Complete Ramsey Walker’s profit plan Essay

Work assumption: 1. Assume that the sales will increase by 10% for each new title, as indicated the Backlist sales increase. 2. Assume that the total number of new titles remain unchanged; since Ramsey is trying to publish fewer segments and focus more resources on trying to publish fewer segments and focus more resources on differentiation those books in the marketplace, there is no reason for him increase the new titles. 3. Assume that they plan to increase their gross margin by 2% and decrease the expenses of sales by 1%, for each of the six formats, as given for Backlist. 4. Assume that AR as the percentage of sales remains 20%, as indicated by Backlist. 5. Assume that inventory as the percentage of sales decrease by 15%, as indicated by Backlist. 6. Assume that AP as the percentage of sales will stretch to 20%, as the last year percentage for the first five formats is 18%. The 10% increase in sales, 2% increase in GM and 1% decrease in expenses should be critical since it will increase the profit dramatically. And the decrease in inventory is also critical because it will decrease the lower part of the ROA formula. Since the overall goal of the profit plan is to achieve the 10% increase in ROA, so the above assumptions will directly affect the end results. Problem 2: Review the list of financial performance measure presented above. What measures or calculations should Ramsey use to manage the business? How should those measures be calculated? 1. Annual sales growth rate should be used to measure their performance  because this rate helps management to evaluate the quality of their decisions and also helps to make the new strategy for the future development. It is calculated by suing the difference between current year sales and previous years divided by the previous year sales. 2. Profit % is the most critical measurement of a business performance. Without profit or potential to earn profit in the future there is no meaning for a business to continue. It is simply calculated by using profit divided by the sales. 3. Average unit sales help the company to find the right format which is more profitable and more popular, and affect the company’s future strategies. Using the total units sold for one format divided by the total titles in this format. 4. Operating expenses can help them to manage their cost control system, OP can be calculated simply sum up all the expenses in the income statement. 5. POA and ROI are hard to control and too complex to analyze. But these measurements can be calculated by dividing the profit by total asset or total investment respectively, different results can be achieved by suing different assumptions. Picture Photo B & W Nonfiction Fiction Backlist Income Statement Number of New Titles 5 3 1 7 7 0 Sales 426,933.10 122,314.00 50,589.73 218,156.40 256,171.30 1,200,000.00 COGS 127,672.00 39,591.50 19,644.67 63,200.00 71,302.00 384,000.00 Royalties 58,218.00 16,679.00 6,898.67 29,749.00 34,933.50 180,000.00 Gross Margin % 56% 54% 48% 57% 59% 53% Expenses % of the sales 53% 54% 54% 54% 54% 47% Expenses 226,584.30 66,049.53 27,318.39 117,804.10 138,333.20 564,000.00 New Income 14,458.83 -6.083 -3,271.99 7,403.34 11,602.61 72,000.00 Balance sheet – May 31, 1998 Current Assets Inventory 39,892.20 40,119.15 10,933.55 36,187.90 65,747.50 500,000.00 A/R as % of Sales (projected) 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% A/R $ 85,386.62 24,462.79 10,117.95 43,631.28 51,234.26 240,000.00 Total current Assets 125,278.80 64,581.94 21,051.50 79,819.18 116,981.76 740,000.00 Current Liabilities A/P as % of Sales 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 0 A/P $ 85,386.62 24,462.79 10,117.95 43,631.28 51,234.26 0 Royalties Payable 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total current Liabilities 85,386.62 24,462.79 10,117.95 43,631.28 51,234.26 Free Cash Flow (= Net Income +/- Change in Net Working Capital) Net Income 14,458.83 -6.08 -3,271.99 7,403.34 11,602.61 72,000.00 Change in Net Working Capital 39,892.20 40,119.15 10,933.55 36,187.90 65,747.50 Free Cash Flow 54,351.03 -40,125.23 7,661.56 43,591.24 77,350.11 72,000.00

Open letter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Open letter - Assignment Example The article is opposed to the opinion expressed in an AlterNet article: GMO might cause horrible diseases to the cattle, including defects in the newly born like limb deformities (Paul). However, use of genetically engineered food has already became a usual thing for our society with most American crops being modified (Kantor). At the same time, the researchers conducted in a great sample of cattle allowed the scientists to conclude that use of GMO in cattle feeding causes no unnatural or disturbing effects both in cattle and on people who consume meat of a GMO-fed animal. Though the topic is debatable and there is no decisive position in the world, Entine appeals to the authority of researchers and simple logical arguments: if the unnatural harmful effect caused by GMO use in feeding of livestock was so widespread and disturbing, farmers and scientists would have already noticed that (Entine). Moreover, sick animals are not used for producing meat, and if there were a lot of those, there would have been problems with meat supplies already. Generally, GMO is often considered to be the salvation of the future that is able to save humanity from famine. At the same time, GMO is economically beneficial as it acts as a catalyst for the production process and makes crops resistant to diseases. Entine, Jon. â€Å"The Debate About GMO Safety Is Over, Thanks To A New Trillion-Meal Study†, Forbes, from:

Critical Analysis- Good Country People Flannery O'Conner Research Paper

Critical Analysis- Good Country People Flannery O'Conner - Research Paper Example Despite being a PhD holder, Joy stays at home reading philosophical books in isolation since she is afraid to face the real world as a result of her poor sight and prosthetic limb. The philosophical assertion that ‘No man is an island’ can be used to explicate vital issues and events in the story. The short story is interesting in that Flannery OConner laid emphasis on isolation by employing the use imagery, conflict, setting, as well as characters (flat and round) mixed within the systems of Christian beliefs in redemption and evil. To begin with, the story is set in a Georgian farm. The farm is based in rural Georgia. This is a clear indication that the area is cut off from the big urban areas which are densely populated (Steep 303). The rural setting gives an isolation setting necessary for O’Conner to express her ideas easily and with ease. Additionally, the rural setting gave Joy the chance to go about her family’s farm in a yellow sweatshirt and six-year old skirt with a faded cowboy (O’Connor 313). Mrs. Hopewell’s house, especially the kitchen is also another important setting aspect. This is ascribed to the fact that it is where the two women, Mrs. Hopewell and Mrs. Freeman, conduct their insipid talks (Bosco 291). Kitchens are normally considered to be the site of female domesticity, and this story is about women without men, till the appearance of Manley Pointer. Pointer’s aggressive intrusion into female isolation is demonstrated when O’Conner asserts that, â €˜he falls forward into her hall.’ The barn also depict isolation in the manner in which Manley Pointer hid Joy from other her mother and Mrs. Freeman. O’Conner has managed to use the isolated barn to show the Manley pointer’s true colors (Hubbard 64). Secondly, O’Conner has used imagery in the basic names assigned to her characters. The names are of importance since they clearly point out the stereotypical function assigned to

Chapter 9 summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chapter 9 summary - Essay Example This notion takes on an absurd twist when the author states that cobras would then not exist if someone were not thinking about cobras. However, cobras existed before people began thinking and talking about them. This prompts Plato to argue that conceptual thoughts exist outside the material and human thought, placing them in a state of permanence and the physical object in a state of impermanence. Though Plato argues that material objects aren’t as real as Forms, he states that objects do contain some degree of reality, which introduces his concept of metaphysical dualism. This portion of Plato’s philosophy is that someone cannot fully comprehend reality until they grasp that reality consists of two independent components that cannot be explained in terms of the other - mind and body, which is referred to as mind-body dualism. This theory states that a human being consists of an immaterial mind and a material body. One cannot exist without the other; our immaterial soul travels to new bodies between each cycle of life and death. Plato’s dialogue is discussed, which outlines how Plato views the mind and body in terms of invisible and visible. The material things that can be explored with the five senses are material, whereas the immaterial things are invisible. The human body, being visible, is considered to be material, and the soul and the mind, or the intellect are immaterial since they cannot be perceived by any of the senses. By categorizing the body and mind in this way, Plato is able to reveal how the soul is able to survive death while the body succumbs to the destruction associated with death. The soul is an unchanging entity while the body is subjected to a myriad of changes over time. Along with this mind-body dualism, Plato also argues that there are various degrees of reality. We normally consider reality in terms of what is real and what is not real. However, Plato argues that a mirror image has only

Sustainable Fast Food Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Sustainable Fast Food - Essay Example The firm appears to have many positive features whereby it can take advantage of economies of scope and scale which may help to make it attractive to potential customers. In order to assess the potential of Cream Tavern to be sustainable in the future period, it is imperative to analyse the organisations’ environment it will be operating in through conducting a SWOT as well as PESTEL analysis of the factors that will affect its operations. There is also need to outline the company’s intended operating strategies so as to ascertain its sustainability in the future. This includes identifying the sources of competitive advantage as well as its potential for better performance in the future. Underlying the notion of sustainability are the needs of the current and future generations (Fox & Rooyen 2004). During the contemporary period, it can be noted that sensitivity towards the natural environment and ecological sustainability is gaining prominence and the theme of going green is used to guide many firms in their attempt to establish business. Cream Tavern intends to utilise 100 % organic milk products to manufacture dairy related products in the fast food industry. The concept of environmental protection has recently gained prominence hence sensitivity to the natural environment and ecological sustainability will be used as guiding principles in the operations of this organisation in the fast food industry. In order to operate successfully, there is need for policy formulation that is responsive to the needs of the environment while at the same time satisfying the needs of the customers. Cream Tavern has underscored to recycle all the by-products in the fast food indus try so as to show concern for the environment. This will go a long way in addressing the concerns of the environment while at the same time utilising the material that can be treated as waste in some cases. In this case, it can be noted that the fast food

The American Nursing Association Department of Policy and Nursing Essay

The American Nursing Association Department of Policy and Nursing - Essay Example This functions as the organization’s guideline to its internal decisions on policy, in addition to affecting the world, by contributing valuable policies in the field of nursing. The American Nursing Association also has an impact on the comments that are presented to the federal government. This shows American Nursing Association’s views on the effect of proposed federal policies, guidelines, or regulations on the patients and nurses. The government has cracked the whip on Medicare abuse and fraud. The government is to investigate any claim of fraud, and even a mistake that is honest may lead to a person being charged. APRNs and nurses should be informed of the situation and take the required action to desist from abuse and fraud. On the other hand, American Nursing Association advocates for immigrants to have quality healthcare access, and insurance (American Nurses Association, 2001). This will help reduce the cost of healthcare provision. Health reforms widen access to treatment by giving coverage to those who lack and providing protection from abusers of insurance to those who have. The law provides tremendous additional resources to enable coordination of quality, prevention, and primary care. The new plan will synchronize nurses’ deployment and effective development. The profession, education, and skills of nurses make them crucial contributors to the realization of developing patient-centered models of health delivery that are successfully implemented. Health homes, health clinics managed by nurses, and Accountable Care Organizations are the various methods of care that are coordinated. The key to the realization of innovative and new patient-centered model of health delivery is health reforms (American Nurses Association, 2010).  

The Teachings of Confucius and Dao Essay Example for Free

The Teachings of Confucius and Dao Essay Confucius stressed that a harmonious society can be created through the practice of Li. Discuss how this is possible by using the Five Relationships concepts. What is the Five Relationships? * In Confucianism, it’s between superior and inferior person. They are ruler – subject, husband – wife, father – son, older brother – younger brother, and elder friend – younger friend. * Each has a formal responsibility to carry out toward the other. The husband has responsibility for li toward his wife as she has an obligation for li toward him. The family is formally structured among males. * Friendships outside the family are ritually governed. * Relationship between ruler and subject entail obligations on each side. * Younger people learn from their elders and the elders learn from observing the junzi. In summary, there are five distinctive qualities or virtues in the junzi. (1) Humans exert their uprightness regardless of outward circumstances. (2) Humans are magnanimous, expressing forgiveness toward others. Humans are not to be ruled by laws but follow an internal principle. (3) Humans are sincere in speech and action and are not a mouthpiece for hire. Their world is their bond. (4) Humans are earnest. They want to be rather than seem to be. Genuine good work replaces the mere appearance of it (5) Humans are benevolent, always generous in their relationship with people. Why Confucius think education is important? * Li present as the principle of harmony that should rule the home, the society and the empire. Li has to do with ritual, the correct formal way to behave in religious rites or in court ceremonies. * Li applied to the naturally good human being yield yi, which is the personalization of Li. * Yi is internalized Li. When humans internalize the rites, selfishness is overcome and benevolence takes its place. They act on what is appropriate to themselves and to their position in society. They attain the mean that gives harmony. * Confucius taught that Li is learned in studying rites and music, which included poetry. Music is required study, as its performance accompanied all ceremonies, whether religious sacrifice, court assembly or family entertainment. Harmony in music reflects harmony in society and the universe. * Ren (jen) is humaneness, the quality of being a genuine human being to other human beings. This quality of human kindness is in balance with Li and Yi – to keep formalism from destroying the highest and best possibilities of human personalities. Ren seeks the good of others as well as the self. * In Confucianism, Shu is reciprocity which means individuals treating others as they would like to be treated. They do not do to others what they would not want done to themselves. Taoism Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) * A later Daoist and he wrote Dao De Jing to distinguish Daoism from Confucianism. * Also known for the philosophical questions he raises regarding the experience of dreaming. Beneath the apparently simple questions lie some profound questions about what is real and how to know what is real. * For example, Chuang Chou (Chuang Tzu) dreamed that he was a butterfly, a butterfly fluttering about, enjoying itself. It did not know that is Chuang Chou. But suddenly, he awake and he did not know whether he was Chuang Chou who had dreamed that he was a butterfly or whether he was a butterfly dreaming that he was Chuang Chou. Between Chuang Chou and the butterfly, there must be some distinction. That is what is called the transformation of things. According to Daoism, societies suffer when they disregard the Dao. Interpret the statement with you own opinion. In my own opinion, yes, societies suffer when they disregard the Dao. Societies suffers because of disharmony with the nature and universe. * Suffering comes from trying to conquer nature, altering the way of the universe and establishing artificial human organizations. * Artificial needs to develop and value foreign to natural order to entice humans away from the source of their peace and harmony. * Civilization is an enemy of the contented human. Humans| * The best human is natural human. * Humans are essentially good and can enjoy a good life in the world. * They should seek to live as long as long as possible, old age is a sign of wisdom in fulfilling the proper human role. * People should not be forced into educations, rituals, social organization and etiquette. * Humans are best when they were born weak and simple. | Problem| * Their disharmony with the universe. * Suffering comes from trying to conquer nature, altering the way of the universe and establishing artificial human organizations. * Artificial needs to develop and value foreign to natural order to entice humans away from the source of their peace and harmony. * Civilization is an enemy of the contented human. | Solution| * Human solve their problem by returning to a simple life. * Living in harmony with the nature, either in a forest or in a small village, is the best way for a person to resolve tensions and experience peace of body and soul. * A good, long life is the reward of those who learn to go with the flow of the Dao. |