Nick Carraway Essay

Nick Carraway, the narrator and important character in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is deeply characterized through what he says, thinks, and is seen as by others. Many different perspectives of Nick are evident throughout the novel. He is judged and characterized by himself, his friends, and other strangers that he meets in the novel. Fitzgerald uses more dialogue to characterize Nick than other mediums. In the beginning of the book, on the first page, Nick himself declares that he is the narrator of the book. He states that he is â€Å"inclined to reserve all judgements† (Fitzgerald 1) because he has had many advantages which the average person would not have had. This is the first bit of character that we see developed in Nick’s character. He is not quick to judge people simply because he knows that if he was, he would be trying to understand a life which has not been a part of him. It could also mean that Nick is conscious of what other people tell him, because his father told him â€Å"Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had† (Fitzgerald 1). Clearly, Nick is an observant person based on the fact that the novel is narrated in such great detail by him. â€Å"Every friday five crates of lemons and oranges arrived from a fruiterer in New York—every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulpless halves† (Fitzgerald 39). Nick is super observant, as observations just as detailed as that are told on most every page in the novel. Nick is not always as forgiving and understanding as he claims in the beginning of the novel, however. There are times, although only a few, when Nick is judgemental towards others. One quote stands out as a popular, recognizable line that Nick says on page 160. â€Å"‘They’re a rotten crowd,’ I shouted across the lawn. ‘You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together’† (Fitzgerald 160). This quote is an indirect insult and criticism toward the neighbors and residents who attended a party at Gatsby’s house. He shouts this to Gatsby after talking about Gatsby’s past and how he ended up where he is now. Nick can be characterized in that quote as being either extremely appreciative of Gatsby or being extremely judgemental of the crowd at the party. Likely both, Nick is going against what he said about himself in the beginning of the novel, which also says that he sometimes makes false statements. Fitzgerald also uses physical descriptions to characterize Nick. â€Å"Dressed up in white flannels I went over to his lawn† (Fitzgerald 41). Although not much is described, only his clothes that night, we can still see character development within that description. The fact that he’s wearing simple, white flannels, although fancy and expensive, are also very neutral and humble. Even though West Egg is considered to be â€Å"New Money†, Nick is more observant and in the background. It seems as though he would rather watch something than be watched by something. He could have worn flagrant colors and flaunted himself, but he chose to do the opposite. Another somewhat physical description of Nick is that he’s not a city-born character. He was born in Minnesota, not New York, and because of this, it could be implied that he grew up in a simpler place, where it did not matter what you wore or looked like. This can be considered while characterizing Nick’s physical traits. Fitzgerald exemplifies Nick’s characteristics in multiple ways throughout the novel. The evidence Fitzgerald provides for the reader is clearly given and shows how Nick is not always what he wishes he could be from a personality standpoint. What Fitzgerald did to show the different sides of Nick’s character is a major reason he is considered among the top American novelists; and The Great Gatsby is by far his best work.

Family Business Plan Essay

Besides that, Ming Yi Feeds is operated in the category of control and management of family member. All the important thing and decision is making by themselves but not the outsider. The business is the first generation and established for 8 years. The founder of Ming Yi Feeds Sdn Bhd is not currently planning his retirement and is not deciding to pass the ownership of the company to anyone since he is still young and is able to run the business. The succession factor of the company is the father of the CEO is highly support for the business. And one of the biggest customers of the company is the BM Lean Huat Chan a chicken farming company own by the CEO’s father. The supportive family members of the CEO is participating themselves in the business and the support from their father made the company successful. The business is kept private and confidential to the public as well as their family. The only persons able to access the business information are the CEO and his father. This is because all the business information is crucial to the company like their supplier and customers. The founder does not have any interested to sell their family business, because the owner dreams to remain the business in their family. However, in order to expand their business, shareholder may be required to gain some capital, but the family will still holding the majority share compare to other shareholders. The company is implementing a basic compensation method which is base salary and allowances. However, there is a bonus to every employee every year and the amount is based on the performance in the particular year. Background Information Company address: Plot 31, Jalan Perindustrian Bukit Minyak 9, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Minyak, 14100 Simpang Empat. Telephone No: 04-5078488 Fax No: 04-5086488 Types of Business Entity: Sendirian Berhad Work Force: Presently 20 Staff Member Building Particular: offices 24 X 98 feet Turnover per year: RM 100 million Profit Margin: 0 ~ 1 % Quality Policy Mr. Seah said that they are committed to consistently provide the quality product and services to satisfy or exceed customer’s expectations through continuous process improvement, adequately trained and developed work force and on time delivery. Vision Ming Yi wants to be a competitive manufacturer in agriculture product in Malaysia. Mission Ming Yi Feeds is committed to bringing the best and safe agriculture product to Malaysia agriculture industry through its innovative R&D department, facilities and services offering. Objective Ming Yi Feeds wants to further boost its sale by 10% in the next two years. Organization Chart Role of Family Members Chief Executive Officer – Seah Yeok Chee the CEO is responsible in making decision and ensures the smoothness of the business operation as well as the sale of the company. He is the eldest son in the family. General Manager – Kuo Yee Mei the GM is assisting the CEO in daily operation. She is responsible in maintaining stock level. She is the wife of the CEO Mr. Seah. Financial & Human Resources Manager – Seah Ai Ling the financial and human resources manager is responsible in the financial division in the company as well as recruitment and selection of new employees. She is the sister of the CEO. Operation Manager – Seah Yeok Chew the operation manager is responsible in the feed production process and ensures the quality of the product to meet the standard. He is the younger brother to the CEO. Conflict * Connectivity There is lack of connection between the company and the entire market, because most of materials are come from family member (other business entity in the same family). So, the cost is slightly higher. * Management problem The hierarchy level and the authority are unclear. Which are the difference / gap between first generation (father) and second generation (son). * Concept The company is implementing a conservative approach. The company is not actively sought for new customer and do not take risk in new investment. Solution * The company communicates to the market and gets other suppliers in order to minimize the cost. By this the company found different supplier and compare the price. * The authority among father and son are differentiated clearly. So, the decision made by the son is not affected by the father. In order to achieve the company vision and mission, they do some investment in marketing their product to new customer. Business Activity * Selling feeds * Selling Raw Material to others supplier especially Maize and Soya bean * Others services Raw Material The main raw materials are Maize, Soya bean meal, Corn gluten meal, Broken Rice, Feed Wheat, Salt, Meat and Bone, DCP, Feed Oil / Cooking Oil and Vaccine all the ingredients of grain are l ocally available at low prices but some vitamins other ingredients will need to be imported. Product Manufacturing Process The compound feed preparation process requires 1. High accuracy and precision of weighing 2. Feed ingredient handling and processing 3. Mixing 4. Packing 5. Labeling Process Flow Diagram Compound Feed Process flow of UBM Formula of Feeds R1 – 12 – 10 ( 8107C ) Group| Name| Amount| Big Scale| Corn| 1058| | SBM Hipro| 478| Liquid| Olien / Cooking Oil| 48| Bin| C. G. M | 70| | Feed Wheat| 100| | DDGS ( Low-Pro )| 100| | MBM| 70| Hand-add| D. C. P 18%| 14| | Limestone Powder| 9| | Salt| 0. 50| | Sodium Humate| 10| Premix | Premix Merah| 1 X| | Premix 8107| 1 X| L-Lysine| 9. 84| | DL-Methionine| 6. 58| | Choline Chloride 60%| 2. 40| | Toxisorb| 3. 00| | Natuphos ( 5000G )| 0. 30| | | 1979. 62| Types of Feeds * 8107 Crumbles * 8207 Crumbles * 8207 Pellet * 8307 Pellet * 8107 c is for the chicken ( 1-8 days old ) * 8207c is for the chicken ( 9-14 days old) * 8207p is for the chicken ( 15- 21 days old ) * 8307p is for the chicken ( 22days – selling ) Location Tanker for storage raw material Packaging process Photo of the storage exist Loading process Working condition Weight the feeds and truck before send to the farm

The Disunited States essays

The Disunited States essays According to the article, the majority of the nation seems to be pro-devolution, or for returning power from the federal government to state governments on several issues. The author gives several reasons for devolution and against it, but overall he thinks that devolution would be a major mistake for the nation and proposes that we instead readjust the federal government to meet the needs of today. There are several reasons given for devolution of the federal government, the first is that a single state could be used as a laboratory to try new economic and social ideas, being that if it didnt work it would not affect the nation as a whole. Competition between states is another reason given for devolution. Interstate competition would produce more creative and diligent ways to carry out the task of government. And last, as responsibilities flow to state governments, public sector efficiency will increase. Next the author goes on to give his reasons against devolution. The first reason is that it would have no effect on the public dept; devolution would only cause a cut in federal spending by less than half a percent. Devolution would also worsen the odds of prosperity by making unskilled labor jobs harder to come by. The last reason the author gives against is that it will cause interstate rivalries by making states compete for citizens causing lower and lower tax rates between cities making it harder for the state governments to operate. Instead of total devolution the author suggest that the federal government be reshaped by 5 different ways in order to meet the needs of today. The first is to devolve, but only in areas where the state would do a better job. Two, restore federal primacy in anti poverty policy, being that the federal government would do a better job. Three, recognize states limits as stewards of education. Four, curb competition for business and five, fix t ...

Valuation by Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Essay Example

Valuation by Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Essay Example Valuation by Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Essay Valuation by Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Essay As shown in Exhibit A, the revenues for USG were projected to be $2. 1 billion in 1988. Revenues were then projected to grow at 4% to 7% for the next four years from 1989 to 1992. Revenues for the terminal year were projected to grow at 4. 5% to $2. 7 billion, largely based on inflation as well as with consistent growth rate. EBITDA for 1988 was projected to be $396 million, versus the actual of $531 for 1987. The significant drop in EBITDA was attributable to the restructuring expenses, coupled with the decrease in sales. EBITDA would then gradually increase to $617 million in 1992 with EBITDA margin of 24. 2%. With the same EBITDA margin as 1992, EBITDA for the terminal year was projected to be $645 million. Depreciation and amortization for the projected period were in the range of $71 million to $84 million, and $70 million for the terminal year. The Company would invest between $58 million and $121 million in capital expenditures for the projected period. The terminal years capital expenditures were assumed to be at the same level as depreciation, which amounted to $70 million. With a 36% tax rate, the debt-free net income increased from $200 million in 1988 to $349 million in 1992, with $368 million in the terminal year. Total free cash flow ranged from $248 million to $315 million for the projected period except for 1989 with $785 million primarily due to asset sales realized. As illustrated in Exhibit B, with a risk free rate of 8. 9%, risk free premium of 6. 0% and the beta of 1. 37, the cost of equity for USG was calculated at 17. 2% by using the CAPM equation. The cost of debt was 10. 97% based on the Baa bond rating. Taken into account the 36% tax rate and the debt weighting and equity (market) weighting of 28. 5% and 71. 5%, respectively, the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) was calculated to be 14. 3%. Based on the WACC of 14. 3% and the long-term growth rate of 4. 5%, the terminal value for USG was $3. 6 billion. By discounting each periods free cash flow by the WACC of 14. 3%, the sum of the present value of free cash flows for the 5-year period 1988 to 1992 was $1. 3 billion. The present value of the terminal value was $2. 0 billion, also by discounting it by the WACC. As such, the enterprise value for USG was $3. 3 billion ($1. 3 billion + $2. 0 billion). To calculate the stub value, total debt at closing has to be subtracted from the enterprise value. With the total debt at closing as high as $3.1 billion, the stub value was computed at $188 million, or $3. 65 per share. Therefore, the value per share of the leveraged recapitalization was considered to be approximately $45. 65 ($37 + $5 + $3. 65). However, this value might have been too optimistically represented because the debt on the Company was evidently too high and the $5 of junior subordinated debentures might only be worth $1 to $2 per share while the stub value might be diluted to almost nothing, or worthless. Valuation by Multiples From the information available in the case, the transaction P/E multiples in the building products industry were between 11.6x and 13. 4x, with a median of 12. 8x. Multiplying USGs projected 1988 EPS of $3. 46 by the median P/E multiple of 12. 8x gave a $44. 29 value per share. The trading P/E multiples in the building products industry were between 10. 4x and 15. 7x, with a median of 11. 6x. Multiplying USGs projected 1988 EPS of $3. 46 by the median P/E multiple of 11. 6x gave a $40. 14 value per share. Please refer to Exhibit C for more details. It can be concluded that based on the valuation by market multiples (averaging transaction and trading), USGs value per share was worth approximately $42.22. Advantages of Leveraged Recapitalization USGs leveraged capitalization was intended to provide shareholders with a significant distribution of cash and securities and permit them to retain their proportionate long-term equity interest in the Company. As in this case, shareholders would be receiving $37 in cash for each share of common stock, $5 in stated face amount of 16% junior subordinated pay-in-kind debentures, and one share in the newly recapitalized company. The purpose of leveraged capitalization for USG was to defend against the hostile takeover by Desert Partners. To finance the leveraged recapitalization, USG had to raise approximately $2. 5 billion; a majority of that would be used to pay the shareholders. The substantial increase in leverage would discourage outside bidders. In addition, USGs leveraged recapitalization represented a continuation for the Companys long-term decentralization program and an attempt to get each subsidiary to focus on growth opportunities with their specific markets. The Company proposed selling three subsidiaries which was expected to generate $519 million after taxes. The Company would also discontinue any products and distribution channels that failed to pass certain stricter investment criteria. USG would also reduce capital expenditures by up to $100 million per year and operating expenses by $70 million per year. Another good point of leveraged recapitalization is that it stimulates management to perform well as a company. It alerts the Company to cut costs and improve its overall operations. Since USG would be burden with a large amount of debt, it created pressures for the Company to execute its business model and hit performance targets in order to develop cash flow to service its debt. Further, as discussed above, relatively large issue of debt is intended to use for the payment of a large cash dividend to non-management shareholders, and for the repurchase of common shares. The end result is an increase in the ownership share of USGs management. A defensive leverage recapitalization might succeed by returning cash to shareholders that is close to or more than the takeover offer. In the case of USG, we will be discussing and comparing the USG leverage recapitalization value and the Desert Partners offer.

Andorra - Learn about the Geography and History of Europes Andorra

Andorra - Learn about the Geography and History of Europe's Andorra Population: 84,825 (July 2011 estimate)Capital: Andorra la VellaBordering Countries: France and SpainArea: 180 square miles (468 sq km)Highest Point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 9,665 feet (2,946 m)Lowest Point: Riu Runer at 2,756 feet (840 m) Andorra is an independent principality that is co-governed by Spain and France. It is located in southwestern Europe between France and Spain and it is entirely landlocked. Much of Andorras topography is dominated by the Pyrenees Mountains. Andorras capital city is Andorra la Vella and its elevation of 3,356 feet (1,023 m) makes it the highest capital city in Europe. The country is known for its history, interesting and isolated location and high life expectancy.History of AndorraAndorra has a long history that dates back to the time of Charlemagne. According to the U.S. Department of State, most historical accounts claim that Charlemagne grated a charter to the region of Andorra in return for fighting against the Muslim Moors advancing from Spain. By the 800s the Count of Urgell became the leader of Andorra. Later a descendent of the Count of Urgell gave control of Andorra to the diocese of Urgell led by the Bishop of Seu dUrgell.By the 11th century the head of the diocese of Urgell put Andorra under the protection of the Spanish, under the Lord of Caboet, because of growing conflicts from neighboring regions (U.S. Department of State). Shortly thereafter a French noble became the heir to the Lord of Caboet. This led to conflict between the French and Spanish over who would control Andorra. As a result of this conflict in 1278 a treaty was signed and Andorra was to be shared between Frances Count of Foix and Spains Bishop of Seu dUrgell. This led to a joint sovereignty.From this time until the 1600s Andorra gained some independence but control often shifted back and forth between France and Spain. In 1607 Frances King Henry IV made Frances head of government and the Bishop of Seu dUrgell co-princes of Andorra. The region has been ruled as a co-principality between the two countries ever since.During its modern history, Andorra remained isolated from much of Europe and the rest of the world outside of Spain and France due to its small size and the difficulty involved with traveling there because of its rugged topography. Recently however, Andorra has begun to grow into a tourist European center as a result of improv ed communications and transportation development. In addition, Andorra still has very close ties to France and Spain, but it is more closely tied to Spain. The official language of Andorra is Cataln.Government of AndorraToday Andorra, officially called the Principality of Andorra, is a parliamentary democracy that is governed as a co-principality. The two princes of Andorra are the president of France and the Bishop Seu dUrgell of Spain. These princes are represented in Andorra via representatives from each and make up the countrys executive branch of government. The legislative branch in Andorra consists of a unicameral General Council of the Valleys, whose members are elected via popular election. Its judicial branch is made up of the Tribunal of Judges, Tribunal of the Courts, the Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra, the Supreme Council of Justice and the Constitutional Tribunal. Andorra is divided into seven different parishes for local administration.Economics and Land Use in AndorraAndorra has a relatively small, well-develop ed economy that is based mainly on tourism, commerce and the financial industry. The main industries in Andorra are cattle, timber, banking, tobacco and furniture manufacturing. Tourism is also a major part of Andorras economy and it is estimated that around nine million people visit the tiny country each year. Agriculture is also practiced in Andorra but it is limited because of its rugged topography. The main agricultural products of the country are rye, wheat, barley, vegetables and sheep.Geography and Climate of AndorraAndorra is located in southwestern Europe on the border between France and Spain. It is one of the worlds smallest countries with an area of just 180 square miles (468 sq km). Most of Andorras topography consists of rugged mountains (the Pyrenees Mountains) and very small, narrow valleys between the peaks. The highest point in the country is Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 9,665 feet (2,946 m), while the lowest is Riu Runer at 2,756 feet (840 m).The climate of Andorra is considered temperate and it generally has cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summer s. Andorra la Vella, the capital and largest city of Andorra, has an average annual temperature range of 30.2ËšF (-1ËšC) in January to 68ËšF (20ËšC) in July.To learn more about Andorra, visit the Geography and Maps section on Andorra on this website.ReferencesCentral Intelligence Agency. (26 May 2011). CIA - The World Factbook - Andorra. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/an.htmlInfoplease.com. (n.d.). Andorra: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0107276.htmlUnited States Department of State. (8 February 2011). Andorra. Retrieved from: state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3164.htmWikipedia.org. (2 June 2011). Andorra - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra

Financing Health care ( Article review) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financing Health care ( review) - Article Example Through support from authoritative scholarly studies coming from 61 research literatures on the subject, the authors were able to present a balanced scenario of the status of health care in America and the role of health care reform by providing explanations on who are directly accountable for increased health care spending and the rationale for rising costs. The findings revealed that the previously identified factors presumably contributory to rising health costs were merely marginal expenses and the true culprits to increased health expenditure should be blamed on â€Å"the confluence of rapid technological advance and intense commercialism in medicine, which together may be the most critical factor underlying America’s swelling health care sector† (Siegel, et.al, 2008, 645). Containment of these costs, coupled with the health reform, would ultimately assist in addressing the increasing health care expenditure in the country. Professional Critique It is one’s personal contention that the article was clearly and effectively written, with the overall presentation and structure well illustrated.

Commercialisation Plan for Nano Tube Solar Panels Technology. It is Research Paper

Commercialisation Plan for Nano Tube Solar Panels Technology. It is one of the assignments for Innovation Management Topic - Research Paper Example Many devices have been developed for this from the ancient times itself; one of them is the solar panels, which is used to capture and convert solar energy into thermal energy. But the key challenge in solar panel technology is the identification of efficient and cost effective method to convert, store and use solar energy. This has encouraged the development of Nano Tube Solar Panels. It advanced solution to energy requirements, that too in a cost effective manner with a greater efficiency. Earlier silicon panels were used which used highly doped p-n junction in between two pure silicon crystals to form the panel. This panel was so difficult to make as it requires semi conducting material which is highly doped with phosphorous or arsenic to give its character and it should be grown between two pure silicon crystals at high temperature. This manufacturing process is very costly as well involves many risks. Also this type of panels has very high payback time and very short life span T here is a wide need for a change in the source of energy for public and private requirements. Government announces some energy conservation plans, of which one of them was â€Å"non conventional energy sources like recovering energy like solar energy should be used for lighting at public places like street lights traffic etc† (Jain 2009, p. 254). ... Carbon nano tubes are intrinsic p-type semi conducting material, usually made of titanium dioxide nano particles or rolled up sheet of graphene. Unlike in earlier version, in which sunlight is converted into electrons and utilized as electric current, here sunlight is made into nano particles, which can increase the efficiency by a larger means. According to Nanowelded Carbon Nanotubes: From Field-Effect Transistors to Solar Microcells Chongjin Chen, Yafei Zhang nanotubes are prepared by depositing organic films containing SWNTs on to a glass substrates coated with indium-tin oxide (ITO).As a final mix a sandwich configuration is made as Aluminum electrodes were thermally evaporated under vacuum to form a sandwich configuration. Because of the interaction of the carbon nanotubes with the polymer poly (3-octylthiophene) (P3OT), excitons generated by the light in the polymer allow charge separation of the photogenerated excitons in the polymer and efficient electron transport to the el ectrode through the nanotubes. The electrons travel through the entire nanotubes and then hop or tunnel to the next nanotubes. As a result of which electron mobility increases and balances the charge carrier transport to the electrodes. Here the composite’s conductivity is also increased by a factor of 10. This process can increase the photovoltaic performance, by increasing the photocurrent by more than two orders of magnitude and doubling the open circuit voltage. â€Å"Scientists now have a much better understanding of the complex interplay between the electronic and physical interaction polymer, and the fullerene component can assist in the design of the next generation of optimized organic solar cells† (Lau