Francois Truffaut Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Francois Truffaut - Essay Example â€Å"Tradition of Quality† is the inclination of certain French scriptwriters and directors to mainly depend on literary adaptations to come up with their celluloid works. Although, the term was coined by Jean-Pierre Barrot in LÉcran franà §ais to refer to the inclination of directors like Claude Autant-Lara, Jean Delannoy and Yves Allà ©gret for literary adaptations, and the work of scriptwriters such as Jean Aurenche and Pierre Bost, it was Truffaut who denounced it and opposed it in his journalistic works. (Gonzà ¡lez 2003). Truffaut points out what constitutes â€Å"Tradition of Quality† and why films based on it are only regarded as France’s mainstream cinema. That is, with majority of the prominent French filmmakers and scriptwriters opting for literary adaptations for their films, as part of the â€Å"Tradition of Quality†, and importantly winning accolades including international appreciation for those works, it naturally came to be regarde d as the mainstream French cinema. However Truffaut is totally against this stereotyping of â€Å"Tradition of Quality† as the French cinema and also criticises the creators for forcefully stereotyping it both in the domestic as well as in the international arena. â€Å"†¦they force, by their ambitiousness, the admiration of the foreign press, defend the French flag twice a year at Cannes and at Venice where, since 1946, they regularly carry off medals, golden lions and grands prix† (Truffaut 1954, p. 9). The other key component which constitutes â€Å"Tradition of Quality† and which is also a ‘loose end’ of this concept is the instances of â€Å"equivalence betrayals† during literary adaptations. As part of â€Å"Tradition of Quality† scriptwriters in association with directors will change certain scenes featured in the novels and come up with equivalent scenes in the film’s

Impact of Gst on Fmcg Sector Essay Example for Free

Impact of Gst on Fmcg Sector Essay Initially envisaged to be in place by April 1, 2010 the GST would result in a major rationalization and simplification of the consumption tax structure at both the centre and state levels by replacing all central and state level indirect taxes such as value added tax (VAT), excise duty, service tax, entertainment tax among others bring relief to the common man. GST: An Executive Summary GST is the most ambitious indirect tax reform in India ever attempted and aims to create one â€Å"borderless domestic market†. It will tax consumption as against â€Å"production† which is the current norm. A uniform rate will be imposed on a product only once, at the point of its supply, thus reducing the cost for consumers. Key benefits: If GST is implemented without many exemptions and with a single rate, the following benefits will accrue: * Macro: Successful pan-India implementation will add 1-1. 7 % to the GDP and boost the tax/GDP ratio. * Micro: Incidence of tax will come down in case of manufactured goods. However, in case of services the incidence and coverage of tax may rise resulting in higher prices. Industry: Volume growth will accrue as incidence of taxation is minimized. Also, supply chain efficiencies will accrue as there will be no need for multiple depots and warehouses. Driven by growing consumption in rural and semi-urban areas, the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is expected to double from $14. 7 billion in 2008-09 to $30 billion in 2012, according to a study titled â€Å"Prospects in the FMCG sector†, released by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). The Indian FMCG sector is the fourth largest sector in the economy with a market size in excess of $14. 7 billion. A well-established distribution network, intense competition between the organized and unorganized segments characterize the sector. GST is a tax on consumption, and since FMCGs form the core of the consumption basket, the sector would be watch closely on the heels of its implementation. The sector is bound to witness many gainers and closers, depending crucially on the base and rates of the GST. Currently both centre and state tax rates vary- central value added tax (CENVAT) duty varies from 0-14 % (reduced to 8% under the fiscal stimulus package) and the state VAT varies between 0% and 12. 5%. Indications are that the combined centre and state GST on FMCGs could range between 12% and 14%, if applied at a single rate. At this rate, the total burden on FMCG’s should remain approximately the same as under the current structure. However, it would lead to simplication in the tax structure and would mitigate the disputes relating to classification of goods into various tax rate categories and determination of factory price for application of CENVAT. However, if food and other basic necessities were to be exempted or made taxable at a lower rate, then the standard rate for other goods and services could be pushed up to 18% or more. This could lead to disputes on classification of goods to the two rate categories. Leaving aside the issue of rates, many benefits are to be realized with respect to simplification of the supply chain which are summarized thus: Impact of GST on the FMCG Supply Chain: The introduction of GST is expected to build best-in-class capability in supply chain as well as people capability and enhance India’s cost leadership position by eliminating inefficiencies in supply chain and taxation: * Multiple Route-to-market models: Upto 35% reduction possible in time-to-market. Simplification of Supply Chain: With the elimination of central sales tax, manufacturers could implement a centralized warehousing and distribution centre and need not set up distribution depots in individual states and make inter-state sales via consignment agents. * Elimination of Tax Cascading: Currently, FMCG dealers cannot claim a credit for the service tax paid on their inputs. Restrictions also apply on claimin g credits for VAT on inputs other than goods for resale. Reduction in Inventory Costs: Currently, the CENVAT is included in inventory costs, because of which the dealers costs increase. Under the new structure, the GST paid on inventory would be fully recoverable as input tax credit, reducing the inventory financing costs. * Cash Flow benefit from tax: The dealers would be collecting GST from their customers as they make sales, but would be required to remit it to the government only at the end of the month or the quarter, when they file their returns. This extra cash float would be like a recurring interest-free loan from the government each quarter. These benefits would be then passed on to the customer in the form of Potential Price Reduction which are depicted below: ( Under two scenarios of 14% and 16% Excise Duty) Direct Impact on Logistics with trickle down benefits for FMCG: The cost of logistics in India is about 13% of the GDP, among the highest in the world. This higher logistics spend in India is attributed to the inefficiencies in the system which are expected to be done away with the new taxation regime. The previous regime has resulted in an unorganized and fragmented warehousing industry necessitating streamline of the logistics industry processes. The GST would impact the Logistics sector as under: * Consolidation outsourcing in warehousing: Achievable due to inherent advantages of low fixed costs, low employment of manpower and administrative effort. * Reduction in number of Distribution Centres (DC’s): Post GST, state specific distribution centres are expected to change to regional DCs. The outcome of this would be fewer DCs of larger size, more value inventory and a higher number of trasactions. Improvement in Quality of Services: Costs savings can be used to improve the quality of services and the usage of larger line haul vehicles, larger loads and cross docking. * Alleviation of complexities in documentation and inter State barriers: Through a uniform and seamless application of CGST SGST irrecoverable taxes such as Central Sales Tax (CST), complex documentation of inter State movement of goods, entry barriers at state borders resulting in long transportation times and imposition of local levies such as entry taxes and octroi upon physical entry of goods into designated areas can be done away with. Analysis: In order to satisfy the set of customer needs through its products and services, the firms operating in the FMCG space need to achieve a consistency between their Business Strategy, Product Development Strategy, Marketing Sales Strategy and Supply Chain Strategy. As identified earlier, the supply chain strategy which revolves around Operations, Distribution and Service is geared towards cost leadership by the implementation of GST, all while improving quality of service. In the FMCG sector, there is a need for an efficient supply chain as consumer goods typically depict predictable demand, explaining their low margins. GST helps us achieve thus by alleviating complexities inherent in the existing tax system. Facility Network Design Considerations: Increase in the number of facilities increase costs associated with inventory, setting up of additional facilities and transportation. As discussed earlier, the elimination of the Central Sales Tax can help the industry work towards consolidation of warehouses and distribution centres, reducing the number of facilities and thereby the overall logistics costs. Same has a direct impact on response time, and the savings realized by facility reduction along with the multiple route-to-market models that have opened up, could lead to a 35% reduction in time-to-market. Recommendations: Based on the secondary data collected, and the subsequent analysis of the FMCG sector the following recommendations have been tabulated for the benefit of the policy makers: * Extended date of implementation: Setting of the deadline as October, 2010 as opposed to April 1, 2010 would help the Centre solve any and all disputes related to its implementation with the States leading to a flawless roll-out. Removal of classification between goods and services: To ensure there are no classification disputes, leading to more complications and delays. * Removal of existing area based exemptions: the existing area based exemptions in respect of CENVAT should be discontinued and if need be a direct investment linked cash subsidy may be provided to support the industry, for b alanced regional development. The idea is to not break the GST chain with regard to both CGST SGST. Some of the options around re-engineering the supply chain would relate to decisions on indigenous supplies vis-a-vis imports; Intra-State vis-a-vis Inter-State procurement manufacturing service/warehousing stocking locations, in-house v/s contract manufacturing, direct sales v/s stock transfers etc.

What is Truth - Comparison of Plato and Peirces Philosophy :: essays research papers

What is Truth?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For thousands of years, mankind has persistently pursued truth, knowledge, and understanding. For most, this pursuit is a driving force which usually doesn’t end until one finds a â€Å"truth† that is satisfying to him or her. Even then, however, one may choose to look for an alternate truth that may be even more satisfying to them. This pursuit does not always follow the same path for everyone as there are different ideas as to how truth is actually obtained and which is the best way to obtain it. Two individuals and great philosophers of their time, Plato and Charles Peirce, each had their own ideas on how truth and knowledge could be obtained.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the main differences between Plato’s and Peirce’s philosophies regarding truth is that Plato believed truth is founded in knowledge while Peirce believed knowledge could never be obtained. Plato believed that everyone possesses knowledge and the realization of this knowledge could be achieved through recollection. This was demonstrated in Plato’s Meno when Socrates presented the â€Å"square of double size† question to the slave boy. Socrates did not teach the slave boy how to get the answer, he merely asked the boy a series of questions and the boy came to the right answer through recollection. In this way, the boy already possessed the knowledge to answer the question correctly. With this philosophy, truth is past-oriented. Past experiences and universal knowledge is the key to truth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Plato also had the philosophy of dyadic intuitionism. Intuition, Plato believed, is the basis of knowledge. Logical progressions need not be made to determine relationships and discover truth. Plato was closer to the side of the â€Å"Realm of Being† as opposed to the â€Å"Realm of Becoming†. The ‘Realm of Being† is eternal, involves recollection and acquisition of knowledge, and consists of a more optimistic view of truth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Peirce, on the other hand, believed that true knowledge could never be obtained. He believed that truth was future oriented. Peirce’s preferred method of pursuing truth was the scientific method. This method consists of forming a hypothesis and trying to disprove the hypothesis through practical evidence. Although Peirce thought the scientific method was the best approach to search for truth, he believed that it could only be used to disprove a hypothesis, and that nothing could be proven for certain. It is through this idea that his belief that knowledge can never be obtained is founded.

Violating Social Norms Essay

Social norms are the shared expectations of what kind of behavior is acceptable and what isn’t. Violating social norms can be very amusing for the person who’s doing it, but can sometimes gather very hostile reactions from those around you. Violating personal space, standing on the wrong side of the escalator, walking on the wrong side of the sidewalk, wearing your clothes backwards and paying with change are just a few examples of how social norms can be broken. My partner Jordyn and I proved with our project that stepping outside of the box and violating social norms isn’t always as bad as it seems. For starters Jordyn and I decided we were going to violate a social norm by going to a food place and paying with change. At first I felt really awkward because I wasn’t sure how the cashier and those around us were going to react but I just went with it anyway. Jordyn went first and I filmed her, she waited in line like normal and oddly enough when she pulled out the change it really wasn’t that big of a deal for anyone. The cashier was really nonchalant about it and even helped her to count the change, it was all very casual. The results I got when it was my turn were very similar to Jordyn’s I went up and ordered my drink and when he told me the total I pulled out my change same as last time and the cashier helped me count the change, he seemed to have no problem with the fact that I was paying with change which was actually very refreshing. It didn’t feel like anyone was being judgmental and overall I just felt very comfortable with the whole situation. In conclusion violating social norms can have varying results depending on the act you’re taking part in and the people that are around you while you’re doing it. I feel that our project was very successful because we broke a social norm but we didn’t show up with all pennies which would have probably gotten a better reaction, but in my opinion would be slightly obnoxious. I know that if I were in a cashier’s position I would be pissed so we didn’t take it that far. Regardless of the type of change we paid in IÂ  think we definitely displayed a great example of violating a social norm and I’m very proud of our uniquely found success with this project.

Introduction to Business Finance Essay

Used when a business wishes to buy a good. It lets the business supplier know the requirements of the company making the order. The form will include both purchaser and supplier contact details, along with an order and reference number. It will also show the quantity required, descriptions and prices. This will be the beginning of the process. It will be processed by the business, who will then get the order ready for dispatch. The use of these is an ongoing process. Delivery Note The delivery note is used by the business who is providing the goods. It gives the purchaser a list of all the products they will be receiving. It details any goods that are unavailable. It will also state the relevant order and reference number. This follows the purchase order in the sequence of events. Again, this is a document that is used in an ongoing process. Goods Received Note This document is sent from the buyer to the seller. It gives both businesses a record of what goods have actually been received. The businesses can use it as a check with the purchase order, delivery note and with their stock levels. This document will follow the delivery of goods. The buyer will check through all received and then produce the document. Invoice An invoice is a document that shows a business what payment is required. It gives all the details of the goods ordered and delivered, including the quantity and the price. It will also show any discounts, and if any VAT is being charged. This again will have the relevant reference and order numbers. Invoices are sent to businesses once delivery has occurred. Usually, invoices are sent on a regular basis. Credit / Debit Notes This will reduce the amount the buyer owes the seller. If payment has not been received, the buyer pays less, or the note can be used with future purchases. Reasons for this includes: * The business has been overcharged on the invoice. * There has been an error on the invoice e. g. the prices. * When damaged, faulty or unsuitable goods are returned. This will follow the invoice. The document will be sent after either the buyer or seller has highlighted the error or fault. Statements of Account sent by the Business The seller will send this document on a regular basis. It highlights to the buyer the current situation of their account. It will show what payments have been received and how much the business still owes. It also records all the invoices and credit notes the buyer has been sent. This is an ongoing process. It will occur on a regular basis – often monthly. It does not specifically follow the issue of any other document. Remittance Slips Advice The buyer sends this document to the seller advising that payment is being made to them. If the buyer is paying an invoice by cheque, they will usually include this with the remittance advice. These will be used on a regular basis. They will always follow the invoice. Cheques Businesses that have accounts with banks or building societies will be issued with a cheque system. A cheque is a method of payment for the buyer and seller to use. Usually, the buyer will write a cheque to make payments according to an Invoice or the amount on the Statement of Account. It is a safe method of payment, as it can be sent through the post and only the payee can use the cheque. These will be used on a regular basis. They will always follow the purchase and the business receiving its goods. It may be sent after the Invoice has been received or after the Statement of Account.