The Construction Quality Assessment System Construction Essay Example For Students

The Construction Quality Assessment System Construction Essay CONQUAS stands for Construction Quality Assessment System. Construction Industry Development Board Singapore now known as the Building and Construction Authority have developed it for the major public sector bureaus and the assorted taking industry professional organic structures to mensurate the quality degree of completed undertaking ( The National House Buyers Association ( HBA ) , 2009 ) . The Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) is an bureau under the Singapore s Ministry of National Development. The BCA is defending the development of an first-class built environment for Singapore. Built environment refers to edifices, constructions and substructure in our milieus that provide the scene for the community s activities. ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) We will write a custom essay on The Construction Quality Assessment System Construction specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now At the beginning, the CONQUAS was introduced merely to the local building industry. CONQUAS have been launched since 1989 ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . Today, CONQUAS is widely recognized and besides accepted internationally as a benchmarking tool for quality. CONQUAS is now a registered hallmark. CONQUAS have adapted in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and India, UK and Hong Kong building industries ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . The purpose of CONQUAS was introduced to hold a standard quality appraisal system for building undertakings. Furthermore, CONQUAS is to enable quality appraisal to be carried out consistently within sensible cost and clip. Besides, CONQUAS is used to mensurate quality of constructed plants against craft criterions and specification ( Building and Construction Industry, 2005 ) . However, CONQUAS is an independent appraisal. It is carried out by assessors from BCA Singapore. It was designed to estimate and benchmark the quality of craft through the sampling attack. On the other manus, it means non every unit will be inspected or evaluated by the assessor. Random samples will be pre-selected and inspected to stand for the quality of the whole undertaking ( The National House Buyers Association ( HBA ) , 2009 ) . Since the launch of CONQUAS in 1989, more than 2,238 public and private edifice undertakings have been assessed by BCA. The entire cumulative contract value of the assessed undertakings exceeds 81.9billion Singapore dollar ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . In 1998, BCA introduced a figure of new characteristics to CONQUAS ensuing in the launch of CONQUAS 21 ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . Now, Malaysia is using CONQUAS 21 into the edifice undertakings. Outline1 Problem Statement2 Aims A ; Aims3 Purposes4 Aims5 Scope of survey6 Research Methodologies7 Literature Research8 Interview9 Case Study10 Chapter Outline11 Chapter 1: Introduction12 Chapter 2: Literature Reappraisal13 Chapter 3: Planing the instance survey and research methodological analysis14 Chapter 4: Analysis of the secondary informations15 Chapter 5: Decision and farther surveies16 Plan and Agenda17 Planned Agenda18 2009/201019 2010/201120 Second Semester21 First Semester22 Second Semester23 Nov24 Dec25 May26 June27 July28 Aug29 Sep30 Oct31 Nov32 Dec33 Actual Agenda34 2009/201035 2010/201136 Second Semester37 First Semester38 Second Semester39 Nov40 Dec41 May42 June43 July44 Aug45 Sep46 Oct47 Nov48 Dec49 Chapter 250 Literature Review51 2.1 Quality Philosophy52 Definition of Quality53 Basic Concept of Quality54 Q=P/E55 Table 1: Nine dimensions of quality and their footings56 Dimension57 Footings58 Adapted from Garvin, 1988, Pull offing Quality: The strategic and Competit ive Edge, New York: Free Press.59 2.1.3 Quality Management60 Figure 1: The four phases of quality direction61 Adapted from Dale, Boaden and Lescelles 1994: Degrees of entire quality direction acceptance62 Figure 2: The four phases of quality direction63 Quality Assurance64 Entire Quality Management65 Quality Control66 Inspection67 Adapted from Steven McCabe 1988: Quality Improvement Techniques in Construction68 Concept and Principles of CONQUAS 2169 2.2.1 Introduction70 2.2.2 Aims of CONQUAS 2171 Scope of CONQUAS 2172 Components to be assessed73 The Weightages74 Table 2: The Weightages in CONQUAS 2175 Components76 Structural Plants77 30 %78 35 %79 45 %80 40 %81 Architectural Works82 50 %83 55 %84 50 %85 55 %86 M A ; E Works87 20 %88 10 %89 5 %90 5 %91 CONQUAS Mark92 100 %93 100 %94 100 %95 100 %96 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) : CONQUAS 21 manual book97 CONQUAS Assessor98 Sampling99 The appraisal of CONQUAS 21100 Assessment attack101 Structural plants app raisal102 Table 3: The appraisal of a strengthened concrete construction103 Reinforced Concrete Structure104 Weightage %105 Entire106 100107 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book108 Table 4: Guidelines for Structural plants appraisal109 Items110 GFA per Sample111 Min Sample112 Max Sample113 Remarks114 115 116 117 118 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book119 Table 5: Structural Steelwork120 Structural Steelwork121 Weightage %122 Entire123 100124 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book125 Table 6: Pre-stressed Concrete126 Pre-stressed Concrete127 Weightage %128 Entire129 100130 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book131 Table 7: Choice of Samples for Structural Steelwork132 Items133 Steel tunnage per sample134 Min Sample135 Structural Elementss136 250137 5138 250139 5140 500141 5142 500143 5144 Material A ; Functional Test145 Adapted from Building an d Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book146 Architectural Works Assessment147 Table 8: The Assessment of Architectural Works148 Architectural Elementss149 Weightage %150 Entire151 Breakdown152 Internal Finishes153 56154 Roof155 4156 External Wall157 12158 External Work159 6160 Material A ; Functional Trials161 22162 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book163 Table 9: Guidelines for Architectural Works Assessment164 Items165 GFA per Sample166 Min Sample167 Max Sample168 Remarks169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book185 M A ; E Works Assessment186 Table 10: The Assessment of M A ; E Works187 M A ; E Elementss188 CATA189 CAT B190 CAT C191 CAT D192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 Entire201 100 %202 100 %203 100 %204 100 %205 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book206 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority : CONQUAS 21 manual book207 Table 12: Guidelines for M A ; E Works Assessment208 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book209 Calculation of CONQUAS Score210 Scenario:211 Measure 1: Calculation of Structural Score212 Measure 2: Calculation of Architectural Score213 Measure 3: Calculation of M A ; E Score214 Measure 4: Calculation of Final CONQUAS Score215 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book216 The Advantages of Implementing CONQUAS 21217 The Problems Occur When Applying CONQUAS 21218 The Summary Problem Statement The standard quality of the edifice merchandise becomes the important issue that is ever discussed and disputed by the contractors, developers, and investors or house purchasers. Quality appraisal of the edifice before the developer vacant ownership to the buyer is the important issue for the developer. The developer shall bringing the concluding edifice merchandise to the buyer which the edifice is achieved a standard quality. However, how many will inquire: How should I guarantee the quality of the merchandise ( belongings ) that I purchased is reasonably justified with the sum of money that I paid? Many of the investors and the house purchaser are giving a immense money to name a celebrated Feng Shui maestro, to carry on a belongings studies and engaged belongings agent prior doing determination to put the belongings. Has the choice criterion of the edifice merchandise been assured and same as the show unit? ( The National House Buyers Association ( HBA ) , 2009 ) . There are many developers intended to present the concluding merchandise to the terminal user with free of defects and good in quality. Therefore, to accomplish the standard quality of the edifice production, the contractor can follow the Construction Quality Assessment ( CONQUAS 21 ) in the undertaking to give the quality confidence craft of constructing merchandise. Although, the CONQUAS 21 is applied in building industry, nevertheless, it is brought any benefits to the contractors, developers and terminal users? Furthermore, what are the impact of the CONQUAS 21 toward the contractors, developers and stop user? Consequently, the research worker will transport out the research sing the application of quality appraisal system ( CONQUAS 21 ) in building industry. Aims A ; Aims Purposes To look into Quality Assessment System ( CONQUAS 21 ) in building industry. Aims To analyze the rule and construct of CONQUAS 21 To happen out jobs occur when using the CONQUAS 21 To happen out the advantages of utilizing CONQUAS 21 Scope of survey The research will supply a item description on the criterion of CONQUAS 21 and processs of the system. This is done through literature reappraisal on diary documents, conference documents, books and shoping through web sites. Besides that, the research worker aims to the population of local contractors and developers who are adopted CONQUAS 21 in the building undertakings. Researcher will look into the ground of implementing the CONQUAS 21 in building industry. Furthermore, research will in-deep investigate respect the impacts and advantages of CONQUAS 21. Basically, a instance survey will be conducted to obtain more information sing the execution of CONQUAS 21. Research Methodologies Literature Research Cover diaries, relevant text edition, and internet research and conference paper is the beginnings that I obtain my information and making for my literature research. Interview Site agent, supervisor and the site director will be interviewed by the researched to acquire more inside informations about the CONQUAS 21. The interview is hold at Swiss Garden Residences site. Case Study Site visit to the Swiss Garden Residence would be the best manner to calculate out the effectivity of CONQUAS 21. Besides that, it is to calculate out the jobs occur when using the CONQUAS 21. Chapter Outline Chapter 1: Introduction In this chapter, the research worker is traveling to somewhat present the background of CONQUAS. Besides that, the research worker is traveling to speak about the purposes and aims for this research. Chapter 2: Literature Reappraisal In this chapter, the research worker is traveling to discourse the construct and rule of CONQUAS 21. The information sing the CONQUAS 21 are obtained from the literatures from books, articles, diaries and web site. Furthermore, the research worker is traveling to notice on the advantages of CONQUAS 21 and the impact of using the CONQUAS 21. Chapter 3: Planing the instance survey and research methodological analysis The research worker is traveling to utilize Swiss Garden Residences as the instance survey for CONQUAS 21. The research worker is traveling to interview the undertaking director, site director and site agent for obtaining the relevant information. Chapter 4: Analysis of the secondary informations After roll uping the information, the research worker is traveling to make the analysis for the information obtained. The research worker is traveling to reason on the information obtained and give some sentiment sing the CONQUAS 21. Chapter 5: Decision and farther surveies In this chapter, the research worker is traveling to do a decision for the whole research and province out the farther surveies for quality appraisal. Plan and Agenda Planned Agenda 2009/2010 2010/2011 Second Semester First Semester Second Semester Nov Dec May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Introduction Literature Review Planing instance survey Analysis Decision Actual Agenda 2009/2010 2010/2011 Second Semester First Semester Second Semester Nov Dec May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Introduction Literature Review Planing instance survey Analysis Decision Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Quality Philosophy Definition of Quality Different party defines the quality in different manner. Some people will specify it as to run into contract demands, alternatively some people define it as the satisfaction of client and others besides define as it reaches the needed criterions. Totality of features of an entity that bear on its ability to fulfill stated or implied demands is the definition that The National Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) defines quality ( Chung, 1999 ) . The purposes or demands have been fulfilled or reached by any party, intend the quality criterion has been achieved. Furthermore, quality besides can be defined based on ain sentiment such as providing clients with merchandises and services that systematically meet their demands and outlooks ( S.L. Tang, 2005 ) , performance to the criterion expected by the client ( S.L. Tang, 2005 ) and fitness for intent ( Chung, 1999 ) . However, the definiton of quality is based on how a party to specify, it can be defined is several manner. Basic Concept of Quality Quality is the most of import factor to be concerned in every field including building field. In order to accomplish the quality, the industries have come out with there are assessment system and guidelines to be carried out to guarantee the plants done in the building industry can accomplish the quality. ISO 9001:2000, Quality Assessment System in Construction ( QLASSIC ) and Construction Quality Assessment ( CONQUAS ) is the appraisal system that ever used by constrction industry to guarantee the plants done reach the quality standard demand. Case survey of CONQUAS will be carried out in more inside informations later. Quality can be quantified as follows: Q=P/E Where, Q = quality P = public presentation E = outlook If Q is greater than 1.0, so the client has a good feeling about the merchandises or services ( Besterfield, 1998 ) . Furthermore, There are nine dimensions in the quality. All dimensions are independent, which means that an terminal merchandise can be first-class in one dimension but hapless in others ( Besterfield, 1998 ) . These nine dimensions inside informations and their footings is the followers: Table 1: Nine dimensions of quality and their footings Dimension Footings Performances Primary products/service characteristic such as clip, cost and craft facet. Features Secondary feature, added consideration such as creativeness in design and attractivenes. Conformity Meeting specification or industry criterions, craft and client s demand in contract. Dependability Consistency of public presentation over clip, mean clip for the unit to neglect. Lastingness Useful life period with less care or fix. Service Resolution of jobs and ailments, easiness of fix. Response Human to human interface such as efficiency during meeting, fast determination devising, effectual human resources direction. Aestheticss Centripetal features in design such as exterior coatings. Reputaion Past public presentation such as being ranked foremost in the tendering procedure. Adapted from Garvin, 1988, Pull offing Quality: The strategic and Competitive Edge, New York: Free Press. Furthermore, there are ever the relationship between quality with cost, value, rhythm clip and productiveness. The inside informations of the relationship is shown as followers: Quality and Productivity Productivity addition will act upon the quality by betterment Productivity = Salcable end product / Resources used Quality and Costss Cost will increase if the quality of conformity addition Cost will increase if the quality of design addition Quality and Cycle Time The rhythm clip will be cut down if there is betterment of quality attempt The rhythm clip to finish the activities is the cardinal parametric quantity .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 , .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .postImageUrl , .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 , .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:hover , .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:visited , .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:active { border:0!important; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:active , .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0 .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucc38ff91d3cca21a9cc38c890b0241d0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Counseling Processes EssayQuality and Value Organizations must evalute the value they provide, comparative to the competition Value = Quality / Price ( S.L. Tang, 2005 ) 2.1.3 Quality Management Quality direction will act upon the quality straight. The rules of quality direction are applicable to every industry, within all administrations and at every degree ( McCabe, 1988 ) . The basic end of quality direction is the riddance of failure: both in the construct and world of merchandises, services and procedures ( Juran, 1989 ) . The quality direction is defined as all activities of the overall direction map that determine the quality policy, aims and duties, and implement them by agencies such as quality planning, quality control, quality confidence, and quality betterment within the quality system ( McCabe, 1988 ) The quality direction have four phases in development, known as: Quality Inspection, Quality Control ( QC ) , Quality Assurance ( QA ) and Entire Quality Management ( TQM ) ( UTM, 2003 ) . Inspection and Quality Control are retrospective ; their purpose is find out the occurred job by sensing manner. Alternatively, the purpose of Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management is cut down and to avoid jobs happening ( McCabe, 1988 ) . The feature of the different phases in Quality Management as shown followers: Figure 1: The four phases of quality direction TQM QA QC Inspection Adapted from Dale, Boaden and Lescelles 1994: Degrees of entire quality direction acceptance Figure 2: The four phases of quality direction Quality Assurance Quality systems development Advanced quality planning Comprehensive quality manuals Use of quality costs Engagement of non-production operations Failure manner Entire Quality Management Policy deployment Involve providers and clients Involve all operations Process direction Performance direction Teamwork Employee engagement Quality Control Develop quality manual Procedure public presentation informations Self-inspection Merchandise proving Basic quality planning Use of basic statistics Paperwork controls Inspection Salvage Screening, rating, relending Corrective actions Identify beginnings of non-conformance Adapted from Steven McCabe 1988: Quality Improvement Techniques in Construction Phase 1: Inspection The first phase of quality direction is review. The review is defined as activity such as measurement, analyzing, proving or estimating one or more features of an entity and comparing these consequences with specified demands in order to set up whether conformance is achieved for each feature ( McCabe, 1988 ) . Inspection is used by most of the building industry to guarantee the conformity. The site supervisor will carried out the review of the building undertaking. The supervisor will do the comparing the architectural plants and structural based on the specification and drawing. If there is any faulty plants found by the clients, the contractor demand to rectify the faulty plants until fulfill the client s demand. Phase 2: Quality Control ( QC ) Quality control will be carried out after the review done. Quality control is considered as a system of everyday proficient activities, to mensurate and command the quality of the stock list as it is being developed ( Mangino, 1996 ) . The process of Quality control is really complicated. QC largely is based on the statistical analysis. Collection of informations is required in QC to keep the quality by statistical techniques. Phase 3: Quality Assurance Quality confidence is defined as all the planned activities implemented within the quality system, and demonstrated as needed, to supply equal assurance that an entity will carry through demands for quality ( McCabe, 1988 ) . The aim of Quality Assurance ( QA ) is to supply equal assurance that a service or merchandise will carry through clients demand by executing system audit, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, design of experiment and similar enterprises ( UTM, 2003 ) . In other words, QA is more specified on planning. The bar of hapless quality and defects is based on sensing activities. Phase 4: Entire Quality Management The concluding phase of quality direction is Entire Quality Management. The execution and apprehension of quality direction rules and constructs in every facet of concern activities are involved in this phase. The best service or merchandise will be provided to the client at the lower cost by utilizing these activities. However, TQM is less formal ; holding either processs or system, and it is difficult to be described due to it is less in formality ( McCabe, 1988 ) . Normally, merely counsel will be provided by TQM and it consider as a doctrine. Concept and Principles of CONQUAS 21 2.2.1 Introduction Recently, the demand of clients towards the edifice that they purchase is quality. They wish to acquire the best quality of the purchase edifice as possible. In this status, the developers have to play an of import function to guarantee the quality of the edifice undertaking. The developers overcome the job by utilizing Quality Assurance ( QA ) and Quality Control ( QC ) into the building undertaking to keep the criterion of quality as the demand. CONQUAS 21, ISO 9001:2000, QLASSIC will go the pick for the developers for their appraisal system. Case survey about CONQUAS 21 will be carried out by the research worker in more inside informations. 2.2.2 Aims of CONQUAS 21 There are three aims in the CONQUAS 21 system: Act as a standard quality appraisal system in building undertakings. Inspecting quality appraisal by: Measuring the specification and criterion of the craft in the plants done Randomly choosing the sample as represent the whole undertaking To enable quality appraisal consistently take topographic point within sensible cost and clip ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) Scope of CONQUAS 21 In CONQUAS 21 system, all the plants done will be given points based on the quality criterion. All of the given points will be added together to acquire the entire quality mark which besides known as CONQUAS mark for the building undertaking ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . The quality craft is better, the higher of CONQUAS mark will be obtained. 100 % is the maximal CONQUAS mark in building undertaking, but our human being is unable to build a work with zero-defects. The general edifice plant is covered by CONQUAS 21 system. There are 3 constituents in the appraisal: Structural Plants Architectural Works and Mechanical A ; Electrical ( M A ; E ) Works There are different point to be assessed in the different constituent stated above ( Building and Construction Authority, 2005 ) . CONQUAS 21 is considered as first clip right review attack ( Building and Construction Authority, 2005 ) means that the rectification plants will non take into consideration in CONQUAS 21 mark for the appraisal. Furthermore, trying system is the appraisal system used in the CONQUAS. The assessor will take the unit harmonizing to the norm, 1-in-4 flat units in a residential development for the appraisal ( Building and Construction Authority, 2005 ) . Thus, which unit will be chosen is unknown so the contractors have to guarantee all of the constructed plants are in good quality status. If there is any faulty found, the plants will be considered as failed. Besides, the to a great extent equipment-base such as heavy foundation, sub-structure plants and stacking is non available for appraisal and the work separate contracts or sub-contracts are non included in the appraisal ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . The review is different with the review done by the site supervisor. Normally, the contractors have to intentionally make an agreement for the review which form a specific squad for the review. There is a guideline have to be followed for the appraisal. Components to be assessed Structural Works, Architectural Works and M A ; E Works are the constituents under CONQUAS 21 appraisal. Structural Plants Structural Works can be considered as body for a edifice, the stableness of the edifice will be affected if there is failure or defect in structural plants. Therefore, keep its quality is necessary due to the cost of rectification is really expensive. Below show the inside informations of the appraisal of Structural Works: Inspection of finished concrete, formwork and steel support have to be carried out on site during the building site. If any constituent constitutes exceed 20 % of the entire structural cost, the pre-stressed concrete and structural steel are included in the appraisal. If found the precast concrete volume more than 20 % of structural concrete volume, the precast elements have to be assessed. Tensile strength of steel support and testing of compressive strength of concrete will be carried out on research lab testing. Non-destructive testing of the uniformity and the screen of hard-boiled concrete. ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) Appendix 1 shows the quality criterions of Structural Works. Architectural Works The constituents and coatings are classified in Architectural Works. The craft and quality can be easy seen and found. Below are the inside informations of appraisal of Architectural Works: After the edifice have complete, the appraisal have to be carried out on roofs, external plants, external walls and internal coatings. All the appraisal have to be carried out on site. Internal walls, doors, constituents, Windowss and floors are classified under the internal coatings. Functional and material trials such as on external walls and adhesion of internal wall tiles and water-tightness of window. ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) Appendix 2 shows Architectural Works quality criterion. Mechanical A ; Electrical ( M A ; E ) Works The advancement of whole edifice will be influenced by M A ; E Works. Air conditioning A ; Mechanical Ventilation Works ( ACMV ) , Electrical works, the footing M A ; E adjustments and Fire Protection Works are classified under the advancement of the edifice. Below are the phase of appraisal: Concealed pipes, ACMV ductworks and electrical conduits are classified as installed plants, the review on the point have to be carried out before embedded on site. The chilling tower, fire dismay control panel and Air-Handling Unit ( AHU ) are the concluding installed plants which the appraisal have to be carried out on site. Dry Riser Test, Earthing Test and Water Pressure Test are considered as selected plants. The public presentation trials are carried out on them. ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) Appendix 3 show the choice criterion of M A ; E Works. The Weightages Cat A ( Commercial, Industrial, Institution and Others ) , CAT B ( Condominium, Institution and Others ) , CAT C ( Public lodging ) , and CAT D ( Landed belongingss ) are the four classs of edifice that distribute the weightages for M A ; E Works, Architectural Works and Structural Works in CONQUAS 21 system. The aim of weightage system is doing the quality of a edifice is based on the CONQUAS mark, it is a via media between the cost proportions of the three constituents in the assorted edifices and their aesthetic consideration ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . In general, M A ; E works consist 10 % for four classs of edifice in norm, 35 % is consisted by the Structural plants and the highest per centum is consisted by Architectural plants which 50 % in norm for the four classs of edifices. The quality of Architect works is the most of import with the highest per centum, second is represented by the Structural plants and M A ; E works is the lowest. Table 2: The Weightages in CONQUAS 21 Components CAT A Commercial, Industrial, Institution A ; Others CAT B Commercial, Industrial, Institution A ; Others CAT C Public Housing CAT D Landed Properties Structural Plants 30 % 35 % 45 % 40 % Architectural Works 50 % 55 % 50 % 55 % M A ; E Works 20 % 10 % 5 % 5 % CONQUAS Mark 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % Note: In general, undertakings with cardinal chilling system holding chilling tower, hair-raiser system, etc are classified under CAT A. Otherwise, it will be classified under CAT B. Appendix 5 provides a ushers with listing of constructing under the assorted classs. Adapted from Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) : CONQUAS 21 manual book CONQUAS Assessor In CONQUAS 21 system, merely the Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) officer can be the assessor to inspect the plants done of the undertaking. BCA will carry on a standardization plan and preparation for assessors to go to to guarantee competence and consistence in the appraisal ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . Furthermore, CONQUAS 21 system is consider as independent appraisal. Therefore, if the edifice or parts of the edifice undertaking are acceptable, the designers and applied scientists are non allowed to utilize CONQUAS to do any determination unless the edifice contract stipulate it ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . Sampling Sampling system is introduced in the CONQUAS 21 system for the appraisal. It is impossible for us to inspect every unit of the plants done. Therefore, the sampling system is used for the appraisal, it helps the accessor a batch by salvaging the clip and do the appraisal easier due to the samples will be indiscriminately chosen by the assessor for review. Furthermore, the trying system want to do certain the review is sufficient to stand for the whole edifice by mentioning to the gross floor country of the edifice. The appraisal of CONQUAS 21 Assessment attack Sampling system is used by the CONQUAS 21 as the appraisal system, the sample will be indiscriminately selected for the quality appraisal harmonizing to the location program and drawing program and it will be distributed based on the building phases ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . The marking will be done on the plants that are inspected for the first clip because the aim of this pattern is to promote contractors making things right the first clip is the rule of the CONQUAS 21 system which want to do certain all the contractor do the plants good and keep the quality in first clip. Therefore, the marking will non take into history for the rectification works, merely the first clip works done will be inspected and scored in the CONQUAS 21 system ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . In make fulling the appraisal signifier, Ten intend the work done do non carry through the CONQUAS quality criterion after review on it. Alternatively, see the inspected work have reached the quality criterion stated in the CONQUAS system. Besides, non applicable point will be noted as in the assessment signifier. The figure of over the entire figure of point assessed is the concluding mark of CONQUAS for the whole undertaking. Structural plants appraisal After the whole undertakings have been completed, the review on structural plants merely can be done. Wall, slab, beam and column can be classified as the Structural plants. Below show the inside informations of the appraisal of a strengthened concrete construction: Table 3: The appraisal of a strengthened concrete construction Reinforced Concrete Structure Weightage % Formwork 15 Rebar 20 Finished Concrete 25 Concrete Quality 5 Steel Reinforcement Quality 5 NDT UPV trial for concrete uniformity 15 NDT Electro-Cover metre trial for concrete screen 15 Entire 100 *If entire precast concrete volume exceeds 20 % of entire structural concrete volume, appraisal will be carried out for precast concrete building. The points will be distributed proportionally between formwork/rebar appraisal and precast concrete appraisal based on the several concrete volume per centum. Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book The structural plants appraisal is carried out by utilizing trying system which mean merely portion of the samples have been chosen to stand for whole undertaking for the appraisal, non every unit is inspected. Therefore, there are some guidelines for the appraisal of structural plants. The guidelines are shown as below: Table 4: Guidelines for Structural plants appraisal Items GFA per Sample Min Sample Max Sample Remarks 1 Structural Elementss 500 M2 30 150 For Non-Housing Project 1a Strctural Elementss 1500 M2 30 50 For Housing Project 2 Concrete Compressive Strength 100 % Declaration by Qualified Person 3 Steel support Tensile Strength 100 % Declaration by Qualified Person 4 NDT UPV trial for concrete uniformity 5,000 M2 2 sets .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c , .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .postImageUrl , .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c , .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:hover , .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:visited , .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:active { border:0!important; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:active , .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1b76a3cd31e9e9eefe79ad2e50d0a66c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: 1929 Stock Market Crash Essay20 sets 5 construction members per set 5 NDT Electro-Cover metre trial for concrete screen 5,000 M2 2 sets 20 sets 5 construction members per set Note: The computed figure of elements to be checked must be equally distributed throughout the full block and screen at least 50 % of floors in a block. They should besides every bit far as possible cover the different types of structural elements. Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book The review is merely site review, the review can non be done at precast pace due to all the construction works to be inspected is cast unmoved concrete plants, non the precast constituent. The review of the structural plant is harmonizing to conformity to the criterions ( see in the Appendix 1, 1a, 1b A ; 1c ) . The farther appraisal will be required if the structural steelwork in the structural plants exceed 20 % of the structural cost and the points will be distributed proportionally. The Pre-stressing Works is similar with the structural steelwork ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . Below table show how the points of pre-stressed concrete and structural steelwork are distributed: Table 5: Structural Steelwork Structural Steelwork Weightage % Main member/Partially Assembled Component 40 Metallic element Decking 20 Erection Tolerances 10 Corrosion A ; Fire Protection 10 Welding Test Reports 20 Entire 100 Note: Appraisal for structural steel roof truss is mandatory irregardless of the 20 % bing standards. Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Table 6: Pre-stressed Concrete Pre-stressed Concrete Weightage % Tendon A ; Anchorage 25 Sheathing 25 Stressing A ; Grouting 25 Debonding 25 Entire 100 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Table 7: Choice of Samples for Structural Steelwork Items Steel tunnage per sample Min Sample Structural Elementss Main member/Partially Assembled Component 250 5 Metallic element Decking 250 5 Erection Tolerances 500 5 Corrosion A ; Fire Protection 500 5 Material A ; Functional Test Welding Test Reports ( NDT ) All critical welding articulations Note: Samples will be taken earlier and after installing Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Architectural Works Assessment After the edifice undertaking is completed, the review of Architectural plants will be taken topographic point to mensurate the quality of the plants done but with a status all of the appraisal have to be done before the contractor grip over the undertaking to the proprietor. Below show the inside informations of the appraisal of Architectural plants: Table 8: The Assessment of Architectural Works Architectural Elementss Weightage % Entire Breakdown Internal Finishes 56 Floor 16 Internal wall 16 Ceiling 6 Door 6 Window 6 Component 6 Roof 4 4 External Wall 12 12 External Work 6 6 Material A ; Functional Trials 22 Pre-packed Plaster 1 Field Window Water-Tightness Test ( WTT ) ( BCA Test 8 platinums + Self-Testing 2 platinums ) 10 Wet Area Water-Tihtness Test ( BCA Test 4 platinums + Self-Testing 1 platinum ) 5 Internal Wet Area Waterproofing Process 2 Pull-Off-Test for Internal Wall Tiles 4 Entire 100 Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Architectural plants is utilizing trying system for appraisal excessively which is similar to the Structural plants, Architectural works have its ain guideline for the sampling. Different classs of edifice are varied in the guideline stated. Below are the guidelines of the sampling: Table 9: Guidelines for Architectural Works Assessment Items GFA per Sample Min Sample Max Sample Remarks 1 Internal Finishes 500 M2 30 150 For Non-Housing Project 1a Internal Finishes 70 M2 30 800 For all Private Housing Project 1b Internal Finishes 70 M2 30 600 For Public Housing 2 External Wall 50 % 50 % of the blocks/units 3 External Work 1 1 for each type of external work 4 Pre-packed Plaster Merely pre-packed plaster used. Declaration by Qualified Person 5a Field Window Water-tightness Test ( WTT ) 1,000 M2 20 100 Conducted by BCA 5b Field Window Water-tightness Test ( WTT ) 25 % Self-Testing with declaration by Qualified Person 6a Wet Area Water-tightness Test 20 100 10 % of all bathroom and/or lavatories ( by location ) All will be tested if lt ; 20 nos 6b Wet Area Water-tightness Test 100 % Self-Testing with declaration by Qualified Person Including level roof 7 Internal Wet Area Waterproofing Process In-process appraisal based on sanctioned Method Statement 8 Pull-Off Test for Internal Wall Tiles 10,000 M2 1 Set 5 Sets 5 tiles per set ( by location ) Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Hall, kitchen, lavatory, corridor, anteroom and room is considered as the functional infinite in the edifice. The appraisal of functional infinite of a edifice is classified as internal coatings appraisal. Below show types of locations: Service locations public-service corporation countries such as lavatories, kitchens, balconies and paces Principal location major functional topographic points such as hall and suites Circulation locations include lift anterooms, corridors and stairwaies ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) There is different weightage for the different location. Appendix 4 show the defect group which influence the internal coatings hiting. The point which noted as failed mean the point do non carry through the quality criterion that CONQUAS 21 system require. If there is faulty plants found, the plants is indicated as failed in the review record such as grounds of H2O ooze in the window. The appraisal for the external plants have to be done first before transporting out the assesssment for the external plant. There are some location will be divided during the external plant appraisal. Below show the location that contain in the appraisal of the external plants: Link-way/Shelter 10m length subdivision per sample and minimal 2 samples Apron A ; Drain 10m length subdivision per sample and minimal 2 samples Roadwork A ; Carpark 10m length subdivision per sample and minimal 1 sample Footpaths A ; Turfing 10m length subdivision per sample and minimal 2 samples Playground 1 location Court 1 location Fencing A ; Gate 10m length subdivision per sample and minimal 1 sample Swiming Pool 10m length subdivision per sample and minimal 1 sample Club House 1 location Guard House 1 location Electrical Substaion 1 location ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) Every point will be inspected individually in the appraisal of the External plants. Those points that are non available for the edifice undertaking, it will non be taken into history during marking. M A ; E Works Assessment The M A ; E appraisal is non similar as Architectural plants and Structural works appraisal. In the M A ; E works appraisal, the appraisal have been separate into two phases which is after the edifice have completed phase and during the building of structural plants phase. The classs of the undertakings distribute the weightage for M A ; E works appraisal: Table 10: The Assessment of M A ; E Works M A ; E Elementss CATA CAT B CAT C CAT D M A ; E Works Assessment Electrical 15 15 10 10 ACMV 20 20 10 Fire Protection 10 10 10 Plumbing A ; Sanitary 15 15 20 Basic Adjustments 15 15 20 Sub-total 75 75 100 100 Weightage 50 % 50 % 100 % 100 % M A ; E Performance Test Appraisal Performance Testing 100 100 Weightage 50 % 50 % Entire 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % Note 1: means that no appraisal on that M A ; E elements is required Note 2: Please mention to Appendix 6 for inside informations of the points allocated under each component of the M A ; E plants assessed Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Furthermore, Get-It-Right-First-Time is the rule in CONQUAS 21 system, all the points stated in Table 10 above will be merely inspected for the first clip works done in the appraisal, all the rectification plants will non impact the marking in the appraisal. It means that the per centum of trials go throughing the first appraisal for each type of trial is the concluding mark of CONQUAS ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2006 ) . Table 11: Marking method for Get-It-Right-First-Time rule Ave % Passing at First Attempt % of Performance Test Mark 80 % or below 0 % 80 % lt ; X lt ; 100 % ( X-80 ) /20 ten 100 % 100 % 100 % Note: Ten means the mean per centum of go throughing at first effort Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Furthermore, M A ; E works is besides utilizing trying system for their appraisal system. There is M A ; E works trying guideline. The M A ; E works trying guideline is different with others which there are four classs of edifice decide the M A ; E trying plants. The guidelines are shown as below: Table 12: Guidelines for M A ; E Works Assessment Cat A 1,000 M2 per sample CAT B 1,500 M2 per sample CAT C 3,500 M2 per sample CAT D 3,500 M2 per sample Electrical Embedded conduit 2+ 2+ 2+ Main overseas telegrams 1 1 Surface conduits 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+ Cable tray, ladder A ; trunking 1+ 1+ 1+ 11 Distribution board 2+ 2+ 1 ACMV Air managing unit 1+ Pump 1 Cooling tower 1 Hair-raiser 1 Organ pipe 1 Split unit/Window air conditioner 2+ 2+ 3+ Air-con comfort 1+ 1+ 2+ Ductwork 3+ 1 Fire-rated canal 1 1 Dampers 1+ 1 Fire Dampers 1 1 Flexible canals 2 Flexible connections 1 Fire Protection Wet/dry riser 1+ 1+ 1+ Sprinkler 1+ 1 Fire Alarm 1 1 Hosereel 1+ 1+ 1+ Plumbing A ; Sanitary Concealed pipes 1+ 1+ Exposed pipes 4+ 4+ 4+ Water armored combat vehicle 1 1 1 Pump 1 1 1 Minimal Samples 35 25 10 10 Maximal Samples 70 50 20 20 Remarks: + means to be separated for extra samples required Note: Basic M A ; E Fittings 500m2 per sample with min 30 and max 150 samples Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book Calculation of CONQUAS Score BCA have introduced the marking method for mensurating the quality of plants done in CONQUAS 21 system with few stairss, the stairss have to be followed while transporting out the hiting method. Below show the illustration of hiting method computed in CONQUAS 21 system which can establish in CONQUAS 21 manual book: Scenario: Undertaking Type Commercial ( CAT A ) Structural System Reinforced Concrete system with 31 % precast concrete volume and steel mills at 75 % to 25 % cost ratio Roofing System Flat Roof Nos of Toilet 10 nos External Wall Full Glass Curtain Wall Measure 1: Calculation of Structural Score The Structural Score will be proportioned by the cost ratio as follows: Measure 2: Calculation of Architectural Score Measure 3: Calculation of M A ; E Score Measure 4: Calculation of Final CONQUAS Score Adapted from Building and Construction Authority: CONQUAS 21 manual book The Advantages of Implementing CONQUAS 21 Quality is the chief factor that to be concerned in a building undertaking. It is the nature of the building, the edifice value will be increase with the good quality building. The CIDB Singapore s informations base show that the quality of the building undertaking improves with utilizing CONQUAS 21, which the building costs of public sector edifice are at least S $ 3 million. The CONQUAS mark rise from 67.9 to 74.3 in 8 old ages ( 1989-1997 ) ( Low, S.P. , Tan, B.K. and Allen, A.A.L. , 1999 ) . The image of a house will be influenced by a good CONQUAS mark path record to guarantee future marketability. The figure of client will automatically increase with addition of the image of a house ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . All the employers want to do certain their merchandise can be delivered to the purchasers with good quality so they prefer to take the companies which have achieved good quality in the old undertakings. A good CONQUAS mark attract more people to put in the undertaking due to high quality undertaking. There is a one-year BCA Construction Excellence Award victors to be competed to win the award which selected by BCA based on the well CONQUAS public presentation. The image of the companies automatically increase if win the award ( Building and Construction Authority ( BCA ) , 2010 ) . There is an inducement in the CONQUAS system attract the contractor to present the good quality edifice based on accomplishing good mark in the CONQUAS appraisal. For the undertaking which achieve the mark of above 75 points would acquire an inducements of entire RM 1,500,000.00 alternatively RM 1,000,000.00 merely will be given for the mark of above 65 points. ( Building and Construction Authority, 2006 ) . This attractive inducement becomes a beginning of motive and promote to present a good quality edifice. Besides, the CONQUAS system besides measure the quality of craft of the building. If found there is any unsatisfactory of the craft after mensurating in CONQUAS mark, the unsatisfactory of craft can be rectified before deliver to the buyer. Although the rectification can non increase the CONQUAS mark, but the better quality of merchandise can be delivered to purchaser to increase the satisfaction of the buyer and diminish the ailments from the buyer or cut down the rectification cost after vacant ownership ( The National House Buyers Association ( HBA ) , 2009 ) . The Problems Occur When Applying CONQUAS 21 There are some disadvantages in the CONQUAS 21. It is hard to guarantee the public presentation of the company based on the CONQUAS 21 mark due to every undertaking is non similar in nature. The undertaking where utilize the precast constituents is executable such as level or school is easier to keep the quality direction comparison to the traditional dramatis personae in situ building because precast constituents are manufactured under controlled mill status, all the dimensions, sizes and forms are stated clearly. Therefore, the precast constituent is easier to be fixed on site. Alternatively, the contractor may confront the job while in the traditional cast-in-situ building which there is no specified size and dimension constituent provided, all have to project in situ, it is hard to command the quality of work. The building method will impact the CONQUAS mark. CONQUAS 21 have its ain guideline sing the structural plants, architectural plants and M A ; E work. For the individual in-charge for CONQUAS 21 review, have to follow the guideline province during the review. The review is different with the review done by the site supervisor. So the contractors have to intentionally make an agreement for this review which organic and specific squad under the review. In straight, with this excess review will protract the continuance of the undertaking. Every appraisal will be charged for assessment cost. The cost CONQUAS 21 appraisal will be higher comparison to ISO 9001-2000 and QLASSIS, it will increase the building cost. Due to higher building cost, the merchandising monetary value will be increase in market ( The National House Buyers Association ( HBA ) , 2009 ) . Furthermore, the mark can non wholly represent the quality of the edifice due to the mark is derived simply based on a random sample appraisal to stand for the whole building undertaking. ( The National House Buyers Association ( HBA ) , 2009 ) . There might is any defect although the mark is high due to non whole units assessed by the CONQUAS system. The Summary In the recent old ages, there are a batch of developers in Malaysia building industry implementing CONQUAS as the quality appraisal for their edifice undertaking although the CIDB Malaysia has recommended QLASSIS. The CONQUAS can be considered as a new appraisal system in Malaysia building industry due to the quality appraisal system merely adopted by the building industry late although CONQUAS system was launched since 1989 in Singapore. The chief factor that the CONQUAS system will be adopted in the Malaysia building industry is the developers found CONQUAS system have more benefits compare to QLASSIS and ISO 9001:2000. The CONQUAS system step the quality of the plants done in more inside informations and it is more beforehand comparison to other appraisal system that why most of developers prefer to implement CONQUAS 21 in their building undertaking.

11 Facts You Should Know about Halloween

11 Facts You Should Know about Halloween The U.S. is a society of consumers, and an economy based primarily on consumer spending, so its no surprise that Halloween is celebrated in  consumerist ways. Lets take a look at some interesting facts about Halloween consumption, with data from  National Retail Federations Halloween Headquarters, and consider what they mean from a sociological perspective. 171 million Americans- more than half the entire national population- will celebrate Halloween in 2016.Halloween is the nations third favorite holiday, but second favorite for those between the ages of 18-34. It is  less popular with older folks, and more popular among women than men,   according to a 2011 Harris Interactive poll.Not just for kids,  Halloween is an important holiday for adults too. Nearly half the adult population will dress in costume for the occasion.Total U.S. spending for Halloween 2016 is expected to reach 8.4 billion dollarsan increase of more than 3 billion dollars since 2007. That includes $3.1 billion spent on costumes, $2.5 billion on candy, and  $2.4 billion on decorations.The average person will spend about $83 celebrating Halloween.About a third of all adults will throw or attend a Halloween party.One in five adults will visit a haunted house.Sixteen percent will dress their pets in costume.In 2016 costume choices among adults differ by age brack et. Among Millennials, Batman characters take the number one spot, followed by witch, animal, Marvel or DC superhero, and vampire. The number one costume among older adults is a witch, followed by pirate, political costume, vampire, and then Batman character. Action and superhero characters are the top choice for children in 2016, followed by princess, animal, Batman character, and Star Wars character.Pumpkin wins the top spot for pets, followed by hot dog, bumble bee, lion, Star Wars character, and devil. So, what does all this mean, sociologically speaking? Halloween is clearly a very important holiday in the U.S. We can see this in not only the patterns in participation and spending  but in what people do to celebrate the holiday. Early sociologist Émile Durkheim observed that rituals are occasions upon which people in a culture or society come together to reaffirm their values, beliefs, and morals. By participating in rituals together, we activate and reaffirm our collective consciencethe sum of those beliefs and ideas we share in common,  that take on a life and force of their own due to their collective nature. In celebration of Halloween, those rituals include dressing in costume, trick-or-treating, throwing and attending costume parties, decorating homes,  and going to haunted houses. This raises the question of what values, beliefs, and morals are reaffirmed through our mass participation in these rituals. Halloween costumes in the U.S. have evolved away from the holidays social origins as taunts and mocking of death, and toward popular culture. Sure, witch is a popular costume for women, and zombies and vampires are also in the top ten, but the variations of them trend more toward sexy than scary or evocative of death. So, it would be false to conclude that the rituals affirm values and beliefs of Christianity and Paganism. They point instead to  the importance placed on having fun and being  sexy in our society. But, what also stands out to this sociologist is the consumerist nature of the holiday and the rituals. The primary thing we do to celebrate Halloween is buy stuff. Yes, we go out and get together and have fun, but none of that happens without first shopping and spending moneya collective 8.4 billion dollars. Halloween, like other consumerist holidays (Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, Fathers Day and Mothers Day), is an occasion upon which we reaffirm the importance of consuming in order to fit in with the norms of society. Thinking back to Mikhail Bakhtins description of medieval carnivale in Europe as a release valve for the tensions that arise in a highly stratified society, we could also surmise that Halloween serves a similar function in the U.S. today. Currently economic inequality and poverty are at their greatest in the nations history. We are faced with an incessant onslaught of terrible news about global climate change, war, violence, discrimination and injustice,  and disease. In the midst of this, Halloween presents an attractive opportunity to take off our own identity, put on another, shake off our cares and concerns, and exist as someone else for an evening or two. Ironically, we may be further exacerbating the problems we face in the process, by perpetuating the hypersexualization of women and racism via costume, and  by handing our hard-earned money over to already wealthy corporations that exploit laborers and the environment to bring all the Halloween goods to us. But we sure have fun doing it.

Progress report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Progress report - Essay Example A credit crunch usually happens during a recession (as what we are in right now) that results in greater difficulty in getting or securing borrowed money from banks and lenders. A crunch occurs because the usual lenders are nervous about lending out their monies due to the reduced prospects of repayment, such as during a recession when the economy is not doing so well and impacts negatively on people’s ability to repay a loan. This brief paper aims to look and discuss how the current credit crunch is affecting all consumers. Most academic research and newspaper reports only talked about a credit crunch and its impact on big corporations but neglected its effect on individuals. It is the objective of this paper to correct this oversight and enlighten people on how the credit crunch affects them individually on a personal level. The rationale for choosing this topic is that a credit crunch has a negative effect on everybody from availability of jobs to the ease of getting a loan and to the interest charged on credit cards and home mortgages; its impact is very wide ranging. Discussion Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of the United States economy. GDP is the measure of all the goods and services produced by labour and property within the country (Young, 2011:1). The United States economy has a big impact on the world economy because of its sheer size. However, there are also some constraints to consumer spending, primarily a depressed economy that contributed to a high 9.8% unemployment rate. Even here at United Kingdom, the economy is also largely dependent on consumer spending. Figures produced from the statistics office showed that household final consumption expenditure (HHFCE) had grown by 1% only in the third quarter of last year (at current prices) compared to1.9% growth in the second quarter of 2010 (Clancy, 2011:7). The practical implications of a credit crunch are more expensive credit cards, higher rates for housing mortgages, decreased savings or pension funds reduced in value and perhaps even much worse, personal bankruptcies and repossessions. A cause of the credit crunch that is experienced today can be traced to the â€Å"housing bubble† in the US where house prices kept increasing due to low interest rates. An asset price bubble (residential properties) came about when house prices went up without any corresponding change in the fundamental demand. It simply means house prices increased due to speculation (Kroszner, 2005:3). Because of this sudden drop in housing prices, the wealth of most home owners had been wiped out. Structure of this paper follows the trail of effects of a credit crunch on people. It begins with different channels of credit, then how it affects jobs and employment, then on to interest rates and then followed by the implosion in savings and pensions. The last part of this portion talks on the pain of home foreclosures. The next parts of the paper discuss how an asset price bubble will start to form because once a bubble bursts, it results into a recession and a credit crunch. The last part discusses how the central bank deals with it and how people can cope with it. Because of the credi

Compare and Contrast US policy toward Cuba under George H.W. Bush and Research Proposal

Compare and Contrast US policy toward Cuba under George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton - Research Proposal Example Currently, there exists no official diplomatic relationship between Cuba and the U.S; rather the countries have maintained an embargo that makes any business association between Cubans and U.S corporations illegal. Analysts argue that the conflict between the U.S and Cuba is as a result of the Americans imperialism ideology that is invading the freedom of Cubans. The U.S has maintained its military troops in Guantanamo Bay despite Cuba’s independence in 1992. This move has continued hindering the process of transformation in Cuba and the diplomatic relationship between the two nations is described as tense. The Cuban ambassadorial representation in the U.S in handled by Interest sections in Washington D.C while the U.S is represented politically by similar interest section in Havana. The U.S administration has continued with the Business embargo in both president Bill Clintons Administration as well as the President Bush’s governance. The relationship between the U.S and Cuba is major dominated by restrictions and conflicts. These include economic sanctions and traveling limitations between the two countries. The consequence of such sanctions is reduced interactions in terms of commerce, politics and civilian relationships between the two countries. The U.S government idea of embargo is to facilitate peaceful transformation of Cuban governance from political instability to democracy and an administration that respects human rights (Roy 2000, 123). The embargo dates back to the Eisenhower’s administration in the U.S, this is the time when Fidel Castro took power. The U.S was so much involved with war against communism (Cold War) and it banned shipment of arms to Cuban since at the time, Castro was leading a large rebel group (Perez 2003, 274). The whole of the U.S administration since then has been characterized by

The Impact Of Social Networking On Business Research Paper

The Impact Of Social Networking On Business - Research Paper Example On the other hand, the ever changing fashion trend influences the people around the globe the way they dress and how producers design apparels suited to the prevailing market need. Business therefore is simply a matter of creating trends, understanding consumers and their needs and building long-term relationship for profit-generating activity. These are some of the essential elements that need to be mastered in business, but one of the most important factors that need to be considered in great detail is consumer behavior as it has important business implications (Deutsch, 2010). This reason that for many years, business significantly improved the way it is conducted and it continuously seeks to understand consumer behavior. Today, business is an integral part of the social changes as social networking is developed over time and as found to be of great advantage on business activity. Consumer behavior in particular is integrated in the modern social change. For instance, Facebook as a renowned social networking site is not only a venue for friendship-related activities, but in creating business in particular as it is currently patterned in the principle of how social behavior functions. This is evident in its website where it is clear how each individual interacts with each other with particular messages. Social networking site dates back to its humble beginning in 1971 when the first email was sent, and it remarkably improved until 1995 where online contents can be published with freedom, which brought forward the inception of Friendster in 2002, Myspace in 2003, Facebook in 2004, Twitter in 2006 and in 2008 Facebook bested them all based on the number of users and online visits per day (Onlineschools.org., 2011). This remarkable innovation and evolution in social networking have important business implications and this is the point the proponent discusses in this paper. Social networking Social networking is an innovation in business for the following reasons . The first point is its ability to disclose significant information that would be important to some people around the globe. As a result, it has the capacity to augment an individual’s network of contacts (Wilson, 2009). For instance, a person who looks for someone interested in conducting business may be able to

Case Study On The Ethics Of The Police Law Essay

Case Study On The Ethics Of The Police Law Essay This paper will discuss decisions made by police in a scenario. This paper will critique decisions that the police in the scenario have made. I will be discussing whether or not the decisions made by the police were ethical or not and I will discuss what I would have done in the situation. I will be discussing ethical considerations. I will discuss a number of topics related to ethics such as NSW Police Oath of Office, Statement of Values and Code of Conduct. I will also be talking about human rights, coercive and excessive force, discretion, power, authority, reporting misconduct and loyalty. Numerous policies and legislation need to be followed to perform the role of a police officer and to maintain ethical standards and to make ethical decisions. Ethical decisions are made every day by police and it is important to be ethical to be a police officer. The first decision by police that I will critique is Senior Constable Cullens decision to keep Scotts Ipod. Senior Constable Cullen demanded Scott to give the Ipod that he stole. Senior Constable Cullen did not give the Ipod to the lawful owner. Instead he decided to keep the Ipod for himself. The decision to keep the Ipod is the wrong decision and is an unethical decision. An ethical decision involves obvious ethical standards. An ethical decision is being able to distinguish if a decision is lawful, moral and the correct decision which will impact a number of stakeholders. NSW Police Oath of Office requires states: police to keep the peace, to the best of your ability, faithfully according to law (Oath of Office, Clause 7, Police Regulation, 2008.). The Oath of Office is a legally binding promise that all NSW Police officers take. The Oath of Office is legislation and has to be followed in order for police to function ethically and responsibly. In the scenario Senior Constable Cullen decided to keep Scotts Ipod. Senior Constable Cullen did not follow the Oath of Office and failed in his duties to perform to the best of his ability. This makes the decision that Senior Constable Cullen made one that is unethical, unjustified and against legislation. The decision to steal Scotts Ipod also breaches NSW Police Statement of Values. The Statement of Values outlines the collective values of the NSW Police. It provides employees with clear guidelines on the conduct required to support the values of the NSW Police Force (pp.49, Policing Issues and Practice Journal, May 2007, the NSW Police Force Revised Statement of Values and Ethics). The NSW Police Statement of Values states: Excellence; having the highest professional standards and integrity. Senior Constable Cullen did not follow this value when he made the decision to take Scotts Ipod and not give it back. Having excellence is to have high standards and to act morally and ethically, have good character and to be honest which Senior Constable Cullen did not show in his decision of stealing the Ipod. Senior Constable Cullen also breached the NSW Police Force Code of Conduct and Ethics policy. This policy states that NSW Police employees act professionally, honesty and to be ethical The Code of Conduct and Ethics policy guides NSW Police to act ethically and have good conduct. The NSW Police Force Code of Conduct and Ethics states: An employee of the NSW Police Force must not make improper use of their position or NSW Police Force information or resources. Senior Constable Cullen breached this policy when he stole Scotts Ipod. Senior Constable used his position as a police officer for an unlawful purpose. He stole the Ipod for personal gain. This policy states that a NSW Police employee cannot use their position as leverage to perform an unlawful act such as stealing. Senior Constable Cullen had no justification under any law, legislation or policy to steal Scotts Ipod, therefore his decision is an unethical, unlawful decision without any justification. In Senior Constable Cullens decision, he used inappropriate discretion when he stole Scotts Ipod. Discretion is acting according to your own judgment wherever your authority leaves you free to do so (PPP123 Study Guide, 2010, p.23). Senior Constable Cullen has discretion whether to arrest and charge Scott and keep his Ipod. Although he used his discretion to steal the Ipod, it was an unlawful use of his discretion because it is against the law to steal. Discretion is supposed to be applied in good faith and to uphold the spirit of the law. The way Senior Constable Cullen used his discretion was unethical, was not done in good faith and was not justified. Senior Constable Cullen has breached an important human right when he made the decision to keep Scotts Ipod unlawfully. Human rights are the rights and liberty in which all humans are entitled to. Article 17 states: No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property. Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. (Article 17, United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948). Police can breach human rights justifiably such as taking property. The justification for taking property would be for the gathering of evidence or if a person is in custody. Police officers are not justified in taking property of others for their own personal use. All humans in the world are entitled to human rights. Police are required to protect everyones human rights in order to keep the peace, uphold standards of living and to keep society a safe place. This shows that Senior Constable Cullen violated human rights by taking Scotts Ipod and therefore this deci sion is an unethical one. There are numerous potential consequences for Senior Constable Cullen for stealing the Ipod. It is a criminal offence to steal property belonging to another. Senior Constable Cullen may face criminal prosecution for his decision to steal the Ipod. By not following the NSW Police Force policies and legislation such as, the Oath of Office, Code of Conduct and Ethics and Statement of Values, human rights declaration and proper use of discretion, Senior Constable Cullen may face disciplinary action by NSW Police. Senior Constable Cullen may also be terminated from the NSW Police Force for his actions if he cannot justify why he took the Ipod from Scott. He may also be sued by Scott for taking his Ipod. I would not have made the decision to steal Scotts Ipod. I would have no justification to steal Scotts Ipod. I would also not be following legislation and policy if I took Scotts Ipod without giving it back. If I was the police officer in that situation, I would give the Ipod back to Scott who is the rightful owner. The second decision made by police that I will critique is Senior Constable Cullens decision to push Scott heavily into the fence. Pushing Scott heavily into the fence is considered excessive force. Excessive force is defined as: force than cannot be justified (PPP123 Study Guide, 2010, pp70-71). Senior Constable Cullen has to justify his decisions and the actions he takes and he is held accountable for his actions. Senior Constable is accountable for his action because he has original authority. Original authority is defined as: acting from your own will. It is granted and exercised as a result of holding the office of constable (PPP123 Study Guide, 2010, p.69). Due to the fact that police officers have original authority, they are all accountable for their own actions. No one else is accountable for the decisions they make. The Police Act 1990, Statement of Values, Code of Conduct and Police Regulation 2008 states that Police officers are held accountable for their actions and must justify the decisions they make and the actions they take. Senior Constable Cullen was not justified in pushing Scott heavily into the fence. Coercive force would have been a better option to take. Coercive force can be used when: the amount of force used to be adequate to the intended outcome. Only the minimum amount of force is necessary to achieve the outcome. (PPP123 Study Guide, 2010, p70). Coercive force is making someone do something they would not otherwise have done. Instead of pushing Scott heavily into the fence, I would have instructed Scott to turn around and would have handcuffed him because by law I am justified in handcuffing a person when they have escaped or tried to escape and I need to handcuff Scott to prevent future escape when I start talking to him. That would have been the minimum force needed at that moment. Pushing Scott hard into the fence was not necessary and there were other coercive force options available like handcuffing him and telling him hes under arrest. The consequences of his actions may have resulted in a civil lawsuit against him and being charged with assault and being terminated from the NSW Police Force. The third decision that I will critique is Constable Blacks decision to not report the misconduct of her partner Senior Constable Cullen. Senior Constable Cullen made a number of unethical decisions like pushing Scott hard into the wall and stealing Scotts Ipod. Constable Black did not address the misconduct of her partner. Misconduct is where a breach of some form of policy, law or other stringent requirement occurs (PPP123 Study Guide, 2010, p.118). If a police officer is acting in a way which you consider to be misconduct, the police officer is legally required to report misconduct (cl. 49 Police Regulation 2008 Point 10 Code of Conduct and Ethics). Constable Black might not have reported the incidents because she thought there might be ramifications to her career and possible the career of her partner Senior Constable Cullen. Her inactions of not reporting misconduct may jeopordise her career. Constable Black does not have the moral courage to report the misconduct of Senior Constable Cullen. Moral courage is to stand up for yourself and take a stand on what you think is the right thing to do. As a police officer, Constable Black should be aware that she can report misconduct to the Commissioner, Internal Witness Support Unit, Corruption hotline, NSW Ombudsman and many other avenues. Constable Black is loyal to her colleague, but loyalty doesnt work once your career is on the line. Constable Black can be loyal to her partner in situations such as lawful arrests and general policing functions. Loyalty in policing is valuable because it allows police to pursue their goals and objective effectively (PPP123 Study Guide, 2010, p122). Although when her partner starts to do things which are in contradiction with law, policy and guidelines, Constable Black need not be loyal to her partner, but to be loyal to the NSW Police Force and to report the crime. I do not agree with Constable Blacks decision of not reporting misconduct of her colleague Senior Constable Cullen. There is no justification for her to not report misconduct. If a complaint was made against Senior Constable Cullen about him stealing the Ipod, Constable Black would be questioned as to what she did about him stealing the Ipod and why didnt she report it to anyone. This might have potentially caused an end to her service in the NSW Police Force. If I was Constable Black, I would suggest to Senior Constable Cullen to give the Ipod back. If he still decided to keep the Ipod, I would then report his misconduct by following the relevant avenues. In conclusion I have critiqued 3 decisions that the police officers made in the scenario. The two police officers were Senior Constable Cullen and Constable Black. I discussed the potential consequences of their decisions and what I would have done in their situation. I talked about various weekly topics including discretion, NSW Police Oath of Office, Statement of Values, Code of Conduct. I also discussed human rights, coercive and excessive force, discretion, power, authority, reporting misconduct and loyalty. To be ethical and to be justified for your actions, A police officer must follow legislation and policies such as Statement of Values, Oath of Office and Code of Conduct and Ethics and NSW Police standard operating procedures which is readily accessible. I came to a conclusion that the options that Senior Constable Cullen took were not justified, were not ethical, nor were they following NSW Police guidelines, standard operating procedures and legislation. I also came to the conclusion that Constable Blacks decision of not reporting misconduct is unethical, not justified and breached Clause 9 of the Police Regulation 2008 which states that all NSW Police officers are legally required to report misconduct.

Human Suffering: Preventing Humans From Achieving True Happiness Essay

There is a very commonly held belief that life is difficult. More to the point, life consists of a lot of suffering. It is common to hear comments such as, life is a constant struggle, life is an uphill battle, a never-ending fight. These comments raise many questions about the nature, or even the very existence of absolute happiness. Is it possible for a human being to ever achieve complete happiness? Answering this question completely is impossible because humans are very complex and each one of us has a different definition of happiness. Sigmund Freud took a different approach to the question of human happiness. In an excerpt from his book, which is titled Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud identified what he felt were the three main sources of human suffering. He says â€Å"...the three sources from which our suffering comes: the superior power of nature, the feebleness of our bodies and the inadequacies of the regulations which adjust the mutual relationships of human being in the family, the state and society† (Zwann, Junyk, & Zielinski, 2010). That is to say that Freud identified the origins of human suffering in rejecting and controlling our natural human instincts, the limitations of our human bodies, and the conflict between being true to ourselves and being a civilized individual. Furthermore, Freud was of the opinion that though we eventually accept, though are dissatisfied with the first two components of struggling, we are constantly at war with ourselves due to the last attribute. I find that I can agree with Freud on quite a few topics in his discussion, but that a lot of questions are ultimately raised from his thoughts. I plan on discussing and addressing all of these issues in this paper. Let us take a loo... ...ence with hardly a moment's notice. Suffering also arises in the knowledge of our own mortality and our physical limitations. The human being is well aware that the body will one day fail in one way or another. Finally, there is the suffering that comes from the struggle between the individual existence trying to fit with the existence of civilization. Due to the fact that human beings require social connections for both protection and emotional support, the formation of societies and civilizations is inevitable. Human suffering is ultimately an unavoidable aspect of life. Works Cited taboo. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Web. 23 November 23, 2014. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/taboo Zwann, V., Junyk, I., & Zielinski, G. (Ed.). (2010). Cust 1000Y Introduction to the study of modern culture. Toronto, Ontario: Canadian Scholars' Press Inc Human Suffering: Preventing Humans From Achieving True Happiness Essay There is a very commonly held belief that life is difficult. More to the point, life consists of a lot of suffering. It is common to hear comments such as, life is a constant struggle, life is an uphill battle, a never-ending fight. These comments raise many questions about the nature, or even the very existence of absolute happiness. Is it possible for a human being to ever achieve complete happiness? Answering this question completely is impossible because humans are very complex and each one of us has a different definition of happiness. Sigmund Freud took a different approach to the question of human happiness. In an excerpt from his book, which is titled Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud identified what he felt were the three main sources of human suffering. He says â€Å"...the three sources from which our suffering comes: the superior power of nature, the feebleness of our bodies and the inadequacies of the regulations which adjust the mutual relationships of human being in the family, the state and society† (Zwann, Junyk, & Zielinski, 2010). That is to say that Freud identified the origins of human suffering in rejecting and controlling our natural human instincts, the limitations of our human bodies, and the conflict between being true to ourselves and being a civilized individual. Furthermore, Freud was of the opinion that though we eventually accept, though are dissatisfied with the first two components of struggling, we are constantly at war with ourselves due to the last attribute. I find that I can agree with Freud on quite a few topics in his discussion, but that a lot of questions are ultimately raised from his thoughts. I plan on discussing and addressing all of these issues in this paper. Let us take a loo... ...ence with hardly a moment's notice. Suffering also arises in the knowledge of our own mortality and our physical limitations. The human being is well aware that the body will one day fail in one way or another. Finally, there is the suffering that comes from the struggle between the individual existence trying to fit with the existence of civilization. Due to the fact that human beings require social connections for both protection and emotional support, the formation of societies and civilizations is inevitable. Human suffering is ultimately an unavoidable aspect of life. Works Cited taboo. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Web. 23 November 23, 2014. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/taboo Zwann, V., Junyk, I., & Zielinski, G. (Ed.). (2010). Cust 1000Y Introduction to the study of modern culture. Toronto, Ontario: Canadian Scholars' Press Inc

Marketing Plan for Chick-fil-A Essay

Introduction Establishing a marketing plan to introduce a new service to an organization requires extensive analysis and reviews of its competitors. An organization needs to review the pros and the cons of any new service, especially when the organization is currently growing nationally. In this paper, Team A will provide a basic overview of Chick-Fil-A. Team A will introduce a delivery service for Chick-fil-A, including a SWOTT analysis, the importance of Marketing, and the marketing approach it should take to execute service. Chick-fil-A Overview Chick-fil-A is a company that was founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946, which is privately held and family owned. The company services 39 states, 1,500 locations, including their headquarters stationed in Atlanta, GA (Chick-fil-A, 2012). Chick-fil-A mission statement is simple but strong; â€Å"To be Americas best swift-service food establishment at captivating and maintaining patrons (Chick-fil-A, 2012). Chick-fil-A has a huge variety of specialty chicken based products such as, a variety of chicken sandwiches, wraps, nuggets, salads, desserts, and now breakfast. Chick-fil-A has a few signature products that include their famous chicken sandwich, signature lemonade, as well as products with their different logos and characters for personal use such as clothing, cold and hot beverage mugs, books, and home and office supplies. Description of New Product Chick-fil-A is more than a restaurant, it has become a cultural following similar to the Starbucks and Chipotle franchises’, which focuses on a healthier fast food options and boasts family friendly environments, it would be beneficial to offer a delivery service that focuses on families and organizations. Chick-fil-A’s new product offering should be a family sized meal which can include various selections of our current options. This new family meal approach opens up the types of services provided and places the company in another category when it comes to being fast food restaurant competitor. Not only would Chick-fil-A continue to show the importance of family but it represents a strong tie to the organizations values and opens up the competitive market for the culture based following that has been established. SWOTT Analysis Strengths Chick-fil-A size and strengths gave the company an opportunity to offer customers a expedited option to patronize the business in the workplace and busy sites. Chick-fil-A is family orientated and kid friendly restaurant. For fast service and delivery, Chick-fil-A offers online order and catering delivery service to their customers. In 2010, Chick-fil-A system sales reached a $3.5 billion. The company’s product statement offers a variety of delicious products that can fit a balanced and healthy diet. Weaknesses Chick-fil-A Incorporation had to voluntary removal 1.5 million of the â€Å"Planet Discovery† Kid’s Meal premium from its restaurants in 2011. The kid’s meal had the planet toy attached to bottom of the suction cup which a small child could easily remove the toy and put it their mouths and swollen casing injury, (â€Å"Chick-fil-A Recalls Kid’s Meal Premium,† 2012). The cause of the recall caused the corporation money, however, it earned consumers respect because it the safety of their family was put first. Chick-fil-A redesigned the product to be kid friendly by making the pieces larger and keeping within the same theme. Opportunities The opportunity for other restaurants to capitalize on the food industry is with introducing new products, like McDonald’s with the McRib and Wendy’s with the Spicy Chicken Salad. However, Chick-fil-A has stayed a head of the game with launching new products such as the new spicy Chick-fil- A sandwich and introducing the healthiest kids meal, the Grilled Chicken Nuggets. Threats The fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King, or Wendy’s are a major threat to Chick-fil-A. Many of these chains are currently introducing healthier menu options which can potentially cause Chick-fil-A the inability to grow in certain areas. Although, there are differences between Chick-fil-A and these fast food chains, there are other restaurants service consumers’ healthy meal options such as â€Å"Veggie Grill†. Even if Trends America’s current trend of a healthy eating lifestyle will allow introduce a fast-food franchise that offers delivery service for consumers with minimal time. Chick-Fil-A will devote more ways to position assets to improve the majority of their restaurants with the intentions to improve patron’s satisfaction and present a complete service that always will produce an abundance of revenue. The Importance of Marketing Marketing plays an important role in Chick-fil-A overall success as it affects the positioning of business strategy of the products to the consumers. While managers may have an eye on the existing products and sales, profits, and market share and how well Chick-fil-A growth it continues to meet the company’s goal and expectation by; developing the products that customers want, making products readily available to the consumers, and promoting products and service that will outlast its competitors. Marketing Research Approach Chick-fil-A already counts with a great number of customers nationwide. The purpose of the new service that will be offer by the company is to retain and attract even more customers to our restaurants. The positive results of the project will help the company to expand to more cities within the U.S. to reach more customers. Considering the already existing customers, that already like the food and service that is offered at Chic-fil-A, they eventually would want to see a change that takes that food and that service to a different level of quality. Those changes in product and operations make things more convenient and accessible for consumers. At Chick-fil-A, we want to let the public know the new delivery service that will facilitate customers to eat food from Chick-fil-A without having to go to the restaurant. The group of consumers that the organization will target is those that usually are in need of fast food or that their busy schedules do not really have the time to go pick their lunch. Most working professionals are groups that are likely to have their food deliver to their work place or office, especially in places like Los Angeles and other big cities where heavy traffic, busy streets, and congested freeways is an issue. Also, for those who do not have the time to cook, like walking, or driving at night, a delivery service is a solution to their problem. In smaller cities delivery service is an attractive service for customers, specially, if shopping centers or restaurants are far away from the populated areas. In comparison to most fast food restaurants, which do not offer a delivery service, Chick-fil-A will be taking a step forward from its direct competitors. Finally, we will complete a competitor analysis. We will research the kinds of services our competitor offer and whether or not they charge for their delivery services. We will explore their online ordering and time frames between the orders being placed and delivered and will the order be free if it is not delivered within a specified time frame. Conclusion As a staple in the fast food industry for years now, we strongly believe in the marketing techniques and branding that Chick-fil-A has been known for; however, the company is not against change and recognize room for growth. The choice, as outlined above, to establish a delivery service should prove to be profitable and increase customers in all our markets. Our marketing plan provides complete coverage on how we plan to execute and introduce the change to all of our stores. We are confident that the delivery service will yield the expected results for Chick-fil-A for years to come. Reference Chick-fil-A. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Company/Highlights-Fact-Sheets Chick-fil-A Recalls Kid’s Meal Premium. (2012, February). QSR Magazine . Retrieved from http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/chick-fil-recalls-kids-meal-premium

Forbidden City †Book Review

Forbidden City – Book Review Free Online Research Papers After I finished reading this unforgettable novel â€Å"Forbidden City†, I think about a lot things happened to Alex who is the most important character in the novel. In my opinion, Alex grows as a person through the novel. Since many things happened to him when he went to Beijing, China, it seemed like a corner in his life. This corner changed the world which he viewed. Alex became from a boy who like military history, adventure, and admire heroes, to a person who knew truth, responsibility, and meaning of brave. Before Alex went to Beijing, he simply likes Chinese military. As he stayed in Beijing for few months, he found that there were more differences than he thought. He becomes more mature. Alex is addicted to Chinese military history, and he made many clay soldiers at his own home. When the students’ demonstration happened in Beijing, the government of China used people to against their people. That’s not like what Alex heard the history story, which talked about using enemy’s power to against them (borrow the arrows). When PLAs used tear gas to repress those people who were in the Tiananmen Square, Alex was shocked by what they did. On June 4, 1989, all PlAs were on Tiananmen Square to arrest students, and Alex found that PLAs were not people’s army. He realized that he just found the surface of the truth before. Before Alex went to Beijing, he likes adventure. As he met with that horrible and bloody massacre, his responsibility was growing. Everything needs to be organized before he wants to do. He felt sorry for Lao-Xu. If Alex didn’t rushed out of hotel at that day, Lao-Xu might not go to Tiananmen Square with him, even death. Alex saw that Lao-Xu felt on the ground with his warm blood. Another thing shows Alex became more and more responsibility, when Alex’s legs were hurt and healing at grandma’s house. He knew that he needed to find his father and he did care about him. At last, before he left grandma’s home to Canada, he smuggled to take tapes out of China. He wanted to help students indeed, and he knew that he had the responsibilities to support and help the students. Even they have different world, life, languages, and colors of skin. They did have a kind heart. Alex wrote this journal as the soldier Ulysses did, and he admired brave people. However, not everything can be done just with passions. In his mind, three people are brave heroes. First, Lao-xu is a hero, even he just bravely stand in front of PLAs’ guns. Hero may not do a huge thing. Second, Alex regarded Xin-hua as his friend in China, also a lifesaver. Some of the students had a miserable life, and Xin-Hua’s determination showed Alex a different world. In order to protect Alex, Xin-Hua paid her own life to their beliefs. After he was turn to Canada, he boiled those clay soldiers, he knew that they were not heroes, heroes were the ordinary people like Xin-Hua, Lao-Xu, etc. In summary, Alex understood more and more about the world and society and people. He grows as a person. Alex used his own experiences with those brave people to find his corner to change his life with more mature, responsible. For my generation, people and experience affect us a lot, teaching us how to grow as a person. Research Papers on "Forbidden City" - Book ReviewBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XStandardized TestingPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyQuebec and CanadaWhere Wild and West MeetHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayThe Hockey GameHonest Iagos Truth through Deception19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraBringing Democracy to Africa

To Conquer Fear an Essay on the Short Story First Confession Essay Example

To Conquer Fear an Essay on the Short Story First Confession Essay Example To Conquer Fear an Essay on the Short Story First Confession Paper To Conquer Fear an Essay on the Short Story First Confession Paper To Conquer Fear In the short story, â€Å"First Confession,† by Frank O’Connor, a young boy named Jackie finds himself having to conquer his fear of giving his first confession. He realizes by the end that he really had nothing to be afraid of and it was a silly fear. Jackie, scared to death of confession, tries to fake an illness to avoid it, ends up surprising the priest when he does go, and learns that ultimately, perception is scarier than reality. Although it doesn’t seem like it at first, the reader and Jackie learn that in order to conquer fear, one must face it. Jackie, a young seven year old has been told stories by a woman named Mrs. Ryan that really worry him. One story is about a man who gives a bad confession and essentially eternally burns in hell. Mrs. Ryan also tries to give Jackie and the others a sense of what hell is like: â€Å"She lit a candle, took out a new half-crown, and offered it to the first boy who would hold one finger in the flame for five minutes Then she asked were we afraid of holding one finger in a little flame for five minutes and not afraid of burning all over in roasting hot furnaces for all eternity† (O’Connor 26). When Mrs. Ryan tells stories and plays mind games like this, she’s basically scaring the children into giving a good, complete. However, with Jackie, this is too much, and he is frightened even more that he’ll mess up accidentally and go to hell. Instead of conquering his fear, he runs from it. The day confession comes around doesn’t go. He says, â€Å"I was scared to death of confession. The day the whole class went I let on to have a toothache, hoping my absence wouldn’t be noticed† (27). Mrs. Ryan has done her job well, to the point where Jackie is worried beyond belief. He decides to fake sick so as not to go, but as readers later find, this idea comes back to haunt him. If he had originally gone and faced his fear, the ordeal would already be over. Like many children, Jackie finds it easier to avoid the fears in life rather than confront them. This, however, is not a successful way to live. Since Jackie doesn’t go to confession with his classmates, he receives an order to go alone with his sister. As Jackie enters his church, it’s as if all his worst nightmares are becoming a reality and he’s leaving anything he ever loved: â€Å"The door hut behind me, the sunlight went out and gave place to deep shadow, and the wind whistled outside so that the silence within seemed to crackle like ice under my feet† (28). This imagery shows how even though Jackie is finally beginning to conquer his fear of confession, it’s like a descent into hell. As he walks into the church everything becomes gloomy, creepy, and ominous. This shows how the process of overcoming his trepidation is difficult even though in the long run it will be worthwhile. Once Jackie is in the confessional, he talks too quietly for the priest to hear and everything continues to get worse: â€Å"It was matter between God and me, and He had all the odds† (29). Jackie is facing his fears and so far he’s failing miserably. Of course, if he had not avoided confession in the first place, he would not be struggling. It’s not until the very end of the story that Jackie realizes how beneficial it is to face your fear. Once Jackie and the priest are settled, Jackie slowly begins to open up to the priest and feels more comfortable. The priest makes Jackie feel welcome: â€Å"Feeling I might as well get it over while I had him [priest] in good humour, ‘I had it all arranged to kill my grandmother†¦ I tried to kill Nora too’† (32). Readers finally understand why Jackie is so afraid of confession. Firstly, he didn’t know what would happen if he told and secondly, he was worried if he didn’t tell about his plan to kill his grandmother he’d go to hell. However, the priest only gives Jackie three Hail Mary’s, a small consequence, and it makes him feel like he did the right thing; suddenly it’s all worth it. By the time Jackie leaves he has a complete change of heart. Jackie says, â€Å"He had me there for a full 10 minutes talking†¦ I was genuinely sorry to part with him, because he was the most entertaining character I’d ever met in the religious line. Outside†¦ the sunlight was like the roaring of waves on a beach; it dazzled me† (33). Jackie realizes that there really was nothing to be worried about. The priest knows how to take care of him. When he walks outside again, the imagery changes from gloomy to overjoyed. Jackie is relieved because his burden of the idea of killing his grandma has been lifted and his fears have been subdued. Readers now see that this trepidation that was haunting Jackie has been lifted because he faced it; he didn’t hide from it. In â€Å"First Confession† by Frank O’Connor, readers are shown that facing fears can only help, not hurt. Jackie is excellent proof of this because although he was terrified at first of confession, he ends up finding it enjoyable and relieving. Readers learn that fear itself can be worse than the actual event.