All Souls Book Review Essay - 987 Words

All Souls: A Family Story From Southie By Micheal Patrick MacDonald. (Ballentine Books under The Random House Publishing Corporation, 1999, 266pp. $14.00) Michael Patrick MacDonald saw hatred animated on a Friday in the early days of October. Some people were reading the newspaper in brightly lit kitchens. Some children were coloring with brightly hued crayons. Some fathers were getting into cars in front of their beautiful homes. But there were no crayons, bright kitchens, or fathers in nice cars on Dorchester Street in Southie that day. Only the cruelest manifestation of blind hatred. Michael Patrick MacDonald was an innocent child when he stood only feet away from a black man who was having the life literally beaten from his†¦show more content†¦In a ‘He was a good man underneath all of that rage sort of fashion, he exposes Southies grave and serious problems, all the while maintaining that it was the best place in the whole world. We tend to marginalize the poor, the destitute, the food stamp and welfare recipients among us. We like to pretend that they are not there, much like the residents of Southie liked to pretend that the violence and anger and tragedy in Southie werent there. We like to try to compartmentalize this part of our own society, this very real set of people who still live in our towns. Who mourn their dead at our churches, who lower them into the ground in our cemeteries, who hand food stamps to the cashier at our grocery stores. We have all been guilty of it. How could we not be? How could we really grasp, realize, come to terms with, comprehend such an alien life? Michael Patrick MacDonald is our translator. He relays the past as Southie has written it on his heart. He hands it to us in a language we might better understand. MacDonald opens the door and invites us to sit down at his Southie dinner table. To lie on a mattress on the floor next to him and his brothers. To come to the hospita l and watch Ma MacDonald beat the daylights out of a man who didnt value her family as much as she did. To stand inside the sterile green walls at Mass Mental. To trade stories with all the Southie kids about who had a connection to Whitey Bulger. ToShow MoreRelatedA Controversial Issue Of Pi1093 Words   |  5 PagesA controversial issue for this book would definitely be the religion. Pi’s mother and father found it totally absurd to have more than one religion, and contradicting ones at that. As did the pandit, the priest, and the imam. In the book, there is a three-page long argument between the priest, the imam, the pandit, and Pi’s parents all claiming the other is mistaken and that Pi is a Muslim or a Hindu or a Christian. Pi blurts out, â€Å"Bapu Gandhi said, ‘All religions are true.’ I just want to love GodRead MoreAnalysis Of What Dreams May Come739 Words   |  3 Pagesbreathed brilliant life into the tragic story of a family pulled apart by death and the journey one man makes through heaven and even hell to save his soul mate, based from the book, What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson. This movie is boldly beautiful and a rollercoaster of feelings that brings you to the emotional edge but sadly doesn’t quite get us all the way over. In the beginning of the movies, events occur rather quickly. Chris and Annie, unbelievably effective and heartbreakingly performedRead MoreCompare And Contrast Augustine And Virtue Ethics872 Words   |  4 PagesAugustine says â€Å"Virtue gives perfection to the soul; the soul obtains virtue by following God,† Augustine makes a very strong connection between being virtuous and following God, and how the soul plays an important role for one to become virtuous. 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Financial Analysis of Starbucks - 1131 Words

The company that I am writing about is Starbucks, the international coffee shop chain. The companys financial statements for this analysis are from the FY2011 Annual Report and 10-K. The company has 10787 stores in the United States, of which 38% are franchised and the remainder are company-owned. The franchise model is more common when the company operates internationally. There are 6216 Starbucks stores internationally and of these 63% are franchises, with just 37% company-owned. The franchise model for international expansion has been utilized to help Starbucks expand quickly in foreign countries and to mitigate foreign political risk and to ensure that the product/service offering is tailored to local tastes (Thompson, 2012). The company is now in the process of buying back some overseas franchise stores in order to retain more profits for itself (Franchise Press, 2011). This paper will take a look at the companys most recent annual report to analyze the financial statements. Debt Starbucks does not have a lot of long-term debt. There was a point in the mid-2000s where Starbucks was struggling, closing stores and seeing reduced profitability. In August of 2007 the company made its first (and to this point only) debt issue. The issue was for $550 million at 6.25% on a 10-year issue (Trent, 2007). This debt remains on the companys books today, as $549.5 million on the balance sheet in long-term debt. The total liabilities that Starbucks has on its balance sheetShow MoreRelatedStarbucks : Starbucks Financial Analysis1185 Words   |  5 PagesStarbucks Financial Analysis It’s hard to drive the street these days and not see a Starbuck’s coffee house sitting on a corner with cars lined up in the drive-thru or consumers gathering in their cafà © to socialize. This has been the scene since the first Starbucks was opened in 1971. Since then, Howard Schultz, chairman and CEO, has embarked on a quest to bring Italian bistro traditions to the United States. 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Starbuck’s coffee employees or the people in charge to get the coffee, travel to coffee farms in differentRead MoreStarbucks Financial Analysis 03-072727 Words   |  11 PagesThe American University in Cairo Acct 501 Spring 08 Starbucks Financial Analysis Years 2003-2007 Presented to: Dr. Adel Ibrahim Presented by: Ahmed El-Shorbagy 800-07-0477 Ahmed Tawfik 900-98-5749 Mahmoud El Gindy 800-07-0417 Mohammed Abo Solyman 900-02-1301 Mohammed Hassan 800-07-1982 Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction 4 Financial Statement Analysis 5 Consolidated Balance Sheet 5 Consolidated Income Statement 5 Consolidated Cash Flow

Digitization for Economic Growth and Job Creation MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Digitization for Economic Growth and Job Creation. Answer: Introduction The mass adoption of the digital technology by different sectors of the society, governments, enterprises, consumers has materialized in the recent time. This acts a major economic driver which facilitates creating the jobs and speeds the development factors up. In the present scenario of the lethargic international economy, the digitization can play a significant role in encouraging the financial development and growth (Katz, Koutroumpis and Martin 2014). The analysts indicate that, even if the environment of international economy is quite unfavorable, digitization has provided a huge economic boost to the global financial output and created around six million global jobs in 2011 (Quaadgras, Weill and Ross 2014). However, the impact of digitization may have been different in different sectors. In addition to that, where the developed economies have higher financial developmental benefits of around twenty five per cent, the developing economies do not have the scope of having higher benefits (Turber and Smiela 2014). The primary reason behind this may be the conflicting impacts of digitization on the different economic structures. In this literature review, the specific economic impacts of the digitization on the targeted sectors are discussed. To define the digitization To investigate the impact of digitization on different sectors within any organization To evaluate the impact of digitization on employment To analyze the gap in the literature Defining Digitization According to Gooding, Terras and Warwick (2013) the level of digitization of a country can be determined through six major traits, such as, ubiquity, reliability, affordability, usability, speed and skill. The factor, ubiquity is the degree to which the organizations and consumers would have the global access to the digital applications and services; affordability is the degree to which the digital services are valued so that it is available to as much as people in the country; reliability is the quality of the affordable digital service; the speed is the degree which can determine the access of the digital service; usability is the easiness of using the digital services and the capability of the domestic services in boosting the service applications; the skill is the capability of the users in integrating the digital services as a part of their business and life. If the definition of digitization is concerned, according to Goldfarb, Greenstein and Tucker (2015) Digitization is the process of transforming analog material into binary electronic (digital) form, especially for storage and use in a computer. With the help of digitization, the materials can be converted to the analog formats which are read by people in a digital format that can also be read by machines. There are numerous devices such as the cameras, scanners which can be used in the digitization of the knowledge contents. These technologies enhance the process of digitization of almost all the materials including the photographs, rare paper documents, videos and sound recordings (Greenstein and Tucker 2015). Digitization helps in improving the access of the data resources. The projects with digital access allow the clients in searching for the rapid and comprehensive approach at any time anywhere. However, it is an expensive and time consuming venture, yet it is an influential met hod to deal with the issues with the continuous shortage of resources in the developing countries. The digitization comes with a lot of opportunities that ease the entire procedure of working. Especially the technologies like smart machines such as machine learning, robots; smart devices such as laptops, personal computers, smart phones, mobile networks and other smart digital techniques like big data, cloud computing, have shown some major advancements in the past decades. These improvements have huge social and economic impacts on the global scenario. In addition to that, these changes have important implications on employment. Several industries have been created due to digitization. Moreover, numerous industries have created millions of jobs for them who are involved with the technological sectors and for the advanced clients who may have the opportunity of using advanced tools and software as a primary component of their work across different industries. However, using the digital tools and technologies, the people have the ability of connecting anyone at any time. From using a simple mobile phone to the online platforms, the connectivity amongst people has increased in a larger way. According to Heeks (2013) the amount of potential beneficiaries has also increased who use the digital technologies as a part of their work or regular life. The approximate numbers of people who use mobile services on a daily basis have already crossed 3.6 billion. In the developing countries, the employment in the digital sector has increased in a remarkable way. According to Borowiecki and Navarrete (2017) in most of the OECD countries, the employment in the information and communication industry has generated around 5.74 per cent of the entire employment in the business sector. The countries of G 20 generated membership around 4.66 to 6.45 per cent. The countries with emerging economy have also benefitted as Bachi et al. (2014) shown that the IT industry of Brazil have generated around sixteen per cent of jobs between 2010 and 2013. The IT BPO industries of developing countries are flourishing and it has generated around 3.5 million workers all over the world. Sectored Impact of Digitization In order to understand the impact of digitization on the economic sectors, one should discuss the job creation opportunities and productivity across the developed and emerging economies. The application of digitization can affect various functions of any organization. The functions of any organization can be divided in four areas such as production, business, operation and market. Digitalization has a reflective effect on these sectors. The idea of digitization has an influencing effect on the management of production assets of the organization. The enables the company to shift the labor intensive jobs to the promising economies while it develops the client interfaces. This creates a huge amount of jobs in the market as it leads to the emergence of fresh and new technologies for manufacturing (Reed 2014). For instance, it can be said that Samsung works with Apple for the iPhone products but they also compete in the consumer market in an aggressive way. With the advancements of the 3D technologies, there are new ways to manufacture the complicated products; therefore it leads to the importation of jobs back to the emerging economies. Digitization has a huge impact on reshaping the business models. This helps in lowering the obstacles in expanding the business market and entering a new market. Therefore it helps the markets to expand its reach. For example with the emergence of the video calling facilities such as Skype or WhatsApp calls, it is possible for the companies to deal with their employees all over the world (Reed 2014). These digital facilities offer telephonic facilities to around five hundred million customers who can use the voice over Internet protocol technology and connect with anyone in the world who also uses the same. Therefore, these disrupts the existing business models for the operators all around the world, therefore numerous companies avail this facility for connecting to their employees. This enhances the opportunities of the companies to enter in a new market, therefore leading to generate new job opportunities. Digitization has changed the notion of building the products, brands and products and communicates with the customers. The organizations are now depending the social media and other new communication services to build their brands. Moreover the users are now finding more buying options online, even if they opt for buying new products offline. According to Coreynen, Matthyssens and Van Bockhave (2017) around forty per cent of the allover buyers use the online services to research about the items they are going to buy in the physical outlets. The digitization therefore enables the organizations in creating more products online that can align with the tastes of the consumers. The function of online technologies as a retail channel often tends to create a significant expansion in the market reach that leads to generate more job opportunities. The emergence of online technologies has created a new market online that has emerged more job opportunities in the market. The digitization also has a great impact on the companies in operating so that they can generate more competitive advantages. Due to digitization, more global entities have been created and that had ensures to be in touch across countries. Reed (2014) show that one of the four American employee telecommunicate on a daily basis showing the outsourcing of resources. Therefore, it makes them more efficient and it enables to create more job opportunities. Impact of Digitization on employment The degree and types of the impact that digitization has on the employment sector is mostly derived through the economic factors. As the digitization enhances the market access in a significant way, the growth of jobs tends to increase at the same time. However, for understanding the dynamic relation of employment and digitization, the scholars have examined the major economic activities in the market. Coreynen, Matthyssens and Van Bockhave (2017) have identified that there are five key areas that can divide the entire economy in three significant sectors: primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary sector includes farming, agriculture, mining and the processing of the natural products; the secondary sector includes the manufacturing such as building, making and assembling the primarily finished products; the tertiary sector includes the provided services to the businesses and the consumers that includes transportation, retailers, entertainment organizations, healthcare providers, b anks etc. Most of the literatures have focused on the analysis of the subsectors of the tertiary and secondary sectors where most of the activities are affected by digitization. However, in most of the literature, it is found that it tends to cluster on the manufacturing, financial services, retail and the hospitality sectors. Digitization has shown the least impact on the primary sectors. According to Coreynen, Matthyssens and Van Bockhave (2017) the nature of employment is changing in a broad way. These changes have influences not only in the quality of jobs and earnings; it also increases the individual risk that an employee bears. The links between the employers and the employees are shifting rapidly. The short term works now involve more micro jobs and online works. This review has mostly focused on the developed countries and the economy. Digitization has a huge impact primarily on three variables: growth per capita or GDP, creation of jobs and the innovation. Classifying the production functions models of assessing the economic impact has a huge impact on the economy of any country. If there is a continuous increase of the digitization by ten percentages, it triggers around 0.50 to 0.62 percent gain in the per capita GDP. However, most of the studies have focused on the penetration of broadband services that have established that there is a continuous gain of ar ound 0.16 to 0.25 percent. In addition to that, the below table shows that how the industry productivity, output and the employment with the development of digitization in different sectors. However, most of the literature on this issue has insufficient information in creating the job opportunities in certain sectors in the rising markets. It illustrates that the financial services and the manufacturing business in the world creates more job opportunities as they are able to transform their support activities to other countries where they have to spend lower cost for the labors. The companies have taken opportunities for off shoring their legal, financial, logistics and the communication services. The productivity gains in the financial fields are mostly the result of abilities in decreasing the labor costs while it tends to increase the output. Conclusion After conducting the literature review, it can be said that, there are not much sufficient data in the impact of digitization in the creation of job opportunities in the secondary sector. As the tertiary sector has been influenced mostly by the innovation and emergence of the digitization, most of the literatures have focused on that sector itself. The secondary sector includes the building, making and assembling the products. Therefore, from this literature review, a gap has been identified in the researches in the job opportunities in the secondary sector. Therefore, the further researches will be conducted on this issue. Reference list Agrawal, A., Horton, J., Lacetera, N. and Lyons, E., 2015. Digitization and the contract labor market: A research agenda. InEconomic analysis of the digital economy(pp. 219-250). University of Chicago Press. Bachi, V., Fresa, A., Pierotti, C. and Prandoni, C., 2014, November. The Digitization Age: Mass Culture Is Quality Culture. Challenges for Cultural Heritage and Society. InEuro-Mediterranean Conference(pp. 786-801). Springer International Publishing. Blbaum, B. ed., 2016.Trust and Communication in a Digitized World: Models and Concepts of Trust Research. Springer. Borowiecki, K.J. and Navarrete, T., 2017. Digitization of heritage collections as indicator of innovation.Economics of Innovation and New Technology,26(3), pp.227-246. Bourreau, M., Gensollen, M., Moreau, F. and Waelbroeck, P., 2013. Selling less of more? The impact of digitization on record companies.Journal of cultural economics,37(3), pp.327-346. Coreynen, W., Matthyssens, P. and Van Bockhaven, W., 2017. Boosting servitization through digitization: Pathways and dynamic resource configurations for manufacturers.Industrial Marketing Management,60, pp.42-53. Goldfarb, A., Greenstein, S.M. and Tucker, C.E., 2015. Introduction to" Economic Analysis of the Digital Economy". InEconomic Analysis of the Digital Economy(pp. 1-17). University of Chicago Press. Gooding, P., Terras, M. and Warwick, C., 2013. The myth of the new: Mass digitization, distant reading, and the future of the book.Literary and Linguistic Computing, p.fqt051. Greenstein, S.M. and Tucker, C.E., 2015.Economic analysis of the digital economy. University of Chicago Press. Heeks, R., 2013. Information technology impact sourcing.Communications of the ACM,56(12), pp.22-25. Kagermann, H., 2015. Change through digitizationValue creation in the age of Industry 4.0. InManagement of permanent change(pp. 23-45). Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden. Katz, R., Koutroumpis, P. and Martin Callorda, F., 2014. Using a digitization index to measure the economic and social impact of digital agendas.info,16(1), pp.32-44. Klein-Avraham, I. and Reich, Z., 2016. Out of the frame: A longitudinal perspective on digitization and professional photojournalism.new media society,18(3), pp.429-446. Loebbecke, C. and Picot, A., 2015. Reflections on societal and business model transformation arising from digitization and big data analytics: A research agenda.The Journal of Strategic Information Systems,24(3), pp.149-157. Quaadgras, A., Weill, P. and Ross, J.W., 2014. Management commitments that maximize business impact from IT.Journal of Information Technology,29(2), pp.114-127. Reed, T.V., 2014.Digitized lives: culture, power, and social change in the internet era. Routledge. Sabbagh, K., Friedrich, R.O.M.A.N., El-Darwiche, B.A.H.J.A.T., Singh, M.I.L.I.N.D. and Koster, A.L.E.X., 2013. Digitization for economic growth and job creation: Regional and industry perspective.The global information technology report, pp.35-42. Tarut?, A. and Gatautis, R., 2014. ICT impact on SMEs performance.Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences,110, pp.1218-1225. Turber, S. and Smiela, C., 2014. A business model type for the internet of things.

The aim of this research is, eventually, to Essay Example

The aim of this research is, eventually, to Essay Context of the intended research CRIT is a receptor that was foremost encountered on the surface of aSchistosomaspecies ; in theSchistosoma,it acts as a decoy C2-binding receptor in order to protect this parasite from complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2 ( Inal and Schifferli, 2002 ) . Complement is, basically, an enzyme system that is triggered upon immune system onslaught: most of the enzymes in this system are identified through standardised labeling: they are labelled C followed by a figure and so a codification based on the cleavage merchandises when proteolysed, for illustration, C5b-9. Complement onslaught ( Carroll, 1998 ) plays a major function in supporting hosts from immune onslaught, in footings of extinguishing foreign encroachers, and involves a complex tract of interactions, in order that the procedure does non take to self devastation: so, unregulated complement action can take to autoimmune diseases ( Ohet al. ,2003 ) , and other conditions/diseases such as bosom onslaught ( K ilgoreet al. ,1994 ) , Alzheimer’s disease ( Bradtet al. ,1998 ) . We will write a custom essay sample on The aim of this research is, eventually, to specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The aim of this research is, eventually, to specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The aim of this research is, eventually, to specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer CRIT ( or Sh-TOR as it was antecedently known ) was found inSchistosoma,as a complement C2 protein, that could barricade complement activation, therefore bring oning bilharzia in worlds ; it was hypothesized that the CRIT blocked complement activation through its C2 binding site ; CRIT look in the parasite therefore acts as a steerer C2 binding receptor, protecting the parasite against complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2, at the ed1 sphere ( Hui, 2005 ) . CRIT has later been found that other animate beings, that are suited as theoretical account systems for analyzing CRIT action besides express CRIT, for illustration, the rat andTrypanosoma.Recent work has besides shown that worlds have a CRIT factor, labeled ( Hu ) -CRIT which is expressed in a broad scope of human cells, particularly in hematopoietic cells ( Inalet al. ,2005 ) . Further elaborate surveies of CRIT have shown that it is a transmembrane receptor with two extracellular and two in intracellular spheres with an active 11 amino-acid peptide subdivision ( called CRIT-H17 ) which is hypothesized to be involved in the complement suppression activity of CRIT ( Hui, 2005 ) . Much work has been undertaken on clarifying the mechanism of action of CRIT, in footings of it being a potentially utile molecule in handling immunological diseases and other diseases, such as malignant neoplastic disease. For illustration, Inalet Al.( 2005 ) have shown that CRIT barricading can take to deprotection in CRIT-expressing human myeloid cell lines and in monocytes, ensuing in a greater susceptibleness to complement-mediated lysisin vitro. Other research, such as that by Mollet Al.( 2006 ) has shown that CRIT look is different in patients with kidney upsets, through assorted alterations in up- or down-regulation of CRIT look, taking to the suggestion that the upregulation of CRIT in activated podocytes might stand for a self-defense mechanism, stand foring a ‘last line’ of defense mechanism in membranous kidney disease of the kidney. Other surveies have looked at the existent mechanism of operation of the CRIT tract, for illustration Huiet Al.( 2005 ) looked at the look of a functional recombinant von Willebrand factor-A sphere from human complement C2, in footings of this being a possible binding site for C4 and CRIT. As we have seen, CRIT competes with C4b for the binding of C2, with the major adhering site on C2 being located on a short peptide sequence that was antecedently of unknown beginning ; Huiet al. ,( 2005 ) , nevertheless, looked at a part on C2 that was known to hold binding capacity, the von Willebrand Factor-A, and found that, so, this peptide sequence inhibits complement activity ; utilizing a cloned von Willebrand Factor-A sequence, Huiet Al.( 2005 ) were able to look in item at the interactions between C2 and CRIT and C4b. This pilot survey that is intended to be undertaken as portion of this reappraisal of CRIT is intended to take this work of Huiet Al.( 2005 ) farther. As will be seen, on adh ering the serum complement protein, C2, the CRIT peptide, H17 can cut down complement-mediated redness in vivo [ 7 ] and it is intended that CRIT-ed1 and H17 will be tested as possible distinction therapeutics peculiarly aiming monocytic leukemia. To better the efficaciousness of these peptides, structural information on the manner they interact with C2, such that this can be ‘tweaked’ to increase efficiency of binding. The CRIT-H17 peptide will be synthesized full length as an 11-mer, but besides as a 10-mer, 9-mer and 8-mer. We will besides mutate to alanine the amino acids believed to interact with the vWFA sphere of C2. CRIT-H17 will farther be synthesized as a head-to-toe cyclised version of H17 ( to mime the native CRIT molecule ) . Prior to the structural surveies, nevertheless, these peptides will be tested for their efficaciousness at cut downing complement activationin vitro. In add-on, interactions of these peptides with C2 vWFA sphere will be monitored for by a novel technique utilizing electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy ( developed within the Institute for Health Research A ; Policy at LMU by Dr. A. Bligh ) [ 8 ] . This technique can besides observe the presence of two adhering sites and if there are two ligands whether they bind competitively and with what affinity. To supervise conformational alterations on interaction, in add-on to working out dynamicss of interaction, we will utilize Double Polarisation Interferometry ( AnaLight Quantum ) through coaction with Dr. R.B. Sim ( MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Univ. of Oxford ) . Prof. Peter Gros ( Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht ) has approached the applier for CRIT peptides for co-crystallisation with an available C2a ( von Willebrand Factor A [ vWFA ] and serine peptidase ) concept and we expect this coaction to continue and to finally demo the points of contact between CRIT-ed1 and C2 ( via the vWFA sphere ) . It is hoped that this methodological analysis will let a deeper apprehension of how CRIT binds with other molecules in the complement tract, and how this tract is regulated in footings of supplying a intervention option for some of the diseases/conditions that are known to develop following perturbation, or irregular operation of, this complement tract. Introduction The purpose of this research is, finally, to transport out a pilot survey to back up preliminary grounds that the complement receptor CRIT ( Complement C2 Receptor Inhibitor Trispanning ) plays a function in monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction. We aim to demo that by triping distinction through CRIT, it is possible to suppress the proliferation of myeloid leukemia cells. This could hold of import deductions for an alternate intervention agenda for monocytic leukemia. By the terminal of this survey we expect to demo the undermentioned: I ) that monocytes which can adhere C2 through CRIT maintain monocytic phenotypein vitroorin vivo ;II ) that monocytes can be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its blood relation ligand, complement C2 or as monocytes move into an extravascular environment devoid of C2 ; that a knockdown of CRIT look in monocyte carcinoma cell lines or physical blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction induces them to terminally dis tinguish, and that, likewise, a blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction on leukaemic monocytes will halt proliferation and bring on distinction ; and, in conclusion, that, conversely, monocytes that are C2-/- , can non be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its ligand, C2, nevertheless on traveling into an extravascular environment, other excess mechanisms, such as interaction of monocyte integrins with VCAM molecules on endothelial cells, may still bring on distinction. In consequence, basically, either barricading ligand interaction with CRIT or cut downing CRIT look should excite cell rhythm apprehension ( irreversible block at G1 ) and terminal distinction into cells with a macrophage phenotype. These conditions represent a fresh tract for monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction, based on the theoretical account proposed, and affecting the complement receptor, CRIT. In footings of monocyte leukemia, besides advancing cell rhythm apprehension, barricading CRIT with anti-CRIT-ed1 has the added benefit of rendering the cell more susceptible to complement-mediated cytolysis, as described antecedently for monocyte carcinoma cell lines ( U937 and THP-1 ) and primary monocytes showing CRIT [ 1 ] . It is intended that this research will lend to a deeper apprehension of how the complement tract works in worlds, in peculiar with respect to how abnormalities in the operation of the complement tract can do disease, and how CRIT look modulates the operation of the complement tract in human systems. The informations obtained from this pilot survey will be used to look into five chief issues: I ) The function of CRIT in myeloid distinction The function of CRIT in myeloid distinction has been studied with an antagonist CRIT-based peptide termed H17 ( NH2-HEVKIKHFSPY-CO2H ) consisting the 11aa C-terminus of CRIT-ed1. Preliminary work suggests that in adhering to C2 and therefore barricading the interaction of C2 with CRIT [ 1 ] , H17 may bring on the distinction of monocytes/promonocytic cell lines along the tract of macrophage distinction, and significantly, inhibit cell proliferation. The different curative attacks that are presently used in handling acute leukemia include cytotoxicity, programmed cell death and distinction. Differentiation therapy was developed over a decennary ago and Acts of the Apostless by bring oning cell rhythm apprehension and hence distinction in leukaemic monocytes [ 2 ] , therefore elegantly avoiding cytotoxicity effects. Retinoids, such as all-trans-retinoic acid ( ATRA ) are used to handle promyelocytic leukemia by specifically aiming neoplastic cells whilst non impacting normal mature ce lls. Many successes in the intervention of monocytic leukaemias have been reported since [ 3-5 ] . We suggest that a CRIT-based peptide ( H17 or an H17 derived function ) could finally offer an of import alternate intervention for monocytic leukemia by bring oning distinction of monocytic cells. The peptide will be tested entirely and in combination with ATRA in a mouse theoretical account of acute promyelocytic leukemia [ 6 ] . two ) The construction of CRIT peptides ( ed1 and H17 ) and of CRIT peptides interacting with the von Willebrand Factor A ( vWFA ) sphere of complement C2 On adhering the serum complement protein, C2, the CRIT peptide, H17 can cut down complement-mediated redness in vivo [ 7 ] and we will prove CRIT-ed1 and H17 as possible distinction therapeutics peculiarly aiming monocytic leukemia. To better the efficaciousness of these peptides, we aim to utilize structural information on the manner they interact with C2. The CRIT-H17 peptide will be synthesized full length as an 11-mer, but besides as a 10-mer, 9-mer and 8-mer. We will besides mutate to alanine the amino acids believed to interact with the vWFA sphere of C2. CRIT-H17 will farther be synthesized as a head-to-toe cyclised version of H17 ( to mime the native CRIT molecule ) . Prior to structural surveies, these peptides will be tested for their efficaciousness at cut downing complement activation in vitro. Interactions of these peptides with C2 vWFA sphere will be monitored for by a novel technique utilizing electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy ( developed within the Institute for Health Research A ; Policy at LMU by Dr. A. Bligh ) [ 8 ] . This technique can besides observe the presence of two adhering sites and if there are two ligands whether they bind competitively and with what affinity. To supervise conformational alterations on interaction, in add-on to working out dynamicss of interaction, we will utilize Double Polarisation Interferometry ( AnaLight Quantum ) through coaction with Dr. R.B. Sim ( MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Univ. of Oxford ) . Prof. Peter Gros ( Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht ) has approached the applier for CRIT peptides for co-crystallisation with an available C2a ( von Willebrand Factor A [ vWFA ] and serine peptidase ) concept and we expect this coaction to continue and to finally demo the points of contact between CRIT-ed1 and C2 ( via the vWFA sphere ) . three ) Expression profile of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease With a position to understanding the function of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease, the applier is join forcesing on a Swiss National Foundation funded undertaking with Prof. J. Schifferli ( Univ. Hospital Basel ) to do a CRIT smasher mouse. To happen an association between CRIT look degrees and the disease procedure, a comparing of CRIT look ( messenger RNA and protein ) in normal tissue with that in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease will be made. In situ hybridization surveies every bit good as immunohistochemistry, utilizing dual staining and/or staining of consecutive subdivisions with anti-CRIT and cell specific markers, will be conducted to corroborate look in sertoli cells, podocyte cells, keratinocytes, encephalon [ 1 ] . The distribution of CRIT in normal and morbid tissue will be studied, peculiarly tissues injured by inflammatory or necrotic procedures: joints-synovium in arthritis, myocardial infarction etc. Previously, we carri ed out a survey along these lines, which looked at CRIT look in assorted kidney diseases [ 9 ] . This survey revealed CRIT upregulation in membranous kidney diseases on glomerular podocyte cells. Unlike CR1, hitherto the lone other complement regulator described on podocytes, and which is non upregulated in membranous nephropathy, we believe that CRIT on podocytes represents a last line of defense mechanism against onslaught by complement. Functional information back uping this was later obtained ( manuscript in Complement regulators are frequently upregulated in malignant neoplastic disease [ 10 ] and so expression degrees of CRIT in assorted human malignances will be assessed excessively. Critically, CRIT is upregulated in liver malignant neoplastic disease ( Fig. 4 ) and thyroid malignant neoplastic disease ( non shown ) . As obstruction of CRIT with antibody sensitises cells to complement lysis [ 1 ] , such findings may hold applications in malignant neoplastic disease. Already schemes to barricade complement regulators with specific antibodies have been used successfully with a position to developing fresh malignant neoplastic disease immunotherapies [ 11,12 ] . In a recent development, membrane-bound complement regulative proteins ( mCRP ) have been downregulated by siRNA to render tumour cells sensitive to complement [ 13 ] . Therefore we will bring forth vector-based shRNAs ( utilizing psiRNA vector [ In vivo Gen ] ) to stably strike hard down CRIT look and see the consequence on tumor cells. four ) CRIT extracellular peptide ( H17 ) and its usage in modulating complement-mediated redness in in vivo theoretical accounts of autoimmune disease With a position to therapeutically suppress redness due to classical tract activation in theoretical accounts of complement-mediated autoimmune disease, CRIT has been targeted to suppress the Reversed Passive Arthus Reaction in mice [ 7 ] . By disposal of an counter peptide, H17, which binds complement C2 and prevents its activation it was possible to significantly cut down complement-mediated redness. To prove this peptide as a curative against autoimmune diseases in which the classical tract is peculiarly of import we are join forcesing with labs that have the appropriate animate being theoretical accounts. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis ( EAMG ) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease impacting the neuromuscular junction. The disease, which is besides T cell-dependent, is an accurate theoretical account in footings of its pathology and clinical result of human myasthenia gravis ( MG ) . We have been approached by Prof. P. Christadoss and Dr. E. Tuzun of the Universit y of Texas, Galveston to prove H17 in their mouse theoretical account of MG [ 14,15 ] and will continue with this coaction. 1.2.5 Does CRIT adhere other serum proteins through its extracellular spheres? In a collaborative survey with Prof. Marina Botto ( Imperial College ) we will look into whether CRIT is a receptor for any other proteins beside complement C2 and FB, with which it binds with high and low affinity, severally. To prove whether the extracellular spheres of CRIT have other adhering spouses, receptor affinity chromatography [ 16 ] will be used to see whether ed1 binds other proteins from the serum of a C2 deficient ( C2D ) patient or of a combined C2/FB smasher mouse [ 17,18 ] . As the function of the 2nd extracellular sphere, ed2 has non been established, normal serum will be used ab initio to place ed2-binding proteins adhering to ed2 affinity columns by standard mass-spec designation protocols. Further experiments will be conducted to see if CRIT binds integrins. The principle for this is that CRIT-ed1 binds the vWFA1 sphere of complement C2 [ 19 ] and vWFA spheres are typically found in integrins, such as Very Late Antigen 4 ( VLA-4 ) on monocytes. The interaction w ith vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1 ) molecules on the endothelium is believed to non merely intercede attachment [ 20 ] and transendothelial migration [ 21 ] but besides to excite distinction [ 22 ] . Methodology to be utilized in the survey of the purposes of the undertaking: I ) The function of CRIT in myeloid distinction As we have seen, the function of CRIT in myeloid distinction has been studied with an antagonist CRIT-based peptide termed H17 ( NH2-HEVKIKHFSPY-CO2H ) consisting the 11aa C-terminus of CRIT-ed1. Preliminary work suggests that in adhering to C2 and therefore barricading the interaction of C2 with CRIT [ 1 ] , H17 may bring on the distinction of monocytes/promonocytic cell lines along the tract of macrophage distinction, and significantly, inhibit cell proliferation. It is intended that this pilot survey will go on the work that has been started in this respect, and will lend original research findings to the intervention of diseases that are caused by failures in the proper operation of the complement tract in worlds. The different curative attacks that are presently used in handling acute leukemia include cytotoxicity, programmed cell death and distinction. Differentiation therapy was developed over a decennary ago and Acts of the Apostless by bring oning cell rhythm apprehension and hence distinction in leukaemic monocytes [ 2 ] , therefore elegantly avoiding cytotoxicity effects. Retinoids, such as all-trans-retinoic acid ( ATRA ) are used to handle promyelocytic leukemia by specifically aiming neoplastic cells whilst non impacting normal mature cells. Many successes in the intervention of monocytic leukaemias have been reported since [ 3-5 ] . We suggest that a CRIT-based peptide ( H17 or an H17 derived function ) could finally offer an of import alternate intervention for monocytic leukemia by bring oning distinction of monocytic cells. The peptide will be tested entirely and in combination with ATRA in a mouse theoretical account of acute promyelocytic leukemia [ 6 ] . This will take to cons equences which could be of great usage in developing alternate therapies for handling conditions that arise as a consequence of failure of the right operation of the complement tract in worlds. two ) The construction of CRIT peptides ( ed1 and H17 ) and of CRIT peptides interacting with the von Willebrand Factor A ( vWFA ) sphere of complement C2 As has been seen, Huiet Al.( 2005 ) looked at the look of a functional recombinant von Willebrand factor-A sphere from human complement C2, in footings of this being a possible binding site for C4 and CRIT. As we have seen, CRIT competes with C4b for the binding of C2, with the major adhering site on C2 being located on a short peptide sequence that was antecedently of unknown beginning ; Huiet al. ,( 2005 ) , nevertheless, looked at a part on C2 that was known to hold binding capacity, the von Willebrand Factor-A, and found that, so, this peptide sequence inhibits complement activity ; utilizing a cloned von Willebrand Factor-A sequence, Huiet Al.( 2005 ) were able to look in item at the interactions between C2 and CRIT and C4b. The current survey will take the work of Huiet Al.( 2005 ) further, by looking in item at the CRIT tract, in footings of adhering the serum complement protein, C2, the CRIT peptide, H17 can cut down complement-mediated rednessin vivo[ 7 ] and we will prove CRIT-ed1 and H17 as possible distinction therapeutics peculiarly aiming monocytic leukemia. To better the efficaciousness of these peptides, we aim to utilize structural information on the manner they interact with C2. The CRIT-H17 peptide will be synthesized full length as an 11-mer, but besides as a 10-mer, 9-mer and 8-mer. We will besides mutate to alanine the amino acids believed to interact with the vWFA sphere of C2. CRIT-H17 will farther be synthesized as a head-to-toe cyclised version of H17 ( to mime the native CRIT molecule ) . Prior to structural surveies, these peptides will be tested for their efficaciousness at cut downing complement activation in vitro. Interactions of these peptides with C2 vWFA sphere will be moni tored for by a novel technique utilizing electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy ( developed within the Institute for Health Research A ; Policy at LMU by Dr. A. Bligh ) [ 8 ] . This technique can besides observe the presence of two adhering sites and if there are two ligands whether they bind competitively and with what affinity. To supervise conformational alterations on interaction, in add-on to working out dynamicss of interaction, we will utilize Double Polarisation Interferometry ( AnaLight Quantum ) through coaction with Dr. R.B. Sim ( MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Univ. of Oxford ) . Prof. Peter Gros ( Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht ) has approached the applier for CRIT peptides for co-crystallisation with an available C2a ( von Willebrand Factor A [ vWFA ] and serine peptidase ) concept and we expect this coaction to continue and to finally demo the points of contact between CRIT-ed1 and C2 ( via the vWFA sphere ) . three ) Expression profile of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease With a position to understanding the function of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease, the applier is join forcesing on a Swiss National Foundation funded undertaking with Prof. J. Schifferli ( Univ. Hospital Basel ) to do a CRIT smasher mouse. To happen an association between CRIT look degrees and the disease procedure, a comparing of CRIT look ( messenger RNA and protein ) in normal tissue with that in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease will be made. In situ hybridization surveies every bit good as immunohistochemistry, utilizing dual staining and/or staining of consecutive subdivisions with anti-CRIT and cell specific markers, will be conducted to corroborate look in sertoli cells, podocyte cells, keratinocytes, encephalon [ 1 ] . The distribution of CRIT in normal and morbid tissue will be studied, peculiarly tissues injured by inflammatory or necrotic procedures: joints-synovium in arthritis, myocardial infarction etc. Previously, we carri ed out a survey along these lines, which looked at CRIT look in assorted kidney diseases [ 9 ] . This survey revealed CRIT upregulation in membranous kidney diseases on glomerular podocyte cells. Unlike CR1, hitherto the lone other complement regulator described on podocytes, and which is non upregulated in membranous nephropathy, we believe that CRIT on podocytes represents a last line of defense mechanism against onslaught by complement. Functional information back uping this was later obtained ( manuscript in Complement regulators are frequently upregulated in malignant neoplastic disease [ 10 ] and so expression degrees of CRIT in assorted human malignances will be assessed excessively. Critically, CRIT is upregulated in liver malignant neoplastic disease ( Fig. 4 ) and thyroid malignant neoplastic disease ( non shown ) . As obstruction of CRIT with antibody sensitises cells to complement lysis [ 1 ] , such findings may hold applications in malignant neoplastic disease. Already schemes to barricade complement regulators with specific antibodies have been used successfully with a position to developing fresh malignant neoplastic disease immunotherapies [ 11,12 ] . In a recent development, membrane-bound complement regulative proteins ( mCRP ) have been downregulated by siRNA to render tumour cells sensitive to complement [ 13 ] . Therefore we will bring forth vector-based shRNAs ( utilizing psiRNA vector [ In vivo Gen ] ) to stably strike hard down CRIT look and see the consequence on tumor cells. four ) CRIT extracellular peptide ( H17 ) and its usage in modulating complement-mediated redness in in vivo theoretical accounts of autoimmune disease With a position to therapeutically suppress redness due to classical tract activation in theoretical accounts of complement-mediated autoimmune disease, CRIT has been targeted to suppress the Reversed Passive Arthus Reaction in mice [ 7 ] . By disposal of an counter peptide, H17, which binds complement C2 and prevents its activation it was possible to significantly cut down complement-mediated redness. To prove this peptide as a curative against autoimmune diseases in which the classical tract is peculiarly of import we are join forcesing with labs that have the appropriate animate being theoretical accounts. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis ( EAMG ) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease impacting the neuromuscular junction. The disease, which is besides T cell-dependent, is an accurate theoretical account in footings of its pathology and clinical result of human myasthenia gravis ( MG ) . We have been approached by Prof. P. Christadoss and Dr. E. Tuzun of the Universit y of Texas, Galveston to prove H17 in their mouse theoretical account of MG [ 14,15 ] and will continue with this coaction. 1.2.5 Does CRIT adhere other serum proteins through its extracellular spheres? In a collaborative survey with Prof. Marina Botto ( Imperial College ) we will look into whether CRIT is a receptor for any other proteins beside complement C2 and FB, with which it binds with high and low affinity, severally. To prove whether the extracellular spheres of CRIT have other adhering spouses, receptor affinity chromatography [ 16 ] will be used to see whether ed1 binds other proteins from the serum of a C2 deficient ( C2D ) patient or of a combined C2/FB smasher mouse [ 17,18 ] . As the function of the 2nd extracellular sphere, ed2 has non been established, normal serum will be used ab initio to place ed2-binding proteins adhering to ed2 affinity columns by standard mass-spec designation protocols. Further experiments will be conducted to see if CRIT binds integrins. The principle for this is that CRIT-ed1 binds the vWFA1 sphere of complement C2 [ 19 ] and vWFA spheres are typically found in integrins, such as Very Late Antigen 4 ( VLA-4 ) on monocytes. The interaction w ith vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1 ) molecules on the endothelium is believed to non merely intercede attachment [ 20 ] and transendothelial migration [ 21 ] but besides to excite distinction [ 22 ] . CRIT is a receptor that was foremost encountered on the surface of aSchistosomaspecies ; in theSchistosoma,it acts as a decoy C2-binding receptor in order to protect this parasite from complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2 ( Inal and Schifferli, 2002 ) . Complement is, basically, an enzyme system that is triggered upon immune system onslaught: most of the enzymes in this system are identified through standardised labeling: they are labelled C followed by a figure and so a codification based on the cleavage merchandises when proteolysed, for illustration, C5b-9. Complement onslaught ( Carroll, 1998 ) plays a major function in supporting hosts from immune onslaught, in footings of extinguishing foreign encroachers, and involves a complex tract of interactions, in order that the procedure does non take to self devastation: so, unregulated complement action can take to autoimmune diseases ( Ohet al. ,2003 ) , and other conditions/diseases such as bosom onslaught ( K ilgoreet al. ,1994 ) , Alzheimer’s disease ( Bradtet al. ,1998 ) . CRIT ( or Sh-TOR as it was antecedently known ) was found inSchistosoma,as a complement C2 protein, that could barricade complement activation, therefore bring oning bilharzia in worlds ; it was hypothesized that the CRIT blocked complement activation through its C2 binding site ; CRIT look in the parasite therefore acts as a steerer C2 binding receptor, protecting the parasite against complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2, at the ed1 sphere ( Hui, 2005 ) . CRIT has later been found that other animate beings, that are suited as theoretical account systems for analyzing CRIT action besides express CRIT, for illustration, the rat andTrypanosoma.Recent work has besides shown that worlds have a CRIT factor, labeled ( Hu ) -CRIT which is expressed in a broad scope of human cells, particularly in hematopoietic cells ( Inalet al. ,2005 ) . Further elaborate surveies of CRIT have shown that it is a transmembrane receptor with two extracellular and two in intracellular spheres with an active 11 amino-acid peptide subdivision ( called CRIT-H17 ) which is hypothesized to be involved in the complement suppression activity of CRIT ( Hui, 2005 ) . Much work has been undertaken on clarifying the mechanism of action of CRIT, in footings of it being a potentially utile molecule in handling immunological diseases and other diseases, such as malignant neoplastic disease. For illustration, Inalet Al.( 2005 ) have shown that CRIT barricading can take to deprotection in CRIT-expressing human myeloid cell lines and in monocytes, ensuing in a greater susceptibleness to complement-mediated lysisin vitro. Other research, such as that by Mollet Al.( 2006 ) has shown that CRIT look is different in patients with kidney upsets, through assorted alterations in up- or down-regulation of CRIT look, taking to the suggestion that the upregulation of CRIT in activated podocytes might stand for a self-defense mechanism, stand foring a ‘last line’ of defense mechanism in membranous kidney disease of the kidney. Introduction The purpose of this research is, finally, to transport out a pilot survey to back up preliminary grounds that the complement receptor CRIT ( Complement C2 Receptor Inhibitor Trispanning ) plays a function in monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction. We aim to demo that by triping distinction through CRIT, it is possible to suppress the proliferation of myeloid leukemia cells. This could hold of import deductions for an alternate intervention agenda for monocytic leukemia. By the terminal of this survey we expect to demo the undermentioned: I ) that monocytes which can adhere C2 through CRIT maintain monocytic phenotypein vitroorin vivo ;II ) that monocytes can be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its blood relation ligand, complement C2 or as monocytes move into an extravascular environment devoid of C2 ; that a knockdown of CRIT look in monocyte carcinoma cell lines or physical blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction induces them to terminally dis tinguish, and that, likewise, a blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction on leukaemic monocytes will halt proliferation and bring on distinction ; and, in conclusion, that, conversely, monocytes that are C2-/- , can non be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its ligand, C2, nevertheless on traveling into an extravascular environment, other excess mechanisms, such as interaction of monocyte integrins with VCAM molecules on endothelial cells, may still bring on distinction. In consequence, basically, either barricading ligand interaction with CRIT or cut downing CRIT look should excite cell rhythm apprehension ( irreversible block at G1 ) and terminal distinction into cells with a macrophage phenotype. These conditions represent a fresh tract for monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction, based on the theoretical account proposed, and affecting the complement receptor, CRIT. In footings of monocyte leukemia, besides advancing cell rhythm apprehension, barricading CRIT with anti-CRIT-ed1 has the added benefit of rendering the cell more susceptible to complement-mediated cytolysis, as described antecedently for monocyte carcinoma cell lines ( U937 and THP-1 ) and primary monocytes showing CRIT [ 1 ] . Bradt, B.M.et al. ,1998. Complement-dependent proinflammatory belongingss of the Alzheimer’s disease B-peptide.J. Exp. Med.188, pp.431. Carroll, M.C. , 1998. The function of complement and complement receptors in initiation and ordinance of unsusceptibility.Ann Rev Immun16,pp.545-568. Hui, K-M. , 2005. Biochemical and functional surveies of a fresh complement inhibitor, CRIT, with its interaction spouses. Dissertation submitted to the University of Basel, 2005. Hui, K-M.et al. ,2005. Expression of functional recombinant von Willebrand factor-A sphere from human complement C2: a possible binding site for C4 and CRIT.Biochem J.389, pp.863-868. Inal, J.M. , 2005. Complement C2 receptor inhibitor trispanning: from adult male to schistosome.Springer Seminars in Immunology27 ( 3 ), pp.320-331. Inal, J.M.et al. ,2005. Complement C2 receptor inhibitor trispanning: a fresh human complement inhibitory receptor.Journal of Immunology74, pp.356-366. Inal, J.M. and Schifferli, J.A. , 2002. Complement C2 receptor inhibitor trispanning and the B-chain of C4 portion a binding site for complement C2.Journal of Immunology168, pp.5213-5221. Kilgore, K.S.et al. ,1994. The complement system in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion hurt.Cardiovasc Research28, pp.437. Makrides, S.C.et al. ,1992. Cell surface look of the C3b/C4b receptor ( CR1 ) protects the hamster ovary cells from lysis by human complement.J.Biol.Chem.34, pp.24754-24761. Moll, S.et al. ,2006. CRIT is expressed on podocytes in normal human kidney and upregulated in membranous kidney disease.Kidney International69,pp.1961-1968. Oh, K-S.et al. ,2003. Inhibition of complement activation by recombinant Sh-CRIT-ed1 parallels.Immunology110, pp.73-79.

The CPI. Financial Analysis

The CPI should utilize the techniques of financial analysis to determine if their efforts can generate a considerate amount of revenue. It should engage into prospects of growth that can maximize the value of the firm and increase the amount of wealth by the shareholders (Cho, 1987).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The CPI. Financial Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The future earnings of the firm can be determined by the ratio of price to earnings; which compares the selling price of the stocks earning per share (Cho, 1987; Forgang Einolf, 2007). The recent trading price of the stock was $58.87 with a ratio of price to earnings of 24.06 and $2.45 as the earnings per share (Company, 1985). At the end of the year 2012, the P/E was 10.56, the trading price was at $54.43 and the earnings per share at $5.15, this is a clear indication that the investors are paying more of the share per stock in the current year and their earnings are at a lower rate (Company, 1985). The Colgate Palmolive may be overvalued. A high price per earning indicates that the investors are willing to pay more of the stocks because of their anticipation of a higher growth rate in the near future. A low price per earnings makes the investors to assume that the earnings in the future may be constrained (Company, 1985; Cho, 1987). In comparison with the Colgate Palmolive, an assumption of the CPI’s P/E ratio is given as 7 with 14 as the industry average. The current P/E of Colgate Palmolive is 24.06. For CPI to attract investors, they must strive to meet the industry average of 14 (Danker, 1971).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If it were to grow using its own cash reserves, then the P/E and the earnings per share would result in an improved value of the firm. If additional equity a nd fund growth are issued, there will be a dilution in earnings per share causing a decrease that is short term to the shareholder wealth and the price per earnings (Danker, 1971; Company, 1985). The CPI is restricted only to some certain regions of the country limiting the growth and the options to the investor. As it continues to investigate the options of expansion, the P/E ratios of other competitive companies can be used as a benchmark in attaining a maximum value of the shareholder’s wealth (Danker, 1971). Inelastic, elastic and unitary price elasticity all are linked to the concept of price elasticity. â€Å"They usually measure the demand for the goods and compare them to the fluctuation in the price of the goods† (Danker, 1971, p.21). â€Å"The demand for any good is measured by determining whether it is unitary, elastic or inelastic† (Boone, 2012, p.43). The elasticity usually varies between products because products differ in the rate of demand. In el astic price elasticity, the demand is usually greater than the price, the good or the demand for the product.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The CPI. Financial Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More â€Å"When a product is elastic, the changes in price level lead to a huge change in the product demand† (Boone, 2012, p.43). Many of the services offered and goods are usually elastic (Boone, 2012; Danker, 1971). In the determination of elasticity of demand, percentage change in quantity of a product is divided by the change in price percentage. â€Å"After the calculations are made and the equation is equal to one or greater, then the product is usually considered elastic†(Yu, 2005, p.21). The opposite of elastic demand is the inelastic demand. If change in demand is less than one, then the product is considered to have inelastic demand. Necessities are usually the products that are consi dered inelastic change in price level does not usually affect the demand of the product. â€Å"Unitary goods are goods that result to no effect on the demand even when there is a price change† (Boone, 2012, p.43). Very few goods are considered unitary (Boone, 2012; Yu, 2005). In the determination of exposing the currency revenue, the VP of marketing and the CFO need to ask themselves; will exposing the currencies revenue place the CFI in a better position or will it continue to give a lower return to its shareholders? (Bernstein Griffin, 2006). The CFO should put into consideration the value of its shareholders first before exposing the revenue currencies. If exposing the revenue will place the business in a better place and the shareholders earn maximum interest then my advice for the option (Bernstein Griffin, 2006; Yu, 2005).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Most businesses do not operate in a vacuum. When making plans of the business, one has to consider the world, country, state and the neighborhood. The local factors are mostly considered as the macroeconomic factors while the international and national trends are the macroeconomic factors (Sloman, 2005). When putting into consideration the macroeconomic trends, one must look at how the overall business environment is (Forgang Einolf, 2007). If there is increased rate of unemployment, bankruptcies and foreclosures in homes, then the consumers may have a bad attitude towards making any purchase. These can be used in decision making by scaling down of plans of purchasing inventory a business being committed to expansion projects that are costly (Bernstein Griffin, 2006; Sloman, 2005). The local trends in a region or neighborhood can have an impact on any business. One should not only consider the economic trends of the premises of the business but also the environment for the consume rs (Fosin Mlambo, 2001). The micro conditions usually have a direct effect of the operation of any business. The decisions usually are to be based on the falling and rising expectations of the consumers. A business can survive if it tailors if it tailors its marketing options to lower expectations in order to cut down on the expenses (Fosin Mlambo, 2001; Sloman, 2005). The media usually distorts the bad economic times both in the local and the international levels. When these are done, the business needs to make its own observations (Forgang Einolf, 2007). The bad economic news usually presents an opportunity for businesses. The company is usually a mini economy. The trends in sales, profit and expenses should be put into consideration. To acquire this, the business should be well positioned in the market which is competitive (Fosin Mlambo, 2001; Sloman, 2005). News about the world or neighborhood should not lead into making decisions that may undermine the success of the busine ss. People usually don’t stop buying in down trends but instead buy less. The change in buying habits can still lead a business into making a profit (Forgang Einolf, 2007). The business decisions must be balanced with the understanding of the economic trends and the experiences from interactions with customers. The business must develop a feel for the economic trends and also look at the opportunities that defy the trends (Forgang Einolf, 2007; Fosin Mlambo, 2001). The net income is usually obtained after all the deductions are removed from the companies’ revenue (Barr, 1993). For CPI the net income is Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Revenue $30.10 $34.20 $38.10 $40.40 $45.60 $50.00 Operating expenses Selling, general, admin $16.10 $17.20 $18.90 $19.50 $21.40 $24.30 Depreciation $4.10 $4.40 $4.80 $4.90 $5.30 $5.70 Interest expense $0.45 $0.56 $0.69 $0.73 $0.78 $0.81 Taxes $1.10 $1.30 $1.70 $1.90 $2.00 $2.10 Total expense $21.75 $23.46 $26.0 9 $27.03 $29.48 $32.91 NET INCOME $8.35 $10.74 $12.01 $13.37 $16.12 $17.09 (Barr, 1993; Forgang Einolf, 2007) Cash flows Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Operating cash flows future value $4.25 $6.34 $7.21 $8.47 $10.82 $11.39 Increase in fixed assets $1.30 $2.40 $0.90 $0.00 $4.90 $2.10 Free cash flows $2.19 $3.94 $6.31 $8.47 $5.92 $9.29 PVIF 0.943 0.89 0.816 0.735 0.681 0.666 Present Value Cash Flows $2.06517 $3.5066 $5.41896 $6.22545 $4.03152 $6.18714 (Barr, 1993) The Net Present Value This is usually the value of the net inflows that is generated by the project. These are usually the most reliable measure in capital budgeting as it accounts for the value of money in the form of time (Colander, 1995). Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Net cash flow $2.06517 $3.5066 $5.41896 $6.22545 $4.03152 $6.18714 Present value factor 0.943 0.89 0.816 0.735 0.681 0.666 Present value of cash flows $1.947455 $3.120874 $4.421871 $4.575706 $2.745465 $4.120635 (Co lander, 1995; Forgang Einolf, 2007) The total present value of cash flows – 20.932006 Less initial investment – 18.000000 Net present value – $2.932006 The CPI has a positive net present value. This project is important to CPI as it enables the company to recover its initial outlay of $18.00. It also enables the company and their shareholders to meet their finance charge and as it generates an additional surplus of $2.93. The positive net present value shows an increase in the wealth of the shareholders. The dollar value of the NPV is important as this indicates that the value of the dollar is stable. These enable the firm to be able to meet all its expenditures (Barr, 1993; Colander, 1995). In making his decision, the CEO of the company has to put in mind the value of the shareholders. The shareholders are the ones who keep the firm stable and therefore should be in the forefront while making decisions. The working environment of the business is also a factor to be considered in making decisions (Sepp, 2012). The environment should be favorable to the consumers with adequate security. When the environment is unfavorable and the government is too much into a business, that business is likely to fail. The simplification strategies by the government are usually designed to reduce uncertainty and regulatory complexity. Making the economic environment in which a business operates safe for the consumers will also boost the operations of the business (Colander, 1995; Sepp, 2012). In conclusion, I would support the above mentioned project as it mainly considers increasing the shareholder wealth. The project has a positive net present value and this shows that a value that maximizes the company will develop exploit and develop many positive NPV projects as it can. This is usually called capitalization. References Barr, N. A. (1993). Poland : income support and the social safety†¦ by N A Barr. Washington, D.C: World Bank. Bernstein, M., Grif fin, J. M. (2006). Regional differences in the price-elasticity of†¦ by Mark Bernstein. Golden, Colo: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Boone, L. (2012). Contemporary marketing, 2013 update. Mason, OH. Cengage learning. Cho, T. (1987). The general trading company : concept and strategy by Tong-sŏng Cho. Lexington, Mass: Lexington Books. Colander, D. C. (1995). Economics. Chicago:Irwin. Company, A. T. (1985). Arctic Trading Company. By Arctic Trading Company. Churchill, Man: Arctic Trading Co. Danker, W. J. (1971). Profit for the Lord: economic activities in Moravian missions and the Basel Mission Trading Company. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Forgang, W. G., Einolf, K. W. (2007). Managerial economics : an accelerated approach. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe. Fosin, A., Mlambo, K. (2001). Business environment and investment in Africa†¦. By Augustin Fosu. Journal of African economies, 10( 2)2, 5-18. Sepp, J. (2012). The Economy and Economics after Crisis. BWV Berliner: Wissen schafts-Verlag. Sloman, J. (2005). The economic environment of business by John Sloman. Harlow : FT Prentice Hall. Yu, T. H. (2005). Essays on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway and U.S. grain market. College Station, Tex: Texas AM University. This research paper on The CPI. Financial Analysis was written and submitted by user Taraji Whitfield to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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Study of Brand and Brand Valuation Methods The WritePass Journal

Study of Brand and Brand Valuation Methods Introduction Study of Brand and Brand Valuation Methods Introduction  Organisation Background  Rationale for the Chosen TopicStatement of the Problem in Valuing BrandsResearch QuestionsObjectives of the DissertationLiterature ReviewWhat Is A Brand?What is Goodwill?What is Brand Equity?The Development of Brand Valuation:Brand Valuation Methods   Research Methodology, Data Collection Methods and Data AnalysisDesk Research  ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:ReferencesManuchehr Shahrokhi, Professor of Finance, Department of Finance, Craig School of Business, California State University-Fresno, California, USABibliographyRelated Introduction A company’s brand image (Goodwill) or brand valuation plays a vital role in the modern business world. This has lead to the valuation of brands, which was quite unheard of in previous decades.   In this dissertation I attempt to analyse and understand various brand valuation methods, its merits and the way it’s represented using the different accounting policies and / or methods across the various accounting bodies worldwide.   The main objective of the dissertation is to understand various valuation model that will abide the various accounting bodies as well as satisfy the individual country’s rules and regulations. The roots of branding is evident in ancient civilisations and some study shows even before Birth of Christ and this   is evident from archaeological excavations in which we can find certain symbols or markings in pottery, coins and Arts. It was not until the 12th century trademarks were used to identify each manufacturer’s goods as well as measure their quality. In other words in the early times, brand names were not only used to distinguish between different goods which are similar but also distinguish their quality (Sudharshan, 1995). The value of a brand is indicated by how much money a company pays in order to acquire them. These may vary from brand to brand, however companies are prepared to pay a good price for top notch brands. For an example Procter and Gamble paid 2.6 times Richardson-Vicks’ book value, Nabisco sold for 3.2 times book value, and General Foods sold for 3.5 times book value (Business Week, 1995). This report will discuss the existing brand valuation methodologies and it’s significance in a company’s decision and require a sound marketing and financial view. Generally the marketing and financial approaches in this matter differ largely and today’s competitive market environment has made these two professions to work together in this regard. Brands are widely viewed as performance measures and important element decision making process. Many large corporate companies’ demands royalties from subsidiaries for using their brand name and this has made authorities such as tax and financial regulators to standardise the process of brand valuation. Brand valuation will be an important criterion to evaluate corporate performances in this century. Investors increasingly demand for greater disclosure of brand valuation and it’s the financial manager’s duty to ensure that such information’s are adequately provided with the investors. This has brought to adopt a standard brand valuation technique / method in company accounts.   Organisation Background This dissertation is not about a specific organisation brand valuation. It aims to cover many blue chip organisations accounting treatments in Brand Valuing. Mainly this study will involve understanding the accounting treatment of accounting bodies and accounting standards etc. The dominant model of branding in the twentieth century was the manufacturer as mega-advertiser. McKinsey (1994) believes that the traditional model of branding is no longer the only way, nor can it dominate in the future. According to Murphy (1990), brand is a complex phenomenon: â€Å"not only it is the actual product, but it is also the unique property of a specific owner and has been developed over time so as to embrace a set of values and attributes both tangible and intangible which meaningfully and appropriately differentiate products which are otherwise very similar.† These changes have prompted today’s business world to put a value into branding and thereby has the created the concept of Brand Equity or Goodwill of a company.   Rationale for the Chosen Topic In realisation of various valuation methods and different accounting bodies treat the Brand values in the Balance Sheet differently at large. This dissertation will answer â€Å"How companies calculate and disclose brand value in financial statements†. Weather researcher will able to identify and develop a proper Brand Valuation formula in this dissertation? Statement of the Problem in Valuing Brands Since the late 1980’s, it has become essential that a company recognises a brand as an intangible assent and as a result include them in their financial statements. The main reason for this was a wave of acquisitions that took place in that era that helped exposes the hidden value in highlys include, Nestlà © buying Rowntree, Danone purchasing Nabisco’s European business and Grand Metropolitan buying Pillsbury. However, accounting bodies throughout the world differ over how brand valuation should be done. The professional bodies have appeared uncertain as how to resolve the issue of brand valuation. It happens because of the lack of understanding and guidance over accounting treatment of brands. Much of the uncertainty associated with brands is regarding the relationship with goodwill and other intangible assets. There is real confusion about the distinction between brands and other assets such as goodwill or trademark. This difficulty leads to further problems when deciding how to measure and report them in financial statements. Research Questions In order to compile a report on Brand Valuation Methods I intent to find answers to the following research questions: What constitute Brand and Brand Equity? What are the problems in valuing a Brand? What are the available Brand Valuation methods? How does USA, UK and Indian Chartered Accounting Bodies value Brand? What is an acceptable and harmonized Brand Valuation model? Objectives of the Dissertation To understand the significance of Brands and how they have developed from time to time. To understand the Brand Equity Concept Different Valuation Methods in Valuing a Brand. To understand the Marketing and Finance perspectives of brand equity and how it will be presented and integrated, and their interrelationships in an Organisation. To analyse 4 financial accounts of large Blue Chip companies and their treatment as Intangible assets in the Accounts Literature Review What Is A Brand? â€Å"If this business were to be split up, I would be glad to take the brands, trademarks and goodwill and you could have all the bricks and mortar and I would   fare better than you†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (John Stuart, Former Chairman of Quaker Oats Ltd) This statement of John Stuart emphasise the importance of the brand. In other words a â€Å"name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them, intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competition† is categorised as a Brand. Furthermore, a Brand also helps to create awareness, reputation, prominence, and more in the marketplace. What is Goodwill? Goodwill in financial statements arises when a company is purchased for more than the fair value of the identifiable assets of the company. The difference between the purchase price and the sum of the fair value of the net assets is by definition the value of the goodwill of the purchased company. The acquiring company must recognize goodwill as an asset in its financial statements and present it as a separate line item on the balance sheet, according to the current purchase accounting method. In this sense, goodwill serves as the balancing sum that allows one firm to provide accounting information regarding its purchase of another firm for a price substantially different from its book value. Goodwill can be negative, arising where the net assets at the date of acquisition, fairly valued, exceed the cost of acquisition. Negative goodwill is recognized as a liability. For example, a software company may have net assets (consisting primarily of miscellaneous equipment, and assuming no debt) valued at $1 million, but the companys overall value (including brand, customers, intellectual capital) is valued at $10 million. Anybody buying that company would book $10 million in total assets acquired, comprising $1 million physical assets, and $9 million in goodwill. Goodwill has no predetermined value prior to the acquisition; its magnitude depends on the two other variables by definition. What is Brand Equity? The goal of the brand leadership point is to create strong brands – but what is a strong brand? In Managing Brand Equity, brand equity is defined as the brand assets (or liabilities) linked to a brand’s name and symbol that add to (or subtract from) a product or service. These assets can be grouped into four dimensions: brand awareness, perceived quality, brand associations, and brand loyalty. These four dimensions guide brand development management and measurement. Brands are a key element, along with other intangibles such as intellectual property and staff skills and commitment. Often 40-75% of a company’s assets may be attributed to brands [Goodchild and Callow, 2001] Despite the above facts the Chartered Institute of Marketing 2003 state â€Å"Brands are emotive and you can’t measure emotion.† â€Å"The financial value of a brand is not interesting on its own; it’s what we can do to grow it that makes it interesting. The process of benchmarking a brand’s value involves understanding where that brand value comes from and supporting those areas to grow the strength of the brand.† [Shailendra Kumar, Future Brand, 2001] The Development of Brand Valuation: The technical knowledge of Chartered Accountants and accounting firms in valuing business valuations and applying discount rate, depreciation rates, appropriate tax rates etc was not developed in valuing a company Brand by accounting profession until recent time. This was mainly due to the fact that financial professionals lack commercial experience and to fully appreciate and understand how brands operate from the perspective of consumers and markets and retail distribution in a competitive context. This was an essential part in valuing a brand and without understanding the real valuation process any future predictions of the same will be no use because this valuation process will be carried out only by assumptions. And as a direct consequences provide no genuine benefit to business or investors alike. Despite the above fact, brand valuation methodologies have been developed and adopted in valuing brands recently and are now viewed as important business tool.   Only now, brand valuation and intangible asset valuation are given it’s importance after being taken seriously mostly due to USA financial reporting standards requiring acquired intangibles which can be separately identified and have separate economic lives to be valued and put on the balance sheet. International accounting standards will require UK (and other countries adopting IAS’s) public companies to do the same and this will be effective from January’2005. Additionally these intangibles require annual impairment testing to make sure their values have not been diminished. If they diminish in value then a write off to the profit and loss account is required. For example under new accounting standards AOL Time warner has written off $54 billion dollars. (AOL 2007 Annual Accounts) In the UK and Australia, accounting rules require companies to write off the goodwill obtained through acquisitions. The rules have often resulted in sizeable losses for acquiring companies in the year of acquisition. This happened because under these rules, the money paid in an acquisition over and above the fair value of identifiable assets is viewed as money lost without a compensating asset being acquired. However, this principle drew protests from a lot of UK companies. Those companies protested by capitalizing their acquired brands and arguing that they were not goodwill but identifiable assets. Some of the companies have gone further by capitalizing not only â€Å"acquired† brands but also the â€Å"home-grown† brands such as Cadbury. Brand Valuation Methods There are three methods for charging price premium on a branded product a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cost Method – On this method, the current value for historical expenses when creating a brand. b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Market Method This approach looks into the transactions of brand. c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Income Method In this approach, two methods are used to calculate the premium value: Discounted Cash Flow model Excess Earnings method.   Research Methodology, Data Collection Methods and Data Analysis In order to compile this dissertation, a Case Study/Desk Research based methodology has been used. Various company financial accounts have been verified with particular attent Primary data will consist information interviews, questionnaires etc. An in depth interview with a Brand Consultant is planned and interview will be conducted with Financial and Marketing Consultants of an Organisation. Secondary data will include data collection from annual reports, books, journals, articles and websites which give us an insight of how the companies have evolved from time to time and how did the company manage to build the brand and what strategies have they used in valuing a brand.   Both quantitative and qualitative data will be using in this research. Case studies the case studies will consist of a detailed study about various companies Brand Valuation Methods and the company from its beginning stage to the stage which it has attained now from the Desk Research. Analysis:   The various valuation methods will be explore and critically analysed in order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each methods. Further how a Brand valued during Economy Boom had valuation done in Economy Recession period especially weather the Brand has been devalued to reflect the true picture. Apart from it this section also emphasizes on how the company attained this stage and about the competitive advantage and core competencies have bought them to this level. These analyses are undertaken with the help of the secondary and primary data. Desk Research Desk Research is the name given to finding published information which can include company Annual Reports, Financial details, Experts reports, Research Reports, Market statistics or comments and information about the issues in a marketplace. (Wikipedia   15.03.2011).With the widespread adoption of the Internet, use of published information (desk research) to scope a market is becoming increasingly common as a means of carrying out Market Researches. Traditionally using desk research to find information about potential customers, competitors and intermediaries in markets has been a time intensive process, often carried out on an on-going basis to cope with the slow delivery of paper-based material. With the Internet, vast seas of information have opened up electronically making desk research a practical tool for research, particularly in dynamic markets where data is quickly out of date. In this report the internet will play a vital part especially the Google search engine and the various sources of electronic journals since this published report stand as a verification source to the researchers Primary Research and various in-depth knowledge about the subject were explored. This is one of the major disadvantages of Desktop Research. Too much of information can easily distract and deviate the Research Objectives   ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Research ethics relates to questions about how we formulate and clarify our research topic, the data collection and processing method and how we report our research findings in a moral and responsible way.   The appropriateness of a researcher’s behaviour in relation to the rights of those who become subject of their work or are affected by their work is referred to as research ethics (Saunders et al, 2007). Although all research methods have specific ethical issues associated with them, qualitative research is likely to have a greater range of ethical concerns compared to quantitative research. Most of the data that will be used in conducting this research will be quantitative data. The quantitative information’s are readily and publicly available without any form of moral or ethical intrusion.   Time Scale   TIMETABLE OF WORK               Week 1 – 2 Discussion with Supervisor about the direction and obtaining guidance Week 3 – 5 : Desk Top Research on Brand Valuation Models Week 6 – 8   Literature review on Branding and Study on IAS – Brand / Goodwill Week 9 11: Collecting Financial Data of 4 Blue Chip Company and its treatment on Balance sheet. Week 12 – 14: Organising interview with Financial controller of Large blue company’s view on Brand Valuation method. Week 15 16: Analyse the Collection of data and interview notes. Week 17 – 18 : Develop a Brand Value Model Week 19 – 21   : Finalising the Report Week 22 :   Binding and Submission of Report References Aaker, D.A. (1997), Should you take your brand to where the action is?, Harvard Business Review, . Aaker, D.A. (1996a), Measuring brand equity across products and markets, California Management Review, Vol. 38 No.3, pp.102-20. Aaker David A (1991), ‘Managing Brand Equity’, p.15, NY Free Press Allen, D. (1990), Creating value, the financial management of brands, in â€Å"Report of the committee on cost, profitability, for marketing† (Eds), Accounting Review, Supplement, Vol. 47 pp.575-615. Blackston, M. (1995), The qualitative dimension of brand equity, Journal of Advertising Research, pp.RC2. Bhattacharyya, D. K., (2003) Research Methodology, Anurag Jain for Excel Books, India. Cravens, K.S., Guilding, C. (1999), Strategic brand valuation: a cross-functional perspective, Business Horizons, Vol. 42 No.4, . Gill, H. (1995), Broad definition on brand and asset, Management Accounting Journal, . Kevin Lane Keller Strategic Brand Management (2006), 2nd Edition Kapferer, J.N. (1992), Strategic Brand Management: New Approaches to Creating and Evaluating Brand Equity, The Free Press, New York, NY., Manuchehr Shahrokhi, Professor of Finance, Department of Finance, Craig School of Business, California State University-Fresno, California, USA Mukherjee, D N (Nov –Dec, 1998), ‘Managing Intangible Assets’, Business World, p.772. Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong: Principles of Marketing, Tenth Edition, Prentice Hall Zeff and Dharan, 1997 Readings and Notes on Financial Accounting Websites Brand Management www.brand.com (April 2011) Brand Finance Plc – www.brandfinance.com (April 2011) Wikipedia – www.wikipedia.com (April 2011) Bibliography John Murphy, 1990,   â€Å"Brand Valuation† Simon, C.J., Sullivan, M.W. (1993), The measurement and determinants of brand equity: a financial approach,