Berkshire Hathaway Case Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Berkshire Hathaway Case - Research Paper Example As a result of this strategy, Berkshire Hathaway currently owns a diverse range of business organizations including home furnishings, retail, jewelry sales, uniforms sales, confectionary, and manufacturing of vacuum cleaners. As stated in the annual report (Berkshire Hathaway 2011 annual report, 2011), recently, on 12th February 2010, Berkshire Hathaway completed the acquisition of BNSF by purchasing the remaining 77.5% of BNSF common stock, and currently, BNSF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. This paper will analyze the reasons for the BNSF acquisition and the principles relating to the finance course. BNSF acquisition The BNSF is North America’s ‘second largest freight railroad network’ and one of the seven Class I railroads (BNSF Railway, n.d.). On 3rd November 2009, Berkshire Hathaway announced that the company would acquire BNSF’s remaining 77.4% stocks that Berkshire Hathaway had not owned at that time. This deal was estimated a t $44 billion, making it the largest acquisition in the history of the Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett â€Å"agreed to buy Burlington for $34 billion or 100 a share† and â€Å"is also taking on about $10 billion of Burlington debt† (Morcroft & Barr, 2009). ... Referring to corporate press releases, the company is currently one of the North America’s leading intermodal freight transporters. In the context of the current economic environment, Buffet believes that this acquisition would contribute to the future growth of the company. He says that â€Å"our country’s future prosperity depends on its having an efficient and well-maintained rail system;† he adds that â€Å"conversely, America must grow and prosper for railroads to do well† (BNSF, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, n.d.). Buffett’s observation is based on the common fact that infrastructure development is a key element of an economy’s overall development. As Morcroft and Barr (2009) point out, through this acquisition, Buffett has invested in a business which is highly sensitive to a possible economic recovery in the United States. It is clear that the US has not yet completely recovered from the shock of the recent global recession. In this economi c environment, railway transportation can be an area that would promote its operations despite the impacts of the recession. Economists predict that BNSF would perform better and contribute to the expansion of Berkshire Hathaway once the economy is recovered. Some recent reports justify the decision of Warren Buffett. In November 2012, the Berkshire Hathaway announced its third quarter operating results. As per the company reports (as cited in Miller, 2012), a combined total of revenues of three segments (railroad, utilities, and energy) increased by 7.5% and reached $8.4 billion as compared to the same period a year ago; the report also indicates that BNSF contributed nearly 63% to this combined

Human Resources Summaries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Resources Summaries - Essay Example Due to shortage, workers were brought in busses from Lafayette, Louisiana, 70 miles away, each morning and returned them at night. Managers were working overtime to train new workers. Even months after Hurricane Rita struck, large and small business was frantically trying to find workers so that they could start up again. Almost every business in the town had a ‘Help wanted sign out front. One can get the job easily and could command a premium salary. There was a huge shortage of workers in the local area. Restaurants that normally open late into the evening closed at 6.00 PM. Restaurants that remained open often had a much younger staff, and the managers and assistant managers were working overtime to train these new workers. Hurricane Rita is a typical in a disaster. It virtually destroys the normal life of the area. After Rita struck Lake Charles, in southwest Louisiana, massive destruction was everywhere. Lake Charles, known for its large and beautiful oak and fine trees, then had the job of removing those downed trees. The town grew rapidly in size because of the large number of debris and repair crews working on recovery operations. Traffic was unbelievably slow. Often police did not have the resources to ticket every fender, so unless there were injuries, insurance cards were exchanged and the police went on to the next accident. The whole situation reflects the gravity of the disaster. International Forest Products Company (IFP) is the largest employer in Ouachita County, Arkansas, and is an important part of the local economy. As a cost-cutting move, company decided to cut the workforce by 30 percent, and the responsibility of submitting the suggested plan was entrusted on Scott Wheeler, the human resource director by Janet Deason, president of the company. It was difficult task. Aside from the influence on the individual workers who were laid off, cutbacks would further depress the areas economy. But, company had no choice but

American Indian and Western Europe on the History, Culture and Essay

American Indian and Western Europe on the History, Culture and Environmental Crisis - Essay Example environment. Here their arguments and these authors' theses will be synthesized and evaluated. According to White, several solutions to ecologic problems tend to be â€Å"calls to action† which are â€Å"palliative† and â€Å"negative,† such as calls to ‘ban the bomb,’ et cetera—which is the Western European idea of solving ecological woes.1 From what we know of the history of Native Americans in America, much of what was learned in literature referring to Native American culture simply reinforces the thought patterns that whites had of Native peoples during that time period—including the habits they had while living in their environment. The major forces which characterize the stereotype of First Nations people include sorrow, defeat, and broken treaties along the way—which characterize several of the stories of various native peoples that were indigenous to America long before any white settlers arrived. As such, we will analyz e how Native Americans were first perceived by the original settlers at Plymouth Rock, by the government with the Trail of Tears, and later on by politicians who bargained with and swindled the Lakhota Sioux. When the settlers arrived at Plymouth Rock, Native Americans were considered â€Å"savages,† as evidenced in the following sentence found in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans: The man had â€Å"†¦a look so dark and savage, that it might in itself excite fear.†2 This stereotype of the Native American painted as some sort of inhuman creature was only reinforced by the idea that they made them feel that there was a definite threat to their women (white women). â€Å"Notwithstanding the fearful and menacing array of savages on every side of her, no apprehension on her own account could prevent the noble-minded maiden from keeping her eyes fastened on the pale and anxious features of the trembling Alice.†3 While this was not an unmitig ated fear, as some white settlers’ wives were caught and captured to be made part of the Indian tribes, this fear was largely propagated by white people—and widely-circulated as rumor that Indians were always on the prowl for some fair, blond-headed maven that they might take in search of satisfying their savage lust. Of course, that is not to say that there was not favoritism displayed even among tribes, as Cooper notes. â€Å"[T]here is but little love between a Delaware and a Mingo†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 4 Nor, can it be said, was there the absence of nepotism either. â€Å"The Hurons love their friends the Delawares. . . . Why should they not? They are colored by the same sun, and their just men will hunt in the same grounds after death.†5 Surely, by the same token, Cooper—being a white narrator—tries to preface a racist statement by saying the equivalent of, â€Å"I’m not racist but†¦,† thus attempting to neutralize any shred of judg mental ideas coming after that statement as not being perceived racist. Cooper writes, â€Å"I am not a prejudiced man, nor one who vaunts himself on his natural privileges, though the worst enemy I have on earth, and he is an Iroquois, daren’t deny that I am genuine white.†6 In essence, he is saying, â€Å"Not that this really has anything to do with him being Iroquois, but this guy is the most annoying chap I’ve ever met on the planet. Oh, and did I mention he’s Iroquois?† Well, if was a fact that didn’t matter, why was the fact mentioned? The mere fact that Cooper mentions that the other person being Iroquois didn’

Home Health Care Services for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Research Paper

Home Health Care Services for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Caregivers - Research Paper Example The paper throws light on Alzheimer disease, incurable diseases that worsen with age and eventually lead to death. Alzheimer sufferers in 2006 were 26.6 million. It is predicted that, by 2050, it will affect 1 in every 85 people worldwide. Alzheimer disease symptoms can easily be confused with other age related diseases. The first, early symptoms of Alzheimer are trouble in remembering events that may have occurred recently. It is confirmed using behavioral evaluations, thinking abilities and brain scan tests. At an advanced stage, symptoms include irritability, confusion, aggression, trouble with language mood swings, long term memory loss, withdrawal from family and society, loss of body functions, which leads to eventual death. Researchers infer that the life expectancy after diagnosis relatively seven years with three percent of patients living for more than fourteen years after diagnosis. There are several possible, suggested ways that can be used to delay symptoms in older indi viduals. These ways include a balanced diet, exercise and mental stimulation. These ways can effectively manage the symptoms, therefore, making the patient more comfortable. Since Alzheimer disease is incurable and degenerative, the patient depends on care given by other people. In most cases, the role of the caregiver is usually taken by taken a close relative or the spouse. Alzheimer disease places a massive burden on the caregivers. This places pressure on the caregiver’s life involving psychological, social, economic and physical aspects of his or her life. It is also extremely expensive disease to the family and society. United States and other countries are carrying out research on Alzheimer disease seeking its treatment and prevention. Professional home health agencies give support to the care givers. If the caregiver knows the services rendered by the agencies and know the right time to transit from home to palliative care, gives the caregiver respite and peace. Preve ntion as the basis for effective home care There is no absolute evidence that supports measures as effective in preventing Alzheimer disease. Studies conducted globally regarding delaying and prevention of the disease show inconsistent results. However, there have been proposed relationships between some factors such as diet, pharmaceutical products and cardiovascular risks in relation to developing the disease. Cardiovascular risks factors like diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking are associated with a risk of Alzheimer disease. It is proposed that Mediterranean diet that includes fruits and vegetables, wheat, cereals, fish, red wine and olive oil reduces the risk of this disease. However, there is little evidence to prove that moderate use of alcohol specifically red wine lowers the risk of Alzheimer disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation associated with amyloidal plaques, which increases the chances to be affected by Alzheimer disea se. Research as also shown that people who get involved in intellectual activities, for example, playing board games, reading, completing crossword puzzles, regular social involvement and playing musical instruments are at a lower risk of getting Alzheimer disease. Medical marijuana has been found to hinder the progress of the disease. It prevents by hindering formation of deposits associated with brain disease. However, cannabinoids have not been found to improve or treat the disease. Environmental factors such as metal intake especially aluminum and exposure to solvents increases the risk of Alzheimer although these studies have been criticized based on credibility and accuracy. Management and home based care for Alzheimer patients As explained earlier, there is no absolute cure for Alzheimer disease. The medication available offers small symptomatic help but remains in palliative in nature. The current treatment they can be given to Alzheimer patients

Multinational Corporation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Multinational Corporation - Assignment Example In reality, many international investors are seemingly small and weak. For instance, multinational firms originating from developing countries have become a visible force in the world of FDI (Wells, 1983) Small and medium-sized firms also play significant roles in outward investment (Buckley et al, 1988), which have benefited many countries, thereby ending up in predicting future threats. "FDI is a cross-border production activity that takes place for a number of reasons. Investment decisions are affected by market size and cost differentials, with firms investing in locations with relatively low production costs". (Barrell, 1997) After grappling with the question of why MNCs engages in International production, four theories are identified that attempts to explain four motivations for FDI, named Monopolistic Advantage Theory, Oligopolistic Reaction Theory, Internationalisation Theory and the Eclectic Paradigm. Hymer suggests that FDI occurs in imperfectly competitive markets and adopted an industrial organisation approach to explain the process of international production. Kindleberger details the nature of the monopolistic advantages that the foreign investor may possess over its domestic competitors. Thus, he indicates that these advantages may arise in the goods market to achieve vertical or horizontal integration. Kindleberger also states that monopolistic advantages may arise through the actions of government in the host country. In restricting imports, the government may inadvertently stimulate FDI. However, Caves argues that the vertically extended foreign investor does not rely on the possession of these unique assets. Its motivations for international production are to avoid oligopolistic uncertainty concerning the long-term supply and pricing of its inputs as well as to erect barriers to entry against new rivals. Hood and Young (1979) postulate that the monopolistic advantage theory fully explains the FDI made by US multinational enterprises during the post-World War II period. However, they question whether the MNC needs to possess any advantage when investing in developing countries, since it is confronted with little domestic competition. They cite the example of Japanese ventures in developing countries that are faced with few, if any, effective local competitors. (Hood and Young, 1979) Oligopolistic Reaction Theory Knickerbocker argues that a rival firm's moves into a foreign market not only could threaten the corporate earnings of the other oligopolists, but also could result in it acquiring competitive assets far in excess of those it already possesses. Thus, he posits, the defensive investment undertaken by the other oligopolists serves to maintain the balance of competition within the industry. (Barclay, 2000, p. 23) Knickerbocker postulates that it is the firms

Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct - Essay Example Each and every member of AICPA should be aware of the Interpretations, disciplinary actions and code of conduct thereby providing framework to work and provide desired results without affecting the ethical codes. This paper discusses in detail specific rules related to CPA Code of Ethics and Conduct focusing on : Section 102 – Integrity and Objectivity Section 201- Professional Competence Section 202 – Compliance with Standards Section 501 – Acts Discreditable Each section dscusses a separate cases on the expectation of code and its violation, the disciplinary action involved, prospects for AICPA to prevent breach in the above codes and personal viewpoints on disciplinary actions taken. 2. Case for Section 102 – Integrity and Objectivity (James W. Kingery of Lubbock, Texas) ... Discussion The decision taken by AICPA is apt according to the disciplinary procedures as upon misrepresentation of facts and figures of a company, it is the welfare of the end consumer. i.e. the Investor which is being questioned. The investors take their major investment decisions based on the financial statements and other details provided by the company, and this being misrepresented can lead to negative results for the investor thereby leading to huge losses or even closure of funds. Simultaneously, the same situation can arise for the company as it can lead to cooking up books and creating a bubble which can burst at any given point of time creating losses for end number of institutional and retail investors. Hence, a professional CPA appointed by the company has to comply with the standards and norms and it is his responsibility to educate the management about the consequences of misrepresentation of facts, which unfortunately Mr.Kingery failed to implement. Hence, the decisio n taken by AICPA stands to be apt for the unethical behavior of the member. Prospects for AICPA to prevent misrepresentation of facts Create database of companies who have hired CPA’s and perform second line audit activities on a regular basis to ascertain deviations by keeping the CPA framework . A post mortem review by Apex body would be advisable thereby limiting the liability of CPA and minimize the chances of fraudulent practices to arise in the organization. (Mortimer, 2003) 3. Case for Section 201- Professional Competence (Bruno A Fedele, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania) Professional Competence is the ability to perform professional services that is based on professional standards through application of knowledge and skill with proper diligence (Mele, 2005). A CPA member is

Neighbourly Relations Essay Example for Free

Neighbourly Relations Essay Examine the argument that neighbourly relations are characterised by friendly distance. Neighbourly relations are an aspect of life which affects every single one of us at some point in our lives. When we look to live somewhere we not only consider the property and general area, but are also curious about our neighbours. A common question when viewing a property is ‘what are the neighbours like? ’ and the answer is usually ‘they are really nice’ whether they are or not! But what makes a good neighbour? Some people get on with their neighbours but just as many don’t and usually it’s due to what can appear as trivial disputes. This essay will look at the term ‘friendly distance’ which plays a huge part in how neighbours interact with each other. Many studies have asked the question ‘what makes a good neighbour? ’ and social scientists have found that despite different back grounds or settings the majority of people want the same set of standards from the people living near or around them. People need to be friendly and be there for each other but at the same time respect each others’ ‘need for privacy and reserve’ (Willmott. , cited in Byford, 2009, p. 253). So you have to be friendly but keep your distance at the same time. So how do we do this? Neighbouring relations comes with it’s own set of unwritten rules. These rules are constantly being portrayed and carried out in our day to day lives subconsciously. A 2004 study carried out in Manchester neighbourhoods further shows that this is a widespread practice. Neighbours of various areas demonstrated similar actions and practices of what is expected from neighbours, a common one being that they will chat with their neighbour when they are outside of the house if they see them but wouldn’t they wouldn’t go in each other’s house (Harris and Gale, cited in Byford, 2009, p. 55). This type of understanding of what is expected of a neighbour is also echoed in another study where neighbouring is seen as an ‘occasioned activity’ (Laurier et al. , cited in Byford, 2009, p. 256). This study showed that whilst neighbours can exchange pleasantries quite happily with one another if they meet in a public place, they would only directly go to the neighbours house and ring their door bell if there was something specific they wanted of if something was wrong. Although similar studies were carried out in the USA and findings were very much the same as the UK, other countries and cultures can be quite different. In 1970, the anthropologist Stanley Brandes visited Spain to study how modernisation and urbanisation affected small rural communities there. He resided in the village of Becedas and observed the daily life of it’s residents. What he found there was quite different to the UK, in that neighbours would enter each other’s houses without knocking or a second thought. They introduced themselves immediately by name and offered their help and went out of their way to make Brandes feel welcome. (Brandes, 1975, cited in Byford, p. 260). But as Brandes resided there longer he came to understand that what appeared at first as welcoming and friendly practices, it actually belied a community that in reality was quite mistrusting and critical of each other. Privacy was not seen as necessary and someone who required it would be considered rude and impolite. The poor status of the village meant that the villagers relied on each other for daily help with manual labour and other traditional activites. Without each other they felt they couldn’t surive even, but this high dependence on each other masked the underlying feeling of distrust they had for each other. But what about when neighbouring goes wrong? As human beings we can’t get it right all the time and relations can break down leading to disputes and disagreements. Noisy neighbours is a common complaint and one that is suffered more commonly in overcrowded housing estates where insulation is poor. This in turn leads to a lack of privacy and leads to a neighbours making adjustments within their daily life to prevent embarrassment of being overheard. These adjustments can referred to as ‘distancing mechanisms’ (Bourke, 1994, cited in Byford, p. 266). Such adjustments could include turning the bed away from the adjoining wall, and other ways of preventing noise from being heard. So although people can do what they like in their own homes, they are expected to take necessary steps to minimise what other’s can hear. Another much more serious example of neighbourly relations going wrong is exhibited within the cases of the murders of Catherine Genovese and James Bulger. Although neighbours assume they offer security to one another and ‘look out for each other’ (Attwood et all. , cited in Byford, p. 271) the public exposure of both the above cases uncovered a massive breakdown in neighbourly relations. In both cases a large number of residents heard screams, or observed unusual behaviour which left them concerned but they failed to do anything. A number of studies were carried out to study ‘bystander intervention’ to determine why these people didn’t help. One study carried out showed that if one person helps out then nother may do as well, but people are led by each other’s actions (Latane and Darley, cited in Byford, p. 279) and this was referred to as the ‘bystander effect’. In another study by Levine (1999) he found that the percieved relationship between the three boys in the Bulger case led to the reason why no-one intervened. People failed to get involved because they assumed the boys were all brothers and it was nothing to do with them. As neighbours we commonly share a social identity, or even a collective identity through our relationship with each other. This shared identity should profer a loyalty to each other as people within a shared group usually ‘stick together’. However, it would seem neighbourly relations are alot more complex than merely a shared identity. Neighbouring practices are carried out without thinking within our normal day, and these practices allow us to manage the fine line of private and public space. Neighbourhood life is ordered and defines how people should live together, and go about their daily lives without interfering but also by being there for each other too.