Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Legal Studies Assess the effectiveness of the Criminal...

Assess the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System in dealing with young offenders. There are a few common reasons for young people to be involved in crime. These include poor parental supervision, drug and alcohol abuse, neglect and abuse, homelessness, negative peer associations and difficulties in school and employment. The criminal justice system effectively deals with young offenders through unique techniques to address the challenges of dealing with juvenile offending. Even though young offenders commit a large percentage of crime, they also have the highest likelihood to be rehabilitated and change their lifestyles as they mature. There are several factors influencing crime by young offenders including psychological and†¦show more content†¦Doli Incapax however, doesn’t end once a young person reaches the age of 10. From the ages of 10-14 it is a common law presumption that a minor does not possess the necessary knowledge to have a criminal intention. This is known as a rebuttable presumption. This presumption lies in favour of the young perso n just as if they were under the age of 10, however, the other party can rebut it if they are able to show sufficient evidence to disprove this. This can be done a fair few ways. One of the ways to rebut Doli Incapax is by looking at the young persons criminal record. Previous offences that are linked to the present offence (e.g. robbery and assault) can be used to rebut Doli Incapax. Another way to rebut Doli Incapax is by interviewing the young person. This must be done so however, in the presence of an adult, if it not, the evidence may be inadmissible in court. The interview process will involve a police officer questioning the juvenile about their knowledge of the offence. If the juvenile admits they were aware that the offence was a criminal matter, Doli Incapax is rebutted. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CROC) supports this idea of the age of criminal responsibility and Australia has ratified legislations proposed referring to this idea. The Childre n (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 (NSW) lays out the minimum age of criminal responsibility, although there are occasional debates within the public to reduce this age. Doli Incapax isShow MoreRelatedIncarceration: Prison and Inmates10532 Words   |  43 PagesINTRODUCTION Law enforcement officers are authorized by federal, state, and local lawmakers to arrest and confine persons suspected of crimes. The judicial system is authorized to confine persons convicted of crimes. This confinement, whether before or after a criminal conviction, is called incarceration. Incarceration is one of the main forms of punishment for the commission of illegal offenses. Juveniles and adults alike are subject to incarceration. Incarceration is the detention of a personRead MoreFemale Criminality11608 Words   |  46 Pagesï » ¿Female Criminals Assignment Female Criminality consists of several outdated statistics regarding the rise of female offending. However, in viewing the current research on the subject, it appears that the overall theme of this dissertations discussion is still relevant despite changes in the accompanying statistics as seen in viewing the following topics: the rise in female offending; the continual rise that females are committing more crimes than men; and the types of crimes that women are committingRead MoreEpekto Ng Polusyon19213 Words   |  77 Pages page: 38-41 Appendices Appendix 1: The Freedom Programme page: 42 Appendix 2: Stockton Doves page: 43 Appendix 3: Example Questions page: 44 Appendix 4: Information Sheet page: 45 Appendix 5: Consent Form: Study 1 page: 46 Appendix 6: Consent Form: Study 2 page: 47 Appendix 7: Example of transcribed Interview page: 48-55 Abstract Domestic violence is defined in many ways and is subject to many stereotypical and false presumptions that contribute to the stigmatisationRead MoreCritical Analysis Of Legal Regime For The Better Future Of Children Essay6622 Words   |  27 PagesCritical Analysis of Legal Regime for the better Future of Children â€Å"Childhood shows the man As morning shows the day† -John Milton in ‘Paradise Regained ’ Abstract Children like mirror, which reflect the future image of a nation. Children are not only the future of any nation but also strength in reserve. If they are healthy and active, educated and informed, disciplined andRead MoreJuvenile Deliquency in Ibadan, Nigeria15127 Words   |  61 Pagesemployment, breakdown of the family unit, inadequate provision of social services and inability of the educational system to respond to new challenges. From the word â€Å"juvenile delinquency†, â€Å"juvenile† means young people while delinquency means young offenders that are guilty of minor crime or misdeed. Juvenile delinquency as defined by Carter and Hill (1979) means offences committed by young people – theft, smuggling, prostitution, drug trafficking, robbery, raping, violence etc.while Oxford AdvancedRead MoreResearch Report on Impact of Time Management11320 Words   |  46 PagesCHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the study The public image of the police is measured a number of different ways. Sometimes surveys ask about â€Å"local† police, police in â€Å"your neighborhood† or police in â€Å"your area,† while other surveys ask about the police as a general institution. The terminology used to gauge public support also varies widely, with questions asking about whether respondents â€Å"approve of† or â€Å"trust† the police, have â€Å"confidence in† or â€Å"respect for† the police, or whetherRead MoreDomestic violence Essay examples7765 Words   |  32 PagesDomestic violence can take many forms, including physical aggression or assault, or threats thereof; sexual abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse; and economic deprivation. It can also mean endangerment, criminal coercion, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, trespassing, and harassment. In recent years, strangulation in the context of DV has received significant attention. It is now recognized as one of the most lethal forms of DV; yet, because of the lackRead MoreEffectiveness of Pccr Review Center19276 Words   |  78 PagesEFFECTIVENESS OF PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY REVIEW CENTER A Thesis Presented to the Faculty College of Criminology Philippine College of Criminology In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements in Criminological Research and Statistic Leading to the Degree Bachelor of Science in Criminology BY: Section:4-B2 MYRA M. EVANGELISTA CHRIZAN KARL T. GARCIA MELJHON D. OBEJAS ANTHONY Q. AMORES WELMAR C. GABINETE APPROVAL SHEET This thesis entitled â€Å"EFFECTIVENESS OF PHILIPPINE COLLEGEOFCRIMINOLOGYRead MoreThe Social Impact of Drug Abuse24406 Words   |  98 PagesNum ber 2 THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF DRUG ABUSE This study was originally prepared by UNDCP as a position paper for the World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen, 6-12 March 1995) Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter Part one: background I. The drug problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A. B. C. D. E. TheRead MoreEssay on Framing the User: Social Constructions of Marijuana Users9798 Words   |  40 PagesA. Pichardo Almanzar Dept. of Sociology Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA 98926 Pichardn@cwu.edu Thanks to Laura Appleton and Ericka Stange for comments on an earlier draft. Thanks also to Kirk Johnson for his assistance in locating criminal data sets. Framing the User: Social Constructions of Marijuana Users and the Medical Marijuana Movement ABSTRACT Social movements are continuously engaged in the act of framing. Whether it is to present their message in a positive light or

Timeline and World War I Study Guide Essay - 794 Words

Timeline â€Å"Birth of a Nation† D.W. Griffin is a movie based on a play with the setting during the civil war. It is about to opposite families living in the Northern states and the Southern states. â€Å"Black Jack† Pershing, also name John J. Pershing was a general of the army during the WWI. He holds the record of the highest rank in the army. Anthracite Coal Strike was a kind of violent protest against mine owners. It was basically over the pay wages and hours worked. Article X was basically a document created to link nations together. It was unsuccessful in ratifying because of politicians opinions. Ballinger Pinchot Affair was a feud that separated republican politicians because of revenue being made separate from legal transactions.†¦show more content†¦Great White Fleet was the U.S. Navy’s exploration of the world. This was a voyage that was told to be taken by Roosevelt for interaction with the world. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was an agreement between the U.S. and the founders of the Panama Canal. It basically gave the United States permission to help create and construct the Panama Canal. Henry Cabot Lodge was against immigration. He was a republican senator. Insular Cases were decisions made on territory from the Spanish American war. This basically established islands off the south coast of Florida. insurgent’s revolt was the revolution for the Philippines. It was violent protest for Philippine independence. International Workers of the World was basically a workers union. It was to help everyone in need of job help. Irreconcilables were the people that opposed the Treaty of Versailles. These were the people that try their best not to get the treaty passed. Keating-Owen Child Labor Act was an act that mainstreamed child labor. It was to help child labor period. League of Nations was a agreement to end the first world war. It was mainly to make calm was at the time chaotic. Lusitanian Moral Diplomacy was an organized way to invest into a country that was just like them. Only to benefit themselves though. New Freedom was created by the President Wilson. It was a campaign strategy. It was said to create a weak involvement of the government.Show MoreRelatedThe Arab Spring in Egypt1200 Words   |  5 Pages  The Arab Spring is an extremely prominent issue today. This refers to the series of protests and civil wars that have been occurring in the Arab World due to discontent with government, human rights violations, poverty, and other factors. Countries where this is an issue include Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Sudan. One of the countries hit hardest by the revolution was Egypt.   What is often called â€Å"the spark that started it all,† occurredRead MoreHow Does the Representation of Women Change Between 1930-1960 on the Covers of Vogue?1554 Words   |  7 PagesThe perception of women has changed in the last century, because of the changes in the economy, lifestyles and the home. I am going to find out how women have changed between 1930 and 1960 and the effect Vogue has had on women’s lives. Vogue has not only contributed to the acceptance of trends in the fashion and beauty industry, but in addition has become a reward in the changed in cultural thinking, actions and dress of women. Vogue is the world’s most influential fashion magazine, first foundedRead MoreJean Paul : The Philosopher Of The Twentieth Century1387 Words   |  6 Pagesbeen between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, The first World War began, The â€Å"unsinkable ship† Titanic was hit by an iceberg and sunk and if that wasn t enough the Spanish flu killed millions of people worldwide. In the 1920s teenager Jean-Paul became interested in philosophy upon the discovery of an essay written by Henry Bergson, There were big steps in giving women the right to vote and archaeology became much more evident within the world after the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in EgyptRead MoreSenior Strategic Leadership Reflection Paper1527 Words   |  7 PagesReflection Paper As an Army leader, I have learned to appreciate the sense of accomplishment, yet guard against premature celebration when my leadership and guidance has gotten my team to the finish line. As General George Patton said, â€Å"A leader is a man who can adapt principles to circumstances.† In my early days as an Army officer, I wanted to know the â€Å"secret† to successfully leading men in this organization through challenging waters to the top of the objective. However, I have now realized that thereRead MoreMy Leadership As An Army Leader1551 Words   |  7 Pages As an Army leader I have learned to appreciate the sense of accomplishment, yet guard against premature celebration when my leadership and guidance has gotten my team to the finish line. As General George Patton said, â€Å" A leader is a man who can adapt principles to circumstances.† In my early days as an Army officer, I wanted to know the â€Å"secret† to successfully leading men in thi s organization through challenging waters to the top of the objective. However, I have now realized that thereRead MoreA Study Of Culture And Marvin Harris Cultural Materialism1688 Words   |  7 PagesAnthropology as the study of culture is an intricate practice guided by theory to generate explanatory value from encountered societies. This paper will examine two contrasting angles provided by Ruth Benedict’s configurational anthropology in Patterns of Culture and Marvin Harris’ cultural materialism in Cannibals and Kings. Whereas Benedict’s configurational anthropology approaches culture as an expressive art form, Harris’s cultural materialism explains the peculiarities of cultural customs asRead MoreWomens Rights in Great Britain815 Words   |  4 Pagesbecome more popular in society, because of their involvement in World War I and societal changes in how the public or society viewed women and their involvement in society. Works Cited British Suffrage Movement. Welcome to Edenbridge Town Ethics. http://www.edenbridgetown.com/ethics/reference/interest/sufferage.shtml (accessed March 6, 2014). Donner, Henriette. Under the Cross-Why V.A.D.s Performed the Filthiest Task in the Dirtiest War: Red Cross Women Volunteers, 1914-1918. Journal of SocialRead MoreHistoriographic Metafiction in \1386 Words   |  6 PagesHistoriographic Metafiction in The Wars The writing of history has consistently been under heavy scrutiny, however it is justifiable. When someone reads a book of history they are never getting the honest-to-god truth. This is because along with the writing of history comes bias. Historiographic literature is a style of writing that is found in The Wars, it is a style the critiques or gives somewhat of a commentary on the writing of history. However the historiographic nature of this book isRead MoreSchool Garden : A Teaching Mechanism For Patriotism, Ethics, And Nature1084 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction The first American school garden was created in 1891, and by 1919 the emergence of the United States School Garden Army involved the participation of thousands of children for producing food for the war effort, moreover, advocates utilized school gardens as a teaching mechanism for patriotism, ethics, and nature (Trelstad, 1997). Today’s youth lack real life experience with the ecosystem. School gardens provide students with the opportunity to learn hands-on, even in a school with limitedRead MoreFake News Propaganda Against Marc Anthony1464 Words   |  6 Pagessubstantial damages and put those who traffic in fake news out of business (Seidenberg, 2017). A win for Rod Wheeler might, in turn, deter others who wheel and deal in fake news to rethink the basic principles of journalistic integrity that should ideally guide their reporting. Such an outcome is more important than ever before: according to Professor R. Kelly Grant of Ohio State University, â€Å"Misperceptions are consequential. They have profound importance in our system of government because the people are

Who wins / Who Loses Through Globalization

Question: Discuss Who wins / Who loses through Globalization. For example, there are probably at least 4 Stakeholders: Con Edison customers, Con Edison stockholders, Indian workers depicted in the factory, foundry workers in the United States. Some people suggest this is how England and the United States became economic powerhouses (and newcomer China), that is, on the backs of prior generations. Do you think there is a role for laws and legislation to prevent or minimize working conditions depicted above? Answer: Globalisation has become so pervasive in the last two decades that it has transformed the economic activities in both the developed and the developing world. The seemingly low value manufacturing activities are increasingly being outsourced to developing countries particularly India and China due to the low labour cost and lax labour norms. However, this has profound implications for a plethora of stakeholders situated both in the developed and the developing world. There is a point to review such outsourcing in wake of the likely future implications of these activities for the various stakeholders involved (Iqbal and Dad, 2013). In wake of this background, the given case of outsourcing of manhole covers manufacturing needs to be analysed. In the given case, there are primarily the following stakeholders that may be identified. Con Edison Customers Con Edison Stockholders Indian workers working in the foundry factory Owners of foundry factory in India Foundry workers in the US Con Edison Customers Since the manufacturing of manhole covers is outsourced to India, the customers are able to get the product with the requisite specifications at the cheapest cost. At one level this is advantageous for the customers since the price is minimised but at the same time it is disturbing to see that these manufactured in such inhuman conditions. As a result, there may be tendency on the part of customers not to accept such products and even be willing to pay a token incremental amount to ensure that worker safety norms are adhered. Con Edison Stockholders In the short term, Con Edison stockholders must be pleased since the company is able to minimise the costs by sourcing quality manholes from India. As a result, they are able to maximise the profits of the companies. However, in the modern business world underlying ethics and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) play a critical role for stockholders as it ensures sustainability of the business. However, such practices as have been shown in the pictures leave the impression that the company is concerned only about lowest costs even at the expense of human life and dignity. Clearly, such practices do not auger well for the company in the long-term since the customers may start looking at alternative options and hence would be detrimental to the interest of the stockholders. Indian workers working in the foundry factory For the Indian workers it is beneficial to an extent since they are able to get an employment and thus able to feed their family. This is critical especially in a country like India where social security arrangements are typically lacking and thus people have to depend on their own earnings for a plethora of basic necessities. However, the downside is with regards to worker safety and the hostile work conditions in which these workers have to work and the long term implications of these on the worker health that needs to be ascertained. However, despite these hostile conditions the workers rarely compliant since they are aware that they would be readily replaced by other workers who need employment. Owners of foundry factory in India The owners of foundry factory in India are benefited by the contracts they obtain from Con Edison. This is primarily because these are able to earn a hefty profit because of the low wages given to the workers. Also, they provide employment to the otherwise unemployed people and thus enable livelihood for these. Hence, it is a win-win situation for the foundry factory owner in India. Foundry workers in the US- These are negatively impacted by the sourcing of the contracts to cheap destinations such as India. These contracts do not consider the difference in the provisions for the workers security and the incremental cost. Further, as a result of unemployment amongst the foundry workers, future supply of foundry workers would be adversely impacted. Additionally, the US government needs to provide greater support to those unemployed because of the outsourcing. It can be concluded from the above discussion that globalisation does not result in win-win situation for all stakeholders. Further, for the key stakeholders, it is at times a mix of both with potential gains in the short term but these are overturned in the long term. As, a result it is imperative that the various stakeholders including the government should play a more constructive role so as to ensure that not only that gains overweigh the cost but also that these should be sustainable in the long run. It is imperative that the outsourcing contracts should contain clauses about worker safety and other working conditions similar to that in the west so that these operations are not carried out as sweat shops (Iqbal and Dad, 2013). Additionally, the governments also need to play a more proactive role with regards to regulation of industries especially those in the organised sector since these do not follow the requisite safety norms. A collective effort from the government and the co mpanies that outsource these contracts is required in order to improve the working situation of the workers (Sardana, 2012). Further, globalisation can result in a success story provided all the stakeholders are responsible. The wage levels in developing nations are comparatively very low as compared to the developed nations. Thus, even after discounting for the poor regulatory environment, there are gains to be made for outsourcing companies in the West as a significant differential would still be maintained. With regards to laws and regulations, more than the introduction of new laws, it is required that the current laws should be applied with more strictness and should be applied to unorganised sector may be in a diluted form as they form a significant portion of the overall manufacturing capabilities in the developing world (Sardana, 2012). References Iqbal, Z. and Dad, A.M. (2013), Outsourcing: A Review of Trends, Winners Losers and Future Directions, International Journal of Business and Social Science, 4(8), 91-107 Sardana, MMK (2012), HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORKPLACES IN INDIA, Retrieved December 15, 2015 https://isidev.nic.in/pdf/DN1204.pdf

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Social Status and Class difference Essay Example For Students

Social Status and Class difference Essay The music, as I mentioned earlier, came from the orchestra set on the second floor of the sets, and thought the music was live, it also came from the big speakers set at the front of the auditorium. The characters almost all had a solo each but the ones who sang most were Mrs. Johnston and the Narrator, because the narration was almost always in songs and Mrs. Johnston narrated the story sometimes also. I found that the music in this musical was much more jazzy and contemporary than many other musicals where there are whole orchestras playing classical tunes for the characters to sing to in the orchestra pit at the front of the auditorium. Another thing was that there were not so much songs in the play, when most musicals have less speech than song, this one had about the equal amount of each or maybe even more speech, there wasnt much use of harmony used either, the only ones I noticed were the times the narrator put a bottom part into Mrs. Johnstons singing and when Mickey and Eddie sang the end of My friend. The use happy music when Eddie and Mickey played with each other and the use of tragic music when Mrs. Lyons is going mad also helped emphasise the characters feelings. Other sound effects were also used, such as the sound of Mickey, Linda and Eddie shooting at a tin can with an air gun and the gunshots at the end. They often came from different parts of the auditorium and I believe they were all done live. Costumes were also made to fit the social status of each character, Mickey always wore scruffy, dirty, torn or normal working class clothes the first top he appears with is so worn he can stretch it over his knees (he also wears mostly jeans when he is older) and his hair was always messy and spiked up. Eddie, on the other hand, is clean, tidy and generally seen in his school uniform (when he is older he wears things that are not jeans, long coats etc. ) his hair is smoothed down and split down the side. The acting, I thought was very good indeed. The actors were so convincing that they actually looked the age they were acting, whatever age they were acting they did things like speak deliberately in a contralto voice and making dithery movements when they were young, acting cool and strong when they were in their teens and being as an adult in their class would do when they are older. Also things such as the imaginary horse, the imaginary gun, the cinema and the school bus ride were done to make it look like things were there when they werent. That is an amazing part in non-realistic theatre. Humour also played a big part in the musical, as it kept the audience interested and balanced out the sadness and conflict in the play. This play made me consider Social Status and Class difference, It seemed a bit ironic how the Johnstons lived on the breadline at the beginning, happy with whatever they managed to get, even being able to eat properly was a luxury to them. On the other hand, I saw the Lyonss, never content with what they had, always wanting what they did not have. The portrayal of their lives and characterizations were so vivid that it shocked me. I know how much most mothers love their own children that I almost felt the physical pain and guilt that Mrs. Johnston portrayed on stage. I also watched how such small things as being given sweets made Mickey happy. This play really made me think of the lives that many people lead in that time and the lives that people are still leading even nowadays.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Why Reed free essay sample

Perhaps, it was a sign from the heavens. â€Å"Ne plus ultra,† my Latin teacher repeated. I put down my pen and looked up the meaning of the Latin phrase in the handout. The phrase means â€Å"nothing more beyond† or â€Å"perfection.† I have long been trying to find a way to describe Reed so that I could explain to my parents of my intent to apply to this college. I finally found it. After being given the opportunity to attend the Reed Overnight Multicultural Experience (ROME), I now know that Reed is truly the ne plus ultra of liberal arts education. More than that, I understood that Reed is the right place for me. I know that I want to be challenged, and the intense academic environment of Reed will satisfy my intellectual curiosity. I was especially enamored by the Humanities 110 Conference, which is equivalent to the seminar classes I have taken in my high school. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Reed? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I like talking, arguing, debating, analyzing, and criticizing different types of literature and art. I also like to be around people who are similar to me not because we think alike but because we all have our own convictions and ideas and we are all ready to defend our side. Reed students have a voice, and this voice stems from their passion for what they are learning and their curiosity to understand the world around them. I believe that when you combine this with professors who are primarily dedicated to teaching undergraduates, you get a college that stimulates interesting discussions and the desire to learn for learning’s sake. When I sat in a Junior Seminar class, I also became interested with the teaching tactics of one Professor Pancho Savery as he led the class to the themes presented in Ralph Ellison’s book, â€Å"The Invisible Man.† During the afternoon tea with the Reed faculty, I talked with Prof. Pancho about the intertextuality of Frederick Dougl ass’ â€Å"Narrative† in â€Å"The Invisible Man.† He acknowledged the connections I had made and even told me that if I go to Reed, I will find intertextuality ten times more than the average college student†¦and I will love it. Prof. Pancho was very engaging, and I would really love to work with him someday, preferably at Reed. The unique Honor Principle that guides the students’ motivations at Reed also fascinates me and draws me towards the college. People are very accepting of each other’s differences culturally, philosophically, socio-economically, etc. Furthermore, people do not judge you for your appearance, but rather they judge you for your character. I believe that Reed is the place where I can grow both as a student and as a human being. After all, I want to go through an intense, yet fulfilling college experience that will last a lifetime. I see Reed as something I can be part of and something that can be part of me. Ultimately, I believe my answer to the question â€Å"Why Reed?† can be summed up in just two words: why not?

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Writing a Sample Essay - Tips on Writing a Middle School Essay

Writing a Sample Essay - Tips on Writing a Middle School EssayWriting a sample essay is one of the main requirements for middle school graduation. However, there are some things that you need to remember when you are writing your essay. Just like the composition in school, there are some tips that you can use when you are writing a sample essay. Read these tips so that you can improve your essay writing.Keep it simple: One of the most important tips is to keep the information as simple as possible. The easier the information is, the more likely you are to write a great essay. Therefore, you should stick to the basic grammatical rules.Make it short: Avoid long paragraphs, which is also called 'literature'. Long paragraphs are very boring and difficult to read. Instead, make the essay short, and only a few sentences or paragraphs long.Use proper grammar: In the process of writing your essay, you have to include the grammar that you are using in the piece. Grammar should be your best fr iend. There are so many common mistakes that a middle school student makes.Learn to use all the letters: Always use all the letters properly. There are many abbreviations that are very hard to learn in the beginning. Therefore, if you cannot spell something correctly, you should use the abbreviation instead.Be realistic: When you are writing an essay, you must not use any spelling or grammar mistakes that you may make in the future. It is very important that you write your essay as if you are already a high school graduate. If you continue to make these mistakes, you will not be able to write a good essay.You can use these tips to learn more about what writing an essay in middle school is all about. You can use them to improve your writing skills in the future. Do not think that your essays are not important, they are very important.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Financial Statements

Financial Statements Financial statements are a source of information for customers, creditors, managers, employees, regulators and other stakeholders of a firm to assess its past and future performance. The quantity of information available from the financial statements can be quite inundating. Financial statement users, therefore, adopt ratio analysis to counter this burden of information overload and get an accurate picture of the firm performance. Analysis of the financial statements of a company reveals important information to its stakeholders thereby leading them to make inferences about its financial condition and attractiveness as an investment. This paper will scrutinize the financial statements of Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB), Pakistans largest private bank by assets and market capitalization. MCB is the only financial institution from Pakistan that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. With its 60 year history, MCB has depicted a tremendous growth record and is listed on all stock exchanges in Pakistan with a significant market capitalization (Muslim Commercial Bank Annual Report, 2005). The financial information of MCB, as extracted from its 2005 annual report, provides an insight into the institution’s operations carried out in the year 2004-2005. To measure a company’s financial health, five categories of ratios1 are normally applied to the financial statements; liquidity, leverage, operating, solvency and profitability. Liquidity ratio measure whether a company has sufficient cash to meet its obligations as they fall due. Leverage ratio detects the impact of using creditor funds whereas operating ratio assesses whether the resources are effectively employed. Solvency attempts to detect financial tolerance of the company to ensure the company is not headed towards financial distress. Profitability ratio is a barometer of the company’s efficiency and success (Cinnamon and Helweg-Larsen 81). The results of the application of ratio analysis to MCB financial statements are shown in the appendix in table 1. The liquidity ratio of the company has improved as compared to the previous year, suring from 1.75 to 1.9. This is due to the improved cash flow generated in the year 2005. The other ratios also depict an uptrend signaling stability and consistency in growth. Profit after taxation for MCB for the financial year 2005 has increased more than 50% comforting all its stakeholders and eliminating any concerns about financial distress. Moreover, the company’s latest listing on the London Stock Exchange should further open the doors for capital injection and aid in the growth of the company. The information excerpted from the annual report is an evidence of the vital signs of the company to its stakeholders. The main stakeholders that closely monitor the business performance of an organization are the creditors, investors, and managers. This is due to the fact that their respective objectives are directly tied to the company’s performance. Creditors particularly pay close attention to the short-term liquidity and long-term solvency of the company (Emery 1998). An improving liquidity ratio for MCB should be very satisfying for its creditors. The magnitude of their conviction about the financial strength of the company is compounded by the fact that all the financial ratios of MCB for the year 2005 show a significant improvement. If the company has reserves to meet its obligations and enjoys a balanced debt-equity ratio, creditors are contented since there are no alarming signals pointing towards insolvency. Investors forecast risk and potential returns through the accounting information from financial statements. They closely watch a company’s earnings record to ascertain the probability of dividends and capital gains that can potentially flow from the company’s stock (Meigs et. al 438). Even though investors have an insatiable appetite for returns, the financial results of MCB for 2005 instill immense optimism in them especially taking into consideration the 20% dividend declared by the company. The consistent uptrend in the profits (refer to graph 1 in appendix) and the increasing earnings per share (EPS) ratio (refer to graph 2 in appendix) support the fact that business strategies are focused on maximizing shareholder value. The primary concern of the managers is to run the company as efficiently and effectively as possible to satisfy the creditors as well as investors in terms of meeting obligatory payments and maximizing shareholder value respectively. Should they fail to satisfy these stakeholders, the company can well be on its way to facing dire consequences, potentially even bankruptcy. Financial statements are a useful source of information for the managers, in that they see the result of their input throughout the year and learn to alter business strategies should the numbers warrant. The managers of MCB have shown a tremendous performance in generating healthy revenue for the business. A declining liquidity ratio should provide an incentive for an appropriate working capital management strategy for the following year. Annual report contains a great deal of information, which when correctly analyzed can provide signs on the direction of the company. For example, it is imperative to check if there is information on any missed payments, dividends in arrears or if the company has earmarked reserves for any significant commitments or loss contingencies. This information is vital for the investors and creditors as it can have a significant impact on the stock price and credit rating of the company. A thorough scrutiny of the annual report uncovers information on how the various risks (credit, interest rate, operational) are being managed and risk concentrations avoided. Financial statements of a company provide essential guidance to the investors and creditors leading them to make rational and informed decisions.