Nelmes, J. (2003). An Introduction to Film Studies. London: Routledge.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This research paper on Elements of Design was written and submitted by user Britney D. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

World Affairs essays

World Affairs essays How the U.S. Should Influence World Affairs The United States should try to take care of things more, without getting people mad at the same time. They should have a meeting with all of the world powers and try to discuss their problems. These meetings should discuss the problems we are having and try to figure out a way to solve these problems. I feel that it is mainly our responsibility to take care of the rest of the world. It might not of been our choice to take on this responsibility but we are the superpower of the world. By being the superpower of the world comes a lot of responsibility that not everyone could handle. If you think of it we are like the peace keepers of the world, yeah some people tell us to mind our own business but the more we help people the more the people are dependent and look up to us for it. We the U.S. need to get involved in more things and try to get countries to solve their problems more peacefully. As we all know everything does not always go peacefully. Sometimes problems get wors e instead of better and there is no other choice but war, and when this happens we are usually the first ones there. True we dont always want to fight but once again the responsibility thing comes into effect again, the U.S. has probably the best Army, Navy, etc so automatically we are the first ones that everybody turns to for help. In a way thats a good thing but sometimes that can get us into trouble, or if we try to stay neutral it might make things worse like WW2. So we as the U.S. have a lot on our hands on making decisions, supporting other countries, and so on. I feel that the U.S. should keep on trying to influence world affairs. Im not saying that we know everything cause we certainly dont but the more we try to help I feel that other countries will see that we actually care about them and that we really want world peace. ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Automobile Manufacturing Industry in China Essay - 2

The Automobile Manufacturing Industry in China - Essay Example As the Chinese continue to invest significant capital in research and development as well as the acquisition of existing foreign-owned automobile manufacturing companies, it is clear that China has the potential to rival Japan as a global industry leader. The results of a survey administered to 100 randomly selected individuals from Beijing, China confirmed the hypothesis that China’s automobile manufacturing sector is positioned for considerable growth. Millions of Chinese with the financial means will be purchasing automobiles in the years to come. The Chinese government continues to invest in highway infrastructure in support of the anticipated growth in the number of automobiles. A large number of competitors in the Chinese automobile industry is welcomed news for consumers. The product variety and vehicle quality are both excellent and the fierce competition for customers will moderate prices well into the future. Primary research was conducted utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. The respondents were 100 randomly selected local residents of Beijing, China. This method was selected for several reasons. First, a self-administered questionnaire allows the researcher to collect significant amounts of data in a relatively short period of time. Second, the data are easily coded and analyzed. Third, this method is accepted for its high level of accuracy in drawing conclusions related to the research hypothesis. In addition to primary research, secondary sources were utilized to support the findings in this study. Chapter three provides a comprehensive overview of the research methodology. In applying Porter’s Five Forces and Diamond models to the Chinese automobile manufacturing industry, the analysis is quite revealing. Utilizing the five forces approach, it is clear that Chinese automobile manufacturing firms do not enjoy a strong competitive advantage because there are so many companies in the market.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

(the self-parking and driving car Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

(the self-parking and driving car - Assignment Example Also as they will be able to access real-time information on the status of the roads, traffic jams and grid-lock may become a thing of the past, also they may ease movement for the visually impaired and physically challenged (Car jam). Driverless cars are still illegal and ultimately it will be up to lawmakers to adjust the guidelines of the road, particularly dealing with security and insurance matters, so as to allow for driverless cars on the road. Issues like who is at fault in an accident? Will drivers control data about their whereabouts? Imagine a situation where the computer fails and the driver cannot retake control in time. Likewise, what if the system is hacked? These are a few of the new challenges that have to be faced. Despite this some states namely California, Michigan, Nevada, Florida and Washington D.C, are taking steps(CNN). Either way companies like Google, Audi, BMW, Mercedes ford and Nissan see this as the next frontier in car development and have viable prototy pes in testing. Though this is yet to be achieved, it seems to be the future of driving (CNN). Â  CAR Magazine site. "Driverless cars: why you wont be buying one soon (2014)." 2014. Web. 26 Mar 2014.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Family work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Family work - Assignment Example c) I think the US should regulate working hours to se to shield workers in both public and private sectors from being exploited. An eight hours working day should be acceptable and employees should only work for five days. Any overtime should be a request and compensated commensurately. In setting such a law I will consider ILO and other international organizations as well as the UN guidelines on work hours. d) Closing borders is a good measure that will help prevent illegal immigration into the US. However, focusing on the demand side for labor by illegal immigrants you see a need for punishing employers. Firstly, sneaking into a country to earn a living is less grievous a crime compared to sneaking around fair-labor to employ low-wage immigrants. Sneaking around fair labor standards encourages the employment of illegal immigrants on poor wages. Such employers should be fined heavily so as to bar them from repeating their unethical acts. Nations differ markedly in a number of issues. One notable difference among nations is culture; all nations of the world have unique cultures which not only influence development but also the way of doing business. In China for instance business is greatly influenced by strong relationships and trust while in the west the business environment runs on the principal of capitalism where contractual agreements are influential. Approaching business can therefore differ significantly from the west. Another notable difference is the legal environment; some nations encourage free markets while others such China protect certain sectors perceived as being important to the national economy. Labor laws also differ with some nations focusing a lot on rights of employees while others don’t. in China for instance laws on copyright are not well developed and therefore proprietary issues can easily arise when doing business. The United States differs with developing

Friday, November 15, 2019

History Of The Millat Tractors Limited

History Of The Millat Tractors Limited This whole report starts with the brief introduction of the Millat Tractors Limited. The introduction consists of company background, products, objectives, mission and vision statement and dealer network. After this the report contain a complete financial analysis of the firm and its comparison with its main competitor i.e. Al-ghazi tractors, these ratios cover all the ratios which include the liquidity, leverage, profitability ratio, activity and other ratios. After this in the end the report contain the literature and article review from different authors and websites. Contents Company Review Introduction The millat tractors limited was established in 1964. At that time the main goal of this company was to introduce and market Massey Ferguson Tractors in Pakistan. In 1967, an assembly plant was set up to assemble tractors in semi-knocked down condition. In 1972 the company was nationalized and started assembling and marketing tractors on the behalf of Pakistan tractor Corporation (PTC), formed by the government of Pakistan to import the tractors in semi-knocked down condition. Later in 1980 the government decided to manufacture the tractor in Pakistan, so they put this responsibility on Pakistan Tractor Corporation (PTC). PTC transferred this role to Millat tractors in 1981. It took only one year for millat tractors limited (MTL) to manufacture their own tractors, by setting up the first engine assembly plant in Pakistan. In 1984, the MTL set up a manufacturing facilities for the machining of intricate components, which were not available in Pakistan. In 1992, MTL was privatized throu gh management buyout (wikipedia). Mission Statement Millat to be market leader in agricultural tractors and machinery, building Companys image through innovation and competitiveness, grow by expanding market and investing into group companies, ensuring satisfaction to customers and stakeholders and to fulfil social obligations (Millat Tractors). Vision Statement Millat to be a global group of companies, recognized for a range of quality products with innovative design capabilities (Millat Tractors). Business Core Values Our customers are our first priority Prosperity of our stakeholders Corporate social responsibilities to enrich the lives of the community where we operate Recognition and reward for the talented and high performing employees Excellence Integrity in dealing (Millat Tractors). Objectives and Strategic Planning Objectives The main objective of the millat tractors in to be a market leader as far as market share and technology is concerned, in the areas of operations. The objective is also to continuously improve the efficiency and competitive strength and to offer the customer the quality products and support services at competitive prices and to their satisfaction. To generate sufficient earnings to ensure a secure future for the company and to protect and increase the shareholders return through continuously improving the performance. Moreover the objective is also to enhance the creativity and job satisfaction of the employees by providing opportunities for the personal development. To play a vital role for the society and environment (Millat Tractors). Strategic planning To make optimum use of ancillary industry in Pakistan to maximize indigenization of tract parts and farm equipment. To create in-house plant facilities for manufacture of components for tractors and other agricultural machinery which cannot be fabricated by the ancillary industry, where investments required are heavy or where technology involved is intricate. MTL will maintain a strong RD Department to provide technical assistance to local manufactures and for product development. Ensure customer satisfaction by providing quality products at competitive prices with warranty coverage and ensuring after sales service (Millat Tractors). Products MTL has a huge variety of products which includes tractors for the farmers that range from 50 HP to 85 HP, to fulfil the needs of the farmers for agriculture purpose. These tractors can be purchased not only against cash but also through bank financing. Besides Tractors MTL also offer industrial products like generators, that range from 15 KVA to 40 KVA, forklift trucks and prime movers, that range from 50 HP to 85 HP. MTL also deals in range of generating sets from 27 kVA to 2000 KVA (Millat Tractors). Other than above mentioned products MTL also offers a wide range of agricultural implements like chisel, Disc and mould board plough, tine tillers, offset disc harrow, ridger, front blade, multi-purpose rear blade, agriculture loader, farm trailer, hydraulic tipping trailer, jib crane, post hole digger, lawn mover, and pneumatic pruning sets. MTL also provide a wide range of spare parts throughout the country (Millat Tractors). Dealers MTL has dealers throughout the country to make sure the availability of the tractors. MTL divided the whole country into six regions that are KPK, Northern Punjab, South Punjab, Upper Punjab, Lower Punjab and Balochistan (Millat Tractors). Competitor Analysis The main competitor of Millat Tractor is Al-ghazi tractors, besides Al-ghazi there are few private tractor manufacturers and Chinese tractors that multiply the competition. Below is the financial analysis of both millat tractors limited and Al-ghazi tractors. On the basis of these financial ratios we can compare the performance of both the firms. For Financial statements see the appendix. As far as the production and sales of MTL units are concerned a graph from their websites are given below. http://millat.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/image/chart3.JPG Source: http://millat.com.pk/?page_id=408 Financial Ratios Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio Although the current ratio of both the firms are greater than 1, but the current ratio of Al-ghazi tractors is higher than 3 which shows that the company is inefficient to utilize its current assets to pay off the current liabilities. On the other hand the current ratio of MTL is greater than 1 but less than 3 which shows that company is efficiently utilizing its current assets to settle the current liabilities. So on the basis of the current ratio we can say that Millat tractor limited is working more efficiently with their assets as compare to Al-ghazi, which has huge current ratio thats shows the inefficiency in case of utilizing the assets. Quick Ratio Quick Ratio shows the companys ability to use the cash and cash equivalents to settle the current liabilities, this excludes the inventory. The ratio of both the companies shows that millat tractor is more efficient as compare to Al-ghazi. Moreover the ratio is also close to the current ratio which shows that inventory is well managed by the millat tractors. Although the ratio of Al-Ghazi is much higher than the millat tractors, but the ratio higher than 3 is not a good sign. This shows that Al-Ghazi tractors are unable to utilize the cash and cash equivalents to settle the current liabilities due which their ratio is higher than that of Millat tractors. Inventory to net working capital This ratio tells us the extent to which the working capital is tied up in the inventory, although it is less than 1 for both the firms. But in case of millat tractors it is higher than al-Ghazi which is not a good sign as it shows that lots of working capital is tied up in inventory as compare to that of Al-Ghazi Tractors. During the last year however the ratio has decreased in case of MTL and increased in case of Al-ghazi tractors but Al-Ghazi Ratio is still lower as compared to MTL. One of the main reason is the higher inventory since last three years of Millat tractors. One thing to be kept in mind is that these inventories mostly consist of spare parts and agriculture implements. Profitability Ratios Gross profit Margin Although the gross profit margin of millat tractors are lower as compare to Al-ghazi tractors yet they are earning much on sale as compare to Al-Ghazi. In the year of 2011 Millat tractors report the sale revenue of 24863264 as compare to 14936034 but the reason is the high cost of goods sold. The main reason for the increase in the COGS is the components consumed, which is continuously increasing since last four years. According the millat tractors dealers and the website information the millat tractors is continuously increasing its production and achieved the target of 40000 tractors in the year of 2011, which obviously resulted in the increase in the components consumed. Besides components repair and maintenances and spare parts consumed also resulted in the increase of COGS, most of them were covered under the warranty claims. On the other hand in case of Al-ghazi tractors, Components consumed were highest in the year of 2010 and in 2011 the components consumed has decreased beca use of decrease in production, which also resulted in the decrease of other things like salaries, spare parts consumed and supplies. Due to this reason Millat tractors, that produced 40000 units as compare to Al-ghazi tractors that produces 19936 units in the year 2011, has to face lower gross profit margin as compare to the alghazi tractors. Otherwise as far as sales revenue is concerned, it is much much higher in case of MTL as compare to Al-Ghazi Tractors. Operating Profit Margin From the year 2008 till 2010, alghazi tractors has higher operating profit margin because of high sales as compare to COGS and low expenses but in the year 2011 Millat tractors beat the Al-ghazi tractors because of increase in production and sales and lower expenses with respect to the sales. Secondly the revenue from the sales against all the expenses are higher for MTL in the year 2011 as compare to the previous year. In the year 2011, alghazi tractors lower their production due to which their revenues also decreased. So the operating profit margin which indicates firms profitability from the current operations excluding interest and tax, is higher for MTL as compare to Al-ghazi tractors. Net Profit Margin Although the sales revenue of Millat Tractors are much higher than the alghazi tractors but they have to face high financing cost and taxation. In the year 2011 MTL also has to face a huge deferred taxation from the previous years along with the increase in the finance cost which is the result of increase in loans, accumulating compensated absences and trade and other payables. Trade and other payables were highest in the year of 2010 but decrease in 2011 due to which finance cost also showed some decreasing growth rate. On the other hand Alghazi tractors that produces much smaller number of tractors as compare to the millat tractors has to face low finance cost and taxation due to which the ratio is higher. Return on Total Assets This ratio calculates the companys earning or profit against the total net assets, the higher the ratio the better it is as it shows that the company is earning more profits as compare to their assets. Initially MTL has to face lower ratio when compare to Al-ghazi because of high growth in net assets and lower growth of profit but in the 2011, when MTL achieved the record production of more than 40000 tractors the ratio increased much higher than Alghazi, which faced an increase in total assets with the decrease in net profits. In 2011, MTL has to face a decrease in total assets with the increase in net profit, which shows that the company efficiently used its assets to generate the profits. So it is not wrong to say that the MTL is much more profitable as compare to Al-Ghazi. Earnings Per Share This ratio shows the earnings available to the owners of the common stock and if you see the ratios then it is clear that MTL has a high earning per share which shows that the investors of MTL enjoying the higher profit against their investments as compare to that of Al-ghazi Tractors. So this also shows that MTL is highly profitable as compare to Al-ghazi Tractors. Return on Stock Holders Equity This shows the rate of return on the stock holders investment. The ratio clearly shows a huge difference between the two companies. In case of millat tractors, the after tax profits are increasing against the decreasing profits of Al-ghazi. This shows that investors are enjoying high profits against their investment in case of MTL as compare to that of Al-ghazi profit, which is facing decreasing after sales profits. Leverage Ratios Debt to Assets Ratio High Debt to assets ratio shows that the company depends more on the debt financing, which ultimately increase the risk. Millat tractors shows increasing debt ratio until 2010 but it decreases in 2011. This shows that the company is more dependent on the debt financing rather than its own assets which made this company risky. Increasing EPS and stockholders equity also shows this as they are enjoying higher return which is the proof that the company is risky as higher the risk, higher will be the return. On the other hand Al-ghazis debt ratio is lower than the MTL, though they are also taking debt to finance their operation but the ratio against the total assets is low which shows that the company is less risk and depending mostly on its own assets as compare to that of MTL, this also results in the lower return. In the year 2011, MTL has dropped in liabilities significantly from the last two year but it also followed by the decrease in the total assets from the last two years. In th is case we can say that Al-ghazi is better than the MTL. Debt to Equity Ratio Just like the Debt to asset ratio, Debt to equity ratio of MTL is also high which shows that MTL also depending on Debt financing more than the equity. This ratio suggest that MTL is depending more on the debt financing as compare to equity financing, this makes MTL more risky. On the other hand Al-ghazi tractors has the lower debt to equity ratio, which makes this company less riskier as they depend on the equity financing more than their debt financing as compare to the MTL. In 2011, the debt to asset ratio as well as debt to equity ratio both shows downward trend in case of MTL, which is because of the huge decrease in the total debt of the company which is almost equal to more that 40 million rupees, due to this there is the decrease in the ratio in the year 2011. Long-term Debt to Equity Ratio This ratio also show the financing condition of the firm. Higher ratio means that the company is more depending on the long term debt as compare to the equity. High ratio shows the high risk for the firm. In this case Al-ghazi has the higher ratio which shows that Al-ghazi is more dependent on the long term debt as compare to the equity. MTL dependent on the short term financing but in case of al-ghazi they are more dependent on the long term financing due to which their ratio is higher than MTL. This shows that as far as long term debt to equity ratio is concerned Al-ghazi is much riskier than the MTL. Time interest Earned This ratio is lower for the MTL as compare to al-ghazi. This shows that Al-ghazi is better in this case. Activity Ratio Inventory Turnover Inventory turnover of MTL is much greater than Al-ghazi Tractors which shows that the company is efficient with the inventory and could be able to convert its inventory into sales. Though in the previous year that is from 2008 to 2010 MTL is behind Al-ghazi but in the year 2011, MTL is able to convert its inventory into sales more efficiently and effectively Fixed Assets Turnover Fixed assets turnover of Al-ghazi is decreasing since the last two year but on the other hand it is continuously increasing in case of MTL which shows that the company is more efficiently utilizes its fixed assets to make the sales. Other reason is that MTL non-current assets shows little or negative growth rate with the increasing sales but in case of Al-ghazi sales revenues are decreasing with the increasing fixed or non-current assets. Total Asset turnover Just like the fixed assets turnover ratio, total assets turnover ratio of MTL is also increasing which shows that the company is efficiently utilizing its assets to generate the sales as compare to that of Al-ghazi Tractors. Other Ratios Dividend Yield Except the year 2011, in which MTL retained most of the earnings, in all the previous years MTL pays higher dividends as compare to the al-ghazi tractors whose dividend fluctuate through out the year. This shows that the investors of MTL received higher dividend as compare to Al-ghazi tractors. Price Earnings Ratio MTL PE ratio is increasing which shows that it is faster growing and less risky in the sense that they fulfil all the risky through the return. On the other hand Al-ghazi shows decreasing trend which shows that they are risky, except it is proved above that MTL is highly risky as compare to Al-ghazi but MTL cover the risk through the return as compare to Al-ghazi so it could not be wrong to say that MTL is faster growing and more profitable as compare to Alghazi tractors. Dividend Payout Ratio MTL Dividend payout ratio is increasing which shows that they are not retaining earning and paying more dividends in cash rather than retaining them. Other the other hand Al-ghazi is retaining more than MTL and not paying much dividend as cash. Other Competitors Other than these two public listed companies there is a private company with the name of Fecto Belarus Tractors which is basically a private Russian company and has been working since 1962. This company has also participated in many government schemes like Green tractor and Awami Tractor schemes. But this company is very small and not so much appreciated by the farmers. According to the information given on their website they have produced only 4000 tractors in the year 2010 and 2011 (Fecto Belarus). Other than this there are few Chinese imported tractors but as per government rules there are very high barrier to the international tractors to support the local market. But if the Government could not able to address the problems the company is facing right now then these low price and low quality Chinese tractors will find their way into Pakistan, which will result in the major threat to the local industry. Literature Review Article Two main tractor manufacturing units Al-Ghazi Tractors and Millat Tractors have suspended their production after plummeting of their sales as levy of 16 percent GST has made the farm machinery costlier and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited has stopped tractor loans to the cash starved farmers for the past two years. Millat Tractors Limited and Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited account for virtually all of industrys yearly output of more than 72,000 tractors. A senior executive of Millat Tractors told Business Recorder here on Friday that tractor sales nosed down to 12,000 from July to December 2011 as against 30,000 tractors during corresponding period of last year. The industry sold 70,770 tractors from July 2010 to June 2011, he added. He said tractor manufacturers have suspended procurement of parts from their vendors as there are already several thousand unsold tractors dumped at their plants and countrywide dealership network. Tractor prices surged by Rs100,000 to Rs. 200,000 a piece depending on engine horse power after imposition of 16 per cent GST in March last year plunging the industry in turmoil and endangering investment of billions of rupees, he added. He said since ZTBL had suspended credit to farmers for purchase of tractors for two years and high interest rate of commercial banks loans, tractors are being purchased only by those limited number of affluent growers who pay net cash. He lamented that prices of cotton have suddenly fallen to a new low, farmers are not getting payment of sugarcane produce in cash, on the contrary, prices of fertilisers and other agri-outputs have skyrocketed, therefore the cash deficit small farmers have no money to purchase tractors. The executive suggested that the Punjab government should provide tractors to the unemployed people instead of taxis as a tractor is economically more useful and employment generator than a car/taxi Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers Manufacturing held an emergent meeting here on Friday to review the socio-economic impact of tractor manufacturing units closure in the short and long run as they have stopped buying parts of tractors from the vendors spread all over the country. Talking to this scribe PAAPAM chairman Nabeel Hashmi said that thousands of auto parts manufacturing units which provide 92 percent parts to the tractor industry are laying off their 0.5 million workers after closure of tractor manufacturing units. He said imposition of 16 percent General Sales Tax has not only ruined the tractor manufacturing industry but has also had fatal repercussions on the agri economy and engineering and vending industry. Hashmi pointed out that due to decline in tractor sales, the government is not getting any additional revenue, therefore it should immediately withdraw this tax to make cost of tractors affordable for overwhelming majority of small farmers who own less then 12 acres land.PAAPAM chairman warned that as tractors are of prime importance to the agricultural sector itself, the agriculture and rural economy would grossly suffer with dangerous consequences if the government did not take immediate remedial measures (Goraya, 2011). Explanation In this article Mr. Goraya told about the effects of general sales tax on the sales of the tractors. According to him the increase sales tax reduces the sales of the tractors in the country. Moreover the Zarai Tarakiyati bank was is responsible to give the loans to the farmers for the purchase of the tractors along with the other agricultural tools also stopped giving loans to the farmers due to which only those farmers who could afford the purchase of the tractors on the full cash basis could buy the tractors. This had the very adverse effects on the tractors industries as because of this the inventories which are unsold increased and many units goes unsold. Due to the increase in the taxes and the non availability of the loans the amount of the unsold tractors increased from 12000 units to 30000 units. Moreover because of the GST the prices of the tractors increases by 200000 rupees because of which farmers who were dependent on the loans, are now unable to purchase the tractors du e to which the sales goes down, with the decrease in production. According to the sales person of millat tractors limited the production of millat tractors decreased from 40000 to 32000 units because of the last year unsold inventory. Moreover in the article it is suggested that except giving the yellow cabs schemes, government should provide tractors to increase the employment and to save the industry the government should reduce the taxes so that this automobile industry could move forward with any threat. Article The last few years have been great if you were a tractor manufacturer. The industry has grown by a CAGR of more than nine per cent annually over the last five years with the exception of FY08 when it registered negative growth. This is on the back of a supply deficit whereby the demand for tractors and agricultural implements (taken on a cumulative basis when we talk about tractors) has been racing despite the hullabaloo of structural weaknesses in economy. This is because the local tractor industry is a derivative of the agricultural sector which forms the backbone of our economy and is the leading source of employment for our labor force. Therefore, as the population grows, which it will regardless of the era in question; demand for agricultural produce will grow, resulting in continuous demand for tractors in Pakistan. The linkage between tractors and the agriculture sector is therefore clear for all to see. Previously, industry growth was thought to be relatively immune from decelerating trends in agriculture; a view which was given life by observing FY09 and FY10 when the industry grew 13 per cent and 14 per cent respectively despite downturn in the agronomy with in-turn depressed growth rates (four per cent and two per cent respectively). Any good analyst would surely decipher that this is not a concrete relationship as sooner or later any business/industry will be affected by the economic environment it operates within. And it now has. The imposition of 17 per cent sales tax in March 2011, coupled with declining agro product prices which dented farmer income, will start taking its toll on the industry and its participants. The recent notice sent to the KSE by one tractor manufacturer (Al-Ghazi tractors) substantiates this view: Following the imposition of 17 per cent sales tax in March 2011 tractor bookings started fallingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Impact of 16 per cent sales tax on tractors, announced in the Financial Bill of the year 2011-2012, continues to jeopardise the companys sales. This has been spoiled further by the fall in cotton prices There are two main players in the tractor manufacturing industry, namely Millat Tractors Limited (MTL) and Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL), which account for virtually all of industry output. Of these, MTL, with its popular brand Massey Ferguson, holds 61 per cent market share in terms of total tractor sales and has experienced significant growth in the turnover since FY07. The company has developed a track of breaking records by achieving an off-take of 30,244 in FY09 and then surpassing it in the subsequent year to 40,836 tractors. As per the official statistics released by the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association (PAMA) the company has achieved sales of over 42,000 tractors in FY11 while the total tractor industry stood at 70,000 tractors sold during the year. Advanced bookings a measure often used to gauge demand increased by 81 per cent during FY10: 40,836 tractors pre-booked in FY09 to 74,000 tractors pre-booked during FY10. This figure is expected to drop as substa ntiated by the press release given above. Talking about the tractor industry as a whole, forming a holistic view of the key demand drivers of the tractor industry is imperative: KEY INDUSTRY DEMAND DRIVERS Government Incentives The Benazir Tractor Scheme aims to incentivise the purchase of 20,000 tractors by subsidising the tractor up to 50 per cent. The program aims to provide a subsidy up to Rs200,000 per farmer leading to more affordable tractors. Given the tight fiscal position of the GoP further extension/incentivisation in this program is unlikely. Therefore, we view this program lacking in its true essence on account of an absence of both ability and willingness on behalf of the government to encourage farmer development. Affordability A 17 per cent tax levied on tractor production in the Finance Bill announced in March was initially projected to raise tractor prices by 10-15 per cent. However, after accounting for the cumulative impact of the imposition in tractor inputs as well, final tractor prices have gone up by 20 per cent. This is a serious jolt to farmers for whom tractors have gone beyond the reach of affordability. Farmer Income Agricultural prices had shot up in the recent past. However, they have witnessed a sharp decline inline with fall in commodity prices globally. Pakistans agricultural produce has been the same; as an example, cotton prices have fallen to the 5,500 mark after seeing highs of over 13,000 per maund. This has impacted farmer income and therefore, they are less willing to spend upon tractors as they simply cannot afford to. Farmer Credit Squeezing of loans by the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), especially to farmers who own less than 12 acres of land, tractors are being purchased only by those who pay net cash. Given the fall in farmer income, the lack of credit in the market does not make a cash purchase viable for farmers. Indeed investment in such times is hardly the priority for farmers whose lifestyle limits him to focusing on only the necessities of life. Tractor Life According to FAO, ideal horsepower available per hectare should be 1.4, versus the current 0.9 in Pakistan. Increasing horse power utilisation would imply increasing the total number of tractors by more than 250,000 (55 per cent) highlighting the growth potential of the sector. Given the dearth in farmer awareness, a change in this trend seems unlikely. Competition High barriers to entry due to heavy capital outlay in establishing a distribution network reduce the threat of competition arising. Further, due to the high deletion levels (percentage of cost from locally manufactured inputs) soaring upto 90 per cent, Pakistani tractors trade at a significant discount to international counterparts, thereby making the import of tractors unfeasible and impractical. Given the above demand outlooks, future prospects of tractor manufacturers surely seem weak. But why should this be as alarming as it sounds? Tractor manufacturers have had it good over the past few years operating at near 100 per cent utilisation levels. They have built their asset bases and have enjoyed periods of strong profitability. Given that the two manufacturers have not been forced to engage in a price war and that both operate at nearly zero leveraging, the reserves built-up should be substantial in sustaining them through a down period. However, tractors are of prime importance to the agricultural sector itself, and while some rationalisation can be expected, a total fall from grace would have a far reaching impact on the agronomy in the longer run in terms of efficiency and growth (Khan). Explanation This article tells us that the tractor industry is the back bone for our economy. This industry was seeing the growth rate in the past but recently has to face many problems like GST, Inflation, expensive vendors. This articles also tell us that the MTL is the market leader with the 61 percent of market share as compare to its major competitor Al-ghazi, so it is in a strong position. This article also discussed different demand drivers. First of all the government support, although government is claiming to help the farmers by subsidizing the tractors through different schemes but still there is a lack of commitment and care of the government towards this industry. Secondly the affordability, with the increase in the GST, farmers are unable to afford such a expensive tractor, which was available for 15 lac two years back and now it is available for 20 lac rupees. Thirdly the farmer income, with the increase in population along with inflation it would be hard for the farmers to suppor t their families and with the increase in the price of the tractors farmers could not buy the tractors as they also have to afford my other lives. Forth the loans, with the increase in bad debts and non performing loans the only bank for the farmers i.e. Zarai Tarakiyati bank stopped giving loans and increased their interest rates so farmers are unable to get the loans for the purchase of the tractors, this also multiply the difficulties for the farmers. Lastly the competition, as there are high barriers of entry to international firm to enter into the Pakistan market no intern

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Glasswells Trifle :: essays research papers fc

Psychopathic: One Murder after Another In Susan Glaspell’s Trifles, Mrs. Wright has been arrested for the murder of her husband. The author describes her as a hard working house wife. She would spend hours in the hot summer making fruit preserves. Minnie Foster uses to be lively and social before she married John Wright. She would sing in a choir like a beautiful bird. From this perspective, readers will surely believe she is innocent. There is no way a sweet lady like her could have committed such a hideous crime, or could she? Although she had a normal personality, Mrs. Wright possesses a dark side. The killing of her husband is not an act of revenge for the death of her bird, but surely an act of a psychopath.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Cleckley, psychopaths normally show anxiety and do not feel guilt once they have committed a crime. Cleckley states, â€Å"The crimes of psychopaths are usually stone-cold, remorseless killings for no apparent reason. They cold-bloodedly take what they want and do as they please without the slightest sense of guilt or regret† (Cleckley). Psychopaths lack the ability to feel remorse and empathy. They feed themselves with the suffering of their victims. Sometimes, they collect certain things from their victims and keep them as trophies. In addition, psychopaths are calculated predators. Once they have picked a victim, they will take days or even weeks to plan out the attack. Robert Hare once claims, â€Å"Psychopaths must have stimulation and are prone to boredom† (Hare). Psychopaths need to have a social life; they need be able to communicate with others. If they do not have this access, they tend to, as many sociologists believe, â€Å"burst† and resort to violence just like Mrs. Wright.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mrs. Wright exemplifies a psychopath because she exhibits many of its characteristics. Most readers, if not all, believe that Mrs. Wright kills her husband. Some consider it an act of revenge; however, it is not. The killing is an act of a psychopath. In the beginning of the story, Hale describes Mrs. Wright as anxious â€Å"and was kind of-pleating (her apron)† (1325). When people are nervous, they usually grab on to something that they have been accustomed to for many years. In Mrs. Wright’s case, it is her apron. As stated earlier, psychopaths usually show anxiety after killing their victim and Mrs. Wright displays it as she sits on her chair.