Analysis Of The Book On Job God Talk And The Suffering...

How do human beings talk about God in the face of poverty and suffering? This is the question the Book of Job raises for us. A moral and honorable man lives a prosperous, happy and fruitful life. As a wager between God and Satan on the issue of disinterested religion, they test to see if his faith and religion are actually disinterested. This leads to another question of whether human beings are capable of asserting their faith and talking about God in the face of suffering in a disinterested way. In his book â€Å"On Job: God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent† Gustavo Gutierrez makes the point that human beings, especially the poor, are capable of a disinterested faith and knowledge of God in the face of suffering. His application of liberation theology, way of talking about God, and interest in the poor allow Gutierrez to assert that human beings are capable of a disinterested religion in the face of poverty and suffering. Gustavo Gutierrez coined the term â€Å"libera tion theology† and its roots come from Latin America. According to the dictionary, liberation theology is defined as â€Å"a 20th-century Christian theology, emphasizing the Biblical and doctrinal theme of liberation from oppression, whether racial, sexual, economic, or political† (dictionary). Liberation theology arose principally as a moral reaction to the poverty and social justice in Latin America. This particular reason is why Gustavo Gutierrez adapts this method and relies on it heavily because of hisShow MoreRelatedThe Hidden Emotional Story Of The Protagonist Who Is Struggling With A Family Crisis Essay1536 Words   |  7 Pageschild abuse. In her third book Errands (1997) again Guest explores her specialty of familial tribulations – the impact of a young man’s death on his inconsolable wife and her innocent children. The family is finding their new world without the man and then they turn upside down, especially his wife. 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Summarization of Energy-Efficient Communication Protocols for Smart Gr

Question: Describe about the Summarization of Energy-Efficient Communication Protocols for Smart Grid. Answer: Introduction Industry Control System refers to the various control procedure and system followed majorly in industries like nuclear, chemical and treatment plants for controlling and monitoring the industrial processes. The Industrial Control System (ICS) mainly deals with the instrumentation of the procedures followed in industry, acquiring data and controlling processes, performing data transfer and installation of the HMI (Human Machine Interface) (Weiss, 2014). One of the major threats to the ICS is the computer attacks. The significant challenges to the ICS that make the system much vulnerable are that this control system is linked to the physical processes related to gas, power, water, and transport. Thus, cyber security needs to be enhanced by the control system. In this particular report, the case study of PureLand Wastewater Treatment is taken as a case study for improving and developing a cyber security plan for the existing ICS. PureLand Wastewater Treatment Plant specializes in waste water treatment of Biological Fermentation and Chemical Manufacturing Industries. Current State Description PureLand Wastewater has been contacted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the use of Chlorine Dioxide, a toxic chemical prone to terrorist attacks. The PureLand Wastewater was asked to regulate their both physical and cyber security used in their industry. The network diagram of the ICS followed in PureLand is provided below: Figure 1: Pureland WasteWater Network Diagram (Source: Wang, Gao Qiu, 2015, pp-87) The entire facility of Pureland wastewater is working on the campus area network or corporate area network (CAN) interconnecting four LANs. In PureLand, the four LANs are Supervisory Network, Control System, Business LAN and Field System. Supervisory Network: The Supervisory Network LAN controls the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) that remotely controls, monitors and sends coded signal through the TCP/IP protocol. Control System: Human machines Interface (HMI) is implemented in this LAN. Control System communicates with other facilities and the Field system with the ICCP (Inter-Control Center Communication Protocol). Business LAN: The Business LAN is directly connected to the internet and utilizes firewall protection for communication over the internet. Business LAN utilized TCPIP protocol for interacting with the Supervisory Network. Field System: The Field System where the wastewater treatment work is done is also directly connected to the internet. The Filed system communicated with the Control System and another facility through ICCP protocol. The Process control vendor support can directly communicate with both Business LAN and Field System over The Internet. Overview of Network Weaknesses After the detailed analysis of the network system of the PureLand, the following issues were identified: Lack of Firewall and anti-virus: All the LANs within the CAN are connected to each other and allow communication. The Business LAN is directly connected to the Internet and has firewall protection whereas the lack of firewall and anti-virus system in other LAN makes the system vulnerable to threats and attacks. ICCP Protocol: Encryption or authentication is not provided by the ICCP (Inter-Control Center Communication Protocol) (Subramani, Vijayalakhsmi, 2016). The communication between the Control systems, Filed system with the other facility is done through the ICCP protocol. Thus, it makes the communication at risks from various attacks and modifications. Direct access to Field System LAN: The most vital task of the PureLand that is the wastewater treatment is done in the Field System along with the Sanitizer Feed Tank. The direct access to the internet with the Field system without any firewall makes it an easy target for attacks. Supervisory Network: One of the main functions of ISC that is the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) is done in this section. SCADA monitors the whole system by sending coded signal through the communication channel (Shalangwa, 2014). The lack of security and communication through ICCP protocol in control and filed system makes the supervisory network vulnerable. Threats and Vulnerabilities Facing ICS The most common threats and vulnerabilities related to the Industrial Control System are Malware attacks, software errors, operator error, failure of the SCADA components and others. Figure 2: Cause of Failures and Issues in ISC (Source: Afzaal, Nazir, 2012, pp-2) In ICS, the IT facilities are controlled from a remote area and connected to each other with LAN connection. The lack of security in the LAN makes the network vulnerable to malware attacks and even Stuxnet that have the potential to infect the PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). The firewall protection is not capable of securing all the issues. Studies have found that most of the attacks are made through remote access. Furthermore, unauthorized access and communication through corporate network make the ICS vulnerable to threats and attacks. Figure 3: Threats to ICS (Source: Reniers, Herdewel, Wybo, 2013, pp-1668) Understanding of Applicable Regulations For achieving compliance with CFATS (Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards) the PureLand WasteWater should follow these regulations: Appendix [A] to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard, Final Rule (Published November 20, 2007) This regulation defines and comprises of about 300 COI (Chemical of Interest) along with their STQ (Screening Threshold Quantities) (Chemical Security Laws and Regulations | Homeland Security 2016). Any industry or organization possessing any one of the listed COI comes under the law and is required to present a Top Screen within sixty calendar days. Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, Interim Final Rule (Published April 9, 2007) Interim Final Rule has published CFATS (Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards) after incorporating and gathering various information from companies, trade associations, individuals and various entities. According to the Appendix A, that comprises of the COI (Chemical of Interest) (Chemical Security Laws and Regulations | Homeland Security 2016). Any industry or organization having possession to any of the COI will require providing Top Screen to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) utilizing the CSAT (Chemical Security Assessment Tool). Desired Future State The desired future ICS system for the effective and efficient security for the information will include various measures like risk assessment, identify and remove vulnerabilities, training, digital asset ID, strong firewall and virus protection along with reliable communication channel between the LANs. Figure 4: Elements of the Future Network System (Source: Rusakov, Shiryaev, 2012, pp-65) Following secure policies will help in having complete control over the individual element in the ICS network. Blocking several addresses with the help of firewalls and access control software will help in securing the network (Molsberry, Winter, 2014). The future system will be able to provide various security procedure and elements ensuring the communication and network security of PureLand. Apart from that, these measures will allow minimizing the cyber risks to an acceptable level. In spite of that, these measures will help in achieving compliance with the various CFATS regulations while minimizing the negative impacts of safety and production (Balmer et al., 2014). Five areas of Cyber-Security Improvements After the analysis of the current network architecture of PureLand; the following areas for improving the cybersecurity has been found. Figure 5: Subject Areas to Improve Security (Source: Unnimadhavan et al., 2016, pp-700) The five major improvement areas for enhancing the security are: Malware protection: All the computer and information system connected to the Corporate Area Network of PureLand need to be protected via robust and updated anti-virus and anti-malware system. Encryption: The communication code for controlling and monitoring through the Supervisory Network should be encrypted while sending. Encryption helps in securing the data in the communication channel (Von Solms, Van Niekerk, 2013). Encrypted data can only be accessible to the one who has the correct encryption key. Firewall: The PureLands network is divided into four sub-divisions, among which Business LAN and Field System is directly connected to the Internet. Installing robust firewall protection in between every LAN will help in improving the network security and prevent online threats and attacks. Training: Thee employees of the PureLand are not well trained to work with any issues related t security. The employees of PureLand need to train about the various cyber threats and attacks that can occur in the system. Apart from that, the trained employees will be well equipped to monitor and control the system. Communication Protection: The different LANs within the system communicate with each other while being directly connected to the internet. Introducing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) between the LANs will help in securing the communication channel between different units of PureLand (Kang et al., 2013). Furthermore, installing updated and strong antivirus system will provide security from external attacks like fishing, DDoS and others. Conclusion In this particular assignment, the existing network architecture of PureLand WasteWater has been evaluated and assessed. Examining the network various flaws and issues are identified that are prone to risks and cyber-attacks. To mitigate the risks and issues, mitigation plan is provided to minimize the attacks on the waste water management plant. Furthermore, the use of Chlorine Dioxide in their plant has opened more reasons for terrorist attacks and sabotage with the chemical. Thus to prevent those and proceed the operations with DHS and CFATS regulations, PureLand must follow the improvement security methods identified in the report. References Afzaal, A., Nazir, M. (2012). Summarization of Energy-Efficient Communication Protocols for Smart Grid.Science,3(2). Balmer, M. L., Slack, E., de Gottardi, A., Lawson, M. A., Hapfelmeier, S., Miele, L., ... Bernsmeier, C. (2014). The liver may act as a firewall mediating mutualism between the host and its gut commensal microbiota.Science translational medicine,6(237), 237ra66-237ra66. Chemical Security Laws and Regulations | Homeland Security. (2016).Dhs.gov. Retrieved 19 March 2016, from https://www.dhs.gov/chemical-security-laws-and-regulations Kang, D. J., Lee, J. J., Lee, Y., Lee, I. S., Kim, H. K. (2013). Quantitative methodology to assess cyber security risks of SCADA system in electric power industry.Journal of the Korea Institute of Information Security and Cryptology,23(3), 445-457. Molsberry, F. H., Winter, R. L. (2014).U.S. Patent No. 8,745,373. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Reniers, G., Herdewel, D., Wybo, J. L. (2013). A Threat Assessment Review Planning (TARP) decision flowchart for complex industrial areas.Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries,26(6), 1662-1669. Rusakov, V. E., Shiryaev, A. V. (2012).U.S. Patent No. 8,099,596. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Shalangwa, D. A. (2014). Evaluation of bandwidth Performance in a corporate network by using simulation model.Journal of engineering and technology research,6(1), 1-5. Subramani, R., Vijayalakhsmi, C. (2016). Design of Lagrangian Decomposition Model for Energy Management Using SCADA System. InProceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Big Data and Cloud Computing Challenges (ISBCC16)(pp. 353-361). Springer International Publishing. Unnimadhavan, S., Bandlamudi, V. K., Adhya, T. K., Vadivelu, J., Viswanathan, A. (2016).U.S. Patent No. 20,160,036,700. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Von Solms, R., Van Niekerk, J. (2013). From information security to cyber security.computers security,38, 97-102. Walters, D. B., Ho, P., Hardesty, J. (2015). Safety, security and dual-use chemicals.Journal of Chemical Health and Safety,22(5), 3-16. Wang, T., Gao, H., Qiu, J. (2015). A combined adaptive neural network and nonlinear model predictive control for multirate networked industrial process control. Weiss, J. (2014). Industrial Control System (ICS) cyber security for water and wastewater systems. InSecuring Water and Wastewater Systems(pp. 87-105). Springer International Publishing.

ABELARDO ED ELOISA Essays - , Term Papers

ABELARDO ED ELOISA La storia La storia di Abelardo e Eloisa ha inizio nel1116 a Parigi, quando lo zio di Eloisa, il canonico Fulberto, che aveva a cuore l'istruzione dell' adolescente che gli era stata affidata, decide di mandarla alla scuola sul colle di Sainte Genevieve, fondata dal bretone Pietro Abelardo. Quest'ultimo e maestro di logica, filosofo e teologo (sembra sia stato il primo ad usare il termine "teologia"), nonche uno dei piu illustri studiosi della sua epoca. Nel pieno della fama e del successo, ancora giovane - ha circa 36 anni - viene travolto dalla passione amorosa per la sua allieva Eloisa, tanto che, che per starle piu vicino chiede alloggio a Fulberto, il quale accetta con entusiasmo. Il rapporto fra precettore e allieva si fa subito stretto, la reciproca ammirazione si trasforma presto in passione d'amore. Tuttavia, se per Abelardo sembrava essere solo erotismo, per Eloisa Abelardo non e solo tra i maestri il piu prestigioso, ma appare l'uomo piu affascinante, che la fa sentire grande e matura. Al mio signore, anzi padre, al mio sposo anzi fratello, la sua serva o piuttosto figlia, la sua sposa o meglio sorella... ti ho amato di un amore sconfinato... mi e sempre stato piu dolce il nome di amica e quello di amante o prostituta, il mio cuore non era con me ma con te. Abelardo compone per Eloisa struggenti poesie d'amore che si diffondono e diventano popolari in tutta Parigi, grazie alla loro "dolcezza delle parole e bellezza del ritmo musicale". Esplode subito lo scandalo: Fulberto furibondo allontana Abelardo, che ancora non sa che Eloisa e incinta. Quando glielo comunica per lettera, egli decide di rapirla approfittando dell'assenza di Fulberto per condurla a Pallet( Bretagna), e farla ospitare nella casa di famiglia. Qui, alla fine dell'anno1116 , partorisce Astrolabio (rapitore delle stelle). Abelardo, spinto dai sensi di colpa verso Fulberto, si dichiara disposto a sposare Eloisa nella condizione che il matrimonio rimanga segreto per non danneggiare la propria carriera di chierico. Cosi, tornati a Parigi,Abelardo e Eloisa,che era inizialmente contaria al matrimonio, si sposano segretamente in presenza dello zio di lei e di pochi amici, ma presto la famiglia di Eloisa divulga la notizia. I due si trovano in difficolta: negare il matrimonio ora non basta piu, ed Abelardo quindi convice Eloisa ad entrare nel monastero nel quale era stata educata, quello di HYPERLINK "https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argenteuil" \o "Argenteuil" Argenteuil. Fulberto, accecato dal disonore e dal sospetto che Abelardo voglia disfarsi della nipote per salvare il suo prestigio professionale, paga tre sicari, che sorprendono lo sfortunato di mattino, ancora addormentato, e lo evirano. Due di essi verranno catturati e -secondo la legge del taglione- accecati ed evirati a loro volta, mentre Fulberto, m andante dell'aggressione, verra solamente sospeso dai suoi incarichi. Per l'umiliazione e la vergogna, entrambi si ritirano in convento, e da questo momento le loro strade si separeranno e i due amanti non si rivedranno mai piu. Eloisa prende i voti e trascorre il resto della sua vita ad Argenteuil, mentre Abelardo si ritira nell'abbazia di Saint Denis, dove diventa eunuco. Quando Abelardo e ancora abate di Saint Gildas, in Bretagna, capita per caso nelle mani di Eloisa una sua lettera in cui narra a un amico le proprie sventure. Eloisa decide quindi di scrivergli ricordandogli i tempi della loro passione, che in lei non si e mai spenta, e cosi scrive: Non ho voluto soddisfare la mia volonta e il mio piacere, ma te e il tuo piacere, lo sai bene. Eloisa gli rimprovera di non averla piu cercata da allora, di non averle mai scritto, e mentre le sue parole, a distanza di anni, sono ancora piene di appassionato amore, le risposte di Abelardo invece rimangono sempre su un piano religioso, e al massimo di affetto. E' cambiato: ormai trova conforto solo nei grandi successi nel campo culturale, e risponde a Eloisa invitandola a "rispettare" il suo status di devota al signore indicandole la preghiera come unico rimedio alla tempesta dei sensi. Eloisa non si arrende. E ancora giovane (ha circa 35 anni) ed e presa dai ricordi che lei considera indimenticabili: Il piacere che ho conosciuto e stato cosi forte che non posso odiarlo. E pone ad Abelardo in maniera lacerante questa domanda:

Free Essays on The Veldt

In America today, people usually have simple lives. There have been many inventions in the past century that help us live our everyday life. In the story, â€Å"The Veldt†, there are inventions that seem unimaginable just as a dishwasher might have been inconceivable a century ago. Americans are also â€Å"big† on trying to make raising children easier on parents. It almost seems as if our goal as Americans is to make life easier. â€Å"The Veldt† shows that simplicity in life does not necessarily make life easier. I think that the situation in â€Å"The Veldt† is slowly evolving in today’s world. Soon, humans will have the knowledge and technology to own a house that will act as a â€Å"wife and mother now and nursemaid† (Bradbury, p.199). The house in â€Å"The Veldt† is actually a character. The house sweeps the floors, does the laundry, cooks the food, sets the table, brushes teeth and hair, ties shoes, and bathes its occupants. The children growing up in this house are completely spoiled. How can these children learn responsibility if they don’t even have to clean up after themselves? Even though there is no house such as this currently in existence, children today are becoming more and more lazy. Young people in America today don’t understand how easy they have life. Children are always complaining about having to do dishes or cleaning the house, but these actions help build character and prepare for their lives as adults. Wendy and Peter probably don’t even know how to tie their own sho! es because they have a machine that has always tied shoes for them. Peter is so spoiled he is complaining about having to do simple things that we do everyday. â€Å"That sounds dreadful! Would I have to tie my own shoes instead of letting the shoe tier do it? And brush my own teeth and comb my own hair and give myself a bath†, asks Peter when his father threatens to turn off the house. When this child becomes an adult, he w... Free Essays on The Veldt Free Essays on The Veldt In America today, people usually have simple lives. There have been many inventions in the past century that help us live our everyday life. In the story, â€Å"The Veldt†, there are inventions that seem unimaginable just as a dishwasher might have been inconceivable a century ago. Americans are also â€Å"big† on trying to make raising children easier on parents. It almost seems as if our goal as Americans is to make life easier. â€Å"The Veldt† shows that simplicity in life does not necessarily make life easier. I think that the situation in â€Å"The Veldt† is slowly evolving in today’s world. Soon, humans will have the knowledge and technology to own a house that will act as a â€Å"wife and mother now and nursemaid† (Bradbury, p.199). The house in â€Å"The Veldt† is actually a character. The house sweeps the floors, does the laundry, cooks the food, sets the table, brushes teeth and hair, ties shoes, and bathes its occupants. The children growing up in this house are completely spoiled. How can these children learn responsibility if they don’t even have to clean up after themselves? Even though there is no house such as this currently in existence, children today are becoming more and more lazy. Young people in America today don’t understand how easy they have life. Children are always complaining about having to do dishes or cleaning the house, but these actions help build character and prepare for their lives as adults. Wendy and Peter probably don’t even know how to tie their own sho! es because they have a machine that has always tied shoes for them. Peter is so spoiled he is complaining about having to do simple things that we do everyday. â€Å"That sounds dreadful! Would I have to tie my own shoes instead of letting the shoe tier do it? And brush my own teeth and comb my own hair and give myself a bath†, asks Peter when his father threatens to turn off the house. When this child becomes an adult, he w... Free Essays on The Veldt The Veldt The story The Veldt touches on a lot of topics that are happening right before out eyes in today’s society. Although they may not be as extreme as the Veldt, there are similarities that we can closely relate to. Ray Bradbury’s attempt to foresee the future of where our society was heading was closer than anyone could imagine in his era. He predicts our society becoming so dependant on technology that will forget how to do the simplest things and eventually the technology that we have created will overcome us. The way that Mr. Bradbury describes the lifestyle that the Hadley’s have is exactly what we as a society are looking for now. We all want to make things a little easier for ourselves, but are we going to far? Precooked meals, electronic toothbrushes, dishwashers, videogame systems, and remote control vacuum cleaners are making. These are the things that are becoming the norm in our society. We are all becoming dependant on technology to do many things for us. Even go as far to occupy our children so we don’t have to deal with them that extra hour of the day. This is not a healthy lifestyle that we are heading towards. Our society is becoming increasingly overweight and out of shape. What kind of examples are we setting for the next generation, is it going to turn on us in the end? The children Peter and Wendy in The Veldt have become so accustomed to a lifestyle that requires them to do nothing but breathe and eat. I know that this is an exaggeration of what is, but throughout this story they seem to be the ones in charge with no boundaries or discipline in their lives. George and Lydia Hadley thought that by giving Peter and Wendy what they wanted growing up in their lives would enrich their lives. â€Å"Nothing is too good for my children† George stated. But is having everything besides human/parental interaction and involvement really the â€Å"best† thing? George and Lydia soon learn that...

How People Dress Affects Their Lives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

How People Dress Affects Their Lives - Essay Example Despite my abilities, characteristics or beliefs as a person, it is the first judgment which individuals see which causes them to place me in a category and to create expectations surrounding my belief system. This is not only recognized with high society comments and belief systems, but the judgments are now being taught to children. There are several personal examples which I can associate with that relate to the fashion statements I make directly affecting my place in life. One is when I went to a job interview to work for a small business. The business was a clothing store that only had been functioning for two years and which needed an individual to design the clothes. When I was called for the interview, I was told that I had a good chance of being able to join the team and help with the growth of the company. However, I made the mistake of dressing casually in jeans and in a t-shirt. Even though there wasn’t a dress code which was taken, the employer immediately told me that I wasn’t fit for the job because I didn’t look professional. The judgment that was made was based on the belief that my casual appearance also meant that I didn’t take the time to prepare for the interview and that I wasn’t taking the job seriously enough. ... The concept which is associated with dress is one that is based on the accepted beliefs of fashion judgments. My personal scenario is one of several cases related to fashion judgment, which indicates that one’s self worth is dependent on what they wear. This extends into a sociological problem that is now taught with deeper significance within society. Sociologists, cultural historians and moralists have all attributed the problems with judgments and stereotypes as one based with a specific part of an individual which looks in a certain way. This is the basis of racial forms of division, stereotypes, prejudice, gender differences and biases and other problems with generalized identities which create divisions among individuals within society. The concept of creating a judgment over one’s identity becomes the main question, specifically because it is an expected part of society. This is followed by the belief that each individual needs to be involved with fashion for cre ating a specific identity. Vieria, a marketing specialist in fashion states: â€Å"In the last decades, the market is feeling that the consumers are monitoring more in their fashion environment. In this context, fashion clothing appears to become so important that many people are becoming involved in it as an identity† (Vieria, 179). The concept of involvement leads to one judging themselves and others. It has been found that these judgments are now reaching into age as well as a rise in commitment to creating value of life through the judgments of fashion and the new styles and trends which are apparent within society (Vieria, 179). The concept of fashion judgment isn’t one that is just accepted within society and the roles it takes.

What is War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

What is War - Essay Example As the report declares organizational change and technology has played a vital role in the origin of warfare. The advancement of technology has led to a rise in the destructiveness and cost of warfare throughout human history. According to paper findings there have been different reasons behind the wars that have been fought earlier. Looking deeper into the history we find that wars have been mostly fought for serious moral reasons. Although there have been many ancient nations and some more modern ones who have thought of war as to be noble, but the thought of war being moral has been increasingly pondered about. In today’s era, most nations and people have come to the conclusion that war is ‘undesirable and morally problematic’ and have declared that wars should only be fought when there is no other way out. There is a specific cateogry of people that known as pacifists, who believe that war is innately immoral and no war should ever be fought. The negative view of war has not always been condemned widely as it is today. Today, some see only Just Wars as legitimate, and it is the goal of organizations such as the United Nations to unite the world against wars of unjust aggression. Wit h the passsage of time different societies have attempted to limit the cost of war by formalizing it in some way. There have been limitations set on targeting innocent civilians, on what type of weapons should be used. Although culture, law, and religion have been the vital factors in causing wars, they have also proved to be restraints at times.

Smiths Group SWOT and PESTLE Analysis

Smiths Group SWOT and PESTLE Analysis Introduction: Smiths Group was first established as a family clock and watch business in 1851 by its founder Samuel Smith. Later in 1944 S. Smiths Sons (Motor Accessories) public limited company was formed with four divisions including motor accessories, aircraft instruments, industrial instruments and English clocks. In 1958 aircraft instruments combined with Kelvin Hughes, establish aviation and marine divisions. Company acquires Portland Plastics and Surgical Plastic in the same year (1958). Industrial division was established in 1960 which was concerned with the industrial instruments. In 1965 company changes its name to Smiths industries in 1965. (Detail history of company is listed out in appendices-1). (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/results) In July 2008, Smiths Group announced the acquisition of Triasx, a Brisbane-based wireless communications components manufacturer. In the same month, Smiths Detection opened a high-tech production plant in Germany designed to meet the soaring global demand for its advanced x-ray scanning machines. In September 2008, Smiths Group announced the sale of an eight acre former operational site in Basingstoke, Hampshire for  £16 million (approximately $32 million). In the same month, Smiths Medical developed a unique wireless blood pressure monitor using Bluetooth technology which is set to transform the way medics treat critically ill patients in hospital. Later in the month, the group announced that its interconnect division won long-term design and supply contracts on US military communications programmes worth a potential  £225 million (approximately $450.1 million). In November 2008, Smiths Group announced the acquisition of Zhejiang Zheda Medical Instrument, the Hangzhou-based medi cal instruments manufacturer. In January 2009, John Crane announced that it won a new  £8 million (approximately $16 million) maintenance contract from upstream oil and gas exploration company Talisman Energy (UK). In the same year, the group opened its new headquarters in central London, completing a reorganization designed to increase customer focus and significantly cut costs. (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/results) Review and analysis of companys sector and company standing in sector, identify its main competitors: Smiths group provide services and products for medical devices, contraband detection, energy and communication market in more than 50 countries worldwide. Group mainly operates in UK, North America and continental Europe. There are four main divisions of group which are detection, medical, john crane, medical and specialty other. Group is operates with four governments and their agencies, petrochemical companies, hospitals and equipment manufacturers and service provider in different sectors around the world. Smiths Detection is one of world best manufacturers and designers of sensors that detects and identify narcotics, explosives, weapons, chemical agents, contraband and biohazards. Detection division helps customers in the global transportation, borders and ports, critical infrastructure, emergency responder market and military. This division provides services to the customs authorities, emergency responders, security authorities and homeland securities. Division is providing different services to US Transport Security Administration (TSA), UK ministry defense and airport security to BAA in UK. John Carne is another main profits contributing business of Smiths group Plc. It provides products and services for major process industries, which includes chemical, oil and gas companies, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper and mining sector. This division provides services to oil and gas companies, pump, refineries and compressors manufacturers. Main customers include China petroleum, Chevron, BP, Qatar gas, Saudi Amraco, Shell, Total, Dresser, Flowserve, Elliot, ITT, Mitsubishi, Solar Turines and many more. (John Crane to cut 90 at seal factory, Dawson, Brad, Rubber Plastics News; 11/17/2003, Vol. 33 Issue 8, p1-22, 2p) Medical division is one of top specialist supplier of medical devices and equipments for worldwide market. Divisions products like medication delivery, safety devices and vital care are market focused and helping in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and many other illnesses. Division has direct sales in twenty countries and has distribution channels in many other countries. Flex-Tek is another division of Smiths group plc. This division provides engineered components that heat and move fluids for the medical, aerospace, industrial, construction and domestic markets. It is also providing fluids for commercial aircraft and for motor sports fuel and hydraulic applications. It has manufacturing facilities in UK, France, Malaysia, China, India and Mexico. Company customers include Boeing, Electrolux, Carrier, Whirlpool, Trane Part Whitiney GE Aerospace, Airbus, Hoover, Dyson and Panasonic. (MARKET FOCUS, Velocci, Jr., Anthony, Aviation Week Space Technology; 9/29/2003, Vol. 159 Issue 13, p10-11, 2p, 1 Chart, 1 Graph) Following are the few major compotators of Smiths Group Plc. Detail competitors information can be found in appendix. EADS Goodrich Corporation GE Healthcare Flowserve Corporation L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. 3M Company GE one of the big rival companies is trying to acquire Smiths Group Plc. for  £2.45 billion. If this acquisition is successful than group will lose one of its important division. Smiths Group competitors are making strategic move to take group out of business. For complete list of competitors see appendices-2) (Kanter Jake, Supply Management; 10/22/2009, Vol. 14 Issue 21, p7-7, 3/4p) Smiths Group is operating in highly competitive markets and in those markets competitors have more recourses than the group. Smiths Detection competes with L3 Security Detection Systems, GE Security, Nucteck and Rapiscan Systems. In the emergency responder and military market group main competitors are Bruker, Environics, General Dynamics and Canberra. John Crane is also operation in highly competitive environment. In Oil and Gas rotation technologies major competitors of John carne are Eagle Burgmann Industries, Flowserve, Ocborne Engineering Waukesha. In equipment in upstream energy division face competitors like Norris, Weatherford, Cameron, UPCO and Quinn. Medical division competes with well establish competitors like, Teleflex, Covidien, Becton Dickinson, Cardinal, Hospira, Vital signs, Medtronic and many more. Many small and medium size competitors are working are competing with Smiths Interconnect operations. Competitors of microwave sub system include Deutsch, Radiall, Amphenol and Souriau. Smiths group aerospace tubular systems competitors include Eaton and Parker- Hannifin. Heat solutions domestic appliance and specialty heating element competitors include Watlow, Emerson and Chromalux. In construction related operation group is facing competition from Hitachi, Omega-fex, Hart Cooley, Atco and Goodman. (MARKET FOCUS, Velocci, Jr., Anthony, Aviation Week Space Technology; 9/29/2003, Vol. 159 Issue 13, p10-11, 2p, 1 Chart, 1 Graph) PESTLE ANALYSIS: (P)OLITICAL: Smiths Group has good relationship with governments like, USA, UK, Europe, China, Russia and many others. Smiths group is involved directly in national security of UK and USA. Most of the group contracts are from governments and public sector. Smiths group products are used in detection, medical, oil gas, aviation and many other businesses as well. In order itself operation group has make sure that it deals with governments fairly otherwise it will be difficult for group to keep most of it business. Involvement in national security and defense should be carried out in such a manner that no confidentiality is breached. Change in political government may result in loss of contracts as new governments may not want to continue projects with the group. Change in government policies and tax rate changes will directly affect group profitability. (http://www.smiths.com/ar09/smiths_group.aspx) (E)CONOMICAL: According to IMF reports world economy will be in recession for 2009 and 2010. It is evidenced now that this economic recession was worse than expected. Economic recession will have negative effect on group revenues and group may have to redundant extra staff if this trend continues. (http://www.smiths.com/ar09/smiths_group.aspx) (S)OCIAL: Group is operating directly and indirectly in countries with different social and cultural backgrounds. Thus group has to make sure that it shouldnt work against the cultural and social values of that country. Group should develop such human resources strategies that it will result in motivation for their staff from different back grounds. (http://www.smiths.com/ar09/smiths_group.aspx) (T)ECHNOLOGICAL: Smiths group is operating in such a competitive environment that it has to change its procedures in such a manner it should remain market leader. Technology changes results in cost savings, time saving and resources saving thus eventually results in profits. Group has acquired many running business to have benefit of new market, products and technologies. (http://www.smiths.com/ar09/smiths_group.aspx) (L)EGAL: Group operations may result in law suits either from employee or from customers. Such losses can be big enough to have negative effects on profitability. Thus group should devise mitigation strategies like get insurance for losses etc. (http://www.smiths.com/ar09/smiths_group.aspx) (E)NVIRONMENTAL: Group should operate in such a manner that its operations should result in long term sustainable profits. Group operations are global and it operations will have massive impact on environment. Thus group must act to reduce negative impacts of its operations. Group must not consume all the available resources and must replace all consumed resources as it will bring sustainability to climate and help future generation to exist. (ACCA P3, 2010) SWOT ANALYSIS: Smiths Group one of the biggest technology group globally. Smiths group acquired many companies which brought synergies for the group. On the other hand acquisition also results in many inherent problems. (S)trengths Rapid inorganic growth: Group has acquired well established companies in different sectors which give them more capabilities to meet customer needs. Acquisition of Sartorius Bearing Technology (SBT) has improved group abilities to improve technological improvement and results in high performance rotating equipment for oil and gas industry. (Smiths Group buys six US companies in a year Professional Engineering; 5/25/2005, Vol. 18 Issue 10, p14-14, 1/5p) Strong geographical presences and good customer relations: Group is operating in more than fifty countries worldwide. Group has good relations with governments like US, UK and Europe. Group have contracts with the governments, big industries, hospitals and many other global companies. Smiths detections technology is used at nearly 80% of the worlds airports and 85% of its sales are influenced by the governments and their agencies. Capabilities: Group has strong abilities to develop new technologies. Investment in research and development is significant which is a indication of group commitment to the future organic growth of the business. Group has invested  £ 86 million in RD in financial year 2008, which was 8.9% more than the previous year. (W)eaknesses Poor cash management: As compare to 2007 group cash inflows in 2008 are declining. The net cash inflow from operating activities decreased by 19.5%, if this trend continues in future company will be struggling to pay its liabilities. Poor cash management indicates poor cost controls, inefficient management of resources and poor decision making by the management. High gearing: It is observed in the financial statements of the company that debt in 2008 have increased as compared to the 2007. There is 30.7% increase in debt which means company is relying more on debts than other cheap financing sources like equity and internally generated profits. High debts can result in less profits, compulsory interest payments, loss of investors trust and eventually loss of control because of collaterals. Competitors: Group is operating in highly competitive environment where it faces competition from global companies which have more resources than the group. Competitors like, EADS, Goodrich Corporation, GE Healthcare, Flowserve Corporation, L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., 3M Company, Anaren, Inc., Amphenol Corporation and many more are well establish businesses. Thus in such an environment it is challenging for Smiths to survive and compete on prices. (O)pportunities Acquisitions: Group has acquired much well established business and it has given more opportunities to gain competitive advantages, access to, new technologies, and new markets, large number of customers and diversification to manage risks. Increasing product demands like, for detection and medical equipment: US medical market has an evidence of growth over the past few years and it is estimated that this trend will continue in future. Thus group has potential of growth in this market. Increased demand in tourism industry has resulted in much stronger rebound of air traffic in recent years than evidenced previously. Thus there is big potential for group to expend in this market and in all other product markets as well. (Smiths confident that growth will continue Massy-Beresford, Helen, Flight International; 3/22/2005, Vol. 167 Issue 4977, p26-26, 1/4p) (T)hreats Global economic recession: According to the IMF reports world economy will be in recession for next two years and this recession will have negative impact on global companies. Highly competitive industry: It will be difficult for company to increase profitability in such an intense competitive environment. (http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2009/res070809a.htm) Financial analysis: Profitability: Profitability ratios can be used by investors to evaluate company is generating enough profits or not. Management can use these ratios to evaluate whether controls are efficiently working and company achieving will be able to achieve long term sustainable profits or not. (ACCA F9, 2010) Return on capital employed (ROCE): ROCE is a profitability ratio which describes relationship between operating profits and capital employed. Capital employed includes debt and equity financing. ROCE of the company is increasing over the last three years. And company is generating more returns by using available sources of finance. ROCE in 2009 is 19.73% and for 2008 it is 17.98% which is 1.74% higher than the last year. There was 7.84% ROCE in Y/E 2006 but later on company has managed to increase return. ROCE can be further explained by calculating net profit margin and asset turnover. (ACCA F9, 2010) Net Profit Margin (NPM): Net profit margin shows the relationship between operating profits and sales. NPM of Y/E2009 is 15.94% which is 0.28 % higher than the last year 15.66% in Y/E 2008. Over the last five years NPM is increasing but increase is not significant. It may be because of poor controls on direct and indirect costs and high competitive environment. Company may be struggling to compete on price due to competitors actions. Asset Turnover (AT): Asset turnover shows relationship between sales and capital employed. AT shows how efficiently noncurrent assets of company has been utilized over the past years. Company AT in 2009 is 0.09 times higher than the last year and there is not much difference between AT over the last five years. Company noncurrent assets are losing their efficiency and they might need replacements in near future. Gross Profit Margin (GPM): GPM shows relation between gross profit and turnover. GPM is stable over the last five years. This shows that company have good control on direct costs (material, labor and production overheads). (ACCA F9, 2010) Liquidity Ratios: Liquidity ratios show the liquid (cash) resources condition of the business. These ratios explain the ability of company to pay its current liabilities and expenses. (ACCA F5, 2010) Current Ratio (CR): Current ratio explains relation between current assets and current liabilities. Group CR is below than standard CR of 2. Over the last five years company CR is consistent. Company has to fewer current assets as compared to the current liabilities. (ACCA F5, 2010) Quick Ratio (QR): Quick ratio shows the relation between liquid current assets and current liabilities. Group QR is less than standard 1 time. Company has less liquid assets available as compared to the current liabilities. If this trend continues company will be struggling to pay its current liabilities and eventually group can face cash flow problems. (ACCA F5, 2010) Working Capital Ratios: Working capital ratios explain the cash management of the business. It includes further three ratios. Inventory Days (ID): Inventory days of the group are gradually increasing which means group is losing its control over the inventory. Company is keeping inventory for longer period and this trend is increasing every year. Group has to incur extra cost like holding cost in holding inventory for long and if inventory take longer to sale it will result in loss of value. (ACCA F5, 2010) Accounts Payable Days (APD): APD of the group is reducing as comparison to the last five years. If company is paying to their suppliers earlier it will loss cash and eventually will be difficult for company to manage cash flows. If group delay its payments to the suppliers it can use same cash for other purposes and thus can have a benefit of interest free loan. (ACCA F5, 2010) Accounts Receivable Days (ARD): Accounts receivable days shows the time period taken by the receivables to pay organisation. TRD have increased over the last few years and thus group is struggling to get money back from their customers. (ACCA F5, 2010) Solvency Ratios: Financial Gearing: Group long term debts have increased over the last five years. In Y/E 2009 long term debts of the company were 752.2 million which is 31.5 million higher than the Y/E 2008. Group is relying more on debts as compared to the share capital thus group is exposed to high risks. Group is highly geared and investors will lose their interest in investing in to the organization. (ACCA F5, 2010) Interest Cover (IC): IC shows comparison between operating profits and interest charge. Company profits are increasing over the last five year. Company ability to pay interest is increasing over the last few years. Price Earnings Ratio (P/E ratio): P/E ratio can be used to explain the relation between share price and profits. This ratio helps investors to identify whether the company is achieving their aim of maximization of wealth and growth of their wealth. P/E ratio of the company is 4.352 times in Y/E 2009 and is 5.595times in Y/E 2008. If this trend continues investors will lose their interest in group and group will suffer to get equity financing. (ACCA F5, 2010) Earnings per Share (EPS): EPS is the measure of amount of dividend (portion of profit distributed among share holders) available to the share holders. As compared to 2008 company EPS has increased by 1 penny. On average group EPS remain at same level this indication that company is giving regular dividend to its share holders. (ACCA F5, 2010) Share Price: Share price is very sensitive information for shareholders and little variation in share price will change investors choice of investment. There are many factors which affect share price like speculations, company performance, forecasts, company future perspectives, market trends and many more. Group share price variations over the last five years can be seen in appendices. Share price trend shows company share price is coming back to peak as it was in 2008. Group share price fell to the lowest price in May 2009. Group has significant impact of economic recession on its share price. This shows lack of investors trust in stocks market as there was high risk in market due to recession. In 2010 group share price revive and reaches to its maximum, which shows investor still trust group and are willing to invest into company. (ACCA F9, 2010) Appendices: Appendix 1 Smiths Group History: (from 1983 till 2008) In 1983 company ceased production of direct supplies of original equipment to European motor industry. Company sold vehicle heater business to a subsidiary of Hanson Trust in same year (1983). Company also stops operations of mechanical clocks in 1984. At that time (1984) company was operating under three groups industrial; medical systems; and defense and aerospace. In 1987 company acquire US avionics business of Laer Siegler Holidings. Company acquire Graseby which was involved in defense related equipments for biological and chemical detection in 1997. Strategic Technology Systems, a supplier of health and usage monitor systems was acquired in 1999. In 2000 company acquired the BAE systems, Marconi actuation systems and an aerospace division of Invensys. In the same year (2000) company purchased Fairchild Dynamics from Orbital Sience and merged with TI Group and was named as Smiths Group. Group made acquisition of Barringer Technologies, Point- Lok Needle Protection Device from Griff Industries, Summitek Instruments and Bivona Medical Technologies. In late 2001 group sold its vacuum and pressure businesses to BOC Edeards. In mid 2002 group sold its Jhon Crane-Lips marine business to Wartsila of Finland. In 2002 company also acquire Heimann Systems in 2002. Group sold its air movement and cable management businesses by the end of 2002 to HSBC private equity. In mid 2003 group announced to form a new division including Smiths Heimann and Smiths Detection to supply services to detection market. Company streamlined its medical division to for Smiths Medical in same year (2003). Company sells Matzen Timm(international aeronautical industry) to Masterflex and also sell its polymer business to Trelleborg. Company made a contract with Boeing to supply wind pylons for 20 years in the end of 2003. Cyrano Sciences was acquired by Smiths Detection in 2004. Dynamic Gunver Technologies (aerospace business) was acquired by the group for $102 million, in 2004. SensIR Technologies, a manufacturers of infrared based analysers for $75 million. TRAK communications was later acquired in 2004 for $111.5 million and strengthened its interconnect business. A respiratory care device company was acquired in 2004 by Smiths Medical. John Crane acquired Tianjin Timing Seals in 2004 to strengthened its presence in China. The group acquired Farran Technology and strengthened its detection activities, in 2005. In the same year, it acquired Medex, a medical devices company for $925 million. Later in the year, the group acquired ETI Technology, a US bio-technology detection company. Also in 2005, Smiths Group announced that Flexible Technologies business of the specialty engineering division had purchased Hi-Tech Hose in Massachusetts for  £9 million and Farnam Custom Products in North Carolina for  £3.5 million. During the same year, the company acquired Millitech, a millimetre wave and antenna company in the US, for $33.5 million. Later in 2005, it acquired LiveWave for $17.6 million and extended its detection technology range. In 2006, Smiths Group expanded its interconnect business by acquiring the business and assets of Lorch Microwave for $25 million.The group entered into a contract with Shanghai Pudong International Airport to supply x-ray systems, in the same year. Later in the year, the group established engine components facility in North Carolina. Also, the detection division established a new production facility, Smiths Heimann Rus, in St Petersburg, Russia. Also in 2006, the group partnered with Boeing for GoldCare service solution for Boeing 787 dreamliner operators. During the same year, the group launched Tadar, a new people screening system. During 2006, the aerospace division of the group teamed up with BAE Systems to develop an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) technology demonstrator project called Taranis. During the same month, Smiths group entered into $60 million agreement with General Electric on F404 engine. Later in 2006, Dowty Propellers, a business of the aerospace division, entered into a long term propeller support agreement with Flybe Airlines for the Dash 8 Q400 passenger aircraft fleet. Smiths Group announced the acquisition of CDI Energy Services (CDI) in 2007. In the same year, the group sold its aerospace businesses to General Electric. Later in the year, Smiths Detection secured ten year BAA deal to revolutionise UK passenger checkpoints. Deal includes deployment of aTiX, the checkpoint X-ray machine that can automatically detect explosives and liquids. Also, in Russia and Dubai, Smiths Detection gained significant orders worth over $150 million in the transportation and ports border markets. During 2007, Smiths interconnect, part of Smiths Group, announced that four of its businesses, Hypertac, TRAK Microwave Systems, PolyPhaser and Millitech were awarded contracts with a total potential value of over $90 million. In the same year, Smiths Group acquired Sartorius Bearing Technology (SBT), part of Sartorius. SBT is a leading provider of high performance rotating equipment for the oil and gas industry based in Gottingen, Germany. Later in 2007, Smiths Group sold its Marine In March 2008, Smiths Group received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a new portable medication delivery system that would make pain management simpler and safer for patients and clinicians. After one month, Smiths Group announced the acquisition of Indufil BV, a Dutch-based specialist in filters for the petrochemical and process industries. Smiths Medical announced it would promote and distribute Abbotts FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in April 2008. In May 2008, Smiths Group announced the purchase of Allrizon Tongguang, a Shanghai-based communications equipment firm. In the same month, the group announced completion of its acquisition of Fiber Composite (Fiberod), a Texas-based company, specialist in oil and gas lifting equipment. (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/results) Appendix 2 Smiths Group Competitors List: Anaren, Inc. Amphenol Corporation American Technology Corporation B. Braun Medical Inc Becton, Dickinson and Co. Cobham plc Covidien Ltd. Cardinal Health, Inc. Cameron International Corporation Emerson Electric Co. General Electric Company GE Security, Inc. Hitachi, Ltd. Hart Cooley, Inc. Hospira, Inc. Moog Inc. Medtronic, Inc. Nutech Inc. NORRIS MEDIC Omega Flex, Inc. Pall Corporation Quinn Group, Inc. Radiall SA Rapiscan Systems, Inc. Siemens AG Teleflex Incorporated Tyco International Ltd. United Technologies Corporation Universal Potash Corp Vital Signs, Inc. Weatherford International Ltd. Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/results) Appendix 3: Ratios Analysis: Y/E 07/31/09 Y/E 07/31/08 Y/E 07/31/07 Y/E 07/31/06 Y/E 07/31/05 Profitability ROCE=PBIT/CE*100 424.80/(3011.3)*100=19.727% 17.98 17.015 7.848 14.783 NPM 424.8/2664.6*100=15.942% 15.66 14.545 5.447 11.86 AT 2664.6/(1541.5-858)=1.24 times 1.15 1.17 1.37 1.25 GPM 1217.1/2664.6*100=45.68% 45.48 46.36 40.07 38.37 Liquidity Current Ratio 1099.6/858=1.28 Times 1.33 1.21 1.28 1.32 Quick Ratio (1099.6-413.6)/858=0.799 Times 0.86 0.824 0.781 0.77 Working Capital Inventory Days 413.6/1330.1*365=113 days 117 107 102 120 Accounts Payable days 130.7/1330.1*365=35 days 48 55 46 45 Receivables Days 514.4/2664.6*365=70 days 83 75 69 82 Solvency Ratios Financial gearing 752.2/859*100=87.57% 78.68 62.78 63.27 77.83 Interest Cover 424.8/54.4=7.81 8.41 5.43 3.29 7.45 Dividend Cover 30.03 26.6 22.12 2.88 28.63 P/E Ratio 4.352 5.595 4.434 3.772 3.873 EPS 0.054 0.042 0.053 0.057 0.051 Appendix 4 Share price Movement (Adopted from http://ir1.euroinvestor.com/asp/IR/PrinterFriendly/PFOD2.aspx)