Cyclones and Earthquakes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cyclones and Earthquakes - Essay Example We cannot completely reduce the material damage done by these natural calamities but the number of human lives that are lost during these disasters can be considerably reduced. We can also lessen the after effects of the calamity like the emotional trauma of loosing near and dear ones. A number of psychological disorders like post traumatic disorder which can hamper an individual's normal life can be vanquished. The poor people are worst victims of a natural calamity. Lot of resources time and money is spent in trying to rehabilitate the individual who have suffered from these calamities. As far as the aftermath of a calamity is concerned cyclone and earthquakes produce similar effects. All these natural phenomena's are a threat to the health and well being of an individual. We cannot avert a natural disaster but we can properly manage it and reduce the damage to human property and mind. Forecast of These natural phenomena is the only thing that can be done and can be utilized to red uce the risk to human life and property. These natural phenomena are a result of the careless utilization of the bounties of nature. The director Salvano Briceno of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction has vey rightly said that "Not only is the world globally facing more potential disasters but increasing numbers of people are becoming vulnerable to hazards," There are people who believe that it is global warming which is increasing the number and severity of the of these natural phenomena. There is no conclusive proof to the fact that global warming is a contributing factor in the occurrence of these natural disasters. Gradually over a period of time the temperature of the earth has increased as a result of human activity. This leads to the trapping of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere consequently raising the temperature of the earth. There is an increase in the number of hurricanes and cyclones in the world and this has been attributed to warmer sea surface and altered wind patterns .Global warming is seen as the cause of the warming up of the sea surface. In a sample study we can see that the nu mber of cyclones in the Atlantic have increased from six in 1900 to 1930 to 15 in 1995 to2005 (Science Daily, n.p) There is no direct relation of earthquakes with global warming but it has been predicted that the melting of the glaciers in the Alaskan region can amount to greater activity of the mobile earth crust i.e tectonic plates. The weight of the glaciers of the Alaskan region is acting as a deterrent for the movement of the tectonic plates. According to Sauber a leading researcher "Historically, when big ice masses started to retreat, the number of earthquakes increased. More than 10,000 years ago, at the end of the great ice age, big earthquakes occurred in Scandinavia as the large glaciers began to melt".( Science Daily, 2004) Therefore it can be deduced that global warming can lead to melting of ice in the Polar Regions and it turn can lead to heightened earthquake activity. Earthquakes and cyclones share similarities as far as the affect of them on human life is concerned. They differ in the causes and different methods of prediction of these calamities. There are different ways in which we can protect ourselves from these natural dis

Produce a report analysing past 3years financial performance of Essay

Produce a report analysing past 3years financial performance of Stanley Leisure plc - Essay Example hows the ability of the firm to meet its short term obligations from the most liquid assets, the trend is the same except in 2006 where there is a slight improvement. Reasons: The reason for the decline of the liquidity position is due to a poor working capital management policy embraces by the firm. Implications The firm's ability to meet its short - term inducing financial obligations is declining over time. 2. Profitability Profitability of the firm can be measured using the gross profit margin ratio, operating profit margin ratio and the net profit margin ratio. Observation Profitability of the firm declined in 2005 compared to the 2004 results before shooting up again in 2006. This is shown by the gross profit/ margin ratio declining from 4% in 2004 to 3.2% in 2005 before shooting to 10.4%. And lastly, the net profit margin ratio has also followed the same trend - 1.34% - 1.29% - 5.25% Implications The implications of the above observations can be adequately analysed on a ratio by ratio basis. (a) Gross Profit Margin Ratio This ratio shows the ability of the firm to control the cost of goods sold expenses. It means that for every 100% of sales 9Turnover) the gross profit was 4%, 3.2% and 17.3% for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively. The cost of sales comprised of 96% (100% - 4%), 86.8% (100% - 3.2%) and 82.7% (100% - 17.3%) for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006 respectively. This shows that the firm is not able to control its cost of goods sold expenses. (b) Operating Profit Margin Ratio This ratio shows/ indicates the ability of the firm to control its operating expenses such as telephone insurance premiums, salaries & wages distribution expenses etc. It shows that 95.77% (100% - 4.23%); 96.6% (100% - 3.4%) and 89.6% (100% - 10.4%) of sales revenue was... This ratio shows the ability of the firm to control the cost of goods sold expenses. It means that for every 100% of sales 9Turnover) the gross profit was 4%, 3.2% and 17.3% for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively. The cost of sales comprised of 96% (100% - 4%), 86.8% (100% - 3.2%) and 82.7% (100% - 17.3%) for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006 respectively. This shows that the firm is not able to control its cost of goods sold expenses. This ratio shows/ indicates the ability of the firm to control its operating expenses such as telephone insurance premiums, salaries & wages distribution expenses etc. It shows that 95.77% (100% - 4.23%); 96.6% (100% - 3.4%) and 89.6% (100% - 10.4%) of sales revenue was incurred to meet a) Cost of goods sold expenses and b) Operating expenses. Even though there was an improvement in 2006, the rates are still low and the firm must look for means and ways of further curbing the operating expenses. This ratio shows how the firm is able to control its financing expenses (interest charges), operating expenses and cost of goods sold expenses. For XXXX co, it means that for ever 100 of sales revenue only 1.34, 1.29 and 5.25 remained as profit after tax and 98.66; 98.71 and 94.75 relate to the amount incurred in paying off expenses including tax and interest charges. Investments are simply total assets.