Lawrence Sports, Capital Management Analysis and Methodology Overhaul

Lawrence Sports, Capital Management Analysis and Methodology Overhaul Free Online Research Papers Liquidity must become a primary focus for any business hoping to create sustainable growth. Lawrence Sports, a fictional company, is presently in need of capital management analysis and methodology overhaul. Included in this paper is a discussion of the issues, opportunities, values and solutions that the firm should be considering. The 9 step problem solution model is the format used to take the reader through critical identification, evaluation and implementation of elements that will transform a problem into new growth opportunity. Lawrence Sports is a $20 million dollar revenue company that assembles and distributes sporting goods. The focus of the scenario is to provide the opportunity for the student to develop solutions to trade off issues, thus establishing stability for the firm. Mayo, who is a retailer responsible for 95% of sales, is hindering Lawrence from paying raw materials suppliers. Unfortunately, this cash positioning problem is direct result of the Lawrence credit policy and the Mayo request to delay payment until the week of April 14-20. Borrowing money to deal with supplier payables is not an option, due to the $1.2 million dollar maximized bank limit. Therefore, this paper will strategize from the perspective of a financial manager who will turn a working capital problem into the chance to design a new credit policy, implement cash management models and introduce risk mitigation techniques. A credit policy that is too liberal will continue to cause damage to Lawrence Sports. Presently both receivables and payables are unsynchronized, which is putting undue financial distress on the firm, as well threatening supplier relationships that have helped build the company. Considering the dominant sales role that Mayo plays in the supply chain, Lawrence will have to be very careful in pressuring the payment of receivables. The terms of a new credit policy will be further discussed later in the paper. Usually a firm will extend credit if the choice to do so is at lower cost; however, Lawrence is not in a bargaining position. â€Å"In general, a firm will extend trade credit if it has a comparative advantage in doing so† (Ross et al., 2005). Issues and Opportunities Lawrence does not have leverage to build the business due to unpredictable cash flows. Though this situation is limiting growth, redefining the cash management strategy will open new opportunities within the current supply chain system. Focusing on realistic inventory turnover that creates a positive cash balance will shift the failing policies towards a fresh perspective. This will only happen as a result of new financial planning linked to targeted goal. â€Å"Most financial managers regard a planned cash balance of zero as driving too close to the edge of a cliff. They establish a minimum operating cash balance to absorb unexpected cash inflows and outflows† (Brealey et al., 2005) Instead of the present unpredictable receivables turnover, the new credit policy will allow the basis to calculate a minimum cash balance to increase liquidity. Additionally, previous survival trade off decisions will fade as carrying costs and shortage costs become the opportunity costs of foreg one investments and having enough cash to invest in securities holdings. Another issue that Lawrence Sports is dealing with is the over reliance on Mayo to complete 95% of sales. Allowing Mayo to stretch payments creates a problem for the vendors, thus de-stabilizing the supply chain. Therefore, this paper will discuss the possibility of outsourcing raw materials. If this becomes an alternative, International currency fluctuations will have an effect on earnings and will have to be prepared for. The Lawrence outsourcing team will have to monitor the exposure co-efficient and decompose the dollar variability to optimize cost advantages. Stakeholders Perspectives Stakeholders are essential to the life of any organization. Without a clear understanding of the key entities/people affected by processes, the strategic goal will not be aligned. Suppliers, retailer and the employees are the primary stakeholders for the Lawrence scenario. Murray and Gartner supplied the materials for manufacturing and sales to take place, which surfaces ethical dilemmas. These vendors need to become a priority in order for sporting goods to continue to reach the consumer. A supply chain will function only when active parties are sufficiently compensated for work completed. If Lawrence Sports does not establish a new credit policy with Mayo, the outsourcing option may be necessary to meet future payables restrictions. Selling the receivables to a collection firm is also a way to liquidate current receivables. The employees at all points of the supply chain are also affected by the lack of cash flow control. The new strategic plan should be designed by Lawrence, and respectfully communicated to encourage commitment orientation and boost morale. This will potentially affect both the vendors and Mayo by establishing a leadership role in the supply chain. Problem Statement The Lawrence Sports cash positioning problem exists because of an out of control credit policy. Liquidity problems will continue to challenge the firm unless strategy/efficiency becomes the goal. Though Mayo is a global retailer, Lawrence Sports must professionally communicate credit guidelines. Additionally, as Ann Wu (director, vendor relationships) believes, one or more of the vendors will experience financial distress if Lawrence delays payments. Currently, Lawrence lacks the needed systemic capital management structuring to deal with the uncertain cash flows. The postponement of the $1,360 million dollar invoice payment may ensure a substantial order for the week of April 21-27; however, Lawrence may be without a vendor for finished leather products. The trade off decisions that the company must make does not create the opportunity for growth. Accordingly, the firm will have to take control of any future supplier payment uncertainty, while also addressing potential raw materials variability. Using the course simulation as a means for trial and error examples produced an interesting predicament. Attempting immediately to improve the working capital position, by pressuring Mayo to pay, upset the retailer. Unfortunately, the choice to collect the outstanding receivables affected the sales for the week of April 21-27. This was the expected reaction considering the lack of preparation and agreement. Not having a predetermined contract had an adverse affect on sales, and jeopardized the vendor relationship that Lawrence relies on. End State Vision â€Å"Value creation depends on cash flows† (Ross et al., 2005) A new cash positioning will exist for Lawrence Sports when receipts and disbursements create positive net working capital, supported by a sustainable infrastructure of processes. Following the new cash yielding trade off decisions, the company should start experiencing growth opportunities. Additionally, awareness of necessary balance between choices regarding profit margin vs. turnover, and tax subsidies vs. financial distress will define the firm’s direction. Once these concepts are of frequent discussion within management, positive net working capital may be turn to a reality. Lawrence has developed into a $20 million dollar revenues company, however, must over-come the unsynchronized cash flow problem. Unfortunately, the Mayo sales have not happened in time to pay the vendors for raw materials. Therefore, the excessive pressure to close the cash flow gap will breathe new life into the firm. Taking advantage of this opportunity will allow Lawrence to become the internally financed entity that the owners hope it to be. â€Å"Profitable firms generate cash internally, implying less need for outside financing†¦the greater the cash flow of more profitable firms creates greater debt capacity† (Ross et al., 2005). Though it may seem that Lawrence is in a difficult situation that could potentially threaten future sales, the implementation plan will establish the correct direction. The external financing limitation is a blessing in disguise by forcing better policies. Following the transition into more synchronized cash flows, the firm will find bills paid and net working capital. Successful companies eventually learn that organizations must have survival strategies built into the system. This is the focus of the next section of this paper. To link policies, and processes with value creation. Alternative Solutions Primary alternatives for Lawrence Sports are based on significant company benchmarking that provide approaches to develop a programmed solution. Dell Computers, Honeywell and Coca-Cola are three firms that sustain relative competitive advantage in their respective industries. Decisions for Lawrence alternatives included analysis of the annual reports, which yielded valuable lessons on how to transform a financially challenged organization. Dell Computers has found a way to balance cash flow and create net working capital. In 2008 the company reported $9.2 billion dollars in cash and cash equivalents. Dell has consistently held a cash balance by communicating directly with the customer, reducing inventory risk and maintaining a conservative credit policy. â€Å"We use cash generated by operations as our primary source of liquidity and believe that internally generated cash flows are sufficient to support business operations† (Dell Annual Report, Financing Receivables). Lower level trades off decisions are challenging Lawrence Sports. For Dell, higher level decisions for carrying costs and shortage costs include net working capital decisions such as optimizing investment alternatives. This was accomplished by ensuring that receivables are collected before issuing disbursements. If Lawrence adopts this policy, the firm will be able to use the cash from operations as the source of liquidity. Improving the perception of how to accomplish this type of financial growth is necessary. The company will either choose to struggle with receipts/disbursements or take control of the trade credit policy. Another choice of alternatives for Lawrence is to calculate a targeted cash balance, using the Miller-Or model, while seeking potential suppliers that will accommodate the firm’s policy needs. Though Mayo is responsible for the majority of sales for the firm, without a more conservative policy, payables will surely continue to be restrained. Honeywell, â€Å"continues to manage its businesses to maximize operating cash flows as the primary source of liquidity† as Dell does (Honeywell 2007 Annual Report, Liquidity and Capital Resources). Additionally, the firm is not solely dependent on one or two suppliers. Honeywell chooses to use long-term price agreements for raw materials, and claims minimal concern for the supply of raw materials. With the possibility that Lawrence may lose a vendor, (as a reaction to granting Mayo the right to delay receivables payments) lower cost may be achieved by outsourcing. If dependence on Mayo is the choice, then the firm should investigate how International suppliers will be able to help the firm maintain the liberal credit policy. In this case, Lawrence will need to consult foreign currency experts. Coca-Cola has to deal foreign currency fluctuations, and uses derivatives to reduce economic exposure. The firm â€Å"enters into forward exchange contracts and purchases currency options (principally Euro, Japanese Yen, and dollars to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies† (Coca-Cola 2007 Annual Report, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk). Discussion on forward contracts is included in the risk mitigation section of this paper. If outsourcing is management’s decision, then a plan must be designed to deal with foreign currency fluctuations. Analysis of Alternative Solutions Lawrence Sports will be able to correct the cash flow problem with a conservative credit policy. This alternative receives the highest rating because, without balanced receipts and disbursements, optimal trade off choices will not exist. When the CEO realizes that the liberal credit policy is a hindrance, the path to liquidity will surface. The second alternative to expand the supplier base is also important, however, not as critical as the credit policy implementation. As relations improve within the supply chain, Lawrence will find more time to consider new supplier options. The final alternative is a contingency plan for the loss of a vendor. When Murray and Gartner begin to receive reliable payments, outsourcing options can be considered as a cost advantage strategy. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Deciding to implement a new credit policy is the best way to ensure sustainability. Mayo’s response will hopefully be accepting. If not, a reliable mitigation plan must be in place. Factoring receivables will help ensure that Murray and Gartner are paid for raw materials. â€Å"Factoring refers to the sale of a firm’s accounts receivable to a financial institution known as a factor† (Ross et al., 2005). Instead of endangering the relationship with vendors, factoring will relieve the payables problem by relinquishing approximately 4% of the invoice amount to the factor. Considering the global reach of Mayo, factoring may be the viable solution for the short term. As mentioned in the benchmarking section of this paper, Coca-cola has found a way to use derivatives to hedge foreign currency fluctuations. If Murray and Gartner end the relationship with Lawrence Sports, and outsourcing becomes a cost saving alternative, the firm will turn to international suppliers for raw materials. Lawrence will have the choice of either entering into a bilateral forward contract with a commodity resource or using an exchange to establish forward prices. Depending on how well the Lawrence staff plans for the outsourcing agreement, the project could become very advantageous. Optimal Solution Three common elements for success in any company are strategy, financial and corporate governance. Lawrence Sports has a responsibility to initiate cash control to increase profitability in the supply chain system. This means that future competitive advantage will exist as the response to contracted policies and formalized cash management techniques. The following section is a justification of the optimal solution to help save Lawrence Sports. When the firm manufactures the raw materials and relies on a retailer, a tremendous obligation is created. The vendor offered credit to Lawrence, which then extended credit to Mayo. An inability to pay for accounts receivables in the supply chain has endangered every link in the process. Therefore, the goal is to make sure that a fresh policy is implemented to improve the average collection period. Sustainability will rely upon this. The example from Dell Computers earlier is a good example of how to deal with receivables. Collecting before disbursements will ensure that bills will be paid. Ongoing cycles of successful net working capital outcomes will begin to change the inertia of the firm. Ultimately this process will increase value within the supply chain system, while allowing Lawrence to focus more on strategic goals. The ability to change an organization is relative to which activities require the most attention. If Lawrence is inundated with cash management issues, the time is always limited by functional dilemmas. For example, if a human does not have enough food, they cannot think about progress. This is similar to the premise of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. When cash flows are created and established properly, net worth can increase. A decision to grant credit to Mayo is not as much of an issue due to the 3,000 stores and international reach. The economies of scale should not be the deciding factor. Mayo will stay in business, even if it means liquidity problems for manufacturers. Therefore, with the new guidelines to deal with receipts/disbursements, Lawrence will survive the next time Mayo (or any other retailer) decides to stretch payments. Focusing on an optimal credit relationship is essential. â€Å"At the optimal amount of credit, the incremental cash flows from increased sales are exactly equal to the carrying costs from the increase in accounts receivable† (Ross et al., 2005). Unless a major disagreement happens with the vendors, an outsoucing of raw materials does not to be considered. Educating the company’s change agents to act according to the strategic plan might avoid this situation. Using financial data to calculate the targeted cash balance will happen as a result of efficient cash flow balancing. Essentials of proper management include the marriage of efficiency and strategy. When short term financial decision making becomes the emphasis for value creation, Lawrence will have less difficulty dealing with liquidity. The fundamentals of converting raw materials into cash are the primary puzzle, because unsynchronized cash cycles have damaged the firm. A realistic credit policy leads to gap minimization of cash flows and the potential to expand or invest. Proper management of operations will help Lawrence turn a time of despair into one of profitability. â€Å"The need for short term decision making is suggested by the gap between cash inflows and outflows† (Ross et al., 2005). Borrowing money from the bank is not an option for Lawrence. Zero liquidity reserve is available, and cash flows are uncertain. The only solution is the overhaul the credit policy. As fore mentioned, a factoring company will have to be used to survive the short term cash dilemma. Implementation Plan Implementing the new trade credit policy and cash management process will happen according to the following guidelines. After deciding on agreeable terms of sale with Mayo, management will outline the next profitable horizon. Future retailers will be bound by a policy contract that includes the terms of sale, credit analysis and a collection policy. The credit team should have the new policy terms established within one week. This will be negotiated with Mayo, considering the need of immediate action. When the trade credit guidelines are set, the finance team will be able to calculate the targeted cash balance, which should be assessed every two weeks. From this, the capital management outlay will be created. After the policy and cash flow plan is established, management can then begin investigating alternative retailers and suppliers. Evaluation of Results Part of project implementation is guaranteeing a way to measure results. Unfortunately, Lawrence must design a new policy immediately. â€Å"Change occurs, as it must, but it does so in an atmosphere of crisis and confusion. Substantial loss may result before the needed design is complete† (Pyzdek, 2003). Lawrence Sports does not have the flexibility of Dell, Honeywell and Coca-cola. Therefore, management will be advised to enroll in online Six Sigma courses, as well instructed to immediately update techniques for financial/operational analysis. The evaluation schedule is as follows. Credit policy reviews will happen once a month, supplier payables correspondence on a weekly basis, operations will be assessed daily, financial investments analysis reports will occur and retailer analysis memos will be delivered bi-weekly. Conclusion â€Å"Focus comes from two perspectives: down from the top-level goals and up from problems and opportunities† (Pyzdek, 2003). Lawrence Sports will be able to leverage professional policy terms into positive net worth. The past uncertainties can be used as an historical example on the importance of cash flow responsibility. Future reports will include successful cash balances and new growth opportunities. Table 1 Issue and Opportunity Identification Issue Opportunity Reference to Specific Course Concept (Include citation) Concept Lawrence needs to establish a better control over the credit policy to enable the possibility of closing the gap between cash inflows and outflows. This is the only way to create working capital. With all due respect to Mayo, this is the time for Lawrence Sports to prepare for a bright future in sporting goods manufacturing. â€Å"At the optimal amount of credit, the incremental cash flows from increased sales are exactly equal to the carrying costs from the increase in accounts receivable† (Ross et al., 2005). Optimal Credit Policy Balancing cash flows between receivables and payables is causing financial and professional distress to Lawrence. After the new credit policy is created, Lawrence will have to seek new retailers and calculate the expected profit formula to make credit decisions. Mayo is still the main retailer, because the firm is a large volume customer. â€Å"In other words, you have fixed your terms of sale; you have decided on the contract that customers must sign; and you have established a procedure for estimating the probability that they will pay up† (Brealey et al., 2005) Expected Profit Formula and Credit Decisions Once the struggle between receivables and disbursements are solved for Lawrence Sports, a minimum cash balance will have to be established in order to accommodate uncertainties. Now is the time for Lawrence Sports to get control of asset liquidity, and re-assess the capital management infrastructure. For fluctuating cash flows, the Miller-Or model is preferred to calculating a target/minimum cash balance. â€Å"Most financial managers regard a planned cash balance of zero as driving too close to the edge of the cliff. They establish a minimum operating cash balance to absorb unexpected cash inflows and outflows† (Brealey et al., 2005). Target/Minimum Cash balance A short term financing predicament has occurred as a result of the Lawrence Sports liberal credit policy with Mayo. When the firm gets control of working capital (through new policies), excess cash management will need to be dealt with. A positive cash balance will begin to open doors of opportunity for Lawrence Sports. Eventually, earlier critical trade off decisions regarding credit will evolve into investment maximization. â€Å"†¦study focuses only on liquid assets (i.e., cash, and market securities), so that carrying costs are the opportunity costs of holding liquid assets and shortage costs are the risks of not having cash when investment opportunities are good†(Ross et al., 2005). Improved Cash Management Trade Off Decisions The current capital conflict is keeping Lawrence Sports from establishing a sustainable cash balance. With the bank limit at $1.2 million already, the firm should assess the possibility of new retailers or vendors. If this is the case, International companies will be considered options as well. An improved credit policy and cash positioning team will potentially find a new retailer or vendors (depending on the relationship with Mayo). If a change occurs that involves International companies, hedging techniques will be used. â€Å"For many firm’s the wide fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates have become at least as important as a source of risk as changes in commodity prices. Financial futures are similar to commodity futures, but instead†¦you place an order to buy or sell a financial asset at a future date† (Brealey et al., 2005). Futures Hedging Table 2 Stakeholder Perspectives Stakeholder Perspectives Stakeholder Groups The Interests, Rights, and Values of Each Group Suppliers Murray and Gartner have the right to be paid for the raw materials supplied to Lawrence Sports. The present credit policy is pressuring the business relationship. Retailer Mayo has to delay payment to Lawrence sports until the week of 4/14 to 4/20. A new credit policy will have to be put into effect, which must be respectfully communicated. Employees Implementing new policies and cash management techniques will affect the career paths of all employees. When Lawrence re-designs the organizational credit/finance infrastructure, the employees will be able to function more comfortably. Table 3 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques Alternative Solution Risks and Probability Consequence and Severity Mitigation Techniques New Credit Policy (Dell) High Medium Communicate the necessity of the credit policy (respectfully). New Suppliers/ Target Cash Balance (Honeywell) Low Low The minimum cash balance is a part of the new Lawrence plan to increase liquidity. Credit policy is the risk mitigation technique. Outsourcing (Coca-cola) High High Hedging techniques can be used to avoid currency fluctuations. Table 4 Optimal Solution Implementation Plan Deliverable Timeline Who is Responsible Decide on Credit Terms 1 week Credit Team Implement Credit Policy 2 weeks Management Determine Target Cash Balance Bi-weekly Finance Team Outline Capital Management 1 week Finance Team Delegation of Duties 1 week Management Re-assess policies 2 months Financial Analyst Team Investigate Retailer Alternatives 2 weeks Domestic/International Table 5 Evaluation of Results End-State Goals Metrics Target Balanced Cash Flows Credit policy reviews One per month Collected Receivables Before Payables Supplier payables correspondence Weekly conference calls Perfect orders Management assessments Daily (operations) Investments Finance reviews Weekly Retailer flexibility Management research and analysis Bi-weekly analysis References Brealey, Richard A., Myers, Stewart C., Allen, Franklin., (2005) Principals of Corporate Finance, The Mc Graw-Hill Companies, New York. Coca-Cola Company Annual Report 2007, Foreign Currency Hedging to Protect the Competitive Position. Retrieved November 24, 2008 from the World Wide Web: thecoca-colacompany.com/investors/annual_other_reports.html Honeywell 2007 annual report, Retrieved from the World Wide Web December 29, 2008 http://library.corporateir.net/library/94/947/94774/items/282921/HON07AR1.pdf Keeir, Dan. Peetz, Karen. (Nov. 2002) Cash Management Takes Center Stage. New York. Vol. 16, Iss. 11; pg. 48, 5 pgs. Pyzdek, Thomas. (2003) The Six Sigma Handbook. McGraw-Hill Companies. New York. References Ross, S.A., Westerfield, R.W., Jaffe, J. (2005). Corporate Finance, 7e. Ch. 2: Accounting Statements and Cash Flow. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-text]. The McGraw Hill Companies. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from the University of Phoenix, rEsource Web site: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary, MBA/540 – Maximizing Shareholder Wealth. Whole Foods-Credit Risk Management Retrieved from the World Wide Web on December 29, 2008 wholefoodsmarket.com/company/pdfs/ar07.pdf Research Papers on Lawrence Sports, Capital Management Analysis and Methodology OverhaulIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalLifes What IfsThe Project Managment Office SystemRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanTwilight of the UAWDefinition of Export QuotasAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andPETSTEL analysis of India

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Drivers Of The Recent Wave Of Globalisation Economics Essay Globalisation describes the ongoing process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures become integrated through a global spanning network of communication, cultural diffusion, travel and trade. The phenomenon of globalisation has been present since the start of the nineteenth century and it has nowadays been established as perhaps the most vigorous force shaping contemporary society, business, management and economics. The term is sometimes used to refer specifically to economic globalisation, in other words the reduction and removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, services and labour, (1). The unrestricted flow of information, ideas and cultural values add to the globalisation processes promoting converging market preferences and market-driven open economies. 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These factors are analysed in more detail below: Common customer needs: product and technology are transferred by means of communication throughout countries with similar needs. Some products such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds, KFC, etc. have been palatable to many countries. Global customers: not only consumer needs become more similar but also firms operating in globalised markets become global customers and may search for suppliers who can operate on a global basis. Global market channels: free trade, which was facilitated by regional trade blocks such as the formation of EU and NAFTA, and falling trade barriers have formed globe-spanning channels that enable companies to distribute goods and provide services internationally. For example, Carrefour and Wal-Mart have developed global channels to distribute products. Deloitte and HSBC have expanded their services worldwide. Lead countries: some countries have built up reputation in certain manufacturing industries. 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Favourable logistics is the main reason retailing accounts for 75% of logistics activity in China. The sector is also stretched to the breaking point. The total handling capacity of Chinas coastal ports is already over one billion tons, and capacity is increasing quickly. Not quickly enough though (8). Knowledge and experience: some industries are characterised by an emphasis on creating value from new ideas and concepts, the so called knowledge-based industries. The accumulation of foreign market expertise can be highly beneficial for technology intensive many sectors like software development, engineering services and biotechnology. Other areas include financial services and pharmaceuticals. The steeper the knowledge and experience curve, the higher the benefit. We have the case of increasing workforce being educated in Western countries and returning to their Eastern located home countries. Product development costs: product development costs are rising due to short life of products that require higher return on investment, e.g. airlines, communications, pharmaceuticals, etc. These costs can be reduced by developing a few global or regional products rather than many national products. Differences in country costs and skills: Factor costs vary across country. The availability of particular skills also varies. Concentration of activities in low-cost or high skill countries can increase productivity and decrease costs. Managers, however, have to anticipate the danger of training future offshore competitors. Governmental Drivers The increased globalisation of financial markets, the fading of trade barriers and the formation of global alliances provide firms with the opportunity to take advantage of beneficial national regulations. Unrestrictive trade and investment policies: Reduction of tariff barriers, creation of trading blocks, decline in role of government, reduction in non-tariff barriers, shift in open market economies, increase in level of world trade, increase in foreign acquires of corporation, increased formation of global strategic alliances and globalization of financial markets are all favourable trade policies that promote globalisation of industries and services. Compatible technical standards: differences in technical standards, especially government imposed standards, limit the extent to which products can be standardized. For example Motorola products were withdrawn from the Japanese market because they were operating at a higher frequency than permitted. Common marketing regulations: the marketing environment can also affect the extent to which global marketing policies can be applied. Certain types of media can be prohibited or restricted. For example, it is the case that in many countries advertisements showing children toys are either not allowed or allowed after a particular time of the day. Globalisation drivers are revealed by the increasing percentage of countries that possess uniform or mutually- recognized technical standards, increasing staring from US and Canada, EU to China which recently became an open economy.

Fiber Supplements :: Nutrition Weight Loss Health Papers

A. Purpose of treatment: Fiber supplements benefit the body through maintaining regularity in the digestive system. Fiber supplements assist the body in compensating for fiber deficiencies when there remains an inadequate amount of fiber in the digestive system. In addition, fiber supplements help to relieve constipation. Fiber can become an aid in weight reduction as well. In all fiber supplements assist in the maintenance of good health and nutrition. B. Rationale of fiber supplements: After eating, one does not digest the total amount of food that they consume. Fiber becomes indigestible because of a certain class of a plant called cellulose. Ground up psyllium seeds, water absorbing particles, constitute the main component of commercial fiber supplements (Enker). A tablespoon, a bar, or certain class of pill contributes to approximately seventy-five percent of the recommended intake, or fifteen grams (Enker). One should take fiber supplements at night, and after a meal. Through regular use, the bowel can function in a regular, methodical manner. Fiber supplements help create roughage, and roughage then aids in discarding the body's toxins and wastes in the digestive tract. Fiber mixes with the stool, takes in liquid and increases into a "gel bead" (Enker). The stool then becomes moisturized through the gel bead, therefore relieving the colon. For this process to work, one must take these fiber supplements with an ample amount of water for absorption, thus accumul ating mucous and acting as a lubricant. There remain two classifications of fiber, insoluble and soluble, which have various physiologic effects. Insoluble fibers do not hold water. Insoluble fiber also increases intestinal conveyance, increases fecal weight, retards starch hydrolyses, and slows glucose intake. Water-soluble fiber soaks up water, increases, and adheres to bile acids. Because they emerge with bile acids, they become discharged; thus reducing insidious cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood. Fiber supplement manufacturers claim that insoluble fiber can reduce serum cholesterol, however it does not benefit the body in the most effective manner. They claim that soluble fiber remains the most efficient type of fiber because it becomes simple to digest and aids in converting the fiber into a gel. This gel then assists in making the other nutrients in the fiber supplements remain in the body for an extended period of time. This process helps to avoid dehydration. Furthermore, manufacturers believe that solu ble fiber creates a "full feeling" because the fiber expands in the stomach.

The Nephilim

The Nephilim David Wood 2/18/2013 Ever since I was a young boy mythology and the supernatural have always been very fascinating to me. I always loved hearing stories about ancient heroes and the tremendous deeds they performed with great might and strength. As I grew older I obviously became aware that these stories were not actually true and were in fact just legends passed down throughout the years. However, I have always wondered how these stories came about and if their origins contained any truth to them.While reading through the book of Genesis I stumbled across something that I believe may be the answer to how these stories of powerful heroes and men of renown came about. While only briefly mentioned in Genesis chapter six, the Nephilim could be the source of how these amazing stories came about. These mysterious creatures that are only mentioned in the bible a handful of times have aroused much debate and grabbed the attention of Bible scholars and secular scholars alike. The se debates even go back into the New Testament times when people started asking the question of just how did these â€Å"Men of renown† and â€Å"Heroes of old† come to be?The words used to describe these creatures that roamed the Earth in ancient times described men that had tremendous strength and unusual power that the average man didn't. It is also stated that these offspring of the â€Å"Sons of God† and the â€Å"Daughters of men† committed evil deeds and led many people astray from the Lord and corrupted them. It is obvious that the stories of these men would get passed down generation after generation so it is easy to see how some of the myths we still know of today could have very well been influenced by the Nephilim.Now as the Nephilim became an increasingly debated topic during the fifth century AD the church had accepted the view that fallen angels had come down to the Earth and mated with human women for hundreds of years. However critics lik e Celsus and Julian the Apostate used this angel belief to attack the Christian faith and attempted to portray it as foolish to others. In response to this, the theory of the Sethite explanation came about as an attempt to disprove any belief about the mating between angels and humans. Important figures likeAugustine embraced this Sethite theory which allowed this view to progress into the Middle Ages and many still believe it to this day. The Sethite view claims that the angel interpretation is inaccurate, and instead that these angels were called watchers and were in charge of watching and reporting human activity and did not mate with them. This then raises the question of how these Nephilim came about without angels mating with women. To answer the question of who the Sons of God are we must look at how the serpent deceived Eve then Adam.After their sin God tells the serpent â€Å"I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise y our head, And you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15  (NKJV) This is God acknowledging that Satan had begun a war with Him and His people. He responded by stating that Lucifer would struggle until the end of time in order to contend with the truth which will be revealed through the seed of the Adam and Eve. As Abel was the firstborn this meant that he was the one to start this righteous line of men.After learning about this fate Satan began to plot on how to quickly to destroy the seed that God said would end up being his ultimate demise. He corrupted the mind of Abel's brother Cain and caused him to commit the first murder in history, seemingly disproving what God had said. However, God knew of Lucifer's evil plan and had a solution ready. After the death of Abel it is written that Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, â€Å"For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed†.Genesis 4:25 (NKJV) This seed of Seth can the n be traced through Biblical history starting with Seth to Noah, Abraham to David, and eventually to Jesus Christ. The truth was revealed in Christ so that the whole world can hear the good news of the Gospel. This whole story can then interpret the meaning of the sons of God as the children that came down from Seth who were carrying the seed of truth. So when the scripture proclaims that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair, and took them for wives, it is implying that the holy bloodline was being perverted.By taking the daughters of men, they did not remain faithful to only mating with those who believed in God. It is by the miracle of God’s work the holy line was kept from dissipating while Satan worked relentlessly to destroy the seed. Since the offspring of Seth were kept alive, Christ fulfilled the promise of a Messiah that God said He would send unto all the world. When looking at the Nephilim with the Sethitic genetic line view, it is believed that they were the mixed blood lines of the two different genetic lines that came down from Adam and Eve through Cain and Seth.Many believe that this is possible since it is likely for mutations to occur when mating between closely related people happen. This view is taught in many churches to this day as many are uncomfortable with the thought of angels mating with humans and would rather have an alternative to believe in. However, even though this story might be easier to accept that does not always mean that it is right. Works Cited NIV Bible. London: Hodder ; Stoughton, 2000. Print.

Examples Of Chivalry In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, King Arthur’s court is the epitome of chivalry within its own secluded walls. The code of chivalry to which the knights adhere to included many virtues like mercy, courage, valour, fairness, protection for the weak, a loyalty to their lord, willingness to give up their life for another and the widely known courtly love. In the outside world when faced with opposing ideals and trials this code of chivalry is quickly forgotten or rather ignored. Looking at Sir Gawain in his travels shows how the behavior that was so prized and common in the court, is not used or shown on his journey to find the Green Knight. Even though he had the pentangle on his shield as a reminder of the behavior he should exhibit†¦show more content†¦While still at the court a year later when he had to find the Green Knight to receive the same strike he gave to the knight, which so happened to be a killing blow. He could have stayed in the hall, but he felt a ne ed to follow the code so he set out into the land to find the Knight as he said he would. Although it would have been a poor choice in the eyes of a knight if he hadn’t gone, as he would have to keep his word to prove his courage and bravery. For his journey to meet the Green Knight, Gawain has the symbol of the pentangle to remind him of the five virtues he holds so highly and to exhibit them along the way. When he couldn’t find some place to attend Christmas mass he prays to the Virgin Mary in hopes of finding a place and he is rewarded for his action as that is when he is taken to Lord Bertilak’s castle. This however was not the case for him the entire journey as there were multiple times he strayed from them. The major times he strayed from the code was when he was a guest in Bertilak’s castle. The host put his wife up to seducing Gawain for the game he had proposed to the knight. Where the courtly behavior between the two was a facade as they were both lying to one another in a sense. The Lady of the castle never told that her husband put her up to it and Gawain would feign sleep and keep his true thoughts to himself. Although he still refuses the Lady in a chivalrous manner which can be seen as the ideal behaviorShow MoreRelatedChivalry Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight904 Words   |  4 PagesChivalry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight There are many great movies, like â€Å"300† or â€Å"Saving Private Ryan,† that are told with the classic chivalry elements that were known to describe the noble knights from hundreds of years ago. Much like the courageous soldiers in these movies, Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, faced many conflicts that might have questioned his moral code of nobleness. 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These are all shown when the Green Knights shows up in Camalote he comes with a challenge to test the knights chivalry. The challenge is simple, someone can cut the Green Knights head off as long as he is able to do it to them one year from now. Gawain takes the Green K night’s challenge and cutsRead MoreThe Code Of Chivalry And The Fundamental Thoughts And Actions Of Human Nature1499 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish 2223 Jennifer Smith 26 November 2015 Sir Gawain†¦ Chivalric? By analyzing Sir Gawain’s attempts of following the Code of Chivalry and the fundamental thoughts and actions of human nature helps to further analyze Gawain’s character. The definition of Chivalry is the â€Å"set of values and code of conduct for the medieval knightly class† (Shatz) examining Gawain’s attempts to achieve his goal of being the perfect chivalric knight, the nature of his obstacles has to be determined, andRead MoreEssay on Chivalric Romance in Sir Gawin and the Green Knight701 Words   |  3 Pagesdoes a Chivalric Romance really represent? In â€Å"Sir Gawain and The Green Knight,† Sir Gawain continuously proves his knightly virtues and code of honor. Chivalry includes bravery, honor and humanity. He proves that he is in fact a â€Å"real† knight. It shows many ways that â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† are perfect and the emphasis on the importance of the chivalric code. Despite its divine origins, the chivalric code is ultimately a human ideal. 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Both medieval epics exemplify bravery and courage as their themes. â€Å"The only universal European institution during the Medieval Era was the Catholic Church which had all the local power within the local bishops† (Sagona). The church saw itself as the only spiritual place of Christian believers, thus it had a large amount of influence on Medieval people, including knights. Christian