Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Ininternet Addiction and How It Affects Educational Success free essay sample

Many people carry out most of their daily activities using the internet, for example, banking, paying bills and trading which has led to a marked dependence on the internet. According to the Center for On-Line Addiction (1998), there are several types of internet addiction: The first is Cyber-sexual Addiction where people get addicted to pornography on the internet. The second is Cyber-relationship Addiction where people make on-line friends in chatrooms and soon the online friends replace life friends and family. The third is Net- Compulsions where people engage in different compulsive behaviors such as gambling, auctions and excessive online trading. People develop an internet addiction for different reasons. Some people become addicted to the Internet because of the social connections they make online. This is because they develop emotional attachments to the online friends they ‘meet ’on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. The internet offers anonymity where people can talk about issues that they would not feel free to talk to close friends or family about. We will write a custom essay sample on Ininternet Addiction and How It Affects Educational Success or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The internet also provides a wide array of activities which keeps people online in search of new and exciting forms of entertainment The internet has both positive and negative affects on education. Internet addiction negatively affects the social life of students; it leads to an inability to communicate in the ‘real world’. Lack of communication skills it makes it hard for students to form healthy relationships with their peers at school. The internet can also be very distracting. There are a lot of fun activities on the internet like games and social networks which distracts students from doing their school work. Internet addicts spend a lot of time on the internet which leads to exhaustion due to lack of sleep which in turn leads to a lack of concentration at school. Internet addiction continues to be a major problem in today’s society and measures should be taken to ensure that students who are addicted to the internet receive help in order to continue with their studies. Students should be made aware of the reality of internet addiction and its negative effects on their academic performance. Teachers and parents should also limit the time spent by students on the internet to enable them to achieve better academic excellence. References Centre for Internet Addiction (2011). A Growing Epidemic. Retrieved 5, 2013 from http://www. netaddiction. com Young K. S. (1998). Caught in the net: how to recognize the signs of Internet addiction-and a winning strategy for recovery. New York: J. Wiley.

The Toys “R” Us Lbo Case free essay sample

They want to determine the risks and merits of an investment in Toys R Us, evaluate the spectrum of returns using multiple operating model scenarios, and identify strategic actions that might be undertaken to improve the risk/return profile of the investment. Leverage Buyout (LBO) A leveraged buyout is the purchase of a company by an outside individual, another firm, or the incumbent management using large amounts of debt to finance the purchase. Most often, LBOs are undertaken by private equity firms that specialize in these transactions. The purpose of leveraged buyouts is to allow companies to make large acquisitions without having to commit a lot of capital. An LBO analysis determines the maximum purchase price for a business that can be paid based on certain leverage (debt) and equity return parameter, develops a view of the leverage and equity characteristics of a leveraged transaction at a given price, and calculates the minimum valuation for a company. The returns in an LBO are driven by three factors, which we demonstrate in our topic on creating value in LBOs, including the deleveraging (paying down debt), operational improvement (e. . , margin expansion, revenue growth), and multiple expansion (buying low and selling high). Both equity holder and debt holder bear a high risk. For equity holders, in addition to the operational risk assumed risk arises due to significant financial leverage. Interest costs resulting from substantial amounts of debt are fixed costs that can be defaulted if not paid. Furthermore, small changes in the enterprise value of a company can have a magnified effect on the equity value when the company is highly levered and the value of the debt remains constant. Other than these risks, the equity holder hopes to exit an investment within a five year time frame by either issuing IPO to sell to a strategic buyer or another PE fund, or recapitalization. If the equity holder is unable to exit or is delayed in exiting the investment, it has a negative effect on investor returns. The debt holders bear the risk of default equated with higher leverage as well. Since they have the most senior claims on the assets of the company, they are likely to realize a partial, if not full, return on their investment, even in bankruptcy. Industry dynamics The U. S. Retail Toy Industry is in the mature stage of its life cycle. The growth will likely remain stagnant. Sales were suffering from painful revenue losses during the recession. The Industry demand is heavily dependent on economic factors, dwindling consumer sentiment and disposable income pushed consumers to cut back on discretionary spending. The industry has come under increasing pressure from discount department stores and mass Merchandisers. Retailers have also experienced change due to the influx of imported goods into the market, which has stimulated competition within the industry. In addition, as children are getting older younger, age compression is changing the dynamics of toys and games. There is a clear shift from traditional toys and games to video games. Consumers are willing to pay more for toys that they view as being beneficial to children’s play or learning experiences. Toy industry categories with the largest revenue gains were building sets, arts amp; crafts, infant/preschool and Learning and Exploration. Plush, games/puzzles, vehicles and outdoor amp; sports toys experienced the most significant declines. There are several potential options for the company to improve performance. Having exclusive rights to sell certain toys can be an advantage, as large discount department stores generally carry the most popular products at low prices. Retailing the right product at the right season, like outdoor games in the spring, is important to maximize sales. The continual display and presentation of new toys, games and crafts will attract customers and generate higher sales. Looking into expanding operations and product lines towards video games and other growth segments (e. g. Building sets and action figures). Building up a well-designed online marketing channel can promote efficiency and cost savings. Expanding the international market to avoid the intense competition in the U. S. Retail Toy Industry. Closing underperforming stores to improve liquidity through the expertise of Vornado Realty Trust and reinvest the money back into the operation. Approach In the base case, we assumed 11. 0% compounded annual growth rate. This is based on modest growth in domestic sales, and optimistic expectations for the international, Babies R Us, and online sales. Online sales can save relevant costs of physical display of products and associated costs of running a store. EBITDA margin is assumed higher and will be higher in the near future as the sales grow. Capital expenditure and depreciation amortization expenses are assumed fairly constant over the years . Overall operation will generate enough cash to support debt and interest payments. If Toys R Us would be able to specialize some of baby products, video games and pertain exclusive right to offer popular products, it will help boost sales. International, and online sales will turn out good as well. We assumed 16. 5% of compounded annual growth for the upside case. For the downside case, with a compounded annual growth rate of -4. %, the company will not be able to make interest payments later years. This case suggests that the company will highly likely default on its debt obligation. Conclusion Referring to the adjusted balance sheet close after acquisition for the fiscal year ended as of January, 2005, the total debt of the company was 6,712 million dollars. The total debt-to-EBITDA multiples reached 8. 61x high. We dont think the high total debt-to-EBITDA multiple will be a big problem since the multiples will decrease year by year based on our assumptions. In the base case, if exit multiple is 8. 00, the sponsor return including initial fees will be 4,820. million dollars. The return on investment will be 37. 7%. (Exhibit B) In the upside case, the sponsor return including initial fees will be 7,320. 4 million dollars with a higher ROI of 47. 6%, assume that exit multiple remains the same. (Exhibit C) In the downside case, the LBO sponsors probably wont exit after a 5-year period ending 2010 because they cannot pay all debt and add more value to the firm. Even if they sell the company at 10. 00 x, they will still lose money. (Exhibit D) Even though the base case and the upside case could provide nice returns, we don’t want to join the consortium. The risks are too high in the downside scenario. Exhibit A Prioritized Due Diligence List Items Requested| Reasons| Financial auditAnnual income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statement (last five years)Year to date income statement amp;Current balance sheetCompany’s Properties List ProjectionsDetailed revenue/expenses amp; cash flow/use of funds (12 months)Future capital expendituresFive year summary projections| Access current and historical info to determine overall financial â€Å"health†. Confirmation that the business is what it appears to be. Determine candidates for favorable real estate transaction to boost cash flow. See future sales growth, cost management, and cash flow issues with Toys R Us business. Access future cash needs for growth. | Marketing auditCustomer lists –brief description of target customers in key markets. Interviews with store managers about sales processes and roadmaps. | Ensure future profitability. | Production auditMonthly Toys’ Inventory audit (last three years)Store Visits| To understand the overall stability of toys and how seasonality impact profitability. Verify existing operation and look for inefficiencies. Macro-environment auditIndustry growth trendsInterview with industry expertsOther successful LBOs in the industry| Impact of outside threats and competitions from rivals. Possible exit multiple projection. | Legal/environmental auditBylawsArticles of IncorporationMinutes of all Board of Directors, committee and shareholders meetings and all consents to actions without mee ting. All employment agreements and consultant agreementsAny pending legal actions on Toys R Us and/or felony convictions of its employeesList necessary regulatory approvals and requirements/timeline to achieve. Interview with state / federal government officials| Gain information that will be useful for valuing assets, defining representations and warranties, and/or negotiating price concessionsIdentify potential deal killer defects in the target and avoid a bad business transaction. Understand industry trends and potential governmental involvement down the road. | Management auditFull resumes for key personnelInterviews with Management Team amp; Board MembersInterviews with Company advisors| To understand strengths and backgrounds of each manager. Decide who to keep / who to fire. Dig into company culture. Seek outsiders’ point of view on the company. | Information systems auditList of Legacy systems used| | Compatibility auditIntegration PlanList existing investors and their contact information | Details on execution and different phases of the LBO. Verification that the transaction complies with investment or acquisition criteria. | Reconciliation auditFinal Plan Evaluation| A formal valuation to test whether LP values will be added and where synergies could be generated. | Exhibit B Return Summary (Base Case) Exhibit C Return Summary (Upside Case) Exhibit D Return Summary (Downside Case)

Sunday, April 19, 2020

J.P Hayes Essays - East Asia, Geography Of Asia,

J.P Hayes Mr. Bevington English H 20 October 2017 A Nation Born From War The United States of America is a preeminent nation to us citizens who are honored to live and walk on it's surface everyday we wake up. Recently North Korea and their foolish leader have been challenging the pure strength and manpower of the United States armed forces. As U.S citizens we should not stand to let this be okay and pass through our memories while our armed forces stand ready to protect us everyday. We the people of United States of America need not to fear war with North Korea but to embrace it because our nation was created from patriotism which still thrives, we have more men enlisted, and greater firepower on both land and in the air. Our great nation won it's independence from the British by defeating their premier army with a cluster of farmers and regular working class men. In 1776 America and it's people were born from war and still at this very moment we shall be ready for war. If an army made up of untrained and unprepared regular men can defeat the Redcoats, then with our current U.S military we should demolish any adversary. President Donald Trump stated, "Any more threats to the United States will be met with fire and furry like the world has never seen", and as U.S citizens born from war we shall stand behind him. North Korea was in a civil war against South Korea in the 1950's when the land was still known as Korea. The separation of the two happen when an armistice was singed meaning North Korea never won it's independence like America. When the U.S armed forces fight they can stand for those who sacrificed their life in the revolution to liberate America. North Koreans can be patriotic but they can not say that their nation was sparked and won from the idea of patriotism and independence. On the day we first step onto the battlefield against North Korea we should stand shoulder to shoulder as brothers and watch as the enemy fears us. Our great country has 120,002,084 men fit for service at this very moment while the North Koreans only have 10,066,704 men fit for service according to the U.S homeland security. Given these numbers we shall not ease up and loose like the redcoats did to the U.S colonist, but instead we should know that there our eleven times more boots behind our soldier then the North Koreans. The only category of war North Korea has bigger then the U.S is their number of war ships but they still aren't as powerful and long range as the United State's war ships are. The U.S doubles the size of the size of North Korea's war budget, total land power such as tanks, and aircraft power. Not only do we possess more firepower and money then North Korea, but also we have our patriotism on top of that. Rocket Man and North Korea should fear us Americans while we sit back and relax because we have all the power of the world behind us while the enemy has none. For the last time do not back down from any battles but in particular don't back down from the war against the modern era Stalin. We are Americans born from war and war we shall always succeed and fight no matter the odds.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Sample Essay Comparing and Contrasting Elementary School Vs Middle School

Sample Essay Comparing and Contrasting Elementary School Vs Middle SchoolA sample essay that compares and contrasts elementary school to middle school can help you make a decision about which school to attend. You want to make sure you have all the facts before you start choosing a school.For your essay, first decide what it is you are going to compare and contrast. I suggest that you start by considering what type of person you want to be when you grow up. For example, if you want to be a teacher, a career that has great benefits, then you would look at what elementary school to middle school to which you aspire. If you want to be a college professor, you would look at the different courses that are available to you in college.You may also want to include two schools: one elementary school vs. middle school. This will allow you to get an idea of how big of a difference there is between elementary school and middle school. It will also give you an idea of what it is going to be like to go to college.Now for your sample essay, you will need to list all the differences between elementary school and middle school. You want to write an essay that is similar to what a college professor would write, but with an added level of detail. That level of detail will be used to separate the truth from the fiction in each essay.To add to your essay, you will need to include a paragraph that will be your conclusion. This paragraph should be one that ends with a question that the reader can ponder over. The question should be such that it will be able to answer all of the questions that were discussed throughout the rest of the essay.For example, you could begin your conclusion bystating, 'Which type of school better suits you? Which one of the schools that you listed on your essay will fit you best?'Your conclusion will be used as the foundation for the rest of your essay. By doing this, you will be able to construct a very convincing argument that you can use in your essay.Yo ur essay will be ready to be submitted to a college or university, or even to a teacher or a parent who will be interviewing you for the first time. All of this will be made possible because you used a sample essay comparing and contrasting elementary school to middle school.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Liberal Studies Writing Task- School drug testing in Hong Kong

Liberal Studies Writing Task- School drug testing in Hong Kong Free Online Research Papers Liberal Studies Writing Task- School drug testing ‘Public opinion concerning the implementation of the school drug testing scheme was ignored by the HKSAR Government.’ To what extent do you agree with the statement? Explain your answer with the aid of three examples. With less than a month to go before the commencement of the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po, important issues concerning implementation of the program such as invasion of privacy still remain unresolved. Despite this and the objection of some citizens, the government still decides to go ahead with the scheme. In this way, the public opinion was thought to be ignored by the government. However, someone thinks that the government has already made some amendments in response to the public. To be frank, I partly agree with the statement of the question. First of all, the government has been lessening the legal force of constraint in order to reduce the resistance of implementing the scheme. The government has promised that the police will not involved and the students who are tested positive will not be charged. In addition, the letter of consent has to be signed by both the student and his parent. Furthermore, the students can feel free to withdraw from the scheme. All these are the amendments made by the government in response to the demand of public. Therefore, the government can be considered to have deliberated the public opinions. Next, a hundred of students joined the demonstration to show their discontentment with the scheme. When they arrived the government headquarter, the security guards refused to open the gate to let them in and submit the petition. In this case, I think that the government officials should at least have accepted the petition to show their concern. Otherwise, the government would be thought to have ignored the public opinion. Thirdly, more than fifty briefing sessions of the drug testing scheme have been held in the Tai Po schools. The government said that what they had gained was positive feedback where negative feedback only took up a small part. During those sessions, the students and parents were free to express their opinions and interact with the government officials directly. Thus, the government officials can listen to the public opinion and make the scheme as ideal as possible. To sum up, I partly agree with the statement because of the amendments made to the scheme, the demonstration and the briefing sessions. After all, I do hope the number of drug abusers in Hong Kong will reduce gradually. Research Papers on Liberal Studies Writing Task- School drug testing in Hong KongStandardized TestingMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresQuebec and CanadaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug Use19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraBringing Democracy to AfricaRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and

Thursday, February 27, 2020

You have been invited by the government of Trinidad and Tobago (West Essay

You have been invited by the government of Trinidad and Tobago (West -Indies) to advise the political leader on economic development initiatives that can help - Essay Example Windfalls from surging prices of energy, exploitation activities of new gas fields and moves towards industrial capacity expansion have contributed in no small measure to vibrant economic activity, strengthening of foreign reserves and excess liquidity witnessed in the financial system. Certain indicators like capacity strains in the construction and other sectors, tightening of the labor market and an accelerated inflation point towards the operation at full or near potential of the economy. To ensure that Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is improved upon and achieves a high performing economy status, the need for certain economic development initiatives cannot be overemphasized. According to a 1999 estimate, the GDP of the country stood at about $9.41 billion dollars at growth rate of about 5%.the purchasing power parity or GDP per capita also stood at about $8500 in 1999.A further breakdown of composition by sector of the GDP reveals that services has the highest input of 54% followed by industries with 44% and by agriculture with 2%-according to a 1998 estimate. Exports from the country in 1998 had a value of $2.4bn (f.o.b).In order to raise the standard of living for current and future generations, there is an important need to strike a delicate balance of efficient investment of energy windfalls in promoting social objectives and economic diversification while avoiding an overheating of the economy and inflationary trends by the strategic pacing of energy reven ues. It is important to note that, the gulf between the non-energy sector and its energy counterpart has widened with the non-energy sector witnessing a fiscal deficit alongside an accelerated public spending increase. Urgent steps need to be taken so as to reverse overdependence on revenues from the oil sector. Human development and infrastructure should be allocated high-quality spending. Given the upward trend in inflation and the real

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Summary of Apple Inc. Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary of Apple Inc. Case Study - Essay Example During the period of John Sculley (1985-1993), the then CEO of Apple Inc, numerous strategies were adopted in order to make Apple pioneers in the desktop publishing segment. Under the leadership of Steve Jobs, the company had been capable of achieving sustained growth. During his reign, Apple underwent restructuring efforts and also outsourced manufacturing of the Mac products to the contract assemblers of Taiwan. The company’s distribution systems were also revamped. Through company’s website, Apple was capable of selling the products directly to the consumers. The company’s image was invigorated as well by promoting itself as a hip substitute to another computer brand. During the year 2008, one of the key drivers of revenue was Macintosh computers. Apple had put the high emphasis on the technology and innovation which had assisted the company in beating the cutthroat competition. The first retail store of the company was in McLean, Virginia which started its op eration in the year 2001. Until the year 2008, the company was found to be operating through 215 stores. The case study also details the growth of the PC industry since its inception from the mid-1970s. The close competitors of Apple Inc had been IBM, Compaq, and Dell among others those had been focusing upon research and development in order to compete successfully with Apple, Inc. The PC industry has sought tremendous change in the recent years. It is now available in numerous forms ranging from laptops, workstations, sub-notebooks, and servers. However, after the components became standardized the manufacturers of PC started cutting their spending on research and development. Instead of spending on R&D, the companies started focusing on innovation in manufacturing, marketing, and distribution in order to achieve competitive advantage.