When Jesus Came to Harvard Essay Example

When Jesus Came to Harvard Essay There have been many religious and historical figures over the years and over the centuries that people often still look to for guidance in their every day lives Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi are often quoted in modern times; however, Jesus seems to be a religious figure that people still look to for strength and guidance in times of trouble. That being said, it also seems as if today’s youth are finding it difficult to think of Jesus as a modern example of someone to look to when making moral choices. In short, it is hard to ask what Jesus would do in regard to a modern moral issue such as teenage pregnancy when Jesus has been dead for many centuries.   The book When Jesus Came to Harvard attempts to bring Jesus’ moral wisdom into the 21st century.The purpose of this paper is to present a book report about When Jesus came to Harvard. I will also provide my opinions on this book. I will give an over view of about five chapters of this book. I will begin with He wa s Then, We are Now.He was Then, We are NowJesus lived a long time ago. But, many people pray to him on a daily basis; however, these same people often ask themselves how Jesus fits into today’s modern world. They also ask how does what Jesus said help to solve today’s moral issues. In fact, in When Jesus Came to Harvard, Cox said that some of his students prayed to Jesus for guidance about their moral choices; however his students found it very difficult, if not impossible to view Jesus as a living example of how to make moral choices. They were often puzzled (2004:15). In other words, Cox’s students found Jesus’ words powerful, but they couldn’t morally relate to them for their own lives.I found it interesting that Fredrick Nietzsche speculated that had Jesus lived longer he probably would have outgrown his youthful exuberance. He would have calmed down and became a different person (Cox, 2004: 16). It does seem as people get older they do get mel lower. However, there is something to be said for retaining one’s youthful exuberance throughout their life. I think it be a shame to loose youthful exuberance as people age. In fact, I tend to disagree with Fredrick Nietzsche about Jesus losing his youthful exuberance as he got older and thus becoming a different person. I think that Jesus would have retained much of his youthful exuberance as an older adult. It would have been due to Jesus’ youthful spirit that people who used his moral teachings as a guide in making moral decisions in their 20s and 30s would feel secure in looking to Jesus for moral guidance in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.World Full of StoriesThis chapter focuses on the reason it is thought that Jesus isn’t considered morally relevant today. According to Cox, the reason that Jesus isn’t considered morally relevant today is due to the fact that all of his stories are Bible narratives. In other words, Jesus’ words are only stories. Cox wonders why people use the phrase â€Å"only a story.† He wants us to realize that biblical narratives are not just churned out like ice cream or like advertising slogans Biblical narratives represent the imaginative and selective approximation of the past; the people who are retelling biblical narratives are trying to make sense of the past while living in the present and going toward the future (2004:34-35).It seems as if Cox wants people to hold narratives in higher regard that they do now. It is very important to understand that everything in the world has its own value. In addition, even if biblical narratives are seen as â€Å"only stories†, there is nothing wrong with good stories. Moreover, a good narrative might just have a bit of a moral morsel in it that can be carried with us throughout of lives.Cox goes on to claim that the problem with narratives like Jesus’ today is that the importance of storytelling has been unfairly demoted. Another proble m with narratives is that there are just too many of them in the world.   In addition, there is the problem of how to tell stories that are uniquely our own.   Relax because Cox claims that he has a three step process to stop narratives like Jesus’ from become extinct like dinosaurs. First, we must stop downing the role of the narrative and view it as an essential part of being human. Second, we must understand that the art of storytelling isn’t dead. Third, we need places where storytelling can become a priority again (2004:45).Dinner tables are one of the places where storytelling could become a priority again. This could become the case if families took the time to take the time to catch up with other each night. Coffee houses could be places where storytelling could become a priority again, especially if poetry is being read by poets in coffeehouses. The problem with storytelling becoming a priority in our lives again is that we live in a world of instant grati fication. In short, we are used to getting a bunch of information very quickly and we don’t stop to take it all in. Storytelling demands that we stop and absorb the stories that we are being told.Salt and LampsThis chapter main focus involves the relationship between religion and the rest of what happens in the world. In other words, we must see what Jesus’ religious teachings have to do with the state of the world today. We must ask ourselves if Christianity is going away; Cox claims that the answer to that question should be no. He uses the metaphors of salt and light to explain the answer to the above question. There has to be a balance between too much light and too much salt. It makes no sense to use a lamp if the sun is out and shining. Moreover, a bit of salt is necessary to season a rack of lamb or a pot of chicken soup; however too much salt will cause the food to be spit out (2004:132).   I think Cox’s message is that religion has its place in the wo rld as long as we are not bombarded with it.The CEO and the Spoiled BratThis chapter seems to illustrate that some of Jesus’ narratives were ahead of their time. Moreover, this chapter does help the reader see that Jesus’ narratives are relevant for using to make moral choices today. His parable about the crooked CEO certainty reminds me of Enron and Kenneth Lay. Also, this parable should remind us of all current crooked business schemes. Moreover, the moral lesson of once dishonest always dishonest and once honest is a lesson that is relevant today.Also, I believe that Jesus’ parable concerning the spoiled brat and the good son are very relevant to today’s moral landscape. I believe that parable lesson is that it is okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them. In addition, this narrative seems to say that no matter what you do in life your parents will also love you. Plus, the fact that some of Jesus’ narratives don’t come with a sa tisfying ending for everyone makes him a perfect person to look to as we go down the moral road of life; according to Cox, growing up means learning to live with unsatisfying and incomplete endings (2004: 168). In short, the lesson that Jesus can and does teach us today is that moral choices have no right answers. Also, Jesus’ narratives also can teach us today that we will always be making moral choices that will both be messy and puzzling to make.Cox goes on to state that Jesus purpose in life was to shake people up with his narratives and since many of them didn’t come with a nice tidy ending; that is exactly what they did (2004: 168). Jesus’ big moral lesson is that there is often no moral to the story. It is very important that we can write the end to our own morality story ourselves. In short, we can use the lessons of Jesus’ unfinished narratives to learn to think for ourselves.Reason, Emotion, and TortureWe must now ask the question what role emot ions should play in making moral decisions. Many philosophers such as Plato and Immanuel Kant believe that emotions have no place in making moral choices. According to Cox, the reason that many philosophers believe this is because emotions cloud our thinking and stunt our ability to make sound moral judgments (2004: 237). However, emotions should be a vital part in making moral choices. In fact, having emotions play an essential role in people making moral choices is sorely needed especially in today’s fast paced world. Our modern world has given us some wonderful technological advances like computers and better transportation; however because we live in an instant message world, we don’t realize that there is pain in others to a high degree. Moreover, we are losing the ability to understand that our actions affect others deeply.   Therefore, Cox suggests that Jesus’ narratives are just what we need to bring emotions into making moral choices. The life of Jesu s was both rich with history and emotions ranging from joy to pathos and from hope to despair (2004: 244). Jesus narratives are relevant for making today’s moral choices because his story stirs both our emotions and our imagination so that we make solid moral choices. Making good and sound moral choices evolves both reason and emotion.ConclusionJesus lived a long time ago. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that while people would pray to Jesus for guidance but not see where he current enough to help them make moral choices today. However, When Jesus Came to Harvard sheds some light on Jesus’ narratives and how they are useful when wrestling with today’s difficult moral choices. I didn’t know if I would like this book due to its title; however after reading this book I would recommend it.

Spirits of the Railway is a short story that tel Essays - Chu

Spirits of the Railway is a short story that tel Essays - Chu "Spirits of the Railway" is a short story that tells us of the first Chinese peasants to leave south China for the New World in the nineteenth century. The Chinese immigrants were mostly men who left their family behind in China. In this story, Chu goes to Canada in search of his missing father. Unable to find him, Chu ends up working in a railway construction. Then, the crew and he reach a tunnel that other workers claim is haunted. Finally, he met the "ghost" of his father, who had died while building the railway. His father claims for justice because he cannot rest in peace, his body was thrown into the river, and he did not have a proper burial. introduction: Farmer Chu came to Canada because the floodwater destroyed his home. Farmer Chu's wife fell ill and wanted to meet his husband again. Young Chu crossed the ocean to find his father Rising Action: Young Chu worked with thirty Chinese for money He asked everyone to search his father A group of people told him that maybe his father were dead, but Young Chu didn't believe it. A tunnel workers had to work inside was haunted Young Chu spent a night inside to encourage workers Climax: Young Chu heard his father's voice in the tunnel.His father told him what was happened to them and what shall him do next Falling Action: Young Chu told his friends the story then his friends helped him to make the bundles and sent him out He climbed on a cliff and dug a grave.Then he buried the bundles into the grave. He bowed and knelt to it three times. Resolution: He returned to the camp Spirits never again disturbed them [Setting]: The most important reason for setting is to create a backdrop for the storyit provide the story with a particular time and place. Sometimes, the setting is the conflict of the story. The setting stresses the tension between the main character and the setting, usually nature. Sometimes, the setting can act as a metaphor of the story. Sometimes, the writer describes a particular setting to create an atmosphere or mood. [Share]: Take chopsticks, take straw matting and pour tea is the Chinese daily life. I think Chu's father told him to do this because he didn't want his son to forget the Chinese culture. Even they were working in another country, they still respected their own culture. Actually, his father also told him Chinese had to become strong and had the strength of character. Don't always bullied by others. [Radio]: The Chinese workers were not only built the rail in Canada but also in America. During the 1860's, it's estimated about 1200 Chinese died while building the Transcontinental railroad through the treacherous Sierra Nevadas. This radio show us 2015 will mark the 150th year since the first Chinese was hired to help finish this monumental task. To commemorate this event, Steven Lee is trying to raise $300,000 to have a monument built to honour these workers.

Research and discuss the differences between variable and fixed costs Paper

And discuss the differences between variable and fixed costs and provide examples of both - Research Paper Example Such costs become directly proportional to the change in activity level such as raw materials, hourly wages and commissions, utilities, inventory, office supplies, and packaging, mailing, and shipping costs. (Taheri et al. 2000; Besanko et al. 2010) Fixed costs are said to be fixed irrespective of the change in production level. But they might change overtime. Hence, they are sometimes referred to be as Period costs. Sometimes it happens that fixed costs are incurred at the discretion of the management of a company, such as advertising and promotional expense, while other costs are not incurred in such situations. It is important to remember that all non-discretionary fixed costs will be incurred even if production or sales volume falls to zero. Although production and sales volume are the main factors determining the level of variable costs incurred by a company, these costs also may vary in relation to other factors, such as changes in prices fixed by the suppliers or seasonal promotional efforts. Some expenses may have both fixed and variable elements. As for example, a company may pay a sales person a monthly salary, which is considered to be as a fixed cost, plus a percentage commission for every unit sold above a certain level, which is considered to be as a variable cost. (Seo, 1991; Aryasri, 2007) One must take into note the different type of costs incurred as there happens to be an increase in the production or sales volume. Total fixed costs remain unchanged as volume increases, while fixed costs per unit falls. On the other hand, variable costs behave differently. Total variable costs increase proportionately as volume increases, while variable costs per unit remain unaltered. (Seo, 1991) As for instance, in the healthcare industry, allocation of various elements of cost to the trauma service are based on applying various cost accounting standards and

Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Critical Analysis - Essay Example disharmonious because in a democracy individual citizens have to make difficult political choices, with no guarantees that the choice is the correct solution. It is also disharmonious because the end results of public deliberations in any community on a controversial subject will differ, because of the autonomy that each individual enjoys in a democratic society. It is the perception of the author that disharmony in a democratic society will ebb only when there is mutual respect in the political choices made by the different individuals that make up the society. Quoting from Schumpeter 1943 p. 269, the author presents the understanding of democracy from the perspective of Schumpeter as â€Å"that institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for peoples vote†. The author argues against this understanding of democracy. While pointing out to the strength of this understanding of democracy through its recognition of the basis of democracy in the competition for the votes of the people, the author derides its lack of projecting any value for the process of competing for the vote of the people. The author uses the example of the apartheid regime in South Africa and the rule of the Communist dictator Stalin to reinforce this argument. The author finds further support from Robert Dahl, 1989, who argues that such an understanding of democracy does not differentiate from autocracy. The author proposes that populist democracy as an understanding of is founded on the basis of â€Å"people ruling themselves as free and equal beings rather than being ruled by an external power or by a self-elected minority among themselves.† In other words the stress in populist democracy is on the will of the people. To this end then there are built in constraints to ensure that decisions in the democratic society reflect popular will. An example of this is in the rule of law, as against the

Managers should adapt their leadership style according to the context Essay - 1

Managers should adapt their leadership style according to the context - Essay Example This discussion will attempt to describe various reasons that compel managers to ensure that their leadership skills are properly integrated in the context of their organization’s activities. It will also describe ways by, which managers can adapt their skills in to the context of their activities and other issues that are associated with this aspect of leadership. The corpus of organizational performance has changed overtime; this has compelled various organizations to hire managers with proper leadership skills to facilitate their success in the current competitive global business platform. Organizations are becoming more hierarchical while others are showing a more collaborative aspect of operation. However, the most challenging issue emanates from the fact some organization tend to hire managers with leadership skills that do not suit their mode of operation (http://hbr.org, n.d). This has compelled most managers to be exposed in a scenario where they have to integrate their leadership skills in to the activities of the new organization and ensure they are workable. Adaptation into a new working environment is an imperative skill that is required in all working environments. This is owing to the fact that frequent economic changes may compel one person to shift from his job position to another new job position. Managers may also be transferred from one organization to another therefore creating a need for them to be in a position to adapt to their new working environment. This is an imperative leadership skill that managers must possess. Additionally, managers are organizational leaders charged with the responsibility to supervise and guide organizational activities while leading other sub-ordinate staff members. The sub-ordinate staff members are made of people with different perception on how certain issues have to be undertaken. Moreover, organizations are also

Career in Quantity Surveying

Career in Quantity Surveying Quantity surveyors come in two flavors. There is the PQS, Private Quantity Surveyor, who works in professional practice and the CQS or Contractors Quantity Surveyor, who works for a building contractor. The Quantity Surveyor   is responsible for all the financial, contractual and legal aspects of a construction project.   The PQS will provide cost planning advice during the design stage of a project and then monitor the actual costs against the budgets whilst the project is being built.   Building contractors are often paid monthly in instalments on large projects and it is the quantity surveyors job to determine a fair valuation for the work that has been completed.   In addition the PQS will advise the client on a suitable form of building contract. The Contractors Quantity Surveyor will be involved in pricing work that a contractor is asked to tender for, letting packages of work to specialist subcontractors and valuing and paying for subcontractors work. In the same way that the PQS provides cost planning advice to the client the CQS provides financial advice to the building contractor. If you think you are more skilled with figures than floor plans then you might think about becoming a quantity surveyor the so called economist of the construction industry.   As a student quantity surveyor, Ruth Smart worked on the McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield calculating the construction costs.   Listen to what she has to say about her work by clicking on her link.   Hit Back on your browser to return to this page. If you think you are more skilled with figures than floor plans then you might think about becoming a quantity surveyor the so called economist of the construction industry. As a student quantity surveyor Ruth Smart worked on McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield calculating the construction costs. The major one of this stadium was all of these they are called banana trusses because they are shaped like bananas. The steel work that went into this stadium was very expensive. There is a lot concrete in this building as you can see all the seats. The whole structure is concrete. The seats are put on top of concrete. Steps, huge, huge money. The nicer bits are thing like you know the actual pitch, and the lights all these extras that you don’t think of which need to be priced. The line markings, everything we have to take into account everything, signage, big project. I studied quantity surveying at Leeds and years 1 and 2 was spent in the college learning, year 3 was spent on site at McAlpine Stadium and year 4 was my final year again spent in College. It wasn’t just text book stuff it was things like learning to build a brick wall. What construction was about the actual physical building of buildings. Surveyors who have been educated in Britain are viewed very well overseas. Two months after I graduated I started work out in Johannesburg, South Africa. Which was fantastic lots of exposure. Thrown in at the deep end was great running my own jobs. I became chartered June 2000. It’s good in the fact that if you wanted to set up your own practice you have to be chartered to do it for your professional indemnity insurance. It’s good also because being chartered means you are more qualified and you get a bigger salary. And also if you take a break from your career when you are chartered it’s easier to get back into your career. Team work in this sort of industry is very important because there are lots of different parties you have to communicate with and that you have to work with. The design team being architect, quantity surveyor, engineer, contractor must all work together must all communicate because without each other we couldn’t get the job done. I was attracted to the construction industry because I had never met a woman who worked within construction and it was a challenge to me. I would say to a woman who was a little bit nervous about joining the industry to go for it because I think it’s worthwhile and she’d love it like I do. Quantity Surveying Our team undertakes all types of Quantity Surveying services for a wide-ranging client base and property profile. We cover all aspects of a project, from feasibility through to overall redevelopment, consistently applying a number of firm principles. These include strict financial and risk control at all times, continuous value engineering and cost-in-use assessments. Our Services Feasibility and Planning Provision of an unambiguous statement, setting out each client’s brief and objectives. Provision of initial cost advice and an anticipated complete out-turn price. Initial estimates are later developed into detailed cost plans to monitor the ongoing cost of the design development. Identification and control of the project’s risks, which can typically include neighbouring issues, access issues, ground conditions and programme restrictions. Procurement Recommendation on the form of contract. The selection of contractors and associated tendering/negotiating processes The provision of an unambiguous, concise and complete Agreement between all parties, accurately reflecting our client’s requirements and the contractor’s proposal. Appointment of the contractor and production of contract documentation. Construction Financial monitoring, including interim payments and variation control Programme monitoring Contract operation and administration Real-time reporting on programme and out-turn costs Completion Managed possession we can negotiate and agree full, sectional or partial possession of a project Agreement of final account Supplementary services We supply a range of supplementary services, complementing our other divisional colleagues by providing specialist cost and time critical analysis to them, where they may be responsible for the overall service to the client.   Such services include: Employer’s agent, as identified by the JCT Standard Form of Contract Litigation support for disputes arising within building contracts Expert witness relating to issues of construction Cost-in-use/value engineering for alternative construction solutions Development monitoring for third parties Fire insurance valuations Planning supervision as recognised by the Health Safety Executive Capital allowance assessments for increased allowances against corporation tax Tax and VAT guidance QS Description Quantity surveyors prepare cost estimates and plans, audit projects, manage construction costs and administer construction contracts for all levels and types of construction. Quantity surveyors may perform the following tasks: talk to architects, engineers, builders, contractors, suppliers and project owners study architectural and engineering drawings and specifications prepare a Bill of Quantities, which lists the individual components required to construct the project check on changes of design to assess the effects on cost assess and recommend payment to contractors during construction prepare monthly cash-flow forecasts for clients and tax depreciation schedules undertake feasibility studies to assist in decisions about the worth of a project proceeding act as consultants to business and government. Quantity surveyors usually work in offices. They also visit building sites, clients and other members of construction teams. Personal Requirements: analytical and logical able to concentrate for long periods good oral and written communication skills able to work accurately with figures able to work as part of a team able to work independently aptitude for working with computers. RICS Increasingly, Chartered Quantity Surveyors are becoming involved when they should be: at the start of the decision-making process. The role of the quantity surveyor has changed significantly in recent years. There was a time when they tended to be brought in, too late in the day, to cost someone else’s work and ended up being wrongly cast in the role of the spoilsport who said it was all too expensive. Today the skills are largely the same but importantly the perception and understanding have changed. Increasingly, quantity surveyors become involved when they should be: at the start of the decision-making process. Whilst the primary role of a quantity surveyor remains to manage costs on building or construction sites, arguably they are just as valuable at providing ideas and creative solutions in the early stages of the project. Quantity surveyors are particularly skilled at taking the long view, assessing the options and at providing the client with a full picture on which to make decisions. Take, for example, a large new housing complex requiring an access route. When all the aesthetics and environmental issues have been considered the decision is whether to go for the shorter more direct option or for the longer one. Superficially the shorter route seems more attractive but detailed examination reveals expensive additional engineering would be required. The full job specification for a quantity surveyor would alone fill this page but typical responsibilities include: preparing cost estimates managing costs on site advising on choice of materials advising on construction techniques dealing with planning issues, building regulations, architects involvement in the procurement process providing cost and contract expertise The type of project could range from large residential or offices to motorways, water companies or a sports stadium. Alasdair Thompson is a Divisional Director of Franklin + Andrews, one of the UK’s leading firms of quantity surveyors. With ten years’ experience Alasdair has a very clear opinion of how quantity surveyors should be used: â€Å"There is no doubt our clients get the best value when they involve us at the outset. I also believe the relationship with the other professionals is much more cooperative and open with everyone listening and taking advice early on.† Quantity Surveyor: a person who measures and prices building work. In real life: Quantity surveyors are the accountants of the building profession planning and managing costs of construction projects from start to finish. Quantity surveyors (or QSs as they are known, since its a bit of a mouthful) either work for a private QS practice and act on behalf of clients or for a contracting firm which carries out construction work. This profession is certainly not all hard hats and wellies. In fact the role of the quantity surveyor has changed so dramatically in recent years that the profession doesnt always answer to the name of quantity surveying anymore! You will often see private practices referring to themselves as cost consultants and project managers because of the nature of the work they now handle. Due to the recession, QSs have had to adapt or die and there are now fewer, larger private practices than ever before taking on a broader remit of work. No longer do quantity surveyors just measure and price work, they have a more strategic role. Nowadays the QS is involved at all stages of a project from preparing tenders and planning costs to preparing final bills of quantities; essentially, making sure projects are planned and completed to cost and quality, on time. UK construction professionals are respected abroad and, partly in response to the depressed home market, many UK firms have developed an international outlook. Best bits Seeing things happen exactly as you said they would. The opportunity to have a career with commercial AND practical elements. No two projects are the same. Worst bits As with all parts of the construction industry, quantity surveying is very recession sensitive. Everyone outside the industry thinks you are an estate agent! Dont bother if Youre sensitive to jokes about counting nails. You want a nine to five career full of textbook projects. Demands Technical and business knowledge. QSs understand the building work in hand and make sure work is done in a commercially viable way. A logical mind with a down-to-earth approach to problem solving and a personality which is at ease with business executives, site employees and spreadsheets is an advantage. Teamwork Overused word, but in this business you appreciate the clients needs and work with them to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Also required is the ability to motivate and lead people on site. Flexibility Youll be required to travel to projects all over your patch (a car is often part of your salary package). Qualifications and training Most entrants follow relevant degrees or HNDs and have gained work placements in the process (sandwich courses are popular). To qualify as a chartered quantity surveyor entrants take the APC (assessment of professional qualification) run by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The APC is all about what you know and how well you can apply it. Areas of work Contracting QS Private Practice QS Contracting QS Often seen as the muddy boots side of the profession because contracting QSs are usually based in site offices although contrary to popular rumour they do not count bricks all day! The contracting QS has a budget for every project and must make sure a project stays within it. To control the purse strings the QS will: Organise work on site in the most efficient manner. Liaise with the site employees, plus employees from subcontracting organisations (smaller organisations brought in to handle particular portions of work). Negotiate with the clients QS over any price changes. Approve payments made to suppliers, employees and subcontractors. Prepare bills of quantity for work in progress and the final accounts. Private QS A private quantity surveyor is employed by a client to advise on their construction costs. Key roles for the private QS include working out the most appropriate way to meet clients needs and advising on: The site chosen. Costs of labour, plant and materials. A suitable building contractor. Once the project is up and running the QS monitors costs and negotiates with the contractors QS (agreeing payments and any changes to the original price) to ensure work is carried out to the quality specified and in the time available. Once a project is complete the services of a QS can be retained to ensure a building is managed and maintained efficiently. Quantity Surveyors National Commercial Services UK National Commercial Services specialise in the following areas Quantity Surveyors Careers in Construction Construction Consultants Construction Dispute Resolution Quantity Surveying Quantity Surveyors are concerned with financial management, measurement and accounting on construction projects. They deal with detail and tend to be highly literate and numerate and possess computer and IT skills to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities. They work on their own or within teams of other QSs or multi-disciplined professionals. They can be employed by Contractors, Subcontractors, Trade Specialists, Architects, Consulting Engineers or other companies or organisations involved in the construction process. Quantity Surveyors are trained professionals. Some will start straight from school, some will study further with a university or higher education degree in the subject. Professional qualifications can be gained through a number of institutions recognized throughout the world, examples being the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (Inst.C.E.S.). QSs can work in all levels of the industry, from assistant and trainee through intermediate, project, senior, managing, regional and chief Quantity Surveyor levels to Company Directors. Quantity Surveyors are involved with all financial aspects of construction work and increasingly, in the role of commercial, legal and contractual specialists. In addition to the prime quantity surveying functions, many QSs have an expertise in the research, preparation, submission and negotiation of contractual claims as a part of the general responsibility for financial control and financial well-being of contracts. Quantity Surveyors work in building, civil engineering, water, process, M E and other areas of the construction industry. They usually operate in two distinct environments. Pre-contract work involves the preparation of documentation to enable work to be put out to tendering contractors on behalf of the Client. Clients include government bodies, public and private authorities, developers and others seeking to undertake construction projects. Quantity Surveyors working in this area are usually employed by Professional Quantity Surveying Practices, Consulting Engineers, Architects or other companies, practices, professionals or individuals retained by the end user to ensure that what is eventually built is what he actually requires. He is likely to work in conjunction with designers and engineers and other construction professionals. The Quantity Surveyors work includes taking off quantities from drawings prepared by others, analysing, tabulating, formulating the information to facilitate the preparation of bills of quantities, schedule of rates or other documentation chosen to enable the works to be measured and valued. In doing this, the Quantity Surveyor follows guidelines set out under various documents which form part of the contract, including the method of measurement, conditions of contract, contract specification and other particulars. He may be involved in the preparation of preambles or other documents forming part of the contract. Once the documentation is prepared, the contract can be let and the work commenced. The quantity surveyor is then concerned with Post-contract work, for either the Employer or his agents, or the Contractor carrying out the work. He may work on site or remote from site in his Employers offices. The Quantity Surveyor working on behalf of the Employer may have been involved in the pre-Contract work or he may not. His job is to ensure that the value of work carried out is properly established in accordance with the particular contractual arrangements being used, and to certify appropriate payments to the Contractor. This involves taking receipt of the Contractors interim applications for payment usually at fortnightly or monthly intervals, checking the Contractors submissions and calculations and preparing details for certification of payment by the Engineer or the Architect. The principle role of the Quantity Surveyor working for the Contractor is to look after the financial interests of his employer. He will calculate and record the financial value of the work carried out and ensure that the Contractor is paid properly and on time. During the currency of the contract, he will be involved in measurements on site and from drawings in order to establish the true value of work done in the interim period. This is usually itemised within a bill of quantities or schedule of rates prepared in advance as part of the contract documentation. He will consider variations, modified and additional works and evaluate their value for his interim applications for payment. Concurrently, he will be concluding measurement and evaluation wherever possible as part of the final measure, to be submitted later as part of the Contractors Final Account. In addition to preparing applications for payment, the site-based Quantity Surveyor is also likely to be involved in internal company reporting so that the Contractors management are kept abreast of the financial status of the project. He is likely to be involved in forecasts and budgets and other reporting systems. Another key role for the modern quantity surveyor working for Contractors, is the procurement, appointment, administration, management and payment of subcontractors. On some projects, the management of subcontract accounts is the Quantity Surveyors chief responsibility. He may also have responsibility for matters such as insurance claims on behalf of the Contractor or third party claims.

Globalization More Poweful Force Than Localization Essay -- Globalizati

Kofi Annan, a UN diplomat, once said, â€Å"...that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.† Globalization and localization are two terms used to describe policies a government would take on dealing with its ideals. Globalization and localization are almost opposite concepts but can coexist. Countries must decide how they will approach their situation in an integrated global economy and integrated cultural surrounding. In this paper, I plan to discuss what globalization and localization are and discuss some of the costs and benefits associated with each. I will use the reading by James N. Rosenau, "The Complexities and Contradictions of Globalization, to discuss globalization and localization in international politics. Globalization deals with the spread of ideas relating to peoples, activities, norms, ideas, goods, services, and currency that are confined to a specific geographical place and its established norms. It is something that is changing these set norms of activities and concerns of a society that have long served as the foundation of a certain way of life. Globalization indicates moving away from a set standard in the fields of political, economic, and political ways of life. Rosenau puts it as "a transformation of practices and norms". So globalization is more of a process than a "prevailing condition or a desirable end state". The aspirations for a particular state is something different, it is globalism. Localization is a term used to describe those factors that cause a nation, an ... ...things but secondary to the positive gains of globalization. The things gained by globalization help keep a nation economically and politically stable or more so than if localization was practiced. This was illustrated through the two New York Times articles. Though there is a lean towards globalization, Rosenau believes that both globalization and localization can coexist. As he put it, "for globalizing and localizing tendencies to accommodate each other, individuals have to come to appreciate that they can achieve psychic comfort in collectivities through multiple memberships and multiple loyalties, that they can advance both local and global values without either detracting from the other". He does believe this coexistence is possible and almost inevitable so he says that it is all about how well a nation can wok with both of them and make them work efficiently.

Graduate Attributes Essay

Subject Specialists Investigative Independent and Critical Thinkers Resourceful and Responsible Effective Communicators Confident Adaptable Experienced Collaborators Ethically and Socially Aware Reflective Learners T Academic Dimension Understand and respect the values, principles, methods and limitations of their discipline(s). Are intellectually curious and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding. Identify, define and assess complex issues and ideas in a researchable form. Are experienced in self-directed learning and authentic research-led enquiry. Articulate complex ideas with respect to the needs and abilities of diverse audiences. Defend their ideas in dialogue with peers and challenge disciplinary assumptions. Experience multi-disciplinary and/or inter-disciplinary learning in an internationally renowned institution. Engage with the scholarly community and respect others’ views and perspectives. Consider and act upon the ethical, social and global responsibilities of their actions. Use feedback productively to reflect on their work, achievements and self-identity. Personal Dimension Possess a breadth and depth of knowledge within their disciplinary area(s). Are able to locate, analyse and synthesise information from a variety of sources and media. Exercise critical judgement in evaluating sources of information and constructing meaning. Are motivated, conscientious and self-sufficient individuals capable of substantial independent work. Present their ideas clearly and concisely in high quality written and spoken English. Possess excellent interpersonal and social skills fostered within an internationalised community. Respond flexibly and adapt their skills and knowledge to excel in unfamiliar situations. Are experienced in working in groups and teams of varying sizes and in a variety of roles. Welcome exposure to the richness of multi-cultural and international experiences, opportunities and ways of thinking. Set aspirational goals for continuing personal, professional and career development. Transferable Dimension Possess discipline-relevant professional skills, knowledge and competencies. Are able to investigate problems and provide effective solutions. Apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking and ideas to problem solving. Manage their personal performance to meet expectations and demonstrate drive, determination, and accountability. Communicate clearly and confidently, and listen and negotiate effectively with others. Demonstrate enthusiasm, leadership and the ability to positively influence others. Demonstrate resilience, perseverance and positivity in multi-tasking, dealing with change and meeting new challenges. Conduct themselves professionally and contribute positively when working in a team. Have a practical and contemporary knowledge of relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks. Identify and articulate their skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts.

Government in a Marine essays

Government in a Marine essays A marine came into our class on Thursday to speak to us about his experiences on war and his opinions of war. The marine was a recruiter for the marine core and he had lots to say about joining the core and what the requirements are. He had been in the core for about 10 years so he had lots to share. I thought his presentation was very informative and I was observant throughout his speech. In this paper, I will be reacting to his presentation with comments about the marine core, the experiences the marine had, and the truth about war behind the wall of the media. The marine core is one of the highest qualified militant groups in the United States. The marines are required to carry out duties from protecting the president to charging into a country or city and bombing it to pieces. They are the most advanced militant group in the world with the highest available technology to get the job done. If you are privileged enough to become a marine, you could be one of the 100,000 United States citizens who are fortunate enough to join the marines. Unlike the army, navy and air force, the marines do it all. Everything from capturing war criminals to assassinating leaders and bombing countries. There is not a job that is to big for the marines. They are trained to become killing machines and they do not tolerate people who get in their way. With the United States being a super power, and the marine core being the best in the U.S., in times of crisis, the whole world depends on the marines to do their job and to make the right decisions at the right times. The marine said that they do not have time for racism and hatred towards each other because when they are on the battle field, everyone is a brother and everyone has to watch out for each other. As a marine, you are sworn to keep your missions confidential, and you are not allowed to discuss your missions among your family nor friends. The marine shared his feelings with us ...

Italian Verbs Conjugated With Two Pronominal Particles

Italian Verbs Conjugated With Two Pronominal Particles Italian pronominal verbs (verbi pronominali) are verbs conjugated with two different pronominal particles (particelle pronominali). In the infinitive, these verbs frequently end in -sene (such as tornarsene or vergognarsene) or else have other pronominal  particles attached (such as mettercela or squagliarsela). Oftentimes these verbs are used idiomatically. Intransitivi Pronominali There are several pronominal verbs which are intransitive. Examples include curarsene and partirsene, in which the reflexive pronoun si is used to emphasize the concept or describe a reciprocal action and the pronoun can mean about it, any, some, or from there. Note that the pronoun si becomes se when followed by another particle (partirsene and not partirsine). Below is a list of some common intransitivi pronominali: approfittarsene: to take advantage of something or somebodycurarsene (or prendersene cura): to be cured ofdirsene di tutti i colori: to call one another namesfregarsene: not to care (colloquial; to be avoided in formal situations)- Me ne frego.guardarsene: to beware, to avoidinfischiarsene: not to care (colloquial; to be avoided in formal situations)- Me ne infischio.intendersene: to be an expertinvaghirsene: to become infatuated; dated, but can be still encountered in written speech- Narciso vide il suo viso riflesso nellacqua e se ne invaghà ¬.lavarsene (le mani): to wash ones hands of somethingoccuparsene: to take care of somethingpentirsene: to regret somethingsbattersene : not to care (colloquial; to be avoided in formal situations)- Me ne sbatto.tornarsene: emphatic for - Basta! Me ne torno da mia madre! Andarsene The verb andarsene (to go away- used emphatically) is a frequently encountered Italian pronominal verb and can serve as a model for conjugating similar verbs. Here are some examples of the verb andarsene used in a sentence: Vattene, non ti voglio pià ¹ vedere! (go away, I dont want to see you again)Me ne vado (Im going away)Perchà © ve ne andate?(Why are you going away?)Se ne stava tutta sola in un angolo† (she was sitting in a corner all by herself); Note, when conjugating the imperative and gerund of andarsene and similar verbs that have two pronominal  particles that both are appended to the conjugated verb (Andatevene!; Vattene!; Andiamocene!), while in other moods and tenses the pronoun ne, as well as the particles mi, ti, si, ci, and vi precede the verb. In addition, the particles make a phonetic change to me, te, se, ce, and ve. Two Pronominal  Particles In addition to the ending -sene, some Italian pronominal verbs are formed with the reflexive particle sà © plus a pronome oggetto (object pronoun), or else a combination with the particles ci and ne. These verbs frequently have idiomatic meanings also. More Italian Pronominal Verbs / Verbi Pronominali avercela: to be angry withcavarsela: to get out of a difficulty- Siamo riusciti a cavarcela.darsele: to come to blows- Carlo e Giacomo se le sono date per lei.darsela a gambe: to run awaydormirsela: to sleep soundly- Io lavoro e lui se la dorme! farcela: to manage- Scommetto che ce la farai a superare l’esame.filarsela: to beat it- Potrebbero sorprenderci, à ¨ meglio filarsela.godersela: to have a good time- Lui sà ¬ che se la gode!intendersela: to have an affair- Sai con chi se la intende? Se la sono intesa per un anno e poi si sono lasciati.mettercela tutta: do ones bestprendersela: to take offenseprendersela (comoda): to take ones time- Prenditela pure comoda, non cà ¨ fretta.squagliarsela: to sneak away- Ce la siamo squagliata per non incontrarli.svignarsela: to sneak away- Appena possibile ce la svignamo.trovarcisi: to find oneselfvedercisi: to see oneself doing somethingvedersela brutta: to fear the worst

Personal Experience with Ageism and Adultism Essay

Personal Experience with Ageism and Adultism - Essay Example The essay "Personal Experience with Ageism and Adultism" talks about the age as a factor that distinguishes individuals in the society. To begin with, when I was young, during my third-grade year, my elder brother, who was in twelfth grade at the time, and his friends once discussed an issue which all of them seemed quite unaware of. Their discussion was mainly marred by speculation and imagination of what a new education policy was about and the implication it would have on the education system. Even though I was not part of the discussion, I was sitting with them in the living room, and had an upper hand over them, having watched the broadcast about the policy and its implication on national television. They kept arguing speculatively with one of them particularly explaining a completely distorted version of the policy to the rest. At some point, I joined in the discussion, giving the true version of the policy and its implication just as I had watched on television. They took it t o another side of the argument, giving it little attention, maybe because it did not come from one of their peers, and more so, it had come from a younger person whom they did not seem to believe had the command on such matters. Even after I had told them that I had watched it on national television, they still ignored my version and continued with the argument using their own speculated versions. As the debate continued and after I had given up on convincing them, my father arrived in the house and found the debate raging on.

The Federal Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 and Social Control Essay

The Federal Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 and Social Control - Essay Example By 1970s, however, both progressivism and populism lost their appeal as stand-alone policies (Vito & Allen, 1981). While progressives had failed to provide an alternative to indeterminate sentencing, populism was seen as something that negated the spirit of the law and it was declared that "Federal judges are not responsive to the pulsations of humanity." These themes dominated SRA for some time and culminated in the development of Federal sentencing Act of 1984 with one primary aim i.e. to be fair in the purposes of imprisonment.The US Congress played a slight and indirect role in federal sentencing for about a century or so by vesting into the sentencing judge an unbarred discretion to figure out the appropriate punishment from usually a diverse ambit of potential sentences as been described by law. This rendered the judge to be in total control of sentencing and it was up to the judge only to envisage various aspects of sentencing the relevant aggravating and mitigating circumstan ces and how these all factors jointly contributed to the commissioning of the sentence. The judicial sentences were virtually subject to no review on appeal. The underlying rationale of the whole exercise was based upon "coercive rehabilitation." That invariably involved judge deciding an extensive punishment of long duration and the parole board contemplating release on the grounds of adequate rehabilitation. That whole system relied heavily on the personal discretion of the judge without much accountability. This was naturally bound to criticism as with problems caused as a result of authority wielding undeterred personal discretion and seen largely as foot loose and fancy free scenario. Congress was acutely aware by 1970s of the growing unease among the general public and pervasive problems in the judicial system that were emanating due to the lack of well defined parameters in sentence commissioning. The disparity in the sentencing system lead to a thorough evaluation by Congres s in 1984 in which it was known that the whole system was in the dire need of reform and had lost the necessary credibility required to sustain the public confidence to serve as a sufficient deterrent to crime. It was concluded in that study the inconsistency and disparity in the sentencing system was due to the inadequate sentencing application by the judiciary. Congress took initiative to redress the problem by enacting the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 is also commonly stated as SRA; it drew a comprehensive outline for restructuring of judicial sentencing discretion that essentially changed altogether the sentencing in the federal justice system. The SRA's prime objective was to overcome the chasm of sentencing disparity. The first step that Congress took was to reject the prevalent view of rehabilitation as the foremost goal of sentencing. It redefined the objectivity of sentence as retributive, educational, and deterrent (Howell, 2004). By enacting SRA Congress sought to bring the whole judicial process above board ultimately helping it regain the trust of masses important to discourage crime, revitalizing the system by modifying its dynamics, curbing over dependence on imprisonment and upholding the dignity and discretion of judges faculty. The important points(USSC, 1991) of SRA could be summarized as follow: 1. There should be a clear and comprehensive statement of sentencing of federal law along with