Monday, December 30, 2019

Medical Advancements And Treatment Of Cancer - 1587 Words

Malignant neoplasia, more commonly known as cancer, can arise anywhere in the body in various sizes, shape and form, and can affect anyone. The treatment of cancer depends on the various factors, namely the type of cancer, how far it has grown and spread, and how fast it is growing. Medical advancements are continuing to benefit the treatment of cancer, as they are being detected earlier and patients are living longer. I will be discussing the three most used cancer treatments; surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy; and briefly investigating how they can be used together as a combination therapy with the example of breast cancer. I will also be exploring the emerging cancer treatment of immunotherapy, and comparing and contrasting the benefits and drawbacks/limits of these four treatments in terms of their biological process, and how they act in the body. Surgery is one of the main treatments for cancer, and is usually the first option considered following diagnosis. Usually, the e arlier a cancer is found the easier it is to remove it. Surgery may be the only treatment you need if the tumour is contained in the body area and has not metastasized. The primary goal is to remove the malignant tumour as completely as possible; and procedurally some normal tissue from around the cancer is also removed. The surgeon may also remove the lymph nodes nearest to the cancer, in case they contain cancer cells that can be moved around the body through the lymphatic system. AfterShow MoreRelatedCancer Research : Cancer Medical Research1417 Words   |  6 PagesCancer Medical Research Introduction With the emergence of killer diseases such as cancer and diabetes, medical research institutions are devoting enormous resources to discover new and effective ways of tackling the problem. The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) are the premier research facilities, boasting of the world’s largest source of biomedical research funding. Started over a century ago, the institute has been at the forefront in advancing the understanding of health andRead MoreCancer Vs Immunotherapies1314 Words   |  6 PagesThe FDA has recently approved a means of potentially putting us on the path of curing cancer and all other harmful diseases without the use of conventional drugs. This method is known by two names, The Novartis treatment, and Kymriah. Kymriah, is a new form of bio editing that works on the basis of utilizing the body’s naturally strong immune system to work for us. The numerous applications of this treatment are mostly beneficial, but then again, even ni troglycerin was meant to help people. ImmunotherapiesRead MoreAnimal Testing And Medical Advancement1358 Words   |  6 PagesAnimal Testing and Medical Advancement Every day, animals such as rabbits, chimpanzees, and mice take part of medical experimentation. â€Å"Chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA with humans, and mice are 98% genetically similar to humans. The United States and Gabon are the only two countries that allow experimentation on chimpanzees.† (The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada). What people don’t understand is that these animals contribute to medical discoveries regarding human health. Animals should be usedRead MoreAnimal Experimentation Is Fundamental For Medical Advancement And Cancer Research909 Words   |  4 Pagestopic of animal experimentation, most of us will readily agree that it’s necessary for medical research. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of morality. Whereas some are convinced that it’s unethical and scientifically unnecessary, others maintain that it’s needed for medical progress. My stance on the subject is animal experimentation is fundamenta l for medical advancement and cancer research. An ample amount of human deaths are being avoided every single day due to theRead MoreThe Medical Field Of Medicine1542 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Today, the medical field is one of the highest paying professional fields in the United States. The field, however, is not noted for its rewarding salaries, but for its importance all over the world. Medicine is one of the oldest professional fields. According to the Oxford Advanced Learner s Dictionary, Medicine â€Å"is the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.† The field employs several people like, nurses, doctors, therapists and others. To beRead MoreThe Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks By Rebecca Skloot1557 Words   |  7 Pagescells helped create some of the most profound contributions in medical history. Born and raised in Virginia in 1920, Lacks was a typical black southerner, growing up impoverished and recovering from the aftermath of a previous generation of slavery. It wasn’t until later in her adulthood when she was diagnosed with a severe case of cervical cancer, which rapidly deteriorated her body as doctors appl ied intensive doses of radium treatments. Before she passed away in 1951, doctors removed a sample ofRead MoreTechnological Advancements Through The Years1151 Words   |  5 PagesInnovation Through The Years Where would society be without progress? Think about life without out the simplest necessities of the 21st century. No Wi-Fi. No innovative cancer leading research labs and technology. No 3D technology or printers. Innovations and innovative thinking are two major driving impetuses of progress. Innovation can best be described as â€Å"something new that creates new opportunities for growth and development†(â€Å"A World Transformed† 1). There are many opportunities for progressRead MoreThe Debate Over Embryonic Stem Cell Research852 Words   |  4 Pagesclever title Imagine a world where people only talk about cancer and a desperate need for organ donors as part of a history lesson. Medical advancements have brought technology closer to making that world a reality. Recent advancements in knowledge of stem cell research has already created the ability for doctors to print a functional organ just as easily as people can print a persuasive research essay. With great medical advancements comes great controversy. The main way researchers have beenRead MoreThe Survival Rates Of Breast Cancer1373 Words   |  6 Pages Breast Cancer is the most common misfortune in women and second leading cause of death by cancer. Today, woman with breast cancer have a 90% chance of surviving for five years post-diagnosis. However, African American women have a national survival rate of 79%. Socioeconomic barriers and lack of access to health services have crippled African American women in breast cancer advancements. Studies have show that African American women tend to be diagnosed with a higher-stage of cancer because ofRead MoreBreast Cancer : A Disease1737 Words   |  7 PagesWyrick 1 Leah Wyrick Ms. Basinger AP Language and Composition 12 May 2017 Breast Cancer Breast cancer is a disease in which most commonly occurs in all women no matter their size, shape, race, or ethnicity. About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year, a fatal disease if not discovered early. Early detection of breast cancer is key so that cancerous cells found in the breast do not spread through other parts of the body. On a positive note, however, significant advances

Saturday, December 21, 2019

The Movie Hunger Games Essay - 868 Words

The last movie is the novel adaptation, Hunger Games series came to a close on November 17, 2015. The final film in the series, Mockingjay Part 2, follows the same strategy as another young-adult movie franchise, Twilight. The book turned movie raised its nearly unknown cast to rock star status and enormous profit. This sci-fi, adventure is violent. Scenes of blood oozing out of actors and actresses earned the PG-13 rating. The violence was spread evenly, however, the out the 137 minute duration of the movie. The movie seemed timely as United States presidential candidates are dropping one by one in what late night host Stephen Colbert calls â€Å"The Hungry for Power Games†. The film’s plot started off with a cliff hanger from Mockingjay Part 2. Immediately, the viewer could sense the tying of loose ends. Some parts of the film were predictable, though. The motion of this movie differed from the first two of the series. Mockingjay Parts One and Two almost feel like completely different films. Screenwriters Peter Craig and Danny Strong had the task of condensing Suzanne Collins award winning novel series plot in to a movie. Loyal Hunger Games readers could attest to the lessened action and added description. Jon Kilik worked as co-producer with Nina Jacobson’s Color Force Company. According to an article in Forbes Magazine, the film’s budget was $125 million. Although there were no reported budget issues a major hurdle the cast and crew faced was the passing of a leadShow MoreRelatedThe Movie The Hunger Games 894 Words   |  4 PagesThe first thing that caught my attention in The Hunger Games movie series was the main character and hero, Katniss Everdeen. She was a great example of a hero. She embodies the definition of a hero by the sense of the word; she was not only a great fighter in front of a strong male but she also volunteered to take the place of her little sister who was chosen in the first place. This was an act of heroic self-sacrifice. One of the main roles of the game was to be the sole survivor, but Katniss sacrificedRead MoreThe Movie The Hunger Games 889 Words   |  4 PagesThe first thing that caught my attention in The Hunger Games movie series was the main character and hero, Katniss Everdeen. She was a great example of a hero. She embodies the definition of a hero by the sense of the word; she was not only a great fighter in front of a strong male but she also volunteered to take the place of her little sister who was chosen in the first place. This was an act of heroic self-sacrifice. One of the main roles of the game was to be the sole survivor, but Katniss sacrificedRead MoreThe Hunger Games : Movie Review Essay984 Words   |  4 PagesThe Hunger Games 2012 movie Review The 2012 American science fiction film directed by Gary Ross is noted to be one of the most exciting motion pictures of its time. It became the first of a series of other films under the same name based on the fictional novels by Suzanne Collins, similarly using the same title. The film story is seen to take place in community where ferocity and atrocious behaviors are the only means by which members know. The hunger games movie is a thrilling, moving, intensely-feltRead MoreMovie Review : The Hunger Games 1343 Words   |  6 Pagespopular book and movie, the Hunger Games, in which both describe young Katniss Everdeen’s journey from an oppressed district to the capital to face the infamous â€Å"hunger games†. Though the theme and the storyline are the same, the book and the movie diverges in many circumstances, including censorship, effects, action, plot, and even the characters. Though there were differences in the detail that Suzanne Collins and the director of the movie went into, both the plots of the movie and the book areRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Hunger Games 891 Words   |  4 PagesSummarize the movie from a sociological perspective (approximately 1 page) : In the film of The Hunger Games, there are districts that are stratified, the bottom of the districts are those with the least amount of resources to survive. Those at the top control the resources by hosting an annual game that will test the strength and courage of two youth, â€Å"tributes,† to survive in a human hunting game. One male and one female are chosen at random from each district to participate in the game. There willRead MoreThe Hunger Games Movie Synopsis599 Words   |  2 PagesWelcome to The Hunger Games, a Lionsgate film. The film is set in the futuristic setting of a post- apocalyptic North American nation called Panem. The movie reveals 12 poor districts which are ruled by the wealthy Capital. The Capital destroyed district 13 for non-compliance to the rules and governing imposed on all districts. As a result the Capital created The Hunger Games as an annual televised event. Each of the remaining 12 districts must produce via lottery one male and one female child betweenRead MoreThe Hunger Games Movie Analysis1935 Words   |  8 PagesIn the following film, The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross, it focuses primarily on the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to partake the Hunger games tribute that occurs once a year. Every year in each district, each of the two members of each gender is selected to fight the annual Hunger Games. Katniss intends to be the center of attention of this film, which gives the audiences a better insight of the movie, also revealing additional themes that the author is trying to convey. AtRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Hunger Games 2215 Words   |  9 PagesChange in Feminism in the Cinema World The Hunger Games which is directed by Garry Ross is story in land of Panem which has grown out of the cadaverous ruins of what one time was known as North America, 74 years ago. The capitol introduced the hunger games as a reminder to the twelve districts of its authority and punishment for rebellion. Every year a boy and a girl from each district, who are known as Tributes, and they are of aged between 12 and 18. The names are chosen randomly in reaping ceremoniesRead MoreDifferences Between The Movie And The Hunger Games1046 Words   |  5 Pagesseen the Hunger Games movie and read the Hunger Games book? Have you ever noticed the superficial differences between them? Well, if you have then you clearly see that the movie and the book’s plots are relatively similar, but there are a few differences between the movie and the book. Although they bear some superficial differences, the similarities between the Hunger Games book and the Hunger Games movie are pronounced.                To begin, the Hunger Games movie is a very interesting movie that isRead MoreCritical Analysis Of The Movie Hunger Games1291 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay, I will do a critical analysis of the movie â€Å"Hunger Games,† the short story â€Å"The Story of an Hour,† and Taylor Swift’s music video â€Å"Look What You Make Me Do† in terms of the use of symbolism, and the new self. The Hunger Games  follows 16-year-old  Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th Hunger Games in place of her younger sister  Primrose Everdeen. The games itself is a competition to see who’s the strongest. The story of an Hour is a short story that describes

Friday, December 13, 2019

American Utopias Free Essays

Utopia is a perfect place, for some it is an attempt to realize heaven here on earth. For Sir Thomas More’s Utopia, it is a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean with a perfect social, legal and political system. Several utopian ideas arose in the history of mankind, they may slightly differ from each other, but they are similar in the effort to create a perfect society. We will write a custom essay sample on American Utopias or any similar topic only for you Order Now In American History, the communal movement in the 16th century to 17th century, and the similar attempt to establish the Utopian America of the 1960s to 1970s, was both a response to the social ills brought about by the development of capitalism and commercialism. While the communal movement of the 16th century can trace its roots from Europe, the Utopian movement of the 1960’s was homegrown with the relatively young members of the population leading the way. Both, however, have the similar vision of establishing a perfect community of harmony and brotherly love. While Utopian experiments in Europe were made as far back as the early 16th century, such as the Paris Commune or the Fouriesrist Phalanxes, it was only in America that the Europeans were successful in their attempt to found their New Jeruzalem characterized with idealism, zeal and moral fervor (Mizrach). Early Christian communists in Europe, propelled by the belief that America was a place free guile, deception and corruption, had decided to withdraw from the perceived sinful and corrupt world to establish new communities. Most of these communities saw themselves as islands of redemption in a world of temptation, sin and avarice (Mizrach). This belief in America as the â€Å"new† world where further proliferated by the famous literary writers of that time such as Thomas More in his Utopia and Francis Bacon in New Atlantis that suggested America was heir to the traditions of the first civilization, Atlantis, and a new â€Å"philosophic continent† within whose outlines lay modernity and freedom (Mizrach). The most interesting of these communities were founded in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Included here are those known as the Woman in the Wilderness founded by German Pietist in 1694, The Ireneia founded by Moravians in 1695, the Bohemia Manor founded by the Labadists in 1683, the Ephrata Cloister founded by Sabbatarians in 1732, Bethlehem founded by Anabaptists in 1740 and the Mount Lebanon founded by the Skaers in 1787 (Mizrach). All of these communities share the common feature of being founded by sects who at that time were considered as heretical by the Lutheran or the Calvinist Protestant Churches of Germany and Central Europe. Most of these also were located or founded around Pennsylvania which was Wiliam Penn’s Quaker â€Å"experiment of toleration†. Another feature of this communities were most of the members are European migrants who followed a charismatic founder. The Utopian American of the 60s and 70s flourished in about the same time when industrialization was in full swing. Soon after the World War II, the American economy prospered but it left many young people feeling estranged and isolated. While the older generation who grew up during the Great Depression was focused on material accumulation, the young people felt there was something missing in their lives (Meunier 1994). The dissatisfaction with capitalism grew and many young adults expressed this through their rejection of materialism and renewed interest in spirituality (Meunier 1994). Aside from this, the technological advances of this period made young people feel detached from their environment. The same advances that produced the atomic bomb and the television made the people feel that they are not in control or beyond understanding their environment (Meunier 1994). The political situation of this period also added to the propagation of the communal movement. The Vietnam War was not favored by majority of the American people and yet it dragged on. Aside from this, the Watergate scandal, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King further lead to the disillusionment of young people. It was a combination of all this political, social and economic factors that brought the young people from Haight-Ashbury movement of visionary psychedelia and politically defiant college students together to flee to rural utopian communes in attempt to escape the Establishment and take control of their own physical, cultural and spiritual environment (Meunier 1994). Known to some as the â€Å"flower people† or the â€Å"hippies†, the people who lived in communes in the 1960s were often stereotype as those who practiced free love and drug experimentation. The primary purpose of communal living in the late 1960s and early 1970s was to create a society where person to person relations is the core of existence, promoting greater intimacy and fuller human development (Meunier 1994). It rejects the established order of capitalism of competitiveness and production and turns to unity and cooperative work. People living in communes pool their resources and work together and the emphasis is no longer placed on competing for material goods but instead on friendship and family (Meunier 1994). The communes formed during the 1960s and 1970s were mostly in rural areas where people sought to return to the land. Agriculture made them self-sufficient and growing of food gave them a feeling of connection with each other and with the land. The search for a â€Å"perfect society† for both movements who happens to be centuries apart is are founded on similar assumptions of bringing change from the unrest and alienation that human beings felt as the society develops. Perhaps the utopian ideal will not cease as humans have the intrinsic need to commune, and that even the modern man sought for solace, peace and brotherhood. BIBLIOGRAPHY Meunier, Rachel. Communal Living in the Late 60s and Early 70s. Human Issues Project. 17 December 1994. http://www. thefarm. org/lifestyle/cmnl. html Mizrach, Steve. The Symbolic Invention of America-as-Utopia. Academentia Website. http://www. fiu. edu/~mizrachs/utopo-amer. html How to cite American Utopias, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Reflective Report

Question: Write a reflective essay that aims to introduce certain attributes that can improve the marketing mix policy of the new product Acne Blemish Solution. Answer: Introduction The current study is a reflective essay that aims to introduce certain attributes that can improve the marketing mix policy of the new product Acne Blemish Solution. While conducting the study, it had been determined that the longevity of the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) products in the Malaysian market is highly fluctuating. Therefore, I have generated the idea that, since, the brand MP Beauty Care has chosen to launch the Acne Blemish Solution products need to make a persistent product recall activities to withstand its sustenance. The existing study would scrutinise on the previous marketing mix methods applied to position the product in the market and provide the effacing solutions for its further improvement. Body According to Ali et al. (2016), the customers generally look for the familiar ingredients in the acne product. I have understood that the teenagers generally believe that the common ingredients like clay, mud packs, cucumber and green tea to be a useful ingredient to remove the acne issues. Therefore, as per my opinion MP Beauty Care needs to highlight the presence of cucumber and green tea along with the benzoyl peroxide acid. Although the product consists of the common acne removing ingredients, yet, it failed to highly the elements in the package. This might enact to be a constraint to receive the depicted reactions of the customers. Hence, the presence of the familiar ingredients needs to be mentioned in the product package to convince the customers. The pricing strategy initiated by the management of MP Beauty Care is highly effacing and lucrative. The concept behind the pricing strategy thoroughly gets aligned with the current purchasing attitudes of the target customers. I have acknowledged the fact that the teenagers definitely have the tendency of switching towards the products that offer a premium price range. Especially, placing the Acne Blemish Solution at RM 14 would be adequate for the enterprise to pursue the teenage segment. Conversely and Rajendran (2014) determined that placing the product on the premium level of the initial phase might be a risky approach for the brand. The teenagers rely heavily on the pocket money. Thus, the high price margin of the new acne solution product might not be a sufficient measure to receive the effective purchasing action of the teenagers. The idea I have generated after conducting the research work, the teenagers are highly aware regarding the difference between a pimple and acne issue. Therefore, especially the female segment prefers to visit the acne clinics to receive the corrective treatment (Grubor and Milicevic, 2015). The marketing activities of the acne clinics are highly convincing to convert the target prospects. Therefore, it would be a smart initiative to place the product in the acne clinics and convince the experts with the formula to apply the product to the patients. The promotional strategy of the particular brand for the specific products had been highly effective. Prakash and Pathak (2014) denoted that apart from the website, traditional and the blog promotion, Acne Blemish Solution needs to be promoted on the Facebook pages. Facebook is highly popular amongst the teenagers. Therefore, it can be the exclusive platform for the reaching and interact directly with the target audience. Conclusion The particular study had facilitated me to enhance my knowledge in the FMCG segment. I have generated the idea regarding the marketing activities that needs to be undertaken while launching a personal care product in the Malaysian market that basically targets the teenage segment. My idea regarding the particular subject had become transparent to a possible extent, the knowledge I would be implementing in my upcoming professional career. References: Ali, M., Ilyas, M. and Abdul Rehman, C. (2016) Impact of consumer centric marketing mix elements on consumer buying behavior: An empirical investigation in context of FMCG industry of Pakistan, Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 5(5), pp. 3042. Grubor, A. and Milicevic, N. (2015) Measuring on-shelf availability of FMCG products, Industrija, 43(1), pp. 5371. K, J. and Rajendran, G. (2014) Examining variety seeking BehaviorA study with reference to fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), Journal of Food Products Marketing, 20(3), pp. 283307. Prakash, G. and Pathak, P. (2014) Understanding rural buying behaviour: A study with special reference to FMCG products, Indian Journal of Marketing, 44(8), p. 43.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

TOTALITARIAN RULE Essays - Forms Of Government, Totalitarianism

TOTALITARIAN RULE TOTALITARIAN RULE The concept of totalitarian rule cannot be determined by purely logical means. It was explained and clarified only by those who went through the bitter experience of this form of government. As late as the end of the 1920's the word "totalitarian" was used to designate any state which was governed in an authoritarian rather than a parliamentarian manner. The London Times, for example, on November 2, 1929, spoke of a reaction against parliamentarism "in favor of a totalitarian, or unitary state whether Fascist or Communist;" the quotation marks and the explanatory phrase "or unitary state" prove that at the time the concept was still fairly unusual. In the 1930s and 1940s the experiences of the Third Reich and Stalinist Russia added to the definition the criteria of the synchronization and conformation of life, political police and concentration camps, and aIl the other horrors disseminated by these regimes. But admitting that in our century open terror has assumed particularly inhuman forms, such terror is nevertheless not confined to totalitarian rule and therefor is not sufficient to define it. From time immemorial despots have imprisoned their opponents under particularly cruel conditions; they have tortured them, dishonored them, debased and executed them. The suppression of freedom has always assumed the same forms. what Tacitus wrote in his biography of Agricola concerning the despotism of the Emperor Domitian was experienced as reality by the high school students of Hitler's Germany: "Not only the writers but their very books were objects of rage, and . . .the triumvirs were commissioned to burn in the forum those works of splendid genius. They fancied, forsooth, that in that fire the voice of the Roman people, the freedom of the Senate, and the conscience of the human race were perishing, while at the same time they banished the teachers of philosophy, and exiled every noble pursuit, that nothing good might anywhere confront them. Certainly we showed a magnificent example of patience; as a former age had witnessed the extreme of liberty, so we witnessed the extreme of servitude, when the informer robbed us of the interchange of speech and hearing. We should have lost memory as well as voice, had it been as easy to forget as to keep silence." The unique particularity of the unfolding of totalitarian power was at first experienced only by those who were under its immediate subjection, and even they understood it only gradually because it was an entirely new experience-- at least in our century. Totalitarian power grows beyond all standards of normal politics, it gains incalculable and sinister dimensions; under its dominion life falls into confusion and insecurity of all kind not known heretofore. Human beings find themselves not only oppressed and confined in their freedom but also delivered up to the regime, mercilessly exploited by it, and finally, as it were inadvertently, criminally involved in the regime,s activity. Characteristically, it was precisely the politically sophisticated observers who predicted all quick collapse of totalitarian rule, and from their point of view they were justified; for according to the traditional views and standards all such regimes destroy the preconditions that can give permanence to all government. Everywhere it goes against the most basic Law of international diplomatic relations and economic life, destroys the ordered domestic government, openly goes back on its promises, at every step violates all loyalty and faith, is mendacious, unbalanced, repressed, unprofessional--nevertheless, totalitarian rule flourished, secured its position, manages to win over large sections of the population though they resist at first' and can even place its opponents in its service. Persons under totalitarian rule are always in the ranks, always under all strain. They may no longer show themselves as they really are but are constrained constantly to play prescribed roles in an atmosphere of false emotionality, joylessness, mistrust; and they must take care to put their loyalty "to the test... Not only does the regime forbid them to develop, but it seeks also to make of them other personalities than they are by nature; it not only restricts their freedom but tries as well to overpower them. This situation holds true for the declared adherents of the regime even more than for its opponents; for the adherents must always be anxiously concerned to move along whatever general line is currently in favor. No corner of public life or private life offers refuge from control; one can inadvertently lay oneself open to suspicion anywhere. Applause, indignation, enthusiasm, willingness to serve are produced artificially. In general, artificiality is an outstanding characteristic of totalitarian activity, standing in grotesque contrast to the regime,s favorite appeal to the authentic forces of

Monday, November 25, 2019

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Dividend policy at Linear technology Case Study

Dividend policy at Linear technology - Case Study Example The paper tells that Linear technology has used all four types of dividend distributions. The company has used stock splits four times since its initial public offer (IPO) in 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2000, each of which has been 2 for 1 split. The company has also had share purchases every year since 1993 and every year thereafter except in 2000. Most of these share repurchases were done in 2002 and 2003. The dividend policy that Linear Technology chooses at a particular point in time will depend on a number of factors. These factors include the signal it wants to send to its shareholders, the need for funds to invest in new projects, the type of shareholders that the firm has, and the amount of cash the firm has at its disposal. The method of dividend payment should also depend on the tax implications. Linear Technology does not appear to be investing in any new projects. The figures also indicate that research and development expenses have declined since it reached its peak in 2001. Th is signifies that the company has to a certain extent run out of ideas. It is therefore sending the wrong signal to its shareholders who may believe that the company’s growth prospects are good. The only technology company that showed signs of consistent growth over the period has been Microsoft. Linear seems to be totally focused on satisfying shareholders in terms of dividend payouts and maintaining a positive cash flow. There is no mention of any new projects or initiatives to grow the business. If Linear Technology wants to grow it could obtain a loan easily because the company does not currently have any debts. Furthermore, interest on corporate debt is tax exempt and the interest rate on AAA rated corporate debt has fallen every year since 1995. This may help to increase the value of the company and also increase the returns on shareholders funds. An advantage of using debt to fund growth is that interest paid on loans is allowable as a deduction for tax purposes while a dividend is not. Funding Requirements Linear technology desires to have sufficient cash flows so that the company can withstand any financial crisis. The company however, has the capacity to obtain debt. Linear technology manages it payroll expenses by issuing stock options to compensate employees. Therefore, when the company does well employees receive a higher profit share and so the company is able to maintain a positive cash flow as well as pay out dividends on a quarterly basis. Available Resources The company has a significant amount of cash available and this can be backed up with its capacity to borrow. Linear currently has over $1.5m in cash and short term investments. This may not however, be sufficient to finance a major project but would become useful in the company’s bid to obtain a loan as it would provide a cushion in the event that the company is not able to pay interest expenses out of regular earnings. Costs and Benefits of Retaining Excess Funds Retaining excess funds can result in agency costs. Managers may be tempted to pay themselves excessively. It is more likely that they may not exercise care in the use of such funds since the pressures that normally arise from having limited funds do not exist. This lead to a waste of funds that could have been used to pay dividends. The benefits of retaining