Saturday, April 11, 2020

Jennifer Walshe free essay sample

A Background Jennifer Walsh, a Dublin born girl in 1974, has made quite the name for herself as an artist. She dabbles in many many types of art form. She is a singer, a composer, a vocalist, an experimenter and much more. She studied composition with John Maxwell Geodes at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Kevin Violas in Dublin and graduated from Northwestern University, Chicago, with a doctoral degree in composition in June 2002. Her chief teachers at Northwestern were Mammon Holman and Michael Poplar.Jennifer has won many prizes Including, the Characterless Mackerels, Praetors Music Prize and a grant from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, New York. She has also completed many residencies in places such as: In Context 3, Foundation, DAD Berliner K;nongovernmental. Snifters work has been performed and broadcast all over the world by ensembles such as Alter Ego, ensemble rcreche, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Orchestra Significant del Theatre La Fence, Schoolmistresses Kaleidoscope, Ensemble Resonant, Apartment House, ensemble Nitgrades, Nine Vocalists Stuttgart. We will write a custom essay sample on Jennifer Walshe or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

5 of the Best Plays by Tennessee Williams

5 of the Best Plays by Tennessee Williams From the 1930s until his death in 1982, Tennessee Williams crafted some of America’s most beloved dramas. His lyrical dialogue drips with his special brand of Southern Gothic a style found in fiction writers such as Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner (but not seen too often upon the stage). During his lifetime, he created over thirty full-length plays, in addition to short stories, memoirs, and poetry. His golden age, however, took place between 1945 and 1961. During this time, he created his most powerful plays. Among those are five that will forever remain among the best dramas for the  stage. These classics were instrumental in making Tennesee Williams one of the best playwrights of modern times and they continue to be audience favorites. #5 – The Rose Tattoo Many consider this Williams’ most comedic play. Originally on Broadway in 1951, The Rose Tattoo tells the story of Serafina Delle Rose, a passionate Sicilian widow who lives with her daughter in Louisiana. The play explores the theme of newfound romance after a long period of loneliness. The author described The Rose Tattoo as â€Å"the Dionysian element in human life.† For those of you who don’t wish to run to your Greek mythology book, Dionysus, the God of Wine, represented pleasure, sexuality, and rebirth. Tennessee Williams’ comedy/drama exemplifies all of the above. Interesting Tidbits: The Rose Tattoo was dedicated to his lover, Frank Merlo.In 1951, The Rose Tattoo won Tony Awards for Best Actor, Actress, and Play.Italian actress Anna Magnani won an Oscar for her portrayal of Serafina in the 1955 film adaptation of The Rose Tattoo . #4 – Night of the Iguana When I was 12 years old, I stayed up late to watch what I thought was going to be a midnight monster movie about a Radioactive Iguana who destroys Japanese cities. Instead, I ended up watching an adaptation of Tennessee Williams play Night of the Iguana . There are no oversized lizard creatures, but there is the compelling main character, ex-Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon. Expelled from his church community, he has turned from a respected minister into an alcoholic tour guide who leads his disgruntled group to a small Mexican resort town. Shannon is tempted by the lustful widow, Maxine, who owns a seedy hotel. However, it seems his true calling is to emotionally connect with an impoverished, gentle-hearted painter, Miss Hannah Jelkes. They form a bond more complex and fulfilling than Maxine could ever offer. Interesting Tidbits: The original 1961 Broadway production featured Betty Davis in the role of the seductive and lonely Maxine.The 1964 film adaptation was directed by the prolific and versatile John Huston.Like the main character, Tennessee Williams struggled with depression and alcoholism. #3 – The Glass Menagerie Many argue that Williams’ first major success is his strongest play. To be sure, The Glass Menagerie exhibits the playwright at his most personal. The play is ripe with autobiographical revelations: The absent father in The Glass Menagerie is a traveling salesman – like Williams’ father.The fictional Wingfield family lived in St. Louis, as did Williams and his real-life family.Tom Wingfield and Tennessee Williams share the same first name. The playwrights real name is Thomas Lanier Williams III. The fragile Laura Wingfield was modeled after Tennessee Williams’ sister, Rose. In real life, she suffered from schizophrenia and was eventually given a partial lobotomy, a destructive operation from which she never recovered. It was a constant source of heartache for Williams. Considering the biographical connections, the regretful monologue at the play’s end feels like a personal confession. Tom: Then all at once my sister touches my shoulder. I turn around and look into her eyes... Oh, Laura, Laura, I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be! I reach for a cigarette, I cross the street, I run into the movies or a bar, I buy a drink, I speak to the nearest stranger anything to blow your candles out! For nowadays the world is lit by lightning! Blow your candles out, Laura and so good-bye... Interesting Tidbits: Paul Newman directed the 1980s film adaptation which starred his wife Joanne Woodward.The film contains an interesting moment not found in the original play: Amanda Wingfield actually succeeds in selling a magazine subscription over the phone. It sounds trivial, but it’s actually presented as a heartwarming triumph for the character – a rare beam of light in an otherwise gray and weary world. #2 – A Streetcar Named Desire   Of the major plays by Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire contains the most explosive moments. This is perhaps his most popular play. Thanks to director Elia Kazan, Marlon Brando, and Vivian Leigh, it became a motion picture classic. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you have probably seen the iconic clip in which Brando screams for his wife, â€Å"Stella!!!!† Blanche Du Bois serves as the delusional, often vexing but ultimately sympathetic protagonist. Leaving behind her sordid past, she moves into the dilapidated New Orleans apartment of her co-dependent sister and brother-in-law, Stanley – the dangerously virile and brutish antagonist. Many academic and armchair debates have involved Stanley Kowalski. Some have argued that the character is nothing more than an apelike villain/rapist. Others believe that he represents the harsh reality in contrast to Du Bois’ impractical romanticism. Still, some scholars have interpreted the two characters as being violently and erotically drawn to one another.   From an actor’s viewpoint,  Streetcar  might be Williams best work. After all, the character of Blanche Du Bois delivers some of the most rewarding  monologues  in modern theater. Case in point, in this provocative scene, Blanche recounts the tragic death of her late husband: Blanche: He was a boy, just a boy, when I was a very young girl. When I was sixteen, I made the discovery love. All at once and much, much too completely. It was like you suddenly turned a blinding light on something that had always been half in shadow, thats how it struck the world for me. But I was unlucky. Deluded. There was something different about the boy, a nervousness, a softness and tenderness which wasnt like a mans, although he wasnt the least bit effeminate looking still that thing was there ... He came to me for help. I didnt know that. I didnt find out anything till after our marriage when wed run away and come back and all I knew was Id failed him in some mysterious way and wasnt able to give the help he needed but couldnt speak of! He was in the quicksands and clutching at me but I wasnt holding him out, I was slipping in with him! I didnt know that. I didnt know anything except I loved him unendurably but without being able to help him or help myself. Then I foun d out. In the worst of all possible ways. By coming suddenly into a room that I thought was empty which wasnt empty, but had two people in it ... the boy I had married and an older man who had been his friend for years ...Afterward we pretended that nothing had been discovered. Yes, the three of us drove out to Moon Lake Casino, very drunk and laughing all the way.We danced the Varsouviana! Suddenly, in the middle of the dance the boy I had married broke away from me and ran out of the casino. A few moments later a shot!I ran out all did! all ran and gathered about the terrible thing at the edge of the lake! I couldnt get near for the crowding. Then somebody caught my arm. Dont go any closer! Come back! You dont want to see! See? See what! Then I heard voices say Allan! Allan! The Grey boy! Hed stuck the revolver into his mouth, and fired so that the back of his head had been blown away!It was because on the dance floor unable to stop myself Id suddenly said I saw! I know ! You disgust me ... And then the searchlight which had been turned on the world was turned off again and never for one moment since has there been any light thats stronger than this kitchen candle ... Interesting Tidbits: After debuting the role of Blanche on Broadway, Jessica Tandy was originally supposed to play the role in the film. It seems that she didnt have the star power to attract movie goers. Olivia de Havilland turned down the role and it was given to Vivien Leigh.Vivien Leigh won an Oscar for Best Actress in the film, as did supporting actors Karl Malden and Kim Hunter. Marlon Brando, however, did not win Best Actor though he was nominated. That title went to Humphrey Bogart for The African Queen in 1952. #1 - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof This play blends elements of tragedy and hope, earning its place as the most powerful work of Tennessee Williams’ collection. The taciturn protagonist Brick Pollitt struggles with alcoholism, the loss of his youth, the death of a loved one, and several other inner demons, not the least of which might be his repressed  sexual identity.   Brick is devastated over the suicide of his friend Skipper who killed himself after he tried to discuss his feelings. When Brick and his father finally determine the source of his angst, the protagonist learns about self-forgiveness and acceptance. Cat represents the most headstrong of the playwright’s female characters. Like other women in Williams’ plays, she experiences adversity. But instead of verging on insanity or wallowing in nostalgia, she â€Å"claws and scratches† her way out of obscurity and poverty. She conveys unbridled sexuality, yet we learn that she is ultimately a faithful wife who lures her husband back to the marriage bed by the play’s end. The third major character in  Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is Big Daddy, the wealthy and powerful patriarch of the Pollitt family. He exhibits many negative traits. He is gruff, callous, and verbally abusive. Yet, when Brick and the audience learn that Big Daddy is on the brink of death, he gains out sympathy. More than this, when he overcomes despair and bravely embraces the little remainder of his life, he earns our solemn respect. The inevitable death of the father awakens a long-overdue sense of purpose with the son. Brick decides to return to the bedroom with the ambition of starting a family. Hence Tennessee Williams shows us that despite the unavoidable losses throughout our lives, loving relationships can endure and a meaningful life can be attained. Interesting Tidbits: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof won the Pulitzer Prize in 1955.The play was adapted into a 1958 film which starred Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives, who originated the role of Big Daddy on Broadway.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Pulfrich Effect Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Pulfrich Effect - Research Paper Example Then, the pendulum was tested to be actually moving in a way that it is not moving towards you and away from you but it is actually moving side to side. To test this, the experimenter looked at it on the side, (Figure 1, Person B) and viewed the pendulum if it is moving in a straight path and not in circular manner. Then, when the set up was completed, the person who will do the experiment, (person A) stood 224 cm away from the pendulum set up. Then, final verification of the pendulum was done again to make sure that it is really working. After that, the real experiment was done. The experimenter (person B) covered the right eye of Person A with the filter and the other eye was remained open while the pendulum was swinging. Then person A was asked to closely observe what will happen on the pendulum set up and to critically look at the object for him not to miss any vital observations that can be done. Then, person A was asked if he observed the phenomenon that is expected to happen in the experiment. Since the person A had observed the phenomenon, he was asked to describe the said effect in which person A claimed that the pendulum seems following an elliptical path. After it was verified, the same procedure was repeated, the same procedure applies using the same set of experimental devices and the same person A was asked to do the exper... Since the person A had observed the phenomenon, he was asked to describe the said effect in which person A claimed that the pendulum seems following an elliptical path. After it was verified, the same procedure was repeated, the same procedure applies using the same set of experimental devices and the same person A was asked to do the experiment but the thing is, the light is less brighter compared before. The light used was slightly dimmer from the previous one and it was set up by placing some dark filters directly on the bulb to control its brightness. The accuracy of the measurement is highly needed to produce a substantial result and analysis of the experiment. To measure D, the point where the resting pendulum is and the actual location where person A is standing was measured in a straight line. The s is measured by getting the distance between the two eyes. W was measured by getting the half of the full swing of the pendulum where p is the distance of the middle part of the weight up to the tip of the string of the pendulum. The d is the trickiest of all but it was done by placing a meter stick below the pendulum and a pencil vertically upright. Then, while observing the Pulfrich effect, the pencil was being moved until it seems that the elliptical path of the pendulum is directly above pencil. Then the measurement was get in cm to avoid confusion through out the experiment. The calculation of the entire experiment that can show the entire difference of time lags in two situation, (that is also the reference for question 1. A) is attached and labeled figure 2. In this experiment, the Pulfrich Effect can be observed and documented in a way that you can easily understand the concept behind

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Research Methods in Social Work Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Methods in Social Work - Research Paper Example This means that the better part of the active population of the society was captured. The sample size randomly selected from the different age groupings was 300 students. These students were taken through an oral interview on the amount of time that should be put on entertainment and this was the findings; 17yrs to 29yrs preferred 5 days a week, 30yrs to 38yrs opted for 3 days a week and the upper end of the age group proposed twice a week. This was a representative sample to the population at more than 30% and the findings give a true reflection of the general behavior across the social life of different age brackets in the world (Proquest, 2012). A survey undertaken by Gallup in December 2008 with a sample of 1500 people established that 44% of the Pakistani feels that Taliban has a negative influence In the social, economic and political aspect of their nation (Gallup world, 2009). This was not a sufficient representative sample to the population of about 177 (World Bank, 2011) million people but aspiring political leaders to formulate winning strategies could still use this. The political survey needs to capture regional dispersions and social stratification. A survey was conducted by the Princeton Survey Research Associates for The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press asking the question ‘Women get fewer opportunities than men for good jobs (Pew Research Center, 2012)? The survey only interviewed 3008 people from a total American population of 311,591,917 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011) to publish the results and deem them accurate. This survey can be used by NGOs and different organizations championing women rights to further their propaganda against employers.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Alcoholic Authors Essay Example for Free

Alcoholic Authors Essay The prominence of alcoholism in American literature, at least in the first half of the twentieth century, and the relationship between great authors and alcoholism has become somewhat of a literary cliche. Icons such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Jack Kerouac are as famous for their work as they are infamous for their drinking habits. These authors have created a legend out of themselves just from their notorious habits of drinking. Of the seven native-born Americans awarded the Nobel Prize in literature, five were alcoholics. The list of other twentieth-century American writers also affected with alcoholism is very long. I researched these authors’ lives to find out how they all were infected with the same disease, alcoholism. Some said that drinking boosted their creative abilities, while others thought of it more of an escape from the confines of their own imagination, to which they were bound for all hours of the day. Drinking does fit the loner lifestyle that many of these authors had. It was viewed as a cure for writers block, an escape from their own minds, and most importantly, as a tool to cure the emotional hardships that they endured. It is not a coincidence that the greatest writers and artists also had very troubled childhoods and adult lives. Look at Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Van Gogh; both were both severely troubled emotionally and depressed, and yet they still produced artistic and literary genius. So what is this connection between alcoholism and the great authors of the early 19th century? I will take an in-depth look at a few of the most influential alcoholic authors, such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Edgar Allan Poe, and Tennessee Williams. I will look at factors that may have led them to their alcoholic habits, such as their childhood, troubled lives, or depression. From there, I will then look at how alcohol affected their works, positively or negatively. And as we all know, alcoholism was also double-edged sword that led to the destruction of their careers, and ultimately to their deaths. I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom. This quote by Edgar Allan Poe perfectly depicts why many of these great authors fell back into the grasp of alcoholism. Many were troubled spirits who had tough lives, and used alcohol as an escape from their woes. Poe’s depression was caused by his alcoholic father, the death of both of his mothers, the death of his loving wife, the separations of his siblings, and an abusive foster father. No doubt, these losses and hardships sculpted Poe into who he was as a person and author. He relied heavily on alcohol to ease his pain. Another notable case of hardships and emotional struggle that led to alcoholism was Tennessee Williams. As a child he was exposed to a very problematic family. His hard-drinking father favored his brother, as Williams was sensitive and seemed to be homosexual at a very young age. He was closest to his sister Rose, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and institutionalized. Later on, he had troubles dealing with his sexuality, which led to heavy drug and alcohol abuse. He married Frank Merlo, whom provided balance to his bouts of rage and alcoholic abuse. Williams sunk into even deeper depression after Merlo left him, because of his alcoholism. Williams won the Pullitzer Prize for Drama after writing, A Streetcar Named Desire in 1948. He wrote this largely based off of events from his own life, most vividly portraying his alcoholic habits through Stanley. Another example of a great author whose troubled life had led him to become an alcoholic is Ernest Hemingway. Like Williams, he was also an award-winning author who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954. During his final years, Hemingway’s behavior was similar to his father’s before he himself committed suicide. Hemingway was diagnosed with the genetic disease Hemochromatosis, which causes mental and physical deterioration. His brother and sister also committed suicide as well. In addition to Hemingway’s mental illnesses, he was an alcoholic for most of his life. After his death, in the writing, â€Å"Ernest Hemingway: A Psychological Autopsy of a Suicide†, Christopher Martin talks about the possible causes of Hemingway’s suicide. He discovers after careful reading of Hemingway’s works, that they reveal the possibility of conditions such as, bipolar disorder, alcoholic dependence, traumatic brain injury, and narcissistic personality traits. Hemingway was obviously troubled mentally and emotionally, and relied heavily on alcohol. Hemingway is one of the most well known alcoholic authors to this day. It was a common trait amongst many of the alcoholic authors to have emotional hardships and struggles. There is no doubt that these authors’ works were affected strongly by their addiction to drinking. As discussed previously, some stated that it boosted creativity, immediately cured writer’s block, and even relaxed them from the pressure of writing. Dr. Donald Goodwin, the author of â€Å"Alcohol and the Writer,† performed research on the correlation between authors and alcoholism. He concluded that writing in itself does not encourage alcoholism. Instead, he suggests that creativity is inspired by insanity because, creative writing requires a rich fantasy life. Alcohol promotes this same fantasy life as it skews ones perceptions. Goodwin concludes that writing and alcoholism are products of the same lifestyle, rather than writing as a profession encouraging alcoholism. â€Å"Writing involves fantasy; alcohol promotes fantasy. Writing requires self-confidence; alcohol bolsters confidence. Writing is lonely work; alcohol assuages loneliness. Writing demands intense concentration; alcohol relaxes. † For example, William Faulkner, from the very beginning of his career, drank while he wrote. He claimed, I usually write at night. I always keep my whiskey within reach. Faulkner was also a Nobel Prize winner for his novels and short stories. Hemingway found whiskey as a sort of relief from his day to day routines, almost medicinal. Hemingway once stated, â€Å"When you work hard all day with your head and know you must work again the next day what else can change your ideas and make them run on a different plane like whisky? † This sort of mindset was one similar amongst many other great authors alike. In Goodwins book, he has a chapter titled, â€Å"The Loner Theory. † Alcoholism is basically a disease of individualism. People who are affected are those who, from early childhood, have a strong sense of being psychologically alone and on their own in the world. These people feel that they can get emotional release from drinking. We can see this individualistic character in many great authors. Goodwin goes on to compare writing and being drunk. He claims, â€Å"Writing and alcohol both produce trancelike states. A gift for creative writing may involve an innate ability to enter trancelike states. Being a loner, may facilitate trancelike states when it is time to write, and encourage drinking to overcome the shyness and ? isolation when it is time to relax. † This reasoning and logic is clearly evident in many of the author’s lifestyles. As much as these tendencies helped many of them produce creative work, it also led to many of their careers’ demise and eventually, death. The infamous drinking habits of Hemingway, Poe, Faulkner, and the like, all eventually led to their death or career demise. Many of these alcoholic authors were on a slow decline creatively. Many thought that their alcoholism deadened their creative thought process and rather turned them into more drab and emotional writers. Faulkner’s prose was slowed down by his sclerosis, while Hemingway’s style was drowned in emotions. Hemingway ridiculed his friend Fitzgerald when he went public in Esquire, talking about his downfall publicly. Hemingway was disgusted, and invited him to cast his, â€Å"balls into the sea—if you have any balls left†. Many authors attempted to get sober but found they could not write without alcohol. Many would just have one big hit and then decline from there, fighting sobriety and the ability to write without alcohol. Hemingway struggled to find happiness later on in life and eventually committed suicide. Faulkner died of a heart attack that was attributed to his heavy alcohol abuse. Edgar Allan Poe’s death was largely due to alcoholism. It is still a bit of a mystery as to how he died, but according to newspaper articles at the time it was due to cerebral inflammation, which is commonly linked with alcoholism. Many of these great authors were known for their great works as well as their drinking habits. Sadly, alcoholism led to many of their declining health in later ages. Their creative spark was slowly dulled over time by drinking, and many lived unhappy lives. There is an irrefutable link between many authors and alcoholism. Many of them happened to live in the same time frame, and were legends amongst the population largely in part to their drinking habits. Their alcoholic tendencies are all largely due to their loner lifestyles that they all shared. No doubt, they had great artistic minds. Many of them were award-winning authors who are icons American literature. However, their drinking habits are just as famous as was their work. Unfortunately, these habits eventually led many of them to their downfall. Many took their own lives, drank until they passed, or died because of other health complications due to alcoholism. Drinking was a cure for writers block, an escape from their own minds, and also a tool to cure their emotional downfalls that their troubled lives had brought upon them. It is not a coincidence that the greatest writers and artists also had very troubled childhoods and even adult lives. There is a direct connection between the tendencies of â€Å"loners† to be dependant on alcohol, and the tendencies of many authors to be loners. In conclusion, many authors had troubled lives and childhoods that led them to become emotionally scarred. This led to alcoholic habits. Next, many of them enjoyed working and writing while intoxicated. It suited their personalities. Alcoholism is an individualistic disease, and writing is typically an individual art form. Just as these authors found comfort in drinking, many of them drank their lives into the gutter; quite literally in Poe’s case. The same thing that they found comfort in, used as a tool for their writing, led them to demise. Their mental and physical health deteriorated, and ultimately many of them died unhappy. However, these authors were legends in literature. Hemingway, Faulkner, Poe, Fitzgerald, and Williams to name a few, all of these authors graced us with their genius, although some of them paid the price of their genius with mental and physical deterioration due to a life-long love affair with alcohol. Works Cited Dardis, Tom. (1989). The Thirsty Muse: Alcohol and the American Writer. Fields. Goodwin, Donald W. (1988). Alcohol and the Writer. Andrews McMeel Publishing Padgett, John B. (2006, August 17). William Faulkner: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from http://www. mcsr. olemiss. edu/~egjbp/faulkner/wf-faq. html Sedaris, Amy. (2006, December 15). Great American Writers and Their Cocktails. National Public Radio, Retrieved from http://www. npr. org/templates/story/story. php? storyId=662497 Shone, Tom. (2009, 6 15). When Novelists Sober up. Intelligent Life Magazine, Retrieved from.

Monday, January 20, 2020

How to Handle the Situation After Missing a Test or an Important Assign

How to Handle the Situation After Missing a Test or an Important Assignment If you have ever missed a test or failed to turn in a major assignment on time, then you know that the longer you’ve been gone, the harder it becomes to work on that late project. What can you do to break the cycle of avoidance and delay? Realize that your absence weighs heavier on your mind than the other person’s. Advisors are not losing sleep over late dissertation proposals and journal editors aren’t agonizing over missing manuscripts. The project is more important to you than anyone else. Remember, when you do get in touch, the person is unlikely to be angry and punitive. We tend to be much harsher about our own tardiness than we are about other people’s delays. Advisors know it is difficult to write dissertation drafts. Journal editors are accustomed to academics who take a long time to turn around R&R manuscripts. Lower rather than raise your standards when you’re running late. Don’t try to make your work more polished to make up for taking so long. Just try to get something sent out for feedback. End the cycle by chanting to yourself â€Å"A done dissertation is a good dissertation† or â€Å"A published paper is the only paper that counts.† Get in touch even before you have the â€Å"completed product† ready for review. Try to get in touch as soon as you know that you are going to miss the deadline. Let the person know that you are working on your project. Facing your fear of the other person’s disapproval and re-establishing contact, will help lower your anxiety so that you can get back to work Beware of setting deadlines you won’t be able to meet. If you are running late with a project, and you decide to resume contact, try not to set yourself... ...or the point. You’re late. You’re sorry. You’re now doing your best to complete the project. Try a â€Å"practice run† before clicking on the send button. I often advise coaching clients to write a draft of a difficult email without typing in the address to prevent sending an unfinished message accidentally. Often, clients report that once they’ve drafted a short ‘hello’ it feels surprisingly easy to send the email. Keep in mind that even if you get a negative reaction when you revive contact, at least you’ve faced your dread of the unknown. Anticipating how the other person may respond to your missed deadline can feel like a black hole of potential admonishment. Even if your advisor or colleague is angry, at least you can begin to repair the relationship rather than allow resentment to fester. Get in touch and get it over with. You are likely to experience relief.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Quality Metal Service Essay

An overview of cost, profit, revenue, and investment centers Cost classification in accounting also involves the allocation of costs, revenues and responsibilities to various centres or departments. These centres include: == Cost centres == Revenue centres == Profit centres == Investment centres Cost Centres A cost centre (CC) is a unit, location or department where cost data is collected. The purpose of the cost centre is to collect, analyze and ascertain costs in its immediate context. Cost centres usually have cost units—units or equipment for which costs are determinable or attributable. Overheads and direct costs constitute the cost structure of a CC. Since many activities in an organisation involve costs, a cost centre is a fundamental aspect, especially as profit and investment centres can be cost centres. According to the ACCA Study Text (Management accounting, c 1999), cost centres can manifest themselves as a project, a machine, department or overhead costs. One should note that a specific cost centre might not necessarily have other functions. CCs are not limited to production and manufacturing, since they can also be attributed to service centres, like commercial bank branches for example. Revenue Centres These centres deal exclusively with revenue. Even though costs may arise from these areas, the revenue centre is not accountable for costs. Its purpose is primarily to maximise sales and revenue. Profit centre The profit centre addresses both costs and revenue. Therefore, the manager responsible for a profit centre is accountable for the purchases and sales for that unit, department or branch. Since both revenue and costs fall under the purview of the profit centre, it is both a cost and revenue centre, although a revenue centre is not a profit centre and a cost centre might not necessarily be a profit centre. Investment centres Investment centres are profit centres that are accountable for cost, revenues and net assets for capital investment. This unit is assessed by return on investment and is a cost centre. Managers in an investment centre are responsible for purchasing capital or non-current assets and making investment decisions with capital. Investment centres Investment centres are profit centres that are accountable for cost, revenues and net assets for capital investment. This unit is assessed by return on investment and is a cost centre. Managers in an investment centre are responsible for purchasing capital or non-current assets and making investment decisions with capital. Responsibility centres are the umbrella term for cost, profit, revenue and investment centres, since their performance is under the direct control of a manager. The cost centre concept is present in profit and investment centres. The profit centre can be stand alone or, with additional responsibilities, an investment centre. Revenue centres operate in a similar manner to cost and profit centres, but their managers are primarily responsible for maximizing revenues and sales. An accountant needs to know the different types of centres to understand the information needs and requirements of the managers of the various units. Responsibility Centres A responsibility centre is an organizational subsystem charged with a well-defined mission and headed by a manager accountable for the performance of the centre. â€Å"Responsibility centres constitute the primary building blocks for management control.† It is also the fundamental unit of analysis of a budget control system. Aresponsibility centre is an organization unit headed by a responsible manager. There are four major types of responsibility centres: cost centres,revenues centres, profit centres and investment centres. Cost Centre A cost centre is a responsibility centre in which manager is held responsible for controlling cost inputs. There are two general types of cost centres: engineered expense centres and discretionary expense centres. Engineered costs are usually expressed as standard costs. A discretionary expense centre is a responsibility centre whose budgetary performance is based on achieving its goals by operating within predetermined expense constraints set through managerial judgement or discretion. Revenue Centre A revenue centre is a responsibility centre whose budgetary performance is measured primarily by its ability to generate a specified level of revenue. Profit Centre In a profit centre, the budget measures the difference between revenues and costs. Investment Centre An investment centre is a responsibility centre whose budgetary performance is based on return on investment. The uses of responsibility centres depend to a great extent on the type of organization structure involved. Engineered cost centres, discretionary expense centre, and revenue centres are more often used with functional organization designs and with the function units in a matrix design. In contrast, with a divisional organization designs, it is possible use profit centres because the large divisions in such a structure usually have control over both the expenses and the revenues associated with profits.