Twilight â the first film Essays

Sundown à ¢ the primary film Essays Sundown à ¢ the primary film Essay Dusk à ¢ the main film Essay Initially I might want to state, I truly enjoyed this film, the anecdotal vampires and wolves made the film extremely tense and attracted you as a result of the ways of life these various animals have. Be that as it may, I have likewise perused the book and the film isn't set up just as the book. I enjoyed the entire story of the film, however I didn't concur on a portion of the manners in which certain qualities were set up, for example, how the on-screen characters acted so exacting. The plot of the film is about a high school young lady (Bella) who as of late moves to Forks to live with her father, she joins a school there and has a moment fascination in an adolescent kid (Edward). He begins acting exceptionally peculiar around her consequently it attracts her to need to realize him considerably more. She continues until she discovers why he’s being abnormal. Inevitably he comes clean with her and it appears he is a vampire, his family are vampires and the vast majority of them have powers. Subsequent to becoming more acquainted with one another for a brief timeframe they begin to experience passionate feelings for, however it’s difficult bringing Bella into the vampire world the same number of different vampires favor Bella and the smell of her blood, so there are numerous issues and difficulties en route where Edward needs to spare and ensure his darling human. I have a high assessment of the book because of the manner in which they begin to look all starry eyed at, it is so invigorating. The manner in which they care for one another is energetically profound and significant. In spite of the fact that the intensity of their affection is so solid on occasion it feels to be excessively, and yet it is truly what carries you into the film and you just can’t take your eyes of the screen. Be that as it may, the reality he is a vampire and has powers is very implausible and appears to be somewhat strange, and yet without the vampires and sparing human Bella, the plot would be only exhausting and him being a vampire makes it energizing since they are so infatuated. This has its own issues as they need to avoid their enthusiasm as much as possible, and must be so cautious similar to a vampire destroys them since he is so hazardous and needs to attempt to oppose drinking her blood and slaughtering her just as the force in his body that could s mash her by simply embracing. The anticipation and alert makes the film quite a lot more energizing and invigorating. Another factor that I cherished about the film is that Edward is 109 years of age since vampires never age; they become undying once they have become a vampire. Because of the period that Edward originated from, he was so antiquated, talked antiquated and this additionally made their affection a lot more grounded on account of the manner in which he acted around Bella. I delighted in the plot, the anecdotal characters and exactly how energizing it is. I got immersed in the adoration for the plot of this story anyway my assessment of the general film is vastly different, the manner in which the vampires have been spoken to isn’t so unpretentious, it’s very strict. The manner in which all the vampires run and hop and fly through the air appears to be so strange and stands apart in light of how odd they made it. I think the film utilized an inappropriate non diegetic music for certain scenes, for example, when Edward smells Bella’s fragrance and can't contain himself, this unrealistic music goes ahead and everything watches strange. What I mean when I state the entertainers acted so exacting is that the on-screen characters have clearly completely perused the books, so I for one think they make a decent attempt to resemble what the characters do in the book and it just doesn’t work out and looks wrong. For instance, once more when Edward smells Bella’s aroma so firmly just because, he responds so cl early that it would appear that he’s putting it on and the acting just looks horrible. In the film they likewise begin to look all starry eyed at just so rapidly and it doesn’t appear to be reasonable. Another perspective that as I would like to think appears to be exceptionally unrealistic is the point at which all the vampires play baseball and when they collide with one another the sound resembles lightning storm since vampires are so solid, or when they hit the ball it’s like thunder. In any case, not the entirety of the film is so clichã ©. The manner in which they act their affection for one another is extremely evident and is the thing that the entire film is about, them saving their adoration for one another despite the fact that it is the hardest activity. It transfixes you into accepting the film; then again perhaps it was genuine and exceptionally simple for the two entertainers to act in obvious and profound significant love since they ended up havi ng a genuine relationship after the main film!

Health Care Challenges Memo Essay

There are numerous difficulties that occur inside the medicinal services field. The most significant is ensuring the patient’s individual data and who can get to this data. The National Health Information Network (NHIN) was framed to help enhance the sharing of human services information. This was to help interface information together for all required to keep information secure while moving over the web. Inside a social insurance association a Hierarchy data framework is utilized. This offers simplicity of system extension and change for work areas used to have the option to get to fundamental information. Both neighborhood (LAN) and wide region arrange (WAN) are utilized in inside the association. At least two LANs are associated by a center point. The LAN is associated from various zones to shape an internetwork. Inside the medicinal services field it is significant that ensured wellbeing data (PHI) is kept secured. There are measures that should be taken to guarantee that there are no unapproved utilizations of this sort of data. The HIPAA guidelines must be followed consistently whether it is regulatory or quiet consideration divisions. Physical shields are set up to ensure the equipment and offices that store PHI. The office that houses the wellbeing IT is housed has constrained physical access to approved individual as it were. There are limitations on workstations to approach with PHI. The wellbeing IT framework has shields worked in to ensure wellbeing data and to have the option to control of access to it. Measures are set to confine access of data. Steps are taken to encode, and unscramble data being transmitted electronically to make preparations for unapproved access of the data. All together for the association to have command over who get to the data steps should be taken to shield persistent information from being taken. To do this clients have a one of a kind client recognizable proof conventions, programmed logoff, crisis get to steps, and encryption and unscrambling instruments. Auditâ controls should be utilized to check action of the IT framework. Validation of the element or individual that is endeavoring to get to the data is an absolute necessity to do. Transmission security of PHI that is being transmitted through the system should be ensured. References Wellbeing Information: Management of a Strategic Resource (fourth Ed.) (Abdelhak, Grostick, and Hanken) How Do I Ensure Security in Our System? (n.d). Recovered from www.hrsa.gov/healthit/tool kit/HIVAIDSCAREtoolbox/SecurityAnd†¦

Against Affirmative Action Essay Example For Students

Against Affirmative Action Essay In the United States a procedure called Affirmative Action is utilized to assist with beating the effects of past cultural separation by conceding employments and assets to individuals from explicit gatherings, for example, minorities and ladies. The arrangement was actualized by government organizations authorizing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and by the Equal Employment Opportunities Act of 1972. While numerous individuals trust it is a positive development in halting business separation, it is taking employments from qualified people since they are not of a specific race or sexual orientation, thusly doing likewise that was done to minorities and ladies for a considerable length of time. I don't bolster governmental policy regarding minorities in society for a few reasons. This arrangement would empower two individuals who go after a position in a place of business for a similar situation to be judged in an unexpected way. One candidate is white and the other is dark. Just one space is accessible. The two candidates have the equivalent accurate degree of instruction and work understanding. The two of them have incredible suggestions and extraordinary qualifications. As indicated by governmental policy regarding minorities in society, be that as it may, the individual of African American source is naturally better qualified, trying to coordinate the work spot of higher business positions. In this way, fundamentally, the individual of African American legacy is accepting the activity simply because he is an alternate race. Presently, in the mid 1970s this arrangement was designed to help shut down racial separation in the work place, yet with this strategy you are doing precisely the same thing you set out to stop, however to the next race. I don't think it is reasonable for incorporate our work powers at somebody elses cost. One explicit gathering of individuals that don't bolster the arrangement is, amazing to most, the Asian-American culture. Numerous Asian Americans, explicitly Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese, contend that governmental policy regarding minorities in society approaches eventually hurt them. While these strategies exist to help the underrepresented, they guarantee that they are over spoken to. Their contention is, along these lines, like that of the white greater part. They express that race-based arrangements, for example, governmental policy regarding minorities in society ought to be abrogated dependent on the contention that bunch based governmental policy regarding minorities in society hurt people. Those against governmental policy regarding minorities in society guarantee that dispensing with governmental policy regarding minorities in society would expand the Asian American confirmation rate. They state that Asian American accomplishment and mix into American culture is a proof that governmental policy regarding minorities in society programs are not, at this point required and they thwart open doors for qualified Asian Americans. Then again, I do comprehend what the objective of the administration is thusly. From the get-go in our nations history minorities were retained the training and openings that the basic white male was. This has had a chain impact on our general public today. As indicated by government work insights there is a 28 percent distinction in work among minorities and non-minorities. This is to a great extent because of poor instruction and poor business openings in regions of lower pay. This is an incredible and overwhelming errand to survive, and it must be managed. Be that as it may, it can't be managed at the expense of another resident. Presently conceded the playing field isn't level yet, and allowing unassuming focal points to minorities and ladies is more than reasonable, given many long periods of separation that profited whites and men. However, our legislature and social liberties activists, which are the best on the planet, need to locate a superior and increasingly powerful approach to even the scale with out accepting ceaselessly open doors from qualified people. We are not profiting the country overall with this strategy. It harms the individual all the more then it helps the minority.

How to Start Green Fire With a Drop of Water

The most effective method to Start Green Fire With a Drop of Water You dont need a match to light a fire. In this undertaking, light a fire by adding a drop of water to a dry concoction blend. The best part? The flares will be green! Fire Safety You ought to have the option to tell from the reason that thisâ is a grown-up just undertaking, best performed by somebody with earlier pyrotechnic venture understanding. Adhere to the directions cautiously to limit the danger of a fire. Youre utilizing water to begin a burning response, so get your materials far from dampness, soda pops, sweat, and so forth. OK? Green Materials Moment cold pack (3 grams ammonium nitrate)7 grams zinc filings or powder1/2 gram table salt (sodium chloride)Mortar and pestle In the event that you dont have a virus pack, you can utilize unadulterated ammonium nitrate, which is accessible on the web. You can purchase zinc filings or powder on the web or you can sand an excited bit of metal from a home improvement shop to get the component. On the off chance that you need to record or sand the zinc, its a smart thought to wear a veil, for example, the benevolent utilized for home repair,â so you dont breathe in zinc particles. Strategy for Starting the Green Flames Open the virus pack. Evacuate and dispose of the sack of water. Open the sack of ammonium nitrate. Measure out 3 grams of the granules and put them in the mortar.Add 1/2 gram of sodium chloride (salt).Use the pestle to pound together the salt and ammonium nitrate to frame a powder.Carefully crush the 7 grams of zinc powder into this blend. Water can touch off the blend now, so dont spill your beverage or trickle sweat into the powder. Its a smart thought to wear expendable plastic gloves, since you dont need the last blend responding with water on your hands.Transfer the blend to a metal or in any case flame resistant compartment. Take it outside to begin the response. Utilize a pipette or other since a long time ago took care of apportioning gadget to include a couple of drops of water. The response can be fantastic, so move back right away. Another response you can do utilizing these materials is to blend ammonium nitrate with zinc and start burning by including a couple of drops of hydrochloric (muriatic) corrosive. Disclaimer: Please make a special effort to be prompted that the substance gave by our site is to EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Firecrackers and the synthetic concoctions contained inside them are perilous and ought to consistently be maneuvered carefully and utilized with sound judgment. By utilizing this site you recognize that ThoughtCo., its parent About, Inc. (a/k/a Dotdash), and IAC/InterActive Corp. will have no risk for any harms, wounds, or other lawful issues brought about by your utilization of firecrackers or the information or use of the data on this site. The suppliers of this substance explicitly don't support utilizing firecrackers for troublesome, perilous, unlawful, or damaging purposes. You are liable for observing every single pertinent law before utilizing or applying the data gave on this site.

Community Development Essay Example For Students

Network Development Essay Organization Unit organization My profile settings BARRIOS Ideas and Identity (52, 2014) Unit Overview BARB 50 Ideas and Identity is the principal year expansiveness unit required for all understudies took a crack at the Bachelor of Arts. It is offered in the two semesters, in both inward and outer modes. The unit investigates the intensity of thoughts to change the world and ourselves, concentrating on their introduction to the world, transmission, development, and individual and worldwide effect. Through the investigation of chose topics, understudies are acquainted with the information and approaches integral to expressions of the human experience, sociologies and humanities, and are welcomed o ponder contending good and social contentions, The improvement of composing and basic reasoning aptitudes are a center focal point of the unit. The unit is masterminded around four unique themes, every one of which is apportioned five or six talks and three instructional exercises. Every subject comprises of a sorting out topic which is utilized to center a lot of differentiating disciplinary points of view from inside expressions of the human experience, sociologies and humanities Poor 2014, the four arranging subjects are: The individual and the network Violence swagger and portrayal easy street The key points Of this unit are as per the following: To acquaint understudies with a scope of methodological, calculated and hypothetical ways to deal with the primary order regions canvassed in the Bachelor of Arts degree. To show how social and good issues might be analyzed from different viewpoints, to bring about varying assessments, each offering possibly significant enlightenments. - To furnish understudies with the calculated devices to turn out to be increasingly eloquent and intelligent in their assessment of social and good issues. The majors which involve the Bachelor of Arts in 2014 are: Asian Studies Australian Indigenous Studies Communication and Media Studies Community Development Criminology Education Studies ,English and Creative Writing Games Art and Design modesty Indonesian ,eliminative Digital Design - International Aid and Development ,Japanese - Journalism ,Legal Studies Philosophy .

The History of Gestalt Psychology

The History of Gestalt Psychology Basics Print Gestalt Psychology Overview By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 15, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 18, 2019 More in Psychology Basics Psychotherapy Student Resources History and Biographies Theories Phobias Emotions Sleep and Dreaming Gestalt psychology is a  school of thought  that looks at the human mind and behavior as a whole. When trying to make sense of the world around us, Gestalt psychology suggests that we do not simply focus on every small component. Instead, our minds tend to perceive objects as part of a greater whole and as elements of more complex systems. This school of psychology played a major role in the modern development of the study of human sensation and perception. A Brief History of Gestalt Psychology Originating in the work of Max Wertheimer, Gestalt psychology formed partially as a response to the structuralism of  Wilhelm Wundt. While Wundt was interested in breaking down psychological matters into their smallest possible part, the Gestalt psychologists were instead interested in looking at the totality of the mind and behavior. The guiding principle behind the Gestalt movement was that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. The development of this area of psychology was influenced by a number of thinkers, including Immanuel Kant, Ernst Mach, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The development of Gestalt psychology was influenced in part by Wertheimers observations one day at a train station. He purchased a toy stroboscope which displayed pictures in a rapid sequence to mimic the appearing movement. He later proposed the concept of the Phi phenomenon in which flashing lights in sequence can lead to what is known as apparent motion.?? In other words, we perceive movement where there is none. Movies are one example of apparent motion. Through a sequence of still frames, the illusion of movement is created. The fundamental formula of Gestalt theory might be expressed in this way,” Max Wertheimer wrote. There are wholes, the behavior of which is not determined by that of their individual elements, but where the part-processes are themselves determined by the intrinsic nature of the whole. It is the hope of Gestalt theory to determine the nature of such wholes. Major Gestalt Psychologists There were a number of thinkers who had an influence on Gestalt psychology. Some of the best-known Gestalt psychologists included: Max Wertheimer: Regarded as one of the three founders of Gestalt psychology, Wertheimer is also known for his concept of the phi phenomenon. The phi phenomenon involves perceiving a series of still images in rapid succession in order to create the illusion of movement. Kurt Koffka: Know as one of the three founders of Gestalt psychology, Kurt  Koffka had diverse interests and studied many topics in psychology including learning, perception, and hearing impairments. Wolfgang Kohler: Also a key founding figure in the history of the Gestalt movement, Kohler also famously summarized Gestalt theory by saying, The whole is different than the sum of its parts. He was also known for his research on problem-solving, his criticisms of the introspection used by the structuralists to study the human mind, and his opposition to behaviorism. Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization Have you ever noticed how a series of flashing lights often appears to be moving, such as neon signs or strands of Christmas lights? According to Gestalt psychology, this apparent movement happens because our minds fill in missing information. This belief that the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts led to the discovery of several different phenomena that occur during perception. Verywell / Emily Roberts In order to better understand how human perception works, Gestalt psychologists proposed a number of  laws of perceptual organization, including the laws of similarity, Pragnanz, proximity, continuity, and closure. The law of similarity suggests that similar items tend to be grouped together. ???If a number of objects in a scene are similar to one another, you will naturally group them together and perceive them as a whole. For example, a series of circles or squares stacked together will be viewed as a series of columns rather than just individual shapes. The law of proximity suggests that objects near each other tend to be viewed as a group.?? If you see a number of people standing close together, for example, you might immediately assume that they are all part of the same social group. At a restaurant, for example, the host or hostess might assume that people seated next to each other in the waiting area are together and ask if they are ready to be seated. In reality, they may only be sitting near each other because there is little room in the waiting area or because those were the only open seats. Gestalt psychology also helped introduce the idea that human perception is not just about seeing what is actually present in the world around us. Much of what we perceive is heavily influenced by our motivations and expectations. A Word From Verywell Gestalt psychology did face criticism, particularly in that many of its central concepts can be difficult to define and examine experimentally. While this approach may have lost its identity as an independent school of thought in psychology, its central ideas have had a major influence on the field of psychology as a whole. Gestalt psychology has largely been subsumed by other fields of psychology, but it had an enormous influence. Other researchers who were influenced by the principles of Gestalt psychology including Kurt Lewin and Kurt Goldstein went on to make important contributions to psychology. The idea that the whole is different than its parts has played a role in other areas including our understanding of the brain and social behavior. How Figure-Ground Perception Helps Us Distinguish Scenes

Financial Performance Of Fluor Corporation And Foster Wheeler Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

In this report the two companies chosen for comparing the financial performance for the year 2009 are Fluor Corporation and Foster Wheeler AG (FW). Here we examine and assess the financial positions and performances of these two companies by reviewing their annual reports and by considering subsequent events and comments of analysts and press reports. As for many businesses, not least in the Engineering and Construction (EC) sector, the global economic downturn has been a huge challenge for Fluor and Foster Wheeler AG over the last two years. Fluor: Fluor Corporation is one of the worlds largest EC companies. Fluor is a FORTUNE 200 Company with 36,000 employees operating globally. Fluor has a very diversified portfolio. The breakup of each sector based on revenue generated in 2009 is shown below in the pie chart. Foster Wheeler: Foster Wheeler AG is a global EC contractor and power equipment supplier. The company employs approximately 13,000 professionals in more than 25 countries. Foster Wheeler is involved primarily in two major sectors which are oil gas and power. As per ENR construction News, the Top 100 Global Design Build firms, Fluor topped the list and Foster Wheeler was placed on 5th rank. In this financial report consideration has been given to the principal relevant ratios and trends analyses for these two companies in terms of profitability, efficiency, cash flow and financing and what these ratios and trends mean with a summary of critical view of Fluor and Foster Wheelers future prospects in a tough and competitive EC market. Profitability Businesses generally exist with the primary purpose of creating wealth for their owners. Profitability ratios provide an insight to the degree of success in achieving this purpose. Gross Profit The gross profit margin relates to the gross profit of the businesses to the sales revenue generated for the same period. The gross profit margins for Fluor and Foster Wheeler are shown in Graph 1. Graph 1 Fluor: The gross profit of the Fluor shows marginal upward increase over the last 4-years period. In the second half of 2008, when the world economy slid in recession, crude oil prices slipped from an all time high of $147 per barrel to a very low of $33 per barrel, most of the oil gas investors shelved their running projects which hit Fluors profitability. Despite this extraordinary global crises situation Fluor was able to maintain its gross profit because of its diversified market. Foster Wheeler: The gross profit of Foster Wheeler shows strong growth in year 2005 and 2006 and then slight downward trend. The company has returned to profit in year 2006. After returning to profit FW has shown strong results and year 2007 saw profitability peak before the world economy slid in recession and oil and gas sector was badly affected. Due to its limited portfolio in EC, the companys gross profit experienced severe setback during recession. Net Profit Net profit is often regarded as the most appropriate measure of operational performance when used as a basis of comparison, because differences arising from the way in which the businesses are financed will not influence the measure. Graph 2 Fluor: The net profit (Graph 2) of Fluor shows a similar trend in line with gross profit over the same period. EC sector has got very intense cost cutting measure and works on very low profit margin but on a very large scale of projects (a single project may cost billions of dollars). Decreasing crude oil prices and lack of investors let EC sector see the most of their projects shelved/cancelled which affected Fluors net profit. Foster Wheeler: The net profit (Graph 2) of Foster Wheeler shows a strong growth pattern in year 2005 and 2006, then steady growth rate with marginal decline in 2009. The company has suffered a major setback on its net profit because some of its ongoing projects has shelved/cancelled in later half of 2008. The company also has very high level of expenses relative to its revenue generated. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) The ROCE is a fundamental measure of business performance. The ROCE for Fluor and Foster Wheeler are shown in Graph 3. Fluor: With reference to ROCE, Fluor performance shows an upward and strong result with slight decline in 2009. In EC sector the capital employed is much lesser in comparison with other sectors of businesses. Due to the above reason Fluor were able to put in a very strong performance in terms of ROCE. Foster Wheeler: With reference to ROCE, Foster Wheeler performance shows a very strong but a zigzag return trend, which goes against their market image. Analyst/investors look for a steady or upward performance. The ROCE has dropped in 2007 and again in 2009 in a similar profile to profit margins decline but higher than Fluors performance. Graph 3 Efficiency Asset Turnover The asset turnover is a companys ability to generate revenue from its asset base. The asset turnover for Fluor and Foster Wheeler are shown in Graph 4. Fluor: In the past years Fluor has had consistently an asset turnover of 2.5 or above. In year 2009 they had an asset turnover of 3.1 taking into account total revenues of $21,990.0m and total assets of $7,179.0m. The asset turnover graph shows an excellent performance over five years of time. The performance during the last two years should be taken as being very positive given the economic climate which demonstrates Fluors ability to generate revenues from its assets in tough times. Graph 4 Foster Wheeler: In the past years Foster Wheeler had asset turnover of 2.0 or less except year 2008. In year 2009 they had an asset turnover of 1.6 taking into account total revenues of $5,056.0m and total assets of $3,187.0m. The assets turnover decreased in 2009 but above its average and significantly higher than the worst time a few years back. Liquidity There are a number of measures that can be used to measure the liquidity of the organisations as follows. Acid Test Ratio (Current Ratio) The current ratio compares the liquid assets (that is, cash and those assets held which will soon be turned into cash) of the business with current liabilities. The higher the ratio, the more liquid the business is considered to be. Fluor: In the past years Fluor has had very consistent and upward current ratios. As in the case of EC companies, comparatively less inventory involved; the current ratio becomes an acid test ratio. The minimum level of acid test ratio is often stated as 1.0. Fluor has been traditionally maintaining its acid test ratio much higher. In year 2009, they achieved an acid test ratio of 1.55 as shown in Graph 5. Foster Wheeler: In the past years (2004 and 2005) Foster Wheeler has acid test ratio less than 0.85. This was the time when the company was in trouble and on the brink of filing for bankruptcy. In year 2006, they started building their liquidity situation better and in year 2009, they have their highest acid test ratio of 1.51 as shown in Graph 5. Graph 5 Investment Ratio Return on Investment Graph 6, assumes the investment of $100 on December 31, 2004, in each of Fluor, Foster Wheeler, the SP 500 Index and DJ Heavy, and the reinvestment of dividends paid since that date. Dow Jones Heavy Construction Industry Group Index (DJ Heavy) consists of the following companies CBI, Jacobs Engg, KBR, McDermott International, and Shaw Group. The DJ Heavy Group consists of companies that were compiled for benchmarking the performance of compared shares in this analysis. Fluor: Fluors total return to shareholders over five years relative to Foster Wheeler is low but higher than the SP 500 and DJ Heavy. Fluor has been paying cash dividends per common share of $0.50 every year. Fluor Corporations performance is steady, consistent and upward over the last five years. Foster Wheeler: FW have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and they do not pay any cash dividends due to their current credit agreement which contains limitations on their ability to pay cash dividends. Foster Wheeler has a very volatile performance but strongly above Fluor, SP 500 and DJ Heavy. Graph 6 Earnings per Share Ratio The earnings per share (EPS) relates the earnings generated by the business, and available to shareholders, during a period to the number of shares in issue. Many investment analysts regard the EPS ratio as a fundamental measure of share performance. Graph 7 Fluor: Fluor has very consistent and upward performance. Their EPS is always higher and shows an upward trend over last several years. Foster Wheeler: Foster Wheeler, after returning to profit, shown very strong potential with their performance. Cash Flow Fluor: Cash and cash equivalents were $1.7 billion as of year 2009, essentially higher than the $1.8 billion as of year 2008. Cash and cash equivalents in 2008 increased $0.7 billion compared to 2007. Cash and cash equivalents combined with current and noncurrent marketable securities were $2.6 billion and $2.1 billion as of year 2009 and 2008, respectively. Fluor has maintained its cash flow to increase its stability in the current economic climate. Fluor has been successfully reducing its debt every year. Currently (year 2009) they are having a total debt of 3.7% of total capitalization while in the year 2008 it was 5.3%. Graph 8 Foster Wheeler: Cash and cash equivalents were $997.0 million as of year 2009, higher than the $773.0 million as of year 2008. Foster Wheeler reached its highest cash flow in the year 2007 to the $1.0 billion mark. The company has strived to increase cash flow to increase its stability in the current economic climate. As a result of an improved cash flow management, total liabilities were down to 2.3 billion (year 2009) from $2.6 billion (year 2008). Financing Fluor: Fluor employs its retained earnings as the main source of internal finance. Cash utilized in financing activities during 2009 and 2008 of $317 million and $253 million, respectively. Cash utilized in financing activities during 2009 also included company stock repurchases. Fluor is considered to be highly geared as it relies on borrowing in the equity structure. One benefit of this type of financing is that it can be used to increase the return on shareholders equity as the interest payable can be claimed as a tax relief. Fluor gearing ratio shows declined pattern in recent years, which need to be addressed in near future. Graph 9 Foster Wheeler: In line with Fluor, Foster Wheeler also employs its retained earnings as the main source of internal finance. Cash utilized in financing activities during 2009 and 2008 of $1.4 million and $(46.0) million, respectively. Cash utilized in financing activities during 2009 also included company stock repurchases. Foster Wheeler was considered as being less geared previously because of its bad financial position. Foster Wheeler started improving on this aspect and now it can be considered as relatively better geared. Future Outlook Cash flow in the Engineering and Construction (EC) sector is improving well, and capital markets are reopening for larger projects. Both of these factors might lead Fluor and FW to better-than-expected results. As the economy recovers, it will be a driver in getting Fluors and Foster Wheelers clients to start projects sooner rather than later. Fluors backlog is expected to be growing again in year 2010 while Foster Wheelers expected to decline. Fluors prospect in mining continues to show very strong growth rate. Fluor reported first-quarter net income (2010) fell by a third from a year earlier, due to a decline in oil and gas revenue. Revenue fell 15% to $4.92 billion. As per forecast made by analysts, Fluor will be able to maintain its earnings $2.88 per share for 2010 and it will rise in 2011 to a range of $3.38 to $3.41 per share. Fluors end-market diversification has enabled them to deliver good profitability despite lower new award levels in recent quarters and the trailing impact of a significant reduction in spending by oil and gas clients. Foster Wheeler reported its first-quarter net profit (2010) reduced to $72.1 million or 56 cents a share, from $72.9 million, or 57 cents a share, a year ago (Rauters). Analysts expectation had been EPS of 54 cents, according to data compiled by FactSet. As analysts forecast, Foster Wheeler will be unable to maintain its earnings $2.77 per share for 2010, but it will rise in 2011 to a range of $3.15 to $3.31 per share. FW sales declined to $945.6 million, from $1.26 billion a year ago. Net income in the first quarter of 2010 was below the average quarter of 2009, mainly due to lower revenues, reflecting the weaker market conditions that began in the middle of 2008. Conclusions A recent Financial Times article focused on Foster Wheeler and compared them to Fluor it was pretty compelling. The comparative study shows how these two companies have reacted to recent times, with FWAG at the top showing the most upside over the past year, but also much higher volatility, while Fluor has been steadier with strong performance. Fluor is more highly valued than FWAG (forward PE of 23 versus 16), and it also has a broader business footprint. If anyone has to go with a broad bet on EC, Fluor would be the first place to look. On the other hand, Foster Wheeler has the relative simplicity of the business-they really have significant expertise in two major areas: power and oil and gas. They do work in other areas, too, but they are not spread quite as widely as Fluor. Foster Wheeler also has the siren song of a turnaround. The company has turned profitable now, after very nearly entering bankruptcy a few years ago. They made all the mistakes that EC firms tend to make, especially in underbidding or taking on unproductive business when business wasnt so hot, but the level of suffering and their very near brush with bankruptcy gives some confidence that theyre focused on only making profitable bids going forward. And if big capital projects in refineries and in power plants pick up around the world, no other company is so specifically levered to these two businesses. The demand for traditional power plants is growing exponentially higher in the developing world. In a nut shell, it can be concluded from this comparative analysis that both of these companies are having very distinctive characteristics though they are working in the same sectors. Fluor appears to be more geared, better placed and has a very consistent and strong performance history. While in the case of Foster Wheeler, after a bad phase, the company has recovered and is showing very strong results. It has great potential in future with its capability of making things turnaround and profitable. Appendix A: Reference List Fluor Corporation Annual Report and Financial Statements 2008 2009 Foster Wheeler AG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2008 2009 McLaney, E. Atrill, P. (2008) Accounting: An Introduction, 4th edition, FT-Prentice Hall Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: https://www.zacks.com www.enr.construction.com www.rauters.com / finance www.businessweek.com / companies www.ft.com / companies www.google.com /finance Appendix B: Annual Report (2009) Data Fluor Corporation: Foster Wheeler AG: