Friday, February 28, 2020

David Bordwell on Tsui Hark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

David Bordwell on Tsui Hark - Essay Example Tsui Hark is a director of a wide horizon and rich experiences. He is able to appeal to inner world of every viewer and thus he makes a puzzle for modern cinema critics who try to find an answer to the question why his films are popular. David Bordwell has devoted a lot of his works and discussions to Tsui Hark. He considers this director in an unprejudiced manner and it is quite interesting to follow development of his ideas. Hark’s nature is divided as it is claimed by Bordwell. It is interesting, what does Bordwell mean? Hark shots his films under conditions of modern globalization and it is relevant to him to follow the needs of the modern society and to find a way to hearts of Western and Asian viewers. Bordwell underlines, that â€Å"The transnational nature in his cinema helps him to both establish his personal style and gain commercial success in Asia† (Bordwell 2000, p. 140). Moreover, â€Å"In Tsui’s best films, Hong Kong cinema becomes a Chinese feast , spiced by indigenous entertainment traditions, replenished by an artist’s pragmatic energy and restless imagination† (Bordwell 2000, p. 148). From these two claims it is quite obvious that Bordwell means multi-sided nature of Hark’s films. ... Versatility of Tsui Hark’s films can be explained by combination of different genres, Asian and Western cultures and adding technological effects in his films. In Once Upon a Time in China Tsui shows relationship between Eastern and Western worlds, if to be more exact, between China and Western countries. Tsui chooses the best period for showing peculiarities of Chinese society development under conditions of being captured by Western countries. All spheres of life of Chinese people were influenced by ‘strangers’. Western civilization put an end to the Qing dynasty. On the example of martial artist Huang Feihong Tsui shows possible alternatives of dealing with Western invasion. Western technological progress was like a huge machine oppressing centennial cultural heritage of China. Nevertheless Tsui appeals to his viewers and underlines that it is necessary to reconstruct realities of China in accordance with generally accepted norms and ideals all over the world. Though Tsui presents multi-sided consideration about China’s reaction to the changes introduced by Western civilization, he has a strong background of his claims, a theory by Sheldon Lu on China and transnationalism. Lu’s theory was not chosen incidentally by Tsui as well, because Lu’s considerations are also ambiguous: â€Å"In the domestic and global arena of image production and consumption, we may distinguish two opposite yet complementary strategies in the politics of self representation of China† (Bordwell, 2000, p. 145). Consequently, Lu suggests that satisfaction of viewers of the Western world would emerge in case erotic and exotics of Chinese worlds was

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Strategic Corporate Finance Mod 5 Case Assignment Essay

Strategic Corporate Finance Mod 5 Case Assignment - Essay Example Net Present Value (NPV) method is one of the most important methods used to make capital budgeting decisions by businesses today. NPV method is important because it helps financial managers maximize shareholders’ wealth by making better capital budgeting decisions. Basically we can determine whether a project is worth investing in or not by comparing the present value of inflows and outflows discounted at the rate of cost of capital. If the PV of net flows is positive (PV of inflows is more than the PV of outflows over the life of the project), we consider it a good investment because it will increase shareholder wealth, and vice versa. In other words, must have a positive net inflow. In the given scenario, T-Mobile Corporation is considering a new project that will cost $3,219,000. This is the initial cash outflow. The company has provided the following cash flow figures: Year Cash Flow 0 -$3,219,000 1 350,000 2 939,000 3 1,122,000 4 500,000 5 400,000 We are told that T-Mobil e’s cost of capital discount rate is 4%, and are required to calculate the project's net present value. PV of Cash Inflows = 350000/(1.04)1 + 939000/(1.04)2 + 1122000/(1.04)3 +500000/(1.04)4 + 400000/(1.04)5 350000/1.04 + 939000/1.0816 + 1122000/1.1248 + 500000/ 1.1698 + 400000/ 1.2166 336538.46 + 868158.28 + 997510.66 + 427423.49 + 328785.13 $2,958,416.02. NPV= PV of Inflows – PV of Outflows NPV =$2,958,416.02 – 3,219,000 NPV= (260,583.98) Since the NPV is negative, or the PV of inflows is less than the PV of outflows for the project, investing in it will decrease shareholder wealth. The investment opportunity should be rejected. Even at the higher discount rate of 6%, the PV of inflows would decrease further, and the decision would be the same i.e. it is better not to invest here. Part II: T-Mobile-Sprint Merger Mergers and acquisitions are usually the two routes chosen by corporate entities to expand their businesses in the marketplace. These are often a hot topic in the business press (McClure, 2011). One rumor being floated around is a potential merger between mobile phone giants T-Mobile and Sprint. Mergers between two large companies are usually complicated, even though there may be possible synergies in 4G technologies that might be possible in such an instance. While mergers can bring about great rewards, at the same time they can also entail great risks and pitfalls. Differences in valuation, differences in accounting procedures and operational and administrative difficulties may emerge (Gaughan, (2001). This part of the assignment asks us to do some research concerning the arguments both for and against such a merger from a financial perspective. We are considering the deal from the point of view of whether or not such a merger would be a profitable undertaking that would add value to the shareholders of both corporations or not. Do you think a merger between Sprint and T-Mobile would add value to the shareholders of both corpor ations? Based on your analysis and findings (Part I and Part II), what would you recommend to the shareholders of both corporations? Should both companies merge? Please explain your reasoning. From the point of view of synergistic benefits, there is certainly a lot of merit in seeking to merge Sprint and T-Mobile. As of the date of the article in July 2010, both Sprint

Friday, January 31, 2020

Key Success Factors Essay Example for Free

Key Success Factors Essay Number of Rivals Wal-Mart’s primary competitors were Kmart and Target. Wal-Mart also competed against category retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City in electronics, Toy â€Å"R† Us in toys, Kohl’s and Goody’s in apparel; and Bed, Bath, and Beyond in household goods. It also competed against warehouse club segment like Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Clubs and BJ’s Wholesale Club. Internationally, Wal-Mart‘s biggest competitor was Carrefour. Scope of RivalryWal-Mart operates nationally, but its principal interests are in the urban centers of United States. Internationally, its interests are mainly in Mexico, Japan, United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada and China. Number of BuyersAs a discounted retailer, Wal-Mart’s customer base is the consumer making individual purchases, and is therefore fragmented and with no appreciable power. Degree of Product DifferentiationThe product is wide product selection and a mix of both name-brand and private-label merchandise, and therefore, a commodity with some minor differentiation available on price, selection and quality. However, Wal-Mart had successfully pursued a low-cost leadership strategy which could provide everyday low prices for their customers Product InnovationWal-Mart provides multiple store formats to attract and satisfy customers’ needs: Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Clubs. Wal-Mart should expect it to become a common feature as rivals attempt to copy their success. Supply/Demand ConditionsWal-Mart was the biggest customer of virtually all of its 66,000 suppliers. It allowed it to bargain power with suppliers and get their bottom prices. In 1992 Wal-Mart began establishing standards for its suppliers. Pace of Technological ChangeMore sophisticated means of managing the supply chain, to include EPC/RFID systems mentioned in the case, suggest that new means of reducing costs are presenting opportunities for retailers to obtain an advantage over one another. Vertical IntegrationThe presence of suppliers indicates that the industry is not perfectly integrated. However, Wal-Mart and its competitor each maintain extensive warehousing and transportation assets, suggesting that there is a considerable degree of integration in the industry. Economies of ScaleGiven that the product is a commodity provided by suppliers, economies of scale would be essential in this industry.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Free College Essays - Enlightenment in Narcissus and Goldmund

Enlightenment in Narcissus and Goldmund Hermann Hesse's repeated themes of enlightenment through religion, self acceptance, love, and fate, surface in Narcissus and Goldmund, as Goldmund, a student at Mariabronn cloister, discovers his true calling as an artist and lover. Taking the advice of his diametric, the analytical, dark, and spare Brother Narcissus, a teacher at the cloister who recognizes Goldmund as "a dreamer with the soul of a child," Goldmund acknowledges his suppressed childhood and rediscovers the image of his mother. Leaving the cloister at Narcissus' advice, Goldmund becomes a wanderer of the medieval countryside, seducing the hearts of women, learning the art of sculpting and painting, and recapturing his childhood. Although she is not physically present at any time, Goldmund's mother plays a significant role in his discovery of himself. Through the revival of her memory in his heart, he is able to accept his life as an artist, not a thinker and give in to the temptations of love. "Mother had been a subject he was forbidden to mention-...

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Effective Research Essay

Research is a structured and systematic approach of looking for answer to questions and producing intended results. The methods used to research a particular topic should directly relate to the aims described in the topic. One should develop a clear, thoughtful, and organized study plan that tests the vital hypothesis. Describe any work concept, tools, and approaches for the anticipated studies. Discuss the possible limitations and difficulties of the anticipated procedures and alternative advances to achieve the aims. Tim Ireland (2008) adds that a tentative sequence for the project ought to be given. An overview of the conceptual framework and proposed design should be included. Study goals ought to relate to the projected hypothesis. Required statistical techniques, proposed timeline, and work plan should be included. Finally, one should be clear about the methods and investigation design used and should avoid correlative experiments. The ways of assessing and evaluating ones research is by checking for correct spelling, general neatness, parts in a reasonable and correct order with nothing missing, proper citation of borrowed material and the support of any arguments or thesis materials with evidence. One can also use rubric; it allows one to see what excellent, acceptable, good, and poor work looks like. Information from research is included in writing by putting all your gathered information together in a presentable format. One should put all his/her notes together according to the order they will come into view in their project (Albert and Podgy 1984). Another is strategy is the use of paraphrasing where one only uses the most important words, synonyms, and highlights and crosses out words (Ireland, 2008). Paraphrase: A good university should focus on equipping students with critical and analytical skills which form an integral part of what is expected of higher learning (Zein 2008).

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

The Twelve Caesars What Makes A Good Leader - 1345 Words

The Twelve Caesars: What Makes a Good Leader? Suetonius was born around 68-9 AD, possibly in Hippo Regius (Suetonius xviii). His mentor described him as ‘scholarly and honorable’ and many held him in high regard (xix). Suetonius completed The Twelve Caesars sometime during the 120s during the peak of his career (xxiii). Suetonius conveys his opinion of each emperor indirectly through how he portrays their vices and virtues. According to Suetonius, a Roman leaders good and bad qualities included their military successes, relations with the citizens of Rome, mental stability, and private relationships. Suetonius believed that Augustus embodied many of the characteristics of a good leader. The military campaigns of the Caesars made Rome one of the largest empires of the ancient world. Suetonius conveys through his writings that being a good military leader and a good Caesar were synonymous. Augustus, who Suetonius thought an excellent leader, reunited the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire ( 51) and greatly expanded Romes territory (53). Augustus â€Å"showed not only skill as a commander, but courage as a soldier† in the eyes of his contemporaries (47). On the other hand, both Caligula and Nero, considered poor leaders by Suetonius, had very limited military success and aspirations. Only once did Caligula initiate a military exploit, and it was rife with his madness. His campaign into Germany was on a whim and all he accomplished was receiving the surrender of aShow MoreRelatedJulius Caesar’S Rise To Fame. Was It True That All Roads1484 Words   |  6 Pagespopulated. There were many great leaders in the Roman Empire, but Julius Caesar was o ne that stood out the most. Caesar installed many progressive changes and military conquests to help Rome thrive. 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Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Child Abuse Prevention And Treatment Of Act - 1184 Words

Gimme Shelter The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Reauthorization Act (2010) Kristan Maxwell Eastern Illinois University April 17, 2015 Movie Title: Gimme Shelter Based on a true story, the movie â€Å"Gimme Shelter† (2013) depicts a 16-year-old named Agnes â€Å"Apple† struggle after leaving her abusive home. Early on in the movie it was evident that Apple wanted better for herself and her future. In the past she had been in multiple shelters, foster homes where she was sexually abused along with many other trialing experiences, Apple was ready to risk getting placed into another shelter in order to get away from her mother’s abuse. Apple never had anyone besides her mother. Born when her mom was†¦show more content†¦This priest quickly became a blessing to her and got her in contact with a shelter that dealt strictly with pregnant teens. Soon after moving into this shelter, Apple finally got the ‘family’ she had always aspired to have. The shelter was supportive, provided their clients with their necessities, and protected their clients from their often abusive family members. Unfortunately, until the shelter saw Apple get abused firsthand one day they were legally going to have to release her to her mother seeing as she did not give her consent and was going to file kidnapping charges against the director of the facility. Because of the support of the shelter, Apple was safe from being returned to her mother and had got back in contact with her father. After having the baby, Apple and her father became very close, he was supportive of her decision to keep her child and even decided to have her and his granddaughter live with his family. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Reauthorization Act (2010) Child protection has around since 1875 when the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was established in New York City but it was not until the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974 that thee was national legislation regarding child maltreatment. This policy was changed in December