Personal Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Personal Development - Essay Example This feeling of helplessness can further exacerbate their physical symptoms if it is not adequately dealt with. The ministrations of an empathetic and considerate nurse can put the patient at ease so that he or she does not feel too vulnerable. In this medical facility, the nurses were also responsible for administering medications to patients and monitoring blood sugar in the case of diabetic patients. I made the decision to prioritise my work in the morning in order to make as efficient a schedule as was possible for each day. Having reflected on the needs of each patient, I would then arrange them according to the cases of most importance before doing the rounds. Reflecting allowed me to be able to closely study the symptoms exhibited by each of my patients, thus allowing me to come up with the best ways of assisting their recoveries. For instance, I would accord more time for an anxious or discouraged patient in order to be able to speak more with them about their interests and f amily. This would help the patient to feel appreciated and less alienated. There are different theories on the importance of reflection and its basic benefits in a healthcare setting. Donald Schon believed that all reflective practices can be divided into reflection on action and reflection in action (Johns, 2011). Reflection on action basically describes the process of reconsidering an event that already took place while reflection in action is more concerned with processing an event even as it takes place (Redmond, 2006). In my first week of placement, reflection-on-action allowed me to be able to recount the actions of other nurses whom I had accompanied on rounds in order to... This paper approves that the nurse will be able to view his or her activities as part of the overall long-term goals. The nurse grows more confident in her or his own abilities to determine an illness without necessarily consulting medical texts. In stage four, the nurse will be more open to considering the symptoms of an illness as the parts of a whole. The nurse improves in terms of decision making and is more interested in engaging in patient-centred care. In the fifth stage, which is the last stage, the nurse uses past experiences to determine different illnesses of patients and does not rely on texts in determining different illnesses. At this stage, the nurse can also easily incorporate the latest medical procedures into patient treatment in order to produce the best outcomes and assist recovery. This paper makes a conclusion that reflecting on a regular basis will not only improve the quality of services extended to patients, but will also facilitate the personal development of individual nurses. Reflection can be conducted through official channels, such as supervised conferences that allow nurses to express their concerns without fear of censure, or in less formal circumstances like team huddles for ‘decompression’- which was something that was soon to be started where I was serving as a student nurse. While developing a nurse’s ability to confront daily challenges, reflection also seeks to make sure that nurses remain caring towards their patients, and perceptive of their particular needs.

Road and bridge construction design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Road and bridge construction design - Assignment Example Inventions are not magical, but took time to develop once they originated from human beings minds. This governs the quest to defining what engineering is, it is the process through which abstract ideas are turned into systems or products (physical representations). Engineers apply their creativity in the production of systems and products to satisfy human wants and this distinguishes them from sculptors, painters, or poets. This kind of creative act is referred to as a design. Engineering design Majority of engineering designs are listed as systems or invention-devices created by human hard work, or improvements made in already existing systems or devices. Designs or inventions do not just emerge from nowhere, but are a product of bringing technologies together to provide for human necessities. A design can also arise from someone trying to efficiently and quickly accomplish a task. Designing needs a step-by-step procedure and takes place over a period of time (Vanderwarker, 2001). E ngineers are primarily known as problem solvers. A design has a remarkably different nature of both the problem and solution because they are open- ended unlike other problem solving methods. This means that a design has more than one solution of correcting a problem which contains specified properties. In contrast to analysis problems, design problems are vaguely defined. Take an example of where one is asked to calculate the height of wall given the initial velocity of a snowball to be zero. The problem has one answer thus an analysis. Once the problem is changed to designing a device to launch 2-pound snowball to a height of 180 feet, it automatically becomes a design problem. In that it is open-ended and has many possible instruments that can be launched to determine the height of the snowball. An iterative procedure is outlined in solving design problems. This is because the solution to a design problem changes from time to time and continuous refining of the design becomes a n orm. During the implementation of a design problem, too expensive or unsafe solutions are developed. When such is the case the designer goes back to the drawing board until the proper solution is met. An outstanding example is that of the Wright brothers who experimented lots of design before attempting the powered flight. From his illustration, it is evident that design activity is a cyclic process while the analysis problem is sequential. To come up with a good solution to a design problem, it requires a well outlined procedure. This package, therefore, presents a diverse approach of a methodology referred to as the five-step problem-solving method. The mentioned methodology relates with the design process and can be adapted to solving a particular problem (Vanderwarker, 2001). The design process It consists of five crucial steps that must be achieved in designing the process. The process requires iteration and backtracking because design problems are usually vague. The design pro cess is contingent: it requires changes as it develops and the solutions are based on unforeseen complications. The five steps are illustrated below 1. Defining the problem 2. Gathering pertinent information 3. Generating multiple answers/ solutions 4. Analyzing and selecting a solution 5. Testing and implementing the solution Problem definition normally has a listing of the customer requirements and those of the

Exploring Students Attitudes Towards English Homework

Exploring Students Attitudes Towards English Homework Abstract This research aims at exploring students attitudes towards English homework. There is abundant literature regarding homework, but the voice of the students is absent from most of the literature. In this study, qualitative case study approach is used to look into the perspectives of one junior form class (F.1) and one senior form class (F.4). The literature review includes four major trends in the latest homework research: 1) relationship between homework and achievement, 2) relationship between time and achievement, 3) parental involvement and 4) homework design. I conducted 45 questionnaires and 6 in-depth interviews by purposive extreme sampling. After synthesizing all the data, I analyzed them by using constant comparison method and transcript based analysis. The results of the reserach showed that most students think homework is important to their learning. But the poor design and lack of teachers constructive feedbacks discourage them to complete their English homework. In addition, it is shown that different ages and genders require different kinds of homework to meet the learning diversity. This study contributes to the current literature in terms of its latest and un iqueness. Introduction When talking about homework, it seems that everyone has an opinion concerning its worth and purpose. Interestingly enough, in discussions of homework, it quickly becomes a debate. People either with adamantly favour or strongly oppose the practice. For myself, I struggled with the English homework when I was a secondary student. I thought it was just a burden for me without any meaningful purpose. On the other hand, when I was a student teacher, I liked assigning homework to my students because I assumed homework could improve both teaching and learning. Most importantly, homework was the communication channel between student and me. Some students who seldom handed-in their homework, but they still got a good grade in the exams, vice versa. This situation perplexed me. I have ideas and doubts about homework, but never really studied the issue. Therefore, I wanted to conduct an action research study in my honour project, in the hope that I could modify it so as to fit the needs of the students. After reviewing the literature, I decided to examine the attitudes students hold towards their English homework. My general intention was to obtain evidence indicating whether I neglected some factors when blaming on students who do not complete their English homework. I perceive the homework issue is faced among many teachers. No matter which schools and what kinds of students are the teachers working with, they must face the homework completion problem. Hopefully, this research can help teachers to handle the homework issue easily in the coming future. Part 1: Literature Review: The literature review consists of articles and books from 1980 to 2007 on the history of the homework debate. The majority of the scholarly articles are from EBSCO Databases (e.g.: A+ Education, Eric and Education Research Complete). The themes discussed in the literature are relationship between doing homework and achievement, time spent on doing homework, parental involvement and homework design. 1.1 The History of Homework Debate According to Copper (2007), homework is described as tasks assigned to students by school teachers that are intended to be carried out during non-school hours (p.5). Copper explains that the use of word-intended because students may do the homework during recess, lunch time or even during subsequent classes. Homework is not new. It has a long and controversial history (Gordon 1980; Cooper 1989a-2007; Bonyun 1992; Earle 1992; Foyle 1992; Hallam 2004; Jha 2007 and so on). Among these studies, there are both pro and anti- homework groups respectively. Gill and Schlossman (2000) analyzed the views of different stakeholders: educators, teachers and parents. Different parties hold very distinct views towards the issue of homework. Up till now, there is a lack of consensus among researchers which they only agreed that homework is a complicated issue. Apart from different stakeholders views, there are many variables related in the topic of homework: environment, students ability, time and re searchers own biases. Some of the critical views are discussed in the following part. 1.2The relationship between homework and achievement When the researchers analyzed whether there is a relationship between the amount of time spent on doing homework and achievement, they mostly used one of two research designs. The first one is experimental. They typically compared two groups of students who were assigned homework and who did not receive any homework. And then, these two groups of students were given the same test to check whether homework can carry a positive influence on students academic achievement. Copper (2007) showed that students doing homework had higher unit test scores than 73 percentage of students not doing homework 1.3The relationship between the amount of time spend doing homework and achievement The second type of research examines the relationship between time spent on homework and achievement. Kohn (2006) mirrored the work of Copper (2007), they found a positive relationship between time spent doing homework and achievement. That means time spent on homework increases, achievement increases. However, Kralovec (2000) examines that the relationship between achievement and time spent on homework is negative for younger students. He suggested that homework appears to be more effective for older students than younger students. All in all, homework appears to be positively correlated with achievement, but the effect varies dramatically with grade level. According to the research conducted by Vatterott (2009), in grades 3 to 5, the correlation was zero, in grades 6 to 9, the correlation was .07; and in grades 10-12, the correlation was.25. However, 1.00 is a perfect correlation between two measures and zero means there is no correlation between the measures. 1.4Parental Involvement In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on encouraging parents to become involved in the education of their children. Most parents think the setting of homework as necessary and important (Vatterott, 2007). There are two reasons for parents wanting children in doing homework. The first reason is because homework works as the schools commitment to educational achievement and also that it gives them a platform to apply what they have learnt in the lesson. The second reason is parents who view homework as a criterion for assessing schools. Since communication between home and school is often difficult, homework takes up the role of providing a bridge between home and school. Parents can easily check what the teacher is teaching and the progress of their children based on the homework. However, we cannot interpret parents wanting their children to do well in school to mean that they want their children to have homework if the homework is not going to improve academic achievement (Jha, 2006). Some research has suggested that parental help with homework improves achievement (Hallam 2007; Chen and Stevenson 1989). Other research suggests that the findings are not conclusive or that effects are trifling (Levin el al. 1997; Vatterott 2007). This contradictory result implies that parents may provide more help for the students than they actually need with their school work. The worst situation is that tension may develop between parents and their children over their homework. Later on, it can cause frustration and disappointment and may be counter-productive to the students performance in school. 1.5 Homework Design Among most findings, there is a considerable agreement among teachers that homework is worthwhile. There are two major reasons for teachers to give students homework: instructional and non- instructional (Xu, 2005). For the instructional objective of homework, teachers use homework as a means of ensuring that students have went over and learned the curriculum in preparation for tests. The non-instructional purpose of homework is to develop student responsibility, social skills and communication between parents and teachers. Despite this, homework was seen to have a negative influence on family involvement (Van Voorhis 2003). There has been considerable interest in the feedback given to students when homework has been completed. There is general consensus that homework must be collected and marked (Van Voorhis, 2003). However, there is much less agreement about the most effective marking procedures. Marking homework is time-consuming. Most teachers assign, collect and mark the homework regularly. However, there is variation in the kind of feedback the teachers give. Feedback can vary from teachers providing students with a mark, grade, a written comment, e.g. Very good, good or seen. Giving grades seems to be effective (Xu, 2005) but the type of grading given seems to make little difference to learning outcomes. 1.6 Summary of the literature review With the support of the literature review, the definition of homework is clear to all readers in this report: tasks assigned to students by school teachers that are intended to be carried out during non-school hours (Copper 2007). The major issue surrounding the homework controversy is whether it can improve students achievement, the views of different stakeholders and the weakness of the existing research. We can see that there is a lack of students voices among the research. Part 2 Research Questions What kinds of homework do the students prefer? Do students attitudes to homework vary according to characteristics such as age-group and gender? Does homework help to instill positive attitudes and study habits? Nowadays, almost all research regarding homework is from the adults point of view. Very few of them try to put themselves into the shoes of students to look into the homework issue. Student is the core of our education; therefore, the research regarding homework is always incomplete without the voice of students. This study aims at finding students attitude on their English homework and the reasons why students do not hand in English homework. Part 3 Methodology 3.1 Design This research is an explorative qualitative case study, but also with some quantitative features. Multiple methods are used because they will provide the data I require to produce a complete piece of research. It is unwisely to solely depend on one method because it is labeled as qualitative study. The aim of this study is to explore the students attitudes to homework in order to encourage students to complete their English homework. Finally, educators and teachers may design more effective homework to help students learning better in the future. I collected data from both teachers and students by 6 in-depth interviews (Appendix E F) and 45 questionnaires (Appendix C D). The reason for using in-depth interviews is due to its adaptability and credibility of the study. On the other hand, the use of questionnaire is due to its convenience and time effectiveness (Patten, 1998). This research explored the Form 1 and Form 4 students attitude towards English homework. 3.2 Participants The setting of this research is a secondary school in Tuen Mun. Participants were one Form 1 class and one Form 4 class students and 5 English teachers. The study required exploring the attitude towards homework on two groups of students taking the English course at school. 3.2.1 Sampling For the questionnaire, all students and their English teachers in those classes were asked to participate in the questionnaire research. For the interviews, I only picked up some samples from the participants. I had in-depth interviews with 4 students and 2 teachers using purposive extreme sampling. Patton (1990) defined extreme sampling should be used when the case are rich in information because they are unusual or special in some way. (p.109) 3.3 Instrument 3.3.1 Interviews One major advantage of the interview is its adaptability. With interviews, I could follow up ideas, probe responses and explore the feelings of the respondents, which the questionnaire cannot do. I could ask follow up questions based on the response of the interviewees, such as, the tone, the facial expression and even the hesitation. According to Bell (2005), questionnaire responses have to be taken at face value, but a response in an interview can be developed and clarified (p.157) However, since interviews are time-consuming, I used group interviews instead of one to one interviews in the beginning. But I discovered that the disadvantages of group interviews overrode the advantage of one-to-one interviews. The first disadvantage is that some strong personalitys interviewees influenced and in some extent they took over the group and made it difficult for the less assertive interviewees to speak (Refers to Extract 2). In addition, one to one interview can maintain higher privacy than group interviews. After considering all the factors, I decided to redesign my interviews to individual interviews instead it is more time-consuming. Extract 2. The transcript of the interview Interviewer: Why do you not hand in the homework on time? Student A: Well, I do want to do it. But as you know, the English homework is really boring. It doesnt matter we do not do it as I can still can good results from the exam. Interviewer: We? How about students B? Do you agree with student A? Student B: amà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦yesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.probably. (Feel embarrassed) Student A: Let me tell you more. And we are very busy all the time. It is common that different subject teachers assign the homework on the same dayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.Its impossible for us to finish themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Besidesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. 3.3.2 Questionnaire Since there are only twenty students in each class, it is feasible to give out all questionnaires to the whole classes. With questionnaires, all respondents are presented with the same questions. Therefore, I could compare the responses among different groups easily. As long as, there is no interviewer coming between the respondent and the question, it is essential to design the effective question wording. Before I sent out the questionnaires, I discovered the wordings in my questionnaires were very ambiguous. Bell (2005) suggested that words which have a common meaning to you may mean something different to other people (p.138). For example, I wanted to find out how often students are able to hand in their English homework on-time. Originally, I used some very ambiguous wordings, such as, always, often, sometimes and etc (Refers to Example 3A). But after the pilot testing, I changed the options to a specific period of time. (Refers to Example 3B). Precision in wording is important s ince it enables me to compare the data later. Example 3A. BEFORE the pilot test :Question 3 in the students questionnaire Example 3B. AFTER: the pilot test: Question 3 in the students questionnaire 3.4 Procedure First of all, I obtained permission from Hong Kong Institute of Education, the school principal, the participating teachers and students to collect the data. This study lasted for 8 weeks, from 14th March 2011 to 20th May 2011. At the beginning of the study, I collected archival data in the form of their first uniform test scores and some of their English homework from the participating students, so that I can get a general picture of students completion of English homework. Since I have decided my research questions, I used the problem oriented approach to limit the amount of documents. The sources included both primary and secondary sources. According to Bell (2005), primary sources are those which came into existence in the period under research, such as, the English homework, the scores of the uniform test. Apart from the primary sources, I also collected some secondary resources. Secondary sources are interpretation of events based on primary sources (Munn, 2004), for example th e report card given by the teachers. All these documents gave me the background of the participants and reinforced the core of my research. In the second week, I gave my cousin, who is a secondary school student, to do the questionnaire as piloting the questionnaire. With the trial, I understood how long it takes recipients to complete them, to check that all questions and instructions are clear and to enable me to remove any items which do not yield usable data. There are two reasons why I chose my cousin to pilot the questionnaire. The first reason is that her background is similar to those that would form the population of my study. Therefore, her perception and understanding are similar to my respondents. The second reason is sincerity. Since she is an outsider of this research, she is willing to tell me her true feeling towards the questionnaire. I distributed the questionnaires in the lesson and asked the students to do them during the lesson at once. It makes sure that the return rate is one hundred percentage and students could ask questions when they were doing the questionnaires. After glancing through all responses from the questionnaires, I carefully picked up some extreme case from the respondents to the questionnaire. Since these respondents are rich in information and they possess the common characteristics of the groups. For example, I picked up two students: 1) one hands in ALL English homework and 2) one never hands in any English homework respectively. Therefore, I could compare the similarity and differences among these distinct groups easily. 3.5 Data Analysis First of all, all data got from document, questionnaires and interviews are only raw data. They have to be categorized and interpreted; otherwise, they are useless. After synthesizing all the data, they were analyzed by constant comparison, comparing the emerging themes from all the participants in all categories (Hatch, 2002). Next, I compared the categories yield by each of the subgroups: gender and age, to check the differences and similarities among their responses. Based on students preference, I synthesized the results by using the summary sheet. Lastly, I used the transcript-based analysis to evaluate the information from the in-depth interviews. Based on Krueger (1994), Transcript-Based analysis includes the below steps: 1) Make backup copies of the recordings 2) Transfer the recordings to transcript 3) Category the data 4) Go through the research questions 6) Develop coding categories and code the data 7) Classify the data into coding categories 8) Diagram the analysis 9) Revise data to check is there any important information missing. (p.157) 4. Findings 4.1 Background Diagram 5 shows that over 80% of students think homework is important. They agree that in ideal situation, homework can help them learn better and practice what they have learnt in the lessons. However, less than 35% of them can hand-in the English homework more than 3 times a week (Refers to diagram 6). Due to this contradictory result, the following research questions will look into the attitudes of students towards English homework deeply. Diagram 5: Is English homework important to your learning? (from the Questionnaire) Diagram 6: How often do you hand-in the English homework on-time? (From the Questionnaire) 4.2 Students preferences for different kinds of homework The findings show that students disliked homework which was about copying, boring and tedious. Students also complained that sometimes the English homework sometimes has little relationship to the work in hand, is poorly set, marked late and poor feedback from teachers. In students own words: I do not return the English homework because I dont like doing those kinds of homework, such as, newspaper cutting and writing journal. They are not related to what we are learning. It is very boring to do the same type of English homework every weekend. (From a Form 4 student) I wanted to hand-in the homework, but sometimes I just cant. Once I go back home, I cant control myself to play the computer games. In the beginning of the semester, I was still able to hand in their English on time, or at least able to hand them in one day. But later on, I discovered that my English teacher did not scold me, even I did not hand in the homework. So, Im just used to not hand in the English homework now. (From a Form 1 student) From the findings, I found out that there is a range of factors affected pupils attitudes towards doing their English homework including motivation, mood, teachers response and quality and quantity of homework. Surprisingly, more than 80% students said that they would hand in their English homework if the teachers carry out some actions if the students do not hand in the homework (Refers to Diagram 7). Diagram 7: Teachers will take some negative consequences to students who cannot hand in the English homework. Do you think it is useful to encourage you to hand in the English homework on-time? In teachers own words: Im just very busy. Its impossible for me to check whether every student has handed in their English homework. (From a male English teacher) What actions I can take? If I ask them to attend the detention class, I have to go too. And somehow, I think students should take up their own learning responsibility. (From a female teacher) Students said that they enjoyed and valued homework when it was: well-explained; had adequate deadlines; interesting and at their level. Similarly, the findings show that students dislike doing homework that neither consolidated nor contributed to their learning. However, the reality is teachers are under heavy workload. They do not have extra time to care for the homework issue. 4.3 Relationships between students characteristics and altitudes to homework Students attitudes to homework seem to vary according to background factors, such as gender and age. For example, apart from spending more time on homework, female students seems to have a better attitudes towards it than the male students 4.3.1 Gender and Age Diagram 8: Relationship between gender and time spent on English homework a week From the above table, we can conclude that female students tend to spend longer time doing their English homework than the male students. Apart from the longer time, the English teachers expressed that female students are more conscientious with regard to homework and their homework are tidy, well planned and showed evidence of effort. On the other hand, male students seem spending very few amount of time on it. They are easily distracted by other things, such as, extra-curricular activities, computer games and some gang activities. Both boys and girls believe that homework is important in helping them to do well in school, although this tendency is stronger in girls especially in the senior forms. Based on the findings from the questionnaires, male students tended to spend more time in larger groups after school, whereas girls like spending time with a single close friend, which may be working on homework together. 4.4 Homeworks influence on attitudes to study Instilling a positive attitude towards study is always claimed the major reason of assigning homework to students. Diagram 9A 9B show that older students seem to give internal reasons for doing their homework, such as, revision and keep themselves on the track to the lessons. On the other hand, junior students tended to give more external reasons for doing English homework: obeying the teachers and parents. Diagram9A Diagram 9B This is probably an indication that students are developing more self-regulated and responsible attitudes when they are grown-up. Some students, especially junior students, are forced to do homework, so it is difficult to prove whether doing homework can facilitate the acquisition of self-regulatory skills. Therefore, this is another area that could clearly benefit from further research. 4.5 Summary of the responses The result reveals that most students think that homework is important to learning. Students prefer homework that is interesting and let them feel successful. Homework like journal and newspaper cutting make students feel bored because they are tedious and they only do a lot of copying instead. (Extract from the student interview). In addition, the relationship between students characteristics and attitudes towards homework is directly related. Male students like playing outside and hanging out with friends after schools, especially for junior students. Some students indicated that they learnt better through researches, projects and other learning activities. The key point in the data shows that students change their attitudes towards when they are grown up. 5. Discussion In the following parts, future directions are given based on previous literature reviews and my research findings. And then, I will suggest some future studies so as to make the homework issue clear to everybody. 5.1 Explanation of the findings 5.1.1 Students preferences for different kinds of homework Both the literature reviews and findings show that homework is mainly for scrutiny. It is routinely given to satisfy school requirements or meet the curriculum needs. It is high time that careful consideration to its purpose and the need to align tasks with aims. The role of teachers to the students completion of English homework cannot be underestimated. Both the amount the teachers set and the types of feedback given have an impact on the motivation of the students to complete it. It is rare that schools will reward students for completing homework. They always assume that students should take up their own responsibility to finish the homework. If teachers do not give constructive feedbacks or even worse they do not mark it, then the students will have no motivation to do the homework. The data from the study suggests that 80% of the participating teachers have not received any training related to designing homework. It is essential to provide professional development for designing homework. And government should help to balance the workload of teachers, so that teachers can put more time to design high quality homework. 5.1.2 Relationships between students characteristics and attitudes to homework Almost all students agree that homework is important; however, they think the nature of homework hinder them to hand in their English homework on-time. Teachers like assigning homework, like, writing journal and newspaper cutting. All these assignment are easily set by the teachers; however, students do not see the points of learning from these authentic materials. It is suggested that homework should be tailored to be aligned to the learning aims. For example, if the aim is to promote independent learning, then the teachers should try to devise some interesting tasks. Ideally, homework can even have a bigger function if teachers can skillfully set the homework. For example, homework can even help to improve examination performance. Combinations of aims can be met over time through providing variety in homework. 5.1.3 Homeworks influence on attitudes to study Students value homework because they think it can improve their learning and future prospects. At the same time, some regard homework as an encroachment on their leisure time, especially male students. They expect that teachers can give different types of homework to different students and which have to be related to their ongoing classroom work. For example, boys should be given more group work rather than individual work. Although different students hold various attitudes towards homework, all of them hope the same attitude: we need someone to listen to our concerns. There is no doubt that students are the ones who bear the consequences of not completing homework. But, as an educator, we have the responsibility to explore the students attitude towards homework and design appropriate homework to them. 5.2 Recommendations for further study The weaknesses of this study prompt three major recommendations for further study. Firstly, this study is a small scale qualitative study due to the time and resources constraints. A larger qualitative study is needed to increase the validity. It is suggested that we set up a forum for discussion, so that students can leave the comments freely in anonymous. Secondly, I tried to relate attitude to time spend on English homework in the third research question. However, students may do the homework because their parents force them to so, rather than they sincerely want to do the English homework by themselves. Moreover, it is difficult to define when the effect of classroom teaching ends and the effect of homework begins. Besides, it is not easy to check how the prior learning influences the achievement. Homework research is especially complicated because we are checking the effect of something than happens out of our sight and out of our control (Vatterott, 2009). Therefore, the settin g of the research should extend to the home, rather than simply classroom. The third recommendation is to add socio economic factors to the study. This study mainly reveals students attitude from their own individual factors, another factors should be included to strengthen the findings.

Lord Of The Flies Chapter 4: Painted faces And Long hair :: English Literature

Lord Of The Flies Chapter 4: Painted faces And Long hair At the beginning of this chapter the link with moral order and civilisation is still present This is noticeable when Roger is throwing stones but makes sure they do no hit Henry. This is because â€Å"the taboo of the old life† is still strong, â€Å"Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law† However there is a suggestion that civilisation is becoming remote for the boys â€Å"Rogers arm was conditioned by a civilisation that new nothing of him and was in ruins† Civilisation is a distant memory. Roger and Maurice are beginning to behave differently towards the littluns. They kicked their sand castles over, buried the flowers and scattered the chosen stones. They enjoy doing this, something they would have not done in their past life as they would have been punished by their parents. Maurice realises this while walking away as he â€Å"still felt the unease of a wrong-doing.† This shows that although they have broken away from their past life, by rule breaking, they still have a sense of right and wrong. Moral standards are under threat in this new environment. Jacks standards and morals have been eroded. He claims that his war paint is for camouflage and will help him when he is hunting, â€Å"They don’t smell me. They see me.† He claims. Jack is excited by his new appearance. However the war paint removes him from his previous identity. The others are â€Å"appalled† as Jack â€Å"began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.† He takes on primitiveness and leaves behind the rules and laws from his previous life. The war paint mask appeared to be taking control â€Å"the mask was a thing on it’s own† and it â€Å" compelled them† Jack had left behind his â€Å"shame and self consciousness.† Piggy is trying to maintain a link with civilisation by suggesting they could make a sundial. However this is treated with sarcasm and ridicule from Ralph â€Å"and an airplane, and a TV set†¦ and a steam engine.† Piggy, keen to be accepted misinterprets Ralph’s smile as a friendly gesture but Ralph becomes dismissive and moves away. The boys suddenly realise that their fire has gone out and a ship passes by without seeing them. Ralph hears the hunting processions chanting led by Jack. During the early days Jack could not bring himself to kill a pig. However killing has now become acceptable. The boys involved in the hunt have broken what was earlier, a taboo. Not only are they now prepared to kill, they actually take real pleasure in doing so â€Å"Kill

Case Unilever †Marketing Essay

So, the decision process of buying detergent has become Habitual Decision Making process. 2. 2. Influences on consumer decision making â€Å"There are different factors influences the consumer decision making process. Marketer needs to understand these influences and which ones are important in the purchase process to make effective marketing decision. † (Solomon, Marshall, Stuart, Barnes, & Mitchell, 2009) 2. 2. 1. Internal Influence Lifestyle, Personality, and Perception are some of the internal influences involved in making the decision to buy the detergent.Lifestyle: As per Case study, the women in Northeast region treat washing the clothes as a pleasure activity and utilise the washing activity to meet and chat with the friends. Since, washing act as an integral part of their lifestyle, decision of purchasing detergent depends on this lifestyle. ? Personality: Personality has strong pressure in Northeast region because the region has implicated by low income which is very much evident in Exhibit 1 on the case study. Infant mortality is high and GDP/capita is low in Northeast region when comparing to other region of Brazil. This personality is directing Northeast people to buy low cost detergent. Hence, the characteristic of personality has crucial impact on decision making.Perception: People in Brazil have expectation when buying the detergent. They have interpreted the detergent in six different attribute and expects these attributes to be attained in the detergent powder. So, perception plays a critical role to make a decision on buying the detergent powder. 2. 2. 2. Social Influence Social Influence like social class and culture will also affect the consumer ecisionmaking process. ? Social Class: As per Exhibit 2 in Case Study, 53% of population in the Northeast region lives on less than two minimum wages when compare to 21% in the Southeast. This shows that more than half of the population was implicated by low wages in the Northeast region. This leads people to think on buying detergent based on their affordable price or living class. So, the social class plays a significant role in making decisio n to buy a detergent in Brazil. ? Culture: As per case study, People in the Northeast and Southeast have differed in symbolic value when it comes to cleanliness. Apart from these main players, the local marketers are giving competitive challenge to main players by capturing low income segment through small retail shops. 3. 1. Unilever and their current strategies ? Until 1996, Unilever’s detergent products had a dominant market share in a low growth market. But in 1996, Unilever has become an outright front runner in detergent powder with 81% of mark share in Brazil which has been achieved with three brands. ? Unilever might have segmented the consumer market in Brazil based on the Demographics. In Brazil, people have different kind of income in different region.

Stepper Motors and Servomotors

Stepper motors and Servomotors Motors are the special electrical devices that have been developed by the engineers for the conversion of energy from one form to another. Engineers have developed the science of motors to an extent wherein they can be used for numerous applications and in several technologies. We would discuss the characteristics of two of the most commonly used types of motors, i. e. the stepper motors and the servomotors. Both these motors serve different purposes and are used and employed for different reasons and different applications based on the need and the requirement.The stepper motors are those motors that work on the basis of the x/y axis coordinates and works on the basis of a special torch, which can help in pointing at all the directions and the synchronization observed between the two coordinates and axes of the motor makes it simple to work. The best characteristic of the stepper motor is that it offers high reliability and not only reliability but als o exhibits extremely high speed, thus making the operations much more efficient. Numerous technologies make use of the stepper motors and that is because they are also inexpensive.Since these motors make sure that they don’t miss the steps, they give and lead to extremely high efficiency and output. The costs and efforts required for the management and repair of these motors are also comparatively less. Servo motors are slightly different as compared to the stepper motors. They are actually the rotary actuators that help in gaining complete accuracy and precision for the purpose of controlling the angular position during the working of the motors. They are high performance motors and usually replace the stepper motors due to their high performances.One major advantage that the stepper motors have but servomotors don’t have is that the stepper motors are comparatively cheaper than the servomotors and hence tend to be more employed and used. Servo motors are also usually bigger and heavier than the stepper motors and are hence used mostly for heavy machinery and big equipments. One thing that amazes users is the intelligence factor that can be embedded for the servomotors. Servomotors can be made interesting and much more automated with certain developments and coding.They are commonly use for different applications including that of robotics and automated manufacturing. By comparing both these types of motors, we see that they both have their own characteristics and their own pros and cons. Though their working dynamics differ significantly, they still can be used at the same place. The final decision however lies on the requirement and the need for the efficiency, cost and size of the motor. Industries make use of both these motor types very frequently. Reference link: http://classof1. com/homework-help/engineering-homework-help

buy custom Breast Cancer essay

buy custom Breast Cancer essay This research aims at finding out the reasons behind the low rates of cancer in South Asian women living in New York, USA as compared to the indigenous white women. As its well known, breast cancer rate among South Asian women is much lower compared to other racial groups. However, being born in Asian does not make you immune from contracting the disease. Scientists have discovered that this group of people becomes vulnerable to the disease when they adopt the Western culture. This is evident because of the contrasting statistics done on both native south Asian women and the immigrants (University mirofilms international, 1985). Those South Asians living in New York, USA are affected more compared to those back home. This discovery applies to also the duration one has been in the foreign country. Those who have stayed longer in the USA seem to be at a higher risk compared to those who arrived later. That South Asian individual born in New York, USA has equal chances of getting breast cancer as the white women (Association for community organization and social administration, 1998). The common belief is that the difference may be have been brought about by diet. The native group sticks to their traditional food while the immigrants deviate to the western meal that constitute of meat and a lot of sugar (McKeith, 2006). On the other hand, scientists do not see it as wise to change diet in that people take more of the traditional delicacies and avoid the beef and sweet foods; rather they advice on eating a healthy balanced diet and going for regular screening. They insist that this is the best way of minimizing the risk of getting breast cancer (Beliveau, 2007). Scientists find it hard to single out a particular food that causes cancer. They have suggested that there could be ingredients in the diet that increase mutations to the DNA (Biosciences information service of abstract experts, 1998) or that is causing changes to the hormonal balance. Both of these factors can lead to cancer. However, there has been no study on this subject that could identify the reason why this is so. Dietary as a factor causing cancer is still debatable. Results from related studies do not support the concept that taking in fat at middle age increase the risk of breast cancer (Carol, 2004). However, the gaining of weight in middle life does. The consumption of alcohol is seen as a major contributor to high risks. Western culture consumes food that is rich in fat. Such foods could lead to obesity and consequently increases the chances of southern women of contracting the disease. (Mary, 2010) As much as the immigrants have low incidences of getting cancer, this advantages gradually changes for the worst. These observations support the concept that nutrition is an environmental determinant of breast cancer (Simone, 1994). Experiments done on rodents show that a diet of high fat increases the occurrence of mammary tumors in them though results coming from animals can be controversial. It is difficult to distinguish the effects of fat and that of energy intake in the studies of cancer. Its in studies specifically created to show the independent effects of fat and energy intake that the effect of fat has been determinedto be weak in relation to that of energy or simply failed to exist. The hypothesis on high fat diet is therefore most reliable when based on observation. High consumption rates leads to high breast cancer mortality rates. Just as seen in south Asian women who migrated to New York. It is the great difference created by South Asian women that we have to the conclusion that food is a major factor when it comes to cancer. It also could be an answer that would curb the current epidemic (Salaman, 1983). It is no wonder that food such as flaxseed has become very popular in America (American public health association, 2003) since its thought to have healing effects. The cereal is made out of flax oil which is a very nutritious fat. The other component very vital is a fiber very special known to protect against breast cancer and heart diseases (Kilham, 1991). With the right diet the need of surgery thats required from a mastectomy to a lumpectomy is greatly reduced. Diet can therefore be said to play a major role in fighting cancer as shown by the South Asian immigrant women in New York (Eidem, 2009). They changed their diets and moved from being cancer resistant to people vulnerable to the disease. Nutrition is emerging as the most effective way to prevent breast cancer (Kushi, 1993). An experiment on done rats whereby rats induced with cells of human breast cancer developed at a fast rate tumors when fed a diet heavy in omega-6 fat and the opposite happens when fed in omega-3 fats. This diet is to be taken by people who have survived cancer. Its highly recommended that people once victims of cancer should take large amounts of fish oil (Weil, 1990). Limitations The strengths This study is based on observing the treads of the South Asian women living in New York City USA. This particular group shows a high resistance to the disease before their immigration. This immunity seems to reduce down the generation; and this is a fact that cannot be denied. Offspring currently born in the city show those Asian women are better at fighting cancer than the white women. (Rebecca, 2009). This change can be said to have been brought about by the change of lifestyle. This is also so because those who remained in Asia; and therefore kept to their traditional diet still remain strong to the malignant cells. By observation exhibited by this group of people then a deduction can be made that diet has a lot to do with risks of getting breast cancer. These observations are also reliable because there is a distinct difference on the kind of delicacies taken by the South Asian women back at home and what has been introduced to the immigrants in New York (Hofstetter, 2001). In the Western culture, food is high in fat and cholesterol while their traditional meals are about low fat meals like vegetables. The latter on does not promote obesity which is one of the factors promoting the chances of having cancer at adult age. The data collected based on these two observations are undisputable and clear. The nutrients proposed for prevention of breast cancer also help in preventing other diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, other kinds of cancers, diabetes and obesity (Quillin, 2001). Food is a lot kinder (Carlos, 2007) to ones body than drugs. With drugs there could be side effects especially with very strong ones. However with diet, things are flexible. Changing what you eat can interrupt many places in the sequence that causes cancer without having toxic implications as drugs have (Patrick, 2007). Diet is actually capable of altering the structure of the breast. It is also able to changing the flow of hormones in the bodys blood stream that causes breast from the beginning. Its also not cumbersome and offers a variety of options to choose from (Kelly, 1994). There are different categories of women pruned to breast cancer and for unique reasons. Therefore a variety of diets are prescribed to cater for their needs (Beliveau, 2007). This are: A diet for women who have high levels of estrogen, basically women who have not reached menopause yet A diet for women with low estrogen (George, 1982). A woman once a victim of breast cancer but survived A diet for women at high risk of contracting the disease, powerful supplements are recommended for such patients. This diet designed and purposed to fight cancerous cells is both a preventive mechanism and a treating tool (Marchetti, 1988). However, though primary, it shouldnt dispose of the secondary prevention. Finding tumors at their earliest stages is very vital. This is to say that one has to self-examine herself; so is mammography. This two do still play a major role when it comes to minimizing the risk of death from breast cancer (Corrigan, 2008). Weakness The hypothesis largely depends on per capita fat consumption which in turn relies on economic development; not only that but also low parity and having a first child at an old age; such things as much body fat and high levels of physical inactivity also affects the concepts. The data could also be unreliable because its estimates are based on the disappearance of food. It looks on the food available rather than the amount of food consumed. Food alone as a factor is not sufficient enough to show how it affects the immune system of people. One might take a balanced diet but also being a heavy drinker or smoker and this equally increases the chances of getting cancer (Eugene, 2009). Moreover, there is no substantial connection between animal fat intake and chances for getting breast cancer. Conclusion It is with hard and dedicated studies on South Asian women living New York that food has become of importance in trying to not only prevent cancer but also eradicate the pandemic it so greatly caused (Livingston, 1983). Its this particular group that show clearly the impact food has on ones health. The matter of food as a means of fighting such a deadly disease was taken skeptically at first. However, after a collection of data showing how unlikely South Asian immigrants were to having food was greatly advanced and has proved to be working for the best. A healthy balanced diet and early screening is excellent ways of fighting breast cancer (Ernie, 2002). Buy custom Breast Cancer essay

Engaging With Vulnerable People In Mental Health Social Work Essay Essays

Engaging With Vulnerable People In Mental Health Social Work Essay Essays Engaging With Vulnerable People In Mental Health Social Work Essay Essay Engaging With Vulnerable People In Mental Health Social Work Essay Essay In this essay I am traveling to compose about vulnerable grownups, how I could show professional values and how I could authorise vulnerable people showing regard and keeping self-respect. I will show an apprehension of statute law and policy counsel, observing the strengths and failings in conformity to NMC codification of behavior. I will besides briefly give the history of maltreatment, conveying in assorted Department of Health paperss as elucidation to show the demand for current statute law sing the protection of vulnerable grownups. I will discourse how the ability to back up my chosen instance survey and callings is seen as the key accomplishment of the nurse, which requires a non judgmental attack which is indispensable to working in an anti oppressive pattern. Definitions of exposure and anti favoritism will besides be included as it is a comparing of NMC codification of behavior. Vulnerable people all are really sensitive to the demand of their independency and they can be vulnerable really easy for case if they are in hurting. So nurse should ever understand how the impact of Loos, alteration or grieving procedures can impact the person. I have chosen grownup instance survey two which is Mamoun. He is vulnerable because, he has had an operation and he is in a batch of hurting. Mamoun does nt speak about the hurting or ask for analgesic but if offered, he will take them. VULNERABLITY Vulnerability is people when support is required to enable or advance independent life and safe and active engagement in the Community. To a certain extent some people or groups may be vulnerable because they perceive they are vulnerable e.g. if they believe they live in a high offense country when that is merely a perceptual experience and non a fact. Iliffe.s et Al ( 1998 ) . Social exclusion is a procedure in which societal, economic and cultural factors can unite to except persons, groups and communities from take parting in society and deriving entree to economic, cultural and societal resources. When combined, they create an acute signifier of exclusion in peculiar vicinities. Having identified those groups who might be vulnerable the following phase is to make up ones mind the best agencies of assisting them. The Evaluation Panel believes the primary purpose should be to give vulnerable people as much control over their lives as possible to extenuate the fortunes that make them vulnerable. Parker.J. ( 2006 ) A vulnerable grownup is any individual aged 18 or over who is or may be in demand of community attention services because of disablement, age or unwellness, and who is or may be unable to take attention of themselves, or is unable to protect themselves from important injury or maltreatment. Vulnerable grownups could include older people, people with a ocular or hearing damage, physical disablement, larning disablements or mental wellness job, and people populating with unwellness. Vulnerability can besides be described as unprotected, unguarded, unfastened to assail, helpless and weak Oxford. ( 2002 ) . in another manner if anyone walks at dark in unsafe country we all tend to be vulnerable or able to be hurt. Mamoun is a 60 two old ages old Muslim adult male who is based on in so much hurting after his operation and he is vulnerable because he is isolated from his spiritual or cultural activities. He may hold cipher to speak to or no household to see him every bit good as linguistic communication and civilization job. Mamoun may see from a really limited wellness attention service or he may non happy the manner he treated which can do him more vulnerable. So even though he does nt reply inquiries courteously and neer inquire for PRN hurting alleviation, it is the duty of nurses to give full attending and see his reaction of his hurting. When I am on my responsibility, I must do certain that he is in a good status by look intoing him all the clip. If he is in hurting, it shows when looking at him so it is impossible to wait for him to inquire for hurting alleviation. Mamoun may has no thought about medical specialties and he is unable to speak it may be deficiency of communicating accompli shments or linguistic communication job. Having said that I could look in different manner for illustration, acquire translator, being nice, friendly, sort, understand his hurting and do certain that he trusts me. Harmonizing to NMC pod of behavior the undermentioned professional values will inform and steer all work with vulnerable grownups: Dainty people as single avoid discriminatory in any manner against the patients, dainty kindly and move as an advocator NMC ( 2008 ) . Work efficaciously with a squad able to be flexible within squads, regard and support each other. Privacy the right of persons to be left entirely or undisturbed, and free from invasion or public attending into their personal businesss. Dignity all people will be treated with regard. Each person s alone features and intrinsic value will be recognised. Independence the right to move and believe without mention to another individual. Choice the chance to do both little and more important life picks, with aid as appropriate to understand context and options ; the chance to do picks in the person s ain involvement, exerting the pick to take hazards Laverack.G. ( 2005 ) . . Rights the care of all entitlements associate d with citizenship, including full engagement in the life of the community Iliffe.s et Al ( 1998 ) . Abuse against vulnerable grownups has been noted since the 1960 s, although certain types of maltreatment would hold taken topographic point before so, society has changed and what is acceptable now is surely different to what was acceptable back so. Peoples became rather vocal in the 60 s, more unfastened minded and address and sentiments fluxing freely an illustration of this would be the subject of sex and drugs. Iliffe.s et Al ( 1998 ) . Abuse is a misdemeanor of an person s human and civil rights by another individual. It may dwell of a individual act or repeated Acts of the Apostless. It may be planned or unplanned. It may be the consequence of deliberate purpose, carelessness or ignorance. It may go on when a vulnerable grownup is persuaded to come in into a dealing to which they have non consented or can non accept. Abuse besed on many signifiers some of them that more comenly knowen are include: Physical Abuse for illustration, striking, forcing, and agitating over medicating or otherwise causing physical injury. Sexual Abuse for illustration unwanted touching, snoging or sexual activity. Or where the vulnerable grownup can non or does non give their consent it mayt be. Psychological / Emotional Abuse including verbal maltreatment, humiliation intimidation or the usage of menaces Iliffe.s et Al ( 1998 ) . Financial Abuse the illegal or improper usage of a individual s money, belongings, pension book, bank history or other properties. Neglect the perennial want of aid or care that a vulnerable grownup demands which, if withdrawn, will do him or her to endure. Institutional Abuse maltreatment, disregard, backdown of rights or continually hapless attention in a attention place scene. Discriminatory Abuse Including racialist or male chauvinist maltreatment, and abuse based on a individual s disablement, and other signifiers of torment, slurs or similar intervention. Maltreatment can take topographic point in their ain place, by familly or any other visitant, or in person else s place, by a comparative, friend or neighbou, in a residential or nursing place, by a paid or voluntary carer, in a twenty-four hours Centre, grownup instruction Centre or other constitution, by an occasional visitant or service supplier, in a infirmary or GP surgery, mayt happen by a professional worker. ANTI-DISCRIMINATERY Anti-discrimination pattern is a positive action to avoid favoritism. It is abut being showing positive image of people equal chances policy in all aspect plans that take topographic point and besides disputing any discriminatory or oppressive linguistic communication and behavior Parker.J. ( 2006 ) . There are different tyeps of favoritism, such as more normally known, racism, disablism and agism. One of the things we do when meeting people is to do premises about them which can do them more cnfortable. Prejudiced linguistic communication frequently betrays premises that have non been based on accurate cognition or on cultural stereotypes. Often it emphasises the high quality of the talker or the groups that she/he represents. This demand non be witting for it to be violative and exacerbating. Non-discriminatory linguistic communication promotes exclusivity by the deliberate effort to guarantee that the linguistic communication used promotes the equality of all people Parker.J. ( 2006 ) . The function of preparation is ever to guarantee that the maximal figure of people possible have entree to the information they need.A Particular purpose must be given to avoiding the usage of proficient linguistic communication and slang. Workers have an duty to guarantee that everyone who can profit from their service has an chance to entree it, and whilst they are utilizing it, to be treated in a manner that agreements their demand for decency and self- regard Laverack.G. ( 2005 ) . As a trainer to pattern good pattern, I have to be serious about my duty to guarantee that the patients have an chance to take part in the event and accomplish their maximal learning potency. I besides need to hold good pattern how to talk in appropriated linguistic communication and behavior. It is really of import to do an action program for acceptable linguistic communication and behavior as a professional. All trainers must avoid utilizing linguistic communication or behavior that is in any manner discriminatory.A Mamoun may be increased hazard due to the unaware of his rights, socially isolated, non cognize how to kick and has communicating troubles. He may besides has trouble understanding certain determinations or minutess and may hold limited life experience and happen it hard to expect. In this instance, there are different sorts of things to believe approximately such as development of societal webs maintaining in contact with household, friends, and neighbours as he is stray. I will promote him to entree to societal groups which may assist him to do friends. Entree to back up groups I will acquire translator for him if he has linguistic communication job. Support and advice, I will back up him in caring for him and I will advice him to state as his job in order to better and keep his wellness. Assessment of demands, as I mention on the above for client who is unable to speak I will measure by psychologically understanding for illustration, watching the patient if any behavior or act al teration think about his nutrient and request of his demands. REFLECTING From this essay, I have learnt a value of societal work for case philosophical and academic thought in order to measure client s demands and fortunes. I have besides learnt the function of NMC codification of behavior and I have developed accomplishments and professional cognition to work efficaciously with vulnerable people. The NMC codification of behavior helped me to understand how the Torahs and policies were applied to these such good illustration instances. Adult Case Study 2 was a alone instance for me as although the service user did non hold any mental wellness demands he required aid with foll servisce. This essay teaches me the facet of nursing I can reflect on, the usage of the word experience in nursing, how self consciousness is cardinal to contemplation and how the development of other accomplishments will help contemplation. In the hereafter I believe that I will be able to show and work closely with both service users to back up them, by measuring their demands, reexamining hazards, policies and processs that apply to them. This essay will assist me do my work clear to serve user and besides more unfastened to reexamine so I can better my pattern in the hereafter.

Brazilian Democratic Transition And Consolidation

Brazilian Democratic Transition And Consolidation Brazil, which is the largest country in South America and fifth largest country in the world, is also a political and economic leader in its continent. However, among the many nascent Latin American democracies, Brazil’s road to democracy was the most challenging (Linz and Stepan, 1996, p 166). Its democratization (1974-89) followed a cyclical pattern which alternated back and forth between quasi-democratic and authoritarian systems (Huntington, 1991, p 41). After a brief period of electoral democracy in the 1930s, military coups took control of the nation. The next three decades witnessed Brazil’s long authoritarian rule that was governed by a series of stable but harsh dictatorial regimes. In the 20th century, Brazil embarked on the path to electoral democracy, which was led by Vargas, the elected President. However, his rule plagued Brazil with several rebellions caused by military officers, the spread of communism across the country, and brutal tortures by governme nt agents. Thus, the short period of democracy ended and Vargas established a populist dictatorship. In 1945, military coup supported by the Brazilian oligarchy finally overthrew the ineffective and harsh leader. Brazil then plunged into a long authoritarian rule from 1964 to 1985, in which the military government held power and democratized Brazil through five major stages (Codato, 2006). It was this period of uncertainty and unrest caused by violent prolonged military dictatorship that created the climate for political compromise and democratic obligation. Causes for the breakdown of authoritarianism such as splits in the military led to the demand for re-democratization in Brazil. Democratization finally occurred in 1974 and coincided with the ‘Third Wave’ of democracy. One will be surprised and wonder how Brazil’s long period of authoritarianism under the reign of three capable leaders, Branco, Silva, and Medici’s leadership sparked a possible shift to a democracy. What factors pressured each successive military leader to concede to democratization? After a long military dictatorship, what caused the next administration, Geisel, to democratize Brazil? Finally, to what extent has democracy been consolidated? This paper will attempt to answer the above questions. I will first give a contextual knowledge about Brazil’s political transition which occurred in five stages, over the span of thirty years. Next, I will explain the reasons that caused the breakdown of authoritarianism in Brazil. Finally, I will evaluate the extent to which democracy in Brazil is consolidated based on its obstacles and threats, and suggest ways in which the democracy can be stabilized. History of Brazil’s Political Transition Establishing military dictatorship The first stage of Brazil’s political transition corresponds to the Castello Branco and Costa e Silva administrations (March, 1964 – December, 1968). The military ceased it s leadership in 1961 when vice president Joà £o Goulart resigned from presidency. He resigned with hopes of being reinstated again by popular demand, but was denied by the military’s fear of him being a communist. Following his resignation, the regime encountered difficulties in finding a new leader as no civilian politician was suitable for the existing revolutionary factions in governance. After fifteen days, Branco became the new president and managed to reform the political-economic system (Hudson, 1997). Being anti-Goulart and disapproving of his ruling methods, Branco rejected the extension of his presidency beyond Goulart’s term, or the institutionalization of the military’s power.

Philosophy(Descartes, Malebranche, Spinoza, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume, Essay

Philosophy(Descartes, Malebranche, Spinoza, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume, Locke) - Essay Example Spinoza believes that there is nothing fantastical about the natural way in which things are done. In regards to God and nature, God is simply an extension of nature. He did not create nature, nor does He have any say or anything to do with what happens, as He himself is a part of it. Gottfried Leibniz, however, believed that God was the reason that this universe is the way it is, as opposed to any other possible way. God is the grand architect of the universe, though the act was supposedly done randomly, and not premeditated. Leibniz also stated that only God would know the purpose for the existence of the things living in the universe, and the different concepts that go along with them. It is because of this that Leibniz feels that God’s purpose is to keep these things organized and to be sure that they fulfill their purpose, lest they be pointless and irrelevant to the circle and workings of nature. Part of Leibniz’s philosophy of God’s existence is that, since God decides what does or does not belong in the world, it is up to God on how much good and evil should also exist. God creates good and evil, but He chooses to keep as many perfect things as possible, since God would not want evil when He can present the world with good and wonderful things. The differences between the two separate philosophers and their theories of God is that while Spinoza feels that God is just a part of nature, Leibniz feels that God is the reason life and the universe are the way they are. To one philosopher, God plays a small, typical role that seems to be the same as that of humans and the rest of nature (meaning that God is not held in a high position). Yet, to the other philosopher, God’s role is larger and more relevant to the outcome of the universe, seeing as it is by God’s doing that the universe functions the way that

Implementation Plan for Active Directory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Implementation Plan for Active Directory - Essay Example This paper presents the design and implementation recommendations pertaining to active directory system for Riordan Manufacturing. Microsoft Active Directory system is compliant to popular protocol called â€Å"Light Weight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)† which is a de-facto standard for directory services for interactions between the user and the shared resources on the network. LDAP is widely deployed in all UNIX flavors and Linux based network implementations. It maintains up-to-date information of all the networked resources & services, application configuration information, user credentials (username, password, and access privileges) and security related information. The users of the organization can enjoy high level of productivity as they can quickly search & connect to a network resource and carry out the business transactions. The organization can trust the LDAP system for highly reliable access-control and security of the data accessible via networked resources. (Dias, John. 2002. pp3-8) Microsoft Active Directory logical components comprises of Forest, Trees, Domains, Organizational Units, Users, Groups, Global Catalogue and Schema. The Active Directory physical components comprises of the Sites, Domain Controller (DC), Additional Domain Controllers (ADC), The Domain Name Servers (DNS), Site Replication Services, and Group Policies Organization. Some of the key business benefits of implementing Microsoft Active Directory System are: Riordan Manufacturing has four offices – the corporate HQ and R&D Center, the Plastic Fan plant having 250 employees at China, the plastic beverage container plant at Albany, GA having 45 employees and the custom plastic parts plant at Pontiac, MI and 130 employees. The network has Windows NT Servers as well and hence the AD will need to be implemented in â€Å"mixed† mode rather than â€Å"native† mode. The design proposed herewith is a single forest,

Explain why successful projects start with accurate project definition Term Paper

Explain why successful projects start with accurate project definition and are delivered through open and adaptive project systems - Term Paper Example This is the reason why experts advise against closed systems, which do not present any level of adaptability. This paper will demonstrate that accurate project definition and the adoption of open and adaptive systems are factors that lead to the success of a project. Project Definition is a complex process that is defined by Kà ¤hkà ¶nen (1998, p. 625) as â€Å"The process prior to final investment decision-making†. This process has crucial element, which is the recognition of the clients or stakeholders’ necessities and â€Å"specification†. Specifically trying to understand the stakeholder’s needs in order to deliver an adequate outcome, with keeping into consideration the three main factors that will measure the performance of this project, which are time, budget, and quality; project manager and his team must be aware of this element and they should understand them clearly (Cano & Lidà ³n 2011, p. 528). This process considered a vital stage since all hazards that might emerge and is associated with the project will be examined (Neal 1995, p. 5). In order to fulfill and cover more aspects of the definition Walker highlighted an important side which most of the definitions lacked it. He mentioned the resources, w hich includes people who are a key factor to deliver the project. Since the projects cannot be achieved without managing people and by their work, it is essentially vital to include them in the definition (Gibson Jr & Cho 2000, p. 115). Kà ¤hkà ¶nen stated that in order to boost the possibility of achieving an effective project, there are two points; initially, there should be â€Å"strategic information† to make sure that the possessor has a clear and adequate knowledge of the chances that will lead to an effective project. Second, the fundamental venture execution plans must be considered as an important part of the definition. From the same point of view, Cano and Lidà ³n addressed it briefly as clarifying and building an accurate

Evaluate the effect of mergers in businessin the last ten years Essay

Evaluate the effect of mergers in businessin the last ten years - Essay Example The strength of this trend is shown by the fact that the total dollar value of the mergers in 1997 was about 50 percent higher than those in 1996, itself a record year. Companies are combining to create new entities on a scale larger than anything before, reflecting a growing belief among Government regulators, and many business executives, that big business is not necessarily bad†( LESLIE WAYNE WAVE OF MERGERS IS RECASTING FACE OF BUSINESS IN U.S. Top of Form Most of the mergers in the United States have involved domestic corporations. But there have also been an increasing number of deals between American and overseas companies. And a similar wave of mergers is taking place abroad, with European and Asian companies seeking dominant roles in the global economy â€Å"The EC Merger Regulation and the U.S. Clayton Act, as interpreted and applied, clearly recognize that mergers that place a firm in a position where it can raise price without a sufficient threat from an existing challenger, assuming there are significant barriers to entry, can be anti-competitive. Indeed, the U.S. has been slightly more inclined in recent years to challenge mergers because they "tend to create a monopoly" and therefore produce anti-consumer and anti-competitive unilateral effects than was the case previously†. (Robert Pitofsky(1)Chairman, Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/pitofsky/pitintermergers.shtm) . Mergers and acquisitions are fundamentally dynamic events that may involve significant changes in the business focus of the consolidating institutions. Indeed, when some companies in an industry merge, others come under pressure to do the same to remain competitive. When two companies merged together, their monopoly, their market shar e and the competitive capacity will increase. This will be a headache for the other companies in the same line. They will also think in terms of merging

Arthur Miller's The Death Of A Salesman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Arthur Miller's The Death Of A Salesman - Essay Example Although these created effects that are disturbing, the whole production does not border on being maudlin. The combinations of these impressions were effectively utilized in the play in order to reveal the ideas of self-deception and illusion. The play tells of Willy who dwells in the past to escape the financial dilemma he faces. Willy has an erroneous and rather odd notion of success, which for him requires only wealth and popularity. Linda, Willy Loman's wife, tries to persuade herself that her spouse is psychologically fit. Willy's predicament affects his two sons as a result - Happy who desires to linger in the fantasy world constructed by Willy - and Biff who eventually craves to detach himself from this delusion and accept the reality of Willy's problems which include his affair, his deteriorating career, and the family's dreadful pecuniary condition. Willy's predicament is delineated in this powerful presentation produce by Miss O Productions. Eddie Jones as Willy leads the many compelling performances. Jones has certainly gone beyond the taxing requirements of this immense character. As Willy, Jones is especially engaging which made his portrayal uniquely convincing. Although Jones exuded a very highbrow version of the role, this cerebral representation of Willy did not impede him from identifying effectively with Loman's persona. Jones was indeed Willy personified. Ivan Baccarat and Aaron McPherson take the roles of Biff and Happy, Willy's imprudent and miserable sons. Both are brilliant actors whose brotherly interaction easily convinces the audience. The strong and determined character of Linda is played by Anne Gee Byrd who sometimes exhibited vulnerability. This frailty becomes Ms Byrds strength, in fact, as the audience failed to fit her in any kind of stereotypical behavior. Linda was responsible for keeping Willy from pursuing his dream in Alaska, and Ms Byrd conveyed an intermittent intimation of dissatisfaction, which resulted to Willy's disparaging outbursts toward her more comprehensible. Jeremy Shouldis and Bob Machray are flawless in the roles as Bernard and Uncle Ben, and Alan Charof is a standout performance for the role of Willy's friend Charley. As Arthur Miller transformed the manner which contemporary plays were constructed - involving exquisite scenes and shifts in time - as when Willy's past intermingle with the present in almost harmonious beauty, this innovation cannot be emulated easily in its most fluid form. However, the set for this production fit the play superbly; the set designers constructed space as translucent as the play's fluidity of time. The set design was soundly and imaginatively planned but sometimes generates an effect of opacity. The walls and curtains bestow an unyielding firmness which contrasts with the trancelike configuration of the play. The production is replete with magical scenes emphasized by the flicker of the lights. In the opening scene, Biff talks about his dreams of owning a ranch while Linda tells her boys about her husband's great value. Ben then enters, amidst the playful glimmer of the light - its shades emphasizing this notable entrance. But there are also instances where prompts plunge, lines don't come easy, staging is dreary, fluidity is irregular and actors lose balance on the stage amidst the

Exploring Theme in August Wilsons Fences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exploring Theme in August Wilsons Fences - Essay Example Many of these restrictions and attitudes might have gone unnoticed and unremembered except for the black playwrights and authors who revealed their effects on the community as a whole. In his play Fences, August Wilson uses the concept of a fence as both a theme and a symbol to reveal the hidden boundaries his characters encounter as they attempt to achieve a modest version of the American dream in the 1950s North. The concept of invisible boundaries blocking one’s ability to reach the American Dream is the central theme of this play. The story begins on a random Friday afternoon. The play’s main character, Troy Manxson, is waiting for his latest paycheck from the city’s waste removal services department where he works somewhat unwillingly because his dreams of being a big baseball star were thwarted when he was younger by rules that prevented black men from playing in the major leagues. As the play progresses, it becomes clear that all the characters featured once had big dreams that were thwarted by the generalized lack of opportunity that applied to anyone with darker skin. In this opening scene, Troy immediately addresses the theme of the play when he tells Bono about the invisible ceilings that are constantly placed over his head, such as the boss’s reaction when Troy asked why only white men were allowed the position of garbage truck drivers. Troy’s fru stration is clear as he obviously realizes that playing for a professional team would have afforded him and his family an entirely different kind of life, and he is even held down in this lowly position working on a garbage truck. His response to the idea that things are changing and he was just born too young, Troy says, â€Å""There ought not never have been no time too early† (Wilson, Act 1, Scene 1). In spite of knowing his limitations were externally set, Troy feels he has failed

Arthur Miller's The Death Of A Salesman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Arthur Miller's The Death Of A Salesman - Essay Example Although these created effects that are disturbing, the whole production does not border on being maudlin. The combinations of these impressions were effectively utilized in the play in order to reveal the ideas of self-deception and illusion. The play tells of Willy who dwells in the past to escape the financial dilemma he faces. Willy has an erroneous and rather odd notion of success, which for him requires only wealth and popularity. Linda, Willy Loman's wife, tries to persuade herself that her spouse is psychologically fit. Willy's predicament affects his two sons as a result - Happy who desires to linger in the fantasy world constructed by Willy - and Biff who eventually craves to detach himself from this delusion and accept the reality of Willy's problems which include his affair, his deteriorating career, and the family's dreadful pecuniary condition. Willy's predicament is delineated in this powerful presentation produce by Miss O Productions. Eddie Jones as Willy leads the many compelling performances. Jones has certainly gone beyond the taxing requirements of this immense character. As Willy, Jones is especially engaging which made his portrayal uniquely convincing. Although Jones exuded a very highbrow version of the role, this cerebral representation of Willy did not impede him from identifying effectively with Loman's persona. Jones was indeed Willy personified. Ivan Baccarat and Aaron McPherson take the roles of Biff and Happy, Willy's imprudent and miserable sons. Both are brilliant actors whose brotherly interaction easily convinces the audience. The strong and determined character of Linda is played by Anne Gee Byrd who sometimes exhibited vulnerability. This frailty becomes Ms Byrds strength, in fact, as the audience failed to fit her in any kind of stereotypical behavior. Linda was responsible for keeping Willy from pursuing his dream in Alaska, and Ms Byrd conveyed an intermittent intimation of dissatisfaction, which resulted to Willy's disparaging outbursts toward her more comprehensible. Jeremy Shouldis and Bob Machray are flawless in the roles as Bernard and Uncle Ben, and Alan Charof is a standout performance for the role of Willy's friend Charley. As Arthur Miller transformed the manner which contemporary plays were constructed - involving exquisite scenes and shifts in time - as when Willy's past intermingle with the present in almost harmonious beauty, this innovation cannot be emulated easily in its most fluid form. However, the set for this production fit the play superbly; the set designers constructed space as translucent as the play's fluidity of time. The set design was soundly and imaginatively planned but sometimes generates an effect of opacity. The walls and curtains bestow an unyielding firmness which contrasts with the trancelike configuration of the play. The production is replete with magical scenes emphasized by the flicker of the lights. In the opening scene, Biff talks about his dreams of owning a ranch while Linda tells her boys about her husband's great value. Ben then enters, amidst the playful glimmer of the light - its shades emphasizing this notable entrance. But there are also instances where prompts plunge, lines don't come easy, staging is dreary, fluidity is irregular and actors lose balance on the stage amidst the

Comic tension Essay Example for Free

Comic tension Essay ‘Taming of the Shrew’ is the only known play written by Shakespeare to have an Induction. This Induction was written by Shakespeare to introduce the idea of a play within a play to the audience.  The Induction to the play is quite a complex structure; at the start of the induction the audience is introduced to a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly, caught in a fight with the Hostess of what is presumed to be a tavern or alehouse. There is an immediate sense of comedy to the opening of the Induction as the audience is shown Sly cussing the Hostess with foul language, â€Å"I’ll pheeze you, in faith†. In return the Hostess threatens to put Sly in a ‘pair of stocks’. This is an example of Shakespeare trying to create comic tension as this drama is clearly commenting on the sexist inequality between both genders during this time. Sly perceives himself as quite noble, stating to the Hostess that he â€Å"came in with Richard Conquer†. Being drunk this would probably be discredited as he is clearly trying to exert power over the hostess as she is a woman. Shakespeare has created this argument involving Sly to capture the attention of the audience, the language used by Sly and the Hostess, the swearing and the anger, this causes a lot of tension between the characters and additionally, this scene was created by Shakespeare to present Sly as a fool to the audience.  However, when the Lord is introduced, the audience is given an image of what seems like a descendants of royalty, the way the lord orders the huntsman to â€Å"tender well my hounds†, it gives the audience the true impression of someone who holds great power over others as he is of a higher class. When the Lord finds Sly in the street, he describes him as a â€Å"monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies†, this reference insinuates that Sly should be depicted as a lowly creature, of whom the upper classes should be disgusted of his type, that men like Sly are feeble and not worthy of anyone’s time. This parallels with Katherine in Act 1of taming of the shrew where the audience sees that Katherine has no tolerance over men as she sees them all feeble and not worthy of her presence and time. The lord’s idea to trick the tinker into believing that he is really a lord is an idea that is reflected in the taming of the shrew where Petruchio plays a trick on Kate, the purpose of this is to add to the comedy of the original play by making obvious parallels between the induction and the taming of the shrew.  The lord speaks of all the deeds that must be carried out before Sly awakes from his sleep, giving commands as to what his servants shall say to him when he awakes, â€Å"tell him of his hounds and horse, and that his lady mourns at his disease†. The extent of the planning of which the lord is going makes it easy to predict what is going to happen in the play ahead of the characters themselves. Also the element of disguise creates tension between the characters as when Sly is presented with his ‘wife’, he genuinely believes everything despite previously suspecting that he was being fooled. However, the Lord has instructed that his pageboy act as and dress as a woman to fool Sly into believing the trick is real. This then makes the trick more elaborate, thus showing how Shakespeare is managing to create comic tension on Sly, the audience can see that Sly is clearly being fooled by the lord, however the character Sly himself has no awareness of what is happening. Shakespeare’s plays were well known for their drama and the comic tension he managed to create between them, the comic tension displayed in this play, plays a big role in how the comedy is perceived by the audience.

Value Management And Its Application In The Construction Industry Construction Essay

Value Management And Its Application In The Construction Industry Construction Essay The construction industry the world over is often perceived to be the life wire of its respective economy as it cuts across all aspects of human activities (Ayangade, 2009) and the Nigerian construction industry is not an exception to this. Its contribution ranges from enabling the procurement of goods and services to the provision of buildings and other infrastructure, thereby providing employment opportunities to its labour force while contributing immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Ayangade (2009), the contribution of the Nigerian construction industry is yet to measure up to those of the western world like the UK and Australia due to its developing nature among other reasons discussed below. As noted by the same researcher (Ayangade, 2009), whereas the construction industries of other developed countries are responsible for about 22% of their respective GDPs, the Nigerian case is different as it contributes slightly below 16% to its economy. However, this could be said to be complemented by the relatively higher employment (20%) it provides for its whooping 140 million citizens compared to the 12% as in the case of developed countries. Mbamali (2004) attributed this to relatively lower use of mechanization within construction in Nigeria and the high dependency of the Nigerian economy on the oil sector. Obiegbu (2005) noted that the construction industry, unlike other sectors, is a complex one and requires articulate professionals who are ready to live up to its clients expectations. Clients in the construction industry may either be private individuals including corporate bodies or public organisations which include the government. In Nigeria the federal government is often seen to be involved in the most complex projects with about 38.4% of the market (Ayangade, 2005). This is followed by the state government which is responsible for about 19.2% of the projects in the industry, though there is still some form of partnering between different classes of clients. The players in the industry are a disparate group of individuals often assembled into temporary teams and may comprise of quantity surveyors, architects, Engineers, Estate surveyors Valuers, project managers, contractors and sub-contractors, suppliers, labourers and artisans. Activities in the construction industry are carried out on a project basis and could be within an organisation or part of a programme (..reference). The Project Management Institute (PMI) (2004) defined a project as a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. The product, in the context of the construction industry, may be a building, services installation or other infrastructural project. Hence the relevant mix of professionals is often assembled together with the aim of achieving this goal. This group of professionals is expected to possess the relevant skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to achieve the project goals. The application of these variables, skills, knowledge, tools and techniques, with the aim achieving the required objective is referred to as project management (PMI, 2004). According to Obiegbu (2005), the contractual procurement strategy, which he defined as a basis for clients action in defining the procedure to be followed fr om the inception of the project to handover, plays an important role in the performance of the industry. Some of the contractual arrangements which are often referred to as procurement routes may include, but are not limited to, the following: Traditional procurement route Design and build Management contracts 2.1.1 Nature and Performance of the Nigerian Construction Industry the economic resources often wasted in cost and time overruns, substandard work and shoddy workmanship, client-contractor-practitioners acrimonious relationships and non-performance of projects as envisaged by clients and end users Olatunje (2009) The above quote highlights the perception of the Nigerian construction industry presented by Olatunje (2009) highlights issues researched by other authors such as cost and time overruns (Aniekwu and Okpala, 1998, Oyedele Tham, 2007, Dlakwa Culpin, 1990), project abandonment (Sonuga et al, 2002, Adams, 1997) and both client and contractor dissatisfaction (Olatunje, 2009). The quote also echoes findings from Egans (1998) research into the UK construction industry. The Egan report has been formative in the UK construction industry but also for the Nigerian industry, which is fashioned after the UKs (Mbamali, et al., 2005, Oyedele Tham, 2007). The Nigerian construction industry has similar contractual arrangements as the industry in Britain which has been found to be more unsuitable for developing industries like Nigeria than it is for its own industry (Edmonds Miles, 1983, Sonuga et al, 2002). The most common procurement route used in the Nigerian construction industry is the traditional route (Ayangade, 2009). This implies that much risk is placed on the Architect to deliver the project as he is left to advise, organise and lead other project consultants to conceive and develop the project design. This procurement route has faced a lot of criticism including the separation of the design stage from actual construction. Wells (1986) found that the divorce of design from construction and the use of competitive tendering, which is based on lowest cost, are noted constraints that affect the performance of the Nigerian construction industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) referred to these as systemic issues in the industry which result from the application of contractual arrangements unsuited to the Nigerian industry. Some of these issues may be accommodated by appropriate conditions of contract but these factors are considered to be withholding the development of the industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) also identified some of the structural issues affecting the industry to include access to finance and lack of proper communication among consultants, contractors and the client at the early stages the project and during construction. Oyodele and Tham (2005) noted that lack of proper communication in the industry, boosted by its high level of fragmentation, has left it awash it with delay, cost and time overruns in addition to the disturbing rate of fluctuation in the prices of materials offered by the economy. The findings of the Building Research Establishment associated more than 50% of the construction defects with mistakes in project drawings and documentation due to inadequate interaction among the proj ect professionals. This is in line with the recommendation of the National Economic Development Office (1987) on the need for more accurate designs in the industry as this is responsible for nearly two-thirds of poor quality work in the industry. 2.1.2 Project Management in the Nigerian Construction Industry Odusemi et al, (2003) found that Project Management is still in its early stages of development in the Nigerian construction industry. The service is offered but only alongside other consultancy services. This is not assisted by the fact that PM is learned experientially and is not represented by established professional bodies, although many consultants are members of the Association of Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). This has left the industry struggling with the challenges of satisfying the needs of its clients and the public as a whole. As noted by Oyodale and Tham (2005), the complexities presented by the industry can only be tackled by its professionals. Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) concluded that, considering the contribution of the construction industry to its nations economy, improved services in the form of greater efficiency and timeliness would certainly yield a positive impact. The research called on the need for innovative research that will improve management skills and ability, buildability, design quality, integration and communication and client focus so as to deliver value for money. 2.2 VALUE MANAGEMENT 2.2.1 Value Concept Historically, value is viewed from an economic perspective, hence its expression as a ratio of costs to benefits (Kelly et al, 2004). The concept of value is based on the relationship between satisfying needs and the expectations and the resources required to achieve them (British Standard, 2000). The above statement implies that for value to be correctly defined there ought to be some needs that are desired to be satisfied; which are then weighed against the required and available resources to achieve them. This however does not equate reduced cost to enhanced value. For instance, as illustrated in figure 2.1 below, a project manager may decide to commit more resources in the short run (which would obviously increase cost) with an intention of increasing his revenue (improved value) in the long run. Value can thus be increased when the clients satisfaction increases and the cost in terms of resources either diminishes, or increases to a lesser extent (Tassinari (1985, p37). Figure 2.1 showing the relationship between resources and customer satisfaction. (Adapted from British Standard, 2000) A need is that which is desired or necessary to perform a particular function and will differ depending on the nature of the client or the perspective from which it is defined (British Standard, 2000). This explains why value is often seen to be a subjective term (Thiry, 1997). According to Kelly et al (2004) producers and dealers may both view value as the price of a physical object while the consumers or users would see value from its performance perspective which changes with time. McGeorge and Palmer (2002) illustrate this using a modern home which has a little battery operated radio in addition to internet, phone, and television. Of course, the small radio would be perceived to have little or no value until a snow storm cuts the house off from the electric power supply which will render the radio as the only source of communication. The above example by McGeorge and Palmer (2002) shows the effect time and innovation can have on a clients interpretation of value and how it can change given a particular situation. The small battery operated radio was initially of very high value when it was the only available option but diminished with the invention and/or acquisition of internet, phone and television by the household. However its appreciation changed when the situation change. According to Zimmerman and Hart (1982Shona Flannery2010-07-24T16:24:00 p) as cited in Thiry (1997), if a design has not changed in 18 years, the product is either excellent or management has failed to improve it. However one knows that neither of these two conditions mentioned in the above statement is obtainable in the present construction industry due to its highly competitive nature. Most times clients interpretation of value is when it meets or exceeds their expectations. Kelly and Male (2007) described this using the Kanos model as shown in figure 2.3 below. Figure 2.2 Kanos Model, reproduced from Kelly and Male, 2007 As shown on Kanos model above, there are three levels of satisfaction factors; basic, performance and delighter, each having some effects on the quality characteristics including customers satisfaction. According to Kelly and Male (2007), Kanos model (figure 2.2) does not only portray the importance of achieving a clients immediate expectations from a project but also the need to go the extra mile to improve it beyond the clients expectations as this gives them a delighter satisfaction. The possible benefit from this is that projects would not become obsolete within a short period of its completion as its performance would still exceed the customers demand, thereby assuring the client of continued good value for his money. Kanos model also creates room for improved projects through innovative services and products as what was once a delighter over time goes down to basic and forms a baseline below which the client becomes d issatisfied. According to Harty (2009) one of the driving forces behind the value management concept is that it encourages innovation through research which is in line with the recommendations of Egan (1998) to improve the performance of the construction industry. 2.2.2 Defining the Client Value System Clients in the construction industry have been described as a heterogeneous group made up of private or public organisations operating in different environments with diverse reasons for their existence (Kelly et al 2007). Some of these are multinational organisations competing at the global level who already have reputations to protect while some are small upcoming organisations who are still very much profit driven. Viewed from another perspective, some of these clients are more experienced than others irrespective of their sizes or the sector in which they operate. It then follows that clients are unique in their own ways and have individual, respective requirements which determine their needs and hence what is of value to them. This is referred to as the client value system. Harmonizing and prioritizing these diverse views of stakeholders in a particular project at the project briefing stage sets the clients value system and ensures that value for money (VfM) is achieved, (OGC, 20 07). The client value system is thus seen as a basis for making decisions as to the allocation and use of resources available for a project, thereby addressing the usual mismatch between the clients actual intent and his capability (Thiry, 1996). According to Kelly et al (2004, p157) one of the most important considerations of value management is the recognition of the uniqueness of each clients value system. This creates demand for the construction industry as it is focused on the customers by making explicit what value means to the each individual client. Sequel to this, Kelly et al (2004) identified some measurable criteria which form a typical construction client value system to include time, capital costs, operating cost, environment, exchange, flexibility, esteem, comfort and politics. 2.2.2.1 Time Refers to the period from when the project was conceptualized to the period when it is completed and absorbed into the clients organisation. Often time is assessed on a continuum from when it is of essence to the point where it could be compromised (Kelly et al, 2004). For instance a project to build a sports bar for the 2010 world cup delivered just a day past the commencement of the tournament, may drastically affect its value. Hence it is necessary to determine what time means to the client. 2.2.2.2 Capital expenditure (CAPEX) Are those costs associated with the capital cost of a project, measured on a continuum between the budget being considered tight and not able to be exceeded to there being flexibility in budgeting (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, CAPEX is what it cost to put a project on ground, from inception to handover. However, Elinwa and Joshua (2001) stated that it is sometimes difficult to separate the capital costs of some projects from its operating costs due the platform on which it was procured. For example a primary health centre to be procured through PFI, it may not be so easy to pin point the capital costs as it forms part of the total lease package. 2.2.2.3 Operating expenditure (OPEX) Spending on construction projects is not one off expenditure as the building requires to be operated, maintained and repaired throughout the life span of the building. According to Kelly et al (2004), OPEX can be defined as those costs associated with operation and maintenance of a completed project as it becomes a part of the clients organization; measured by the extent to which it is minimized to its point of being flexible. This depends on the use to which a building is being put to. For instance where the building is for residential purpose, the operating costs may include utilities, cleaning, repairs, maintenance, caretaker and security. This may be expanded to include photocopying and internet facilities and other office services for a commercial development. 2.2.2.4 Environment This defines how important achieving an environmentally friendly project is to the client. Kelly et al (2004) defined environment as the extent to which the project results in a sympathetic approach to its immediate and extended physical environments in terms of energy consumed in putting it up and in operating it. The yardstick here is the level to which the project complies with the Kyoto Agreement and Agenda 21 issues including other environmental regulations. This explains a clients interest in having a sustainable development which is resources conscious. 2.2.2.5 Exchange or resale This refers to the monetary value of the project were it to be sold, rented or valued as part of an organisations assets. Where the project cannot be traded on the open market value or there is no intention to resell ab initio, this will be indicated in the organisations value system (Kelly et al, 2004). The continuum here is between the returns from the project being of importance to the returns being of not of much or no importance to the client. 2.2.2.6 Flexibility As recommended by Egan (1998), there is a need for construction projects to be at a par with improvements in technology and changes in market demand. Hence flexibility as a value criterion is the extent to which a project parameter has to reflect this ever changing environment at its design stage (Kelly et al 2004). For instance, the nature of the healthcare industry involves constant improvements in technology and hence healthcare facilities must be compatible with the incorporation of these changes. However, flexibility depends on the nature of the project and is measured between being very easy to change its function to being impossible. 2.2.2.7 Esteem This refers to the amount of immediate resources that a client wants to forgo for attributes like prestige, aesthetic and appearance rather than performance (Thiry, 1996). Some projects may not be viable based on other value criteria but of high value to the client on esteem grounds. For instance, some projects undertaken by some countries could be just aimed at creating awareness and putting the countrys name on the map as in the case of the worlds tallest building in Dubai. 2.2.2.8 Comfort In the context of a building this refers to the physical and psychological comfort of the building as a place for working and living with its influence on human performance (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, it refers to the ease with which the project supports the business carried out in it or other uses to which it is being put. 2.2.2.9 Politics This is external to projects and refers to the level of resources that the client wants to commit to the community, popularity and good neighbour issues which often determines how important they Shona Flannery2010-07-24T17:55:00 who?are to him (Kelly and Male, 2007). This is measured by the motive to be popular with the local community or not having any concern with them at all. In a study conducted to determine clients assessment of architects performance in Nigeria in terms of delivering value for money, Lukmon et al (2007), identified a set of 28 similar but correlated criteria which they grouped under quality of project, buildability, client focus and management skills. 2.2.3 Historical Background of Value Management A project is defined as an undertaking aimed at achieving a specific objective usually measured in terms of performance, budget and schedule, (Morris and Hough 1987). Hence project is an investment undertaken to add value to the core business of a client (Kelly et al, 2004). Value Management, as a management technique, offers the most logical approach to delivering VfM to clients (Shen and Liu 2003); Kelly and Male, 2007). Its strength may be attributed to its approach of identifying and/or verifying a clients value system among the relevant stakeholders at an early stage of the project, so that these may be reflected in the project design. According to Thiry (1996) the origins of VM can be traced back to the 1940s in what he described as more for less in the USA manufacturing industry. During World War II Lawrence Miles, an Engineer with General Electric, was faced with some strategic problems in producing some components which were easily produced in the past. As a way around this Miles, who before then has been dissatisfied with the cost of production in the industry, came to realise that most times circumstantial innovations result in better performance and reduced cost. This prompted Miles to ask what function does this component perform and how else can we perform that function (Dallas, 2006Shona Flannery2010-07-24T17:59:00 p). Miles questions gave rise to the concept of function analysis which was aimed at identifying and analysing the intended functions to determine if the materials for the proposed solution can be substituted with less expensive ones. Not long after, people started to adopt the technique of focusing on the intended function not the process which soon developed into what is today referred to as Value Analysis (VA). In many cases people perceived the technique as a cost reduction technique at the expense of improved functionality which is a total misconception of the technique (Kelly and Male, 1993). However, the technique was so successful that in less than 10 years it was adopted in the US Department of Defence to deliver VfM and from then on other industries in the USA have adapted it for application at different phases of their projects. Value Management (VM) as it came to be called, refers to a structured management of the total value equation throughout all stages of the project (Kelly et al; 2004). Figure 2.3 shows different stages and segments of the development of value management. Figure 2.3 The metamorphosis of Value Management, adapted from Dallas (2006) As illustrated in figure 2.3, Miles action in the 1940s was focused on getting alternative materials or components to perform the required function which was the beginning of value management. This was later perceived as a cost cutting technique before the adoption of a holistic structured approach to improving value (Kelly and Male, 1993). Following the development and positive impacts of value management in the US manufacturing sector, the technique was adopted into the US construction industry as a means of delivering VfM to its clients in the 1960s. Fong and Shen (2000) noted that VM was first introduced in the US construction industry in 1968 and its application in the Chinese construction industry is recorded to occur 10 years later (Shen and Liu, 2004). According to Kelly et al (2004), the value management technique was first used in the UK 30 years after it was introduced in the US manufacturing industry at the Xerox headquarters, an American company. From then on VM has grown to become widely accepted in different parts of the world as a logical means to achieve value for money (Fong, 2004; Kelly et al, 2004; Ellis et al, 2004) including in Africa (Bowen et al, 2008). 2.2.4 Benefits of Value management Value management is a proactive, problem solving service, which maximizes the functional value of a project through a structured team which makes explicit the clients value system and weights further decisions against the value system.(Kelly et al, 1998). VM aims to justify the place of a project in a clients organisation at an early stage and develops a strategic plan against which it is built on to deliver value for money. VM is often misconstrued to being a cost reduction exercise, hence seen to be synonymous with value engineeringShona Flannery2010-07-24T18:14:00 . According to Dallas (2006) cost reduction, which is an obvious output of a value management exercise, cannot after all be seen as its main motive. As illustrated in figure 2.4 below, VM incorporates value engineering and value analysis in its value definition exercise and so could be perceived to be a universal set for the three concepts. Figure 2.4 shows the relationship between Value Management, Value Engineering and Value Analysis, adapted from Connaughton and Green (1996) VM looks at a project from a holistic point of view (time, whole life cost and performance) in the context of its usage which properly fits in the definition of value for money (). Connaughton and Green (1996) identified the following benefits which a properly executed Value Management exercise can yield: The need for the project is made explicit and verified by available data. The project objectives are identified and discussed openly to reach a consensus. Rational, explicit and measurable decisions are guaranteed after alternatives have been considered. Project designs are developed from the agreed framework, which are evaluated on the basis of the agreed performance criteria. There is greater participation from stakeholders which guarantees their buy in. There is improved communication and teamwork spirit throughout the project. Improved innovation with better quality definition in the project. Unnecessary cost is eliminated which may lead to a reduction in cost. Properly executed, value management when employed at the early stages of a project can help eliminate unnecessary cost to the tune of 10% to 25% savings on the proposed capital cost of project (Ellis et al, 2004). This is considered to be reasonable compared to the actual cost of the VM exercise, which is estimated at about 0.5% to 1% of the projects cost (REF). 2.3 APPLICATION OF VALUE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Any construction project should be only commissioned following a careful analysis of needs since failure to think through project requirements will almost certainly cause problems for subsequent design and construction stages. For that reason, the Construction Industry Board recommends that value management be incorporated as an integral part of the construction process (Baldwin 1998). The value management approach may differ between countries depending on the nature of their construction industry or the chosen procurement route in a particular project. However, this does not dispute the fact that the VM technique can be gainfully applied at any stage of a construction project, as clients/contractors are often faced with the challenge of finding an optimum balance between cost, time, quality and performance criteria (Fong 2004). In the UK, the USA, Australia and other countries where the value management technique is well established, VM is applied through a process referred to as the value management study (British Standard, 2000) or value management process (Kelly et al; 1998) via a workshop approach facilitated by value manager or experienced team facilitator. A value management study, as defined in BS12947, involves the application of value management to a particular business case identified within a VM programme. Baldwin (1998, as cited in Kelly et al, 1998) noted that VM is not a question of brainstorming and problem solving, rather it requires a structured methodology in order to have the required outcome. Figure 2.5 overleaf depicts a simple VM study plan developed for the European Value Management standard (British Standard, 2000). Figure 2.5 shows a simple VM study plan, adapted from the British Standard (2000) The VM study plan represents a systematic approach to ensuring that appropriate techniques and skills are utilized in the value study. According to the British Standard (2000), as shown in the VM study plan above, a VM study should aim to achieve the following objectives; Identify the objectives and targets the intended study is set to achieve; as this may differ from the project objectives. Formulate the relevant approach needed to achieve the objectives, including team selection and training (where necessary). Identify the relevant functions which will lead to the achievement of the objectives. Identify some basis for measuring changes in performance and use of resources. Set targets for performance and use of resources for the above identified functions in a way peculiar to the organisations. Identify innovative ways of arriving at the targets through the application of the above methods. Evaluate the proposal for improvement. Implement the proposal which have been chosen by the decision makers Monitor and measure the outcomes in relation to the target. Feedback results for continuous improvement of VM programme. There are different approaches to value management studies in different countries with regards to team compositions and workshop procedure. For instance in the American construction industry, VM studies are typically carried out by an independent workshop team who will have to sell their ideas to the project team later on. This is different from the UK practice where the existing project team is fully involved in the study. In a benchmarking exercise carried by Kelly et al (1998), the use of an existing project team in conducting value management studies appeared to be the preferred approach due to the following advantages accruable to the project; Cost of the study is relatively minimized Time spent project briefing the study participants is reduced Waste of resources on previously considered but failed ideas are eliminated Offers better opportunity for developing project teams during the workshop More opportunity to explore all available options Implementation is more guaranteed as team members have already accepted ideas which they generated as a team, thereby reducing the development period. However, generic VM workshop strives to add value to a project by considering the project on its whole life basis. Kelly et al (1998) who were in support of this view identified the five key value opportunities at which VM technique can be employed to include pre-brief workshop, proper Shona Flannery2010-07-24T18:44:00 ?workshop, sketch design workshop, final working design and implementation workshop. 2.3.1 Pre-brief workshop The Value Manager or Facilitator meets with the project sponsor/client to clarify the place of the project in his organisation or programme. This will give the two parties a better understanding of the functional expectations of the project so as to help form a basis for the project briefing workshop and the clients value system. This may yield solution/s to the clients problem, for example, whether a new building is needed or renovation of existing one will achieve the same objectives. 2.3.2 Proper workshop Proceeds from the identified solution in the pre-brief phase and aims to identify the clients value system. This workshop offers an opportunity to facilitate the project team, understand their dynamics and guide them to achieve the desired goal. Though it is expected that the workshop has an agenda, this should not be too detailed, thereby making the timings tight, as this may divert the focus from achieving the objectives of the workshop to exhausting the items on the agenda. The tactical skills of the Facilitator are very much needed at this stage of the workshop if its participants are to be productive and should be as brief and focused as possible. 2.3.3 Sketch design workshop Sets a base for the detailed drawings and represents the design teams perception of the