Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency Essay Example for Free

Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency Essay The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) is an Australian government agency. It is statutory authority located within the portfolio of the Australian Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). EOWA’s role is to administer the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 (Commonwealth)[1] which was passed by the Federal Parliament in November 2012, and through education, assist organisations to achieve equal opportunity for women. Outlined in Part III Section 10 of the Act, the Agency is primarily a regulatory body, whose role is to annually monitor the reporting of eligible Australian organisations on equal opportunity for women in their workplaces. The Agency also has responsibility to undertake research, educational and other programs, and more generally promote the understanding of equal opportunity for women in the workplace within the community. In 2012, the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 was replaced by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. The passing of the new legislation means the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency has now been renamed the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. The Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW) citation is announced annually  since the 2001 inaugural list of 55 organisations. As of 2012, the list had grown to 125 organisations.[2] Gender pay gap in Australia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Main article: Gender pay gap Gender pay gap in Australia refers to the difference between the average female and average male salary. It is calculated on the average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time employees published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The gender pay gap excludes part-time, casual earnings and overtime payments.[1] Australia has a persistent gender pay gap. Since 1990, the gender pay gap remained within a narrow range of between 15 and 18%.[2] In May 2013, the Australian gender pay gap was 17.5%.[3] Studies A 2009 report by the National Center for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) prepared for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairsstated: Using robust microeconomic modelling techniques, based on a comprehensive and critical evaluation of several methodologies, we found that simply being a woman is the major contributing factor to the gap in Australia, accounting for 60 per cent of the difference between women’s and men’s earnings, a finding which reflects other Australian research in this area. Indeed, the results showed that if the effects of being a woman were removed, the average wage of an Australian woman would increase by $1.87 per hour, equating to an additional $65 per week or $3,394 annually, based on a 35 hour week. (The second most important factor in explaining the pay gap was industrial segregation.)[2] Data collected by NATSEM for the Catalyst Australia publication, Equality Speaks,[4] found that the gap between the average wealth of men and women also varies according to the occupations and industries in which they are engaged. According to industry, the largest gap in personal wealth between men and women is within the ï ¬ nance and insurance sector ($330 600 versus $88 500) where many women work. By contrast, there exists only a small differential in the construction industry ($63 500 versus $62 700) where few women work. In other industries where many women work, there are large wealth gaps: for example, in health and community services ($174 000 versus  $68 000) and retail trade ($84 000 versus $34 000). Turning from industry to occupation, other signiï ¬ cant disparities are revealed. The greatest disparity between the average wealth of men and women is amongst elementary clerical, sales and service workers ($110 400 versus $19 900). Jobs that fall within this category include sales assistants, security guards and laundry workers. The smallest relative wealth gap can be seen in advanced clerical and service workers ($91 600 versus $83 500). Jobs in this occupational category include book-keepers, personal assistants and secretaries. Ian Watson of Macquarie University also examined the gender pay according to occupation, specifically the gap among full-time managers in Australia over the period 2001-2008. He found that between 65 and 90% of this earnings differential could not be explained by a large range of demographic and labor market variables. Watson notes that a major part of the earnings gap is simply due to women managers being female. He also found that despite the characteristics of male and female managers being remarkably similar, their earnings are very different, suggesting that discrimination plays an important role in this outcome.[5] Economist Paul Miller explored the degree to which the Australian gender pay gap differs across the wage distribution and found that the gender pay gap was much greater among high wage earners than among low wage earners. At the top of the wage distribution (95th quantile) the pay gap reached 25% or more while at the bottom the pay gap was around 10%. He concluded that the notion of a ‘glass ceiling, whereby women struggle to advance beyond some point in the more typical career path, is certainly prevalent in the Australian labour market.[6] In a similar study, Hiao Joo Kee found that the gender pay gap increased at higher levels of the wage distribution in the private sector – leading to her conclusion that a glass ceiling existed there – but that the gap in the public sector was relatively constant over all percentiles. Moreover, Kee found that the acceleration of the pay gap across the wage distribution does not vanish even after extensive controls. She concludes that the gender pay gap in both sectors was a result of differences in returns to the same characteristics between men and women.[7] Trends in the Australian labor force[edit] In 2010 Australian females represented 50.2% of the Australian population and  45.3% of the workforce.[8] Trends within the Australian labour force have female workforce participants increasingly more educated than their male counterparts with more females completing year 12 and going on to university than males in 2008 females made up 55 per cent of students enrolled in Australian tertiary institutions.[9] In 2010 Finance was the industry with the widest gender pay gap at 32.2%, followed by Health Care and Social Assistance at 27.2% and Mining at 22.7%.[10] Cases and legislation Until 1969, legislation allowed employers to pay women a minimum rate of pay that was 25 per cent less than male employees doing the same or similar work. In 1969 the first federal pay case[11] established the principle of equal pay for equal work. The 1969 case established a principle that affected 18 per cent of women workers, mostly teachers and nurses.[12] In 1972, the second federal equal pay case widened the 1969 principle to equal pay for work of equal value in line with International Labour Organisations Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (100).[13] This meant that women were awarded the same rate of pay as men no matter what work they were doing, as long as it was assessed as comparable in value. New South Wales (NSW) was the first Australian industrial jurisdiction to legislate for equal pay in the Female Rates (Amendment) Act in 1958.[14] In 2000, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission created Australia’s first Equal Remuneration Principle (ERP). The principle provides an avenue for unions to seek redress where they believe work has been undervalued on a gender basis. In 2002, the Full Bench of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission fully ratified the Crown Employees (Librarians, Library Assistants, Library Technicians and Archivists) Award 2002, which incorporated pay increases of up to 26%. The Commonwealth Affirmative Action (Equal Employment Opportunity for Women) Act 1986 was enacted to improve equity in the Australian workforce and establish the Affirmative Action Agency. It aimed to promote equal opportunity for women in employment and eliminate discrimination by the employer against women. In 1999 the agency was changed to the Equal Opportunity in the Workplace Agency to administer the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 (Commonwealth).[15] In 2009 an Australian House of Representatives Pay Equity Report called on the Commonwealth Government to elevate pay equity to  be a clear objective of modern awards and recommended the establishment of a federal Pay Equity Unit and the conducting of mandatory pay equity audits for companies with 100 employees or more.[16] Western Australia Western Australia has the largest gender pay gap of any state or territory in Australia. As of August 2010 it was 24 per cent, representing a gap between average weekly ordinary time male and female earnings.[17] Research has failed to adequately account for all the factors that underpin Western Australia’s relatively large gender pay gap and thus explain why its gender pay gap is higher than the rest of Australia, which was 17 per cent in August 2010.[18] A specialist Pay Equity Unit in Western Australian was established in 2006 to address the States gender pay gap. The Western Australian Pay Equity team in the Department of Commerce developed the WA Pay Equity Audit Tool, a resource for employers to use in assessing workforce data and assist in the development of strategies to improve pay equity and female career progression in the workplace. The Tool was adopted nationally by the Equal Opportunity in the Workplace Agency.[19] Income and wealth inequality, how is Australia faring? Australians like to think of themselves as egalitarian, and for much of our history we believed our income and wealth was spread around evenly. The Conversation is running a series, Class in Australia, to identify, illuminate and debate its many manifestations. Here, Peter Whiteford investigates what has happened to income and wealth inequality in Australia in recent times. Australians like to think of themselves as egalitarian, and for much of our history we believed our income and wealth was spread around evenly. For many years, the world also shared that view. As early as the 1880s, visitors  remarked on Australia’s relatively equal distribution of wealth, the lack of visible poverty, the country’s generally comfortable incomes and its relatively few millionaires. As late as 1967, prime minister Harold Holt could say that he knew of no other free country where â€Å"what is produced by the community is more fairly and evenly distributed among the community† than it was in Australia. From the 1980s onwards, however, this view of Australia came under scrutiny. As historian John Hirst wrote: ‘Egalitarianism – see under myths’: so runs the index entry in a standard sociological text on Australian society. The most common measure of inequality is the Gini coefficient, which varies between zero and one. If everyone had exactly the same income then it would be zero (perfect equality). If one household had all the income then it would be one (complete inequality). The most recent figures for OECD countries, from around 2010, show that Australia is the 11th most unequalof the 34 OECD members. Australia has only ever briefly been below the OECD average Gini coefficient: just as the mining boom started in 2003. Trends in income inequality Working out what has happened to inequality in Australia over the long term is complex. While there is disagreement about overall trends, according to economists Andrew Leigh and Tony Atkinson, inequality declined between the 1950s and the late 1970s, with Peter Saunders identifying an increase in the 1980s. These long-run estimates are usually based either on wage trends or income tax data, which means that findings apply to individuals rather than households. Household incomes after benefits and taxes, however, are generally regarded as a better measure of economic resources. Since the early 1980s, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has conducted regular high-quality surveys of household incomes. The most recent survey covers the 2011-12 year. Research by economists David Johnson and Roger Wilkins found that the Gini coefficient increased from around 0.27 in 1981–82 to around 0.30 in 1997-98. Subsequently, the official ABS income statistics show that the Gini coefficient increased to 0.34 just before the global financial crisis in 2008, then fell to 0.32 in 2011-12. The ABS points out that changes from year to year are sometimes not large enough to be statistically significant. Yet the cumulative picture is of an upward trend, punctuated with periods in which inequality has fallen. Whether the most recent fall continues or is reversed remains to be seen. Trends in wealth inequality For many years, statistics on the distribution of wealth were even sparser than comprehensive statistics on the distribution of income. The improvements in income statistics achieved by the ABS were more recently matched by the collection of information on wealth – or more precisely on â€Å"net worth† (assets minus liabilities). According to the ABS, the wealthiest 20% of Australian households, with an average net worth of A$2.2 million per household in 2011-12, accounted for 61% of total household net worth. The poorest 20% of households accounted for 1% of total household net worth, and had an average net worth of $31,000 per household. This means that the wealthiest 20% of Australian households had net worth that was 68 times as high as the least wealthy 20%. In contrast, the 20% of Australian households with the highest disposable income were about five times better off than the poorest 20%. So, it seems pretty clear that wealth is much more unequally distributed in Australia than income. Or is it? This depends on how you look at it. The most recent Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report, prepared by Anthony Shorrocks, one of the most highly respected world experts on wealth distribution, estimates that the distribution of wealth in Australia is the second least unequal (after Japan) of 27 major countries and the 12th least unequal of 174 countries. It is also notable that the Credit Suisse report finds that Australia has the second highest average level of wealth in the world and the highest median wealth. The ABS survey – used by Credit Suisse – also presents two ways of looking at the distribution of wealth: first, by ranking households simply by the amount of wealth they have; second, by ranking households by how much incom e they have. When the ABS ranks households by their incomes, the 20% with the lowest incomes have an average net worth of around $437,000, while the 20% with the highest incomes have about $1.3 million in net worth. This means that the poorest one-fifth of households, measured by income, hold 12% of net wealth, while the richest  one-fifth hold 36%, a ratio of about 3 to 1. These figures suggest that wealth is actually more equally distributed than income when the joint distribution of income and wealth is used which is a more comprehensive measure of total household resources. These two approaches yield remarkably different pictures of wealth distribution. This reflects the fact that people accumulate wealth over the course of their life. Young people starting off in their first job generally don’t have much in the way of wealth, but as they grow older they will purchase homes – which have been the great wealth â€Å"equaliser† in Australia – and accumulate superannuation and other savings. As a result, older people have much higher average wealth than younger people, but older people generally have lower incomes than younger people. So, why did we think that income was equally shared in Australia if it wasn’t? The answer is that most of the earlier studies were based on a limited income measure: usually wages before tax and usually full-time wagesfor men. In the past, Australia’s wage-fixing system compressed the wage distribution. As late as 1999, Australia had the highest minimum wage relative to the median in the OECD. If you are a full-time employed male wage earner in Australia, then you have a lower level of income inequality than in Denmark, otherwise one of the lowest inequality countries. The most important source of inequality in Australia is whether you have a job or not. So the pillars of egalitarianism in Australia were high wages, high home ownership and low unemployment. If we want to regain this position, we need to ensure that unemployment remains low and that low-income earners are able to buy into affordable housing. References 1. Jump up^ Australian Government. Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999. Retrieved 2013-09-26. 2. Jump up^ Employers compete to be first choice for women. Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW). The Workplace Gender Equality Agency. 13 Mar 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2013. 2. ^Changes to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act reflect a shift in focus. |http://www.dibbsbarker.com/publication/Changes_to_the_Equal_Opportunity_for_Women_in_the_Workplace_Act_reflect_a_shift_in_focus.aspx DibbsBarker. 13 February 2013. 1. Jump up^ Department of Commerce. Frequently asked questions about pay equity. Retrieved on May 06, 2011. 2. ^ Jump up to:a b National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling. The impact of a sustained gender wage gap on the economy. Report to the Office for Women, Department of Families, Community Services, Housing and Indigenous Affairs, 2009, p. v-vi. 3. Jump up^ Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency. 6302.0 Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2013. Australian Government, 2013. 4. Jump up^ Catalyst Australia, Equality Speaks Chapter 10, 2009 5. Jump up^ Watson, Ian (2010). Decomposing the Gender Pay Gap in the Australian Managerial Labour Market. Australian Journal of Labour Economics, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 49-79. 6. Jump up^ Miller, Paul W. (2005). The Role of Gender among Low-Paid and High-Paid Workers.Australian Economic Review, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 405-417, quote p. 413-414. 7. Jump up^ Kee, Hiao Joo (2006). Glass Ceiling or Sticky Floor? Expl oring the Australian Gender Pay Gap. The Economic Record, Vol. 82, No. 259, pp. 408-427. 8. Jump up^ Toohey, Tim, David Colosimo Andrew Boak (2009). Australia’s Hidden Resource: The Economic Case for Increasing Female Participation. Melbourne: Goldman Sachs JBWere Investment Research, p. 3. 9. Jump up^ Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Student 2009 Full Year: Selected Higher Education Statistics. 10. Jump up^ Australian Bureau of Statistics, Average Weekly Earnings. Catalogue 6302.0, Time Series Tables 10A 10D. 11. Jump up^ Equal Pay Case 1969 (1969) Volume 127 Commonwealth Arbitration Reports p. 1142. 12. Jump up^ Brenda Finlayson. Equal Pay – We’ve Come A long Way. Workers Online, Issue No 17, 11 June 1999. 13. Jump up^ C100 Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951. 14. Jump up^ NSW Industrial Relations. A history of pay equity. 15. Jump up^ Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency. Overview of the Act. 16. Jump up^ Parliament of Australia, House of Representatives. Inquiry into pay equity and associated issues related to increasing female participation in the workforce. 17. Jump up^ Australian Bureau of Statistics. Labour Force. 6202.0, Table 8, November 2010 (trend data) 18. Jump up^ Department of Commerce. Frequently asked questions about pay equity. 19. Jump up^ Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency. The Pay Equity Audit Tool.

FMI Studies in Obesity

FMI Studies in Obesity Obesity: insights from fMRI imaging studies Abstract One-third of the US adult population is obese. Obesity is associated with serious medical complications and costs a lot of money. In my paper, we will study this phenomena with fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) when subjects were at resting state (subjects were instructed simply to keep their eyes closed and to not think of anything in particular). Before this, we postulate that there will be disruption in neural circuits, which result in obesity. There are four circuits that we mainly focus on: (a) reward, located in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the ventral pallidum; (b) motivation/drive, located in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the subcallosal cortex; (c) memory and learning, located in the amygdala and the hippocampus; and (d) control, located in the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate gyrus (CG). We used SPM, which based on Matlab, to analyse our data, and processed the results by GCA (Granger causality analysis). Through it, we will get the connection between two ROIs(region of interesting). Key words: obesity; fMRI; resting state; GCA(Granger causality analysis) Introduction Obesity is a global problem with the improvement of our life. There are one-third of US adult population who is obese, whose body mass index(BMI)≠¥30 kg*m-2.[1] Undoubtedly, obesity costs a lot because it is associated with serious diseases(e.g. diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver and some cancers)[2,3]. What lead to obesity are complex and ambiguity, such as social and cultural factors, environments that promote unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, individual factors, etc [4]. Obesity with long time can result in function changes in human brain, but we do not know how this works. New imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have provided new ways to investigate the relationship of human brain. Much of previous studies were based on PET images which focus on the brain dopamine system, they found that there are different between normal and obese in DA system. Methods Based on previous studies, we study function changes of human brain by fMRI. On account of discover that others found before, we support some hypotheses that obesity can result in difference between normal and obese. We focused on four brain circuits in our research which were discussed in drug-addiction. As well, what we found maybe provide a method to treat obesity. There are two groups, one is normal and the other is obesity. The information of subjects are showed in Figure1. In our experiment, there were three groups, which were obesity before surgery and after one month, compared with the normal control. We collected data form TangDu Hospital. During scanning, subjects were asked for closing eyes Figure1:  Subjects Information. StandardDeviation(STD). Body Mass Index(BMI). Yale Food Addiction scale(YFAS). Sympton Check List 90(SCL90). without thinking anything but waking. Before scanning, they filled a questionnaire, which include depression, anxiety, and so on, to see their mental state. In this address, we just analysed the data that scanned before surgery and normal control. Obesity involved multiple brain circuits Obesity can result in multiple variation, however, there are four circuits which are very important in obesity: (a) reward, located in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the ventral pallidum; (b) motivation/drive, located in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the subcallosal cortex; (c) memory and learning, located in the amygdala and the hippocampus; and (d) control, located in the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate gyrus (CG). These circuits work together and change with experience[5,6]. Moreover, there are other circuits involved in obesity which we will study further. Four circuits in obesity We processed data through SPM,[7] which is based on matlab. After that, we analysed the data by GCA(Granger Casual Analysis)[8]. At resting state, we found that there was abnormal in motivation/drive circuit which receded in obesity than normal (figure2). Because of the exception of motivation, it could lead to disorder of other circuits. In reward circuit, the saliency value to food stimulation was reset in obesity, which resulted in overeating to reach satisfy. Circuit of memory and learning maybe influence individual habit. When somebody who is overweight saw food or some place for more time. He or she would remember the stimulation and when he or she met it again, it would arouse memory to drive someone to get it. We also found that there was reduction in control circuit. Due to this reduction, obesity can not control their eating behavior very well even if they were full. Based   Figure2:Result of GCA [10] . on these disorder, we postulate that long-term obesity destroyed human brain function  through the top-down modulation[9]. Vulnerability to obesity A challenging problem in the neurobiology of obesity is to understand why some individuals become obese while others do not. Genetic factors are estimated to contribute between 45% and 85% of the variability in BMI [3,4]. Beyond that, we hypothesize that decreased sensitivity of reward circuit and the disorder of control circuit in obesity would lead a subject more or less vulnerable to food. At the same time, the environment that subjects could get high calorie food was significant. Because of these findings, obese could lose fat by intervening the brain circuits or controlling the environment around obesity. Discussion In our study, we just focused on four brain circuits. There were other circuits which involved in obesity. In further study, we would find them and research their function. In the future, our discover maybe be applied to clinic treatment with less wounds. There are some limitation in our experiment, for example, we didn’t get the result of fMRI what was gotten when subjects were at tasking state(somebody lies on bed with seeing images which are about low or high calorie food). In the further research, we will combine these result and obtain an excellent conclusion. Acknowledgments This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China. My tutor gave me help on many fronts. I have to appreciate upperclassmen who gave me help too. The doctors who scanned subjects, the subjects who coordinated our experiment and the authors who provided idea should be given great appreciation. Finally, thanking Dr. Karen for teaching me how to address our experiment. References [1] N.D. Volkow, Gene-Jack Wang and R.D. Baler, Reward, dopamine and the control of food intake: implications for obesity, Trends in Cognitive Sciences January 2011, Vol. 15, No. 1. [2] Finkelstein, E.A.et al.(2009) Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer-and service-specific estimates. Health Aff.28, w822–w831 [3] Baessler, A.et al.(2005) Genetic linkage and association of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (ghrelin receptor) gene in human obesity. Diabetes 54, 259–267 [4] Silventoinen, K. and Kaprio, J. (2009) Genetics of tracking of body mass index from birth to late middle age: evidence from twin and family studies. Obes. Facts 2, 196–202 [5] N. D. Volkow, J. S. Fowler, and Gene-Jack Wang,(2003) The addicted human brain: insights from imaging studies, PERSPECTIVE SERIES, 111:1444–1451. [6] N.D. Volkow, B. Rosen, and L.Farde, 1997. Imaging the living human brain: magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94:2787–2788. [7] ReHofMRI1.0 (by Dr. HE Yong, free download from http://www.bic.mni.mcgill.ca/users/yonghe) [8] Mingzhou Ding, Yonghong Chen, Steven L. Bressler, Granger Causality: Basic Theory and Application‎ to ‎Neuroscience†, Preprint submitted to Elsevier Science,2008.02.07. [9] Wen X, Liu Y, Yao L, Ding M (2013) Top-down regulation of default mode activity in spatial visual attention. J Neurosci 33(15): 6444 –6453 [10] Mingzhou Ding, Yonghong Chen,(2006) Granger Causality: Basic Theory and Application to Neuroscience, Preprint submitted to Elsevier Science, arXiv:q-bio/0608035v1 Cai Weiwei

Building Information Modelling: Effect on Quantity Surveyor

Building Information Modelling: Effect on Quantity Surveyor Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a revolutionary technology and process that has transformed the way buildings are designed, analysed, constructed, and managed (Hardin, 2009, p. 2). BIM has taken the construction industry into a new-era where all processes has fasten up, the benefits are not just time and cost savings but also reduction of risks and uncertain in construction process. From the through literature review of many researchers works published in various journals suggestions are being made as how this BIM approach is being carried out in construction industry, at the same time a critical literature review is also being conducted on the cost estimation within BIM technologies and whether this can benefit or harm the future role of the quantity surveyor. A questionnaire was designed to identify how the use of BIM will affect the future role quantity surveyor. The questionnaires were distributed to family and friends working within the construction industry and also construction professionals within the UK. From analysis the results obtained and comparing them with the literature review. Implementing BIM within the construction industry although the Government Chief Construction Adviser Paul Morrell called for BIM adoption on UK government construction projects of  £5 million and over. And also in June 2011 the UK government published its BIM strategy, announcing its intention to require collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) on its projects by 2016 (Elena Poletayeva, 2011). At this current time there is a clear indication that BIM isnt being used to its full advantage within the construction industry CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO DISSERTATION The following research will investigate and analysis how the use of BIM will affect the future role of the quantity surveyor. According to the Royal Institute of British Architects RIBA (2012), almost a third of construction consultants are now using BIM. Thenbs (2011) provided information that in May 2011 UK Government Chief Construction Adviser Paul Morrell called for BIM adoption on UK government construction projects of  £5million and over. Thenbs (2012) stated that Building Information Modelling covers geometry, spatial relationships, light analysis, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components. BIM data can be used to illustrate the entire building life cycle. Quantities and properties of materials can be extracted easily and the scope of works can be easily defined. Furthermore systems, assemblies and sequences can be shown in a relative scale to each other and relative to the entire project. 1.1 Problem identification and purpose of study The purpose of this research report is to investigate the qualities of BIM and the influence it will have on the quantity surveying profession, through research of the opportunities and barriers that it brings forth, and the changes to be made and measures to be taken by quantity surveyors in the future, in order to successfully incorporate BIM into the quantity surveying profession. The main role of Quantity Surveyors is to estimate the building cost, the modern quantity surveyor provides a service that covers all aspects of procurement, contractual and project cost management. The role of the quantity surveyor plays a very important role in all phases of any type of Construction Company (surveyors, 2013). The modern quantity surveyor plays a central role in the management of construction projects (Towey, 2012 p.26).estimators have developed their computing skills in using estimating systems but mostly relying in adopting spread sheets and database ages(Brook, 2008 p.9). Repository (2012) stated that over the years the need for more cost effective, better quality and environmentally friendlier construction has grown, these factors are the main Influences on the development of technology in the construction industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the technologies that have been creating a buzz in the construction industry over the last few years. Ukconstructionessays (2012) provided information that Building Information Modelling, or better known as BIM is not; strictly speaking a new technology as it has been developing and used by other industry sectors since 1950s i.e. the automotive and aero plane industries. As technology evolves, we are forced to evolve with it or run the risk of being left behind. The traditional way of utilising the services of a quantity surveyor has largely been at the stage of costing a design, and the production of procurement and construction documentation (Asworth and Hogg, 2002p.67). With the development of technology like BIM, the responsibilities of professionals are starting to shift. BIM includes a series of cost management functions that could change the processes of cost management of construction projects. This forces the quantity surveyor to focus more on different parts of the cost management process, than what would have previously. Not only will BIM influence the cost management functions and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor, but also the technology and types of software that are currently used in quantity surveying offices. The responsibilities of quantity surveyors will be changed as some of their traditional roles will be replaced by the use of, so that their focus will shift from bill producers to cost managers, which will shift the design process from costing to a design to designing to a cost. 1.2 Structure of the Dissertation The whole dissertation is primarily divided up into 6 chapters. Chapter 1: Introduction to the Dissertation Chapter 2: Literature review Chapter 3: Research Methodology Chapter 4: Analysis Discussions Chapter 5: Conclusion Recommendations Chapter 6: References 1.3 Aims Objectives 1.3.1 Aim: The objective of this dissertation is to identify if the use of BIM in the construction industry is going to affect the future role of the quantity surveyor. 1.3.2 Objectives: To understand what is BIM To Research into whether BIM will help aid the Quantity Surveyor To Research into whether BIM will affect the role of the Quantity surveyor To summarise, analyse and evaluate the data collected in order analyse how the use of BIM will affect the future role of the quantity surveyor. Critically analyse the data collected from these questionnaires by comparing theoretical conclusions with the empirical research findings to draw conclusions. To prepare a questionnaire to collect data from practitioners within the construction industry in the UK in regards to whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of quantity surveyor. Clear objectives are important to determine whether this study is achieving what it set out to do. It is also important to write program objectives as specifically as possible to provide program clarity and strong links to evaluation. It is much easier to evaluate a program when clear objectives have been developed (my peer 2012).Subsequently, if the projects aim and objectives are achieved by this research, this would be useful to figure out whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of the Quantity surveyor. 1.4 Restraints Limitations The main restraint is the access and use of BIM software as a full time student I do not have access to BIM software within the construction industry or at the university. Archicad or Autodesk will need to be used to understand fully what BIM is and how it works; a student version can be downloaded online. The research will involve the use of academic materials such as textbooks, journals, published and unpublished documents and internet sites shown further on in the study in section 3.4. The data analysis will be carried out by sending out an online questionnaire to two contacts working for a consultant and contractor respectively. I made acquaintance with these two contacts from previous work experience. Another restraint is how many people answer the online questionnaire; the more people that answer the questionnaire will be beneficial within the analysis as a greater number of people will give much more accurate results. Many of the potential individuals who will carry out the questionnaire may have busy schedules so research must be taken into ensuring that questions are suitable and are able to draw suitable responses from at the end. It will be hard to measure how many construction companies currently use BIM and whether It is having an effect on the role of quantity surveyors working within the construction industry as there isnt enough time to gather research from every construction company around the UK .Throughout the study an open mind will be maintained whilst undertaking the research and analysis of the data collected. 1.5 Research Beneficiaries/Dissemination This research will be useful into identifying whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of the quantity surveyor or aid the future role of the quantity surveyor. And to also identify what specific ways the quantity surveyor may benefit from using BIM and in what specific ways the quantity surveyor may be affected by the use of BIM in the future. Other categories to benefit from this research include the researcher, students and academics. By undertaking this research companies and people working within the construction industry can have a better understanding on the use of BIM approach and how it can be implemented within the cost estimation stage of a project and also into different phases of a project and the views of other professionals working within the UK construction industry on this application can be found and thus can implement that application effectively for the success of the project. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction In this chapter 2 of literature review, a critical literature has been conducted about how the use of BIM can aid the role of quantity surveyor and how BIM may be a threat to the future role of the quantity surveyor. 2.2 Building Information Modelling Construction business owner (2012) provided information that BIM allows early collaboration and integration of the design information in a 3-D environment programs are widely used in the early stages to eliminate potential issues that would be costly to rectify in the field. All parties involved benefit. Designers can identify and correct design issues before they result in rework and schedule delays. Contractors have more reliable information and can better plan for equipment use and construction sequencing. Owners can walk the project in a 3-D environment during the design. And facility managers can pinpoint ergonomic issues and plan maintenance activities more efficiently by sharing the model with their vendors and contractors. BIM will only benefit users if it leads to improved design, faster delivery, reduced price or improved value. A combination of these factors will dictate how successful BIM implementation will be in the coming years. When all members of the construction team work on the same model, from early design through to completion, changes are automatically coordinated across the project and information generated is therefore of high quality. The construction industry is widely acknowledged as unique and conservative. Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems have the potential to revolutionize current practices and to automate the measurement of quantities from construction drawings. However, there are fears that such developments could threaten the future role of the quantity surveyor. 2.3 Advantages of BIM The application of BIM has the result of many advantages, such as: Greater speed The multi-dimensionality of BIM allows various deliverables and documentation to be prepared simultaneously to the design of the building. Furthermore, the use of object-oriented design and the re-use of information accelerate the creation of drawings (Ashcraft, 2007) REFENCED. Changes made to a certain aspect of the model or the design will be automatically updated through the rest of the project, which allows for major time savings. R 2.3.2 Lower costs Sabol (2012) provided information that BIM offers the capability to generate take-offs, counts and measurements directly from a model. This provides a process where information stays consistent throughout the project and changes can be readily accommodated. Building information modelling supports the full project lifecycle and offers the capability to integrate costing efforts throughout all project phases. According to chuck Eastman (2011) at any stage of the design, BIM technology can extract an accurate bill of quantities and spaces that can be used for cost estimation. 2.3.3 Uniform design base With traditional methods every stakeholder uses the same information but interprets it in a different way and enters it into a different format. As this information is exchanged between different parties, errors might be  transferred with it. BIM ensures that all parties work on the same base model, that coordinates building objects created across various disciplines which will quickly expose errors (Howell and Batcheler, 2005 p.58). 2.3.4 Drawing fabrication All floor plans, sections and elevations will be accurate and consistent with one another, as they are produced directly from the same model (Howell and Batcheler, 2005, p.64). 2.3.5 Cost Estimation Cost estimating is currently a time consuming process, requiring an entire team of estimators. Acebytes (2012) provided information that there are multiple factors hindering the transition to model-based estimating; however, the risks are justified by the benefits of estimating with BIM. Building Information Modelling has the capability to automate a quantity take-off, which will reduce the time and costs required to estimate a project. By using a building information model instead of drawings; the take offs, counts, and measurements can be generated directly from the underlying model and the information can be linked to generate bills of materials, size and area estimations along with other related estimating information. According to Hardin (2009) another strategy for leveraging BIM during a project is to use the BIM file for updating estimates very quickly, last minute design changes can be altered and updated much more quickly than typical take off methodologies can catch up with . 2.4 Disadvantages of BIM Precisedraftunginc (2012) provided information that BIM requires more effort at the front end of a project to establish the initial framework. But the payoff is that you are able to extract a much higher quality and greater quantity of information from that model. BIM allows changes to happen easily, so clients may continue to make changes too late in the process, and that can impact construction and design costs. BIM results in much larger file sizes than traditional CAD systems, and requires higher performing computer hardware to operate it effectively. BIM requires more thoughtful design. We now have to do what all good designers have done in the past: Think in 3d and visualize the final product! 2.5 Who is currently using BIM? NBS surveyed over 6,500 construction professionals in the UK with over a 6% response rate (Thenbs, 2012). Those asked said they believed a quarter of the industry will use BIM for the majority of projects in one years time and a half will use BIM for the majority of projects in three years time. BIM survey who is using and intends to use BIM As shown in fig 1 the survey shows a clear split in the industry. There is a gradually increase in the respondents who intend to use BIM for all projects over the next 5 years. This reflecting in the gradual drop in respondents who intend to use BIM for a minority of projects over the next 5 years. 2.6 Considerations and Limitations of BIM BIM has the potential to improve the communication and coordination between the different stakeholders of a project. BIMs benefits range from simple improvements in efficiency and coordination to greater client satisfaction. With all of the perceived benefits of BIM, AV professionals should also be aware that there are a number of Considerations and current limitations that must be taken into account. 2.6.1 Cost of Software and Hardware Every organization currently utilizing 2D or 3D CAD drafting software can attribute a cost element against purchasing, maintaining and upgrading software licenses to keep a competitive market advantage. Current trends show that the cost of BIM software packages tends to be more expensive than CAD software packages available on the market. With the introduction of BIM software, the requirements on hardware have increased significantly. Currently, CAD software can be operated (with limitations) on a vast majority of professional laptops. Yet with the introduction ofBIM software, dedicated high-specification workstations, equivalent to those required by advanced modeling and rendering software, are required. Software and program requirements are ahead of hardware availability. With BIM software, it is essential to know exactly what parameters of the hardware improve performance and what elements have no major effect at all. 2.6.2 Cost of Training With new software, there is a great demand to train staff quickly so that the investment can be justified. It is not realistic to assume professionals with CAD proficiency will be able to learn new BIM software quickly or without specialized training. Given the fundamental differences between BIM and CAD, training should be considered a requirement for all professionals involved with designing and producing documentation. BIM provides the ability for every member of the team to be involved in the design and modeling process, giving them complete control of the end product. Investment in training for early adopters provides them a competitive edge with projects that have clearly specified requirements to be documented utilizing BIM. 2.6.3 Compatibility between Software Platforms One of the biggest issues with early adaptors of BIM is the issue of inter-product compatibility. Due to the relatively new nature of the market, every software manufacturer is doing something different with its software. This interoperability challenge can make it difficult for projects to function if different team members own different software packages. This interoperability issue is not limited to different software platforms; due to the rapid development of the BIM software industry newer versions of programs within the same platform can have interoperability issues. One alternative to the current product-specific models is a vendor-independent, neutral-file format. One such file format is the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format which captures both geometry and properties of intelligent building objects (objects with associated usable metadata) and their relationships within Building Information Models, thus facilitating the sharing of information across otherwise incompatible applications. 2.6.4 Innovation Since a goal of BIM is to assign constraints and parameters to intelligent objects to improve efficiency, there is a potential to inhibit innovation which would possibly otherwise occur without the automated processes and shared knowledge that BIM now provides. Those firms implementing BIM should view the parameters and metadata constraints as a global database that allows designers to save time associated with updating and configuring product-specific data repetitively on different projects, hence increasing the amount of time spent on system design and innovation. 2.6.5 Conclusion A BIM model can overcome most of the most serious failings of conventional drawing-based design. It provides greater client certainty earlier: improved consistency and easier coordination of design documentation: improved, complete procurement documentation: much more powerful construction and project management tools: and much more valuable as built and record information for the owner. The result will be substantiality more profitable firms of all types in the sector (Ray Crotty, 2011, p.57) 2.7 The Cost Management Functions of Building Information Modelling 2.7.1 Bills of quantities Bills of quantities are one of the main tools used in the cost management of construction projects. The automatic production of bills of quantities is one of the functions that BIM technology developers pride themselves on as the fifth dimension of BIM. The automation of bills of quantities is one of the functions that enhanced BIM technology to be fully collaborative and integrative. The primary and core component of the 5D concept is a properly configured 3D model of the building (Popov et al. 2009). A properly produced BIM uses parametric modelling and object-orientated modelling to assign construction data, such as the physical properties and functional peculiarities, to each building element modelled (BIM Journal, 2009). In order to demonstrate this, consider the following example: A door built into a R: Popov, V., Juocevicius, V., Migilinskas, D., Ustinovichius, L and Mialauskas, S. 2009. The use of a virtual building design and construction model for developing an effective project concept in 5D environment, Automation in Construction, Volume 19, November 2009 R: 2.7.2 Cost estimates BIM technology can extract accurate quantities and spaces that can be used for cost estimating at any period of the design of a project. Different information is applicable to different stages of the design phase, and advantage should be taken of information available and where not reasonable assumptions should be made (Eastman et al. 2008). In the early stages of the design phase, when the design is still conceptual and limited information is available, cost estimates are typically based on a cost per unit or cost per square metre (Eastman et al. 2008). The BIM model can easily make available design variable information, such as the floor-to-ceiling height of each area, the perimeter/floor area ratio, the height of the building, etc which needs to be taken into account as it can have an impact on the cost per unit or cost per square metre rates. R: Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. and Liston, K. 2008. BIM Handbook: A  guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers,  Engineers, and Contractors, J Wiley, New Jersey It should be noted that while building models provide adequate Measurements for quantity take-offs, they are not a replacement for estimating. Estimators perform a critical role in the building process far beyond that of extracting counts and measurements (Eastman, 2011, p.276). CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A Quantitative research methodology will be used. According to Shamil Naoum, (2006 p.g39) quantitative research is based on a hypothesis or a theory composed of a variable measured and analysed with statistical procedures. Quantitative research enables the author to measure and analyse data. Benefitof (2012) provided information that the relationship between an independent and dependent variable is studied in detail. The use of standard means in quantitative research means that any research may be replicated, analysed and also compared with other similar studies. Quantitative research allows for greater accuracy and objectivity of results gained .Quantitative research usually filters out all external factors and if well designed, it provides unbiased and real results. Quantitative research is a great method to finalise results and disprove or prove a hypothesis. It is useful for testing results gotten from doing various qualitative experiments, thereby leading to the final answer. Qu antitative Research will provide the advantage of finding a premeditated set of result from a range of professionals in the construction industry. 3.1 Advantages of quantitative data collection: Numeric estimates Opportunity for relatively uncomplicated data analysis Data which are verifiable Data which are comparable between different communities within different locations Data which do not require analytical judgement beyond consideration of how information will be presented in the dissemination process. 3.2 Disadvantages of quantitative data collection: Gaps in information issues which are not included in the questionnaire, or secondary data checklist, will not be included in the analysis A labour intensive data collection process Limited participation by affected persons in the content of the questions or direction of the information collection process. (Reliefweb, 2012) 3.3 The Questionnaire A Questionnaire will be produced to obtain the data. Statpac (2012) provided information that Questionnaires are very cost effective when compared to face-to-face interviews. Surveys are used to gather data from a relatively large number of respondents within a limited time frame (Naum, 2006, p. 44).Questionnaires are easy to analyse, they are familiar to most people. They are less are less intrusive than telephone or face-to-face surveys. The results from the questionnaires will then be produced into bar charts and analysed. The questionnaire will consist of 18 different types of questions from closed ended, open ended, Numerical rating scale questions which will require the respondents to rate the answers, rating out of 5, 1= least important and 5= most important. And ranking questions which will require the respondents to place a set of attitudes or objects in ranking order indicating their importance. The main advantage of incorporating open questions within the questionnaire is They give the respondents the opportunity to express their views (Naum, 2006, p.68). Open questions can, however, present problems. As the open question offers no direct clues and is a broad base. Predictably this type of questionnaire is more difficult to analyse and interpret (Naum, 2006, p.69). By contrast, closed questions often require a short simple response in the form of Yes or No, Agree or Disagree, Important or Not important, etc. closed ended questions are easy to ask and quick to answer they also require no writing by either the respondent or interviewer and their analysis is quick and straightforward. The structure of the questionnaire will comprise of the first 7 closed ended questions asking the respondents simple questions comprising of their job role, how long they have worked in the construction industry, project location, project value and whether they have heard of BIM. the last 11 questions comprises of open ended question which require the respondent to justirfy their answer and state their opinion. 3.4 Data Collection Within this research, to achieve the objectives a quantitative approach is being implemented by a structured questionnaire to obtain the information from various people within the construction industry who work or who have worked as a role of a quantity surveyor/ estimator. This research is structured in such a way that to start with a pilot test of the structured questionnaire is prepared so as to enable the practicability of the proposed questionnaire applicable to the study. The data collection process is applicable to the complete research The questionnaire was uploaded to www.freeonlinesurveys.com once the questionnaire was produced the website then created a UR in which I copied into the email, the email was sent out to two contacts In which I made acquaintance with from previous work experience. Along with the link to the online questionnaire a covering letter in which kindly forward this email to your work colleagues was added to the introduction this would provide a greater number of respondents. The cover letter also stated the purpose of the research and even giving an assurance to the companies that all the information they provide will be considered as confidential and is purely for only academic purpose. The questionaries where sent out via email on Tuesday 12th February 2013 to a construction consultancy Rider Levytt Bucknall Birmingham and construction contractor kier construction Birmingham. By using an electronic means (as e-mail) will ensure a speedy process in despatch of information rather than sending them by postal service thereby saving time. This method will aid within the analysis of the results as the research will be gained by both contractor and consultants and a deeper and more accurate conclusion will be gained at the end of the study. The nature of the data required will be based on personal opinion from a range of construction professionals working within a construction consultancy and a construction contractor. 3.5 Resources The main type of research that will be used for this study will be applied Research, the following resources will be consulted: 3.5.1 Text books Various text books will be consulted as well as a series of electronic books. This will be one of the main sources of information 3.5.2 Journal articles Journals articles are usually more easily obtainable as they are more freely available in electronic form which is easily accessible via the internet. It will also serve as a main source as journals and articles holds the most recent information on the topic. 3.5.3 Electronic resources Various electronic resources will be consulted, as information is easily accessible through the use of a variety of search engines. 3.6 Data Analysis The data collected from these questionnaires will be critically analysed and summarised and all the data is interpreted in charts and logical style format. From these statistics a logical argument is drawn from the results obtained from critical comparison with the findings of the current literature. This is mainly to have a better idea of what their thoughts and views in person. The objective is to unravel the data and present it in an academic format that is credible to professionals within the construction industry. In doing so it will emphasize key variables and whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of a quantity surveyor and how, and to also understanding the usage of BIM, establishing if any drawbacks, benefits are present; which can then be formulated to become educational information. Finally, from these statistics a logical argument is drawn from the results obtained from critical comparison with the findings of the current literature. From all these approaches we can draw a conclusion and possible recommendations shall be made from the research findings so as to validate on if the use of BIM will affect the future role of the Quantity surveyor. 3.7 Summary In this chapter of Research Methodology, by discussing about the different type of research methods such as qualitative and quantitative, the quantitative type of approach with an closed structural questionnaire survey has been chosen for this dissertation as this type of approach would be the best suitable one with respect to both time and approach and mostly all these questionnaires has been sent through E-mail as to reduce the time span and to choose much more IT services effectively so that the respondent should be flexible to answer the questionnaire. The responses collected are being represented in a c

Significance of the Congo River in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Significance of the Congo River in Heart of Darkness          The Significance of the Congo River For Marlow, the journey on the Congo River is one of the most difficult and ominous journeys he will ever take. The fact that it takes him around and not completely into the jungle is significant of Marlow's psychological journey as well. He never really goes on land but watches the shore from the outside. The only time he goes on shore he finds a wasteland. For Marlow the jungle of the Congo is representative of evil that man is capable of. In Heart of Darkness, it seems that the further Marlow travels into the jungle, the deeper he looks into himself. All this time is spent on the Congo River as he looks from the outside. This is symbolic as he is looking at his soul from the outside but never really sees himself until he goes on land to get Kurtz. When he arrives on land is symbolic of when he looks the deepest into himself. He goes to find Kurtz on his deathbed and is given he choice to take over for him as a god among an African tr ibe. Marlow is faced with the ultimate choice between good and evil. For a moment it is uncertain what choice Marlow will make. But, unlike Kurtz, Marlow picks the good over evil, as he rescues Kurtz back to the steamer. The fact that Marlow sailed along the Congo River, around the jungle, and not actually into the jungle is an important symbol also. Marlow never walks the path that Kurtz did to self-destruction. He went around the jungle to avoid getting captured by evil. Kurtz was a decent Englishman until he gave into the desires of his heart of darkness. Kurtz spent all his time in the jungle and eventually forgot all of his self-control, manners, and upbringing. He truly looked in the deepest part of himself and found that his evil desires would reign. This is symbolic because he was deep inside the jungle. In this respect Conrad uses to men to show the reader both the good and bad of humankind. He shows the true evil and good that man is capable of If proper restr aints had been there would Kurtz have done things differently?

Les Miserables, Theme (forgiveness, Self Sacrifice, And Courage) :: essays research papers

â€Å"It is precisely of him that I wished to speak. Dispose of me as you please; but help me first to carry him home. I only ask that of you.† Upon examination of Les Miserables, it is clearly evident that the elements of Forgiveness, Self – Sacrifice, and Courage are only a few of the main themes Hugo wanted to develop. First off, is the element of forgiveness. In a book of mistrust, poverty, and hate†¦forgiveness thrives in the world of Les Miserables. The first example of this was at the very beginning, when Jean Valjean stayed with the bishop. Valjean stole his silver†¦and ran off. He ends up being caught by police, but when the police questioned the bishop, he claimed to have given the silver to Valjean. Jean was confused†¦and the bishop claimed that with the silver, he had purchased the convicts soul, and had given it to God, and from that day forward, Valjean must be a good man. Another example of forgiveness goes two ways. Javert, in his relentless pursuit of Valjean, is captured by revolutionaries. In reward for saving the lives of a few of these revolutionaries, Valjean asks for, and gets, permission to take Javert outside, and kill him. Once outside, a small monologue occurs†¦and Valjean releases Javert, and lets him go free. Valjean just wanted to be left alone in peac e, and hoped this act of kindness would change Javert, and make him realize that Valjean was no longer the man he was. The second way†¦is that in the end, after Javert finally captures Valjean, he lets him go. Since Javert had broken the law†¦ that he loved so dearly, he kills himself shortly thereafter, by jumping into a river. Secondly, we come to the element of Self-Sacrifice. This is also another widely used theme in Les Miserables. One such example of this element is with Valjean. He lets Marius and Cosette marry, and for a while, he seems all right with that fact. Later on however, he goes to Marius, and confesses to his past. He tells Marius his whole story, and thinks it best if he never sees Cosette again. Marius agrees†¦but allows Valjean the occasional visit. Only at the end, does Marius realize what a good man Valjean is†¦and by then it was too late. Valjean dies shortly after Marius and Cosette visit him to ask him to come back and live with them. Les Miserables, Theme (forgiveness, Self Sacrifice, And Courage) :: essays research papers â€Å"It is precisely of him that I wished to speak. Dispose of me as you please; but help me first to carry him home. I only ask that of you.† Upon examination of Les Miserables, it is clearly evident that the elements of Forgiveness, Self – Sacrifice, and Courage are only a few of the main themes Hugo wanted to develop. First off, is the element of forgiveness. In a book of mistrust, poverty, and hate†¦forgiveness thrives in the world of Les Miserables. The first example of this was at the very beginning, when Jean Valjean stayed with the bishop. Valjean stole his silver†¦and ran off. He ends up being caught by police, but when the police questioned the bishop, he claimed to have given the silver to Valjean. Jean was confused†¦and the bishop claimed that with the silver, he had purchased the convicts soul, and had given it to God, and from that day forward, Valjean must be a good man. Another example of forgiveness goes two ways. Javert, in his relentless pursuit of Valjean, is captured by revolutionaries. In reward for saving the lives of a few of these revolutionaries, Valjean asks for, and gets, permission to take Javert outside, and kill him. Once outside, a small monologue occurs†¦and Valjean releases Javert, and lets him go free. Valjean just wanted to be left alone in peac e, and hoped this act of kindness would change Javert, and make him realize that Valjean was no longer the man he was. The second way†¦is that in the end, after Javert finally captures Valjean, he lets him go. Since Javert had broken the law†¦ that he loved so dearly, he kills himself shortly thereafter, by jumping into a river. Secondly, we come to the element of Self-Sacrifice. This is also another widely used theme in Les Miserables. One such example of this element is with Valjean. He lets Marius and Cosette marry, and for a while, he seems all right with that fact. Later on however, he goes to Marius, and confesses to his past. He tells Marius his whole story, and thinks it best if he never sees Cosette again. Marius agrees†¦but allows Valjean the occasional visit. Only at the end, does Marius realize what a good man Valjean is†¦and by then it was too late. Valjean dies shortly after Marius and Cosette visit him to ask him to come back and live with them.

The Marketing of Art

The Marketing of Art Part 1: Target Market and Competition When determining a target market a marketer must first research their product and the consumers who purchase the product, then decide what type of consumer would the marketer prefer to attract to the product they are marketing (Guille, n. d. ). The product that was chosen for this class was Art. To determine our particular target market we must get to know our product. Britannica Encyclopedia defines art as, â€Å"the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others† (Britannica Online, 2011). Choosing a target market in which to promote our product is quite a difficult task since art is not a commodity that is normally regulated. Although the demographics of individuals who buy art are categorized into five types: †¢Collector – this type buys art simply for the love of the piece that is purchased. †¢Investor – this type buys art in hopes of earning a profit. †¢Decorator – this type uses art as a way to fill and empty space. †¢Believer – this individual believes that the particular piece that is purchased has a significant meaning or story attached to it and buys art just for the love of art. Money burner – this type is an individual who buys art for a status symbol or because they can afford to do so. To find our target market we will digest the framework of art. Art is usually placed in a particular space for a long period of time and the purchaser will most likely own the home that the artwork is located in (Genn, 2 004). Art is not a cheap investment, in 2009 while the Lehman Brother’s was declaring bankruptcy, Sotheby’s made $200 million in London at an art auction, so our target market would have to be able to afford the pieces. Also to determine your target market a marketer needs to understand why a consumer purchases products or services. A consumer purchases a product or service for three main reasons; to satisfy a need, to solve a problem, or to make themselves feel good. The marketer must know the demographics of their area. In Tucson, Arizona the largest art purchasers are over the age of 50, the demographics of Tucson show that the 50+ populations makes up 22. 1% of the total population. Americans over the age of 50 own more homes and enjoy more then $900 billion in income as compared to the younger populations (U. S. Census Bureau, 2011). According to Business Week Magazine the 50+ generation or more likely to buy online products and 42% over the age of 65 have made online purchases. The senior generation is the most overlooked target market in the advertising sector, even though 41% of them purchase more products then any other target market category (Kaiser, n. d. ). The next step in marketing is to identify your competitor’s, and currently there are nine top art houses that operate online as well as international (ArtBusiness. com, n. d. ). Sotheby’s and Christie’s are among the most well known in the art world. The main advantage that these art houses have over James’ Art Showroom is the name. People recognize and trust these dealers since they have been in business for a long time and have a great reputation. Christie’s is still a privately owned company and therefore the financial information is unavailable. However, many art brokers have projected that 2011 will be a profitable year for the auction house. Sotheby’s is a publicly traded company and their financial information is available on their website for potential investor’s to read. In 2009 Sotheby’s show revenue of $484,958 and in 2010 of $774,309, this is an increase of 59. 7% (Sotheby’s, 2011). The expected revenue projections have Sotheby’s increasing the profit margin by at least 32. 7% in 2011 end of the year calculations. For James’ Art Showroom to exceed the consumer expectations, the company due to the fact that it is smaller it will be able to provide a more personal art buying experience as well as provide a chance for upcoming artist to acquire a name for himself or herself within the Art world. Part 2: Integrated Marketing Communication Plan The integrated marketing communication plan is a combination of all the company’s plans and goals combined into one format. The integrated marketing communications plan should contain the same theme throughout, such as if the business plans on producing an advertising theme then the theme should be the same for the website and any print advertisements. This is done as a way for your customers to link all the graphics and messages to the company in which you are marketing (ArtBusiness, n. . ). There are five major components in an integrated marketing communications plan: †¢Web site †¢Advertising †¢Marketing collateral †¢Online marketing †¢Trade shows/ Auctions The web site that was created for the promotion of James’ Art Showroom was simple but professional. It included contact information and links to Facebook and Twitter. The web site also gave information about the company and the reason the com pany was created. For advertising, the company would choose direct mailings to schools that are designated for artists. The company would also host regular fundraising events to introduce the local community to the artist that reside in the area. The company was started as a way to help unknown artist and art buyers connect, the company although hopes to earn a profit in the future was not started as a money generating business but merely as a vessel to help people who love creating art meet those who love purchasing and owning art. The message that the company would like to implore is a symbol of bringing individuals with common interest together. The online marketing plan is simply to get the message to the target market that the company exists. This can be done through the use of social media and e-mail list. The final step in creating an integrated marketing communication plan is to allow my customers a chance to participate in art auctions throughout the world by using my website as a connection. By working with the major auction houses, such as Sotheby’s my artist may be able to have some of their work viewed or even purchased by art dealers on the international level. Reference: ArtBusiness. com. (n. d. ). Domestic and International Art Market Sales Statistics. Retrieved on November 6, 2011, from http://www. artbusiness. com/marketdata. html Britannica Online. (2011). Retrieved on October 4, 2011, from http://www. britannica. com Genn, Robert. (2004). Art Buyers. Retrieved on October 23, 2011, from http://www. painterskeys. com/clickbacks/art-buyers. asp Guille, Marilyn. (n. d. ). How To Find And Sell To Your Target Market. Retrieved on October 23, 2011, from http://sbinfocanada. bout. com/cs/marketing/a/targetmarket. htm Kaiser, Frank. (n. d. ). Secrets Of Successfully Advertising To Seniors. Retrieved on October 23, 2011, from http://www. suddenlysenior. com/howtoadvertiseseniors. html Sotheby’s. (2011). Web site. Retrieved on November 6, 2011, from http://investor. shareholder. com/bid/index. cfm U. S. Census Bureau. (2011). Home page. Retrieved on November 6, 2011, from http://factfinder2. census. gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults. xhtml

Is the Global expansion of architectural practice a result of style?

The research effort will investigate: – the risk of intellectual property – the expansion of computer networks, because they are infiltrating daily life – the development   of CAD (computer aided design) on 27/7 basis and development of virtual design – the impact of Internet communications on architectural design – the expansion of architectural practices in recent years – the advantages of architectural profession due to computer developments – the working environment of architects and its differences depending on the either country or region – the adaptation of architectural practice to the requirements of the new country – the impact of globalization on architectural firms and changes caused –   the new ideas, typologies and innovations proposed by the architects in sphere of urban patterns and building types –   the import of Dutch style and its implementation in the USA –   the physical, emotional and social growth of cities in terms of responsibility and problem-solving – the expansion of architectural firms internationally – the economic and social changes caused by globalization – the opportunities for non-traditional architectural design – the role of architectural design in modern society – the danger of homogenization Bibliography Artifice, Inc.(2005, April 20). Retrieved November 6, 2006, from http://www.architectureweek.com/2005/0420/index.html