...Ethics Case: Arthur Andersen’s Troubles Once the largest professional services firm in the world, and arguably the most respected, Arthur Andersen LLP (AA) has disappeared. The Big 5 accounting firms are now the Big 4. Why did this happen? How did it happen? What are the lessons to be learned? Arthur Andersen, a twenty-eight-year-old Northwestern University accounting professor, co-founded the firm in 1913. Tales of his integrity are legendary, and the culture of the firm was very much in his image. For example, “Just months after [Andersen] set up shop in Chicago, the president of a local railroad insisted that he approve a transaction that would have inflated earnings. Andersen told the executive there was “not enough money in the City of Chicago” to make him do it.”1 In 1954, consulting services began with the installation of the first mainframe computer at General Electric to automate its payroll systems. By 1978, AA became the largest professional services firm in the world with revenues of $546 million, and by 1984 consulting brought in more profit than auditing. In 1989, the consulting operation, wanting more control and a larger share of profit, became a separate part of a Swiss partnership from the audit operation. In 2000, following an arbitrator’s ruling that a break fee of $1 billion be paid, Andersen Consulting split completely and changed its name to Accenture. AA, the audit practice, continued to offer a limited set of related services, such as tax advice.2 Changing...
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...Arthur Miller was born in Harlem, New York on October 17th, 1915. He was raised in a moderate household, but lost everything during the Wall Street Crash in 1929. After the crash, he and his family moved to Brooklyn. Arthur worked through his troubles so that he could attend college at the University of Michigan. In college he wrote for the student paper and was in the play called, No Villain. Miller was inspired by one of his professors named, Kenneth Rowe. He was inspired by his approach of playwriting, and wanted to begin his career. He wrote the play, The Man Who Had All The Luck. This play closed after only four performances into the season because of terrible reviews, but six years later, he wrote the play All My Sons, which was a tremendous achievement for him, and achieved the tony award for it. He had many other achievements as well. He wrote the story “Death of A Salesmen,” in less than one day, and was loved by so many people in the theatre. This play won many different awards. Miller married Marilyn Monroe, who starred in the screenplay called “The Misfits,” After leaving his first wife, Mary Slattery. However, in 1961 miller and Monroe were divorced. Lastly he married another woman who was a photographer from Austria. Her name was Inges Morath. They had two children together named Rebecca and Daniel. Daniel had Down syndrome. Miller wanted nothing to do with his son, and asked that he be excluded from the family’s personal life. One of the main stories that...
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...The Sword in the Stone of the Arthurian Legend King Arthur and the knights of the round table belong to a long line of books and stories of the Arthurian legend. Merlin, Lancelot, The lady of the lake, King Arthur, and Excaliber are all very important in the Arthurian legend. In this essay we will talk about King Arthur, the knights of the round table, and Merlin in the famous story, The sword in the stone. The Sword in the stone is a book about an adopted child named wart. He is of royal blood and does not know this. One day when Wart is in the forest, he finds a magician named Merlin. Merlin comes home with Wart and agrees with Sir Ector, Wart’s guardian, to become Wart’s tutor. Merlin goes about educating Wart by Transforming him into different animals. Through each transformation Wart experiences different forms of power, each being a part of how he should rule as king. The first transformation takes Wart and Merlin into the castle’s moat as a fish. They then meet the largest fish in the moat, which is an alligator who is the ruler. The alligator takes what he wants because of his size. In a speech about power, he tells Wart that “Might is right,” and might of the body is greater than might of the mind. Because of the way the alligator rules, his subjects obey him out of fear for their lives. Wart experiences this firsthand when the gator tells him to leave. He has grown bored of Wart, and if Wart does not leave he will eat him. The king uses his siz...
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...were telling the fabulous tales and romances about Arthur and his kingdom. The common people heard them sung by bards, while in the court poets wrote different versions. In each retelling the speaker would select certain details for emphasis and introduce new elements, so that the story could be adapted to the particular time and audience. Although most historians believe that there actually did exist an Arthur, they differ on how major his role was on influencing society during his time. To understand the most widely accepted view on when and how Arthur gained fame, one must be aware of the historical time period surrounding Arthur. The unity that the Roman government imposed on Britain disappeared around 410 AD. In its place arose small villages whose rulers struggled for political and military supremacy. Around 540, a Welsh monk and historian named Gildas wrote in his book Concerning the Ruin and Conquest of Britain that The disasters that the British people suffered at the hands of the Anglo-Saxons after the Roman withdrawal were clear evidence that god was punishing them for their sins. It was during these disasters that the monk was referring to that Arthur held up resistance for the Britons against the Saxons, at a time when Britain was constantly being threatened by invaders. Through being the commander who routed the battles against the enemy and thereby saving the south of Britain from distruction of the Saxons, Arthur became the image of the hero and savior whose death...
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...Arthur Laffer: An Economic Genius When you take the time and look at all of the people who have been involved with economics over the years, Arthur Laffer is a man that you will hear a lot about. Laffer had a large affect on the United States economic policy throughout the 1980’s due to his theory on taxes (Arthur, 2010). However, his tax theories did not only affect the United States, but the whole world (Economist, 2010). Arthur Laffer is an economic genius and he is recognized as one of the greatest economists in the recent history of the United States. Arthur Betz Laffer was born on August 14, 1940 in Youngstown, Ohio (Arthur, 2010). He was very intelligent as he was growing up. Laffer did well in school and eventually went on to attend Yale University (Economist, 2010). He graduated in 1963 and received a Bachelor’s degree in economics (Biography, 2010). After he received his Bachelor’s degree, he enrolled in Stanford, where he graduated with his Master’s degree in economics (Biography, 2010). However, a Master’s degree was not enough for Laffer. He continued his education at Stanford until he received his Ph.D. in economics (Arthur, 2010). After receiving his degree, Laffer began to draw attention to himself. He proposed supply-side economic theories, and they became popular at very quick rates (Arthur, 2010). This theory stated that held that reductions in federal taxes on businesses and individuals would lead to increased economic growth and in the long...
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...ARTHUR MILLER Arthur Asher Miller (October 17, 1915 – February 10, 2005) was an American playwright and essayist. He was a prominent figure in American theatre, writing dramas that include plays such as All My Sons (1947), Death of a Salesman (1949), The Crucible (1953) and A View from the Bridge (1955) Arthur Miller's Childhood: His father was a productive shop-keeper and clothing manufacturer, until the Great Depression dried up virtually all business opportunities. Yet, despite being faced with poverty, Miller made the best of his childhood. He was a very active young man, in love with such sports as football and baseball. College Bound: In 1934, Miller left the east coast to attend the University of Michigan. He was accepted into their school of journalism. His experiences during the depression made him skeptical towards religion. Politically, he began leaning towards the "Left." And since the theater was the cutting edge way for socio-economic liberals to express their views, he decided to enter the Hopwood Drama competition. His first play, No Villain, received an award from the University. It was an impressive beginning for the young playwright: he had never studied plays or playwriting, and he had written his script in just five days! Broadway Bound: After graduation, he continued writing plays. During World War II, his writing career gradually became more successful. In 1940 he crafted The Man Who Had All the Luck. It arrived on Broadway in 1944, but...
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...King Arthur – Characters’ Analysis To give a myth, story, or any work of literature the ability to lure the reader in, it’s critical that the writer make the characters relatable. When the reader is able to connect to one or more of the characters, they can transfer many of their own feelings, struggles or life experiences onto the story itself. Even when the characters are portrayed with god-like qualities or traits, they often still exhibit some traits of mortality which tends to give the reader a perceived one on one connection. As a child, and as the eventual King, Arthur’s ideals, morals and overall character change very little. He is always depicted as a feeling, considerate person who uses his abilities, skills, and influence for the betterment of his people. In the story of King Arthur, from our book, Arthur is presented as a larger than life hero and warrior that is pre-ordained to become king through divine intervention. The book’s story also has him battling giants, monsters and sorcerers. However, I felt the movie shown him to be more mortal and susceptible to mortal weaknesses. There wasn’t so much of a divine force influencing the plot and characters, so much as a force of deep loyalty, moral and ethical tones. Arthur shows some traits of immaturity when he is a child, but I believe this is another way the writer attempts to convey to the reader Author’s mortal side and vulnerabilities. His immaturity is short lived and he quickly takes on the characteristics...
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...King Arthur's Knights Was Arthur a true, historical figure or only a hero of legend? This is truly up to each and every one of us to decide for ourselves. Arthur represents a man who was the epitome of good against evil, light against darkness, and that eternal, never-ending struggle between what is right and that which is wrong. King Arthur is a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and his historical existence is debated and disputed by modern historian. there is no historical evidence, that King Arthur ever exist…But, as people say '' no smoke without fire'' CAMELOT was declared as the chief residence of the High-King Arthur and embroidered the elaborate portrayal that we recognise today. The Tradition: The Name "Excalibur" was first used for King Arthur's sword by the French Romancers. It was not the famous "Sword in the Stone" (which broke in battle), but a second sword acquired by the King through the intercession of his druidic advisor, Merddyn (Merlin). Worried that Arthur would fall in battle, Merlin took the King to a magical lake where a mysterious hand thrust itself up from the water, holding aloft a magnificent sword. It was the Lady of the Lake offering Arthur a magic unbreakable blade, fashioned by an Avalonian elf smith, along with a scabbard which would protect him as long as he wore it.Towards the end of his reign, during the troubled...
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...John Warren Mrs. Thomas English III - 6 20 October 2012 Miller’s Unfortunate Influences Many negative actions during the history of America such as the Salem witch-hunts and World War II brought upon a common psychology of desperation and deep meanings of struggle to many of Arthur Miller’s poems. “The Crucible” deals with extraordinary tragedy in lives of normal people due to the witch-hunts. “All My Sons” probes with the idea of dissatisfaction and unrest within the greater American population, influenced from the desperation and paternal responsibility put on people. Lastly, “Death of a Salesman” a work based on the American dream and national values, was influenced greatly by his hatred relationship with his uncle. The historical and personal events that occurred during Arthur Miller’s early life greatly influenced his writings of “The Crucible”, “Death of a Salesman”, and “All My Sons”. “The Crucible” was historically influenced by those trying to cleanse American culture of anyone who persisted in seeing the Soviet Union as a source of good in the world. This disgusted Miller so much that he based “The Crucible” on the anti-communist hysteria that pervaded the 1950s America, and the witch-hunts of the late 17th century He hated the idea of tragedy in ordinary lives and had much concern for the physical wellbeing of the working class. The outburst of these ideas caused him to be called before the House Committee...
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...Arthur Andersen:- Arthur Andersen founded the company in 1913 but after his death Leonard Spacek took the leadership in 1947. Under his leadership of 26 years, Authur Andersen & Co. becomes a genuine international company. They had opened their offices in more than 25 countries with a staff of more than 12000. In 1970’s they started providing consulting services and by the 1988 they become the largest consulting company of the world. However in the mid 1980’s many cases were filed against the company on the ground that they failed to realize the financial weekness and the finding about the audited company. When real problem started: In 1988 Arthur Andersen Company earn around $29 million revenue from which $4 million earn by auditing work and $25 million earn by consulting work. Moreover on the same time a company went bankrupt which was audited by Arthur Andersen and for that they were fined by law. Consulting part of the company regularly increasing pressure to separate from auditing because they seems themselves more profitable and want to work independently. As a result the company was divided into two parts: Arthur Andersen & Company and Andersen Consulting. In the early 1990s Arthur Andersen was sued by Resolution Trust Corporation for the negligence in its auditing failure of Ben Franklin Saving & Trust. This leads to the loss of market value and number of clients of the company. After analysis a huge potential in consulting business, Arthur Andersen &...
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...King Arthur is a mysterious figure thought to be from the sixth century AD. He was the King of Britain for thirty years and during that time consolidated all the smaller kingdoms into the one country today known as England. He also founded The Order of the Round Table, a collection of knights that helped rule the kingdom. The help they provided was as counselors to the King, and as the military defense for the country. He was best known for his repelling the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons. This is ironic because much of England today is descendent from the Anglo-Saxons. Arthur was the illegitimate son for the King Uther Pendragon, Arthur's predecessor, and Igraine of Cornwall, Gorlois' wife, one of Uther's generals. When he was born, he was taken away and raised by Sir Hector, in the Forest Sauvage(White 50). When he was a but a teen, he went to London with Hector and his son Kay. While they were there Arthur pulled a magical sword from an anvil in a churchyard. The sword had appeared many years before to mark the new king. Whoever pulled it out would take the throne. During his reign, Britain became a very prosperous nation. The knights of the Table achieved many wonderful new things, as did the general population. Arthur's rule ended because of the power of corruption that hiding things has. Lancelot, a knight, and Guenevere, Arthur's wife, were having an affair. The affair was not publicly admitted, and everything was going okay. Then some knights confronted Lancelot and...
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...1/25/13 The rise and fall of Arthur Andersen Arthur Andersen Arthur Andersen was born in Plano, Illinois in 1885. He graduated the University of Illinois in 1908 with a degree in accounting. At the age of 23, he was the youngest Certified Public Accountant in the state of Illinois. From 1907 to 1911 he served as the Senior Consultant for Price Waterhouse in Chicago. In 1913, Andersen decided to establish his own accounting firm. At the age of 28, he founded the public accounting firm of Andersen, DeLany & Company in Chicago. Licensed as accountants and auditors in many states across the country, the company grew rapidly during the 1920s. The firm opened six offices nationwide, the most important of which were located in New York (1921), Kansas City (1923), and Los Angeles (1926). During World War II Andersen himself reached the pinnacle of his success. After World War II, Andersen began training his associate, Leonard Spacek, for the company's leadership position. Spacek joined the company in 1928 and was named a partner in 1940, becoming one of Andersen's closest and most trusted confidants. Upon Andersen's death in January 1947, Spacek took over the company, remaining committed to the regimented management style of the founder. During Spacek's tenure, the firm grew from a regional operation located in Chicago with satellite offices across the United States into an international organization with one-stop, total service offices located around the world. Spacek...
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...King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Green Knight, and Sir Gawain are all admirble knights, but thats not what is importtant; the actions that made them admirble are. In the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain is more admirble. Reason one is that the Green Knight is already a known knight sir Gawain is a non-known knght. The following quote shows that " I am the weakest, the most wanting of wisdom, i know, / And my life, if lost, would be least missed." (154-155). This quote relates on the fact that he is taking the place of his king when he is not a Beowulf of knights, or known, nor a strong knight. Another reason on why Sir Gawain is more admirble is that he would not accept the ladies seducing or gifts. These next quotes state this " For two days, while the lord is/ hunting, the lady of the castle attempts to seduce Gawain,/ but Gawain nobly rejects her advances."(prolog). "She proffered him a rich ring wrought in red gold... But the courteous man declined it." (243-247). This relates because it says he was nobel, and by him not accepting the gifts makes him loyal. Admirble knights are both nobel and loyal. The final reason on why sir Gawain is more admirble is that even though he is not the best knight he still accepts the game, and goes to look for the Green Knight. This Quote relates to that "as the end of the next year apporaches, Sir Gawain sets out/ on his horse Gringolet to seek the Green Knight." (prolog). This relates on the level that he had enough loyalty to the...
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...son of Uther Pen dragon and Igraine. Arthur stands as one of the greatest mythical heroes that the world has ever known. So great was the influence of Arthur, that stories of the high king traveled far beyond the realm of Britain into France, the rest of Europe, the Middle East, and even into parts of Asia. The coming of Arthur was prophesied years before he was born. Arthur was born into a world of chaos and disorder where wars between different Celtic tribes were prevalent, different Saxon raids charged through the countryside brining fear and terror, and bandits and other criminals ran free all over the British Isles, spreading crime like a disease. When Arthur took the throne however, this chaos dissolved within a matter of years and Britain became an ideal place of chivalry, honor, and justice. It is truly amazing how much of an influence that one man could have. With his advisor Merlin at his side and with the fellowship of the courageous Knights of the Round Table, Arthur transformed a chaotic land of villainy and danger into a realm of peace, tranquility, and adventure. All of Britain looked up to Arthur and spoke of him with awe and admiration. The real Arthur was most likely a Celtic general that lived sometime in the 6th century. He advised various kings to unite to fight the raiding Saxons. He was most likely a military genius. In those dark days, true heroes were very scarce and the people looked for someone like Arthur to tell stories of to their children around...
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...King Arthur From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see King Arthur (disambiguation). Statue of King Arthur, Hofkirche, Innsbruck, designed by Albrecht Dürer and cast by Peter Vischer the Elder, 1520s[1] King Arthur is a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and his historical existence is debated and disputed by modern historians.[2] The sparse historical background of Arthur is gleaned from various histories, including those of Gildas, Nennius and the Annales Cambriae. Arthur's name also occurs in early poetic sources such as Y Gododdin.[3] The legendary Arthur developed as a figure of international interest largely through the popularity of Geoffrey of Monmouth's fanciful and imaginative 12th-century Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain).[4] However, some Welsh and Breton tales and poems relating the story of Arthur date earlier than this work; these are usually termed "pre-Galfridian" texts (from the Latin form of Geoffrey, Galfridus). In these works, Arthur appears either as a great warrior defending Britain from human and supernatural enemies, or as a magical figure of folklore, sometimes associated with the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn.[5] How much of Geoffrey's Historia (completed in 1138) was adapted from such earlier sources...
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