Contemporary Accounting Theory Business Affairs

Question: Describe about the Contemporary Accounting Theory for Business Affairs. Answer: Introduction: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is an international language related to business affairs in order to improve the understanding and comparison of the organisation accounts across global boundaries. In this context, Crawford et al. (2012) cited that the accountants of the global organisations are required to maintain the books of accounts in compliance with this standard for presenting the same to both internal and external users. Therefore, the current report focuses on critical elaboration of the usefulness of IFRS for sustainability reporting. The latter segment of the study sheds light on the use of accounting standards in the chosen country of Australia for supporting sustainability reporting. Part A: Current and potential usefulness of IFRS for sustainability reporting: The major usefulness of IFRS in order to maintain the sustainability in reporting standard is briefly enumerated as follows: Academic Literature: Focus on the investors: The primary usefulness of IFRS is that it is highly accurate, timely and provides wide-ranging information of the financial statements of the organisation. Along with this, the investors are able to understand the information presented in the financial statements without the need of the sources, which provides the investors with greater information (Ozkan, Singer and You 2012). For instance, after the adoption of IFRS in 2005 by Woolworths Limited, the organisation has credited the amortisation value of goodwill back to the income statement while computing the net income (Investegate.co.uk 2016).However, Crawford and Power (2015) argued that the extraordinary income or loss could not be included in the financial reports of the organisation, which has been a major issue in recent times. The detailed presentation and harmonisation of the reporting standards under IFRS result in zero payment for the investors in terms of processing and adjustments to the financial statements. This is because the breakdown of the reports in accordance with the IFRS guidelines helps in better understanding for the investors. Hence, it saves the fees to be incurred to the analysts for understanding the financial statements. Thus, it would help in ensuring the sustainability reporting by minimising the cost of equity capital for the firms. As a result, it would increase the stock price along with potential opportunities of attracting new investments. Timeliness of loss recognition: The major characteristic of IFRS includes realising the immediate loss, which aims to benefit the investors, lenders and other associated stakeholders of the organisation (Apergis, Eleftheriou and Payne 2013). The transparency and loss realisation of IFRS raises the contracting efficacy between the organisations and their management. Thus, it would help in enhancing the corporate governance procedures of the organisations. In addition, this realisation of loss triggers the issues at the time the organisation encounters economic loss, which would be delivered to its key stakeholders. Furthermore, the company would be able to review the book values of asset and liabilities, equity and earnings (Barbu et al. 2014). Comparability: The junction to IFRS has resulted in improvement of the financial statement comparability of the companies operating in the European Union. This has been accomplished by adopting the identical reporting standard in a single market of EU (Barbu et al. 2014). However, Kajter and Nienhaus (2015) argued that the focus of IFRS is to recognise the ways, in which the companies make disclosures, measurements and realisation of items. After the adoption of IFRS, the organisations have adopted an approach, which have reduced the changes from the past national standards. Standardisation of financial reporting and accounting: With the help of IFRS, the organisations are able to standardise the process of financial reporting, which ultimately results in greater comparison of financial statements in the financial markets. In addition, the trade barriers are removed, which would help the organisations to win the trust and confidence of the equity investors (Atwood et al. 2012). Ensuring transparency in financial reporting: This attribute is also of the major benefits of transferring to IFRS, since the makes the member countries of the European Union consistent on the different aspects of the macroeconomic environment. In addition, IFRS also ensures the consistency of financial reporting to enhance the relationship between the organisations and the investors amongst the member countries. Greater reach to the global capital markets and investments: Since, many global organisations have adopted IFRS, it has increased the chances of the organisations to access to the other capital markets by preparing the financial report under one single reporting standard. The primary reason of adopting this accounting standard is to make a better comparison in the global capital markets in order to increase the focus on investors. In addition, the companies are liable to disclose its corporate governance policies in its annual report for promoting sustainability reporting in compliance with IFRS. Professional literature: Benefits of IFRS would start to flow in 2018: Ian Mackintosh: The financial information could be compared, if the IFRS adoption diversifies including more countries. However, the situation might be worsened, if two organisations from the same nation use different accounting standards to present their financial statements. In this context, Dey (2016)stated that the local market is adversely influenced because of the gap between book and market values, if IFRS is applied with the other national reporting standards. However, the usefulness of IFRS in terms of sustainability reporting is not significant in short-term, when it comes to comparability of the financial statements. This is because IFRS is yet to enter in few countries and the harmonisation of the standard has not been fully accomplished by the member countries. However, it has been found that IFRS has shown its usefulness in the medium-long term. Hence, for improving the comparability of the financial statements, the organisations need to follow the same set of rules by adoption of IFRS. The unconsolidated statements could be developed under IFRS irrespective of the firm size for ensuring the consistency of the financial statements. In addition, the social disclosures and environmental disclosures of the organisations are mandatory under IFRS for complying with the sustainability reporting. Hence, based on the above discussion, it could be inferred that IFRS helps in ensuring the transparency, consistency and comparability of the financial statements of the organisations for improving the decision-making process of the associated stakeholders. Part B: Current or potential use of accounting standards in Australia for supporting sustainability reporting: Academic Literature: Improved quality of financial reports: As per the research of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), the quality of the financial reports of most of the global organisations has increased after the mandatory adoption of IFRS. This is because the value relevance of accounting reports has been largely improved along with fall in the number of companies, which are involved in earnings management. In addition, IFRS adoption in Australia has further improved the quality of accounting through goodwill impairment regime (Baskerville and Rhys 2014). However, as argued by Kaaya (2015), the treatment of intangible assets under IFRS was inappropriate in contrast to the Australian GAAP. Comparability of financial reporting: With the help of IFRS adoption, most of the Australian firms have improved the comparability of the practices of reporting with their international peers. This is because the consolidation of the income statement has been clearly represented in the annual report for greater understanding of the investors. As a result, the investors could undertake their courses of action based on the market exposure of the firms indicated in the ASX (Franzen and Weienberger 2015). Improvement in the valuation of intangible assets: The most notable feature in the Australian firms after the adoption of IFRS is the reporting of intangible assets, which could be expected by the investor by utilising the information under AASB 147. Previously, the intangible assets that are purchased at cost are realised, while the in tangible assets generated internally are not realised. The intangibles that are re-valued previously in the past need to be written down to the historical cost. This is because a firm is not able to retain its revaluation in the absence of any secondary market (Houqe, Monem and Clarkson 2013). Thus, it has ensured sustainability reporting on the part of the organisations for delivering necessary information to its stakeholders. Integration of the non-financial users into business strategies: With the help of IFRS adoption, the Australian firms are able to provide a broader depiction of the business performance, which could not be provided through traditional financial reporting. This is because the Australian firms need to depict the utilisation and resource dependencies to its various stakeholders (Odia and Imagbe 2015). In addition, the relationship of the resources with the environmental, economic and social spheres and their probable impact is disclosed in the annual report of the firm. The above-mentioned information is crucial in order to provide a meaningful evaluation of the long-term business model and strategy. Moreover, the firm would also be able to fulfil the information needs of the government and its associated stakeholders (Perera and Chand 2015). Since, IFRS helps in promoting sustainability reporting, the Australian firms have been able to improve the apportionment of scarce resources. Minimisation in information cost: In the contemporary era, the Australian firms have wide pool of opportunities to engage in global trading activities and accumulate capital from cross-borders. Under Australian GAAP, the cross-border investors observe the presence of risk related to accounting in the financial statements. Therefore, after the adoption of IFRS, the regulators of capital market would be aware of a single accounting standard and the Australian organisations have increased efficiency in accumulating funds (Nulla 2014). As a result, it has contributed to minimising the processing cost of information to the Australian economy. Appropriate presentation of financial statements: Adoption of IFRS in Australia has provided clear and concise preparation of financial statements. This is supported by the standardised measures for realisation, measurements and financial transaction disclosures. Due to this, the complexity in computing the global taxable income of the Australian multinational firms is lowered, since the taxes are imposed on the overall incomes of the organisations (Mironiuc, Carp and Chersan 2015). However, the mother firm and its foreign subsidiary need to follow the identical accounting standard, IFRS for tax computation. Listing on the global stock exchange: After the adoption of IFRS, most of the Australian firms have been listed on the global stock exchange by preparing their financial statements in the globally accepted financial standard. As a result, it has helped in listing the stocks in the foreign stock exchange much easier and convenient (Prochzka 2016). Prior to IFRS adoption in Australia, the firms are facing difficulties to place their stocks in the cross-border stock exchange due to different accounting standard. Better comparison of financial statements: Before the adoption of IFRS in Australia, the investors often find it difficult to compare the financial statements, as the different transactions are treated in different ways. However, IFRS has helped the Australian firms to compare their financial statements across different industries functioning in different locations. In addition, the investors are also able to anticipate the future standing of the organisations and accordingly, make investment decisions. Adjustment to the accounting systems: In order to comply with IFRS, the organisations are required to incur transaction cost for adjusting their accounting systems. In addition, the Australian firms also need to update the methods of internal control and document the same. Furthermore, IFRS requires the Australian firms to present their financial reports for a prior year. The external consultants have been recruited to provide training to the staffs and familiarise the investors with the procedures of preparing the financial statements (Kajter and Nienhaus 2015). Relevance in the accounting procedures: The adoption of IFRS in Australia has ensured sustainability reporting by placing greater concentration on the economic constituent rather than the legal form. This has helped the organisations and their associated stakeholders to depict true value of the business transactions. In addition, the gains and losses depicted in the income statement of the Australian firms have placed the same in a trustful and reliable position in the eyes of the investors. The investors, before making any sort of investment decisions, lay emphasis on the corporate disclosures along with the fluctuations in the share prices of the stock market index (Crawford et al. 2014). The IFRS adoption has definitely helped the Australian firms to reduce their cost of equity capital by drawing adequate number of investments from the investors. Furthermore, the balance sheet statement after the IFRS adoption in Australia, has been highly modified because of its layout and the level of consistency. Thus, it depicts a fair representation of the asset and liability values of the organisations to help the investors and analysts in evaluating the financial performance of the business. Lastly, the managers of the big Australian firms could not manipulate the books of accounts for generating hidden reserves under the IFRS standard. Thus, the accounting standard is highly oriented towards the shareholders; thereby ensuring sustainability reporting procedures. Professional literature: IFRS where are the benefits?: As per the media reports and the comments of the members regarding complexity and growing disclosures, the benefits of adopting IFRS in Australia have been questioned. After the adoption of IFRS in 2005 by Australia, the accounting profession has encountered several challenges due to the complexity of IFRS rules and guidelines (Charteredaccountants.com.au 2016). The main objective of this paper is to review the big picture and the far-reaching aim of IFRS. With the rising competition in the global marketplace, global comparability is vital to ensure efficient apportionment of scarce resources. In order to achieve international comparability, the major countries need to adhere to a single accounting standard. It has been a global issue today for the investors to understand the complexity of the IFRS rules and regulations. Therefore, the government and standard setters of Australia need to address the complexities both at national and international levels. Dragging Australias financial reporting regime into the 21stcentury: The Australian reporting standard is yet to adopt the significant reporting mechanisms, which are vastly utilised in different global exchanges. In Australia, the information pertaining to financial statements are provided to the users in a complex and detailed format, which could not be understood easily (The Conversation 2015). These reports are given in the pdf format electronically; however, the major problem is that the reports could not be downloaded electronically. In addition, the statements are not easy to compare, which has hindered the prospects of the organisations to accumulate funds from the investors. Thus, the IFRS guidelines need to be implemented properly in the organisations for ensuring transparency and comparability in the financial statements. Why the numbers add up for direct cash flow statements: In Australia, the organisations report the information pertaining to direct cash inflows under Australian GAAP until 31st December 2004 under IFRS after 1st January 2005. This has made Australia a unique nation for determining the value relevance of the financial statements under different reporting standards (Clacher et al. 2016).. Therefore, data has been accumulated from 450 mining and industrial organisations of Australia, which are listed in ASX for the year 2000-2010. The different industries undertaken for the research include consumer goods, technology, telecommunications and healthcare. It has been found that the information generated from the cash flow statements has been captured by the stock prices of both extractive and industrial organisations under Australian GAAP and IFRS. However, the information is more for the industrial organisations under IFRS. For instance, every $1 of cash under Australian GAAP represents 94 cents of the share price. On the other hand, every S1 of net cash under IFRS represents $6.17 of the stock price. The investors, therefore, have placed higher emphasis on the direct information pertaining to cash inflow under the IFRS framework. In addition, the findings strongly support the compulsory introduction of the direct cash flow statements. Although, it might be argued that the cost issues and competitive disadvantage might be inherent under IFRS; however, the costs would be minimised along with ensuring competitive edge with thorough and detailed breakdown of items in the statement. With the help of IFRS, the organisations would be able to ensure sustainability reporting, which would provide the investors with a valuable insight on the financial performance of the organisation. In this context, the investors would determine the course of action to be undertaken for investment purpose after reviewing at the market exposure of the firms. Companies warned about changes to the way commercial leases are accounted for on balance sheets: According to IFRS 16 leases, the new changes would affect the organisations, which prepare accounts like listed organisations, bigger private investments and management investments. The new change will focus on eradicating the operating lease concept. Instead, all the leases will be categorised as financial leases (Keating 2016).Due to this, majority of the leases would be realised as liabilities in the balance sheet statement of the firm. The change will not be implemented before 1st January 2019. The potential ramifications could compel the small and medium-sized businesses in breach of loan covenants, since they could not lease their assets for renegotiation of loan agreements. This is because IFRS 16 leases could severely influence the calculations for gearing and interest coverage ratios. In addition, the nature of the expenditure realised in the income statement would change. This is because rent or leasing cost or rent could not be shown in the income statement. Instead, the expenditures could be shown as depreciation on the leased property or charge of interest on the liability of lease. Conclusion: Based on the above discussion, it could be inferred that IFRS has played a major role in improving the quality of financial disclosures and ensuring transparency in sustainability reporting of the global organisations. In addition, the investors are able to determine the market performance of the organisations by analysing their financial reports and stock market performance. From the Australian perspective, it has been evaluated that the comparison of financial statements has become relatively easier along with minimising the unethical accounting practices for ensuring sustainability reporting. However, certain improvements need to be made in IFRS, as the structure of financial statements is complex in nature to convey effective information to the investors. References: Apergis, N., Eleftheriou, S., and Payne, J.E., 2013. Analysis: The relationship between international financial reporting standards, carbon emissions, and RD expenditures: Evidence from European manufacturing firms,Ecological Economics, 88, pp. 57-66. Atwood, T.J., Cao, Y., Drake, M.S. and Myers, L.A., 2012. The Usefulness of Income Tax Disclosures Under IFRS versus US GAAP for Predicting Changes in Future Earnings and Cash Flows.Available at SSRN 2181069. Barbu, E.M., Dumontier, P, Feleag?, N, and Feleag?, L., 2014. Mandatory Environmental Disclosures by Companies Complying with IASs/IFRSs: The Cases of France, Germany, and the UK.The International Journal of Accounting, 49(2), p. 231. Barbu, E.M., Dumontier, P., Feleaga, N., and Feleaga, L., 2014. A Proposal of an International Environmental Reporting Grid: What Interest for Policymakers, Regulatory Bodies, Companies, and Researchers?,The International Journal of Accounting, 49(2), p. 253. Baskerville, R.F. and Rhys, H., 2014. A Research Note on Understandability, Readability and Translatability of IFRS.Readability and Translatability of IFRS (November 19, 2014). Charteredaccountants.com.au. (2016).IFRS where are the benefits?. [online] Available at: https://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/secure/myCommunity/blogs/khicks/number-one-in-numbers-blog/204/ifrs-where-are-the-benefits [Accessed 5 Oct. 2016]. Clacher, D., Wix, S., Reed, K., Reed, K. and Crump, R. (2016).Why the numbers add up for direct cash flow statements | Financial Director. [online] Financialdirector.co.uk. Available at: https://www.financialdirector.co.uk/financial-director/opinion/2319454/why-the-numbers-add-up-for-direct-cash-flow-statements#r3z-addoor [Accessed 5 Oct. 2016]. Crawford, L. and Power, D.M., 2015. Perceptions of external auditors, preparers and users of financial statements about the adoption of IFRS 8.Journal of Applied Accounting Research,16(1), pp.2-27. Crawford, L., Extance, H., Helliar, C. and Power, D., 2012. Operating segments: The usefulness of IFRS 8. Edinburgh: ICAS. Crawford, L., Ferguson, J., Helliar, C.V. and Power, D.M., 2014. Control over accounting standards within the European Union: the political controversy surrounding the adoption of IFRS 8.Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 25(4), pp.304-318. Dey, S. (2016).Benefits of IFRS would start to flow in 2018: Ian Mackintosh. [online] Business-standard.com. Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/benefits-of-ifrs-would-start-to-flow-in-2018-ian-mackintosh-115112900674_1.html [Accessed 5 Oct. 2016]. Franzen, N. and Weienberger, B.E., 2015. The adoption of IFRS 8no headway made? Evidence from segment reporting practices in Germany.Journal of Applied Accounting Research,16(1), pp.88-113. Houqe, N., Monem, R. and Clarkson, P., 2013. Understanding IFRS adoption: a review of current debate and consequences.FIRN Research Paper. Investegate.co.uk. (2016).FE Investegate |Woolworths Group PLC Announcements | Woolworths Group PLC: IFRS Announcement. [online] Available at: https://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200507050730014763O [Accessed 5 Oct. 2016]. Kaaya, I.D., 2015. The Intenational Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Value Relevance: A Review of Empirical Evidence.Journal of Finance and Accounting,3(3), pp.37-46. Kajter, P. and Nienhaus, M., 2015. The Impact of IFRS 8 Adoption on the Usefulness of Segment Reports.Available at SSRN 2377229. Keating, E. (2016).Companies warned about changes to the way commercial leases are accounted for on balance sheets - SmartCompany. [online] SmartCompany. Available at: https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/49597-companies-warned-about-changes-to-the-way-commercial-leases-are-accounted-for-on-balance-sheets/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2016]. Mironiuc, M., Carp, M. and Chersan, I.C., 2015. The relevance of financial reporting on the performance of quoted Romanian companies in the context of adopting the IFRS.Procedia Economics and Finance,20, pp.404-413. Nulla, Y.M., 2014. Does IFRS Adoption Influence Quality of Reporting?: An Empirical Evidence from Large Canadian Banks.International Journal,2(2), pp.85-109. Odia, J.O. and Imagbe, V.U., 2015. Towards the Usefulness and Implications of Segment Reporting Standards.Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,6(6), p.30. Ozkan, N., Singer, Z. and You, H., 2012. Mandatory IFRS adoption and the contractual usefulness of accounting information in executive compensation. Journal of Accounting Research,50(4), pp.1077-1107. Perera, D. and Chand, P., 2015. Issues in the adoption of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES).Advances in Accounting,31(1), pp.165-178. Prochzka, D., 2016. Book-tax conformity: the review of recent research and its implication for the IFRS adoption in Europe.eJournal of Tax Research (2016), 14, pp.96-118. The Conversation. (2015).Dragging Australia's financial reporting regime into the 21st century. [online] Available at: https://theconversation.com/dragging-australias-financial-reporting-regime-into-the-21st-century-46670 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2016].

Othello Summary Essays - Othello, Iago, Emilia, Michael Cassio

Othello Summary Plot Summary Iago is passed over for a promotion by his commander, Othello, a Moor and a general in the service of Venice, and vows revenge. Othello has just married Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian Senator, and Iago enlists the aid of Roderigo, a rejected suitor, to tell Desdemona's father about the marriage. Brabantio goes to seize his daughter, but is interrupted by news of a Turkish attack on Cyprus. The Duke and the Senate convene, and after hearing Desdemona and Othello testify to their love for one another, they allow her to accompany him to Cyprus, which he will defend against the Turks. Iago, whom Othello regards as honest and trustworthy, is given charge of Desdemona on the journey. At Cyprus, Iago has Roderigo start a brawl, in which Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, wounds another man. Othello strips Cassio of his command, and Cassio goes to Desdemona to ask her to convince her husband to reinstate him. Iago, meanwhile, sets about convincing Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him{with Cassio. Through innuendo and pretended hon- esty, Iago makes Othello almost mad with jealousy, until the Moor names him his lieutenant and makes Iago promise to help him kill Cassio and Des-demona. Desdemona has lost a handkerchief that Othello gave her as a love-token, and Emilia, Iago's wife, _nds it and gives it to her husband. Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio's house, and then arranges for Othello to see Cassio give it to his mistress, Bianca. Othello is now convinced that Cassio has betrayed him with Desdemona, and that Cassio is aunting his sexual conquest by giving Desdemona's handkerchief to a common whore. Othello begins abusing his wife in front of messengers from Venice, who are amazed to see this change in a man they thought to be noble. That night, Othello tells his wife to wait for him in bed and goes out to walk about the city. Iago has convinced Roderigo that if he kills Cassio, Desdemona will sleep with him, so Roderigo attacks the former lieutenant. Cassio is saved by his mail shirt and wounds Roderigo; Iago ees, stabbing Cassio as he goes. Othello, passing, hears the cries and thinks that Cassio is killed, and so returns to the castle to kill Desdemona. Meanwhile, Iago and the Venetian messengers _nd the wounded men; Iago secretly kills Roderigo and sends Emilia to the castle with news of the brawl. Othello awakens Desdemona, tells her that she must die, and strangles her. Emilia returns and _nds her mistress; Desdemona revives for a moment and then dies, saying as she passes away that Othello is innocent of her death. Her husband, however, proclaims his own guilt, and as the others return, Emilia realizes her husband's plot and exposes it. Iago, furious, stabs her and ees; he is captured, and ordered to be tortured to death. Othello, heart-stricken, makes a _nal speech in which he passes sentence on himself, and then commits suicide. He falls beside Desdemona.

Tuition Funding and Assistance for Post Secondary Education in Ontario

Tuition Funding and Assistance for Post Secondary Education in Ontario Introduction Education has become a basic human right in Canada and the rest of the world (Watts 18). Secondary level education is not enough for a student to be well established in their life. Post-secondary education is very expensive and therefore many parents and guardians find it difficult to pay for their children’s college and university education (Watts 18).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Tuition Funding and Assistance for Post Secondary Education in Ontario specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The situation is worse for the less fortunate in the society with many of them being forced to drop out of college due to lack of tuition fees (Watts 18). This paper will highlight the efforts being made by the Canadian government in funding tuition for post-secondary education in Ontario. Level of Government Intervention The government of Ontario through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) has been instr umental in funding college and university education in Ontario (Watts 117). The Ministry of Training in coordination with colleges and universities is responsible for fair administration of the OSAP program (Watts 117). The OSAP program is supposed to help needy students who are unable to pay for their post-secondary education (Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives 15). The government representatives vet all the applicants to ensure that only eligible students in Ontario receive this kind of assistance (Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives 19). The OSAP program is meant to supplement the payment of post-secondary education and not to necessarily pay for everything (Watts 117). There is some amount of money that a student is supposed to contribute towards their post-secondary education. The Central government facilitates the funding program through federal and provincial governments to ensure equal distribution of the post-secondary fund (Watts 117). Delivery Agents of Tuition F unding Apart from the Ontario Students Assistance Program, the government also channels funds through the Canada Students Loans Program (Mackenzie 48). The loans program is normally administered by the Federal government in coordination with the Department of Human Resources and Social Development (Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives 33). The loans program provides loans to students in Ontario where assistance is needed. The loans program assists students in universities, colleges and vocational schools. The student loans granted by the Government are normally interest free for a maximum of seven years (Mackenzie 49).Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A small percentage of interest is charged on the loan after seven years in order to encourage students to pay up their loans after graduating from college (Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives 33). The loans kitty is funde d by the government with the loans body also relying on proceeds from loan repayment (Mackenzie 49). Interested candidates are required to fill out the reimbursement form. The Ontario First Generation Bursary is another agency used by the government to support needy students in Ontario (Mackenzie 75). The funds for this scheme are provided by the government, and the program only supports students in public post-secondary institutions. Students studying applied arts and technology are given priority when funds from this bursary scheme are being distributed. To ensure that this arrangement is adhered to, only public colleges and universities that specialize in applied arts and technology are considered (Watt 115). The First Generation Bursary scheme supports needy students who are the first ones to pursue post-secondary education from their families (Mackenzie 76). The other form of funding post-secondary education is through the Ontario Crown Ward Post Secondary Application Fee Reimb ursement Program (Beach 222). This program was set up to help former and current Ontario Crown Wards pay for their post-secondary application fees (Mackenzie 78). The program caters for application fees for full-time studies for eligible candidates. The Ontario Crown Ward Post-secondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program supports post-secondary degree, diploma and certificate programs (Mackenzie 79). Funding Arrangements The OSAP financial aid consists of a range of programs that include non-repayable grants and student loans that are refundable (Beach 59). The 30 % Off Ontario Tuition scheme helps high school graduates pay for their college and university programs within a period of four years after graduating from high school (Beach 64).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Tuition Funding and Assistance for Post Secondary Education in Ontario specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The OSAP Express initiative was develope d by the government to streamline the application process of post-secondary education funding (Beach 64). The OSAP Express eligible candidates apply and receive education grants in the shortest time possible (Beach 64). Gathering of Funds The Government of Canada in coordination with the Federal government of Ontario rely mostly on tax proceeds to fund education programs (Beach 79). Apart from proceeds gathered from tax collection, the private sector and other well-wishers make a significant contribution to the national education kitty (Beach 68). Apart from government loans, private banking institutions offer post-secondary education loans for those who are willing to borrow. Students who fail to meet the criteria of getting government loans have an option of applying for loans from private financing institutions (Beach 79). Conclusion Funding post-secondary education is a great challenge for any government especially if there are no programs to support needy students (Canadian Cen tre for Policy Alternatives 76). The Federal government of Ontario in coordination with the Central government of Canada has come up with funding programs that have helped many needy students access college education (Beach 89). The government still needs to do a lot to ensure that all students who deserve to attain college education are able to access government funds and loans (Beach 89). Due to the ever increasing number of high school graduates, the private sector should come in handy to support the government in assisting high school graduates pay for their college education. Beach, Charles. A challenge of Higher Education in Ontario. Ontario: John Deusstch Institute for the Study of Economic Policy, Queen’s University, 2005. Print. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Ontario’s Alternative Budget 2005: Addressing the real Physical Imbalance. Ontario: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2005. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Mackenzie, Hugh. Funding Post-Secondary Education in Ontario: Beyond the Path of Least Resistance. Ontario: The Ontario Coalition for Post-Secondary Education, 2004. Watts, Ronald. Post –Secondary Education: Preparation for the World of Work: Proceeding of†¦ Ontario: IRPP, 1990. Print.

Business English - Taking a Message

Business English - Taking a Message Read  the following dialogue between a caller and a receptionist  as they discuss a delayed shipment. Practice the dialogue with a friend so you can feel more confident the next time you leave a message. Theres a comprehension and vocabulary review quiz following the dialogue.   Taking a Message Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?Caller: Could I speak to Mr Adams, please? Receptionist: Whos calling please?Caller: This is Anna Beare. Receptionist: Sorry, I didnt catch your name.Caller: Anna Beare. Thats B E A R E Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. Ill try and put you through. †¦ Im sorry but the lines busy. Would you like to hold?Caller: Oh, thats a shame. This concerns an upcoming shipment and its rather urgent. Receptionist:  He should be free in half an hour. Would you like to call back?Caller: Im afraid Ill be in a meeting.  Could I leave a message? Receptionist: Certainly.Caller: Could you tell Mr Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday. Receptionist: Shipment delayed †¦ arriving next Monday.Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives? Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?Caller: Yes, its 503-589-9087 Receptionist: Thats 503-589-9087Caller: Yes, thats right. Thanks for your help. Goodbye Receptionist: Goodbye. Key Vocabulary to catch a persons name (verb phrase) be able to understand a persons nameto be busy / to be engaged (verb phrase) have other work to do and not able to respond to a telephone callto hold the line (verb phrase) wait on the telephone  to leave a message (verb phrase) have someone take note of a message for someone elseto be free (verb phrase) have time available to do somethingurgent (adjective) very important needing attention immediatelyshipment (noun) delivery of merchandiseto postpone (verb) put off something to a later date or timeto be delayed (verb phrase) not be able to happen on time, be postponedto call someone back (verb phase) return someones telephone call Taking a Message Comprehension Quiz Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz. Check your answers below, as well as practice key expressions from this dialogue.   1. Who would the caller like to speak to?   The receptionist  Anna Beare  Mr Adams 2. Which company does the caller represent?   Jason Wine Importers  Sun Soaked Vineyards  Beare consulting 3. Is the caller able to complete her task?   Yes, she speaks with Mr Adams.  No, she hangs up.  No, but she leaves a message. 4. Which information does the caller wish to leave?   That they havent received their shipment yet.  That there is a short delay in the shipment.  That the wine was of poor quality. 5. What other information does the receptionist ask for?   The time of day  The callers telephone number  They type of wine shipped Answers Mr AdamsSun Soaked VineyardsNo, but she leaves a message.That there is a short delay in the shipmentThe callers telephone number Vocabulary Check Quiz Good morning. How can I ______ you?Could I ________ to Ms Devon, please?Whos ____________, please?________ is Kevin Trundel.Im sorry, I didnt ____________ your name.Im sorry. Shes ___________. Can I take a ____________?Could you ask her to call me _________?Could I have your ___________, please? Answers helpspeakcallingThiscatchbacknumber

Who is Jesus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Who is Jesus - Essay Example Matthew was the only direct disciple of Jesus. Mark was a disciple of Simon Peter and Luke a disciple of Paul of Tarsus, hence the Synoptic Problem. Some scholars favor Matthew as the source and Mark and Luke’s Gospel derived from Matthew’s and a hypothetical source which they call Q. Document. There is no proof of this, only the historical testimony of who was with Jesus and who wasn’t.Jesus started His ministry by asking John to baptize him, (Mat.3:13-17) but John tried to deter him, Jesus insisted on the grounds of fulfilling righteousness. Once baptized, Jesus went up out of the water and in that moment heaven was opened and the Spirit of God descended upon Him. He then went to the desert for forty days and forty nights to fast and meditate. It was at the end of that fasting that de evil one came to tempt Him. Yet, although hungry in the flesh he was filled with the spirit of God and did not succumb. (Mat.4:2-11) Jesus’ strength and spiritual nurturing came from doing the will of God, from deep within. Foremost, He believed in his Father, he lived the scripture. In John.15:2-17 Jesus explains how remaining in God, by fulfillment of the law, giving to the needy, prayer and fasting is what leads the way. This is how He fostered his own spiritual life.

Art works Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art works - Essay Example v=FIVAEwjiU8I However, it is also no longer there. Due to copyright issues, they changed the music. The new music is more appropriate to the geographical location, but it does not have the power of the original, and there really is no narrative. The actual show in Hang Zhou is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSMDgMhfM_M I found this because I was a little suspicious of the Chinese watermark on the building face in the upper right corner of the screen. Since a Chinese travel site is responsible for a link to this video, perhaps it was intentional. However, the fountains in Hang Zhou seem more tuned to their music. It is possible that the sound actually controls the fountains. This is not the case in Dubai. In the first video there was a slight disconnect, because of this. The first musical fountin I ever saw was in Seattle and the music actually controls the fountain. It is only one fountain, but an excellent experience, since there is no disconnect between the audio and the vis ual. The location of the Chinese musical fountain is really worth noting as a work of art in itself. West Lake in Hang Zhou is three large lakes joined by bridges, and it has been developed as a local and tourist attraction based mostly upon the Legend of the Snake Lady. Many attractioins have been created and they are all affordable even to the lowest wage earners in China at ranging from 10 rmb (1.5 cents USD) to 75 rmb (9 cents USD)Ten wood carvings are located in Leifing Pagoda and a nightly show of music and dance telling the tragic story of the snake who turned into a lady and fell in love with Xu Xian . "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow" is one of â€Å"Top Ten Views of West Lake†. In the pagoda, you also can find a series of wood carvings themed Legend of the White Snake. Faced on three sides by typical Chinese landscapes of cloud shaped hills, the lake has been developed artistically as a World Heritage Site. The light and fountain show, Time to Say Goodbye is located in an inlet on the lake shore where these hills are the visible background on one side and the cityscape is the other. The fountain show plays nine to eleven times daily and it is free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXCTt8hXtF8 I found this video of the rather disturbing. I would not walk twelve blocks to see it. There was no narrative to connect the audio and the video. The sculpture was nice and changing the lights and colors is a great idea. But nice is not art to me; it is decoration. I would also prefer more musical sound, perhaps short musical sound bytes. The sound was the most disturbing element of this work, as it also had no connection, but seemed like a selection of random sounds, some quite unpleasant with random spaces of silence. Then if the viewer could control the whole exhibit somehow, either with a keyboard or with a pressure board or even video it could become quite interesting. As it is, it is obviously an expression of feeling, but it seems more like a nightma re, or indigestion. Of course this might have been intentional if the artist dislikes human creations and thinks they should not be seen alongside nature. I was unable to find out anything about this video, so I cannot even guess by the other works of this artist or by his or her history. Because of the extreme disconnection between the very ordered stack of blocks and the weird sounds, I assume that this is an intentionally

Historical Critical Perspective on the Life and Works of Langston Hughes Essay Example for Free

Historical Critical Perspective on the Life and Works of Langston Hughes Essay The paper will focus on criticizing the works of Langston Hughes in the basis of his life and influence of his surroundings. The historical perspectives will be the basis of criticizing his works. How the political and social aspects did influenced him to create his poetries. The life and works of Hughes in response to his adamant life will be discussed critically in this paper. Langston Hughes Life Born at Mississippi in 1902, Langston was the son of both African American citizens. In his growth, his environment was stained with racial discrimination issues which were instigated by his grandmother and the environment he lived. This rooted in writing about social issues which is mostly the topics of his writings. His greatest achievement was that he was the first Black American who was considered with racial consciousness to make a living by writing (Leach 14). He received many awards regarding his writings as he is a well-known figure in the society, a leading literalist in the Harlem Renaissance and critique of racism. His works includes the book of poetry which is The Weary Blues published in 1926. He was famous in playwright and musical dramas which were used in his time. Three of his famous works will be summarized and the influence of his works will be discussed.  · The Black Nativity (1921) – this is a collection of gospel songs which must be presented by black people. This means the character within the gospel about the birth of Christ is portrayed by African Americans.   It was played in Chicago and became a big hit in its time. The play was made from the influence of racism in the state. Langston created a new image of nativity when he arranged it to be played by Black people. This had become controversial but still became popular because of its uniqueness in approach.  · Not with Laughter (1920) – is a novel which depicts the black life in a town of Kansas. The work shows the character’s life on his dealings with tragedies and peaceful life in the town.  · The Weary Blues (1926) – this is collection of poetry blues by Hughes. The blues poem shows the nature toward affirmation and self negotiation, both consolatory mourning and melancholia (Ramazani 144). His works shows the life of black people in his time mixed with fictitious plots and heartwarming ideas in his works. The people view his works as inspirational and influences the way people view on the black people. The Harlem Renaissance is described as a period wherein racial criticism is intense wherein the blacks challenge the white racism by producing African Americans good in various field. This inspired Hughes to continue his endeavor towards writing his own poetry. Criticisms on his works At present, his works can be seen as not to promote racism but to see how Blacks and Whites have the same talents and ideals. The thorough examination of his works shows how he gave the tragedies on the life of blacks but then provide the positive side of it. His renowned play which is the Black Nativity showed a different approach in the way people think about gospel plays. The new approach was criticized but then, the issue of equality in religion beyond racial boundaries prevailed. His works became useful in the development of African American literature and continues evolvement of the discipline. His experience and his thoughts influenced the society through his writings. He’s well known works influenced the culture and life of the people in his time and the present.