Pavlovian Conditioning’s Cause and Effect Relationship With Overdose Essay

Summary: Harm Reduction Journal Gerevich, Bacskai, Farkas, and Danics’ case report studied if Pavlovian conditioning can directly relate to death from overdose. The case followed a young that had been treated multiple times for an addiction to heroin. As a result for the multiple treatments studies have shown that drug overdose occurs most frequently when the patient accustomed to the drug gives up its use then after a while attempts to continue addictive behavior with the same dose before withdrawal. His daily dose had not differed even the fatal overdose, thus proving the conditioned tolerance failed to operate. This indicates that morphine concentrations measured in cases of drug related death do not differ substantially form those measured in cases where the outcome is not fatal. Conditioning can contribute to prevention of fatal cases however, also contribute to cases of tolerance becoming fatal. Summary: Pavlovian conditioning and Drug Overdose: When Tolerance Fails  Siegel’s performed a study of that which Pavlovian conditioning and drug overdose play an important and integral relationship with one another. Siegel researched and studied cases of overdose and examined rats injected with an opiate. He observed that Pavlovian conditioning contributes to tolerance when the user begins to make observations of the effects of the drug in the presence of cues that were previously paired with the drug. Two stimuli are present and one will presumably predict the other, this includes the drug. When the tolerance the chance for overdose increases as well. The unconditioned stimulus in Pavlov’s conditioning is the effect of the drug.  This conditioning makes relapsing common because of the craving for unconditioned stimulus. It is necessary to allow extinction the cues that are presented with the drug in order for recovery. Overdose doesn’t necessarily have to c ome from the conditioning process but many experiments verify a higher risk if conditions are present. In 1927 Ivan Pavlov studied a direct relationship between a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. As the result of as series of conditionings, Pavlov discovered that the conditioned stimulus is able to create the same response as the unconditioned stimulus over a period of time. The relationship of the two is evident and a major factor in fatal overdoses, whether in drug overdose or binge drinking. The correlation between classic conditioning and overdose can be observed where tolerance fails. If one were to treat an addiction, one must acknowledge the conditioning process and eliminate conditioned cues related with the drug (Bacskai, Danics, Farkas & Gerevich, 2005). Cases where tolerance failed can be directly found in classical conditioning involved with drug or drinking paired cues and environmental cues as well as associated with the addiction, therefore the cue must be eliminated in order for proper recovery. Tolerance plays a crucial role in overdose as well as addiction. Overdose becomes fatal when tolerance does not occur. According to Siegel, â€Å"Evidence that drug tolerance depends not only upon experience with the drug but also experience with the drug-paired cues† (p. 505, 2001). Addicts suffer from overdose primarily because they do not show the level of tolerance that they expect in drug-experienced individuals (Siegel, 2001). Those suffering with addiction have become conditioned not only physically, but also emotionally in need of the high that is released with a substance. The addiction is the conditioned stimulus, which leaves room for the effects of the drug or drink to be the unconditioned stimulus. Siegel found that events that occur during the drug administration directly correspond to a Pavlovian conditioning trial (2001). Over time the effects become a conditioned response in which they will relate the experience of the high as a cue. Cues are dangerous when de aling with conditioning and treatment. Cues accompanying the drug effect function as CSs, and the direct drug effect constitutes the UCS. Prior to any learning, this UCS elicits responses- UCRs- that compensate for drug-induced disturbances. After some pairings of the pre-drugs CS and pharmacological UCS, the drug compensatory response are elicited by drug-paired stimuli as CRs (Siegel, 2001, p. 505). Thus, in approach to treatment prior to an overdose, the cues must be eliminated. In the study by Siegel, it is studied that drugs and alcohol in particular will have a greater impact if they are administered in the presence of unique cues rather than in the presence of predictable cues that it is associated with (2011). In Bacskai, Danics, Farkas and Gerevich study, they followed the life of an addict which overdosed and claimed that the user could not recover properly due to learned conditioning regarding his heroin addiction. In the autopsy report they were able to clarify that his over dosage was the exact same as his no rmal dosage of .05mg/L. â€Å"The fatal consequences of the heroin injection may have been caused by the failure in the action of conditioned tolerance† (Bacskai, Danics, Farkas & Gerevich, 2005). Environmental cues are also factors of conditioning that are paired with cases of overdose. The term tolerance situational-specificity, according to Siegel, results because we prepare ourselves in advance for the psychological changes produced by the drug when we are provided with certain cues that a drug or drink can imminent (2011). An example can be taken from Shapiro and Nathan in1986 when they studied the relationship between environmental cues and substance ingested. They had two groups, one that drank at home and one that drank in the lab environment. After 10 days they reversed the environment for the remaining participants. Upon the discovery they realized that those who had consumed alcohol in the lab environment were less affected in their performance tasks than those who consumed alcohol in the home environment. This demonstrating that tolerance was situationally precise to the environment in which the alcohol was once consumed. Environmental cues can be anywhere from a p arty to a room in a house. They can also be an atmosphere or specific type of people. It is important to identify these cues apart from the actual addiction. Now that cues can be identified separate from the drug of drink, the conditioned  response must be eliminated in order to treat recovery. Pavlov discovered that in order to eliminate a behavior, it is necessary to remove or substitute the conditioned stimulus. In order to eliminate any such cue, one must identify the cues present. In severe cases one might create a lesion in the hippocampal area located in the brain but it is not completely necessary. The most likely case in elimination is when a conditioned response becomes extinct. In order for extinction to occur the conditioned stimulus must be presented without the unconditioned stimulus. An example of a drug or drinking paired cue could be a positive or negative factor, like vomiting or, a party like environment. The cue can be created with induced vomiting when the drug or alcohol is present. This creates a fear tactic, which becomes associated with the addiction and thus making one afraid of the substance. Environmental cues can be both simple and difficult to eliminate. One must be taken out of his or hers setting of addiction. This could mean a living room, bathroom, party scene, work scene, or anywhere that the drug or drinking is associated with. These environments can cause pr essure in the subconscious toward the substance. Remember the Shapiro and Nathan experiment in1986; environment does affect one’s attitude toward the addiction. In Siegel’s 2001 study he discovered that when heroin was injected in an unfamiliar place the user is not as dangerous or place to overdose. The dangers of not eliminating cues can allow tolerance to take its role until overdose occurs. â€Å"Users familiar with the concept of conditioned place preference could have greater chances of survival than those who are not aware of it† (Bacskai, Danics, Farkas & Gerevich, 2005). Demonstrating that it is necessary for the cues to be eliminated to reduce the risk of overdose. Therefore, Pavlov’s conditioning has a direct and present relationship involved in overdose cases. Conditioning turns unconditioned stimulus into conditioned responses. The responses can act as cues, which can trigger the addiction. Cues can be both drug, or drinking paired and environmentally stimulated. Tolerance has been proven to fail in fatal cases of overdose due to classical conditioning. In order to recover properly these cues must be eliminated. Treatments can include anything from fear tactics, to removing  the entire substance. Severe cases of addiction, which relate to overdose can be treated with lesions in the brain. References Gerevich, J., Bacskai, E., Farkas, L., & Danics, Z. (2005). A case report: Pavlovian conditioning as a risk factor of heroin â€Å"overdose† death. Harm Reduction Journal, 2. Siegel, S. (2011). The Four-Loko Effect. Perspective on Psychological Science, 6, 357-361. Siegel, S. (2001). Pavlovian conditioning and drug overdose: When tolerance fails. Addiction Research and Theory, 9, 503-513. Shapiro, A. P., Nathan, P. E. (1986). Human tolerance to alcohol† The role of Pavlovian conditioning processes. Psychopharmacology, 88, 90, 95.

How Supreme Court Decisoins have affected American Society Essay

The Supreme Court has been given credit and blame for having a wide range of effects on society. The decisions that they have made on current and past issues have initiated change in American society. These changes have had both positive and negative results. The effects of their decisions have ranged from improving the status of certain ethnic groups to limiting the procedures of law enforcers and clearly defining the rights of lawbreakers. In essence, Supreme Court decisions have had a profound influence on the behaviors of citizens as well as the political structure of this nation. The decisions of justices have â€Å"altered behavior of political and governmental officials as well as a man walking down the street†(Miller 4). To understand the role of the Supreme Court in the American system then one must pay attention to the social impact of court decisions. â€Å"The supreme court has assumed the task (of)†¦enforcing a law known to all, of deciding what law ought to be and making any changes called for† (Knight 1). Decisions are made by the Justices from conflicting principles not because of the law, but because of an evaluation of what impact the decision will have on American society. The Supreme Court has had a greater important impact then any other government institution on society as a whole. The decisions have affected people’s behavior as individuals and social institutions such as the family and economy (Baum 318). The decisions of the Supreme Court justices have â€Å"affected the social behavior of people by influencing†¦(their) thinking and the structures in which they operate†(Baum 319). â€Å"Change is the primary characteristic of American Society† (Miller 4). Change must also exist in American law. As society progresses and changes, the Court must address injustices as a result of change and determine criteria for a particular decision (Miller 5). As stated earlier, the Supreme Court decisions have initiated both political and social change (Baum 319). The constitution was established for certain and definite purposes. However what the Founding Fathers did not account for was change (Miller 4). As a result the Supreme Court has adapted the concept of an evolving Constitution (Miller 5). It was necessary to redefine laws that were passed earlier to adjust to the changing society. Also, it was necessary as time progressed and the movement for equality grew, the Supreme Court need to reexamine the â€Å"narrow mindedness† of our Founding Fathers (Miller 5). Decisions were made that ensured persons regardless of gender, race or religion were all granted the rights and privileges entitled to them as United States citizens. The Supreme Court has been involved in making dramatic decisions concerning social issues. Several areas that have been affected by their opinions include: 1) civil rights, 2) religious activities, and 3) police policy and procedure (Kessel 194). Although the actual decisions had little impact on society, they would stimulate other actions for change and in turn make a difference in society (Baum 319). For example, the decision to desegregate schools would be the catalyst for the civil rights movement. The â€Å"Schemmp† decision as well as the â€Å"Roe vs. Wade† decision will fuel the use of religion as a political stance (Baum 319). To understand how influential Supreme Court decisions are it is necessary to examine what effect they have had on American society. One of the most monument decisions was the effects of Brown Vs. the Board of Education. This decision ordered the desegregation of school throughout the nation. Previous to this decision, Plessy vs. Ferguson set precedent that institutions such as schools or public facilities could be segregated based on race. The condition of this decision was that both facilities whether for Caucasians or African Americans must be equal in quality. When this condition failed to exist to be met it became necessary for these institutions become desegregated. Brown vs. The board of Education required that â€Å"school districts with separate school for Blacks and White students be desegregated† (Baum 305). Most of the states in the northern and western states conformed to this decision. However in the Deep South, were slavery had been an institution, the call for desegragation was not widely accepted. In addition, the Supreme Court had allowed an â€Å"open-ended delay† to desegregation. This allowed  school districts to â€Å"take their time in desegregating schools†(Baum 318). In the South â€Å"†¦desegregation†¦(did not occur)†¦ for a decade because school administrators resisted Supreme Court ruling† (Baum 318). Some districts took several more years and the use of congressional force to obey the ruling. The Courts helped to make desegregation possible. It also had an impact on the government’s feelings toward racial discrimination. These rulings demonstrated that government support of discrimination was unconstitutional. It also declared that there â€Å"needed to be efforts to achieve racial equality†(Baum 307). As stated earlier, the Supreme Court had been a contributor to social change. It would help to initiate the civil rights movement. â€Å"Once the civil rights movement became active, the Supreme Court took †¦ steps to protect it†(Baum 318). Their decisions, although they did not directly protect the movement’s participants, helped to strengthen the cause. In fact Supreme Court decisions in support of racial equality have been viewed as a motivating factor of civil rights revolution of 1950’s and 1960’s and also the improvement of the status of African Americans (Baum 318). Another influential decision of the Supreme Court judges concerned police procedures and policies. In Miranda vs. Arizona, the Supreme Court established new restrictions on search and seizure as well as required certain warnings must be read to a suspect prior to questioning by police officers or detectives (Wald 149). Under the Miranda ruling, police have to give â€Å"adequate and effective warning of legal rights and honor the suspects use of the rights†(Wald 155). This is to ensure that the suspect will understand the meaning of these rights and how they apply to him. It is also to ensure that the suspect does â€Å"what is in his best interest†(Wald 155). In addition the presence of a lawyer during questioning ensured that the suspect’s 5th Amendment right under the constitution is not violated. Prior knowledge of one’ s self interest would allow them t act in their best interest. Once the defendant is properly warned of his rights, he will be in a position to act in accordance to his interests in remaining silent and  requesting a lawyer. The suspect also needed to understand that he is in an adversary system that is not working in his interest (Wald 156). It was believed that the decision from Miranda vs. Arizona would foster successful law enforcement. The Miranda rights were required to decrease the rate of coerced confessions due to police brutality. It has had limited effects. The Supreme Court decision has fueled debates over the rights of suspects (Baum 306). It is believed by some that once a person commits a crime by breaking the law they are not entitled to additional rights. In addition, Convictions have been lost because of the expansion of defendant’s rights. â€Å"They were failed to be read their Miranda rights so they were released† (Wald 156). However the Miranda decision has helped to impose restrictions on how much force and intimidation tactics police officials can use on suspects. In an attempt to end mistreatment of suspects by the police, the Miranda decision makes sure that the suspect has a â€Å"real understanding† of their rights and that they are clearly stated (Wald 163). In an attempt to end injustices toward crime suspects, several states have also gone to further limiting and restricting police practices. Police officers have somewhat abided by these court-imposed restrictions. Those who have not have subsequently been faced with charges of violating a person’s civil rights and risk becoming a suspect themselves (Baum 306). The final Supreme Court decision that has had an impact on American society was the decisions concerning seperation of church and state. The Supreme Court of the United States has been a vigilant watchdog in preserving the separation between church and state called for by the Constitution. In 1962 the Court ruled in Engel v. Vitale on the constitutionality of public?school prayers (Gawrisch). Enthusiasim arose in 1963 following the Court’s decision in two historic cases, Abington v. Schemmp and Murray v. Curlett. The devotional use of the Bible and all forms of prayer were banned from public schools as a contravention of the Establishment Clause. Objective study about religion and reading of the Bible for its literary and historic qualities were not prohibited (Gawrisch). These decisions had an impact on policies adopted and enforced on a school district level (Birkby 109). While some schools initially ignored the ruling, most adhered to it. Over time federal government limited religious observances in public schools (Baum 306). Ironically, this was an attempt to ensure religious freedom (Birkby 110). As time progressed the Court reiterate their rulings in different cases. As recent as 1992 & 2000, decisions have been made restricting prayer at school ceremonies and sporting events (Baum306). Some may argue that eliminating prayer in school has only further damaged the educational process of students. Other believe it has had adverse effects on the students (Baum 318). Students have lost their ideas of morals, and virtues. They are unable to realize that there are consequences for their actions whether negative or positive in nature. However as a nation of diversity it is unfair for educational institutions to allow the practice of certain religious practices and not others. Again one must look at the constitution right of freedom of religion and that one must not be forced to exposure to religious practices they do not participate in. In fact court decisions on school prayer have been cited as an important stimulus for the emergence of religious rights as a political movement (Baum 318). It is an issue that has yet to be resolved and will continue as long as America remains a nation of diverse people with distinctive views on religion. In conclusion, the Supreme Court has been a contributor to social change. It decisions have influenced the behaviors and attitudes of Americans since its creation. Although some may not agree with their opinion, they are forced to abide. It fulfills its duty as the interpreter of the law. It is in deciding body on political as well as social issues. It opinions and decisions have had rippling effects through America’s history. It as helped to reshape and redefine America’s perspective on important social issues. It is the final say in disputes that exist in this ever-changing society. Baum, Lawrence. American Court: Process and Policy. 5th ed. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston 2001. Birkby, Robert H., â€Å"The Supreme Court and the Bible belt: Tennessee Reaction to the â€Å"Schempp† Decision.† The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions. Ed. Theodore L. Becker. New York: Oxford University Press.1969 106-114. Gawrisch, Wilbert. â€Å"The separation of Church and State as it relates to Our Christian Schools†. Kessel, John H., â€Å"Public Perceptions of the Supreme Court†. The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions. Ed. Theodore L. Becker. New York: Oxford University Press.1969 193-205. Knight, G. â€Å"On the Meaning of Justice† NOMOS VI Justice 1,2 Eds. Friedman & Chapman.1963. Miller, Arthur S., â€Å"On the Need for â€Å"Impact Analysis† of Supreme Court Decisions†. The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions. Ed. Theodore L. Becker. New York: Oxford University Press.1969 3-6. Wald, Michael S., â€Å"Interrogations in New Haven: The Impact of Miranda† The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions. Ed. Theodore L. Becker. New York: Oxford University Press. 1969 149-164.

Importance of Co-Curricular Activities in Schools Essay

Recognizing the importance of providing educational activities that enrich and broaden student experiences as an integral part of the curriculum as well as beyond the normal academic day, the School Committee supports the development of co-curricular and extracurricular programs in accordance with the policies established by the School Department. Co-curricular programs are defined as those activities that enhance and enrich the regular curriculum during the normal school day. Extracurricular programs are defined as those activities that broaden the educational experience which usually take place beyond the normal school day. Students who desire to participate on athletic teams shall do so on a volunteer basis with the understanding that it is a privilege and not a right to be a member of a school team. All students are invited to participate, but it is recognized that some students may not be capable of competing at the varsity level. At non-varsity levels, participation may be restricted based on safety and space restrictions. It shall be the policy of the School Department to compete in interscholastic athletics sanctioned by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and to abide by that organization’s rules and regulations. Activities should be designed to meet the needs of and to stimulate interests expressed by students and should cover a broad range of abilities. There shall be equal opportunities for all students to participate in such programs. The expenses of voluntary activities may be covered by the students, the school, school-related organizations, and/or non-school groups. Elementary Level Recognizing the positive aspects of co-curricular programs that enrich and enhance the regular elementary school program, the School Committee supports the development of such activities in all areas of the approved curriculum. Middle School Level Recognizing the special needs and interests of students at the middle school level, the School Committee supports the development of both co-curricular activities as part of the regular school program and extracurricular activities based on the mutual interests and talents of students, teachers, and community volunteers. The Middle School Administration and the Director of Athletics and Student Activities shall be responsible for coordination of co-curricular and extracurricular programs at this level. Recognizing the importance of extracurricular as well as co-curricular activities in the total educational experience of high school students, the School Committee supports the development of programs that meet the needs and interests of a significant number of students, who come together to form organizations to pursue activities that are consistent with the educational goals of the School Department. Procedures for organizing such groups should be established and supervised by the High School Administration and the Director of Athletics and Student Activities. Recognizing that the variety and specialization of interests may preclude funding of all activities, the School Committee agrees to provide supporting funds and funds for advisors of approved activities insofar as these funds are determined by the School Committee to be available. The School Committee shall allow approved organizations to raise funds so that their programs shall be self-supporting. Procedures for fundraising should be established and supervised by the High School Administration and the Director of Athletics and Student Activities. No student shall be excluded from an activity because of an inability to contribute funds to support the program. The School Committee may sanction interscholastic programs supported in full by individuals and/or organizations under the following guidelines: †¢ The sport meets the â€Å"Criteria for Adding Interscholastic Sports† established by High School Administration. †¢ The funds identified by the Director of Athletics and Student Activities as necessary to support initial startup and annual operations must be on deposit with the School Department prior to scheduling competition. The School Committee and Administration shall have complete care and control of all activities associated with the particular sport. †¢ The use of students in fundraising activities shall be approved by the High School Administration and the Director of Athletics and Student Activities. †¢ Should the sport no longer be offered, all surplus funds shall be transferred to the High School Athletic General Account. http://www. cumberlandschools. org/website/Interscholastic%20Sports. pdf The term curriculum refers to the programme of study in various academic subjects (e. Maths, English, History, Science, Spanish) followed by students at various levels of education. The school or college’s teaching staff are employed to teach this curriculum, and students are periodically assessed (e. g. by exams and term papers) in their progress in each curriculum subject. As they grow older, students’ achievements in their curriculum subjects are seen as important in helping them get into a good university or college, and to find a good job when they leave education. Depending on which country you are in, schools and colleges may also be held accountable for their students’ results in the curriculum subjects. The academic curriculum has never been all that schools and colleges offer to their students. Often a range of other classes, clubs and activities is available to students, sometimes in lessons but more often in the lunch break or after school. These are referred to as the co-curriculum, or as extra-curricular activities, and they are mostly voluntary for students. Examples would include sports, musical activities, debate, Model United Nations, community service, religious study groups, charitable fundraising, Young Enterprise projects, military cadet activities, drama, science clubs, and hobbies such as gardening, crafts, cookery and dance. Because they are not examined in the same way that the academic curriculum is, and because most of them take place outside lessons, such activities have less status in education than the main curriculum. However, they are often held to be very important to the wider education of young men and women. This topic examines whether the co-curriculum should be given more importance in schools and colleges – maybe by giving academic credits for co-curricular activities, A distinction could be made between co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, although most of the time they are used to mean the same thing. The co-curriculum is sometimes seen as a non-academic, but formal part of education, with timetabled and compulsory sessions for all students – each student may get to choose what co-curricular activity they wish to pursue, but they are required to follow at least one. Staff are required to run co-curricular activities as part of their contract, and the co-curriculum is generally well-funded. This kind of co-curriculum can be seen in Singapore’s education system and also in private schools (especially boarding schools) in countries like the UK, the USA and Australia. By contrast, extra-curricular activities are less well organised and funded, being entirely voluntary for students and taking place outside the school timetable. School staff may be involved in running extra-curricular activities, but there is no obligation on them to do so and they do not normally receive extra pay for it. Clubs and societies in many UK and American state schools fit this definition, as do non-academic activities in most universities and colleges throughout the world. The arguments which follow can be used to fit either or both definitions.

Plastic Surgery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Plastic Surgery - Essay Example This ideal person is usually someone of a mid-20ish age, slender, with specific measurements and a certain good-looking charm. This limited view automatically rejects anyone with a larger bone structure or other ‘defect’ from being socially acceptable. Those who can both afford to purchase the ‘right’ look and who are fortunate enough to be a candidate for surgery are seen to have the ideal life. Their outward appearance automatically indicates they also have wealth, happiness and freedom. However, even for these people, this restricted view of the ideal has several negative effects on the individual as well as society. With so much attention given to the way a person looks on the outside as being the only social measure, there is very little room for internal characteristics to receive their rightful attention. People also spend so much time obsessing about the way they look that there is little time or energy for personal development. This shallow, obsessi ve view can be especially seen in the alarming numbers of teenagers, both male and female, seeking plastic surgery, because it can be potentially harmful to the individual’s psychological nature and physical health, and as it is perpetuated by their role models and peers and encouraged or supported by their parents and elders. As it becomes more socially acceptable, more people are turning to cosmetic surgery to enhance their bodies while they’re still attending high school. They are working to construct the ideal form without giving their bodies a chance to finish growing. Many adolescents (and the parents that allow them to seek these types of surgery) don’t seem to realize that plastic surgery is still surgery. Surgery of any type can have significant physical and physiological risks, especially when performed on bodies that have not yet completed their growth cycle. Although some parents might argue that a child has definitely finished growing, doctors have reported sending

3D in Internet Produce Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

3D in Internet Produce - Assignment Example visual platform.We are meaning to demonstrate that 3D training provides faster, more efficient, and a safe process that can be specifically tailored to the trainee.Two graphic artists are planed to partake in the design of the user interface for the template design.One person will focus on functional aspect of the interface design,while the other will work in collaboration to create the sample training template environment to be modified to suit a given type of training.Our research project will particularly investigate tactile sensors in the 3D industry and their potential in facilitating the user interaction with the virtual world generated via the template to give the impression of real live manipulation.Virtual 3D environments have the potential to significantly affect the way we manipulate and retrieve information.In researching ways to impact training via 3D interaction and interfacing we are also investigating possible axioms for object-oriented 3D internet capable of being ac cessed, constructed, and modified on the fly. The impact the upcoming generations may be as significant as the internet was on the current generation or generation X. (b) Significance of Research Question (if applicable) Explain briefly why you believe your central research question is with answering (its expected contribution to existing scholarship about art or design, and its relation to your own proposed studio research) The basic hypothesis for being able to generate 3D templates for training could literally apply to any aspect of learning and thereby offer a virtually limitless array of possibilities for the development of electronic art and design. 3. How will it be

Renaissance Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Renaissance Art - Essay Example He had a lot of interest in science and produced pieces of unprecedented work during his time. He sold a lyre that he had fashioned to Lorenzo de Medici that was in the shape of the skull of a horse. It was supposed to be sent to Ludovico Sforza of Milan (Worldly Goods 564). Instead of giving the piece of artwork to Lorenzo de Medici to deliver it, he decided to do it by himself. He was then persuaded to remain in Milan by his host and this is where he painted the famous mural The last Supper on the wall of the monastery. (Painting of the last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci) His work of Raphael was preferred by Pope Leo X and earned him the position of court painter in France. His greatest piece of work was the painting of the Mona Lisa, which remains outstanding up to date. Michaelangelo Buonarroti at the age of 23 carved the pieta which brought him to fame instantly. This was first followed by his sculptor of King David that was equally a success. This made him become the symbol of al l the prospering artists in Florence. His ceiling paintings also remain to be one of the greatest undertakings of all time. Raphael was the leading painter of the renaissance period and is credited with painting The school of Athens that depicted an imaginary meeting of all the famous philosophers. This piece of work earned him the chance to paint for papal commissions which he did for the rest of his life (Guido 360). The last of the greatest artists of the renaissance period is Titian who distinguished himself from the other artists through the use of new techniques that imbued the bright colors with greater depth and subtlety. Conclusion The artists of the high renaissance period picked their commissions and didn’t have to wander from... The major characteristic of the artists in this period is that they searched for human emotion and realism in art through the use of the human method.The artists of the early renaissance period aimed at portraying human forms that appeared as if they had life in order to keep up with the spirit of humanism. They had realistic expressions and clothing that were proportional to the human beings. New techniques were developed by these artists to give the paintings a more three dimensional appearance. In order for them to achieve this, they had to study human and animal anatomy to come up with a more realistic presentation. The artists of the high renaissance period picked their commissions and didn’t have to wander from one city to the other in search of commissions like their predecessors. Their work was more refined and was highly demanded thus earning them many contracts. They changed the order of things as they shifted away from the traditional art and came up with their own philosophy on how things should be done. Their paintings still remain significant up to date owing to their unique nature and stylistic devices employed. They gave art a whole different humanistic approach that completely changed the manner in which artists carried out their business.

Election Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Election Analysis Paper - Essay Example While Republicans had focussed their attention on the ailing economy and the proposed universal healthcare insurance taxation program, Democrats seemingly waiting on the little flaws and capitalized on them (Mathes and Presse 1). Perhaps what sold Obama candidature was the fact that he maintained close connection with the average Americans and proposed policies that most appealed to the majority. The importance of the presidential election was that it was going to determine what policies were going to be in force. Those interviewed by various media houses such as CNN had observed that the most pertinent concern for most Americans was the ailing economy which both candidates made promises to resolve once in office. While the Romney team had underplayed the Obama’s second term presidency on grounds that the next four years would be a repeat of the same policies, Obama had focussed on wooing voters that governor Romney promised to solve the problems without revealing his intended working formula (Mathes and Presse 1). Other issues that had played in the presidential race were foreign policy issues and the perceived manipulation of currency by China. Whether these issues were of primary concern to the common citizen, more than the joblessness and the healthcare program, or not, remain debatable. Even so, it emerged that security issues played a significant role in boosting Romney’s bid. Matters such the bombing of the US embassy in Libya were some of the issues that played significant role in the presidential race. This was because the initial intelligence report had blamed the attack on sporadic attacks rather than on terrorism. Therefore, as America went to the ballot in a hot contest of Obama-Biden versus Romney-Ryan, political commentators had observed that the outcome was largely unpredictable although Obama still had marginal points ahead of Romney prior to the elections. The only thing that was certain was that the difference in the outcomes wo uld not be too big for whomever candidate wins. Working with volunteers, Democrats employed the formula of early voting where varied slogans motivating people were twitted and re-twitted. Although both sides invested heavily in advertising, political observers have attributed the success of the Obama presidency to the door-to-door campaigns (Cohen 1). As election results trickled in, the prediction that political analysts had made that the outcomes would be a picture of a hotly contested poll became apparent. Obama managed to emerge triumphant over Romney to become the second democrat after Bill Clinton to win a second term since Second World War. By managing to clinch a total of 65,258,278 popular votes and 332 electoral votes against Romney’s 60,658,920 popular votes and 206 electoral votes, one may observer that Republicans did not fair so badly in the presidential vote although they lost. Again, analysts have observed that the wives of both Obama and Romney also had some contribution to the outcomes with Michelle Obama being the most popular of the presidential aspirants (Horsey 1). Probably one could ask why the elections turned out as it did and what the contributing factors were. One may observe that voters’ decision was likely to have been influenced by a number of factors. Such were issues most pertinent to the electorate as well as those for which their preferred party stood. It is interesting to

Technology as Symptom and Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Technology as Symptom and Dream - Essay Example And I do not feel as lonely as when I started getting out of my room. Yes, I have a family who, just like me, must be thinking about me, or other family members, about how we could placate the distance that kept us for days and months. "Through those thin wires which stretch from pole to pole outside my house, wires whose fragility is marked by their mobements in the wind generate an invisible electric web which knits together our entire globe, creating a 'global village' so that here on this island at night, when there is only the sound of the wind across the marsh and the startlight of the black sky, one can soften the isolation and believe that one is not alone." (p 1) Technology. How I appreciate the wonders it can do! Of erasing distance, and bridging time that heals. I know of many individuals who have been separated just like me from their loved ones and how difficult parting must have been. But as we all turn to the gifts human technology brought, departing is lightened up with the hope that at one point in time, I may connect with my loved ones, no matter how many miles set us apart from each other. Nevertheless, as distance may make the heart grow fonder, it has a haunting power that reminds us such as "ghosts come to visit us and perhaps, depending on one's turn of mind, to haunt us in our isolationtechnology can fill us with a false sense of understanding which robs us of the awe-ful experience which technology provides" (p 1) September The visit to the museum was one of the rare things I do. Except for school requirements, of which I had several museum visits, I have visited the place just once, or my first All tourists brochures (at least all those which I got hold of) boast of the museum, I dropped by after my meeting with a prospective business partner. There was a twisted, unglamorous and ugly sculpture I want to call a piece of distortion that reminds me of a Picasso painting. I abhor those stuffs some people have the temerity to call art at all. I heard somewhere, I don't know how reliable my source was --- Gucci an artist, but he sure did paint planets better than Picasso well, Gucci said that Picasso was like a social climber who befriended most of the elite in his time and sold them his products ugh! The distorted sculpture exorcised my irreverent thoughts, so personal, unfit for secondary viewing or reading about an artist much renowned, or maybe, respected. But I hate Picasso and his monstrous works, if there is a way that separates them. I am not sure his three-dimension style should be used as a reference at all for the development of space notions and astronauts. It just can't seem so. Maybe, I'd prefer Dali and his melting watches. "a Picasso canvas in which multiple perspectives appear simultaneously, the latter remains for us abstract and unreal while the former defines for us what is real and what is natural" (pp 32-33) September I stare at the image before me, and it stared back knowingly. My troubles are piling up, and the eyes that stared back at me reflect how insurmountable they seem to be. Would I make it through this school semester What if I won't Will my family be disappointed What about my standing in the institution where I work Would it take me back if I fail Or present them with so-so school rating I have been working like a zombie, a half-alive half-dead creature trying to blend, get accepted, or maybe, even appreciated where there seem to be nothing to appreciate at all

Extinction of Banks Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Extinction of Banks - Assignment Example Financial innovations and deregulations have enabled the financial markets to achieve perfection with institution that do not adopt deregulatory measures lagging behind in the provision of services to customers1. Financial innovations and deregulation have facilitated contractual agreements with governments seeking to institute reforms adopting relevant measures. Discussion Diminishing roles for banks In the contemporary society, banking institutions are being faced by a likelihood of extinction in case they do not formulate measures of keeping up with the times. The increasingly interconnected world, owing to globalization, is a threat to the banking institutions due to the emergence of mobile financial solutions. Customers are becoming more and more accustomed to faster and time-conscious responses from the companies while banks are lagging behind when it comes to finding means of proactively responding to the needs of their customers2. Lack of relevant targeted offers on the part of the banks is to blame for this development as it is vivid that the banks are not focusing on the needs of their customers. According to Gorton and Rosen (1993, p. 22), banks have plenty of funds to invest but are unable to notice emerging opportunities in the financial world. In the light of this, there is a need for the banks to see themselves as not only playing the traditional role of banking but also providing customer services that go beyond convectional boundaries of their present duties. Banks have for a long time been playing the role of consumer trusted advisors but this trust is slowly fading. In case necessary measures are not instituted to embrace innovation in order to capture newer grounds, the banks will lose out. Brigham and Ehrhardt (2010, p. 565) indicate that in the near future, customers will realize that they do not need banks but they need banking services. This will be a dangerous scenario for banks, as they will be at the verge of becoming extinct just lik e dinosaurs3. In addressing this problem, the banks need to have a new outlook. Investing in innovation will be instrumental in boosting banking operations. Moreover, bankers need to find other avenues of inspiration in order to secure a wide customer base. Although the technology that banks need in order to become responsive to the needs of their customers and in order to open up new streams of revenues already exists, the banks can look up to other avenues. Among these avenues are algorithmic trading, borrowing technology from the telecommunications industries and offering services that are location-based. Consequently, the banks can make use of information about what customers are likely to buy and when to develop new and more targeted products and services4. There is the need by the future banks to embrace technologies from various sectors in order to respond to customers’ actions and turn such scenarios into opportunities for securing more revenue and garnering consumer loyalty. In the near future, consumer will be buying most of their items on their credit card and this will enable them to access promotions and offers from traders in their vicinity. These traders are also banks’ customers who are likely to be bought in by the banks since the providers of their payments become an important avenue of accessing new customers. There is the need to tap into the trends of the consumers, if the banks are keen on

Brand story dicussion questions chapter 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Brand story dicussion questions chapter 6 - Essay Example Their constantly similar product offerings and the customer’s satisfaction associated with them ensures a steady demand for their products. A & F uses many aspects of branding its products that are memorable. The first of these is their prominent mouse logo which consumers learn to associate and identify with the brand. Secondly, their use of sexuality and appealing advertising which they incorporate by the use of attractive models makes them memorable. These images are used on their shopping bags as well as in store pictures making it easy for consumers to associate and identity a A & F products. Adding retail store atmospherics to strengthen a brand message is something A & F has effectively been able to do over the years. Their aim by incorporating elements like music, fragrance and lighting that is soothing and attractive is to give their customers a full brand experience. It differentiates them from their competitors and they are hence recognized for providing these elements. A possible disadvantage of doing so could be due to the strong use of sexuality and nudity to market their products can raise concerns as some parents would not want their impressionable children to be subject to such advertising. Also the strong cologne, loud music and harsh lighting can make it an unattractive option for some customers who find it distracting. I find the atmosphere and the use of loud music, strong fragrances and dim lighting as negative aspects of A&F’s shopping experience. I find that these aspects are overdone and unnecessary and constitute to a sensory overload and distraction. Also, I find the use of extremely good looking models as an intimidating aspect. It is no doubt a effective advertising tactic; the use of attractive models exuding sex appeal and an direct association of these elements to the brand leading the customers to believe a purchase of their

Business modelling for decision makers Coursework

Business modelling for decision makers - Coursework Example This is dependent on the arrival time of each of the vehicles as well as the wait time that is expected with each one. It was assumed that each of the cars would take an average of 3 minutes in wait time to fill up the tank. The RN1 and RN2 were created with the average time which each vehicle would arrive. Since these were based on the arrival time according to random intervals, this helped to give average times of the main time when each vehicle would arrive. To determine the wait time and the average time at the pump, there was a basis of seeing when the first vehicle would arrive at the pump filling station. It was expected that no other car would be at the filling station at that time. If a car was at the station before the other, then the duration of waiting time was calculated with the outcome being a 3 minute time at the station and the remainder of the time being based on the amount of wait time that each vehicle had to take. This gave an average wait time for each of the ve hicles and provided insight into the vehicles that were seeking fuel at random times. The vehicles which arrived first determined the wait time for the vehicles that arrived later. For instance, if a vehicle arrived 2 minutes after a car before, then it was expected that there would be a wait time before the vehicle would fill up the gas. The advantage of the gas filling station comes with the expectations from the owner, which is that 65% arrive 4-5 minutes after the previous vehicle. This lowers the amount of wait time and allows the vehicle to be free. However, if a vehicle arrives within the 1-3 minute time frame, then there is an expected wait. If this occurs continuously then it is expected that the wait time will increase according to the number of vehicles, time spent at the pump and the wait in which the vehicle had from the previous vehicle that was filling up at the pump. This caused some of the vehicles to wait for up to 9 minutes before having the opportunity to fill up their vehicle. However, this balanced out because of the five minute intervals that were between vehicles which caused some portions of the pump to not service vehicles at a given time. The assumptions made with this particular chart were based on several factors. The first was that it would take an average of 3 minutes for each vehicle to complete what is needed. However, it was also stated that this was the average of all vehicles as stated by the owner. This fluctuation would change the wait time of all vehicles and would alter the results. It was also assumed that the vehicles arrived at the random intervals provided and would have to wait for the previous vehicles to finish filling. However, this would alter according to the speed of the last vehicle and the lining that was taking place with the vehicles. The system used within the gas station would

The Hard Times in Life Essay Example for Free

The Hard Times in Life Essay Thinking of truly difficult times is life is far from difficult. Reminiscing on difficult times will always bring back sad memories and feelings. It seems as though the most difficult times are the easiest to remember. Personally, the most difficult time of my life was the first few days after my father’s bicycle accident. For almost three days, I could not see my father who had gotten hit head-on by a red Chevrolet truck. It was truly the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced not knowing whether or not I would see him alive again. It started out like any other typical Tuesday. I had just gotten home from the state choral competition in Jackson and my father was setting off on his weekly Tuesday night ride. I came home around 6 o’clock, just in time to see my mom coming out the door crying. This was one of the few times I had ever seen my mom cry. Obviously curious as to why she was crying, I asked what was wrong. She blatantly said, â€Å"your dad’s been hit.† It took a while for her words to sink when, but after a few seconds I knew exactly what she meant and it was truly gut-wrenching to hear. She told my brothers and I that we couldn’t go to the hospital with her and that’s when I broke down. It was so nerve-wracking to think of what all was happening at the hospital and whether or not he would be okay. The next few days weren’t any better. My uncle, aunt, cousin, and grandmother, all of whom are on my mom’s side of the family, came and stayed the night with us, while my mom stayed at the hospital. It was nice to have support from my family being there but it was hard because I had to go to school the next day enduring all the horrible feelings and thoughts throughout those day. My other grandmother and grandfather, uncle and aunt, from my father’s side, came that Wednesday. Again, I was thankful to have so much family around, but it was just too much. Going 3 days without seeing my father was awful. Hearing what all had happened to him brought tears to my eyes. The worst feeling was the feeling that I could do nothing but wait. Seconds, minutes, and hours felt like days, months, and years. That Friday was the first day I was able to see him. Seeing my dad lying in a hospital bed, bruised from head to toe, with a broken leg and broken arm, truly broke me down and humbled me. I try to never take anything for granted anymore and I constantly remind myself that I am certainly so blessed by God to still have my father around.

Process Management Methods for Construction Performance

Process Management Methods for Construction Performance ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to study how the construction performance can be improved by adopting the process management approaches, in order to provide better client value and more cost-efficient production. The research focused on the manufacturing process , and referring point, and transfer this process thinking into the construction. The methods were tested in pilot tests in which the developed cost and value engineering prototype application was used. This thesis demonstrates an integration of design and production planning based on the product model approach. The final outcome is that the main contractor can utilise information coming from designers as input in its own tendering and cost estimation applications. The key methodology used for describing the information management process throughout the building process life-cycle was IDEF0. The analysis of the current process (as-is), in the form of an IDEF0 model, helped in identifying the main problems of current practice. The target process (to-be) definition was based on product model utilisation and takes into account the possibilities for process reengineering supported by product data technology. One specific requirement was deemed important in view of the anticipated developments in thearea of data exchange; the target system should be structured in such a way that it could easily be adapted to receive data according to the emerging IFC core model schemas. The overall result of the research reported in this thesis is that the product model approach can be used for a substantially reengineered information management process of a main contractor, especially in design and construct type contracts CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION RESEARCH BACKGROUND The construction industry is suffering from its fragmented nature ¼Ã‹â€ European Commission, 1994 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °. The lack of co-ordination and communication between parties, the informal and unstructured learning process, adversarial contractual relationships and the lack of customer focus are what inhibit the performance of the industry (Latham, 1994; Egan, 1998). Because the construction project is regarded as unpredictable in terms of delivery time, cost, profitability and quality, the industry has not been able to combine high quality with productivity, customer satisfaction and flexibility (Fairclough, 2002). Howell (1999) pointed out that the ‘inefficiency’ of the industry has tended to be the way of life. However, Latham (1994) suggests using the manufacturing as a referencing point and transferring the practices and theories from manufacturing industry. And Howell suggests that the learning from manufacturing could be a two way process: manufacturing could learn from construction in areas such as project-based management; and construction could learn from manufacturing’s developed and developing solutions to improve competitiveness. In manufacturers are accustomed to taking a process view of their operations, and they usually model both discrete product activities and holistic high-level process both internal and external activities. Base upon this, Egan (1998) recommends that process modelling could be used as a method to improve the construction performance. Furthermore, many other models derived from manufacturing and process management theories have been recognized and adopted by construction companies Nevertheless, as Ball (1988) summarised, construction industry has distinctive characteristics differentiating from other sectors as well as manufacturing. Although solutions have been recommended, their implementation in manufacturing is far advanced in comparison to construction industry. Thus to what extent these process management approaches and models can improve the design and construction process will need to be examined. RESEARCH AIM The aim of the research is to understand construction process management and to prove it as an approach that could help to improve the construction performance. In order to achieve the aim, specific objectives were set PROJECT OBJECTIVES The research project objectives are outlined below l To explore the readiness of construction to embrace the process approach to deliver project l to identify the present state of process management in construction l To Study the current trends and developments of construction process management METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH The starting point of this research is exploring the construction process management approach and find out its influence on construction productivity and competitiveness. A cross-section research method is adopted in the collection and analysing of the data and presentation of the findings. To obtain comprehensive understanding of the relationship between manufacturing process and construction process, as well as theories on construction process management, a great quantity of books and documents need to be looked through. Then the implementation of process management in construction is inspected by adoption of the case study qualitative research approach. REPORT STRUCTURE The general instruction and structure of the report will be provided in this section. The report is organized to consist of six main chapters. A brief description of the content of each chapter is outlined below Chapter one In this chapter, the research report is introduced. The research background is addressed. The aim and objectives are also presented. Chapter two Chapter two reviews the existing literature. A wide-ranging literature review was carried out to identify the current knowledge and keep up on any development on the field. The literature review covers the understanding of manufacturing process, construction industry situation and problems within it, process management theory, and the implementation of construction process management approach. Chapter Three In this chapter, an overall outline of various research methods that might applied in this research is presented. The selection and justification of the research methods are described. The chosen methods and research plan are highlighted in this chapter. Chapter Four This chapter examines the collected data and analyzes the data within cases, as well as a detailed cross-case analysis of cases. Chapter Five This chapter is directly linked to the chapter four. An in-depth discussion is held based upon the previous analysis and research. Chapter Six This chapter provides the conclusion of the report as well as the recommendation. The direction of further research is also proposed SUMMARY CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction Over the past few years, researchers and sponsors have increasingly turned their attentions to finding ways managing the construction process. After decades of neglect, construction process is high on the agenda. As the construction product has in most instances been a ‘one-off’, much emphasis has been placed on project management. However actually the industry is focused on design and development of a building product and should look to manufacturing reference on how to manage the design and development process. Examining the manufacturing perspective and understanding how it can be applied to design and construction and considering the use of techniques and technologies available to support the process and the issues relating to the implementation on projects is essential for construction industry . However, whether this process approach is needed in the construction field, and to what extent it contributes to the construction industry, this required to be researched a nd evaluated. Therefore in this project, why there should be process management in construction industry, the state-of-the-art, how it is applied and the future of it will be identified. Being continuously criticized for its less than optimal performance by several government and institutional reports such as Philips(1950) and Latham(1994), The UK construction industry has been under increasing pressure to improve its practices(Howell, 1999). From the analysis of these reports, conclusion coming up that the fragmented nature of the industry, the lack of co-ordination and communication between parties the informal and unstructured learning process, adversarial contractual relationships and the lack of customer focus are widely and typically existing in the construction industry and are supposed to embarrass the industry’s performance. Furthermore, Fairclough(2002) indicates that construction are often seen as unpredictable in terms of delivery time, cost, profitability and quality, and the investment into research and development is usually seen as expensive when compared to other industry. According to Howell, the â€Å"inefficiency† of the industry has tended to be the way of life. This may be due to the fact that none of the reports, apart from Latham (1994) and Egan (1998), has been sufficiently acted upon. So Lutham suggests using manufacturing as a reference point and Egan, in his Rethinking Construction report, recommends process modelling as a method of improvement. There has been a constant subject of discussion on the transfer of the transfer of practices and theories from other sectors as Lutham (1994) suggested in his report. Some construction practitioners are obstinate that their industry is unique and that the transference of principles cannot be adopted wholeheartedly. Due to it, Ball (1998) emphasized some of the arguments most commonly used to differentiate construction from other industries: The one-of-a-kind product. The spatial fixity of buildings. One-site production. The effect of land price on design and construction possibilities. The requirement for long life expectancy. The inexperience of clients The merchant role of company. The overwhelmingly domestic industry. The masculine stereotype of the workforce. The long cycle from design to production. The high cost of the projects. The amplified reaction to economic crisis. The labour intensive production The fragmented nature of the industry. Nevertheless, there are also many practitioners and academics who believe that the construction industry has much to learn from other industries typically manufacturing. Howell (1999) goes so far as to suggest that this learning could be a two way process: manufacturing could learn from construction in area such as project-based management; and construction could learn from manufacturing’s developed and developing solutions, to improve its performance of competitiveness and productivity. As stated by Love ¼Ã¢â‚¬  Gunasekaran (1996) and Korenlius ¼Ã¢â‚¬  Wamelink (1998), manufacturing has been a constant reference point and a source of innovation in construction for many decades. Solutions that have been recommended to help overcome the problems of construction include industrialization, computer-integrated construction, robotics and automated construction. However their implementation in manufacturing is far advanced in comparison to the construction industry. Koskela (1992) believes that the fundamental theories and principles of manufacturing should be harnessed to deliver the full benefits to construction rather than the ‘technological solutions’. In recent years the realization that the construction industry might not be as unique as was traditionally thought has initiated new research, which In particularly, has resulted in a development of the concept that construction is a manufacturing process. Moreover a research fund under the Innovative Manufacturing Initiative (IMI) sector of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC, 1998) to continue and expound upon current thinking. a new phenomenon currently appears to being steadily exploited within construction companies at the side of the new technologies taken from manufacturing. It is based upon the development and use of fundamental core processes to improve efficiency of the industry, with great emphasis upon the basic theories and principles underlying the design and construction process. Egan(1998) draw attention to this factor by reporting that due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry very little work had gone into process modelling. Manufacturers are in the habit of taking a process view of their operations; they usually model both discrete product activities and holistic high-level for both internal and external activities. In particular, there has be a growing volume of research focusing upon the consolidation of the just-in-time(JIT) and the total quality management(TQM) theories, with an array of other practices such as productive maintenance, visual management and re-engineering . Investigations by construction practitioners and academics alike have now sought to develop the content and manufacturing, agile production and lean production. Current Researches on Construction Industry The Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERT) Report observes that the construction industry is becoming frustrated over the lack of progress in removing or mitigating barriers to improving construction practices and is necessary to support sustainable development goals. the industry has to face Many difficulties as it approach this goal: facilities are designed by using least-cost technologies that ignore opportunities to improve productivity and enhance environmental quality; it seems to be complicated, to achieve agreement on government design and construction policies that advance sustainable development; what’s more, there are the frustration of knowing better technologies are available but not having the capacity o find and retrieve them; and international concentration on construction research and practice is far more inadequate. Also the report identifies specific constraints to innovation that characterize the challenges facing the construction industry which repre sent the areas where work needs to be done. The observers indicate that the design and construction process often discourage the introduction of innovative technologies and systems that have superior characteristics but are not necessarily the least-cost option, which can work to the detriment of owners and the environment; unsuitable building codes and disjointed regulatory systems that does not allow for adopting new and better materials and practices are often be applied when buildings and facilities are designed and constructed. There is a lack of understanding by the public and by industry of practices and opportunities to promote sustainable development; there is lack of timely and accurate information and a knowledge base on proven design and construction solutions and techniques for assuring quality construction, which results in lost opportunities to improve system efficiencies and productivity through adoption of innovative technologies; there are no consistent, accurate, and comprehensive predictive models available for designing for sustainability making the process difficult to validate, monitor, and evaluate. Therefore, the observers suggest, new tools and methods are required for advancing state-of-the-art technologies, including taking advantage of advances in information systems to increase the construction industry’s efficiency and productivity. According to Kraiem Diekman’s (1987) theory delays of project are classified into three groups: compensable, excusable and non-excusable. Generally, a delay is considered compensable to the contractor when its cause is within the control, is the fault of or is caused by the negligence of the owner. Excusable delays occur when the contractor is delayed by occurrences that are not attributable to either the contractor or owner. Non-excusable delays are caused by the contractors own action and/or inaction. These can be caused by the fault of the contractor, or his subcontractors, material, workforce or suppliers. The delay damages from the contractor is regarded could be retrieved by the owner conceivably. Lieshmann (1991) presented the consequences of delays in construction, especially from the legal point of view. Herbsman et al. (1995) catalogued the influence of delays on time, cost and quality. Baldwin Manthei (1971) studied the causes of delay in building projects in the USA. The major causes of delay were the result of weather, labour supply and subcontractors. These authors found that adequate planning at the very early stages of the project is important for minimizing delay and cost overruns in most projects in developing countries. This study dealt with developing countries where workers are relatively skilled. The authors realised that some of these problems relate to the special characteristics of this part of the world, such as productivity, whereas others are inherent in the nature of construction projects, such as planning and control problems. Yates (1993) developed a decision support system for construction delay analysis called the delay analysis system (DAS). The main categories of delays in the DAS system include engineering, equipment, external delays, labour, management, materials, owner, subcontractor and weather. Assaf et al. (1995) studied the causes of delay in large building construction projects in Saudi Arabia. Some of the mos t important causes of delay included approval of shop drawings, delays in contractors payment by owners, design changes by owners, cash problems during construction, the relationships between different subcontractors schedules in the execution of the project, the slowness of the owners decision-making process, design errors, excessive bureaucracy in project-owner organization, labour shortages and inadequate labour skills. From analysing the factors causing the delay of project, there should be elicitation on whether it can be diminished by application of process management. Atkin, BorgbrantJosephson (2003) argues that ideas of what should be considered in the design stage of a new building often seems to be a headache for architects, engineers and clients. These ideas invariably lead to some compromise between the demands of hard engineering and softer issues, with the potential likewise to compromise on the physical characteristics and performance of the building leading to some measure of failure. Examples of failure include high energy costs, health problems and structural destruction because of moisture, for which the occupant must pay directly or indirectly. Long-term socio-economic consequences can occur from this as well. Current problems are failures resulting from neglect of building physics principles are examined and their causes are highlighted. Research is continuing into the development of tools to help reduce the risk of failure and to highlight the costs and risks attached to the insufficient attention to building physics principles. Theories on Manufacturing Process and Process Management According to Melan’s(1992) research, a well- managed manufacturing process has the following characteristics: 1. Clearly defined ownership. Traditionally, ownership of a manufacturing operation is generally clear and explicit; it resides with a manager. The manager responsible for the operation is readily identifiable. The organization objectives, its output, and what the manager is accountable for must be fully understood. Standards such as cost, schedule, and quality are established for judging the manager’s performance. However, in recent years, authorized work teams and self-directed work groups where employees are assuming some of the tradition roles of management have gradually take the place of the traditional management ownership. A process owner, whether an individual or a team, is fully responsible for yield, cost, quality, and schedule, and must management the process to the targets set on these standards. Further, an owner has the authority to change or oversee a change in the process within his or her area of jurisdiction. 2. Defined boundaries. Manufacturing processes have a clearly defined beginning and end. He final output, or deliverable, as well as the input required to create it are clear and unambiguous. What is sometimes not clear, however, is whether output specifications truly reflect customer requirements and whether input specifications represent what is needed in the ensuring transformations. The lack of understanding of requirements on either the input side or output side underlies many business processes. In a well-managed manufacturing process, requirements problems are minimized through conscious effort aimed at specifying the work product as it proceeds from one operation to another. 3. Documented flow of work. Work flow in a manufacturing process is generally documented in great detail. There are several reasons for this. Documentation provides a permanent record of the manner in which a physical transformation takes place for production purposes. This record also provides a reference point or baseline from which any changes are to be made and serves as a means for replicating the process. Finally, documentation also serves as both a training and reference aid for the personnel involved in the process. 4. Established control points. Control points serve as a means for regulating the quality of work. Because of the natural variation that occurs in physical process, control points are established to manage variation. These points involve such activities as inspection, verification of required characteristics, and the disposition of discrepant material. 5. Established measurements. Measurements provide a statistical basis for controlling the flow of work and managing variation. Statistical techniques such as the control chart serve as useful tools for managing variation in many operations of a repetitive nature. 6. Control of process deviations. In managed processed, corrective action is performed in a timely manner and from a statistical basis when an undesirable variation occurs. Feedback and regulation are the heart of process control and, without control, the process loses its capacity of providing consistent output quality. Anderson’s (1994) theory clearly introduces the manufacturing process. He states that the most obvious characteristics of a production facility are the volume of items produced and the variety of different products made using the same resources. The volume and variety characteristics provide one way to look at the process of manufacture. Usually an increasing volume of production, in term of the number of individual units of each product, will go hand in hand with decreasing variety, in terms of the number of different products. And the author classifies the manufacturing process into three types: Mass Production involves producing a small number of different products in a great quantity, which provides the stereotype of manufacturing industry: long assembly lines where men or machines endlessly turn on the same product month after month. One characteristic of a mass production process is that operations are linked together in a line: when one operation is finished on a produc t it moves directly to the next operation; Batch Production is used when there are a greater variety of products being produced, with correspondingly smaller volumes. In this situation it is usual to have machinery and equipment which can be used to carry out operations on a number of different products. A single machine will carry out an operation on a whole batch of items of one kind and then be set up to carry out a similar operation on a whole batch of items of another kind; One-off production is used when individual customers each require an individual product, which is different from any product the company has made in the recent past. This implies low volumes but the greatest possible variety. With very large and complicated items the manufacturing process may be project based. This indicates that the manufacturing processes sufficiently complex, and over a long enough time-scale, that the major difficulties are associated with planning how various different operations and ac tivities will fit together. Born (1994) has provided a systematic method for integrating process management with quality management. It is based on a notion called the Quality Process Language (QPL), which is capable of representing and analysing all process within an organization. It also provides a basis for quality management approaches, such as ownership of processes, improved communication and compliance with requirements and regulations. QPL has been used in many types of organisation, large and small, highly structured and loosely structured. It provides a foundation for practical approaches such as facilitated workshops, process mapping and improvement, and documentation of procedures. The author also point out that activities and roles inputs and results of any organization can be well represented if the nation of QPL is mastered and then this notion can be converted into ordinary text and flow charts, for use in procedure and other documentation about the organization. The use of QPL as author states provides a common language for process and quality specialists to communicate directly. This offers an opportunity to discuss and design organizational and process changes without ignoring the effect on quality. QPL is a diagrammatic language, and it makes it easier for non-quality specialists to understand how processes affect quality and vice versa. Process Management in Construction Report (Kagioglou, Cooper, AouadSexton, 2000) introduces the findings and recommendation on the process management relate to the state of the construction industry at the present time and recommend some solutions as t in respect of how some of the problems might be overcome by transferring established practices from the manufacturing industry. However, the authors deem that it must be very careful when transferring knowledge and practices from manufacturing into the construction industry due to a number of reasons. First, the differences between the level of maturity of both processes and practices are distinct, with manufacturing having the lead. Second, because construction depends heavily on Temporary Multi-organizations (TMOs) while long-term partnership arrangements normally play the operation role in the manufacturing industry, the structure of the industries and of the organization of project personnel is dissimilar. Finally, comparison between the processes and the practices of both industries must be made by considering the levels in which they exist, such as strategic, managerial and operational. Therefore, clarification of process levels can have an important influence on the management of those processes. Kagioglou (1998) argues that there are two chief perspectives of manufacturing that construction can benefit from: the project process or New Product Development (NPD) and the operational and production processes. The first relates very closely, both in terms of nature and content, to the design and construction process. For itself, the development that of a solution from a demand identified in the market place or internally within an organization to the implementation is considered. This is achieved by organizing the activities that need to take place in a number of phases, which are made distinct by the determination of review points between the phases. This is very similar to the enactment of a construction project, the difference being that the distinction between the phases is usually determined by the entry of the different parties or functions, for example, architects, contractors, to the process. The second area is related to the way in which the production of a product, incl uding material flow, process design and resources planning, is undertaken. Indeed, a number of very effective philosophies and practices such as Just in Time (JIT), lean production and others have a legacy of optimized production in the manufacturing sector. JIT aims to improve production by utilizing the internal and external supply chains in terms of people and material flow. The first two benefits can be realized in the construction industry perhaps more readily than the third one, which requires a significant reorganization and mind-shift of the litigation-driven industry. This investigation concentrates on what can be absorbed from the NPD project process of manufacturing, and reference to it is made throughout the description of the Generic Design and Construction Process Protocol (GDCPP). Koskela (1992) expresses in his report that currently some construction subproducts are produced in processes that possess a manufacturing character. The assembly of such components with the building frame usually represents a minor share of the total costs. Windows, doors, elevators, prefabricated concrete components, and prefabricated houses, are examples of this kind of manufactured product. In regard to quality management, clear progress has been made in many countries. Many supplying firms have acquired quality certification according to the ISO standard. The application of the new production philosophy is least problematic in this part of the construction industry: the methods and techniques developed in manufacturing can be applied directly. However, except for quality management techniques, only a minor fraction of the factories and plants delivering to construction sites have begun to implement the new philosophy. It may be anticipated that this transformation will proceed r apidly after having gained initial momentum. Thus, industrialized construction might gain competitive benefits sooner than site construction. Additionally, Koskela (1992) summarized the condition of Implementation of process improvement by engineering and construction organizations. The inherent recommendation of the new philosophy to construction practitioners is clear that the share of non value-adding activities in all processes has to be systematically and persistently decreased. Increasing the efficiency of value-adding activities has to be continued in parallel. Construction should adopt the new production philosophy. In manufacturing, the new production philosophy improves competitiveness by identifying and eliminating waste (non value-adding) activities. Traditionally, construction is viewed and modelled only as a series of conversion (value-adding) activities. For example, waste activities such as waiting, storing inventory, moving material, and inspection are not generally modelled by Critical Path Models (CPM) or other control tools. Construction has traditionally tried to improve competitiveness by making conve rsions incrementally more efficient. But judging from the manufacturing experience, construction could realize dramatic improvements simply by identifying and eliminating non conversion (non value-adding) activities. In other words, actual construction should be viewed as flow processes (consisting of both waste and conversion activities), not just conversion processes. As demonstrated previously by the manufacturing industrys experience, adoption of the new production philosophy will be a fundamental paradigm shift for the construction industry. The implications of this for design are that the process of construction must be developed in conjunction with the design itself. An initial set of design and improvement principles for flow processes are presented that can serve as an implementation guideline. Major development efforts in construction, like industrialization, computer integrated construction and construction automation has to be redefined to acknowledge the need to balance flow improvement and conversion improvement. The conceptual foundation of construction management and engineering, being based on the concept of conversion only, is obsolete. Formalization of the scientific foundations of construction management and engineering should be a primary long term task fo

The American Constitution and Drug War Essay -- American Government, L

The consensus with regards to drug laws favors more stringent and draconian laws, with the attempt to stifle use and punish crime. There are many claims used against drug legalization, such as, moral degradation, crime, the destruction of inner cities; along with families, diseases, such as AIDS, and the corrupting of law enforcement. When one examines the effects of prohibition, one has to inquire: has the cost been worth it? Certainly, an argument for the abolition of prohibition doesn’t include the favoring of drug use, but merely recognizes the vain and utopian attempt to control individual choices. Along these lines, the unintended consequences of these attempts may preclude any benefits. Further, one has to wonder: are these laws—at the federal level—constitutional or not? This paper will examine the issue of drug prohibition from a constitutional standpoint, an economic perspective, and the societal effects these laws have. The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land. While this statement seems axiomatic, it’s essential to discern the explication and implication of this with regard to the drug war. It’s been assumed that whatever the federal government passes is by the fact itself constitutional, notwithstanding the Supreme Court. However, to the dismay of some, this statement is blatantly false. The Constitution was ratified on the condition that only the powers the federal government would possess were the ones specifically delegated to it by the states. This is reinforced by the 10th amendment (Mount, 2010). This view stipulates that the federal government is limited and defined; and, for the government to garner new powers, the correct approach would be through Article V’s amendment process. ... ...this construction of the words â€Å"necessary and proper,† is not only consonant with that which prevailed during the discussions and ratification of the constitution, but is absolutely necessary to maintain their consistency with the peculiar character of the government, as possessed of particular and defined powers, only; not of the general and indefinite powers vested in ordinary governments. (Tucker, 2010) To take a step beyond these powers would cripple the constitution and thus cripple our democratic principles and process. In order for changes to be made—which there have been—the proper arrangement would be the amendment process. If it took the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919 to outlaw alcohol, it would seem logical and constitutional to outlaw drugs (Vick, 2010). In sum, any laws at the federal level that outlaw drugs, based on these facts, are unconstitutional.

Advertising Athletic Apparel and the Obese Essay -- Marketing Athletic

Athletic Apparel: Detriment to the Obese? Giant, toned arms, washboard abs, and ripped legs—these attributes are all too common in commercials for athletic apparel. Outfitters such as Nike, Adidas, Converse, Asics, and Under Armour display elite athletes in many of their commercials. Unlike some food, clothing, and car, among others, commercials, they are never directed toward the obese. Even fast-food companies are recognizing that the U.S. has dominated other countries in a statistic that it should not be proud of—the percentage of obese people living within our borders. Who is to blame for this? No one party can shoulder the bulk of the blame because it belongs to a large number of people. But the problem now is not to place blame, it is to help these people get in shape—not just to look good—so that they can live longer, happier lives as well. As mentioned earlier, fast-food companies, who are partially at fault, have begun to put out healthier food and advertised it more in an attempt to not only avoid lawsuits, but to help the overweight people who realize that they need to make a change. Athletic apparel is one business that could really make a push, through advertising strategies, to show that exercise represents a titanic percentage of what needs to be done to lose weight. They could have a line of commercials like Subway did with Jared, showing a true story about someone who loses massive amounts of fat by using their product. A commercial by Nike or Adidas displaying an obese person working out is hard to come by. A few years ago Miami Heat Guard Dwayne Wade signed a deal with Converse. Obviously he has appeared in a number of their commercials since then, partially due to his great success so early in his pro... .... The athletic apparel commercials, if directed at the country’s overweight people, could make a big push toward removing the United States from the title of â€Å"fattest country in the world†, as well as saving the lives of, not only Americans, but everyone in the world who is clinically obese and faces so many health risks. Works Cited "Two Decades of Annual Medical Examinations in Japanese Obese Children." International Journal of Obesity. 3 June 1997. npg. 26 Oct. 2006 . "One Billion People Overweight." Breitbart.Com. 2005. 25 Oct. 2006 . "Overweight Prevalence." National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). 6 Oct. 2006. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. 25 Oct. 2006 .

Reader-Response on Soldiers Home Essay -- American Literature

Reader-Response on Soldier's Home The initial reaction I received from reading Soldier's Home, and my feelings about Soldier's Home now are not the same. Initially, I thought Harold Krebs is this soldier who fought for two years, returns home, and is disconnected from society because he is in a childlike state of mind, while everyone else has grown up. I felt that Krebs lost his immature years, late teens to early 20's, because he went from college to the military. I still see him as disconnected from society, because there isn't anyone or anything that can connect him to the simple life that his once before close friends and family are living. He has been through a traumatic experience for the past two years, and he does not have anyone genuinely interested in him enough to take the time to find out what's going on in his mind and heart. Krebs is in a battle after the battle. Imagine your hometown, a small, affluent community where everyone knows each other. This small community is where many of your childhood friends and some of your family also reside. If you left your hometown for a two-year period to go into the military, to go to college, to travel the world, or just to experience life somewhere else, how would you expect your friends and family to treat you when you arrived home after a two-year period? Would you expect a warm welcome from your love ones, would you expect to be able to share your experiences, or major events that took place in your life? Would you expect that everyone has changed at least a little bit, and you have changed somewhat as well? I definitely would not expect or would not want my friends and family to reject me, because I had changed due to my life experiences outside our sma... ...has failed to help him deal with his inner emotions from his military experience. He has been through a traumatic experience for the past two years, and he does not have anyone genuinely interested in him enough to take the time to find out what's going on in his mind and heart. Kreb's is disconnected from the life he had before the war, and without genuine help and care from these people he lived with, and around all his childhood life, it's difficult to return to the routines that everyone is accustomed to. Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. "Soldier's Home." The Bedford Introduction to Literature, 6th Edition. Ed. Michael Meyer. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's. 2002. 152-57. "Reader Responses to Soldier's Home." Literature and Composition. 10 Feb.,2003. David Toth. 14 Feb., 2003. .

Funds for the arts Essay

In a world that thrives on science, the neglect of the arts is somewhat uncommon. What is baffling though is that the arts could have societal contributions as well. Some would find it hard to agree especially when some of the people had been driven to think that the scientific breakthroughs would be sufficient enough for their existence. Governments would readily shed some funds for the scientific pursuits but were reluctant to shell out some for the arts. It is in my belief then that the artistic pursuit should be recognized as important. But if the government were to just shell out some funds for the arts that would reflect the majority of the people then this should be thought twice. The diversity in people would be reason enough for the government to rethink their position. This diversity would not help in pinpointing what the majority really wants. Besides, it was said that the government funding could lead the arts to become passive (Radbourn). If people were to focus more on the majority then the artistic input would not be an artistic input at all but an input for the government’s satisfaction. The government should fund the arts but they should not give out rigid demands that only the voice of the majority would be reflected. Funding the arts could have considerable outcomes. Arts could affect the educational system since it would help learning become more interesting, it could also preserve the culture, it could have economic benefits (arts plus industry), and many more (â€Å"Arts Funding†). The rigid demand for the majority then could not help portray other ideas that may become essential and/or helpful in the near future. It would seem that funding the arts with such rigid demand for reflecting only the majority of the people would mean that the hidden motives are for the profit that the art would bring. Most artists frown upon those who would use their creativity and label it art for the benefit of the fame and money that they will receive. In fact, it will only be an exhaustive task where its sincerity is highly questionable. Works Cited â€Å"Arts Funding†. 2002. August 22 2007. . Radbourn, Jennifer. â€Å"How Government Funding of the Arts Kills Leadership and Creativity†. August 22 2007. .

Corporate Finance Case Study: Volkswagen Essay

Volkswagen (VW)Volkswagen (VW) is a German political machine maker which was in the first place founded in 1937. Now VW Group is wholeness of earths leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe, with its recent head buttocks in Wolfsburg. VW is one of the ten brands under VW Group. (Volkswagen Homepage, 2011) 2011 VWs revenue is 159,337 zillion EUR lettuce income is 15,409 million EUR, with a amplification margin of 9.6707%. (Bloomberg, 2012) The change magnitude from 2010 to 2011 is illustrated obviously in the fol scummying chart. (Bloomberg, 2012)Income contestation for Volkswagen AG (VOW) 2010-2011, Bloomberg, 2012 Volkswagen depot (VOW GR)The current voice price, close (Apr 13, 2012) is 119.3 EUR, its 52-week range is 82.350 138.800 EUR, and its 1- form return is 14.26%, as well as, market capitalization is 56,601.00 million EUR. (Bloomberg, 2012) Interactive One-year Stock chart for Volkswagen AG (VOW), Bloomberg, 2011-2012 VOWs Earning Pe r luck (ttm) is 33.1 EUR, current P/E proportion (ttm) is 3.5408, and Dividend Per Share (yield annualized) is 1.8771 EUR. (Bloomberg, 2012) beat AnalysisIn order to suck up a resultant for VWs stock rating, SWOT abbreviation is conducted in this part. Strengths gamy product timberStrong brand equityVW conferences brand portfolio includes Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, 49.9% of Porsche, Giugiaro, koda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania and domain. (VW Homepage, 2012) Strong R&DWeaknessesHigh costs for implementing the new modular applied science (Just-auto, 2012) Inadequate focus on shell outowner interests (VW Corporate Governance Code,2010) Comparatively low productivityOpportunitiesGood return on VW stocksVW Group Share EPS 2003-2010, VW investor relations, 2012Large purchasing power increase in Chinese marketAcquisitionsThe Volkswagen Group keep its strategic appendage trajectory by getting Porsche Holding Salzburg and increasing its stake in MA N SE. (VW ad hoc, 2011) ThreatsEuro-zones debt crisis and therefore global recession in 2011 change magnitude fuel priceStrong ambition from Japanese and American manufacturersSuch as Ford, Toyota, Honda, e.t.c.Stock RatingThe investment finale made in this report is to bread and butter VW stock, namely equal-weight as its stock rating. stolon of all, VW has good performance in conclusion year for instance, both(prenominal) VWs revenue and net income grew considerably from 2010 to 2011, even with the negative cultivate from European debt crisis in the 4th quarter of 2011. Moreover, last year VW Group continued its strategic step-up by getting 49.9% of Porsche and increasing its stake in MAN SE. This year only in January and February, VW rider Cars delivery to customers reached the number of 818,800, with an 8% growth comparing with the same time of last year. In addition, VWs market is increase continuously and dramatically in china these years. Until 2018, VWs goal of m arket growth in China is 29.1%. (VW strategy 2018, 2012)Secondly, VW shares valuation and earning kept ontogenesis stably under the recent years, await 2009. For example, stocks EPS grew substantially from 2005 to 2010, which is illustrated understandably in VW Group Share EPS 2003-2010 chart above. Last but not least, from the long-term perspective, VW has very good potential of strategically growth. According to VWs strategic end 2018, their future vision is to become the worlds most profitable, fascinating and sustainable automobile manufacturer. Furthermore, even immediately VW has already very high customer happiness (rating scale 8.55 out of 10, 2011) because its high spirit and service standards.In order to draw aconclusion, if we look into the previous SWOT analysis again, todays interior(a) weakness could become tomorrows strength applying new modular crosswise toolkit technique would bring large profit to VW in the long-run, in spite of todays high R&D and impleme nting costs. Thus, VW share is a good excerpt for long-term investment. Nevertheless, taking the external threats into consideration, particularly facing nowadays depression for both automobile industry and global economy, stock investment should be very cautious, therefore, in summary, we rated VW stock as equal-weight, which means it is recommended to ascertain the share as long-term investment.ReferencesBloomberg, 2012. http//www.bloomberg.com/ iterate/VOWGRJust-auto, 2012. http//www.just-auto.com/news/4-volkswagen-hikes-2011-operating-profit-59-to-new-record_id120644.aspx Volkswagen Homepage, 2011. http//www.volkswagenag.com/ bailiwick/vwcorp/content/en/homepage.html VW strategy 2018, 2012. http//www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/talks_and_presentations/2012/03/JPK_IK_2012_Part_III_.bin.html/binarystorageitem/file/Part_III_Charts_Winterkorn.pdf