Saturday, August 31, 2019

Problems and Prospects of Ship Breaking Industries of Bangladesh

Problems and Prospects of Ship Breaking Industries of Bangladesh Submitted to: Mohammad Badruzzaman Bhuiyan Adjunct Faculty Department of Business Administration East West University Submitted by: Md. Mahedi Hasan ID# 2008-3-10-035 Section-1 Date of Submission: July 15, 2012 EAST WEST UNIVERSITY   In the context of increased importance of ship breaking activities in Bangladesh, specially contribution to construction & structural development (>80%); and in national economy & employment opportunity for the poor. But indiscriminate and haphazard ship breaking activities in once biodiversity rich coastal area of Sitakunda, Chittagong is now a barren field. The area is severely degraded with loss of its physical, chemical & biological characteristics.There is very little information on the present status of biodiversity in the area and impact of ship breaking on fisheries and biodiversity. Verbal reports from fishermen indicate that there is a drastic reduction in fish catches which is likely to be due to this ship breaking activities. Ship breaking activities has not yet been recognized as ‘industry’ and still there are no separate guidelines or rules for ship breaking activities in Bangladesh. As a result, there is often accident, loss of valuable human lives & serious violation of human rights & labour rights, including very low wages.On the other hand, impact of ship breaking on the biodiversity is also matter of exploration. But to assess the impact of ship breaking on biodiversity & fishery resources, a research or study is urgently needed not only for the conservation of fishery resources but also to implement a sustainable & eco-friendly policy for ship breaking in Bangladesh. Key words SBRI = The Ship Breaking and Recycling Industry. Shipbreaking: Shipbreaking is the process of dismantling an obsolete vessel’s structure for scrapping or disposal.Conducted on a pier, dry dock or dismantling yard, it involves a wide range of activitie s. From removing all the gear and equipment that are on the ships to cutting down and recycling the ship’s infrastructure. Shipbreaking is a challenging process, due to the structural complexity of the ships and the environmental, safety and health issues involved. Recycling: The process of taking a ship apart; term preferred by the shipping industry. When procedures to safeguard the environment and workers' health and safety are applied, known as â€Å"green recycling†.Executive summary The ship breaking and recycling industry (SBRI) converts end-of-life ships into steel and other recyclable items. Ship recycling offers the most environmentally sustainable way of disposing of old vessels, with virtually every part of the hull and machine complex being reused or recycled as scrap metal. Although the industry is beneficial from a life-cycle assessment point of view, over the years it has gravitated toward countries with low labor costs, weak regulations on occupational safety, and limited environmental enforcement.The â€Å"global shift† in the industry to countries with comparatively weaker regulatory systems is of particular concern as ships contain many hazards that can have significant detrimental effects on humans and the environment if not dealt with properly. Currently, the global center of the ship breaking and recycling industry is located in South Asia, specifically Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. These three countries account for 70–80 percent of the international market for ship breaking of ocean-going vessels, with China and Turkey accounting for most of the rest.Only about 5 percent of the global volume of such vessels is scrapped outside these five countries. This study focuses on the SBRI in Bangladesh and Pakistan to get a better understanding of the economics of the industry and the environmental impacts arising out of such activity and to explore possible ways in which such environmental effects may be mitigated. 1. 0 Introduction Bangladesh has a long coastal belt of about 710 km which is enriched with natural resources specially fish and other aquatic species of different varieties and has been the focal point of different economic activities.Most of these seashore areas are situated in Chittagong. Sitakund is a seashore area situated a few kilometers north of Chittagong where most of the shipsbreaking yards are concentrated. Shipbreaking industry has not been developed in a day. It has been developed gradually in Bangladesh passing through various stages of its development at an international level. Though the shipbreaking in Bangladesh started in sixties; commercially it started in late seventies. The only shipbreaking industry of the country has been developed in Sitakund areas, Chittagong.There are about 20 forward and backward linkage industries based on this shipbreaking. Now, there are about 20 shipbreaking yards in Sitakund where thousand and hundreds of labour are working. The wor kers are all engaged in dangerous physical labor but they don’t have safety equipments like helmets, goggles, gloves, boots and work suits, medical facilities and moreover financial security. Over the last twenty years more than 400 workers have been killed and 6000 seriously injured according to the Bangladeshi media.The explosion of the Iranian tanker TT Dena on 31 may 2000 alone is said to have caused 50 deaths. To this toll must be added thousands of cases of irreversible disease which have occurred and will occur in future due to the toxic materials that are handled and inhaled without minimum precautions or protective cares. 1. 1 Objective of the Study The ship breaking industry provides great advantages. It’s probably the most environmentally sustainable way of disposing of old vessels, it creates jobs and supply a substantial quantity of scrap steel for the iron and steel industries (e. , it contributed to about 50% of Bangladesh’s steel production). How ever, the hazardous waste and associated occupational health hazards pose a significant national and global concern. The main objective of this report is presenting an overview of this industry through analyzing the prospect and the environmental problems arise form this industry.1. 2 Methodology of the Study There are two types of Assignment method available and they are conclusive and exploratory. Considering the subject topic I have chosen exploratory method. . 2. 1 Primary Sources I have not conducted any survey, rather I have given emphasize on secondary sources. 1. 2. 2 Secondary Sources: In order to complete my assignment work, I depended on the secondary data more than primary data. I got the refined secondary data from the Internet by surfing huge web pages. I downloaded many WebPages, files ; related other things which were very much helpful for me to complete this assignment. 1. 3 Limitations (a) Time limitation is one of the problems to make this assignment. b) Amount of data collection is not very huge because only websites are not sufficient to complete this assignment. (c) Data collection process was irregular. 2. 0 Body of the report 2. 1 Prospect of ship breaking industry The ship breaking and recycling industry plays a significant economic role in Bangladesh and Pakistan, supplying a substantial quantity of re-rollable scrap steel for the iron and steel industries. SBRI provides more than half of Bangladesh’s steel supply, for example, making it a strategic industry in that country.The industry also creates hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for some of the poorest and most marginalized segments of the population in those countries. The work force in each country varies with the volume of ship breaking but may range from 8,000–22,000 workers in the ship recycling yards to 200,000 in the supply chain, shops, and re-rolling mills—with dependents in extended families estimated to reach over 500,000 in Banglade sh. Shipbreaking plays an important role in the national economy for a number of reasons: 2. 1. Production of steel The scrapping of ships provides the country’s main source of steel and in doing so saves substantial amount of money in foreign exchange by reducing the need to import steel materials. Bangladesh needs 8 million tons of building materials per year, of which iron is a major component. The iron from recycled ships supplies iron materials in the country. This does mean however, that the owners have more power and control over the amount of steel that is sold and the price it is sold at. 2. 1. 2 Green industry (if properly recycled)In some ways it can be considered a â€Å"green industry†. Almost everything on the ship and the ship itself is recycled, reused and resold. The scrapping of ships supplies raw materials to steel mills, steel plate re-manufacturing, asbestos re-manufacturing as well as providing furniture, paint, electrical equipment and lubricants , oil to the number of businesses that have spouted up specifically as a result. 2. 1. 3 Source of revenue It generates large amounts of revenue for various Government authorities through the payment of taxes.Every year the Government collects almost 9000 million taka in revenue from the shipbreaking industry through import duty, yards tax and other taxes. 2. 1. 4 Employment Opportunity Despite the conditions that the workers are employed under, this is an industry that employs more than 20,000 people directly. It provides employment for some of the poorest people from the north of Bangladesh who would otherwise have no employment. These mainly economic benefits have made shipbreaking a powerful industry. But these economic benefits should be considered together with the social and environmental costs.Together, with better regulation shipbreaking can also bring social and environmental benefits. 2. 2 Environmental Impact 2. 2. 1 Pollutants discharged from shipbreaking Though shipbre aking has earned a good reputation for being a profitable industry in developing countries there are a number of environmental and human health hazards. Depending on their size and function, scrapped ships have an unladened weight of between 5,000 and 40,000 tons (the average being 13000+), 95% of which is steel, coated with between 10 and 100 tons of paint containing lead, cadmium, organotins, arsenic, zinc and chromium.Ships also contain a wide range of other hazardous wastes, sealants containing PCBs, up to 7. 5 tones of various types of asbestos and; several thousands liters of oil (engine oil, bilge oil, hydraulic and lubricants oils and grease). Tankers additionally hold up to 1,000 cubic meters of residual oil. Most of these materials have been defined as hazardous waste under the Basel Convention. In Bangladesh, ships containing these materials are being cut up by hand, on open beaches, with no consideration given to safe and environmentally friendly waste management practic es.Ships are not properly cleaned before beaching. Generally, an eyewash test is carried out to certify that a ship is free from dangerous chemical and fumes. Ship breaking activities is a threat to both the terrestrial and marine environment as well as to public health. It is like a mini version of a city that discharges every kind of pollutants a metropolis can generate like liquid, metal, gaseous and solid pollutants. 2. 2. 1. 1 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP's)POPs are chemicals that are highly toxic, remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, bioaccumulate through the food web, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to the human population, wildlife and the environment. There has been a realization that these pollutants, upon exposure of human population, can cause serious health effects ranging from increased incidence of cancers to disruption of hormonal system. Shipbr eaking activities are a source of lethal POPs. 2. 2. 1. 2 AsbestosAsbestos was used in old ships as a heat insulator. As there are no asbestos disposal procedures, during scrapping, workers and the surrounding environment are exposed to the asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos fibers (even in very low concentrations) especially through inhalation may cause cancer and asbestosis. On the shipbreaking beaches, asbestos fibers and flocks fly around in the open air. Workers take out asbestos insulation materials with their bare hands. It has also proven to be one of the most lethal, as inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to a wide range of pulmonary roblems such as asthma and asbestosis – and can also be the direct cause of mesothelioma. 2. 2. 1. 3 Heavy metals Heavy metals are found in many parts of ships such as in paints, coatings, anodes and electrical equipment. These are taken apart with no protective measures in place and reused. Exposure can result in lung cancer, cancer of the skin, intestine, kidney, liver or bladder. It can also cause damage to blood vessels. 2. 2. 1. 4 Polluted oil As a result of breaking the ships, oil residues and the other refuses are being spilled, mixed with the sea water and left floating along the entire seashore.Oil may cause serious damage in different ways, such as a reduction of light intensity beneath the water surface which inhibits photosynthesis. Oil films on water reduce the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the air-sea interface which is harmful to aquatic life. It also causes damage to the bird population by coating their feathers with oil which causes buoyancy and insulation losses. Sometimes spilling may cause wide spread mortality amongst the population of fish, mammals, worms, crabs, mollusks and other water organisms. 2. 2. 2 Impact on physiochemical properties of seawaterShip scrapping activities pollute the seawater environment in the coastal area of Fauzdarhat to Kumira of Chittagong, Banglades h. As a result, toxic concentration of ammonia, marine organisms found in seawater had an increase in PH levels. Extensive human and mechanical activities accelerate the rate and amount of seashore erosion and results in higher turbidity of seawater. Critical concentration of DO and higher BOD were found with an abundance of floatable materials (grease balls and oil films) in the seawater. 2. 2. 3 Impact on inter-tidal sediments and soilsIn shipbreaking areas various refuse and disposable materials are discharged and spilled from scrapped ships and often get mixed with the sand. The scraps from the ships are staked haphazardly on the sea shore, leaving behind an accumulation of metal fragments and rust (particularly iron) in the soil. These together with extensive human and mechanical activities often go on as matter of routine work resulting in the beach soil losing its binding properties and this accelerates the amount of shore erosion and increase the turbidity of sea water and s ediments in the area. . 2. 4 Impact on biodiversity Shipbreaking activities contaminate the coastal soil and sea water environment mainly through the discharge of ammonia, burned oil spillage, floatable grease balls, metal rust (iron) and various other disposable refuse materials together with high turbidity of sea water. The high PH of the seawater and soil observed may be due to the addition of ammonia, oils and lubricants. High turbidity of water can cause a decrease in the concentration of DO and substantially increase the BOD.Furthermore, oil spilling may cause serious damage by reduction of light intensity, inhibiting the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the air-sea water interface, and by acute toxicity. As a result the growth and abundance of marine organisms especially plankton and fishes may seriously be affected. Indiscriminate expansion of ship breaking activities poses a real threat to the coastal inter-tidal zone and its habitat. 3. 0 Recommendation Conside ring the positive role of ship breaking in national economy ship breaking can not be stopped.Rather a sustainable approach should be taken to minimize the negative consequences of ship breaking activities in our coastal zone. Government should formulate and implement a national policy and principles for safe and sustainable shipbreaking after having consultation with relevant organizations, employers and workers. Both owner and contractors have to take the responsibility in providing compensation, treatment and security for the labours. Adequate compensation for victims of accident and their families, social security†¦etc. should be ensured.Finally, it could be said that, the ship breaking operation involves serious environmental hazards. If the ship breaking industry is to develop in the country, the same may only be allowed ensuring minimization of pollution effect. A longer stretch along the seashore is in no way justified for continuation of this business; rather a certain separate zone like a dockyard should be selected by the competent authority. Preventive measures against environmental and health hazards inherent in the process of ship breaking should be undertaken at the right time, before it is too late.Bibliography Hossain, D. M. M. M. , Islam, M. M. , 2006, Ship Breaking Activities and its Impact on the Coastal Zone of Chittagong, Bangladesh: Towards Sustainable Management, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ship_breaking http://www. shipbreakingbd. info/ Mamun, A. A. , Akther, M. , Ali, M. , Sumaia, K. , Alam, A. , 2005, Worker in Ship Breaking Industries: A Base Line Survey of Chittagong(Bangladesh), Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) Maria, S. , Frank, S. L. , Milen, D. , Robin, B. , Susan, W. , Roy, W. , 2010, Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries in Bangladesh and Pakistan, Report No 58275-SAS

Friday, August 30, 2019

Exploring Modernism In Architecture Architecture Essay

For my essay on Modernism in architecture I intend to research an designer of the modernist period in order to set up the signifier, doctrine and societal thoughts behind modernism. ‘The term modern architecture is equivocal. It can be understood to mention to all edifices of the modern period regardless of their ideological footing, or it can be understood more specifically as an architecture conscious of its ain modernness and nisus for alteration. ‘ Modern architecture is a class which normally complements edifices of the twentieth and twenty-first century. It would include Bauhaus / International manners ( sometimes used to depict Bauhaus architecture in United States ) and besides brutalism. Modernism was a reaction against eclectic method and the munificent stylistic surpluss of the Art Deco, Art Nouveau and the Victorian ages. However, it is still a affair of gustatory sensation. Even though Bauhaus, a German design school 3 ( Operated from 1919-33 By laminitis Walter Gropius, so by Hans Mayer and Ludwig Mies der Van Rohe ) which had deeply influenced humanistic disciplines and architecture had been more concerned with societal facets of design ; none the lupus erythematosus, International manner shortly became a symbolism of Capitalism. Fig.2 shows an interesting and most celebrated illustration of this International manner. This manner of architecture was reserved chiefly for office blocks, but was besides seen in places built for the rich and celebrated. Fig.2 shows another edifice widely known for its ‘functionalist aesthetic and a chef-d'oeuvre of corporate modernism. ‘4 5 There were many designers who attached their name to this modernistic epoch, some of the best known being Frank Lloyd Wright ( fig.6 ) , Walter Gropius ( fig.5 ) , Le Corbusier ( fig.2 ) and Ludwig Mies der Van Rohe ( fig.3 ) . 6Fig.6 shows Falling H2O which was a genuinely iconic edifice for many. Willard huntington wrights design which was for a residential place was above a waterfall. This edifice portrayed his position of organic architecture. Modern architecture was found to be disputing traditional instructions which were thought to be suited for architectural design and construction. Modernist ‘s interior decorators went on to reason that designers should plan everything which is necessary for society. From every item and furniture in the inside and outsides of edifices and even led to designers planing the most low of edifices. I have looked at the broader definition of modernism along with the innovators who drove this manner. Louis Kahn is the designer I have chosen to analyze in deepness. His positions of modernism are good known through the modern universe of architecture.Louis Kahn7 Itze-Leib Schmuilowsky ( February 20, 1901 or 1902 – March 17, 1974 ) , or more normally known in the universe of architecture as Louis Kahn was an designer who was infused within the International manner. Kahn graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Fine Arts in 1924. In the late 1930 ‘s Kahn ‘s was working as a adviser to the Philadelphia Housing Authority. His association with modern architecture grew as he worked with Europeans Stonorov and George Howe with whom Kahn designed many wartime lodging undertakings which can be seen in fig.8. From these experiences it gave Kahn a sense of societal duty which was subsequently reflected in his doctrine. 1947 was a twelvemonth where the Kahn started to emerge. His calling had established to a point where he had started a learning calling at Yale University as the Chief Critic in Architectural Design and Professor of Architecture, until 1957. Then at the University of Pennsylvania as Cret Professor of Arc hitecture until his decease lonely decease in a work forces ‘s room lavatory in Pennsylvania Station in New York. Kahn died in deep debt despite his flush calling. 8 Louis Kahn was a review of mainstream modernism ; his work represented the New Monumentality motion which was besides promoted by Siegfried Gieldion, Josep Llios Sert and Kahn ‘s wise man George Howe. Kahn ‘s edifices are improbably precise in their building of topographic points for people. I found some pieces of Kahn ‘s work peculiarly interesting to analyze from a modernistic architectural position. From the list of his most of import plants I have selected a few which I believe to be peculiarly symbolic to this essay. From more than a twelve houses which had been designed by Kahn Esherick House was the most celebrated. I found Esherick house to one of his most fantastic pieces of work which shows us the way which he subsequently followed in. A critique say ‘s: 11 9 ‘aˆÂ ¦The Esherick House is decidedly one of Kahn ‘s most of import plants which defined lessons he ‘d travel on to utilize in ulterior undertakings. ‘ 12 10 By this I believe he means that Kahn was happening his component which he had so travel onto usage in ulterior undertakings. Kahn ‘s calling comprises of a batch of interesting work, nevertheless, Esherick house stands as one of his most of import pieces of work. In the devising of the house the control of visible radiation had been the preoccupation since the start, and he genuinely had achieved harmoniousness through natural visible radiation every bit good as distinguishable manner through the transcendency and geometric item. Kahn ‘s rules of visible radiation, materiality and geometry are clearly seeable here. He starts to enforce his future positions of signifier in elusive features of this house. At a glimpse it is merely concrete and wood which combine to make the frontages and interior infinites. The house features a textured howitzer coating, with keyhole window which are framed with natural Apilong wood placed at irregular intervals on the forepart facade. The floor program is a refined design by Kahn. It is shown to incorporate two symmetrical rectangles which allow structural support and openness. This truly modernistic construction shows how Kahn ‘s work would blossom in ulterior old ages. The Esherick house ‘s pure usage of geometry and abstract signifier reflect his modernistic attack to architecture. Kahns work is much greater dipected in his later and much larger undertakings. The Salk Laboratories which was developed by Dr Jonas Salk, the developer of infantile paralysis vaccinum had intended for a research lab which was non merely someplace for biological research, but a topographic point which you could ‘invite a adult male like Picasso. '13 The stuffs used for this huge undertaking were concrete, wood, marble and he besides used the component of H2O in his design which as the monolithic composite was juxtaposed against the Pacific Ocean was suiting. I found a really fitting description of The Salk research labs: Kahn ‘s usage of order before signifier shows us how he depicted a edifice to be like a perfect being with complexness of usage inside every bit good as on the outside. I found a really interesting quotation mark from Kahn about the Salk laboratories. His doctrine of design shows use the sort of adult male he was and purposes he perused: â€Å" I did non follow the dictates of the scientists, who said that they are so dedicated to what they are making that when lunch period comes all they do is clear off the trial tubing from the benches and eat their tiffin on these benches. I asked them: was it non a strain with all these noises? And they answered: the noises of the iceboxs are awful ; the noises of extractors are awful ; the trickling of the H2O is awful. Everything was awful including the noises of the air-conditioning system. So I would non listen to them as to what should be done. And I realised that there should be a clean air and chromium steel steel country, and a carpet and oak table country. From this realization signifier became. I separated the surveies from the research lab and placed them over gardens. The garden became out-of-door infinites where one can speak. Now one demand non pass all the clip in the research labs. When one knows what to make, there is merely small clip one needs for making it. It is merely when 1 does non cognize what to make that it takes so much clip. And to cognize what to make is the secret of it all. † I deduce from this extract Kahn ‘s cognition and assurance. I see how Kahn believed in a new modern signifier of architecture. He says it as if he already has the ideas and thoughts to transform edifices into styled and ordered infinite. Kahn ‘s readings were apparently much clearer ; he wanted a modern architecture less concerned with aesthetics and what the edifice looks like. He was more intrigued by the infinites of the edifice and how the infinites were being used, and what order this would make for them. He wanted to do infinites which would impact the experiences of those who inhabited those infinites. Salk research lab shows us a design which had preponderantly established the foundational significance ; order of infinite an so the geometries. He used this construction of idea for his designs of all establishments such as Salk laboratories. ‘The concluding version of the Salk research labs brought him to accept a solution in which services were as ‘repressed ‘ or concealed as in any office edifice by Mies Van der Rohe ‘ From this big undertaking he moved onto a following, nevertheless, this one staying unbuilt whilst he was still populating. Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban in Dhaka, Bangladesh is regarded to be on this is great memorials of international modernism. This edifice was considered as his chef-d'oeuvre of his life-time. Construction of this edifice had stated by 1961 nevertheless due to its huge outrageousness did n't complete building until nine old ages after his decease in 1983 which means it took around 20 old ages to construct. The national assembly edifice was Kahn ‘s most of import piece of work. The infinite was really expansive. The interior country for the Assembly edifice was spilt into 3 subdivisions. The zone in the Centre provides circulation. The chief country or cardinal zone is for the chief assembly. The exterior zone is where the offices and sofas are, besides this is where the entryway to the chief mosque is. In the design we can see how natural visible radiation is a really of import component in this edifice. The edifice seems as if it is entirely for spiritual intents and has a heavy religious genius. â€Å" In the assembly I have introduced a light-giving component to the inside of the program. If you see a series of columns you can state that the pick of columns is a pick in visible radiation. The columns as solids frame the infinites of light. Now think of it merely in contrary and believe that the columns are hollow and much bigger and that their walls can themselves give visible radiation, so the nothingnesss are suites, and the column is the shaper of visible radiation and can take on complex forms and be the protagonist of infinites and give visible radiation to infinites. I am working to develop the component to such an extent that it becomes a poetic entity which has its ain beauty outside of its topographic point in the composing. In this manner it becomes correspondent to the solid column I mentioned supra as a giver of visible radiation. † Here Kahn negotiations about the Bangladesh undertaking. He reiterates the importance of visible radiation in the infinite and his poetic entity which he adds to every design to make a great sense of beauty. In the designing of these three undertakings we can see how Kahn has used his cognition to assist make infinites which execute both signifier and map desirably to the client. Kahn negotiations about how his greater apprehension of what is needed helps him finish his undertaking easy. Kahn negotiations approximately beauty as the great philosopher St Thomas Aquinas did. Aquinas believed that beauty consisted of four ingredients: Integrity, integrity, symmetricalness, and glow. By unity he meant that something is complete on its ain without any being dependent on anything outside it. By integrity he means every portion has a ground and ca n't be taken off without destructing the whole beauty of it. Symmetry mentioning to equilibrate, something ca n't merely alter without a corresponding consequence. This was similar the invariables which had appeared in Kahn ‘s work. The sense of composing, the unity of a edifice fear for stuff, sense of ‘room ‘ , light as the shaper of the construction and architecture of connexion Kahn tried to use these theoretical accounts into all of his undertakings. One even described him as: â€Å" a philosopher among designers † . This is from his every showing doctrine on his work. Basically Kahn saw architecture as being a religious signifier of communicating. He grew a strong relation with each undertaking by using a strong hierarchy with order being the most of import. Kahn was celebrated for being a review of modernism. He found many influential designers of the clip to hold been misjudging the order of their designs. Kahns critue started with him rejecting a ‘free program ‘ ; a construct which Mies new wave der Rohe and Le Corbusier had attached themselves to, along with modernism. Kahn believed that dividing these two constructs of signifier from the construction, would intend the free program as antecedently interpreted by Van de Rohe and Le Corbusier had ‘ opened up a nothingness that could merely be filled with subjective intuition. ‘ Basically Kahn ‘s work did look consistent with that of the broader position of architecture nevertheless, his position of modern architecture was something which was unpredictable and had no regulations to follow or rules to ad ear to. He found that the international manner of modern architecture at the clip which was being used by many designers in America and Europe had been excessively concerned with the signifier and non the map. ‘Kahn was concerned with the things adult male has been looking for since the beginning – and in this he was a fundamentalist – was non interested in the realisation, of something which had already occurred, but in the possibility that something will happen within the wallsaˆÂ ¦ ‘ This tells us that Kahn was more of Prophet than merely a sermonizer. He wanted to alter the positions on architecture and present what he believed to be the necessary status for the presence of architecture. ‘Mies ‘s sensitivites react to imposed structural order with small inspiration, Le Corbusier passes through order impatiently and hastes to organize. ‘ Kahn talked about Mies Van der Rohe and Le Corbusier imperfectness in structural order, and their haste of order leads to an imperfectness in signifier. Kahns order derived from nature and this is reflected in his undertakings. ‘In the nature of infinite is the spirit and the will to be in a certain manner. Design must closely follow that will. ‘ The pure order, signifier and geometry is why Louis Kahn still act upon the universe today. His work straight impacts and inspires signifiers of architecture today such as station modernism and neo positivist. More than this Louis Kahn redefined modernism. He has thrilled looker-ons with his huge doctrine ; nevertheless his frequenters merely appeared in his ulterior old ages. Kahn adapted architecture and had an input as to what we see when we analyse today. He showed us in his huge texts, to every item the visions he had, and how he intended to raise these visions. Predominately we can see that he was floating off from modernism, nevertheless, I have studied how Kahn ‘s vision set modernism into path someplace that it would n't hold been without his influence. â€Å" It was non belief, non design, non pattern, but the kernel from which an establishment could emerge†¦ †

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Galveston TX budget Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Galveston TX budget - Essay Example The budget aims to balance the preference of the community with the reality that sacrifices must be made in order to align the spending of the county’s resources and services. In the employment sector, the county strives to minimize retrenchment by aiming to use early retirement and voluntary distinction of rewards to reduce working staff and align working employees into vacant positions. To achieve this objective, the county is aiming at reducing services and programs and applying general capital or funds reserves in proposition funds. The recommended budget is designed in that it aims to restore structural balance of the following financial year, which is 2012/2013. That implies that the county will spend its means with borrowing from reserves. Policy makers warned that if the county showed some weakness on the way and did not stay on track, then it would continue relying on reserves and at one point in time, it would run short of reserves. To aid close the gap between reven ues and expenditures, the county has over time made tremendous development and progress (Hayes 51). Galveston County has: i. Reduced layoffs by eliminating vacant positions ii. Designed new service mechanism that have consolidated departments iii. It has partnered with private and public sectors to enhance safety and other services to operate well iv. It has reduced labor costs by partnering with labor organizations v. It has created various cost savings programs that will see reduction in operation cost while guarding other services, enhanced management and cut down on oil and hotel services. The main incremental approach to the development of Galveston budget is based on the financial difficulties posed by the financial crisis. The budget planners in the city of Galveston consider the revenue growth because increase in revenues can be distributed to the all programs and departments with little controversy. There is possibility of acrimony, though, when distributing revenue decreme nts during times of revenue decline (Finnkelstein 17). There are several perspectives that the policy makers need to consider when planning for the budget, for instance, by what methods will resources be distributed too services? How and where will the politicians, public, and citizens engaged during the process? Before budgeting, jurisdiction plays a critical role in that it states how the city should invest resources to meet its laid down goals and objectives. Priority assist in articulating why its plans and programs exist, what value and benefit they offer to citizen, what price the inhabitant pay for them, and what goals and citizens preferences they are settling (Finnkelstein 41). Galveston County in Texas has major six priorities, which are expressed as citizen statements: i. Well organized, planned, and developed communities within the county. The policy makers proposed that it was significant to strategize and plan infrastructure in order to maintain quality life of its cit izens. ii. Economic vitality in that Galveston County wants to have more industries that will enhance and promote a healthy and sustainable economy that does not burden its citizens. iii. Self-sufficient people and families for the Galveston citizens whereby the community provides variety of opportunities for its citizens to be self-productive and sufficient.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Play review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Play review - Essay Example The play depicts how a virtual hell breaks loose and how an amusing situation is created as the two couples not only fight with each other but also exchange sides. At times the battle is between partners and at times it appears to be between boys and girls with the least level of introspection or admittance of accountability by any of the parties (Reza, 2009). But nevertheless, the play takes visitors through ninety minutes of wonderful comedy and entertainment although it never gets deep enough for the viewer to think of watching a second part of the play. Alan and Annette is one couple and belong to the upper middle class. They are reasonably well off while the other couple, Michael and Veronica is extremely rich. Michael is a successful attorney while Veronica is a self appointed writer and works part-time in a book shop. Both couples could have met at a party or function but they have been brought together because of their sons who are both about eleven years of age. The two boys had a fight in which Alan’s son beat up Michael’s son, causing him severe injuries. The arguments between the four adults relative to the fight between their sons becomes a contest that drags on excessively far in considering the context of the two marriages and the qualities of the four characters. The play virtually becomes a battle of wits in which the characters probe the details of each others’ lives and it appears for some time the couples will remain together but soon the partnerships begin to show signs of wavering. It becomes perceptible that none of the partners are happy with each other and the play is enjoyable to watch as the four repeatedly come in conflict and get ready to fight with each other. They go on throwing insults at each other and loyalty seems to become a weak aspiration. Both pairs of husbands and wives accuse each other; they create new alliances at one moment and drop them in

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Why smoking should be banned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why smoking should be banned - Essay Example According to the American Lung Association (2014), cigarette smoking in the U.S. causes 393,000 deaths annually; also the cost associated with cigarette smoking is high for the government. According to the study by American Lung Association (2014), in 2004, cigarettes smoking costs were $193 billion. The healthcare costs associated with the use of cigarettes in 2004 was $96 billion, while lose of productivity due to cigarette smoking was approximately $97 billion. Additionally, the study shows that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. Smoking of cigarettes emits 7000 chemicals, and research shows that 69 of the chemicals cause lung cancer, which is responsible for close to 90% deaths from lung cancer. In addition, cigarette smoking is responsible for 20% to 30% of low birth weights in the U.S and is the cause of 10% of infant deaths and 14% pregnancy complications such as premature deliveries. The research shows that neonatal healthcare costs associated with cigarette smoking in the U.S. is approximately $366 million annually. The statistics above are attributed to sales of cigarettes in U.S. markets. This means that ban of cigarettes sales would reduce healthcare costs and deaths caused by diseases such as lung cancer. However, those opposing the prohibition of cigarettes sales argue that government revenue would reduce if the ban is imposed. They explain that federal states in the U.S. are already imposing high taxes on cigarettes. The U.S. average tax per a pack of cigarettes is $1.01, which is higher than any other products’ tax. The taxes are high for government and banning of cigarettes sales will be a disadvantage for government because they will not be able to get revenue (Heartland Institute n.d.). According to Hu and Mao (2001), cigarette smoking in China is high and is considered a health problem. However, the study also shows that China benefits from taxes levied on cigarettes sales and importation. For

Monday, August 26, 2019

Personal and professional development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Personal and professional development - Essay Example The manufacturing engineer’s job encompasses planning, designing, setting up, modifying and monitoring of manufacturing processes according to Prospects (2011). They also engage in the maintenance of machines and equipment and scheduling of manufacturing operations in some cases. They normally liaises with other members of the organization such as those in the research and development department in ensuring that the company continues to operate as efficiently as possible in the process of producing quality products.. Levels of professional Qualifications for Manufacturing Engineer In order to become a manufacturing engineer in a company, one must get secondary and college or university education with a focus of related subjects such as physics, mathematics, technical drawing and statistics just to mention a few. At college and university levels, the manufacturing engineer will be trained on a wide range of subjects including design and analysis of processes that are applied in manufacturing, metrology, design for manufacturability, Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, and instrumentation and controls engineering among others (Worcester Polytechnic Institute nd). The Engineering Council and its Role The Engineering Council is the United Kingdom’s authority that is charged with the task of registering professional technicians and engineers. The council also performs secondary tasks such as advising students, trained engineers, academic organizations and employers on the procedures and standards for registration. The body also regulates the professions of the engineering technician, incorporated engineer as well as the chartered engineer. Considering that the title â€Å"Engineer’ is legally protected in the UK, it is important for the professional engineer to be awarded a title by the Engineering Council that is otherwise protected. As a professional manufacturing engineer therefore, it is advantageous to voluntarily register with the Engineer ing Council so as to demonstrate high competence - such competence that can only be acquired by training, education and proper experience. These indeed are the basic requirements for one to be registered by the Engineering Council. In order to be registered by the Engineering Council, one has to sit and pass the organization’s examinations at each stage. The manufacturing engineer can sit for the levels 5, 6 and 7 to be registered as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) respectively. Some of the advantages of being registered by the Engineering Council include higher earning potential, better career prospects international recognition, high self esteem, and recognition of expertise. Engineering Technician (EngTech) The engineering technologist is an engineer who specializes in implementing the existing technologies that exist in the engineering field. In other words, the technologist is more oriented toward the applic ation of engineering fundamentals as opposed to creating new knowledge in the field. They always work with other engineering professionals applying technical skills and engineering principles in their practice. The manufacturing engineering technologist can work in a wide range of industries, not limited to maintenance, manufacturing, processing and assembling companies. The technician is trained widely in

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice ( Chili's ) Essay

Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice ( Chili's ) - Essay Example Now the restaurant chain is located in 49 states in USA and 30 other international locations. The restaurant mainly serves Tex-Mex food, which means Mexican and Texan food. Other than this they also offer other menu such as burgers, and vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu. In this report the aim is to plan out Chili’s launch in UK. The process of doing so begins with a complete analysis of the strategic factors (Brinker International, 2013). Chili’s Grill & Bar is also located in Australia, Costa Rica, and Venezuela, other than USA and Canada. Now it is planning to expand in London, UK. Every country is different and so its business environment. There are certain strategic factors which influence the decision-making of the companies during expansion or internationalization. Chili’s Grill & Bar has to consider strategic factors like international competitiveness, international growth, trade blocks, macro business environmental factors on which supply chain, logisti cs, and marketing would depend (Grant, 1991). Market Entry Modes This section will evaluates the market entry modes of Chili’s Grill & Bar in details, but before that decision on the international trade framework in UK is necessary. According to the American Marketing Association, international marketing is a multinational process which involves planning and implementation of concepts of promotion, pricing, and distribution strategies which will assist in providing satisfaction to the customers, and meet the objectives of the organisation (Doole, and Lowe, 2008). Chili’s Grill & Bar has to analyse the trade framework, trade barriers if any, taste and preference of the customers, players in the market, and most importantly the appropriate market entry mode, for expanding to London, UK (Barney, 1991, 1997). There various feasible entry modes available, but adaptation of entry modes depends on the trade policies of the country. Moreover, when it comes to food habits, ever y country is different, and people usually do not keep changing or adapting them like their fashion for clothes (Barney, 2001). UK is specifically depended on foreign trade for economic development. This is the reason why government of the company support unrestricted and free trade, and this initiative has also assisted UK in achieving recognition from European Union and World Trade Organisation. They have very free trade barriers or restrictions on foreign trade, and this proved by the fact that among 600 organisations in UK, around 60 are organisations from America. For attracting the foreign investors, the British government has adopted various programs like establishing enterprise zones, where the companies would be exempted from property, and the compensation for cost that is incurred by the companies for new factory construction. Incentives would be provided for companies located in the economically depressed areas (Advameg Inc., 2013). This are called Assisted Areas. Apart f rom this seven free trade zones are also offer. The extent of competitiveness in the international market is an important strategic factor which is considered because there are existing market leaders and players (Bengtsson, 1998). In London there are innumerable numbers of restaurants serving different cuisines, and also Mexican cuisines.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Steve Jobs speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Steve Jobs speech - Essay Example To better prepare the audience for what they were about to hear, President John Hennessy reminded everyone of some of Steve Jobs’ main achievements in his life. Once Steve Jobs stepped up to the podium, he gave a more detailed summary about the key events in his own life. To better get his message across, Jobs focused on three main stories: connecting the dots, love and loss, and death. These three stories are very different from one another, yet in another way they are remarkably similar. There is one theme that runs through all of these stories—you can achieve anything at all as long as you put your mind to it. This theme was appropriate considering the demographics of his audience: young, college graduates who are looking to find their place in the world. Steve Jobs’ first story, connecting the dots, used his real life experiences to show how certain events can influence the course of someone’s life. The story of his birth showed how unwanted he was as a child, and yet at the same time his life’s journey was being planned for him before it had even began. Back in the 1970’s, becoming a college graduate was seen as the ultimate success in life (in some ways, this is still the same today). Jobs described his emotions when he was attending college even though he did not want to be there. I can relate to this because I develop these feelings from time to time. Jobs felt that college was a waste of time and he would be better served by selected only the classes that interested him. I feel that this is a very bold decision to make, especially in the context of today’s environment, where the minimum expectation is a college degree. Jobs’ choice to drop out of college would be quite radical even for today, not to mention 30 or 40 years ago. However, this brave and bold decision allowed Jobs to be influenced by calligraphy, which would later go on to influence the design of the Apple computer. Overall, Jobs†™ key instruction here is to go with what feels best in your heart. There are so many other people and institutions that tell us what we should be doing, when in fact we are the ones who know what we want to achieve and succeed at. In my view, the choices made in our lives lead to consequences, both good and bad, and it is our choices that determine the path that our life takes us down. Jobs’ second story, love and loss, shows how plans can go astray, yet the ultimate goal can still be fulfilled. Jobs found a career that he loved, not just as a means to get by. This is something that he alludes to throughout his speech, although he does not actually mention it directly. I agree that success in life is always easier if you are doing something that you actually love. If so, you are more likely to put your heart and soul into it and receive a great reward from it. For Steve Jobs, this was working day in and day out at Apple. However, he came across a fork in the road—he was ousted from the company by the Board of Directors. Many people would react badly to this, yet Jobs knew that he still loved working with computers and would not let this setback stop him from achieving his dream. He ended up creating his own company and later rejoined Apple. None of this would have been possible had he not been fired from Apple in the first place. I found this concept really hard to grasp because it seemed like his life had been taken away from him, although he eventually got it back. This unfortunate event

Cultural Barriers to Women's carrer success Essay

Cultural Barriers to Women's carrer success - Essay Example This eventually results in creating barriers not only in their career but also in their basic education, it is true that women are prefered to study fields that would result in taking interest in feminine career opportunities. Along with this the civil and political rights of a women are also neglected. Even then women have had their share to experience leadership ventures in private as well as many government sectors. It is also true that attaining leadership for women has never been easy. There are numerous workplace challenges that are considered worthy of no importance. Cultural barriers tend to impact a women’s careers in one way or another. According to Kiamba, the phenomenon came to be known as â€Å"glass ceiling†, (Kiamba’ 2008). The term actually related to the crucial barriers that resulted in a full stop to a woman’s career and blocking of the top level career opportunities A very detailed research analysis on the subject had proven it to be tr ue to a great extent since rarely women are found as the executives members of the organizations they have invested years in. Background: Impact of Gender inequality on a woman's career: According to McCarthy and Berger, one of the major reasons for the inequality in the workplace is that most societies have failed to establish a gender neutral environment especially in the workplace.Women participation in any official progress is usually not so notable, the participation is most likely to be not translated to achieve favorable positions. Even if the participation in the process involves great hard work once the output has been achieved it is most often realized that the involvement of women in the certain project has been made entirely invisible, ( McCarthy and Berger’ 2008) The pace to establish a gender neutral situation is relatively slower in most regions. Attaining leadership positions that involve the empowerment of the holder in the workplace is yet another dilemma fo r women. Most probably the attainment requires women to pay a much high price as compared to what would lead a man to achieve the same position effortlessly. Impact of balancing work and Family on a Woman's Career: According to the author the choice of having to balance between family and work is one of the crucial cultural barrier every women have to face. Not only is balancing something that a career oriented women might have to go through but also along with it comes the stress and fear of failure . The factor definitely leads to less input in both matters respectively. The balancing of family and work for men is quite different from that of women, they are certainly at ease with lesser responsibilities from family. In case of any career women the task of having to give appropriate to both work and family can be exhausting as well as frustrating at time. It not like there has never been any success story, obviously there are many but as compared to the accomplishment of men they are way too less. The accomplishment in career for most women involves excessive efforts to rise above the given circumstances , which mostly involves some risks resulting in the breaking of family ties. Impact of Individual factors on a woman’s Career: Along with all of the other career effecting factors individual factors play a vital role in determining the success in woman’s career. One of the prominent individual factors

Friday, August 23, 2019

Spoken Tactics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Spoken Tactics - Essay Example As part of the jubilee celebrations, bank would launch a variety of deposit schemes. Given below is the speech that the manager of the organization would deliver on the occasion. The audience consists of bank employees/staff, investors, customers, guests and general public. â€Å"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the very occasion we have been waiting for since the beginning of the last financial year. We thank you all for making this event highly valuable by your active presence. I would like to inform you the glad news that beyond our highest expectations, our bank has accumulated its greatest turnover even in this worst global economic environment. Dear friends; this achievement is yours who gave continual support and laid strong faith in the function and service of the organization. The bank is highly thankful to you for supporting us with your investments and deposits. Moreover, all your suggestions, complaints and feedbacks were of immense help to us for designing new strategies and forecasts. Of course, we had certain targets for this silver jubilee year. Lot of time and manpower has been spent to manage this accomplishment. I take this opportunity to thank all our customers who introduced new clients to us. Your cooperation and patience have to be appreciated in this context. I am here with a number of new offers to express our gratitude. All our beneficiaries will be privileged from this historic achievement in this jubilee year. Obviously, the relentless efforts and commitment of our whole staff and employees also have to be remembered here. In fact this success is the result of a two year project that commenced with a market survey. Our public relation faculty and other individuals who headed this task deserve a special appreciation. It was their sincere efforts that brought the real market situation to light. I remember the active involvement of all other employees in the accomplishment of the proposed target. They have paid extra time and

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Socrates - Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Socrates Philosophy Essay Plato Plato WHEN Socrates was sixty years old, Plato, then a youth of twenty, came to him as a pupil. When Plato was sixty years old, the seventeen-year-old Aristotle presented himself, joining the Teachers group of Friends, as the members of the Academy called themselves. Aristotle was a youth of gentle birth and breeding, his father occupying the position of physician to King Philip of Macedon. Possessed of a strong character, a penetrating intellect, apparent sincerity, but great personal ambition. [tags: Plato Philosophy Philosophers Essays] 3776 words (10.8 pages) $19. 95 [preview] Plato Plato Plato was born to an aristocratic family in Athens, Greece. When he was a child his father, Ariston, who was believed to be descended from the early kings of Athens died, and his mother, Perictione married Pyrilampes. As a young man Plato was always interested in political leadership and eventually became a disciple of Socrates. He followed his philosophy and his dialectical style, which is believed to be the search for truth through questions, answers, and additional questions. After witnessing the death of Socrates at the hands of the Athenian democracy in 399 B. C. , Plato left Athens and continued to travel to Italy, Sicily, and Egypt. [tags: Biography Biographies Plato Philosophers Essays] :: 4 Works Cited :: 1 Sources Cited 1795 words (5. 1 pages) $29. 95 [preview] Confusion And Plato Confusion Confusion plagues everyone in the world. Daily people are subject to struggles that involve them being confused and allow them to not fully take in what the world has to offer. Confusion simply put is the impaired orientation with respect to time, place, or person; a disturbed mental state. With that said it is evident that many things a susceptible to confusion, and being confused. When reading Plato one cannot help to be confused, some confused on the general meaning others confused on the actual wording. [tags: Plato] 911 words (2. 6 pages) FREE Essays [view] Platos Criticism of Democracy Platos Criticism of Democracy Do not be angry with me for speaking the truth; no man will survive who genuinely opposes you or any other crowd and prevents the occurrence of many unjust and illegal happenings in the city. A man who really fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life if he is to survive for even a short time. (Apology 31e-32a) These are the words of Socrates, who spoke before the Athenian jury in the trial that would, ultimately, condemn him to his death. Through works such as the Apology and The Republic, we can see Plato’s distaste of the concept of democracy. [tags: Plato].

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Effectiveness of Treatment of Postnatal Depression

Effectiveness of Treatment of Postnatal Depression TREATMENT But there have been a recent number of studies that looked at the effectiveness of treatment of postnatal depression. From one of the most recent publications (Dennis, 2005) provides a meta-analysis of the factors which influence the outcome in the condition. The author concluded that the only strategy that was shown to have â€Å"a clear preventative effect† was intensive post-partum support from the healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of the mother. Surprisingly, this was found to be more effective than all the similar regimes which included an ante-natal component as well. A stable family life, a person experiences in the first years of life have profound effects on his or her mental health. On the other hand, talking about postnatal depression also have to concerns about the lives of the babies involved. A child from a stable home, looked after by affectionate, caring parents (or other adults), is likely to be mentally stable and able to resist everyday stresses than a child from a home where there is emotional strife, constant bickering or violence this child is more at risk of developing a personality disorder in later life. Although one in four of the population in the UK will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their lives regardless of age, race, gender or social background. Anxiety and depression for an example in post-natal women is fairly common (Fowles, 1996). Postpartum depression is considered as a factor which can affect the development of a child in the early period of his or her life and partly determines the childs future. The morbidity associated with postnatal depression has a number of potential consequences not only for the mother, but also the child and the rest of the family as well (Oakley et al, 1996). Several recent studies have shown that healthcare professionals often fail to spot the signs of postnatal depression. Making the diagnosis is obviously the prerequisite of establishing a treatment regime so it is clearly vital for all healthcare professionals to be on their guard for warning signs – sleep disturbance, irritability, mood swings and irrationality (Ramsay et al, 1995). The importance of spoting the signs of postnatal depression is stressed in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence clinical management and service guidance on antenatal and postnatal mental health, which was released lately that it is applicable to healthcare professionals who care for women who are designing a pregnancy, are with child or throughout the postnatal period (the first year after giving birth) (NICE, 2007). According to NICE, it is approximated that as numerous as one in seven women experience a mental health disorder in the antenatal or postnatal period (Hagen et al, 2007). The guidance is the first of its kind to make exact recommendations on identification, treatment and management of all mental health disorders, encompassing disquiet, depression, consuming disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It should be read in conjunction with living NICE guidance on mental disorders. The guidance states that service users with a mental health disorder should be granted heritage perceptive data at each stage of evaluation, diagnosis, course and treatment about the influence of the disorder. This data should cover the appropriate use and probable side-effects of treatment (Harris,1994). This recommendation concerns to women with a living mental health disorder who are with a child or planning for a pregnancy, and those who evolve a mental health disorder throughout pregnancy or the postnatal period. Healthcare professionals should work to evolve a believing connection with the woman, and her partner(if they have one), imidiate family members and carers where appropriate and agreeable to the woman. In specific, they should be perceptive to the matters of stigma and disgrace in relative to mental illness (Harris, 1994). Stigma as defined by Abrams et al, (2005) is â€Å"a mark or sign of disgrace or discredit†. Stigma causes people to feel uncomfortable around an issue, or can also cause people to mock the issue in order to make it less threatening to them. Most people who feel uncomfortable is often refused to talk about mental illness therefore causing a silence around the subject. People usually tend to attach stigma to others that are different from them. Often, due to mistaken beliefs, the mentally ill are thought to be dangerous. The stigma attached to mental illness is the main obstacle to better mental health care and better quality of life for people who have the illness, for their families, for their communities and for health service staff that deal with psychiatric disorders (Abrams et al, 2005). Routine communication with doctors and healthcare professionals throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period presents an opening to recognise women who have, or are at risk of evolving, a mental health disorder. At a womans first communication with professionals in both antenatal and postnatal periods, doctors and healthcare professionals should enquire about: (Hagen et al, 2007). Past Previous treatment and medication by a psychiatrist or expert mental health group, encompassing inpatient care; A family history of perinatal mental illness. However, the guidance stresses that other exact predictors, for example poor connections with her colleague, should not be utilised for the usual proposition of the development of a mental health disorder (Gotlib et al, 1991). The following questions must be asked when a pregnant woman attend to a health care professional; During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless? During the past month, have you often been bothered by having little concern or delight in managing things? If the woman responses yes to both of these questions, a third enquiry should then be considered: Is this certain thing you seem you require or desire assistant with? The use of self-report assesses for example the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) may be advised as part of a later evaluation or for the usual supervising of outcomes (Harris, 1994). If a likely mental health disorder is recognised throughout pregnancy or the postnatal period, a further assessment will be needed: If the woman has or is supposed of having a critical mental sickness (for demonstration bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), she should be mentioned to a mental health care service, encompassing, if appropriate, an expert perinatal mental health service professional (Hagen et al, 2007). The womans GP should be acquainted in all situations even if no further evaluation or referral is made (Hoffman and Drotar, 1991). And in writing care plan covering the pregnancy, consignment and the postnatal period should be evolved for with child women with a present or past history of critical mental sickness, generally in the first trimester. This should be evolved in collaboration with the woman and her colleague, family and carers, and encompass expanded communication with mental health service professional (Fowles, 1996). The guidance suggests there should be apparently particular care pathways so that all applicable prime and lesser healthcare professionals understand how to get access to evaluation and treatment (Hoffman, 1991). NICE states that there is clues to support the use of aimed at psychosocial interventions for women who have symptoms of depression and/or disquiet that manage not rendezvous the threshold for a prescribed diagnosis. The guidance interprets that certain treatment or support for a postnatal woman should be advised when symptoms manage not rendezvous diagnostic criteria but significantly hinder with personal and communal functioning (Hagen et al, 2007). For this assembly of women the following should be considered: Offering one-to-one, short psychological treatment (four to six sessions), for example interpersonal psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural treatment for mental health service users who have had a preceding episode of depression or anxiety; Offering communal support throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period (such as normal casual one-to-one or group-based support) for women who have not had a preceding episode of depression or anxiety (Fowles, 1996). However, it adds that psychosocial interventions conceived expressly to decrease the prospect of evolving a mental health disorder should not be part of usual antenatal and But it adds that treatment conclusions are perplexing by the occurrence of the evolving foetus, breastfeeding and the timescales enforced by pregnancy and birth (Hagen et al, 2007). As an outcome, it contends that the thresholds for non-drug treatments, especially psychological treatments, are probable to be smaller than those set in NICE clinical guidelines. It emphasises that women who require psychological treatments should be glimpsed for treatment commonly within one month of primary evaluation and no longer than three months afterwards (Goodman, 2004). The NICE guidance summaries the function doctors can play in noticing, stopping and nurturing for women with a mental health disorder when planning for a pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period. Mental health promotion becomes very important for the people who are plannning to have a child or those who are already pregnant or newly born mother. It should be mentioned that postnatal depression is possible to occour but they should be aware that it is treatable (Harris, 1994). When in a clinical setting dealing with a patient with a mental illness, it is good practice to communicate effectively and adjust the skills accordingly to the patient. For example speak clearly, slowly and ask open-ended questions. Observing any change in mood and behaviour at all times for safety reasons. REFERENCE Cox, J., Holden, J., Sagovsky, R. (1987) Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10 item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Automobile Trade Restrictions Economics Essay

Automobile Trade Restrictions Economics Essay The automobile industry is considered a very complex and vital industry compared to others, this is because of the development process with each project. The U.S. has said to have the most open automotive market in the world. The automotive industry has been a part of every major U.S. trade development dating back since World War One and is composed of three broad industries. These three industries consist of high-volume, full-ranged producers, which offer higher volumes and lower prices; while appealing to a mass amount of consumers. GM, Nissan, and Fiat are the main companies in this full-range producer and compete on a cost reduction basis. The second industry is the specialist producers, (BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes) these producers supply higher performance cars at higher prices and compete on the basis of differentiation and cost recovery. Lastly, there are niche producers, (alpine, TRV, and Ferrari), who offer on exclusivity and extreme performance. In addition to these producers, some trends can be identified when examining the global automotive market. These trends consist of the global Market, Establishment of Global Alliances, and Industry Consolidation. First, the global market is considered to be the worlds largest automobile manufacturer. The global market invests in production facilities that reduce production costs and are located in places such as Latin America, China, Malaysia and markets in Southeast Asia. Secondly, Establishment of Global Alliances are referred to as the, The Big Three (GM, Ford and Chrysler) who have merged in partnerships with other European and Japanese automobile manufacturers. Finally, Industry Consolidation involves increasing global competition among manufacturers and positioning within foreign markets. The U.S. is in the worlds top three automobile industries along with Japan and Germany. These automobile industries are major wealth generators for Europe and the U.S. recently providing over 17 million foreign and domestic cars and trucks in the U.S., which in turn accounted for more than 400 billion in sales. In addition to these producers and trends, there are six leading automobile manufactures, which are located in the U.S. and Japan. The U.S. consists of Daimler-Chrysler which is regulated by the United Nations, while General motors, and Ford are the other two in the U.S. The other three are produced by Japan and consist of Toyota, Nissan, and Honda. Between these six companies, they control over 87% of the market. The automotive industry has been a crucial part of the global market with automotive products accounting for ten percent of global merchandise trade. Fortunately and unfortunately with trade also comes trade restrictions. So what is a trade restriction? A trade restriction is defined as an artificial restriction on the trade of goods between two countries. The most known and important form of trade restriction is a tariff, import quotas, voluntary export restraints, and antidumping actions are also restrictions which will be explained in more detail later. In this paper I will explain trade restrictions/barriers that the U.S. imposes on the automobile industry, what programs are available to help make automobile trading more efficient and attractive for everyone, and also mention the various tariffs and trade barriers. In addition, I will talk about the current global automotive market , new foreign policy introduced in the U.S. and other nations, and finally explain the ramifications of certain restrictions and there effects on different people groups within the nation. First, there are many programs whose intentions are to help the automotive industry in trading. First are (APEC), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and Automotive Dialogue (AD) which serve as a forum for APEC. (APEC) attempts to find strategies to increase the integration and development of the automotive industry in a region. AD try to promote growth and development of the regional auto industry while also attempting to offer certain recommendations. Some of the economies that have participated in APEC and the AD include Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Viet Nam and the United States. Many of these same countries have also tried and introduce new policies to make their country better off. For example, in 2004 China issued a new automobile industrial policy which discouraged the importation of automotive parts but encouraged the use of domestic technology in new vehicles assembled in China. In 2005, China issued regulations implementing the new automobile industrial policy.   The policy was said to unfairly discriminate against imported automotive parts and discourage automobile manufacturers in China from using imported automotive parts in the assembly of vehicles. In March 2008, Chinas policy was ruled inconsistent with several WTO provisions then in January of 2009, China complied with the recommendations and set rulings. Along with China, Korea also has attempted to bring out barriers that restrict importation and sale which include anti-import basis, standards and certification process and procedures, tariff and tax structure, and currency manipulation. So what are barriers/ restriction design to do? Barriers to entry are designed to keep out potential entrants from entering a profitable market. The barriers to enter the automotive industry are considered substantial, a new company must have the startup capital required to establish manufacturing capacity to achieve minimum efficient scale which is prohibitive. Many automotive established companies are entering new markets through strategic partnerships or through buying out or merging with other companies. Previously , the barriers to entry for new markets were low; However once the U.S. invited Japanese makers who began to offer quality vehicles in lower price markets compared to the U.S. changed this. Not only has Japan had success, many large automotive companies have globalized and entered foreign markets with varying degrees of success including, Asia, Africa, and South America whose barriers to entry are similar. As mentioned briefly before, there are a number of types of tariffs and trade Barriers that the government can employ and they include Specific tariffs, Ad valorem tariffs, Licenses, Import quotas, Voluntary export restraints, and Local content requirements. Specific Tariffs are considered a fixed fee levied on one unit of an imported good. Ad Valorem Tariff is based on a percentage of that goods value. Non-tariff barriers to trade include Embargoes, Subsidies, standards, and licenses which are granted to a business by the government which then allows the business to import a certain type of good into the country. So what effects can these barriers cause? Barriers can cause restriction in competition or increase prices on consumers. An import quota is a restriction placed on the amount of a particular good that can be imported. Voluntary Export Restraints (VER) is a type of trade barrier that is voluntary and is created by the exporting country rather than the importing one. Also, instead of placing a quota on a number of goods that can be imported, the government can require a percentage of a good be made domestically. The restriction can be a percentage of the good itself, or a percentage of the value of the good. Now that you know a little about tariffs and certain barriers, lets examine further the effect of tariffs and trade barriers on businesses and consumers. Patents, limit pricing, and cost advantages are all considered barriers to entry. In the short run, effects such as higher prices for goods can decrease consumption by individual consumers and by businesses, causing business profit and the government to see an increase in revenue from things like duties. However, in the long term, businesses can see decline in profits and efficiency due to lack of competition and future substitutes to their products. When speaking about the government, the long-term effect of subsidies is an increase in the demand for public services, overall resulting in less disposable income. When looking into the future, Japan continues its economic expansion which has allowed them to see continued success in exports. With the automobile industry being extremely competitive, the U.S. has worked with the, Big Three to introduce a program called the, PNGV which is a partnership for new generation vehicles. They aim to strengthen the U.S. global competiveness, keep jobs, while also trying to reduce the dependence of foreign oil, and improve the environment. The U.S. and Europe had increased concern regarding mobility, economic development, safety and environmental concerns when putting out new automobiles. As the government continues to try and provide incentives to reduce tax increases and fuel price increase they are also intending to find cars that reduce air pollution. Older models make automobile traded restrictions more difficult because of controversies over car prices and consumer preferences. Many consumers are now looking for vehicles that are equipped with, air-bags, power steering, antilock brakes, comfort, technology, and automobiles that reduce carbon going into the atmosphere. Car manufacturing must met safety, environmental, and business standard demand for international and domestic regulations. According to the future growth in the automotive industry over the next decade is expected to come from places like India, China, and Eastern Europe. Major companies are beginning to develop low cost cars, which include, Hyundai, Toyota, Fiat and others. With the increase worries about environmental issues, Hybrid sales have increased drastically. The U.S. and Europe are the main introducers of less pollutant and fuel efficiency standards in vehicles. So what are the ramifications of these barriers? Restrictions or trade barriers seem only to limit world trade, while also decreasing economic efficiency, reducing total production and employment, raise prices, and even cause retaliation. Some domestic companies benefit at the expense of foreign companies and workers, and domestic consumers. While subsidies do benefit domestic companies and workers in exporting industries, tariffs decrease exports and shift resources and production from more effective to less effective producers. In conclusion, while Japan continues to force competition on the U.S. It causes damage to the U.S car industry because of priced car exports. Causing the U.S. to now only represent s less than  ¼ of the world Industry and its market share continues to decline. Since 2007 the big three has been falling drastically. Chrysler is now selling 53 percent fewer vehicles since 2007, while GM is down 23% from 2007 and Ford 32%. Honda also saw declines along with Toyota who was down 37 percent, Nissan 31% and Honda 35 percent. All of these drops have caused oversupply in car lots, motivated dealers, easier financing terms, and long-term industry presence driving down the price of gas, making now the perfect time to purchase automobiles.

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Future Of Religion :: essays research papers

The future of religion 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light…'(Gen 1:1.5) '…then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. '(Gen 2:7) This part from the bible is a typical example of what people used to believe before scientists came and gave logical explanations to the questions of mankind.It is possible, of course, to define a non-supernatural "religious" worldview that is not in conflict with science. But in all of its traditional forms, the supernatural religious worldview makes the assumption that the universe and its inhabitants have been designed and created by "forces" or beings which transcend the material world. The material world is postula ted to reflect a mysterious plan originating in these forces or beings, a plan which is knowable by humans only to the extent that it has been revealed to an exclusive few. Criticising or questioning any part of this plan is strongly discouraged, especially where it touches on questions of morals or ethics. Science, on the other hand, assumes that there are no transcendent, immaterial forces and that all forces which do exist within the universe behave in an ultimately objective or random fashion. The nature of these forces, and all other scientific knowledge, is revealed only through human effort in a dynamic process of inquiry. The universe as a whole is assumed to be neutral to human concerns and to be open to any and all questions, even those concerning human ethical relationships. Such a universe does not come to us with easy answers. We must come to it and be prepared to work hard. According to Thomas W. Clark science and religion are in a battle from the day that scientists g ot in the fields of the theologises

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Book Report for On My Honor Essay example -- Book Reports Marion Dane

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marion Bauer certainly followed in the tradition of great novels. On My Honor is set in the hot summer of a small city. It explores the stress we put on ourselves to express blame and feel guilt when blamed. The biggest heartache is when you blame yourself for things that could not be prevented, or were not your fault. That is what Joel did. The setting was the Vermillion. Tony called it Old Man River, which is a nickname for the Mississippi. Bauer described the river as â€Å" the reddish brown water slithering far beneath the bridge.† Bauer also described it as full of sinkholes, current, and whirlpools. It was polluted with chemicals and sewage that were invisible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main characters were Joel and Tony. They were born three weeks apart and had been neighbors and friends all th...

My Beautiful Gun :: Personal Narrative Writing

If you really want to stop a conversation dead in its tracks, tell people you own a gun. Depending on where you are located, people often don't know how to process the idea that a young woman is a proud, capable, unapologetic gun owner. Men aren't sure if you're a rabid, man-hating feminist arming yourself against the patriarchy. Women are a little more curious and might ask questions — why did you get a gun, what does it look like — but many of them would never consider handling a gun, much less owning one. I bought my gun a few years ago. I didn't buy it for self-defense as many people think. When I applied for my gun permit through the police department, I was told that I should go for a "home protection" license rather than a "target license" because it would be easier to get. The home protection license meant I could keep my gun loaded in my home but could only bring it once a month to the shooting range to shoot, carrying it in a locked box with ammo separate. The target license allowed me to go to the range to shoot as often as I wanted, but I had to keep it in a locked box with ammo separate not only when carrying it but also at home. I wanted a target license. My reason? How in the world would I learn to shoot a gun if I could only go to the range once a month? I genuinely wanted to learn to shoot, to gain that skill. More than anything, I wanted to know that I could safely handle and use a gun. My fascination with guns has been long-standing. Ever since I was a young girl, I gravitated toward "shoot-em-up" movies and television shows. After bedtime, I'd pull a blanket over my head and across my 19-inch Zenith black and white television in my bedroom so I could surreptitiously watch Starsky and Hutch, Charlie's Angels and Baretta. I was in love with Dirty Harry. The bigger the gun, the better. Although I glorified guns in my fantasies, in reality I knew that they were inanimate objects that had been so infused with power, danger, mystery and sin and had become a symbol of what was wrong in society that owning one seemed out of the question for years. When I finally decided to buy a gun, I took the entire process very seriously, taking lessons, reading up on them, talking to people who owned them and making sure I was emotionally ready to shoot and own one.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Last Judgment

The Last Judgment Michelangelo was one of the greatest artists of all time. He excelled in architecture, sculpture, painting, poetry, and engineering. He was a true Renaissance man who lived a long emotional life. In painting â€Å"The Last Judgment,† Michelangelo was able to incorporate all that he had learned about the human body. He was able to show the way the body moved, as well as its displays of unrestrained passion, overwhelming grief, or endless torment. This is what makes â€Å"The Last Judgment† such a unique and exceptional work of art. The Last Judgment is a canonical fresco by the Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo executed on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. It is forty-eight feet by forty-four feet masterpiece. The work took four years to complete and was done between 1536 and 1541 (preparation of the altar wall began in 1535. ) Michelangelo began working on it some twenty years after having finished the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Michelangelo returned to the Sistine Chapel as a sixty year old man in 1535 when he was commissioned by Pope Paul III (pontificate 1534 – 1549) to paint the Altar Wall. If his ceiling celebrates the creation of man, his Last Judgement, depicts the end of the world and the judgment that is said to follow. Michelangelo having been commissioned the wall looked for a long time at the big wall he was supposed to paint. He wanted to be sure to avoid some of the problems the ceiling frescoes had given him twenty-five years earlier. The wall had two windows. He had them blocked up so he would have a nice, empty surface. Next he worried about dampness seeping through from outside. That might spoil his painting. He decided not to paint the actual chapel wall but to build a second one of dried bricks in front of it and to leave a space between the two walls for ventilation. And to keep the dust from collecting on it he gave the new wall a slant. It slopes inward as it rises and overhangs at the top about a foot. At first Michelangelo planned to paint with oil paints and he had his helper Sebastiano del Piombo give the whole wall a coat of mortar with resin to seal it. But later he changed his mind and ordered him to chip his primer away. Michelangelo was an experienced fresco painter now and who knows what disagreeable surprises oils might give him. He would stick to fresco and would apply his own layer of sand and lime each day as he went. These preparations took a year. Meanwhile he worked on his characters . He began to paint in June 1536. It is said that Michelangelo fell off the scaffolding once when he was alone in the chapel. Though he was badly hurt he dragged himself home and crawled into bed in great pain. He refused to let anyone see him and wouldn’t open the door when they knocked. Finally, one of his friends, a doctor made his way up by a secret way from room to room until he found Buonarroti, who was in a desperate condition. Then his friend refused to go away or leave his side until he was better. The wall was unveiled on Halloween, 1541. He was 66 years old. It was twenty-nine years since the unveiling of the ceiling frescoes. The great painting scared people. Pope Paul III, who commissioned it, is supposed to have exclaimed when he saw it the first time: â€Å"Lord, please don’t charge me with my sins when you come on Judgment Day! This depiction of the second coming of Christ and the final judgment of humanity is not only a fresco but a beautiful piece of poetry. This painting is a grim reminder to the parishioners as well as the clergy (including the pope) that ultimately they too would be judged at the end of time. This painting depicts Christ surrounded by the saints and angels, judging all the souls of the human race as they rise or descend to heaven and hell where they will stay for all eternity. Most of the saints surrounding Jesus were martyrs and Michelangelo depicted them each holding the weapon or instrument of their martyrdom. The figures seem to swirl around Christ, this was a new way of depicting this scene because the other versions from earlier periods show it in neat horizontal layers. The central figure of Christ is literally judging and determining the fates of all of the human race with his hand raised gesturing to his decision. The emotion coming from the figure of Christ is so powerful that it almost seems like the figure of his mother, Mary, next o him is cower in fear of the whole scene. To the right you see the Archangel Michel reading form the book of souls assisting in the judgment process. Seen all over is figures of the saved rejoicing but you can also see the damned suffering or fearful of their fate like the figure below Christ on the right covering one eye terrified of his terrible fate. There are many elements to this artwork that tell the viewer th at not only Christians will be judged and sent to heaven but people of other religious back grounds will as well, as long as they have lived a moral life. The inclusion of Greek and Roman mythology is the biggest hint to this. Christ in the center surrounded by light shown as beardless and very muscular this is not just an expression of humanism but can be compared to the Greek god Apollo who was the god of the sun. What could be viewed as the reason for this is that Pope Clement VII studied Heliocentric Cosmology by Copernicus. This work stated that the sun was the center of the universe, so by placing Christ in the center of the fresco and mimicking the features of Apollo, Michelangelo places Jesus at the center of our spiritual universe. The boatman Charon from Greek and Roman mythology is also featured in this work at the bottom ferrying the damned souls to hell. Also, Minos from Greek mythology who was son of Zeus and Europa and king of Crete became one of the three judges of the underworld. Minos is seen in the bottom left corner of the work with a serpent coiled around him and this would determine which circle of hell the damned souls would be sent. It is also said that a Cardinal had judged Michelangelo’s work so as a sort of revenge he painted the portrait of the Cardinal as Minos. This could have been his way of poetically stating that only God and Christ can judge this world and if someone attempts to do what only God or Christ can do that there will be a special place in hell for that individual regardless of status within the church, as well as venting is frustration for the Cardinal. Michelangelo did not only provide portraits of individuals who upset him but other central figures of the church as was as himself. The figure on the right holding the a silver key and a gold key is St. Peter with the keys to heaven, this is actually a portrait of Pope Paul III. Also, the flayed skin of St. Bartholomew being held by him is a distorted self portrait of the artist. This continues to send the message that no one is exempt from the last judgment. By including Greek and Roman mythology as well as portraits of current people from the time of the frescos creation really drives the point home that no matter religious background or political status you will be judged fairly. The Last Judgment was a very controversial piece at the time because, unlike other artists, Michelangelo portrayed those in his painting as naked thereby demonstrating the lack of importance that riches would have at the end of the world when humanity stands before judgment. Unlike his earlier work, including the rest of the Chapel which he painted, his depiction of the Last Judgment was much more monochrome as well as gruesome with the souls of the damned cowering in fear as they are dragged down by demons. Pope Paul III, who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the Last Judgment, demonstrated a great deal of faith in the artist's abilities and gave him vast amounts of artistic license. While others criticized Michelangelo's use of nude figures, the Pope offered up no complaint. In addition to the lack of clothes on his subjects, Michelangelo was critiqued for not only using the Bible as an inspiration for his fresco but also mythological creatures such as Charon who is seen ferrying the damned as well as Minos who is shown as one of the judges located in the underworld. The Last Judgment was an object of a heavy dispute between critics within the Catholic Reformation and those who understood the genius of the artist and the mannerist style of the painting. Michelangelo was accused of being insensitive to proper decorum, and of flaunting personal style over appropriate depictions of content. The Council of Trent issued decrees that such representations in sacred art were not allowed, and all objectionable art was to be changed or destroyed. In response to certain accusers, when the Pope's own Master of Ceremonies Biagio da Cesena said of the painting â€Å"it was mostly disgraceful that in so sacred a place there should have been depicted all those nude figures, exposing themselves so shamefully,† and that it was no work for a papal chapel but rather â€Å"for the public baths and taverns,† The worst criticism came from the poet and blackmailer Pietro Aretino, who at first wrote flattering things to Michelangelo from Venice and made suggestions for the painting. Michelangelo answered that though his suggestions were very interesting the fresco was too far along then to be changed. Eight years later Aretino published an open letter to Michelangelo in which he accused him of being irreverent. â€Å"Such things might be painted in a voluptuous bathroom,† he wrote, â€Å"but not in the choir of the highest chapel†¦Our souls are benefitted little by art, but by piety. † Some thought the nudes were out of place. The papal Master of Ceremonies, Biagio da Cesena, said the painting made the chapel look like a stufa d’ ignudi’ (a bathing house). For that remark, which he heard Cesena say, Michelangelo supposedly put his face on Minos, the great judge of Hell, and gave him donkey ears while his nudity is covered by a coiled snake. It is said that when Cesena complained to the Pope, the pontiff joked that his jurisdiction did not extend to hell, so the portrait would have to remain. Although the references to mythology were allowed to remain, the genitalia in the fresco, referred to as ‘objections,' were covered after Michelangelo died by a student of his, Daniele da Volterra. As years followed fresco came very close to being destroyed. More and more clothes were added. In 1574 El Greco himself offered to chip it away and paint a new fresco that would â€Å"be decent and pious and no less well-painted than Michelangelo’s. †Three more times (1625, 1712, and 1762) artists were ordered to â€Å"do something about those nudes†. The critic Thode thought the fresco had been altered so much that it was no longer even possible to judge the artistic qualities of Michelangelo’s work.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Big Time Toymaker Case Scenario Essay

1. At what point, if ever, did the parties have a contract? I do not think the two parties involved ever had a contract. In the scenario, the parties reached an agreement only three days before the end of a 90-day deadline set in the original negotiation contract. In the original negotiation contract, it states that there would be no distribution contract unless it was in writing. When the BTT manager sent the e-mail to Chou, he mentioned the terms of a distribution agreement, but it does not make the email a contract as neither party signed it. Only an oral agreement was reached. Without a legally binding draft and the signature of both parties present, no contract existed. 2. What facts may weigh in favor of or against Chou in terms of the parties’ objective intent to contract? BTT had paid Chou $25,000 for the exclusive negotiation rights to his board game which lead Chou to believe they were serious about coming to an agreement on a distribution contract. This is a fact that would weigh in favor of Chou. However, both parties only made an oral agreement, and not a written contract to show this fact. Since the contract was not drafted within the original 90-day period, the new management was not obligated to distribute the board game and therefore, had every right to turn Chou away instead of honoring the oral contract. 3. Does the fact that the parties were communicating by e-mail have any impact on your analysis in Questions 1 and 2 (above)? No, it did not have any impact on my analysis of the situation. E-mail is a form of electronic communication, not a written and signed contract. While both parties may have communicated their intentions and terms of the contract, they never printed and signed any form of a written agreement. This factor makes all of the difference when it comes to enforceable contracts. What BTT and Chou had was not a binding or enforceable contract. 4. What role does the statute of frauds play in this contract? Under the UCC, the statue of fraud applies to a contract for the sales of goods in excess of $500. The negotiations between BTT and Chou were over $500, so the statues of fraud would apply here. Under UCC laws, the statue of fraud applies when a contract cannot be fulfilled within one year’s time. Under these stipulations, the statute would apply. 5. Could BTT avoid this contract under the doctrine of mistake? Explain. Would either party have any other defenses that would allow the contract to be avoided? BTT would not be able to avoid this contract under the doctrine of mistake. A mistake is defined under contract law as the belief that is not in accord with the facts. A â€Å"mistake† was not defined anywhere within this scenario. BTT has only one real defense and that would be that no contract was ever reached in writing nor signed by both parties. The fact that no signatures on a contract ever existed would be a defense that Chou never agreed to the terms and conditions. Chou could argue that there was no existed agreement due to the time passed between communications of the two parties involved. 6. Assuming, arguendo, that this e-mail does constitute an agreement, what consideration supports this agreement? The fact that BTT gave a check for $25,000 for the exclusive negotiating rights shows that BTT intended to reach a contract with Chou. The two parties also reached an oral agreement, but oral agreements are hard to enforce in court. BTT had also sent Chou a fax asking him to send them a draft of a contract for the distribution agreements. At the end of the scenario, BTT states that it is not interested in distributing Chou’s new strategy game, Strat. Assuming BTT and Chou have a contract, and BTT has breached the contract by not distributing the game, discuss what remedies might or might not apply. Equitable remedies may have applied in this case. Chou would be able to seek compensatory damages for his losses. These losses could include out-of-pocket expenses and even loss of potential profits had BTT honored their portion of the contract.