The comparison of Lukoil & BP Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The comparison of Lukoil & BP - Case Study Example The company registered thelargest trading volumes among foreign companies tradedon the London Stock Exchange (IOB) in 2005 and at home, the Russian Trading System - also in 2005. Sales coverage includes the 59 regions Russia and 16 other countries -Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, Romania, Czech Republic, Estonia, and the USA. Distribution operational capacity stood at 199 tank farms and 5,405 gas stations by the end of the year 2004. This includes 779 Mobil gas stations throughout the USA (LUKOIL, 2006a). BP was formerly known as British Petroleum and is a British energy company with headquarters in London. After merging with the Amoco Corporation, the company was named "BP Amoco". After a single year of joint operations, the company drop the Amoco name and BP now stood for "Beyond Petroleum". The company is regarded as one of the oil, natural gas and petrol leaders in the world. In the 2006 Fortune Global 500 list of companies, BP was ranked 4th in the world for turnover with sales at $268 billion which was down from 2nd in 2005 and 1st among oil companies the. The 2006 Forbes Global 2000 ranked BP as the 8th largest company in the world with profits in 2005 amounting to $22.341 billion. The number of service stations stood at 28,500 with 15,900 based in the USA alone. Proven reserves amount to 18.3 billion barrels of oil and gas (57/43 percentage distribution). The company is active in 26 countries with production activities in 22 of them. (BP, 2006b) Methodology In this paper, we will be comparing which company between LUKOIL and BP is more investment equitable. BP, having been in the business since 1889 (Amoco), has established itself as the foremost leader in the global oil industry as we have seen in the company's profile. However, as we will be seeing later, LUKOIL has seen a tremendous growth in performance. The BP, being well established in the industry, has certain advantages over LUKOIL such as business management expertise honed by years in the industry and a larger market share and production capacities. But this edge may very well be overcome with the current performance of LUKOIL. To determine which of the two will be more equitable, we will be looking into the financial health of the company especially the equity returns. We will also be considering the economic trends and the political factors that affects the profitability of LUKOIL and BP as these are major determinants of the risk involved in investing in the company.. Special focus will be given to the developments in Russia, which have contributed to the tremendous growth of LUKOIL. Equity Profile LUKOIL Return on Equity Profile (LUKOIL, 2006c): 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Equity, mln USD 12,385 14,000 17,472 20,811 26,804 Net Income, mln USD 2,109 1,843 2,571 4,248 6,443 Return On Equity, % 18.4 14.0 16.3 22.2 27.1 BP OIL Return on Equity Profile (BP, 2006a): _________________________ 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Equity, mln USD 63,251 68,254 75,524 81,456 86,647 Net Income, mln U

Inclusive Education, Boy's under-achievement Essay

Inclusive Education, Boy's under-achievement - Essay Example With reference to the term ‘inclusion’, it has long been regarded as the most important responsibility within education and society to ensure that children with special needs are included rather than excluded. Special educational needs (SEN) is the term currently extensively used in education and care setting to refer to the special needs of children who need an extra support in their life. It has been realised as one of the morally wrong and socially discriminating issue to isolate children due to their physical or learning needs compared to the majority of other children and the most approving endeavour by a practitioner in the area is to embrace the move towards inclusion and to promote this practice. â€Å"The term ‘special educational needs’ was used as an all-encompassing term to describe any child who needed some extra support. Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty that calls for special educational provision to b e made for them.† (Tassoni and White, 4) Children with a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age or those with a disability which hiders them from using the educational facilities are included in this special category. There have been several attempts to correct the term with which the special needs of these students are referred and the concept of inclusive education is the result of the long plea to change the education system in order to allow all children to enjoy fair and equal access to education. While focusing on the children with special needs, the campaign for inclusive education extends to a wider range of children who have been traditionally discriminated against. "The concept of inclusive education signals a significant mind shift. Instead of expecting children to 'come up to standard' or otherwise be segregated, the emphasis is on schools and settings to adapt and be flexible enough to accommodate each and every child." (Tassoni and White, 10) This paper deals with underpinning conceptual frameworks of inclusive education distinguishing between competing models of inclusion. As the term 'inclusive education' has become so widely used and abused, it has almost lost its great meaning. It has long been a topic of debate and the label and the language used to refer to the concept have become serious concern today. "Its application to everything from school effectiveness to civil rights to political manifestos renders it vacuous and susceptible to those critiques which accuse it of masking inadequacies. For the cynics, inclusive education means abandoning labelling and special resourcing for individual needs in order to cut costs in the name of equality." (Corbett, 10) Inclusion is not a new concept as the ideals behind inclusive education have deeper roots in liberal and progressive thought. Whereas the earlier school system focused on the segregation of students with special need, the current system is inclusive in nature. Following the works of the child welfare pioneer Elizabeth Burgwin, there was significant shift in focus where educationalists insisted on an inclusive strategy rather than segregation. Most probably, this inclusive thought of the early years prospered and provided the philosophical and organisational foundation for the school system of the contemporary period. "An inclusive philosophy has ultimately risen again and prospered. It has been able to succeed because it chimes with the philosophy of a liberal political system and a pluralistic culture - one that celebrates diversity and promotes

Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods is Important to Research Paper

Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods is Important to Consumer Choice - Research Paper Example micro-organism, animals and also the plants. Moreover, these advances are pronounced in the food stuffs, where genetic modifications are paving way to bring revolution to the food industry. How safe are these food items? Are these food items serving human beings in true sense or they are daunting? Research conducted across the globe institute the injurious effects of these genetically modified (GM) food stuffs. It is noticeable that the repercussions are so distressing that they are disturbing our own inheritance. Research further accentuate that genetically modified food items are one of the chief causes of cancer, as, genetically altered food stuffs are synthetically manufactured or its genes are altered. It is evident that these altered GM food stuffs are the resultant of recombinant DNA and possess complete potential to stimulate any cell or gene or its product(s) and in this manner trigger the genetic composition of the customers. The techniques exploited for the formation are c ell blending, micro and macro encapsulation, gene deletion or duplication or transgenesis. GM food is not only taxing the environment but also the laws of nature. For this rationale, â€Å"Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Act† is formulated. ... Findings through research lay distinction on the fact that consumers must be aware of the kind of food stuff they are consuming. As the demand for the food supply is enhancing with the growing population, new companies are also coming up to contribute in food availability. They seek political pressures to get the license for establishing company to manufacture genetically modified food stuffs. Although it is a violation of permissive regulatory methodology and also contravenes the research answers (Charles, 2002). People have a preference for GM food items because of their superior looks and lasting freshness to a greater length of time, above all they are devoid of bugs and insects particularly the vegetables and fruits. Accepting this psychology to a greater extent, GM food stuffs has boomed the marketplace in every paradigm of food industry (Charles, 2002). Background Genetically modified food stuff is a matter of concern across the globe. European Commission has recommend mandato ry labeling for genetically modified food stuffs for as small as 1% of the ingredients that it contains. On the other hand USA does not have any mandatory labeling prerequisite (Debate: Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods). It is imperative for the customer to have an idea what they are consuming and what percentage of genetic modification the product possess. Advocates and arguments of not putting the label emphasize that there is no established health risk for genetically modified food stuff. On the other hand if labels are put on the genetically modified food stuffs then any disease or ailment will be related to the genetically modified food stuffs, may or may not it has any role in the ailment (Debate: Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods).

Cereal Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cereal Case - Essay Example Generation after generation of parents are persuaded through clever advertising that cereal is a healthy and delicious breakfast staple that will make their children grow up big and strong. Builds strong bones, will make you a better athlete, supplies vital daily nutrients -- are just some of the dialogues propounded by commercials. On a visit to the grocery store ‘Scott’s’ in Kendallville, Indiana; the popularity and demand for the breakfast cereals was evident by the sheer variety of cereals available. There are over a 100 kinds of cereals on offer, with prices ranging from $1.94 to $4.72, depending on the category and brand. Almost all brands of cereal are available; an entire isle with 5 shelves is devoted to cereals alone. At a glance the cereal market can be segmented into ready-to-eat (RTE) cereals (cold cereals) and hot cereals. RTE cereals just have to be added to milk, water or yogurt, according to individual preference, and they are ready to be consumed. On the other hand hot cereals have to be cooked before they can be consumed, although the cooking time is minimal and cereals can either be cooked over the stove or micro-waved. Often breakfast cereals are also fortified with various vitamins, to add further nutritious value to the meal. The cereals are especially popular because they can be ready to eat in a jiffy with minimal effort / time spent in preparing them. At the same time they satisfy the parents that the child is being appropriately fed even if takes no effort to prepare the said nutritious meal. The children on the other hand are quite happy to have a cereal that is full of all their favourite attributes, i.e. flavor as in; cocoa, strawberry, honey, etc., degree of crispiness, frost ed, sugared, etc., and of course comes with a surprise toy or represents an idolized cartoon / movie character. Teenagers, who have a very interesting yet

Drafting Introbodyconclusion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Drafting Introbodyconclusion - Essay Example They spend a lot of time and money in their quest for the perfect body. They spend time under the surgeon's knife, trying as hard to look the perfect person. Models on the ramp, play host to millions of probing eyes and have been taught to look their pleasing best. Life is never easy on the fast track. Leaving behind their personal feelings, and throwing caution to wind, these tall, slim-legged, hour-glass bodied women live a life of make-believe. Is life on the ramp a bed of roses, as most of us make it to be How true has the proverb, "All that shines is not gold" proved to be. Yes! The ramp is a stage, and the models, its actors. They are there to please the connoisseur and our senses. To follow them would be disastrous and to say the least, painful. Health and beauty industries thrive on women's senses. Not much can be said of men's apparel or health and beauty care. This multi-million dollar industry remains vibrant thanks to media hype and idol-worship. Not much is seen or heard of adversities. MTV shows women clad in minutiae bits and pieces of clothing flashing more of bodies than the cloth they are supposed to represent. This is far from the reality of what fashion should be today. It's true that there remains a few with genuine interest in clothing and its accessories, but for the majority, it's the flesh and blood that appeals most.

Modern and Contemporary Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Modern and Contemporary Poetry - Essay Example The post World War 1 Western society according to Elliot is not an integrated unit of individuals. In fact, it is just â€Å"a heap of broken images† (22), which suggests that the individuals are detached from one another and fail to form a functional society. It is like â€Å"the dead tree† (23) that cannot provide shelter to anyone. It reflects an awry state of society whose foundations have crumbled and its individuals are left alone. This line evokes an innate desire of individuals to break away from the oppressive traditions of society and seek refuge in the mountains, where one can exercise the freedom of self. The effects of the First World War on society and individuals were irreparable and it has been portrayed by the gloomy imagery in this poem. â€Å"Unreal City, / Under the brown fog of a winter dawn,† (60-61) A quite depressing state of society that survives under â€Å"the brown fog† has been portrayed in these lines. It is quite possible that Elliot is metaphorically representing the society as the brown fog, which gives a sense of oppression and stagnation because this blanket of â€Å"brown fog† doesn’t let in light or fresh air. It is suffocating for the individuals to live in such society that doesn’t give them the freedom to grow. In the second poem, â€Å"rats’ alley† (115) could be a reference to modern society that has turned into a narrow place with no light or fresh air. It gives a sense of a place where the characters, values and lives of human beings are decaying. One also gets an impression that the society Elliot is talking about is so cold that it dampens the spirit and will of the individuals to move on in their lives. â€Å"But at my back in a cold blast I hear/ The rattle of the bones, and chuckle spread from ear to ear.† (185-186) However, the individuals are still hoping and waiting for a response from the society they are living in

Coming of Age Essay Example for Free

Coming of Age Essay Around the world there are many themes that we find over and over in many cultures and from many periods in time. One of the reoccurring themes that everyone goes through in the lifetime is the theme of coming of age. This occurs when a young person goes through the transition from childhood to adulthood and has life experiences that matures a person. We all have experienced a coming of age story by reading them in books, seeing them on TV or in movies, or maybe even personal experiences based on ones culture. It’s clear that coming of age is a crucial element of our self-representations and conceptions. Generally, all of living is a process of coming of age as seen in the novel, Catcher in the Rye. Holden Caulfield, who is sixteen-year-old boy with the mind of a ten year old. He thinks of innocence as important in the beginning of the novel. But later on in the book, Holden slowly grows to be an adult. For example, when Holden gets soaking wet by rain when he is watching his little sister ride the carousal he â€Å"felt so damn happy all of a sudden†(213). This symbolizes Holden entering adulthood because he realizes the happiness in life. He realizes that he is too big for the carousel and is happy that his sister is happy. Holden’s childish personality continued to wash away as he reached a stage of maturity. Over the course of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is taken from a position of innocence, in which she believes that she is safe and that there aren’t many â€Å"bad people† in the world, to the position where she has witnessed some of the bad things that have happened but realizes that she is not entirely safe. That is tested at the end of the novel when Scout was attacked while walking home with her brother Jem. Similarities were show in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Hucks maturity begins to grow as he first starts to show emotions toward a runaway slave, and by the end of the novel, has grown up to the point where, when Jim, is captured, Huck decides to give up playing games after Tom is shot to ensure that he would get medical attention that he needed. In an episode of Malcolm in the Middle it revolved around Malcolm trying to help his classmate Dabney get into a paintball match despite the resistance of Dabneys overbearing mom. Once Dabney unleashes years of repressed aggression, his mom comes around to try to drag him off. Dabney reacts back by saying â€Å" I’m no longer your little boy anymore. I’m your little man† showing that Dabney has matured and stands up and says what he believes. In the movie Edward Scissorhands, Edward is taken in by a family who he depends on. The family teach him how to think for himself so that one day he can gain the independence that is necessary for him to go out on his own. Edward living off of the familys support and trying things for himself is a coming of age process in itself. When he starts acting out and making his own decisions he is transitioning into an independent mindset that eventually allowed him to make the choice of living alone and fend for himself. Roman Catholics believe that Confirmation â€Å".. completes the process of initiation into the community and it matures the soul for the work ahead.. During confirmation God the Holy Spirit comes upon the person, accompanied by God the Father and God the Son, just as he did at Pentecost. †(Acts 2:1–4) Those who have been confirmed are called â€Å"Soldiers of God†. This refers to their spiritual duty to fight evil, darkness, and Satan. In Nigeria, young girls known as Iriabo spend several weeks in â€Å"fattening rooms† being pampered and wearing copper coils around their legs to restrict movement as part of a ritual marking their official transition into womanhood. In Senegal, Bassari boys undergoing the Kore rite and are taken into a sacred forest where they experience a symbolic death and a return to infancy, a state of ritual purity from where they are reborn as mature members of the community. (Hipple) Ultimately, the coming of age experience is a very much so significant time in ones life. People have to continue to find themselves and explore who they are even after the coming of age experience. It has lasting effects on a person as it has an impact on our dreams and desires that we want to fit into our world.