Survival Tips For Small Businesses Essay Research Paper Example For Students

Survival Tips For Small Businesses Essay Research Paper You may be in Mail Order, Direct Mail, or you may be a local merchant with 150 employees; whichever, however or whatever youve got to know how to keep your business alive during economic recessions. Anytime the cash flow in a business, large or small, starts to tighten up, the money management of that business has to be run as a tight ship. Some of the things you can and should do include protecting yourself from expenditures made on sudden impulse. Weve all bought merchandise or services we really didnt need simply because we were in the mood, or perhaps in response to the flamboyancy of the advertising or the persuasiveness of the salesperson. Then we sort of wake up a couple of days later and find that weve committed hundreds of dollars of business funds for an item or service thats not essential to the success of our own business, when really pressing items had been waiting for those dollars. If you are incorporated, you can eliminate these impulse purchases by including in your by-laws a clause that states: All purchasing decisions over (a certain amount) are contingent upon approval by the board of directors. This will force you to consider any impulse purchases of considerable cost, and may even be a reminder in the case of smaller purchases. If your business is a partnership, you can state, when faced with a buying decision, that all purchases are contingent upon the approval of a third party. In reality, the third party can be your partner, one of your department heads, or even one of your suppliers. If your business is a sole proprietorship, you dont have much to worry about really, because as an individual you have three days to think about your purchase, and then to nullify that purchase if you think you dont really need it or cant afford it. While you may think you cannot afford it, be sure that you dont short-change yourself on professional services. This would apply especially during a time of emergency. Anytime you commit yourself and move ahead without completely investigating all the angles, and preparing yourself for all the contingencies that may arise, youre skating on thin ice. Regardless of the costs involved, it always pays off in the long run to seek out the advice of experienced professionals before embarking on a plan that could ruin you. As an example, an experienced business consultant can fill you in on the 1244 stock advantages. Getting eligibility for the 1244 stock category is a very simple process, but one with tremendous benefits to your business. The 1244 status encourages investors to put equity capital into your business because in the event of a loss, amounts up to the entire sum of the investment can be written off in the current year. Without the 1244 classification, any losses would have to be spread over several years, and this, of course, would greatly lessen the attractiveness of your companys stock. Any business owner who has not filed the 1244 corporation has in effect cut himself off from 90 percent of his prospective investors. Particularly when sales are down, you must be hard-nosed with people trying to sell you luxuries for your business. When business is booming, you undoubtedly will allow sales people to show you new models of equipment or a new line of supplies; but when your business is down, skip the entertaining frills and concentrate on the basics. Great care must be taken however, to maintain courtesy and allow these sellers to consider you a friend and call back at another time. Your companys books should reflect your way of thinking, and whoever maintains them should generate information according to your policies. Thus, you should hire an outside accountant or accounting firm to figure your return on your investment, as well as the turnover on your accounts receivable and inventory. Such an audit or survey should focus in depth on any or every item within your financial statement that merits special attention. In this way, youll probably uncover any pote ntial financial problems before they become readily apparent, and certainly before they could get out of hand. 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The Vanishing Rain Forest essays

The Vanishing Rain Forest essays The purpose of this paper is to discuss the deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. This discussion emphasizes the social and geographic background, the impact of deforestation on the Amazons people and resources, and the causes as well as some proposed solutions of the problem. The Amazon rain forest is so vast it can be seen from the space shuttle. Will this statement be true ten years from now? The logs that are taken from the rain forest are money for today and the wasteland of tomorrow. Virtually all tropical rain forests may vanish in the next twenty-five years. (Richter) With the extinction of the forest will come the extinction of much of the worlds most remarkable wildlife. In an editorial statement, The Economist magazine noted that the Amazon rain forest in Brazil contains . . . nearly one third of all the worlds tropical forest-and a greater variety of plants than any other country. The Amazon has more types of fish than in all the rivers of Europe; the trees are home to more species of birds than in all the forests of North America. (The Month Amazonian Burns 15) The resources of the Amazon do not stop with the trees and animal life, for the plant life must also be included. Drugs derived from plants native to rain forest have been successfully used in the treatment of Hodgkins disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, as an aid in surgery, for the production of sex hormones and the birth-control pill. About one-third of the worlds medicines currently are derived from tropical plants. They are expected to contribute far more in the future, up to and including the possibility of life saving compounds for cancer and/or AIDS. (Hope Reaches the Amazon) However, perhaps the greatest resource of the Amazon rain forest is its contribution to the worlds oxygen supply. Indeed, the rain forest is so massive that it is estimated that d...

Diet and health issues In the hospitality industry Essay

Diet and health issues In the hospitality industry - Essay Example There is a commonly acknowledged fact, however, that wrong nutrition is one of the main reasons for diseases and deaths. Such diseases as cancer, diabetes, or obesity, cause 2/3 of all deaths, one of the main reasons for these pathologies being incorrect nutrition, and namely - the increased content of cholesterol and fat. Fast-food, in particular, contains a very dangerous form of cholesterol which can damage heart and blood vessels. The fast food industry in the United Kingdom is characterized as "the most prominent, the most dynamic and the most rapidly growing" market. (Jones et al. 2002) Modern spread of junk food is causing different illnesses, of which the most common one is obesity. (Leake & Porter 2003) Not everyone understands nowadays that bulimia, for example, is a kind of addiction, same as alcoholism or drug-taking. But the difference is - food is a "legal drug". The most widespread addiction is considered to be sugar. Food and soft drinks manufacturers use this sugar addiction to the wide range. They know that people cannot eat pure sugar, and therefore they put sugar in excessive amounts into soft drinks and sweets. As a result, many people get addicted to sugar, and do not even realize how much of this product they consume. Almost nobody counts the content of sugar in his everyday Fanta, or in a pack of biscuits. Manufacturers and owners of fast-food restaurants are making their profit, whereas many people suffer from being addicted to sugar. More than half citizens of the USA or Canada are overweight, and everyone knows that it is harmful for health. "According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a whopping 55% of adult Americans are now classified as overweight" (James-Enger 2007) However, the doctors and dieticians cannot oppose the everlasting flow of ads and commercials propagating "eating non-stop" as the best way of life. The number of people suffering from obesity has been growing fast; especially topical this problem is for the USA, however many European and Asian countries also have increasing number of obese people, and therefore the growth of patients suffering from diabetes is no wonder. Also, nutritionists are sure that the growth of the number of people suffering from increased blood pressure, heart attacks, etc., is also caused by diet disorders, and, above all, obesity. There is an opinion that obesity can largely be attributed to the fact that many people nowadays prefer to eat out rather than stay at home, and mostly in fast-food restaurants. The food in restaurants contains more calories than home-made food, and apart from that, children coming to restaurants normally eat more. Fast-food causes diseases, and it harms human organisms as it normally takes not more than fifteen minutes to eat it, whereas there is a so-called saturation centre that is "switched on" after 20 minutes after a person begins eating. If within these first 20 minutes one eats fast, it is possible to eat far too much. Moreover, some products, even those served in restaurants, can be a source of infection. British doctors recommend not to eat underdone hamburgers as they can contain dangerous microorganisms. It has been proved that a healthy diet can prevent the development of

Tracking Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tracking Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan - Essay Example Tracking Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan The following analysis will seek to engage the reader with an overall discussion that helps to elaborate upon the usefulness of these statistics, whether or not they might be utilized in further forms of analysis, the potential that exists for them to be much higher than is being represented, and interpretation of why all of these compliments necessarily matter. Through such a level of discussion and engagement, it is the hope of this author that the reader will be able to come to a more informed and definitive level of understanding with respect to civilian deaths within Afghanistan and the manner through which such representative data is utilized in the future. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, the data that was represented did not start tracking the deaths caused by IEDs or suicide attacks until 2009; fully two years after the analysis was begun. This was a fundamental oversight; however, an even larger oversight was with regards to the fact that the overall civilian death toll with respect to drone strikes was not measured until 2012 (Zenko, 2014). As anyone even remotely familiar with the conflict in Afghanistan note, the lion’s share of coalition attacks over the past several years in Afghanistan have been predicated upon the backbone of drone strikes as the primary delivery mechanism. In such a way, not having representative statistics that began at the time in which the study was engaged does not provide the user with an accurate description of the way in which civilian deaths have been represented within Afghanistan during the time period in question.

One hundred years of solitude draft1 Research Paper

One hundred years of solitude draft1 - Research Paper Example From that Island, Arcadio invents a world according to his perceptions. Soon after foundation of Macondo, it became a town frequented by extraordinary and unusual events involving the generations of Buendia Family. The family becomes unwilling to escape the wrath of their self-inflicted misfortunes. Finally, a fierce hurricane destroys the town. At the end of the novel, a descendant of Buendia deciphers an encryption, which generations of the family have failed to decode. The secret message became an informer to the recipients of every misfortune and fortune. A look at one Hundred Years of Solitude from the theoretical framework of Post Colonial Criticism reveals interesting relationships between the novel and the present day Columbia. From a postcolonial lens, the novel expresses symbolism and metaphors in a way that has much similarity to Columbia. The protagonists in the novel are controlled by the complexity of time and their past. Ghosts throughout the novel follow the characters. The ghosts symbolize the past and the haunting nature the ghosts have over Macondo (GarciÃŒ a194). The displaced repetition and the ghosts evoked are firmly grounded in the development of Columbian history. Ideological configuration of Columbia ensured that Buendias and Mocondo were always ghosts to some extent. The ghosts are estranged and alienated from history. They represent the victims of harsh reality of colonialism and underdevelopment. Additionally, it represents the ideological illusions, which haunt and reinforce social conditions in the postcol onial Columbia. Columbia was colonized by Spain. Post-colonialism critical lens upon Columbia interprets the changes and challenges of the colonized Columbia as the effects of its colonization. The core imperative symbols are power and oppression. The goal of this critical lens is to seek and understand the behavior of the Columbian characters and society as a whole. These behaviors and character traits can be

Sarbanes Oxley Act Of 2002 Accounting Essay

Sarbanes Oxley Act Of 2002 Accounting Essay The purpose of this report is to present the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, starting from the history of self-regulation and its regulatory bodies, presenting the governance scandals which triggered the Acts creation, emphasizing the requirements of Section 404 and concluding on recent crises. The history of self-regulation in the United States is structured in two parts: (1) Early Standards, including the Acts of 1933 and 1934, GAAS and GAAP, with short focus on peer review, and After seventy years of self-regulation many accounting frauds, governance scandals and bankruptcies shacked the U.S. market. Due to their relevance and impact on regulatory standards the cases of Enron and WorldCom were chosen to be discussed. After enacting the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the U.S. Congress started a new era, by choosing to enforce a new independent body (PCAOB) to monitor the auditing companies. In relation with SOX the followings were considered: (1) SOXs summary, with its objectives and main sections, (2) Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), with its mission and enforced authority. Next, the analysis focused on the section 404 of SOX 2002 because is the provision which caused the most violent discussions from executives part. Due to the section impact on companies financial statements the report includes a short presentation of its rules with a larger analysis of implementation costs and benefits. Still, even if the SOX and the SEC regulated the market in order to protect the investors and to avoid future corporate frauds, the financial crisis revealed new scandals, out of which in this report are mentioned: (1) Bernard Madoffs Ponzi scheme, and (2) Bank of America Corporations lack of disclosure related to Merrill Lynch merger. Taking into consideration these scandals, changes of regulations must be considered for the future and, maybe, reconsiderations of auditors role as management strategic advisors. HISTORY OF SELF REGULATION IN USA I.1. Early Standards In the United States, at the beginning of the 20th century, the regulations for accounting and auditing were the same as United Kingdom regulations due to the fact that the major American corporations were branches of Britain companies (Benston G., et al., 2006). Still, the market experienced a low level of regulation (or almost absent), the succeeding events (stock market crash in 1929 and depression from 1930) indicating a strong need for regulating and disclosing policies to be established by the federal government. Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The historical foundation for regulations of financial disclosure by corporations is considered to be the moment when, immediately after the market crash from 1929, the U.S. Congress enacted two major laws, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For the first time in history, those two rules contained pragmatic provisions regarding corporate investors and financial disclosure: Companies publicly offering securities for investment dollars must tell the public the truth about their businesses, the securities they are selling, and the risks involved in investing. People who sell and trade securities brokers, dealers, and exchanges must treat investors fairly and honestly, putting investors interests first.  [1]   GAAS. Starting with 1939, the first generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) were drafted and adopted by the American Institute of Accountants (currently AICPA), through its Auditing Standard Executive Committee (AudSEC) (currently Auditing Standards Board). Because GAAS refers to risks assessment and ways to mitigate them, three areas of provisions were defined (Benston G., et al., 2006): (1) general standards for determining the auditors personal traits; (2) fieldwork standards for setting the audit analysis, evaluation of internal controls and audit evidences; (3) reporting standards for assessing the disclosures of financial statements and the audit opinions, respectively the application of GAAS to GAAP. GAAP. Starting with 1936-1938, the SEC entrusted the Committee on Accounting Procedure (part of AICPA) to issue a private-sector accounting standards in order to set-up an accounting system requested by the market needs. The first generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) were developed in its initial form of Accounting Research Bulletins (ARB). Peer Review. In the early 1960s, the major consulting accounting companies started to form peer reviews for a better quality of accounting, auditing and attestation services performed by AICPA members  [2]  . This means that every CPA firm must be reviewed by another CPA firm. The latest company must independent from the reviewed company and must have qualified experience. The supervision of the peer review activities is assured by the Public Oversight Board (POB), an independent private sector body  [3]  , which, even if was created by SECPS members, is independent from the profession and the regulatory process. I.2. Regulatory Bodies Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The US Congress, through Securities Exchange Act of 1934, established SEC as an independent agency, having as main duty to define technical, trade, accounting, and other terms used in securities market, in the United States. The Commission is responsible for (1) interpreting federal securities laws; (2) issuing new rules and revising existing rules; (3) supervising the examination of securities players (brokers, investments advisers, other agencies); (4) monitoring private regulatory organizations in the securities area; and (5) complying U.S. securities rules with other American and foreign authorities  [4]  . Currently, the SEC is administrating the most important laws that standardize the securities industry, laws which are: (1) Securities Act of 1933, (2) Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (3) Trust Indenture Act of 1939, (4) Investment Company Act of 1940, (5) Investment Advisers Act of 1940, (6) Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The authoritative power of SEC implies laws enforcement in cases of fraud, insider trading, and any other infringements done by the individuals and companies on the securities area. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). If all preceding associations (like the American Association of Public Accountants, the Institute of Public Accountants, the American Institute of Accountants) are taken into consideration, than it can be stated that AICPA dates from 1887  [5]  . Associating all the certified public accountants (CPAs) in the U.S., the AICPA is the main non-government authoritative body in developing auditing standards (including technical rules and ethical codes) and other regulating services for CPAs. Furthermore, it has the authority to monitor and to enforce the law in cases of non-compliance with the standards. Auditing Standards Board (ASB). Within AICPA, the ASB is assigned to be the committee in charge to actually issue the standards and the regulations for CPAs, for non-public company audits, next to the necessary guidelines and the interpretations of the laws. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Over time, the mission to regulate the private sector by clear defined financial accounting standards passed from AICPAs Committee on Accounting Procedure to the Accounting Principles Board. By the end of 1960s the market development triggered an increasing demand for accounting standards updated in the same rhythm as the economical growth. As a result, since 1973, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has been created as a private, non-profit institution, founded with the purpose to establish and improve standards of financial accounting and reporting for the guidance and education of the public, including issuers, auditors, and users of financial information.  [6]   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: FAMOUS SCANDALS In 2002, Ribstein L. argues in the Journal of Corporation Law that the traditional approach of corporate governance in large corporation must be established by government regulation. This approach is based on assumption that the shareholders, in order to protect their ownership goals, lack of tools to control the management actions. On the other hand, acknowledging the shareholders weakness, the managers are predisposed to take advantage of the situation by acting on their own personal interests and power. Companies financial statements are the mean through which the managers can show their contribution to the corporate overall growth. If in this judgment is included the fact that corporate management usually has had compensation formulae strongly related with companies financial performance (such as options on companys shares), the management tendency to manipulate companies financial statements becomes obvious, or, in other words, the management is highly interested to manage earnings (Kaplan R., 2004). After seventy years of corporate regulation, in 2001 and 2002 series of management frauds rocked the investors trust in the market. Scandals like Enron, WorldCom, Tyco, Adelphia, and Waste Management opened a new era of financial manipulation. What is essential to be mentioned is the fact that all these frauds were possible despite all the levels of supervision in place, such as executive directors, external auditors, accounting firms, debt rating agencies, or securities market analysts (Ribstein L., 2002). The most resonant scandal was Enron, which, after being one of the worlds biggest power dealers, revealed in October 2001 losses higher than $70 billion in equity value. WorldCom, which played an important role on telecommunication market, disclosed in March 2002 that its revenues are overstated by capitalizing expenses, losing $180 billion in shareholder equity. Both cases will be discussed in the following section, emphasizing on fraudulent operations and corporations weaknesses. II.1. Enron Short summary: Disclosure date October 2001 Charges False increased profits, hidden liabilities totaling over $1 billion by using off-the-books transactions. Manipulation of the Californian energy market during the electricity crisis, recording total profits of $2.7 billion from trading electricity and gas in western markets (Markham J., 2006). Extorting and gaming the power prices, as well as an overcharge of $175 million for electricity generated by Enron wind farms (Markham J., 2006). Securities fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, insider trading, and filing false income tax returns (for Enrons executives). Auditing firm Arthur Anderson With losses higher than $70 billion in equity value (Bryce R., 2002), Enron scandal is one of the biggest political scandals in American history. In 1985, Enron started its business as an important trader on U.S. energy market, developing its operations within: transactions with natural gas, constructions of power facilities and pipelines, telecommunications services, buying/selling commodities. Its rapid growth offered to the public media a sensation of unstoppable revenues and solid financial stability. Before the public disclosure from 2001, the revenues and the incomes reported by Enron were impressive (Markham J., 2006): in 1998 $31 billion in revenue and $703 million in net income after expenses; in 1999 $40 billion in revenue and $893 million in net income after expenses; in 2000 $100 billion in revenue and $979 million in net income after expenses. In fact, the revenues were not real, the financial image presented to the shareholders being an illusion. In order to hide its losses Enron stretched the limitations of accounting standards and took advantage of all the regulatory lacks. Due to its business specificity, the accounting recording was challenging. First aspect regarded the long-term contracts for which the current accounting rules obliged the company to forecast the future revenues. In this case Enrons income recognition was made at present (or fair) value, using mark-to-market accounting, regardless the prospective economic conditions. The second aspect was linked with Enrons reliance on structured financial transactions and, implicitly, on special purpose entities (SPEs). In this area the accounting standards were questionable, being debated by practitioners because of the difference which could be created between real economic situation and companies financial indicators. Behind this glowing image, Enron built a network of derivatives trading and transactions with SPEs, which generated substantial revenues not only for the company itself, but also for the companys directors involved in the SPEs partnerships. The report of investigation of the Enron Special Investigative Committee (Powers W., et al., 2002) mentioned the amounts by which Enrons employees were illicitly enriched: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Fastow (i.e. Enrons CFO) by at least $30 million, Kopper (i.e. Enrons finance executive) by at least $10 millionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. In October 2001 Enron had to recognize expenses of $1.01 billion after tax and two months later, Enron filed for bankruptcy. Enrons failure is a clear example of corporate governance malfunction. Managers were compensated with stock options based on the companys short-term performance with no other restrictions, compensation program that incentivized managers to increase the short-term performance regardless the long-term consequences. Next to Enrons management, part of the blame is assigned to external auditors (Arthur Andersen) and to parties responsible for the companys internal governance (see appendix 1 for a graphic representation of the links between Enrons managers and investors). Analyzing the implications of accounting rules over the Enrons scandal one statement must be made. U.S. GAAP are very extensive and, even more, rigid in its provisions, inspiring financial professionals to find creative accounting solutions to avoid the rules. II.2. WorldCom Short summary: Disclosure date March 2002 Charges Use of undisclosed and improper accounting that materially overstated its income before income taxes and minority interests by approximately $3.055 billion in 2001 and $797 million during the first quarter of 2002  [7]   WorldComs transfer of its costs to its capital accounts violated the established standards of generally accepted accounting principles  [8]  resulting in $3.8 billion fraud. WorldCom violated the anti-fraud and reporting provisions of the federal securities laws  [9]   WorldComs CEO Bernard Ebbers received from the company off-the-books loans of $408 million. Auditing firm Arthur Anderson In 1995 LDDC (Long Distance Discount Company) became WorldCom, one of the biggest telecommunication company on the U.S. market. Its CEO, Bernie Embers, joined the company in its early starts, in 1985. During his administration, the company experienced a period of high growth, with revenues reaching billions of dollars. In 1996, after the acquisition of MFS Communication Inc., WorldCom became the fourth biggest telecommunication company (Markham J., 2006), looking forward to using the opportunities offered by the new breakthrough innovations, such as fiber-optics and Internet. In October 1997 WorldCom announced the merger with MCI Communications for $30 billion. The company continued to grow, reporting earnings of $16 billion (Markham J., 2006) between 1996 and 2000, even if the SEC obstructed the company from considering deductible large amounts spend in research and development. In the early 2000, the entire telecommunication industry started to slow down, and, also, the stock prices were declining. The same happened in WorldComs case. By the middle of 2000, the stock price was almost half its 1999 price. Even so, WorldCom announced surprising profits (Markham J., 2006): $1.4 billion for 2001 and $130 million for the first quarter of 2002 (when in fact the company recorded losses). In March 2002, after an internal audit engagement, WorldCom announced the restatement of its financials figures due to inappropriate accounting recordings of the revenues between beginning of 2001 and first quarter of 2002, revenues which were not in compliance with GGAP provisions. In June 2002, the SEC charges WorldCom for $3.8 billion fraud  [10]  . As it was revealed by the SEC investigation, WorldCom used an accounting artifice to capitalize its line costs (e.g. fees paid by WorldCom to third party services providers) and, in this way, to keep companys earnings at expected levels. WorldCom filed for bankruptcy in July 2002, wiping out $180 billion in shareholder equity (Markham J., 2006). Ebbers was dismissed from the position of WorldComs CEO in April 2002  [11]  after admitting that he borrowed money from WorldCom in its attempt to cover his losses from buying WorldCom shares  [12]  . In 2005 Ebbers was sentenced to 25 years in jail. As presented by SECs WorldCom corporate monitor, Richard Breeden, in his report on the companys measures to restore its governance, WorldCom seemed to meet most of the governance standards of its time (Breeden R., 2003). The companys configuration included all the necessary structures required for corporate governance (such as audit committee, compensation committee etc.), with almost 80% of the directors fulfilling the independence requirements. But, in fact, most of these independents were very strong linked to Ebbers, through their incomes. So, corporate governance is not only accomplishing a checklist with requirements, but being deeply concerned about the independence impediments. In WorldComs case the management board failed to assess the companys risks and to draw corrective risk procedures. In Enrons case, the board allowed the CFO to participate in financial partnerships (e.g. SPEs), searching for his personal gain. In both cases, Enron and WorldCom, the CFOs failed to supply accurate financial data. Their fraud involvement was a real obstacle for which the problems were discovered too late. Hard interpretations of GAAPs provisions regarding net income and future earnings as well as unrealistic cash flow statements were present also in both companies. Furthermore, lacking of an appropriate internal control system, the adjustments in the companies financial reports were easy to be made by the high level employees. SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 The scandals of accounting fraud, corporate misbehaviors, non-compliance with business ethics, and bankruptcies occurred in high-level companies like Enron and WorldCom revealed the markets strong need for deeper reforms in corporate regulations. In July 2002, the U.S. Congress ratified the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (known also as the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investors Protection Act of 2002) in response to the corporate crisis. One of the most important legislative action since the Acts of 1933 and 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley has as objectives to rebuild the investors trust in the market and to enhance the transparency and morality of public companies, avoiding future similar allegations. Through the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are addressed issues like managements legal liability, increased independence rules for internal governance agents, mandatory internal control audits, and increased managements responsibility for financial reporting. Furthermore, Sarbanes-Oxley increases the SECs power to determine that an individual is unfit to serve as an officer or director of a publicly-traded company, even in the absence of a judicial finding of a violation of the federal securities laws (Fisch J., 2004). Source: Anand S., 2007, Essentials of Sarbanes-Oxley, John Wiley Sons, Inc., ISBN 978-0-470-05668-4, page 23. Emphasizing on the importance of business codes of ethics, in 2003, Harvard Law Review explained the Acts provisions related to self-policing as a consequence of the general perception that these series of scandals and bankruptcies are not just a failure of the regulations, but a failure of management behavior. It was not enough anymore to just comply on formal managerial structure and independence requirements. Both, Enron and WorldCom had management boards that complied with independence standards, but were not able to work efficiently due to conflict of interests and strong relationships with CEOs. Furthermore, management boards must be deeply involved in companies business and must understand the risks, rather than simply remain independent (Fisch J., 2004). Enrons and WorldComs boards were far away from taking real actions against CEOs/CFOs practices or from reacting in real-time to companies difficulties. Considering the patterns of fraud cases and the fact that CEOs and CFOs acted as primary deceivers, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act states, as main provision, the necessity to increase top-managements responsibilities for the consistency of companies financial statements. IV.1. SOXs summary The Act requirements must be perceived by the companies as a starting point in building operational processes, with an enhanced internal control system through entire business. Complying with SOX is not a one-time project, but a continuous improvement process, with executives going beyond compliance and focusing on the quality of overall business operations (KPMG, 2004). Source: KPMG, 2004, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404: An Overview of the PCAOBs Requirements, KPMG International Despite the fact that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is structured in eleven different sections, the law itself must be understood as an overall, compact regulation, and companies must seek for complete compliance. Still, the Acts objectives are more obvious in certain sections, while other sections are important through their compliant difficulties (Anand S., 2007). The summary of the Acts titles is presented in appendix 2. Still, from the compliance point of view and relevance for the two fraud cases previously presented, the most important sections of the Act  [13]  are: Section 302 regarding the corporate responsibility for financial reports; In order to avoid deceiving financial statements Section 302 includes provisions related to internal controls and the management responsibility to evaluate the efficiency of these controls and to disclose any deficiency which might have a negative impact over the financial indicators. Section 401 for Disclosures in Periodic Reports; The financial statements must contain accurate information and must be issued to the public investors with a clear display in order to avoid any misrepresentation or incorrect statement. Also, the transactions, especially the liabilities, from off-balance sheet must be transparent and presented in the reporting file. Section 404 is related with the management mandatory evaluation and certification of companies internal control systems; This section raised many discussions, being one of the most controversial provisions of the Act. The main reason for these discussions was the character of this section which implies the highest amount of resources and efforts to be spend in order to obtain SOX compliance. As stated by Section 404, in annual financial statements, executive directors must declare their acknowledgement of the responsibility for establishing, implementing and maintaining the internal control system. The main purpose of this statement is to present the investors the internal controls structure and to assure them about its efficiency. Section 409 stating the necessity of real-time disclosures when important changes are made in companies financial indicators during the periods between quarterly reports. Without this section the investors would have to base their decisions on obsolete statements. Unlike Section 404, this section didnt implied heavy resource allocation. IV.2. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) The Sarbanes-Oxley Act created the PCAOB, a private-sector, nonprofit corporation, having as mission to oversee the auditors of public companies in order to  protect investors and the public interest by promoting informative, fair, and independent audit reports  [14]   By creating the PCAOB, the self-regulating model of accounting industry was no longer valid, the responsibility and authority of creating standards and enforcing audits for public companies being transferred from the profession side (AICPA) to an independent party (PCAOB). Through its provisions, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act obliged, for the first time in regulating history, the auditors of public companies to be overseen by external and independent parties. The SEC maintained its authoritative power over the PCAOB, by naming the governing board and by amending the organizations bylaws, standards and budgets  [15]  . SECTION 404. MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROLS V.1. Section 404 Rules As stated by the SOX Section 404, there are a set of rules for management to follow in assessing the internal controls structure within the company. The broad definition of the term internal control refers to all the areas within an organizations business, but inside SOXs terminology, the internal control term is used strictly for defining the internal control over financial reporting. First of all, the management is responsible for creating the internal controls structure, in accordance with his business processes. An important aspect must be clarified here. Neither internal auditors, nor external auditors are in charge with developing the internal control keys. The companys CEO and the top-management team must take this responsibility and act in accordance as a whole. Furthermore, it is not enough just to create the system, but to periodically update it in order to keep up with the business changing rhythm. The assessment of internal controls must be made with a recognized framework. In the U.S. most companies uses COSO framework (the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission framework), or COBIT framework (the Control Objectives for Information and related Technology framework). (We will not discuss these frameworks in this report.) The internal controls assessment must be performed annually, at the year-end. The external audit company must not reassess the internal control system, but perform an audit in relation with the managements appraisal. In other words, the external audit must not redo the entire internal control structure assessment, but only to rely on the managements performance regarding the internal control appraisal. Even so, senior management must obtain the full confidence that its assessment presents a true landscape of the internal control system, as of the year-end, with comfortable assurance that any material misstatement can be avoided or identified (The Institute of Internal Auditors, 2008). V.2. Consequences of Implementing Section 404 Costs of implementing SOX 404. Generally speaking, the costs derived from internal controls implementation and testing can be easily identified as payments for audit and compliance employees, time spent by operational employees and external audit fees. Still, in the first year of compliance, overall efforts were overwhelming due to work amount needed to be done, work which included analyzing documentation, verifying accounts balances, monitoring and evaluating controls keys performance and efficiency, establishing reporting structure. One important reason for which compliance process was so complex was the fact that a major part of the control keys were done manually, with very much time-consuming, and only a small part of control keys were IT-based. Next to these costs, Langevoort D. (2006) mentions the opportunity costs and the distractions, referring to the fact that some audit tests require direct observation of operations (e.g. cash processing) and explanations from in-charge personnel or manager. He is going even further by stating that direct control can create discomfort to employees which will impact the sense of trust and decrease the employees loyalty. As mentioned before, the compliance with Section 404 turned out to be the most expensive part of the entire Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In August 2004, the Financial Executives Institute revealed a study of 224 companies which indicated costs up to $3 million for the biggest companies (Rittenberg L., Miller P., 2005). Even more, in an article from BusinessWeek, William Zollars, chairman and CEO of Yellow Roadway, the U.S. largest trucking firm, explained that his company paid about $9 million to accountants for their work, amount which represented 3% of annual profits for 2004  [16]  . After first year of SOX implementation, an analysis carried out by the PCAOB concluded that the costs for compliance were high because, in many cases, too many audit tests were performed and documented by auditors, companies spending too much time on internal controls related to financial reporting processes (OBrien P., 2006). Still, as presented in the left hand picture, in January 2005, according to a survey developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors, 72% of respondents considered that the costs are higher than the benefits for SOX 404 first year of implementation. After six years of SOX compliance, in August 2008, Dodwell W. argues, in an article in the CPA Journal, that initial implementation expenses made by companies are paying off. Next to the costs presented above, the cost-benefit analysis should also consider: concen

Women and Sports :: essays research papers fc

Review of Literature Thesis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is a definite correlation between the economics of professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sports and their ultimate success. As most success in sport leagues, teams and associations are measured by longevity, win/loss records, and most importantly, revenue, the footprint of female competition at the professional level has not been paramount at any point in our history. Professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s athletics is characterized by an economic model and a level of acceptance amongst the masses that differs immensely from their male counterparts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this review of literature I plan to examine the major issues contributing to the struggle women ¡Ã‚ ¦s professional team sports experience, in comparison with individual sports. To better understand the disconnect between female buying power and the support by females of women ¡Ã‚ ¦s professional sport, I will use industry facts and expert opinions to look closely at the economic pitfalls of professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sports and how that contributes to their ultimate demise. Participation and Buying Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the post-Title IX era, female participation in sport has skyrocketed. In 1970, one in every twenty-seven girls played high school varsity sports; compared to one in three today (6). Overall, women currently outnumber men as active sports/fitness participants (1). Since 1991, women have also out-purchased men in athletic shoes and apparel, they participate in most purchasing decisions for men and families, as well as their own, and buy disproportionate to their participation in sport. In short, women control 81% of total sports apparel dollars (6). Hence, the argument that women are not interested in sport and that they do not purchase apparel, remains untrue (3). Team Sports   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women ¡Ã‚ ¦s professional team sports have had a difficult time establishing themselves as a staple in a booming industry. Some argue that the masculine image of team sports has inhibited women from participating professionally in the United States (4). The best examples of women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sport at the professional level would be basketball and soccer. Both of these sports are widespread in the United States, both sports enjoy immense participation, yet they struggle economically. WNBA   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women have been playing competitive basketball since 1892. In 1976, women ¡Ã‚ ¦s basketball became and Olympic sport and has experienced much success at the collegiate and amateur levels since. The first professional league was launched in 1978 and folded 3 years later. Two other leagues were created in 1996 ¡Xthe American Basketball League (ABL) and the WNBA. The ABL ceased operation in 1999, while the WNBA continues to thrive. Financial woes were the cause of each team ¡Ã‚ ¦s demise and experts argue that the WNBA ¡Ã‚ ¦s survival is due to its NBA affiliation (2).

Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were the most famous gangster couple in history, made more so by the 1967 Oscar-winning film Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. From 1932 to 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, their gang evolved from petty theives to nationally-known bank robbers and murderers. Though a burgeoning yellow press romanticized their exploits, the gang was believed responsible for at least 13 murders, including two policemen, as well as several robberies and kidnappings. The spree ended when they were betrayed by a friend and shot dead at a police roadblock in Louisiana on May 23, 1934.FEATURED PEOPLE Bonnie Parker As half of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde, Bonnie Parker became one of America's most famous outlaws, robbing banks and small businesses. Clyde Barrow Outlaw Clyde Barrow and his partner Bonnie robbed banks and store owners during the Depression and were believed to be responsible for at least 13 murders. Historical Importance of Bonnie and Clyde: It was during the Great Depression that Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went on their two-year crime spree (1932-1934). The general attitude in the country was against government and Bonnie and Clyde used that to their advantage.With an image closer to Robin Hood rather than mass murderers, Bonnie and Clyde captured the imagination of the nation. Bonnie Parker (October 1, 1910 — May 23, 1934); Clyde Barrow (March 24, 1909 — May 23, 1934) Also Known As: Bonnie Elizabeth Parker, Clyde Chestnut Barrow, The Barrow Gang In some ways it was easy to romanticize Bonnie and Clyde. They were a young couple in love who were out on the open road, running from the â€Å"big, bad law† who were â€Å"out to get them. † Clyde's impressive driving skill got the gang out of many close calls, while Bonnie's poetry won the hearts of many.Although Bonnie and Clyde had killed people, they were equally known for kidnapping policemen who had caught up to the m and then driving them around for hours only to release them, unharmed, hundreds of miles away. The two seemed like they were on an adventure, having fun while easily side-stepping the law. As with any image, the truth behind Bonnie and Clyde was far from their portrayal in the newspapers. Bonnie and Clyde were responsible for 13 murders, some of whom were innocent people, killed during one of Clyde's many bungled robberies.Bonnie and Clyde lived out of their car, stealing new cars as often as possible, and lived off the money they stole from small grocery stores and gas stations. Sometimes Bonnie and Clyde would rob a bank, but they never managed to walk away with very much money. Bonnie and Clyde were desperate criminals, constantly fearing what they were sure was to come — dying in a hail of bullets from a police ambush. Background of Bonnie Bonnie Parker was born on October 1, 1910 in Rowena, Texas as the second of three children to Henry and Emma Parker.The family lived somewhat comfortably off Henry Parker's job as a bricklayer, but when he died unexpectedly in 1914, Emma Parker moved the family in with her mother in the small town of Cement City, Texas (now part of Dallas). From all accounts, Bonnie Parker was beautiful. She stood 4†² 11†³ and weighed a mere 90 pounds. She did well in school and loved to write poetry. (Two poems that she wrote while on the run helped make her famous. ) Bored with her average life, Bonnie dropped out of school at age 16 and married Roy Thornton.The marriage wasn't a happy one and Roy began to spend a lot of time away from home by 1927. Two years later, Roy was caught for robbery and sentenced to five years in prison. They never divorced. While Roy was away, Bonnie worked as a waitress; however, she was out of a job just as the Great Depression was really getting started at the end of 1929. Background of Clyde Clyde Barrow was born on March 24, 1909 in Telico, Texas as the sixth of eight children to Henr y and Cummie Barrow. Clyde's parents were tenant farmers, often not making enough money to feed their children.During the rough times, Clyde was frequently sent to live with other relatives. When Clyde was 12-years old, his parents gave up tenant farming and moved to West Dallas where Henry opened up a gas station. At that time, West Dallas was a very rough neighborhood and Clyde fit right in. Clyde and his older brother, Marvin Ivan â€Å"Buck† Barrow, were often in trouble with the law for they were frequently stealing things like turkeys and cars. Clyde stood 5†² 7†³ and weighed about 130 pounds. He had two serious girlfriends (Anne and Gladys) before he met Bonnie, but he never married.Bonnie and Clyde Meet In January 1930, Bonnie and Clyde met at a mutual friend's house. The attraction was instantaneous. A few weeks after they met, Clyde was sentenced to two years in prison for past crimes. Bonnie was devastated at his arrest. On March 11, 1930, Clyde escaped f rom jail, using the gun Bonnie had smuggled in to him. A week later he was recaptured and was then to serve a 14-year sentence in the notoriously brutal Eastham Prison Farm near Weldon, Texas. On April 21, 1930, Clyde arrived at Eastham. Life was unbearable there for him and he became desperate to get out.Hoping that if he was physically incapacitated he might get transferred off of the Eastham farm, he asked a fellow prisoner to chop off some of his toes with an axe. Although the missing two toes did not get him transferred, Clyde was granted an early parole. After Clyde was released from Eastham on February 2, 1932 on crutches, he vowed that he would rather die than ever go back to that horrible place. Bonnie Becomes a Criminal Too The easiest way to stay out of Eastham would have been to live a life on the â€Å"straight and narrow† (i. e. without crime).However, Clyde was released from prison during the Great Depression, when jobs were not easy to come by. Plus, Clyde had little experience holding down a real job. Not surprisingly, as soon as Clyde's foot had healed, he was once again robbing and stealing. On one of Clyde's first robberies after he was released, Bonnie went with him. The plan was for the Barrow Gang to rob a hardware store. (The members of the Barrow Gang changed often, but at different times included Bonnie and Clyde, Ray Hamilton, W. D. Jones, Buck Barrow, Blanche Barrow, and Henry Methvin. Although she stayed in the car during the robbery, Bonnie was captured and put in the Kaufman, Texas jail. She was later released for lack of evidence. While Bonnie was in jail, Clyde and Raymond Hamilton staged another robbery at the end of April 1932. It was supposed to be an easy and quick robbery of a general store, but something went wrong and the store's owner, John Bucher, was shot and killed. Bonnie now had a decision to make — would she stay with Clyde and live a life with him on the run or would she leave him and start fresh? B onnie knew that Clyde had vowed never to go back to prison.She knew that to stay with Clyde meant death to them both very soon. Yet, even with this knowledge, Bonnie decided that she could not leave Clyde and was to remain loyal to him to the end. On the Lam For the next two years, Bonne and Clyde drove and robbed across five states: Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana, and New Mexico. They usually stayed close to the border to aid their getaway, using the fact that police at that time could not cross state borders to follow a criminal. To help them avoid capture, Clyde would change cars frequently (by stealing a new one) and changed license plates even more frequently.Clyde also studied maps and had an uncanny knowledge of every back road. This aided them numerous times when escaping from a close encounter with the law. What the law did not realize (until W. D. Jones, a member of the Barrow Gang, told them once he was captured) was that Bonnie and Clyde made frequent trips back to Dallas, Texas to see their families. Bonnie had a very close relationship with her mother, whom she insisted on seeing every couple of months, no matter how much danger that put them in. Clyde also would visit frequently with his mother and with his favorite sister, Nell.Visits with family nearly got them killed on several occasions (the police had set up ambushes). The Apartment With Buck and Blanche Bonnie and Clyde had almost been on the run for a year when Clyde's brother Buck was released from Huntsville prison in March 1933. Although Bonnie and Clyde were being hunted by numerous law enforcement agencies (for they had by then committed several murders, robbed a number of banks, stolen numerous cars, and held up dozens of small grocery stores and gas stations), they decided to rent an apartment in Joplin, Missouri to have a reunion with Buck and Buck's wife, Blanche.After two weeks of chatting, cooking, and playing cards, Clyde noticed two police cars pull up on April 13, 1933 and a shootout broke out. Blanche, terrified and losing her wits, ran out the front door while screaming. Having killed one policeman and mortally wounding another, Bonnie, Clyde, Buck, and W. D. Jones made it to the garage, got into their car, and sped away. They picked up Blanche around the corner (she had still been running). Although the police did not capture Bonnie and Clyde that day, they found a treasure trove of information left in the apartment.Most notably, they found rolls of undeveloped film, which, once developed, revealed the now-famous images of Bonnie and Clyde in various poses, holding guns. Also in the apartment was Bonnie's first poem, â€Å"The Story of Suicide Sal. † The pictures, the poem, and their getaway, all made Bonnie and Clyde more famous. Car Fire Bonnie and Clyde continued driving, frequently changing cars, and trying to stay ahead of the law who were getting closer and closer to capturing them. Suddenly, in June 1933 near Wellington, Texas, t hey had an accident.As they were driving through Texas toward Oklahoma, Clyde realized too late that the bridge he was speeding toward had been closed for repairs. He swerved and the car went down an embankment. Clyde and W. D. Jones made it safely out of the car, but Bonnie remained trapped when the car caught on fire. Clyde and W. D. could not free Bonnie by themselves; she escaped only with the aid of two local farmers who had stopped to help. Bonnie had been badly burned in the accident and she had a severe injury to one leg. Being on the run meant no medical care.Bonnie's injuries were serious enough that her life was in danger. Clyde did the best he could to nurse Bonnie; he also enlisted the aid of Blanche and Billie (Bonnie's sister) as well. Bonnie did pull through, but her injuries added to the difficulty of being on the run. Red Crown Tavern and Dexfield Park Ambushes About a month after the accident, Bonnie and Clyde (plus Buck, Blanche, and W. D. Jones) checked into two cabins at the Red Crown Tavern near Platte City, Missouri. On the night of July 19, 1933, police, having been tipped off by local citizens, surrounded the cabins.This time, the police were better armed and better prepared than during the fight at the apartment in Joplin. At 11 p. m. , a policeman banged on one of the cabin doors. Blanche replied, â€Å"Just a minute. Let me get dressed. † That gave Clyde enough time to pick up his Browning Automatic Rifle and start shooting. When the police shot back, it was a massive fusillade. While the others took cover, Buck kept shooting until he was shot in the head. Clyde then gathered everyone up, including Buck, and made a charge for the garage.Once in the car, Clyde and his gang made their escape, with Clyde driving and W. D. Jones firing a machine gun. As the Barrow Gang roared off into the night, the police kept shooting and managed to shoot out two of the car's tires and shattered one of the car's windows. The shattered glass se verely damaged one of Blanche's eyes. Clyde drove through the night and all the next day, only stopping to change bandages and to change tires. When they reached Dexter, Iowa, Clyde and everyone else in the car needed to rest. They stopped at the Dexfield Park recreation area.Unbeknownst to Bonnie and Clyde and the gang, the police had been alerted to their presence at the campsite by a local farmer who had found bloodied bandages. The local police gathered over a hundred police, National Guardsmen, vigilantes, and local farmers and surrounded the Barrow Gang. On the morning of July 24, 1933, Bonnie noticed the policemen closing in and screamed. This alerted Clyde and W. D. Jones to pick up their guns and start shooting. So completely outnumbered, it is amazing that any of the Barrow Gang survived the onslaught. Buck, unable to move far, kept shooting.Buck was hit several times while Blanche stayed by his side. Clyde hopped into one of their two cars but he was then shot in the arm and crashed the car into a tree. Bonnie, Clyde, and W. D. Jones ended up running and then swimming across a river. As soon as he could, Clyde stole another car from a farm and drove them away. Buck died from his wounds a few days after the shootout. Blanche was captured while still at Buck's side. Clyde had been shot four times and Bonnie had been hit by numerous buckshot pellets. W. D. Jones had also received a head wound. After the shootout, W. D. Jones took off from the group, never to return.Final Days Bonnie and Clyde took several months to recuperate, but by November 1933, they were back out robbing and stealing. They now had to be extra careful for they realized that local citizens might now recognize them and turn them in, as they had done at the Red Crown Tavern and Dexfield Park. To avoid public scrutiny, they lived in their car, driving during the day and sleeping in it at night. Also in November 1933, W. D. Jones was captured and began telling his story to the police. Du ring their interrogations with Jones, the police learned of the close ties that Bonnie and Clyde had with their family.This gave the police a lead. By watching Bonnie and Clyde's families, the police were able to establish an ambush when Bonnie and Clyde tried to contact them. When the ambush on November 22, 1933 endangered the lives of Bonnie's mother, Emma Parker, and Clyde's mother, Cummie Barrow, Clyde became furious. He wanted to retaliate against the lawmen who had put their families in danger, but his family convinced him this would not be a good idea. Rather than get revenge on the lawmen near Dallas who had threatened the lives of his family, Clyde took revenge on the Eastham Prison Farm.In January 1934, Bonnie and Clyde helped Clyde's old friend, Raymond Hamilton, break out of Eastham. During the escape, a guard was killed and several extra prisoners hopped into the car with Bonnie and Clyde. One of these prisoners was Henry Methvin. After the other convicts eventually wen t their own way, including Raymond Hamilton (who eventually left after a dispute with Clyde), Methvin stayed on with Bonnie and Clyde. The crime spree continued, including the brutal murder of two motorcycle cops, but the end was near. Methvin and his family were to play a role in Bonnie and Clyde's demise. The Final ShootoutThe police used their knowledge of Bonnie and Clyde to plan their next move. Realizing how tied to family Bonnie and Clyde had become, the police guessed that Bonnie, Clyde, and Henry were on their way to visit Iverson Methvin, Henry Methvin's father, in May 1934. When police learned that Henry Methvin had accidentally become separated from Bonnie and Clyde on the evening of May 19, 1934, they realized this was their chance to set up an ambush. Since it was assumed that Bonnie and Clyde would search for Henry at his father's farm, the police planned an ambush along the road Bonnie and Clyde were expected to travel.While waiting along Highway 154 between Sailes a nd Gibsland, Louisiana, the six lawmen who planned to ambush Bonnie and Clyde confiscated Iverson Methvin's old truck, put it on a car jack, and removed one of its tires. The truck was then strategically placed along the road with the expectation that if Clyde saw Iverson's car pulled to the side, he would then slow down and investigate. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened. At approximately 9:15 a. m. on May 23, 1934, Clyde was driving a tan Ford V-8 down the road when he spotted Iverson's truck. When he slowed down, the six police officers opened fire.With no advanced warning, Bonnie and Clyde had little time to react. Both Clyde and Bonnie died quickly from over 130 bullets that were fired at the couple. When the shooting ended, the policemen found that the back of Clyde's head had exploded and part of Bonnie's right hand had been shot off. Both Bonnie and Clyde's bodies were taken back to Dallas where they were put on public view. Large crowds gathered to get a glimpse of the famous pair. Although Bonnie had requested that she be buried with Clyde, they were buried separately in two different cemeteries according to their families' wishes. Bonnie and Clyde Have you ever heard of a couple traveling the country in stolen cars doing nothing more than robbing banks and murdering those that stand in their love triangle of crime and each other? If you have It's only because back during our country's darkest economic time, the Depression, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker joined forces and refused to be stuck broke in a country without jobs to pick the easy, immoral way of survival, crime. I suppose crime is one way to leave an Impression, especially on paper locked away in the files of the Bi's â€Å"Most Wanted† cabinets.As if locking it way would suppress the curiosity of a nation and the legend it would become†¦ But you can't keep this tale locked up. With every lasting story there's always a beginning that starts out with a Bang! Literally, in Bonnie and Cycle's case their criminal romance starts out with a Bang! But who were Bonnie and Clyde before their names smoothly ran together and before they became an intriguing pair? Wha t would their lives be like if they never met? Well, no one really knows that one. But we do know who they were before they met.The majority of the Information we have on Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker Is from the FBI. Once they were under investigation by the FBI their humble beginnings would never be private again. The investigators filled in the blanks of who this reckless pair was before they were a pair. It all started In Texas In the early sass†¦. (ladies first) Bonnie Parker was born in Rowena, Texas on October 1, 1910. A few years later her father passed away and the family now including her mother, her two siblings and herself. Moved In with grandparents In too town near Dallas.There Bonnie went to school and did quite well. Now you know who the brains of the outfit was. In 1926, Bonnie was hitched to Roy Thornton. Ell deeply In love, and got a tattoo, only to get run out on less than a year later. Soon after, Roy Thornton was arrested for murder and sentenced for life . (Bad karma) That'll show you never to mess with Bonnie. Unlike their marriage. At least her tattoo and his prison sentence would last a lifetime. Fending for herself in the wild at only eighteen, Bonnie took a menial Job as a waitress awaiting the thrill of her life.In other words, the second man of her dreams, Clyde. Clyde Barrow was born in Tillie, Texas on March 24, 1909 and throughout his life was known for four different fake names. Unlike his future companion, he dropped UT of school after 5th grade. Now you know who the brawn of the duo was. Later moving to West Dallas he began his crime life selling stolen turkeys. From turkeys to safeguarding to auto theft, Clyde was Just warming up for Bonnie. Jail and its consequences never really sunk in despite his multiple times being arrested.But with his deceiving tales, he always managed to weasel himself out of it. Once, Clyde was arrested with two other of his accomplices. He told the sheriff that he was hitchhiking and had no i dea of whom or what the men that picked him were doing. They let him go. Who said criminals were loyal? After being in jail so many times wouldn't you do anything to not go back? Though he escaped yet another time, little law would catch up. In January of 1930, Bonnie and Clyde met and despite knowing Cycle's lawless past, Bonnie fell for the devil and soon after aided him out of Jail only to be later recaptured.During this time they wrote letters. Then Clyde became so desperate his mommy had to help him out. Though their crime life began on a rocky start, him being in Jail for a lot of it and them living modestly, the media immediately agglomerated their criminal lifestyle and built them up as untouchable immortals. During the Depression the news and mindsets of many Americans became a rallying cry for Bonnie and Clyde. They became their biggest fans and in turn Bonnie and Clyde became the biggest sensation to hit the poverty stricken hometowns of America.The little guys were rooti ng for the little guys who through the face of the country and the media weren't so little anymore. With Bonnie and Clyde back together they recruited some people. Now known as the Barrow Gang including Ray Hamilton, Cycle's brother Buck and his wife. I suppose one could say it was a family operation. Bonnie and Cycle's' families would later hide hem when there was nowhere else to go. From Louisiana to Missouri to their home state of Texas, the Barrow gang robbed banks, local groceries and as they traveled through the states they never traveled in a car of their own.But for the law that fought back, they were shot and usually killed. Apparently, Bonnie was said to have never killed anyone that and never smoked a cigar. The media wanted to find a balance between portraying Bonnie as tough merciless criminal and an angelic woman. ‘Cause we all know criminals are angels, right? Finally in 1933 the FBI Joined the wild goose chase after investigating them almost from the beginning. Now that they could charge Bonnie and Clyde for interstate crimes, they had Jurisdiction which answers the question why hadn't they Joined the hunt before.Now that the FBI was after them as well, the already thin rope was disappearing. As the sun came up on May 23, 1934, an automobile sped down a Louisiana dirt road. This car contained multiple guns (all shapes and sizes) and tons of ammunition (the gangs personal arsenal) and their new owners, Bonnie and Clyde. This was literally the end of the road as the car headed right into the lap of the law. Down the road, an ambush of policeman awaited them. One of the cops walked in the center of the road, the car slowed to a stop and Just as the beginning began, it all ended with a Bang!There was 167 shots fired into the car and the infamous crime duo died on the spot. Only in their early twenties, the duo insignificant in size Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow would breathe their last that day, unable to run anymore. In the years to come, t he death car was put on display at local fairs and is now in some casino in Vegas. Most tales die off but this flame year after year seemed to gain fuel and curiosity. (Almost as if it was made for the big screen. ) The legacy of Bonnie and Clyde lives on despite their last breathes being over three- quarters of a century ago.Not only do we remember them as at one point in time as the Most Wanted and one of the most dynamic crime fighting duo of all time, they are the inspiration for entertainment. When I first saw the original when I was â€Å"wee little† I had no idea they were real people it seemed entirely fantastic to me and that's what inspired Hollywood. I would hope they are not an inspiration for anything crimes. But instead engross our imaginations and enlighten our minds to our history in one of our country's darkest hours. Works Cited 1 . Schneider, Paul. Bonnie and Clyde Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were the most famous gangster couple in history, made more so by the 1967 Oscar-winning film Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. From 1932 to 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, their gang evolved from petty theives to nationally-known bank robbers and murderers. Though a burgeoning yellow press romanticized their exploits, the gang was believed responsible for at least 13 murders, including two policemen, as well as several robberies and kidnappings. The spree ended when they were betrayed by a friend and shot dead at a police roadblock in Louisiana on May 23, 1934.FEATURED PEOPLE Bonnie Parker As half of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde, Bonnie Parker became one of America's most famous outlaws, robbing banks and small businesses. Clyde Barrow Outlaw Clyde Barrow and his partner Bonnie robbed banks and store owners during the Depression and were believed to be responsible for at least 13 murders. Historical Importance of Bonnie and Clyde: It was during the Great Depression that Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went on their two-year crime spree (1932-1934). The general attitude in the country was against government and Bonnie and Clyde used that to their advantage.With an image closer to Robin Hood rather than mass murderers, Bonnie and Clyde captured the imagination of the nation. Bonnie Parker (October 1, 1910 — May 23, 1934); Clyde Barrow (March 24, 1909 — May 23, 1934) Also Known As: Bonnie Elizabeth Parker, Clyde Chestnut Barrow, The Barrow Gang In some ways it was easy to romanticize Bonnie and Clyde. They were a young couple in love who were out on the open road, running from the â€Å"big, bad law† who were â€Å"out to get them. † Clyde's impressive driving skill got the gang out of many close calls, while Bonnie's poetry won the hearts of many.Although Bonnie and Clyde had killed people, they were equally known for kidnapping policemen who had caught up to the m and then driving them around for hours only to release them, unharmed, hundreds of miles away. The two seemed like they were on an adventure, having fun while easily side-stepping the law. As with any image, the truth behind Bonnie and Clyde was far from their portrayal in the newspapers. Bonnie and Clyde were responsible for 13 murders, some of whom were innocent people, killed during one of Clyde's many bungled robberies.Bonnie and Clyde lived out of their car, stealing new cars as often as possible, and lived off the money they stole from small grocery stores and gas stations. Sometimes Bonnie and Clyde would rob a bank, but they never managed to walk away with very much money. Bonnie and Clyde were desperate criminals, constantly fearing what they were sure was to come — dying in a hail of bullets from a police ambush. Background of Bonnie Bonnie Parker was born on October 1, 1910 in Rowena, Texas as the second of three children to Henry and Emma Parker.The family lived somewhat comfortably off Henry Parker's job as a bricklayer, but when he died unexpectedly in 1914, Emma Parker moved the family in with her mother in the small town of Cement City, Texas (now part of Dallas). From all accounts, Bonnie Parker was beautiful. She stood 4†² 11†³ and weighed a mere 90 pounds. She did well in school and loved to write poetry. (Two poems that she wrote while on the run helped make her famous. ) Bored with her average life, Bonnie dropped out of school at age 16 and married Roy Thornton.The marriage wasn't a happy one and Roy began to spend a lot of time away from home by 1927. Two years later, Roy was caught for robbery and sentenced to five years in prison. They never divorced. While Roy was away, Bonnie worked as a waitress; however, she was out of a job just as the Great Depression was really getting started at the end of 1929. Background of Clyde Clyde Barrow was born on March 24, 1909 in Telico, Texas as the sixth of eight children to Henr y and Cummie Barrow. Clyde's parents were tenant farmers, often not making enough money to feed their children.During the rough times, Clyde was frequently sent to live with other relatives. When Clyde was 12-years old, his parents gave up tenant farming and moved to West Dallas where Henry opened up a gas station. At that time, West Dallas was a very rough neighborhood and Clyde fit right in. Clyde and his older brother, Marvin Ivan â€Å"Buck† Barrow, were often in trouble with the law for they were frequently stealing things like turkeys and cars. Clyde stood 5†² 7†³ and weighed about 130 pounds. He had two serious girlfriends (Anne and Gladys) before he met Bonnie, but he never married.Bonnie and Clyde Meet In January 1930, Bonnie and Clyde met at a mutual friend's house. The attraction was instantaneous. A few weeks after they met, Clyde was sentenced to two years in prison for past crimes. Bonnie was devastated at his arrest. On March 11, 1930, Clyde escaped f rom jail, using the gun Bonnie had smuggled in to him. A week later he was recaptured and was then to serve a 14-year sentence in the notoriously brutal Eastham Prison Farm near Weldon, Texas. On April 21, 1930, Clyde arrived at Eastham. Life was unbearable there for him and he became desperate to get out.Hoping that if he was physically incapacitated he might get transferred off of the Eastham farm, he asked a fellow prisoner to chop off some of his toes with an axe. Although the missing two toes did not get him transferred, Clyde was granted an early parole. After Clyde was released from Eastham on February 2, 1932 on crutches, he vowed that he would rather die than ever go back to that horrible place. Bonnie Becomes a Criminal Too The easiest way to stay out of Eastham would have been to live a life on the â€Å"straight and narrow† (i. e. without crime).However, Clyde was released from prison during the Great Depression, when jobs were not easy to come by. Plus, Clyde had little experience holding down a real job. Not surprisingly, as soon as Clyde's foot had healed, he was once again robbing and stealing. On one of Clyde's first robberies after he was released, Bonnie went with him. The plan was for the Barrow Gang to rob a hardware store. (The members of the Barrow Gang changed often, but at different times included Bonnie and Clyde, Ray Hamilton, W. D. Jones, Buck Barrow, Blanche Barrow, and Henry Methvin. Although she stayed in the car during the robbery, Bonnie was captured and put in the Kaufman, Texas jail. She was later released for lack of evidence. While Bonnie was in jail, Clyde and Raymond Hamilton staged another robbery at the end of April 1932. It was supposed to be an easy and quick robbery of a general store, but something went wrong and the store's owner, John Bucher, was shot and killed. Bonnie now had a decision to make — would she stay with Clyde and live a life with him on the run or would she leave him and start fresh? B onnie knew that Clyde had vowed never to go back to prison.She knew that to stay with Clyde meant death to them both very soon. Yet, even with this knowledge, Bonnie decided that she could not leave Clyde and was to remain loyal to him to the end. On the Lam For the next two years, Bonne and Clyde drove and robbed across five states: Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana, and New Mexico. They usually stayed close to the border to aid their getaway, using the fact that police at that time could not cross state borders to follow a criminal. To help them avoid capture, Clyde would change cars frequently (by stealing a new one) and changed license plates even more frequently.Clyde also studied maps and had an uncanny knowledge of every back road. This aided them numerous times when escaping from a close encounter with the law. What the law did not realize (until W. D. Jones, a member of the Barrow Gang, told them once he was captured) was that Bonnie and Clyde made frequent trips back to Dallas, Texas to see their families. Bonnie had a very close relationship with her mother, whom she insisted on seeing every couple of months, no matter how much danger that put them in. Clyde also would visit frequently with his mother and with his favorite sister, Nell.Visits with family nearly got them killed on several occasions (the police had set up ambushes). The Apartment With Buck and Blanche Bonnie and Clyde had almost been on the run for a year when Clyde's brother Buck was released from Huntsville prison in March 1933. Although Bonnie and Clyde were being hunted by numerous law enforcement agencies (for they had by then committed several murders, robbed a number of banks, stolen numerous cars, and held up dozens of small grocery stores and gas stations), they decided to rent an apartment in Joplin, Missouri to have a reunion with Buck and Buck's wife, Blanche.After two weeks of chatting, cooking, and playing cards, Clyde noticed two police cars pull up on April 13, 1933 and a shootout broke out. Blanche, terrified and losing her wits, ran out the front door while screaming. Having killed one policeman and mortally wounding another, Bonnie, Clyde, Buck, and W. D. Jones made it to the garage, got into their car, and sped away. They picked up Blanche around the corner (she had still been running). Although the police did not capture Bonnie and Clyde that day, they found a treasure trove of information left in the apartment.Most notably, they found rolls of undeveloped film, which, once developed, revealed the now-famous images of Bonnie and Clyde in various poses, holding guns. Also in the apartment was Bonnie's first poem, â€Å"The Story of Suicide Sal. † The pictures, the poem, and their getaway, all made Bonnie and Clyde more famous. Car Fire Bonnie and Clyde continued driving, frequently changing cars, and trying to stay ahead of the law who were getting closer and closer to capturing them. Suddenly, in June 1933 near Wellington, Texas, t hey had an accident.As they were driving through Texas toward Oklahoma, Clyde realized too late that the bridge he was speeding toward had been closed for repairs. He swerved and the car went down an embankment. Clyde and W. D. Jones made it safely out of the car, but Bonnie remained trapped when the car caught on fire. Clyde and W. D. could not free Bonnie by themselves; she escaped only with the aid of two local farmers who had stopped to help. Bonnie had been badly burned in the accident and she had a severe injury to one leg. Being on the run meant no medical care.Bonnie's injuries were serious enough that her life was in danger. Clyde did the best he could to nurse Bonnie; he also enlisted the aid of Blanche and Billie (Bonnie's sister) as well. Bonnie did pull through, but her injuries added to the difficulty of being on the run. Red Crown Tavern and Dexfield Park Ambushes About a month after the accident, Bonnie and Clyde (plus Buck, Blanche, and W. D. Jones) checked into two cabins at the Red Crown Tavern near Platte City, Missouri. On the night of July 19, 1933, police, having been tipped off by local citizens, surrounded the cabins.This time, the police were better armed and better prepared than during the fight at the apartment in Joplin. At 11 p. m. , a policeman banged on one of the cabin doors. Blanche replied, â€Å"Just a minute. Let me get dressed. † That gave Clyde enough time to pick up his Browning Automatic Rifle and start shooting. When the police shot back, it was a massive fusillade. While the others took cover, Buck kept shooting until he was shot in the head. Clyde then gathered everyone up, including Buck, and made a charge for the garage.Once in the car, Clyde and his gang made their escape, with Clyde driving and W. D. Jones firing a machine gun. As the Barrow Gang roared off into the night, the police kept shooting and managed to shoot out two of the car's tires and shattered one of the car's windows. The shattered glass se verely damaged one of Blanche's eyes. Clyde drove through the night and all the next day, only stopping to change bandages and to change tires. When they reached Dexter, Iowa, Clyde and everyone else in the car needed to rest. They stopped at the Dexfield Park recreation area.Unbeknownst to Bonnie and Clyde and the gang, the police had been alerted to their presence at the campsite by a local farmer who had found bloodied bandages. The local police gathered over a hundred police, National Guardsmen, vigilantes, and local farmers and surrounded the Barrow Gang. On the morning of July 24, 1933, Bonnie noticed the policemen closing in and screamed. This alerted Clyde and W. D. Jones to pick up their guns and start shooting. So completely outnumbered, it is amazing that any of the Barrow Gang survived the onslaught. Buck, unable to move far, kept shooting.Buck was hit several times while Blanche stayed by his side. Clyde hopped into one of their two cars but he was then shot in the arm and crashed the car into a tree. Bonnie, Clyde, and W. D. Jones ended up running and then swimming across a river. As soon as he could, Clyde stole another car from a farm and drove them away. Buck died from his wounds a few days after the shootout. Blanche was captured while still at Buck's side. Clyde had been shot four times and Bonnie had been hit by numerous buckshot pellets. W. D. Jones had also received a head wound. After the shootout, W. D. Jones took off from the group, never to return.Final Days Bonnie and Clyde took several months to recuperate, but by November 1933, they were back out robbing and stealing. They now had to be extra careful for they realized that local citizens might now recognize them and turn them in, as they had done at the Red Crown Tavern and Dexfield Park. To avoid public scrutiny, they lived in their car, driving during the day and sleeping in it at night. Also in November 1933, W. D. Jones was captured and began telling his story to the police. Du ring their interrogations with Jones, the police learned of the close ties that Bonnie and Clyde had with their family.This gave the police a lead. By watching Bonnie and Clyde's families, the police were able to establish an ambush when Bonnie and Clyde tried to contact them. When the ambush on November 22, 1933 endangered the lives of Bonnie's mother, Emma Parker, and Clyde's mother, Cummie Barrow, Clyde became furious. He wanted to retaliate against the lawmen who had put their families in danger, but his family convinced him this would not be a good idea. Rather than get revenge on the lawmen near Dallas who had threatened the lives of his family, Clyde took revenge on the Eastham Prison Farm.In January 1934, Bonnie and Clyde helped Clyde's old friend, Raymond Hamilton, break out of Eastham. During the escape, a guard was killed and several extra prisoners hopped into the car with Bonnie and Clyde. One of these prisoners was Henry Methvin. After the other convicts eventually wen t their own way, including Raymond Hamilton (who eventually left after a dispute with Clyde), Methvin stayed on with Bonnie and Clyde. The crime spree continued, including the brutal murder of two motorcycle cops, but the end was near. Methvin and his family were to play a role in Bonnie and Clyde's demise. The Final ShootoutThe police used their knowledge of Bonnie and Clyde to plan their next move. Realizing how tied to family Bonnie and Clyde had become, the police guessed that Bonnie, Clyde, and Henry were on their way to visit Iverson Methvin, Henry Methvin's father, in May 1934. When police learned that Henry Methvin had accidentally become separated from Bonnie and Clyde on the evening of May 19, 1934, they realized this was their chance to set up an ambush. Since it was assumed that Bonnie and Clyde would search for Henry at his father's farm, the police planned an ambush along the road Bonnie and Clyde were expected to travel.While waiting along Highway 154 between Sailes a nd Gibsland, Louisiana, the six lawmen who planned to ambush Bonnie and Clyde confiscated Iverson Methvin's old truck, put it on a car jack, and removed one of its tires. The truck was then strategically placed along the road with the expectation that if Clyde saw Iverson's car pulled to the side, he would then slow down and investigate. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened. At approximately 9:15 a. m. on May 23, 1934, Clyde was driving a tan Ford V-8 down the road when he spotted Iverson's truck. When he slowed down, the six police officers opened fire.With no advanced warning, Bonnie and Clyde had little time to react. Both Clyde and Bonnie died quickly from over 130 bullets that were fired at the couple. When the shooting ended, the policemen found that the back of Clyde's head had exploded and part of Bonnie's right hand had been shot off. Both Bonnie and Clyde's bodies were taken back to Dallas where they were put on public view. Large crowds gathered to get a glimpse of the famous pair. Although Bonnie had requested that she be buried with Clyde, they were buried separately in two different cemeteries according to their families' wishes.

SPSS analysis on modern portfolio theory-optimal portfolio strategies in today’s capital market

Abstract This paper provides information on specific ideas embedded in single index model/construction of optimal portfolios compared to the classic Markowitz model. Important arguments are presented regarding the validity of these two models. The researcher utilises SPSS analysis to demonstrate important research findings. This type of analysis is conducted to explore the presence of any significant statistical difference between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model. The paper also includes implications for investors. Introduction In the contemporary environment involving business investments, selecting appropriate investments is a relevant task of most organisations. Rational investors try to minimise risks as well as maximise returns on their investments (Better, 2006). The ultimate goal is to reach a level identified as optimal portfolios. The focus in this process is on initiating the portfolio selection models, which are essential for optimising the work of investors. Research shows that the Markowitz model is the most suitable model for conducting stock selection, as this is facilitated through the use of a full covariance matrix (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). The importance of this study reflects in the application of different models so as to develop adequate portfolios in organisations. It is essential to compare certain models because investors may be provided with sufficient knowledge about how they can best construct their portfolios. In this context, the precise variance of the portfolio selection model is important, as it reflects portfolio risk (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). Information on the parameters of different models is significant to make the most appropriate decisions regarding portfolio creation. Markowitz is a pioneer in the research on portfolio analysis, as his works have contributed to enhancing investors’ perspectives on the available options regarding specific models of constructing optimal portfolios (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Research Methodology The research question presented in this study referred to the exploration of ideas embedded in single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and comparing them with the classic Markowitz model. The focus was on the construction of optimal portfolios, as the researcher was concerned with the evaluation of constructed portfolios with specific market parameters (Better, 2006). Moreover, the researcher paid attention to the stock market price index, including stocks of organisations distributed in three major sectors: services, financial, and industrial (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). The behaviour of this index was explored through the implementation of SPSS analysis. The data covered a period of seven years, starting on January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2006. It was essential to evaluate the effectiveness parameters of the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model. The criteria for the selection of companies included that all organisati ons shared the same fiscal year (ending each year on December 31) as well as they have not demonstrated any change in position. Results and Data Analysis The research methodology utilised in the study is based on the model of single index/optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model. The exploration of the relationship between these two models required the selection of 35 equally weighted optimal portfolios, as two sizes of portfolio were outlined. An approximate number of 10 optimal portfolios represented the first size, which further generated 12 portfolios. In addition, the researcher considered the option of simulating of optimal portfolios represented at second sizes (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). The criterion of queuing randomise portfolio selection has been used to generate approximate 23 portfolios from the second size category. The researcher selected five and 10 stocks to analyse the data. The portfolio size split allowed the researcher to explore how the portfolio size could be used to affect the relationship between the single index model/optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Results of testin g the data are provided in the table below: Optimal portfolio numberVariance of Single Index ModelVariance of the Markowitz ModelOptimal portfolio numberVariance of the Single Index ModelVariance of the Markowitz Model 100.00370.003950.00210.0023 100.00140.001750.00280.0038 100.00210.002850.00420.0051 100.00200.002150.00250.0030 100.00310.003550.00260.0024 100.00190.001950.00330.0038 100.00880.008650.00670.0071 100.00280.003750.00370.0053 100.00250.002450.00380.0043 100.00220.002350.00210.0020 100.00190.002050.00630.0061 100.00230.002650.02120.0202 Table 1: Variance of Five and 10 Optimal Portfolios Based on the results provided in the table, it can be concluded that the variance between the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model is similar. For instance, values of 0.0020 and 0.0019 for the variance of the two models are similar. This means that the results do not show substantial statistical differences between the two models. The tables below contain a descriptive summary of the results presented in the previous table: MeasureSingle Index ModelMarkowitz Model Mean0.00440.0047 Minimal0.00210.0020 Maximum0.02120.0202 Standard Deviation0.00370.0035 Table 2: Descriptive Summary of 10 Optimal Portfolios The results in Table 2 were derived from testing the performance of 10 optimal portfolios. It has been indicated that the mean for the single index model of 10 portfolios is 0.0044, while the mean for the Markowitz model is 0.0047, implying an insignificant statistical difference. The minimal value of the single index model is reported at 0.0021, while the minimal value of the Markowitz model is 0.0020. The difference is insignificant. The maximum value of the single index model is 0.0212, while the same value of the Markowitz model is 0.0202. Based on these values, it can be argued that there is a slight difference existing between the two models. The standard deviation of the single index model is 0.0037, while the standard deviation of the Markowitz model is 0.0035, which also reflects an insignificant statistical difference. MeasureSingle Index ModelMarkowitz Model Mean0.00280.0031 Minimal0.00140.0017 Maximum0.00880.0086 Standard Deviation0.00200.0019 Table 3: Descriptive Summary of 5 Optimal Portfolios Table 3 provides the results for five optimal portfolios. These results are similar to the ones reported previously (10 optimal portfolios). The mean for the single index model of 5 optimal portfolios is 0.0028, while the mean for the Markowitz model is 0.0031, implying an insignificant statistical difference. There are insignificant differences between the two models regarding other values, such as minimal and maximum value as well as standard deviation. Furthermore, the researcher performed an ANOVA analysis of 10 optimal portfolios, which are presented in the table below. It has been indicated that the effective score for the single index model and the Markowitz model is almost the same. Yet, an insignificant difference was reported between the two means and standard deviations for both models. ANOVA AnalysisSum of squaresDfConditionMeanStandard DeviationStandard Error MeanFSig. Between Groups.00011.000.003125.0018704.0005399.089.768 Within Groups.000222.000.002892.0019589.0005655 Total.00023 Table 4: ANOVA Analysis for the Variance between the Single Index Model and the Markowitz Model of 10 Portfolios From the conducted analysis, it can be also concluded that the F-test presents an insignificant statistical value, implying that the researcher rejected the hypothesis of a significant difference existing between portfolio selections with regards to risk in both models used in the study (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Hence, the hypothesis of a significant difference between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model was rejected (Lediot and Wolf, 2003). In the table below, the researcher provided the results of an ANOVA analysis conducted on five optimal portfolios: ANOVA AnalysisSum of SquaresDfConditionMeanStandard DeviationStandard Error MeanFSig. Between Groups.00011.000.004852.0036535.0007618.096.758 Within Groups.001442.000.004509.0038595.0008048 Total.00145 Table 5: ANOVA Analysis for the Variance between the Single Index Model and the Markowitz Model of 5 Portfolios The results from Table 5 show that the variance between the single index model and the Markowitz model of five optimal portfolios is almost the same. Regardless of the stock number in the selected optimal portfolios, there is no significant statistical difference between the single index model and the Markowitz model. The main finding based on the reported data is that the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios is similar to the Markowitz model with regards to the formation of specific portfolios (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). As indicated in this study, the precise number of stocks in the constructed optimal portfolios does not impact the final result of comparing the two analysed models. The fact that these models are not significantly different from each other can prompt investors to use the most practical approach in constructing optimal portfolios (Haugen, 2001). Placing an emphasis on efficient frontiers is an important part of investors’ work, as they are focused on generating the most efficient portfolios at the lowest risk. As a result, optimally selected portfolios would be able to generate positive returns for organisations. This applies to both the single index model and the Markowitz model (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Conclusion and Implications of Research Findings The results obtained in the present study are important for various parties. Such results may be of concern to policy makers, investors as well as financial market participants. In addition, the findings generated in the study are similar to findings reported by other researchers in the field (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). It cannot be claimed that either of the approaches has certain advantages over the other one. Even if the number of stocks is altered, this does not reflect in any changes of the results provided by the researcher in this study. Yet, the major limitation of the study is associated with the use of monthly data. It can be argued that the use of daily data would be a more viable option to ensure accuracy, objectivity as well as adherence to strict professional standards in terms of investment (Better, 2006). In conclusion, the similarity of the single index model and the Markowitz model encourage researchers to use both models equally because of their potential to generate optimal portfolios. Moreover, the lack of significant statistical differences between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model can serve as an adequate basis for investors to demonstrate greater flexibility in the process of making portfolio selection decisions (Haugen, 2001). The results obtained in the study were used to reject the hypotheses that were initially presented. As previously mentioned, the conducted F-test additionally indicates that the single index model and the Markowitz model are almost similar in scope and impact (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Investors should consider that portfolio selection models play an important role in determining the exact amount of risk taking while constructing optimal portfolios. Hence, investors are expected to thoroughly explore those models while they select their portfolios (Garlappi et al., 2007). Both individual and institutional investors can find the results generated in this study useful to facilitate their professional practice. A possible application of the research findings should be considered in the process of embracing new investment policies in the flexible organisational context (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). Future research may extensively focus on the development of new portfolio selection models that may further expand the capacity of organisations to improve their performance on investment risk taking indicators. References Bergh, G. and Rensburg, V. (2008). ‘Hedge Funds and Higher Moment Portfolio Performance Appraisals: A General Approach’. Omega, vol. 37, pp. 50-62. Better, M. (2006). ‘Selecting Project Portfolios by Optimizing Simulations’. The Engineering Economist, vol. 51, pp. 81-97. Fernandez, A. and Gomez, S. (2007). ‘Portfolio Selection Using Neutral Networks’. Computers & Operations Research, vol. 34, pp. 1177-1191. Garlappi, L., Uppal, R., and Wang, T. (2007). ‘Portfolio Selection with Parameter and Model Uncertainty: A Multi-Prior Approach’. The Review of Financial Studies, vol. 20, pp. 41-81. Haugen, R. (2001). Modern Investment Theory. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Lediot, O. and Wolf, M. (2003). ‘Improved Estimation of the Covariance Matrix of Stock Returns with an Application to Portfolio Selection’. Journal of Finance, vol. 10, pp. 603-621.