Compound sentence

The setting is a very important part of any plot. It sets the scene, gives visualization, and develops the theme. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, the settings of Scouts house, Mrs. Dubos house and the schoolhouse are exceptionally important. It is in these places that Scout learns important life lessons. In the Finch's house Scout learns about manners and to tolerate other people. Clearing, the housekeeper, spends lots of time teaching Scout proper manner and how to treat people.One of the biggest lessons learned is that looks deceive us and not to Judge someone till you walked in their shoes. She learns to tolerate people when Walter Cunningham comes over for lunch one day. Walter Cunningham is described as, â€Å"looked as if he had been raised on fish food†¦ Had no color in his face†¦ And fingered the straps of his overalls,† (Lee )which is an insult to his health. It describes his as skinny, pale, and not in good health. As they eat the poor molasses all over his meal, disgusting but also intriguing Scout at the same time.Not understanding she comments, â€Å"what the Sam hill he was doing†(Lee ). This immediately enrages Clearing and she scolds Scout. Callers reaction caused Scout to realize that she must be more aware of the ways of other people and that she needs to tolerate and accept them and accept them for who they are no matter how different or strange. However, Calendar Isn't the only person In the Finch home that has taught her important lessons. Attic's Finch has taught Scout some of the most Important lessons about society and why people are the way they are.

Hinduism and Christianity

There are many known religions of the world and all of them have their own uniqueness about them. Some people are born into their religious faith and some are converts to their perspective religion. I have chosen Hinduism to compare and contrast with my religion Christianity. I found Hinduism to be an interesting religion to research because of the myths about idol worship and the Hindu place of worship, the temple. Through my research of references, material, an interview, a face to face visit, and common knowledge I will convey the history, provide an overview, and clarify some of the myths of Hinduism and Christianity.Both religions have some differences but they also have some commonalities among them. Hinduism and Christianity are distinctly different religions; however, they do posses some similarities between them such as, God the Holy Trinity, The Holy Book, and different denominations within the religion. [Well developed introduction] Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, originating over six thousand years ago in India, of the world and one of which that does not have no one founder. The root word of Hinduism, Hindu, derived from the name of River Indus.This river flows through the northern region of India and in early times the river was called Sindhu. The Persians that migrated to India called the river the Hindu, the land Hindustan, its inhabitants Hindus. The religion soon followed and came to be known as Hinduism. Hinduism is both monotheistic and henotheistic or having belief in only one God. â€Å"Hindus all believe in one Supreme God who created the universe. He is all-pervasive. He created many Gods, highly advanced spiritual beings, to be His helpers† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007).There is a misconception that Hindus are worshipers of idol Gods; this misconception comes from lack of knowledge and understanding. Hindus worship the Supreme Being, God, but through different names. This was done due to the people of earlier In dia having different languages and cultures. They came to understand the one God in their own distinct way. So there came to be three representations of God or Brahman and they are: Brahma-the Creator, Vishnu- the Sustainer, and Siva or Shiva- the Destroyer. These Gods can be referred to as 3-in-1 or the Trinity and they all have a multitude of spiritual beings which are a reflection of the one God.From these Gods arose four denominations or sects of Hinduism and they are Saivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism. In Saivism the worshipers are called Saivites and God is Siva; in Vaishnavism they are called Vaishnavites and Lord Vishu is God; in Shaktism worshipers are called Shaktas and Goddess Shakti is Supreme; and Smartism they are called Smartas and all deities are seen and worshiped as the one God. In Hinduism it is believed that when God created the universe that he divinely set in place order and laws to preside over His creation. God’s divine law in Hinduism is cal led dharma.Dharma is the inner spirit of man or God within the person. Dharma aides one to discern what is morally right and wrong, disciplines, instills good order, spiritual truth and growth, and salvation. Dharma is not only connected spiritually and religiously but it is also associated with man’s law as well. According to Paul Hacker, â€Å"†¦the entire realm of civil law, criminal law, and state craft-royal law form part of dharma† (Hacker, P. , 2006, p. 483). Now that we have divine law there must be something to support the law, so do Hindus have a Bible? Yes, they do have a Bible. â€Å"Our â€Å"Bible† is called the Veda.The Veda, which means â€Å"wisdom,† is comprised of four ancient and holy scriptures which all Hindus revere as the revealed word of God† (Hacker, P. , 2006, p. 483). The Veda is the Hindu holy book and it is comprised of four books, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva, which include over 100,000 verses (Hacker, P. , 2006, p. 483). Reincarnation is another belief of Hindus and the term carnate means in the flesh and reincarnate means to reenter the flesh. â€Å"Yes, we believe the soul is immortal and takes birth time and time again. Through this process, we have experiences, learn lessons, and evolve spiritually.Finally we graduated from physical birth† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007). The graduation from the physical birth is the result of maturing in love, wisdom, and knowledge of God through following dharma. Hindus also believe that everything in nature is reincarnated, nature’s life cycle, not just the human soul. The term Karma is used quite often in the American society and it has come to mean that you are receiving that which you deserve. In most cases the American society equate karma to be negative; meaning that you have done something bad or wrong and you are now receiving its results.However Hindus take the whole spectrum of karma positive and negative; good and bad. The Hindus take the meaning and explanation of karma to be, â€Å"†¦the universal principle of cause and effect. Our actions, both good and bad, come back to us in the future, helping us to learn from life’s lessons and become better people† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007). In Hinduism all living creatures are regarded as sacred with a special affection toward the cow. So the question arises, do Hindus worship the cow? â€Å"Hindus don’t worship cows. We respect, honor and adore the cow.By honoring this gentle animal, who gives more than she takes, we honor all creatures† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007). Cows are known for yielding milk, its meat and its hide and all of these things are used to produce a multitude of everyday products that we have become to love, need, and enjoy. Hindus believe in non-violence in regards to all forms of life, therefore, most Hindus are vegetarians. There aren’t laws that forbid the consumption o f meat but through wisdom Hindus determine what they will put into their own body.However, â€Å"Hindus teach vegetarianism as a way to live with a minimum of hurt to other beings. But in today’s world not all Hindus are vegetarians† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007). It is common to see Hindus wearing a red dot on the middle of their forehead and most people will identify Indians, native of India, with wearing the dot. The meaning of the wearing of the dot, â€Å"†¦is a religious symbol. It represents divine sight and shows that one is a Hindu. For women, it is also a beauty mark† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007).This dot is called a bindi and many, many years ago both men and women wore a bindi but today it is most common for women to faithfully wear them. Finally the Hindus have a caste system which consists of different levels within the Indian society. â€Å"Caste is the hereditary divisions of Indian society based on occupation. The lowest class, deemed untouchables, suffer from discrimination and mistreatment. It is illegal in India to discriminate against, abuse or insult anyone on the basis of caste† (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, 2007). The caste system is broken down into four categories or varnas.The varnas are comprised of the worker, businessman, general, and priest. The beliefs and teachings of Hinduism are the belief in one God with different names; there is only one Supreme God or Brahman but He has many reflections. Hindus believe the divine law or dharma and the holy books of Veda are used to support the law. They also believe the soul is immortal and birth takes place many times otherwise known as reincarnation. Hindus are firm believers in karma and that your past words, deeds, or actions will return to you in the future.They regard all living creatures as sacred but they revere the cow as a symbol for all living creatures. Hindus are taught to be non-harming toward any living being. The teachi ng of vegetarianism is taught to minimize harm toward other beings. Although it is taught vegetarianism is not practiced by all Hindus. There is one distinct religious symbol that is worn on the forehead by some Hindus called a bindi, a red dot, and it is commonly worn by the Hindu women. There are four classes of people which are known as the caste system in the Indian Society.Hinduism is a very unique religion and it is very similar to other religions, however, without a clear understanding of Hinduism one might misinterpret and relay incorrect information about the religion. Knowing the beliefs and teachings with the reasoning behind them provides a clear understanding of Hinduism. The Hindu temple I chose to visit is in Riverdale, Georgia which is located approximately 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta. The temple is sculptured in design with a majestic appearance; it is white in color and it situated atop of a hill. The temple permits entrance to anyone as long as you abide by the rules.One of the rules is to remove your shoes prior to entering the temple. This is not a religious practice but cultural, Indians do this because it is dirty outside and it is clean inside, therefore shoes should be removed before entering a temple or home. Another rule is there are to be no loud noises because this is a time of worship. Inside the temple there are sanctums situated around the temple with the various deities inside them. The priest stands at the entrance of the sanctum of the main God Lord Vishnu and the worshipers walk around to the different deities submitting their prayers.There is no set order for mass worship but it is up to the individual as to what prayers they will submit and to what deity. After touring and witnessing the worship taking place I am glad to say that I was able to experience Hindu worship and to clear up any myths I may have had prior to my visit. While at the temple I was given the opportunity to interview the President of the Temple, Mr. Ravi Sarma. He was very welcoming and pleased that I wanted to know more about his religion. Mr. Sarma grew up as a liberal Hindu not having any strict rules enforced.As an adult he transitioned to the orthodox side of Hinduism, which is very traditional and strict. It was from Mr. Sarma that I received a better understanding of the Gods in Hinduism; after he explained that Hindus belief in one God but with different symbols or expressions. Mr. Sarma went in to detail about the Trinity of Hinduism and how it works as a cycle or reincarnation. The Cycle of Hinduism begins life with Brahma the Creator, life is sustained through Vishnu the Sustainer, and Siva the Destroyer into whom everything goes; the cycle then repeats itself.Even though most of the deities are in the feminine aspect referred to as Durgar; God is neutral being neither male nor female. Mr. Sarma went over the following holidays: Diwali-a festival of lights, Pongal / Sankranti- a harvest festival, Holi- a spring f estival, Ugadi-New Years (comes in spring), and Navratri (Dasara)- a nine day fall festival. Speaking one-on-one with Mr. Sarma I gained a valid knowledge about Hinduism and it also brought a clearer understanding of the course text, references, and materials.My religious faith is that of Christianity, which began some two thousand years ago. The faith of Christianity is predicated upon the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Fisher, 2005, p. 284). In Hinduism the term The Trinity is used but is most commonly used in Christianity. Some Christians refer to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as the Trinity. All of these names are known as God the one and only. God the Father is the creator of all things. God the Son is Jesus, the son of God and savior to all. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God and the comforter to all.There are two branches or denominations of Christianity and they are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The Roman Catholic Church is the first church of Christianity and the largest Christian denomination. Protestantism is the second major branch of Christianity, which, broke off from The Roman Catholic Church. My denomination Baptist falls within Protestantism. The term Baptist describes individuals belonging to a Baptist church. The name comes from the conviction that followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to be baptized or immersed in water as a public display of their faith.To live eternally is believed that through baptism and according to scripture, â€Å"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. † (Romans 10:9). It does not stop here; we must also be led by the Holy Spirit to do what is right. Therefore we have the Golden rule as it relates to karma is to treat others as you would want to be treated. The holy book that is used in Christianity is called the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is comprised of the Old and New T estament.The Old Testament consists of 39 books and the New Testament consists of 27 books. As with most religions there are different levels of leadership within Christianity to provide purpose, direction, and teachings such as a Bishop, Pastor, ministers, and deacons. Christianity is based upon the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Fisher, 2005, p. 284). The belief in the Holy Trinity, eternal life through baptism, treating all beings as you want to be treated, and the Holy Bible are beliefs of Christianity.There are also two major branches of Christianity, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, with Baptist being one within Protestantism. Within the various denominations there are different levels of leadership. In comparing Hinduism with Christianity I realized that there are some similar terms used but they mean something different for each religion. Both religions are monotheistic and they both have their own representation of the Holy Trinity. As Hindus believe in reincarnation Christians believe in eternal life of the soul. In Hinduism there are only four denominations where as in Christianity there are many.Lastly they both have a sacred book; in Hinduism the Veda is used and in Christianity the Holy Bible is used. I found Hinduism to be a very interesting religion and I was surprised to find out there were some commonalities between Christianity and Hinduism. By Hinduism having some of the same similarities as Christianity and with the reinforcement from my interview helped me to better understand Hinduism. Hinduism and Christianity are distinctly different religions; however, they do posses some similarities between them such as, God the Holy Trinity, The Holy Book, and different denominations within the religion.

Use Case Narrative: Enrollment System

An E-commerce Website Use Case Name: Search and browse products ID: US-I Priority: High Actor: Shopper Description: This use case describes a shopper who searches and browses products. Trigger: A shopper is looking for a specific product. Trigger Type: External Preconditions: 1 . The shopper is knowledgeable about the product he/she is looking for. 2. The website is available. 3. The advertisement and buyer account databases are up-to-date and online. Normal Course: 1. 0 Search and browse products and select product to purchase 1 .The shopper pacifies the category of the item and the item itself to be searched. 2. The system verifies that the item is available. 3. The system generates all the products matching the search request. 4. The shopper selects a product and wants to place it in a cart. 5. The system asks the shopper to log in. (Alternative Course 1 . 1) 6. The shopper logs in his/her buyer account. 7. The system verifies the account. 8. The shopper adds the product to cart. Information for Steps Search Criteria List of approved ads Buyer Account List of Buyer Accounts New Cart Entry Modified Cart Alternative Courses: 1.The shopper doesn't already have a buyer account. (branch at step 5) 1. The shopper registers his/her desired surname and password. 2. The system verifies if the surname is still available. AAA. The surname is still available. AAA. The shopper has created a buyer account. Return to Normal Course Step 6. 5. B. The surname already exists. B. The system asks the shopper if he wants to continue registration or not. B. 1 The shopper wants to continue registration. B. 1 Return to Alternative course 1. 1 step 1 B. 2 The shopper cancels the request. B. 2 The system terminates the use case.Surname and Password List of Buyer Surnames New Buyer Account Request for re-registration Cancellation Postpositions: 1 . One or more products are added to the shopper's cart. 2. Cart has been modified. 3. The unregistered shopper has created a buyer account. E xceptions: El: Search request returns no result. (occurs at step 2) 1 . The system displays the message inform search did not match any records. Try another search. â€Å". 2. The system starts Normal Course again. E: Buyer Account is not valid. (occurs at step 7) 1 . The system displays the message inform surname and password is not valid.Please re-enter your surname and password. â€Å". E: Account inputted is not a Buyer Account. (occurs at step 7) 1. The system displays the message inform account is a Seller Account. Please enter a Buyer Account. â€Å". 2. Return to Normal Course step 5. Summary Inputs Source Outputs Destination Request for re-registration or Cancellation Shopper Active Advertisement Database Buyer Account Database Cart Database Use Case Name: Purchase products online ID: US-2 Actor: Buyer Description: This use case describes a buyer's purchase of product(s) on his/her cart online. Trigger: A buyer wants to buy a product. . The buyer's account is authenticat ed. 2. The buyer account database 3. One or more products are in the cart. 4. The buyer has specified readiness to check out and buy product(s) in his/her cart. 1. 0 Buyer confirms the intent to buy and supplies payment. 1. The buyer opens his/ her cart. 2. The system displays the cart's contents with price(s) of product(s) included. 3. The buyer purchase product(s) via Papal. 4. The buyer entered the payment information. 5. The system verifies the payment information's authority. 6. The buyer confirms the payment transaction. (Alternative Course 1 . 1) 7.The system recesses payment. 8. The system confirms the payment's success. 9. The system removes the purchased product(s) from the cart. 10. The buyer wants to view and print the recent or all the payment transaction's report Information for Steps Purchase Authorization Cart Contents Payment Information Payment Information's Authorization Payment Confirmation Product(s) Sale(s)' details Payment Transaction List of Payment Transacti ons Payment Transaction(s)' report(s) 1. 1 Buyer cancels payment. (branch at step 6) 1 . The buyer cancels the payment transaction. 2. Return to Normal Course 6. 1. Cart has been modified. Product(s) purchase is recorded. 3. Product(s) sales transaction is recorded. 4. The buyer has the printed reports for the recent or all the payment transactions. El: Payment Information is not authorized. (occurs at step 5) 1. The system displays the message â€Å"The payment information is not accepted. Please enter an authorized payment information. â€Å". 2. Return to Normal Course step 4. Payment Information's Authorization Buyer Payment Clearinghouse Payment Transaction Database Payment Transaction(sys report(s) Product Sales Database Use Case Name: Post advertisement entries ID: US-3 Actor: SellerDescription: This use case describes a seller posting advertisement entries. Trigger: A seller want to post an advertisement entry. 1 . The seller's account is authenticated. 2. The seller is kn owledgeable about the product he/she is going to advertise. 3. The 4. The seller account database is up-to-date and online. 1. 0 Buyer's posting of product advertisements. 1 . The seller wants to post an advertisement entry. 2. The system asks the seller to log in his/her seller account. 3. The seller logs in his/ her seller account. (Alternative Course 1 . 1) 4. The system verifies the account. 5. The seller inputs the advertisement information. The system verifies the advertisement information. 7. The seller confirms the advertisement. 8. The system confirms the advertisement entry for admit approval. Information for Seller Account List of Seller Accounts Advertisement Information Advertisement Confirmation New Advertisement Entry 1. 1 The seller doesn't already have a seller account. (branch at step 3) 1. The seller registers his/her desired surname and password. 2. The system verifies if the surname is still available. AAA. The surname is still available. AAA. B. B. The seller h as created a seller account. Return to Normal Course Step 4.The surname already exists. The system asks the seller if he wants to continue registration or not. B. 1 The seller wants to continue registration. B. 2 The seller cancels the request. List of Seller Surnames New Seller Account 1 . The advertisement entry is added to the advertisement database for admit approval. 2. The unregistered seller has created a seller account. El: Seller Account is not valid. (occurs at step 4) 1 . The system displays the message mirror surname and password is not valid. Please re-enter your surname and password. â€Å". E: Account inputted is not a Seller Account. (occurs at step 4) 1 .The system displays the message inform account is a Buyer Account. Please enter a Seller Account. â€Å". 2. Return to Normal Course step 3. Seller Seller Account Database Pending Advertisement Database Use Case Name: Management of seller's active advertisements ID: US-4 Description: This use case describes the se ller viewing his/her active advertisements. Trigger: The seller wants to view his/her active advertisements. Trigger Type: External 1 . The seller account is authenticated. 2. The advertisement database is up-to-date and online. 1. 0 Managing of active advertisements 1 . The seller wants to manage his/her active advertisements. The system displays all the seller's active advertisements. AAA. The seller edits the contents oaf specific advertisement. AAA. The system confirms the modification. B. The seller confirms the deletion an advertisement(s). B. The system confirms the modification. List of Active Advertisements Edit Information Edited Advertisement Deletion Confirmation Deleted Advertisement(s) None 1 . Advertisement Database has been modified. List of Active Advertisements Use Case Name: Sales Revenue Report ID: US-5 Priority: Low Description: This use case describes a seller viewing and printing his/her sales revenue report.Trigger: A seller wants to view and print his/her sa les revenue report. 1. The seller's account is authenticated. 2. The product sales database is up-to-date and online. 1. 0 Viewing and printing of sales revenue report 1. The seller wants to view his/her sales revenue report. 2. The system displays his/her sales revenue report. 3. The seller confirms the print of the report. 4. The system print the sales revenue report. List of Sales Revenue Sales Revenue Report 1 . The seller has the printed report of his/her sales revenue. Use Case Name: Management of all the advertisements ID: US-6 Actor: AdmitDescription: This use case describes the admit managing all the pending and active advertisements. Trigger: The admit wants to manage the advertisements. 1. The adman's account is authenticated. 2. The admit account database is up-to-date and online. 3. The advertisement database is up-to-date and online. 1. 0 Managing of all the advertisements 1. The admit logs in his/her admit account. 2. The system verifies the account. 3. The admit want s to manage all the advertisements both pending and active. 4. The system displays all the pending and active advertisements. AAA. The admit selects and view a pending advertisement.

Islamic Law and its Hearings and Trials Assignment

Islamic Law and its Hearings and Trials - Assignment Example Basic principles of Sharia are to see the will of God done on earth and the will is meant to bring about compassion, kindness, generosity, justice, fair play, tolerance and care in general. The basic principles of Sharia Law include the right to the protection of life, the right to the protection of the family, the right to the protection of education and the right to the protection of religion. Moreover, the principles include the right to the protection of property and the right to the protection of human dignity (Janin and AndreÃŒ  30-41: 77). Sacred law operates slightly different from the secular law because the sacred law only applies to members of a particular religion, for instance, Islamic religion. However, secular law is superior to the sacred law and is applicable to a wider geographical region and on different people regardless of their religion. Moreover, a sacred law is only enforceable by the people belonging to a particular religion who may handle both civil and criminal cases of a particular religion. Most of the laws are created based on specific religious principles. Sharia Law, for example, is created as per Prophet Mohammed’s teachings and the Quran. The sacred law must always be consistent with the superior secular law. Secular law is made by the judges or created by the legislators and are found in every country worldwide. The judges or makers of the secular law only requires formal education and must not always belong to a certain group of religion. Because the society changes, laws also change to reflect the values of the people it governs. It is apparent that people’s’ values and ways of life change and the law is required to accommodate such kind of changes.  The attitudes and values of should be democratically reflected in the law. However, some laws do not change because they always remain relevant to the society’s way of life and values.

Brand Management 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Brand Management 1 - Essay Example Doganis R. (2006) The airline business. London: Routledge. (http://books.google.co.in/books?id=UnVAfY8J6OcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+airline+business&hl=en&ei=GzjJTdXLAY_irAf5mJGhBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CEsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) Floor K. (2006) Branding a store: how to build successful retail brands in a changing marketplace. London: Kogan Page Publishers. (http://books.google.co.in/books?id=a_F2yzdi-AIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=%29+Branding+a+store:+how+to+build+successful+retail+brands+in+a+changing+%09%09%09%09marketplace&hl=en&ei=NzjJTeipJIzMrQeDtMSZBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) Hax A C. (2009) The Delta Model: Reinventing Your Business Strategy. New York: Springer. (http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ROSTnjmTjxQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Delta+Model:+Reinventing+Your+Business+Strategy&hl=en&ei=UjjJTZ_pGc2HrAfX5OyEBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) Heding T, Knudtzen C F and Bjerre M. (2009) Brand management: research, theory and practice. London: Taylor & Francis. (http://books.google.co.in/books?id=mu5KsLyPrDgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Brand+management:+research,+theory+and+%09%09%09%09practice.&hl=en&ei=azjJTdPNEonyrQeP55mYBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) Holden R K and Burton M. (2008) Pricing with Confidence: 10 Ways to Stop Leaving Money on the Table. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. (http://books.google.co.in/books?id=u8LfYM6aFnUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Pricing+with+Confidence:+10+Ways+to+Stop+Leaving+%09%09%09Money+%09on+the+Table.&hl=en&ei=iTjJTff-NoXNrQel0cSABQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) Kuhnle T. (2007) Customer Loyalty Program - Tourist Destination and Bonus Card System. Munich: GRIN Verlag.

Writing style Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing style - Assignment Example In this light, the paper is an assessment of my academic writing style, weaknesses and strengths and smart developmental objectives guiding my writing. The undoubted fact that everybody can write but not to academic requirements has never escaped my mind in writing. As a result, I have often made various attempts aimed at improving my style of writing not only in the educational context, but also in the external classroom environment (Lombardino, 2012, pp. 48). Apparently, I can say with confidence that my writing style has greatly improved since elementary school. I have met with different audiences that define my situation and purpose of writing. For instance, I have written different poems and stories regarding life issues. Arguably, my style of writing contains different literary elements in line with writing elements. I have a consistent use of grammar and elicit application of various writing considerations. Most importantly, I have a clear regulation of style, tone, voice, and diction of my writings. I have various strengths with regards to writing. Evidently, this not only relates to my sentence formulation initiatives but also referencing requirements, which have become part of writing. Certainly, MLA, APA, Harvard, Chicago and Oxford writing styles are no longer my writing nightmares but a clear source of my strengths. I have sufficient information on writing techniques as well as requirements from a global perspective. With attention to word choice, I have the ability to weed out unnecessary words in my writings by using precise wordings. I have great touch of sentence fluency ensuring that phrases and wordings do not lead to monotony or reflect parallel ideas. From this perspective, a clear set of strengths that play a vital role in shaping my writing styles. Nevertheless, I have various weaknesses that in many instances have attempted to derail my ability to reach perfection. Looser oral words in many instances affect

Yoga Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Yoga - Research Paper Example But Yoga deals with the breath, mind and quite subtly, the soul. It releases the toxins in the body and harmonizes the whole body. Many people use yoga to lose weight. This is possible as Yoga makes a person calm, reduces stress and hence addictions such as overeating and alcoholism are cured to a great degree. Yoga is an ancient meditative technique proposed originally by an Indian sage called Patanjali. It is a Sanskrit word and its literal meaning is ‘union’. The word union is used because Yoga unites the lost soul of a human being back to its god. There are many types of yoga postures and these are practiced by the saints and sages in the Himalayan region of India. But ordinary people also practice it throughout the world. When I saw the various yoga postures I thought that I won’t be able to do them. This is because they look very weird and seem to be inspired from the postures of the animals. For example, there is yoga posture called ‘Singhasan’ which literally means the ‘posture of a lion’. In it one has to lie on the belly, lift the body up by hands, take the tongue out (like a lion) and make a loud noise at the top of one’s throat (roar!!). But as I gleaned through the pages I realized that there were many methods which were very simple and extremely effective. The simplest Yoga posture is ‘Shavaasan’ which means ‘The posture of a corpse’ (Mumford, 15). I know this sounds frightening but it is quite simple. Just lie down on a flat ground or floor, loosen the body, relax the mind and follow your breath. Don’t move the body and be peaceful, like a corpse. After a few minutes the mind becomes very still and the body rejuvenates. This is the magic of yoga. I have always had problems with my concentration. I find it hard to concentrate on many things especially studies. My attention span seems to be decreasing day by day. I sought for a remedy in yoga. I saw many

Pathophysiology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pathophysiology - Essay Example In such a case Flovent 110 and Severent is prescribed. Flovent is administered in three doses for the low dose 44ug, medium dose 110ug and high dose 220 ug. The Severent is in the form of MDI, which offers 25ug/puff and also in the form of DPI, which gives 50g/blister (p. 555). Flovent is not an immediate cure therefore one should never increase the dose either stop using the drug. I agree that the patient education is necessary because Flovent is administered orally, and one should shake the container before use. The patient is supposed to breathe deeply and then exhale. As the patient is inhaling one is supposed to put the lips around the mouthpiece and push the container. The patient is supposed to rinse the mouth with water and avoid spraying the drug into the eyes (Pocket Books & Thompson, 2007). In asthma patient, the peak flow meter is important to help know when an attack is about to occur (Levy, Hilton & Barnes, 2000). I agree Stacey Kneeland that controllers assist in managing inflammation and swelling of the airways and prevent them from being delicate to asthma provocative (Graham & ‎Kurtis, 2010). Inhaled corticosteroids are safe and well condoned when used in the right dose. The two commonly used inhalers are budesonide and fluticasone. Side effects may include nosebleeds, sore throats, hoarseness, mouth infection, dry mouth and nose, bad taste in the mouth and nausea. Moreover, patient education is imperative because they are supposed to rinse their mouths and spit after inhalation when using inhaled corticosteroids. The patient is supposed to know how to interpret the peak flow meter reading to prepare for the next attack (Graham & ‎Kurtis, 2010). I agree that Pulmicort is an anti-inflammatory steroid drug prescribed for children aged between 12 months to eight years and is inhaled on a daily basis. I agree that the peak flow meter is used to measure peak expiratory flow to dete rmine the air flows

The Question of God Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Question of God - Research Paper Example Lewis, on the other hand, was an atheist for the first couple of years of his life. Lewis wrote he was so angry with God for failing to exist in this world. I was also equally angry with Him for creating a world in which creatures have a burden of existence imposed on them without their consent. Freud and Lewis were both haunted during all their lives by a strong yearning with no easily familiar object. Freud referred to the transcendent longing as Sehnsucht and Lewis called his Joy. Freud, however, was an atheist, he saw in human existence a desire for projection and illusion, while Lewis on the other hand argued that, like other inner human expectations and desires, this longing must be for a real object in this life or some other (Armand 46). Freud thought life to be meaningless he believed there was no god, and he lived an irresponsible life. According to him he existed by mistake, and there was no sense of him being in this world. He thought God was unfair in creating animals an d letting them exist without their knowledge or permission. Lewis was an atheist for a third of his life then he turned around. He used to defend his atheism with Freud’s theories and beliefs before he converted to Christianity. He started believing there was God and everything happened for a reason. This motivated him to find happiness as he believed he had a destiny. When he was young he did not believe in the existence of god as the secular world seemed to make sense to him at that time(Armand 48). He had never given it a thought as to why he existed. With time, he discovered that science did not provide the answers to the questions he had. The many questions he had in his head made Lewis seek divine intervention. Religion made more sense to him as he found a purpose for his living as religion answered all his questions and it defined whom he was. The bible made sense to him, and he kept quoting it to justify his actions. His conversion to Christianity was a transition poi nt in his life. He found contentment in God, and he believed god has a purpose for his life. He believed that the people who did not believe the existence of god had their own reasons or experiences which were minor. Freud was a scientist, and he seek all answers to the questions he had from science. He believed creatures evolved, and they were not created. According to him god did not exist, and it was just an imagination of people. He believed God was just an illusion in peoples mind and never existed in the real world. According to him people who believed in God desired a life of another kind and a different world from which they existed in(Armand 57). To him science was the only thing that made sense and religion were only theories made by people. He believed that those who trusted religion were dreamers and wanted their wishes to be fulfilled. He said that God was merely a dream and a childish wish and projection for a father’s protection. Freud interpreted religion as w ish fulfillment; he says it was all psychological. According to him it was all in one’s head, and everyone could think what he wanted (Armand 172). He said that people have positive and negative feelings about their father and the negative feelings might cause the wish that God did not exist. Lewis cancelled the argument saying it was not a good

Salt Sugar Fat dialectical journal Essay Example for Free

Salt Sugar Fat dialectical journal Essay Responses (interact with the text through analysis, predictions, evaluation, and connections, but don’t just summarize) 1. â€Å"On this count, most of the men in the room could rest easy. They had personal trainers, gym memberships, and enough nutritional awareness to avoid diets that were heavy in the foods they manufactured† (11). This just confirms a horrible truth: the food companies are very much aware of the lack of nutritional value in their products, yet they continue to sell them to the less informed public. While Moss says the business men are able to â€Å"rest easy† when it comes to their weight, I find it difficult to believe that all the people in the room can â€Å"rest easy† morally. Do they realize that they are taking advantage of people who do not know any better than to eat what is placed in front of them at their local grocery stores? How can the middle and lower classes possibly resist the delicacies wrapped so artfully in packaging specifically designed to grab their attention? It’s like taking candy from a baby. Only in this scenario, the food giants are feeding the baby candy. The baby would represent the denizens of America, although I’m sure there are literal babies out there who are being affected by the obesity crisis. I find it upsetting to think that while America is being diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer (just to name a few illnesses caused by a poor diet) the individuals responsible are out with t heir personal trainers, rewarded for the increase of diseases by receiving an increase in their income. 2. â€Å"Even gout, an exceedingly painful and rare form of arthritis once dubbed ‘the rich man’s disease’ for its associations with gluttony now afflicted eight million Americans† (18). I was intrigued by this disease because of its dubbed name. Food was a resource that was not necessarily easy to come by until this past century. To get a lot of food you needed to have a lot of money. That is why gluttony and wealth went hand in hand, meaning you had to be pretty well off to get gout. Now food is not scarce. The typical American has some kind of grocery store or supermarket within a few miles of their home. That, and the addition of fast food, has made obesity a much easier feat then it was back when people actually hunted for their meat. In my freshman year, I took AP human geography. One of the units we spent a lot of time on was food. I learned that in today’s American society the lower classes are actually becoming more overweight than the  up per class because of the highly processed fatty foods being made available for extremely low prices. When a pound of apples costs about two dollars and barely fills you up whereas McDonald’s boasts a dollar menu with actual meals, it is easy to see why gout isn’t associated with just the affluent anymore. People will sacrifice their health for the least expensive option. 3. â€Å"With limited funds from the government, the center had begun soliciting monies from food companies, keeping them apprised of research that would interest them† (41). What I took from this quote is that the research centers are corrupt. They are basically taking bribes from the food giants to conduct specific studies that will give sugar and other ingredients some positive publicity. This is the food industry trying to keep consumers in the dark about what they are really eating so that they continue to buy. I had assumed food companies went to great lengths to keep the true nature of their ingredients and processes hidden, but I never would have guessed that they could sway a research center. I guess money really does control the world. 4. â€Å"The most recent data, from 2006 to 2008, shows that obesity among kids aged six to eleven jumped from 15 to 20 percent† (46). I have an eight-year-old brother who is overweight. It’s easy to look at the statistics for obesity until it affects someone you know—especially a child. You think it would be easy to prevent that from happening. Just make him run outside with his friends more or don’t let him eat so much right? It isn’t that simple. The playdate dynamic has shifted from making forts and riding scooters up and down the street to sitting indoors playing games on various devices. The rise in technology correlates with the rise in obesity. In a society where it is considered normal for elementary school students to own an iPad, it is easy to see how the rates jumped up from 15 to 20 percent in a two year span. How can childhood obesity be controlled? The way I see it, it can’t. The last thing any parent wants to do is strip their child of their innocence by making them conscious of their weight. You can’t simply take away one kid’s Nintendo either because then he is left out of the group. Adults must choose the path for their offspring. Which is the worst option, a physically unfit child or an alienated one? 5. â€Å"Its most rabid devotees proudly call themselves Peppers, belong to a club called the 10-2-4—so named for one of the early advertising campaigns, which encouraged people to drink three Dr Peppers a day, at ten, two, and four o’clock—and  make pilgrimages to Waco, Texas, where a pharmacist at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store invented the drink in 1885† (48). After reading this I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Peppers and Muslims. Both groups were built around the worship of one element. For the 10-2-4 this item is Dr Pepper, while Muslims worship their god Allah. Islam and the 10-2-4 also both have a destination where followers are encouraged or required to make a pilgrimage to. Peppers are invited to visit Waco, Texas where their beloved soft drink was first created, and Muslims must complete the Hajj as one of their five pillars of faith. Another similarity between the assemblages is their daily rituals. In the Islamic re ligion people must pray five times a day (Salat). The Peppers try to enjoy their favorite soda three times a day at specific times of the day. I find it interesting that a fan club made for a carbonated beverage could have anything in common with a religion that has been practiced for over millennia. The power of sugar does not cease to amaze me. 6. â€Å"†¦a mega-brand that epitomized the American culture, but one that was also in grave danger of falling behind: Jell-O pudding† (68). Moss makes a bold statement when he says that Jell-O â€Å"epitomized the American culture†. How exactly does Jell-O, one food brand among millions, embody the land of the free? Jell-O has never been anything special to me. It is interesting in structure but overall very artificial. Perhaps that is exactly what Moss is trying to convey about the ways of this country. Americans celebrate the superficial. We worship movie stars, models, and other glamorous aspects of life. While it looks appealing, in reality there is no real substance to it. It is a synthetic snack that still leaves you feeling empty inside. 7. â€Å"And when he went to see his boss, the section head of desserts, Clausi was told that the rules have been changed, public fears be dammed† (70). What prompted this sudden shift of opinion on chemical additives? One minute artificial ingredients are bad, and now it is suddenly okay for food to be made of unpronounceable components. Despite the public’s wariness of synthetic concoctions, the food industry decides to barrel ahead anyway. The risk paid off though, that is the depressing part. Instead of fighting against this artificial snack, America embraced it. And if the consumers are consuming, it is no wonder the food companies didn’t stop there. This quote signifies the beginning of the end of natural foods.

Main Features And Characteristics Information Technology Essay

Main Features And Characteristics Information Technology Essay Over the past 50 years, the construction industry has witnessed exciting breakthroughs such as the advent of Critical Path Method scheduling, the introduction of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), the acceptance of integrated project delivery systems and the application of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR). In addition, the construction industry has also been impacted with two powerful global developments; the internet, revolutionising the communications infrastructure and also environmental awareness which focuses on the commitment to sustainability and lifecycle solutions (Bakhtar McDonough 2008). We are now approaching a virtual reality to create intelligent, integrated 3D models of construction projects allowing stakeholders to visualise and analyse the completed project before it is built. By implementing BIM, Risk is reduced, design intent is maintained, quality control is streamlined, communication is clearer and higher analytic tools are more accessible (Australian Institute of Architects 2005). It is BIM which also enhances collaboration through interaction of different stakeholders which can be used for stimulation, structural design, cost estimating, scheduling, fabrication, erection and facilities management (Bakhtar McDonough 2008). As the industry begins to integrate BIM in practice, it is likely to bring about change in work practice, project development approach and emergence of new roles and relationships, both at technical and management levels (Brankovic et al. 2007). Despite the apparent benefits the adoption of BIM in practice, the uptake has been slow. Workshops with industry focus groups have been conducted to identify the industry needs, concerns and expectations from participants who had implemented BIM or were BIM ready. Factors inhibiting BIM adoption include lack of training, low business incentives, perception of lack of rewards, technological concerns, contractual matters and resistance to changing current work practice. Successful BIM usage depends on collective adoption of BIM across the different disciplines and requires the support of the client (Brankovic 2008). So is Building Information Modelling (BIM) the real deal? Some say its a matter of when, not if, industry adopts BIM universally and increasingly, public-and private sector developments are calling for its use on large projects. Can they afford not to? (Hyslop 2010). 2.0 Main Features Characteristics BIM involves computerised design software tools that help create a model that reflects all of the building components geometric and functional qualities. The general contractor and trade subcontractors provide product-specific information for building components and that data is inputted into the model, including performance specifications, connection details and cost data. However, the model is more than a mere representation of the design in a three-dimensional computer graphic but rather, embedded within the design programs which feature rules that define which of the components relation to the other components (Pohl Short 2010). In order to be classified as true BIM, all information related to the building, including its physical and functional characteristics and project life cycle information should be held in a series of Smart or Intelligent objects. For instance, an air conditioning unit within a BIM model would contain the data about its supplier, flow rates, maintenance procedures, lead in times and clearance requirements (Scuderi 2007). In essence, BIM is a variation of the traditional construction project model in terms of technology and process. In a traditional project, design documents flow down from the architect, through the owner, to the contractor and then from the contractor to subcontractors, suppliers and fabricators. This downward flow of design documents and design information defines and reinforces the distinct roles, responsibilities and liabilities of the designer and contractor (Crandall Katz 2010). BIM, however, changes the traditional model through the use of advanced technology to edit the design documents and allows designers to attach specific information to each object of a project. Any changes in the BIM model automatically changes all relevant information attached to the particular object which saves design time and avoids potential design errors that occur (Katz Crandall, 2010). BIM is particularly useful for identifying potential construction conflicts (clash detection) at the design stage, and quantifying the materials required for construction. In theory, assuming that the information provided by the various stakeholders in the project is accurate and the rules embedded in the model are correct, BIM should reduce errors and omissions, resulting in aggregate reduction in professional liability and errors and omission claims. Yet, if the assumptions embedded in the computerised model is prove false, then the result would be a costly problem that all concerned should hope to be covered by insurance (Pohl Short 2010 p.1). A few cases of successful use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach in real world projects have been reported (Khemlani 2007a, 2007b) that suggest, even if the BIM applications and tools may not have matured fully they are very much usable in their present form and can enhance project collaboration and management in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry well beyond the current state (Brankovic et al. 2007). 3.0 Benefits of adopting BIM The benefits of adopting BIM are staggering, that some are even sounding the warning that those who fail to jump aboard the BIM bandwagon will be quickly left in the dust . Building performance and predictability of outcomes are greatly improved by adopting BIM. An Engineers Australia Queensland Division Task Force 2005 report estimates that 60-90% of all variations are due to poor project design documentation. A BIM is one way of significantly improving design and documentation quality (Scuderi 2007). Stanford University Centre for Integrated Facility Engineering figures which are based on 32 major projects using BIM indicates benefits such as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A 40% elimination of unbudgeted change à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cost estimation accuracy within three per cent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ An 80% reduction in the time taken to generate a cost estimate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A saving of 10% of the contract value through clash detection à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A 7% reduction in project time, and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A return on investment when using a 3D model of 5 10 times (Scuderi 2007). Other advantages include: 3.1 Visualisation and Design Features Ability to visualise a model before construction begins Eliminates and minimises the number of site related questions due to design errors Provides drawings, cross-sections and details in 3D which better describe complexities and allow images to be rotated for better visualisation BIM can be used as visual timeline to assess progress payments Easy to add information into the model and takes little time to change Once one change is made, all relevant components change automatically, saving time on updating design drawings individually Able to run detailed analysis such as sun shading modelling, thermal properties etc Easy to understand details about the building and individual components 3.2 Conflict Detection Data embedded into the BIM model for each component allows BIM software to identify potential conflicts during the design phase Eliminates/minimises construction errors by detecting problems early Saves time and money which would be previously wasted should an error occur during later stages of construction 3.3 Collaboration Coordination Allows communication between design team/s, engineers and contractors which can increase project efficiencies due to collaboration Remedy the deficient efficiencies early in the design process An increase in collaboration can reduce the number of Request For Information (RFIs) and change order which can shorten construction schedules. Laing ORourke saw a 70% reduction in RFIs on the 123 Albert Street project due to subcontractors being able to view their appropriate trade and solving/answering their own questions themselves (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). 3.4 Fabric Efficiency and Estimating Detailed specifications can be extracted directly from a BIM model and sent to a fabricator Saves time and avoids potential errors that could occur when contractors manually extract fabrication data Due to the increased visualisation and data information contained within each object, fabricated components are more likely to fit when delivered (e.g. steel fabrication) therefore reducing construction waste Suppliers can extract material estimates and project schedules directly from a BIM model which can save time and prevent delivery delays 3.5 Data Entry Reduces data entry and computational errors as there is no need to re-enter data or manually extract information from design documents BIM models can compare project components such as building codes and energy efficiency standards 3.6 Life-Cycle Management BIM models can be used throughout the life-cycle of a building Models can be used to determine maintenance requirements and can analyse compatibility and cost-effectiveness as well as providing visual representation of improvements 3.7 Sustainability Design BIM models are able to provide building analysis which allows sustainable rating tools to gain insight into a buildings performance Sustainable features can be incorporated and tested before construction, allowing what if scenarios which quickly evaluate design alternatives Allows the opportunity to make better decisions to iterate on a greener design Schedules of building material quantities can be obtained directly from the model to determine the amount of materials which can be reused, recycled or salvaged Sources for advantages of BIM: (Bakhtar McDonough 2008), (Cranda Katz 2010), (Middlebrooks 2006), (M Ryan 2010. Pers. comm., 8 July), 4.0 Issues that affect the adoption of BIM With any new technology, there is a period of adjustment and learning. There are many different views about BIM and its potential, however the consensus is that it represents a fundamental (some say revolutionary) change in the way a building project design is prepared and implemented (Sieminski 2007). Based on the QUT Research paper from the ICAN Conference in 2007 (Brankovic et al.2007), before greater adoption of BIM, the following issues need to be addressed: 4.1 Version management New technology requires software to be constantly upgraded; this has been an issue for many practitioners. Although most upgraded software allows you to use data generated from earlier versions, many significant changes inhibit these. This means that in order to have all collaborating stakeholders to be working on compatible versions, often compromises have to be made on efficiency (Brankovic et al. 2007). Laing ORourke has initiated various processes to reduce risk from upgrades in software. This involves contracting all collaborating stakeholders to use the same program and upgrading all relevant software before the commencement of their contract (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). This process has been implemented in the recent $110 million design and construct contract for a new health centre and common user teaching facility at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus which is set to be one of the first 100% BIM model projects in QLD . 4.2 Organisation and data management As more data is managed and stored electronically, standard practices and procedures need to be in place to deal with data organisation, storage and security. Managing the different versions of the project which relates to compatible set of data from different disciplines at specific stages need to be fixed (Brankovic et al.2007, p.7). While the ability to constantly update the data gives unprecedented flexibility, it also adds to the complexity relating to version management, data explosion and usability (Brankovic et al.2007). Issues exist in Database Management Systems (DMS) in relation to organisational issues for the Architects, Engineers and Contractors (AEC) domain and practitioners which poses a new challenge involving strategic decision making. Stakeholders are also finding that some programs produce a large file size which has led to hardware lagging the software (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). 4.3 Program training One of the greatest issues with the adoption of BIM is the training and development of staff and taking the resources off project work to do so (A Bryant 2010, pers. comm., 30 June). In recent years, the architectural industry has received major criticisms of the widening gap of the techniques and methods taught in architecture schools and what is practiced in the field. It is suggested that rather than giving separate introductory session on computational approaches and BIM applications, there is a need for integrating the same in design studios for students which will alleviate the concerns in some sections that believe computational approaches to be inhibiting design creativity (Brankovic et al.2007). 4.4 Cost of adoption The cost of adopting BIM is also an issue. For Revit systems and software, it costs approximately $10,000, plus training and cost of product libraries. The real costs depend on the extent you choose to develop a model. You can develop a simple or well built model which costs a lot more but again, depends on the value and use of the model. However, the benefits include the reduction in waste, ease of design, increase opportunity for sustainability and overall, the process is more efficient. The industry needs to value to outcome (A Gutteridge 2010, pers. comm., 1 July). Large and medium sized firms can afford the luxury of aligning teams to BIM as they would have some supplement workforce at certain points of time. Smaller firms however, would find this difficult to achieve as they would be unable to commit an entire team to BIM software at any given time or even over a period of time . Although the loss of billable hours during training is a concern, the short term productivity paybacks will quickly offset the loss. A recent online survey of Revit customers reported that although there was an average productivity loss of 25-50% during the initial training period, it took most customers only 3-4 months to achieve the same level of productivity using Revit as with the previous design tool. Building on that statistic, the estimated increase in productivity (as a result of migrating to Revit) ranged from 10% to over 100%, with more than half the respondents experienced productivity gains of over 50% and close to 20% experienced productivity gains of over 100% . Due to the large capital cost of training and BIM software, smaller firms may struggle to keep up with the technology. A viable option for small firms would be to seek offshore expertise. Leveraging outside experience and expertise would help them keep their team intact; facilitate better integration of BIM technologies within their business model and save a large amounts of billable hours . 4.5 Security of data Placing data on an integrated database in an electronic format raises security concern amongst the involved stakeholders. Some concerns are related to the following: Network security Intellectual Property (IP) Protection of copyrights These concerns however may be justified and alleviated by greater awareness and legal measures. For example, access should be controlled through secure log-ins with data check-in and check-outs which can be registered for each interaction. Therefore data hosts can manage the data under a contractual agreement with the data owner with the terms and conditions outlined accordingly in the documentation (Brankovic et al.2007). 4.6 Readiness of the tools Examples of the use of BIM approach in practice suggest that in the present state as well there are tools that can significantly improve the work process in the AEC industry documentation (Brankovic et al.2007). However, lack of tools supporting and integrating conceptual design activity has been a major concern (Khemlani 2007a). As more BIM applications are being developed to look at specific aspects of design process and allow integration with each other, the technical support which is bound to improve (Brankovic et al.2007). 4.7 Seamless Integration and standards Due to the various types of tools which have been introduced over the past few years, it is important that there is greater standardisation of processes, terminologies and products, early information exchange between different stakeholders. This will avoid re-work, provide capability to conduct preliminary analysis of project concepts, greater intelligence in tools to air computability of building data as they get more complex, and great automation in construction and fabrication to leverage the benefits of a better and precise model (Brankovic et al.2007). 5.0 Contractual Issues that affect the BIM adoption As BIM technology evolves further, it is apparent that there are a number of legal and contractual issues which warrant careful consideration. Unfortunately, the newness of BIM leaves us with more questions than definitive answers at this present time. For the owner, designer, or contractor participating in a BIM project for the first time, these questions should be carefully weighed, understandings reached and memorialised in appropriate contract document (Haynes 2009). 5.1 There isnt a BIM-specific standard contract form For many, a standardised BIM contract is the most important facet of BIM implementation. A standardised BIM form is recognised as the most logical starting point in the integration of BIM as a standard contracting method. Australia does not currently have a specific stand contract form, therefore contractors, clients and relevant parties must create their own contractual agreements with the relevant stakeholders for each project. 5.2 Ownership Creating an integrated BIM model involves the input of several stakeholders which focus on specific design elements such as mechanical and electrical services and the overall design. Therefore, the difficulty exists with the issue of legal ownership and copyright for instruments of service. Without modification in the underlying contract documents, the normal principle would be that the part that creates the BIM model would retain ownership of and the copyright of the model. This is consistent with the AIA American standard agreements whereby the ownership and copyright is retained by the drafting party, therefore, agrees to license its instruments of services (Haynes 2009). In some cases, owners/clients may insist that the various data and deliverables provided by the design professional be owned by the owner. In Queensland, the most common client who may wish to own the model is Project Services (P Nunn 2010. Pers. comm., 6 Aug). When there are numerous stakeholders involved in the design process, it is important that the intellectual property interests in BIM models and data be clearly addressed up-front by the parties. For example, Laing ORourke may choose to outsource consultants for particular projects; however it is made very clear that Laing ORourke own the copyright. Laing ORourke in Australia, don not have an issue with Intellectual Property (IP) as it is clearly defined in their contract documents (P Nunn 2010. Pers. comm., 6 Aug). 5.3 Standard of Care There is a concern that the universal use of BIM will eventually alter both the standard of care and historical protections afforded to design professional by the doctrine of privity  [1]  . Until recently in America, the doctrine of privity of contract shielded architects and engineers from negligence claims by parties with whom the architect did not have a contract (Sieminski 2007). Many jurisdictions in America now allow claims without privity when it is clear that a contractor reasonably relied upon information that the design professional misrepresented in a context in which the contractor clearly would be relying upon that information (Sieminski 2007). Therefore, contractual issues would become problematic in the future, in that, one of the requirements of the example claim above reasonable reliance may appear to be presumed in a BIM environment. 5.4 Insurance Contracting parties, contract insurers and sureties need more certainty and an accurate gauge of their exposure when writing insurance policies and bonds. While there are many positives about BIM, there are currently too many unknowns for insurers to write BIM policies (Faulkner 2007). Just as BIM technology is evolving, so must the insurance industry evolve to consider whether its current products adequately cover the new risks created by this technology or whether additional instruments are necessary to allow project participants to manage these risks in a prudent manner (Haynes 2009). From the design professionals perspective, it is important to carefully examine the adequacy of their professional liability arising out of negligence of the design professional during the preparation of BIM models. When design professionals assume additional responsibility as a gatekeeper or model manager, then additional risks undertaken and thereby must be covered under the standard professional liability policy. Similarly, when a contractor involved in creating BIM construction models, utilises them for planning, fabrication, estimating or scheduling, the need for professional liability is even more important (Haynes 2009). 5.5 Interoperability One of the largest challenges being actively addressed by technology developers and end-users are the interoperability of existing BIM programs and the creation of multiple accurate models to fulfil specific purposes (Miner Thomson 2006). The term interoperability refers to the ability of various project participants to share and exchange information electronically through the use of different software systems. Due to the different types of design/BIM programs on the market, there are no guarantees that the different software can be used by all stakeholders or work flawlessly together (Haynes 2009). There have been several attempts to standardise the language interfaces of various BIM software, however have not been formalised. In the meantime, however, provisions must be made among parties concerning the consequences of inconsistencies or errors that arise as a result of interoperability. This issue of software compatibility also flows into a concern with remedies for defects in software (Haynes 2009). Up until now there has yet to be a lawsuit based on the use of BIM, however its only a matter of time before misunderstandings or relative risks and responsibilities of parties will be noticed. The use of BIM in the construction process will continue to be affected by the contractual relationship between project participants, the world of litigation and evolution of technology. It is important for those involved to continue to assess the interrelationships of these variables and prepare for more technological advances which are inevitably on the horizon . 6.0 BIM adoption in Australia Vs America 6.1 Uptake of BIM Despite the potential benefits of BIM, its uptake in Australia has been slow (Branksovic et al. 2010). Based on the National Guidelines of Digital Modelling written by the CRC in Australia 2009, slow adoption in the industry exists due to voids which exist in practice as the industry is yet to make full use of the possibilities that new software technologies have provided. There appears to be little multidisciplinary BIM, and very little over the whole building lifecycle (National Guidelines of Digital Modelling, 2009, p.20). According to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), however, America has experienced a 160% increase in use in the main architectural community during 2005 to 2009 (Ireland 2010). The AIA survey also reveals that more than 75% of responding architects reported very heavy or heavy use of BIM technology in their projects in 2009. Were well past the tipping point now, says Markku Allison, resource architect for AIA. At our 2005 convention, the opening plenary session was about BIM, and of the nearly 4,000 architects in the room we got the impression that 85% had never even heard of BIM. Now when we go on the road, everyone knows what BIM is, and the audience can offer up success stories about using BIM (Ireland 2010). However, in Australia it is said that the Architects are against the adoption of BIM due to the large setup costs (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). 6.2 Which stakeholders are driving the adoption of BIM? After interviewing a number of industry professionals in Australia, the general consensus was that different stakeholders were driving the adoption of BIM, all for different reasons. Client benefits from BIM through the Facility Management perspective and ongoing building operation Architects Engineers benefit from the speed in design (once the initial design is complete), there is no need to draw sections and details are they are all within the model to start with Builders benefit through the ease of coordination, reduction in buildability issues and the use of clash detection (M Ryan 2010. pers. comm., 8 July). Paul Nunn from Laing ORourke, however, indicated that clients such as Project Services and companies such as Laing ORourke are currently driving the adoption of BIM (P Nunn 2010. pers. comm., 6 Aug). Andrew Gutteridge, and architect from Arkhefield Australia believes that Architects are the ones who need to get to speed first architects have a lot to learn (A Gutteridge 2010. pers. comm., 1 July). On the other hand, Architects currently make up the largest group of user of BIM technology in America (Ireland 2010). In 2008, a SmartMarket Report published by New York-based McGraw-Hill Construction revealed that more than 43% of architects were using BIM on more than 60% of their projects. However, the use of BIM requires more than the adoption of its technology by one group in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry (Ireland 2010). 6.3 BIM Standard Form Contracts The construction industry is only beginning to catch up with the contractual liability issues that arise from the non-traditional roles played by the various project participants. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has developed IPD Agreements which include the following contracts: AIA C196-2008 Standard Form of Agreement between Single Purpose Entity Owner or Integrated Project Delivery AIA C197-2008 Standard Form of Agreement between Single Purpose Entity Non-Owner or Integrated Project Delivery These contractual agreements also incorporate a separate Exhibit (AIA Document E202-2008) that might also be used with their other, more traditional contract documents on IPD project using BIM technologies (Pohl Short 2010). In addition to these contractual agreements, the AIA and the new ConsenusDOCs organisation have issued their respective BIM documents which address, at least in a preliminary manner, many of the legal and contractual implications of utilising BIM technology. ConsensusDOCs 301 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Addendum was released by the ConsensusDOCs organization in June 2008. This document is intended as an exhibit to be appended to a standard construction or design agreement, to address certain key legal and contractual questions, and give the parties a platform on which to reach an agreement on how to manage the various risks derived from this technology. ConsensusDOCs 301 was followed later in 2008 by the AIAs issuance of its E-202 Building Information Modeling Protocol exhibit, which like its predecessor outlines a number of practical issues and formulates certain procedures and protocols for the parties to follow with respect to the development of their BIM models. Again, both the CD301 and the E-202 are designed as exhibits to be appended to an existing design or construction services agreement (Haynes 2009). Unlike America, Australia has no standard contract form for the implementation of BIM. However, contractors such as Laing ORourke have established their own in-house protocols which provide detailed information based on the British standards (P Nunn 2010. pers. comm., 6 Aug). In Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and Building Smart in conjunction with CRC Construction Innovation have produced a National Guidelines for Digital Modelling. The guidelines are readily available; however, not enough people are taking them seriously. The uptake in the industry is increasing, but not fast enough. There are still many misconceptions about BIM and there is a lack of understanding about the value of BIM in the industry (A Butteridge 2010. pers. comm., 1 July). The Queensland Government have vouched to release all government projects in 3D within the next two years (P Nunn 2010. pers. comm., 6 Aug). America is two steps ahead, with five states mandating the use of BIM which has forced the market to adopt and invest in BIM technology. 7.0 Future of BIM Based on the QUT Research paper from the ICAN Conference in 2007 (Brankovic et al.2007), in order for greater adoption of BIM in Australia, the following issues need to be addressed: 7.1 Incentives and drivers Architects, Engineers and Contractors will continue to see the benefits of adopting BIM especially with large projects involving the Government (Project Services). The drive from the Government and clients will provide enough incentives for stakeholders to invest in BIM. A successful adoption of BIM is expected to lengthen the initial design process but reduce the construction cost and time (Brankovic et al.2007). In addition to this, the effort required by the architects and other design disciplines to put in the additional information can be considerably reduced if the commercial vendors have enough incentives to provide country specific product libraries and standards. Such specifications need to be in place to allow a sustained market for BIM applications. This in turn will also facilitate the working of regulatory authorities enabling automatic code checking and building standards (Brankovic et al.2007 p.10). 7.2 Market needs and distribution As previously discussed, small and medium sized firms within the industry will need to decide on when and if their firm will adopt BIM over the next two years. Although the capital costs are high, small f

Changes in market condition effects on the airline industry

Changes in market condition effects on the airline industry The purpose of this assignment is to study the changes in market condition that have affected the airline industry. The Airline industry has been introduced to the world since 1909.Airline services vary from intercontinental, to intra continental, domestic or international. They are portrayed through an oligopoly structure which is limited number of firms overlook the industry to produce imperfect competition. We discuss about airline oligopoly structure and current economic environment that shows an impact to the airline industry. The effects of technology advancement and competitive market will trigger the airline industry in terms of benefits and burden. We study the airline oligopoly structure, current economic and noneconomic environment, change in technology, effect of externalities and price discrimination shows an impact in the airline industry. Currently the airline industry is in high competition market causing a wide shakedown which will have long distance effect on the tr end of expanding the market. Airline industry was at least part government owned during the past but in the U.S most of the airlines are private owned. Airline Industry Structure The airline industry is classified as one of the oligopoly market structure. The oligopoly market is dominated by a number of firms that control the whole industry and this is a type of imperfect competition. Oligopoly firms have the rights in setting the price of a certain goods and also creating many types of output levels. When the oligopoly takes place in the market, competitors will compete with each other due to producing the same goods. Therefore, they will develop new ideas such as lowering the price of their goods and also other ways to improve the market share. In other words, oligopoly firms are interdependent. Besides that, an oligopoly firm such as the airline industry requires a huge capital investment to expand the business which will result in a higher cost. Based on the Air Transport Association (2002), roughly two thirds of the overall airline industry cost structure is fixed cost. According to Pettit and Murphy (2001), when there are over capitals, the airline industry cannot possibly generate sufficient revenues to cover up their total fixed cost hence the industry. In order to increase the number of passengers, the firm must reduce its cost and also to be given a fixed capital requirements. Moving on, airline industries are highly potential in producing efficiencies such as providing a better service and lower price to consumers. Through optimization, the airline industry may achieve higher profits and increasing the load factors, reducing the maintenance cost, settle off overhead cost for operating through synergies (Petit and Murphy 2001), and also suggested to reduce the flights to a weaker market. (Sharkey 2003) Next, an oligopoly firm may use the market power to control competition but however new innovation firms can overcome it by using the strategy of the low fare airlines. Although there is difficulty to enter the industry such as high cost and capital requirement, the industry appears to be more competitive as proven by the low-fare transport. Hence, new market competitors can continue experiencing high growth in profit unlike the bigger competitors. In the airline industry, it consists of smaller and bigger airline when both merge together, the antitrust considerations may prevent it from happening. According to Blair and Harrison (1999) and Moorman (2002), in order to protect new competitors in the market from an unfair competition and also anti competitive acquisitions, the antitrust provisions are required to change and enforce. Lastly, the price determination and economies of scale as well as the low cost competitors show that the airline industry is not a stable industry. Thus, structure with the lowest cost would be the survivor when the sales in the industry decrease. Current Economic and Noneconomic environment The airline industry has been facing a chain of unpredicted and noneconomic factors such as terrorist attack in 2001, spreading virus of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and also economic slow down. The airports have increased the cost of airlines after the September 11 attack, resulting impact on demand for air flights and also traveled time due to intensive security check. The 9/11 event had raise losses of that year to $7.7 billion, regardless government intervention of $5billion for the cost of shutting down the aviation system. Beside terrorist attack, airline industry had come across economic slowdown in early 2000. The economic slowdowns ease the business traveler, when the airline is depending on gainful sales of high price seats. According to Newman 2003, he suggested that even before the terrorist attack the airline industry is experiencing slow growth of passenger travel. Highly competitive airline is another factor affecting the airline industry. Until late 1990s, major airlines enjoy competition with low fare carriers. The new competitors are having lower cost per seat mile while making profit at lower fares. Microeconomics and macroeconomic market factors have lowered demand and increased elasticity demand in the industry. Figure 1 shows demand for airline tickets has decreased from D1 to D2 becoming more elastic. Is becomes flatter when there is higher price responsiveness, represented by decrease in price from P1 to P2. The equilibrium will shift from E1 to E2. Oligopoly industry will be motivated by the change in demand to reduce supply of seat in order to reduce the cost with a constant price at P1, supply curve shift from S1 to S2 with equilibrium at E3. FIGURE 1 Effect of technology changes The worlds airline industries have been using technologies to build customer relationship and also generate income to solve some of their difficulties. For airlines, technology like Electronic ticketing (ET) only offers in certain airlines decades ago. The main purpose of it was to encourage the implementation of ET with lower distribution costs and also to enhance online environment of airlines. Technology has transformed how airlines work back then. It is so much easier to manage the check-in system. Most airlines are taking up system that runs automated check-in. Instead of arriving at the airport early, traveler could just swipe their credit card through a machine and print out the e-ticket which saves a lot of time. Technology could be use to boost customer relationship. Through the Web, industry could offer travelers to customize their specific travel. For example a traveler that flies frequently are most likely to enjoy the airport lounge services, therefore the Web interface could direct the service with a higher cost with satisfaction. Figure 2 shows the effect of technology advancement in the airline industry. FIGURE 2 When demand for air ticket increases, the demand curve eventually shift upwards. The initial equilibrium is at E1 with initial price and quantity at P1 and Q1 respectively. With increase of demand, price will increase from P1 to P2 and quantity demanded will increase from Q1 to Q2 and the new equilibrium at E2. When airline industry is enjoying their benefits from cost saving, consumers gain benefits from greater price transparency and other choices. According to Newman 2003, he suggested webcasting and other types of telecommunication shows impact in the airline industry because there are increase in business travelers and consumers. Many business meeting or interview are conducted through video conferencing which save time and cost. Also employee could easily apply for overseas job via audio and video streaming at a distance location. (Cope 2002) Technologies that can communicate with each partner is essential for future benefits in the industry especially green technologies which could build a sustaining future. Price Discrimination Price discrimination is defined as a firm selling same goods at different prices to different types of customers. Price discrimination is also a known as price strategy. Example of firms that applies the price discrimination is the low cost airlines. Promotions for cheap air tickets are always advertised to attract customers to buy their air tickets earlier by giving a lower price. This enables the airline firm to have advantage of knowing their flight seat status and also a source of cash flow. When the date of the flight is getting nearer, the price of air tickets increases therefore customers that buy the tickets are likely to be paying at a higher price. In other words, this represents the concept of price elasticity of demand. Price elasticity of demand basically measures how much the quantity demanded of certain goods responds to a change in price of the particular goods. The figure below shows the effect of price elasticity of consumers on total revenue. FIGURE 3 Based on figure 3, we can observe that when the demand is elastic, the quantity demanded which are Q1 and Q2 will be greater than the percentage change in price P1 and P2. The total revenue after decreasing the price from P1 to P2 is greater than before the decreasing it. This is proven that the sales of the airline increased due the increase in quantity hence in this airline industry, consumers are relatively responsive towards to the changes in price. Effects of Externalities The airline industry growth has been increasing year by year. We can observe that nowadays many people are taking airplane to travel around the world. Furthermore, based on research during 1990 the number of passengers was approximately 125 billion and after 10 years it has increased to approximately 260 billion passengers. This showed that the demand increases every year because of the new development of technologies and also new low-cost airlines firms. Although the airline industry shows a positive growth every year, the negative external cost of flying more passengers pollutes the environment. Based on Dr Keith Tovey, energy science director at the University of East Anglias carbon reduction project. If you fly to Sydney, Australia, a plane will emit 5.6 tons of carbon dioxide per passenger, which is as much as an average household will emit a year. Moreover, aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of the greenhouse gas hence in future the percentage of emission will increase and affect the environment. In order to overcome this problem, the government has introduced a new solution which is the aviation tax to curb the environment damages. This would affect the increase airfare prices because of the tax on suppliers which had increased their cost of production. FIGURE 4 Based on figure 4, when the government implies the aviation tax on the suppliers, suppliers will reduce their supplies to reduce their cost. The supply curve S will to S1 hence the decrease in supply will lead to a decrease in number of quantities from Q to Q1 therefore the price will increase from P to P1. Conclusion In a nutshell, the changes in the airline industry market will affect the consumers to make decision. Certain airlines are cutting cost in order to increase their profit. Technology such as Wi-Fi is highly recommended in flight to satisfy customers need. (Newman, 2003) Small changes in the number of flight passengers can affect the airline financial result. Whenever there is a reduction in airline industry like the one during 2008, airport operating cost remain constant. Coy (2002) noted that every seats remaining available are consider as a lost although its at reduced fares. This is where price discrimination takes place. The global airline industry lost $50 billion in the past 10 years with $11billion last year alone. It would take at least three years to improve the industry. Worsen of airline has forced some airline corporate to file for bankrupt. According to IATA Chief Economist, the industry worst loss was $13 billion in 2001 with the September 11 event, and $80 billion income drop last year. To improve the economy, there should be more new entrants in the market to be more efficient. Regardless of any factor, the airline industry will always be unstable. Price will normally rise when there is tax charged by government. Thus, consumers plays a vital role in adjusting the changes occurs in the airline industry.

Essay Comparing The Giant Wistaria and Yellow Wallpaper :: comparison compare contrast essays

Comparing The Giant Wistaria and The Yellow Wallpaper    Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, "The Giant Wistaria" was first published in June 1891 in The New England Magazine, the same journal that would publish "The Yellow Wallpaper" a year later in 1892. These were difficult years in Gilman's life: she had separated from her first husband, artist Charles Walter Stetson, and was attempting, unsuccessfully, to resolve her contradictory desires, on one hand, to be a good wife and mother in conventional terms, and on the other, to be autonomous and seriously dedicated to her work. In 1891-1892, Gilman (still using the name Stetson) was enjoying her first literary successes, confirming her decision to work politically for women's rights, and moving toward the painful decision to give up custody of her daughter, who, beginning in May 1894, would be raised by Stetson's second wife--whom Gilman considered a "co-mother." Although "The Giant Wistaria" remains largely unknown while "The Yellow Wallpaper" has earned the status of American classic since its rediscovery by feminist critics in the 1970s, the two texts are easily seen as companions, for they share many of the same formal and thematic concerns. Both "The Yellow Wallpaper" and "The Giant Wistaria" explore the troubled nexus between the sexual repression of women, patriarchal control of motherhood, madness, and the anxiety of authorship. Both are fragmented in form and depend for their correct interpretation on a community of sympathetic readers implicitly constructed by Gilman as feminist, if not also female. "The Giant Wistaria" is a story in two parts. The first, which takes place at least one hundred years before the second, concerns the punishment of a young woman by her parents, especially by her father, for having borne an illegitimate child. The second part takes place in the present, that is, in the late nineteenth century, as a group of young people--Mr. and Mrs. Jenny, their "pretty sisters" and their sisters' suitors--discover the house's horrific secret. Gloria A. Biamonte's interpretation of "The Giant Wistaria" implicitly casts the young set as a community of readers and emphasizes the divisions of that community by gender. It is the women who are at first convinced that the house must have "a story, if we could only find it," while the men merely scoff and tease until the house will no longer permit that careless attitude. In addition, at the story's end it becomes clear that the women will be the house's most sensitive and skillful readers, as it is perhaps also clear that its gothic tale is intended as a warning for themselves. Essay Comparing The Giant Wistaria and Yellow Wallpaper :: comparison compare contrast essays Comparing The Giant Wistaria and The Yellow Wallpaper    Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, "The Giant Wistaria" was first published in June 1891 in The New England Magazine, the same journal that would publish "The Yellow Wallpaper" a year later in 1892. These were difficult years in Gilman's life: she had separated from her first husband, artist Charles Walter Stetson, and was attempting, unsuccessfully, to resolve her contradictory desires, on one hand, to be a good wife and mother in conventional terms, and on the other, to be autonomous and seriously dedicated to her work. In 1891-1892, Gilman (still using the name Stetson) was enjoying her first literary successes, confirming her decision to work politically for women's rights, and moving toward the painful decision to give up custody of her daughter, who, beginning in May 1894, would be raised by Stetson's second wife--whom Gilman considered a "co-mother." Although "The Giant Wistaria" remains largely unknown while "The Yellow Wallpaper" has earned the status of American classic since its rediscovery by feminist critics in the 1970s, the two texts are easily seen as companions, for they share many of the same formal and thematic concerns. Both "The Yellow Wallpaper" and "The Giant Wistaria" explore the troubled nexus between the sexual repression of women, patriarchal control of motherhood, madness, and the anxiety of authorship. Both are fragmented in form and depend for their correct interpretation on a community of sympathetic readers implicitly constructed by Gilman as feminist, if not also female. "The Giant Wistaria" is a story in two parts. The first, which takes place at least one hundred years before the second, concerns the punishment of a young woman by her parents, especially by her father, for having borne an illegitimate child. The second part takes place in the present, that is, in the late nineteenth century, as a group of young people--Mr. and Mrs. Jenny, their "pretty sisters" and their sisters' suitors--discover the house's horrific secret. Gloria A. Biamonte's interpretation of "The Giant Wistaria" implicitly casts the young set as a community of readers and emphasizes the divisions of that community by gender. It is the women who are at first convinced that the house must have "a story, if we could only find it," while the men merely scoff and tease until the house will no longer permit that careless attitude. In addition, at the story's end it becomes clear that the women will be the house's most sensitive and skillful readers, as it is perhaps also clear that its gothic tale is intended as a warning for themselves.

Huffman Trucking Telephony Systems Analysis Essay -- Business Analysis

A Physical Location Background Huffman Trucking has offices paired with plants in four states: California, Missouri, New Jersey, and Ohio. Huffman has grown both organically and through acquisition. The tremendous growth experienced by the company has also shined the light on some growing pains. Each of the four locations have independently managed networks including telephony which has resulted in disconnected systems that require independent investment for upgrades, support, and maintenance and lacks the ability to leverage investments across the organization. The end result includes multiple proprietary telephony platforms and gateways that leave the organization unable to reduce overhead cost in this area. There is some good news found in some levels of common platforms among several locations. The focus of this paper will be to identify the common strengths regarding the types of systems, define the physical extent of the systems, and describe the services available. In addition opportunities to levera ge existing investments and reduce cost will be identified. B Network Commonality and Variance According to the network diagrams provided for each facility by Huffman there are some consistencies among the various facilities. The Missouri and Ohio office locations currently have an Avaya Digital Phone System installed that communicates through the use of a token-ring. Similarly the Missouri and Ohio plant locations have commonality by employing a token-ring to enable communication of several analog handset terminals to a mainframe. In the plant all of the phones also communicate through the token-ring without the benefit of any type of digital phone system. Other consistencies, albeit to a lesser extent, ca... ... manage all types of digital communication. Huffman would need to consider how much depreciation has occurred for each of the current hardware assets (ie. PBX's, handsets, etc) by location in order to identify a phased approach that would minimize disruption and maximize savings potential. For example, if a PBX at the Missouri office has recently been purchased and has several years before being fully depreciated then the company may want to consider prioritizing another facility first. Certain components such as scanners will still require a analog TDM gateway which means this will have to be considered in any proposed network design. II References VoIP. (n.d.). The American Heritage ® Science Dictionary. Retrieved May 28, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/VoIP Huffman Trucking Telephony Systems Analysis Essay -- Business Analysis A Physical Location Background Huffman Trucking has offices paired with plants in four states: California, Missouri, New Jersey, and Ohio. Huffman has grown both organically and through acquisition. The tremendous growth experienced by the company has also shined the light on some growing pains. Each of the four locations have independently managed networks including telephony which has resulted in disconnected systems that require independent investment for upgrades, support, and maintenance and lacks the ability to leverage investments across the organization. The end result includes multiple proprietary telephony platforms and gateways that leave the organization unable to reduce overhead cost in this area. There is some good news found in some levels of common platforms among several locations. The focus of this paper will be to identify the common strengths regarding the types of systems, define the physical extent of the systems, and describe the services available. In addition opportunities to levera ge existing investments and reduce cost will be identified. B Network Commonality and Variance According to the network diagrams provided for each facility by Huffman there are some consistencies among the various facilities. The Missouri and Ohio office locations currently have an Avaya Digital Phone System installed that communicates through the use of a token-ring. Similarly the Missouri and Ohio plant locations have commonality by employing a token-ring to enable communication of several analog handset terminals to a mainframe. In the plant all of the phones also communicate through the token-ring without the benefit of any type of digital phone system. Other consistencies, albeit to a lesser extent, ca... ... manage all types of digital communication. Huffman would need to consider how much depreciation has occurred for each of the current hardware assets (ie. PBX's, handsets, etc) by location in order to identify a phased approach that would minimize disruption and maximize savings potential. For example, if a PBX at the Missouri office has recently been purchased and has several years before being fully depreciated then the company may want to consider prioritizing another facility first. Certain components such as scanners will still require a analog TDM gateway which means this will have to be considered in any proposed network design. II References VoIP. (n.d.). The American Heritage ® Science Dictionary. Retrieved May 28, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/VoIP