Abuse in Government Care Essay example -- Childcare Foster Adoption Ab

Maltreatment in Government Care      It is shocking that in our general public a few kids grow up without the chance of having a caring family to raise them. Progressively unfathomable is kids growing up with guardians or relatives that are damaging. Kids brought up in damaging situations that are accounted for to social administrations and expelled from their house are put into child care. Child care is characterized administered care for reprobate or ignored kids for the most part in an establishment or substitute home set up by the legislature. A few backers guarantee that the administration youngster care framework is satisfactory, however others like David Van Biema of Time Magazine express that, â€Å"foster care is proposed to shield kids from disregard and maltreatment on account of guardians and other relatives, yet very regularly it turns into a similarly coldblooded type of disregard and maltreatment by the state (Biema).† There is considerable examination that looks further into the chi ld care framework. It uncovers that maltreatment in child care is a large enough issue that it should be tended to, however what changes can or ought to be made?      Government insights, paper articles, and intensive exploration ventures have been finished to address the inquiry, â€Å"is there an issue in the child care system?† The outcomes have uncovered that a major issue exist inside child care in the United States. At some random time there are around 542,000 kids in the child care framework (Dept of Health). This number keeps on rising every year. In 2001, 290,000 kids went into child care, while just 263,000 youngsters left the framework (Dept of Health). Of the 263,000 kids that left child care in the year 2001, 31% were in care for more than two years (Dept of Health). Nineteen percent of those kids were in child care for one to two years (Dept of Health). Two years is an unsatisfactory measure of time when mulled over that between the ages of 8 and ten are basic formative years in a child’s life. The normal age of the a youngster leaving the child care framework in 2001 was 10.2 years old (Dept of Health). The measure of youngsters per encourage home at some random time is another issue. The normal number of kids per home in the child care framework is 3.7, which is up from 1.4 in 1983. Albeit 3.7 youngsters is a normal for each home, there are claims that a huge number of homes have 5 †8 kids without a moment's delay (C... ... we can request is that they come out alive (Thoma 8).† Work Cited: Biema, David Van. â€Å"The Storm Over Orphanages.† Time Magazine, p. 144  â â â â 12 Dec. 1994. Cohen, Deborah L. â€Å"Foster-Care Reforms Often Ignore Problems Children Face in      School.† Education Weekly 15 June 1991. Maier, Timothy W. â€Å"Suffer the Children.† Insight on the News 24 Nov. 1997: Pg. 11. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. â€Å"Public records and privacy laws.† Jan. 2004 http://emanuals.odjfs.state.oh.us/emanuals/legitimate/pubrec/@Generic__BookTextVie w/3;cs=default;ts=default;pt=23. Ritchotte, William. â€Å"Foster Care Reform.† Adoption.com  â â â â http://library.adoption.com/Advocacy/Foster-Care-Reform/article/5053/1.html. Thoma, Rick. â€Å"How Widwspread a Problem? A Critical Look at the Foster Care System† Liftingtheveil.org 24 June 2003 http://www.liftingtheveil.org/foster04.htm. Thoma, Rick. â€Å"A Critical Look at the Foster Care System: How Safe the Service?† Liftingtheveil.org 15 Nov. 2002 http://www.liftingtheveil.org/foster03.htm. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. â€Å"Foster Care National Statistics.† 2003  â â â â http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/bars/factsheets/foster.cfm.

3 Types of Errors Involving the Correlative Conjunction Either

3 Types of Errors Involving the Correlative Conjunction Either 3 Types of Errors Involving the Correlative Conjunction â€Å"Either† 3 Types of Errors Involving the Correlative Conjunction â€Å"Either† By Mark Nichol When either and additionally are utilized in a sentence to outline two other options, the correlative combination either is frequently lost, as a rule rendering the sentence pretty much conceivable however possibly presenting disarray. For every one of the models beneath, a conversation clarifies the issue, and a modification gives an answer. 1. She’s either reprimanded for being excessively fat or excessively slim. In this kind of sentence, putting either before an action word that goes before two choices infers that the action word applies just to the principal elective and that a comparing action word will show up before the subsequent one, however that doesn't happen. To render such a sentence accurately, migrate the correlative combination to follow the action word, with the goal that the two options can share it: â€Å"She’s scrutinized for being either excessively fat or too thin.† 2. Instructors would either be paid extra to administer the meetings, or nonteaching staff would be employed.† This sentence doesn't relate to two decisions including instructors, so the combination must go before, instead of follow, the subject so it applies to the primary other option as well as presents the subsequent one: â€Å"Either educators would be paid extra to direct the meetings, or nonteaching staff would be employed.† 3. We have seen numerous organizations in which the administrator detailed either to the general insight or a business head. For this situation, the sentence would be right just if an integral to went before the expression â€Å"a business leader.† Otherwise, transpose either and to so the elective expressions can share the single example of to: â€Å"We have seen numerous organizations in which the chief answered to either the general insight or a business leader.† Need to improve your English in a short time a day? Get a membership and begin getting our composing tips and activities day by day! Continue learning! Peruse the Grammar classification, check our mainstream posts, or pick a related post below:Farther versus FurtherTime Words: Era, Epoch, and EonPeople versus People

Control Mechanisms Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Control Mechanisms Paper - Essay Example Positive responses quicken the efficiency of associations. Positive responses involve an expansion in inspiration among a company’s workforce, an expansion in development and creation among representatives, impart convictions and qualities that assemble the organization and an expansion in yield among others. (Conway, Andrew 42) On the hand, negative responses are intended to diminish the yield of an association (Scott, John, 1971). The decrease is generally a past degree of efficiency that may have been counterbalanced and expanded to include the profitability of an organization. The decrease in yield choices emerge when a company’s efficiency leaves hand and gets hard to oversee. Negative understanding of a control system by representatives might be seen as absence of autonomy. Negative control systems that seclude a few representatives from others may demotivate the workers dismissed by the instrument. For instance, a component that isolates subordinate staff from the ranking staff may discourage the subordinates and result to low efficiency (Scott 21). Negative responses are in opposition to the positive ones as they decline profitability of an organization. Alongside a lessening in profitability is a fall in inspiration among workers and diminishing degrees of development. Set targets of an organ ization may likewise must be

Nigerian Construction Industry And Its Performance - Free Essay Example

Chapter Two of this research comprises a comprehensive review of literature relating to the Nigerian construction industry and its performance, Value Management and its application in the construction industry. It is noted that much of the literature relating to Nigeria is dated, however this can only add to the value and relevance of primary data collected in this research and it provides a background and historic basis from which progress in the industry may be measured. 2.1 THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The construction industry the world over is often perceived to be the life wire of its respective economy as it cuts across all aspects of human activities (Ayangade, 2009) and the Nigerian construction industry is not an exception to this. Its contribution ranges from enabling the procurement of goods and services to the provision of buildings and other infrastructure, thereby providing employment opportunities to its labour force while contributing immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Ayangade (2009), the contribution of the Nigerian construction industry is yet to measure up to those of the western world like the UK and Australia due to its developing nature among other reasons discussed below. As noted by the same researcher (Ayangade, 2009), whereas the construction industries of other developed countries are responsible for about 22% of their respective GDPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, the Nigerian case is different as it contributes slightly below 16% to its econ omy. However, this could be said to be complemented by the relatively higher employment (20%) it provides for its whooping 140 million citizens compared to the 12% as in the case of developed countries. Mbamali (2004) attributed this to relatively lower use of mechanization within construction in Nigeria and the high dependency of the Nigerian economy on the oil sector. Obiegbu (2005) noted that the construction industry, unlike other sectors, is a complex one and requires articulate professionals who are ready to live up to its clients expectations. Clients in the construction industry may either be private individuals including corporate bodies or public organisations which include the government. In Nigeria the federal government is often seen to be involved in the most complex projects with about 38.4% of the market (Ayangade, 2005). This is followed by the state government which is responsible for about 19.2% of the projects in the industry, though there is still some form of p artnering between different classes of clients. The players in the industry are a disparate group of individuals often assembled into temporary teams and may comprise of quantity surveyors, architects, Engineers, Estate surveyors Valuers, project managers, contractors and sub-contractors, suppliers, labourers and artisans. Activities in the construction industry are carried out on a project basis and could be within an organisation or part of a programme (..reference). The Project Management Institute (PMI) (2004) defined a project as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or resultà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. The product, in the context of the construction industry, may be a building, services installation or other infrastructural project. Hence the relevant mix of professionals is often assembled together with the aim of achieving this goal. This group of professionals is expected to possess the relevant skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to achieve the project goals. The application of these variables, skills, knowledge, tools and techniques, with the aim achieving the required objective is referred to as project management (PMI, 2004). According to Obiegbu (2005), the contractual procurement strategy, which he defined as a basis for clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s acti on in defining the procedure to be followed from the inception of the project to handover, plays an important role in the performance of the industry. Some of the contractual arrangements which are often referred to as procurement routes may include, but are not limited to, the following: Traditional procurement route Design and build Management contracts 2.1.1 Nature and Performance of the Nigerian Construction Industry the economic resources often wasted in cost and time overruns, substandard work and shoddy workmanship, client-contractor-practitionerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s acrimonious relationships and non-performance of projects as envisaged by clients and end usersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Olatunje (2009) The above quote highlights the perception of the Nigerian construction industry presented by Olatunje (2009) highlights issues researched by other authors such as cost and time overruns (Aniekwu and Okpala, 1998, Oyedele Tham, 2007, Dlakwa Culpin, 1990), project abandonment (Sonuga et al, 2002, Adams, 1997) and both client and contractor dissatisfaction (Olatunje, 2009). The quote also echoes findings from Egans (1998) research into the UK construction industry. The Egan report has been formative in the UK construction industry but also for the Nigerian industry, which is fashioned after the UKs (Mbamali, et al., 2005, Oyedele Tham, 2007). The Nigerian construction industry has similar contractual arrangements as the industry in Britain which has been found to be more unsuitable for developing industries like Nigeria than it is for its own industry (Edmonds Miles, 1983, Sonuga et al, 2002). The most common procurement route used in the Nigerian construction industry is the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“traditional routeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Ayangade, 2009). This implies that much risk is placed on the Architect to deliver the project as he is left to advise, organise and lead other project consultants to conceive and develop the project design. This procurement route has faced a lot of criticism including the separation of the design stage from actual construction. Wells (1986) found that the divorce of design from construction and the use of competitive tendering, which is based on lowest cost, are noted constraints that affect the performance of the Nigerian construction industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) referred to these as systemic i ssues in the industry which result from the application of contractual arrangements unsuited to the Nigerian industry. Some of these issues may be accommodated by appropriate conditions of contract but these factors are considered to be withholding the development of the industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) also identified some of the structural issues affecting the industry to include access to finance and lack of proper communication among consultants, contractors and the client at the early stages the project and during construction. Oyodele and Tham (2005) noted that lack of proper communication in the industry, boosted by its high level of fragmentation, has left it awash it with delay, cost and time overruns in addition to the disturbing rate of fluctuation in the prices of materials offered by the economy. The findings of the Building Research Establishment associated more than 50% of the construction defects with mistakes in project drawings and documentation due to inadequat e interaction among the project professionals. This is in line with the recommendation of the National Economic Development Office (1987) on the need for more accurate designs in the industry as this is responsible for nearly two-thirds of poor quality work in the industry. 2.1.2 Project Management in the Nigerian Construction Industry Odusemi et al, (2003) found that Project Management is still in its early stages of development in the Nigerian construction industry. The service is offered but only alongside other consultancy services. This is not assisted by the fact that PM is learned experientially and is not represented by established professional bodies, although many consultants are members of the Association of Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). This has left the industry struggling with the challenges of satisfying the needs of its clients and the public as a whole. As noted by Oyodale and Tham (2005), the complexities presented by the industry can only be tackled by its professionals. Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) concluded that, considering the contribution of the construction industry to its nationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s economy, improved services in the form of greater efficiency and timeliness would certainly yield a positive impact. The research called on the need for innova tive research that will improve management skills and ability, buildability, design quality, integration and communication and client focus so as to deliver value for money. 2.2 VALUE MANAGEMENT 2.2.1 Value Concept Historically, value is viewed from an economic perspective, hence its expression as a ratio of costs to benefits (Kelly et al, 2004). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The concept of value is based on the relationship between satisfying needs and the expectations and the resources required to achieve themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (British Standard, 2000). The above statement implies that for value to be correctly defined there ought to be some needs that are desired to be satisfied; which are then weighed against the required and available resources to achieve them. This however does not equate reduced cost to enhanced value. For instance, as illustrated in figure 2.1 below, a project manager may decide to commit more resources in the short run (which would obviously increase cost) with an intention of increasing his revenue (improved value) in the long run. Value can thus be increased when the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s satisfaction increases and the cost in terms of resources either diminishes, or increases to a lesser extent (Tassinari (1985, p37). Figure 2.1 showing the relationship between resources and customer satisfaction. (Adapted from British Standard, 2000) A need is that which is desired or necessary to perform a particular function and will differ depending on the nature of the client or the perspective from which it is defined (British Standard, 2000). This explains why value is often seen to be a subjective term (Thiry, 1997). According to Kelly et al (2004) producers and dealers may both view value as the price of a physical object while the consumers or users would see value from its performance perspective which changes with time. McGeorge and Palmer (2002) illustrate this using a modern home which has a little battery operated radio in addition to internet, phone, and television. Of course, the small radio would be perceived to have little or no value until a snow storm cuts the house off from the electric power supply which will render the radio as the only source of communication. The above example by McGeorge and Palmer (2002) shows the effect time and innovation can have on a clientsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ interpretation of value and how it can change given a particular situation. The small battery operated radio was initially of very high value when it was the only available option but diminished with the invention and/or acquisition of internet, phone and television by the household. However its appreciation changed when the situation change. According to Zimmerman and Hart (1982) as cited in Thiry (1997), à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“if a design has not changed in 18 years, the product is either excellent or management has failed to improve ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. However one knows that neither of these two conditions mentioned in the above statement is obtainable in the present construction industry due to its highly competitive nature. Most times clientsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ interpretation of value is when it meets or exceeds their expectations. Kelly and Male (2007) described this using the Kanoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s model as shown in figure 2.3 below. Figure 2.2 Kanos Model, reproduced from Kelly and Male, 2007 As shown on Kanoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s model above, there are three levels of satisfaction factors; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“basicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“performanceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“delighterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, each having some effects on the quality characteristics including customers satisfaction. According to Kelly and Male (2007), Kanoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s model (figure 2.2) does not only portray the importance of achieving a clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s immediate expectations from a project but also the need to go the extra mile to improve it beyond the clients expectations as this gives them a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"delighterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ satisfaction. The possible benefit from this is that projects would not become obsolete within a short period of its completion as its performance would still exceed the customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ demand, thereby assuring the client of continued good value for his money. Kanoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s model also creates room for improved projects throug h innovative services and products as what was once a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"delighterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ over time goes down to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"basicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ and forms a baseline below which the client becomes dissatisfied. According to Harty (2009) one of the driving forces behind the value management concept is that it encourages innovation through research which is in line with the recommendations of Egan (1998) to improve the performance of the construction industry. 2.2.2 Defining the Client Value System Clients in the construction industry have been described as a heterogeneous group made up of private or public organisations operating in different environments with diverse reasons for their existence (Kelly et al 2007). Some of these are multinational organisations competing at the global level who already have reputations to protect while some are small upcoming organisations who are still very much profit driven. Viewed from another perspective, some of these clients are more experienced than others irrespective of their sizes or the sector in which they operate. It then follows that clients are unique in their own ways and have individual, respective requirements which determine their needs and hence what is of value to them. This is referred to as the client value system. Harmonizing and prioritizing these diverse views of stakeholders in a particular project at the project briefing stage sets the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system and ensures that value for money (VfM) is achieved, (OGC, 2007). The client value system is thus seen as a basis for making decisions as to the allocation and use of resources available for a project, thereby addressing the usual mismatch between the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s actual intent and his capability (Thiry, 1996). According to Kelly et al (2004, p157) one of the most important considerations of value management is the recognition of the uniqueness of each clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system. This creates demand for the construction industry as it is focused on the customers by making explicit what value means to the each individual client. Sequel to this, Kelly et al (2004) identified some measurable criteria which form a typical construction client value system to include time, capital costs, operating cost, environment, exchange, flexibility, esteem, comfort and politics. 2.2.2.1 Time Refers to the period from when the project was conceptualized to the period when it is completed and absorbed into the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s organisation. Often time is assessed on a continuum from when it is of essence to the point where it could be compromised (Kelly et al, 2004). For instance a project to build a sports bar for the 2010 world cup delivered just a day past the commencement of the tournament, may drastically affect its value. Hence it is necessary to determine what time means to the client. 2.2.2.2 Capital expenditure (CAPEX) Are those costs associated with the capital cost of a project, measured on a continuum between the budget being considered tight and not able to be exceeded to there being flexibility in budgeting (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, CAPEX is what it cost to put a project on ground, from inception to handover. However, Elinwa and Joshua (2001) stated that it is sometimes difficult to separate the capital costs of some projects from its operating costs due the platform on which it was procured. For example a primary health centre to be procured through PFI, it may not be so easy to pin point the capital costs as it forms part of the total lease package. 2.2.2.3 Operating expenditure (OPEX) Spending on construction projects is not one off expenditure as the building requires to be operated, maintained and repaired throughout the life span of the building. According to Kelly et al (2004), OPEX can be defined as those costs associated with operation and maintenance of a completed project as it becomes a part of the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s organization; measured by the extent to which it is minimized to its point of being flexible. This depends on the use to which a building is being put to. For instance where the building is for residential purpose, the operating costs may include utilities, cleaning, repairs, maintenance, caretaker and security. This may be expanded to include photocopying and internet facilities and other office services for a commercial development. 2.2.2.4 Environment This defines how important achieving an environmentally friendly project is to the client. Kelly et al (2004) defined environment as the extent to which the project results in a sympathetic approach to its immediate and extended physical environments in terms of energy consumed in putting it up and in operating it. The yardstick here is the level to which the project complies with the Kyoto Agreement and Agenda 21 issues including other environmental regulations. This explains a clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest in having a sustainable development which is resources conscious. 2.2.2.5 Exchange or resale This refers to the monetary value of the project were it to be sold, rented or valued as part of an organisations assets. Where the project cannot be traded on the open market value or there is no intention to resell ab initio, this will be indicated in the organisationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system (Kelly et al, 2004). The continuum here is between the returns from the project being of importance to the returns being of not of much or no importance to the client. 2.2.2.6 Flexibility As recommended by Egan (1998), there is a need for construction projects to be at a par with improvements in technology and changes in market demand. Hence flexibility as a value criterion is the extent to which a project parameter has to reflect this ever changing environment at its design stage (Kelly et al 2004). For instance, the nature of the healthcare industry involves constant improvements in technology and hence healthcare facilities must be compatible with the incorporation of these changes. However, flexibility depends on the nature of the project and is measured between being very easy to change its function to being impossible. 2.2.2.7 Esteem This refers to the amount of immediate resources that a client wants to forgo for attributes like prestige, aesthetic and appearance rather than performance (Thiry, 1996). Some projects may not be viable based on other value criteria but of high value to the client on esteem grounds. For instance, some projects undertaken by some countries could be just aimed at creating awareness and putting the countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s name on the mapà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? as in the case of the worlds tallest building in Dubai. 2.2.2.8 Comfort In the context of a building this refers to the physical and psychological comfort of the building as a place for working and living with its influence on human performance (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, it refers to the ease with which the project supports the business carried out in it or other uses to which it is being put. 2.2.2.9 Politics This is external to projects and refers to the level of resources that the client wants to commit to the community, popularity and good neighbour issues which often determines how important they are to him (Kelly and Male, 2007). This is measured by the motive to be popular with the local community or not having any concern with them at all. In a study conducted to determine clientsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ assessment of architectsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ performance in Nigeria in terms of delivering value for money, Lukmon et al (2007), identified a set of 28 similar but correlated criteria which they grouped under quality of project, buildability, client focus and management skills. 2.2.3 Historical Background of Value Management A project is defined as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“an undertaking aimed at achieving a specific objective usually measured in terms of performance, budget and schedule,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Morris and Hough 1987). Hence project is an investment undertaken to add value to the core business of a client (Kelly et al, 2004). Value Management, as a management technique, offers the most logical approach to delivering VfM to clients (Shen and Liu 2003); Kelly and Male, 2007). Its strength may be attributed to its approach of identifying and/or verifying a clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system among the relevant stakeholders at an early stage of the project, so that these may be reflected in the project design. According to Thiry (1996) the origins of VM can be traced back to the 1940s in what he described as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“more for lessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? in the USA manufacturing industry. During World War II Lawrence Miles, an Engineer with General Electric, was faced with some strategic problems in producing some components which were easily produced in the past. As a way around this Miles, who before then has been dissatisfied with the cost of production in the industry, came to realise that most times circumstantial innovations result in better performance and reduced cost. This prompted Miles to ask à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“what function does this component performà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“how else can we perform that functionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Dallas, 2006). Miles questions gave rise to the concept of function analysis which was aimed at identifying and analysing the intended functions to determine if the materials for the proposed solution can be substituted with less expensive ones. Not long af ter, people started to adopt the technique of focusing on the intended function not the process which soon developed into what is today referred to as Value Analysis (VA). In many cases people perceived the technique as a cost reduction technique at the expense of improved functionality which is a total misconception of the technique (Kelly and Male, 1993). However, the technique was so successful that in less than 10 years it was adopted in the US Department of Defence to deliver VfM and from then on other industries in the USA have adapted it for application at different phases of their projects. Value Management (VM) as it came to be called, refers to a structured management of the total value equation throughout all stages of the project (Kelly et al; 2004). Figure 2.3 shows different stages and segments of the development of value management. Figure 2.3 The metamorphosis of Value Management, adapted from Dallas (2006) As illustrated in figure 2.3, Miles action in the 1940s was focused on getting alternative materials or components to perform the required function which was the beginning of value management. This was later perceived as a cost cutting technique before the adoption of a holistic structured approach to improving value (Kelly and Male, 1993). Following the development and positive impacts of value management in the US manufacturing sector, the technique was adopted into the US construction industry as a means of delivering VfM to its clientsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in the 1960s. Fong and Shen (2000) noted that VM was first introduced in the US construction industry in 1968 and its application in the Chinese construction industry is recorded to occur 10 years later (Shen and Liu, 2004). According to Kelly et al (2004), the value management technique was first used in the UK 30 years after it was introduced in the US manufacturing industry at the Xerox headquarters, an American company. From then on VM has grown to become widely accepted in different parts of the world as a logical means to achieve value for money (Fong, 2004; Kelly et al, 2004; Ellis et al, 2004) including in Africa (Bowen et al, 2008). 2.2.4 Benefits of Value management à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Value management is a proactive, problem solving service, which maximizes the functional value of a project through a structured team which makes explicit the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system and weights further decisions against the value systemà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?.(Kelly et al, 1998). VM aims to justify the place of a project in a clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s organisation at an early stage and develops a strategic plan against which it is built on to deliver value for money. VM is often misconstrued to being a cost reduction exercise, hence seen to be synonymous with value engineering. According to Dallas (2006) cost reduction, which is an obvious output of a value management exercise, cannot after all be seen as its main motive. As illustrated in figure 2.4 below, VM incorporates value engineering and value analysis in its value definition exercise and so could be perceived to be a universal set for the three concepts. Figure 2.4 shows the relationship between Value Management, Value Engineering and Value Analysis, adapted from Connaughton and Green (1996) VM looks at a project from a holistic point of view (time, whole life cost and performance) in the context of its usage which properly fits in the definition of value for money (). Connaughton and Green (1996) identified the following benefits which a properly executed Value Management exercise can yield: The need for the project is made explicit and verified by available data. The project objectives are identified and discussed openly to reach a consensus. Rational, explicit and measurable decisions are guaranteed after alternatives have been considered. Project designs are developed from the agreed framework, which are evaluated on the basis of the agreed performance criteria. There is greater participation from stakeholders which guarantees their buy in. There is improved communication and teamwork spirit throughout the project. Improved innovation with better quality definition in the project. Unnecessary cost is eliminated which may lead to a reduction in cost. Properly executed, value management when employed at the early stages of a project can help eliminate unnecessary cost to the tune of 10% to 25% savings on the proposed capital cost of project (Ellis et al, 2004). This is considered to be reasonable compared to the actual cost of the VM exercise, which is estimated at about 0.5% to 1% of the projectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s cost (REF). 2.3 APPLICATION OF VALUE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Any construction project should be only commissioned following a careful analysis of needs since failure to think through project requirements will almost certainly cause problems for subsequent design and construction stages. For that reason, the Construction Industry Board recommends that value management be incorporated as an integral part of the construction processà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Baldwin 1998). The value management approach may differ between countries depending on the nature of their construction industry or the chosen procurement route in a particular project. However, this does not dispute the fact that the VM technique can be gainfully applied at any stage of a construction project, as clients/contractors are often faced with the challenge of finding an optimum balance between cost, time, quality and performance criteria (Fong 2004). In the UK, the USA, Australia and other countries where the value management technique is well established, VM is applied through a process referred to as the value management study (British Standard, 2000) or value management process (Kelly et al; 1998) via a workshop approach facilitated by value manager or experienced team facilitator. A value management study, as defined in BS12947, involves the application of value management to a particular business case identified within a VM programme. Baldwin (1998, as cited in Kelly et al, 1998) noted that VM is not a question of brainstorming and problem solving, rather it requires a structured methodology in order to have the required outcome. Figure 2.5 overleaf depicts a simple VM study plan developed for the European Value Management standard (British Standard, 2000). Figure 2.5 shows a simple VM study plan, adapted from the British Standard (2000) The VM study plan represents a systematic approach to ensuring that appropriate techniques and skills are utilized in the value study. According to the British Standard (2000), as shown in the VM study plan above, a VM study should aim to achieve the following objectives; Identify the objectives and targets the intended study is set to achieve; as this may differ from the project objectives. Formulate the relevant approach needed to achieve the objectives, including team selection and training (where necessary). Identify the relevant functions which will lead to the achievement of the objectives. Identify some basis for measuring changes in performance and use of resources. Set targets for performance and use of resources for the above identified functions in a way peculiar to the organisations. Identify innovative ways of arriving at the targets through the application of the above methods. Evaluate the proposal for improvement. Implement the proposal which have been chosen by the decision makers Monitor and measure the outcomes in relation to the target. Feedback results for continuous improvement of VM programme. There are different approaches to value management studies in different countries with regards to team compositions and workshop procedure. For instance in the American construction industry, VM studies are typically carried out by an independent workshop team who will have to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? their ideas to the project team later on. This is different from the UK practice where the existing project team is fully involved in the study. In a benchmarking exercise carried by Kelly et al (1998), the use of an existing project team in conducting value management studies appeared to be the preferred approach due to the following advantages accruable to the project; Cost of the study is relatively minimized Time spent project briefing the study participants is reduced Waste of resources on previously considered but failed ideas are eliminated Offers better opportunity for developing project teams during the workshop More opportunity to explore all available options Implementation is more guaranteed as team members have already accepted ideas which they generated as a team, thereby reducing the development period. However, generic VM workshop strives to add value to a project by considering the project on its whole life basis. Kelly et al (1998) who were in support of this view identified the five key value opportunities at which VM technique can be employed to include pre-brief workshop, proper workshop, sketch design workshop, final working design and implementation workshop. 2.3.1 Pre-brief workshop The Value Manager or Facilitator meets with the project sponsor/client to clarify the place of the project in his organisation or programme. This will give the two parties a better understanding of the functional expectations of the project so as to help form a basis for the project briefing workshop and the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system. This may yield solution/s to the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s problem, for example, whether a new building is needed or renovation of existing one will achieve the same objectives. 2.3.2 Proper workshop Proceeds from the identified solution in the pre-brief phase and aims to identify the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system. This workshop offers an opportunity to facilitate the project team, understand their dynamics and guide them to achieve the desired goal. Though it is expected that the workshop has an agenda, this should not be too detailed, thereby making the timings tight, as this may divert the focus from achieving the objectives of the workshop to exhausting the items on the agenda. The tactical skills of the Facilitator are very much needed at this stage of the workshop if its participants are to be productive and should be as brief and focused as possible. 2.3.3 Sketch design workshop Sets a base for the detailed drawings and represents the design teamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perception of the preceding project brief. This is often in the form sketches and notes to support the drawings where necessary. These are presented to the relevant stakeholders in the form of outline proposals and scheme designs. 2.3.4 Final working design (FWD) workshop Follows the outline proposals and scheme designs are presented, just before the actual design of the project starts. The activities considered in the workshop may include some elements and components issues for detailed drawings, production information, bill of quantities and tender actions. 2.3.5 Implementation workshop This workshop addresses the buildability of the emerged project design and how materials will be procured. This is to be done following the appointment of the contractor and sub-contractors. A number of authors (Dallas 2006; Ellis et al, 2005; Thiry 2001) including Kelly et al (1998) agreed that in addition to the above workshop approach that the use of the charette workshop is fast gaining grounds among professionals. This approach is described as the combination of the first three workshops discussed above. However, Ellis et al (2005) concluded that the stages of the workshop is not of much importance provided the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“job plan sequenceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is either followed or adapted to highlight the value opportunities which he referred to as decision points. SAVE International defines the job plan as an organized approach to the conduct of a value study (Thiry, 1996, p14). Figure 2.6 represents a value management job plan. Figure 2.6 a VM study job plan, Shen Liu (2004) As mentioned earlier, there is no conclusive format for the job plan as it may differ in approach but will basically have the same aim which is to identify and guide the relevant professionals and stakeholders to achieve the project goal. Research carried out by Kelly and Hunter (2007) on the duration of VM workshops among practitioners showed some disparities not necessarily among countries but among professionals even within the same countries. For instance, though the general job plan in the UK and the US is to have VM studies workshop last for 1 day and 3-5 days respectively, some practitioners in the US prefer shorter VM workshops as they and participants could have other engagements or may get bored of the process. On the other hand, some professionals in the UK were of the view that more time spent on VM workshops means a more in-depth study. However, Thiry (2001) noted the debate on VMà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s workshop duration is controversial as the complexities presented by the nature of some projects would rather make it difficult to succumb to some clients demand for shorter VM workshops. Kelly and Hunter (2007) concluded that the overall duration of workshops cannot be pegged either in UK or US practice, rathe r the nature of the project and client in question would be the determining factors. 2.4 VALUE MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION As a management technique, VM concentrates on identifying and verifying a clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value system within their organisation or programme by providing the right mix of multi-disciplinary team and stakeholders together at the right time (Male et al, 2007). As noted earlier, most practitioners misconstrue VM to be a cost cutting exercise and hence apply VM at a later stage of the project after the design has been developed. This however cannot be said to go against the principles of VM as its technique can rightly be applied at any stage of the project. In a debate on the place of the quantity surveying profession in the practice of value management, Green and Liu (2007) attributes this to a bid for the cost consultants to win the market through minimizing cost. Kelly et al (2004) use a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“lever of qualityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to illustrate some different points at which value management can intervene in the project lifecycle and the comparative amount of pressure tha t will be required to improve value, figure 2.7. Figure 2.7 Winston Davies Lever of Quality, adapted from Kelly et al (2004) Figure 2.7 illustrates the impact of value management technique applied at the different stages of a project. Figure 2.8 shows the level of application of VM and the different intervention points (Male et al, 1998) Obviously, projects bring about change(s) to organisations and at its strategic stage the emphasis is to find the motive and expectations of the project and so, not much resources (if any) need to be invested. This implies that VM, if applied at this early stage as shown in figure 2.7, could be more economical in terms cost, time and performance. As noted by Kelly et al (2004 pp98) opportunity to improve project value is greater at the beginning of the project and will require relatively more force (resources) as it goes down the lever. This is because when applied at the early stage of the project, the required functions are identified by the project team and stakeholders thereby ensuring their buy-in. This implies that the only expected change will be that caused by the introduction of change to the project as opposed to changing an already developed design. Male et al (2007) added that reactive application of the VM technique will involve a re-arrangement of a distorted value syst em and bearing in mind that extra cost is incurred in re-tracing steps, achievement of value for money (VfM) could be relatively more difficult. Project completion and performance could also be threatened as altering the sequence of tasks may cause the project team to become dysfunctional. 2.5 CONSTRAINTS OF VALUE MANAGEMENT à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Value management methods have developed and are widely used since its first introduction into the USA construction industryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, (Fong and Shen 2000). Numerous researchers including Kelly et al, (2004) pg 48; Ellis et al, (2005) have at one point or another made similar assertions in their individual works. Whereas this could be true in countries like the UK, Australia and the USA, the result of the research by Bowen et al, (2009) in which he verified the validity of these assertions shows that VM techniques, due to some factors, is yet to be fully embraced in some countries. Part of the reason being that prior to the evolution of VM, professionals in the construction industry have used other management techniques (value planning, value engineering, value analysis, total quality management, for example) through which they deliver value for money to clients and so may still continue to use these. According Green and Connaughton (1996) and Bowen et al (2009) som e professionals claim that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"value management is what we do anywayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢. Where this may be true, as they do deliver value for money to client sometimes, Green and Connaughton (1996) pointed out that the motive of value management is to guarantee VfM in all projects and not à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"sometimesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢. A similar study carried out by Fong (2004) revealed that one of the problems affecting the development of VM is its perceived attempt to integrate into other concepts likes partnering, benchmarking and re-engineering as a value enhancing exercise. Harty (2009) noted that this would probably result in professionals or clients perceiving VM as part of a process to improve efficiency rather than an established technique on its own. Naderpajouh and Afshar (2007) noted that some professionals are risk averters and so are reluctant to be innovative which makes them avoid the technique. Hence there is need for an established professional and academic image that will promote and foster understanding among corporate organisations, government agencies and the public. On their part, Fong and Shen (2000), in addition to a lack of knowledge and understanding among clients and practitioners, noted that lack of time and reluctance in adopting the VM technique could be a possible hindrance to its gr owth. This reluctant approach is displayed by the adoption of a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“tick-the-boxà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? approach in public sector projects or other organisations where the policy makes it mandatory to apply VM. According to Shen and Liu (2004), the absence of an established methodology for applying VM could also be a hindering factor to its application. Following VMà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s migration from the manufacturing industry and its adaptation into the construction industries of different countries at different times with varied objectives, some countries still lack a harmonised guideline for its application. Bowen et al (2009) noted that even when this is done, they rarely make efforts to benchmark it with other international practices. For instance, some practitioners may find the use of qualified facilitators in a workshop situation as adding extra cost to projects as well as time consuming. This may result in either clients resorting to an informal approach without an experien ced facilitator to provide a structured approach to identifying clientsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ value system. The result of this may not be so different from what is obtained through other management techniques thereby questioning the uniqueness of value management. Furthermore, Green and Connaughton (1996) stated that well conducted VM studies achieve about 10% to 25% savings on the project and prevents the possible time that could be wasted as a result of frequent alterations due to lack of proper understanding of requirements. This is obviously good compensation for a cost of about 0.5% to 1% incurred as a result of value management studies (REF).

Kurt Vonnegut A Hybrid Of Science Fiction And Satire

Leanne Arata English 11 Mrs. Wheeler 5/8/2016 Kurt Vonnegut The idea of making a work that does not fit into a single category of work is how Kurt Vonnegut has become such a phenomenon. Kurt Vonnegut has a hybrid writing style which allows him to critique human nature and this is evident in his work. A hybrid writer is someone who makes something by combining two different genres to create something new. Vonnegut’s work is a hybrid of science fiction and satire. Satire is an author’s way of saying he/she feels that something is subpar, Vonnegut does just this in most of his works, such as Slaughterhouse Five, and Harrison Bergeron. â€Å"Any analysis Kurt Vonnegut’s work runs the risk of being too heavy-handed and ponderous to do justice to writing that has self-consciously chosen the path of the lightweight, the naive, and the comical.† (Rigney). This is true because people tend to be judgmental of the fact that Vonnegut uses satire while talking about war. People are not realizing that war is not a lways something that comes from great honor, war is horrible and people need to start realizing this and stop glorifying it according to Vonnegut. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was born on November 11, 1922, in Indianapolis. He was the youngest of his sister and brother. Vonnegut’s father was an architect and his mother was the daughter of a very wealthy family. The Vonneguts were respected members of the community and Vonnegut s early childhood was extremely privileged. Vonnegut went to

Clarences Speech in William Shakespeares Richard III Essay

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Consumer Decision Making Process Arabella Case Study

Question: Discuss about the Consumer Decision Making Process for Arabella Case Study. Answer: Consumer decision-making process Mehta and Dixit (2006, p. 205), described the consumer-decision making process in five main stages. Similarly, these stages apply to Arabellas case. These are: Identifying the problem: Arabella faced the challenge of having a personal computer which would help her access the internet and work from home conveniently instead of traveling to the University campus on weekends and at night. Obtaining relevant information: Arabella was able to get information about computers from her friends, Emma, Sarah, and Cordelia. More information was obtained from Norman Computer Superstore and the advertisements from the brochures. Evaluating alternatives: Based on the information achieved, Arabella had to evaluate the best desktop computer. She evaluated Dense, Hal, IQ Marquee and Glade brands. Evaluation involves drawing conclusions from a study or research. (Hansel and Hofmann, 2016, p. 9). Finally, she had to make a choice between IQ and Hal. Purchasing: After considering the previous stages, Arabella was motivated and decided to buy the IQ Marquee computer for it had the very specifications she was after. It had good graphics, higher RAM and faster processor which could multi-task. Post-purchase Behavior: It is testing the effectiveness of the product by the buyer. In this case, buying an IQ PC caused disappointment to Arabella for it was not able to connect to the Oz Email Server due to modem malfunction. 2. Level of involvement It refers to the degree of processing information and considering the importance the consumer will get after buying a particular product. (Thukral and Mindak, 2015, p. 72). As a consumer, I would not have behaved like Arabella. Based on the information from her friends, they explained their experiences for the computers, but none of them had used IQ Marquee PC. Cordelia had confirmed and praised that Hal worked well for her. I could have purchased Hal instead of IQ PC. 3. Reacting to faulty purchase. I would consider the guarantee and warrant of the IQ PC. I could take it back immediately to the seller for a refund, repair or replace it with Hal. The customer always has the right to reject faulty goods (May, Monga, and Kalaignanam, 2015, p. 260). However, if the product does not have any warrant, I could consider the Consumer Rights Act and claim for the refund or repair of the faulty IQ PC. If the cost of the defective product is lower, I will consider its repair cost. If the total cost is higher than the original buying price, I will reject the product. Alternatively, if the total is lower or equal to buying price, I would purchase the product and take it to be fixed. 4.Manager of IQ customer care I would order the staff to scrutinize the product first and check whether the problem is related to the manufacturer or the buyer, Arabella, physically interfered with it. If it were the manufacturers fault, I would ask the staff to request Arabella whether she would like the IQ Marquee repaired or replaced. I would not encourage refund, but other alternatives would be better. 5.Effective complaint handling procedure According to Chalmers (2016, p. 572), this procedure is divided into three processes. These process include: Frontline resolution: This deals with complaints which are easy and straightforward. They can be resolved by quickly and do not require much detail. Investigation complaints: It is applied to the grievances which are beyond frontline resolution. In most cases, they are said to be complex and are handled by the senior management. Independent external review: The cases which arise from the service providers are tackled in this stage. These are complaints which are beyond management control. They originate from manufacturers and service providers fault. 6.Options for consumer responses Reduced prices and discounts: Prices can be minimized and discounts provided to entice customers. This act can be done on holidays and weekends. Consumers will be more satisfied if they purchase goods at lower prices. Quality: Better level of excellence of a product will provide more satisfaction. For example, high-speed computers will make work easier and convenient to the buyer. After-sale services: May includes packing goods in cartons or ferrying goods to buyers car. References Mehta, R., and Dixit, G., 2016. Consumer decision-making styles in developed and developing markets: A cross-country comparison. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 33, pp.202 208. Hnsel, M. and Hofmann, E., 2016. Evaluation of business services from a buyers perspective: The place of consumption as a distinctive feature. Thukral, V.K. and Mindak, W.A., 2015. Product Involvement as a Determinant of Consumer Satisfaction. In Proceedings of the 1984 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference (pp. 72-76). Springer International Publishing. May, F., Monga, A.B. and Kalaignanam, K., 2015. Consumer Responses to Brand Failures: The Neglected Role of Honor Values. Brand Meaning Management, 12, p.257 - 291. Chalmers, S., 2016. Ethical fairness in financial services complaint is handling. International Journal of Bank Marketing, 34(4), pp.570-586.