admin
This user hasn't shared any biographical information
Posts by admin
Critical Review of a Essay Paper
Apr 16th
Rationale
The reasons for the study contained in the paper cited above being carried out are mainly centred around interest that chemical cues play a very important role in anuran avoidance of predators,
Negative Features
Although there are various positive features contained in the paper cited, there are also various negative aspects of the paper which may potentially have impacted upon the final results obtained. Firstly,
Contributions To Our Scientific Knowledge
Although there are significant detrimental aspects of the paper cited, the implications of the research presented are such that it is now evident that chemical cues play a significant role in avoidance of the predators of toads. Since predation by the snakes used in this experiment upon the species of toads used determines the survival and therefore evolution of the juvenile toads, evidently there is a connection between the utilization of chemical cues by the toads and continuation of the species. This is therefore a contribution to scientific knowledge because (reference).
There is a substantial amount of further research that could be conducted, further to the results obtained in this paper. For example, the authors only used two different species of juvenile toad, Bufo cognatus and Bufo microscaphus and analysed their responses to the scent of two types of snakes, Thamnophis Radix and Thamnophis Elegans. Further research could involve testing the responses of juvenile toads of other species, against the same species or different species of snake (as long as they are a known predator of the toads).
As it is noted above that the experiment conducted in the paper cited may be flawed due to being unrepresentative of true environmental conditions and how these impact upon the behaviour of the toads used in the experiment. To improve this factor, a subsequent experiment could be conducted in which many of the environmental variables have not been removed. For example, the experiment could be conducted in the toads natural environment to ensure that the results obtained are feasible.
Hiring And Dismissal
Apr 11th
Hiring And Dismissal
Jones acquired all of her staff by them coming to her door for the job, which meant a considerable saving in advertising costs, and shows that her employees were eager enough to ask for a job. Of course, she checked all of their resumes and references, and analysed their skills by giving them a test run before she offered them the job. Jones has also forecasted the future need for workers, as she may want to expand in the future.
Even though Jones and her staff all cooperate really well, and her staff are enthusiastic and willing to work, she knows about the regulations relating to dismissal:
• You have to give an employee three written warnings (signed by the employee and owner) before dismissing them, unless they have committed serious misconduct.
Dismissing an employee must be within the guidelines of the employment contract, which includes the employer’s rights and responsibilities.
Jones says that if an employer is terminating an employee’s employment (through redundancy or retrenchment etc), they must give them a period of notice (see appendix (xv)):
Time Employed Notice
Less than one year
1 – 3 years
3 – 5 years
5 and over 1 weeks notice
2 weeks notice
3 weeks notice
4 weeks notice
• If over 45 years old and over years of service, 1 week must be added
• All Jones’s workers are included, even the part timers.
Jones also knows about separation (retrenchment etc) payment:
Time Employed Payment Received
0 – 1 year
1 – 2 years
2 – 3 years
3 – 4 years
4 and over Nil
4 weeks pay
6 weeks pay
7 weeks pay
8 weeks pay
Operations of Business
Apr 11th
Operations Of The Business
Jones’s business is involved with collecting their clients information such as their income earned, a payment summary (to employees), dividends, bank accounts, tax deductions (eg) for charities), and whether or not they are part of a union. The information is collected into a file, and the information collected is put into the computer, into a program called “Handitax”. This program then produces a 6 to 7 page report of their tax return, which is done annually. The information can also be used to produce tax returns, profit and loss (revenue) statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets. (see appendix (x), (xi))
However, if one of Jones’s clients owns a company, they must bring in business records, checkbooks, bank statements and information about purchases. Then this information is collected and put into a computer program called “MYOB”, which produces statements of tax returns, profits for the year, GST Liabilities, and balance sheets (see appendix (xi)). These statements are very handy for businesses to keep track of their financial status, says Jones.
Businesses that have an annual turnover of greater that $50000 also have to complete a business activity statement quarterly, as well as their tax returns. (see appendix (xii), (xiii)) Businesses who have a turnover of less than $50000 a year have to complete an IAS (Installment Activity Statement). Another operation of Jones’s business is assisting clients with completing these forms, and she can also sometimes forward them to the tax department on their behalf, according to Jones.
Jones’s employees also take part in collecting information and assisting in the process of converting this information into various financial documents, but Jones is the one in charge of operations, and does most of the work by actually consulting with the clients (face to face).
Jones also takes part in informing her clients of their tax status by sending them letters regarding their income tax status (see appendix (iv)).
Ordering Of Stock And Suppliers
Although it is not a manufacturing business, MMGHB Chartered Accountant orders its stationery such as pens, paper, and whiteout from Viking Suppliers. Since the business has easy access, Viking Suppliers are even able to deliver the stock upstairs into the office area.
Rosters / Schedules
Because Jones and her employees are very flexible, they do not have any specific schedule of working hours. Jones claims that she just decides that they can go home whenever she feels like it! However, their working hours are affected by the amount of work that they have to do at different times during the year.
Layout In Relation To Operations
The layout of MMGHB Chartered Account was very carefully designed by an office interior designer, who planned the placement of all the office furniture, as to provide the most smoothly running operation of the business.
As the clients walk in the front door of the business, they are greeted by the receptionist, who asks them to sit in the meeting room until Jones is finished dealing with her other clients. After Jones meets her clients in the meeting room, she takes them upstairs to her desk to discuss their accounting.
Her staff’s desks are situated on the other side of the room, relatively close together, so they can discuss their results. Since the apartment is very spacious, there is ample space to move between the desks, so Jones’s employees can easily pass their information onto her. The photocopying machine at the back of the room is easily accessed by all.
The various filing cabinets in the office (including the file storeroom and the one in the centre of the top floor) are very effective because they make the office very organised, which aids with smooth operations within the business.
Finally, the attractive Ikea furniture, kitchen and bathroom facilities, and patio make the office look professional and inviting to clients, but also creates a good working atmosphere, says Jones. (see appendix (v))
Government Regulations
Apr 11th
There are many government regulations that have a considerable impact on the operations and running of MMGHB Chartered Accountant. They are made by both the Local, State and Federal Governments.
Since the business is involved mainly with accounting and business services, they have to keep up to date with many Government regulations as they change frequently, says Jones. This is so they can serve their clients with the most reliable information when producing tax returns and assistance with business services, but also for their own accounting.
According to Jones, the Federal Government affects this business by administering:
• GST changes – businesses with turnover greater than $50000 annually have to register for this tax, which relates to many of Jones’s clients (see appendix (vi)).
• Changes in laws relating to the way in which businesses must be run
• Changes in laws relating to tax returns – this changes Jones’s operations
• Changes in company / financial law
• Changes relating to when tax returns must be lodged, depending on entity type and income levels of the client/s.
• Changes to PAYE (Pay As You Earn), company, prescribed payments and fringe benefits taxes
• Changes relating to ownership of business and legal structure, as well as registration of business, as this relates to many of Jones’s client’s taxation situations
• Trade Practices Act (ACCC) – changes must be monitored, as aspects such as Jones’s prices she charges to her clients must be within these guidelines.
The State Government administers payroll and superannuation tax, both of which MMGHB Chartered Accountant have to comply with when producing tax returns, but also for their own accounting.
• Superannuation requires many of Jones’s clients to pay a percentage of an employee’s salary or wage into a super fund for retirement. This affects the way in which tax returns and other financial documents are calculated by the business.
• Payroll tax also affects the way in which tax returns are calculated by the business, as it is a tax that is levied on all employers who pay salaries, bonuses and wages, which is paid annually.
The local government (council, which is the French Wine Shire Council) also administers regulations relating to zoning, and where businesses can operate. Jones says that when she decided to move her business into the Belvedere Apartments, she had to apply to the local council, as they have regulations relating to where and how many businesses can be located in the Marylands area.
Business Stake Holders
Apr 11th
The business environment of MMGHB Chartered Accountant includes various internal and external stakeholders, which have an interest in or are affected by the actions of the business. It is the responsibility of management (Jones) to stay responsive to their demands, says Jones.
External Stakeholders
The external stakeholders of MMGHB Chartered Accountant are the Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as the environment, and clients.
The Federal Government affects this business by controlling many important factors relating to GST changes and taxation etc. They also pass many laws relating to the way in which businesses must be run. It is the responsibility of the business (particularly the management) to stay responsive to these changes, to pay its taxes, and also to abide by the laws of which the government produces. These laws are all abided by MMGHB Chartered Accountant.
The State Government produces laws relating to payroll tax and superannuation, both of which this manager (Jones) has to stay responsive to in regard to its changes to serve its clients correctly, as this affects the operations of the business.
The Local Government is also a stakeholder in this business because it determines whether a person can set up a business in a certain location (zoning), says Jones. It is the responsibility of the management to cooperate with the local government and its decisions, of which it does.
The environment is also a stakeholder in this business because it is also affected by the actions of MMGHB Chartered Accountant. Jones’s business only uses recycled paper for photocopying, and also recycles paper of important documents after they are shredded. The responsibilities of Jones to the environment are to consider the business’s impact on the environment, and to look after the environment, of which it does.
The clients are an external stakeholder of MMGHB Chartered Accountant because they are affected by the actions of this business, but the business has little control over their actions, as accounting is based on personal preference of service. The responsibilities of this management to its clients are suitable help with their tax returns and other financial / business related matters, as well as fair prices, and friendly service.
The Local, State and Federal Governments, as well as the environment and the clients, form part of the external environment of MMGHB Chartered Accountant because they are external factors, over which the business has very little control.
Internal Stakeholders
The internal stakeholders of this business are Jones’s staff (Anne, Sue and Trish), as well as the manager, Jones.
Another internal stakeholder of Jones’s business is her employees (Anne, Sue and Trish), as they are affected by the actions of her business. For example, they would have no job if Jones decided to cease operations. They are also internal stakeholders because they are aspects over which the business has some control, in relation to working hours and tasks. The responsibilities of the management to its employees are fair pay and working conditions, a safe working environment, and access to training and development, all of which are provided by the business.
Jones (the manager) is also a stakeholder in this business because she is affected by the actions of the business. For example, if she accidentally gave a client the wrong information about their tax returns, she could end up getting sued by the tax department, which would mean cessation of her business.
Business Life Cycle Australia
Apr 11th
Position
MMGHB Chartered Accountant is currently positioned in the maturity stage of the business life cycle.
Challenges Associated With This Stage
The challenges of the maturity phase for MMGHB Chartered Accountant are staying responsive to changes in customer demands, and particularly Government regulations, as these can have an impact on the operation of the business. Currently, there is no problem with the operations of the business as Jones’s employees and herself all work together very well, says Jones.
Post – Maturity Renewal Phase
MMGHB Chartered Accountant has been identifying opportunities for new services. When Jones’s business reaches the post – maturity phase, it is expected that it will enter the renewal phase, as Jones is considering to move into the area of financial planning, which will bring even more clients.
Establishment Growth Maturity Post Maturity
Oval indicates position in the maturity phase.
Industry Sector – Why the legal structure was chosen
Apr 11th
Industry Sector
MMGHB Chartered Account belongs to the Quaternary sector, as it is involved with the transfer and processing of information, particularly by collecting clients information, and processing it into tax returns and financial statements.
Legal Structure
The legal structure that MMGHB Chartered Accountant has is a sole trader, as Jones is the single owner of her business (proprietor).
Why This Legal Structure Was Chosen
Jones says that she chose this type of legal structure because it is the simplest type of structure, and it allows Jones to make many decisions relating to the business, giving her complete control, and it also has less government regulations than many other types of legal entities. She also chose this type of structure because she has many valuable skills such as management and finance which have contributed to the successful running of her business as a sole trader.
Possible Change To Legal Structure
According to Jones, there may be a change made to the legal structure of her business in the future. This is because she states that if she accidentally gave a client some unsatisfactory information, they might try to sue her. Changing her legal structure to a private company would give her limited liability and insurance to protect her against possible legal action.
Choosing a Business Location
Apr 11th
History
Jones G. Murrey decided to establish her business “Jones G. Murrey Chartered Robina Accountant” in October 1983, in her home in Marylands. Jones worked in her business at home with no other employees for 7 years before she decided to relocate 00. Jones also decided to establish her own business because buying out an existing business was not an option.
Initial Problems
The only problem that Jones had when establishing the business was a small problem with cash flow, which was one of the reasons why she decided to locate her business at home, which was more cost effective than buying or renting an expensive office. She started the business out of her own savings, and not by borrowing from a financial institution. Jones did not have a problem with obtaining clients as many of her clients were and still are close friends.
Why This Business Was Chosen
Jones says that she decided to choose this accounting business as she had studied and obtained a degree in accountancy at university, and because she had experience through working in an accounting firm for 23 years prior to starting up her own business. Another reason why Jones decided to set up her own business was because she is able to “be her own boss” and can make many decisions relating to the business. She also determines her working hours, and enjoys the job security that her business brings.
Why The Current Location Was Chosen
Jones chose this location because she needed to have an office space that accommodated more workers than her own home. Jones also moved her business away from home as she felt that she needed to separate her home and working lives. There was not much choice in the area, and because an office in was too expensive, she chose the Belvedere Apartments. The is a stylish, new complex that was not too expensive to buy into. There are many other accounting firms in this building, which makes for a very businesslike atmosphere. (see appendix (iii))
Advantages / Disadvantages Of This Location
According to Jones, there are many advantages of this location. These include:
• Close proximity to the local shopping centres for visibility
• Very good parking facilities for the business, easy access
• The complex is new, modern and stylish, with a great outlook of bushland, which creates a good working environment
• The apartment was not too expensive to purchase
• This complex is central to the area, which is where most of Jones’s clients live, so it is a convenient location for customers.
Jones claims that there are no disadvantages of this location, as this location is most probably the best one possible.
Whether They Will Stay
Jones believes that she will stay with this location, unless she decides to expand the business by moving into more financial planning services – which would require more study and employees, and would also require more working space to accommodate the business’s changing needs.
Billabong Case Study – Business Course Material
Apr 11th
Executive Summary
Billabong Australia Limited is a public company which designs, produces and distributes surf gear in over 60 countries worldwide. The following report outlines the nature and sources of change for Billabong Australia Limited, describes the reasons for resistance to change and analysis the effective management of change by billabongs management.
Outline the nature and sources of change for billabong Australia limited
External Sources Of Change
The sale of $66 million of shares by billabongs original owners led to an investigation by ASIC and the ASX, this was a source of change because the sale led to a dramatic increase in the price of individual chares for Billabong. (See Appendix 3 for details of the matter concerning ASIC)
Financial Influences
The September 11 events which occurred in the US in 2001 and the IRAQ war owe a source of change because they caused the public to be discouraged from overseas travel and hence there was a reduction on the purchase of items generally bought for holidays (such as swimsuits) which Billabong primarily produces. This reduction in consumer spending consequently led to a loss of sales revenue for Billabong.
Geographic Influences
The season of winter in Australia and Europe in the year 2001 caused a slowing of sales because billabong primarily produces apparel for wear in the summer months.
Changing Nature of Markets
In the past few years, new target markets have appeared in parts of Europe such as Italy, and new distributors in the Middle East have also been discovered which has forced Billabong to alter its marketing strategies to its new target markets.
Structural Response to change
Billabong outsources the production and retailing of its surf ware to a variety of agencies worldwide. Billabong had decided to outsource to a variety of organizations as a response to changes in the external business environment. In addition to outsourcing, production and retailing; Billabong also outsources its E-Commerce operations (see E-commerce sections)
Social Influences
Increased Media coverage at various sporting events in particular surfing events has provided change at Billabong, as it has caused it to sponsor more surfers to wear their surf gear in order for the brand to be more heavily recognized than other surf brands.
Internal Sources of Change
New Business Banker Cultures
Billabong was faced with the incorporation of new business cultures into its own as a result of its acquisition of Von Zipper, an eye wear brand and Element, which produces skate apparel.
New Systems and Procedures
As a result of the establishment of a new operations center in Brazil and the purchase of distribution business in Belgium and Germany, Billabong has been faced not only with financial costs, but the necessity to incorporate these new operations centers into their worldwide system of operations. The establishment of new product lines such ad the production of winter apparel (in particular jeans and hooded sweaters) has caused a change in the production procedures at billabong as well as marketing procedures.
E-Commerce
Although Billabong outsources its E-commerce operations to independent retail websites (as mentioned earlier) it plays a major part in which organizations are permitted to sell its products online. Billabong only outsources its E-commerce operations to online retailers who are familiar with billabongs range, and who they feel are trustworthy (see billabong.com)
Cultural Incompatibility In Mergers/Takeovers
When billabong acquired Element and Von Zipper there may have been a resistance to change by Billabongs staff, as they would have been reluctant to accept the new business cultures of Von Zipper and Element as their own. I may have been difficult to accept change by Billabong’s staff due to the prospect of having to make friends with new colleagues or take on new systems of doing things such as product productions.
Inertia of Managers and Owners
During the stage in which many of the changes were implemented at Billabong, the staff may have been reluctant to accept the changes (for example being forced to put more work into promotions for Billabong on its website as a result of accelerating technology). This reluctant is otherwise known as inertia. Staff may have felt inertia towards many of the changes being implemented that their job may be sacrificed (for example in the takeover of Element and Von Zipper). They may also have refused to co operate with plans and change felt inertia because they might have felt unable to cope with changing procedures, such as those implemented during the introduction of a new girls product line.
Financial Costs
In response to the various changes that Billabong was forced to cope with staff, in particular management may have resisted change due to the fact that it can be extremely expensive. For example, during the purchase of distribution business in Belgium and Germany management may have resisted change due to the considerable financial costs involved.
Additionally as a result of the acquisition of Von Zipper and Element there were significant financial costs involved in the retraining of staff so that they would be familiar with the new product which Billabong is now associated with.
Analyze the effective management of change by Billabong management
Response to external Influences
In response to the increase in the share price for Billabong, management has decided to implement various strategies to ensure that there is a sustained growth in share price in the future. This strategy is an effective one as it takes into account the future growth of the company.
As a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the Iraq war, Billabong has implemented strategies such as the development of exciting new products and extensive promotion through marketing efforts. These responses are effective in managing change as they have caused consumers to become interested in retail spending again and have consequently caused retail sales to rise dramatically.
As a consequence of slow sales due to poor seasons management increased its promotional efforts heavily worldwide.
As a result of the identification of new markets in Italy and Germany, Billabong has decided to do a significant amount of market research. This is an effective response to change as though doing extensive market research; Billabong will have a greater understanding of the target markets and will be able to tailor its marketing efforts accordingly.
In response to the structural change of outstanding that Billabong has implemented, Billabong has developed a supplier policy in which the companies to which Billabong outsourcers are evaluated once a year for their compliance with local laws and environmental regulations. This is an effective response to change because it makes sure that Billabong complies with its legal and ethical responsibilities in the communities in which it operates. It also gives Billabong a good name in both the community and worldwide.
In response to the growing trend of coverage of sporting events by particular Surf brands, Billabong has increased its sponsorship efforts significantly and also covered the Pro World Surfing Championships in Tahiti. Billabong also sponsors various high-profile surfers such as woman’s number one surfer Layne Beachely, Taj Burrow and Andy Irons. This management of change by Billabong is positive because it has led to increased promotion of the brand and hence led to higher sales revenue.
Management of Change in the Internal Business Environment
As a result of the acquisition of the brands Von Zipper and Element and incorporation of its own, management worked very hard to ensure that the fusion of the two cultures was as successful as possible. This was a successful management of change by Billabong as it ensured that the staffs were accepting of the new cultures and that operations were not compromised.
In response to the establishment of a new operations center in Brazil and purchase of distribution business in Germany and Belgium, Billabong ensured that it was heading the costs involved very closely. This is effective management of charge by Billabongs staff because it led to a decreased amount of loss through implementing charge and also has allowed a strong hold on the distributions in Europe for Billabongs products.
Due to the expansion of its girls product lines, Billabongs management appointed a director of girls branding, who is in charge of the girls surf ware and accessories. This is an encouraging management of change because it has allowed the promotion efforts of the new girls product line to be focused on which will hopefully lead to increased brand recognition and sales revenue. (see appendix 3 for details of the growth in sales of girls ware).
The response to the movement towards brand specific retail outlets and point of sale promotions, Billabong has recently announced its intention to open a Billabong/Element retail store on Broadway in New York’s Times Square (see appendix 1) This is a highly effective response to change as times square is one of the most prestigious places for a retail outlet to be situated and the recognition that the store (and its brand, Billabong) will receive will be enormous.
In response to the growing use of E-commerce to sell products worldwide, Billabong has outsourced its E-commerce operations to reliable online organizations. This is a significantly effective management of change by Billabong because it allows Billabong to concentrate on other aspects of business, while allowing its products to be sold by online retailers who specialize in E-commerce.
Effects of Accelerating Technology
As a result of a rapid increase in internet usage worldwide Billabong has been forced to expand its marketing operations into ones concerning the internet. Billabong has produced and constantly updates its primary website www.billabong.com, and also its corporate website www.billabongcorate.com to provide up-to-date information for its shareholders.
This management of change by Billabong is effective because it has led to increased brand recognition by consumers and provides up-to-date information for shareholders.
In Conclusion it is evident that the management and change by Billabong International Limited has been successful, this is due to a number of factors
The need for change was accurately identified and documented by management (see annual reports)
Goals were set by management regarding what they wished to achieve e.g. (budgeting for the establishment of a new operations center in Brazil allowed managers to carefully monitor their spending which led to a smaller than anticipated loss)
A culture of change was created within the business of billabong and staff were directly involved with the implementation of change.
After the first death Essay Review
Apr 11th
After the first death Essay
In the novel after the first death the main characters confront the truth about themselves in many different ways, Miro has to confront the truth about not belonging to a country, Kate has to confront the truth of looking after the children even though she has no past experience of child care or working with children, Ben has to confront the fact that he has been betrayed in many circumstances by his farther and Bens father has to confront the fact wether to reveal that Inner Delta exists or to kill innocent children.
In chapter one Ben is betrayed by his father because he is always working at Inner Delta and never spends quality time with his son, Ben also is always seeking approval of his farther and he is quite weak minded and cracks under intense pressure which causes to be very bad when he is interrogated by the terrorists, Ben uses the quote “But how many times is a person allowed to die” to refer to his farther never been their and how his life is so horrible. Also when Bens farther found time to spend with his son he always felt like he was a number on his dad busy schedule When be visiting his dads office on page 13 he feels threatened when his dad uses the quote “Sit down Benjamin” because he isn’t called “son” or something less formal like Ben. In chapter two and Three Ben reveals his love for Nettie Halversham, though Ben must confront the truth that Nettie doesn’t like Ben and rejects him on many occasions.
In chapter two Kate is forced to confront the truth about taking the bus for her sick uncle when she could have been doing something else. In chapter six Kate is forced to help the kids on the bus even though she has no training with children. Kate has to confront the fact that she is very scared and wets her pants on many occasions, even thought she tries to act as if the situation isn’t affection her. On page 45 Kate uses the quote “you’re holding us hostage and you’ve made your demands. You’re going to hold us here until the demands are made. Your” and then she faltered this tells the reader that she is under stress and doesn’t know what she is talking about.
In chapter one Miro reveals that he is a first time terrorists and he hasn’t reached his man hood yet, to do this he must kill the bus driver, though Miro has to then kill Kate who is a stunning girl and he doesn’t feel obliged to do so.
In chapter six Miro reveals to Kate that his older brother was killed not long ago as a soldier. He also reveals that he has had a very difficult upbringing, his parents died at a young age and he and his older brother were forced to fend for them selves, they stayed in hostels and refugee camps where people stole their belongings and Miro was then forced into a life of steeling and terrorism just to survive, he also realises that he is he belongs to no country and feels very rejected by this. Miro has to confront the fact that he is a first time terrorist and he is very vulnerable to Kate who tries to seduce Miro. Miro also has to confront the fact that he gave the children an overdose of drugs in the lollies. Miro has a lot of respect for Artkin he uses the quote “no, miss. Not a mad man. He knows exactly what he is doing. He is showing them that we do not go by the rules of others, the laws of others, and that life is not precious to us. Not a child’, not our own” this quote also shows that Miro has no heart and is brutal because he has no love for others.
Artkin is the leader of the terrorist group his is very cunning and convinces the children to eat the candy that is poised. Artkin also convinces Kate that he is nice and a very sweet hearted person whilst he is very mean and brutal. Artkin uses quotes like “as far as your part is concerned, miss” this makes him very deceiving because your think he sounds like a real gentleman he also uses the quote “I’m certain you are a careful driver miss” this quote makes him sound very kind and not dangerous.
Bens farther has to confront the fact that Ben is very venerable and he knows that Ben will crack under the pressure of interrogation and the terrorists could learn secret information about inner delta.
Overall in the novel all the characters have to confront the truth about themselves in many different ways from Kate looking after the children and trying to escape from the grasp of the terrorists to Miro who is coping with the loss of his brother and trying to reach his manhood by killing the bus driver. And Bens farther who has been affected greatly by Bens death and turns schizophrenic.