Child Is His Own Creator

Then, what will be the role of adults ? It is such a miracle how a baby is created in a mothers womb. The knowledge which they have gained in their past births. Who thought them to cry to express their feeling of hunger or uneasiness. Child is his own creator for sure! Then what Is the adult's role ? There Is a lot of potential hidden Inside every child which sprouts out and grows well when given the right environment,right help or guidance.The first expectation of a child from an adult/ mother is LOVE. Love is a magical power which can turn a most toughest job into a cake walk. Love,patience and modesty and most Importantly even though the child may be smaller than us we need to give him RESPECT as an Individual human belong,who has his own self esteem ,likes and disk- likes. An adult should first understand that child's character Is the mirror reflection of his parent's character or of the people with whom they are growing.Whatever the child Is gifted with in his inner potential, i f he/ she does not get the right place/ environment o thrive and grow and if he gets exposed to the danger of all his capacities and potentials going of waste and even turning into negative way depending on the environment and the people with whom he Is growing with. If the adult is having any bad habits,they should change themselves first. We will have to understand the value of giving and taking respect and love.Show love and respect to the child ,he Intern will show the same to one and all and make us feel happy. Affably It's all about the attitude which Is more Important than what he Is going to learn academically. Children are precious gift from God and we need to make sure they grow In a safe and happy environment and what ever we give them during their developmental years will have nurture them and develop them into as lovable and respectable adults in the society.They learn a lot by looking at the adults so it's our responsibility to make sure we project the right behavior a nd right attitude towards them. Allow the child to develop in his own pace as decided by mother nature and once he has the right attitude,right support and a right environment to grow and learn the hill will develop into a lovable and respectable human being and with love,patience and perseverance he will win over anything and everything In this world. Child is his own creator?Then, what will be the role of adults ? Then what is the adult's role ? There is a lot of potential hidden inside every child magical power which can turn a most toughest Job into a cake walk. Love,patience and modesty and most importantly even though the child may be smaller than us we need to give him RESPECT as an individual human being,who has his own self An adult should first understand that child's character is the mirror reflection of his parent's character or of the people with whom they are growing.Whatever the child is environment and the people with whom he is growing with. Respect to the child ,he intern will show the same to one and all and make us feel happy. Finally it's all about the attitude which is more important than what he is going Children are precious gift from God and we need to make sure they grow in a safe and perseverance he will win over anything and everything in this world.

Political Events and Shipping Demand Essay

Introduction Modern shipping is the life-blood of the world; without it, much of the demand for imports and exports would not be met. In 2006, world seaborne trade was estimated to have reached 30,686 billion ton-miles, having grown by 5. 5% over the previous year. Despite the prevalence of air transport, up to 90% of world trade is carried over the oceans in humble ships. The demand for seaborne trade is driven primarily by the world economy; various industries produce the goods that need to reach different parts of the world. In its most recent World Economic Outlook , the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasted global growth of 3. per cent for the rest of 2008, lower by 0. 2 per cent from the previous month’s estimate. In spite of the dip, the world economy is still growing annually, led by the emerging markets that are hungry for resources to fuel their growth. Beyond the economy, there are several other factors that determine demand for shipping. This paper seeks to evaluate the role of political events and its impact. In addition, it seeks to look into which commodity is most affected by such incidents. In his book, Maritime Economics, Martin Stopford writes that ‘no discussion of sea transport demand would be complete without reference to the impact of politics’. In the following paragraphs, this paper will address the main types of events that affect shipping demand both positively and adversely. 2. 0Political events that have affected shipping demand the most 2. 1Opening-up of the Chinese economy The accession of China into the ranks of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Beijing winning the bid to host the Olympics in 2001 were events that had large political motivations and caused a tremendous rise in demand for shipping. Since then, China’s economy has seen astronomical growth. In order to fuel this development, the country has increased both its imports and exports in almost every industry. This has taken the world by storm as countries the world over compete to feed and fuel the world’s most populous country. Hence, seaborne trade and demand for shipping worldwide has been skyrocketing as a result of China’s booming economy. 2. 2War and the economic embargoes Conversely, war and economic embargoes and sanctions are the leading cause of a drop in maritime activity. In broad terms, the hostilities in the Middle-East region have led to disruptions in movements of oil shipments to the developed world. In the 1950s, the Suez Crisis between Britain, France and Israel against Egypt, led to the diversion of ships around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the tensions. Two decades later on 17 October 1973, the ongoing Yam Kippur War caused the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries to stop shipping oil to nations that supported Israel’s war efforts. The impact of this embargo on shipping was the collapse of the oil tanker market and led to a series of recessions and periods of high inflation that persisted until the 1980s. Other examples would include the Korean War in 1950 and the Gulf War in the early 1990s. . 0Commodities affected Crude oil accounted for 26. 9 per cent of total goods loaded in 2006. Due to the sheer quantity of oil being shipped worldwide, any political event jeopardizing seaborne trade would usually entail oil shipments being affected. This is because the resource is abundant in only certain parts of the world; the Middle-East is one such region that is plagued with rogue political regimes and instability. In the above-mentioned events in the region, the hostilities resulted in disruptions to the oil trade and consequently, oil price. This would be discussed in the section on Iran. Another sector that would be affected would be the metal industry trades and in particular, that of iron ore. Western Australia and Brazil are major exporters of iron ore to growing markets like China which need it for its continued development. 4. 0Opening of China’s economy Since the 1970s, China has been gradually introducing economic reforms and providing enterprises with autonomy. However, it was only in the last 2 decades that the world’s 2nd largest economy has opened itself up to greater foreign investment and world trade. This was carried out through the relaxation of import and export controls and trade reforms in the form of reduced tariffs. All this led to a significant milestone for China and the world – its ascension into the ranks of the WTO on 11 December 2001. In addition, Beijing won the bid to host the 2008 Olympics that same year. These 2 events have set the stage for China’s rapid development. In the following paragraphs, this paper will explain its effects on the world and global trade and shipping. Based on a working paper by the IMF written in 2004, the international impact of China’s ascension into the WTO is far reaching. Firstly, sustaining the growth of China would provide benefits to its trading partners; beyond the processing of trade, there has been significant growth in imports for domestic use and outbound tourism. Secondly, China’s insatiable thirst for energy and metal imports have since fuelled the rapid rise in imports of such commodities. Lastly, multinational companies are tapping into the large domestic market especially with the freeing up of the country’s banking sector. This paper believes that China’s meteoric rise over the last two decades and more significantly, since the dawn of the new millennia, have created a surge in demand for world seaborne trade and shipping. 4. 1China’s role in transforming Western Australia and beyond As a result of China’s booming steel industry, Australian exports of iron ore to China reached more than A$4 billion last year. BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, two of the world’s largest resource companies, share the metal-rich Pilbara of Western Australia to feed China’s demand. The latter is hoping to double its 2007 iron-ore production in four years. This mining boom in the traditionally ‘sleepy’ side of Australia spells good news for its economy and residents. In an interview with the Economist , Eric Ripper, finance minister of Western Australia, said that his state has been fighting to bring in a A$9 million surplus seven years ago. Last year, the country’s largest state (by land area) grew by 6. 3%, twice that of the entire country. In addition, it now boasts a healthy surplus of A$2 billion. Besides iron ore, China has a tremendous hunger for other natural resources. All across the world, Chinese firms are finding new sources for crude oil, natural gas, metal and coal. Ships have been queuing off Newcastle in Australia to load cargo bound for China; at one point in June 2007, the queue was 79 ships long . In short, the rise in import demand by the Mainland has helped countries in Latin America and Africa grow their own economy. Another country that has seen business grow is the shipping giant of Greece. 60 per cent of China’s imports of raw materials and energy are carried on the backs of Greek ships. Greek ship owners want to capitalize and many have made orders to build ships in China which has caused the order books of the large manufacturers to bulge and many smaller players to join in the fray. . 2China’s effect on shipping demand In terms of shipping, China is a force to be reckoned with. Just 2 years after joining the WTO, China handled 48 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in 2003, an increase of 11 million TEUs the year before. This made the country the largest container shipping market for the first time with both Sh anghai and Shenzhen joining the mega-port league of over 10 million TEUs throughputs . On two of the most important container trades from Asia to North America and Europe, mainland China and Hong Kong corner 60 per cent of the market share. More recently, with an increasing portion of China’s imports of oil products coming from Latin America and West Africa, ton-miles demanded associated with this trade has increased. Referring back to the example of Australian iron ore, China’s high volumes mean that Chinese companies are sourcing for metals from further abroad such as Brazil. In addition, China has always been a net exporter of coal. However, in the last few years, China has become a net importer; this forces its neighbors to source for coal from further afield. All these factors serve to increase ton-miles demanded. It is important to note that though ton-miles demanded may increase, actual volume may remain unchanged. 5. 0Iran and the Strait of Hormuz The on-going tension between Israel, the United States of America (USA) and Iran over its suspected nuclear-weapons programme has brought about fluctuations in oil prices in recent times. Several factors have made this all the more pressing in the last few months. These include a weakening Bush administration, Iran’s continued uranium-enrichment programme, a lackluster Western diplomatic approach to handling the situation and Israel’s jitters have raised the idea of a possible war in the Middle-East. In retaliation to suggestions of a military strike, Iran has threatened to cut oil exports and close the Strait of Hormuz . This strait’s importance lies in that it is the only viable path for much of the oil from the gulf to reach the rest of the world. By comparison, the Suez and Panama Canals are passages that have alternative albeit costlier, routes. A horseshoe-shaped body of water that stretches between Iran and the northern tip of Oman, the Strait is the only passage in and out of the Gulf. Every day, around 50 tankers carry between 4 million and 17 million barrels of oil and oil products through the 180km-long strait – roughly 40 per cent of the world’s internationally traded supplies . If Iran were able to close this waterway by use of anti-ship missiles, only 3 million barrels would be able to be diverted via the Red Sea. Thus, oil and oil product shipment would be greatly hit worldwide. In addition to oil, Jebel Ali, a port-town in the United Arab Emir ates, handles about half of all maritime trade between Europe and Asia. Currently, it is the largest port between Rotterdam and Singapore. Large portions of what enters some of these free zones in the gulf are transshipped to other parts of the world. Experts who have monitored the Suez Crisis in the 1950s and how it led to the Six-Day War understand that such an action from Iran would result in the Middle-East suffering economically. On a larger scale, the world would be faced with supply cuts in almost all goods. 6. 0Maritime terrorism Another threat to the maritime industry is terrorism at sea. Terrorism is broadly defined as attacks to create fear and often have an underlying belief that the terrorists want to spread. Since the world-changing September 11th attacks on the United States of America in 2001, many other acts of violence have been carried out with ships as targets. An example would be the infamous Al-Qaeda attack on the French oil tanker, the Limburg, in Yemen in 2002. Such attacks create not only a sense of uncertainty in the shipping industry, but have raised the costs of shipping as well. In the case of the Limburg, the insurance payout reached US$70 million . This example highlights the trend of insurance companies charging higher insurance premiums to shipping companies whose ships sail through more ‘dangerous’ waters. As a result, shipping cost has risen over the years and this has led to a dip in demand. Amongst the main trunk routes that ships often ply, the greatest number of such incidents happens in the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca. These acts of terror also do not differentiate between the types of ships they target; almost everything from boats to tankers has been looted for their cargo and entire ships stolen. This paper would like to caution that the distinction between maritime terrorism and piracy is blurring. 7. 0Conclusion This paper has looked at examples of how political events have caused a stir in the maritime world. This is largely a result of the correlation between world trade, shipping and movement of commodities. Such incidents can spark both a decrease as well as an increase in demand for shipping. In the case of China’s reforms towards a more open economy, trade between this country and the rest of the world has increased dramatically. This has spurred the shipping industry not just in terms of seaborne trade but in other forms such as ports and shipbuilding. Beyond its shores, it has helped to lift the economies of countries that enjoy a high level of trade with China. On the other hand, the tensions in the Middle-East have brought about uncertainty throughout the world over oil prices and world trade. The strategic position of the most hostile nations in the region has given them leverage over the Western world in terms of threats to block the major waterway, the Strait of Hormuz. Lastly, the concerns over maritime safety and rising insurance costs to cover ships and their owners have caused a dip in demand for shipping. This is because of the higher costs now associated with shipping; it is intuitive yet unfortunate that the world’s major shipping routes are also the most dangerous.

ARD Green roof Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

ARD Green roof - Essay Example esign allows a greater insulation from the other two designs, meaning it could provide a greater amount of energy on its own, and therefore, fulfilling the stand alone requirement. The water retention and filter drainage layers both would aid in preventing irrigation and store water if there ever was a drought. In essence, there are variant considerations that one must make before concluding or choosing the best type of roofing especially when there are specific demands based on energy conservation. Perhaps the best guide in analyzing whether a building, or a roof in this matter, is in line with the green building milestones is by checking the roofs properties against the guidelines advanced by LEED (Yudelson, 2008). The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems provide a guide that can be utilized in determining a green building (Vassigh, Özer & Spiegelhalter, 2013). Besides the goal to meet the system’s rating it is also important to look at the unique factors around the building. These include, a hot and dry weather, which characterizes the region, Flagstaff. In this regard, the idea is to have a roof that allows for high-efficiency ventilation, one that makes use of rapidly renewable materials, and finally on that only utilizes certified wood produc ts. Notably, the roofing system should preferably allow for solar photovoltaic systems (Vassigh, Özer & Spiegelhalter, 2013). Based on these analysis points it then becomes critical to weigh the roof’s properties against the identified interest areas. Where else the other roof designs present a commendable effort it is easy to pick on Design #2 as this is modeled in a way that makes it possible to meet the desired Green goals as established under the LEED rating system (Edwards, 2003). Besides, the design provides the best way to counter and at the same time maximally utilize the photo energy that represents the region. In totality, the design provides a friendly, green and

Digital Media Strategy and Implementation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Digital Media Strategy and Implementation - Essay Example Digital companies focus on being the first to provide news to the people. Their content is different, from business related to political, entertainment and financial; they seek to find the best areas where they can capture the most customers. Speed of browsing and the user friendliness of the sites is a strategy issue too. Of equal importance however, is the provision of the content in mobile phone devices for various customers, enabling people to access them from their mobile browsers. The digital media has engaged itself in a number of issues. Most particularly however, are the businesses and the issues that the business community is facing currently. Focusing on the issues facing Sony and Netflix companies, this paper seeks to address their challenges as highlighted by the blogs. Additionally, it will focus on measures that have been put into place to address the same issues. In the recent past, Sony has made headlines after the announcement of the lunch of the PlayStation 4 game with increased features that will allow online streaming of games. Following this announcement, a series of bulletins have been published focusing on Sony as a company and the PlayStation 4 game as a product. ... The company manufactures mobile phones, home appliances, electronics machines, games and Blu-ray discs. Not only are losses a part of the company’s challenges, the company is also faced with reduced sales of its products, loosing market to competitors like Samsung and the Apple. Samsung has taken over in the smartphone business and home appliances, while Apple has an upper hand in the smartphones and tablets markets. Both companies offer features of online streaming of games, which fiercely counters Sony’s console PlayStation series (Kovach n.p.). This has seen massive losses made by Sony with its PlayStation 3 version of the game. A number of mitigating measures have been put into place by Sony to get her into the top of the business. The CEO of the corporation has decided with other top 40 managers to forgo their annual allowances in a move that will save the company operating expenses in the current financial year, 2013 (Wakabayashi n.p.). Additionally, the company h as improved the features of its intended PlayStation 4, which will allow users to stream games online and thus offer its customers a variety of games. This move is expected to help the company counter games available online such as those offered by Apple and Samsung. The company is investing into the smartphones business, with improved versions of its Sony-experia mobile phones. The company’s revenues are expected to reach at $684.8 million in the fiscal year. Sony is not the only company to receive negative publicity in the digital media due to its challenged business. Netflix, an online movie lending store has too been a center of news headlines in the recent

2-1-3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2-1-3 - Essay Example In this regard much like basic microeconomics this course is a continuation of principles that individuals and small groups make decisions to allocate resources. Some specific topics that we covered were efficiency of markets, disposable income, balance of payments, market inefficiencies, substitute goods, and the multiplier effect to name a few. What I personally got out of the class was a firmer understanding of supply and demand curves and the effect that some variables have on affecting the supply and quantity demanded. On a personal level I find it very interesting to physically graph how an increase in demand would move up the supply curve and ultimately increase prices. Since I gained a better understanding of this topic I am starting to look at real world situations with a whole new perspective. In this course you are expected to complete a fully integrated final project and in this regard you are going to have to complete work in a more or less unstructured environment. Furthermore it is always good to gain insight from your peers as collaborating can be an effective method to gain new perspectives on approaching problems. It may seem a little intimidating however it is important to keep in mind that the professors are there to help you. In terms of what could have been done differently I would have liked to have seen more opportunities to work with real world situations instead of examining some historical situations however it is the case that when one examines a historical situation the outcome is clearly defined and it does make for a better understanding of outcomes In order to be successful at this course, you are probably going to have to work well in a self motivated capacity. In this regard you are going to have to work hard to motivate yourself to study a great deal outside of the classroom. Furthermore, if topics are not entirely clear there is no

Tuberculosis within Immigrants Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tuberculosis within Immigrants - Research Paper Example There is no Hypothesis formulated as such. It is a retrospective cohort analysis which gives a summary of the trends. It postulates though that studies of this nature would help in postulating the as yet not known causes of such persistent incidence besides the reactivation of old infections and disease spread by normal transmission. The authors include Annelies M Vos who is the first author, a PhD candidate at Erasmus MC at Rotterdam accompanied by Abraham Meima. On further research it is found that this is the first publication of Ms.Annelies whereas Abrahm Meima has done substantial work on Leprosy which could be discovered at (1) Another co-author Vivian Bos has worked on mortality in various socio-economic and ethnic groups in Netherlands. Borgdorff is associated with the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and has many publications regarding the etiology and epidemiology of Tuberculosis to credit. Research sample included incident cases of tuberculosis which occurred more than six months after immigration so as to completely exclude the prevalent cases. According to the statistics mentioned, immigrant population formed a whopping 1/8th of the total population of Netherlands. Data was obtained from standard sources thus ascertaining its authenticity. The period of data collection was four years that between 1996-2000. The study combines "data on all immigrant patients in whom tuberculosis was detected and all legal immigrants present in a 5-year period in a low incidence country, enabling detailed analysis with a long follow-up period" as quoted by the author. Thus the representativeness of the sample is strong as it includes all the incident cases. There was no scope for random allocation in this study as the cohort was defined by including all the cases. Bias was however excluded by not directly comparing the data obtained from Organisation of Asylum Seekers (COA) and from M unicipal Population Registrars (GBA). Also bias in the missing values of country of origin and time since migration was avoided by multiple imputation and substitution of values by average in the datasets. The sample size was 2661 patients whichis actually the entire affected population. Observations include highest rate of incidence among African immigrants especially Somalis. While Somalis had an incidence rate of 379/100,000, the indigenous population had only 3/100,000. Univariate and multivariate poisson regression is used as a tool which enables a log-linear transition and allows to get a large sample size data on a linear scale. As mentioned, only 42% showed lower incidence rates 9.5-19.4 years after immigration. Children showed lower incidence of infection. "In univariate analysis, incidence rate ratios in adults decreased with age, whereas in multivariate analysis the oldest age group had an increased risk." This is a problem of confounding. In confounding the exposed/infected population is compared to a substitute population which is not totally representative. Thus as shown by the author itself, off the African immigrants, older generation formed a small population which too had migrated recently. Thus the study discusses that pulmonary tuberculosis is highly incident inpopulations even a decade after migration which is consistent with previous works published on the same matter. The author has put forth various reasons for persisted incidence and no sharp decline after immigration.

H.I.V in the Homeless in San Francisco, CA Essay

H.I.V in the Homeless in San Francisco, CA - Essay Example San Francisco is located within California, USA and is one of the leading regions in HIV prevention amongst other services such as, care, and treatment from the initial stages of the epidemic within the United States. The region is recognized for provision of high quality HIV care that also involves administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Such healthcare services within San Francisco benefits all residents regardless of their financial abilities. San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has considered health of the community as priority since such initiatives are crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality in those living with HIV-infections. However, methods of initiating and administering ART have changed over time. Originally, ART was recommendable only for those who were immune compromised (either a CD4 cell count under 200 cells) (Kushel et al., 2006). However, there has been increase towards CD4 count on which ART was recommendable. This was due to availability of information on the adverse effects of HIV even in the presence of moderate immunodeficiency. This was also because of record decline in ART-related toxicity and pill burden. In the year 2011, there was pronounced evidence of the effect of ART on reduced risk of sexual transmission of HIV. The publication of such information triggered debate over the risks involved in delaying therapy. However, in 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reviewed its policy and advised citizens on recommendations that ART.

The Social Impact of Gansta Rap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Social Impact of Gansta Rap - Essay Example Compounding these negative opinions of rap music were the highly publicized incidents between gangsta rappers and law enforcement. Many gangsta rappers have been caught up in the imagery and the bravado of their lyrics as the distinction between art and life are often blurred. One rapper turned actor, whose career and life exemplified this tension was Tupac Shakur". (Article Exertp) Additionally, "The blend of black influences, and wild response by the younger set made rock and roll appalling and threatening to the older generation. Attempts to control the influence of rock often turned comical; after several previous television appearances became controversial, Elvis Presley was famously shown from the waist up (to avoid offending viewers with his suggestive hip swivels) on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956. Hollywood was quick to capitalize on the trend, turning out a series of rock-and-roll themed exploitation films designed to thrill teenagers and horrify adults". (Rock and Rebellion) References Article

Research paper/interview Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

/interview - Research Paper Example It was discovered that detention only works to make the delinquents even worse. This is because it brings many delinquent offenders together, and they are able to share ideas and express their bitterness towards the society. Bearing in mind all the findings, the paper went ahead to recommend some alternatives to juvenile detention, such as one-on-one counselling and community service. The juvenile justice system refers to the correction mechanism used to handle offenders below the age of eighteen. In other words, it is the way the state deal with young criminals. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, young criminals were treated the same way as adult criminals. There were no special ways in which the criminal justice system dealt with young offenders. All criminals, whether young or adult were considered the same, and they were subjected to the same criminal justice system. There were no juvenile courts nor juvenile prisons. However, as time went by, the society realized that young offenders were special in a way. The reasons they ventured into crime were not the same reasons why adult criminals engaged in crime. The society, and the criminal justice system to be exact, started to find for ways through which the young offenders could be handled more efficiently and according to their special needs (Ramirez, Nd, p. 1). That is how the juvenile justice system came into being. However, one thing that did not change was the correction mechanisms. Up to date, delinquent criminals are still imprisoned, which is the major correction mechanism in the general criminal justice system. Unfortunately, detention (commonly referred to as imprisonment) has proved to do the young offenders, and the society at large, more harm than good (Leyritania, Nd, p. 1). Juvenile detention has proved to make young offenders worse. There are high chances that a detained juvenile will come out of the detention even more encouraged to commit crime. Detention therefore,

Australian Economic Review Essay Example for Free

Australian Economic Review Essay The calculation of poverty lines are published in the year 1987 and latest in the year 1996. (Australian Economic Review) Melbourne Institute analysis of poverty states that as per the year 2005, June first quarter, household disposable income per head stands at $477. 73 per week. View on Australia poverty states that there are 340,000 unemployed people and nearly 800,000 children are growing in jobless families (ACOSS). Payments for unemployed people are very low as just $200 per week for a single parent / jobless people continue to live in poverty. Poverty is evident in Australia due to various reasons such as single-parent families, inadequate education for people in families, unawareness of career opportunities and computer technology or lack of opportunities for employment or under development in suburban areas of Australia where people are not utilizing the resources of job opportunities or disinterested in advancing ahead with good standards of economic living, for all these reasons, in a macro perspective, G8 summit was focused on poverty all over the world. Poverty is prevalent all over the world, where it is quite apparent in some parts of the world and unseen in other parts of the world although the problem of poverty is persistent in gripping the lives of people. It is important here to define ‘poverty’ for clear understanding and demarking the poverty line. Widely accepted definition poverty states that â€Å"an enforced lack of socially perceived necessities†(ACOSS) which means that people are disabled or have deficient money flow to buy enough food, pay rent and stay in a good accommodation, good clothes, lack of clean water and electricity for non-payment of government charged bills which otherwise drive people to compromise and adjust with whatever comes in a way either by choice or by chance and compels to stay satisfied. Alleviation of poverty is a long-term process and mostly it is recurring in several states. In order to completely eliminate poverty, strong laws of social welfare and status of living standards must be construed in order to ensure economic growing of living as a whole in all nations particularly in Australia as this paper discusses. A thorough study and survey, research must be made in order to conclude and identify the ground reasons of poverty. ACOSS view on Australia poverty states that, firstly it is required to raise the income levels of people which will help parents and children to the process of thinking in making good opportunities and also offers satisfaction and comfort in living. Families with low education get placement in lower cadre jobs which carry low salaries, which otherwise emphasize that good and appropriate education is much more important to draw a bigger pay to meet the challenges of life style and family needs. This can never be reversed at any point of time. In Australia there are 11. 3 unemployed people who are not holding even a high school certificate as compared with 3 per cent of people who have a bachelor degree. This would further leaves greater impact on children such that, if 15 per cent of children are doing well whose parents have completed 10 STD, 44 per cent of children are outstandingly doing well whose parents have completed university education. This point clearly indicates that parents need good education, good job, good pay which in turn would help to lead children into a greater success areas. This cannot be achieved by a community or a societal organization whereas from the ground level, the work must begin i. e. from federal government and politicians who have to work hardly in bringing an efficient industries, developing infrastructure and creating employment areas and encourage people to advance in career and education for betterment of economic growth and also in satisfying the basic requirements of its people. In fact, for all governments of all nations, people and meeting the needs and basic demands must be its priority with the fact that, without people’s happiness, there cannot be healthy and prosperous nations. There is a huge gap between rich and wealthy people and poor people, which means that wealthy people continue to expand riches whereas poor and needy people continue to live in deteriorated poverty which is unacceptable and should not be encouraged keeping the future generations of children. A study of UNICEF confirms that Australia has 56. 2 per cent of children who are living with solo mothers which provides a fact that, how difficult it is for single mothers to make a status for living and in settling children. This is further confirmed by Australian Democrats, â€Å"Overall, the results demonstrate that unemployment continues to be a major cause of poverty in Australia and that employment only provides an escape when it comes in the form of a full-time job. Because many of the new jobs created over the last two decades have been either part-time or casual, they have not been sufficient, by themselves, to protect workers and their families from poverty†. (Peter Saunders of Social Policy Research Centre )

Cost Control Techniques in the Construction Industry

Cost Control Techniques in the Construction Industry 1.1 Objectives Project cost control weaken the common problem. Strengthen cost control, change the efficiency of enterprises is fundamental the survival and development projects in a market economy. Many companies have recognize the importance cost control, some companies development of relevant cost control system, some enterprises in implementing cost control responsibility, and made valuable experience of cost control. However, from the overall perspective, Project cost control related to the success or failure of business cost control. From the perspective of cost control mode, the majority of companies still use traditional cost control methods, develop construction budget, cost control based on this budget, as long as it does not exceed the cost of the budget is the effective control of costs, rough, simple control costs, no so that the project cost to achieve optimum control. Therefore, the need to further improve the method of cost control, improve the economic efficiency companies. Definition of the project cost: Project costs are occurring the project of resources around the money reflects the cost, including the resource-consuming stage of the project life cycle. Project costs are usually measured in monetary units. Project costs are divided into direct costs, indirect costs in two ways. Direct costs from labor costs, materials, mechanical royalties and other direct costs component 1.2 Different types of project in Hong Kong The project type was deemed appropriate for categorizing .The categories consisting of bridge, road construction, resurfacing, maintenance, traffic and traffic maintenance are characterized by notable differences in management practices due to the nature of the categories. Managing costs on a wide variety of new building projects and structures, such as residential developments, sports stadiums, roads and bridges, schools, hospitals, offices and factories. To quote â€Å"For the Major Infrastructure Projects the progress in the past year. In time, many of these have entered the construction phase they including: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, South Island Line (East) Sha Tin to Central Linkadvance works of the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link Xiqu Centre of the West Kowloon Cultural District, etc. Apart from the major infrastructure projects, the DEVB will continue planning other public works to improve peoples quality of life. The projects including slope safety, fresh water supply, prevention flood, green and heritage conservation work.† Development Bureau, Press Releases/Wednesday, April 2, 2014 http://www.devb.gov.hk/en/sdev/press/index_id_8215.html Chapter 2 – Common Project Sources of Founds 2.1 Government, Developer, Contractor To quote †Sources and forms of finance a business plan is fundamental to satisfactory financial planning and ultimately the plan will need to be formulated in financial terms. When approved and adopted, the business plan forms a basis for control and comparison. When it is set up, after approval and adoption, consideration of its financing must take place. This may be short term, such as a bank overdraft or long term as debt finance. A business plan must be designed so that it provides the answers to all the question likely to be raised by prospective lenders. The main sources of finance for a business are the following: a) Banks b) Share issues c) Internal company finance d) Hire purchase and leasing e) Factoring The most common forms of organization The role trader: from of business which one person owns and operates for his /she sole benefit The partnership: must consist of at least two and not more than twenty partners Limited liability companies: can be either private or public Public sector ownership organization: by the government and accountable Unincorporated association: usually social organization who may or may not have objective of making a profit.† 1Roy Plicher (1985, 1994) Project Cost control in Construction P.15, 17, 18, Blackwell scientific Publication The Hong Kong Government basic on the construction self-financing sources, including the financial and extra budgetary places mobility special fund such as fiscal taxes the Fund. To quote †(Baumal 3), for example ,argues that managers of firms operating in markets with very few rivals will seek to maximize revenue rather than profit. Nevertheless they are constrained by the need to maintain a minimum level of profit as demanded by shareholders. Other writers such as (Marris 4) and (Williamson 5) take different approach to growth. Nevertheless, what they have in common is that mangers are seen to pursue their own self-interest at the expense of the shareholder. This is in complete contrast with the neoclassical theory†. 3. BAUMAL W.J (1967) BUSINESS BEHAVIOUR, VALUE AND GROWTH. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 4. MARRIS R.L.(1964) The economic theory of managerial capitalism. Macmillan. 5. WILLLIAMSON J .(1996) Profit, growth anf sales maximisation. Econcmica, Februart To quote †Harris and McCaffer 12, Fine and other agree with this view by placing accuracy in estimating as the key variable in determining the successful outcome of bids â€Å" Construction ecomomics: is there such a thinf? by D.K Rutter MBA MSc MCIOB MBIM CDipAF†;  HARRIS F and McCAFFER( R.1997) Modern construction management. Granada Publishing To quote †A project cannot proceed without adequate financing, and the cost of providing adequate financing can be quite large.â€Å" by Chris Hendrickson, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA l52l3 Copyright C. Hendrickson 1998 First Edition originally printed by Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-731266-0, 1989 with co-author Tung Au. Second Edition prepared for world wide web publication in 2000. http://pmbook.ce.cmu.edu/07_Financing_of_Constructed_Facilities.html Chapter 3 – Construction Cost Control Principles The cost control is include the Time-Cost Relationship To quote†Chitkara (2005) said the relationship between time and cost is a very important aspect in the control of costs on site as any variation in time has automatic implication on cost. It is important to report and record all the works involving materials, plant and labour on sites. This enables the  contractor be able to know the costs and expenses of the resources used on site and compare with the initial cost budget. Various report techniques used include; daily or weekly and monthly recording, schedule control, site daily diary report and the project budget.† Chitkara, K, K., 2005. Construction Project Management: Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company Ltd. Poor Project Management According to User’s Guide, (2005), a poor project management structure will have an impact at all stages of the construction process leading to: Lack of planning and coordination; Poor communication between members of the project team and the project sponsor; Failure to identify problems and institute necessary and timely design and programming changes; Lack of control over time and cost inputs; Lack of end user involvement A good project management manages costs by estimating, scheduling, accumulating and analyzing cost data, and finally implementing measures to correct problems related to cost. BY FETENE NEGA (2008)CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF COST OVERRUN ON PUBLIC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ,IN ETHIOPIA A â€Å"S† line curve Figure .1 To quote in :http://www.cpmtutor.com/c02/earnedvalue.html Construction Poject Cost Control Method Construction cost control method of many, this highlights deviation analysis. Deviation  refers to the actual value of the construction costs with the planned value of the  difference. Deviation analysis may be used to a bar chart method, form method, curve method Curve is a total construction cost curve (S line curve) for the partial construction costs differential analysis methods. A figure which indicates the actual value of the construction cost curve, p. construction cost of the scheme said the value curve, the curve between two vertical distances between construction cost deviations. The method used is the same image analysis, and visual characteristics, but this is very difficult to direct for quantitative analysis of quantitative analysis can play a role. During the execution phase of your project, you will need to monitor the status of the activities. Any deviation to schedule, quality, or scope for an activity will most likely have a cost impact. For this reason, project cost control requires you to check the overall status of each activity 3.1 Budget estimating based on a client’s, contractors To quote †The Government cost estimates should be prepared like the Government more cautious and full-equipped contractor estimating the project. Therefore, all costs, which a prudent, experienced contractor would expect to bear, should be included in the cost estimate. This philosophy widespread throughout the entire project cycle – from programming through completion of construction. Each estimate should be developed as accurately as possible, as detail as possible be assumed, and be based upon the best information available. This objective is to be maintained so that, at all stages of the project programming, design, and during construction, the cost estimate in each aspects representation the fair and reasonable cost to the Government.† UNIFIED FACILITIES CRITERIA (UFC) HANDBOOK: CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATING; http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/DOD/UFC/ufc_3_740_05.pdf To quote â€Å"Clients will usually identify their needs in terms of commercial or social pressure Space requirements: the need to improve production levels, add to production capacity, accommodate new processes or provide domestic or social accommodation; Investment: to exploit opportunities to invest in buildings; Identity: to enhance the individual ’ s or organization ’ s standing in its market or society; Location: could lead to a better use of resources, capture a new market or improve amenity; Politics: mainly in the public sector.† Fourth edition (2008)  Martin Brook BEng (Tech) FCIOB,  ESTIMATING AND TENDERING FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK 3.2 Analysis Special construct method Construction Enterprise Project Cost Control Analysis Labour Workers can be to the production and operation, but the monthly wages, allowances, and bonuses can spend less. Artificially expand the expenditure of funds. Material management Some kind of engineering materials and book a difference to thousands of dollars, tens of thousands or even hundreds Construction machinery -efficiency is not high for example, Monthly leasing machinery and equipment. To quote †The aim of such a control system for use by contractor or subcontractor on site are to: Provide a clear definition of the products to be produced Determine the method and activity to product; Work package activities; Assign responsibilities for work ; Plan and schedule the work; Prepare resource budgets to agree with the programme; Measure the work completed; Collect cost and resource expenditure date ; Analyses data and take remedial action if necessary; Provide an historical input to a date base† By A T Baxendale (1992), Integrations of time and cost control,BSc (Hons), MPhil, MCIOB Judge the economic worth of independent projects If a budget holder has proposals for several independent projects, then  whole-life costing analysis can help decide the order in which projects  should be given the go-ahead to guarantee the maximum level of savings  in operation, maintenance and repair costs. 3.3 A life cycle costing To quote â€Å"A life cycle costing approach ,that is an approach that takes explicit account of the life cycle cost of assets, is essential to effective decision making in the following ways a whole or total .(Flanagan et al.,1983) Life cycle costing is a whole or total cost approach undertaken in the acquisition of any capital -cost project or asset, rather than merely concentrating on the initial capital costs alone. Life cycle costing allows for an effective choice to be made between competing proposals of a stated objective the method will take into account the capital, repair running and replacement cost and express these in consistent and comparable terms. It can allow for different solutions of the different variables involved and setup hypotheses to test the confidence of the results achieved. Life cycle costing is an asset management tool that will allow the operating cost of premises to evaluated at frequent intervals. Life cycle costing will enable those areas of building to be identified as a result of changes in working practices, such as hours of operation, introduction of new plant or machinery ,use of maintenance analysis etc.† John W.Bull (1993) Life cycle costing for construction, BLACKIE ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL Chapter 4 – Relationship of Building Contract and Costing Contract and information management The contract are clear rights the agreement of both parties obligations, the two sides is liquidation the fundamental basis on the project personnel cost control baseline. After the signing of the contract should be organized project management staff contract analysis, contract report, contract implementation. Especially clear claims and counter-claims conditions in a timely manner to change the file. The contract information management into cost control. The Construction projects Lump Sum Contract has become widely used in the world of the pricing method, the Construction project are recommended or required in the form of Bill of quantities Characteristics of Lump Sum Contract with quantity : Lump Sum Contract with quantity list valuation to truly realize the quantity, price principle of separation. For bidders to bid Bill of quantities provided as a platform, based on their technical, financial and management capability to carry out the tender offer so that bidders can fully take into account many other factors, such as: bidding construction scheme for its own schedule, risks, resource scheduling, and so on. So the bidder can be flexible adjustments for these quotes, so quotes can accurately coincide with the project. This valuation method of engineering construction risk and reasonable distribution of tendering party quantity risk bidders bear the price of risk. While traditional fixed pricing method, which no bidders technical advantage and price advantage. Engineering change management is the key of construction contract management of engineering changes in process engineering is inevitable, but construction should try to reduce engineering change, because change is o ften in addition to   the costs of the project itself, but also will bring a lot of machines or the duration of a claim. Cost in real settlement contract (Cost Reimbursement Contract) Cost plus honoraria contract (Prime Cost and Fee) cost plus honoraria contract is bid people by tender file provides early estimated project of artificial, and material, and mechanical of cost price, and by requirements (consultations) take early estimated cost of percentage value or fixed costs as bid people of honoraria (contains costs and profit), constitute tentative contract price, stay engineering completed shà ­, by actual occurred of cost settlement, but honoraria proportions or total not variable.Such contracts apply to tight deadlines, emergency rescue and disaster relief work. No such contract in Hong   Kong standard contract forms. Reasons of Projects over Budget: Inexperience of Project Leader Poor Communication/Management of Personnel Loss Through Damage or Malfunction Human Error Employee Absenteeism Vendor Relationship Issues Environmental Factors Poor Workmanship Lack of Foresight Conclusion Construction project cost control is complicate system engineering. Actual operation an application and flexibility of needed to adapt applications under the local conditions, various sizes, different construction company and different administrative systems are different, However in under any circumstances the construction of production and operations of amount of human resources and materials resources and costs, guidance, supervision, monitoring and restrictions. Therefore, the to increase production and conservation, increase revenue and reduce expenditures, is a common building construction enterprise, which requires constant practice in reviewing and improving cost control, methods and means to ensure that the project costs. As a business that only deepen the financial management system, advanced cost management center, to further strengthen cost management and stringent cost negative, complete implementation of, the whole process of cost control and constantly adapt to the ove rall market competition, to overcome of adversity to achieve target of cost control

Positive Feedback Loops in Early Human Development :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

Positive Feedback Loops in Early Human Development There is no doubt that technology facilitated human development throughout history. However, what has been left largely untouched among the authors of the texts for this course is why technology has had such a tremendous effect on the evolution of the human species and its relationship with its environment. This essay will attempt to show that the effects of technology were subject to a multiplier effect inherent in positive feedback loops. In other words, every historical technological innovation gave way to a change in human behavior and physical capabilities, which, in turn, allowed for further technological innovation. Because this loop has been so incredibly successful, humans have overwhelmed the environment by continually growing towards, and sometimes beyond, its natural carrying capacity. The only reason why humans have not surpassed the upper limit of environmental tolerance is our own technological innovation which exists as part of the positive feedback loop; hence the or igin of the term "tech fix" (the idea that human ingenuity will overcome all environmental limitations). The positive feedback loop that is responsible for the dominance of the human species is very much like a game of elementary school dodge-ball. Initially, there is no skill involved; a mess of children with the sole intention of remaining alive in the game. Only, it is not entirely random because there are the few children who are particularly well-suited for the game. Be it because they are more agile or perhaps they understand the movement a little better than the rest. Whatever the reason, they are able to continue playing the game longer than a child who runs around as if his eyes were closed. The more able children will then gain more experience and be able to stay in even longer and dominate in the next game, and so the positive feedback loop proceeds to take shape. Early humans were similar in that what set them apart from the rest of the animals is that, for some reason, they had a natural inclination towards tool-making and technology. With these tools they were able to domi nate the evolutionary "game", so to speak. The multiplier effect comes from the fact that the loop, once it has begun, will be self-propagating, such that one invention will inevitably allow for another. Conversely, a negative feedback loop is "self-limiting rather than self-reinforcing", as put by Tom Tietenberg in his text Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay examples -- Behavior Dis

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is the most commonly diagnosed disorder among children (1). The disorder affects approximately 3-5 percent of children of school age (1), with each classroom in the United States having at least one child with this disorder (1). Despite the frequency of this disease in the United States, there still remains many discrepancies about the disorder itself, starting from the diagnosis and frequent misdiagnosis of ADHD, as well as the question of whether or not ADHD is an actual medical condition, or just a "cultural disease" (3). According to the NIMH, frequent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (1). Examples of these three patterns of behavior can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which, summarized by the National Institute of Mental Health, states that signs of inattention include * Distraction by "irrelevant sights and sounds" (2) * Failure of attenti...

Free Glass Menagerie Essays: The Destruction of Laura :: Glass Menagerie essays

The Destruction of Laura in The Glass Menagerie In Tennessee William's play, The Glass Menagerie, the character of Laura is like a fragile piece of glass. The play is based around a fragile family and their difficulties coping with life. Laura unable to survive in the outside world - retreating into their apartment and her glass collection and victrola. There is one specific time when she appears to be progressing when Jim is there and she is feeling comfortable with being around him. This stands out because in all other scenes of the play Laura has never been able to even consider conversation with a "Gentleman Caller." Laura's mother and brother shared some of her fragile tendencies. Amanda, Laura's mother, continually lives in the past. Her reflection of her teenage years continually haunts Laura. To the point where she forces her to see a "Gentleman Caller" it is then that Tom reminds his mother not to "expect to much of Laura" she is unlike other girls. But Laura's mother has not allowed herself nor the rest of the family to see Laura as different from other girls. Amanda continually lives in the past when she was young a pretty and lived on the plantation. Laura must feel she can never live up to her mothers expectations. Her mother continually reminds her of her differences throughout the play. Every time the family comes to a confrontation someone retreats to the past and reflects on life as it was back then, not dealing with life as it is for them today. Tom, assuming the macho role of the man of the house, babies and shelters Laura from the outside world. His mother reminds him that he is to feel a responsibility for his sister. He carries this burden throughout the play. His mother knows if it were not for his sisters needs he would have been long gone. Laura must pickup on some of this, she is so sensitive she must sense Toms feeling of being trapped. Tom dreams of going away to learn of the world, Laura is aware of this and she is frightened of what may become of them if he were to leave. Laura feels she will never find someone that will take care of her. This is very upsetting because it is obvious that it is very important to everyone in the family.

Chinese Civilization Essay

The land here is broad and diverse. Among this immense piece of earth, one can find both farmer and businessman; mountain and plain; drought and rainfall; wasteland and farmland. It is vast, it is multifaceted. And yet these collections of disparate and dissimilar presences are bound as one, side by side with each other. They are together, they are connected. They are united, united under one name: China. It is impossible to choose a single word that exactly represents all the land of China. The Himalayan Mountains might have â€Å"majesty,† or the Forbidden City might have â€Å"opulence,† but certainly the two are quite different and cannot be swapped. Yet there is a word that can describe all the land of China: the cities, the mountains, the villages, the plains, the towns, the rivers, the deserts. That word is Beauty. China’s cultural sphere has extended across East Asia as a whole, with Chinese religion, customs, and writing systems being adapted to varying degrees by neighbors such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The first evidence of human presence in the region was found at the Zhoukoudian cave. It is one of the first known specimens of Homo erectus, now commonly known as the Peking Man, estimated to have lived from 300,000 to 780,000 years ago China ranges from mostly plateaus and mountains in the west to lower lands in the east. Principal rivers flow from west to east, including the Yangtze (central), the Huang He (Yellow river, north-central), and the Amur (northeast), and sometimes toward the south (including the Pearl River, Mekong River, and Brahmaputra), with most Chinese rivers emptying into the Pacific Ocean. In the east, along the shores of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea there are extensive and densely populated alluvial plains. On the edges of the Inner Mongolian plateau in the north, grasslands can be seen. Southern China is dominated by hills and low mountain ranges. In the central-east are the deltas of China’s two major rivers, the Huang Heand Yangtze River. Most of China’s arable lands lie along these rivers, and they were the centers of China’s major ancient civilizations. Other major rivers include the Pearl River, Mekong, Brahmaputra and Amur. Yunnan Province is considered a part of the Greater Mekong Subregion, which also includes Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. [47] In the west, the north has a great alluvial plain, and the south has a vast calcareous tableland traversed by hill ranges of moderate elevation, and the Himalayas, containing Earth’s highest point, Mount Everest. The northwest also has high plateaus with more arid desert landscapes such as the Takla-Makan and the Gobi Desert, which has been expanding. During many dynasties, the southwestern border of China has been the high mountains and deep valleys of Yunnan, which separate modern China from Burma, Laos and Vietnam. The Paleozoic formations of China, excepting only the upper part of the Carboniferous system, are marine, while the Mesozoic and Tertiary deposits are estuarine and freshwater, or else of terrestrial origin. Groups of volcanic cones occur in the Great Plain of north China. In the Liaodong and Shandong Peninsulas, there are basaltic plateaus. Part II CONTRIBUTIONS Society. Hundreds of ethnic groups have existed in China throughout its history. The largest ethnic group in China by far is the Han. This group, however, is internally diverse and can be further divided into smaller ethnic groups that share similar traits. Over the last three millennia, many previously distinct ethnic groups in China have been Sinicized into a Han identity, which over time dramatically expanded the size of the Han population. However, these assimilations were usually incomplete, and vestiges of indigenous language and culture still often remain in various regions of China. Because of this, many within the Han identity have maintained distinct linguistic and cultural traditions while still identifying as Han. Several ethnicities have also dramatically shaped Han culture, e. g. the Manchurian clothing called the qipao became the new â€Å"Chinese† fashion after the 17th century, replacing earlier Han styles of clothing such as the Hanfu. The modern term Chinese nation (Zhonghua Minzu) is now used to describe a notion of a Chinese nationality that transcends ethnic divisions. China has over 50 minority groups. Each group has different languages, customs, and traditions. Gap between the Rich and the Poor. The Chinese society was structurally complex and not much is known about it. Research is still on. Life in old Chinese society on a normal working day was hard and industrious for the farmers while luxurious and laid back for nobles and merchants. There was a wide demographic gap between the farmers and kings and nobles. The farmers were far more in population as compared to nobles. They were economically exploited and were made to work very hard. The nobles lived in luxurious palaces while the farmers in China survived in small huts. Naturally the nobles were highly regarded and lived with great riches. Religion. There are three main religions in China. They are Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. They were suppressed by the CCP during the 20th century, but they are still alive and penetrating the minds of Chinese today. These religions are all widespread, and aside from other world religions, they all originated in China. Confucianism was the official philosophy throughout most of Imperial China’s history, and mastery of Confucian texts was the primary criterion for entry into the imperial bureaucracy. China’s traditional values were derived from various versions of Confucianism. A number of more authoritarian strains of thought have also been influential, such as Legalism. There was often conflict between the ideas and philosophies, for example, the Song Dynasty Neo-Confucians believed Legalism departed from the original spirit of Confucianism. Examinations and a culture of merit remain greatly valued in China today. In recent years, a number of New Confucians (not to be confused with Neo-Confucianism) have advocated that democratic ideals and human rights are quite compatible with traditional Confucian â€Å"Asian values†. With the rise of European economic and military power beginning in the mid-19th century, non-Chinese systems of social and political organization gained adherents in China. Some of these would-be reformers totally rejected China’s cultural legacy, while others sought to combine the strengths of Chinese and European cultures. In essence, the history of 20th-century China is one of experimentation with new systems of social, political, and economic organization that would allow for the reintegration of the nation in the wake of dynastic collapse. Economics. By roughly 10,000 BCE, in the Neolithic Era, agriculture was practiced in China. Stratified bronze-age cultures, such as Erlitou, emerged by the third millennium BCE. Under the Shang (ca. 1600–1045 BCE) and Zhou (1045–771 BCE), a dependent labor force worked in large-scale foundries and workshops to produce bronzes and silk for the elite. The agricultural surpluses produced by the manorial economy supported these early handicraft industries as well as urban centers and considerable armies. This system began to disintegrate after the collapse of the Western Zhou Dynasty in 771 BCE, preceding the Spring and Autumn and Warring states eras. As the feudal system collapsed, much legislative power was transferred from the nobility to local kings. A merchant class emerged during the Warring States Period, resulting in increased trade. The new kings established an elaborate bureaucracy, using it to wage wars, build large temples, and perform public works projects. This new system rewarded talent over birthright; important positions were no longer occupied solely by nobility. The adoption of new iron tools revolutionized agriculture and led to a large population increase during this period. By 221 BCE, the state of Qin, which embraced reform more than other states, unified China, built the Great Wall, and set consistent standards of government. [5] Although its draconian laws led to its overthrow in 206 BCE, the Qin institutions survived. During the Han Dynasty, China became a strong, unified, and centralized empire of self-sufficient farmers and artisans, though limited local autonomy remained. The Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) brought additional economic reforms. Paper money, movable type, the compass, and other technological advances facilitated communication on a large scale and the widespread circulation of books. The state control of the economy diminished, allowing private merchants to prosper and a large increase in investment and profit. Despite disruptions during the Mongol conquest of 1279, the Ming Dynasty continued the Song’s economic development. However, when the isolationist Qing Dynasty came into power, China’s economic development began to slow. Europe’s rapid development during the Industrial Revolution enabled it to surpass China—an event known as the great divergence. Trade with foreign nations on a large scale began during the reign of Emperor Wu, when he sent the explorer Zhang Yi to contact nations west of China in search of allies to fight the Xiongnu. After the defeat of the Xiongnu, however, Chinese armies established themselves in Central Asia, starting the famed Silk Road, which became a major avenue of international trade Paper and Printing. The greatest Chinese discoveries of all times which the whole world accepts even today are the art of paper making, printing, gun powder and magnetic compass. Paper making was an art which developed in ancient China and they used silk, cloth, bark, fiber and hemp. Later during the Han Dynasty, about 1800 years ago, paper making was refined and was being made from hemp and bark and later from bamboo. Printing technology was invented in ancient China as far back as the 8th century and by 868 they were using wood block printing which was used to print the first book in the world. Advancement in the technology came by 11th century when movable ceramic printer was invented during the rule of the Song Dynasty. By the time the Tang dynasty came to power in ancient China, printing and paper making techniques had prompted the invention of books and book shops in the cities. Compass and Gun Powder. The invention of these two had put ancient China in the fore front in terms of scientific discovery and development. The compass was extremely useful for trade and sea travel. Here they used magnets to magnetize a pointer made of iron. Later the western world borrowed the technique for the navigation on the sea. Gun powder was invented by accident when the ancient Chinese found that throwing some types of mineral powders in the fire produces color and sparkling flame. They used the technology for making fireworks. Later the same gunpowder changed the art of modern warfare when it was used by the European powers against their enemies. Politics and Government. Ancient China had monarchy, i. e. government headed by an emperor and a royal family. Chinese rulers also called monarchs based their government on the Confucian model, which taught that the ruler was a virtuous man who led by example†¦ Despotic leadership. China like many other countries at that time was an agriculture based country with the river Yangtze as its lifeline. During the ancient period the king would be the leader and would be more of a dictator than a king for the people who would take decisions beneficial to them. He has un-surpassing power in all areas be it economy or governance or agriculture which was the livelihood of the people. Earliest incident of despotic leadership could probably be traced back to the Hsia dynasty (2200 – 1750 BC) when the emperor Yao picked Shun as his successor to help his people who were burdened by the regular floods. Enlightened Leadership. Shun can be given credit for being an enlightened leader, but he was very harsh on his people. He could put any of his people to death if they did not agree with his leadership. Other punishments included using whip, stick and fines for small offences. He was succeeded by Yu, who founded Hsia, the first dynasty. During this dynasty the Chinese government or the emperor employed huge labor to work under four groups: military, farming, construction workers and textile labor. Textile labor were given the task of weaving silk thread by hand to make clothes for the royal family, construction work included public work such as building wall, enlarging canals for agriculture etc. Military. Ancient China was most of the time caught in battles against the Huns or the invaders. In military the casualty was very high, because at that time it was quiet common to have mass warfare killing thousands at the same time; ordinary soldiers were simply treated as pawns by the king and other leaders. Shan Dynasty (1750-1040 BC) was ruthless when it came to battles, they even made the whole family fight in battles together because he believed they would fight better with each other. Position of Women. The Shan Dynasty followed the philosophy of Yin and Yan and believed in giving lesser role to women in the society as compared to men. Women were not given opportunities and were treated as inferior. Efforts to reform the Chinese Government. The Chou Dynasty (1040 -256 BC) tried to bring improvements in the government after the corrupt Shan Dynasty and tried to employ the feudal system. This new form of government in ancient China collapsed and ended up with Warring states period (403- 221 BC). Furthermore, corrupt emperors caused the country to fall apart into a continuous war like situation. It was after these that the enlightened Qin Dynasty ruled, which tried to reform and unified the country and builds the Great Wall of China. The Ancient Chinese Government was more of Despotism rather than Enlightened Monarchy which works for the betterment of the people. Legal Systems. Many of the ancient legal systems were considered to be harsh by modern day standards. When societies were beginning to establish civil order and a government hierarchy often many premises seemed extreme; for example, Hammurabi’s Code and the eye for an eye principle or the torture practices common in Medieval Europe. Although, modern China may be suspected of human rights abuses, Ancient China’s legal system was based on morals and the inherent good of the citizens. The Ancient Chinese legal system evolved through the principles of Confucianism and Legalism along with the traditions and morals of Ancient Chinese life. Confucianism. Confucianism as a philosophy gained prominence in the early existence of Ancient China. The Confucian philosophy believed that social control and social order could only be created through education. Confucianism influenced the Ancient Chinese legal system as it believed that humans were inherently good and that order was based on respect for the King and one’s fellow man. The early legal system of Ancient China was as a result, hesitant to utilize codified or written law. This was because codified laws served to tell people what to do without explaining the reasoning. Instead of codified law, the legal system of Ancient China was initially intended to be secondary to moral reasoning. It was believed under Confucianism that by ruling through traditions, norms, and morals that those who broke the accepted conditions would be ashamed and ostracized from society. Over time however, it became clear that in some circumstances people’s self-interest would differ from society. It was because of this that the premises of Confucianism were mixed with those of Legalism to form the first codified law in Ancient China. Legalism. Legalism in contrast to Confucianism was based on the concept that humans were predisposed to evil or wrongdoing. This belief led to the understanding that codified law and punishments were needed in order to maintain order in society. When Ancient China began to incorporate these principles into their legal system a focus was placed on the ruler. It was important to these principles that the ruler remained above the law so that his word could act as a guide. It was also important to Legalism that a ruler was respected so that his laws and punishments were seen as just. As Ancient China’s legal system evolved it remained important that the law had the respect of the people and that the people understood the traditions. Important Principles. Ancient China’s legal system is one of the oldest legal traditions and yet unlike modern day systems there was no separation between civil and criminal law. The legal system of Ancient China was structured around the ruler being able to unify society’s interests while maintaining respect. This premise is why any crimes against the ruler received no mercy. After the ruler in Ancient China the family was held in the highest regard; this is why crimes against the family were considered one of the greatest offences. In general Ancient China’s legal system attempted to enforce filial piety, to uphold the respect of family ancestors, to avoid legal action when possible, to create deterrents to actions and to control outbursts. In comparison, to many other early legal systems, China’s system was relatively relaxed and centered on the citizens rather than government mandates. Ancient China’s legal system was founded on the traditions of the society it was meant to control allowing the system to evolve into the present day Culture. Daily life in Ancient China is as mysterious as it is old. The ancient Chinese were master creators, artists, craftsmen and warlords. They created paper, gunpowder for battles, matches, cannons, compass, umbrellas and many more. They created many artifacts. They developed many martial arts and other art forms such as calligraphy. They used coins with holes in them. As there were no banks at that time they used to collect the money through strings in the coins. Ancient China was ruled by many dynasties and was constantly plagued with war. The peasants celebrated spring which was a very important festival in their life. It was celebrated during spring to welcome a good harvest and good fortune. Usually young men and women paired up and sang and danced. Like today, even in ancient China the Dragon was a sign of good luck. Chinese art is well known throughout the world. Its painting and calligraphy established the guiding principals by which other civilizations would emulate. In Chinese art, each object has its own subjective meaning, and can be interpreted in many ways. To the Chinese, color and form are not just words, but are a part of what makes them a unique people; there ability to surround themselves with beautiful architecture and lavish technique know no bounds. People around the world love Chinese food, and so they should. Lots of tradition and care has gone into some of today’s finest and most famous dishes. In addition, Chinese medicine has been around for centuries, but only recently has it become a new, and almost baseline treatment, for common ailments such as headaches and fevers. Ancient Chinese Paintings. There are very few remains of paintings of ancient times except on ceramic and tiles, a clear historic development can be traced only after 5th century AD. Hundreds of caves of Buddhist wall paintings and scrolls dating back to late 5th century AD have been discovered. A highly organized system of representing objects was discovered different from the western perspective; the greatest strength of this art is its incomparable mastery of lines and silhouette. The art of figure painting reached it’s height during the Tang Dynasty, which also saw the rise of the great art of landscape painting executed as brush drawings with color washes Chinese Music and Poetry. Ancient Chinese music can be traced back to Neolithic age based on the discovery of bone flutes. Poetry and Music were influenced by the Book of Song, Confucius and the Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan. In the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties music was only for the royal families and dignitaries, entering the mainstream only in the Tang Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty ,Kunqu, the oldest form of Chinese opera developed and it was during this time that the writers and artists came up with new form of lyric poetry –Ci. Other Art Forms. There were other forms of art apart from the ones mentioned above during ancient times in China like Seals, Calligraphy, Embroidery, kite making, paper cutting and shadow puppetry. Ancient Chinese culture boasts of glorious forms of Art and traditional crafts which are just two of the many jewels in China’s 5000 year history.

Case StudyCredit Essay

Introduction In the case study honesty testing at the Carter Cleaning Company, there are issues of theft. They find themselves struggling with the processes of screening for honest hardworking employees. The owners, Jennifer and her father, are looking for a way to minimize the employee turnover and more so is theft prone. Questions and Answers to the Questions What would be the advantages and disadvantages to Jennifer’s company of routinely administering honesty tests to all its employees? According to Dessler (2008), some advantages are that honesty tests are â€Å"designed to predict job applicants’ proneness to dishonesty and other forms counterproductivity. Most of the tests measure attitudes regarding things like tolerance of others who steal, acceptance of rationalizations for theft, and admission of theft-related activities (p. 236).† These types of test prove to have minimal legal risk to employers (p.237). Specifically, what other screening techniques could the company use to screen out theft-prone and turnover-prone employees, and how exactly could these be used? Dessler mentions the use of background checks such as verifying a potential candidate’s former employer is a way to clear a candidate by knowing about their work ethics. Another way would be through credit reports. These types of reports show a potential candidate’s â€Å"credit standing, indebtedness, reputation, character, and lifestyles (p. 230).† How should her company terminate employees caught stealing, and what kind of procedure should be set up for handling reference calls about these employees when they go to other companies looking for jobs? Employees should be terminated immediately. In order to help other companies, there should be a procedure such as writing everything down or making notes in the employee’s folder for all future references. Future  employees would be advised of such procedure during the interviewing process. Fine (2013) states â€Å"Once the right test has been chosen, and with the organization’s objectives still in mind, the next step is to strategically position the test within the recruitment process for maximal effectiveness (p. 42).† Summary As seen in the case of the Carter Cleaning Company, employee turnover is a problem. In order to minimize such problems there needs to be an effective hiring procedure. Dessler speaks of antitheft screening procedure. They are asking direct question during face-to-face interviews, listen to applicant and do less talking (this will allow the applicant to speak freely and through this they may speak more truthfully), do a credit check, check all employment and personal references, use paper-and-pencil honesty tests and psychological tests, test for drugs, and establish a search-and-seizure policy and conduct searches (p. 237). Reference Dessler, G. (2008). Human Resource Management. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Prentice Hall. Fine, S. (2013). Practical Guidelines for Implementing Preemployment Integrity Tests. Public Personnel Management, 42(2), 281-292. doi:10.1177/0091026013487049. Lee, K., Ashton, M. C., & de Vries, R. E. (2005). Predicting Workplace Delinquency and Integrity with the HEXACO and Five-Factor Models of Personality Structure. Human Performance, 18(2), 179-197. doi:10.1207/s15327043hup1802_4.

Is3220 Term Paper

1. Preface The contemporary school of thought in service science is currently dominated by the notion of service-centric services (Lusch & Vargo, 2008), whereby it is believed that the end users are the determinant of value of a given service and co-producing a service with the end users would enhance the value of the service. A main assumption made by this school of thought is that all aspect of services, from creation to delivery process, is the domain of the service providers. However, the emergence of disruptive technologies such as the internet, social media, etc has reduced the operational barriers, empowering the end users to become services provider themselves. This empowerment has led to the creation of what is known as user generated services. Such services potentially challenge the complementary notion of service-centric services. Hence, in my term paper, I shall examine how user generated services has affected the service dynamic between the service providers and the end users, using the mobile phone service industry as a backdrop. Firstly, I would define what is exactly is user generated services. Then, I will discuss about user generated services in the mobile phone service industry. Last but not least, I would explore how mobile phone service providers can leverage user generated services, regardless of the service model that the service providers adopt. 2. User generated services 2. 1 Background Contemporary services are usually designed around integration within the scope of provider’s business process. However, advancement in information technology has allowed for the development of solutions that facilitates information exchange and collaboration between individuals. With the increased ease in information exchange and collaboration from multiple sources, the end user now has the access and capability to generate user-generated content (UGC) that suits their needs. But consequently, the rise in user-generated content generation has introduced the demand for more specialized services and processes that uses user-generated contents. This present a limitation for service producers who might lack the ability or will to do so. . 2 Introduction Contrary to the suggestion of its name, user generated services are the result of re-composing existing service into newer form of services by the end users, who might play no part in the original services that comprised the new service. (Zhao & Laga & Crespi, 2009). Hence, instead of having a front stage and back stage controlled by the service p roviders (regardless the end user’s level of participation in the co-creation of the service), end users, not the service providers, serves as the main providers of the services 2. The unique taxonomies of user generated services a) Multi-tier service stage model As mentioned, user generated services generally follows the principles of service composition, where basic services are integrated together to form a unique service offering. Figure 1 show the translation service process of a written article into Russian language and the publication of the Russian language version of the article. However, the final product is the result of engaging two independent services from two different services provider, namely the article writer and translation engine. Thus, user generated service follows a multi-tier services model that grant user the flexibility to choose their intermediaries. An advantage is that user can restructure the final service product without need to meddle the upstream parties’ service stage. Back Stage – Document article process Back Stage – Translation process Article writer Translation Engine Front Stage – Translation Interface Front Stage – Create Article Line of Visibility Translation of Article Back Stage – Translation of article into Russian Line of Interaction Front Stage – Published Translated Article Fig 1. An example of the service configuration of a user generated service b) The presence of a Facilitating platform In user generated services, the user creation process is facilitated through a platform that allows them access to necessary service enablers required to generate customized services. An example would be Yahoo! Pipes, a platform that provides a GUI frontend for creating Web-based apps that aggregates web feeds, web pages. (Nikolaos & Vassilios & Konstantino, 2009). The necessity of such a platform boils down to two reasons. Firstly, it enables and ensures interoperability between the various services. Therefore, the user needs not worry about the compatibility of the services components in the service creation process. Secondly, it reduces the complexity of creating new services for the user, who might have differing technical capabilities, as the implementation details are encapsulated by the platform. C) End user as the ultimate service value creator The main value proposition of user generated is that the end user has the final say in creating the service, instead of being service consumers or co-creator. Correspondingly, the original service providers are reduced to a role of value co-creator or suppliers. This arrangement allows end users to customize the original service, thus enabling the service to serve this group of end users which otherwise the original service would not have served 3. User generated services in the mobile phone service industry For user generated services to exist, the three following conditions must be fulfilled. Firstly, the industry must encourage the generation of UGC. Secondly, service providers should allow end user access to part of their service channel/process. Lastly, the creation process of UGS should be intuitive for the end users. With that, let us look at how user generated service fits into the mobile phone service industry and some future challenges that awaits user generated services in the mobile phone service industry. a) Background of the mobile phone service industry As recently as a decade ago, the service’s proposition of mobile phone service providers was simple: Providing reliable voice communication for its subscribers. However, mobile penetration rate is reaching near 100% in Asia-Pacific region as of 2010. Also, a study done by OVUM Inc predicted that voice services revenues generated in the Asia-Pacific will drop to US$176 billion in 2015, from $US182 billion in 2009. The same study also projected that revenue from mobile data services would increasing to US$133 billion in 2015 from $US84 million in 2009, thereby increasingly become the main revenue driver for mobile phone service provider. John, 2007) Hence, mobile phone service providers around the Asia-Pacific region are scrambling to reposition their service proposition around access to the data content and electronic services (E. g SMS, web content, and internet banking services) to take advantage of the likely growth in mobile data services revenues while arresting the effects of the slowing growth in voice services revenues. In the drive to increase the percentage of revenue from data services, mobile service providers have tried facilitat ing and incorporating various service innovations, one of them being user generated service (UGS). ) The impact of UGS on the service dynamics of the mobile phone service industry The appearance of User generated services in mobile phone service, made possible by the increased convergence of mobile phone and Web 2. 0 technology, are a reflection of the immensely popular collaborative and social networking trends originating from the internet. Hence, USG has redefined the paradigm of some service innovation dimensions in mobile service industry i) Concept/Client Interface Traditional service-oriented service concepts embrace enhancing and extending the value proposition of a service through value co-creation. For example, services like uploading and sharing of mobile phone made video makes it easy for user to share self-generated content, thus positioning the mobile phone as a lifestyle product instead of a mere communication device. However, user generated service allows end users to define their own service proposition and ultimately, their own service. For example, tourists in Singapore could self initialize their own tour in Singapore by relying on a combination of mobile services such as Google maps, Iris, Singapore Guide, etc without relying on the service provided by a tour operator i) Delivery/Technology The traditional service configuration of service-oriented services is mainly shaped by the concept of service composition, whereby the service providers can combine various per-defined service and technology to deliver a single customized service to its user through its channel. An example would be Google mobile, a mobile portal which primarily offer the same range of services of its web counterpart. However, the service configuration and delivery is limited to company resources, strategy and legal issues. Facilitating UGS overcomes the problem as the user now can select the technologies that comprised of the services and chose the mode of service delivery, without the limitation of legality, economy of scale, etc. For example, the iPhone Yahoo! Pipes allows property agents to integrate a classified listing service such as Craiglist mobile and a mapping service such Google map to provide a service where user of iPhone can located an area on the map provided by the service and select the area to see what kind of property is listed for sales in the area and the location of each of the property listed. ) Challenge of implementing and sustaining UGS in the mobile phone service industry Despite the potential UGS can offer to the mobile phone service industry, UGS is still an emerging value proposition that still faces teething issues that could slower its ascent into a viable service model for the mobile phone service industry i) Difficulty in implementing User Generated Services Regardless of any service philosophy, service value creation requires the value creator to have the necessary resources and competencies to create and deliver the values of the services. In the context of the mobile phone service industry, although more service providers have open up access to essential resources like their application programming interface (API), the resources are more geared toward the traditional service providers (E. g Professional mobile application company) as integrating the resource into existing service still requires technical knowledge (E. g Knowledge of Google map Api for an location based web service). Not all end user possesses the knowledge and expertise to customize and integrate the service into their existing services. i) Difficulty in Ensuring Service Quality The end users service providers are at the mercy of the providers of the service components as they do not have actual ownership of the service components that comprised of their customized services. For example, when service components (E. g Google MAP API) are modified at the owner’s (Google) end, mobile location based application which functionalities that depends on Google Map might not be delivered optimally or even be delivered at all as the functionalities might have depend on certain features of the pre-modified Google API. Thus, end user has less control over the service quality of their service unlike their conventional counterparts. 4. How to take advantage of user generated service: From the prospective of existing service provider It is pretty certain that user generated services to be relevant in the mobile phone industry for the foreseen future. Thus, mobile service provider should evaluate their suitability in adopting the user generated services and adapt the model according to their strategy. Below are some suggestions that existing mobile service provider can adopt to take advantage of user generated service to drive their existing and future service offerings. i) Simplify the service generation process for the user As discussed earlier, not all end user possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to customize and integrate a given service into their existing services. Moreover, it is very difficult to simplify the actual user service generating process as service generating tools (MashMaker) aiming at user is still at its infancy and is not exactly user-centric. Instead leaving it to the user to generate their service, it would be better to simplify the process by facilitating the service creation process. For example, the mobile service provider could provide a list of mobile services and help the customer to mix and match the services together to generate a service that is unique for them ii) Bridging the communication gap between the actual service creator and the end user Currently, mobile service providers engage their end user through indirect communication channel (E. customer relationship management system, user profiling/tracking). Though such arrangements has given service providers valuable information on the end user, the information are often interpreted by the service provider from the service providers’ point of view, thus leading to potential situations where the eventually service value proposition of the service does not match what the end users wants. This misalignment could drive end-users to drop the given service and replace the existing service component with another competing service. To mitigate the possibility of such misalignment, the service should considering sponsoring a common platform where the end user service providers can directly communicate and contribute to the development of the various services that are the composition of the user often customized service while giving the service provider a channel for them to influence the end users. . Conclusion User generated services is certainly an interesting service proposition in the mobile phone service industry as it allows the end users to develop their own customized mobile services and in the process, serving them with the services they have created themselves It solve the problem of certain customer segments not being served as they might have requirements that the service providers cannot fulfil due to real life business constraints. However, the existing way of generating user generated service is too cumbersome and uncertain for it to be the golden standard of service delivery. Nevertheless, the service provider should look beyond just co-creating service values with the end users and instead, look at end user as strategic partner in a ecology that mutually sustain the whole hyper network of service-derived services. 6. References Abdallah Namoune, Usman Wajid, Nikolay Mahendjiev. â€Å"Composition of Interactive Service-based Applications by End Users†. ICSOC/ServiceWave Workshops, Stockholm, Sweden, 2009 Christian S. Jensen, Carmen Ruiz Vicente, Rico Wind, â€Å"User-Generated Content: The Case for Mobile Services,† Computer, vol. 41, no. 12, pp. 116-118, Dec. 2008, John Delaney , â€Å"User-generated content opportunities for wireless operators†, Communicate, Vol 36, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www. huawei. com/file/download. do? f=3056 Nikolaos Loutas, Vassilios Peristeras, Konstantinos A. Tarabanis, â€Å"Rethinking the Semantic Annotation of Services. ICSOC/ServiceWave Workshops, Stockholm, Sweden, 2009 Robert F. Lusch, Stephen L. Vargo, G Wessels, â€Å"Towards a Conceptual Foundation for Service Science: Contributions from Service-Dominant Logic,† IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 47, No. 1, 2008. Wai Kin Victor Chan, Cheng Hsu , â€Å"A Science of Scaling: Service Hyper-Networks†, Service Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2009. ZZ. Zhao, N. Laga, N. Crespi, â€Å"A Survey Of User Generated Service†, Intern ational Conference on Network Infrastructure and Digital Content, Beijing, China, 2009.