TOK- the ways of knowing Essay Example

TOK- the ways of knowing Paper The main reason why I positioned perception above the other four WOKs is because perception, among others, is the one tool that is absolutely necessary to gain knowledge. Regardless of how much knowledge of reasoning, emotion, or language you possess, it all revolves around the idea of perception. Perception, in my view, is the ability to understand various matters at ease, a skill which represents basis of the course. I believe it is perception that ultimately gives shape to ambiguous thoughts and develop them further as it allows you to more fully apprehend ideas. What is made out of perception, however, is strictly due to peoples pasts. People see things differently based on what theyve been through- how people perceive the same matter can range all the way from the extreme positive to the extreme negative depending on personal experience. Real- Life Example- The concept of the half filled/ emptied bottle is completely to do with perception. If a person has experienced hardship and struggled through it, that person will most likely say that it is half filled because he is gracious for everything he/she can get. In contrast, if a person who has enjoyed wealth throughout his/her life, he/she will more likely say that the bottle is half emptied because he/she can get whatever he/she wants without going through hardships. 2. Reason Reasoning, the ability to use logic to differentiate right or wrong, is another essential element of TOK. One of the main reasons for positioning the WOK of reasoning as the second most important is that reasoning allows people to piece together scattered ideas into one. We will write a custom essay sample on TOK- the ways of knowing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on TOK- the ways of knowing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on TOK- the ways of knowing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Reasoning uses past experiences to decipher bits of thoughts and ideas into various ideas depending on personal experiences and what people are taught. In other words, different people come up with different results through the process of reasoning. Yet, the gap in the variation in the results is not as large as perceptions. Unlike perception, the results obtained through reasoning do not extend as far as that of perception as reasoning is more rational, which is one of the main reasons perception is ranked higher than reason. Real-Life Example-. When presented numerous clues that lead to one another, you need reason to piece them together. For example, if given a math problem like x + 3 = 5, you can automatically know that x = 2 if you think logically as the answer is always rational regardless of your past experiences. 3. Emotion Emotion is a tool used for sharing thoughts. It tends to personalize transmitted information into the way people want it to be shared. This altered information then gets shared among people which influences the way the people perceive the ideas. While emotion helps people perceive matters personally, the extent to which emotion influence people has a limit that only reasoning and perception can exceed. Real- Life Example- When talking to others, you may want to share an idea that possesses a positive connotation. However, due to emotion, you may alter the tone of the way you speak and therefore, slightly changing the implication of what you say, and possibly making it negative. 4. Language Putting language as the least important quality among the four WOKs is not to show that language is unimportant or unnecessary, in fact, quite the opposite. Language is another vital part of human understanding as well as the others. Without language, communication would be nowhere near as explicit and the exchange of thoughts would be hindered. Even if there are other ways of communication, such as gesturing, no other methods are more efficient than simply communicating through the use of language. However, compared to the other WOKs, the use of language is just a tool to exchange ideas derived from perception, reason, and emotion. Without the other WOKs, no thoughts can be shaped and subsequently shared through language. Yet, without language, thoughts can still be exchanged, just in a more restrained and less lucid matter, although, still doable. The more accessible substitutes for language are the main reasons why I positioned language as the least important WOK among reason, perception, and emotion. Expressions, movements, body language, and several more, for example, can all be reduced substitutes for language. Real- Life Example- When talking to others, there are several ways of expression yourself, the most effective being the use of languages. For example, when you order for something in McDonalds, rather than pointing at the picture vaguely and unclearly, you can simply say the name of the food making it easier for the idea to be transferred. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our International Baccalaureate Theory of Knowledge section. Download this essay Print Save Not the one? Search for

Molecular Biotechnology in Our Life essays

Molecular Biotechnology in Our Life essays If you have had a can of soft drink, ate a fruit, or took some head ache medicine this morning - then it's very likely you have used a genetically enhanced product. Genetics is a part of biotechnology that manipulates biological organisms to make products that benefit humankind. Biotechnology is essential in our life, but there are some concerns regarding its safety. Although, biotechnology may pose some danger it is proving to be very beneficial to humankind. The first applications of biotechnology occurred approximately around 5000 BC. Back then people used simple breeding methods. Chains of plants or animals were crossed to produce greater genetic variety. The hybridized offspring then were selectively bred to produce the desired traits. For example, for about 7000 years, corn has been selectively bred for increased kernel size and additional nutrition value. Also, through selective breeding, cattle and pigs have become the major sources of animal foods for human (Encarta 99). The modern era of biotechnology started in 1953 when British biophysicist Francis Crick and American biochemist James Watson presented their double-stranded model of DNA. DNA is an extensive, chain-like structure made up of nucleotides, and in a way it looks like a twisted rope ladder (Drlica 27). In 1960 Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber had discovered restriction enzymes. This special kind of enzymes can cut DNA of an organism at precise points. In 1973 American scientists Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer removed a specific gene from one bacterium and inserted it into another using restriction enzymes. This achievement served as foundation to recombinant DNA technology, which is commonly called genetic engineering. Recombinant DNA technology is a transfer of a specifically coded gene of one organism into bacteria. Further, the host bacteria serve as a biologic factory by reproducing the transferred gene. Today biotechnology's appl...

Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 21

Questions - Essay Example Contingent liability is the company’s potential debts that arise from the past transactions. Company’s can only verify the existence of this liability by the occurrence of the expected event that the business cannot control. This liability should not be incorporated in the balance sheet. An example of this liability includes the product warranty. If a company promises to replace good with defects without charging the customers, the amount of the returned goods will be contingent liability. It is vital for businesses to distinguish the liabilities. This is because it will make it simple for investors and creditors to evaluate the risks the liabilities caused in the business in the future (Porter & Norton, 2011). The Time Value of Money is the sum of interest a certain amount of money earns within a definite time. According to the concept of time value of money, a certain amount of money one has today has more value than the same amount one expects to get in the future. This is because one can invest the money he has today and earn interests (Peavler, 2012). It is vital for accountants to comprehend the current and the future value concept. This is because it enables them to know the precise worth of the current business money. Furthermore, the concept enables accountants to know the value of the money the business is expecting (Lieuallen, 2008). The concept also enables them to differentiate between the values of savings opportunities that offer returns at varied durations. The accountants should also understand the concepts to advice the business on the amount of money the business should invest by calculating the values of the investments (Storer &Usinger, 2008). The present and future value concepts are applicable to business decisions in various ways. For instance, it is applicable in the business decision regarding the amount of the money the business should put in the

#6 Dew Point Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

#6 Dew Point - Essay Example The dew point is a recommended indicator of the actual water vapor content of the air because variations in atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface are quite minimal. Dew point is measured by an instrument called a Dew Point Meter. These instruments have a polished metal mirror which is cooled as air passes over it (Hens 2007). Essentially, the dew point is determined by finding out the temperature at which dew forms. These manual devices may also be used to standardize other types of instruments that measure humidity. Moreover, automatic sensors may be utilized in a control loop where a humidifier or a dehumidifier is used to manage the dew point of the air in a building or in smaller spaces used for manufacturing processes (Hens, 2007). A high dew point indicates that the air has high water vapor content while a low dew point indicates that the air has low water vapor content. When the air has high water vapor content and, correspondingly, a high dew point, it is said that the air is humid and people are most likely uncomfortable with such situations. This is because a person’s body is designed to use the evaporation of sweat to cool itself down during warm temperatures. However, evaporation largely depends on how much moisture the air already contains and how much more it can hold (Sills 2010). Thus, if the air is already saturated, a person’s sweat will no longer evaporate and so that person ends up sweating profusely. At certain cases where dew point is quite elevated, people suffering from respiratory ailments like asthma may even be in grave danger. The dew point is considered to be an important indicator of the atmosphere’s condition. It affects the living conditions of humans and animals alike and thus, it must be monitored closely using accurate instruments in order to provide necessary and appropriate advice to those who might need

Retail Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Retail - Research Paper Example There are numerous retail organizations in the United States of America. Coach, Inc tends to deal with luxury leather based goods and is situated in America. It initiated as a small leather goods company and in the present times the company is popular for its ladies handbags as well as other items such as luggage, wallets, novelty accessories and briefcase among others. The main focus of the study is to comprehend the history of the chosen retail organization i.e. Coach, Inc. The study further progresses with the identification of the corporate stakeholders and responses to their issues. It will also attempt to offer the role of the retail industry in its social, economic and political setting. The domestic and the international ethics along with the ecological as well as natural resources affecting the company will be discussed in the paper. The retail industry might confront numerous social issues which need to be paid due attention. Therefore, the paper will try to throw light upo n the social issues faced by the company i.e. Coach Inc. The paper will endeavor to rate the industry’s overall social responsiveness and its accomplishments in the retail sector and will also attempt to rate the industry in terms of Saint Leo University’s core values. It will try to suggest changes that need to be made to be more in line with the core values of the Saint Leo University. History Coach Inc. was initiated in the year 1941 in the New York City. It was formed as a partnership named as Gail Manufacturing Company. Gail Manufacturing Company started as a family-owned business possessing that used to prepare small leather-based goods such as wallets as well as handbags. It was in the year 1946 when Miles Cahn as well as his spouse Lillian entered into the company. Both Miles Cahn and Lillian were the proprietors of the leather handbag producing company and they had good information regarding the leatherworks as well as business. It was by 1950s when Miles Cahn took over the business and operated it himself. During 1960s, Miles Cahn identified the different properties belonging to leather utilized for making baseball gloves. Miles Cahn recognized numerous ways of processing leather so that it can be made stronger as well as flexible. The company began preparing numerous handbags in order to complement the factory’s small margin in wallet manufacturing. The brand name given to the purse was Coach. It was during the 1960s when Miles Cahn recruited Bonnie Cashin to work for Coach. Before joining Coach, Bonnie Cashin was a renowned fashion designer. This deal proved to be the most renowned business alliances. Bonnie Cashin was there in the company from the year 1962 to 1974 and thus made alteration in the design of the bags. It was during the mid 1970s when the manufacturing of the handbags was shifted away from New York City to some other place in the United States. It was during the same period when the name of the company was change d to Coach Products, Inc. The company recorded strong business during the 1970s as well as 1980s and the company as well evidenced good demand for its products, it initiated a mail order system. Gradually, the company restricted its sales to

Literature review construction project costs

Literature review construction project costs This chapter comprises of literature review, quotes of the various related works done in this area of studies. The duration of construction projects right from inception to completion is assuming great importance in the construction industry. The author of this project work believes that, this shift in attention on constructioin delays is taking it rightful place of importance in the global construction sector. Clients or consumers are no longer content merely with minimal cost and adequate functional performance for their projects; increasing interest rates, inflation and other commercial pressures, among other factors, mean that it is in many instances most cost-effective to complete a project within the shortest possible time.The the current hursh financial climate does not allow for subcontractors not to be prudent with project planning and delivery , hence the reason for chosing to write on this subject. The most significant unbudgeted costs on many construction projects are the financial impacts associated with delay and disruption to the works. Owners and Subcontrcators have one common objective; to complete the project in time and within budget. It is the failure of this objective of time which leads to failure of budget and ultimately gives rise to disputes. There is no consensus in the literature on the identification of factors which affect stipulated, planned or achieved construction times of buildings. One reason for this is that researchers have largely viewed the subject from diverse prospective. Such viewpoints include identification of discrete factors which affect productivity on site and taking a systems view of the construction process and end product (Nkado R.N, 1995) The inherent and often unanticipated risks on construction projects present key challenges to subcontracting firms. For example, if a project is delayed or disrupted, significant resources are engaged and management time consumed. The outcome can have serious consequences on corporate value. One loss-making project can wipe out the profit on 50 successful ones and significantly damage a companys reputation. In the current economic climate, claims and disputes are increasingly more likely. Construction delays are not a modern phenomena.The delays on some of the UKs most famous landmarks, such as St Pauls Cathederal, the Houses of Parliament and the Clifton Suspension Bridge would make the delays on more recent high profile construction projects look distinctly trifling (Lowsley et al, 2006) Delay Ñ-ц¢ generally acknowledged à Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ thà Ã‚ µ mà Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢t common, costly, complex à Ã‚ °nd riц¢ky problem encountered Ñ-n construction projectц¢. Becauц¢e à Ã‚ ¾f thà Ã‚ µ overriding ц¢ignificance à Ã‚ ¾f tÑ-me fà Ã‚ ¾r both thà Ã‚ µ proprietor (Ñ-n termц¢ à Ã‚ ¾f performance) à Ã‚ °nd thà Ã‚ µ ц¢upplier (Ñ-n termц¢ à Ã‚ ¾f money), it Ñ-ц¢ thà Ã‚ µ ц¢ource à Ã‚ ¾f frequent diц¢puteц¢ à Ã‚ °nd claimц¢ leading tà Ã‚ ¾ lawц¢uitц¢. Delayц¢ occur Ñ-n almost every construction project à Ã‚ °nd thà Ã‚ µ magnitude à Ã‚ ¾f theц¢e delayц¢ varieц¢ conц¢iderably frà Ã‚ ¾m project tà Ã‚ ¾ project. à Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ome projectц¢ à Ã‚ °re only à Ã‚ ° few dayц¢ behind ц¢chedule; ц¢ome à Ã‚ °re delayed bу over à Ã‚ ° year. à Ã¢â‚¬ ¦o it Ñ-ц¢ eц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ential tà Ã‚ ¾ define thà Ã‚ µ actual cauц¢eц¢ à Ã‚ ¾f delay Ñ-n order tà Ã‚ ¾ minimize à Ã‚ °nd avoid delay Ñ-n any construction project (Ahmed et al., 2003). Chan et al (2004) Concluded in a research conducted to measure the success of construction projects that, cost, time and quality are the three basic and most important performance indicators in consruction projects.Other measures such as safety, functionality and satisfaction etc. are also currently attracting increasing attention. Chan et al, (2004) accentuated that accurate construction planning is a key factor in ensuring the delivery of a project on schedule and within budget. As almost all projects comprise a large number of interdependent items of work and involve many participants, reliable plans and accurate progress-recording mechanisms become essential to project success. Mbachu, et al(2005) discover the sources of strategies for minimising risks in the construction projects and categorised the results into internal and external sources.The internal sources of risks, which fall under the control of clients ,consultants and Subcontractors , include those risk elements emanationg from their acts or omissions in the project development process. They noted that, the most frequently mentioned risk elements under client sources include frequent and late changes at critical stages of the design and construction process, poor leadership and inadequate supervisions on the part of Contractors and subcontractors, low productivity, re-work and lossess, delays in supplying equipment, materials and components. For the consultants, incomplete design information and delay in supplying information required by contractors on site.The external risk sources, which are not within the control of the client and the project team, could be segregated into economic and globalisation dynamics, unforeseen circumstances/force majeue, government, statutory, political controls, health and safety risk elements and socio-cultural issue.smia12010-07-21T16:29:00 Who says this is so? If it5s you then you nned to say what leads you to this concluswionyou Typeц¢ of delay A delay to a construction project generally means delay to the planned completion date or a delay to a particular activity or sequence of activities (Lowsley et al, 2006) Delays can be grouped in the following four broad categories according to how they operate contractually: non-excusable delays; excusable non-compensable delays; excusable compensable delays; and concurrent delayц¢ The Bureau of Engineering Project Delivery Manual version 2 released in October 2006 smia12010-07-21T16:30:00 You need to give a proper reference for this. Who are the Bureau of Engineering Project Delivery?categorised construction delays in three basic types of delays, namely; Excusable-Non-Compensatory (Concurrent), Non-Excusable and Excusable-Compensatory. Non Excusable Delay Non-Excusable delays are events that are within the Subcontractors control or that are foreseeable. These delays might be the results of late performance of Subcontractors, untimely performance by suppliers, faulty workmanship by the subcontractor, underestimate of productivity, inadequate scheduling or mamanagement, equipment breakdowns, staffing problems, a project specific labour strikes caused by either the Subcontractors with the labour representative or by unfair labour practices(Trauner et al,2009) Excusable Non Compensable Delay An excusable delay is caused by factors that are not foreseeable, beyond the Subcontractors control .The implication of the term means that, neither party is at fault under the terms and conditions of the contract and has agreed to share the risk and consequences when excusable events occur. The Subcontractor will not receive compensation for the cost of delay, but he will be entitled for an additional time to smia12010-07-21T16:31:00 Always? Dosent this depend on the terms of his sub-contract? complete his work and is also relieved from any contractually imposed liquidated damages for the period of delay (Ahmed et al, 2003) 2.5 Excusable Compensable Delay (Ahmed et al, 2003) acknowledged that, compensable delays are those that are generally caused by the owner or its agents. If the delay is compensable, then the contractor is entitled not only to an extension of time but also to an adjustment for any increase in costs caused by the delay. Owner-issued contracts specifically address some potential compensable delays and provide equitable adjustments. The usual equitable adjustable clauses in owner issued contracts that apply are: Changes, Dithering Site Conditionsmia12010-07-21T16:32:00 What does this mean?, and Suspension 2.6 Concurrent delays The concept of concurrent delay has become a very common presentation as part of some analysis of construction delays. The concurrency argument is not just from the standpoint of determining the projects critical delays but from the standpoint of assigning responsibility for damages associated with delays to the critical path. Owners will often cite concurrent delays by the contractor as a reason for issuing a time extension without additional compensation.Contractors will often cite concurrent delays by the owners as a reason why liquilidated damages should not be assessed for its delays. Concurrent delays are separate delays to the critical path that occur at the same time. (Lowsley et al, 2006) Rubin et al. (1983) defined concurrent delays as the situation in which two or more delays occur at the same time either of which had it occurred alone, would have affected the ultimate completion date. It means each of the delays must independently affect the critical path. Reynolds et al (2001) argue that to be considered concurrent delays, the delays need not commence precisely at the same time. Arditi et al (1995) had a view that, the delays need not occur in the same activity on the same critical path but may exist in different activities on parallel critical path as well. The SCL Protocol (SCL, 2002) describe a true concurrent delay as the occurrences of the delays, one an employer risk event and the other a contractor risk event, at the same time, and their effects felt at the same time. This occurrence is, however, extremely rare in practice since time is infinitely divisible. For instance, two delay events occurring on the same day would not necessarily be true concurrent delays because one may have occurred in the morning while the other in the afternoon. Concurrent delay is also rather misleadingly used to refer to the occurrence of two or more delay events at different times but their effect are felt (in whole or in part) at the same time. As a summary, Figure 1 classifies the different types of delays based on their various attributes. Figure 1: Delay Classifications (Nuhu Braimah 2008) 2.7 Primary Causes of Delay There are two kinds of reason for delay in construction project: external causes; and internal cauц¢eц¢.Internal causes of delay include the causes arising from four partià Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ involved in the project. These partià Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ include the proprietor, designers, contractorц¢, and conц¢ultantц¢. Other delays, which do not arise from these four partià Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢, are based on external factors for example from the government, material suppliers, or the weather (Ahmed et al., 2003). Semple et al. (1994) found that making provisions in a construction programme for events such as weather delays reduces disputes. Cost and time claims, especially those which are difficult to quantify, regularly result in disputes between the contractual parties. Weather contingencies are very seldom adequate, in terms of progress and cost, due to the use of varied methods used in the industry for weather contingency calculations. This results in adverse client-contractor relationships. Caenell.N.J, C2005) Cited the appropriateness to look at the matters which actually cause delay during the works themselves. The Contractor/Subcontractors responsibly for delays arise due to a failure on the part of the contractor to carry out the planning stages of the works properly, others will be due to an inability to perform in the manner agreed in the contract.This is in line with the authors believes that, most delays are caused by inefficiencies on the part of the Subcontractors. Employers responsibility or neutral events are caused through an act or omission of the employer or his team or by a matter which does not arise through the fault of the contractor. These are governed by the contract conditions. A useful list according to Carnell N.J (2005) is listed in Clause 25.4 of JCT 98 and includes: Force majeure,Exceptionally adverse weather conditions,Clause 22 perils(flood and the like),Civil commotion, strike or lock out,Compliance with architects instructions,Non-receipt of essential information,Delays by nominated suppliers or sub-contractors, artisans and tradesmen,Government action,Restrictions on the availability of labour or materials,Delays by,statutory undertakers,Delays in giving access to the works Ahmed et al, (2003) also mentioned the following as some possible causes of delays in construction project in nowadays: Possessive decision-making mechanism, highly bureaucratic organization, insufficient data collection and survey before design Site topography is changed after design,Lack of coordination at design phase,Inadequate review,Improper inspection approach,Different attitude between the consultant and contractors/subcontractors,Financial difficulties,Inexperience personnel,Insufficient number of staffs,Deficiency in project coordination,time spent to find sub contractors,company who is appropriate for each task,Often changing Sub -contracting company,Inadequate and old equipment,Lack of high-technology equipment and Harvest time. Ahmed et al (2003) cited Ogunlana et all (2001) as having studied the delays in Thailand, as an example of developing economies.They concluded that the problems of the construction industry in developing economies could be nested in three layers:(1) Problem of shortages or inadequacies on industry infrastructure, mainly supply of resources, (2) Problems caused by clients and consultants and (3) Problems caused by incompetence of Contractors. Assaf et al (1995) Listed 56 extensive causes of disputes over delay and identified them as : shortage of construction material, changes in types and specifications during construction, slow delivery of material, damage of material in storage, delay in the special manufacture of the building material, shortage of labour, labour skills, nationality of labourers, equipment failure, equipment shortage, unskilled operators, slow delivery of equipment, equipment productivity, financing by Contractor during construction, delays in Contractors progress payment by Owner, cash problems during construction, design changes by Owner or his agent during construction, design errors made by designers, foundation conditions smia12010-07-21T16:35:00 These would be far better rpesented as a bullet pointed listencountered in the field, mistake in soil investigation, water table conditions on site, geological problems on site, obtaining permits from municipality, obtaining permits for labourers, excessive bureaucracy in project Owner operation, building code used in the design of the project, preparation and approval of shop drawings, waiting for sample material approval, preparation of scheduling networks and revisions, lack of training personnel and management support, lack of database in estimating activity duration and resources, judgement of experience in estimating time and resources, project delivery systems used, hot weather effect on construction activities, insufficient available utilities on site, the relationship between different subcontractors schedule, the conflict between the consultant and the Contractor, uncooperative Owners, slowness of the Owner decision making process, the joint ownership of the project, poor o rganization, insufficient communication between Owner and designer at the design phase, unavailability of professional construction management, inadequate early planning of the project, inspection and testing procedures used in the projects, errors committed during field, application of quality control based on foreign specification, controlling subcontractors by general Contractors in the execution of the works, the unavailability of financial incentives for Contractor to finish ahead of schedule, negotiations and obtaining of contracts, legal disputes between various parties, social and cultural factors, accidents during construction . Ahmed et al. (2003) maintained that the iц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ue of responsibility for delay Ñ-ц¢ related to whether the supplier Ñ-ц¢ awarded or Ñ-ц¢ liable for costs and additional time to complete the project. The categories of reц¢ponц¢ibilitieц¢ are: proprietor (or agent) responsible supplier will be granted à Ã‚ ° time extension and additional costs (indirect), where warranted; supplier (or subcontractor) responsible supplier will not be granted time or costs and may have to pay damages/penalties; neither party (e.g. act of God) responsible supplier will receive additional time to complete the project but no costs will be granted and no damages/penalties aц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢eц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ed; and both partià Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ responsible supplier will receive additional time to complete the project but no costs will be granted and any damages/penalties aц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢eц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ed. smia12010-07-21T16:36:00 Always? Dosent this depend on the risk allocation in the contract? Ying et al (2005) acknowledged five factors that influence time performance as; Long project scope identification, low speed of decision making, inadequate managerial skills during the planning phase, insuffiecient contractor completion and Lack of a strong organasational culture. Okumbe et al (2008) researched on Construction Industry perpestive on causes and effects of delays in South Africa and highlighted causes of dealy in payment as consultants inefficiency,lack of professionalism by the government employees,incompetence caused by insufficient staff,bureaucratic procedures experienced by government/client,late processing by project quantity surveyors ,late prepartion of payment certificate,claiming problems,late approval of work by architect and engineers,continous formulation of new policies by The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB),poor budgeting by the client,late submission of cost reports by projects quantity surveyors,lack of understanding of contractual obligations and lack of funding,late project delivery,delays, in materials supply,labour stoppage as employess may go on strike if not paid on time,cash flow problems faced by contractors,contractors claiming extension of time with costs,risk of poor workmanship,poor contract deli very and default in paying suppliesrs and employers. In addition to causes of delays and who is responsible for them, there are other delay-related effects that may occur. High on the list is a decrease in the Contractors efficiency caused by the delays. The delays may directly cause the inefficiency or be caused by the inefficiency. Gorse (2004) Suggested that a well-evidenced claim, supported by an appropraite documentation, that properly establishes cause and effect and reasonably quantities the losses for each event will probably succeeds. Frimpong et al (2003)Conducted a survey on the causes of delay and cost overruns in construction of groundwater projects in a developing countries;Ghana as a case study and the main conclusions of the survey were;monthly payments difficulties from agencies,matarial procurement,poor technical performance,escalation of matarial prices accordinging to their degree of influence and theses were considered as major factors.The other factors that emerged as not very important ,but of interest were,bad weather,unfavorable geological conditions. Ahmed et al (2003) carried out a research which revealed the ranking of design related key delays.The most general design related caused delay was found to be taking place during the inspection phase followed by material/fabrication period, poor subcontract performance, material procurement and construction mistake as shown on figure 2. Source: Ahmed et al. ;( 2003) Figure 2: Ranking of design related key delays Effects of Delay on Construction Cost A brief review of text books and reports smia12010-07-21T16:38:00 What books and reports? You should at least give some example referencesreveal that construction excellence has not only become an option but a necessity, if the UK construction industry is to survive economics dynamics and changing social needs. Considering the industry is one of the pillars of the domestic economy making approximately 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing considerable number of workers, it is important to note that construction excellence is critical for the UK economy and its future. When a project is delayed, the owner, Contractor, or both may incur added costs. The determination of the amount of these costs is based on the results from the delay analysis and the determination of liability once the critical delays have been identified. (Trauner et al, 2009) More importantly, the construction industry needs to improve itself in order to increase profitability, quality of deliverables and client needs before it can contribute to the economy. There are many possible factors that can cause actual labour costs to exceed estimated costs such as engineering errors and omissions, excessive changes, delay and acceleration and weather. These factors may require contractors to work out of sequence, hire more manpower than planned, work scheduled overtime and utilize more costly methods of construction. (Borcherding et al, 2006). Trauner et al (2009) listed the following as examples of how delays can lead to inefficiencies. Shifts in construction sections-A delay to a project can shift work originally scheduled for one season into a different season. Availability of resources-Delays can affect the availability or resources in the areas of manpower, subcontracts or equipment. Manpower levels and distribution-Changes may be needed in terms of additions manpower, erratic staffing or variations in preferred/optimum gang size. Lowe et al (2006) described disputes as being the source of possible time and cost overrun and possible adversarial relationships between the different parties. This is not welcome to either the Owner or the Contractor. Cost overrun might lead to the project being unsuccessful, unfeasible or invalidate any benefits. Although avoiding disputes has been suggested, this is not usually possible and where disputes cannot be avoided efforts should be made to manage and contain the consequences. It is to the benefit of both the Employer and the Subcontractor to manage disputes towards a resolution as this will safeguard the success of the project. Cormican (1985) observed that the construction industry in UK is always at the top of the bankruptcy league and the most dangerous of all sectors. These unhealthy developments underpin the prevailing abandonment of projects and undermine the viability and sustainability of the construction industry. Akinci et al (1998) categorised risk factors affecting cost performance into organisation specific, global and acts of God. The organisation specific risks are internal risks related to the organisations resources and management including labour skills and availability, material delivery and quality, equipment reliability and availability, and managerial efficiency. Global risks are those that transcend the boundaries of the contracting organisation yet having large impact on it. These include estimating related, design related, level of competition, fraudulent practices, construction related, economic related and political relatedsmia12010-07-21T16:40:00 This is OK as far as it goes, but the literature revierw is supposed to be a CRITICAL review yours is really just a list of someone said thisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. You really need to summariuse at the end what the key issues are from your literature review, and how they relate to your particular problem..

An Ounce of Cure :: essays papers

An Ounce of Cure An Ounce of Problems Problems, we think they all disappear when we try to live life as though they never happen. In the fictional story of â€Å"An Ounce of Cure†, her teenage crises of the undying love for her boyfriend was persistent even after she was â€Å"dropped†. This mid-teenage problem, to her, was the end of her pre-destined life. Teenagers often exaggerate their tragedies, which result in sometimes life threatening situations. The theme of this story is even though we feel like our whole life has flipped over it will get better and our problems will die out. The narrator in this story expresses her point of view as she lives through this horrible stage in her teenage life. The characters that Alice Munro uses in the story are common and very realistic. The narrator never gives her name. She is the major character in the story and conveys this in first person. She is considered the reliable character since she is telling of a stage in her own life. I think she in insecure do to her parents already â€Å"hoping for a lesser rather than a greater disaster—an elopement, say, with a boy who could never earn his living, rather than an abduction into the White Slave trade.†(451) She has been given this pre-conceived destiny, which also contributes to her instability and by her boyfriend leaving her. Here in the story the character could be considered a dynamic character. The fact that her drinking and her attempt at suicide are spread throughout the whole town places a cloud of remorse and shame over her. She paid a great deal for her mistakes and learned from them. I think her mom could be considered a static-flat character. Here her daughter is trying to grow up and get a boyfriend, going to high school, and babysitting on the side and her mother still does not want to see her daughter as â€Å"gentleman material.† She has this fixed idea that her daughter will marry some person who cant make a living. By the end of the story, the narrator gets over him and goes on with her life, which I’m sure her mother is appalled.

Adventurous Day Essay

ADVENTURES DAY â€Å"IT WAS RAINNING AND I DASHED TOWARDS A DESERTED BUILDING† with this sentence we should start the essay It was raining and as I dashed towards a deserted building when I was running to find my resort when I had been to a holiday trip GOA during the summer vacation. Previosly when my school’s summer vacation started i was really excited as we finished our exams and got a long holiday after a stressful exams. As days passed I was feeling bored and after some days, I got a call from my friends asking to go for a trip to GOA.As I was feeling bored, to pass my time I had to go for the trip. So we decided to start of the coming Monday ,it was a two week plan .We all were pretty exited about the trip ,after a long wait for about one week the day arrived when we left to GOA,we were going by train as it was more fun and could spend more time. As soon as we reached there we found that there was a vehicle waiting for our arrival ,we all got onto the car and we reached our resort within minutes.that day we all were very tired and so just slept the whole day.According to the plan we had to go to the beach . The next afternoon we went to the beach ,as soon as we reached we foud four wheel cars were there and so we decided to race .the destination was not clear to me but I was going first as everyone else had no much experience as I had cause I had drived the four wheel car several times which goes only on sand.i had no idea where I was going as I was going really fast and even the scene was pretty good following that I went too long which I did not realize until I reached a place where I was surrounded by three sides of water.then I realized that I came too far ,so I decide to follow the way I came but as I was going I reached a place where I found a road where no one was there and so I parked my four wheel car and followed the left side direction and to see it started raining and so I started getting scared and so I started running ,I just felt that some was following me while seeing back I just dashed onto a building which was deserted and then my friends come from the buiding giving m e surprise for my birthday!

buy custom Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage essay

buy custom Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage essay Introduction Same-sex marriage also known as gay marriage has remained a controversial topic over the years and people oppose it on the basis of religion, cultural, social, and/or political reasons. Indeed, those who practice it have come under a lot of discrimination and rejection in view of the fact that they are seen to practice unsocial behavior. The major part is that they had to hide while doing it since there was no legal support for the practice meaning that they were doing it illegally. However, over time there has arisen civil rights group fighting for the recognition of same-sex marriages that has since been legalized in some states. This has greatly affected the family law which continues to contradict the actual family values set in the constitution. Same-sex marriage legalization will continue to greatly affect either positively or negatively the parents, children, couples, social morals, family values and social structures. In this regard, its legalization still remains an enormous debate to lawmakers. This paper gives the sources and references to be used in the discussion for and against the legalization of same sex marriage in the view of critically analyzing the topic on facts and figures. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Same Sex Marriage" (July 2011), This webpage gives informed ideas on same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships. The page was last updated on 14th July 2011, meaning it has current ideas and development of the topic. The ideas presented include the issuance of marriage licenses to couples of same-sex in different states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Iowa. The page also deals with recognition of same-sex marriages in other states; civil unions allowed in different states that gives spouses a chance to practice and right to same-sex marriage. The webpage has a lot of information in that it gives a chronology of significant events that change the view of same-sex marriage; it gives a same-sex timeline since 2003. There are also charts that summarize civil unions and domestic partnerships in different states and their legality or illegality. It informs readers of the states and statutes of each on the aspects of marriage especially same-sex marriage and its definitions. The webpage also gives the benefits that are extended to couples in same-sex marriages for state employees. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is given as an example of the legal acts that have been enacted by congress to bar same-sex marriage at the federal level. Eskridge, William N., Spedale Darren R. Gay Marriage: For Better or For Worse? What We've Learned from the Evidence. New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 2007, Print This book gives the facts about gay marriage in the United States; the authors begin by stating what the opponents say on the issue. They give evidence based on social structure and their actual research in Scandinavia that has been run for 17 years. They try to dispute the notion that allowing or egalizing same-sex marriage would lead to compromising the institution of marriage, harming children, or weakening of the family structures. The authors tend to show that the research indicated that allowing gay marriage would benefit the marriage institution. The authors present the happy lives of same-sex marriages and track their fulfilling lives that indeed proof that same-sex marriage is a benefit to society. The book is a scholarly description that presents the facts and figures to help ascertain that gay marriage is beneficial. It aims to change the traditional thinkers to focus on the conventional issues of society by first checking the facts rather than baseless principles of socie ty or religion. It has the demographics on the number of families that practice same-sex marriage; for instance; those who opt for civil marriages, church weddings and the traditional structures. It also offers a historic perspective of gay marriage in the country and how it has transformed over time. Cahill, Sean. Same-Sex Marriage in the United States: Focus on the Facts. New York: Rowman Littlefield, 2004, Print The book brings into focus same-sex marriage as an initial topic in politics; this is specific to the 2004 elections. It gives the facts that are present in the debate on gay marriage based on certain facts. In reading the book the reader will seek to answer a set of questions including; the number of same-sex couples in the U.S.; where they live; the rights gay people enjoy in the U.S.; the number of children brought up by gay parents; the policies that are in place that affect the gay children and they policies that affect the gay parents; and the response of religion especially Christianity especially on the basis to oppose gay marriages. The author works at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force as a policy director and brings out his agenda clearly in the book. In his capacity he opposes the discrimination of gay people and pushes for the legalization of gay marriages arguing that facts given argue for themselves. He avoids political debates and gives hard facts that should be used in the voice of reason to understand the topic. He uses slide bars, pullout quotes and charts to make the information easy to understand. The book has charts on the laws that affect the rights of gay couples in different states; laws of adoption in every state; distribution of gay households, and the raising of children in the U.S. The book also quotes several politicians from the republican and democratic parties as they argue for or against the topic. Among the statistics presented by the author include the spending of anti gay crusaders which is way above that of gay advocates; the increase of gay marriages in the rural and southern states and the little benefits that gay couples get at retirement age. Bradley, Gerard V., "Same-Sex Marriage: Our Final Answer?" Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics Public Policy, 14, (2000): 729-752 This journal article tries to oppose same-sex marriage in view of studying the law and social norms; the author quotes how marriage is being transformeed to uncertain incidences from an evidently defined relationship. He insists that the basis of marriage is the sexual morality principle that is supported by law and other secondary attributes. The author gives a historic account on the issue of marriage when it was a taboo to talk about gay marriages. However he notes that the topic has now been liberalized and customized to suit certain interests. The article identifies Vermont as the first state to legalize gay marriages which was done to suit political interests; which were known as civil unions. The article gives an example of the case at the high court Baker vs. State where there were provisions to allow same-sex marriages. This was later done by legislators who were guided by other reason apart from social morals and norms. This article will be very important in the proposal as it will give the facts behind legalization of gay marriage in opposing the practice. Paprocki, Thomas J. Marriage, Same-Sex Relationships, and the Catholic Church. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 38, (2007): 247-268 The murder of two gay persons opens this journal article, giving the cruel nature of society especially to those who oppose social norms. It gives the discrimination against the gay community for following their hearts and passion. The article is very informative on the nature of marriage arguing that neither the church nor the state created marriage and thus it is for the individual to decide on whom to marry. It also focuses on the law and truth in relation to the state where it gives a historic account of the civil laws. The article helps to understand social norms and taboos; giving the religious perspective and the social perspectives. The Catholic Churchs position on the matter is clearly defined and analyzed so as to justify same-sex marriages. MacLeod, Adam J., "The Search for Moral Neutrality in Same-Sex Marriage Decisions," BYU Journal of Public Law, 23, (2008): 1-59 This journal article starts on the day California State struck down conjugal marriage and was later joined by Connecticut and Massachusetts. This gave gay couples the right to have same union marriages and redefined marriage. The states did away with the old definition of marriage and opened a new chapter that caused social norms and moral debates. The article follows the debate and adoption of the laws by the high court and the steps that occurred before the decision was made. The article makes clear the dos and donts in every state and hence gives the legality issues that surround gay marriages. The author examines the extent of the decision made by the high court and this is very important to the report as it examines the legality of same-sex marriages. The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) decision was based on the essence of marriage which is in a stable relationship and not conjugality. The decision ruled that same-sex marriages brought self fulfillment and thus legalized them. This article is very effective in the report since it will explain the arguments in each case and help reflect the legalization of same-sex marriage. Buy custom Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage essay

Internment Camps essays

Internment Camps essays It prompted America's entry into World War II. It took citizens by surprise. It grabbed President Franklin D. Roosevelt's concern. On December 7, 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. American battleships Arizona, Tennessee, West Virginia, and California were sunk. As a result over 2,400 American soldiers and civilians were killed and even more injured. After prior mobilization for war, the action taken by the Japanese prompted America's attention to war efforts. Meanwhile, President Roosevelt feared the Japanese American's were capable of sabotage. Roosevelt, on February 19, 1942, signed Executive Order 9066. This called for the eviction and internment of all Japanese Americans. The Japanese were housed in what are known as the Japanese American Internment Camps (internment camps). This decision made, in part, by President Roosevelt would have a lasting affect on the Japanese Americans. The executive order given by Roosevelt gives insight on the purpose for the relocation of the Japanese. The order states that 'successful prosecution of war? means implementing ever system necessary to protect America from espionage and sabotage of the national-defense system (?Executive Order? 1). The fact that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor made the Japanese Americans suspect of this sabotage. Roosevelt gave the Secretary of War authorization to use any and all Executive Departments, Independent establishments, and other Federal Agencies in his activation of this executive order (?Executive Order? 1). The military felt that Japanese Americans would be able to help the Japanese invasion more so than any other Americans(?Executive Order? 1). Authority begin to put in order organizations to assist in the relocation. There were several organizations created to assist the evacuation and relocation of the Japanese. The U.S. government accepted the responsibility of reestablishing the lives of the Japanese. To carry out this responsibility, the Presi...

Globalization and Its Effect on the World Essay

Globalization and Its Effect on the World - Essay Example It shows that the East Asia Pacific has grown from a GDP of 15.8 in 1980 to 36.3 in the year of 1997. This has also been seen in the region of Europe and Latin America. The lowered accessibility of finance in the 1980s resulted in suppressed growth which led to many problems. It was after this that the new funds designated to states included the aspect of foreign direct investment. This type of investment is encouraged in the developing countries because they can help in increasing the capital of a state through which the state can further develop economically. Globalization is an aspect which not only helps the countries directly but also helps the countries to improve indirectly. It helps in the improvisation of the living and working standards of a country. Foreign Direct Investment is a type of process through which globalization has given a direct advantage to the countries whereas an indirect advantage can be witnessed in the accessibility of these types of investments to diffe rent states. The concept of globalization has increased the interest of developed organizations to expand their business in countries where it was previously unknown. As the organizations are expanding it can be seen that their products are widely distributed all over the world. Moreover the distribution channel of the new product helps the countries to increase their understanding about the technological advancements of the world. Foreign investors not only help the country economically but they also help to introduce technologies which were previously not known in the country. The country can benefit from these technologies by using them in an effective manner such that their... Globalization and Its Effect on the World This essay analyses the factor of globalization, its impact on different aspects of the world and considers the question of the globalization real existence. Though it is still seen that some of the concepts relating to globalization have remained unexplored, a debate is going on between the proponents and opponents of globalization. Globalization has been defined by Goldstein as â€Å"the worldwide spread of industrial production and new technologies that are promoted by the unrestricted mobility of capital and unfettered freedom of trade†. This clearly shows that globalization affects the issue of investment and economy in this world. Furthermore, James Rosenau described the globalization as â€Å"a label that is presently in vogue to account for peoples, activities, norms, ideas, goods, services, and currencies that are decreasingly confined to a particular geographic space and its local and established practices". Globalization not only affects the microenvironment but also affects the macro environment from an economic perspective. Microenvironment here refers to the advancement in technology along with its effect on the organizations and macro environment is the whole situation in which the markets are operating. Therefore, the question here arises as to if globalization only has a significant effect on the economics. Studies have been carried out to find out the relationship of globalization and labor market trends and it has been analyzed that both of these have a relationship.

1.Discuss whether it can be argued that we all enjoy equal citizenship Essay

1.Discuss whether it can be argued that we all enjoy equal citizenship rights in the UK - Essay Example Citizenship cannot be understood without an active theory of gender relations, and that political citizenship for women destabilizes private male oriented society and the family. Citizenship is about a transition from private to public patriarchy, not only the civilizing of  capitalism. ‘Citizenship’ has become a very popular subject of debate in the last few years, suitable nationally and internationally, by both Left and Right, as well as by feminists. The interest in citizenship is not just in the narrow formalistic meaning of having the right to carry a specific passport. It addresses an overall concept summarizes the relationship between the individual, state and society. [1] In the liberal tradition individual citizens are supposed to have equal status, equal rights and duties, etc., so that principles of inequality deriving from gender, ethnic, class or other contexts are not supposed to be of relevance to the status of citizenship as such. The citizens are therefore constructed not as ‘members of the community’ but as strangers to each other, although they are sharing a complex set of assumptions about and expectations of each other which, when not fulfilled, can be enforced by the state. [1] This self of one has been criticized, however, by the ‘communitarians’ who claim that notions of rights and duties, as well as those of equality and privacy, have no meaning outside the context of particular communities are there with their views. On different grounds, the proponents of republicanism and the individualistic construction of citizenship is highly disappointing. They argue that such a construction of citizenship denies the possibility of citizenship as constituting a membership in a moral community in which the notion of the common good is antecedent to the individual citizenship choice. Liberal construction of citizenship assumes the priority of right over good. Republicanism, on the