Green revolution Essay Example for Free

Green revolution Essay This chapter of the reading deals with the introduction on what the â€Å"green revolution† is all about. Understandably, the major explanation of the matter is that the entrance of the 21st century in the human history brought about several advancements within the social system that involved environmental destruction. Understandably though, this destruction is something that cannot be easily seen by the human eye. Usually, it is even misunderstood as part of progress. So far, it could be noted that the most prosperous cities in the world today are noted for their huge buildings that bring commercial gains to the local government an not for the parks that could be seen around their territories. Although there maybe some parks with tress in it within their areas, it could be noted that such a structure of natural beauty could not cater to all the people that the city actually holds. This is the reason why there is a great need to return to the â€Å"green†. This means restructuring the ways by which humans recognize the importance of an environment that is characterized by the beauty of nature, which could be fulfilled through applying a new approach in creating architectural designs. This is called the â€Å"green building revolution†. This particular innovative approach in creating new functions for the newly established buildings today is aimed to make the said structures more open to becoming the new source of a new â€Å"breathable† ecosystem for the entire city. Summary: From this chapter, the questions, what, why and where were answered to be able to clarify what the â€Å"green revolution† is all about. From the discussion above, it could be noted that the primary source of this revolution is architecture and the new innovations that they are ready to share to be able to create a 21st century ‘breathable† environment in the middle of every progressive city in the world. CHAPTER 2: What is a green building? Is the color green? No, but its surroundings and even its rooftops are†¦ This is the main idea that the architects are aiming to apply in producing the green building designs. Canada has been among the first cities in the world who first embraced this particular thought. Considerably, as noted from the first chapter, the focus of the movement is to bring in some â€Å"green† environment amidst the tall buildings that embraces its territories. The proposal then entices every owner of building in the city to becoming more concerned of the environment and joining the revolution of making his or her establishment more environment friendly. More than just adding to the aesthetics of the building, the green revolution aims to make the establishments more conducive to work and life itself both in and out. This means that green buildings are also expected to handle interiors that are designed to attract occupants through the â€Å"green† environment that it offers. Undoubtedly, the â€Å"one with nature† theme of such buildings are designed to make life in the cities much better through the incorporation of nature. It is more of like a movement towards coming back to nature. Studies have noted that most health issues related to pollution and stress are reported from the residents of several large cities around the world. Apparently, the lost of trees and other â€Å"green† creations around their area becomes a toll to their health. Through research and continuous observation of the current situation in the metropolitan scene, architects were able to note that bringing back the trees and plants in the cities could reclaim the health of their residents. Summary: This chapter explains why there is the need to bring the large cities around the word back to the suburban lifestyle that welcomes nature as the largest part of the society. The green revolution is described in this chapter as the primary medium that shall bring back the color and breathe of life to the polluted cities of the world. CHAPTER 3: The business case for green buildings Yes it is innovative and environment friendly, but is it profitable? Would not the establishment of the said buildings hurt the finances of the business? These are the primary questions asked by owners of businesses and other owners of buildings [residents and other nonprofit organizations] who were primarily offered with the proposal of the green designs. Of course, being innovative as it is, the owners of buildings that are to be established want to know how much they are supposed to shed off their finances and supposedly â€Å"how much† could they expect in return. According to outstanding repots, a regular American resident spends at least 36% of his earnings and savings on healthcare needs alone. Some buy vitamins to keep their resistance to viruses strong and still they get sick because of the situation of the environments that they are living in. The pollution gets into their body everyday as they get out of their houses, and at times even when they are inside the premises of their homes. On the other hand, employers around the American region spend at least 54% percent of their profit in giving healthcare assistances to their employees every year. Why is this so? Most employees reported to be sick from work are affected by the kind environment that they are trying to live with everyday as they attend to work. This is the reason why a change of structural design has been called into the attention of the owners of the establishments. Summary: Considerably, everyone is expected to have some questions with regards the innovative approach to the new building design proposed. Understandably, this section of the reading tries to answer some of the said queries through the statistical reports gathered by the author himself from several studies that prove the need for having a revolutionary approach in changing the building designs into becoming more environment as well as people friendly. CHAPTER 4: The costs of green building Is it all worth it? To explain the matter further, Jerry Yudelson intended to present a list of benefits that the owners of the buildings and the occupants of the said areas could get from agreeing with the proposal. The said lists are as follows: 1. Better Health: this is primarily because of the wide-open spaces that the design suggests especially on work area designs as well as the home architecture approaches. As the spaces become much easier to move with, more air could come in and out of the area as supported by the greeneries both in an out of the stations making the said buildings more healthy to work with. 2. Better Performance at work: As they are healthier, occupants of the area tend to perform better at work. 3. Better moods and lesser tension: lesser clutter, lesser pollution, lesser stress and lesser tension, that is the math of lessening the sources of negative moods in buildings of work and residences to create a more easy to live with areas. 4. Enhanced aesthetics: of course, the green revolution beautifies everything. The areas are expected to become more livable and much enjoyable to see as well, making it a more relaxing area for those using it everyday. Obviously, as it could be noted from the list, the green revolution decreases the chances on people spending too much money for the unnecessary healthcare costs brought about by a less livable environment. Whatever the amount of money that was given out to be able to integrate the innovation within the design of the buildings could easily be gained back from the benefits that it gives to the occupants of the said establishments. Summary: This chapter shows that although there might be a considerable amount needed to integrate the green building system within an establishment, there are numerous benefits from the said structure that could equal or even outdo the expenses shed out by the owners of the buildings. CHAPTER 5: The future of green building IT is rather foreseen and hoped by the architecture society that the application of the green building design would be more accepted in the industry in the future. AS the need for more greens increase, the application of the system becomes more acceptable. Aside from that the researches conducted about the matter continues to flourish in an aim of developing lesser cost on the application of the suggested design and even increasing its capability of giving off higher benefits to the owners of the buildings. This chapter further notes the need for developing the system not only to become more attractive to the target market but also to become more functional within the system that it aims to penetrate. Summary: Like any other innovations applied today, the green revolution is expected to take several steps to improve more for the sake of implying development in the system that would make it much easier to comply with for the building owners in the cities. CHAPTER 6: The international green building revolution With the impelling warning of increasing global warming effects in the world today, it is highly essential that the systems of building go back to being â€Å"green† or environmental friendly. This would not only reduce the pollution present in cities and building congested areas, it will also increase the aesthetic value of several buildings that would create a homey atmosphere even within the cities. As noted earlier, green roof designs would actually give way to a cleaner air and better surroundings for people living within the city. It would also allow the people living within a building or those utilizing it for business purposes to appreciate nature again and be aware that they are all supposed to be concerned in caring for the environment. Health issues among the people could later on be reduced as well through the creation of the green roof designs. Obviously, the green roof is only a part of the green revolution’s picture. Understandably, many among the major cities around the world have already opened their minds towards the said suggestion. Among the said cities are Canada and Chicago, the entire proposal is now being presented to every target owner in an aim of enticing them into supporting the said project. Summary: The project of making more environmental buildings around the world is indeed a social aim that has been created to cater to the health needs of the people. Hence, an international approach to the said proposal had been proven worthy of consideration from owners of establishments. CHAPTERS 9-14 The revolution in commercial development The revolution in government and nonprofit buildings The revolution in education The revolution in housing The revolution in neighborhood design and mixed-use The revolution in healthcare This group of chapters discusses the suggested design for each kind of building based from the functions that they serve in the society. Likely, the consideration on the function of each establishment could give the designers an overview of what is needed from the area and how could the integration of the green building design could be integrated within the system. Assessing the process by which people are supposed to work around specific areas would give the designers an idea of where to place air ventilation, the green plants and the windows and screens that would intend to open the structure up to let the natural light of sun come in the establishment and create a more natural-themed work area. As noted, the primary aim of this particular proposal is that of protecting the health of the occupants of the areas. Most importantly, through the said approach, the design of the building aims to secure the financial sources of the occupants and the owners as well in an avoidance of spending too much money on health issues. Summary: as noted from this section of the reading, the author intended to outline the different ways by which the establishments are to be designed according to their functions. For offices, space area is a huge concern as well as the ventilation system and other area considerations within the said establishments. Furthermore, for residential areas, it is much better to consider air passage within the different rooms of the house and the arrangement of indoor plants that could get more oxygen in the said area. Green roofs could be applied in any kind of establishment as long as the owners approve of it. CHAPTERS 15-17: The revolution in workplace design The revolution in property management The revolution in building design and construction These chapters introduce to the readers the major designs to be used. As noted from the previous set of chapters, the revolution of the green design actually depends on the function that the area is supposed to handle everyday, In this section a picture of the actual designs is introduced. From the draft of the designs of both the outdoors (including the roof top) and interiors of the area towards the construction process had been carefully outlined within this section of the book. It also shows the different ways by which the design intends to protect the property for a long time in an A+ condition that could cater to its occupants needs and health concerns. Through the outlines posted by the author, an understanding of the focus of proposal could be made clear. It primarily aims to protect the health and finances of the occupants of the establishments as well as the owners at the same time.

Television Analysis Of Jersey Shore

Television Analysis Of Jersey Shore The Jersey Shore is a reality TV show that has become one of the most popular shows in television today, and the producers are working on a season three. The show began in 2009, and since has had two seasons, which were widely viewed by many people. Some question, What is this show all about, and I reply that it is a show consisting of eight young people; Paul DelVicchio, Nicole Polizzi, Michael Sorrentino, Sammi Giancola, Ronnie Ortiz Magro, Jenni Farley, Vinny Guadagnino, and Angelina Pivarnick. All these people are young Italian people that come to a beach house, and basically just have fun. They all party, go out to clubs, drink alcohol uncontrollably, have sex, and just act like the stereotypical young person. Jersey Shore is not a survivor type reality show, or even a fear factor type reality show, but in my opinion, it is a bunch of young people that act immature, do bad things to have fun, and just make fools out of themselves in front of the whole country. However, Jersey Shore tries to make it seem like they are really good people because they work some of the time on the show in minimum wage jobs, but the times that those scenes are shown, the time frame is very minimal. Thus, this shows that the show is trying to show that they are doing something productive, but then again it shows the bad things more often because those are what are most interesting to society. So, the Jersey shore is a show that portrays young people to be the stereotypical young person, and in a sense persuades the people of America that this is how young people act. Additionally, the show portrays genders in ways that seem to be stereotypical as well. Gender Roles on the Jersey Shore (female) Females are often criticized by men that if they dont look like a real woman, then theyre not worth talking to. Meaning, if they do not wear makeup, dress up to show sex appeal, wear high heels, do their hair, they are not worth the time. However, this does not exist in the Jersey Shore because that is exactly what all the women do on the show. For instance, before they go to the club in basically every episode there will be a scene being shown that shows them getting ready, and that includes the women putting on makeup, sexually appealing clothes, and doing their hair. For instance in Episode 12, Season Two you see all the girls getting ready and Nicole Snookie Polizzi says We got to get ready and make sure we look good before we go to the club, (mtv.com) Thus, the show portrays the female as if they have to look good to go out, and wear nice clothes, and make sure their hair is done, which in my view, is really not the way most women are. Furthermore, when looking past that idea of the way women are supposed to look, I discovered that the show also portrays women to be the type that just want to have sex all the time and find good looking males. For instance, in just about every episode the women are always talking about the places to go to see all these good looking men, and how they would like to have sex with them. Additionally, when they go in the clubs, they dance rather sexually and get very close to their male counterparts in the club. So, perhaps, the Jersey Shore is trying to send the message that if you are going to clubs, you will meet women like this, and I find that to be a very stereotypical bias because not all women go to the clubs to simply dance dirty, and have sex. Hence, I believe that the Jersey Shore portrays women to be sex objects that love going out and showing off their bodies. Gender roles (male) Male gender role in the show is portrayed differently from women, but it does have a similarity. Men on the show are shown to be huge ripped guys that are very clean looking. That is where the similarity comes in between the male and female roles because they both are being portrayed as what people want in a man or woman, based on the media portrayal in this society. Additionally, the show stereotypes masculinity because Jersey Shore makes it seem like you have to look this way to be masculine, which means having a six pack, or being ripped. Moreover, the show does not only show male masculinity to be a role, but also shows male dominance to be a major role. For instance, in Season Two, Episode 11, Mike The Situation Sorrentino says to Nicole Snooki Polizzi when they are in the club that Im the man of the house, and when I say it is time to go, and then we go. Ive always done this when we have gone out. I always round people up(mtv.com), but words can only express so much, so you wou ld actually have to see it before your very own eyes to see how he believes he is dominant over Nicole Snooki Polizzi. In contrast, I believe that the show also shows men in a feministic way. The reason I say that is because the men on the show are often doing things typical of a woman. For example, the guys will go out and get a tan at a tanning salon, which is often seen being done by women. In addition, the guys, like the women, spend a lot of time doing their hair, getting dressed, and basically they just spend their time on themselves. However, I believe this is done purposely to show that they are clean, and that the male gender can too care about his body. Although they do that purposely, I believe viewers will still question how truly realistic is this reality show. So, gender roles in the show are portrayed in an way that intentionally try to attract viewers, but knowledgeable people will be able to tell that these are not the way all men and women are. Negative influence on young people Jersey Shore is a show that heavily stereotypes young people, but in my opinion, they do not take into consideration the negative effects they can have on the younger crowd. The younger people in America are often brainwashed by the media and believe everything that is being told or broadcasted. Therefore, Jersey Shore is a prime example of a show that can have these negative effects. The effects it might have differ between the genders, but when you look at the bigger picture it is quite similar. It is similar because most young people that are watching the show might now believe that they should act like these stereotypical young people are acting. However, they might not realize that this is not truly a hundred percent correct, and that this can possibly have a negative influence on their lives if they choose to act this way. In my opinion, I believe that what they do on the show will have a negative influence on a younger persons life because they would now start drinking more, clubbing more, having sex more, which all could result in negative outcomes. For instance, drinking could lead to an alcohol problem, clubbing could lead to sex, which can ultimately lead to a sexually transmitted disease that can be life threatening. So, younger people are potentially in danger when absorbing these false ideas and actions being portrayed on the show, and this can cause a number of problems in society itself to increase just because of one show. Alcohol addiction can increase, number of minors entering clubs can increase, and the most devastating thing would be if sexually transmitted diseases increase, which already seem to be on the rise. So, I have said what the show can do to people, but this is mainly considering people that already do these things. However, a bigger problem could be the effects it has on the people who do not do these negative things in their lives, and that is what could cause a significant increase in those areas I mentioned above. Thus, I believe that this will in fact affect the young people who do not already do these things, and that could be very bad for society. It could be bad for society because when you look at the long term effect this can have it can seem quite terrifying. It can seem terrifying because imagine the death rate increase due to some of these issues, and that can cause emotional problems, family problems, and to think this could be the long term effect all because of one show is just horrible. Therefore, I believe that the Jersey Shore presents many stereotypes that can have very negative outcomes on peoples lives if they try to imitate these people. Unrealistic Message of Partying Some might argue that this is all that is done on the show, but some might disagree, but partying seems to happen quite frequently on Jersey Shore. In every show the crew gathers up at least once at night and goes to the club and parties. However, it is done so often, it starts to seem unrealistic. It begins to seem unrealistic because it is portrayed as if All young people have time to do is go out and party all the time, but that is definitely not true because people that are in school, or who are young parents, or working a full time job will in most cases, not have the time to be partying like they do on the Jersey Shore. So, with that being said, I believe that if America believes that this is how young people are in this country, then I have proven my point that the media brainwashes society. Furthermore, Jersey Shore portrays partying as fun, which shows that they are generalizing the idea that partying and clubbing is fun. However, once again Jersey Shore is showing another way it tries to bring in the viewers of America. Although they portray clubbing to be fun, but that does not mean everyone thinks that it is fun. Sometimes, people say that clubbing is for young single people just trying to find a partner, which I agree with. Additionally, this relates to the show stereotyping young people because they are assuming that all young people like to go partying and clubbing, which is also not true, and I am a prime example of that because I do not like partying or clubbing, and I believe there are better alternatives to meet people or find a partner, such as attending an event of some sort. Therefore, I believe that Jersey Shore intentionally attacks these stereotypes to attract a person in this society who does not know much about media, and believes everything that is p ortrayed by them. Therefore, many people that are like this will watch the Jersey Shore, and did for the past two seasons. Advice for watching Jersey Shore is a show that you should watch with a stereotyping in mind. That Stereotyping is used so much in the show you might even forget how many times it appears. So, when you are watching this show, dont believe everything that you see, and try to mock these people. They are a bunch of people who getting a high salary to act like this because this is what the producers believes America wants to see based on the medias portrayal of young people in todays society, which you can argue is true because it is the most watch show on MTV in years. However, I do advise you that if you start to act like these people it can have very negative effects on your life. For example, if you start drinking like this, you could possibly become an alcoholic, which can lead to severe liver damage, family problems, and even a self addiction problem that may be very hard to overcome. Additionally, if you start having sex as frequently as these people do, you will eventually get a STD because these people are kissing, touching, and doing all those lustful things with many different people, and statistics show how easy it is in todays world to receive an STD when you are with numerous partners. As a result, you might receive a life threatening STD, such as aids. All in all, the main advice I would give you when watching the show is watch it as a show. So, watch it as a TV show and not as a reality show because the things being presented in the show in my opinion are just not real. So, watch this show for pleasure, but dont try to imitate these people because they would not be able to spend all that money on their hair, clothes, clubs, etc, if they did not ge t paid by MTV. So, I know most people will not listen to my advice, but ultimately I think it needs to be said. Conclusion Jersey Shores main point is to portray young people that are good looking, cool, and what people want based on stereotypes. Jersey Shore was a show that brought MTV back on its feet because MTV was a show that was showing steady decline in its viewers for the past several years until the Jersey Shore aired. Thus, I believe that the producers came up with a good idea that would pull viewers in and watch this show. However, what theyre doing cannot only affect the young minds of America, but cause an increase in other problems such as alcohol addiction, underage clubbing, and most of all sexually transmitted diseases. So, I believe that Jersey Shore has accomplished its goal by stereotyping young people because many people in this country watched the show, and still do. In conclusion, the effects this show can be negative, or could be positive, but it is your decision to watch, so with that being said, will you watch.

Quality Assessment System in Construction

Quality Assessment System in Construction 1.0 Introduction Quality assessment system in construction industry is a system or method to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship of a construction work based on the relevant approved standard. This assessment sets out the standard on quality of workmanship for various construction elements of building and infrastructure construction work. The quality of workmanship of a construction work is assessed according to the requirement of the relevant standard, and marks are awarded if the workmanship complies with the standard, (CIDB, 2011). According to Wong, (2007), one of the hallmarks of a developed construction industry is in the output of quality buildings and structures. It is therefore critical to inculcate among professionals, contractors and end-users the awareness of quality products and good designs, not only to raise the standard of the industrys products, but also to reduce wastage arising from rework. The Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) developed by CIDB is an independent method to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship and finishes of construction works based on objective comparison through a sampling and statistical approach. The Malaysian construction industry stakeholders are looking forward to action plans by CIDB in implementing QLASSIC with incentives as has been the case for the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) in Singapore. Mahmood. et al. (2010) stated the quality management system is being increasingly applied to the construction company to solve quality problem. The implementation of this system required a culture change and change in management behaviour. The organization need to shift from their current culture to a quality management system culture that focuses on quality as a key strategy. A review of literature identifies ten important culture elements that contribute to successful implementation of quality management system, which include leadership and top management commitment, customer management, training and education, teamwork, people management and empowerment, supplier partnership, quality planning and strategic, process management, rewards and recognition and effective communication. 2.0 Problem Statements Nowadays, the quality of the building becomes an issue when many accidents occurred related to the building failure such as building collapse. Many criticisms received from public about this quality of the building. This has proven when Mahmood et al. (2010) stated that construction industry in Malaysia has been viewed as one of the sectors that have a poor quality compared to other sectors such as agriculture or automotive sector. This is supported by Said et. al. (2009) when he claims that there were misunderstandings among the organization player on Quality Management System (QMS) concepts has become a stumbling block for its successful implementation. Said et. al (2010, c.f SIRIM 2005) also found that QMS could be implemented either at the organization level or at the project level itself. Looking at the construction industry scenario in Malaysia, there are approximately 4000 ISO 9001:2000 QMS certified organizations in the Malaysian construction related industry. However, the number is still relatively small when compared to the total number of 63,204 organizations in this industry. Looking at the current scenario in the Malaysian construction industry, QMS compliance is a required factor to improve the quality of the Malaysian Construction Industry. Keng and Hamzah (2011, c.f Haupt et al. 2004) also found several problems found in implementing the quality assessment system on construction site such as too much paperwork, transient nature of workforce, field employees regard quality management as irrelevant, difficulty in measuring results, and subcontractors and suppliers not interested in assessment 3.0 Aim and Objectives of the Study The aim of this research is to study the impacts of implementation of quality assessment system in construction projects. Objectives: To identify the advantages from implementation of Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) system in construction project. To determine the challenges in implementing quality assessment system in construction project. 4.0 Scope and Limitation Among the parties involved in construction, the contractors are the one who know the real situation in the construction compared to others. Beside that, the contractors also know the whole process in construction starting site possession until the projects is completed. Therefore, this research will be conducted with focusing: Only to contractor G6 or G7 (CIDB) that already engaged with high cost construction project that focus on quality of the building and clients satisfaction as a main priority. The limitation of the research survey only focus on Klang Valley area because this area was highly developed with new buildings design. 5.0 Research Methodology Primary Data A set of questionnaire will distribute to collect valuable data for this research. This interview may conduct to the targeted group in construction projects or organization. Secondary Data The researcher found literature review as his secondary resources with aim to investigate the previous research and body of knowledge about the quality assessment system in Malaysian construction industry. Problem statement Objective 2 To determine the challenges in implementing quality assessment system in construction project. Objective 1 To identify the advantages from implementation of Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) system in construction project. Literature review Questionnaire Case study Comments and conclusion Impacts of implementation of quality assessment system in construction projects. Figure 1.1: flow chart of research process CHAPTER II:Â  LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Quality Assessment in Construction (QLASSIC) 2.1.1 Introduction According to CIDB (2006), Quality Assessment System for Building Construction Work (QLASSIC) is an independent method to assess and evaluate the quality of workmanship of building projects based on the standard stated as a guideline. Yin (2012), added that Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) is a system to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship of a construction work based on the relevant approved standard. QLASSIC enables the quality of workmanship between construction projects to be objectively compared through a scoring system. The purpose of this scheme is to enable a construction project to be undergone in standard of procedure in order to ensure the quality of workmanship in the works The construction industry and the private sector plays an important role in creating wealth and improving the quality of life of Malaysians through interpretation of socio-economic policy of the governments social and economic infrastructure and buildings. In addition, the construction industry creates multiplier effects to other industries, including manufacturing, financial services, and professional services. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) (2006), has published a special guideline for measuring the quality of construction and become As a parameter for the level of quality achieved in a construction project in Malaysia. Rating of the workmanship will be made through site inspections. Assessments will be conducted by a qualified evaluator of QLASSIC registered, trained and have passed the training conducted by the CIDB 2.1.2 Objectives of QLASSIC Masters Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) (2006), stated that CIDB list down objectives of the QLASSIC system: To elevate the level of quality in the construction industry. To have a standard quality assessment system as a benchmark for quality of construction works. To assist contractors to achieve defect-free when carrying out construction work. To be used as criteria to evaluate the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship. To be used for data compilation for statistical analysis in estimating the level of quality and productivity of the construction industry. 2.1.3 Scopes of QLASSIC CIDB (2006), stated that this assessment is set out for the quality of workmanship for the various aspects of the construction elements for the general building works. It will cover four main components which is, Structural works, Architectural works, Mechanical and Electrical (M E) works and External works. Assessments on the workmanship are carried out based on this standard and marks are awarded if the workmanship complies with the standards. These marks are then summed up to give a total quality score (%) for the building project. However, the assessment excludes works such as piling, foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under separate contracts or sub contracts. The building is assessed primarily on workmanship standards achieved through site inspection and field testing. The assessment is done throughout the construction process for structural and M E works. For completed building projects the assessment is done for architectural, M E fittings and external works. Apart from site inspection, the assessment also includes field tests, test results on the material and the functional performance of selected services and installations. These tests help to safeguard the interest of building occupants in relation to safety, comfort and aesthetic; these defects may surface only after sometime. In addition, MBAM (2006), stated that QLASSIC sets out the standards for various construction elements in building work and other infrastructure work. The quality assessment on the workmanship and finishes of the construction work is based on these standards and points are awarded if the workmanship and finishes comply with the standards. These points are then summed up to give a total quality score called the QLASSIC Score (%) for a project. The assessment is conducted at the construction site through inspection and field testing. The score will be done on construction works that are inspected for the first time. Construction works that are rectified and corrected after the assessment will not be rescored. The objective of this practice is to encourage contractors to do things right the first time and every time 2.1.4 Components to be assessed According to QLASSIC (2006), the quality standards for building construction work are divided into four main components:- a) Structural works The structural integrity of the building is of paramount importance as the cost of failure and repairs are very significant. The assessment of structural works comprises: Site inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc. during construction. Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement. Non-destructive testing of the uniformity and the cover of hardened concrete. b) Architectural works Architectural works deal mainly with the finishes. This is the part where the quality and standards of workmanship are most visible. Architectural works are works such as floors, internal walls, ceiling, door and window, fixtures and fittings, external wall, roofs, driveway, porch and apron. c) Mechanical and Electrical (M E) works The quality of M E works is important in view of its increasingly high cost proportion and its impact on the performance of a building. The assessment covers electrical works, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation works (ACMV), fire protection works, sanitary and plumbing works, lifts, escalator and other basic M E fittings. d) External works External works cover the general external work elements in building construction such as the linkways/ shelters, drains, road works, car parks, footpaths, turfings, playgrounds, gates and fences, swimming pools, hardscapes and electrical substation. 2.1.5 Assessment approach In general, the assessor determines the samples or elements to be assessed to each assessment. The samples are selected from drawings and plans. The selected samples shall be distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the project and construction stages. All locations are to be offered for the assessment. The scoring will be done on the works that are inspected for the first time. When an assessed item does not comply with the corresponding QLASSIC standards, it is considered failed and an X will be noted in the assessment form. Likewise a v is given for an item meeting the standards. A - will be given to indicate that the item is not applicable. The score is computed based on the number of v over the total number of items assessed. (CIDB, 2006) MBAM (2006) stated that, it is impractical to assess all elements in a construction project, QLASSIC assessment uses a sampling process to carry out the assessment. The samples are selected from drawings and plans of the relevant construction project. a) Structural Works The assessment is carried out throughout the various construction stages. The numbers of samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maximum number of samples. b) Architectural works The assessment is carried out upon completion of the building project and before handing over of the project. The samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maximum number of samples. c) Mechanical and Electrical (M E) works The samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maximum number of samples. For completed projects the assessment is carried out upon completion of the building project and before handing over of the project. For projects in progress the assessment is carried out throughout the various construction stages. d) External works The assessment is carried out upon completion of the building and before handing over of the project. The numbers of samples are determined based on (10m length section/ location) with a minimum number of samples. 2.1.6 Evaluation process of QLASSIC START Architectural work Structural work ME work External work Developers / contractors shall made application APPLY TO CIDB SCOPE OF EVALUATION Numbers of sample is based on guideline in CIS7 Samples are identified before assessors make an evaluation SAMPLING FROM ASSESSOR Qualified assessors will assess the samples. The quality standard based on CIS7. SAMPLING ON SITE QLASSIC SCORE (%) Report from CIDB based on the evaluation by assessors. FINISH 2.1.7 QLASSIC assessor To be an assessor, the persons must attend the QLASSIC training course before being qualified to carry out the actual assessment at the construction sites. The QLASSIC assessors are continuously updated to ensure consistency and effective implementation of the assessment. Requirements of QLASSIC assessor; Malaysian citizen Age: 25-60 years Possesses an academic qualification in construction related fields such as architectural/civil/mechanical/electrical engineering/quantity surveyor or other fields Successfully completed the QLASSIC Assessor Certification Programme. Posses minimum working experience in the construction industry according to academic qualification as follows. 2.2 Quality philosophy 2.2.1 Quality concept Many definitions had been made in order to explain the terms of quality. Hoyle (1998), defined quality as a degree of excellence, conformance with requirements, the totally of characteristic of an entity that bear its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs, fitness for use. In addition, he also stated quality as freedom from defects, imperfections or contamination. In other words, quality is focus on satisfaction needs and costumers demand as a first priority. In construction industry, the offer from clients to contractor to do projects with a terms and conditions need to be followed by contractors and if the projects is completed according the requirements given is a quality products. According to Besterfield (1998), quality cannot be measured by with number or it intangible and it only can be measure by personnel perception. Quality only can be quantified as follows: Q = P/E Where, Q=Quality P=Performance E=Expectations According to the formula, if quality is greater, the costumer has a good feeling about the products deliver. 2.2.2 Quality parameter According to Hoyle (1998), difference in design can be classified or group into different class and the results can be good or poor. It is not enough to produce product only conform to the specification or supply services that meet managements requirement. Quality can be classified in three parameters which is: Quality of design is the extent to which the design reflects a product or services that satisfies costumer needs. All the necessary characteristics need to be designed into the product or service at the outset. Quality of conformance is the extent to which the product or service conform to the design standard. The design has faithfully translating the clients need and it depends on the processes to realize the design into an actual end products. Quality of use is the extent which the user able to secure continuity of use from the product or service. Products need to have a low cost of ownership be safe and reliable and maintainable in use. 2.2.3 Quality management According to Juran (1989), basic purpose of quality management is to eliminate failure in services or products. Failure not only that products, process or services but it would be fail in their function or their function not satisfy to customer demand. Hence, the quality management consist of planning, organizing, controlling and preventing the products or services from failure. All the methods and technique that use in quality management must be useful to improve and increase the quality of the products or services. This quality management include inspection process. Inspection is a process where quality is measured before deliver the products or services to the costumer. However, inspection alone is not enough to deliver quality products or services, it must adopt with the other practice to prevent failure. Quality management is both technical and behavioural subject. Therefore, the management of quality involves many aspects of an organization and the organization must make sure all its function inter-related and work efficiently and effectively because whenever any function fail to perform, they will effect to another. 2.2.4 Quality control Quality control is the operational activities or techniques used to fulfil the requirement for quality. In other words, it is a process to maintain standards and prevent from failure. Standard can be control by process of selection, measurement and correction of work. Quality control can be applied in the processes that produce products by measuring the overall quality performance of the organization.(Juran, 1989) There are steps to control the quality; Determine what elements need to be controlled. Determine whether it needs to be control before, during or after the result. Establish details for the parameter to be controlled. Establish plans for control which specify the means by which the characteristics will be achieved and variation detected and removed. Organize resource to implement the quality control. Install sensor at an appropriate point in the process. Collect the data. Analyze the results. Propose solutions and decide the technique to overcome the problems. Take the action and check again whether it has been corrected or not. 2.2.5 Quality improvement Quality improvement can be defined as an action taken by the organization to increase and improve the effectiveness of activities or processes to provide satisfaction to the costumer. (ISO,2000). In other words, process of changing the quality for the products or services that can improve the level of satisfaction to the costumer. This can be done by control or increase the standard. Control approach can be done by improving the rate at which an agreed standard is achieved. The second approach is by increase the standard and setting new level. New standard can be created by making research and development to a products and services. 2.2.6 Quality assurance ISO (2000), defined the quality assurance as a planned and systematic action necessary to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfil the requirements for quality. Costumers and managers need a quality assurance, as they cannot oversee the operation for themselves. The assurance of quality can be gained by testing a products or services against prescribed standards to establish in capability to meet them. This approach can give confidence only to the tested products. Quality assurance not controls the quality, it establish the extent to which quality will be, is being or has been controlled. 2.2.7 Quality system Hoyle (1998), stated that system is a set of function or activities that operate together to achieve the aim. A success quality system will lead the organization to achieve, sustain and improve the quality. It is a planning, well evaluates and organized to produce a required quality performance. A quality system is the approach to achieve all desire quality goals. Quality system focus on the quality of the organization produces, the factors which will cause the organization to achieve its goals, the factors influencing the customer satisfaction and identify nonconforming product. Quality system needs to possess certain characteristics for them to be fit for their purpose. Robustness ability to withstand variation in the way operation are carried out without failure Complexity the number of interconnections, routings, pathways, variations, options, etc, which give rise multiple procedure. Maintainability the ease and economy with which system changes can be made. Flexibility ability of the system can handle the changes in circumstances. Consistency the ability of the documented system unifies communication both within itself and the organizations. 2.3 Challenges faced by construction project team in implementation of QLASSIC 2.3.1 Introduction CIDB (2008) stated that like any other countries around the world, Malaysian construction industries face the problems that affect the development of construction sector. If these problems not managed and addressed effectively it become worst. The construction sector will continue play an important role as a main contributor to the Malaysia economy. To make sure the construction sector become stronger, Malaysia introduced many ways and one of the ways by introducing the QLASSIC system by CIDB. Although it was introduced several years ago, the implementations of this system still not achieve the target. Only few projects were applied this system. This because there are few problems and challenges regarding implementing this system faced by construction team. 2.3.2 Fragmentation and Disintegration of the Construction Industry The construction industry has remained a very fragmented industry where different activities in the entire value chain of the construction processes are being undertaken by different parties, often undertaken in isolation, thus resulting in inefficiencies. In particular, the segregation of design and construction activities which is widely practiced does not encourage consideration for factors like savings in labour utilisation, ease of maintenance, construction safety and the practicality of construction methods.(CIDB,2008) As a result of the lack of such integration considerations in the industry, the process to implement the QLASSIC system to the construction projects is difficult. The different players are also become conflict and the implementation of this system become unsuccessful. This because there are many parties involved in construction projects. Thus, some of the parties will implement the system and some are not. So, the systems are not applied on the overall parts or elements that need to be assess in the construction projects. 2.3.3 Foreign labour Labour-intensive conventional methods of construction that are still prevalent in Malaysia. The adoption of such methods are encouraged by the cheaper cost of employment of foreign workers with lower wages and the availability of such workers for short-term periods of work.. Another reason for the heavy dependency on foreign labour involves the fact that the local workforce is reluctant to be employed as construction workers in the wet trades, where the image of the construction industry has always been one that is Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult. (CIDB, 2008) As a result, the implementation of QLASSIC system in construction projects becomes a problem because foreign workers do not understand this system. They are not expose about this system by the authorities. Thus, it become challenges for construction team to make sure the construction projects meet the standard that need in the QLASSIC system. 2.3.4 Lack of RD CIDB (2008) mentioned, the local construction industry is characterised as one that is labour-intensive, which has resulted in numerous challenges as highlighted previously. There is a need for the construction industry to progress towards one that is more focused on innovation and automation. However, the pace of innovation through RD and automation through the adoption of new construction methods are relatively low due to the abundance of cheap foreign labour. Despite the lack of RD initiatives in the Malaysian construction industry, there has been progress on the local front to encourage and stimulate RD activities in the construction industry. As a result, one of the factor this system did not get attention from construction team is because lack of RD. Before this system introduced to the construction sector, the responsible authorities that doing this research must make sure that the information gather from the research is enough and the opinion from all the parties involved in construction project is taking into consideration. This is because the construction parties are the main target as they will use this system. So, opinion from construction parties is the first priority to suite with construction projects when implementation this system. 2.4 Effective strategies in implementing QLASSIC 2.4.1 Stepping up research and development Wong (2007), stated that Research and Development (RD) is critical to productivity and quality. Improvements in the construction industry such as better materials, more cost-effective design and construction methods and labour-saving equipment are often introduced by way of RD initiative. However, for RD to be useful there is a need to ensure that new technologies and capabilities are efficiently shared and adopted by players in the industry to enhance the quality of the building. At the present moment, the amount of Malaysian construction RD ranges from negligible to non-existent. On the other hand, RD conducted by local institution of higher learning is often perceived as not been able to meet industry needs. Hence, there is a need for stronger collaboration between academia and the industry in stimulating RD efforts in order to produce quality of the building. 2.4.2 Raising the Skills Level According to Wong (2007), the reality is that so long as the industry has a ready access to a large number of foreign workers, there is very little incentive for the industry to upgrade itself. While recognizing that the industry will continue to rely on foreign workers in the near and medium term, there is a need to reduce the number of unskilled foreign workers. CIDB, in collaboration with the National Vocational Training Council of Malaysia (MLVKM) ha s developed the National Occupational Skill Standards (NOSS) for the construction industry, for the purpose of developing skilled manpower in the industry by development of training module for the various trades as well as for skill accreditation for career development of construction personnel. The Malaysian construction industry at present is largely dependent on low skilled foreign workers. As introduce new technologies and push for higher quality the demand for manpower especially foreign workers should be reduced. 2.4.3 Enhancing professionalism Enhancing professionalism of the industry can be achieved at three levels, namely the individual, trade association or professional institution, and the industry. At the individual level, the curriculum of institution of higher learning should be enhanced to include common modules and soft skills. At trade association or professional institution level, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme should be made mandatory for the renewal of professional membership as is currently practised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Board of Architect Malaysia (BAM) and Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). To synchronize professional practice and thinking, it is also necessary for each profession to draw up its own set of code of conduct. (Wong, 2007) This will help to lay the foundation for constructional skills needed for construction players. Hence it must constantly promote, recognise and reward creativity, quality work, and innovation to integrate the various processes in the industry, but also to project a more progressive image. 2.4.4 Training and Education Firms that establish workplace education programmes report noticeable improvements in their workers abilities and the quality of their products (Cebeci and Beskese, 2002). The importance of training is to ensure that the skills of the workforce do not become obsolete in an environment of change and an understanding and attitude of quality is developed and maintained. Training should be directed at all levels of the organization to understand the QLASSIC process. 2.4.5 Integrated approach to construction According to Wong (2007), the construction industry is highly fragmented due to the sequential nature of the construction process. One of the major causes of low productivity and quality is the lack of integration of activities across the construction value chain. Consequently, mistakes in the construction stage resulting low quality of the building. So, through integration focus on effective interpersonal relationships, jointly planned work, identifying and solving problems will produce better quality. QLASSIC is one of the methods that need the integration by all the construction players to implement it. 2.4.6 Rewards and recognition An important feature of any quality improvement programme is showing due recognition for improved performance by any individual, section, and department or division within the company considers recognition as one of the most important steps of the quality improvement proce

Back In My Day :: essays research papers

Back in My Day…   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  “Back in my day, people just didn’t do stuff like that.'; In addition to hearing about how bread used to cost a nickel, that quote is what you hear it from the elders of most generations when talking about violence, especially on television in the present time; they say that the violence seen just did not seem to exist back then. However, when one thinks about it, violence that extreme has existed throughout the ages, whether it was as early as the Iliad and the Odyssey during the Greek era, the Aeneid in the Roman era, or even in Christian stories in the Bible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first example of historic extreme violence is back in the time of the Iliad and the Odyssey during the Greek era, which happened during the eighth or ninth centuries BCE. These two epics, which are considered by many scholars to be very fine works of art, are filled with gratuitous acts of violence and other such acts of immoral behavior. In the Iliad, especially in Book 5, where Homer tells of Diomedes’ aristea, a detailed account of how a man battles and injures both man and gods is given. In lines 72-75, for example, Homer gives us a terrifyingly graphic description of the battle scene: “Now the son of Phyleus, the spear-famed, closing upon him struck him with the sharp spear behind the head at the tendon, and straight on through the teeth and under the tongue cut the bronze blade, and he dropped in the dust gripping in his teeth the cold bronze.'; Examples of aggression and viciousness are also given in the Odyssey. In this, most say that Odysseus was justified in doing what he did, but it is still brutal fighting. The best example of viciousness is given when Odysseus finally returns home and has to defeat the suitors: “Odysseus’ arrow hit him [Antinoos] under the chin and punched up to the feathers through the throat. Backward and down he went, letting the winecup fall from his shocked hand. Like pipes his nostrils jetted crimson runnels, a river of mortal red, and one last kick upset his table knocking the bread and meat to soak in dusty blood.'; These two examples might not be the same as a gang war or a drive-by in the middle of the streets in New York, but they are still brutal and gory nonetheless.

A Logical and Unemotional Justification of Capital Punishment :: Argumentative Persuasive Argument Essays

A Logical and Unemotional Justification of Capital Punishment Just as the Pied Piper of Hamlin was paid to destroy the rat population, the state prisons are being forced to perform a similar action with what is an overflow of vermin. Taking either a "pro" or an "anti" stance is not something to be done lightly. Most people decide which side they are to take based on purely emotional reasons. Those who support capital punishment do so based on a hatred of the crimes committed, and a fear of similar crimes happening to them. This is not the way to reach a logical decision. Others abhor violence, and feel that two wrongs, namely murder and execution, do not make a right. (although in science, the language of logic, two negatives do make a positive.) Morality, fear, hatred, and ignorance often play a large part in important decisions, dooming society to enforce ridiculous laws, and leaving itself susceptible to rotting from the inside, out. First and foremost, it is important to put our version of capital punishment in an accurate, historical context. Since that dawn of civilization, through the laws of Moses, and the laws of Hammurabi, what you did, was done to you. The advancement of civilization is peppered with this same prevalent idea of reciprocity. To argue against these historic beliefs is to argue against the growth and development inherent in history. If at anytime this law of reciprocation had been ignored, chaos would have been re-introduced into society, creating a premature, and quick, decadence. In comparison, our law of capital punishment is a cake-walk. We do not hack off your hand when we think you take an apple. We do not burn out your eyes when you lust after another man's wife. We do not cut your tongue out and feed it to the lions if you verbalize the name of God. We offer you a trial by your peers, in which you must be proven without a doubt to be guilty. Then, you are locked in a penitentiary, where you can easily be granted an appeal. You exist incarcerated usually for many years, until your appeals have been defeated, the proof against you has been confirmed, and your crimes against humanity are of such a heinous nature that you have condemned yourself to a painless, quick, and easy death.

Accounting Information Systems Simulation Summary Essay

Effective information systems are essential to productive business. How a system is organized is important in determining efficiency. Managing a balance between cost and accuracy is one of the biggest problems that a company faces. There are advantages & disadvantages to having a single person performing multiple activities in a specific process. A single person working on multiple activities helps reduce errors and confusion as well as provide a better understanding of the reason for certain activities in a process. The employee will then be better able to find and correct mistakes. Unfortunately, a single person means that there is no one to check data for accuracy and integrity. Errors can occur more easily without a second look. There is also the risk of not having someone to complete an entire process if that single person is absent from work. See more: Experiment on polytropic process Essay In order to secure growth, implementing new processes to ensure accuracy is a must while balancing cost and accuracy. If the start up costs of the process are too high, and the return too low, then the venture is not the best choice. An example would be using swipe cards for tracking hours and timesheets as it provides an internal control at an amenable cost while still retaining employee trust and reducing timesheet errors and fraud. Every business wishes to increase its bottom line. This, in part, requires the protection of its assets. In order to help Ramos International minimize expected loss in the upcoming year, it is important to prioritize its assets related to the specific risks and exposure to loss for each. This helps accurately identify the necessary controls and available options to safeguard such assets. This can be managed by determining if the return from implementation of a system is worth the cost associated. The effective use of information systems is essential. The ability to balance both the cost and accuracy of implementing information systems will help to ensure a business’s success and longevity. As in all businesses, Ramos will need to find the right way to successfully  organization and delegation of tasks in their system. References Bagranoff, N.A., Simkin, M.G., & Norman, C. (2008). Core Concepts of Accounting Information Systems (10th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mlk Letter from Birmingham Essay

Martin Luther King Jr. was the acknowledged leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. King earned several degrees and was a bright man. His â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† was written in April 1963, while he was in jail in Birmingham, Alabama, for acts of civil disobedience (499). His letter is a response to a letter signed by clergyman criticizing his actions towards civil rights. The clergymen believed that his actions were â€Å"untimely.† King states ,†if I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk†¦I would have no time for constructive work† (500). He usually does not respond to letter that criticize his work and actions, but he believed the clergymen were men of genuine good and they meant no harm. King was president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and they had affiliates all throughout the South. King believed he was supposed to spread freedom. He agreed that if Birmingham ever needed him that he would be there . â€Å"Injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere† (500). King used an approach to resolve issues in nonviolent manners. It consisted of sit-ins, marches, and etc. Nonviolent direct action would create a tension that an otherwise ignored subject would have to be faced. With nonviolent direct action and ignored issue would come to light and can no longer be ignored(502). After the direct-action program, King hoped that the doors to negotiation would open. King states that African Americans have waited 340 years for their rights and that to the people not being segregated the word â€Å"wait† is easy for them to say. King talks about the endless perils Africans go through, from disrespect to death, and states why they can no longer â€Å"wait† (504). King talks about how the nation is immoral and unjust and that he must take action. He was arrested for parading without a permit and his arrest was immoral because citizens were denied the First amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest. The clergymen labeled King’s actions as extreme. King addressed the accusation that the civil rights movement was â€Å"extreme†, first disputing the label but then accepting it. He argues that Jesus and other heroes were extremists and writes: â€Å"So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love?† (509-510). King is strong in his beliefs and hopes freedom comes to African Americans. â€Å"If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail† (513). Response Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s â€Å"Letter From Birmingham Jail† is a look into the reality of racial inequality in 1960s America. King writes this letter to fellow clergymen and aims to address their concerns regarding the wisdom and timing of the nonviolent direct-action demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama that King and other leaders orchestrated and carried out in 1963. The clergymen were incorrect with their views on King’s efforts. He wanted to earn freedom for all African Americans throughout the nation. He believed that a nonviolent direct-action program would be the most effective way of earning rights. â€Å"Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crises and foster such a tension that community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue† (502). King believed that eventually the issue had to be dealt with and he was right. The clergymen believed that King was precipitating violence but King replied with, â₠¬Å"We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive† (507). King related the clergymen’s accusations to condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery (507). He was not getting help elsewhere, so King had to take matter in his own hands. â€Å"In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church.† (512). The Church did not offer as much help as King needed. Churches also do not possess the power that they use to. â€Å"Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound†(512). Without the help elsewhere, King was right in demonstrating that nonviolent direct-action would accomplish his goals. The clergymen called his actions â€Å"untimely† when in fact King chose a great time to take action. King stated they had waited for more than 340 years for their rights and that the word â€Å"wait’ usually meant â€Å"never† (530). The laws against African Americans were immoral and unjust. King was arrested for parading without a permit and that was why he was in Birmingham Jail. This was unjust because he was exercising his right for the First Amendment of peaceful assembly and protest. At this time period, if it were a white man, he would not have gone to jail. King was correct in his thinking and all the actions he took. Without King’s efforts, America would not be the great country it is.