Guns In America Essays (1309 words) - Firearms, Gun Politics

Guns In America GUNS IN AMERICA Dan Collins English 2/27/00 Today in America, gun control is a very serious issue. There are different opinions on this issue, the National Rifle Association (NRA), feels that guns are safe when used for protection by responsible citizens, others feel that guns are far to dangerous to be kept in homes, and that guns should not be owned by anyone, only used by the National Guard and law enforcement. These people think their opinions are correct according to the second amendment, the amendment that deals with the bearing of arms by citizens of America, but there have been different interpretations of it. The reason that people feel gun ownership is such a problem is that so many people lose their lives by them each year. Personally, I feel that guns lead to increases in crime, murder, and household accidents. By reducing availability of guns and providing education on gun safety, I think that these things will help make America safer. Before making up my mind on what I felt about the issue, I made sure to conside r the opinions of others and to collect statistics. People from the (NRA), who are against gun control, feel that the people are responsible for the negative effects guns have on America. Helen Smith, a forensic psychologist who shares the ideas of the NRA, wrote an article titled ?It's Not The Guns?. In this article, she talks about the increase in school and youth violence, relating to guns. She blames the children and irresponsible parents. She denies that guns are easier for kids to get today which is understandable because many people keep their guns locked up. Dr. Gary Kleck, a criminologist at Florida State University, defends guns in gun related accidents. He conducted a survey, which showed that there are fewer gun related accidents than there are automobile accidents, falls, drowning, pedestrian, fire, poisoning, and suffocation. As a result of his survey, he said ?Subsequently politicians demand mandatory safety classes for all gun owners, yet many more lives could be saved by randomly selecting and educating a group of dri vers rather than gun owners, not to mention the populace at large regarding, administering first-aid, how to eat, and basic common sense safety habits.? Although these people do have good points, I cannot say that I agree with everything they state. For one thing, it is true that the people are responsible for how they use guns but not true to say that guns are not part of the problem. You cannot just get rid of people who are incapable of knowing how to treat guns correctly, but you can take away guns, so that these problems and accidents will not occur at all. In response to Dr. Kleck's survey, I would like to say that although firearms may not be the largest cause of accidents per year, but they do cause too many needless deaths, so something should be done about them. Nine hundred deaths a year may not seem like a lot of deaths to some people, but I assume it would if their child or someone they knew were one of those people. That is what everyone needs to consider. Regarding the fact that Dr. Kleck thinks that more lives would be saved by giving random drivers safety lessons and teach the average citizen common sense, I'd have t o say that common sense does not have much to do with the accidents on his survey. I am sure he has tripped and fallen or choked on his food before at least once. I have, does that mean I lack common sense? I also disagree with some of the points Helen Smith made in her article. I do think she is right that the children who would use guns on fellow students have mental issues that separate them from the average child. But, again saying that guns are not part of that problem is something I would beg to differ. If the Columbine students did not have access to assault weapons such as a Tech 9 and a shotgun, I doubt the outcome would have been the same. Because these two students had these guns, several other students were killed for no reason.

Free Essays on Jacksonian Times

Kohls ideas of the â€Å"Age of Jackson† or â€Å"The Jacksonian World† were mainly different than the Historical stereotypes of this age. He thinks that the Whigs are the ones had most of the power in politics and the economy of this time. Its not that the Whigs were better than the Jacksonian’s or anything like that they just had an outlook about life that was quiet different than the Jacksonian outlook. Jacksonian’s thought that they were always being used in some way or form, and looked for the bad in everything. Whigs looked for the good in everything and were ready and happy for economic and social change. Jacksonian’s have a big issue with economic inequality throughout this book. They think that the Whigs true cause is to own the economy. Kohl defines a Jacksonian Democrat as a man that is torn between the demands of character and his society. Jacksonians were bound up with conflict inside themselves at this time of history. Although Jacksonian’s did change as society and the economy changed they were always looking for someone or something to point a finger at or talk about. These democrats were always thinking of how they were being misused. The Jacksonian’s had three names for the types of people in their world. â€Å"The Jacksonian world was made up of victims and victimizers, the fettered and the free, and outsiders and insiders† (Kohl, 22). The â€Å"victim and victimizers† idea first came about when Jackson wasn’t elected to the House of Representatives in 1824. Jackson was furious when he wasn’t elected, and spoke out about it in his speeches after the election. He thought that Adams and Clay had cheated him out of the House. As Jackson gave more and more speeches his feelings just kept getting stronger and stronger until he finally began to speak out that not only him, but the people had also been cheated in this election. The Jacksonian’s were the farmers and laborers, and things of that n... Free Essays on Jacksonian Times Free Essays on Jacksonian Times Kohls ideas of the â€Å"Age of Jackson† or â€Å"The Jacksonian World† were mainly different than the Historical stereotypes of this age. He thinks that the Whigs are the ones had most of the power in politics and the economy of this time. Its not that the Whigs were better than the Jacksonian’s or anything like that they just had an outlook about life that was quiet different than the Jacksonian outlook. Jacksonian’s thought that they were always being used in some way or form, and looked for the bad in everything. Whigs looked for the good in everything and were ready and happy for economic and social change. Jacksonian’s have a big issue with economic inequality throughout this book. They think that the Whigs true cause is to own the economy. Kohl defines a Jacksonian Democrat as a man that is torn between the demands of character and his society. Jacksonians were bound up with conflict inside themselves at this time of history. Although Jacksonian’s did change as society and the economy changed they were always looking for someone or something to point a finger at or talk about. These democrats were always thinking of how they were being misused. The Jacksonian’s had three names for the types of people in their world. â€Å"The Jacksonian world was made up of victims and victimizers, the fettered and the free, and outsiders and insiders† (Kohl, 22). The â€Å"victim and victimizers† idea first came about when Jackson wasn’t elected to the House of Representatives in 1824. Jackson was furious when he wasn’t elected, and spoke out about it in his speeches after the election. He thought that Adams and Clay had cheated him out of the House. As Jackson gave more and more speeches his feelings just kept getting stronger and stronger until he finally began to speak out that not only him, but the people had also been cheated in this election. The Jacksonian’s were the farmers and laborers, and things of that n...

Accountancy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Accountancy - Essay Example But as any student of business knows, evaluation of managerial efficiency or corporate health is not that straightforward an issue. There are two reasons for that. Firstly, all organisations are not established with the objective of earning profit, especially those that are owned and operated by the public sector. If you feel confused at this comment, just think about the London tube railway. Though nobody would be unhappy if it could earn what is commonly known as commercial profit, would any citizen ever quiz the service it provides and, would any government ever dare to even think of discontinuing the service as it is not a profit making venture? Obviously not, since it was conceived as public utility. The second reason why profit calculated by the mercantile method is not always a true indicator of the commercial success of business enterprise is the accrual concept and the conservative approach which lie at the heart of any set of accounts prepared anywhere in the world. By taking into account all possible or even vaguely plausible expenses and ignoring all incomes except those that are absolutely sure, the accountant in effect tries to take a hyper conservative approach and presents a situation which cannot be worse. It might suit those at the helm of affairs of business houses, but these two basic tenets of accountancy do indeed paint a picture which is bleaker than what the actual situation is. Thus many stalwarts of accounting profession strongly feel that a trend of profits, instead of profits earned in individual periods and considered in isolation, would be a better estimate to gauge the financial health of an enterprise. And there is, rather was, a lot of confusion regarding how far conservatism could be stretched while drawing up accounts for a financial year. Some opinion makers of this profession were passionate about the independence of accountants and argued in favour of the

President Obama's Speech in Cairo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

President Obama's Speech in Cairo - Essay Example Throughout his speech, the radical idea was that of respect for the Muslim and Arab world. He believed that this was an issue that those who had been in power had omitted. His speech addresses six issues that cause tension between the two divides, including violent extremists, the situation between Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs, responsibilities and rights of nations on nuclear weapons, democracy, religious freedom, and women’s rights (Huff Post). Personally, the second issue of the situation between Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs. Question Two The situation between Israeli, Palestine, and the Arab world is the greatest source of crisis in the Middle East. The conflict in the Middle East, which began in the early 1990s, has been the source of serious economic downturn in the world. Despite countries endeavors to heal the prevailing state of economy, this conflict has remained an obstacle. The Middle East region exports the largest quantities of oil products to the US, E urope, and other parts of the world. The persistent conflicts between the Israelis and the Palestinians often result to surging of oil prices, driving the global economy into a recession. At a recession, every plan by the government in power stops progressing. Worst of all, business, which earn governments revenue get to a point of shut down. Moreover, a majority of the Arab states take advantage of the crisis to achieve their own gains and misgivings (Huff Post). Question Three President Obama downplays Tehran by highlighting the diplomatic recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia, with attempts to hasten the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestine conflict. President Obama addresses the Middle East conflict beginning with the Palestinian suffering from 1967 (Huff Post). On what Palestinians refer to as the nakba catastrophe; President Obama expresses his acknowledgment of the issue than any other American president, urging for the cease of Israeli settlement. However, he also de fends the Israeli, referring to US ties with Israeli as unbreakable, and proceeding to condemn Muslim Holocaust and anti-Semitism denials as hateful, ignorant, and baseless. Moreover, he urged Hamas (which has majority of support from Palestinians) to stop acts of violence, recognize the rights of Israeli existence and recognize past agreements, promising America’s alignment policies with countries that promote peace. In his speech, the president preaches for peace among settlers. His main emphasis was violence against children and old women by Hamas, stating that their actions surrender moral authority rather than claiming it. Any form of violence, precisely violence against children and old women to him, is an inhuman act that should be shunned. He gives an example of American struggle for civil rights against slavery and apartheid, asking Hamas to follow a similar non-violent path of resistance (Huff Post). Considering the fact that president Obama is an African American, this statement has significant weight attached. In summary, president Obama exhibits the American devotion to Israel and Palestine. In this, he advocates for a secure and safe state for both nations through the two-state solution. His conditions are that Israeli must stop settlement and the Hamas (supported by Palestinians) must stop terror and violence

Follow That Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Follow That Dream - Essay Example The article â€Å"Free to innovate† by Christine Canabou illustrates how one company, the Fallon, experienced substantial changes in its life after being purchased by the global advertising giant Publicis Group SA. Notwithstanding its chairman fears for the employees to be left their â€Å"home† because it was sold out, the company made all possible to prove that its soul was not going to change. And the company showed that by creating a manifesto that called for breakthrough ideas, such as â€Å"to unlock the entrepreneurial hostages within the agency†. New ideas were transformed into a full-blown company initiative- a â€Å"Dream Catchers† that gave employees license to be a little selfish and make their dreams come true sooner. One year after the initiative was launched, hundred staffers achieved their dreams (visited museums, ran with bulls etc.). The acquisition was as a strategic move the target of which was to help to achieve ambitious goals that th e company could not probably achieve on its own. Today Fallon  is a full-service advertising agency with the headquarter in Minneapolis with numerous awards and open marketing boundaries, intranet  with the same companys quirky humor, full-fledged division of interactive consulting group and redesigned  flagship office that brought a new way of working and grouping people. The article shows the overall positive picture of the acquisition and does not show any pitfalls that usually happen within the organization. The acquisition is about a change and it is obvious that the Fallon agency had certain changes in the top team. New arrivals and changes in the administrative efficiencies could not stay unnoticed by the staffers. While top teams work closely on key areas in order to improve them, the other areas may be left inactive. While acquisition offers the possibility for entering new markets and expand the company with its portfolio, some cultural issues may cause problems

Modern Methods of Construction

Modern Methods of Construction This dissertation will discuss the effect of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and particularly the Off-Site Construction (OSC), on the building sector today, and how these methods will contribute to help and resolve social, financial, and environmental difficulties that facing the UK. 1.2 DEFINITION Off-site construction is an application of modern methods of construction MMC where building sector meets the industrial sector, or by other word, a fusion between building and manufacturing. Off-site construction is where any of building components, or even a whole building, manufactured in factories away from the actual site where the building will be sited, or simply is where the construction site is different from the building site. 1.3 TERMINOLOGY Off-site construction has different terms, terms like (prefabrication, off-site assembly, factory assembly, pre-assembly, off-site manufacture, etc.). The term off-site construction is generally used nowadays to any part of the construction process that takes place in factories. 1.3 HISTORY Off-site construction is not new, in the 20th century specifically in the post wartime, off-site construction (that time the term used probably was factory assembly or prefabrication construction) were needed to replace rapidly buildings which were destroyed or damaged during the war, But due to the lack of technology and modern production techniques, development in lightweights, high-strength materials, and new modern methods of construction that today is available, it gained unfortunately negative significance. The time of the wheelbarrow is finished, announced Jean Prouv in 1947, echoing Le Corbusier.We need usines maisons, homes produced in the factories Since then, a further sixty years have passed: the manufacturing industry has come with story of success of the mechanization, has enhanced electronics and grafting. Today industrial automation and manufactures from shoes to personal computers, and from planes to crackers, all now machine-made, in Seattle as a small village in China. The building construction is still the same. With very few exceptions, the building remains largely an object made by hand with traditional techniques. And the only construction industry still relies to logical and largely pre-industrial processes. With known effects: low productivity, forecast time and cost much more random, exposed to all levels of quality and possibilities and approximations of production conditions are vary widely, backward technologies and unskilled work. 1.4 OVERVIEW Why choose off-site construction now? What is so different from the traditional way of construction? Why is sustainability constantly being brought up? Before I examine these points, I have to mention some important facts that have already occurred. Since the beginning of the century, it is increasingly being talked about and discussed, the world and its climate changing. United Nations ask for action on it. The world met in a summit in Copenhagen to discuss how they can resolve the raising temperature that might cause damages and risks to the global, and how to reduce energy and CO2 emission. Why I mentioned climate change and we are talking about off-site construction? The answer is surprisingly, buildings are responsible for about one third of global energy consumption and if we add the energy used for construction the amount can easily be increased to the half. All of this means that we need to build very efficient houses and in an efficient way, and thats can be achievable only by off-site construction. There is a severe accommodation shortage in the UK. The Government has announced plans for the construction of 200,000 new houses per year, but that target has never achieved yet. Off-site construction can help the accommodation industry to achieve that target where fast delivery is needed. Speedier delivery in construction is one of the potential advantages of off-site construction and research showed that it can reduce the time of construction process to the half because it takes place in a desirable condition away from the unpredictable weather that can affect and delay the process on-site. And research showed that it can reduce the time of construction process to the half because it takes place in a desirable condition away from the unpredictable weather, factory built accommodation. Offsite construction already features in the production of social accommodation. Skill shortages in the UK construction industry are a severe problem. In 2001 the UK construction industry estimated it needed to train an extra 74,000 skilled workers every year for five years just to make up for the shortages of bricklayers, plumbers and electricians (Verbus System, 2006). In 2009, the chartered institute of building (CIOB) concluded a third research on skill shortages, and the result again showed that the construction industry is still suffering a skills shortage, which is likely to continue to be a challenge for the building sector. Off-site construction can play an important role to resolve this issue. The research showed, compared to more traditional techniques, off-site construction can reduce on-site labour requirements to less than a quarter. This result achieved from some work took place off-site. Off-site work involves different labour that is not under pressure as the on-site workforce. Off-site construction and modern methods of construction (MMC) can therefore make better use of scarce labour. 1.5 DISSERTATION STRUCTURE The dissertation consists of an introduction chapter, three main chapters and conclusion chapter; Chapter two discuss the advantages of off-site construction for the building sector, society, and the environment. The chapter also will discuss the conditions in order to gain the full advantages of off-site construction. Chapter three explain the types and forms of off-site construction, and where off-site construction takes place in the building and in the construction process. Off-site construction takes place in different areas of the building, so how off-site construction will incorporate with the mainstream construction process. Chapter four show and examine some of off-site construction case studies and in which type of building it takes place. CHAPTER TWO: ADVANTAGES OF OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION 2.1 INTRODUCTION Off-site construction, as I mentioned, is part of modern methods of construction (MMC) and is referred to as any of the components of the building built in a high quality controlled factories where they use advanced techniques to manufacture highly specialised doors, windows, stairs, wall panels, frame structure, and complete volumetric pods and then transport them to the location where it will be used and to be assembled on-site. Off-site construction has many advantages that are why nowadays there are more companies and contractors using this method rather than the traditional way of construction, even governments make more pressure to use this method to speed up housing delivery. Modern methods of construction can provide good quality homes with less on-site labour, in a shorter time, with at least the same building performance and at similar cost when compared to more established techniques. Off-site manufacturing and partnering processes increasingly play a part in solving todays problem of moving towards a sustainable housing industry. The advantages of off-site construction can be classified into two types; Business advantages, social environmental advantages Modern construction methods can produce important benefits for housing authorities and developers, not the least of which is the reduced emphasis on on-site activity. This is particularly important in a time of increasing demands on an already stretched labour force. As with any new way of doing things there are risks, but these can be mitigated through good project planning and management (Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office, 2005). 2.2 ADVANTAGES Less time in construction process, cost predictability, higher quality, helping the society and the environment, resolving skilled labour shortage, reduce health safety risks, and helping the business the economy. These are key advantages of off-site construction. 2.2.1 Reduced construction time Business advantages give a huge encouragement to the contractors and designers to use more off-site construction components with their design and building processes. The greater speed of manufacturing and on-site assembling is an important factor for business gain. Earlier the delivery of the building means earlier the return of the investment. Modular construction for example, that is an off-site construction, is up to 40-60% quicker than traditional building methods. The predictability of the delivery also is very important for the financial calculation of the business in terms of cost and revenue. The manufacturing process of the components in quality controlled factories is nearly accurately estimated as well as the delivery to the site and the assembly operation. 2.2.2 Cost Predictability Cost-effectiveness is an important factor to show the difference between the off-site construction method and the conventional one. Approximately, around 80% of the construction costs are fixed within the first 20% of the design process. The graph below highlights the potential for cost reduction and alternatively the resistance to the cost of change during the project life. As the project progresses, the opportunities for implementing variation or change reduce and the consequent costs associated with these variations rise substantially, Where off-site production techniques are to be used, these should be introduced early in the process. While off-site construction has tended in the past to be more expensive than brick block, now is being reduced to the same level due to the innovation of more techniques and to the variety of the components, and these bringing even greater economies. 2.2.3 Superior Quality Off-site manufacture for building components significantly improves the quality and the efficiency of the building due to high standard of quality control and test. Buildings exceed requirements on sound and thermal insulation levels, so this means that are more sustainable. 2.2.4 Help the society and the environment Off-site construction has also can help the society and the environment. Millions of affordable homes are required to meet growing demand, and there is increasing pressure to further improve efficiency and sustainability performance during construction and throughout the lifetime of the buildings. Off-site construction is environmentally friendly if it is planned well from the early stages of design and by integrating all the supply chain together. Less energy is generally required to develop the modules or off-site manufactured components. With improved process control ,buildings are pre-engineered each exactly the same and so can be adapted for ease of tiling and this should lead to reduced levels of waste on site of up to 70% and subsequent costs. In addition, with improved control of materials flow, raw materials can be recycled rather than skipped as often happens on site. The advantage of using OSC methods related to the reduction of waste to landfill are that the material usage in the factory is reduced up to 90% by the careful design and procurement of materials, reducing the amount of waste generated both on-site and off-site. Offsite manufacturing was identified as a key potential method for promoting sustainability within the construction industry. Sustainability is increased as sound and thermal insulation is improved. Reduced time on site means less disruption to neighbouring residents or businesses. 2.2.5 Reducing reliance on skilled labour While there is a significant shortage of housing in the UK, and the government plans to build more accommodation houses, there is another problem facing to achieve these plans as well the building industry a whole which is the skills shortages bricklayers, plumbers and electricians. Off-site construction helps to build more houses by reducing reliance on increasingly scarce skilled labour by reducing the number of labour where semi-skilled factory labour can be used during the construction of modules. 2.2.6 Improve Health and safety Health and safety issue also give off-site construction an advantage, it has been proven to be a safer method of construction because there are fewer components involved than traditional methods and there is no need for high quantity of labour on-site for the assembly process. 2.2.7 Business integration and economy development Off-site construction helps to integrate the supply chain. When executed effectively, the off-site construction process involves key manufacturers and suppliers early in the feasibility and design stages of the project. This ensures that the specialist skills and knowledge of these key suppliers are embedded within the project and can influence the design and construction phases of the project. Where appropriate these key suppliers should be given ownership of the design and involved fully in the execution of delivery, storage and movements of materials and components. CHAPTER THREE: OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION! WHERE IT TAKES PLACE? 3.1 Forms of off-site construction Off-site construction can take a number of forms. The form and extent of acceptance within the projects will depend on the type of project: Is there a large proportion of duplication or replication? for example; in hotels and hostels, the type of client: Is the client a one-off or repeat client?, and the relationships and the arrangements between the project members. Off-site buildings and components systems range from small bolt-together sections to virtually complete buildings. Systems can be categorised as: Sub-assemblies Frames Panels (open or closed) Volumetric system Hybrids system 3.1.1 Sub-assemblies Sub-assemblies are the most traditional and widely used system in off-site manufacturing which is being used for many generations. This type of off-site construction can include elements using different type of materials such as concrete beams, block floors, and foundations. Prefabricated foundation systems can consist of precast, post-tensioned, concrete beams. An additional examples for sub- assemblies systems are the glass reinforced plastic for chimneys, steel for curtain walling, and timber stairs. 3.1.2 Frames Framed structures, which are pre-assembled in factories, supply the structural support to buildings and are not something new feature in construction. Lightweight pre-assembled frames which can be delivered promptly to the site, speeding up the construction times for the main structural elements. The benefit of pre-assembled framed structures can help of reducing site cutting and the inaccuracies that can arise from it. An example of framed structure is the steel frame module. Steel works in off-site construction are taking the most important part of the factory controlled construction due to the characteristics of the steel itself that can be shaped and moulded in any form; the result is light strong steel modules structures. The UK construction market is one of the most steel intensive in the world, with steel proving to be the material of choice for UK architects and structural engineers in the multi-storey building market. The 2007 Market Shares Survey figures show steel construction consistently takes in excess of 70 per cent over double the market share compared to when the survey was first carried out in the early 1980s.(Housebuilder Developer. 2008). The Steel Construction Institute has carried out a study of different construction projects using various levels of off-site steel construction technologies in busy urban sites. The goal of the study was to recognize the benefits of off-site construction relating to the reduction of the disruption caused to local residents by the construction operations. The study also aimed to quantify these benefits in terms of the reduction in dust, noise, vehicle circulation and the impact of site-generated waste on the environment. 3.1.3 Panels Panels are two dimensional frames that contain both the structural and the infill element, are sealed together on site. Example of panels is pre-assembled floor, wall, and roof panels. Using the right sealants are very important to gain the benefit of off-site manufactured panels in order to stand up the frames rapidly. The simplest form of off-site manufactured panel system is lightweight infill panels that are fixed to the structural frame, where the most complex form are the prefabricated sandwich panels which consist of both, the structural element, internal and external finishes. 3.1.4 Volumetric System Volumetric system is the frame and panel systems, and when the building is assembled and built from a series of volumetric steel or timber modules, connected together to form a room or groups of rooms to form complete structure. Modular construction is also a term used to refer the volumetric assemblies. While the foundations are being prepared under factory conditions, the modules are manufactured and finished (or partially finished) off-site, under factory conditions, then transported to the building site and assembled and connected to the foundations, then added the exterior cladding and the roof. Modular construction is more sustainable than traditional techniques because of the minimum foundations that required and because it is built under factory conditions, the modules are in better quality and defects are minimized. Modular construction uses the same techniques from the industrial sector but the result does not look like mass production product. Sophisticated modules and panels can be produced and can be easily customised by the clients requirements, and with new advanced techniques finishes: cladding and roofing, give the building its natural skin that suites the surrounding. An example of volumetric module structure is bathroom pods. Bathroom pods are a very economically solution when it integrate with the whole construction process in large quantities such as; student accommodations, hotels, hostels, hospitals, and prisons. Bathroom construction process can use Off-site construction technology, which in compare to the traditional way, would normally be carried out on-site. If we remove the construction process of the bathrooms to a controlled factory environment, bathrooms will become more ecological, functional, and with lower building costs. Bathrooms that we call them smart will also become more common with highly environmentally toilets and showers systems and with more advanced technology like tapes with sensors. The quality of bathrooms pods is far superior to the traditional on-site construction, more stylish, with high quality materials, and better for the environment in terms of a lower carbon footprint, lower levels of waste and reduced transportation of components. 3.1.5 Hybrids System Hybrid systems (often referred to as semi-volumetric) are a combination of all the other type, and this type where the flexibility of production and the varieties of consumer choice by combining the best features in a single system play the important role of it. Plant rooms is an example of a hybrid volumetric module manufacturing Plant room is a room or space in a building dedicated to the mechanical and electrical equipments and then they need an intensive labour. If plant rooms built off-site where there is cheaper labour, this can be more economically. Other advantage of plant rooms built in factory is if a project in time difficulties, always the installation of the services is squeezed, so using modular plant rooms certainly will help to avoid this problem. CHAPTER FOUR: CASE STUDIES 4.1 Case Study: British Land Ropemaker site, London Ropemaker is a commercial building for British Land, one of the UKs largest Real Estate Investment Trust. It is built in an eminent site in London. The 21 storey and three basement levels has 55,000 square metres net lettable space. The high profile building has impressive green certifications achievement including a BREEAM excellent rating. The development has been realised using off-site construction technologies in a large number of parts in the building. This study aimed to evaluate two products manufactured off-site; a modular walling system Podwall from Swift Horsman, and Technik flooring system supplied by Grants LTD. The research aimed to compare in deep analysis off-site construction techniques products to the traditional way of construction in terms of; waste on-site and off-site, resources needed on site, efficiency and productivity, cost, environmental impact analysis and end of life assessment, health and safety, and installation time. PODWALL research results Podwall saved approximately 40% to programme. Each floor at Ropemaker had an 11 week programme to install the Podwall (3 blocks per floor one ladies, one gentlemen and one disabled toilet), which would be equivalent to 15 weeks for traditional fit out. The waste on site is reduced because the Podwall is manufactured off-site. The result showed that the largest amount of waste generated is from the packaging, which is very important to protect the product on the delivery from between factory and site. Total waste produced is approximately 213m3 from Podwall washrooms. If we give the low levels of waste monitored during the process of the Podwall erection, traditional waste would considerably exceed that figure. In terms of waste recycling the percentage of materials recycled from Ropemaker exceeds 85%. The Podwall washroom package (54 toilet blocks), which is delivered over 1969m2, has a value of approximately 6m. The main differences in cost, that the services are integrated off site into the walls and cubicles for the Podwall, while in the traditional system the services installation and cubicles must be installed on-site and the cost of the installation of these services on site is higher. The indirect costs in the traditional way do not count as the increased cost of waste and removal, and the increased programme time to install. TECHNIK research results In terms of performance and time, Technik flooring system took168hrs per 100m2 for the pedestal and the floor, while in screeded floor take 250hrs per 100m2 for the insulation, screed, and tiling. Tiling is the most labour intensive element of traditional flooring, and drying time for screed increases programme and risk of damage when wet. The result showed that 32% of time spent laying a traditional floor was non value added time compared with 17% for Technik floor. Techniks 83% added value time demonstrates the efficiency of off-site flooring as well as the reduction in remedial work (WRAP. 2009) At the factory 0.49m3 of waste is generated raising the total waste to 2.81m3 per 100m2. The total waste of Technik flooring of Ropemaker is 24.56m3. While a total 41m3 of waste if screeded floor with tiling had been used on site instead. The screeded floor generates a significantly greater amount of waste compared to the Technik floor. In terms of costs, Technik flooring labour costs was 84/m2, while the screed floor was 114/ m2. Material costs were 140/ m2 for Technik floor, and 147/ m2 for the traditional one. These figures are near, but it is still considerable that Technik is cheaper if we put in consideration that drying time for screed increases programme and risk of damage when wet and the materials associated with the traditional screed design take up a greater area within a warehouse and as such the cost is considerably higher to that of Technik floor. A programme/time saving of 25.7% is made by using Technik flooring, which clearly has a cost saving implication as well. (WRAP. 2009) 4.3 Case Study-Emergency Assessment Unit, University Hospital of North Tees. In this case study we are looking at the new revolutionary building which was designed to fulfil the needs of Interserve Project Services/North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. The building will be located at the University Hospital of North Tees. The purpose-designed and built Emergency Assessment Unit has been required in order to reduce waiting times for much demanded emergency treatment. This is something the Government has planned as to drive down waiting times for patients. The amount of beds are needed to be increased at the Stockton site as well as the site needing to be able to provide a service to those needing emergency surgical care, based centrally on location rather than some distance away. The unit has promised to feature up-to-date emergency care and include specialist staff who can deal quickly and efficiently with a high number of patients thus increasing patient turnover. The solution to these needs was met through a 2.8m Procure 21 project which was awarded to Yorkon manufacturers, based in York, by Interserve Project Services. Off-site construction and the installing of a 42-bed Emergency Assessment Unit was the aim for the new building as its production. The building included 42 steel-framed modules manufactured off-site at York and installed on-site in as little as a few days. Disruption was therefore limited and patients could rest unaware of any commotion. The 1,710m square single storey extension to the pre-existing department was astonishingly and impressively erected in just over six months from beginning to end. The building also can boast a full range of modern well-equipped facilities for any acute medical emergencies. Features are listed as including four-bed wards, single en-suite bedrooms, an isolation ward, high-dependency beds, consulting rooms, ward managers office, waiting area, Quiet room, staff changing facilities and rest room and also an interview room. Incorporated into the design were roof lights to increase any natural light in the centre of the unit and furthermore holds latest technology equipment. The installations of workstations are readily available and can be used at a patients bedside. This building proudly boasts to be one of the first units in the country to offer an electronic information board too. Looking to the comments of professionals working within the construction of this new high-tech building, we can see the positive influence of off-site technology in providing rapid, quality solutions to much needy clients. The accuracy as well as speed of construction has impressed many working on the project. The patients are the first top benefit thus impacting greatly on society. A faster completion has resulted in an earlier date for increasing the hospitals capacity and implementing the hospitals new care programme. The building has proudly been created free of any defect and furthermore feels and appears like a building created in the traditional on-site method. The impact on the people within the building can be felt as they feel secure and at ease with their impressive new surroundings. After significant planning, the result proves to be pleasing and satisfying to all those involved. Impressive design features are said to include isolation rooms, en-suite bathrooms, no touch taps as well as bespoke window blinds, all that was promised. All in all, a roomy and calm working environment which is properly equipped to looking after those that need it has been established. 4.4 The Steel Construction Institute (SCI) Case Study The Steel Construction Institute (SCI) Study, which was funded by The Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) with support from Corus Strip Products (UK), is started by visits to six construction sites where oft-site construction technologies were being used for data-gathering. A comparative study had been made and followed by the visits to compare the traditional way of construction to off-site construction methods for a 2-storey school where light steel infill panels were used in off-site method against the traditional method, and a 4-storey light steel residential building where off-site modular construction were used against traditional masonry way. The study results showed that off-site construction is by far reducing the disruption to the local residents The growing demand for residential housing in cities, towns, and villages of the UK and the scarcity of so-called green field sites, is forcing developers to build on small plots of land within existing residential developments. As housing is built, so the demand for schools, shops, hospitals and leisure also increases. Construction on confined urban sites presents developers with various challenges including: The construction of urban sites contained presents developers with a number of challenges, such as; the lack of working and storage space, the absolute necessary to minimize the impact of all aspects of construction on local residents, and the scarcity of skilled labour working in construction sites. Last Recent experience with modern construction methods showed that these challenges can be met by changing some of the activities of site-intensive products with components manufactured off-site. For example, panels of three two-dimensional and three dimensional modules are supplied in very short time to local conditions and require no storage space on site. Regarding urban disruption, there is some non official evidence to suggest that the disruption to the local residents and inconvenience caused by construction can be greatly reduced by the use of prefabricated lightweight steel and modular solutions. Such methods do not only transfer much of the construction processes off site, but They also significantly reduces the construction time, thereby limiting the inconvenience Caused by site traffic, deliveries, waste clearance and general construction activities. One of the greatest opportunities and challenges for the steel sector is the residential market due to the increase awareness of the physical benefits of steel. As often, home builders and developers are looking at things more closely as the project predictability and speed of construction, and areas that can generate financial returns earlier. Construction in steel, which has always been a technique of off-site construction, is the solution. With its speed of construction, cost-effectiveness, outstanding performance, and unparalleled sustainable qualities, steels off-site construction techniques provides a genuine opportunity for the construction industry to meet growing, and sometimes conflicting demands, in providing affordable housing in todays difficult housing market By its very nature, steel based off-site construction gives rise to more predictable construction programmes, along with predictable cost, construction quality, programme timing and project handover with faster lead in and onsite project commencement, allowing earlier use and business income return. Ultimately, this can result in the overall construction programme being reduced by up to 60 per cent compared with conventionally constructed buildings. CHAPTER FIVE :CONCLUSION To conclude, a survey undertaken by Contract Journal revealed interesting findings. Although the survey results indicated that off-site construction is on the rise and gaining popularity, the rise is still lower than the desired figures the industry would have liked to have seen. The survey Modern Methods of Construction Modern Methods of Construction DEFINITION: It can be defined as the the process to produce or construct good quality buildings rapidly with less consumption of resources Explanation: 3D PRINTING INTRODUCTION 3D printing (sometimes referred to as Additive Manufacturing (AM)) is the computer-controlled layering of materials to form 3 dimensional shapes. It is particularly useful for prototyping and for the manufacturing of geometrically complex components. Depending on the technique adopted, printing can produce multiple components simultaneously, can use multiple materials and can use multiple colours. Accuracy can be increased by a high-resolution subtractive process that removes material from an over-sized printed item. Some methods include the use of dissolvable materials that support oscillating features during fabrication. Materials such as metal can be expensive to print, and in this case, it may be more cost-effective to print a mould, and then to use that to create the item.[G1] CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY In the construction industry, Construction 3D printing is used to create construction components or to print entire buildings. Construction is well-suited to 3D printing as much of the information necessary to create an item will exist as a result of the design process, and the industry is already experienced in computer aided manufacturing. With the help of building information modelling (BIM), we can facilitate greater use of 3D printing. Also, [G2]construction 3D printing allows, faster and more accurate construction of complex or modified items as well as it will minimise labour costs and waste. It[G3] also enables us to carry out construction process in harsh or dangerous environments not suitable for a human workforce e.g. cold areas like Alaska and Siberia.[G4] China has adopted the technique and with the mass movement of population from rural areas to the cities they consider this technique suitable for making cheap houses costing the country (Â £9700) respectively. Materials used: The most common types of materials used by the printers are: Recycled plastic Bioplastics Concrete Synthetic stone-like material made of sand and chemicals Hua Shang Tengda: Hua Shang Tengda is a Chinese company which has manufactured or printed a two story villa that measures about 4,305 square feet. When put to test the structure was able to retain itself at an earthquake of 8 scales. Moreover, the[G5][MH2(6] house was completely finalised within 45 days. The company carried out the process in one go rather than making pieces and then assembling them. The process included three printers operated by a software, which is responsible for formulating the ingredients, mixing the concrete, transmission, and to 3D-print the structure. The team first erected the frame of the house, completed with rebar support and plumbing pipes and then the printed started The printer has a sort of bifurcated extruder that simultaneously lays concrete on both sides of the structural material, allowing it up and encasing it securely within the walls. The concrete used was C30 which weighted approximately 20 tonnes, it[G7] had the desired strength and inexpensive as waste was[G8] also utilised as well as wastes resulted from the process were very [G9]low. The walls of the structure are approx. 8cm thick and is resting firmly on the ground.[G10][G11] ADVANTAGES: The advantages of the system are mentioned as under TIME EFFICIENT: 3d printers used in construction are very time efficient and a house with the desired strength can be constructed in small time frame.[G12][G13] CLIENT SATISFACTION: With this process, it is assumed that the client satisfaction is more as they will be given [G14]a catalogue from which they will be able to choose the structure of their own choice. ACCESSIBILITY:[G15][G16] The 3d printers are accessible everywhere even on the moon.[G17] COST EFFECTIVE: This process of construction is very cheap as the printers consume the minimal amount of raw materials and waste production is very less.[G18] NEW SHAPES AND DESIGNS: The 3d printers can construct different types of structures ranging from curvilinear to rectilinear and from circular to boxed structures. PRECISION: With 3d printers, we can achieve more precision as it is a controlled process and is not affected by the environmental conditions.[G19] ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT: It is also assumed environmental friendly as the wastes resulting from the process are less. DISADVANTAGES: Some disadvantages are mentioned as: INITIAL COST AND MAINTENACE COST:[G20][G21] The printers initial cost is very high and requires a cleaning process after 12 hours of operation. LIMITED MATERIALS: The types of materials used in these printers are limited. Some are limited to a single type of material. Also, the printers are unable to deal with reinforcements. [G22] TRANSPORTATION: The transportation may sometimes cause problems because of their sizes RELIABILITY:[G23] Machines cannot be trusted and a major problem may occur resulting in the delays. FUTURE: Currently, there is a research going on at the [G24][G25]University of Southern California which I lead byÂÂ   Berok Khoshnevis.They are testing a fabrication process called contour crafting. The aim of this research is that all the processes involved in construction are self-automated. Khoshnevis hopes to print a residential building(house) in a single print. It will include conduits for electrical, plumbing, drywall, and insulation. His aims are to achieve the possible results by 2020 for residential buildings and by 2025 for high rise.[G26] [G1]Inserted: , [G2]Inserted: , [G3]Inserted: s [G4]Deleted:z [G5]Inserted: s [MH2(6] [G7]Inserted: ne [G8]Inserted: the [G9]Inserted: s [G10]Deleted:a [G11]Deleted:z [G12]Inserted: the [G13]Deleted:a [G14]Inserted: , [G15]Inserted: C [G16]Deleted:S [G17]Inserted: the [G18]Deleted:s [G19]Inserted: , [G20]Inserted: E [G21]Deleted:A [G22]Inserted: , [G23]Inserted: I [G24]Inserted: at the [G25]Inserted: , [G26]Deleted:in

Characters of Sir Walter Elliot and Anne Elliot in Jane Austens Persua

The Characters of Sir Walter Elliot and Anne Elliot in Persuasion  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Persuasion, by Jane Austen, there are many exceptional characters. Perhaps two of the most memorable are Sir Walter Elliot, and his daughter, Anne Elliot. These characters are well shaped and have something about them that transcends time and social class, enabling readers of the all ages, to feel they have something in common with them. Jane Austen has created a very silly, vain man with immense family pride in Sir Walter Elliot. Sir Walter is extremely proud of his good looks, his family connections and above all, his baronetcy. The reader is introduced to Sir Walter at the beginning of the novel. Immediately his family pride is seen and the reader cannot help but associate Sir Walter with the aristocracy known to Austen. A simple character sketch of him reveals much: Vanity †¦ was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Almost unconsciously, the reader feels a strong dislike for a man who: considered †¦ beauty as inferior only to †¦ a baronetcy. Sir Walter’s pride and vanity is reinforced in many different ways: the way he acts in certain situations, his opinions of others, his dialogue, and others opinions of him. Sir Walter is a character who will always act in the same manner, no matter what situation he is involved in. Sir Walter uses his family name for authority and decision making. For example, when Lady Russell suggests economizing Sir Walter reacts: What! Every comfort of life knocked off!†¦even of a private gentleman. Another example is when Sir Walter leaves Kellynch Hall and is "prepared with condescending bows". In each of these examples, Sir Walter reminds others of his title, and that they are l... ... Persuasion is still popular today that emphasizes this universal and realistic world of Austen’s characters.    Works Cited and Consulted Austen, Jane. Persuasion. New York: Oxford, 1998 Curran, Stuart. "Women Readers, Women Writers." The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism. Ed. Stuart Curran. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993. Fergus, Jan. â€Å"The Professional Woman Writer† The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Eds. Edward Copeland and Juliet McMaster. New York, Cambridge UP, 1997. (12-32). Radway, Janice. "Reading Reading the Romance." Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader, Second Edition. Ed. John Storey. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1998. Wiltshire, John. â€Å"Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion† The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Eds. Edward Copeland and Juliet McMaster. New York, Cambridge UP, 1997. (58-84).

Major Abnormal Behavior Theories of Psychology

Major Abnormal Behavior Theories of Psychology Luciano Lara PSY 303 William Ross, Ph. D. July 13, 2009 Major Abnormal Behavior Theories of Psychology Abnormal behavior has been witnessed by humans throughout the age of modern man.From the pre-industrialized societies of the past that correlated abnormal behavior to evil spirits and supernatural and magical forces to be cast out by spiritual healers or magician with magical spells and holy ritualistic incantations, to the purveyors of modern day scientific medical and psychological treatments that include psychotherapy and genetically engineered medicines, human abnormal behavior has been scrutinized and reconstructed under countless theories of causation through the annals of history.Witches from the middle ages on were thought to cast evil spells or hexes on people that would cause them to act in unusual ways. Well into the age of The Renaissance, demonic possession was believed to be one of the chief causes of abnormal behavior tha t could only be cured through religious rituals known as exorcisms. Even with the prevalence of such ideas throughout much of the past, progress was made towards identifying where the causes of such abnormal behavior might originate.Examples of attempt to move away from the beliefs that abnormal behavior was a form of punishment delved out by the gods towards those who angered or offended them can be seen from some of the great thinkers of the ancient Greeks such as Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who rationalized that such behaviors could possibly occur from diseased brains. â€Å"Another general approach to the cause of abnormal behavior reflects what might be called the psychological perspective.According to this point of view, behavioral disturbances are caused by inadequacies in the way an individual thinks, feels, or perceives the world. According to the psychological perspective, people are at least potentially capable of examining their own thinking and modifying their behavior in light of that examination. † (Sarason & Sarason, 2005, p. 11).References Sarason, I. G. , & Sarason, B. R. (2005). Abnormal psychology: the problem of maladaptivebehavior (11th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Ambedkar Summary 3 Essays

Ambedkar Summary 3 Essays Ambedkar Summary 3 Essay Ambedkar Summary 3 Essay Dr. Ambedkar: A Social Reformer Through the Magnifier of Antonio Gramsci SAVITA V. DEOGIRKAR Lecturer in English, Adarsha Mahavidyalaya, Dhamangaon (Rly) Distt: Amravati (M. S. ) Abstract A Champion of Human Rights, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was a multi dimensional personality. He was a great thinker, a philosopher, a true revolutionist, a prolific writer and at the top a devoted reformer. If studied and analyzed his noble saga to fight against Castes’ and untouchability through the magnifier of Antonio Gramsci, a German philosopher of 1940’s, he could be hailed as an ‘organic intellectual. His undeniable reforms in annihilating Caste, his views regarding women empowerment, his Dalit movement are really credible moves to wage a counter revolution against Hindu Religion. At the same time he tried to restructure his chosen religion to meet the needs of Dalit community. The noble cause to have unification of caste was one of the constitutional feat ures of Democracy which he propagated that label him as a precursor of Social Democracy to meet the present day situation. The operation of caste, his views on Women’s oppression, his reinterpretation of the role of the monk proves him to be a social reformer that warrant a close examination of his biography and his lion’s share to set a perfect platform for World’s biggest Democratic country none other than India. - â€Å"Liberty, Equality and Fraternity Educate, Agitate and Organize! † This great message was spread all over the world by an architect of Indian Constitution none other than Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. A statue of a man having a book under his left hand and an index finger of a right hand pointing towards a Parliament Building is very familiar for all the Indians. But for the children it is the matter of curiosity of what that book was. That was a book of Indian Constitution drafted by Dr. Ambedkar in 1948 and that is his statue. Bhim as his name was, born to a middle class family of untouchables at Mhow in 1891. Being an untouchable himself, Ambedkar went through all agonies of untouchability. The exploitation of blacks in the hands of White America and the sufferings of the Jews in Germany are well known. In this comparison the horrifying sufferings of untouchables need an extensive study of how inequality creates a breach in the social relations and how different strata of society pollute public relations. These muted people in outcaste community were given voice by the heroic efforts of Ambedkar. He emancipated his people from age-old slavery though virtually. The agonies of his people were recorded by a grown up Dalit Leader, Ambedkar who denied India to be his motherland due to brutal behaviour of his own people where all the untouchables were even denied to be called as men. For a school goer prohibition to draw water from public tanks and wells, his experience of insults in the form of refusal of local conveyance sharpened his anger against the cruel system of untouchability. As a result of that a ‘messiah’ of these Dalits successfully campaigned against these odds like Chowdar Tank campaign, Mahad campaign in 1927. His ceremonial burning of Manusmriti suggests his hatred towards Hinduism and Hindu social order which triggered up the mass movement of the conversion to Buddhism in 1920’s. Depressed classes were prohibited entry in the temples of Hindus those were made open to them under the leadership of Dr. Ambedkar in 1930’s. All over Maharashtra this campaign was observed successfully. These underprivileged were given justice by Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar waged a lifetime struggle against Hinduism. He knew that there was no salvation for the untouchables within Hinduism. So while writing his ‘The Buddha and his Dhamma’, he consciously tried to restructure his chosen religion to meet the needs of the Dalit Community. His was a deliberate attempt to change traditional teachings of Buddha so as to meet the needs for the ages to come. Herein, I contend, that Dr. Ambedkar performed a job of an ‘organic intellectual, for his community. Antonio Gramsci, a German philosopher is less explored till present. First wave of interest in Gramsci was screwed up after the publication of his prison writings in the form of letters in 1947. His extensive observation on the role of intellectuals in society and their function, his post Marxist theory, Coercion and counter revolution opened up new vistas for re-reading texts of ethnic, post-colonial studies. His theory rekindled interest in academic intellectuals, Subaltern studies and social hierarchy. More or less Gramsci has become a ‘classic’ to be read, interpreted, analyzed and applied. According to Gramsci, ‘organic intellectuals’ function to fashion the intellectual, moral and political leadership by engaging organizational activity. They fuse moral and intellectual dimensions. Every social group creates with itself, organically one or more strata of intellectuals. Gramsci noted, â€Å"All men are intellectuals†¦. but not all men in society have the function of intellectuals. †1 Therefore an intellectual is defined by the qualities of their activities, but being an intellectual is more than just being involved in ‘brain work. ’ They lead the masses. They educate them and try to awaken them and prepare them for the counter revolution against Hegemony. For Gramsci intellectuals were the instrument for the organization of human life. These intellectuals were not independent but rather products of the class into which they are born. They carry a special bond between themselves through which they organize their community. He is a ‘permanent persuader’ who sets a role model for the society. 2 Dr. Ambedkar was born to the same community of outcastes who set a role model for the Dalit community and tried to educate, agitate and organize them in true sense of a phrase coined by Gramsci i. . Organic Intellectual. He succeeded in decoding the real meaning of Buddhism and tried to re-structure this religion to meet the requirements of present day Indian Society. So as to say, he was a true visionary who churned up the mass movement of the conversion to Buddhism. Having a Ph. D. to his credit, an advocate by profession Dr. Ambed kar advocated banishment of casteism, then and then only Democracy will prevail. The noble idea of drafting Indian Constitution took shape in his mind that gave fundamental rights to the citizens and dwelt on the responsibilities and rights of the four pillars of democracy. A staunch believer of democracy, Dr. Ambedkar is remembered only on his birth and death anniversaries and his ideologies are almost wiped and washed out of our mind. It’s high time we should emulate the ideals of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and strive for prosperity in educational, social and political fields. But the perception of democracy is a matter of complexity nowadays. As we all know Indian Society is a beautiful amalgam of Castes which are exclusive in their life. Though this is the fact, Caste System poses a great threat to Democracy itself. Most important evil of it is â€Å"Graded Inequality†. 3 Castes are not equal in their status but is filled with contempt and hatred towards each other. This widens a gap between people and divides the society into two strata; higher class and lower class. Higher class always dominates lower class and treats it to be the slave. They are not allowed to have basic facilities including education In wider sense Democracy means a way of life, order of society, a way of social economic relation that is based on the ideals of Principles of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity. To implement these ideals, favourable conditions are pre-requisite to have Democracy prevailing; which was just the opposite in the case of Untouchables who were denied of education. There was no equality. They were not given liberty to do what they wanted without being permitted. They were not allowed to enter in the temples or to drink water in public places. And there was no Fraternity amongst the people of the society. For the Hindus, Dalits were not the brothers. But the cursed people. â€Å"Justice delayed is Justice denied†. Same happened with them. The preamble of Indian Constitution and chapters referring fundamental rights and State Policy state it very clearly that there should be ‘Non-discrimination on grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex or Place of Birth. ’4 Reservation Bill, the brain child of Ambedkar was just another step towards elevating social, economic standard of the country. That proves that the sculptor of Indian Constitution Ambedkar wanted it to be instrumental of socio-economic justice and the basis of all justice is equality. Ambedkar knew it that since eternity India is the World’s classic unequal society that observes rigid caste system. That was the primary issue of Ambedkar’s struggle for annihilation of caste. Dr. Ambedkar stated fearlessly in the constituent assembly, ‘We are going to a life of contradictions. In politics†¦. equality.. in social life†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦inequality. ’5 His ideas, his ideals and his philosophy being an ‘organic intellectual’ of the downtrodden, always revolved around human welfare. His struggle was to consolidate Dalits and to make them aware that they too were human beings. To restore their dignity and to give them respectable place, Ambedkar devoted his forty years and sought a chosen religion that could deliver the depressed classes from the shackles of ocial evil. Buddhism’s fundamental issue is to recognize the pain, sufferings in human beings. And real religion resides in the heart of a man and not in Shastra. What attracted Ambedkar towards Buddhism was its preaching of Prajna( Understanding), Karuna( Love) and Samata( Equality) that no other religion advocates. So he gave Dalits new religion to be clinged. In fact Dalit Buddhist Movement is a ‘symbol of identity transformation’ than a true religious conversion. 6 According to Ambedkar definition of Nirvana is not only easily but also theoretically attainable within a single lifetime. He also re-interpreted the role of the monk. They are the active participants in re-writing history. A Bhikku should fight to spread Dhamma. This life time contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in the field of religion, his educational philosophy, his drafting of Indian Constitution and his views on women’s oppression justify him to be a social reformer par excellence. A vast section of India still dwells under unhygienic conditions, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. We still engage in casteism. What lessons were taught to us by this great reformer is conveniently forgotten. Politicians are running behind vote banks and interested in their selfish gains than the welfare of the masses. On surface we find no untouchability. But at heart the breach is more widened. One has to come to this ground reality and as ‘charity begins at home’ everything good should begin from us. Then and then only in true sense we will show gratitude towards this great social reformer and an active ‘organic intellectual’ who let the Dalits educate, agitate and organize towards a counter revolution. References 1)Aditi Misra. The Political Philosophy of Antonio Gramsci. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi, 1991. p. 116. 2)Ibid. 116. 3)Rahi Gaikwad. â€Å"Need for Feminists to reclaim Ambedkar seen. † The Hindu. January 10, 2010. 4)Subhash C. Kashyap. Our Constitution: An Introduction to India’s Constitution and Constitutional Law. National Book Trust, India. 1994. p. 93. 5)An Essay on rethinking on Democracy. www. preservearticles. com/ /rethinking-on-democracy. html 6)Buddhism17-25. pdf p. 20

Essay on Diagnosing Organizations

Essay on Diagnosing Organizations Essay on Diagnosing Organizations Essay on Diagnosing OrganizationsThe process of strategic decision-making involves several important steps one of which is the analysis of the situation and current issues along with the diagnostic of the issue in the organizational context. Such diagnosis is necessary for developing a strategy for achieving key organizational goals and eliminating the gaps between existing organizational state and the desired state. In general, the process of organizational diagnostic involves four key steps: the entry phase, the phase of diagnosis, intervention and evaluation phase (Burton, 2004). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of existing organizational diagnostic models for the diagnosis stage, to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the models, to discuss several issues which Whole Foods Market is currently facing and to determine the best organizational diagnostic model for Whole Foods Market.Organizational diagnosis modelsThere exist different models of organizational diagnosis. Each of these models has its own strengths and weaknesses, and can therefore be applied in specific setting. It is not possible to rely one particular organizational diagnostic model because strategic analysis involves a variety of factors and the assumptions of one model might not be appropriate for the considered situation. Therefore, for an efficient organizational diagnosis it is essential to consider different models and to choose the one which is optimal for the particular organization and for the particular situation. In this paper, seven organizational diagnosis models will be considered:1.1. Force field modelForce field model was developed by Kurt Lewin (Cummings Worley, 2009). This model describes organizational change as the result of the impact of driving and restraining forces. The driving forces enhance the change and push the organization towards the change, while the restraining forces hinder change and create barriers for change (Cummings Worley, 2009). Lewin further offers a strategy for organizational change: identifying both types of forces, weakening the restraining forces, strengthening the driving forces (refreezing the organization), implementing the change and then enhancing the stabilizing influences (freezing the organization in the desired state) (Cummings Worley, 2009).The major strength of this model is its focus on action and change. However, the weakness of the model is its generic nature: the forces in the model are defined quite broadly and it is easy to miss important forces while analyzing an organization.1.2. 7S modelOne of widely used frameworks is McKinseys 7S model. It encompasses seven key organizational variables: shared values, skills, structure, style, staff, systems and strategy (Harrison, 2005). Shared values are viewed as a central component of the model, and the remaining factors are interrelated in a specific way. 7S model is shown on Fig. 1.A valuable finding in this model is the division of organ izational factors into hard structure, systems and strategy, and soft staff, skills, style and shared values (Harrison, 2005). However, the model does not account for external variables and factors, and therefore its use is limited.1.3. Likert modelLikert model also considers seven key organizational variables: motivation, interaction, communication, decision-making, goal-setting, performance and control (Alderfer, 2010). Furthermore, according to Likert model, there are four types of management systems which have different characteristics in the context of seven organizational variables. These four types include exploitative-authoritative, benevolent-authoritative, consultative and participative group management systems (Alderfer, 2010). Furthermore, Likert developed a survey for assessing the type of the management system based on 43 questions (Alderfer, 2010).This model is useful when it is necessary to assess the managerial aspects of organizational functioning, organizational culture, etc. The model also provides instruments for more precise identification of management system. However, this model does not address external factors, individual factors, etc., and can therefore be applied only for a limited range of situations.1.4. Burke-Litwin modelThe Burke-Litwin model encompasses the internal and external factors and the relationships between them in a systemic way. Internal factors included in this model can be divided into three layers. Layer 1 includes leadership, culture, mission and strategy; Layer 2 consists of such variables as structure, management practices, systems and work climate, and Layer 3 includes the match between skills and job, motivation, individual values and needs and performance (Burke, Lake Paine, 2008).The model illustrates how organizational outputs interact with the environment and eventually affect system inputs in the next feedback loop. Furthermore, the model shows the directions of relationships between factors. This mod el is very efficient for describing the dynamics of organizational functioning and can be used to assess complex cases of organizational diagnosis. Its possible disadvantage is the large volume of information required for organizational diagnosis.1.5. Leavitts modelThe model offered by Leavitt focuses on the structural elements of an organization and their interactions. Leavitts model includes four key types of organizational variables: task variables, structure variables, technology variables, people/actor variables (Espejo Reyes, 2011). Each of these variable types, according to Leavitt, is interrelated with other variable types. Therefore, a change of one variable causes the relevant changes in other three variables.This model is efficient for analyzing internal dynamics and for planning internal changes within an organization. At the same time, the relatedness between all four types of variables is a simplification of the reality, and this is a significant limitation of the mod el. Furthermore, Leavitts model does not take into account the impact of the external environment.1.6. Weisbord’s six-box modelIn Weisbords model, six internal categories are considered as the factors driving organizational development. These categories include purposes, structure, relationships, helpful mechanisms, rewards, structure and leadership (Grieves, 2010). The leadership is viewed as the central factor determining organizational change, and the other five factors are represented as interrelated pairs in Weisbords six-box model. Furthermore, this model considers the impact of the environment on the inputs of the organizational system and on its outputs.Organizational inputs considered by Weisbord include finance, ideas, people and technology, while organizational outputs include products and services (Grieves, 2010). For each of the boxes represented in the internal part of the model, Weisbord lists a set of questions allowing to assess organizational efficiency. Thi s model is highly useful since it takes into account both internal and external environment and categorizes internal factors into distinct and reasonable groups. At the same time, Weisbord disregards the fact that each of the boxes can be interrelated with other boxes, and therefore the relationships between internal factors in this model is simplistic.1.7. Congruence modelCongruence model is also referred to as the Nadler-Tushman model. This model combines the benefits of Leavitts model in the sense that it considers internal variables; it is also similar to Weisbords model as it takes into account internal and external factors as well as formal and informal organizational components. The inputs considered in this model include resources, environment, history and organizational strategy; internal variables include formal and informal arrangements, individual factors and task factors (Falletta, 2005). According to congruence model, outputs are classified into individual, organizatio nal and group outputs (Falletta, 2005).Nadler and Tushman considered strategic fit (congruence) between variables as a measure of organizational effectiveness. There are six dimensions of congruence in the model based on the pairs of internal factors (Falletta, 2005). This model efficiently models organizational environment since it accounts for different types of factors and takes into account their interaction and the process of change. For some situations this model might have an excess number of factors and variables, so its strengths can turn into weaknesses in the cases when in-depth analysis of all organizational factors is not required.Current issues faced by Whole Foods MarketThere are two major issues which Whole Foods Market should address in order to retain its market position. First of all, Whole Foods Market is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy which is efficient in the short-term perspective and leads to quick revenue growth, but might hinder growth in the middle -term perspective. Whole Foods Market is cannibalizing its sales due to opening new stores and engaging in horizontal market expansion (Carter, 2014). This issue is further aggravated by the increasing competition from private labels, from local farmers and small shops where organic foods can be purchased.The second issue faced by Whole Foods Market is its premium brand image: while such image allows to achieve high profits, middle and low-income customers perceive Whole Foods Market as expensive and purchase organic foods from smaller competitors (Carter, 2014). Whole Foods Market should focus on offering natural and organic foods to middle and low-income categories of customers and at the same time avoid brand dilution.Choice of optimal modelBoth issues described in the previous section relate to the interaction of the company with the external environment and the need for change for Whole Foods Market which emerges due to the changes in the inputs and external environment. Theref ore, the chosen model should include both internal and external organizational variables and trace the relationships between them. Among the considered models, Weisbord’s six box model, Burke-Litwin model and Nadler-Tushman congruence model satisfy these requirements. However, Weisbord’s six box model simplifies the relationships between the internal factors, so it is not likely to be a viable choice.In the case of Whole Foods Market, the chosen organizational diagnostic model should provide the guidance for organizational change and should also help eliminate the inconsistencies between the existing strategy and market position of Whole Foods Market and the desired market position of the company. Out of Burke-Litwin model and Nadler-Tushman model, the latter is more in line with the requirements since it allows to consider different types of organizational inputs and organizational outputs, allows to evaluate the strategic fit between internal factors and includes org anizational strategy as an input. Since it is currently important for Whole Foods Market to adjust its strategy to match the changing environment and to achieve strategic fit with its previous decisions, Nadler-Tushman congruence model is the optimal choice.

Environment, Crime, and Disease in Mali Research Paper

Environment, Crime, and Disease in Mali - Research Paper Example Environmental Issues Globalization has various impacts on Mali’s environment, which are both positive and negative. The positive impact on the environment has mainly been in the agricultural sector. A good example is the tremendous growth in production of cotton (Kutting, 2004), which came about with the introduction of new seeds, which suited the Mali environment favorably. The increase in production of cotton has helped in the contribution to the economy because of increased exportation. The interaction of Mali with other countries has helped Mali know of better ways to cope with current environmental changes. The negative effects of globalization on the environment have been uniform in many countries especially third world countries with no exception to Mali. Globalization has led to mass industrialization, which has made industrial wastes a nuisance (Logan, 2002). This has led to pollution of water masses, which lead to the destruction of marine life and also diminishing a ccess to fresh water for human and animal use. Crime Similarly, globalization has influence the occurrence of crimes both positively and negatively. Through globalization, Mali law enforcers have accessed ways to fight crime by interacting with other law enforcers in the globe. This has somewhat reduced some forms of crime and has made Mali a more secure place. Also due to globalization there has been collaboration with allies in the Diaspora, who have helped to give ideas on training to ensure the law enforcers get the best training they can get so that the country is kept safe. However on the other side, globalization has also led to access of terrorists to ideas to build weapons of mass destruction and has increased the threat of terror attacks (United Nation, 2010). Mali people are very close allies with the USA in the war against terrorism. The local Mali individuals have also been able to learn more tactics to commit crime thus the rate of crime has gone up. Disease Mali being an African country in the tropics, there are many diseases that are rampant in the region. The region is infected with communicable diseases and globalization has spread the diseases to other parts of the world due to immigration to other countries (Lee, 2003). This has made the country have a crisis every time there is an outbreak of a disease since the poverty levels in this third world country cannot allow combating of these diseases easily. On the other hand, globalization has availed researchers with samples to try and get a cure for these communicable diseases. When foreigners come to Mali, they have to be immunized and thus vaccines have been developed to avoid also a humanitarian crisis, when there is an outbreak. Conclusion Mali has been working closely with USAID to combat the negative effects of globalization. In terms of environmental problems, USAID has funded Mali government in controlling industrial wastes not to spill over to the environment and end up polluting it. USAID through funding the world vision is also helping in providing safe water for drinking to the Mali community. The efforts of the USAID are quite commendable and their effect is being felt, but, I believe the involvement of the locals more to help keep the environment safe will yield better

Strategic Leadership in a Changing World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Strategic Leadership in a Changing World - Essay Example News Corporation has been founded by Rupert Murdoch in the year 1979, and the company is headquartered at New York, NY, USA. The company operates in six business segments such as Cable Network Programming, Television, Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, Filmed Entertainment, Publishing and others (New York Times, 2013). Cable Network Programming division of News Corporation licenses and produces sports entertainment, business news, movies, general entertainment, etc. Filmed Entertainment division of the company offers animated and live-action motion pictures in the form of entertainment to customers. Television division of the company offers both network programming and broadcasting entertainment to customers (New York Times, 2013). Recently, News Corporation has acquired ESPN STAR Sports division through wholly owned subsidiary. According to the annual report published by News Corporation (2012), the company earns annual revenue of more than $30 billion from its global operations . Major entertainment divisions of the company include Fox Entertainment, National Geographic channel, Fox studios, etc. (News Corporation, 2012). The concept of strategic leadership in the form of competitive advantage was probably first identified by Porter (1985 and 1991). Porter (1985) has given the basic framework of ‘outside in’ approach which helps a firm to understand the particular market in terms of macro environmental (political, economical, social, technological, environmental and legal) analysis and industry force analysis. Seminal research work of Michael Porter (1985) has given a 5 force framework which helps a firm to understand the business opportunity in particular market in terms buyer power, supplier power, threat of substitute, entry barrier and competitive rivalry. However, strategic leadership is more important from the competitive advantage perspective. In simple words, it can be said that companies can only achieve strategic leadership if it is able to achieve competitive advantage over other competitors. The question may arise that how a firm can achieve competitive advantage? Well, to answer this question, research scholars such as Barney (1986) has given the Resource Based View (RBV) model. According to Barney (1986), a firm should use its financial and non-financial resources which are valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable in order to archive competitive advantage. Adner and Zemsky (2006) and Kraatz and Zajac (2001) have also found that availability of resources and optimal usage of these resources develop capabilities for firms and using the developed capabilities can help a firm to achieve competitive advantage or better to say strategic leadership. An eminent author has epistemologically created link between performance, strategic leadership and competitive advantage in the following manner; â€Å"Sustainable competitive advantage is more probable in firms that achieve sustained superior performance.â₠¬  (Powell, 2001, p. 879) Discussion about strategic leadership is incomplete without the mentioning the concept of ‘Core Competency’ given by Prahalad and Hamel (1990). These eminent scholars’ duo has suggested that companies can achieve core competency by strategically using its capabilities backed by valuable resources. Optimizing resources and capabilities in particular business operation can help firms to