Friedrich Nietzche Essays - Friedrich Nietzsche,

Friedrich Nietzche Friedrich Nietzche was born in Rocken. He spent much of his time alone, reading the Bible. Nietzsches father died in 1849. The young man withdrew deeper into religion. Friedrich received a scholarship to Schulpforta, an elite prepatory school with only 200 students, in October 1858. The scholarship as intended to fund Nietzches training for the clergy. His mother, Franziska, and his young sister, Elizabeth, are dedicated to Friedrichs success, certain of his future. At the age of 18,Nietzsche lost his faith in traditional religion. His faith received a fatal blow when he found philosophy. In 1865 Nietzsche discovered Schopenhauers World as Will and Idea. The work forever challenged Nietzsches view of the world. Schopenhauers philosophy was rather dark for its time; it became a part of Nietzsches world-view was it was well suited to his nature. It seemed as if Schopenhauer were addressing me personally. I felt his enthusiasm, and seemed to see him before me. Every line cried aloud for renunciation, denial, and resignation. -Nietzsche Nietzche was conscripted into the military at the age of 23. While he had hoped to avoid the draft, he had no such luck. He was not destined to be in the military however, soon falling from a horse. Nietzsches shoulder and chest were injured, possibly torn muscles, and he was released from service having not yet complete training. Curiously, Nietzsche continued to idealize the military and its orderly way of life despite not wanting to serve in the army. His respect for the individual gave at times to a need for order. The University of Basle appointed Nietzsche to a chair when he was 25 years old. As a professor of classical philology, Nietzsche spent days lecturing and analyzing Latin and Greek works. He later recalled this as a most unheroic contribution to mankind, wishing he had pursued a more active and socially valuable career, such as medicine. Nietzsche never was satisfied with his own value. In 1869, composer Richard Wagner invited Nietzsche to spend a winter holiday with him in Tribschen. Wagner was living with another mans wife and was not known for his conformity. Somehow, Wagner appealed to Nietzsches sense of adventure. Nietzsche was so taken by Wagner that he decided his first book would be a tribute to Wagners music. Unfortunately, the writing this work was delayed by war in 1870, when Germany and France went to war Still romanticizing the life of soldiers, Nietzsche went to volunteer for military service. This time the army refused him due to his poor eyesight, in addition to his weak upper body. Nietzsche found it possible to serve as a medic, allowing him as close to medicine as his nature would ever allow. As he quickly learned, Nietzsche did not like the sight of blood, and the suffering of others made him ill. He eventually fell ill, possibly due to stress, and was sent home. The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music was published in 1872. With the publication of The Birth of Tragedy, Nietzsche returned to Baasle to lecture. The work became a subject of ridicule in academic circles, but the nobility and nationalists loved it. Nietzsche became a celebrity, standing he put to work on behalf of his friend Wagner. The two men were able to convince the government to fund the construction of the Bayreuth theatre, which would feature Wagners works. The Bayreuth was completed in 1876. On August 12, 1876, the Emperor arrived to hear Wagners The Ring of Nibelung, a work Wagner considered his masterpiece. To his dismay, Nietzsche found he hated the work. He made an excuse to depart, and promptly took a vacation to reconsider his opinion of Wagners music and Prussian culture in general. At least Nietzsche was not alone: the long multi-day performance proved a failure financially and in terms of attendance. Wagners public star fadedat least for a bit. Physically and mentally, Nietzsche collapsed in 1879. He was certain death was near and even arranged his funeral with his sisters assistance. Nietzsche recovered from this primarily emotional collapse, but he knew that he had come close to death. The experience changed Nietzsche for a time. He enjoyed life and the universe around him. For a bit, he was happy. The

Bpa Bisphenol a Essay Example

Bpa Bisphenol a Essay Example Bpa Bisphenol a Essay Bpa Bisphenol a Essay Bisphenol A Anais Rodriguez Munoz Colorado Technical University November 15, 2011 Bisphenol A What are some possible detrimental health effects associated with BPA? Bisphenol A has been labeled as an endocrine disruptor because it has been found that it mimics estrogen which we already have in our bodies a natural hormone, may fool the body by stimulating reactions that are unnecessary and potentially harmful. Scientist has found links to heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities in adults as well as brain and hormone development problems in fetuses and young children. Studies have also shown it can promote human breast cancer cell growth, and cause erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in men. Explain the position of the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding BPA. They have been avoiding the use of BPA such as removing baby bottle or cups off the U. S. market, developing alternatives or minimize BPA levels for the can lignin in food and baby formula. The FDA is also taking other measures to ensure there is no BPA in other products. They are doing new studies like the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has recently announced that it is providing $30 million in funding to study BPA, which includes support both for FDA studies and external grants. What is the position of your state government regarding BPA? Tuesday August 30, 2011 The California state Senate voted to ban the plastic chemical bisphenol A, also known as BPA, from baby bottles and sippy cups sold in the state of California. Opponents had argued that if the ban was approved more companies would be open to lawsuits if the chemical was found in baby products. Do you feel that BPA should be more tightly regulated in the US? Why or why not? I definitely think the U. S. should be stricter on the regulations of BPA especially because it’s found in so many products for children; they are the ones that are at higher risk. In my opinion it should be banned in every state even country no one should be consuming products that could possibly have harmful chemicals in it. Toys have BPA along with bottles and sippy cups why would it be alright for our children to be victims of this chemical when their immune systems are still immature? It just seems very selfish in order to avoid lawsuits form the companies the bill was denied in some states, makes no sense the facts are there that it is a harmful chemical that causes a number of illnesses in children and adults. So why are we even debating whether it should be more tightly regulated in the US of course it should! References: Health Effects of Bisphenol A http://environment. about. com/od/healthenvironment/f/bisphenol-a-health-effects. htm (2011) Retrieved November 16, 2011 California bill passes http://latimesblogs. latimes. com/greenspace/2011/08/bpa-ban-passes-state-senate. html (August 30,2011) Retrieved November 16, 2011 Drug and Food Administration 2011 fda. gov/newsevents/publichealthfocus/ucm064437. htm (January 2011) Retrieved November 16, 2011

Catastrophism or Uniformitarism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Catastrophism or Uniformitarism - Essay Example From this perspective, the general amount of resources that has been incorporated into geographical studies is quite huge. Researchers develop initial findings where developments continue to explain on a certain sequence. i) The two scientists, who came up with a new geographical phenomenon might as well not only cause unending controversy, but a consequent period of regret for all the involved professionals. Apparently, such kind of possible ideas that might have been neglected at the very start of the development of evolution theories would result into a whole new understanding of the earth. ii) Just as resources were allocated for the Georgian theory, so should necessary authorities address this upcoming idea; its strength, proof and influence might give a realistic approach to catastrophes. The possibility of craters that made an impact over 250 million years ago would result into a new definition on the aftermath that the then species experienced. It might be a sad situation for a majority of the geologists, consequent blame among themselves, for basing their ideas on one orientation without consideration for the contrary. iii) According to Rampino, the effects discussed could be due to a huge catastrophe as asteroids could have caused dust expulsion that would have resulted in loss sunlight and could have caused a drop of temperature and chilliness, which, in turn, could have led to extinction of life on Earth for a considerable period of time. However, numerous scientists argue that these mysterious changes could explain the gravitational pull in all circular geological structures and the entire underground. It is a difficult situation, not only for the two scientists fighting for their theory, but also to the geographical institutions globally. Earthquakes, volcanoes, batholiths, loppoliths, dykes, craters, plateaus, mountains among other geographical structures, might have a very

Management of a patient withan allergic rhinitis Essay

Management of a patient withan allergic rhinitis - Essay Example Allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever and is supposed to be mediated by type-I hypersensitivity which is an extreme response of immune system against foreign bodies by build-up of antibodies. General nursing process begins with assessment of patient’s health history which involves their personal and family history (Burns, 2007). Secondly, an allergy assessment is performed by examining obvious symptoms and state of patient before these symptoms became apparent. Thirdly, occurrence of these symptoms is examined with relation to seasonal changes and related physical mental and physical problems. In the last stage of assessment, nature of antigen causing allergy is identified (Denise and Scandale, 2010). A patient is said to have this allergy when an ineffective breathing pattern and continuous sneezing is observed when encountered with triggers. Ineffective coping of chronic disorders is often followed by need for changes in environment of the patient. Possible problems e ncountered during management of the disorder include anaphylaxis, disturbed breathing pattern and failure to follow suggested therapy. The goal of interventions used for treating this patient were to restore normal breathing pattern, identify causes and control them, improve coping mechanism and avoid any complications. 2. History of the Patient A patient’s history must be comprehensive enough to provide information regarding onset and duration of the symptoms being experienced by the patient along with possible triggers. In addition to that, co-morbidity, family history of allergies, environmental exposure, and quality of life also play an important role in diagnosis. After preliminary form filing, the patient complained about seasonal flu in last five years which showed persistence despite usage of OTC medication without prescription. This was the first incident where patient entered into medical settings. The patient complained of frequent episodes of sneezing with large p roduction and exhalation of clear mucus. Since some of the symptoms mentioned later were similar to Sinusitis therefore discharge of mucus and drainage were observed to identify if the patient has Sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, localized itching also confirmed it. 2.1 Response to Allergens Patient complained of 10-15 paroxysms when experiencing sneezing along with nasal congestion leading to breathing through mouth. The symptoms grew severe in the springs and especially near plantation. Patient also mentioned having episodes of atopic eczema. It is important to note that patients with atopy are at risk of developing allergic rhinitis (Burns, 2007). Lara also complained of reduced energy level and fatigue especially in late winters and spring while experiencing this state. Lara further complained of itchy nose which made her rub her nose repetitively and a crease was visible in the middle of her nose (Lang, n.d; Plaut and Valentine, 2005). Furthermore, she mentioned tha t the sneezing and itching is more aggressive right after waking up and in the morning. Out of symptoms defined by the patient, it was evident that she had experienced sneezing, pruritus, congestion and drainage which are some of the common symptoms of allergic rhinitis (Spector et al., 2003; Harvey, 2012). The onset of pruritus was more evident in palate, nose and throat leading to aggressive coughing. In addition to these conditions, Lara also complained about sleep apnea, overbiting and episodes of asthma. She also mentioned that her mother

Molar Volume of a Gas Essay Example for Free

Molar Volume of a Gas Essay Introduction: In this lab I am going to find out the volume of one mole of hydrogen gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The room pressure only slightly differs from the standard, but can be taken into consideration when calculating the results. The molar volume is 22.41 liters per mole at STP (Standard pressure), in other words, at zero degrees centigrade. Figure 3.1 (the experiment set up) Procedure: 1. Set up all equipment. 2. Cut a piece of Magnesium ribbon about 20cm in length. 3. Calculate the weight of the ribbon from the weight of a 1 m long ribbon. 4. Measure 1.0 M Hydrochloric acid to a volume of 25-30ml. 5. Pour the HCl to the reaction flask. 6. Add the Mg ribbon to the reaction flask and secure the mouth of the flask as fast as possible with a hose. Make sure that the hydrogen gas cannot escape from the flask. 7. Follow the temperature 8. Collect the gas until no further reaction is observed in the reaction flask. 9. Carefully remove the gas collection flask so that no gas escapes from the flask. 10. Light the gas. 11. Determine the volume of the gas. 12. Calculate the molar volume of H2 gas at room temperature. a) theoretical value from Vm =22.44 l/mol at STP. b) experimental value from your data. Equipment: * 2 flasks (volume at least 600ml) * large container (volume at least 3,5 l) * Magnesium ribbon * 30ml of Hydrochloric acid * thermometer * a hose (to cover the reaction flask) Observations: * Magnesium ribbon was a little oxidized for it had lost some of its shine. * When the collection flask was turned around and placed in the water filled container, there were tiny air bubbles on the inside walls of the flask. * When Magnesium ribbon was added, it began to corrose in the HCl * Instantly after adding the Mg ribbon to the hydrochloric acid, temperature in the reaction flask started to rise as a chemical reaction took place in the flask. * Moisture and (fog) blocked the view of the reaction * Immediately after adding the Mg ribbon, hydrogen bubbled to the collection flask * Hydrogen bubbled to the flask for about a minute,stopping soon after the ribbon had corrosed in to the HCl. * There was a hissing sound as the chemical reaction occurred in the reaction flask and the gas flowed to collection flask through a pipe. * The temperature in flask A rose quickly by a few degrees celsius and then stayed nearly constant for the 15 minutes the temperature was measured. * The temperature did not change in flask B;however, it cannot be stated for sure as it was only compared with the temperature of flask A. * The temperature in flask A rose very quickly as the reaction started * The amount of hydrogen produced from the reaction was large for large bubbles of gas rose to beaker B within few seconds after starting the experiment * The volume of the reaction flask was not measured, but it is close to the volume of the other flask (629ml) * After the reaction, when lighting the hydrogen gas, collection beaker made a popping sound but the reaction flask actually burned and formed a thin flame. * The flame from the reaction flask gave out a lot of heat, which was not noticed when lighting the gas in the collection flask. Theoretical = 22.5 l/mol Vm= 22.41 0.36 % error The molar volume was 0.36% too large. The error can come from water vapour in the collection flask 10cm water below the glass air in the collection flask temperature rise in the reaction flask water vapour in the reaction flask Evaluation: This experiment had many error-causing factors, which probably influenced the results. Overall, the calculations showed that very little error (0.36% error) which made me a little skeptical about the results. Such a small error percentage was not expected. To point out a few mistakes, I did not measure the difference in height of the water level from the surface of the water-filled container. This would have allowed further investigation about the volume of hydrogen in the flask. Also, the exact volume of the reaction flask was not measured. It was only stated by eye that the flasks looked to be the same size. Other than that, the experiment was performed well. It was made sure that none or very little air was left in the collection flask when turning it around and placing it in the water filled container. There were a few tiny air bubbles on the walls; however, the air in the reaction flask was more likely to influence the result. Having a lab partner helped with managing time, for one was able to follow the temperature while the other checked the time. We made sure that we had read the instructions carefully and thought twice before deciding what methods to use when, for example, turning the flask upside down in the water. Conclusion: In conclusion, the experiment turned out some successful results. When magnesium reacted with the hydrochloric acid, hydrogen was released into the flask from where it flowed through a pipe to the collection flask. The molar volume of H2 gas at room temperature is 22.79 l/mol, which is also the rate for the hydrogen gas in the collection flask. The amount of H2 gas in the flask is impossible to calculate for the amount of water vapour and air was measured when performing the experiment. The experimental value turned out unexpectably very small. 0.36% error in the experiment seems very small, unless there has been some unnoticed mistakes that have influenced the experimental value. The theoretical value is 22.5 l/mol. Temperature changes during the experiment turned out some interesting results, for the temperature seems to start falling soon after the chemical reaction has ended, yet it begins to rise a little after a few minutes and stays constant for a long time before starting to fall (figure 3.2). From the information gained during this experiment, it is difficult to state why this happened; therefore, some extra research should take place if performing the experiment again. Improved investigation: For further investigation, temperature should be measured for longer than 15 minutes in order to find out the rate the temperature is going to fall in a closed flask. The distance between water surface in the container and the surface in the flask should also be measured. For more accurate results, factors such as air and water vapour in the flask should be taken into consideration when calculating the final values. Advisable would be to do some research on why the temperature changed the way it did in this experiment.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder There are many factors to consider in the evaluation and treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This paper will discuss the strategies that have proven most effective in treating the disorder, including: drug therapy, cognitive therapy, and family-based therapy. It will focus on the benefits of flexibility, emphasizing combination therapy, especially with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has become an increasingly familiar disorder within the world of health and medicine. The recurring obsessions and compulsions associated with the disorder seem quite easy to identify, yet the acknowledgement of OCD in children had been overlooked for quite some time. Many people believe â€Å"that children have no reason to develop depression or anxiety disorder such as OCD† (Wiznitzer, 2003). Diagnoses and treatment of OCD patients has only recently shifted from adults to children. Some of the most important questions facing psychologists studying OCD today are how to determine which children suffer from OCD and what treatments most effectively reduce or eliminate their symptoms. Researchers have offered that by applying some of the information learned from treating adults, our understanding of the disorder in children may improve immensely. With the majority of psychologists agreeing with this proposal, OCD has gained a large amount of attention in the last couple of decades. Recent studies have estimated that â€Å"the condition is 2 to 20 times more common than previously thought and has been the catalyst for research activity in the area† (Waters, 2000). Though this heightened attention is good news for suffering children, it has not been as helpful as originally expected. A number of unnecessary drug-based therapies have been implemented in an attempt to meet the increasing demand of OCD treatment. Many of these drugs have proved successful in treating anxiety disorders; however, many OCD cases require more complex treatments. Many could benefit from several alternative forms of OCD treatment, such as family oriented treatments and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Unfortunately, the advantages of combining these methods with drug therapy have nearly been overlooked in the scramble for easy answers. â€Å"Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as a s... ... important to realize that OCD varies in type and severity, so treatment will vary in their effectiveness. â€Å"Whatever is tried, it is important to urge flexibility, as a combination of drug and behavioral treatment may be needed† (Rapoport, 2000). Recent studies such as the ERP and RIDE approve and recommend CBT in treating OCD. They also emphasize the importance of flexibility in successfully treating the disorder. Many cases may benefit best from a combination of drug and behavioral treatment. Bibliography Rapoport, J., & Inoff-Germain, G. (2000). Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 41(4), 419-431. Steinberger, K. (2002). Classification of OCD in children and adolescence. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavic, 106(2), 97-102. Wagner, A. (2003). CBT for Children and adolescents with OCD. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention. 3(3). 291-306. Waters, T., & Barret, P. (2000). The role of the family in childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinical Child & Family Psychology Review, 3(3), 173-184. Wiznitzer, M. (2003). Why do psychiatric drug research in children? Lancet, 361(9364). 1147-1148.

Cost Accounting System of Bpl

1. 1 Origin of the Report This report was originated to make a study about the cost accounting system of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for the requirement of completion of 1st semester of Master of Business Administration (MBA) program of the Department of Accounting & Information Systems, University of Dhaka. This term paper was an attempt to acquaint the students with the real world situations so that the knowledge gained from the classroom is further strengthened.As the classroom discussion alone cannot make a student perfect in handling the real business situation, therefore it is an opportunity for the students to know about the real life situation through this term paper. 1. 2 Background of the Report The importance of cost accounting and cost accounting information is being increased day by day. It is not only help to reduce cost but also in all kind of decision making. Without analysis of cost accounting information no manager can make effective decision. The cost accounting c ollects the data, analyze those data and help the managers to make better decision.In accordance with development of new tools and techniques of cost accounting the use of cost accounting information is changing. Managers need to use the cost accounting information in different way from traditional method to evaluate the performance. Developing and accepting the JIT, TQM and other contemporary costing techniques force to manager to change the performance evaluation techniques and requires different cost accounting information unlike traditional labor based information now a day’s which become obsolete.Primarily this report is concerned with cost accounting information by an organization in decision making as well as corporate reporting, the tools and techniques used by organizations and the implications of these in the organization. We select Beximco Pharma to examine the use of cost accounting information and cost accounting tools and techniques used by the company. We empha size on the implication of using information and technique and examine whether Beximco Pharma use or not that particular techniques and the reason of following or not following based on our queries to respective authority of the company. 1. 3 Scope of the Report:This report is limited to the cost accounting department of the Beximco Pharma including cost accounting systems procedure and techniques. Since Beximco want to achieve top quality along with cost control it uses its cost accounting information very strongly. This report covers only the use of cost accounting information for the purpose of decision making and coporate reporting not overall performance of the Beximco Pharma. 1. 4 Objective of the Report: 1. to have a general idea about cost accounting information and its use in decision making. 2. To have clear understanding about the cost accounting system used by Beximco Pharma. . Finding out the disclosure of cost accounting information used by the company. 4. To draw a co nclusion based on our understanding of Beximco Pharma. 1. 5 Methodology of the Report: The details of the work plan are furnished below: Data sources The data and information for this report have been collected from both the primary and secondary sources. Among the primary sources, face to face conversation with the respective stuffs of the head office. The secondary sources of information are annual reports, websites, and study of relevant reports, documents and different manuals.Data processing Data collected from primary and secondary sources have been processed manually and qualitative approach in general and quantitative approach in some cases has been used throughout the study. Data analysis and interpretation Qualitative approach has been adopted for data analysis and interpretation taking the processed data as the base. 1. 6 Organization of the Report This report is divided in to mainly 5 parts. The 1st part is introductory part that states the origin, background, scope, obj ectives, methodology of the report. The 2nd part is the literature review of the study.This part explains the cost accounting information and its use in decision making by the managers. The next part discusses about the cost accounting system of Beximco Pharma. The 4th part finds out the contemporary methods and techniques of cost accounting used in Beximco Pharma. The last part concludes the report with some recommendation. 1. 7 Limitation of the Report There were some limitations in the preparation of the report. The source of the cost accounting system of the company was mainly based on their financial reports of different.Though we conducted the responsible authority, they were reluctant to give us the full disclosure about their management policies. Because of such information is prepared for the management for internal use only, this was not available. Moreover, most of them were confidencial. Other limitations were our time constraint and resources to prepare an effective ter m paper on this topic. 2. 1 Cost Accounting Information: In a broad aspect, cost accounting refers to the measurement, analysis, and reporting financial and nonfinancial information relating to the cost of acquiring or using resources in an organization.So cost accounting can be defined as the information obtained from cost accounting activities. For example, calculating the cost of product is a cost accounting function that answers manager’s decision making needs (such as choosing products to offer). Modern cost accounting takes the perspective that collecting cost information is a function of the management decision being made. Cost accounting information helps the manager in short-run and long-run planning and control decisions that increase value for the customers and lower the costs of products and services.For example, managers make decisions regarding the amounts and kinds of material being used, changes in plant processes, and changes in product designs. 2. 2 Cost Acc ounting Information in Decision Making: For making decision by using cost accounting information cost accountant usually follow some specific models. They use different decision model for different courses of action. Management accountants work with manager by analyzing and presenting relevant data to guide decisions. For example, if any organization wants to reduce its existing manufacturing costs it must dentify the alternatives then it will analyze the alternatives by using only relevant data i. e. , which can influence the decisions. For making decision managers usually use five step decision process which is described below: Historical Costs Step-5 Step-4 Step-1 Obtain information Step-2 Step-3 Other Information Make prediction about future costs Specific prediction Choose an alternative Implement the decision Evaluate performance 2. 3 Factors regarding decision making using cost accounting information: There are several factors that affect the decision making procedure of the managers.Some important factors are discussed here: a. Relevant costs and relevant revenues: Relevant costs are expected future costs and relevant revenues are expected future revenues that differ among the alternative courses of action being considered. Both relevant costs and relevant revenues must occur in future and they differ among the alternative courses of action. Focusing on the relevant data is especially helpful when all the information needed to prepare detailed income information is unavailable.Understanding which costs are relevant and which are irrelevant helps the decision maker concentrate on obtaining only the pertinent data and saves time. b. Qualitative and quantitative relevant information: Manager defines and weighs qualitative and quantitative information. Quantitative information are those which can be measured by the numerical number and qualitative information are those which cannot be measured by the number and off course manager will decide which one is m easurable by the number and which one is not.Relevant cost analysis generally emphasis on quantitative factors but qualitative factors also have their own importance. c. One time only special orders: When factory has idle production capacity then manager must decide whether accepting or rejection special orders if special order has no long implications. Example: if any company has capacity to produce 18000 units and currently producing 16000 units. The total cost (fixed-5 and variable-5) per unit is tk. 10. If they got an order to deliver 4000 units for tk. 6 per unit they should accept it.But if they get the order of 5000 units they should not accept it because it crosses its relevant range. To make decision about special onetime order only relevant cost should be considered. A common term in decision making is incremental cost which means additional cost for producing every additional unit is also important in this regard. d. Insourcing Vs. Outsourcing and Make Vs. Buy decision: O utsourcing or Bye decision is purchasing goods and services from outside rather than producing in inside of the organization. Whether bye or make is sometimes influenced by qualitative factors.For example coca-cola company will never do outsourcing due to secrecy of the formula, know-how, and technology. In order to make decision if bye or make manager usually take into consideration about quality, dependability, material handling and set-up activity. And off course manager does cost benefit analysis based relevant cost information. e. Focusing on grand total: Manager will focus on grand total cost in making decision rather than unit cost. Sometimes unit cost could be misleading. If we want to make decision about make or buy, insourcing vs. utsourcing we need to consider total cost not unit cost. f. Using constrained resources: Under this condition, manager should select the product that yields the highest contribution margin per unit of the constraining or limiting resources. g. In deciding whether add or drop customer or to add or discontinue segment: Manager should focus on whether total overhead cost change in making decision about adding or dropping customer or adding or discontinuing segment. Manager should ignore allocating overhead cost. h. Replacement of equipment:In the time of equipment replacement existing book value is irrelevant because it is a sunk cost so it should be ignored. i. Concentrate on consistency on performance evaluation: There is always a confliction between the decision model used by a manager and the performance model used to evaluate that manager. Top management must ensure that the performance evaluation model will be consistent with decision model. A common inconsistency is to tell these managers to take a multiple year view in their decision making but then to judge their performance only on the basis of current year’s operating income.If there is no consistency between performance evaluation and performance model then control will be impossible and making decision model will be valueless. 2. 4 Cost Accounting Information in Corporate Reporting: The main purpose of cost accounting information is to help managers in decision making. Such information is provided for the internal purpose only. There are some guided rules and regulations about the information in the reports. According to IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements), aragraph 117, ‘’ An entity shall disclose in the summary of significant accounting policies: (a) the measurement basis (or bases) used in preparing the financial statements, and (b) the other accounting policies used that are relevant to an understanding of the financial statements. † It is important for an entity to inform users of the measurement basis or bases used in the financial statements (for example, historical cost, current cost, net realizable value, fair value or recoverable amount) because the basis on which an entity prepares the financial statements significantly affects users’ analysis.When an entity uses more than one measurement basis in the financial statements, for example when particular classes of assets are revalued, it is sufficient to provide an indication of the categories of assets and liabilities to which each measurement basis is applied. According to paragraph 125 of the same IAS, â€Å"An entity shall disclose information about the assumptions it makes about the future, and other major sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.In respect of those assets and liabilities, the notes shall include details of: (a) their nature, and (b) their carrying amount as at the end of the reporting period. † An entity presents the disclosures in paragraph 125 in a manner that helps users of financial statements to understand the j udgements that management makes about the future and about other sources of estimation uncertainty. The nature and extent of the information provided vary according to the nature of the assumption and other circumstances.Examples of the types of disclosures an entity makes are: (a) the nature of the assumption or other estimation uncertainty; (b) the sensitivity of carrying amounts to the methods, assumptions and estimates underlying their calculation, including the reasons for the sensitivity; (c) the expected resolution of an uncertainty and the range of reasonably possible outcomes within the next financial year in respect of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities affected; and (d) an explanation of changes made to past assumptions concerning those assets and liabilities, if the uncertainty remains unresolved.Other IFRSs require the disclosure of some of the assumptions that would otherwise be required in accordance with paragraph 125. For example, IAS 37 requires dis closure, in specified circumstances, of major assumptions concerning future events affecting classes of provisions. IFRS 7 requires disclosure of significant assumptions the entity uses in estimating the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried at fair value.IAS 16 requires disclosure of significant assumptions that the entity uses in estimating the fair values of revalued items of property, plant and equipment. There are also some guidelines for reporting cost accounting information in IAS 2: Inventories. The objective of this Standard is to prescribe the accounting treatment for inventories. A primary issue in accounting for inventories is the amount of cost to be recognised as an asset and carried forward until the related revenues are recognised.This Standard provides guidance on the determination of cost and its subsequent recognition as an expense, including any write-down to net realizable value. It also provides guidance on the cost formulas that are used to assign costs to inventories. Measurement of inventories Inventories shall be measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost of inventories The cost of inventories shall comprise all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.Costs of purchase The costs of purchase of inventories comprise the purchase price, import duties and other taxes (other than those subsequently recoverable by the entity from the taxing authorities), and transport, handling and other costs directly attributable to the acquisition of finished goods, materials and services. Trade discounts, rebates and other similar items are deducted in determining the costs of purchase. Costs of conversionThe costs of conversion of inventories include costs directly related to the units of production, such as direct labour. They also include a systematic allocation of fixed and variable production overheads t hat are incurred in converting materials into finished goods. Fixed production overheads are those indirect costs of production that remain relatively constant regardless of the volume of production, such as depreciation and maintenance of factory buildings and equipment, and the cost of factory management and administration.Variable production overheads are those indirect costs of production that vary directly, or nearly directly, with the volume of production, such as indirect materials and indirect labour. The allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Normal capacity is the production expected to be achieved on average over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance.The actual level of production may be used if it approximates normal capacity. The amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of produ ction is not increased as a consequence of low production or idle plant. Unallocated overheads are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. In periods of abnormally high production, the amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production is decreased so that inventories are not measured above cost.Variable production overheads are allocated to each unit of production on the basis of the actual use of the production facilities. A production process may result in more than one product being produced simultaneously. This is the case, for example, when joint products are produced or when there is a main product and a by-product. When the costs of conversion of each product are not separately identifiable, they are allocated between the products on a rational and consistent basis.The allocation may be based, for example, on the relative sales value of each product either at the stage in the production process when the products become separately identif iable, or at the completion of production. Most by-products, by their nature, are immaterial. When this is the case, they are often measured at net realisable value and this value is deducted from the cost of the main product. As a result, the carrying amount of the main product is not materially different from its cost. Disclosure of Inventory in Financial Statesments The financial statements shall disclose: a) the accounting policies adopted in measuring inventories, including the cost formula used; (b) the total carrying amount of inventories and the carrying amount in classifications appropriate to the entity; (c) the carrying amount of inventories carried at fair value less costs to sell; (d) the amount of inventories recognised as an expense during the period; (e) the amount of any write-down of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in accordance with paragraph 34; (f) the amount of any reversal of any write-down that is recognised as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognised as expense in the period in accordance with paragraph 34; (g) the circumstances or events that led to the reversal of a write-down of inventories in accordance with paragraph 34; and (h) the carrying amount of inventories pledged as security for liabilities. Information about the carrying amounts held in different classifications of inventories and the extent of the changes in these assets is useful to financial statement users. Common classifications of inventories are merchandise, production supplies, materials, work in progress and finished goods. The inventories of a service provider may be described as work in progress.The amount of inventories recognised as an expense during the period, which is often referred to as cost of sales, consists of those costs previously included in the measurement of inventory that has now been sold and unallocated production overheads and abnormal amounts of production costs of inventories. The circumstances of the entity ma y also warrant the inclusion of other amounts, such as distribution costs. 3. 1 An overview of Beximco Pharma Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a leading edge pharmaceutical company and is a member of the BEXIMCO Group, the largest private sector industrial conglomerate in Bangladesh. The strategic strengths of Beximco Pharma are its strong brand recognition, highly skilled work force and diversified business mix.Beximco Pharma brands – Neoceptin R (Ranitidine), Napa (Paracetamol), Amdocal (Amlodipine), Neofloxin (Ciprofloxacin), Bexitrol F (Salmeterol Plus Fluticasone), Bextrum Gold (Multivitamin and Multi Mineral) and Atova (Atorvastatin) are among the most recognized brands in the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical industry. Beximco Pharma started its operation in 1980, manufacturing products under the licenses of Bayer AG of Germany and Upjohn Inc. of USA and now has grown to become nation's one of the leading pharmaceutical companies, supplying 15% of country's total medicine need. Today Beximco Pharma manufactures and markets its own `branded generics' for almost all diseases from AIDS to cancer, from infection to asthma, from hypertension to diabetes, both nationally and internationally.Beximco Pharma manufactures a range of dosage forms including tablets, capsules, dry syrup, powder, cream, ointment, suppositories, large volume intravenous fluids, metered dose inhalers etc. in several world-class manufacturing plants, ensuring high quality standards complying with the World Health Organization (WHO) approved current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The recipient of three times `gold' national export trophy, Beximco Pharma is the largest exporter of pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh, spreading its presence in many developing and developed countries across the globe. Beximco Pharma is the only company in Bangladesh to receive this highest national accolade for export, for record three times. Beximco Pharma markets its brands through professional sales and marketing teams in African, Asian and European markets.It also supplies its products to renowned hospitals and institutions in many countries, including Raffles Hospital and K K Women & Children Hospital in Singapore, MEDS and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Kenya, Jinnah Hospital, Agha Khan Hospital and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Pakistan. Beximco Pharma is also an enlisted supplier of WHO and UNICEF. Another important business activity of Beximco Pharma is the contract manufacturing for major international brands of leading multinational companies. Beximco Pharma is acclaimed domestically and internationally for its outstanding product quality, world class manufacturing facilities, product development capabilities and outstanding service.Beximco Pharma has a strong market focus and is anticipating continued future growth by leveraging business capabilities and developing superior product brands and markets. In particular the company is very interested in developing a strong export market in USA and Europe. To meet the future demand Beximco Pharma has invested US$ 50 million to build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, confirming to USFDA and UK MHRA standards. This new plant will also offer contract-manufacturing facility to leading pharmaceutical companies, especially from Europe and US. 3. 2 Cost Accounting System of the company: The company primarily uses batch costing method in their costing system.As a pharmaceuticals manufacturing company they need to produce huge amount of product so here batch costing is appropriate for the company. Here it is cost effective and easy to calculation. Batch costing has the several advantages over other methods in regard of the providing following information: -the analysis and the cost control at each cost generator; -the operative management of each place generator of costs, the specification of the production and of the predicted costs and their control and realization; -the correct assessment of the produced stocks; -determination of the efficiency obtained by the taken decisions. The company uses weighted average method in time of inventory valuation.They believe that it gives more accurate and clear picture of inventory. In this method it is very hard to manipulate and easy to calculate though it has a limitation that it sometimes can’t represent inflation. 3. 3 Valuation of Inventories: Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value as prescribed by IAS 2: Inventories. Cost is determined on weighted average cost basis. The cost of inventories comprises of expenditure incurred in the normal course of business in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Net realizable value is based on estimated selling price less any further costs expected to be incurred to make the sale.Cost included for the local raw materials purchased are 1) Procurement Cost. 2) Transportation Cost 3) Bank Charge Cost included for the imported ra w materials are 1) Procurement Cost 2) Bank Charge for Opening L/C 3) Insurance 4) Clearing from the Port and 5) Transportation Cost. 3. 4 Disclosure of Inventory in Financial Statements According to IAS 2: Inventories, the Company disclosed the following information regarding inventory: (a) The Company uses weighted average method in measuring the inventories. (b) The total carrying amount of inventories is tk 1,739,818,419. The carrying amount of classified inventories for the last four years is given below: Type| 2005| 2006| 2007| 2008|Finished Goods| 294,831,219| 398,102,771| 331,438,214| 358,010,498| Work in Process| 113,067,980| 178,713,956| 142,743,433| 171,647,779| Raw Material| 631,820,233| 623,238,087| 607,643,749| 554,338,294| Packing Material| 212,162,685| 200,227,273| 188,571,634| 187,608,219| Laboratory Chemical| 465,253| 2,163,268| 2,673,958| 3,719,853| Literature & Promotional Material| 9,456,983| 44,474,997| 49,039,537| 67,024,325| Physician Sample| 8,236,593| 14,02 5,516| 18,397,570| 23,037,101| Raw & Packing Material in Transit| 64,806,398| 196,082,038| 178,683,684| 206,926,349| Stock of Stationery| 1,569,863| 2,537,415| 2,162,958| 4,092,814| Spares & Accessories| 58,377,700| 94,874,967| 131,125,554| 163,413,187| Total| 1,394,794,907| 1,754,440,288| 1,652,480,291| 1,739,818,419| (c) The carrying amount of inventory pledged as security for liabilities in 2007 is given below: | 2008| 2007| Janata Bank:| | | Cash Credit- Pledge| 149972631| 165214805| Cash Credit- Hypothecation| 666029415| 628919853|Total| 816002046| 794134658| Price Analysis Tender Announcement Planning Department I & I Service Approved? MRR & Production Destination Return PM / PM to Supplier Quality GRR If Import If Local Opening LC Receive Performa Invoice Prepare Purchase Order Contract C & F Agents Supervisions LC Receive or Store Materials Selection Potential Suppliers Purchase Department Marketing and Sales Department (Forecast of Products) Analysis RM / PM Go for Producti on Material Available in Stock? Inventory Cycle 2007 2008 3. 5Cost of Goods Sold of the company 2007 2008 Material consumed by the company: 2007 2008 3. 6 Factory Overhead of the Company: 4.Contemporary cost accounting methods and techniques used by Beximco Pharma: Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a leading company in our country. To compete with the other companies in the industry, Beximco Pharma uses several contemporary methods and techniques. Mass production of a mature product with known characteristics and a stable technology was the basis of traditional cost accounting models. Anyway, Beximco Pharma, with automation, lessened the labor content in manufacturing process while the other costs in the company are increased. Flexible manufacturing system: Flexible manufacturing systems use computer controlled production processes, ncluding CAD/CAM programmable machine tools. Because flexible manufacturing reduces setup or changeover times, companies can efficiently manufacture a wide variety of products in small batches. Though Beximco Pharma can adopt flexible manufacturing system, it merely reduces the size of the batch. Total quality management: Total Quality Management refers (TQM) to the process of continuous improvement to achieve the full customer satisfaction. Rather than waiting to inspect items at the end of the production line or striving to stay within acceptable tolerance limit, TQM’s goal is eliminating all waste. In Beximco Pharma, quality is maintained with great care.As it is a pharmaceutical company, it is mandatory to keep up with the quality level with the other companies. As a result, they have received GMP Clearance from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia and from Gulf Central Committee for Drug Registration, Executive Board of the Health Ministers' Council for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (representing Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman). The company is also in the process of obtaining approvals from several other regulatory authorities including National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) of Brazil, Medicine and Healthcare Regulatory Agency of United Kingdom (UK MHRA), US FDA etc. Just in Time Concept:The Just in Time (JIT) minimizes throughput time by emphasizing continuous improvements. JIT reduces inventories by achieving a continuous production process. In JIT system, employees keep on hand only the inventory needed to production until the next order arrives. Having fewer goods in hand not only requires less warehouse spaces and storage equipment but also reduces inventory holding cost, while realizing productivity. For implementing JIT, company must need a strong supply chain system. In Beximco Pharma, they can’t follow JIT because most of the inventory or raw materials are come from abroad so it is impossible to implement JIT in Beximco Pharma.If they want to implement JIT their cost will be higher rather than being lower because here o rdering cost is very high as raw materials are imported. Beximco use EOQ model to determine their ordering size and they have large storage facilities. Pull Rather than push system: Pull system refers to decision will come from downstream of management. The factory production line operates on a demand pull basis. A pull system can only work while manufacturing process can react to a pull system. However Beximco Pharma doesn’t follow the pull system they use push system. The authority of Beximco Pharma believes that push system is more effective than pull in the context of Bangladesh.Because of JIT is not possible in the firm, pull system is difficult to implement because in pull system it is believed that it is better not to produce unnecessary products and do not keep inventory in hand. Activity-Based Management: The activity-based management system links resources consumption to the activities a company performs and cost the activities to product or customers. Activity-base d management uses activity based costing systems to measure and control this relationship. In Beximco Pharma there is no such use activity cost driver to measure the cost of a product. The traditional system is used to determine the cost of the product. Life Cycle Costing:Life cycle costing tracks and determines the cost attributed to each product and service from its initial research and development to development to final marketing to customer. In Beximco Pharma, this type activities is done in mainly in the Central Product Management (CPM) Department. The activities of CPM are: * Market research * Selection of new product * Design and testing of product (DTP) * Sample store (logistics) management * Making strategy The department deals with the controllable marketing variables, the 4p's. This department takes decisions in the following areas: * Product – Size, color, shape, packaging etc. * Price – Raw materials cost, customer ability, regulatory body's approval etc. Promotion – Promotional aids include brochure, pads, folder, and plant visit by physicians, health-related people, students, and people of different student. Other than this department, in January, 2000, the Business Research ; Development department was established. The functions that are done by this department are: * Outsourcing negotiated * New product study * New technology study * Project feasibility study * Commercial negotiation * Observing the world pharmaceuticals market With these departments, Beximco Pharma determines the Life Cycle of the products. Target Costing: Target costing is an approach which determines what a product or service should cost based on its sales price less a target profit.Unlike traditional costing for making up cost, it is a market driven way of examining the relationship of price and cost. In Beximco Pharma, the use of Target Costing is very common to make the target for the cost of the product. Change In performance Evaluation: The adopti on of JIT, life cycle costing and other innovative techniques requires new performance evaluation techniques rather than traditional productivity measures because it is irrelevant in this context. The use of single short term profit measure may not be sufficient because it is not reliable indicator of managers’ ability. Profit may be increased by doing some activities which are not conform to companies overall organizational goal.Goal Congruence: this performance measures should encourage manager to achieve overall organizational goal. The Beximco Pharma does not explain the measurement of the performance of the employees. In general, some marketing employees get benefited if the sales volume is high. But the total performance evaluation system depends in the decision of the management. Concluding Remarks: Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a leading edge pharmaceutical company and is a member of the BEXIMCO Group, the largest private sector industrial conglomerate in Bangladesh . Beximco Pharma is also the largest exporter of pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh, spreading its presence in many developing and developed countries across the globe.Recently, BPL has successfully made its footmark in the global market when it made its debut on the London Stock Exchange as the first Bangladeshi company to be listed in the world's most prestigious bourse. This milestone event has widened the responsibility, accountability and transparency of the company beyond geographical border. The listing adds new challenges to the staffs of Accounts & Finance department who are directly responsible for financial reporting to a diverse group of stakeholders both in national and international arena. In this report, we have tried my level best to identify cost accounting techniques and procedures used by Beximco Pharma.What and how Beximco Pharma use cost accounting information for decision making and external financial reporting along with describing the procedure and systems of us ing cost accounting information. In this report, we imply our acquired knowledge from cost accounting course and try to comply with the techniques procedure and systems followed by the company. Beximco believes that quality and control should be ensured and these can be ensured by using proper cost accounting information. Relevant and reliable cost information can be ensured by implementing by using effective cost accounting methods. And they do the best one fit in the context of Bangladesh. References: 1.Horngren, Charles T. , Datar Srikant M. , Foster, G. ; â€Å"Cost Accounting: A Managerial Approach†, Prentice Hall, Inc. ; 12th Edition, 2007. 2. Rayburn, Latricia G. ; â€Å"Cost Accounting: Using A Cost Management Approach†; Irwin Book Team; 6th Edition, 1996. 3. Hansen, Don R. , Mowen Maryanne M. ; â€Å"Cost Management: Accounting and Control†; South-Western College Pub; 5th edition, 2005. 4. â€Å"International Financial Reporting Standard†; Intern ational Accounting Standard Board; as approved at 1 January, 2008. 5. http://www. beximco-pharma. com 6. http://britannica. com 7. http://en. wikipedia. org 8. http://www. bizmanualz. com 9. http://www. iasplus. com