Factores affecting drivers behaviour at major and minor junctios ( Essay

Factores affecting drivers behaviour at major and minor junctios ( literature review , collection and analysis of datas ) - Essay Example Crossroads are then discussed within the same design and control framework, with indications of the methods used for controlling traffic though the major/minor priority areas. The next topic to be considered is the matter of multilevel road junctions – intersections: over- and underpasses – and the influence of the additional factors such as road works, the road surface, the weather and darkness. There are many government surveys which address a wide variety of geometric and other factors which can affect the speed and ease of passage through the junctions, all of which will affect the vehicle capacity. Junction design in two specific cases, in the UK – T- junctions and crossroads are considered and, where appropriate, the reasons for the design choice are discussed as well as the effect on traffic throughput and capacity. The third component of the narrative to be considered in this exercise is the driver and his/her response to the different stimuli which may contribute to his/her ability to drive safely. There are essentially three main categories (1) those which are permanent or semi-permanent; such as state of health, tiredness, influence of drugs or alcohol, age and gender (2) distractions, generally intermittent, which arise from activities within the car caused either by the driver or passengers (3) distractions which are external to the car; such as weather, other drivers and signs – whether relative to the road and junctions or advertisements. Drugs have the capacity to impair the driver’s judgement and give rise to a false degree of self-confidence. Alcohol also impairs the driver’s ability to make coherent and capable decisions, affects reaction speeds, and results in overconfidence. Distractions – both in-car and external - can cause severe lack of concentratio n. External distractions – which are quoted by insurance companies as contributing to a majority of accidents – are a frequent cause of driver lack

Engineering Is a Very Important Part of Our Society Essay Example for Free

Engineering Is a Very Important Part of Our Society Essay Engineering is a very important part of our society, both now and in the past. It is a major that opens a wide variety of career opportunities for you after college. Engineering is what keeps our nation moving and up to date with technology. It is a very strong appealing major in college due to the amount of average income, and also it appeals to many individuals likes in a career. It has the highest paying income straight out of college, and that increase in pay usually does not stop, it just keeps increasing. Another appealing aspect of a career in engineering is the possibility to work for a foreign company, and no matter where you live in the United States, your income never decreases due to the other local income. It is a rewarding career, both financially and mentally. This is one of those careers that you feel a great deal of self-worth after completing an assignment, or creating something new and improved to keep up with technology. It is a major that requires more time and effort than most other majors. You need to apply yourself or you will just fall behind and most likely just drop the major all together. Whether you choose general engineering or a more difficult division such as mechanical or To become a successful engineer is to ensure a spot in our future. Almost every type of engineering will be required to run our world, now and in years from now. Engineering is very important aspect of our working world. It keeps us going and up to date with technology. Without engineers, there would be no moving parts, which means no cars, planes, video games and anything else you can think of that requires moving parts to operate. Over all engineering is concerned with technology and keeping the world going. In the future, near or far, engineering most definitely has its place in our world. If the future holds a few big technological advances or a lot, engineers will still be there making sure everything runs smooth and properly. A world without engineers could only exist if everything made, was made to perfection and would never fail or break down. For now, we need to keep putting out successful engineers into our working world, and make sure that there is a future. l or aerospace, your major is the most difficult one you can choose. I recently interviewed Jack Byrd, an engineering professor at West Virginia University, on Mechanical Engineering. The interview detailed the importance of engineering and the process he went through to be where he is today. This interview would be an insight to anyone who has the slightest interest in engineering or becoming an engineer and what it takes to become a successful engineer. After college is where your education really takes its part in your life. Even though your schooling is over, it plays one of the biggest roles in all your opportunities after you graduate. Once you get your resume around, you have many possibilities and opportunities ahead of you to choose The world is changing rapidly. From the Stone Age to the Iron Age today we are living in an ultramodern era where things which were not even thought of earlier have become vital necessities in our life. For example, light in those ages was to be got only from sun for a limited part of day. But now we have electricity for all time use. Thanks to Thomas Alva Edison who by inventing electricity illuminated the whole world.

The Cause of the Potato Famine Essay -- Irish History, Starvation, Dis

During the Irish Potato Famine between 1845 to 1849 (McCarthy 88), one million people died within five years and an additional two million emigrated to other countries (â€Å"Ireland†). Even today Ireland has not completely recovered from this sudden loss in population (â€Å"Potatoes†). Although many blame this horrendous event on the government’s use of Laissez Faire Economics, the real cause of disaster was the people. The population loss, starvation, and diseases that resulted from the Irish Potato Famine were self- inflicted by the Irish peoples’ upcoming decisions to the event.  ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ireland was not of any interest to other countries, and in response these countries did not aid Ireland in its time of dire need. Countries had no concern in Ireland because it was an area of minimal development for industrialism (McCarthy 87). Also, Ireland had an absence of protection from invasions from other countries (McCarthy 87); one reason for this being that it is an island. Moreover, Ireland had an undeveloped amount of raw materials (McCarthy 87), which did not spark interest of speculation from others countries. Due to these two main factors, there was no investment in Ireland (McCarthy 87), which made the country isolated and unattended ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬  ¬Ã‚ ¬ when help was needed. When the Potato Famine attacked Ireland, it mainly affected the western countries (McCarthy 88). The majority of the starvation was from the less wealthy regions of the country, such as Bonegal down to Cork (McCarthy 88).These areas main food source was only potatoes because they were a cheap and easily grown crop. In other parts of Ireland, where the land was mostly pastures or a planted with a different variety of crops, hunger did not affect the people as intensely... ...t. Therefore, the government gave help to its people, so the blame should not be on the government for eventually putting forth an effort to help the situation. They had the right to see if the free market would work itself out, because according to the philosophies of Adam Smith, that would have been the expected result. Ireland’s poor planning in creating their lives around one crop economically and politically resulted in a much larger downfall than what could have occurred. Previously, in 1741 Ireland had a blight killing 250,000 people (â€Å"Irish Potato Famine†, Barnhill), only further proving how unprepared they were when the 1845 blight attacked; even with the knowledge that something like the famine would occur. In all, Ireland’s forthcoming decisions in how to economically run their country, was the primary reason the Irish Potato Famine hit them so hard.

Rhetorical Analysis of “Pink Think”

Women have been told what to do since the beginning of time. â€Å"Pink Think† furthers that idea. This article by Lynn Peril explains what influences have impacted the way females act and think. Emotional appeal, the use of the theory pink think and her use of specific examples from history all come together to establish her case that women have been expected to fit into a specific mold in order to be a successful woman in life. Every woman feels the need to fit in with society. By fitting in, the woman would get the perfect guy, be successful in life and feel included.Lynn Peril shows how the attitude of Pink think made women feel the need to fit in. There were articles that showed the joys of housewifery. Women who read these articles felt that if they were a housewife and enjoyed the aspects of it written in the article, they fit in. It is a trait in women that all women want to fit in. We look in magazines and wish to look and dress like the models. This was what women th ought about Pink think. It was the â€Å"in† way to act and think. Women who thought this way fit in and those who did no wanted to so that they could fit in.Lynn Peril shows how Pink think made women want to fit in, and it worked. The theory of Pink Think is a set of ideas and attitudes about what constitutes proper female behavior. It was very popular from the 1940s to the 1970s. The theory of Pink think is the main argument of this essay. The cultural mindset of Pink think touched every female. The women read about it in articles, teens learned about it in their home economics textbooks, and little girls learned the feminine behaviors in games such as Miss. Popularity.With all the aspects of a woman’s life having some type of Pink think, it is no wonder women felt the need to fit into this mold. Pink think also told women that femininity was the only way to get and marry a man. And that was the only way to have a child, which was what women were supposed to do. Pink think also â€Å"made beauty, charm, and submissive behavior of mandatory importance to women of all ages in order to win a man’s attention and hold his interest after marriage. † It made women believe the only thing to do in life was to please a man.Pink think took over the way women act and thought in order to fit into what society thought a woman should be like. The use of specific examples in â€Å"Pink Think† helped Lynn Peril show that this theory influenced women in any stage of their life. Pink think influenced women from the way they put on their bathing suit to the choice of contraception. The example that had a real influence on me was the Miss America competition of 1961. Nancy Fleming’s answer to just kick both of her heals off and continue down the runway was a good one, but her answer that too many women were working and they should just be at home was shocking.Also the fact that she won after that answer really surprised me. Fleming was p utting women throughout the country down and saying they should just stay at home and have no place in the workforce. Women should have the choice to work or stay at home. I do not think the role model for America should have told the world that women are over powering men and her place is in the home. Peril’s use of several specific examples allows her to connect to deferent readers. By having several examples, Lynn Peril expands the audience that she affects.By using emotional appeal, the use of Pink think, and several specific examples Lynn Peril shows readers how women were influenced to act and think a certain way. Some of these attitudes are still looming around today. Just because Pink think was popular from 1940-1970, does not mean the idea does not show up today. Women are still expected to act and think a certain way. Lynn Peril showed how women were supposed to act back then, and it has changed in present day, but some ideas are still around. Rhetorical Analysis of â€Å"Pink Think† Women have been told what to do since the beginning of time. â€Å"Pink Think† furthers that idea. This article by Lynn Peril explains what influences have impacted the way females act and think. Emotional appeal, the use of the theory pink think and her use of specific examples from history all come together to establish her case that women have been expected to fit into a specific mold in order to be a successful woman in life. Every woman feels the need to fit in with society. By fitting in, the woman would get the perfect guy, be successful in life and feel included.Lynn Peril shows how the attitude of Pink think made women feel the need to fit in. There were articles that showed the joys of housewifery. Women who read these articles felt that if they were a housewife and enjoyed the aspects of it written in the article, they fit in. It is a trait in women that all women want to fit in. We look in magazines and wish to look and dress like the models. This was what women th ought about Pink think. It was the â€Å"in† way to act and think. Women who thought this way fit in and those who did no wanted to so that they could fit in.Lynn Peril shows how Pink think made women want to fit in, and it worked. The theory of Pink Think is a set of ideas and attitudes about what constitutes proper female behavior. It was very popular from the 1940s to the 1970s. The theory of Pink think is the main argument of this essay. The cultural mindset of Pink think touched every female. The women read about it in articles, teens learned about it in their home economics textbooks, and little girls learned the feminine behaviors in games such as Miss. Popularity.With all the aspects of a woman’s life having some type of Pink think, it is no wonder women felt the need to fit into this mold. Pink think also told women that femininity was the only way to get and marry a man. And that was the only way to have a child, which was what women were supposed to do. Pink think also â€Å"made beauty, charm, and submissive behavior of mandatory importance to women of all ages in order to win a man’s attention and hold his interest after marriage. † It made women believe the only thing to do in life was to please a man.Pink think took over the way women act and thought in order to fit into what society thought a woman should be like. The use of specific examples in â€Å"Pink Think† helped Lynn Peril show that this theory influenced women in any stage of their life. Pink think influenced women from the way they put on their bathing suit to the choice of contraception. The example that had a real influence on me was the Miss America competition of 1961. Nancy Fleming’s answer to just kick both of her heals off and continue down the runway was a good one, but her answer that too many women were working and they should just be at home was shocking.Also the fact that she won after that answer really surprised me. Fleming was p utting women throughout the country down and saying they should just stay at home and have no place in the workforce. Women should have the choice to work or stay at home. I do not think the role model for America should have told the world that women are over powering men and her place is in the home. Peril’s use of several specific examples allows her to connect to deferent readers. By having several examples, Lynn Peril expands the audience that she affects.By using emotional appeal, the use of Pink think, and several specific examples Lynn Peril shows readers how women were influenced to act and think a certain way. Some of these attitudes are still looming around today. Just because Pink think was popular from 1940-1970, does not mean the idea does not show up today. Women are still expected to act and think a certain way. Lynn Peril showed how women were supposed to act back then, and it has changed in present day, but some ideas are still around.

My Family’s Immigration

Mountain was the name given to the united States by the people of China looking for new opportunities. The immigration story on my mother's side of the family begins with my great-grandfather's Journey to the United States in search for a better life for himself, his wife, and his four children. At this time, the majority of the population in China was living in poverty. Being able to come to America was the dream of many in the hopes they would be able to become wealthy.However, it was a rough start for my great-grandfather. The language barrier was a major obstacle and job options for foreigners were very limited; the only Job available to him was working at a Laundromat. 10 years later, my great-grandmother Joined him in the United States. Due to the difficulty of getting permission to come to the United States, and the fear of not being able to support them In the US, she was forced to leave her children behind in China: three daughters and one son.My great- grandmother was a ver y intelligent woman, and when she was finally able to contact her husband she settled in San Francisco, she was disappointed to discover him irking such a low paying Job. At her insistence, together, they decided to open a restaurant, and slowly their dreams of a new future began to emerge. My great- grandparent's worked tirelessly to keep their business running. Long hours were necessary to support not only themselves but also their children In China, who received the money they earned shipped overseas.Not wanting their kids to repeat to hard life they had, they were determined to give their children education. In this way, my grandmother was able to get college educated, which was very rare for women. In 1906, a major earthquake struck San Francisco. It sparked a series of fires that raged throughout the city for three days which left over half of San Franciscans population homeless but also destroyed office buildings that held the records and birth certificates of many Immigrants . With the loss of these records, officials asked immigrants to report their family's information.Like many other Chinese, my grandparent's slightly altered their family history. Instead to reporting they had three daughters and one son, they reported they had four sons. In the China, it was usually the men who came to the United States to work for a better living. By having extra birth certificates, my grandparent's were able to sell them to other Immigrants allowing them to come to America, which was very common at the time. Meanwhile, my grandparent's became married in China and using her college education, my grandmother became a professor.Then came the Cultural Revolution. This was an era in Chinese history where intellectuals were looked down upon and even persecuted. Since both my grandparent's were educated, when they gave birth to my mother and uncle they did want them to grow up being unfairly treated because of their Intellectual background. My grandparent's had hopes of moving to the United S Unnaturally, my great-grandparent's and already sold all to the birth certificates to other Chinese immigrants because they never intended to have their children come to America.In fact, they never planned to stay in America in the first place because they intended to move back to China after they saved up enough money. Unfortunately, my great-grandparent's never expected China to become communist country and by moving back they would be stripped of their freedom. At one point, my great-grandparent's missed their children so much that they wanted to see them, but because they were American citizens they could not set foot in China. Instead, my grandmother and my great-grandparent's decided to meet in Hong Kong.It was a huge risk for my grandmother to take because she was leaving China. During the Cultural Revolution, this was viewed as being unfaithful to Chinese government and the person could be subject to public humiliation. Red Guards Nevertheless, they we re reunited for a period of time. Knowing that there was the possibility that they would never see their daughter again after she returned to China, my great-grandparent's pleaded my grandmother to stay in Hong Kong. However, my grandmother knew by doing so she would be regarded as an anti- evolutionist, and her husband would be persecuted for her actions.Once again she was separated from her parent's. Years later, my mother knowing how much her mother wanted to be reunited with her parent's, studied hard to give her mother the chance to come to America. By succeeding academically, she was able to travel to the United States as a foreign college student at the age of 18. After graduating, she became a US citizen and filed the appropriate papers that allowed my grandmother to immigrate to the United States. At the age of 65, my grandmother's family was complete again.

Communication Strategy Memo Essays

Communication Strategy Memo Essays Communication Strategy Memo Paper Communication Strategy Memo Paper The bulk of the issues as I understand them are finding a manner to properly address the practice your company has been performing In regards towards reaffirmation agreements to those whom have filed bankruptcy. Too lesser extent if these agreements are even ethical despite the signed having been awarded bankruptcy or not. My intentions or expertise Is not to provide the proper solutions for your company to take, but to provide the most efficient manner which to communicate those directives established. This memo is constructed in the form of addressing the primary stakeholders whom must be communicated towards and the est. strategies with which to do so. To help see how these strategies are effective I will provide a sample solution directive, then provide the details of communicating said solution. Phoenix Team The suggested solution towards these management stakeholders is to Instruct them to align and embrace a new business strategy of abolishing reaffirmation agreements. They will need to further understand how these practices cannot continue from a legal or ethical prospective. In accomplishing this, embrace and adherence from the management the management team is a necessity to funnel hose new directions. Prior to this meeting, establishing a communication plan is paramount. The first step should be to send out memo to the team instructing them towards the Intention of the meeting. Tensions will already be high and do not need further arousal from the unknown leading in. A man surprised is half beaten. (Resource, 2013) In this memo do not attack for past actions, simply explain the serious current state of affairs and ask Tort everyone to erelong a enlightened level AT comprehension. The next step in the plan should be in regards towards a direction set out for the eating. Having a clear path and staying the course will allow a better flow of communication. Use visual aids in conjunction to help more visual listeners understanding. Possibly start with a review of the memo and current problem at hand. Get the audience emotionally invested by the tale of Francis Alteration; the disabled security guard. (Resource, 2013) Once attention has been derived, move straight into the new directions. Finally ask, not tell that everyone places this as the highest priority. Upon completion send another memo out to reinforce the issues. It is important for you to also embrace a few concepts when communicating towards these people. First you have a very large audience of 200. In this audience you will have a various forms of personalities, therefore it is important to keep things simple and clear thereby allowing the greatest amount of satisfaction towards retention. This being a critical issue, you must keep your emotions in control. . Wherever the fault lies, it is not isolated. Be honest and explain that to everyone. Use phrases as US and WE; steer clear of You. Think about a simple phrase Be a Light not a Judge! Reaffirmation Agreement Signed The proposed solution of discontinuing these types of agreements seems inevitable. In determining the best communication strategy to these individuals the company should keep a couple things in mind. The basis should be a manner which to convey accountability without admitting liability. This will prove to be the most difficult communication technique. The communication will be performed by the companys employees. We will outline strategies to generate greater communication abilities from these individuals through credit divisions. This section is to provide a strategy or which the credit divisions can reflect upon. The initial communication channel to these individuals should be to send a letter of dismissal. The key tactic here is the language used to persuade the signed that the company is empathetic. The language used can be one of the greatest abilities of communication. Depending on the style of language used, the intention can be view from a positive or a negative light. Included in this letter should be a positive reflection of the companies change in policy. Details should include empathy towards the signets situation and the companies understanding. Ask if they have filed bankruptcy; if so explain that a copy would allow discontinued efforts to collect. If they have not, explain understanding and ask that they do the best they can and wish them the best. Communications are received in a more favorable light from a friend then and enemy. Therefore become a friend. The next step should be to reach out through alternative forms of communications. Emailing a similar more condensed letter to those whom have not responded is one form. It is important however through these communications not to develop and Invasive nature, odometer It teen cant De overwhelmed Witt mass attempts call center should make direct contact through phones systems. Where the letter can be reviewed until it fulfills its intention, the phone calls will require more communications training by employees. Employees Previous sections have provided the solutions for the company to take to combat this issue. The greatest challenge to ensure the companies moves in the right direction will be in the companys employees to properly communicate this direction. The solution would be to set up a new corporate division which singular goal is to provide roper communications training. A couple examples of training that should be included by this division are: Attentive Listening This is training which involves teaching employees the importance of interactive listening. Through more attentive listening skills the employees should be able to better decide the right path to approach the signed. Some further advantages promote acceptance, prevent insecurities and increase the retention in the signed when the employee speaks. In simple terms it is not treating them as a deadbeat, but learning to communicate respect. Persuasion/ Motivation The emphasis of this training should be designed to teach employees the skill which to motivate or persuade employees. Teaching an understanding of how to use Alders ERG needs theory provides the employees the ability better communication. Within these needs are examples of existence which include basic survival needs and safety needs. Next is Relatedness which encompasses emotional needs of others and finally growth which is personal development. (Resource, 2013) Obviously existence is vital; however for employees to become skilled at communicating the intended message, Relatedness will be vital. Appealing to the signed needs in these regards allows for a great deal of opening up communications channels. In many regards this is the trust stage which can be had if appeals to this need are communicated properly. Stockholder Once the information about these agreements go public, it will be critical to settle the stockholders. The best strategy in communicating this should first to get out ahead of the issue with them. Again, do not allow surprise to cause further communication difficulties. Confidential The first thing to do is send out a registered letter to all stockholders.

How to Improve the People Contribution to Project Management

How to Improve the People Contribution to Project Management Abstract In the modern day business environment, organizations are constantly forced to exhibit innovation and enhanced performance so as to remain relevant and profitable in an ever increasingly competitive arena. The input of both the individuals and groups in the organization is invaluable to the achievement of organizational goals.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on How to Improve the People Contribution to Project Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This research paper sets out to explore various dimensions that contribute towards effective and efficient group processes in an organizational setting. This shall be achieved by going into a detailed discussion as to what effective group processes consists of. To this end, an analysis on what group process refers to shall be offered and its relevance to leadership and organizational development addressed. How these processes affect the levels of commitment and performance exhibited by individuals working in groups shall also be outlined. In addition, a discussion regarding the various issues that may affect group processes shall also be presented. Introduction In the past few decades, the importance of project governance in various sectors has gained prominence. This has mainly been due to the fact that we have been moving into an era where businesses employ most of their resources into various projects which are aimed at increasing productivity, enhance competition and improve quality of goods and services offered. As such, project management mechanisms have been developed to ensure that any proposed project completes its course with little to no complications. Project governance and management often refers to the rules and regulations instituted by an organization to ensure that a project achieves its purpose (Kerzner, 2006). However, in the recent past, there have been many documented reports which indicate that most projects started off by organizations end up failing or fulfilling the expected purpose. Methodology According to McGuire and Ikpa (2008), the most suitable tool to use while evaluating situations is analyzing the correlations that exist between the aspects presented. As such, the study shall use the descriptive correlation research method.Advertising Looking for report on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is because it seeks to identify the relationship between two variables which in this case are group dynamics and project success or failure in various organizations. Data used to compile this report shall include peer reviewed articles related to this topic as well as books used in class and other online sources. Group process To have a better understanding of the term ‘Group process’, it would be a worthwhile endeavor to shed some light on what each word means. As regarding to human resource in an organizational setting, a group can simply be defined as a given number of people who carryout various organizational tasks together in a bid to achieve predetermined goals and objectives (Brown Harvey, 2006). A process on the other hand refers to a course of action characterized by a series of stages that is implemented to facilitate the achievement of particular goals and objectives. With these concepts and definitions in mind, we can therefore proceed to defining the term Group process as used in organizational development. Webne-Behrman (2008) defines group process as the procedures implemented by member of an organization who are closely working together in a bid to come up with the best solutions to handle or solve a common problem. Impact of group processes to organizations Leadership refers to a process through which one person uses the help and support of others towards achieving a particular goal or task. Strong leadership is not only desirable but also essential to th e success of the business for it is through it that organizational goals are met. As mentioned earlier, understanding group process enables leaders to support groups as they work towards achieving organizational goals. As Brown (2000) asserts, an expert in group process can be able to evaluate a group’s ability to work as a problem solving and decision-making entity, all the while designing measures to counter undesirable behavioral traits that seem to inhibit the group’s ability to perform as required. Greene Burleson (2003) further contend that the success of any organization depends mainly on the effectiveness and ability of the leader to inspire. Studies have it that the stock prices of well led companies increased by over 900% in a 10 year period as opposed to a bare 74% growth recorded by those companies that lacked good leadership.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on How to Improve the People Contribution to Project Management specificall y for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This fact effectively underscores the importance of understanding group dynamics because a leader is deemed worthless if he lacks the backing and support of a team/group. It is therefore important that all leaders work towards cultivating and generating an intellectual capital for their firms. By understanding group process, a leader is better placed to motivate group members towards working together as a team. This duly gives an organization a competitive advantage over other competitors in the market. In most organization, only a fraction of the capability of the work force is utilized because leaders do not fully understand how best to motivate employees. Huszczo (2004) acknowledges that managers cannot gain much by coercing the employees to work harder. Instead, an increase in productivity can be achieved if the leaders invest highly on retraining programs, ensure availability of essential resources, and provide mot ivational attributes like bonuses, promotions and even pay increments to act as incentives. Such interventions can only be discovered if leaders understand how groups behave and react to certain positive or negative stimuli. An exemplary leader should ensure that his organization has a sense of purpose and is working towards the achievement of some organizational goals. He/she should also set out to generate and sustain trust between the administration, employees and clients. Malhotra (2000) asserts that this will result in the promotion of hope and confidence amongst the organizations worker force. These qualities heighten the levels of optimism within the organization all the while boosting employee’s morale and guarantees future success in all organizational endeavors (Porter Lilly, 1993). However, if a leader does not understand the needs and behaviors of different members of a group, there is a high likelihood that the leader’s efforts to reassure employees will fail because employees tend to follow leaders who understand them and their work needs.Advertising Looking for report on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Project management: A brief overview The Standish group (1995) report has for a long time been noted as the landmark report on IT project failures. The report displayed results gathered from executive managers who had invested in various IT projects across different sectors. The results indicated that: â€Å"31.1% of projects will be canceled before they ever get completed. Further results indicate 52.7% of projects will cost over 189% of their original estimates (Standish Group, 1995)†. In regards to success rates, the report indicated that; â€Å"only 16.2% for software projects that are completed on-time and on-budget (Standish Group, 1995)†. Ever since the report was presented, the number of failed IT projects across different sectors has been increasing at an alarming rate. Case study: Queensland Health Government of Queensland Australia Queensland Health is an organization dedicated to the provision of healthcare services to the Australian community. In a bid t o improve its efficiency, accuracy and cost reduction in service delivery, the organization thought it wise to modernize its payroll system (ERP). As such, the project which cost the organization $64.5 Australian dollars was expected to end by June 2010. However, the project which aimed at replacing the aging payroll system that had been in use ended up as a major failure for the organization. This failure not only had serious financial repercussions to the organization, but also left thousands of employees with little to no pay due to major cut-over. Even though, the organization is yet to provide a conclusive report accounting for this failure, the press and business analysts highlighted the major mistakes that were made during the project. Contributing factors as reported by analysts and the press Key contributing factors as documented in various literatures included but were not limited to: poor project planning, lack of clear roles and responsibilities for project team members, poor communication skills and training. In addition, the stakeholders were not engaged effectively in the project and there was evidence of tension between government departments. On the same note, the project managers failed to resolve the complex business processes before implementing the new system. Finally, reports indicate that the project requirements and alignment did not meet the needs of the business. In summary, the project failed due to poor planning, communication, managerial and, risk management skills. The same factors have been documented as being among the core factors that lead to project failures in most businesses. Evaluating group success or failure: A literature review According to Ledingham and Bruning (2000), good communication is considered to be one of the fundamental building blocks of a successful organization. If efficient communication is to take place, there must be some levels of trust exuded and mutual respect by parties involved in any given project . Ledingham and Bruning (2000) advance that interaction with each other leads to greater appreciation and hence building of mutual respect and eventually establishment of trust. Considering the adversarial communication currently exhibited in the organization, team building exercises e.g. sporting activities, interdepartmental parties and other social events would have averted the communication hurdles that led to the project failure. Communication issues are complex and dynamic and therefore no one way can be proposed as solving all the problems involving communication in an organizational context. In order to ensure that communication is effective, it is important to consider the relevant channel of communication as settling for the correct channel ensures the message is relayed in the most appropriate manner. Having communication skills within a group ensures that group members evaluate how they communicate in order to avoid conflicts (Pinto, Pinto Prescott, 1993). As such, it w ould also be vital to develop a relevant message and this ensures that the correct information is passed on. This entails understanding the audience and once accomplished it will then be easier to appropriately develop message (Adair, 2009). Setting objectives that one hopes to achieve through the message can also help ensure the message is not only effective but well understood. In addition, Hashmi (2010) reiterates that project failures are in most cases as a result of poor planning, managerial skills and conflicts. As such, the author proposes that an exemplary project manager should ensure that his team has a sense of purpose and is working towards the achievement of some organizational goals. He/she should also set out to generate and sustain trust between the administration, employees, stakeholders and clients. This results in the promotion of hope and confidence amongst the organizations worker force. These qualities heighten the levels of optimism within the organization all the while boosting employee’s morale and guarantees future success in all organizational endeavors (Hashmi, 2010). Shenhar et al (2002) embark on a sensitive topic regarding business success. The authors state that we live in a world whereby projects play a pivotal role in ensuring that organizations remain relevant in a highly competitive business environment. In their article which evaluates the meaning of project success, the authors reveal the fact that most people term a project as successful when it is completed on time and within the budgetary allocation. However, the authors disagree with this clichà © stating that while this may seem true, there are other factors that need to be considered whenever an evaluation of a project’s success is to be undertaken. In their argument, Shenhar et al (2002) state that in some cases, projects that experienced financial overruns and delays often end up being successful business ventures. As an example, they refer to Micros oft Company which experienced a lot of difficulties as they tried to come up with their first operating system. Even though the project had major delays and resource overruns, it is now used by close to 90% of all operational PCs in the world. This and many other examples shows that project success in most cases is not analyzed as required. In contrast, projects can be completed on time and within the budget but fail to cater for the organizational needs. Nogeste and Walker (2005) suggest that having and sharing a vision has proven to be among the most effective ways of ensuring project success. A vision can be loosely defined as the detailed mental image of things to come. Possessing a vision is paramount for any organization since it gives a sense of purpose and meaning to the organization members (Palmer 2008). As such, it is imperative that in any setting there be a leader who comes up with a future plan and then steer his followers towards its achievement. Visions are often for mulated by an individual or a group of people towards a specific purpose. As such, the visions may be highly personalized and may not necessarily conform to the desires of the majority. As a leader, it is important to communicate such visions to the followers and convince them as to the need to embark on the proposals since it is the followers who will determine the success of the vision (Christenson and Walker 2004). This will act as a source of motivation and morale in their day to day activities. According to Nogeste and Walker (2005), sharing a vision of the future reassures the followers of better days ahead. In addition to this, it provides meaning and a sense of belong to the followers and other stakeholders as they deem themselves as part of something greater. A shared vision inspires and motivates them to aim higher and employ extra effort so as to actualize the vision and make a significant difference in their own capacities (Schneider et al, 2008). This in turn acts as a unifying factor and creates a sense of community between them. In addition to this, Turner (2009) contends that communication of visions provides the followers with a theme of change or transformation. From the definition of project management, it is evident that there are some contributing factors that if well defined may drive a project to success. However, Munns and Bjeirmi (1996) assert that there are some factors that may lead to a project failure. They include but are not limited to, inadequate directions on how the project should be managed, unskilled personnel within the project’s team, lack of commitment or support from team members and top management and poor project planning. These factors suggest that if successful project management is to be achieved, there must be a competent project manager, clearly defined goals and objectives, adequate resources and commitment from all parties involved (Mason Harvey, 2006). Fong (2003), states that for project management to be successful, there are various techniques and tools that should be used to facilitate this. For example, he suggests that all projects should have work schedules, execution plans and effective communication channels. These factors enable the project team to avoid under-costing, overspending and delays. These are the most renowned causes of project failures. In addition, Gido Clements, 2009) reiterate that the success of a project is hinged on the belief that individuals involved in the project will execute their responsibilities accordingly. As such, project management entails defining the roles and responsibilities of each party involved in project activities. Failure to do so may lead to a situation where decisions are made slowly and there are many conflicts during the execution of the project. Conclusion From the discussion presented herein, it is evident that establishing a strong interpersonal bond amongst members of a group is of great importance if an organization is to re main successful. In this report, a definition and description of group process has been provided. Similarly, issues such as discrimination, conflict and miscommunication have been cited as being among the most prevalent factors that can influence the effectiveness of a group. In addition, the impact of group process on individual’s performance and commitment levels has also been discussed. Arguably, understanding group process gives leaders a chance to avert most of the common shortcomings that lead to organizational failures. As such, business leaders should ensure that they take time to understand various group dynamics because the future of their businesses may rely on such knowledge and understanding. References Adair, J. 2009, Effective Communication: The Most Important Management Skill of All, Pan Macmillan, New York. Brown, D. Harvey, D. 2006, An experiential approach to organizational development, 7th edn, Pearson Education. Brown, R. 2000, Group processes: dynamics within and between groups, Wiley-Blackwell, New Jersey. Christenson, D. Walker, D. 2004, ‘Understanding the Role of Vision in Project Success’, Project Management Journal, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 39-52. Fong PSW 2003, ‘Knowledge Creation in Multidisciplinary Project Teams: an empirical study of the processes and their dynamic interrelationships’, International Journal of Project Management vol. 21 no. 7 pp. 479-486. Gido J. Clements J. D. 2009, Successful Project Management, 4th edn, South Western Cengage Learning, California. Greene, O. Burleson, R. 2003, Handbook of Communication and Social Interaction Skills, Routledge, New York. Hashmi, M. 2010, Identification of the Root Causes of Software Project Failure, Lap Lambert Academic Publishing, USA. Huszczo, G. 2004, Tools for Team Leadership: Delivering the X-factor in Team Excellence, Davies-Black Publishing, USA. Kerzner, H. 2006, Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling and controlli ng, 9th edn, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey. Malhotra, Y. 2000, ‘Knowledge Management New Organization Forms: A Framework for Business Model Innovation’, Information Resources Management Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 5-14. McGuire, C. K. Ikpa, V. W. 2008, Policy, leadership, and student achievement: implications for urban communities: Achievement gap, research, practice, and policy, IAP, USA. Mason O. H. D Harvey, D. 2006, An experiential approach to organizational development, 7th edn, Pearson Education, New Jersey. Munns, A. K. Bjeirmi, B. F. 1996, ‘The Role of Project Management in Achieving Project Success’, International Journal of Project Management, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 81-87. Nogeste, K. Walker, D. 2005 ‘Project Outcomes and Outputs: Making the Intangible Tangible’, Measuring Business Excellence, Emerald, UK, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 55-68. Palmer, E. 2008, Ultimate leadership: winning execution strategies for your situation, Wharton Scho ol Publishing, USA. Pinto M. B., Pinto J. K. Prescott J. E. 1993, ‘Antecedents and Consequence of Project Team Cross-functional Cooperation’, Management Science, vol. 39 no. 10 pp. 1281. Porter T. W. Lilly B. S. 1993, ‘The Effects of Conflict, Trust and Task Commitment on Project Team Performance’, International Journal of Conflict Management vol. 7 no. 4 pp. 361-376. Shenhar, A. J., Dvir, D., Levy, O. Maltz, A. C. 2001, ‘Project Success: A Multidimensional Strategic Concept’, Long Range Planning, vol. 34, pp. 699 – 725. Schneider, M. et al 2008, Groups: process and practice, Cengage Learning, New York. Standish Group 1995, Chaos (Application Project Failure and Success). Web. Turner, J. R. 2009, The Handbook of Project-Based Management: Leading Strategic Change in Organizations, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill, New York. Webne-Behrman, H. 2008, The Practice of Facilitation: Managing Group Process and Solving Problems, IAP, USA.

Keep the Fire Burning

Keep the Fire Burning C. Hope Clark entered my life 11 years ago, just when I had made a 10-year commitment to improving my writing: entering more contests, applying for more grants and submitting more applications to publishers and for artist residencies. Hope sits on my desktop every day. When I need to remember that I am not alone in this writing struggle, feeling like bursting into tears after another rejection, I open the computer document titled HOPE and my world is transformed from despair into opportunity with one simple click.    Here I find every snippet of fodder that I have carefully cut and pasted from C. Hope Clarks weekly FundsforWriters email. After doing this for several years, this document was pretty messy. One day I reorganized it: Book Publishers, Magazines, Grants, Jobs, Artist-in-Residencies, Workshops/Classes and Wisdom; perhaps the most important section because it included tips for remaining sane while striving for success. Within each category bold, italics and underline were added. I reduced the font size down to 9 and narrowed the margins so I can get more opportunities on one page. And I have developed my own style of shorthand so that each opportunity can be reduced down to just two lines if at all possible. Why? Because I learned that once the document is over 25 pages long,   it felt too cumbersome to peruse for the next opportunity. Some weeks I only do one category for the week, but about once a month I save an afternoon (usually Friday while Im waiting for her newest email to arri ve) and I read through the entire document, slowly and carefully. I use text colors to make things pop visually and for the best opportunities I add highlighting. Now I have bold, italics, bold-italics, colored text, underlines, a variety of font styles and highlighting. Deadlines passed. Offerings had to be deleted. I added a Submissions category where entries are carefully documented: fee, date, title and word count for each entry. Then the Rejected category which included any comments offered and finally my favorite; a YES/Accepted category. This list began to grow as I began to understand that writing is not a goal; writing is a process. Every week I carefully cut and pasted anything that looked appealing re: publication or growth. I asked for opinions, joined a writers group and began to teach. And I always kept the HOPE file updated every week. I sat at my computer late on Fridays waiting for the email to arrive. I learned to keep that document on my desktop because it added more kindling to my inner burning desire to write. More than a decade has gone I take Hopes email very seriously. When it has been late arriving (seldom), dinner is delayed. It is that important. Hope encourages us to dream and she gives us innumerable reasons to never give up. Happy Writing! Laura Lee Perkinswww.LauraLeePerkinsAuthor.com spiritualquest@earthlink.net

Relating Physical and Service Performance in Local Government Communit Essay

Relating Physical and Service Performance in Local Government Community Facilities - Essay Example It leverages the economies of scale and is based on real needs. The factors critical to FM in an organization include organizational characteristics, facilities feature, business sector, culture and contexts. FM is no more restricted to business units but is greatly needed in the education sector, medical and health care sector and in care homes which are highly service oriented and case specific. It is also used in â€Å"smart† homes using technology to enhance facilities and support services. In the case of care homes, the stay of the service users is long term and hence the need for individualized service is even more pronounced. Consumers are vulnerable and their choice of home is more serious and complex than choosing other consumer goods in care homes. FM has a long way to go and can contribute to giving a strategic direction to any organization. It requires a professional approach with a trained facilities manager having different skills. It is usually the non-core acti vities that need to be addressed professionally. These activities, despite being non-core functions are in alignment with the core objectives and business goals. While its focus remains the workplace, the facilities extended are beyond the space that is provided. The FM function has to fit with the nature and demand of the organization. It provides better infrastructure and logistics support to the business unit. The support services are given priority based on the key role they play in support of the key business activities. FM works as a key strategic function in reducing risks and gaining advantages for the organization of facility resource issues. The most important element that matters at the end is customer satisfaction – what the business unit is achieving in relation to the expectations of the customer. Aligning the management of facilities with the institutional strategic aims and objectives goes beyond the role of providing space as the need arises.

Intermediate macro on the effect of inflation on exports and imports Term Paper

Intermediate macro on the effect of inflation on exports and imports - Term Paper Example Inflation makes reserves to be misallocated. The paper explores how influence impacts on trade among nations, especially its effect on exports and imports. Effect of inflation on exports and imports Introduction Inflation refers to the decrease in the value of money as the prices of goods and services gradually increase overtime. Moderate forms of inflation are conceived normal in the majority of economies and desirable in any economy since this is indicative to producers that there is an increasing demand and so stimulates enhanced production, and ultimately economic growth (Evans, 2004). Nevertheless, high inflation, is worrying since the prices of goods and services rise faster that the surge in wages, thus eroding real incomes. Inflation renders exports to fall, as it costs other countries more to purchase similar amount the same goods. This relationship can be outlined mathematically by the equation NI= C+ I+ G- NX whereby NI represents national income (or price level that equat es to inflation), C represents consumption (consumer spending) I represent investment; G represents government spending while NX represents net exports. Inflation influences the current account deficit since then demand for exports plunges as prices rise, and imports become more competitive if imports prices reduce comparatively lower to domestic competitors (Ulke & Ergun, 2011). If the country is exporting and the local currency becomes strong, then the country’s products become more expensive for its buyers. If a country is relying heavily on imports and the local currency becomes weak, then the products that are imported becomes expensive (Evans, 2004). As such, inflation increases will lead to deterioration of balance of payments since domestic inflation stimulates import spending provided that imports emerge comparatively cheaper, and diminish export sales, as exports emerge more expensive abroad (Levi, 2009). The association between inflation and exchange rate appears a s a double-edged sword whereby the rising inflation tends to render a currency to depreciate (owing to the reduced demand for the country’s demand). Mostly, depreciation aids exporters since prices paid by the overseas buyers decrease (Ulke & Ergun, 2011). Nevertheless, depreciation signifies that prices of imports increase, which is inflationary. The net impact of the devaluation in inflation hinges on the comparative price elasticity of imports and exports. Effects of Inflation on Imports and Exports Exchange rates bear a significant effect on a country’s economy. If the exchange rate drops, this alters the comparative prices of imports and exports. Exports are likely to become comparatively cheap in other currencies while imports become expensive. For instance, when the U.S. purchases imports, the imports are incorporated into the retail price index. In the event that the price of import rises, this could be inflationary, especially in cases where a country’s imports feature a lot of raw materials and semi-finished products (Levi, 2009). A gradual rise in prices will impact on a country’s trading performance mainly on the ration between imports and exports. The performance of a country’

Sherman Computer Repair New Direction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sherman Computer Repair New Direction - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that business growth and development is characterized by changes in activities and operations of the business, consequently impacting on the performance of the business. Initiating and adopting relevant actions that enhance change realization is a process with risks. These risks are spread across business stakeholders and their impact varies according to the stakeholder being assessed in that regard. Change is inevitable if a business is to remain competitive over time, alongside the need to grow and expand. The degree of change adoption determines what direction the business takes and its competitiveness in the market. High reaction in the market is directly proportional to participation in change by firms. Planning for a new direction in business is essential for any given organization. Sherman Computer Repair cannot refute the fundamental role of planning for new business directions. This is a procedural activity that requires both time and resources to put in place. There are expected outcomes to look forward to prior to the operations and performance of the company. Steps and guidelines should be put in place in order to evaluate and assess the achievements of such a plan over time. It is important to note that organizational change is characterized by barriers that emerge from within and outside the business environment. With that in mind, the internal and external environments of the company should be assessed against the strengths and weaknesses of the company.

What is the best way to handle on the job conflict constructively Essay

What is the best way to handle on the job conflict constructively - Essay Example There is a popular maxim that says prevention is better than cure. This fact applies also in conflict management in human relationships and teams. It is not always possible to foresee all future sources of conflict, but it is always best to do that which is necessary to avoid foreseeable conflict areas. Experiences inform us that positive constructive conflict handling must be complimented by a secure and supportive organizational environment in which trust and mutual respect are the core pillars in existing relationships (LeBaron 88). On this aspect, people feel comfortable and at ease with each other, and able to express and appreciate differences in opinions and workout a consensus. Conflict prevention requires more of visionary leadership as opposed to reactionary leadership. Conflict prevention skills entail identifying future conflict potential areas and designing a viable and acceptable strategy on how to approach them. Conflict managers should help people in teams stay focused on their goals; to be accommodative to those with a different opinion; participate in decision-making; and train people on consensus building. Constructive conflict management requires that people are able to differentiate personal interests and positions. Personal interests include individual values, needs and motivating factors. Positions define the means an individual uses to achieve personal interests (David and Johnson 37). However, it is not always possible to prevent a conflict. This is largely because life is very dynamic and with it comes surprises. This requires an elaborate and dynamic conflict handling strategy. Equally important, conflict may sometimes serve as important lessons to learn from and help devise objectives and goals that are relatively fair to all players. In relation to this, constructive conflict handling requires a practical

Hazardous Material Management and Hazard Communication Essay - 11

Hazardous Material Management and Hazard Communication - Essay Example ords namely â€Å"DANGER† and â€Å"WARNING.† â€Å"DANGER† identifies chemicals that present a greater and immediate hazard to the worker whereas â€Å"WARNING† a chemical that represents a lesser degree of hazard. There can be only one signal word on the label. For multiple hazards, only the more severe signal word will appear on the label (Sullivan, 2009). In the case of acute toxicity, oral chemicals that are lethal or toxic when ingested require the â€Å"DANGER† signal word appear on their label of the container. On the other hand, those chemicals that are not harmful if ingested get the signal word â€Å"WARNING†. In addition, in the case of eye and skin irritation or corrosion, those chemicals that are classified as corrosive to the eye or skin are indicated â€Å"DANGER† on them. Whereas the same materials that only irritate the skin or the eye are marked â€Å"WARNING. â€Å" (Ta, Mokhtar, Mohd Mokhtar, Ismail, & Abu Yazid, 2010) Hazard statements also correlate with signal words. Standardized hazard statements, such as â€Å"Extremely Flammable Liquid† or â€Å"Fatal if swallowed† appear on labels that have the â€Å"DANGER† signal word. On the other hand, the labels bearing the â€Å"WARNING â€Å" word tend to have less alarming hazard statements such as â€Å"combustible liquid† or â€Å"Harmful if Swallowed†. This reflects some of the many applications of the two words used as signal words (Dalvie, Rother, & London, 2014). Dalvie, M. A., Rother, H. A., & London, L. (2014). Chemical hazard communication comprehensibility in South Africa: Safety implications for the adoption of the globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals. Safety Science, 61, 51–58. Ta, G. C., Mokhtar, M. Bin, Mohd Mokhtar, H. A. Bin, Ismail, A. Bin, & Abu Yazid, M. F. B. H. (2010). Analysis of the comprehensibility of chemical hazard communication tools at the industrial workplace. Industrial Health, 48,

Marriot Being a Marketer Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marriot Being a Marketer - Case Study Example The marketer offers excellent positioning and segmentation to the multinational business entity. The marketer utilizes several marketing strategies for his target market and offers the ideal segmentation for all the business undertakings around the globe. The marketer gives more concentration on the consumer than any other element to make the business a success. He utilizes market researches too obtain feedback that is usually utilized in the provision of the best services within the multinational business. Key marketing Issues Market research-Marriott utilizes market research to deal with certain marketing issues or create competitive advantages towards its competitors. The multinational utilizes different methods to collect information for market evaluations. Forecasting methods- Marriott utilizes dissimilar forecasting techniques for different brands offered within its business empire. Markets- Marriott is a business-to-consumer market since it comprises of consumers and purchaser s of products without the intention of gaining any profits from the provided services. Market targeting-Marriott utilizes three strategies in market targeting for its products. The three strategies are concentrated, differentiated and undifferentiated target strategies. Market positioning-Marriott has successfully positioned its products in the thoughts of its consumers by providing products that effectively address their desires. Positioning has also assisted Marriott in marketing segmentation in several ways. Market segmentation-Marriott segments its market accordingly to suit all consumers visiting its hotels all over the globe. Segmentation has extensively done to group consumers according to their needs and preferences. Personal Case Analysis Marriot case introduces the basic and most imperative concepts in the market strategies. The case presents the difficulties that a marketer undergoes to keep the business running. Market targeting, segmentation, and positioning offer the m arketer with the best strategies to run the business. Marriott obtains a huge market share by operating on dissimilar countries around the globe. Case Questions 1. How is Marriott segmenting the market for hotel services? Marketing segmentation offers different or distinct groups of consumers with homogenous needs and characteristics (Shoba 1). Marriott has effectively segmented the market into Marriott and Renaissance consumers who bear dissimilar preferences. Renaissance customers presented the urge to open the windows up and look outside upon arrival in their presented rooms. The customers who spent their time within the Marriott’s property showed interest in undertaking various high-tech activities such as video conferencing. Marriott has responded to this call through the institution of equipment such as the most recent recording and communication gadgets within the meeting places. The property has also created an affiliation with AT&T as well as Cisco to provide virtual meeting facilities. Marriott has also presented another segment within its brands that consist of customers and commerce travelers conscious about the environment. Marriott has responded to this segment through the development of model green hotels. The hotel brands bearing these green hotels are designed to hold communal spaces, and visitor’s room that are more oriented towards preserving water, and energy than the earlier versions. Marriott brand with the green hotels aims at operating in ecosystem friendly environs. The hotels in this segment offer pads manufactured from recycled paper and key cards developed out of recycled plastics. The achievers serve as another of the many segments that Marriott has developed.

Hazardous Material Management and Hazard Communication Essay - 11

Hazardous Material Management and Hazard Communication - Essay Example ords namely â€Å"DANGER† and â€Å"WARNING.† â€Å"DANGER† identifies chemicals that present a greater and immediate hazard to the worker whereas â€Å"WARNING† a chemical that represents a lesser degree of hazard. There can be only one signal word on the label. For multiple hazards, only the more severe signal word will appear on the label (Sullivan, 2009). In the case of acute toxicity, oral chemicals that are lethal or toxic when ingested require the â€Å"DANGER† signal word appear on their label of the container. On the other hand, those chemicals that are not harmful if ingested get the signal word â€Å"WARNING†. In addition, in the case of eye and skin irritation or corrosion, those chemicals that are classified as corrosive to the eye or skin are indicated â€Å"DANGER† on them. Whereas the same materials that only irritate the skin or the eye are marked â€Å"WARNING. â€Å" (Ta, Mokhtar, Mohd Mokhtar, Ismail, & Abu Yazid, 2010) Hazard statements also correlate with signal words. Standardized hazard statements, such as â€Å"Extremely Flammable Liquid† or â€Å"Fatal if swallowed† appear on labels that have the â€Å"DANGER† signal word. On the other hand, the labels bearing the â€Å"WARNING â€Å" word tend to have less alarming hazard statements such as â€Å"combustible liquid† or â€Å"Harmful if Swallowed†. This reflects some of the many applications of the two words used as signal words (Dalvie, Rother, & London, 2014). Dalvie, M. A., Rother, H. A., & London, L. (2014). Chemical hazard communication comprehensibility in South Africa: Safety implications for the adoption of the globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals. Safety Science, 61, 51–58. Ta, G. C., Mokhtar, M. Bin, Mohd Mokhtar, H. A. Bin, Ismail, A. Bin, & Abu Yazid, M. F. B. H. (2010). Analysis of the comprehensibility of chemical hazard communication tools at the industrial workplace. Industrial Health, 48,

Walt Diseny Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Walt Diseny - Research Paper Example Competitive advantage Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Minnie Mouse are the main sources of competitive advantage. As the company owns exclusive rights to these characters, the company earns more revenue by utilizing these characters in different animated films and cartoons and products based on these characters that are sold through theme park shops (Hoskisson et al. 173). Although these are the results and innovations provided by Walt Disney, there are other manifestations of competitive advantages owned by the company. For example, â€Å"Patents shield the use of these characters protects the firm from imitation by competitors â€Å" (Hoskisson 173). Additionally, the company is actively pursing innovation and creativity to longer its effective competitive position in the global market. For this purpose, it has developed a creativity strategy. â€Å"A creativity strategy has been developed and pilot projects have been identified and the creativity grants will support non-profits that nu rture creative thinking skills in the afterschool/out of school time through multi-disciplinary learning (The Walt Disney Company). Business-level strategy On July 17, 1955, a unique destination was created by Walt Disney with the concept of parks and resorts. Due to the successful business strategy, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (WDP&R) has become a preferred family travel and leisure destination. There are 11 theme parks and 43 resorts in Asia, Europe and North America. Additionally, the Walt Disney Studios has experienced a considerable expansion after its creation more than 85 years ago. The Walt Disney Studios provides music, movies and stage plays. Both animated and non-animated movies are released under the various titles: Disneynature, Pixar Animation Studios, Touchstone Pictures and Marvel Studios; the Disney Music Group includes Disney Music Publishing, the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records; the Disney Theatrical Group licenses and produces live programs including Disney On Ice, Disney on Broadway and Disney Live (The Walt Disney Company). All these business differentiations have experienced a considerable but careful business-level strategy. Additionally, â€Å"The Company employs 5 different business models to maximize revenue, delivering what customers want and advertisers need† (Murray). Section 2: Financial Analysis Walt Disney and Time Warner Ratios    2011 2010 2009 Gross Profit Margin 19.00% 43.70%(TW) 17.67% 44.13%(TW) 15.75% 44.01%(TW) Net Profit Margin 11.75% 9.96%(TW) 10.41% 9.59%(TW) 9.14% 9.57% (TW) Return on Assets 6.66% 4.26% (TW) 5.72% 3.88%(TW) 5.23% 3.75% (TW) Return on Equity 12.86% 9.63%(TW) 10.56% 7.83%(TW) 9.80% 7.39%(TW) TW= Time Warner Source: Walt Disney and Time Warner Annual Reports 2009-2011 Gross Profit Margin Walt Disney experiences a steady rise in the gross profit. The gross profit highlights the remaining amount after paying the direct cost of sales. From the year of 2009 to 2011, the company has inc reased its gross profit ratio from 15.75% to 19.00%; the aggregate rise of 3.25% has been posted by the company during the period. On the other hand, Time Warner has showed a significant increase in the gross profit margin throughout the entire period. Except the slight margin of fall in the year of 2011, Time Warner has been maintaining comparatively better gross profit margin during the year. This shows that the company has been successful in increasing its sales volume and decreasing the cost of sales during

Wal-Mart principles Essay Example for Free

Wal-Mart principles Essay Introduction As pointed out by Craig Herkert, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Wal-Mart International, â€Å"Every day low prices, quality assortment, and exceptional service are Wal-Mart principles that transcend borders, languages and cultural differences.† (Daniels, Radebaugh and Sullivan, 2004). Wal-Mart’s success in the retail industry depends on how the company may incorporate its customer strategy in a market completely different from its home business. Wal-mart inevitably find their operations growing more complex. One reason for this is the large number of individual decision makers (buyers, distributors, and store personnel) who have a significant effect on strategy and execution and who add complexity through their everyday actions (Bianco et al, 2007). Another is that the high fixed costs of retailing exert continual pressure to add new products and capture incremental revenue. Not only does this ratchet up complexity, it also raises the cost of selecting, buying, and delivering each product. The predictable result: buyers have to make too many decisions for too many different types of store on too little information. Although sometimes Wal-Mart underestimate the cost financial and operational of added retail complexity (Bailey and Schultz, 2000). In financial terms, this complexity is directly reflected in selling, administrative, and other operating costs. Among department stores, the cost gap between good and average performers can be 3 percentage points or more; among specialty stores, up to 5 percentage points. In operational terms, lower sales, slower inventory turns, and lower gross margins occur when buyers cannot cope with the complexity of their business. These effects can readily be seen in the gap between good and average performers markdown rates: a 2.5 percentage point difference among department stores; 4 percentage points among specialty shops. Leading retailers have achieved these performance premiums by reducing complexity. They have stopped trying to be everything to everybody (Bianco et al, 2003). Regardless of their format or the market segment in which they compete, each has created a huge competitive advantage by focusing product offerings, narrowing market concentration, standardizing store size and layout, and simplifying the buyers job. Retailer like Wal-mart carries tens of thousands of items: 70,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) is not unusual for a discounter; a full-line department store often carries close to a million. Many of these items require fundamentally different sourcing and distribution methods and are in demand for only a few short months before seasons and hence assortments change (Bonache, 1999). One retailer we studied carried more than 1,200 different styles of knitwear, yet only 5 percent of them contributed almost 40 percent of sales. This retailer was carrying the cost of offering all those SKUs when less than half that number would provide a selection adequate for most customers needs. Internal Analysis Several Companies in the commercial and industrial business where Snap-On is major players are in a race that gets more difficult every year, with bigger, stronger, and more innovative competitors. In addition, the rules of the race are constantly changing with the emergence of electronic business, globalization, disruptive technologies, innovation and convergence of industries. Competitors who have been in other races suddenly join your race with strength, technology, and new approaches to the market, often becoming instant leaders (Palmer, 1997). Moreover, it is possible to lead in this race for long periods of time and to create significant value for shareholders and employees. To make the possibilities of these, different sectoral organizations need a strategy that sustains their strong position in the race, anticipates changes, and helps them continue to lead. The rules to be ahead are the following: †¢ Competitive advantage is short-lived †¢ Today’s competitive advantage is tomorrow’s competitive requirement †¢ Companies without a competitive advantage should expect, at best, zero return. For a variety of reasons, many companies have underdeveloped strategies. Sometimes an underdeveloped strategy is effective, a single spectacular idea can carry a business a long way, even without an explicitly stated strategy. Management intuition and organizational willpower can substitute temporarily as well. However, with the pace of business today, industry leaders need to think through and plan for the next industry lifecycle or risk being dethroned (Briscoe, 2004). It is possible in today’s environment to fully engineer a company from a strategic point of view in a way that was unthinkable five years ago. Advances in technology, combined with worldwide deregulation and decontrol of product and financial markets, allows new flexibility in the implementation of company strategies. SWOT Analysis Strengths. Compared to the retail industry competitors of Wal-mart, the company exercises an almost direct access to the market-base. Since the company originated and developed in the U.S. economy, Wal-mart is highly of advantage compared to its competitors. This gives Wal-mart is well- experience, skilled, and knowledgeable of the people in the market. The centralized aspect of Wal-mart ensure capitalization of its brand globally which results to good return of investments and profits while the decentralized business approach of the franchises extends possible business opportunities for the entire business in terms of product innovation, design, research and development. This makes possible continuous growth of the business enterprise through a pool of creative staff and employees that contribute to the competence, security, image and integrity of the company. Other strengths of the company are as follows: Good strategic positioning has been the foundation of company’s success. High employee productivity as a result of its good scheme. Vibrant and independent culture is supported with a generous profit-sharing plan and stock ownership plan for all employees. Technology innovations. An efficient management team. Constant focus in the company’s mission. Weaknesses. Basically, tools and equipments in today’s modern world is everywhere, with the help of globalization nonetheless. However, the problem with this is that world of the retail business has witnessed a dramatic shift in the way in which the market are determined away from an intrinsic interaction between the regional environmental factors towards the dominance by global capitalism. Retail goods are now being considered more of a retail material rather than a medium on which artists can express their artistic ideas to the fullest (Hill and Jones, 1998). Globalization has made statements of different cultures available to every individual around the world. Although mass production of this merchandise is being created with extensive consideration on production budget and marketing research, Wal-mart should be sensitive to the importance of maintaining art in its products and designs so as not to fall into the common retail-crafted orientation perception regarding today’s market. As such, the development efforts and research initiatives and projects that the company invest in order to maintain continuous operation and competitive position call for wise selection of business opportunities as well as skilled leadership and risk management skills among its decision-makers. But more importantly, the company should foster tasteful and intrinsic creative designs for the consumers at the lowest possible prices. Good relationships with the suppliers and other business affiliations for the successful operation of the company lie should be observed. Moreover, technological innovations and facilities in tools and equipment marketing should be fully exhausted in order to serve the economic and aesthetic purposes of the company. Opportunities To survive in todays world globalization is important. Wal-mart have a wide opportunity to go global to improve and expand its business. They also have the opportunity to include more overseas supplier, which will actually give them cost advantage, as suppliers then can be available on a local level. Before they are able to take these opportunities they need to fix themselves up more strongly (Child and Faulkner, 1998). They also have the opportunity to use available technology to improve their functioning and to gain competitive advantage. Additional content area or expansion is an opportunity for the company to boost its market coverage. Joint ventures with other company paves way for integrating new business practices and would definitely be a good basis in their plans for international expansions. The company can form additional alliances that will facilitate the culture and business systems of a foreign neighbor to support its foreign growth strategy. Consumers want to effortlessness of shopping. Growing opportunities in internet shopping. Increase in dollar value Threats The continuous transformation of the monopolistic economic environment of U.S., the competitors in the local as well as the international children’s merchandise is a major intimidation to Wal-mart since highly acclaimed, recognized, popular and sophisticated companies in the fashion industry can exercise the same market penetration initiatives of the company. In particular, there are highly stable local apparel manufacturers that supply and distribute materials, designs and products to other internationally acknowledged clothing lines. These local manufacturers are also distributing their products and designs in the local market under their own respective brand names. At the international level American designs and products are existent and likewise persistent in increasing market share in lucrative business locations (Hessan and Whiteley, 1996). Small towns do not want entry of Wal-mart. Variety of Competition in the national, regional and local market. There is a powerful competition among substitute products As a result of the very competitive rivalry substitute products come in easily. Conclusion Wal-mart have been the best performers have learned to focus on a well-defined target market even as they expand geographically (Shah and Phipps, 2002). Wal-Mart, for example, has largely maintained its focus on customers with similar needs as it expanded across regions. The traditional Wal-Mart customer lives in a small town and is willing to drive a great distance to stock up on a wide range of items at the best possible price (Shah and Phipps, 2002). As the search for growth has brought Wal-Mart closer to urban customers, the company has had to support its merchandising performance by making additional investments in systems, communications, and executive travel in order to coordinate its widespread store network. Wal-Mart is considered to be a geographically-dispersed retailer, maintains market focus by expanding its store network region by region, building up enough scale in each one to justify regional buying offices dedicated to the specific needs of local customers (Briscoe, 2004). References Bailey, S. Schultz, D. (2000). Customer/Brand Loyalty in an Interactive Marketplace. Journal of Advertising Research, 40 (3), 41. Bianco, A. , B., Der Hovanesian, M., Young, L., Gogoi, P. (2007). Wal-Marts Midlife Crisis; Declining growth, increasing competition, and not an easy fix in site. Business Week. New York, April 30, 2007, Issue 4032, page 46. Bianco, A., Zellner, W., Brady, D., France, M., Lowry, T., Byrnes, N., Zegel, S., Arndt, M., Berner, R., Palmer, T., A. (2003). IS WAL-MART TOO POWERFUL? Low prices are great. But Wal-Marts dominance creates problems for suppliers, workers, communities, and even American culture Business Week. New York: Oct 6, 2003., Iss. 3852; pg. 100 Bonache, J. (1999). The International Transfer of an Idea Suggestion System. International Studies of Management Organization. 29(4), p. 24. Briscoe, D. R. (2004). International Human Resource Management: Policies Practices for the Global Enterprise. New York: Routledge. Child, J Faulkner, D (1998), Strategies of cooperation: managing alliances, networks, and joint ventures, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Daniels, J, Radebaugh, L Sullivan, D (2004), International business: environments and operations, 10th edn, Prentice Hall, London. Hessan D. and Whiteley R.. (1996). Customer Centered Growth: Five Proven Strategies for Building Competitive Advantage. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books. Hill, C.W.L. Jones, G.R. (1998), Internal Analysis : Resources, capabilities, competencies, and competitive advantage. Strategic Management Theory. An Integrated Approach. 4th ed, Houghton Mifflin Co., pp 107-139 Palmer, A. (1997) Defining Relationship Marketing: An International Perspective, Management Decision, Vol. 35, No. (4), pp. 319-21, ISBN 0025-1747. Shah, A Phipps, T 2002, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc 2001. In: F. David, Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases, pp. 41-55, Prentice Hall International, Inc. Shaoming, Z. and Tamer, C. (2002) The GMS: A Broad Conceptualization and Measurement of Global Marketing Strategy, Journal of Marketing, 66 (4), 40-56

My Other Self :: essays research papers

In "My Other Self" the essayist takes the reader on a journey through a girl’s torturous emotional problems during a short period of time. The essayist believes that to each person, there is an "other self". This other self is a side of us that no else knows exists. I think it is created by the repression of our strongest emotions. The girl in the essay is at a skating rink with her friends when one of the boys expresses a personal interest in her. When he asks to walk her home, the girl’s "other self" begins to feel trapped and nervous. "...and making my other self very, very nervous. She can not bear to be held or confined." The above sentence from "My Other Self", shows how the character refers to her other self as a completely different person. She does not realize that the emotions building her other self are really just a part of her normal psyche that she has pushed aside. In the sentence, "my other self slips towards hysteria." The essayist also shows that the girls "other self" is far less composed than the self that she shows to acquaintances. Her other self is confused, and anxious to explode. In the events with the young boy eventually the girl feels overpowered by the feelings and thoughts that her "other self" is thrusting into her mind. She flees the scene - leaving the young man quite confused, as he does not know what is bothering her. When the girl flees home she is overcome with emotion, and this her parents do not understand, so she pretends that she is upset about her skates - once again not allowing the honest expression of her other self.

Learning Is For Everyone :: essays research papers

Learning is for everyone   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The institution called a university, or many times a community college, is an institution that should welcome anyone who is willing to make the effort to face the challenges that it brings. As William A. Henry III writes, “In the real world, though, mostly people go to college to make money';(The Museum of Clear Ideals, 146). I point out that there are a variety of different reasons for which people choose to enter into college. Some of these reasons do include the ability to make a higher income. But many also do so to learn a particular function or get a better understanding of a specific field, or to have an overall deeper knowledge of the world around us. Despite the reasoning behind it, the university experience is one that should be experienced by all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The types of university courses are changing to reflect today’s society. It does vary from college to college, but quite often today a student can just about customize his or her own degree program. This allows someone to study a particular subject or learn more about the area of study that he or she prefers, rather than choosing from a limited amount of concentrations. This evolution within the college cirriculum is excellent especially for those who prefer a career that does not require a degree, but would like to study nonetheless. One should be free to learn what one chooses. Many colleges also allow people to take courses without necessarily being matriculated in a degree program. This is helpful for those taking courses such as foreign languages, basic business, or even arts and crafts-related courses. The idea of the community college is superb, allowing those who don’t have a lot of money to spend on such an investment the opportunity to study at a lower cost. These colleges are also less severe about whom they let in. For example, if someone who did not do well in high school and therefore did not foresee nor have the desire to go to college following graduation, he or she may still be accepted at a community college even years after high school is over. These institutions also tend to accept students who obtained only average grades and therefore did not qualify for more prestige universities. “For American society, the big lie underlying higher education is akin to…that everyone can be above average'; (The Museum of Clear Ideas, 147).

Ethical Principle Essay

Ethical principles have a huge portion in the impact of intentional or assisted euthanasia. Beneficence according to Beauchamp states, â€Å"compassion; taking positive action to help others; desire to do good; are core principle of our patient advocacy† (Beauchamp,2009,p38). The value of beneficence simply states to do good to achieve the best possible outcome. For example, medical research is expanding and exploring numerous cures for diseases that are causing harm to people. Doctors that are approving euthanasia are because of empathy and kindness for the patient. The doctors and physicians are trying to do good for the patient by performing euthanasia because they know the prognoses is poor and the medical treatment won’t cure the disease. Utilitarianism theory can also be applied to the situation, â€Å"this theory supports what is best for most people. The value of the act is determined by its usefulness, with the main emphasis on the outcome or consequences†(American Nursing Association). In other words, the greatest value for all, is the selection that is morally accurate. For example, some patients support active euthanasia because it ends the suffering of the person. The choice to end life in return brings the great happiness for large amount of people. The autonomy theory states, â€Å"Agreements to respect right to self determine is a course of action and support of independent decision making†. (Beauchamp,2009 p.38). People should have their own choice to make decision for themselves when it involves their life’s. If the member is unable to make his or her needs known, an inform consent or power of attorney should be made before hand of the patient wishes. The ethical theory such as deontology mentions, people should abide to their task and obligations when review an ethical dilemma. Reference Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2009). Principles of biomedical ethics (6th ed., pp. 38-39). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. American Nurses Association. Retrieved from website: http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/Resources/Ethics-Definitions.pdf

Aggression in Humans Essay

There are many different reason why a person may act aggressively towards other human being. The person may act this way because of his background or the way he/she was brought up in life. A person does not; act this way based on natural feeling alone. Is more like a melded, learned behavior. A human being must have both environmental and instinctual factors in order to show aggression. Some of a person’s natural instincts are to desire food, reject some things, escape from danger, fight in a dangerous situations or when challenged. As well also sex desire, care for the young, control, and to accept substandard status. This combination of both instincts and environment determines a person’s behavior and actions throughout life. This is based on the theory that everything human beings do would have to be learned from other human beings. Aggression must be learned as we grow. It is not just simply there from the moment of birth. A person behavior is something that is taught to him rather than being an unmanageable instinct. For example, a newborn baby is breathing because it is an uncontrolled reaction. But on the other hand, a father may tell his young son to beat up the school buly who is picking on him. As a result, the boy is dealing with the situation by using violence. In order for a human being to display aggression, violence and anger, it must be driven by an instinct interacting with that person’s surroundings. The word instinct is defined as â€Å"an inherited or innate psycho-physical disposition which determines its possessor to perceive, and to pay attention to, objects of a certain class, to experience an emotional excitement of a particular quality upon perciving such an object, and to act in regard to its particular manner, or, at least, to experience an impulse to such action.† This definition, explains that people have different reactions for different situations they are put in. Therefore, an individual is expected to act a certain way when he is encouraged to do so from his surrounding environment. For example, an Eskimo does not have an inborn instinct that allows him to survive in his climate. He has to work with his people in order to survive when he is at a very young age. Furthermore, when people are brought up in a society, they learn a certain way of life and traditions. These customs are usually taught to them because it’s part of their society’s way of life, even if some of the customs may be brutal and horrible to others. For example, cannibalism is distasteful to us, but in some prehistoric cultures, to eat an enemy is to gain his or her strength. This aggressive behavior was taught to the people of this culture and is the cause for its existence. People need to have contact with aggressiveness in society in order to act aggressive. For example, there was a tribe in New Guinea, who were violent warriors that were always fighting and killing each other. The children of these people learned this aggressive act from their parents and then acted in the same way. A parent’s method of child rearing has a huge impact on the child’s aggression. For example my own brother found a way, which will convince my parents to buy him what he wants. All he has to do is cry and if he doesn’t get what he wants he will start smashing, kicking and throwing thinks that he find around him. Moreover, when a group of people are isolated, their behavior does not change unless they interact with other people. There was tribe made up of a group of people who were completely isolated fro the rest of the world. They did not show any signs of aggression due to the fact that they had no words for weapon, aggression, anger or war. All they did was gathering food. So the tribe and had no use for weapons. The tribe only used knives and other things that might be thought as weapons or tools to gather food. They even rejected the spear, the bow and arrow because they could not use them to gather food. There could not been anything in their genetic makeup that made them act in an aggressive or peaceful manner. This was just their way of life that was taught from generation to generation, to gather food which was needed to survive. The source of human aggression lies in factors such as society and culture. Aggression is a learned emotion that is built up on different factors in a person’s surrounding environment. It the combination of environment, society and culture that creates aggressive behavior. It is the person’s instincts that are the basis for the three. While one tribe is a peaceful group of people, and the other a group of aggressive warriors. Both of the tribes had  the ability for aggression and peaceful life but it was their environment, society and culture that have driven them to choose totally opposite paths.

Olympic Village Project Management Essay

On July 6 2005, the International Olympic Committee announced the designation of London as the host of the 2012 Olympic Games. 8 days later, the Olympic Bill was introduced to the Parliament, allowing the launch of lottery scratch cards in order to fund the Games. In the preparation of the reception of the Games, the city of London started a big renovation plan that came with the construction of several infrastructures. Among them was the Olympic Village. Before Execution Presentation The Olympic Village had the most spacious accommodation in the history of the Games, with ample room to house the 16,000 athletes and NOC team officials in 17,320 beds, and with the capacity to add more if required. The Olympic Village was conveniently located in the midst of most sports venues. The great majority of competitors (80% of Olympic athletes and over 95% of Paralympic athletes) will be within 20 minutes of their venues. Though unified in design, the Olympic Village had distinct residential and international zones in strict accord with IOC Olympic Village guidelines. The international zone, located north of Stratford International station, comprises athletes’ entertainment and leisure facilities, the visitors’ welcome centre, the media sub-centre, meeting rooms and conference facilities and areas for the Welcome Ceremonies and flag displays. The residential zone contains the apartments, the main dining facility and the polyclinic. Adjacent buildings houses various services including athlete accreditation, sports information, the NOC centre, the Olympic Village operations and service area (VOSA), the athletes’ disco and the Chef de Mission meeting hall. The transport mall was split into two main areas. One served the Olympic Park and the other provided transit to other London competition venues. As the Games progressed, bus services operated from here to London’s key tourist venues. Transport within the Olympic Village itself was provided by a zero-emission continuous bus shuttle to connect apartment blocks with all the main facilities, including the transport mall and dining facilities. This service ran on a continuous 24-hour basis, although on a reduced basis during the early hours of the morning (01.00hrs to 05.00hrs). The Olympic Village’s main entrance is at the southern end of the complex, close to Stratford International station and the main vehicle pickup/drop off facility. Secure car parking for accredited guests and visiting officials will be nearby. Schedule Given the size and the nature of the project, the LOCOG (London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games) and the ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) did not wait for the IOC decision to begin the project of the construction of an Olympic Village. As we can see on the table below, the organizations started, since 2003, the groundwork for the athletes’ accommodation. By the time the IOC gave its verdict, the location was chosen and the designing details were already on their way. As the soon as the decision was made public, the tendering for the main contractor began. Shortly after, the construction on-site started with the demolition phase. The construction of the Village was completed in early 2012 for a total duration on-site of almost 6 years. Location The area chosen as the construction site was located in east London, seven minutes from all of the attractions of the city centre and in the heart of the Olympic Park. This location is part of the development project of Stratford City. Stratford City will bring almost 5 000 homes and 30 000 jobs to Stratford and has been given outline planning consent. The project, once completed, will be one of the largest mixed use developments in the UK for many years. It is the brainchild of development partners Chelsfield plc, Stanhope plc and London and Continental Railways. The plans include 465,000 square meters of offices, 4,850 new homes for approximately 11,000 people, 150,500 square meters of retail space and up to 2,000 hotel bedrooms. Work began in 2006 and is expected to take 20 years to complete. Environmental In early 2003, the governmental organizations carried a full environmental impact assessment as part of the Olympic masterplan planning applications. This environmental assessment considered existing site conditions, potential impacts of Olympic developments on the site and its surroundings, as well as opportunities for environmental management, awareness-raising and cultural activities. The studies and mitigation proposals have formed the basis for a detailed environmental brief for the Olympic Village. It includes: †¢ Application of the highest recognized UK standards for sustainable construction to meet carbon emission and waste minimization targets †¢ Climate-proofing to take account of predicted climate changes in the decades ahead †¢ An integrated approach to resource management and infrastructure development for energy, water and waste †¢ Emphasis on access, mobility and community services infrastructure to reduce car dependency and promote healthier lifestyles †¢ High soundscape quality and a legacy of exemplary noise management practices with supportive soundscapes for people with visual and hearing impairments †¢ Incorporation of green space and biodiversity into the design to provide ecological, water management, air quality and visual amenity benefits. Paralympic considerations Because the Village also welcomed the athletes participating in the Paralympic Games, the service providers were asked to make necessary adjustments to the physical features of their premises to allow equal access for all in accordance with the UK’s Building Regulations. The LOCOG will ensure that the Paralympic Village will meet any new standards agreed with the IPC, such as single room accommodation for every athlete with a severe disability (such as those who use an electric wheelchair for daily living). Every apartment will benefit from spacious bathrooms and shower rooms. Because the Paralympic Village will be specifically designed to be accessible, the IPC and the NPCs will – for the first time – be able to indicate in advance where any special aids and facilities should be located. Costs planning The construction costs were planned to reach $ 1 101 million for a 5 years project (from June 2007 to May 2012). As we can see on the table below, almost the total of that sum has been used for the main construction work of the site. The LOCOG financed the temporary works for an amount of  £ 61 million. Those temporary workers, employed in early 2012, were given the task to tune up the Village (equipping it with furnitures). The financing of the permanent workers for an amount of more than a billion pounds will be discussed in the next point.