1] The following appeared as part of an annual report sent to stockholders by Olympic Foods, a processor of frozen foods: "Over time,

the costs of processing go down because as organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. In color film processing, for example, the cost of a 3-by-5-inch print fell from 50 cents for five-day service in 1970 to 20 cents for one-day service in 1984. The same principle applies to the processing of food. And since Olympic Foods will soon celebrate its 25th birthday, we can expect that our long experience will enable us to minimize costs and thus maximize profits." Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. Points to be enlisted: 1] Experience correlated to cost reduction & efficiency 2] Major actions for cost reduction not enlisted, Effects on Quality 3] Assumption: What is applicable to film processing industry is also applicable to food processing industry 4] Inflation trends, raw material cost increases 5] In the particular example, they may have undertaken serious cost reduction majors. So, example should be considered only after detail study Essay: The author argues that since Olympics foods has been in food processing business for the last 25 years, this experience will enable it to minimize costs and maximize profits. He gives a particular example from film processing industry in which the cost of 3-by-5 inch film fell from 50 cents in 1970 to 20 cents in 1984. Thus, he has correlated long experience with cost reduction & efficiency and argued that same will happen for Olympics foods. Although author gives an example showing correlation between long experience and cost reduction, his assumption that long experience shall solely result in cost reduction is faulty. He has not discussed the factors that resulted in this cost reduction. It is possible that Film processing industry may have undertaken severe cost reduction measures that resulted in cost reduction. We need to establish if Olympics foods has done similar efforts for cost reduction. Another factor author ignores is the costs of raw material and other factors of production. He assumes that since Olympic foods will achieve reduction in processing costs due to experience, it will minimize overall costs and maximize profit margins. However, processing cost is only a part of the picture. For example, let us assume that Olympic foods is able to achieve reduction in processing costs. However, if at the same time, due to inflation the raw material costs increase and due to competition the price decreases then this shall result in lower profits margins than before.

The example that the author has enlisted does not speak about the effect of cost reduction on Quality. It is possible that cost reduction in film processing industry may have deteriorated the quality of films within acceptable limits. However, the same is not true about the Food processing industry. A drop in Quality which may result from cost reduction shall hamper customer confidence in Olympic Foods. This shall severely affect the brand image of Olympic Foods and may result into conceding considerable market share to the Competitors. Thus, in this argument, the author argues that long experience shall result in reduction of costs which is partially true. However, he makes the faulty assumption that long experience alone shall minimize costs and increase profit margins. He ignores several factors such as intensity of cost reduction measures, raw material costs increase, effect of competition on Food prices, effect of cost reduction on quality. Without a detail evaluation of all such factors the argument fails to convince the reader. 2] "In some countries, television and radio programs are carefully censored for offensive language and behavior. In other countries, there is little or no censorship." In your view, to what extent should government or any other group be able to censor television or radio programs? Explain, giving relevant reasons and/or examples to support your position. Points to be enlisted: 1] Freedom of Expression and speech 2] Effect of offensive language and behavior on the masses 3] Children imitating the elders 4] Indian culture and traditions 5] Balanced Approach Essay: Television and radio programs have an everlasting impact on the minds of the audience. People derive their inspiration from the role models they see on the TV. The impact of TV and radio on children is especially crucial. Their mentality is shaped by what they see and hear. Hence, it is very important to carefully censor offensive language and behavior. The level of censorship varies from country to country. It depends on the type of government, the traditions and culture of the society and the mindset of the people. For Example, in the regime of dictators such as Adolph Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Gaddafi etc we observed a very high level of censorship curbing the freedom of Speech and Expression. Such a high level of censorship results into a social backlash as observed under these dictators. However, this does not justify that people should be allowed to speak and express whatever they wish. There should be some level of censorship to prohibit offensive language and behavior which can provoke masses. While freedom of Speech and Expression is the pedestal of Ideal Democracy, this right should not threaten the very existence of Democracy.

Another factor that decides the level of censorship is the culture and traditions on the society. Hence, an action that is considered as offensive in one culture may be considered normal in another culture.