Linux can help you

Linux can help you Reasons Linux Can Help You Become a Better Student It’s time for the school calendar year to kick off and may high school and university students around the world certainly have loads of thoughts about what awaits them. The thought of classes’ every day, home works, tests, seminars and so much more. However ease on the worry as we are about to show you ways how Linux can make your study year easy. We do know that apps can be of great assistance and giving us a great school experience.   Have you considered adding an operating system that can make the difference? Most people are stuck with Windows and others are lovers of Mac OS X, well its time you try Linux, and see how great it will improve your learning year. Save Money on a New OS or Laptop Take a look at the market value of recent Window computers and Mac OS, it is clear that it will cost you a few hundred dollars for the windows and for the cheapest Mac you be set back at least a thousand bucks. Linux is free and can help you manage your budget effectively. Linux offers you a fully functional OS for free and there are free many apps that you can add to give you a nice browsing experience. Get a computer, OS, and apps for less amount of money which means you have more money for books and other necessary things required. It’s Easy to Use Linux have been degraded by so many lies and wrong information from people who know nothing about Linux. First they say it’s not user friendly and its all about the command line. In fact, you don’t need to touch the terminal in daily use and I can tell you that most of Linux distributions actually do rival Windows and OS X in visual appeal and friendliness. You can simply install basic software like LibreOffice and enjoy your surfing without any hitch of any kind. The old tales of Linux being a scary OS is in the past and everything have changed in recent years. It’s a common knowledge of the problems Windows pose with the latest being the troubleshooting problems with updates. For students time is very valuable and with Linux you do not have to deal with crazy problems like this. Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills Well like any other OS on your first attempt you definitely will spend some time learning some basic parameters and also availing yourself some basic problem solving techniques. Perfect skills for new students to have! Learning is a very interesting process and always not easy at the very beginning. So, if you looking to dive a little deeper into Linux, you will face some issues at the beginning but it’s ok! Learning about the Linux OS and comparing it to other well know OS out in the market will provide a more grounded base for you and this knowledge can be of great help within the school and outside environment. There are certain questions you will come to find answers to that will set you apart from your peers. Question like what are those folders in Linux Root Directory? Add to Your Geek Credentials Windows provide a wide range of base to cover if you chose to study it but if you want to be a certified geek, then you need to learn Linux. Doesn’t matter, if you are not in a computer related major! Learning about Linux is like visiting the core history of computing. Because you will touch on the branch of Unix which happen to be an earlier version. There is a huge community online that can help you with any information or questions. Learning Linux will open you up to the terminal. You will feel different when you are able to joggle through a bunch of operation using the command line. With some practice, you soon on your way to creating files and folders, installing software, and running system tools all with just a few keystrokes. This knowledge usually do not come in classrooms these days. Customize it to Your Needs No matter what your field of study is Linux is totally customizable to show your needs. So you can have complete control on how Linux looks. Linux offers loads of options for anyone wanting to tweak their OS. You can also create your own distro, burn it to a disc and install. I guess you must have find yourself in a situation where Windows refuse to allow you make some changes to some of its setting this also happens in Mac OS. So Linux definitely is what you need if you want to tweak your operating system to be just a certain way. With Linux your computer becomes a tool for help, with precise settings, software and setup you are sure to be a success. If you do not like one thing about Linux you can change it and then learn a new thing in the process.

Strategic Management Accounting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Management Accounting - Research Paper Example Variance analysis helps to determine variation from standards and in turn enhances productivity (Thukkaram, 2007). Any standard setting is a double edged sword, which has its plus points but is not free from certain drawbacks. The paper is an analysis of traditional and modern methods of costing and also, lays down an explanation for each one of these methods, besides recognising the importance of each one in specific industries. The prime objective of the paper is to understand the different methods of costing and analyse and establish the method of costing which is indispensable as per the kind of organizational setting and organizational needs in context. The study was aimed at analysis of various cost measures and their individual suitability to different organizational needs. The scope to fully gauge the benefits of using each one of them was unavailable. Real life case analysis was also not possible for establishment of research findings. Marginal costing can be referred to as a variation of flexible standard costing that helps to distinguish between the fixed costs and variable costs, which depend on per unit of output produced. Marginal costing is helpful in monitoring costs based on resources that drive it. These resources help in segregating costs into fixed and variable elements. Any cost fluctuations observed as a result of operational changes can be accurately predicted and checked with the use of marginal costing. Marginal costing is one method of costing for inventory where all the different variables of manufacturing costs are included as inventory costs. Such costs are incurred and become a part of the cost of goods sold when the product gets sold, while other elements of cost, which is the fixed cost, is taken to be costs for the period within which it is incurred (Kaplan Financial Knowledge Bank, n.d.). Marginal costing tries to capture the behavioural aspects of cost calculation, rather than functional traits of cost. The

Johannes Vermeer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Johannes Vermeer - Essay Example Conservatorsremoved the added paint to restore it to its original size. In the 1660s Vermeer painted pearls in two layers: first a thin, diffused grayish glaze, followed by a thick stroke on top to create a specular highlight. He may have experimented with a camera obscura to achieve these optical effects. Vermeer maintained extraordinary control over his paints, working effectively with both dense impastos and thin glazes. The effect of soft light is achieved through subtle modulations in paint handling. Under high magnification, we can analyze how Vermeer represented light on different surfaces. Click on the three squares for a closer look. The balance traditionally symbolizes justice--after all, to judge is to weigh. With nothing in its pans, it is not quite symmetrical, yet almost at equilibrium. In an exquisite passage of visual poetry, the woman's little finger echoes the horizontal arm of the balance and picture frame. The woman with her blue robe expresses serenity. Her eyes are downcast; her gaze seems to be inward. Golden light falls on her ample belly, further emphasized by a yellow streak. Some contemporary authors speculate that the woman is pregnant, while others conclude that her costume--a short jacket, a bodice, and a thickly padded skirt--reflects a style of dress current in the early to mid-1660s. In the Last Judgment, Christ in majesty judges the souls below in thi

Elements of Religious Traditions Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Elements of Religious Traditions Paper - Essay Example One way of resolving this difficulty is to take a comparative approach, viewing what happens with an open mind. It is possible to detect similarities and differences which might illuminate key issues which lie at the heart of human religious experience, such as how these religions help people to conduct a relationship with the divine through special holy places and artefacts, special times and a particular way of relating to each other. The twentieth century European scholar Mircea Eliade wrote an influential study on the sacred and the profane, and identified the fact that religious experience often takes place in clearly marked special places: â€Å"Every sacred space implies a hierophany, an irruption of the sacred that results in detaching a territory from the surrounding cosmic milieu and making it qualitatively different.† (Eliade: 1987, 26) Natural features like caves, rivers and mountains were often imbued with this notion of sacredness and archaeologists detect elemen ts of religious significance in early monuments such as stone circles and pyramids. Humans appear to have a need to reserve, or indeed construct, very special places in which to step outside the everyday pressures of life and reflect more deeply.

Essay on setting and work

Essay on setting and work Describe the Setting and the Work it does This report is commissioned by the Local Authority and is the result of a review a Phase One Childrens Centre who currently adopt and integrated model of working. The scope of the review was to identify benefits and limitations of an integrated approach. Furthermore, a brief exploration of the economic implications is provided and recommendations regarding future strategic structure and planning are detailed. Terminology A primary issue with multi-agency working is the inter-changeability and misuse of associated terminology (Morris, 2008; Walker, 2008). This report offers two distinct definitions of multi-agency working and clarifies the use of terms. The first definition describes multi-agency work as a range of different services which have some overlapping or shared interests and objectives, brought together to work collaboratively towards some common purpose (Wigfield Moss, 2001). The second definition contends that multi-agency work is about Bringing various professionals together to understand a particular problem or experienceIn this sense they afford different perspectives on issues at hand, just as one sees different facets of a crystal by turning it (Clark, 1993). These definitions share the ideology of different professionals from separate agencies working with a common goal and attempting to resolve an issue. It is essential to note the differences between multi-agency and multi-disciplinary work. Multi-agency work refers to two or more professionals from different agencies working together, whereas multi-disciplinary refers to the collaboration between different professionals from one agency. For example, (Walker, 2008) suggests that the professional working relationship between a teacher, nursery nurse and teaching assistant within a school is multidisciplinary because although their roles are different, they work within the education agency. However, the relationship between a Teacher, Social Worker and General Practitioner would be multi-agency because it encompasses different agencies (Education, Social Services and Health). (Wilson Pirrie, 2000) make further distinctions between multi-agency and inter-agency and argue the choice of terminology is determined by three factors- numerical, territorial and epistemological. This relates to the quantity of professionals involved, locations, and the amount of innovation in developing new ways of working which considers the philosophical foundations of each professional identity(Wilson Pirrie, 2000). Inter-agency may involve two professionals from different agencies whereas multi-agency involves a minimum of three (Wilson Pirrie, 2000). Furthermore, true multi-agency working requires professionals to enter each others professional environment, both physically and culturally, and establishing or re-establishing a novel and universal awareness and understanding (Coad, 2008; Walker, 2008; Wilson Pirrie, 2000). For the purpose of this report, the term multi-agency shall be adopted throughout and shall refer to two or more professionals from different agencies working collaboratively to address the needs of children and young people. Rationale The emphasis for multi-agency teamwork initiated following the death of Maria Colwell in 1973 (Walker, 2008) which resulted in significant changes to the structure of child services. However, the deaths of children with whom various agencies were involved continued. Such deaths include Jasmine Beckford (1984), Tyra Henry (1984), Heidi Koseda (1984) Kimberley Carlile (1986), Doreen Mason (1987), Leanne White (1992), Rikki Neave (1994), Chelsea Brown (1999), Victoria Climbià © (2000), Lauren Wright (2000) and Ainlee Labonte (2002). Despite enquiries into these deaths only a minority led to negligible changes in policy or guidance and only one led to a radical change in children services (Walker,2008). (Laming) (2003) highlighted significant failings on the part of agencies to work collaboratively to ensure the well-being of children and young people. Lamings (2003) recommendations were broadly adopted into the Every Child Matters agenda (DfES, 2003) which (Walker, 2008) suggests the g overnment were already considering implementing which suggests the it was implemented because it mirrored the ideological perspective of the government. However, van Eyk and Baum (2002) suggest that inquests have provided h3 evidence that agencies should be working together in a collaborative manner to safeguard children and therefore it is unsurprising that the government have adopted this ideological stance. Laming (2003) supports this by indicating the inseparability of the protection of children and wider support to families which has been widely accepted (Morris, 2008) and therefore the need for Local Authorities to have agencies working collaboratively is essential (Coad, 2008; Walker, 2008). Despite the development of legislation and policies, the death of Baby Peter in August 2007 was attributed to the failure of Social Workers and other professionals who had seen him approximately sixty times.   In November 2008 Lord Laming was commission by the government to conduct independent report on the progress being made by Local Authorities to work collaboratively to protect children. Key findings from Laming (2009) included: Social Workers are under-pressure deliver but inadequate training. The Day-to-day running of protection cases has significant problems. Managers are failing to lead by example with an over-emphasis on targets and process. The lack of a centralised Information Technology system is hampering progress. Administration is too complex and lengthy with a tick-box recording system. There is a lack of communication and joined-up working. Data protection laws are not clear nor understood resulting in information not being shared. There is a lack of funding in Social and Child Protection work. There has been a reduction in Child Protection Police Officers. Laming (2009) made the following recommendations: Directors of Childrens Services with no experience with child protection issues should appoint an experienced social work manger. All Local Authority Leads and Senior Managers should have child protection training. Social Work students should get more child protection training. Employers should face prosecution for failing to protect. Court fees for Care Proceedings should be reviewed (currently  £4000 per case) OFSTED inspectors must have experience of child protection Explicit targets should be developed for all frontline services A national agency should be developed to ensure the implementation of these recommendations. Legislation Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 the Local Authority has a duty to safeguard and promoted the welfare of children within their area and are in need.   Section 22(3) extends this to include children within care. As the local authority is constructed of many agencies there is an implicit requirement for agencies to work collaboratively. This is stipulated within Section 10 of the (Children Act, 2004) Children which is a development of Section 27 of the Children Act 1989. This places a duty on agencies to pro-actively work with each other to support children and their families.   However, there also conflicting social policies and legislation which may act to limit the effectiveness of multi-agency working. An example may be a single-mother under the care of Social Services because she is over-crowded in her house.   The assessment indicates this is the primary factor from concern and recommends better accommodation from the Housing Department.   The Governments Every Child Matters vision demands that all children be placed at the centre of social action. However, other laws conflict this.   Housing law does not need to consider the Children Act 1989 or 2004, nor does it force Local Authorities to consider the allocation of accommodation on a child-centred basis, but on the basis of reasonable preference (Shelter, 2005, p.www). This leaves the potential for one law to stigmatise with the other to maintain stigmatisation and conflict between agencies arising. Current Model of Inter-Agency Working Integrated Service Model The Integrated Service Model unites various agencies into one hub who deliver a range of services and integrated support children and families within a community. The team share a location, vision, agreed principles and philosophies in developing localised plans to improve outcomes for service-users. This is usually delivered from an early years setting such as a Childrens Centre. The facilities and services of the integrated team are funded by all agencies and out-sourcing funding from voluntary, community and government agencies is also available. Such services may include access to childcare, education, and counselling as well as advice on health, employment and benefits. Furthermore, practitioners actively and collaboratively engage in outreaching activities to identify and target in need families. Parents and children are given the opportunity to learn new skills, discuss their issues (formally and informally), and engage in communal activities. As services are localised it recognises each community is different and has unique needs. Therefore, activities will differ from hub to hub. Furthermore, there is a greater emphasis on co-working and co-training with skills between agencies being shared at a deeper level resulting in better practice and information sharing. However, the benefits of this model can be limited by local factors such as poor management or failing to identify local needs. Furthermore, getting all agencies involved requires an initial financial and personnel investment along with a clear and agreed strategy on how to merge services. Managing the differences in pay between practitioners and the power each agency holds needs to be considered at a macro-level to ensure fairness and consistency. A failure in this may result in practitioners feeling devalued or threatened. Atkinson et als (2001) study found this model is most effective when there is a case lead/manager responsible for co-ordinating services for families which ensures services are aimed at the service-user rather than the organisation or professional.   A review into outcomes for families with disabled children indicates that a key worker integrated model promotes better outcomes (Liabo et al,2001). Although Liabo et al (2001) acknowledge a lack of large scale and robust studies, an integration of the current evidence indicates families enjoy a better quality of life, lower levels of stress and quicker access to services. However, from a critical perspective a systematic review is required to minimise any bias. Although Watson et al (2000,2002) concur, they argue these are opinions rather than fact and call for localised research aimed at measuring outcomes to enable a synthesis of results. Alternative Models of Multi-agency Working Multi-agency Team The multi-agency team model is considerably more formal than the Multi-agency panel model currently employed. Practitioners are recruited as part of a singular team who share a common goal and a sense of team identity and are line managed by a team leader. However, links are maintained with home agencies through supervision and training. This team would share a base, although some practitioners would be required to work in two settings. Such an example might include a School Attendance Officer who would be based within the Local Service Team and at the school which can lead to confusion between job roles. As collaborative working is at the foundation of the approach there is inevitably a sharing of skills and knowledge with communication being uncomplicated. However, recruitment of staff is time-consuming and identification of people not only with the appropriate skills, but also to work collaboratively may be problematic. Also, as this will be new to the Local Authority, time and funding would need to be allocated for team building and development.   There is also a reliance on agencies sharing a good relationship and be willing to partake in meetings, conferences and strategy meetings in addition to service-user discussions. Measuring the Impact of Integrated Working The above has highlighted the implications for failing to work in an integrated manner and there is an assumption that effective integrated working actively contributes to the positive outcomes of Every Child Matters. Therefore this section focuses on studies and literature aimed at measuring the efficacy of integrated working. Cameron and Larts (2003) systematic review reaffirms the findings of Cameron et al (2000) that there is little evidence to confirm the benefits for service users of integrated working. Cameron and Lart (2003) are critical of the lack of evaluations aimed at measuring the effectiveness of multi-agency working and highlight the few that have are methodologically poor. Similarly, few studies have provided information regarding the effectiveness of different models. For example, Atkinson et al (2002) interviewed professionals to assess benefits of multi-agency working to service users. They identified quicker access to services leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, they identified that professionals from different agencies communicated more effectively. However, this study collected the subjective views of professionals and failed to obtain the representative view of the service user.   Webb and Vuillamys (2001) study indicated a reduction in the exclusion of high risk pupils through the introduction of specialist support workers responsible for avoiding inter-agency disputes regarding responsibilities and resources. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim the support workers differentiated between school-focused agencies (such as educational social workers, educational psychologists and teachers) and external-agencies (such as Social Workers, Police and General Practitioners). This study reported a 25% reduction in exclusions. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim this has far-reaching consequences such as a reduction in crime, better educational and vocational attainment, however, this is broad assumptions based on the statistical link between exclusion and crime and is not proven within the study. Challis et al (2004) conducted a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) of 256 older people at risk of care home entry. The objective of the RCT was to redesign the decision-making process by assessing the value of obtaining a specialist clinician assessment prior to placing individuals into care homes. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, the first received the standardised assessment process and second (experimental group) received a clinical assessment from a geriatrician or psychiatrist. The collaboration between the clinician and social worker was at the heart of this RCT. The experimental group continued to experience reduced deterioration mental and physical, had minimal contact with emergency services and carers reported lower levels of stress. Furthermore, NHS costs were lower and social services and the NHS benefited from merging skills, developing communication; and improved outcomes for users and carers. Despite the findings from these studies, the majority of studies focus on process rather than outcome, for example a Systematic Review by Cameron and Lart (2003) indicate factors which promote and hinder integrated working. This is supported by the Integrated Care Network (ICN) (2004) who contends that even when outcomes are considered this is narrowly focused and are difficult to measure in the short-term without evidence from a cohort study. The ICN (2004) believes emphasis needs to shift from structure and input to outcomes. Benefits of Multi-agency Working Inter-agency working is reported to improved the knowledge, skills and expertise of professionals (Sammons et al,2003) due to the increased opportunity for professionals development through working with other agencies (Atkinson et al, 2001,2002). This is supported by Townsley et al (2004) who indicate that the process of multi-agency working is having an effect on positive outcomes for families with disabled children. However, this incorporates the views of professionals rather than service users suggesting a subjective and biased view. The study by Atkinson et al (2002) also considers the views of professionals who suggested service users benefited from quicker access to services leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, they identified that professionals from different agencies communicated more effectively. Challis et al (2004) conducted a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) of 256 older people at risk of care home entry. The objective of the RCT was to redesign the decision-making process by assessing the value of obtaining a specialist clinician assessment prior to placing individuals into care homes. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, the first received the standardised assessment process and second (experimental group) received a clinical assessment from a geriatrician or psychiatrist. The collaboration between the clinician and social worker was at the heart of this RCT. The experimental group continued to experience reduced deterioration mental and physical, had minimal contact with emergency services and carers reported lower levels of stress. Furthermore, NHS costs were lower and social services and the NHS benefited from merging skills, developing communication; and improved outcomes for users and carers. Webb and Vuillamys (2001) study indicated a reduction in the exclusion of high risk pupils through the introduction of specialist support workers responsible for avoiding inter-agency disputes regarding responsibilities and resources. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim the support workers differentiated between school-focused agencies (such as educational social workers, educational psychologists and teachers) and external-agencies (such as Social Workers, Police and General Practitioners). This study reported a 25% reduction in exclusions. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim this has far-reaching consequences such as a reduction in crime, better educational and vocational attainment, however, this is broad assumptions based on the statistical link between exclusion and crime and is not proven within the study. Counter-Evidence Despite the findings from these studies, the majority of studies focus on process rather than outcome, for example a Systematic Review by Cameron and Lart (2003) indicate factors which promote and hinder integrated working. This is supported by the Integrated Care Network (ICN) (2004) who contends that even when outcomes are considered this is narrowly focused and are difficult to measure in the short-term without evidence from a cohort study. The ICN (2004) believes emphasis needs to shift from structure and input to outcomes. Cameron and Larts (2003) systematic review reaffirms the findings of Cameron et al (2000) that there is little evidence to confirm the benefits for service users of integrated working. Cameron and Lart (2003) are critical of the lack of evaluations aimed at measuring the effectiveness of multi-agency working and highlight the few that have are methodologically poor. Similarly, few studies have provided information regarding the effectiveness of different models. Facilitators to Multi-agency Working Evidence on Removing Barriers Barriers to Effective Multi-agency Work There are apparent dangers to encouraging inter-agency and multi-agency working. As (Walker, 2008) stipulates, different professions are likely to have unique values at their foundation which they may want to protect. To provide an example of different values, cultures and practices consider a social worker partaking in an interview with a police officer. The child who they are interviewing breaks down. The role of the social worker is to consider the well-being of the child (from a child-centred perspective), however, for the police officer it is to provide evidence to consider prosecution. Obvious barriers, conflicts and confusion can arise. (Coad, 2008) offers support to (Walker, 2008) and suggests the primary trigger for such issues is the lack of clarity of roles and authority in decision making. The lack of clarity regarding roles may lead to work duplication or providing advice which conflicts with that of another professional. However, this can be overcome through effective c ommunication between agencies and practitioners (Walker, 2008) and transparency regarding decision making processes (Coad, 2008). In addition, each agency will have its own language, terminology, budgets, targets, assessments and measurement criteria to which other professions may not fully understand. Overcoming the barriers presented is dynamic and complex. As expectations of politicians, academics and service users change so do the barriers which are presented. Therefore, in order to overcome such barriers a model of integrated thinking should be adopted with the development and deployment of a Childrens and Young Persons Strategy. This should be developed through the conduction of research to include all agencies, academic institutions training professionals, and the views of service users. This should be reviewed on a bi-annual basis to ensure it remains contemporary. Recommendations Conclusion Seeking funding utilises large amounts of managerial time and resources.

Essay --

Mara Salvatrucha Mara Salvatrucha, otherwise known as â€Å"MS-13,† is quite possibly one of the most well known and most notorious street gangs in the world. Beginning in the poor immigrant streets of Los Angeles in the 1980’s, the gang has spread like wild fire across not only the United States, but across the world, from Alaska to Spain (Tkach & Parker, 2006). Originating in Los Angeles, California, MS-13 was founded by refugees from El Salvador. â€Å"Mara† is a Central American term for gang; â€Å"salva† refers to El Salvador, â€Å"trucha,† meaning â€Å"trout† in English, for something that is clever, or sharp. MS-13 is also known as the â€Å"Salvadoran Army Ants.† After MS-13 spread from their birthplace in Los Angeles across countries, their activities helped make the infamous Northern Triangle: Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, as the most violent place in the world that is not at war (Dudley, 2013). Mara Salvatrucha has been named one of the world’s most dangerous gangs due to their origins, growing population of the gang, the brutality of their crimes, the signs and famous tattoos Mara Salvatrucha is known for, the prison life hiding the leaders, and the evolution into organized crime. Starting with civil wars of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, refugees traveled northbound to Los Angeles. In 2012, the United States Treasury Department named MS-13 as a transnational criminal organization. The Treasury Department gave insight on details about how truly powerful MS-13 is, including that the gang is involved with â€Å"drug trafficking, kidnapping, human smuggling, sex trafficking, murder, assassinations, racketeering, blackmail, extortion, and immigration offenses† (Dudley, 2013). Mara Salvatrucha has been placed with the Zetas from Mexico, ... ... from Mexico, Italy’s Camorra, and the Japanese Yakuza, confirming that Mara Salvatrucha is one of the most dangerous gangs. When a member is sentenced to prison, it is beneficial for the member because they learn criminal and gang knowledge by the veterans of MS-13 that reside in prison. Learning the graffiti, the hand signals and stacking, the tattoos and their meanings, obtaining information from different cliques can all be obtained due to members of MS-13 going to prison. While America sits and continuously deports MS-13 gang members away from the States, they are spreading the terror to other countries. Now, in El Salvador, this country is seeing more violence now due to the gang violence than they did when they were going through civil war. Ironically, the civil war is what drove refugees up to Los Angeles and what became the birth place of Mara Salvatrucha.

Aapl Valuation Fcff Essay

Our modern economy relies upon the technology sector to improve quality, productivity, and profitability. Apple’s first computer was developed around the 1970’s. Since then they have surpass one of its biggest competitors Microsoft (MFST). Apple is not only known for its great designs, fun, and intuitive products. Their products have been productive and created a vast profitability for the private sector. Furthermore, there is no stopping point for Apple, it will continue to grow and generate wealth. There have been various events since Apple went public that have generated high returns due to the volatility of the chaining computer industry. Therefore, I believe Apple is in high growth stage, due to the many new innovations that have came out and are about to come out such as: the Iphone 5, new Ipad Mini, and a new line of Mac computes due out in 2013. Data: To evaluate Apple’s stock, I have chosen to use the Free Cash Flow for the Firm model (FCFF). This model is a measurement of the financial performance of a company that articulates the cash generated from the firm, which is then subtracted by the firm’s expenses, taxes, Net Working Capital, Depreciation, and Capital Expenditures. In essence, this formula is a measurement of the company’s profitability after all expenses and reinvestments. The data that I have collected to provide a future evaluation of Apple’s stock is as stated. The data began at the end of 2011 and is all expressed as millions. CAPEX was $11,768, Depreciation was $3,991, EBIT was $33,790, NWC was $17,018, total liabilities were $39,756, the number of shares outstanding were 937. 4, and the parameters given for the High growth and Low growth were Tax rate as 34%, Treasury bills were 2. %, Market Risk-Premium was 4%, and the high growth period is for 8 years; therefore, from 2012 to 2019 Apple is under high growth at 5. 5% and for 2020 apple stabilizes at 3%. Moreover, the bounds that were provided for high growth were as stated. The Debt-Equity ratio was 40%, which is used to find the weight of debt (Wd) and weight of equity (We). Lastly, the cost of debt (Kd) given is 4. 75% and the current Beta was founded through Scottrade a nd was . 86. However, for stable growth the data differed. Such as the Beta, which was 4/5 of the high growth Beta, Debt-Equity ratio is 25%, and the cost of debt (Kd) is 4. 25%. All in all, the FCFF model will provide the intrinsic value of the firm and of the stock; therefore, it will be compared to the current market price of the stock. Results: The projections, along with the formulas used, for the evaluation of Apple ‘s stock can be found in the Excel worksheet provided. First, I will go over the results for the high growth phase. For instance using the Debt-Equity ratio, the weights for debt and equity were 28% and 71%. Since the ratio was given and not a percentage expressed as weight, Wd+We=1 was used to find the weights. These weights are realistic in terms that Apple does contain too much L. T. debt. From there the CAPM model was used to solve for the (Ke), which was 5. 94%. Also, the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) was founded using the above constraints. This was 5. 14%, which states that Apple does not require a high rate of return for future mergers or expansions. This also provides the interests that Apple has to pay for every dollar it finances. Lastly, by using one of the major valuation models, such as the DCF, the Present Value, which identifies the intrinsic value of the company, was founded for each high growth year. Second once Apple stabilized after year 2019, the prediction of growth is 3%, and Beta was projected to be . 96. Again, by using the boundaries stated above: the (Ke), weight of equity/debt, and WACC were as follow 6. 34%, 80%, 20%, and 5. 63%. These numbers were somewhat similar to its high growth stage; therefore, signifying Apple is still a strong company once it stabilizes. Yet, another reason why Apple can provide such attractive returns. Conversely, finding the Terminal Value (Pt) of the company, which is the value of the company at a future year, projected the PV for stable growth, in this case it was 2020. The (Pt) was over $1 billion, yet again another reason why Apple creates a great investment opportunity. Moreover, by adding all of the PV, including the stable growth year, the intrinsic value of the firm is over $966 million and minus the current value of debt, Apple is still worth (value of equity) over $926 million. This equity divided the current number of shares outstanding; Apple’s intrinsic value of stock is $988. 80 per share. By comparison the current stock price, which is $649. 79 per share, the stock value is undervalued. Likewise, making (AAPL) a rewarding opportunity that must not be taken for granted. Conclusion With outstanding projections by Apple my recommended strategy is simple and involves options. Reason being is that orthodox investments do not provide great returns in a volatile market. Therefore, by evaluating apple now considering future parameters, trading Apple as an option will provide attractive returns. Since Apple growths rate is far greater than its P/E ratio, its long-term trend will be positive; therefore, making it an attractive somewhat safe bet. For instance, buy several calendar spreads at a strike below, at, and above the stock price. If (AAPL) moves between $10-$15 higher then sell the lowest strike spread, and replace it with a higher one around $4 to $6 more than the one sold. This should be reverse if the stock price falls in price. All in all, this is a daily trade strategy, yet it has the potential to provide good returns since the day rate for the short weeks is greater than monthly decay rates.