Aldous Huxley s Brave New World - 1564 Words

Envision a world where everybody is happy, there is no sorrow or suffering, no fear of death, no misery, everything is pleasant, and the government doles out happy pills, known as Soma. Aldous Huxley’s novel â€Å"Brave New World† describes this world. Is everyone truly happy, and what do the citizens sacrifice in exchange for living in this utopia? Huxley helped shape the modern mind with provocative theories about humankind s destiny, and he was concerned with the possible social and moral implications that advances in science and technology could hold. Set in a dystopian London six hundred years into the future, the novel follows future citizens through the â€Å"Brave New World.† The novel is a warning for any religion-deprived, heavily†¦show more content†¦He prefers to deal with his emotions, even if they are dismal. Bernard’s companion is Lenina Crowe, and unlike Bernard, Lenina is happy to accept life in the new world and takes Soma regu larly. Offended by frivolous sex, Soma, and the cloned human beings, John, also known as the Savage, is the main character in the novel. Desiring the right to be unhappy and knowing the truth will allow John to experience being human. At the conclusion of the story, he hangs himself to escape the â€Å"Brave New World† (Huxley 152). Helmholtz Watson, another friend of John and Bernard’s, has a shared dislike of the â€Å"World State† and is dissatisfied with his life. Material possessions do not create contentment for these men. In the â€Å"Brave New World,† people remain happy, they acquire everything they desire, never become ill, and they have no fear of death. The citizens have no responsibilities that come with children and relationships (Huxley 128). However, if something should go wrong, there is always Soma to alleviate suffering. In this futuristic society, the world is comprised of the â€Å"World State† and is controlled by a dictatoria l government that provides citizens with a drug called Soma to ensure happiness. The drug is a symbol of the dominant influence of modern technology and science. Used as a metaphor in the novel, Soma removes individual freedoms and promotes social stability. The story doesn’t explain the pharmacology of Soma;Show MoreRelatedAldous Huxley s Brave New World1334 Words   |  6 Pageso read Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is to understand the fear for the future during the 1930’s. Widely considered ahead of its time, Brave New World is one of the most influential novels regarding the destructive outcome of genetic and public manipulation through regime control. The story contrasts two worlds: the traditional world where the â€Å"savages† reside and the new World State: a negative utopia where unrestrained sexual freedom, reproductive technology, and mind numbing drugs run rampantRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1329 Words   |  6 PagesIn Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, life is peaceful without any rebellion from its citizens. The society is called ‘The World State’, where scientist can finally produce eggs, without women getting pregnant. As a result, there is no such thing as a â€Å"family†, and the word ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’ are consider as obscene. â€Å". . . the loathsomeness and moral obliquity of childbearing –– merely gross, a scatological rather than a pornographic impropriety† (Huxley 159). They use the Bokanovsky Process, inRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1080 Words   |  5 PagesComplete Control† Today, one s perceptions of happiness are more often than not associated with material achievements, advancements, or perhaps, love. In Brave New World, however, happiness is based upon the pursuit of stability and emotional equilibrium Aldous Huxley s dystopian novel, Brave New World serves as a warning of the ominous. Set in London, the totalitarian regime instills the motto of stability, community, [and] identity(Huxley.1.1) in its citizens. Huxley s dystopia attempts to findRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World Essay1800 Words   |  8 PagesAccording to Webster’s New World Dictionary, bravery is â€Å"possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance† (Agnes 178). Oftentimes, people are commended for acts of bravery they complete in the heat of a moment or overcoming a life-changing obstacle. Rarely one is commended for simply living a brave life, facing challenges they do not even understand. The characters in the Aldous Huxley’s Brave New Wor ld live a peculiar lifestyle demonstrating bravery for just breathing. Although Huxley’sRead MoreAldous Huxley s A Brave New World1649 Words   |  7 PagesAldous Huxley has presented us a compelling story in the 20th-century called a Brave New World. One of the most notable dystopian novels, it calls for a reader to conceptualize a world, in which society and science are synonymous with each other, history had faded far into obscurity, and Henry Ford, the creator of the assembly line, becomes a deity to many uniformed individuals. The book was about how humans are no longer created by the conventional means of mating, rather artificially, throughRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1904 Words   |  8 PagesAldous Huxley’s Brave New World, published in 1932, is a masterpiece of science fiction. His imagined, dystopian state creatively employs facts and theories of science, as well as his very own thinly-veiled commentary on the future of society. His family backg round and social status, in addition to molding Huxley himself and his perspective, no doubt made impact on his writing and contributed to the scientific accuracy of his presentation. However, Huxley certainly qualifies as a social commenterRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1038 Words   |  5 PagesAldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, portrays a World State that has made consumption one of its centerpieces. Economic stability is essential to the effectiveness of the World State. They are brainwashed by advertisements and organizations that make them feel as though they are free. The people within the World State continuously consume because of the conditioning they obtained when they were younger. They are educated that when an object or good is in need of fixing, they must get ridRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World2645 Words   |  11 PagesTimes: Aldous Huxley was born into a family of renowned scientists in 1894. He lost his mother at age 14, became virtually blind due to illness three years later, and lost his older brother to suicide at age 21. Despite these setbacks, he went back to school after dropping out of Eton and earned a degree in English literature from Oxford. Because of his blindness, he was not able to do the scientific research he had previously wanted to do, and turned to writing. He wrote Brave New World in fourRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World2041 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself†- Aldous Huxley. Throughout Aldous Huxley’s life he encountered malicious experiences that changed him drastically. He found out that he was a great writer through the dreadful and exceptional events in his life. In the novel Brave New World, Huxley uses conflict and characterization to illustrate how the adv ancement of technology can potentially cause human destruction and how individual motivationRead MoreAnalysis Of Aldous Huxley s Brave New World1420 Words   |  6 Pagesexcessive effort to become perfect can be counteractive and lead to dysfunctionality. In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, characters live in a dystopian society that sprouted from the human yearning for perfection. Although the citizens in Brave New World are genetically engineered to be perfect individuals and are on soma constantly to keep them happy and efficient, they lack individuality.. Brave New World is a novel that clearly demonstrates that trying to create a perfect society can result in

God Through The Eyes Of Science - 2793 Words

God through the Eyes of Science The sound of silence spread through the hospital. Those who stood by, saw new-born Joseph lying in the doctor’s arms, his young body taking in fresh air weeping. How could this be? The doctors were seriously concerned for Joseph’s wellbeing and did not expect a hysterically crying baby with a strong chance of not making the next hour, if he were to even survive the pregnancy. Fortunately, miracles like this one continue to suggest a supernatural being that can break through the natural realm allowing His will to be fulfilled on earth. The existence of God, cannot be proven just through subjective theology, however,personal testimony, historical context, and modern knowledge that are without contradiction can. First of all what is a miracle, a miracle is an event not explicable by natural or scientific laws (Webster Dictionary). It started when my mom was pregnant, before losing a child to a miscarriage and an abortion not do by complications. But this time was different , doctors who were of the highest profession recommended to my parents to consider abortion, because I would not take one breath. Nationally recognized Dr. Nadell, diagnosed me with Spina Bifida, a rare disease that affects the spinal cord, disability that varies by degree, of which I had the highest. My parents chose not to listen to those who said I would grow up unable to function if I were to even survive the pregnancy. I would be mentally challenged, I would not take oneShow MoreRelatedScience And Christianity : The Big Bang Theory974 Words   |  4 PagesScience and Christianity From the beginning of time, science and religion have fought each other. Both trying to explain life and the things that go on in our daily lives. There are many topics where science and Christianity don’t see eye to eye. Both believe many different things. Religion believes in faith and science believes in observing the environment and phenomena that happens around us. Many Christians believe that god created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. After creatingRead MoreComparative Studies of Bladerunner and Frankenstein1157 Words   |  5 Pagesexplore some of the concerns of her time relating to the use of science and technology and its impact on humanity. Similar concerns are also present in Ridley Scott’s â€Å"Bladerunner†, a futuristic text which combines science fiction and film noir to present a bleak view of a future world overrun by technology and consumerism, but devoid of human emotion. Both these texts offer insights into the human experience namely between man and science and man and nature. In both these texts, the main concerns ofRead MoreLife of Pi: the Correlation Between Science and Religion Essay1582 Words   |  7 PagesBhatti Ms. Ciufo ENG-3U1 Wednesday, April, 28, 2010 Life of Pi: Correlation between Science and Religion One of the most important dichotomies that exist amongst today is Science versus Religion. A dichotomy that started in the renaissance era, a period when people started questioning, looking to other horizons, other than religion and truly began to comprehend reality. The theme of Science versus Religion is portrayed in a great deal in the novel Life of Pi. In Life of Pi, Yann MartleRead MoreMy Faith And Science Concepts Essay1267 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout the curriculum of Faith and Science, my worldview has been challenged and strengthened due to new faith and science concepts. I began this course with an uncanny ability to explain what I believe and why; and ended with a solid factual framework that can be both understood and shared. The various topics and ideas presented by Dr. Tackett not only pricked my spirit but enriched my mind as well. His teachings sharpened my eyes and cleared my lenses so that I might see Christ in everythingRead MoreEssay on Science vs. Religion 1302 Words   |  6 PagesReligion versus science, the debates and conflicts have been on for centuries. For both religious and scientific ideals, the faith people have drives them. In this paper, I will examine the story of â€Å"The Eye of Apollo† by G.K. Chesterton, and the episode â€Å"House vs. God† of House, M.D., in order to question this conflict. The main character—Father Brown—in â€Å"The Eye of Apollo† combines his reasoning with his religious ideals and beliefs, or we can say his faith in God leads him to the truth of theRead MoreTheologians : Sallie Mc Fague And Thomas Torrance1266 Words   |  6 Pagesof all of Torrance’s theology is the truth of the Trinity. It is foundational to all of his work. For him, the ultimate purpose of theology is knowing God in a personal way that involves both head and heart. He felt we must be faithful to Scripture’s logic. (Torrance, 2008). Torrance was also interested in the interface between theology and science. He considered his method â€Å"depth exegesis, and† attempted to avoid dualism, believing that method was always responsive to content. He organized his approachRead MoreIs Theology A Science Of God?1749 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Theology is a science of God which looks to comprehend God s creation, especially man and his condition, and God s redemptive working in connection to humankind. On the off chance that theology is science, with a particular sort of reason routines for showing what science generates and improves in its access of faith. As Aristotle observed, each field of demand ought to apply a strategy appropriate to it, and it is the characteristic of an imbecile to attempt to use, for instance,Read MoreThe Design Argument : The Theory Argument1608 Words   |  7 PagesPhilosophers have been arguing about such a debate for hundreds of years, but there does not seem to be any consensus on whether on the existence of god and the universe. The ancient world never battled over such questions, rather they had accepted the fact that the natural world was created by some being. However, as society made major advancements, the question about god s existence and his creation arose causing many debates and arguments to come about. The design arguments are a popular example of suchRead MoreThe Debate Between Faith and Science805 Words   |  4 Pagesworld there is an ongoing debate between faith and science. The extraordinary advances of science have sometimes led to the belief that it is capable of answering by itself all of mans questions and resolving all his problems. Some have concluded that by now there is no longer any need for God. It has been said that one must choose between faith and science: either one embraces one or believes in the other. People seem to have faith belief in God as creator of life and some have scientific beliefsRead MoreHow Can A Christian Be A Biologist? Essay1562 Words   |  7 PagesChristian can be a biologist, because in this field of science you are surrounded by proof of a spectacular creation. Biologists can see the perfect alignment of the universe in the creation of cells, new life, and systems that are so intricately detailed with checks and balances. For example, this can be seen in cell division or apoptosis. I can answer this question of how a Christian can be a Biologist with a quote from the book Biology Through the Eyes of Faith by Richard T. Wright that says, â€Å"The Scriptures

Free Speech Is The Cornerstone Of The American Freedom

The American lifestyle has always included the freedom to speak freely. This freedom, granted by the 1st amendment, can be viewed as the cornerstone of the American freedom since without it most of the other freedoms Americans enjoy become less useful or even obsolete. The issue that many find with free speech however is that everyone must have it even if that person holds an opposing opinion. This mutual respect is the foundation for civil discussions and debates that shape the country and even the world. However many Americans either no longer know how to discuss matters civilly or simply no longer want to hold important discussions this way. The population of people that believe this wishes to stop civil discussion and instead have only one belief that every person should share as being true. I therefore hypothesize that since many Americans are coming to believe this, free speech and the freedom of belief are no longer freedoms that Americans value, and that the right to free s peech is under attack by people living in America who believe that it should no longer exist. The amount of importance that Americans place on their freedoms is often vastly overestimated, but can be measured by polling companies, such as Gallup, that research the public’s opinions on certain matters such as the freedom of speech or privacy. The results of these polls, especially those taken after frightening events such as the 9/11 attacks, accurately reflect Americans’ opinions on issues,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Stonewall Jackson Way1421 Words   |  6 PagesPoetry-Archive, George W. Jacobs Co., www.poetry-archive.com/p/stonewall_jackson_s_way.html. Accessed 4 Sept. 2017. John Williamson Palmer is a famous American author who recorded revolutionary events. Palmer was originally a physician, but he later decided to pursue a career in journalism. Since he was writing during the Civil War, his works encompass American patriotism and morale. His poem â€Å"Stonewall Jackson’s Way† serves to commemorate the achievements and leadership of the Confederate General ThomasRead More Seperation Of Church From State939 Words   |  4 Pagesconstitution ever since it was written. The first amendment relates to a citizens freedom. This freedom does not only allow this practice speech but on thought as well. It states â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.† (Barton, America: To†¦ p.15). When the constitution was formed society in general belonged to Orthodox Christian. John Quincy Adams, in a speech on July 4,1837 asked the crowd, â€Å"Why is it, that next to the birthday of theRead MorePos Wk 1949 Words   |  4 PagesUnited States Constitution (Patterson, 2011, p28). Since we began our journey away from parliamentary government, the colonists who created this nation worked hard to create a nation that would be fair to all who lived here. Americans enjoy the pursuit of happiness, freedom of living and equality because of our Constitution. The foundation for our constitution can be traced back as far as medieval times and the Magna Carta. Even then people were fighting for the rights of the people. ThroughRead MoreSymbolic Speech : Freedom Of Speech1320 Words   |  6 Pages Freedom of Speech: To Kneel or Not to Kneel? Symbolic Speech: Whether tis Nobler to Ignore the First Amendment Introduction The inspiration for my topic came from our first assignment, the MTU Constitutional Essay Contest, and the NFL kneeling/National Anthem controversy. The extent of the public outcry and the divisiveness it has caused baffles. Kneeling during the playing of The National Anthem at widely viewed sporting events seems like a perfect and peaceful way to bring attentionRead MoreThe United States And The Civil War851 Words   |  4 PagesThe word â€Å"freedom† has always been a cornerstone of the numerous transformations of the American society. It is the notion that is found in speeches of both Republican and Democrat politicians, the idea that connected the mind of an affluent Southern plantation owner and that of a radical abolitionist. Generally, the understanding of any period in the United States history as a whole relies heavily on acquiring the knowledge of the way of life, and the patterns of thought of the American public. TheRead MoreMinimum Wage vs. Slavery1407 Words   |  6 PagesNevertheless, slavery and minimum wage are too entirely different struggles due to the fact that the hardships of slavery far outnumber the hardships of living off minimum wage. The main thing that makes slavery and minimum wage incomparable is the freedom of choice. Education is a prime example of choice. Back in slavery days blacks were not afforded the opportunity to receive an education. In fact, they were not even allowed to learn how to read and write. This is proven by a quote in an articleRead MoreReconstruction Era of the United States and African American Community803 Words   |  4 Pages92. In 1865 an appointment was held between representatives of an African American community in Savannah, Georgia and Edwin Staunton, Secretary of War, and Major General Sherman concerning topics of the freedman in Georgia. Land was set aside, 40 acres, and a mule that could no longer be used by the Army to establish a community of their own. 1. Black leaders believed that owning land was essential to freedom because by them owning their own land they would be able to support themselves by themselvesRead More What Is An American Essay1650 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is an American. This country is full of individuals of many backgrounds, and diversities and each person has a different opinion on this question. In my opinion, an American is someone who values freedom and equality and pursues the American dream. Every American exercises these rights and these are great adjectives to describe our country. Each of the seven readings, and the one image I compiled help mold this broader definition into a more precise description of an American. Robert CreeleyRead MoreHuman Rights : Polished Synthesis Essay1251 Words   |  6 Pagesweaknesses so that governments could be formed to reinforce democracy s strengths while counteracting its weaknesses. Even though the Bill of Rights has served as the cornerstone of basic American freedoms, the weaknesses in the American democracy were also created by the Bill of Rights because of the right to bear arms, freedom of the press, the right to be secured from unreasonable searches and seizures, and an independent and influential judiciary. The right to bear arms is one of the strongestRead MoreSchool Law Module Three Reading Reflection Essay1640 Words   |  7 PagesSchool Law Module Three Reading Reflection American Public School Law, Chapter 8 – Student Speech and Expression Chapter Eight overviews the freedom of student speech and expression on public school property. The First Amendment provides students with the ability to openly speech and express themselves; however, there are limitations to these rights. Schools must balance the students right to free speech and expression with the need for a safe school that is advantageous for learning. As teachers

Analysis Of The Journey Of Meriwether Lewis And William Clark

Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose follows the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they explore the American West. Ambrose uses the thoughts of Lewis himself as a guide to the book; he even uses extensive journal entries which not only help the readers visualize what is going on during this expedition, but it helps the readers have a better understanding for what is happening in 19th century America. Ambrose uses a bit of his own logic and opinion in the book as well, he makes it apparent that he has nothing but admiration for Lewis and Clark which makes the book have an interesting turn compared to the normal historiography s. The first few chapters of the book, Undaunted Courage is more of a introduction to the early lifestyles of Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and William Clark. Lewis was born in 1774 to one of the more elite plantation owning families in Virginia. Lewis had to undertake the death of his father in November of 1779 due to Pneumonia, which I be lieve shaped the rest of his life. He began receiving several years of formal education from the future President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson in order to be an eligible candidate to run the estate that his father had left him. In turn, Lewis developed a â€Å"strong, sprightly, and flowing writing style.† (Page 28) Lewis soon enlisted in the army and â€Å"on December 5, 1800, Lewis was promoted to captain.† (Page 50) Although, Thomas Jefferson had different intentions for Lewis. AmbroseShow MoreRelatedBook Review Analysis of the Journals of Lewis and Clark1046 Words   |  5 PagesBook Review Analysis 1. General Information 1.A. The title of the book is The Journals of Lewis and Clark. 2.A. The authors are Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, edited by Bernard DeVoto 3.A. The publisher is Houghton Mifflin Company in 1953 4.A. The book is about Lewis and Clark’s personal journals kept over the duration of their exploration of previously unexplored territory. 2. Content Analysis 2.A. In the preface, the editor explains the differences between his and an editor namedRead More Critical Review of Undaunted Courage Essay858 Words   |  4 Pagesthose trips that he developed a great fascination with the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the West when the country was twenty-five years old. Ambrose creates a precise and true story of the expedition in witch most readers would be enthralled. His style is smooth, readable and enjoyable, unlike many historical nonfiction of the day. Undaunted courage has succeeded and conveying the meaning of the book and the significance of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Ambrose’s attraction to the westRead MoreCritical Review of Undaunted Courage882 Words   |  4 Pagesthose trips that he developed a great fascination with the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the West when the country was twenty-five years old. Ambrose creates a precise and true story of the expedition in witch most readers would be enthralled. His style is smooth, readable and enjoyable, unlike many historical nonfiction of the day. Undaunted courage has succeeded and conveying the meaning of the book and the significance of Lewis and Clarks expedition. Ambroses attraction to the westRead MoreThe American Revolutionary War And The Declaration Of The United States2177 Words   |  9 Pagesout the region. This journey was largely carried out in order to find a passage to the Pacific coast. In fact, â€Å"in the mind of Jefferson, conceiver and sponsor of the expedition†¦. backed by this interpretation, which was based on what was probably the most complete and accurate collection of geographical and cartographical materials on Western America, Jefferson knew that the passage existed† (Allen:1972, 18). President Jefferson was tasked with finding men for this journey; as a result, he askedRead MoreExploring The Wild West : Lewis And Clark Expedition3542 Words   |  15 PagesExploring the Wild West: Lewis and Clark Expedition Kenzie Cvar 2nd period 11-20-2014 Romero DUAL Within the time period of 1801- 1809 Thomas Jefferson was President and participated in the Louisiana Purchase. America bought 820,000 square miles from France. (All land that stretched from the Mississippi river, in total 15 states were bought from the purchase.) With this amount of un-known land, Jefferson called for an exploration and hired Meriwether Lewis, Jefferson’s secretary,Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesLine 58 Understanding and Appreciating Individual Differences Important Areas of Self-Awareness 61 Emotional Intelligence 62 Values 65 Ethical Decision Making and Values 72 Cognitive Style 74 Attitudes Toward Change 76 Core Self-Evaluation 79 SKILL ANALYSIS 84 Cases Involving Self-Awareness 84 Communist Prison Camp 84 Computerized Exam 85 Decision Dilemmas 86 SKILL PRACTICE 89 Exercises for Improving Self-Awareness Through Self-Disclosure 89 Through the Looking Glass 89 Diagnosing Managerial Characteristics

Financial Management Case Study -Wesfarmers Limited Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Financial Management for Wesfarmers Limited. Answer: Introduction Wesfarmers limited is one of the biggest conglomerates of Australia. Its headquarters is situated in Perth, Western Australia. The company mainly deals in retail, chemicals, fertilizers, industrial, and safety products and also coal mining. In the year 2015 it became Australia largest revenue making company with the revenue of AU$62.7 billion. In this race it overtook its rival Woolworths limited and also the mining giant BHP Billiton. Also Wesfarmers if Australias largest private employer, employing about 205,000 people in its business. Wesfarmers was initially a co-operative concern, which used to provide supplies and services to the farmers in Western Australia (Wesfarmers Limited, 2015). In the year 1984 it got listed. It has a shareholders base of about 500,000. After it got listed, the company started acquiring other businesses, increasing its business and divisions. In our task below, we have summed up the qualitative and quantitative data of the company so that its performance can be analysed. Analysis of the financial statements Following is the five year data of the income statement of Wesfarmers: Summarised Income Statement 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Sales revenue 62,129 59,903 57,466 57,685 54,513 Other operating revenue 318 278 283 395 362 Operating revenue 62,447 60,181 57,749 58,080 54,875 Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation, finance costs and income tax 4,978 3,877 4,486 4,544 4,155 Depreciation and amortisation -1,219 -1,082 -1,033 -995 -923 EBIT 3,759 2,795 3,453 3,549 3,232 Finance costs -315 -346 -417 -505 -526 Income tax expense -1,004 -939 -908 -918 -784 Profit after tax from discontinued operations - 1,179 133 n/a n/a Operating profit after income tax attributable to members of Wesfarmers Limited 2,440 2,689 2,261 2,126 1,922 We see that the operating revenues of the company has increased every year for the last five years, this is due to operational efficiency of the company. Also the operating profits of the company have maintained a level of 3% to 5%, which is moderate in the industry in which the company operates. The company has shown financial efficiency by decline in finance costs of the company over the period of five years (Wesfarmers Limited, 2015). Overall performance of the company is good and it depicts growth prospects. Following is the five year data of the Balance Sheet of Wesfarmers: Financial Position Aa At 30 June 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Total assets 40,402 39,727 43,155 42,312 40,814 Total liabilities 15621 13740 17133 16685 15485 Net assets 24,781 25,987 26,022 25,627 25,329 Net tangible asset backing per ordinary share $4.85 $6.14 $4.69 $4.45 $4.12 Net debt to equity 0.25 0.13 0.20 0.19 0.17 Total liabilities/total assets 0.39 0.35 0.40 0.39 0.38 The assets of the company have increased over the period of five years, except for the year 2014. This was due to a divestment policy of the company. Also the company classified its insurance division as a discontinued operation in 2013. Stock Price Movement Capital and Dividends 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Ordinary shares on issue (number) 000's as at 30 June 11,23,753 11,43,275 11,57,194 11,57,072 11,57,072 Paid up ordinary capital as at 30 June 21844 22708 23290 23286 23286 Fully-franked dividend per ordinary share declared (cents) 200 200 180 165 150 Capital management: capital return and fully franked dividend components 100 50 - - - We see that the company is regular in paying dividends. In the last five years the company has paid an average of 179 cents per share. The current market price that exists in the market is average of $40. Also the average earnings per share in the last five years have been 199.5 cents. This gives us average PE ratio of 20 times. Therefore, we see that the performance of the company is very good and the financial stability of the company is also proper (Northington, 2011). The investor can take help of the following ratios also in order to determine if he can or he cannot invest in the shares of this company. Ratio Analysis Ratio analysis is a tool of financial statement analysis which helps us to have a quick view of the financial performance of the company in various aspects. Liquidity Ratio Current Ratio Current ratio is a liquidity ratio which helps to measure the companys ability to meet its obligations. The most acceptable current ratio depends from on industry, but mostly it lies within 1.5 to 3. But the current ratio should not fall below 1; this indicates low liquidity for the company (Albrecht et. al, 2011). Let us now calculate current ratio of Wesfarmers for the last five years. Current Ratio ($m) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Current Assets 9,093 9,311 10,586 10,911 10,218 Current Liabilities 9,726 8,229 9,572 10,747 8,722 Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 0.93 1.13 1.11 1.02 1.17 From the above data we can see that the company has maintained its current ratio for last four years, but in the current year the ratio has fallen below 1. This indicates low liquidity and that in the current year the company has diverted its liquid assets. The company needs to turn its assets into more liquid form so that it can meet up with its working capital requirements (Albrecht et. al, 2011). The major fall in current asset is due decline in cash balance of the company from $ 2,067m to $711m from year 2014 to year 2015. We see that major decline in current assets is witnessed in the year 2014; it is due to disposal of WesCEFs interest in Air Liquidi WA Pty Ltd. Keeping this disposal by the company at bay, we can see that the financial position of the company has not much changed. The liquidity of the company is healthy. Profitability Ratio Net Profit Margin Ratio The Net Profit Margin Ratio is a type of profitability ratio. It is calculated by dividing the net income of the company by revenue earned so that they can determine the level of profits earned. The net profit margin depends on industry to industry (Brealey et. al, 2011). For example, technology companies run at an average net profit margin of 15% to 20% Net Profit Margin ($m) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Net Income 2,440 1,510 2,261 2,126 1,922 Sales Revenue 62,447 60,181 59,832 58,080 54,874 Net Profit Margin [(Net Profit after tax / Sales Revenue) * 100] 3.91 2.51 3.78 3.66 3.50 For Wesfarmers Ltd we see that the operation of the company has increased every year for the last five years. Also the company has managed to maintain its profit margin of 3-4% every year. The company has also reported minor increases in net profit margins in the last five years. A similar company Walmart which is involved in retail business operates at a net profit margin of less than 5%. The companies which are able to expand their net profit margin witness share price growth which leads to high profitability levels. Return on Total Assets Ratio This is a type of profitability ratio. The return on total assets ratio helps to determine how effectively the company is using its assets to generate earnings. It is calculated by dividing the earnings before interest and tax by total assets of the company (Needles Powers, 2013). Greater is the result of this ratio, the company is said to more effectively use its assets. Return on Assets ($m) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Net Income 2,440 1,510 2,261 2,126 1,922 Total Assets 40,402 39,727 43,155 42,312 40,814 Return on Assets [(Net Income / Total Assets)*100] 6.04 3.80 5.24 5.02 4.71 In the given case of Wesfarmers we see that except for the year 2014 the net income of the company has constantly increased in all four years. The decline in 2014 is due to divestment plan, which has already been discussed above. The company has also shown a considerable increase in assets over the period of five years. We see that the return on assets ratio of the company has increased with time. This shows that company has with time learnt to more effectively utilize its resources (Brealey et. al, 2011). Therefore we can say that performance of the company, resource utilisation wise has improved over the period of five years. Capital Structure ratio Debt Ratio Debt ratio is a type of financial ratio, which helps the investor to calculate what amount of assets of the company is financed by debt. Lower the ratio, better it is for the company. Higher the ratio, higher is the leverage, higher is financial risk (Davies Crawford, 2012). Debt ratio is calculated by dividing the liabilities of the company by the assets of the company. Debt Ratio ($m) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Total liabilities 15,621 13,740 17,133 16,685 15,485 Total Assets 40,402 39,727 43,155 42,312 40,814 Debt Ratio 0.39 0.35 0.40 0.39 0.38 Wesfarmers maintain a rate of 35% to 40% for having its assets financed by outsiders. It is a moderate rate for the company. Since most of the assets, that is more than 50% of the assets are funded by own funds. This does not eliminate the financial risk of the company. A little variation in the ratio is acceptable taking into condition the other market conditions. The company just needs to maintain a steady cash flow so that it meets up with its debt obligations from time to time (Melville, 2013). The debt ratio helps the investor to determine the risk level; the risk level of Wesfarmers is relatively low as per the trend of five years. Interest coverage Ratio The interest coverage ratio of the company helps the investor to calculate the interest burden on the company in comparison to the earnings of the company. It shows how easily the company can pay its interest expenses. It is calculated by dividing earnings before interest and tax of the company by interest expense of the company for the year. It is also called times interest earned ratio (Parrino et. al, 2012). It helps the company to measure the margin of safety a company has to pay its finance cost for a given period. Interest Coverage Ratio ($m) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 EBIT 3,759 2,795 3,658 3,549 3,247 Interest Expenses 315 346 432 505 526 EBIT/ Interest Expense 11.93 8.08 8.47 7.03 6.17 We see that the interest coverage ratio of Wesfarmers has increased over the period of five years, which is good (Spiceland et. al, 2011). The earnings of the company have increased and the interest expense has decreased. This shows how the company is trying to reduce the financial risk and improve its operating efficiency. The performance of the interest coverage ratio of the company is improving every year. The investor can take this as a positive attribute of the company (Parrino et. al, 2012). Market Value Price-Earnings Ratio The price earnings ratio helps the investor to evaluate how much more is he ready to pay for the company as per the earnings of the company. The price earnings ratio of is calculated by dividing the price of the companys share by its earnings per share during the year (Williams, 2012). This ratio sometimes is also called price multiple or earnings multiple ratio. It can also be interpreted as, the amount which the investor is willing to pay for the share of the company to earn one dollar of the companys earnings. Price-Earnings Ratio 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Price 39.03 41.84 39.60 29.90 31.85 EPS 2.16 2.35 1.96 1.84 1.67 Price/EPS 18.06 17.83 20.21 16.23 19.11 We see that the price trend of the company is not stable. Whereas the earning are relatively more every year. The above evaluations inform that the investor is willing to pay an average of $18 to earn $1 of the companys earnings. The investor tends to invest in companies with a higher PE ratio than the companies with a low PE ratio. PE ratio is a great tool for comparing the financial position of two companies of same sector (Horngren, 2013). Stock Valuation as per Constant Growth Dividend Model As per the Constant Growth Dividend model the price of the stock can be calculated using the following formula: P0 D1 Re-G Where, P0 = Price of the share today D1 = Expected dividend Re= Current market rate G= Growth Rate The Dividend paid by the company in 2015 was $2 per share, also the current rate of return is 9% and the growth rate is 4%. Taking this information we calculate the price of share today with the help of formula mentioned above: P0 = 2*1.04 = 41.6 0.09-0.04 Therefore using the above formula we see that the price of share in todays market should be near about $41.6, whereas the latest share price which is in the market is about $40 per share. We see that the expected price of the share is almost equal to the actual price of the companys share (Choi Meek, 2011). This is because the markets can very easily read the expectations from a company and then they incorporate the same information in the price of the share. Recommendations The performance of the company is at par with the performance of the industry to which it belongs. It has managed to become one of the best conglomerates of Australia with its effort and efficient work. If the investor desires he can invest in the share of the company. The price of the share of the company stays stable and also the company has the pats of paying regular dividends. So we would recommend the investor to invest in Wesfarmers Ltd based on the financials of the company of last five years. The last five years indicates a strong trend and hence must be considered as a strong buy opportunity. Conclusion Taking the above analysis of the profit and loss statement and balance sheet of the company along with the help of various ratios, we see that the financial position of the company is very good and it matches with the performance of the company. Therefore, from the above report it is clear that the company has a good track record and has a strong scope of future movements. Overall, it is a good buy because it has strong fundamentals and ability to surge in the coming future. Therefore, the trend will remain intact and hence, should be considered a great opportunity to derive returns. References Albrecht, W., Stice, E. and Stice, J 2011, Financial accounting, Mason, OH: Thomson/South-Western. Brealey, R., Myers, S. and Allen, F 2011, Principles of corporate finance, New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Choi, R.D. and Meek, G.K 2011, International accounting, Pearson . Davies, T. and Crawford, I 2012, Financial accounting, Harlow, England: Pearson. Horngren, C 2013, Financial accounting, Frenchs Forest, N.S.W: Pearson Australia Group. Melville, A 2013, International Financial Reporting A Practical Guide, 4th edition, Pearson, Education Limited, UK Needles, B.E. Powers, M 2013, Principles of Financial Accounting, Financial Accounting Series: Cengage Learning. Northington, S 2011, Finance, New York, NY: Ferguson's. Parrino, R., Kidwell, D. and Bates, T 2012, Fundamentals of corporate finance, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Spiceland, J., Thomas, W. and Herrmann, D 2011, Financial accounting, New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin,University Press Wesfarmers Limited 2015, Wesfarmers Limited Annual Report and accounts 2015, viewed 2 July 2016, https://www.asx.com.au/asx/research/company.do#!/WEShttps://www.wesfarmers.com.au/ Williams, J 2012, Financial accounting, New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Political science state centered and power centered free essay sample

Man in nature is a social being. He cannot exist alone and can certainly not be self-sufficient. He is born and dwells in society where he associates with fellow humans. Man’s interaction with others in society eventually manifests his selfishness and quarrelsome nature. The human being is complex. Therefore as men live and interact in society, there arises the need for rules and accepted form of behavior. The regulation and execution of these rules are what bring about order in society. The regulators and enforcers of these rules and laws are what constitute what is called government. According to Heywood (2007) the government is created by individuals and for individuals (population), it exists to serve their needs and interests. This government hence is involved in a relationship with the rest of society. People have needs within the environment where there are resources and as such they make demands to the system (government) where processes take place and decisions and policies are passed back into the environment responding to the demands previously made. The discipline that deals with man in relation to his government is what is referred to as political science. However, there is no single or generally accepted view of political science as many thinkers have given many and different explanations of politics. The aim of this essay is to discuss political science as political science state-centered and political science power-centered and to highlight the differences and similarities between the two. Political scientists study matters concerning the allocation and transfer of power in decision making, the roles and systems of governance including governments and international organizations, political behavior and public policies. They measure the success of governance and specific policies by examining many factors, including stability, justice, material wealth, and peace. (Http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php? title=Political_scienceoldid=572424779). As the term is political science, it is a branch of social sciences among others like economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology etc. The term science according to JR Bond (n. d) cited in Beck et. al (1986) â€Å"implies the use of scientific methods. Science has had different meanings in different times in history. In the archaic science knowledge was mainly gained by just studying. In the modern usage, science is a method of learning based on systematic observation using the scientific method. † Politics as a science refers to the course of action through which political science as an academic specialty has come to use the scientific method for the production and distribution of knowledge about politics. Beck et. al states that â€Å"the study of politics involves conflict resolution hence politics defined by Harold Lasswell as the resolution of conflict over who gets what, when and how. The what is the particular product given out to the people for instance in education. The when is the timing and the how is the method used for distribution. In politics, the term science is regarded as precise and factual data supported by quantified and empirical evidence. Some political scientists now regard politics as a science since they collect quantified data and manipulate it statistically to support a hypothesis. The data is constantly gathered until it supports or generalizes human behavior and this forms generalizations called theories. Some theories are so firm that they are called laws. In this way, political study accumulates knowledge which is the original meaning of the term science. Therefore, politics as a science relates to knowledge acquired through systematic protocols that is used to explain human behavior in a society. It is knowledge that is based on empirical data or evidence or proof hence it is objective. † The subject of political science has had different views and therefore different theories, ideas and concepts have arisen out thereof: those such as political science state-centered and political science power-centered. According to Aristotle political science is a study a man in the governing of himself. In other words it is a study of state affairs. A state is a compulsory political organization with a centralized government that maintains a monopoly of the legitimate use of force within a certain geographical territory. Other traditional thinkers such as Paul Janet and Jelineck also defined political science is a study of state affairs only. This means that man, the government and their relationship are studied. This is political science state centered. The authority and influence over society is held in the state alone as an independent entity. The focus of study is on the state and the state or state affairs only. State-centered stresses the role of the government on society. Its focus is that the state itself can maintain political life to some extent independently of the way power is allocated between society classes. It should also be made clear that the government is their or exists in order to organize society thereby satisfying the needs of man or society or the population.. This is because the societies or man’s wants and needs are unlimited. Therefore a government has to exist to satisfy them. Some of the duties that government performs in order to satisfy the needs of society are: To provide law and order. It is the duty of the state to make that the society is ruled under law and that order is maintained. Rules and laws are what promote order even in society where the desires and aspirations of the people are not the same. For Ulimwengu (n. d) the state also provides education for the society. It is part of people’s desire to be literate and educated. Under state centered the government The state government promotes the state economy and to take operational control over most government programs for individuals, such as social programs and risk management. Because revenues would be redistributed according to this redistribution of legislative responsibilities, the states would have the resources to fund the activities acquired from federal control. (Norman, 12 August, 2008). In relation to the state’s role in the economy, Heywood (2007) states that the defects of the capitalist system can be rectified by the state through a process of economic and social engineering; the state is the custodian of public or common interest. The state provides security within the borders of the state. This is security from both outside the state and within the state (Norman, 12 August, 2008). According to Ulimwengu (n. d) the state provides and safeguards a range of goods, both tangible and intangible, that assure its people of a secure public space wherein they can live and love, produce and reproduce, and pursue the enjoyment of the fruits of their labour and love. Heywood mentions that the legitimate role of government is limited to the protection of ‘life, liberty and property’. Therefore the functions of governments should not extend beyond the ‘minimal’ functions of preserving public order and protecting property, providing defense against external attack and ensuring that contracts are enforced. Political science power-centered draws its meaning from the power theorists who considered political science not to be a study of the state business only but can be expanded to other institutions like trade unions, business associations, churches, non-governmental organizations, Academia, Student and Youth Organizations, Professional Bodies, Cultural Associations and Kinship Networks, international organizations inclusive and other institutions which play important roles in the struggle for power, morally, economically and politically on society. Unlike political science state centered, here the state and these non-state actors share power. Power may be defined according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary as the capacity to influence the behavior of others, the emotions or the course of events. It can also be defined as the ability of a person or a group to influence the beliefs and actions of other people. It is the ability to influence events. Power can be personal power (http//en,Wikipedia. org/wiki/political_science. power_versus_authority). This would therefore mean that not only the state has an influence on society but the non-state actors as well. Political science power-centered is mainly about power or power politics. Under this can view politics as who gets what, when and how (Lasswell cited in Beck, et. al, 1986). All this is in relation to the influence and authority that is expressed on society and its organization. According to Ulimwengu (n. d) ‘it is generally recognized that the process of building a capable state requires the participation of all the vital forces of a nation. A capable state is one that has all the attributes of a modern, strong, responsible and responsive state, a state capable of effectively discharging its duties of delivering security, peace, prosperity and other pubic goods to its people. Although the state has traditionally been considered as the focal point of this process, other sectors, including non-state ones, have an important role to play, and the importance of this role has grown significantly over the past couple of decades as the limitations of the post-colonial state in providing for the needs of its people have been made all too clear. It is thus important to identify these other actors and recognize those areas wherein they can contribute, and have indeed contributed, to the process, as well as to appreciate better their nature, their mode of intervention, the constraints hampering their action as well as to explore ways in which their participation can be rendered more fruitful. ’ An example of the role that non-state actors may play as a result of power sharing is that of non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). These are mostly single issue organizations, engaged either in development activities or in advocacy work. In development work they tend to be restricted in scope, operating in small geographical areas, covering small groups of people. In single issue