Building Information Modeling (BIM) Research Paper

Building Information Modeling (BIM) - Research Paper Example Created models (BIMs), are usually files, which can be either networked or exchanged by professionals, with the aim of enhancing decision-making processes. These files are not necessarily in proprietary formats, nor do they contain proprietary data, but are visual representations of developed ideals and conceptions of a given place. Thus, utility is wide-ranging, from individuals and firm-entities, to government agencies; BIM softwares are vital in the planning, design, construction, and the eventual operation and maintenance of varying infrastructure. Essentially, it has and continues being utilized in diverse infrastructure such as roads, ports, bridges, communication utilities, waste disposal facilities to housing, warehouses and prison construction amongst others (American Institute of Architects, 2006). Historically, the BIM concept traces its roots to the 1970s with the first mentioning being in a 1992 paper by Tolman F. P and G. A. van Nederveen. The eventual popular use of the concept was only realized after the release of a white paper by Autodesk, entitled – Building Information Modeling. Afterwards, it was through Laiserin’s aid, which helped standardize and popularize the term; with regard to facilitating both the inter-operability and exchange of digitized data formats. As a digital representation of contemporary building processes, it was akin to: - the Integrated Project Models of Bentley Systems; Vectorworks/ Autodesk’s BIM, or Graphisoft’s Virtual Building concepts. Definitions do vary, with the National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee (NBIMSPC) providing the best description. Pertinently, BIM regards a representation, digitally formatted; of the functional and physical characteristics of a given utility space or place. As a concept, it pertains to the collective knowledge source of specific information/data about an existing facility. It further provides a reliable basis on which decisions are

Hercules on Roger Young’s Miniseries Essay Example for Free

Hercules on Roger Young’s Miniseries Essay The most obvious difference of the animated film from the original Greek myth of Hercules is that the dreadful factors of his origins were revised and some components of modern day popular culture were utilized. According to Royalty. nu (n. d. ), Hercules was born to Alcmene, wife of Amphityron, but fathered by the Greek God Zeus. Zeus deceived Alcmene into thinking that he was Amphitryon on a night when the real Amphitryon was away. Hera, Zeus’ wife loathed Hercules and tried several times to try and kill Hercules, much unlike in the animated film, where Hera as Hercules’ mother doted on him. The animated film focused on Hercules’ early life; the famous ten labors of Hercules and the other half of his life was not included. The circumstances of the Greek myth characters like Megara, Zeus, Hera, Aphitryon, Alcmene and the rest included in the film were greatly modified to fit the storyline of the animated film. Apart from that Hercules’ twin brother, Iphicles was excluded in the storyline. Greek mythology portrays Hercules as a character with â€Å"low intelligence and terrible temper†(Royalty. nu, n. d. ). Although there was much difference from the original Greek myth, Hercules’ character as half-man half-god hero with weaknesses was still portrayed. Hercules’ character in the animated film was a bit naive but he was not quick to loose his temper. Audiences were also given a taste of Hercules’ famous battles with calamities and creatures. According to FilmAffinity (n. d. ), this Hercules miniseries is about â€Å"the gifted child born of a blood greater than mortal who would become the most powerful of all gods†. Roger Young’s miniseries starts with how Hercules was conceived. Similar to the Greek myth, the dissolute God Zeus deludes the Princess of Thebes, Alcmene, into thinking that he is the princess’ husband, Amphitryon, and then forces himself on Alcmene on a night where the princess was awaiting her husband’s return. When Alcmene gives birth to twin boys, Hercules and Iphicles, Alcmene and Amphitryon are perplexed on which baby is fathered by Zeus and whose is Amphitryon. They later realize that Hercules is Zeus’ son when he kills the snakes with his bare hands an infant. Hercules develops into a lumbering young man, â€Å"rejected by his mother, envied by his brother Iphicles and loathed by Zeus’ wife Hera† (FilmAffinity). Similar to the Greek myth while Alcmene reserves no love for Hercules, he grows up with Amphitryon doting on him and teaching him. Hercules then falls for Megara but was rejected. Their brief connection results to a child. When he lost his temper and accidentally hurt his teacher Linus during a class, Amphitryon sends far away to be taught under the care and instruction of a centaur, Kiron. Hercules becomes an agile adult and more capable to handle his great strength. He then was married to Megara after he helps the king from the creature Hydra. Megara and her sons, turn out to be â€Å"tools of the vengeful Hera, plotting against him and initiating events that lead to his banishment from his people† (FilmAffinity). To atone the punishment that he deserved in killing his own children, Hercules agrees when he was given difficult challenges which were set out to destroy him. With his ally Linus, he travels the Stymphalian Swams to the River styx of the underworld, faced with challenges and monstrous creatures that was arranged to kill him. Hercules willingly continues on this journey that afterward made him a â€Å"legend on Earth and achieve immortality in the heavens† (FilmAffinity). With the storyline of the miniseries, it was clear that the filmmakers focused on the raging politics between the noble mortals and their want of power and control. It is important to note that this miniseries was one of the few productions that embarked on Hercules true conception with regards to the original Greek myth. Hercules’ character of recklessness and short temper was portrayed true to the original Greek myth during his younger adult days. There were slight alterations unto how certain events happened to the characters but the miniseries was in a way loyal to the Hercules’ myth. For example, Hercules develops a more profound thinking later on the miniseries but there was no hint of that according to the Greek Myth. The Gods Hera and Zeus were not given much attention during the miniseries and only appeared briefly. The supposed raging battle between Hera and Zeus was implied but not shown comprehensively. In conclusion, both films were individual depictions of Hercules’ character as the legendary Greek hero. Each film represented the filmmakers approach on representing a storyline associated with Hercules’ myth. Disney may have chosen to emphasize more on Hercules’ journey to his fate in a more conducive way that was appealing since their audiences are young people. Roger Young’s miniseries took more of a similar likeness to the original myth although alterations were made on how events were played because the storyline demanded that it be so.

Free Essays - False Pride in The Necklace :: Mauassant The Necklace Essays

False Pride in The Necklace In Mauassant's essay, The Necklace Matilda Loisel borrowed a necklace from a rich friend, Mrs Forestier, so that she would not present a "shabby air in the midst of rich women." She loses the necklace but refuses to admit that. Her and her husband, not realizing that the necklace was fake, buy a similar necklace to return to Mrs Forestier. They end up having to work for ten years to pay off this debt. All of Mme. Loisel's actions leading up to the loss of the necklace were directed by an attempt to maintain her false sense of pride, for which she gave up her dignity over the next ten years. Mme Loisel's thoughts and actions were conditionsed by her vain character. As Maupassant says, she "felt that she was made for" frocks, jewels, elegant dinners, and admirers. Since she and her husband were poor, she would weep for days "from chagrin, form regret, from despair adn disappointment." When her and her husband wer invited to a fancy ball, she couldn't stand the thought of looking simple. She would be ashamed if she couldn't at least look equal to the other women at the ball. True pride comes from self respect or satisfaction in achievement. Mme Loisel's only pride came from her physical appearance. She also had always wanted to gain pride through having material possesions. Her sense of self-importance at the ball was essentially claimed without right since it stemmed only from her outfit. This feeling lasted for one night, but the consequences of that evening continued for ten years. Because of her false pride, Mme. Loisel did not think of different avenues to solve her problem and did not weigh the effects of her decision. The most obvious alternative would have been to be honest with Mrs Forestier. Even if the necklace were real, I doubt that she would have asked the Loisel's, who were poor, to replace such an expensive item. Instead, as always, Mme Loisel tried to maintain this false pride. The Loisel's had a hard time giving up only 400 francs for dress she had worn at the ball. They didn't go out and buy a necklace in the first place because they couldn't afford it, so I don't see any justification in going out to buy a replacement necklace for the lost one.

The Internet Piracy

The Pirate Bay -Case Study 1. How does The Pirate Bay business make money? What is its business model? – The Pirate business makes their money by advertising using the â€Å"advertising revenue† as a business model. It’s a website works as a forum to advertise and receives fees from the advertiser. The more browsers the website has, the higher rates of the websites will charge and that’s what lead them to increase their revenue. 2. How do new â€Å"cloud-based† media sites and services make money? What is their business model? * It works through subscription fees by using the â€Å"subscription revenue† as business model.By this the website provides all content or services to their users to exchange for a subscription fee. The users will pay a fee based on what kind of service they want and for how long. 3. Is the record industry justified in attempting to shut down P2P file-sharing sites that make it possible to download copyrighted media? W hy or why not? * Yes it is, since there are millions of dollars spent by record labels to produce albums and not to include the artist’s time and effort into creating music’s and movies for the audience.In my opinion, CD’s, DVD’s can be bit pricy during such difficult economic times, but it will not give people the right to steal. 4. Why might consumers prefer to pay for music from cloud-based sites rather than simply download music from P2P sites? * Because, they get benefits if having instant access of high quality track and videos without the hassle of P2P software download. The consumers don’t have to wait for hours for downloads or clutter their hard drives with file.

Keeping Сhildren Safe

I have been involved in identifying hazards in my setting, such as in the water play area, the children accidently spilling water on the floor from splashing the water out of the water bowl and from trying to experiment with pouring and filling bottles. Therefore, because this happened I proceeded to use in initiative and clean up the spillage on the floor.The procedure I had took in this situation was that I asked the children to step away from the puddle on the floor and I informed one other staff about what I had seen and asked if they can keep an eye on children while I went to go and get a mop or a towel to clean up the spilt area. I then went to collect the appropriate facilities and clean up the wet area so the children would not slip over and hurt themselves.Once I had cleaned it all up I changed the clothes of a child, as they was wet from playing in the water and it hen put a dry towel on the floor so if there is another spillage, the towel will keep it fairly dry. P4. 2it is important to understand the different policy’s that provide a healthy and safe environment for staff and children. My nursery follow the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the Reporting of Injuries and Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).When I have identified the hazard, the procedure, the setting would like me to take, is to clean it up straight away. This is so the children do not fall over and injure them self. It mentions in the health and safety policies that when there is a spillage on the floor you must clear the area and mop up the spillage. I now know how to follow the settings policies and procedure as I have a copy of them at home therefore I can keep looking through them and making sure I am following the rules.P4. 3- If this was to happen again I would act quicker in dealing with the situation because I noticed while I was clean up the spilt area more children was wantin g to come over and play with the water. However I think I acted well because I managed to see a hazard and act upon it straight away before any children slipped over. P4. 1- I have been involved in dealing with minor accidents and injuries in my setting. For example I have filled in two different accident forms ofincidents that I have witnessed, such as a child falling over and grazing a knee or arm. The procedure I took in this situation was to comfort the child who had fallen over and bring the child to a bench in the outdoor play area to sit down. I had a look at the graze on the left leg and then I then told the child that I was going to get a wet paper towel to put over the graze. I went into the classroom and got the wet paper towel and the accident form. I went back over the child and asked her if she would want to hold the towel on her leg.While she was holding it down I started to fill the form out, I wrote down her full name, her age, location of incident, the date on inci dent, what happened, were she hurt herself, the treatment she was given, then I had to write down my name as I was the witness, another member of staff who witnessed it and finally I had to put my signature. Once I finished filling the form out, I had another look at her grazed leg and it was looking better, I asked if she wanted to stay sitting down or if she wanted to go back and play again, she said she wanted to play so I let her go but I kept a close eye on her.P4. 2- An accident book is available which must be filled in if any child or member of staff sustains an injury whilst on the premises. Details of how, when, where and who the accident happened to must be recorded by the member of staff who saw and dealt with the injury. The treatment given must also be recorded. The child’s parent will be shown this information when the child is collected from nursery and requested to sign the form. If a child’s injury is more serious than the everyday bumps and bruises, t he parent will be contacted immediately and informed of the situation.Accident records are reviewed regularly during senior meetings. P4. 3- looking back now at this incident I think I acted positively trough out the incident, because comforted the child and acted upon the injury accurately. I think if this happened again I would ask for a member of the staff to help as I left the child alone of a little while and the child may of needed some with them for comfort while I went for the wet paper towel. Also I think I will look out for any safety hazards in the outdoor play area so the accident is prevented and no one else will hurt themselves.

Problem Statement and Justification Research Paper Example

Problem Statement and Justification Research Paper Example Problem Statement and Justification Paper Problem Statement and Justification Paper This research is to be conducted in response to the concerns that have been principally motivated by the disturbing racial crime statistics which have revealed relatively high levels of criminality and growing rates of incarcerations among the African and Hispanic American populations. Moreover, approximately 90% of youth gang members who are directly related to juvenile delinquency are non-whites (Schmalleger, 2007). Hence, special attention and emphasis should be given to racial ethnicity in discovering effective intervention strategies in crime prevention in order to employ appropriate strategies for the progress and development of the racial minorities who are often relegated as marginalized sectors of society. Literature Review All research must have a sound basis upon which the key facts and ideas are drawn. To carry out this research, it will be critical that a lot of information regarding the use and general applicability of LIFT programs is researched. This will not only enhance the reliability of the final research findings but will also serve as an indication of the authenticity of those findings so that they can be more acceptable. That aside, a thorough and extensive review of literature on the research topic will enable the research to narrow down its scope and become more specific by adopting specific research question to concentrate on and by enhancing the process of formulating appropriate hypotheses for the research. Youth Violence The level of violence among the young people has been alarming (Irving Darlington, 2001). The various child welfare groups have tended to wonder what could be done because it appears that once a child gets to his/her teen years, one starts to exhibit behavior that is totally unacceptable and out of the ordinary. This problem has been very rampant in this information age when many parents seem to care less about what their children are doing, believing that once a child is out to school it is the work of the teachers there to ensure the child is taught in the right manner, including behavioral ethics. On the other side, teachers have concentrated on formal lessons more than teaching morals to children. As a result, the school child is left to learn behavior from the peers with whom one frequently converses. If not, the child learns the behavior of the superstars in the movies one watches (Schneider, 2005). According to the social learning theory, children learn bad behavior from the people who matter to them. Therefore, it is critical that the child is exposed to the right people and programs so that lessons learnt are those that ideal and helpful (Adams, 2005). That is why a lot of emphasis has to be placed on the manner in which a child is brought. Given that the people with whom a child spends the most time in any given day are the parents and/or the teachers, these two hold the key to the future state of being for the child. And since aggressive behavior is learnt in early childhood but becomes manifest in teenage, it is the role of the parents and teachers to ensure that anything that might encourage or lead a child to adapt or develop aggressive behavior is dealt with appropriately (Schmalleger, 2007).

What is mercantalism essays

What is mercantalism essays Mercantallist theory states that a nations power can be measured by the amount of precious metals, usually gold or silver, the nation posseses. Between 1600 and 1800 most of the states of western Europe were heavily influenced mercentallist theories. This was essentially an effort to achieve economic unity and political control. There are many broad definitions but I belive that mercantallism is a collection of policies, which are used by the mother country, in order to keep itself prosperous, by in a way leeching off of the colonies. There are numerous positive and negative effects of mercantalism. The colonies have some leeway in their legislature. They also receive protection from the mother country. This can be direct (having troops stationed in the colonies in case of attack), or through a more indirect approach. This would be intimidation. No one wants to go attack a colony of a country who is for example the biggest naval power. People look at the colonies as a part of the whole, and not a seperate entity. Something else that mercentalism sets up, is the chance for a colony to become is own free state. This has happpened in many cases, including our own. Funds from the mother country build the colony. They fund industry and establish an economy and trade. After years, the colony becomes self sufficient, and with a bit of rebellion, can become its own free state. This in many cases is good, because the people who left the original country in the first place, left because they wanted to form something of their own, and their dreams are fulfilled. We get more players in the global economic ring, which in turn creates competition and the economies flourish. The colonists gain their own identity. However, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Murphy's law clearly states that if anything can go wrong it will. The mother country is usually strict and clamps down on colony legislature. The col...

Term Paper on Personal Success

Term Paper on Personal Success Term Paper on Personal Success Term Paper on Personal SuccessThe term is coming to the end, and you have to make a term paper on personal success. However, no ideas come up to your mind yet. Well, it is not a problem either, as with the help of this article you will create a brilliant term paper on personal success and get an A+. Below, you will find useful tips on how to write a term paper as well as possible ideas to consider in it.The first step you need to take in order to write a good paper is to outline your ideas. What are you going to write about? What will be the focus of your paper? What angle are you going to consider your personal success from? What will you start and complete your paper with? What idea is going to be the first to consider in your college term paper on personal success? Which one should follow? Think over these questions before you start writing. After you organized your thoughts properly, pass to the additional information to include into your term paper on personal success. This m ay be a real life story, a quotation by a famous personality, or a rhetorical question. The most important thing is that you should gather the material that would gain the readers attention and arouse his/her interest. This strategy will help you single out and make your term paper on personal success exclusive.Next we would like to discuss is the structure of your term paper on personal success. Remember, a good term paper is an elaborately organized one. You have probably been given some instructions on how to structure your term paper on personal success. If you are at a loss for lack of ideas to develop in your term paper on personal success, take advantage of the ones suggested below:Is personal success in both life and career possible?Can personal success satisfy our needs in life completely?The importance of life goals in achieving personal success;Is personal success the result of sanity?A plan for personal success: does it always work?Does destiny play an important ro le in personal success achievement?The interrelation between personal success and self improvement.Finally, do not forget to revise and edit your term paper on personal success. We also recommend you take a break before you start checking your paper. A fresh mind will help you find more shortcomings in your writing. If writing an essay is a challenge for you, do not hesitate to try our professional term paper writing services online!

Bond Yield Under Various Assumptions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Bond Yield Under Various Assumptions - Essay Example Nevertheless, the concept of the price of a zero coupon bond articulated in the PowerPoint slides and the concept of the present value are similar. One of the more important concepts in bond valuation is term to maturity. Term to maturity â€Å"specifies the date or number of years before a bond matures (or expires)† (Reilly and Brown, 2002, p. 697). Another important concept is the coupon of bond which â€Å"indicates the income that the bond investor will receive over the life (or holding period) of the issue† of a bond (Reilly and Brown, 2002, p. 697). Other than concepts term to maturity and coupon of bond, the other important concepts include the principal or the par value of the bond but the public is generally familiar with these concepts. II. Measures of Bond Yield Under Various Assumptions (and examples) There are at least five measures of bond yield. Each measure involves a set of assumptions. 1. Yield to Maturity (YTM) As pointed out by our PowerPoint slides, â€Å"Bond prices and interest rate risk†, the yield to maturity or YTM â€Å"is the yield promised to the bondholder if the bond held up to maturity and all coupons are reinvested at the promised yield† (Slide 17, â€Å"Bond prices and interest rate risk†). ... 214-215). Fabozzi (2008, p. 214) confirmed that yield to maturity â€Å"is the interest rate that will make the present value of the cash flow from a bond equal to its market price plus accrued interest.† Fabozzi (2008, p. 214) pointed out that â€Å"an iterative procedure is used to find the interest rate that will make the present value of the cash flows equal to the market price plus accrued interest.† Following the Fabozzi (2008, p. 214) example, suppose a bond with a face value of $100 promising payments of 7% per annum payable semi-annually or every six months is being sold at $94.17. Based on the parameters defined for the bond, the bond will earn for the bond buyer the value of $3.50 every six months plus $100 at the end of the eight year. Fabozzi (2008, p. 214) pointed out that when the discount rate used to obtain the present value of the payments from the bond is 3.5%, the present value of the bond is $100.00. When the discount rate of 3.6% is used to determi ne the present value of payments from bond, the present value of the bond is $98.80. When the discount rate of 3.7% is used, the present value of the bond is $97.62. When the discount rate of 3.8% is used, the present value of the bond is $96.45. When the discount rate of 3.9% is used, the present value of the bond is $95.30. Finally, when the discount rate of 4.0% is used, the present value of the bond is $94.17. Thus, based on these, Fabozzi (2008, p. 214) concluded that 4.0% is the price of the bond and â€Å"hence, 4.0% is the semi-annual yield to maturity.† All computations came from Fabozzi (2008). Thus, we can consider that the yield to maturity or YTM of the bond as the interest actually paid to the investment of $94.17 made by the buyer of bond and the cash flows of $3.50

Examine the role of social media in customer relationship management Essay

Examine the role of social media in customer relationship management 02221 - Essay Example Twitter, Facebook, etc (Holzner, 2008). The complete interactions that take place through the social channels provides various information to small companies, which can be utilized to enhance their services, products, as well as overall approach towards their business (Evans, 2012). Companies are required to value social media as well as realise that it is a two-way or joint process. If they choose to utilize social media like the customer centric stage, they can’t avoid complaints or the negative comments. In reality, one in three Twitter and Facebook user consider that companies should reply to the social grievances within two hours. People have some hopes, and companies should meet those hopes or expectations. Social media is considered as the newest channel by which companies can interact with the target customers (Sponder, 2012). Customer relationship administration/management is referred to the tactics, practices, and technologies, which organizations or firms use to record, manage, and assess customer interactions or communications to drive the growth of sales by enriching and deepening relationships with their entire customer base. The systems of customer relationship management are designed in order to collect customers’ information across various channels such as company’s website, live chat, marketing materials, telephone, social media, and live chat (Boulding et al, 2005). The systems of CRM can also provide customer-facing employee detailed data, buying preferences, and purchase history. Companies need to make sure that the analysis and storage of their customer facts and data must encompass a highest degree of security against identity theft, cyber criminals as well as other violations of securities (Chen and Popovich, 2003). From the company’s viewpoint, the whole relationship includes the direct communication aspect, for example service and sales related processes, and

3800 complete 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

3800 complete 4 - Assignment Example Payne was on his way to Omni and stopped by the highway 78 to wait for a cab. The witness reported that he saw Williams talk to a taxi driver before the two boarded the taxi. There was a station wagon parked on the opposite side of the road. Later, on 27th April 1981, the body of Jimmy Payne was discovered dumped in Chattahoochee River (Terrence, 2005). The medical investigations done on the body showed that the death of Payne resulted from asphyxia through an undetermined method. After lengthy investigations, the state showed evidence that there were seven fiber and hair associations between Payne and Williams. The violet acetate fibers removed from Payne resembled those on Williams’s bed. The green well-man fibers on Payne’s shorts resembled those on Williams’s carpet. The blue-green/blue-gray fibers removed from the victim resembled the rayon fibers in the carpet of the station wagon seen by the witness. The light-yellow fibers found on Payne’s body resembled those found on the defendants blanket in his bedroom. The blue acrylic fibers removed from Payne’s body were consistent with the fibers in the blue throw rug found in Williams’s bedroom. There was also evidence showing that some animal hairs removed on Payne were from Williams’s shepherd dog (Terrence, 2005). The state said that all the fibers presented were lighter that their original counterparts due to exposure to the river. For each murder victim, there were certain fibers that were removed from them and each had a connection with fibers found in the defendant’s house. In the case of Alfred Evans, there were four fiber and hair associations between the defendant and the victim. The fibers fund on Eric Middlebrook, who was aged 14, resembled those on Williams bed spread. The animal hairs found on Evans body were linked to Williams’s dog. Charles Stephen body, who was aged 12, also had fiber evidence that was linked to William. Government agents testified

Alternatives to Incarceration Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Alternatives to Incarceration - Assignment Example Historically, this has not always been true following some inmates serving time for their third or even fourth time. This shows that the system on itself is not very efficient because any form of punishment should be aimed at punishing and also rectifying the offender. In addition, the idea of serving time in prison has been the norm to most criminals who have previously served time. Some of the incarcerations act as reunions of the offenders with their friends and acquaintances already in there. Adding to the reasons is the increase rate of corruption which make it possible for ‘well of’ individuals serving time in prison make deals with the prison guards enabling them still to run their business and gangs while still in confinement. This, therefore, shows the level of inefficient in the incarceration system. Herivel & Wright (2009) clearly show the level of corruption in the criminal system and who profits from mass incarceration. Economically, the cost of constructing and running these confinement facilities is usually very high. According to Petteruti et al. (2009), the average cost of maintaining an inmate held in state-funded, post-adjudication and residential facilities is $240.99 per day. This translates to huge sums of tax-payers’ money that could be used elsewhere if cheaper and effective forms of punishments were used instead. Furthermore, this act of imprisonment directly results to societal poverty. For instance, the detachment of supposed income earners or bread winners from their family also creates an economic challenge. Those left by the convict must adjust and learn to live without the convict’s contributions. This can lead to increased crime rate as those left behind try to satisfy their basic needs. Besides, the conviction of individuals lowers their chances of resuming their current jobs or even getting any jobs at all leads to a cycle of poverty in the

Water in Africa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Water in Africa - Research Paper Example s economy that was worth $35 billion in 2012 and estimated to grow by 8 percent in 2013(more than sub-Saharan African average for sixth year straight) will not continue to grow at the estimated rate without modern water network(Dzawu). In sub-Saharab Africa, cost of water shortages and lack of sanitation is estimated to be 5 percent of its annual GDP (Dearn).This research paper examines Africa’s water and sanitation crisis and major reason behind it and finds that Africa’s water crisis is the precursor of global water crisis, as a result, privatization may seem to be the only solution, but long term management and planning is the key to regulate it. It is interesting to note that Ghana is now politically stable and conducting peaceful elections since 1992. Its economic strengths are associated with gold, cocoa, and oil, yet Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, accepted that Ghana is facing a major energy and water crisis. Some of the major problems with water supply system are aging water pipes, some of which were installed in 1914.Moreover, even those pipes doesn’t reach expanding suburbs of Accra. The supply is not adequate for ever increasing demand. Due to the lack of investment in water sector for 50 years, state only deals with emergency situations. State-owned Ghana Water can’t explain for 55 percent of the water it produces because either water is illegally siphoned from pipes or pipes bursts due to damage by erosion or construction (Dzawu). Water shortages brought nationwide crisis in electricity production. Though the water shortages have always been there, but electricity production needs were met by gas, electricity crisis started when the West African Gas Pipeline collapsed in August 2012 which reduced the natural gas supply to fire thermal power plants. Water Company also needs electricity in order to maintain its treatment operations (Dzawu). According to Ghanaian a researcher, In order to run their operations, other companies often

Alternatives to Incarceration Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Alternatives to Incarceration - Assignment Example Historically, this has not always been true following some inmates serving time for their third or even fourth time. This shows that the system on itself is not very efficient because any form of punishment should be aimed at punishing and also rectifying the offender. In addition, the idea of serving time in prison has been the norm to most criminals who have previously served time. Some of the incarcerations act as reunions of the offenders with their friends and acquaintances already in there. Adding to the reasons is the increase rate of corruption which make it possible for ‘well of’ individuals serving time in prison make deals with the prison guards enabling them still to run their business and gangs while still in confinement. This, therefore, shows the level of inefficient in the incarceration system. Herivel & Wright (2009) clearly show the level of corruption in the criminal system and who profits from mass incarceration. Economically, the cost of constructing and running these confinement facilities is usually very high. According to Petteruti et al. (2009), the average cost of maintaining an inmate held in state-funded, post-adjudication and residential facilities is $240.99 per day. This translates to huge sums of tax-payers’ money that could be used elsewhere if cheaper and effective forms of punishments were used instead. Furthermore, this act of imprisonment directly results to societal poverty. For instance, the detachment of supposed income earners or bread winners from their family also creates an economic challenge. Those left by the convict must adjust and learn to live without the convict’s contributions. This can lead to increased crime rate as those left behind try to satisfy their basic needs. Besides, the conviction of individuals lowers their chances of resuming their current jobs or even getting any jobs at all leads to a cycle of poverty in the

FIN Unit1 - Individual Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

FIN Unit1 - Individual Project - Research Paper Example The proposal will consider each country’s trade policies, currencies and culture. Turkey and Italy: Review This part of the assignment will discuss about the currency, trade policy and culture of a turkey and Italy. Currency of two countries: Advantages and Disadvantages Italy is the member of European Union. Euro is the currency of Italy. This currency has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of this currency outweigh the disadvantages. Euro is the single currency between the members of European Union. It eradicates the need of currency exchanging between Economic and monetary members. Economic and Monetary members saved an average of 30 billion US dollar in a year by switching to this currency. Elimination of volatility of currency exchange rate between the members of European Union is another advantage of Euro. On the other hand, switching to a single currency forced the members of European Union to give up their rights to the change of monetary and economic po licies. It is the major disadvantage of Euro. Despite the disadvantage, the members of European Union made it easy to sell and purchase the goods cross borders. Moreover, the lending and borrowing become easy through the concept of this single currency. In addition, fixed exchange rate of 2.25% provides significant benefits to the members of European Nation. This benefit includes the promotion of international investment and trade. In developing countries this benefit can enhance economic growth. Recent financial crisis is the major concern for Italy. On the other hand, Turkey is not the member of European Union. The country uses Turkish Lira as their major currency. The currency of Turkey has several bilateral tax treaties and investment with US that can ensure the elimination of double taxation. Moreover, this currency gives guarantee repatriation of capital in the convertible currencies. The central bank of Turkey has tightened the monetary policy after the inflation rate increas ed to 10.5% in the year 2011. The central bank of the Republic of Turkey provides several flexible policies, such as foreign exchange auctions, interest rate corridor, and adjustments to the repo auctions and requirements. These policies will help to stabilize the Turkish Lira. The currency recently has depreciated by 25%. EU and Turkey: Trade Policies Europe is considered as the leading global trading block. It accounts for one-fifth of the global trade. Each and every trade policy is developed for the 27 member states among the European Union. These members generally share a single market and border. It helps to empower European Commission when it talks with all the partners of European Union. The commission effectively acts as the negotiator for a specific negotiation process. This commission represents the members of European Union in the World Trade Organization. The European Commission provides unity to mould a key open for global trading process that offers fair rule. However , the trade policy of Europe helps several European organizations to generate employment and significant investment opportunities. Several new markets for the European E\exports are effectively open through the trade policy of Europe. The European Commission works on daily basis to remove unwanted export barriers. Moreover, effective and potential opportunities in European investment are motivating several

Cover Letter Essay Example for Free

Cover Letter Essay Hello Beaumont: I am interested in the Hospitality, Please review the attached resume, which highlight skills and accomplishments that will enable me to contribute to your team. I have computer knowledge and years of customer service skills along with my ability to work within teams if needed for the job. I would appreciate the chance to show, apply, and learn more useful skills that will help me in pursuing my long-term career goals. I can be reached via email and or phone. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Street Address] [Address 2] [City, ST ZIP Code] [Phone] [E-Mail] [Website] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Title] [Company Name] [Street Address] [Address 2] [City, ST ZIP Code] Dear [Recipient Name]: [Name of Person Referring] suggested that I contact you regarding the open [job title] position with [Company Name]. My educational background in [field of study], along with my professional experience, makes me an excellent candidate for this position. As you will see from the enclosed resume, I have more than [number] years of experience in the field of [area of professional expertise]. My resume shows that I have been consistently rewarded for hard work with promotions and increased responsibilities. These rewards are a direct result of my expertise in [area of professional expertise], my commitment to personal and professional excellence, and my excellent written and oral communication skills. If you have questions, or if you want to schedule an interview, please contact me at [phone number]. I look forward to meeting you to further discuss employment opportunities with [Company Name]. Sincerely, [Your Name] Enclosure

Mistreatment Of Mentally Ill Patients Social Work Essay

Mistreatment Of Mentally Ill Patients Social Work Essay People suffering from mental illness are often looked differently and do not have equal access to all the opportunities in life. Though, patients family and the health care providers can play a fundamental role in the lives of these mentally ill people. Through offering a proficient care with warmth attitude they can certainly bring an optimistic change in them. But, imagine what if these caregivers are the reason of mistreatment with mental patients? This is an ethical issue which I recently came across during my clinicals and therefore decided to explore it in depth. Thus, the following paper is an attempt to analyze this issue by integrating an ethical model, highlight its significance and to discuss the causes, effects on mental health and practical strategies to overcome this immoral issue of mistreatment with mental patients. On my clinical to psychiatric ward civil hospital I encountered a 60 years old female, married and diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The chief complaints of patient were severe headache and aggressive behavior. Since 20 years patient had history of recurrent depressive illness characterized by weeping spells and low energy. On asking about the support system patient became gloomy and said I am alone and nobody likes to be with me and care for me. Further she said that due to her habit of cleaning things again and again her family becomes angry and speaks harshly to her. On spending some time with patient I came to know that how much she loved them but nobody came to meet her since she had got admitted. After taking history of patient that day I also observed that when my patient called the nurse to inquire about the medication timings, nurse replied rudely that how many times you will ask the same thing again and again. You are mentally ill but please let us remain in good health and then that staff nurse after making vicious gesture got out of that ward. This incident made patient further depressed. It is an issue which is ethically wrong, as caregivers who should help the patient when they are in true need are abusing them. As the professional code of ethics explains the significance of this ethical issue, which is the base of social morality that first of all, do no harm. It also emphasizes that the purpose of nonmaleficence includes not only definite harm but also the risk of harm (Clinical Ethics, 2004). Therefore, an ethical person must be constantly careful about the possible negative consequences of his words and actions with the mental patients. Furthermore, according to the world health organization, In Pakistan we come across upsetting stories about the mistreatment of mentally ill people due to societal hostilities daily (Gadit, 2008). Though, it is difficult to understand why such people are maltreated in Pakistan, an Islamic coun try where religious teachings are followed. Therefore, to discover the reasons behind this immoral deed, to identify actions to lessen this in society and also to make the caregivers inculcate this thought to support these people in their difficult times, I consider this issue as significant and therefore decided to highlight it in my paper. As defined by SAVE project of social services that mistreatment is a breach of persons human and civil rights causing despair. And, this violation can appear once or constantly (SAVE Project, 1995). Mistreatment of elderly person may include physical, psychological or financial exploitation and it can be intended or unintended. Intentional mistreatment involves a purposeful effort to inflict harm such as physical abuse or mauling. On the other hand, unintentional abuse takes place when an unplanned action results in damage, such as ignorance or a lack of desire of the care providers to offer proper care (Jones, Holestege, Holstege, 1997). As verbalized by my client that at home she was beaten harshly and was always ignored by the caregivers. Moreover, nurse also verbally mistreated the patient and showed lack of desire to care. However, the empirically generated model, which is an ethical model, provided by Fulmer Malley (1987) gives in depth details of causes and risk factors lead ing to mistreatment in mental patients. They divided the causal factors of mistreatment into four major categories including physical and mental impairment of the patients, increased strain on caregivers, family history of domestic violence and the societal attitudes. This model elucidates that domestic violence such as abuse and neglect are the behaviors which are learned at home and are passed from one generation to the next. Thus, elder abuse may be a continual phenomenon learned in childhood. Secondly, the stress on caregivers can also lead to mistreatment. Facing behaviors by the elderly mental persons like drug abuse, recurrent falls, incontinence or aggressive behaviors, the caregivers become exhausted and can lash out their resentment on these innocent beings. As happened with my client that due to her habit of cleaning things repeatedly, caregivers always offended and taunted her. Other external stressors such as loss of job, personal illness or low income can also place ov erwhelming demands on care providers which results in violent behaviors. Furthermore, this model suggests that the ill health of elderly persons in itself is a reason for abuse. Functional impairments lead to dependency on a caregiver for the activities of daily living. As these needs raises, the stress level of caregivers further increases. As faced by my patient, who was always reliant upon her family and husband for daily routine work. This created frustration for the family and at last they left her at psychiatric hospital. Lastly, there are several societal attitudes that contribute to mental persons maltreatment. Among these attitudes, Stigma is the most common in psychiatric settings. There are many reports affirming that such patients are teased in communities by unkind names (Gadit, 2008). Moreover, according to the World Health Report (2001), stigma and prejudice are the main hindrance faced by the mentally ill today, these abstain them from seeking appropriate care (Ramee la, 2004). Besides this, patients are also mistreated in the ward settings by the staffs, as occurred with my client. This is because, persons in institutional care are dependant, extremely fragile or chronically ill. In addition, problems such as low salaries, staff shortages and poor working environment increase the chances of mistreatment. (Lucas Stevenson, 2006). As the fundamental duty of all care providers is to perform efforts to improve the quality of life of patients. However, if these caregivers would show such an abusive behavior to the mental patients this will affect their psychological as well as physiological health. As shown in my client who along with psychological symptoms also suffered from insomnia and decreased appetite due to worries of being alone. Besides, as mentioned in literature that, negative behaviors and biases towards those having mental illness is the greatest hurdle to recovery (Chambers et al., 2010). Like, it was observed in my patient who lost all the hopes of being in normal condition as before. This was shown in her verbal comments that everyone thinks that I am mad and therefore behaves with me in harsh manner and I am sure I will never be fine again. This shows that how important role the caregivers and their attitude play in the development of mental patients. As very rightly said that Support has been kn own to help influence and motivate a behavior change in a positive way (Clark et al., 2005, p.20). Thus, if there would be lack of support system for these people it would lower their self esteem, intrinsic motivation and leads to decrease self concept (Lowder, 2007). If these mentally un well people are discriminated, this would hinder their ability to assimilate into society and this can lead to social isolation. Also, according to labeling theory, that once public label these people as mentally ill, their presence becomes undesirable in community hence leading them to social seclusion (Lowder, 2007). As happened with my client that when she asked her husband once to meet their relatives, he had beaten her scarcely with wooden stick just because he felt ashamed to take her in family gatherings. This affected her personality immensely and from that onwards she herself remained lonely and isolated. By reflecting upon this we can imagine that how a single dishonest action or altitude of caregivers can massively effect patients life. In addition, the interpersonal model of violence in mental health by Chappell and De Martino (2003) also agrees to the point that if patients needs and wishes are blocked till great extent, it would intensely affect patients mental health hence leading to disturbing effects such as ineffective adherence to treatment schedule and destruction of self (See appendices). Like, my patient tried several times to commit suicide in order to decrease her loneliness and suppress her aggression towards others. This show that it is very significant for caregivers to strengthen the mental health of these people rather than making them more vulnerable to harmful health consequences as conferred above. After thorough literature search I found out some practical interventions to promote the ways of reducing mistreatment with mental patients. It would be on individual, family, community and government level. At individual level, patients should be granted liberty to take decisions regarding their life and should not be tortured or harmed. This is supported by Human Rights Act (1998) that states no one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Clinical ethics, 2004, p.24). In addition, the stair case model illuminates intervention strategies concerning abuse prevention in 3 steps which are reluctance, recognition and rebuilding. This includes interventions such as breaking through denial, decreasing social loneliness, sorrow and self blame, providing teaching and advocacy (Loughlin Duggan, 1998). Health care professionals can integrate these interventions in their care framework. I also attempted to apply this model in my patients care. I tried to make my client verbalize her feelings by providing her concrete objects like blank paper and colors. This helped her in verbalizing her internal feelings which were not shared with others since long time. Moreover, throughout my clinical weeks I remained engaged in care through non judgmental speech and body language. As supported by literature that your speech and nature should convey respect and a non-judgmental attitude (Loughlin Duggan,1998). To lessen social isolation, I involved my client in group occupational therapy and also focused on her hobbies that were, drawing and coloring the religious names. In this way I was able to socialize her to some extent. As supported by literature that, Support groups provide a channel for people with OCD to get emotional support while learning how to manage their condition. Also, this helps victims to lessen the barriers that the memories of abuse place in the way of normal life (Davis, 2008; Child abuse, CPS facts). In addition, abuse creates sense of hopelessness and low self esteem in patients as discussed earlier therefore caregivers should be taught to encourage and praise clients on their little efforts to boost their self concept. On family level, a good communication and involvement in patient care can be a best defense against mistreatment. Moreover, providing psycho education can also enable family members to remain involved in the care. As, the stress level of caregivers can also be reduced by providing tips of care giving to them and involving in family therapy (Davis, 2008). At community level, social and health workers including community leaders should have responsibility for identifying cases of mistreatment and then organizing interventions to lessen the risk of any future abuse (Loughlin Duggan, 1998). Moreover, I recommend that the psychological counseling services as well as social gathering area for mental patients should be established in the community, where these people can socialize themselves. On government level, various laws and punishments for the abusers and extensive awareness campaigns on care and destigmatization of mental illness should be arranged (Raj, 2009). Besides, government s hould also set up monitoring system to ensure that human rights are being followed in all psychiatric facilities (Gadit, 2008). Lastly, I recommend that with the help of mass media cases of abuse with mental patients should be reported so that the strategies should be planned on local and national level to minimize the risk of any future abuse. It was a good learning experience for me to write a scholarly paper. I have learnt the importance of promoting mental health without abusive and negative attitude. Moreover, faculty facilitation and literature review helped me to learn and integrate all concepts related to the issue which will help me in my future clinical settings. In conclusion, the above provided evidences are overwhelming that the mistreatment with mental patients is the disobedience of human rights as strongly proved by human rights declaration that All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. (UDHR, 2006, p.2). In addition, the paper also discussed the causes and consequences of this immoral issue of mistreatment with mental patients. Now, its the duty of caregivers to adhere to the strategies provided above, in order to offer a competent care with encouraging attitude and bring a positive change in the lives of these people.

Mary Warren :: essays research papers

Mary Warren is an important character in Arthur Miller’s play, THE CRUCIBLE. Much of the action in Act III revolves around Mary’s testimony in court. She is a kind and basically honest girl who tries to do the right thing, saving her friends from harm. However, throughout Acts I and II, Mary is a follower who allows Abigail Williams to negatively influence her good judgment. To make matters worse, Mary is terrified of Abigail’s threats. Because of her weak will, the reader isn’t certain if Mary will maintain the courage to help John Proctor to win his court case in Act III. Mary Warren’s basic goodness is demonstrated on many occasions. She has been hired by John Proctor to help his wife Elizabeth with household chores. Mary proves to be a kind girl who gets along well with Mrs. Proctor. Although Mary has become a court official in Salem, she still gets up early in the morning to clean the Proctors’ house. While in court, Mary passes the time by making Goody Proctor a present of a small rag doll called a poppet. Upset by the court proceedings, Mary tells Mr. Proctor that she is "all shuddery inside" because Goody Osburn will hang. When the poppet becomes false proof of witchcraft against Elizabeth, Mary willingly explains that the poppet is hers. She also makes a vain attempt to comfort John Proctor as the court officials drag his wife away in chains. A basic sense of honesty is another of Mary Warren’s traits. In Act I she goes to Salem to convince Abigail to tell the truth about what really happened in the woods. When the witchcraft scare gets out of hand, Mary joins Abigail and the other girls in falsely accusing women of being witches. These false accusations are motivated by hysteria. There is evidence that Mary really believes that the women in court are bewitching her. She tells the judge that she thought she saw spirits. The other girls were screaming, and before she knew it, Mary was screaming with them. When she realizes that there are no spirits, Mary is willing to be truthful. After Elizabeth Proctor’s name is brought up in court, Mary Warren defends her against the accusation. At the end of Act II, the reader hopes that the basic sense of honesty will remain strong enough to allow Mary to testify on behalf of the accused women in Act III.

Unit 11P1 Task 1 (P1, P2, P3)

Unit 11 – Task 1P1: PhysicalPhysical abuse is a type of abuse when someone is being physically harmed by another/group of person/people. It is an aggressive behaviour that results in another person having physical injuries. It could be that they don’t even use their own fists to hit someone; they may use another object to throw or hit someone with. It could be kicking or punching, restrained to a chair, being locked in a room, grabbing, and pushing, slapping, pulling hair, biting, punching and kicking.Sexual:Sexual abuse is the type of abuse when someone is forced into doing sexual acts without their consent to cause pain or humiliation. It can include horrible name calling, refusal to use contraception, causing unwanted physical pain during sex on purpose, deliberately passing on sexual diseases or infections and using objects against their will.Psychological (emotional):This is the type of abuse in which people verbally abuse someone.When someone is psychologically ab using another person, they could use insults, threats, rejection, neglect, blame, and manipulation, control, being ignorant, punishment or isolation. Well, it can be more than verbal insults, it can also be; harassment, witnessing or experiencing sexual and/or physical abuse and witnessing or experiencing any other type of abuse. This abuse can happen at home, work, school or in relationships. Financial: Financially abusing someone could be taking advantage of them for their money.It could be that someone trusts someone else to get their money out of the cash machine for them and they take out more money than they were supposed to and keep some for themselves, they take money out of someone else’s home whilst they are meant to be looking after them, someone borrowing someone else’s money and never paying them back, stealing someone else’s belongings from their home or private bag, someone taking someone else’s benefit or pension if they are an older perso n and someone asking for money when they are visiting you socially or for visiting you socially.Neglect:This is the type of abuse where carers are fulfilling someone’s basic needs; this may not be intentional but can be dangerous to any person who is experiencing it. There are three types of neglect; Mild; This is when it’s usually not reported to social services as it may not be intentional and the carer doesn’t know that they are neglecting and could turn things around. Moderate; This is where moderate harm is happening to the person, it could be that they have not been appropriately dressed for the weather by their carer e. g.Shorts and sandals in winter conditions. This can be reported to social services and they usually sort out community groups to help them be appropriate for caring. Severe; This is where long-term harm has been done to an individual by the carer e. g. a child with a medical condition and the carer has not been giving them medication to he lp them get better so it has gradually gotten worse. This is the situation when authorities or the manager of the company should keep the carer employed or would have to make a choice of whether the individual should stay in that care or not.Discriminatory:This is the type of abuse when people treats other people different because of, for example, their weight, their race, skin colour, their sexuality, their age, religion, culture, choice in clothes or because of their gender. Domestic violence:This is the type of abuse when an incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.This sort of abuse if rarely a one off, it usually has a pattern if it is happening in the home environment.Institutional:This abuse is the type of abuse that happens in a care, nursing or residential home. It can include; neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, discriminatory abuse, psychological and emotional abuse or financial abuse.Self-harm:This is the type of abuse where someone causes deliberate pain to themselves with intentions that they definitely will harmed whatever they decide to do. It can be self-harming (cutting themselves), jumping from a height or playing with fire.It could be having an intake of substances that will cause harm to internal organs or having an intake of a recreational drug to cause harm to themselves. It could also be that they are neglecting themselves too. For example, not taking showers, not eating, not drinking, not dressing for the appropriate weather.P2If you approached a person and they would flinch if you lifted you hand near them, this would usually lead you to believe that they are being physically abused, as it shows that they are really nervous around physical contact between people and their expectation is that you’re going to hurt them like other people have.Also, if you found bruising to the upper arm, bruising around the mouth and burns on their body, this would also lead you to believe that they are being physically abused by someone as they are mystery bruises that usually wouldn’t appear there unless they have been grabbed, hit or burnt with something by someone. If they did it themselves by accident, they would usually be able to explain that but sometimes people can’t which would make you believe even more th at they are being physically abused by someone Malnourishment, dehydration, unclean/poor hygiene and weight loss would lead you to believe that someone is being neglected.This is because if they are not being treated properly, not being fed or given enough water, it can lead them to be like this. Other people will soon realise that the individual is being neglected before the person doing it and the victim does. Reluctance to be touched, embarrassment and low self-esteem would lead you to believe that someone is being sexually abused. This is because they may have been humiliated or been made to do humiliating things by someone who would cause them to be less happy with themselves and be embarrassed easier in the future.Being sexually abused by someone else can make that individual be weary of other people touching them in a sexual way or if it has really affected them, they may not like being touched by someone at all.P3If an adult has additional needs and are dependent on other, i t can frustrate their carer as they are not able to learn or get on things as fast as others. If the carer gets too frustrated with the individual without taking any breaks then that could lead them to get frustrated too.The carer could then turn around and hit the individual or verbally abuse them as they see it as the only way they are able to get their frustration out at this point. When people are in the doctors, GP surgeries, dental surgeries and hospitals, they can get a bit agitated because they might have to wait a bit longer because there are loads of people there that have made appointments and might take it out on the staff or other patients. This could lead to physical or verbal abuse towards other people.

Civil Engineering Administration Essay

Engineering Administration Introduction A NZ property developer â€Å"PROFIT† proposed to develop an office building in Beijing, The Republic of China. This requires the use of FIDIC Conditions of Contracts for Construction (i. e. the 1999 Red Book) which is different in the dispute resolution mechanisms compare to the local NZS 3910:2003 Conditions of Contract. Objective The first objective of this report is to compare the difference in the dispute resolution mechanisms between the 1999 Red Book and the NZS 3910:2003 Conditions of Contract. The second objective is to give critical comments to the dispute resolution mechanisms in these 2 standards. Tables and flow charts Discussion There are many differences in the dispute resolution mechanisms between the 1999 Red Book and the NZS 3910:2003 Condition of Contracts. Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows the flow of structure for dispute in both 1999 Red Book and NZS 3910:2003. The figures show that the general flow path between the two acts is similar. For both acts, the engineer that is responsible for the contract is always the first person (party) to be referred to. If the engineer cannot solve the dispute, both acts recommend a method of dispute resolution (by a neutral third party) before referring to arbitration. Arbitration is the last method of dispute resolution that can be used for both acts, the decision from arbitration is call an award and binding and enforceable to both the clients and the contractors. There are 5 major differences between 1999 Red Book and NZS 3910:2003. The differences are listed on table 1. The first difference is the difference in engineer’s position and engineer’s response. In the 1999 Red Book, the engineer is an employee of the client. The response of the engineer can be regard as the response of the client to the contractor (Cl 20. 1). In the NZS 3910:2003, the engineer is a third neutral party responsible for the contract. The decision of the engineer is final and binding on when both the client and the contractor are satisfied. There is also another small difference that the engineer can do while making engineer’s review between the two acts. It can make a connection with an agreed expert to make recommendations to assist to resolve the dispute with the consent of the client and the contractor. This is similar to adjudication, but with the involvement of the engineer. The second difference is the difference in obligation of the engineer to give it decision to the dispute. In 1999 Red Book, the engineer must give it response to the contractor within 42 days after receiving the claim to obey the law. In the NZS3910:2003, the engineer is expect to give a response to the dispute in 20 working days. However, the engineer may choose to not give any decision within the time limit which is not against the law. In this case, the client and the contractor could refer to other adjudication process to resolve the dispute. The third difference is the difference in the recommended method of dispute resolution to take before referring to arbitration. The 1999 Red Book recommend to referred to dispute adjudication board. The NZS3910:2003 recommend to referring to a mediator. The dispute adjudication board is panel of experienced and expertised reviewer which is organised before the construction begins and meets at the job site periodically. There, the reviewer in the dispute adjudication board is familiar with the job procedure and progress. The mediator is an independent neutral third party which acts as the case manager and the facilitator of the dispute. The mediator does not have to be expertise and it does not have previous relationship with the contract before the mediation undertaken. The fourth difference is that in there is an extra obligated process which is required to be undertaken in the 1999 Red Book but not in the NZS 3910:2003. Clause 20. 5 in the 1999 Red Book indicates that before commencement of arbitration, both parties shall attempt to settle the dispute amicable. In the NZS 3910:2003 There is no similar regulations. The fifth difference is the difference between the restriction dates for all the steps in the dispute resolution procedure in figure 1 and figure 2. The 1999 Red Book has specified clearly the restriction time. The NZS3910:2003 use working days and sometimes months in it regulations. For example, the restriction on the submission date for contractors’ claim is within 28 days in 1999 Red Book after he became or should have become aware of the event;the restriction date of the same situation in NZS 3910:2003 is 1 month. Obviously, the clear number of days used in the 1999 Red Book is more formal and precise than the use of month in the NZS 3910:2003. In some other step, the NZS 3910:2003 sometimes use working days. For example, the engineer review shall give a formal decision within 20 working days (clause 13. 2. 4). The use of working days is

African Americans Essay

In the beginning of 20-th century African Americans were already free from slavery, but their rights differed significantly with the rights of â€Å"white† people. Politics of segregation was still in place, and African Americans, especially in Southern states, were forced to live in separate parts of cities. Special institutions like schools, churches, cemeteries, even special transport units existed for the African American part of the population to separate â€Å"blacks† and â€Å"whites†. Needless to say, these special organizations and units for the African Americans were of low quality. African Americans lacked good education and though were forced to work as unqualified personnel. Political activity for the African American was a dream. But between the African American people some activists appeared that called upon peaceful improvement of their status and establishment of equality of the races. A number of public organizations appeared that were objected to attain the equal rights for the African Americans, among them were even educational organizations like the institute of Booker Washington. 2. USA entered the conflict in the Korean peninsula with the intention to lead the UN forces and to give support to the South Korea armies in confrontation with the Northern aggressors. United States could not let the communists in Korea win shortly after the communists’ victory in China, and tried to keep this sphere of influence on the events in the Far East. In the third phase of the war, general Douglas MacArthur strived for the complete destruction of North Korea troops and insisted on the â€Å"total war† with the communists of China and Korea even to the extents of nuclear bombing. These ideas weren’t welcomed by the President Truman and were the cause of MacArthur’s resignation. After the Korean War the â€Å"cold war† had spread from the Far East into the other regions. USA had expanded their military presence in Europe and in the Middle East; also the politics of neutrality in the Indo-China became obsolete. Military-industrial complex of the United States rapidly recovered from the recession that followed the World War II 3. Eighteenth century was the time of revolutionary changes in almost every aspect of life. Ideas of the Age of Enlightenment claimed the universal equality, and women started to understand that they may possess an active position in social life. This tendency reached the point of culmination at the end of the century, when the Declaration of the Rights of Women was created in 1791 by Olympe De Gouges during the times of the Great French Revolution. This declaration demanded for women equal rights in the family, the rights of active and passive voting, right of possession, right for education and right to take up any posts. Declaration was the embodiment of ideas of feminism that were born in the beginning of 18-th century, and appeared to be the starting point for the active movements for the equal rights of women in the future. 4. Philadelphia System was based on the idea that the prisoner, left alone with his thoughts, with God and the Holy Bible as the only book for reading, would aspire to his inner perfection and inevitably reaches remorse for his deeds. â€Å"Philadelphian† prisoners were kept in solitude and silence. They had to wear masks while leaving their cells, no entertainments and relations with other prisoners were allowed, and work was a reward for the good behavior of the prisoner. This type of keeping the prisoners was very expensive; moreover, silence, solitude and forced idleness often caused insanity, flatness of mind or suicidal tendencies among the imprisoned. So the Auburn System was developed to change the situation. According to this system, criminal should be reformed by regular obligatory work, accuracy and discipline. During the day prisoners work in general workrooms with the only short breaks for the rest and walk, and for the night they are separately locked in one-man cells. Several hours in a week are for education. In an early Auburn System prisoners were prohibited to speak on the penalty of corporal punishment, but later on they were allowed to socialize during the rest. This system is more psychologically comfortablew for the prisoners, and is not such a heavy financial load for the government, as the Philadelphia System is.

An Information Technology Entrepreneur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

An Information Technology Entrepreneur - Essay Example It results in job creation, a forward looking and self sufficient society as well as increased foreign trade. It leads to the development of certain areas especially rural areas where certain factories are setup to achieve lower costs. Entrepreneurship results in competition between businesses thereby leading to better quality and more choice for the consumer. Another advantage of entrepreneurship is its ability to promote modern technology in small scale manufacturing to enhance productivity. Thereby entrepreneurship and innovation must be encouraged. (Langlois, 2) Entrepreneurship is not limited to a certain field, nation or profession. It transcends all such boundaries to become a major force in the development of a society. Information technology is a field in which exemplary entrepreneurial talents have emerged. It is also an area which requires constant innovation and entrepreneurship. This is because technology keeps getting upgraded and the world keeps moving forward in this field. The information technology explosion has taken the world by storm and has lead to an entrepreneurial culture which has given way to many scientific advances, the likes of internet, portable networking and email included. (Brown and Ulijn, 83) Many entrepreneurs in the information technology arena came and went. Many were successful others not so. However, none have left a mark on the information technology industry like Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corporation has. Microsoft Corporation is the largest software company in the world. It is the company that made Bill Gates the second richest man in the world being its largest stockholder and the youngest self-made billionaire. He is worth a whopping $6.1 billion. In 1994 his company made $953 million last year on sales of $3.75 billion. Microsofts $25 billion market value tops that of Ford, General Motors, 3M, Boeing, RJR Nabisco, General Mills, Anheuser-Busch or Eastman Kodak.  

Journal 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 10

Journal 2 - Essay Example The author suggests that the land he travels is simple, natural, fertile, and prolific. Least Heat Moon describes the environment he travels across as being naturally beautiful and fertile. He also describes the environment by bringing out the ideas of procreation and fertility in the natural environment. He says, â€Å"†¦water bubbled with the froth of sperm and ova.† This indicates the natural fertility and procreation of the natural environment. Thirdly, in his essay â€Å"Forgotten People of the Blue Highways† Heat Moon brings out the idea of racism and differences in colour. He goes through lands inhabited by black people and he notices the differences that people of different colours have against each other. At one point, he notices he was being watched by the police because he was a white man. However, he believes in change, and a man named Walker tells him, â€Å"I know things haven’t changed, but things will change† (Heat,

B300 TMA05 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

B300 TMA05 - Essay Example In a competitive industry, the powerful will exploit the powerless to their advantage in the relentless pursuit of self interest. Buyers exert power through their ability to switch suppliers and/or demand more favorable terms and conditions of their transactions. Suppliers exert power by virtue of their control of important resources, and the resulting ability to raise prices or reduce quality. Technology, although critical to the success of a business, is common in all segments and has lost its core function. Services, software and hardware are easily replicated by suppliers, hampering innovation and decreasing the strategic importance of technology. However, the role of technology in competitive advantage cannot be denied. It is important to note that it is not the technology itself, but how the technology is used and integrated into the business process that creates the competitive advantage among firms. Both iRobot and Dyson belong to an industry which is triggered by consistent innovation of new products. Strategic alliances play an important role in developing competitive advantage in these firms. Strategic alliances play an important part in product development and distribution strategies. They rely on strategic alliances to provide technology, complementary product offerings and speedier access to markets. In a highly competitive market, technology acts as the differentiating factor that sets innovative firms apart from the others. Porter (2001) argues that, companies will gain the competitive advantage only if the use technology to complement their existing business strategies, products and best practices. Companies should use technology as a valuable corporate asset and should differentiate itself from competitors by achieving a sustainable competitive advantage by having low operational costs, value added products, low production costs and excellent customer service. Dyson bulids vaccum cleaners that guarantee no loss of suction by using Root Cyclone technology that separate the dirt from air. Bargaining power of buyers There are a large number of companies competing against each other, in a constant struggle to innovate products that suit customer needs in the varying environment. Customers, therefore, have a variety of products to choose from. Companies differentiate from one another through product innovation and customer service. iRobot strives to continuously improve their robots and exceed customer expectations by delivering highly reliable, high performance robots and providing world class support and service. Dyson makes vaccum cleaners that are guaranteed a life over 5 years by developing them to resist rough circumstances with no extra costs involved. Since buyers are large, they exhibit very little control over the market with lower bargaining power. Firms compete with innovating products that provide unique solutions to customer needs. Firms also provide complimentary products to gain better customer base for their existing products. Bargaining power of suppliers Suppliers for specialized innovative products may not be very large in number and therefore may exhibit much bargaining power. Bargaining power is high for major suppliers of specialized materials and equipment who are

How does Network affect in the world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How does Network affect in the world - Essay Example Over time, and especially recently, the same has been transformed from these old means into more recent ones in ways like use of social networking sites. Its modern conception was the result of the development of the bulletin board system. These were originally meeting places where people could upload information on the events they were planning to conduct as well as exchange knowledge and other information. Moreover, they could also download information in the form of games and other software. These sites were created by people who made it their hobby to put together forums for people to share on topics and events of mutual interest. The online transformation continued over time to the email where information could be shared with friends and those within a given social network through text. However, this did not end here as over time, the opening of the internet to the general population of the world has transformed how people share ideas and communicate with each other. Creative minds came up with online social networking sites such as â€Å"Six Degrees†, â€Å"Classmates† and even â€Å"AOL† (standing for America Online). These set the playfield for later players who came in later such as Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, LinkedIn and Twitter. The above later sites that spawned from the year 2000 and on made significant progress in bringing people together and changing how they interacted as per their interests. Facebook made the most important mark in the whole business of social networking. In just a short period of its launch, it has garnered millions of users due to its trendy name, †Å"Facebook† and the fact that it encouraged people to be open and be themselves on the web (Nickson par 5-20). Most of the benefits emanating from the use of social networking are based on the world business. Social networking has provided a cheap and cost effective way to communicate and share information on business and personal issues online. This is

Applied mathematics for the department of energy Essay

Applied mathematics for the department of energy - Essay Example The world is increasingly sophisticated in its use of technology especially in the field of understanding the environment. The US Department of Energy continues its mission to be sustainable in its approach. Thus, various policies are recommended in order to promote its potentially good impact into the environment. In line with this, technology is also associated when it comes to computation and data analysis (Han et al., 2011). Mathematics is applied and statistics is most commonly used as the department continues to enhance its policies, procedures and its entire system in general. Policies require analysis of data and information. In most of the time, statistics is employed in this case as the basis of certain future decisions. The use of statistics in the US Department of Energy Science-based analyses are required in the Department of Energy and at some point statistical characterizations are needed especially in their need to come up with policies in line with the complex models of their processes or the entire system. Furthermore, in order to make everything simple out from complex data or information, mathematical modeling is substantially required at the Department of Energy. Examples At the Department of Energy, data analyses are necessary and in order to come up with significant information out from certain observation, mathematical analyses are required. ... Mathematics could serve as a significant tool in order to acquire information integrated with the environment and even in existing human-made system. This is a potential field where mathematics could have substantial value and high level of opportunity to be maximized to the fullest. Integration of mathematics and physics The application of mathematics within the complex natural and human-made system is evident in the Department of Energy. In this department, mathematics substantially combined with physics as the ultimate way to achieve potential uses for its applications. Computational-related activities within the field of physics are potential applications of mathematical theories. In fact, mathematics is the language of physics (Faddeev, 1995). Example One basic example that could show how mathematics and physics are integrated is observed within the field of fluid dynamics. There are various computations in this field that combined many concepts in physics and mathematical theor ies. The result of combining them is a substantial application of mathematics into physics. C. Experimental and computational techniques Significance Today’s complex systems eventually require experimental and computational techniques (Applied Mathematics Research Community, 2008). These two techniques should come together as each one of them is a substantial help to the other. If they are combined together, they could potentially come up with important information to help uncover and understand how complex exactly the system is. In today’s modern way of uncovering information, experiments are further justified by using computational tools (National Research Council (US), 2001). As a result,

The Road to Disappearance Essay Example for Free

The Road to Disappearance Essay The Road to Disappearance: A history of the Creek Indians was written by Angie Debo, a native of Oklahoma. She had curiosity of the life and history of the â€Å"creek Indians’ which is also known as the ‘Muskigees’. These people are later on named as ‘Creek Indians’ because they thrive on the Creek areas or besides rivers and canals. This book was written in 1941, a part of many books about Creek Indians that was written by the author as she was teaching history in the University of Oklahoma. Basically, the book gives the reader the story of the ‘Creek history’. It covers the years from 1725 up until 1906. It tackles the experiences of the Creeks as a nation and their interaction and relationship with the Washington government as well as with the states that they occupy namely, Alabama, Georgia and Kansas. Throughout the book, the author kept on presenting data and facts that serves as evidence of her arguments regarding the fast paced obliteration of the ‘Creek Nation’. She also cited accounts of the attempts and struggles made by the Creeks as the State and Federal government draft laws that somehow keep these people marginalized and controlled. The first chapters in the book cover the discussion of the Creek Nation’s history, which, as Debo pronounced was ‘lost in legend’. There are those which talks about coming from the ‘huge mountains†¦a migration toward sunrise†¦ the crossing of a great and muddy river and the occupation and conquest of their eastern home’. These chapters also talks about the Creeks relation with other Indians and some of their customs, beliefs and practices. The third chapter offers the beginning of the destruction of the ‘Nation’ that was followed by conquers and the war with these conquerors. Chapter VI shows that after devastation, the ‘Creeks forms a nation again’, nonetheless the proceeding chapters shows and discuss rivalries and conflicts inside the ‘Nation’ itself. In chapter IX there was a moment of peace, nonetheless it does not stand for long as what Debo believes to be happening right now is the ending of the tribe. The book was well written and provides a good overview of the history of Indian Americans in general and Creek Nation in particular. It helps the readers understand what was the life that these people has to endure and the history that they have along with their distinct culture, beliefs and traditions that were slowly being eroded by modernization and ethno racism. The book was obviously in favor and in support of helping the Creek Indians get the rights, respect and recognition that they properly deserved. The author has successfully point out the different period in history that the Creeks have been oppressed and how the government policies are hurting and demeaning the Indian population. The author has successfully laid the foundation and evidence that will make the reader question the legitimacy of the laws and policies that the government has made in the past and today. It somehow expands the horizon of what I know about American Indians. Moreover it helps me understand their situation. The author made me feel how wrongly the Creek Indians are treated. Along with illustrations, the book successfully captures sympathy and understanding from its readers. This I think is the main purpose of the book aside from being informative. There are a lot of things that I have learned from the book aside from the different Indian tribes and the way they live. I also found about how they are treated and what their history in connection to my own is. Understanding the difference between us (the Creek Indians and me) and the fact that we are living in the same country, give me a higher regards and respect for their abilities and their being the real owners of the lands in which we (Americans) thrive. To further understand the book and to find the topics more easily, there an index at the end that can make reading easier especially when looking back and looking for terms in relation to other topics in the book. The book also contains maps aside from illustrations. These maps are important to help the reader’s picture in their mind the length and area that the Creek’s covers. There is also a page that contains other works created by Angie Debo which are also related to the ‘Creek Indians’. I definitely recommend this book for people who would like to know about the Creek’s life. It is thorough and it refers to the problems of the Creek in a straightforward manner. Although it is somehow bias, it delivers a good stance in regards to the life and the rights of the Creek people. The readers would enjoy the way the book is written eventhough it talks about history. The author has the ability to look at the subject matter in an inclusive perspective, such that the reader will feel as though they are pat of the history that they are reading. This is a must read for enthusiast and non enthusiast alike and I recommend it for a deeper understanding of the culture and the people that once been the sole owners and cultivators of the American land. Work Cited: Debo, A. The Road to Disappearance: A History of the Creek Indians. Norman. 1941, 1967.

Strategic flexibility in interpersonal relationships.

Strategic flexibility in interpersonal relationships. REFLECTIVE PAPER How many times have you heard someone say something like this: â€Å"he just doesnt understand me† or â€Å"there has been a breakdown in communications between us†? Lack of good communication between people is a constant problem. As the author, Richard, points out in the first chapter, â€Å"The Communication Process†, communication skills are crucial to both getting the best out of people and extricating oneself from difficult situations. Nowhere is this more evident than in the personal relationships we form with family and friends. The author introduces the idea of â€Å"Strategic Flexibility† (SF), which means that a person uses every communication tool he has in order to effectively get his point across in a given situation. SF is not limited to words but expands into a whole â€Å"communication repertoire† that can include gestures, expressions, body language and tone of voice. SF is characteristic of people who are successful not only in their professions but in their personal relationships as well. The authors description of SF has six steps: anticipate circumstances; assess the factors and conditions you find yourself in; evaluate the current situation in relation to your own abilities; select the most relevant communication skills you possess; apply the first 4 steps carefully; and reassess your communication after receiving feedback. Finally, creativity is also key to communicating effectively as it allows the speaker flexibility and adaptability. In applying this model to my own life, I began to consider some of my friendships and how they have either been strengthened or weakened because of a certain style of communication between us. Some years ago I had a friend I became quite close with very quickly called Julia. She was exuberant, funny and full of drama. We not only worked together but also went to bars together, out dancing, to comedy clubs and generally palled around. Hanging out with her was full of extreme ups and downs. At one point, Julia was having a great deal of trouble getting what she needed from her immediate supervisor, Rob. Rob and I were also friends. Julias frustration with Rob and Robs frustration with Julia was beginning to affect everyone else who worked with them. I offered to speak to Rob alone on Julias behalf, thinking that hearing some of her complaints and concerns from a third party might make Rob more receptive after all, he and I got along smoothly. I took Rob out for a drink and noticed immediately how uncomfortable he was. His body language said it all he found it hard to make eye contact, was hunched over in a corner of the table and smiled nervously from time to time. He really did not want to hear any of what I had to say. I had an idea in my head of the role I wanted to play with Rob. I planned to be firm and reasonable and to avoid raising my voice or showing anything but understanding that the dynamic between him and Julia was problematic. But I thought that I could help fix it if only I could get Rob to agree to have more regular and business-like meeting with Julia where they could discuss their issues and, with luck, sort them out effectively. But what wound up happening is that although I kept my voice even, all I did was put Rob on the defensive. I never really asked him for his side of the story and just assumed that everything Julia told me was the way things really were. I had arrived with this assumption because I knew others had occasionally found Rob difficult to communicate with. He could be a bit dry and sarcastic. But he was also very driven and good at his job, which was quite demanding in a number of ways. It did not occur to me to ask him how the pressures of his job and his frustra tions with Julias work style might be affecting the outcome of the department he headed. Needless to say, nothing came out of this meeting with Rob. As I spent more time around Julia, it became obvious to me that her way of dealing with problems was to give way to emotional outbursts rather than find a clam and thought-out way of telling people including Rob and, by then me what was troubling her. I myself made the mistake of confiding in Julia at a time when I was feeling very vulnerable and she wound up throwing back what I had told her in my face. I started to learn at that moment that being more careful about how and with whom I communicated with would have a direct effect on my happiness in both my work and personal life. The way to communicate with someone who tends towards being emotional is not to meet it with the same level of emotion but rather to step back and try to diffuse the situation by giving the person a chance to vent and then thinking before responding. This way, there is a better chance that ideas can flow peacefully between the parties. I am also much more receptive to body language now. If I was trying to speak to someone who was hunched over and not meeting my eyes, I would know immediately that the style of communication I was using was making the other person uncomfortable. Using the SF tools, I would try to be more mindful of the sender-receiver mode the author writes about. I did not receive messages properly or chose to ignore them, acting only as a sender. This one-sided communication style was probably the reason my attempt at peacemaker failed. My nonverbal communication was equally lacking. I could have made Rob more at ease by leaning back in my seat instead of leaning forward as if ready to attack. I could also have given him a reassuring tap on the arm or shoulder to indicate friendship and empathy. I did not listen to the indirect feedback Rob was giving me. I did not respond to his obvious discomfort nor did I really give him a fair hearing. I think choosing a bar was not a bad idea as it was a neutr al zone for both of us, but selecting a quieter bar than the one we went to also would have been a better choice, as it is hard to stay focused when people are playing pinball next to you! By ignoring Robs side of the situation and not doing much to make him feel he was not under attack, I also did not apply the ethical standards the author outlines, such as treating opposing views with respect. I do make a concerted effort to apply many of the standards of ethical communication in my relationships now. 2. Perception Self-perception, as well as perceiving the needs of others, plays a vital role in effective communication, an idea that is discussed at length in the second chapter, â€Å"Self, Perception and Communication.† The relationship between self-image and perception of both self and of others is immensely complicated. Low self-esteem can feed into other peoples perceptions of a person through signals in their body language, tone of voice and facial expressions. These in turn, can reinforce negative self-image when other people respond to the negative signals they are receiving and send them back again to the initial communicant. Stepping outside ones comfort zone by engaging in â€Å"risk-taking† can create a fundamental threat to self-identity. As the author points out, â€Å"to take that action, or have that experience, would so violate who you are that, should you do it, you would no longer be the same person. You would be forced to see yourself as someone different.† Yet this very act of questioning identity can be enormously empowering. I grew up a fairly withdrawn child. I did not relate well to my peer group and was always more comfortable around adults or animals. I was afraid of judgment, or being teased. My grandmother had me outfitted at an expensive department store twice a year, which just created a further separation between my peers, whose parents tended to shop at Sears and local shops on an as-needed basis and me. My clothing communicated that I thought I was better than everyone else even though that image could not have been further from the truth. The author points out that â€Å"Social comparisons are pivotal to self-evaluations. They depend less on objective circumstances than on how you judge yourself in relation to others on particular attributes.† This was certainly true of my school days. Because of my distance from and fear of my classmates, I retreated into the library during most recess periods. My bookish behavior again reinforced that I was different. The fact that I did not voluntarily engage with my classmates on the playground even though a big part of me wanted to made me even more of a target for teasing. In short, every method of communication I was using, from my clothing, haircut, behavior and choice of pastimes communicated that I was a snob, even though my self-esteem was shaky and all I really wanted was to fit in. As I grew up and realized the value of a certain level of conformity, my fortunes shifted. I started to dress in the same brand jeans as the cool girls, wore the same style of shoes and makeup and made sure my hair was cut in one of the latest fashion trends. These changes told my peers that I was becoming like them. They started to treat me as a friend. Even so, I always felt a need to stand apart from the pack, to be noticed. The solution turned out to be through acting. I took up theater classes, dance and singing and performed in school plays. By pretending to be someone else on stage, I could feed that need for to be someone different while still being one of the gang. I could take risks as another persona that I could not take in my real life. After many years, I am still learning how to read people better instead of assuming they think the worst of me automatically. I have found that it is important to try to read people, to try to understand their own self-perceptions and the way they view their environment. These observations act as the feedback mentioned in the SF description. In this way, I can better react to what people are actually saying to me (rather than acting out of irrational fears) and adjust my own body language, word choice, even my dress in order to establish a rapport. This becomes very important in interviews and work situations. I have had jobs where my employer was excellent at communication and somewhere the communication was lacking. In the case of the former, I once worked for a professor who was very good at giving me work that matched my level of competence but that also helped stretch my skills set. When he gave criticism, it was also in a gentle tone of voice. He used words that were not judgmental but instead focused on showing me how I could improve my work with a few adjustments or a change of direction. An important quality Jeff had was that he was also always willing to listen to my ideas, help me develop them and would give me credit for work that was uniquely mine. Jeff was a great example of someone who had the SF concepts down pat and used them every day in his dealings with staff. Jeffs method of communication was a pivotal experience in my work life. It helped build my sense of ability and encouraged me to think for myself. Because Jeff was such a supportive boss, I also worked harder to please him and took greater pride in producing quality work. I began to learn how to argue a point effectively, and without becoming emotional. I did this by consciously separating my ideas for the project at hand from things I had been told as a child. I forced myself to listen to criticism because it was given in a gentle and well-intentioned way. Jeffs style was one of the stepping-stones in transforming not only my perceptions about my own abilities but my ability to learn and grow in a job. 3. Listening Listening is also a skill upon which I have improved, even though this has required a good deal of effort. True listening means often having to force yourself not to react, at least not immediately. Listening requires more than simply hearing what another person is saying. It involves paying attention to the use of words, body language and expressions, and also trying to put yourself in the shoes of the person speaking. The more you make an effort to understand the perspective from which they are communicating, the more I feel you are truly listening. I have found this to be especially true with family. Often, there is a lot of emotional baggage we carry around from the things our parents and siblings said to us when we were very young, a point the author makes repeatedly. The author likens our self-perception to a map: â€Å"What this means for you is simply that your perception of reality is not reality itself, but it is your own version of it—your â€Å"maps.† But these maps are not necessarily complete pictures of who we are, or of who we are capable of becoming, just like a road map does not necessarily show every tree, brook and signpost on a route. You can always use a different map or a different route to get to the same, or even a different, place. Again, the idea of flexibility in the SF concepts applies, since taking a different road can make for a pleasanter journey. This also means, however, that no two people are working from exactly the same map. Listening is therefore crucial to being able to find your way along another persons route. Keeping in mind that the way one sees the world or a particular problem may not be the same as the person you are conversing with. Preconceived notions or â€Å"perceptual filters†, as the author refers to them, can keep people from actually listening to each other. It is therefore important to try to keep both the mind as well as the ears open in order to foster communication. Conversely, shared experiences, where they arise, can also cement relationships. My siblings and I share many of the same experiences but have very different perspectives about them. I have learned a good deal about who they are as people by listening to them expand their views, and it has also influenced how I now see myself in relationship to them and our parents. Only by taking the time to listen can you find those synergies wi th other people and develop healthy and productive communication.