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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Cold War Topics For An Essay, Cold War History

Cold War Topics For An Essay, Cold War HistoryCold War Topics for an Essay, Cold War History is very much like playing with a rabbit trap. To complete the question of why do I read Cold War Topics for an Essay, you need to know what a rabbit hole really is.The main thing to remember is that to some degree, all the history of the Cold War was based on propaganda. In other words, in the midst of real history, politicians were trying to tell us what they wanted us to believe. Then, after the Cold War, the rest of us decided to test it out. One of the biggest testaments to this is the history books we have today.There are two major reasons why these historical events took place in the first place. One is that the USA and Soviet Union had both economic problems and felt they needed to make the best of the situation. The other reason is that, from the USSR's point of view, the USA was being a bit too aggressive.An interesting topic that is quite easy to come up with is why America is so sc ared about them? After all, if America is so secure in its own territory, then why does the United States see the threat in Russia?These Cold War Topics for an Essay, Cold War History topics can include: In what ways did people used to go to war in the past? This can include things like one group of people murdering another group of people and then seizing control of their nation. These were not very well known because they happened at such a low level.There are plenty of historical reasons why World Wars broke out and turned into major conflicts. One of the biggest reasons was that one group of people used human rights as a propaganda tool and a way to manipulate the population of another group of people into a state of blind hatred.These are just a few examples that you can use to read Cold War Topics for an Essay, Cold War History. When it comes to history, you can never know what is going to happen next.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Information Technology And Security Gaps - 1357 Words

Information technology /security gaps identified It was noted that with the aid of an external consultant, Bank Solutions had their current data center DRBC Plan written down in the year 2007 and was last tested in the same year. The testing was a shallow table-top walk-through with no intensive assessments to ensure dependability and compliance to industry standard security frameworks. The plan has taken long before being updated hence some elements of the plan may not be adequately addressed as purposed. With an acute increment and unprecedented growth in information technology and security systems over the years, the old DRBCP would prove ineffective at the face of an information security breach or a disaster. This is attributed to the use of outdated elements such as outdated hardware and software. One of the potentially risk-posing conditions for Bank Solutions is the fact that plan participants do not have copies of the DRBCP. Moreover, the participants have not been well trained to handle the plan. They are not conversant with the procedures and implementation of the program. As the live arm of the organization, the plan participant’s team ought to be well conversant and updated with the full information contained in the plan. They ought to have received accurate, sufficient training on the statutory implementation of the program. In the case of an event that compromises the bank security, Bank Solution s may not have the ability to recover from a disaster and getShow MoreRelatedInformation Technology And Security Gaps1344 Words   |  6 PagesInformation technology/security gaps identified. It was noted that with the aid of an external consultant, Bank Solutions had their current data center DRBC Plan written down in the year 2007 and was last tested in the same year. The testing was a shallow table-top walkthrough with no intensive assessments to ensure dependability and compliance to industry standard security frameworks. The plan has taken long before being updated hence some elements of the plan may not be addressed wholly as purposedRead MoreInformation Technology And Security Gaps Of The Bank Solutions Inc.1457 Words   |  6 Pagesis no debate to clarify that information security is an important asset to any organizations regardless of its size. To be more precise, information security is much important for financial institutions like Bank solutions Inc. whose main priority is to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of assets, individuals, information and information systems. Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the information technology/security gaps of the Bank solutions Inc. DisasterRead MoreMobile Technology Is A Major Leader Essay1110 Words   |  5 PagesMobile technology is a major leader in information technology and provides opportunities for innovation, agility and flexibility in the workplace (GOVERNMENT USE OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY, 2012). This fast growing field provides new innovation, agility, flexibility in the workplace while driving the future of our end-user computing platform (GOVERNMENT USE OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY, 2012). The Obama administration recently ordered all federal agencies to begin making at least two apps as part of its digitalRead MoreIs4550 Week 5 Lab1611 Words   |  7 PagesExisting IT Security Policy Framework Definition Learning Objectives and Outcomes Upon completing this lab, students will be able to complete the following tasks: * Identify risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in the 7 domains of a typical IT infrastructure * Review existing IT security policies as part of a policy framework definition * Align IT security policies throughout the 7 domains of a typical IT infrastructure as part of a layered security strategy * Identify gaps in the ITRead MoreDeveloping Vehicular Data Cloud Services795 Words   |  4 Pagesvehicular data using the cloud platform and IoT technologies. The IoT platform’s functional, performance, and security requirements for hosting vehicular data in cloud based IoT platforms were discussed. The gaps in the existing security encryption algorithms and performance requirements were enumerated. The gaps mentioned in this article are already discussed in existing literature and no new findings were presented in this article in terms of security gaps, threats, vulnerabilities and mitigation strategiesRead MoreThe Implementation Of A Departmental System1386 Words   |  6 Pagesdetermination of the need for a new system (Wager, Lee, Glaser, 2013, p. 410). The IT administration is responsible for overseeing the development of the system, providing human resource support for the IT staff; and supporting other IT activities. Information technology professionals such as the system analyst, the programmer, the data base administrator, the network administrator, and the telecommunication specialist are also one of the stakeholders of the system implementation. Some of the roles of IT professionalsRead MoreThe Security Related Information For Kashyap Technologies1248 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Security related information for Kashyap Technologies. The security plan for the company-wide information provides coverage of all security controls applicable within Ketch(Kashyap Technologies). Who should use this document? All the employees/contractors/guest/visitors , who will be using the network of the organization to send or receive data. This document states employee and users responsibility while using the allocated resources as detailed by the division of Information Security at KtechRead MoreHealth Information Technology For Economic And Clinical Health1383 Words   |  6 Pagesinfluential innovation is in direct response to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009. Therefore in this paper one will evaluate the current state of the infrastructure in workflow and processes; identify the existing gaps and issues within the environment, provide solutions for improvement in association with the present gaps – zero cost and limitless budget, and recognize current technology that can change the current health care infrastructure. ThisRead MoreThe Importance Of Decision Support Strategy1706 Words   |  7 PagesA few researchers also did researc h into having decision support approaches for cyber security investment. When investing in cyber security assets, information security administrators have to obey operational decision-making strategies. The researchers refer to this as â€Å"the cyber security investment challenge†. In this paper, they analyze three potential decision support methodologies that security managers can use to be able to perform this challenge. They considered methods based on game theoryRead MoreDisaster Recovery And Business Continuation Pl Security Gap Analysis Essay1358 Words   |  6 PagesRecovery and Business Continuation Plan: Security Gap Analysis Arlecia Johnson October 31, 2016 Information technology/security gaps identified. It was noted that with the aid of an external consultant, Bank Solutions had their current data center DRBC Plan written down in the year 2007 and was last tested in the same year. The testing was a shallow table-top walkthrough with no intensive assessments to ensure dependability and compliance to industry standard security frameworks. The plan has taken long

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Btec Hnd Business Environment - 3104 Words

Task 1 1.1 Organisations can be classified in terms of their business purpose, ‘for profit’ or ‘not for profit’ organisations. Organisations that seek to make a profit are mainly private sector businesses which provide goods/services and must make a profit to survive. They can break even or even make a loss for a very short time or they will cease to exist. The main structure of profit seeking organisations includes: 1. SOLE TRADER. Business owned by a single person, bearing full responsibility of financing and the burden of any debts of the business. The purpose of its existence is to sell goods/services with a view to make a profit out of the transaction. 2. PARTNERSHIPS. Business owned by two or more people. The purpose of a†¦show more content†¦Health and well being of employees is one of their ‘core values’ too and is met by providing occupational health management. COMMUNITIES Communities expect Anglo American to be socially responsible and look after the community it operates in. It expects local employment in Anglo American. To a large extent, Anglo American has fulfilled this objective. It has created jobs through enterprise support schemes in the countries it operates in. A percentage of Anglo American’s pre-tax profit is spent on social investment projects with the aim of helping to ‘alleviate poverty, promote health and education, and foster community development’ (angloamerican.com). $128.6 million was spent on local communities in 2011. Anglo American Group Foundation distributes grants to charities in the host countries to ‘develop sustainable livelihoods through the projects it supports’ (angloamerican.com). A wide range of causes is supported by the foundation. GOVERNMENT BODIES Governments expect prompt payment of taxes from Anglo American. They would like to receive as much as possible from them. Anglo American is fulfilling this objective. It paid and collected $5 billion in tax in 2011. These include payroll taxes and VAT as well as corporation tax. It pays tax in many countries, 77% of which in developing countries. BUSINESS PARTNERS Suppliers expect a long contract with Anglo American. Anglo American seeks a safe and healthy workingShow MoreRelatedHnd Subject in Nvq 51376 Words   |  6 Pages------------------------------------------------- HND in Business Awarding Body: Edexcel Level: Qcf Level-5 Course Description This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment or for progression to an undergraduate degree. It aims to provide an educational foundation for a range of administrative and management careers in business, specialised studies directly relevant to individual vocations and professionsRead MoreUnderstand the Relationship Between Organizational Structure and Culture.1779 Words   |  8 Pagessuccessful change in organizations 4 Understand mechanisms for developing effective teamwork in organisations Teams and team building, team dynamics, Impact of technology on team functioning: 1|Page BTEC HND in Business/ Organisation and Behaviour/Sept12 -BLANK PAGE- 2|Page BTEC HND in Business/ Organisation and Behaviour/Sept12 UNIT INTRODUCTION This unit focuses on the behaviour of individuals and groups within organisations. It explores the links between the structure and culture of organisationsRead MoreEssay on Identify the Purposes of Different Types of Organisations.1685 Words   |  7 PagesCode: Business Environment (Unit 1) Programme Name: BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Awarding body: Edexcel Unit Level (QCF): QCF-4 Academic term: May 2013 Assessment Brief Unit Details: Unit Code: Business Environment (Unit 1) Programme Name: BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Awarding body: Edexcel Unit Level (QCF): QCF-4 Academic term: May 2013 Course Details | Course Name | BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in BusinessRead MoreUnit 6 Business Decision Making Essay5294 Words   |  22 PagesPage 1 of 22 Centre Name/logo Programme Title Unit No Title QCF Level: Assignment No/Title Tutor/Assessor Written by Essex International College BTEC HND in Business Unit 6 Business Decision Making 5 Credit: 15 Y/601/0578 Acorn Research Consultants Please Provide Tutor Name Here /Assessor Panel Dr Keith Hoodless To meet LO 1 Assessment method To meet LO 2 To meet LO 3 Written Report not exceeding 4000 words covering all tasks To meet LO 4 Key dates: Assignment distribution date to learnersRead MoreEssay about 189977 Unit 33 Small Business Enterprise Sept 2014 2 1 1634 Words   |  7 PagesQualification Unit number and title Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma Business Unit 33: Small Business Enterprise Student name Assessor name Emmanuel Wanki Date issued Completion date 13th October 2014 30th January 2015 Assignment title Small Business Enterprise Learnin g Outcom e LO1 Learning outcome Be able to investigate the performance of a selected small business enterprise Assessme nt Criteria LO2 produce a profile of a selected small business identifying its strengths and weaknessesRead MoreBusiness Envrionment Assignment Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesBrighton School of Business and Management Limited Assignment Session: 2012- 2013 Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND Business and Marketing Unit 1 Assignment: Business Environment Assignment Introduction The assignment is aimed at providing you with an understanding of different organisations, the influence of stakeholders and the relationship between businesses and the local, national and global environments. Learning outcomes On successful completion of this assignment you will be able to: 1 UnderstandRead MoreEvaluation Of The Performance Of A Small Business Enterprise Essay954 Words   |  4 Pagesand submit this form will result in a mark of ‘0’ for the assignment. Student Name ELENA UTA Student ID P1030912 Assessor Name SHABNAM S. Qualification PEARSON BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma Business (Management) Unit Number Unit Title Unit 33: Marketing Principle (MP) Assignment Title Assessment of the Performance of a Small Business Enterprise Date of Submission 30.10.2016 By submitting this form and signing below, I declare that: †¢ I am the author of this assignment and that any assistanceRead More1.1 Identify the Purposes of Different Types of Organizations844 Words   |  4 PagesHuman Resource Management Institute (HRMI) Edexcel BTEC HND in Business – HRM Unit No/Title: Unit 1/Business Environment Unit Code: Y/601/0546 Assignment No: 1/2 Assignment Title: Organization Purpose It’s Environment Grading Opportunities Available Date Set: 7th October , 2012 Due Date: 4th November 2012 Student ID: ______________________ Student Signature: ___________________ Outcomes/Grade Descriptors Achieved (Please Tick) Read Morebusiness1116 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ BTEC Centre Guangdong AIB Polytechnic College Unit Unit 19: Marketing Planning Class 2011 HND Marketing Assignment A1: Compiling Marketing Audits and Examining Barriers in Marketing Date issued Apr 28, 2014 Date deadline Apr 19, 2014 Tutor BAO Yinglei IV QIU Ling Declaration: I am aware that cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in any assignment and that this work complies with the requirements. Student’s Signatureï ¼Å¡ (In Pinyin) Read MoreGovernment Contracts and Stakeholders1709 Words   |  7 Pagesphoto below, this train has a front car, a passenger car and a caboose. Stakeholders, in my opinion are the â€Å"passenger car† of this train and should not be forgotten in the middle. [Year] Tasha Corbin [Company name] [Date] BUSINESS-It’s What Drives America BUSINESS-It’s What Drives America As a senior level accountant, I am often given the daunting task of identifying candidates for accounting positions and bringing them on board upon finding their suitability to the position. I have found

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Book Review of Novel-the Canterville Ghost - 2684 Words

Book Review of THE CANTERVILLE GHOST * About the Author Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer and poet. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of Londons most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. Today he is remembered for his epigrams and plays, and the circumstances of his imprisonment which was followed by his early death. Wildes parents were successful Anglo-Irish Dublin intellectuals. Their son became fluent in French and German early in life. At university Wilde read Greats; he proved himself to be an outstanding classicist, first at Dublin, then at Oxford. He became known for his involvement in the rising philosophy of aestheticism, led by two of his tutors, Walter Pater and John Ruskin. After†¦show more content†¦Wilde obviously intends to satirize American materialism, but he pokes fun at English traditional culture as well. American vs. British society: â€Å"The Canterville Ghost† is a study in contrasts. Wilde takes an American family, places them in a British setting, then, through a series of mishaps, pits one culture against the other. He creates stereotypical characters that represent both England and the United States, and he presents each of these characters as comical figures, satirizing both the unrefined tastes of Americans and the determination of the British to guard their traditions. Sir Simon is not a symbol of England, as perhaps Mrs. Umney is, but rather a paragon of British culture. In this sense, he stands in perfect contrast to the Otis family. Sir Simon misunderstands the Otis family just as they misunderstand him, and, by pitting them against each other, Wilde clearly wishes to emphasize the culture clash between England and the United States. * The historical background and its connection to the story During the nineteenth century the 2nd Industrial Revolution was developed, which produced an accelerated technology out of new products and industries. There was also a technological breakthrough. This caused a great rivalry between the countries regarding the economy and politics, especially between The United States and England, who were the two world powers at that time. Oscar Wilde relates thisShow MoreRelatedOscar Wilde s Life And Accomplishments1949 Words   |  8 Pagespersonality alone that made Wilde infamous. He was an author with amazing talents. He created entire worlds with his work. He was exceptionally creative, death, he wrote published many works. Some of his more popular being A House of Pomegranates, The Canterville Ghost, and A Woman Of No Importance. He also wrote poems and essays such as Athanasia, La Bella Donna Della Mia Mente, The Sphinx, The Decay Of Lying, and The Soul of A Man Under Socialism. These are among the stories and plays that made Wilde a legend

Marijuana Legalization throughout the World Essay - 813 Words

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant which when consumed has psychoactive effects. It is believed to have been first used in the 3rd millennium BCE in what is now modern-day Romania. Throughout history, it has been known to be used during rituals and ceremonies, becoming an important aspect of numerous cultures. It has become illegal to possess, sell or use marijuana in various countries beginning in the 20th century, despite that it’s used quite commonly. The United Nations has even stated that cannabis is the world’s most widely produced, trafficked and consumed drug in the world, with an estimated 119 to 224 million adult users worldwide. Meanwhile, other, more-lethal substances such as alcohol and tobacco are legal and help†¦show more content†¦The premise behind this is that they see marijuana as a gateway drug, and that people who use it will consequently move towards more hardcore and harmful drugs such as heroin or cocaine. To stop this they ar rest over 700,000 Americans yearly for possession of marijuana. These law-breaking â€Å"convicts† are forced into a prison system that transforms them from first-time offenders into hardened criminals. To enforce this system, the government spends a ludicrous 7.7 billion dollars per year. About 2.4 million people use marijuana for the first time every year and most will never be arrested for it, but some, usually low-income people of color, will. A 2007 study in Washington DC, showed that about an equal amount of whites and blacks admitted to using marijuana, but 92 percent of people arrested for marijuana possession are black and the remaining 8 percent are white. This and many other studies demonstrate that law enforcement is biased in who they arrest. If marijuana were to be legalized, this racial profiling would also cease. As previously stated, the US government spends 7.7 billion dollars per year to stop Americans from using marijuana. Instead of spending so much money to enforce this inefficient system, the government could capitalize on such a profitable market. With the decriminalization of marijuana, more jobs would be created to grow, prepare, transport, advertise and sell the marijuana. Since most of the cost of marijuana results from the risk involvedShow MoreRelatedLegalization of Marijuana1550 Words   |  7 PagesLegalization of Marijuana: Benefits and Statistics The topic of legalizing marijuana has been a topic of controversy for quite some time now not only throughout our local streets, but throughout the local and into the state government. The legalization of marijuana is such a controversial topic because some are for it and some are against it. People are for the legalization because of the great uses it has towards medicine, the money that could come from the taxation of legalized marijuana, andRead MoreEssay about Should We Legalize Marijuana in Canada?1081 Words   |  5 PagesTo Legalize or to Not Legalize: The Debate Behind Marijuana in Canada The legalization of marijuana is an issue that consistently discussed and debated, not only in North America, but throughout the entire world. Despite being illegal in every country, marijuana remains the most widely used illicit drug in the world. The popularity of this drug is the cause for the continuous legalization debate, resulting in various legislations pertaining to the consumption of the substance. Every country hasRead MoreSupport For Marijuana Legalization Against First Age1035 Words   |  5 Pagesof support for the legalization of marijuana as well as three separate age categories (1) 17-39 (2) 40-59 and (3) 60-older. It is worth noting that since the data was collected in 2012 opinions have been bound to shift, specifically in states which have seen statewide recreational legalization, however for the function of the research, the given data produces ample information and analysis which will facilitate with rejection or acceptance of the working hypothesis. Throughou t the duration of theRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1581 Words   |  7 Pageson drugs† since the late 1900’s, the legalization of marijuana has been a popular topic within the past couple of years. This topic is very controversial due to the fact that many people are unable to see past the bad rap that cannabis has accumulated over past years. Among the other aspects that have already given marijuana a bad reputation, some people are trying to find more and more reasons to postpone the legalization of marijuana. Since the legalization of cannabis in Colorado, Washington andRead MoreThe Issue Of Legalization Of Marijuana1605 Words   |  7 Pagesdangerous world.† This was said by one of the most famous scientists in the United States known as Carl Sagan. Marijuana has been one of the most debated topics in the media today, and numerous years before. Altogether, this debate has raised many questions, yet with very few answers of whether the legalization o f marijuana should be passed, and expressed throughout the nation as a whole. The fight for legalizing marijuana has embraced itself to see success. The legalization of marijuana is essentialRead MoreLegalizing Marijuana in the U.S. Essay1344 Words   |  6 PagesRunning head: LEGALIZATION OF Legalization of Marijuana: A hot topic Tonie J. Moutra GEN 499 Dr. Curt Sobolewski November 26, 2012 The legalization of marijuana for recreational usage could may be a new trend in America but the Federal government will likely oppose usage through the end of time. The Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) stance is that marijuana is an illegal drug and that using this drug whether for medicinal or recreational purposes is illegalRead MoreLegalizing Recreational Pot1507 Words   |  7 PagesLegalizing Recreational Pot Heavy marijuana smokers are at risk for some of the same health effects as cigarette smokers, like bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States and around the world. Those who support its legalization, for medical or for recreational use, fail to recognize that the greatest costs of marijuana are not related to its prohibition; they are the costs resulting from marijuana use itself. If the United StatesRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1524 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana makes you calm. Marijuana reduces stress. Marijuana cures diseases such as cancer. Marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is a plant; therefore it is not dangerous to one’s health and overall being. Many have heard it all before, the hundreds of reasons as to why marijuana is deemed as a â€Å"safe† drug and why it should be legalized, yet people have not quite heard the hundreds of reasons as to why it should stay illegal. In tod ay’s society, there is a huge controversy on the topic of marijuanaRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1723 Words   |  7 PagesIn today s world, people are very one-sided on the issues of smoking. There are many types of things that you can smoke but marijuana and cigarettes seem to be the most controversial. Countless amounts of people are against smoking in general, smoking cigarettes, and/or smoking marijuana. Because of the certain setbacks and outlooks on these smoking impacts, the economy adjusts with consumers and non-consumers of both substances. The economy is mainly determined on the types of consumer behaviorRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Essay1443 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Rhetorical Analysis on â€Å"Here’s Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense† In ‘Here’s Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense’, Alex Newhouse, a lawyer who resides in the area of Sunnyside, Washington addresses the controversial issue of the legalization of cannabis. The sole purpose of Newhouse’s article is to persuade readers and voters that marijuana should be legalized. Throughout his article, Newhouse focuses on the use of ethos and logos, while also slightly focusing on the use of pathos, to help

Essay on Financial Strength & Weakness †Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Write an essay onFinancial Strength Weakness. Answer: On the basis of the financial analysis of the Starbucks, it should be noted down that, the firm has a strong financial position that is the major strength of the Starbucks. Along with this, the income statement reveals that the net income of the firm is increasing day by day that is essential to survive in todays more competitive business era (Yahoo Finance. 2016). The below given data is helpful to know the financial growth of the firm: Net Income Profit After Tax 1.25B 1.38B 8.3M 2.07B 2.76B Along with this, it should also be noted down that, the firm has enough funds to accomplish its financial goals and objectives in an effective and a more comprehensive manner. This also points out the financial strength of the firm (Yahoo Finance. 2016). The below given data demonstrates that the firm has a large amount of cash in hand: Cash 1.15B 1.19B 2.58B 1.71B 1.53B Moreover, the firm has adequate assets that play a significant role in order to attract the investors. The data show that there is also an increase in the assets of the Starbucks on the regular basis (Yahoo Finance. 2016). Total Assets 7.36B 8.22B 11.52B 10.75B 12.45B In the way, on the basis of the financial statements of the firm, it can be said that, Starbucks has a strong financial position that indicates is the major strength of the firm over its competitors. Apart from this, on the basis of the financial analysis of the firm, it should also be noted down that there are some major financial weaknesses that the firm must take on priority. For case, the major weakness is that the liability of the firm is also increasing on the regular basis that is not good for the financial position of the firm (Yahoo Finance. 2016). The below given data is helpful to present the liability of the firm: Total Liabilities 7.36B 8.22B 11.52B 10.75B 12.45B On the basis of the financial analysis, it can be said that, this is the major financial weakness that the firm has. Non-Financial Strength Weakness Ratio analysis is considered as the non-financial indicators or measures of an organization. On the basis of the ratio analysis of the firm, it should be noted down that, the firm has some major non-financial strengths and weaknesses. For case, the major non-financial strength is that, Starbucks is earning profits on its equity and assets. For example, the profitability ratio of the firm indicates that in the last two years, the firm accomplished higher returns on its equity and assets (Wahlen, Jones Pagach, 2016). Along with this, the firm pays retained earnings to their investor that is also the other non-financial strength of the firm. It is because of it is helpful to attract and to provide opportunities to the investors and that is also beneficial for the financial growth of the organization (Starbucks. 2016). Moreover, the firm also proficient to reminisce the adequate capital in order to reinvest and grow the business to take advantage of on long term shareholder returns. Apart from this, the non-financial indicators or measures also points out the weaknesses of the firm. For example, the liquidity ratios of the firm demonstrate that the liquidity position of the firm is weak. Liquidity refers as the degree to which an asset/ security of the firm can be bought/ sold quickly in the market without affecting the price of asset. Along with this, liquidity of the firm also indicates the ability of the organization that it has to pay off its short-term debt obligations (NASDAQ. 2016). Moreover, the higher liquidity ratios reveal that the firm is able to pay its debts that are coming due in the near future and also can fund its ongoing operations in an effective and a more comprehensive manner. In this way, these are the non-financial strengths and weaknesses of the Starbucks. Companies Strategies for Solving Problems and Outlook In Future On the basis of the financial analysis, and financial non-financial strengths as well as weakness of the firm, it can be said that the firm should adopt and implement some useful strategies to improve the efficiency and to reduce the weaknesses of the firm. First of all, the firm should make strategies to pay its liabilities in a pre-determined time period. Moreover, the firm should make efforts to increase its liquidity (Fan Morck, 2012). The firm should reduce its overhead in order to increase liquidity in a more comprehensive manner. On the other hand, Starbucks should shed its unnecessary assets in order to enhance liquidity of the firm. Moreover, the firm should make strategies to manage accounts (accounts receivable and accounts payable) in an adequate way. Both; accounts receivable and accounts payable have an impact on the liquidity of the firm (Palepu, Healy, Bernard, Peek, 2007). In order to increase the liquidity, the firm should continuous review its accounts receivable in order to ensure that customers are receiving and also paying bills on time. Moreover, a delay in sending or receiving bills may reduce cash flow and damage liquidity of the organization. In this way, with the help of these strategies, the firm would be able to operate its businesses in the future in an effective manner (Preve Sarria-Allende, 2010). Conclusion On the basis of the overall discussion, it can be said that, the firm is doing well in todays more complex and competitive business era. Along with this, it should also be observed that, the financial position of the firm is strong. However, there are some financial and non-financial weaknesses that the firm should reduce to run its business in the long-term time period. The firm must focus on its liquidity in order to meet its financial obligations in a specific time period. The liquidity of the firm is helpful to make sure that the firm has proper cash flow levels for continued operations and growth of the company. Overall, the firm has a strong financial position and the Starbucks has bright future in upcoming years. References Fan, J.P.H., Morck, R. (2012). Capitalizing China. USA: University of Chicago Press. NASDAQ. (2016). SBUX Company Financials. Retrieved From: https://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/sbux/financials?query=ratios Palepu, K.G., Healy, P.M., Bernard, V.L., Peek, E. (2007). Business Analysis and Valuation: Text and Cases. USA: Cengage Learning EMEA. Preve, L. Sarria-Allende, V. (2010). Working Capital Management. USA: Oxford University Press. Starbucks. (2016). About US. Retrieved From: https://www.starbucks.in/ Wahlen, J.M., Jones, J.P., Pagach, D. (2016). Intermediate Accounting: Reporting and Analysis, Copyright Update (2nd ed.). USA: Cengage Learning. Yahoo Finance. (2016). Starbucks Corporation (SBUX). Retrieved From: https://in.finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=SBUXannual Yahoo Finance. (2016). Starbucks Corporation (SBUX). Retrieved From: https://in.finance.yahoo.com/q/bs?s=SBUXannual

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Preferred Provider Organization and Primary Care Physician free essay sample

HMOs first emerged in the 1940s with Kaiser Permanente in California and the Health Insurance Plan in New York. However, they were not adopted widely until the 1970s, when health care costs increased and the federal government passed the HMO Act of 1973, which required that companies that offered health insurance and employed more than 25 employees include an HMO option. The law also supplied start-up subsidies for these health plans (Barsukiewicz, Raffel, Raffel, 2010). Example: HMOs often operate on a prospective or prepaid payment system where providers are paid a capitated fee—one flat amount per beneficiary—per month, quarter, or year, regardless of the frequency or quantity of services used (Barsukiewicz, Raffel, Raffel, 2010). In staff model HMOs, such as Kaiser Permanente, providers are salaried, but this arrangement is the exception, not the norm. Example: In group policies, where health insurance is provided through the employer, the employer pays the insurance company a set amount agreed upon in advance. According to Austin and Wetle (2012), employers covered 83% of premium costs for single coverage and 73% for family coverage in 2009. The employee, or beneficiary, paid the difference. Then, the health insurance company pays the provider directly. Example: HMOs have the strictest access structure, called a gatekeeper model, where patients must have a primary care physician (PCP) through whom all care is routed. PCPs decide which diagnostic tests are needed and control access to specialists through referrals, deciding when it is necessary for a patient to seek more expensive specialty care (Barsukiewicz, Raffel, Raffel, 2010). Example: HMOs are usually the least expensive health plans, offer predictable costs for health care, the least administrative paperwork, and cover preventive care (Barsukiewicz, Raffel, Raffel, 2010). However, HMOs also restrict direct access to specialists by requiring referrals by a PCP, requiring patients to see a provider in the HMO network, and often not covering more costly procedures or care options, because care is managed to control excessive or unnecessary care. Providers gain if they provide less care (Austin Wetle, 2012). This incentive could affect patient-provider trust. Example: Advantages of HMOs are that a known amount of revenue is guaranteed and the patient population number is fixed (Austin Wetle, 2012). In addition, if providers use less in services than the capitated fee, they are paid each month to cover the cost of care, they keep the difference. Conversely, if care costs exceed the contracted amount, then the provider must assume that financial risk, which puts providers at a disadvantage if they care for a sicker patient population (Austin Wetle, 2012). HMOs also restrict the covered services, which limits autonomy in medical decision-making. Indemnity In 1929 Baylor Hospital in Texas agreed to provide prepaid care at its hospital for approximately 1,500 teachers (Fox Kongstvedt, Chapter 1: An Overview of Managed Care, 2007). The teachers would receive 21 days yearly of hospitalization in return for the monthly sum they paid Baylor University Hospital. Blue Cross was later developed in the early 1930s to provide the same type of health insurance to other individuals for prepaid medical services. Indemnity plans are considered a traditional health plan due to the fact they were one of the first health policies in the United States. It is a fee-for-service plan as well. Once the patient receives medical care the insurer will then pay for the medical services rendered. With most indemnity plans there is an annual coinsurance maximum, and this amount varies depending on the plan. Once the coinsurance maximum is met, the insurer will pay 100 percent of the medical costs for the remainder of the year (Howell, 2014). There are three options available with an indemnity insurance plan. The first option is the indemnity plan where the insurer pays the insured a set amount daily for a maximum amount of days (Howell, 2014). The other two are both reimbursement plans. The second option is where the insurer pays a percentage of the insureds medical bill. This is typically 80 percent, and the insured is responsible for paying the remaining 20 percent. The third option is where the insurer covers 100 percent of medical care. For all plans, it is usually required to pay an annual deductible before the insurer will pay for any medical services. An indemnity plan is a non-network based plan with open-access. This allows the insured individuals to have flexibility with what doctor, hospital, or health care facility they choose. It is not required to choose a primary care doctor, and referrals are not necessary. Indemnity plans provide patients with flexibility and direct control over their medical care. They can visit a doctor of their choice and they are not forced to choose a primary care physician (Howell, 2014). If their favored physician is not part of a managed health care network the indemnity plan is better for them. There is additional paperwork that the patient will need to submit to be reimbursed for medical treatment. If the paperwork is not submitted correctly and in a timely manner there is a possibility of processing delays (Howell, 2014). Indemnity plans are the most expensive type of health plan. The patient is only reimbursed for services covered by the insurer, and all other services are to be paid in full by the patient. Because there is no set list of providers the patient must remain within, certain physicians may not have an agreement with the insurance company to provide care at a specific rate. The physician is able to receive the costs for services up front to guarantee they are getting what they charge. They may or may not help the patient with the required paperwork to submit for reimbursement. This saves the physician time and resources if they choose to receive funds in full before services, leave the paperwork to be handled by the insured patient. Consumer-directed health plan Consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) were the result of public backlash against managed care and the rise in health care expenditures (Bundorf, 2012). CDHPs emerged in the late 1990s (Bundorf, 2012). They were intended to control costs by shifting responsibility for health care decision making from the insurer to the patient. Patients with CDHPs are required to pay for medical services rendered in a fee-for-service type payment plan. The patient pays for the costs out of pocket until the maximum out-of-pocket limit has been met. Once that limit has been exceeded, the insurance company will then cover additional costs. The insurer will reimburse the medical provider fully, or a portion of, once a claim has been submitted (AET). With a CDHP the patient is required to pay 100 percent of medical and pharmacy expenses at a discounted price for their plans contract until the yearly deductible has been met. For most plans the minimum for a single individual is $1,250, and for a family it is between $2,500-$3,000. Once the yearly deductible has been met, the patient will be required to cover a certain percentage of the cost for care received. The percentage varies based on whether the patient decided to see an in-network provider or an out of network provider, as well as who they have the CDHP with. Generally, if the patient stays in network they would only be required to pay for 10-20 percent of the total bill (Dow Corning, n. d. ). However, if the patient visit an out of network provider, they are required to pay 20-30 percent of their costs (Dow Corning, n.d). For some plans once the patient has met the deductible, the insurer will cover 100 percent of their in-network costs. With a CDHP the patient is required to pay 100 percent of medical and pharmacy expenses at a discounted price for their plans contract until the yearly deductible has been met. For most plans the minimum for a single individual is $1,250, and for a family it is between $2,500-$3,000. Once the yearly deductible has been met, the patient will be required to cover a certain percentage of the cost for care received. The percentage varies based on whether the patient decided to see an in-network provider or an out of network provider, as well as who they have the CDHP with. Generally, if the patient stays in network they would only be required to pay for 10-20 percent of the total bill (Dow Corning, n. d. ). However, if the patient visit an out of network provider, they are required to pay 20-30 percent of their costs (Dow Corning, n. d). For some plans once the patient has met the deductible, the insurer will cover 100 percent of their in-network costs. Patients with consumer-driven health plans are given a network of providers that their insurance company contracts with. The patient is not required to choose a primary care physician, and is not required to obtain a referral to see a specialist for medical care ( aetna, 2012). CDHPs can be beneficial to patients who have excellent medical risk profiles and will likely maintain in good health. It is also helpful for the patient to have a higher-than-average financial risk tolerance, otherwise medical care may be deemed too expensive and unobtainable (AscendUSA, 2012). Many patients do not utilize the resources available on their CDHPs website to compare costs and make the most of their plan. This can be linked to how little knowledge and direction patients are actually given on their plan (AscendUSA, 2012). Providers benefit financially when the patient pays for services up-front, before the maximum out-of-pocket limit is met. The services are covered almost immediately, rather than waiting for a claim to be processed and reimbursed. It is possible that CDHPs may cause distrust between the patient and provider if the patient begins to feel that their caregiver is taking advantage of them for monetary gain (AscendUSA, 2012). Point-of-service Point-of-service insurance plans are a hybrid of health maintenance organizations (HMO) and preferred provider organizations (PPO). In the 1900s point-of-service plans were introduced to allow patients insured with Blue Cross and Blue Shield more options with who should provide their healthcare, as well as flexibility to manage costs (Lichtenstein, 2013). Most providers within the point-of-service network are paid a capitated fee. They receive one flat amount per patient, regardless of services rendered. They also operate on a prospective payment system (PPS). The insurance company reimburses the provider an amount that is determined before the patient receive medical services. The patient is responsible for paying a co-payment or co-insurance up front before visiting with the doctor. Once the patient has been seen, the provider will submit claim forms to the insurer for the services rendered. Once the claims are processed the insurer will reimburse the provider (Austin Wetle, 2012). If the patient goes out-of-network, they are required to pay the provider in full for the services and then will be reimbursed by the insurer once they submit the claims. Point-of-service insurance plans have a gatekeeper role. This is the primary care physician for the insured individual. While the patient is not required to gain a referral from their primary care physician to seek medical care services from an out-of-network provider, it is strongly recommended. POS insurance plans try to encourage the use of referrals by making the patient endure higher co-payments and deductibles by choosing an out-of-network physician without referral. If the patient does receive a referral from their primary care physician the point-of-service plan will cover their expenses from services rendered (Small Business Majority, 2013). Point-of-service plans allow the patient t easily go out of the network to see any specialist. This is especially useful for outpatient medical services such as counseling (Gustke, 2013). The patient also has more geographic flexibility. If the patient were to get ill during a vacation, they could visit a care center and receive care. The choices are less limited, especially for those living in a rural area where medical choices may be sparse. The downsides include costly deductibles. Even when the patient remains within the POS network, a copay is required for each visit to the doctor. If the patient chooses to use an out-of-network provider, they may be required to pay a high annual deductible (Gustke, 2013). If the patient never uses an out-of network provider their premium money can be wasted. There is a lot of paperwork required for out-of-network care, and some providers require the fees to be paid in full before services are rendered. Reimbursements can take from three to six months (Gustke, 2013). Most POS plans require a referral, and this could be difficult to get as well as time consuming. When a provider gives medical care to a patient with point-of-service insurance, and they are an in-network provider, they will have additional paperwork to complete and submit on behalf of the patient for the services rendered. The provider will then have to wait until the claim is approved to receive their entitled money. Providers in-network are generally paid on a capitation basis, which may expose them to financial risk for services rendered (POS). Preferred provider organizations Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) began in the 1970s. There were created from, and to change, the rules of fee-for-service care. Preferred provider organizations are meant to encourage the insured to visit physicians and hospitals that have agreed to a predetermined plan as to keep costs down (Kiplinger, 2014). Preferred provider organizations negotiate a contract with providers, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies to create a network. The providers in that network then agree on a set rate to provide health care services at a lower rate than they normally charge for services (Kiplinger, 2014). PPOs use a prospective and retrospective system. This is to ensure that the provider is only doing medically necessary tests and treatments for the injury being claimed, rather than trying to gain a larger reimbursement. In a preferred provider organization (PPO) the insured will pay a deductible to the insurer. Once the deductible has been paid, the insurer will then cover medical expenses incurred. Preventative care services are not subject to the deductible, however (Kiplinger, 2014). For some, the insured will also have a co-payment for certain services or be required to cover a percentage of the total cost for medical services rendered (BlueCross BlueShield, 2014). PPOs are the most common type of open-access plans. PPOs allow the patient to seek medical care with any provider they wish, whether in-network or out-of-network. The patient is not required to obtain a referral from their primary care physician, nor are they required to pick a primary care physician.