Friday, November 29, 2019

A Beautiful Mind Essays (387 words) - Psychiatric Diagnosis

A Beautiful Mind Essays (387 words) - Psychiatric Diagnosis Andrea Petkovic Mr. Leonardis PPL 3O4 November 17, 2015 A Beautiful Mind In the movie A Beautiful Mind I believe that it is portrayed that an individual with mental illness can lead a normal life. The character being explored is John Nash, a mathematical genius who suffers from schizophrenia. Throughout the movie he faces many hardships that are a result of his schizophrenia, but I believe that despite the difficulties, with treatment he leads a relatively normal life. First, John has family and friends. Part of a normal life is being able to have meaningful connections with others. John has a wife, Alicia, who is very devoted to him, this is especially shown when she remains with him even through his difficulty with his mental illness. He also has friends from his university years, Martin Hansen and Sol, who work with him at the university. Even after university he remains close with them. After Johns absence from work, its Hansen that gives him another job at the university, which demonstrates their close bond. Secondly, John has a career. Even though h e has schizophrenia, John manages to maintain a career, and even succeeds in his field to such a degree that he is nominated and wins a Nobel Prize in economics. Next, John is educated. A common stigma surrounding people with mental illnesses is that they are less intelligent than those without mental illness. John Nash studied and taught at Princeton University, and therefore spent the majority of his life being educated or educating. Next, John is able to differentiate between what is real and what is in his mind. In the beginning, John struggles with this but later in the movie, and with help from those around him, he is able to take control of his mind. Finally, he is able to recover from difficult circumstances. When it is brought to light that he has schizophrenia Johns life goes in a downward spiral. He loses his job and is committed to a mental institution. As well as his relationship with his wife and friends struggles. Once he receives adequate help, and makes himself comp rehend what is going on, he is able to return to a more stable state of mind. In conclusion, with a strong support system and adequate medical help, individuals with a mental illness can lead a normal life.

Monday, November 25, 2019

3 Ways To Make a Saturated Solution

3 Ways To Make a Saturated Solution Its easy to make a saturated solution for chemistry lab or growing crystals. Heres a look at what a saturated solution is and how to prepare one. What Is a Saturated Solution? A saturated solution is one containing as much solute- the solid being dissolved in the liquid- as possible without forming a precipitate, or leftover solid. This is the maximum concentration of solute. How to Make a Saturated Solution Here are three ways to make a saturated solution: Add solute to a liquid until no more will dissolve. Solubility often increases with temperature, so you may be able to get more solute into a hot solvent than you would if the solvent was cool. For example, you can dissolve much more sugar in hot water than you can in cold water.Evaporate solvent from an unsaturated solution. You can evaporate the solvent by permitting air circulation or by heating the solvent.Add a seed crystal to a supersaturated solution. The seed crystal will cause the solute to precipitate, leaving a saturated solution.​

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 32

Management - Essay Example For exmaple: the goods are passed on by the manufacturer to the wholeseller in bluk form, the goods are then broken down into units by the wholeseller and passed on to the retailer, the retailer further breaks down the units opf products and sells them to the customer. A manufacturer needs to consider various factors while deciding about the channel of distribution through which the product will reach the customer. These factors include the price, technicality, size and shape of the product. The manufacturer even pays emphasis to the channel of distribution selected by the competitors and other factors include size of the customer, production channel expenditure and the setting where the manufacturing outlet is located. While selecting the channel of distribution, managers have to ensure that the goods are easily accesible and always available to the customers disposle. This factor needs to be given importance because if a good or service is not easily acceible, custonmers tend to lo ok for other alternatives and close substitute. One of the main element within the process of marketing is advertising, advertising is just an element and can not be replaced with the marketing process, but it is a key element and impacts other parts of the marketing process. Advertising is used by marketers to create an image which is favorable and which the marketers want to create in the eyes of the customer (Plessis 93). Advertising is used in various stages of the marketing process in order to shape a favorable image. Marketers use advertsiing of price to create an image of the product, prices are set high to create an image of product which is of high quality and prices are set low to create an image of an inexpensive but high quality product. Low pricing can back fire as low prices create an image of a low quality product. Makrters even use the place of advertising to create an image of the product, if the product is not easily avilable and is availble in specific

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

How the US Constitution Relates to Being an Army Officer Essay

How the US Constitution Relates to Being an Army Officer - Essay Example Article 1 section 8 stipulates clearly this role (Legal Information Institute 1). This therefore implies that United State Army serves under dual chain of command. These chains of command encompass the executive and legislative branches of government. Thus, from the founding of United State subordination of army officers to civil authority has been a crucial principle to the nation’s constitutional system. Military profession has recognized and embraced a tradition of service to the nation before self-interests. Constitution acknowledges military role of protecting freedom and important national interests. It also balances the duty of military with constitutional democracy where people get chances to maintain ultimate authority over the military through their elected leaders. There are several sections of United States’ Constitution affecting a military officer. The constitution is the foundation of army in United States. In Article 1 Section 8 clause 11 through 16 give s the Congress the powers regarding the Army. For instance, clause 12 dictates that the Congress has the mandate to form and assist army. Clause 13 authorizes Congress to provide all the assistance, which Navy requires. Similarly, clause 14, 15, and 16 empowers the Congress to call and discipline military, to suppress invasions, and to regulate the activities of United States military. This therefore implies that the constitution of United States demands military officers are answerable to the Congress. Congress can declare war, award letters of marque and retaliation, enacts rules that to direct capturing on land and water. In addition, the Congress can send any military officers to areas, which it feels United States should display its military mighty. Although the army has its autonomy, the Congress prescribes their cause of actions (Legal Information Institute 1). The US Constitution requires that people who enlist or re-enlist in Armed Forces of United States to pledge enlistme nt oath. Any commissioned officer can administer the oath of enlistment for a given term of service in any branch of the military. Army officers swear, before the United State flag, that they will support and defend the Constitution of United States against domestic and foreign enemies. The army officers also assure the nation that they will be faithful and obedient to the orders from the president of United States. This oath of enlistment binds military officers to respect the spirit of United States Constitution. Loyalty to the Constitution in the part of army officers implies that they are ready to uphold ideals of their unit (Legal Information Institute 1). Therefore, the army officers dedicate and commit themselves to serve and protect the country faithfully. The foundation of laws of military justice has its basis on the United States Constitution. Article 1 section 8 gives Congress powers to regulate military operations. These powers enabled the Congress to enact substantive and procedures laws that direct the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Military law came into existence in the year 1950. Enactors of this law borrowed a lot for United State Constitution in order to make the existing law into a comprehensive code. Uniform Code of Military Justice underwent revision in the year 1968. The law established military courts. The Uniform Code of Military Justice allows the Army Criminal Investigation Command to investigate misconducts of military personnel. Misconduct on the part military officers ranges from rape,

Monday, November 18, 2019

Market Value and Change in Accounting Policy Essay

Market Value and Change in Accounting Policy - Essay Example Any organization in the market has to ensure that it chooses the correct accounting policy to attract more investors. The investors usually have an interest in studying the financial situation of the company to allow them to make an effective marketing decision. Insightfully, this means that the choice the company makes will affect the reflection and recording of financial statement to the investors. Consequently, the earning management by a company highly depends on the accounting policy that a firm uses in showing its financial position. Discussion The switch between FC and SE, as accounting methodologies, depending on the reasoning that one capitalizes while another expense the cost. Successful Efforts refers to the methodology where the unsuccessful exploration cost is expensed and usually integrated as part of the income statement. However, Full Cost involves capitalizing the unsuccessful exploration cost meaning that this cost is not part of the income statement in this situati on. The choosing of the two alternative methods relies on their effectiveness in achieving transparency related to the accounting information about oil and gas company’s earnings and cash flows. Based on the Successful Cost method, the objective of an oil and gas company is to produce oil or gas from its reserves hence the view that only the costs related to successful efforts are capitalized. On the other hand, the cost incurred is usually expensed, because successful results rely on the change in productive assets. Conversely, the FC method holds that the main objective of the oil and gas companies is to explore and develop oil and gas reserves. This implies that the costs incurred in the process of exploration and development should be capitalized followed by writing them off as the operation cycle continues. However, the regulatory approval from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), which looks over the establishment of the governing GAAP, required the oil and gas companies to adopt the SE method. In rejecting the change from FC to SE method, the users argued that this could substantially depress reported earnings and equity figures; and increase the volatility of earnings over time. This means that a change from FC to SE will reduce the capabilities of the firm to raise capital in the stock market thereby leading to vulnerability to competition. The increased volatility of earnings implicates a limitation in the ability of the firms to carry out new explorations in the industry. To support its view on the potential effect coming with adopting FASB Exposure draft, the journal presents statistics showing that 70 out of 109 FC firms would have their average earnings reduced by at least 5%; and 86% of these companies will also witness at least a 5% decrease in their owner’s equity (Lev, 1979, p. 487). Impact of the change on cash flow The shift in the accounting method, from FC to SE had no impact on the cash flow albeit the decrease in the market value. A no-effect theory as stated by HOLTHAUSEN, argues that there is no effect on the stock price associated with the change in accounting policy (Holthausen & Leftwich, 1998, p. 114). The accounting methods are just a facade for the accounting numbers, available for the investors. The author notes that the firms, adopting policy change can unravel the accounting numbers, without spending any dollar, implying that the choice of accounting methods do not affect the wealth of the company.     Ã‚  

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Conflict Management in the Construction Industry

Conflict Management in the Construction Industry The nature of the construction industry in Hong Kong is such that there is an existing conflict between the major construction project participants, owners, design professionals and contractors. The construction industry is well-known for high levels of conflicts and disputes. Construction is construction, and no matter how complicated the technology. It is also a project-based industry with each project being unique. Within a project life cycle, a large number of separate firm are involved. Failures by one party can affect those engaged in a project and, as work often takes substantial periods during which national economic circumstances can change, it is unavoidable that dispute will arise. From the above-mentioned scenario, it should not be surprised that the techniques of conflict management and dispute resolution in construction industry are more developed, compared to the industry, one might be inclined to ask the questions as to whether there is any hope for the industry in attempting to reduce the serious and extent of conflicts and disputes? According to Fenn et al(1997), conflict can be managed, possibly to point of preventing it from leading to dispute whereas, dispute require resolution and , therefore, are associated with distinct justifiable issue. The purpose of this paper will firstly describe the definition of conflict management and dispute resolution. And also identify the causes of the conflicts and disputes in Hong Kong construction industry. Finally, this study will also identify the way of formal conflict management and the dispute resolution methods to be used. 2. Conflict Management in Construction Industry: 2.1 The definition of conflict management: Conflict may be defined as a contest between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values or goal. Conflict on team is unavoidable; however, the results of conflict are not predetermined. Conflict might increase and lead to non-productive results or conflict can be beneficially resolved and lead to quality final products. Therefore, learning to manage conflict is essential to a high-performance team. Though very few people go looking for conflict, more often than not. Conflict results because of lacking communication between people with regard to their needs, ideas, beliefs, goals, or values. Conflict management is the principle that all conflicts cannot consequentially be resolved, but learning how to manage conflicts can decrease the odds of non-productive escalation. According to Algert, N.E., and Watson, K. (2002), Conflict management involves obtaining skills related to conflict resolution, self-awareness about conflict modes, conflict communication skills, and establishing a structure for management of conflict in your environment. 2.2 The causes of conflict in construction: Construction is significantly different from manufacturing, in which the same goods are produced a thousand times. Also, construction does not allow for the change of variable while holding the rest fixed in order to study its effects. The nature of the construction referred to earlier so conflicts among owners, design professionals and contractors are general. To suggest that these parties are prone to confrontational interaction and conflict would be a major statement in the construction industry. Owners are even arguing with their design professionals over design service explain of errors and neglect in design services rendered, aesthetic considerations and budget overruns. (p.4-white) Accordingly, Howell et.al (1998, cited by Vorster 1993) proposed a nomenclature of elements that summarize four causes behind conflict in the construction environment: Incomplete scope definition: The design professionals responsibility to define and design the project scope so as to meet the owners functional, budgetary, time and environmental project criteria. When the design professional fails to meet their responsibility, the owner is almost always dissatisfied with the result, with the effect that strict correspondence soon ensues between the parties. Also, when the scope of the work is unclear, this presents an unhappy relation for future between the owner and the contractor, arguing about the scope and quality of the work, and whether in fact the work is properly defined by the contract documents prepared by the design professional. Inappropriate contract type: Contracts are endemic as causes of conflict within the construction industry; almost every stage of the construction process is regulated by an agreement of some sort. Some of the areas of contract dispute are breach of contract in contract clause interpretation, inspection of work clauses, indemnity clauses, payment of supplies, and liability to third parties, just to name a few possible areas of contract dispute. Poor communication: Infrastructures are unique products with more complex production process than other and most of building products are a combined effort of several peoples or organization. So many professionals have contribution to do a building in various capacities. Among construction team members, each may have different aim in relation to their profession, but their main aim should be to complete the project within a given plan. Conflict between team members may arise when their objectives are inconsistent. Also, their interpretations of contract documents, terms, and conditions can diverge, leading to discrepancies and conflict. In short, all causes of conflict within an area are interrelated. Uncertainty: For external: a) Environmental concerns; b) Social impacts; c) Economics; d) Political risks; e) Weather; f) Regulation; g) Unforeseen site condition. For internal: a) Error in design; b) Construction methods and workmanship In figure 10.3 which is one example of what the owner should consider when identifying potential conflicts. We can identify which of them may be realized at the interfaces among the multiple participants in an agency construction management delivery system. Certain conflicts in the relationship among the owner, designer, CM and trade contractor can be eliminated in various situations if a different delivery system is selected. (P.205-White) 2.3 Methods of conflict management used in construction industry in HK: In the construction industry, ask anyone if they completed a construction project without any conflict. The answer 100% of the time will be NO. The successful project managers must be implement strategies to avoid or monitor conflict in their construction project. The following common steps are used by the project managers when developing a successful conflict management: Conflict identification; Conflict analysis; Design and implementation of a conflict management; Monitoring and review of the conflict management. (P.202-White) Prevention is the best method in the management of the conflict in construction industry. The methods include: Dispute review boards or advisors; Negotiation; Quality (Total quality management and quality assurance); Procurement systems which are all non-blinding process. Baden-Hellard (1988) emphasized that construction industry has a built-in potential for conflict arising from the differences always present in values, principles and interest. Thus, when differences arises from unforeseen events, no matter how well the clients, design team and contractors have managed the project, better methods of resolving the differences are needed. Dispute review boards or advisors: It is virtually impossible to complete a large construction project without having any disputes develop between the parties. The DRB is a panel of two neutral individuals who are selected by the parties to the construction contract, usually the project owner and the general contractor. The project owner will stipulate in the specifications for bidding the project. DBR provide the processes and mechanisms to not only help to settle disputes but also can provide a method to prevent the potential conflict from ever happening. The potential conflict to the DRB means that plausible argument at each construction stages and the quality of the presentation of claims. The first meeting of the DRB usually takes place well before the commencement of the construction project and will continue to meet until the DRB members are well-known all of the aspects of the project. After the project begins, each DRB will usually meet on a regularly scheduled basic such as once each month or once each quarter, etc. Besides, site visit can ne made depending on the requirements of the project. Negotiation; Negotiation needs to be carrying out to resolve the conflict before it reached a more serious stage and change into dispute. The parties are required to come together and approach an agreeable settlement through communication. The following two example shown a simple negotiation between the main contractor(MC) and a subcontractor(SC) who is unable to meet the objective in the contract. Example A: SC: I will not be able to finish this process on time. MC: You must be finish theses according the time schedule. SC: I need three extra weeks to finish it. MC:You cannot have extra three weeks. SC: If I do not get three weeks, i can not complete this process on time. MC:No, you will complete as scheduled, if you really cannot finish it, we will collect damage and replace you. The example A is a position-based type of negotiation which will go around in circle until one of parties abandons its position. It is not clear why the parties are even arguing. Example B: SUB: I will not be able to finish this process on time. MC: What are the reasons and why can you not finish as scheduled? SUB: My supplier will not able to deliver the materials until next week so I need three extra weeks to finish it. MC: You should know the schedule is very tight for this project. Are there any other suppliers who can deliver on time? SUB: Yes, but the suppliers are more expensive than the damages given by finishing late. MC: Although you are responsible for reaching the target, I also understand your predicament. Actually, I know some other suppliers that might be able to solve these problems and I will contact them as soon as possible. The example B is an interest-based type of negotiation which can be reached a mutually agreeable solution even the source of the conflict is uncovered. According to these two examples, a successful negotiation should result in a solution acceptable to both parties that will not damage their relationship and implies collaboration, trust and common objectives. Quality (Total quality management (TQM) or assurance): According to Gardiner et al (1992), the most confliction stages are identified within the organization, closely followed by the issue of quality and control. One of the most confliction stages is the quality issue so a good and suitable quality management or control system should be issued. It can reduce the frequency of conflict. TQM is an extensive management system which: Focuses on meeting owners needs by providing quality services at a cost that provides value to the owners; Is compel by the quest for continuous improvement in all operations; Understand everyone in the organization; Observe an organization as an internal system with a common objective rather than as individual parties acting to maximize their own performances; Emphasize teamwork and a high level of workers. Procurement systems: The procurement system is one of most effective methods in prevention of conflict so it should be located in the earlier stage of the project life cycle. According to Bennett et al (1990), the procurement system built up the roles and relationships, which constitute the organization. It establishes the overall management structure and systems, which helps to form the overall values and styles of the project. The Procurement System for Construction provides support for: Selection of appropriate procurement and contracting strategies, and nomination of an appropriate Principal in the contracts; Preparation of tender documents and contracts based on standard forms; Selection of contractors and consultants with proven performance records; Effective management of contracts, including clause commentaries, sample letters and checklists; Maintenance of an effective performance management system through monitoring and reporting; and Resolution of contractual claims and disputes. (NSW Government (2000), Procurement system for construction. Available from: NSW Government, NSW Government Procurement Web site: http://www.nswprocurement.com.au/Procurement-System-for-Construction.aspx [Accessed: March 13, 2011].) 3. Dispute Resolution in Construction Industry: 3.1 The definition of Dispute Resolution: Dispute resolution is about identifying the root causes of conflict and preventing and managing conflict with the purpose of resolving disputes or conflict during the construction process in order to avoid post-construction claims, litigation, and related costs. According to Whitfield(1994), resolve disputation can use either informal resolution methods such as negotiation and alternative dispute resolution(ADR) or formal resolution methods such as litigation and arbitration. 3.2 The causes of dispute in construction: Disputes are often the outcome of ill considered procurement practices, inadequate preparatory planning and design activity, or poor project and commercial management procedures. If the conflict happened in construction site, all parties are agreed to each other. There is no further conflict because objectives of both party become same. But if one or both party becomes intransigent, then the conflict may turn to a dispute. In other word, disputes are come up when parties are unable to manage their conflicts properly. Dispute can be defined as a disagreement between parties in connection with their objectives. Construction failure may create dispute between the parties in construction sites. According to Feld and carper; Kaminetzky (1997), failure during the construction phase may include: Overloading. Improper temporary supports. Inadequate planning and execution of construction process. Lack of inspection. Insufficient safety factors. Inadequate training of construction workers. Feld, J. and Carper, K. (1997). ConstructionFailure. John Wiley Sons, New York.   Cause of client: 1) Failure to respond in timely manner. 2) Inadequate tracing mechanisms for RFI (Request for information). 3) Reluctant to check for constructability, clarity and completeness. 4) Discrepancies / ambiguities in contract documents. 5) Poor communications between and among the parties involved in theproject. 6) Failure to appoint an overall project manager. 7) Lowest price mentality in engagement of contractors and designers. The absence of team spirit among the participants. 8) Deficient management, supervision and coordination efforts on the  part of the project. Cause of designer: Failure to understand its responsibilities under design team contract. Over-design and underestimate the costs involve. Inadequate in open and factual communication. Late information issued and cumbersome approaches to RFIs Design and specification oversights and errors or omissions resulting  from uncoordinated civil, structural, architectural, mechanical and  electrical designs. Incompleteness of drawing and specifications. Cause of contractor: Inadequate contractor management, supervision and coordination. Lack of understanding and agreement in contract procurement. Failure to understand and correctly bid or price the works. Reluctance to seek clarification. Failure to plan and execute the changes of works. Inadequate CPM Scheduling and update requirements. Delay/ suspension of works. Fenn et al (1997) provides a synopsis of the findings of nine frequently cited  studies of the sources of disputes: 3.3 Methods of dispute resolution used in construction industry in HK: According to Carmichael (2002), the step approach to dispute resolution as below. An attempt is made to resolve the dispute at the level at which it occurs, in a reasonable time; If this fails, involve parties at a higher level with decision making authority, and the potential to settle in the interests of a commercial solution; If this fails, proceed to an ADR approach using and independent third party; If this fails, arbitration or litigation will be used. 3.3.1 Informal resolution methods: a) Negotiation: Negotiation is a common dispute resolution method, which we all are using in every day. There is no neutral third party for the negotiation, only the disputants. It is also defined as a means to reach mutual agreement through communication, according to Down, L.J. (2009), (p.140-white) Negotiation is considered by most appropriate way to resolve any dispute in construction industry. It was because negotiation is not expensive and can be maintained relationship with the related parties. However, there are also negative sides of negotiation. For example, if the related parties negotiated a long and protected period of discussion, the negotiation will be fail because they are not blinding. Besides, it is an informal resolution method, it can allow any surprise issue or irrelevant points rising. b) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ADR is a collective term used to describe methods of resolving disputes which are alternatives to litigation and arbitration and which usually offer a less expensive solution. For example: Mediation: This has appeared as an increasingly used form of dispute resolution, involving a neutral third party working to facilitate effective negotiations to enable a mutually acceptable settlement. In mediation, the parties explore options, measuring the strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases. Mediation can save a great deal of time and cost in resolving a dispute and can also help the parties to re-establish trust and prevent damage to ongoing relationships. Adjudication: This is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of resolving a dispute.The adjudicators decision is normally upheld by the courts and so it is important to ensure that all the relevant facts are put in front of the adjudicator. Adjudication does not necessarily achieve final settlement of a dispute because either of the parties has the right to have the same dispute heard afresh in court. However, experience shows that the majority of adjudication decisions are accepted by the parties as the final result. (Powell, J. David. 2005. Boundary Dispute Resolution in England Wales Surveyors and Lawyers Working Together to Resolve Problems. Proceedings of Cairo: Egypt.) Because of the following potential advantages, it is worth considering using ADR early in a lawsuit or even before you files a lawsuit. Advantages of ADR: Better communication; Continued business relationship; More options for settlement; Reduced costs in achieving settlement; Confidentially Control of outcome and the process. 3.3.2 Formal resolution methods: a) Litigation On occasions, alternative dispute resolution procedures are not successful in resolving disputes, resulting with the parties resorting to formal litigation through the courts. According to Whitfield(1994), the process of litigation is from the issue of a writ to a hearing and then on to a judgment. One of the failures of the legal process has been the speed with which solicitors have been prepared to issue writ. After writ has been issue, the plaintiff cannot simply withdraw his writ and forget the matter. If he did so, the counterclaim would be found against him along with the cost. The related construction companies need to provide litigation support services for both formal litigation and alternative dispute resolution as follows: Programme delay analysis; Forensic research; Preparation of statements of claim and statements of defence; Paralegal support. b) Arbitration According to Ashworth (2005), Arbitration is a legal technique for the resolution of dispute outside the courts. The parties refer the dispute to a neutral, knowledgeable person (arbitrator or arbitral tribunal) who then gives the final decision (award) to which both the parties agree. Arbitration, in lieu of court proceedings, as the last resort to resolving disputes in construction contracts has been commonly used in Hong Kong as well as internationally. Although intended to be a less formal and more flexible alternative to litigation, arbitration can be as thorough and time-consuming as litigation, especially for construction disputes. The related companies should be employ the expertise in representing them in arbitration proceedings and handling the whole arbitration process from the appointment of arbitrators, drafting of pleadings, dealing with interlocutory proceedings through to the hearing stage and beyond. Where necessary, lawyers who experienced in construction disputes to provide the most comprehensive services to the company in arbitration. 4. Conclusion: Each construction projects are unique and complex undertakings. A unique set of drawings and specifications are used to describe each construction stages. The drawings and related documents generally performed by a general contractor and several subcontractors, many of whom have not work together previously. The unique aspects of each project and the unique constitution of each construction team are common reasons for disagreements to occur. Disputes can be generated in any environment; indeed, conflict can occur whenever two individuals try to work together. These disputes often concern topics such as changes, differing site conditions, delays, and payments. Many researchers had attempted to determine the causes of conflict and disputes within the construction industry. Besides, H. Murray Hohns (1979) leads to the conclusion that the specific causes of the conflict and dispute can be largely traced to the following five sources: Errors, defects or omissions in contract documents; Underestimation of the cost by the client, the contractor, or both; Changes in conditions, (e.g. unforeseen ground conditions); Claims from end-users (legal rights of owners and tenants); People involved in the construction process. When confliction is arise in the construction industry, the importance of proper conflict recovery method and compliance with formal procedures cannot be over-stressed. If disputes proceedings become unavoidable, it should be some comfort to know that proper alternative dispute resolution will be a favorable condition rather than a drawback.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Ethics/Legal/IEP Essay -- essays papers

Ethics/Legal/IEP Essay In the treatment of those individuals labeled as disabled, be it physically, mentally, or a combination thereof, we are faced with many challenging ethical questions. The first and foremost of these is, what is ultimately, â€Å"the right thing to do.† While we may or may not agree on the answer to this question, as well as those that follow, many advances have been made in our society to deal with disabled individuals in the most humane and ethical way possible. What is the right thing to do? Is there an ultimate resolution? In 1975, Public Law (PL) 94-142 was passed. This law has several parts, each pertaining to a different aspect of discrimination, or nondiscrimination, of disabled persons. This law was passed in hopes of avoiding not only the horrific scenarios found in Nazi propaganda films such as Selling Murder, but further to guarantee all disabled individuals a fair chance at life: to live to the fullest extent of their capabilities and fulfill their potentials. In the film, Selling Murder, Nazi officials convey to the public that disabled people are a threat to the world community, and that they are living a â€Å"life without existence.† It goes further and says that not only should those who are disabled be quarantined and banished from society, but for their own sake they should be sterilized, and ultimately killed. Labeling the mass deaths of disabled persons â€Å"mercy killings,† the film explains how they, the disabled, are unable to function as â€Å"real† human be ings, and that if they had the mental facilities to make the choice, they would choose death over such a menial existence. Showing gruesome photos of the severely physically disfigured, the propaganda seeks not only to convince, but to scare the masses into agreement. On the other hand, films such as Regular Lives demonstrate the ability of disabled individuals not only to survive, but to flourish and better their communities through their own efforts. It demonstrates the necessity to include disabled students in any and all ways possible in order to help them adapt to a social environment as normal as is possible. PL 94-142 states that all disabled students are guaranteed a FAPE (free and public education). With this comes the formulation of an IEP (individualized education plan). This grants students a goal guided objective list for their education. The ... ...ther teacher or administrator to explain evaluation results to those involved. Why does it matter? What is the relevance/necessity of making moral judgments when formulating a course of action? Disabled people have been discriminated through time. They have been played as Jesters for entertainment, banished as havens for evil spirits, and massacred simply for being different. They have been subject even to sterilization, seen as people unfit to breed. We are forced to ask ourselves- why then, does it matter? Hardman states on page 52, â€Å"Social justice and equality for all people should be of paramount importance in the design and delivery of all curricula.† Fair and equal treatment of disabled persons matters because they, like all other citizens of this country, are people. They are born in this country with the guarantee that they will be granted â€Å"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.† With this in mind, it is our moral and ethical obligation to â€Å"hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are [indeed] created equal.† This country was founded on these beliefs, and as we continue our progress forward with laws such as PL 94-142, we support this creed.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Economics in construction

1. Perfect competition maybe described as a theoretical form of market wherein no buyer or supplier has the capacity (or what is termed the ‘market power’) to control the market price. Regular definitions of perfect competition in economics describe it as a situation in which there is absolutely ‘efficient outcome’. The hypothetical situation of ‘perfect competition’ is primarily conjured to build the fundamentals of the supply and demand theory. Totally contrary to the ideas of a perfectly competitive market is the idea of a monopoly, which maybe defined as a continual market situation within which there is only one supplier of a particular service or an item. All monopolies are necessarily devoid of any economic competition and the utter deficiency of ‘substitute goods’. Often a monopoly is sanctioned by the state. Such a monopoly is called a ‘legal monopoly’ or a ‘government granted monopoly’ and is authorized by the government so as to encourage firms to take up a particularly ‘risky’ or ambitious project. Instead of allowing a certain firm to take up a venture in this manner the state might also keep the project all to itself. Such a situation will then be referred to as a ‘government monopoly’. (King, 126) Unlike in a monopoly in a perfectly competitive market there are a number of minor suppliers and buyers who operate at equal capacities in the market. Given their equal status neither of them manages to attain enough significance to influence the market in their favor. The firms in such a set-up are therefore price-takers rather than price-setters, as in the case of monopolies. Also, while a monopoly provides a particular, unique item or service to the market in a perfectly competitive market no firm enjoys any sort of individuality. Instead, each of their products is quite like the others such that there is no room for ‘product differentiation’. A monopoly remains the sole provider of a certain product or service by simply barring other similar firms to enter the market by some means or the other. Often such means include government authorization, like in the case of ‘legal monopolies’ discussed above. In case of perfect competition however no such entry barrier can be introduced. As a result any given firm can enter the market if it wishes to. Similarly, unlike in a monopoly in a perfect competition set-up all firms have access to the same kind of resources all of which are completely ‘mobile’. In a monopoly of course a particular firm controls (and occasionally even withholds) essential resources and production expertise. Given the large number of close substitutes available for the products/services sold by firms in a perfectly competitive set-up it is only obvious that no single firm or even a group of firms have any say about the ‘market-price’. The price of the products or services of firms in an arrangement such as this is duly decided instead by the market, which in turn depends on the behavior of the buyer. A monopoly however doesn’t remain obligated to the market in this manner. Instead, it effectively determines the market price simply by increasing or decreasing the quantity of its produce. Such independence is enjoyed by a monopoly simply because it faces no form of price pressure from opponents. However, there is a limit to which this liberty maybe pushed. Monopolies that raise their price far beyond permissible limits invite competition and may soon have to face rivals providing the same services/products either legally or even illegally. (Fletcher, 188) 2. The residential construction industry might pretend to be a single, solid, well defined industry but it in fact is far from being that. As anyone who has ever had a house made knows building a great house involves a number of things; great plumbing, great carpentry, great painting etc. etc. etc. Given the large demands of building a residential outfit the residential construction industry does not represent one single market, like it appears to be but rather a variety of sectors. However, not all of them need to come into play in every residential construction project. Often a particular house does not need all the facilities the industry is capable of providing it with. For instance if an environmentalist who feels strongly about the use of wood in his house decides to build a house tomorrow he is hardly likely to employ a carpenter, irrespective of how easily he can land one. Similarly a family who decides to paint their interiors themselves will not need painters, at least to the extent they are usually needed by new house owners. Also, in many cases residential construction involves repairing old structures. This obviously takes less effort and expertise than those required for building a house from scratch. As is obvious therefore there are a number of ifs and buts in the industry. We will take a look at some of these a little closely. Normally, specialist contractors who have long standing reputation in the field carry out residential constructions. These individuals take complete responsibility of building an entire building from scratch and cover everything from plumbing to painting. Once they achieve the contract however they duly sub-contract additional independent workers who assist and accompany their own crew. Contractors are often described as the king of the jungle in their own area. They are managers, salesmen, supervisors and directors all rolled into one. As a result of their unique capacity to bring in professionals of their own field under their wings these individuals soon turn out to be perfect monopolies by themselves. Often many of these professionals operate all by themselves in a given area, without any form of opposition or competition. Given their advantageous position they duly flex every possible monopoly muscle they possibly can and obviously determine the market price of the services they provide. Similarly special service providers in the industry, such as say wood engravers or carvers who are both sophisticated and rare in terms of their skill usually monopolize the market and set the market price by themselves. Unlike them plumbers or electricians, who are found in plenty and whose skills hardly vary can never really behave in a monopolistic manner. Instead, their circuit closely replicates what can be called a ‘perfectly competitive’. Much like them painters and carpenters can hardly afford to be choosy or ultra expensive since they are easy to substitute. A good illustration of this point is provided by the use of lumber in the industry in the past decade or so. The U.S. residential construction industry is, by all accounts the biggest consumer of softwood lumber. However, the amount of softwood lumber available to the industry fell dramatically following the restrictions that came to be placed on state and federal forests in the past few years. As a result of this unfortunate fall in supply a large chunk of the industry soon shifted to other alternatives available in the market. Amongst the 2,500 builders we surveyed for this particular study about 12.8% reported to have increased their use of alternative structural materials in the past decade alone. 99% of the respondents also confessed to having started to use at least one out of the long list of alternative structural materials that we provided them with. Till 1995 only 91% of the builders interviewed used substitute materials. (Kar, 145) While the decreased supply of lumber has obviously proved unfortunate for the lumber industry the construction industry itself has survived virtually unscathed. This is primarily due to the wide availability of materials such as reinforced concrete, plastic fiber, steel etc. which maybe easily used as a replacement for lumber. This example clearly proves the market for construction material itself therefore it maybe said to be a ‘perfectly competitive’ market. With easily available substitutes, easy entry into the market and hardly any product differentiation it fits almost every characteristic of the ‘perfect competition’ market to the tee. Unlike lumber and its alternatives however other important facets of construction are not as easily obtained. The expertise required to design a house for instance is far harder to replace than the construction material it is to be built with. Due to the utter importance of their job and how extraordinarily dependant on knowledge and skill it is, the architect and the whole engineering industry maybe described as a bit of a monopoly. It is of course difficult to enter their market, there are hardly any ‘substitutes’ available (since the level of skill and expertise of each engineer varies from the other) and the engineers themselves tend to determine the market price of their know-how. (Lamb, 243-245) Thus we see how the residential construction industry of U.S.A. is actually a mà ©lange of a wide variety of competitive markets and not a single market by itself. It is the proper functioning of each of these individual parts that ultimately allows the construction business to function properly. References: Fletcher, R; Economy: Beliefs and Knowledge; Believing and Knowing. (Mangalore: Howard & Price. 2006) pp 188 Kar, P; History of Indian Consumer Market Applications (Kolkata: Dasgupta & Chatterjee 2005) pp 145 King, H; Fiscal Fitness Today (Dunedin: HBT & Brooks Ltd. 2005) pp 126 Lamb, Davis; Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata. (Wellington: National Book Trust. 2004) pp 243-245   

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Free Essays on Marijuana Harms Sexual Maturation and Reproduction

MARIJUANA HARMS SEXUAL MATURATION AND REPRODUCTION Marijuana has been said to interfere with the production of hormones associated with reproduction, causing possible infertility among adult users and delayed sexual development among adolescents. THE FACTS There is no evidence that marijuana impairs male reproductive functioning. The Jamaican and Costa Rican field studies detected no differences in hormone levels between marijuana users and non-users. In epidemiological surveys of marijuana users, no problems with fertility have emerged as important. In 1974, researchers reported diminished testosterone, reduced sexual function and abnormal sperm cells in males identified as chronic marijuana users. 34 In a laboratory study, the same researchers reported an acute decrease in testosterone, but no chronic effect after nine weeks of smoking; they did not evaluate sperm volume or quality. 35 In other laboratory studies, researchers have been generally unable to replicate these findings, 36 although by administering very high THC doses - up to 20 cigarettes per day for 30 days - one study found a slight decrease in sperm concentrations. 37 In all studies, test results remained within normal ranges and probably would not have affected actual fertility. Severe adverse consequences have also been produced in male laboratory animals, although only with extremely high daily THC doses. 38 More importantly, in both the human and animal laboratory studies, all observed changes were reversed once THC administration was halted. The claim that marijuana impairs female reproductive functioning in humans has no support in the scientific literature. There have been no epidemiological studies indicating diminished fertility in female users of marijuana, and a recent survey found no impact of chronic marijuana use on female sex hormones. 39 Animal studies show hormonal changes and depressed ovulation following extremely... Free Essays on Marijuana Harms Sexual Maturation and Reproduction Free Essays on Marijuana Harms Sexual Maturation and Reproduction MARIJUANA HARMS SEXUAL MATURATION AND REPRODUCTION Marijuana has been said to interfere with the production of hormones associated with reproduction, causing possible infertility among adult users and delayed sexual development among adolescents. THE FACTS There is no evidence that marijuana impairs male reproductive functioning. The Jamaican and Costa Rican field studies detected no differences in hormone levels between marijuana users and non-users. In epidemiological surveys of marijuana users, no problems with fertility have emerged as important. In 1974, researchers reported diminished testosterone, reduced sexual function and abnormal sperm cells in males identified as chronic marijuana users. 34 In a laboratory study, the same researchers reported an acute decrease in testosterone, but no chronic effect after nine weeks of smoking; they did not evaluate sperm volume or quality. 35 In other laboratory studies, researchers have been generally unable to replicate these findings, 36 although by administering very high THC doses - up to 20 cigarettes per day for 30 days - one study found a slight decrease in sperm concentrations. 37 In all studies, test results remained within normal ranges and probably would not have affected actual fertility. Severe adverse consequences have also been produced in male laboratory animals, although only with extremely high daily THC doses. 38 More importantly, in both the human and animal laboratory studies, all observed changes were reversed once THC administration was halted. The claim that marijuana impairs female reproductive functioning in humans has no support in the scientific literature. There have been no epidemiological studies indicating diminished fertility in female users of marijuana, and a recent survey found no impact of chronic marijuana use on female sex hormones. 39 Animal studies show hormonal changes and depressed ovulation following extremely...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Cómo notificar a USCIS el cambio de dirección

Cà ³mo notificar a USCIS el cambio de direccià ³n El deber de notificar todos los cambios de direccià ³n al Servicio de Inmigracià ³n y Ciudadanà ­a (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s) afecta prcticamente a todos los extranjeros presentes en Estados Unidos. En este artà ­culo se explica quià ©nes estn obligados a notificar el cambio de domicilio, cà ³mo se hace y cules son las consecuencias si se incumple con esa obligacià ³n. Finalmente, se explica cà ³mo notificar cambio de direccià ³n a una corte migratoria cuando se tiene un asunto pendiente. Extranjeros obligados a notificar cambio de direccin a USCIS La obligacià ³n de notificar el cambio de direccià ³n en el plazo de 10 dà ­as a contar desde que se hizo la mudanza aplica a todos los extranjeros presentes en Estados Unidos excepto: Diplomticos con  visa ARepresentantes en organizaciones internaciones como la ONU o la OEA con  visa GTuristas que ingresaron sin visa por un tiempo no superior a los 30 dà ­as Adems, y por razones evidentes, los migrantes indocumentados que NO tienen ningà ºn asunto pendiente con USCIS no estn obligados ni deben notificar sus domicilios o mudanzas. Cmo se notifica el cambio de direccina USCIS La notificacià ³n de cambio de domicilio sigue tres reglas distintas segà ºn las caracterà ­sticas migratorias del extranjero. En primer lugar, las personas que tengan pendiente o recientemente aprobada una de las peticiones siguientes: Peticià ³n  I-360 para VAWA, viudos, inmigrantes especiales o amerasiticosPeticià ³n  I-914 para la visa T de và ­ctimas de trfico humanoPeticià ³n  I-918 para la visa U de và ­ctimas de violenciaPeticià ³n  I-765V para permiso de trabajo de cà ³nyuge abusado de no inmigrantePeticià ³n I-485 para ajuste de estatus SOLO caso de cà ³nyuge abusado en aplicacià ³n de Ley de Ajuste  Cubano. En todos esos casos mencionados, el extranjero debe llenar el formulario de papel AR-11 y enviarlo a: USCISVermont Service Center75 Lower Welden  StreetSt. Albans, VT 05479-0001 En segundo lugar, los extranjeros con casos pendientes que no estn incluidos en el apartado anterior deben notificar a USCIS el cambio de domicilio y tambià ©n al centro local que està © tramitando su peticià ³n. Puede hacerse de dos maneras: Enviando a USCIS formulario de papel AR-11 y marcando al  1-800-375-5283. Son imprescindibles los dos pasos.Notificando online el cambio de direccià ³n. En este caso, solo es necesario un paso porque al acabar de llenar el formulario se puede elegir la opcià ³n de continuar para notificar al centro que est tramitando la peticià ³n pendiente. En tercer lugar, todos los extranjeros que no tienen ninguna peticià ³n pendiente con USCIS pueden notificar el cambio de domicilio online o por correo ordinario empleando la planilla AR-11, cualquier forma es vlida pero solo se debe utilizar una. En el caso de estar presente en Estados Unidos con una visa de estudiante internacional tipo F-1 o una visa de intercambio J-1 - o la J-2 de dependientes- la notificacià ³n del cambio de direccià ³n  puede hacerse contactando con la oficina que lleva asuntos de visas en la institucià ³n que la solicità ³, generalmente es la Office of International Affairs, pero puede ser otra dependiendo de la institucià ³n. El cambio se harà ­a modificando los datos en el Sistema de Informacià ³n de Estudiantes y Visitantes de Intercambio  (SEVIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). La obligacià ³n debe cumplirse cada vez que el extranjero se mude. Cul es la penalidad por no notificar a USCIS el cambio de direccin? La ley dice que no cumplir con esa obligacià ³n es una falta (misdemeanor, en inglà ©s) que puede ser castigada con una multa de $200 y un mximo de 30 dà ­as en prisià ³n. Adems, es decisià ³n del USCIS si decide deportar a quien no ha cumplido con esta obligacià ³n. Para esto à ºltimo, y en el caso de los residentes permanentes legales, el USCIS tendrà ­a que poder demostrar que no se notificà ³ el cambio de domicilio de forma intencional y sin excusa. 2 consejos sobre cambio de direccin En primer lugar, si se est en Estados Unidos con una visa o se tiene una peticià ³n migratoria pendiente, es altamente recomendable guardar una copia de todos los avisos de cambio de domicilio que se le hacen a USCIS. Si se hace online en la pgina de USCIS se pueden guardar pantallazos de todas las pginas cuando se est cubriendo el formulario.   En segundo lugar, si se est esperando la tarjeta de residencia, si es posible, trate de no mudarse hasta que tenga en mano la green card. El USCIS la envà ­a por correo y si llega a la direccià ³n antigua para recuperarla ser necesario llenar el formulario I-90 de reemplazo de tarjeta. Adems, si el Servicio de Correos no se la devuelve a USCIS ser necesario no solo llenar el formulario   I-90, sino que tambià ©n habr que pagar de nuevo la tarifa de $455, segà ºn las tasas actuales, ms $85 por la toma de datos biomà ©tricos. Cambio de direccincon Corte Migratoria Diferente a la obligacià ³n de notificar al USCIS es la de notificar a la Corte Migratoria y que afecta solo a los extranjeros en Estados Unidos que tienen un procedimiento pendiente ante Corte o ante el Tribunal de Apelaciones Migratorias (BIA, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). En este caso tiene  la obligacià ³n de notificar en un plazo de cinco dà ­as no solo el cambio de domicilio, sino tambià ©n el de nà ºmero de telà ©fono. Solo se admite realizar la notificacià ³n en un documento oficial de la Oficina Ejecutiva de Revisià ³n Migratoria (EOIR, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). Una vez que se completan los datos, debe doblarlo y sellarlo siguiendo las instrucciones, ponerle un sello y enviarlo. Esta planilla se convierte en un sobre e incluye la direccià ³n del destinatario. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Multimedia & design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Multimedia & design - Essay Example It is at the reflective level whereby issues of self-worth and personal values are found. With regard to Don Norman’s scheme, I believe that it is important to separate things such as visceral or aesthetic appreciation. Emotional appreciation is a very important element of life, brought about by emotion. Without emotion, people’s thoughts, feelings, therefore behaviors, would be made worse (Norman, 2004). Don Norman does not overcomplicate the importance of emotional appreciation. This is because he attribute recent advances in the scientific field when understanding the brain to his view on aesthetics and pleasure in design. Drawing a line between the systems affect and cognition of processing information, he, however, proposes that they are actually intertwined. It is the affective system that has the responsibility of making quick judgments as well as quick decisions, and helps analyze the objects available in the current environment, whether good, bad or dangerous. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the cognitive system to interpret and understand the environment. It is for this reason that emotions are usually the conscious experience of affect. Based on given experiences and situations, the emotional system can prepare and modify the body as the cognitive system seeks to survey the changes. Therefore, the emotional system stage-manages cognitive processes and in the end, changes the way people think. Understanding and appreciating this interrelationship is what can empower designers to control the emotional position of users using aesthetics. According to Norman, creativity and open-mindedness are reduced, especially when people are affected by anxiety because of a narrowed field of thought processes. He also posits that on the contrary, when a learner or a user is relaxed and is in a pleasant mood, he or she becomes more creative, and is even more tolerable to small deficiencies in usability. Contemporary research carried out fr om Human Computer Interaction (HCI) suggests that aesthetics and usability can make people feel satisfied and pleasant, amplifying creativity and broadening the thought processes. He has also presented the three levels of emotional design, which are the visceral level, behavioral level and the reflective level. Separating things like visceral or aesthetic appreciation is important in multimedia and design because visceral design, for example, explores the emotional impacts of environment or an object according to the intrinsic physical features such as sound, look and feel. As important participants of the evolutionary process of nature, people continually receive influential emotional indicators from the environment. Worth noting is that people’s perceptions are produced in relation with the underlying principles of visceral design, for example organization, cleanliness and attractiveness; these attributes are inherent to the visceral processing layer and more importantly, c onsistent within cultures (Norman, 2004). 2. The Philosopher’s tool kit Each one of the nineteen chapters in this book look at the iPod mobile digital device acording to a philosophical perspective. According to the writer, the iPod is a cultural fact that is changing individual communities and lives in important ways. Tools of the philosophers that I believe will be useful to me in the future are with regard to the iPod’s effect on the community. The iPod has individuating and isolating characteristics, considering the disconnectedness of personal

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Way to Wealth Benjamin Franklin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Way to Wealth Benjamin Franklin - Essay Example To gain diligence, a student requires undivided attention in class and participation in group works. It is possible to reinforce diligence through readings in articles, journals and other books. A knowledgeable student possesses a large scope of understanding in the electrical concepts. Diligence allows making inferences where concepts are not well understood. Participation in class discussions should be encouraged so that students get to share views and wealth of their understanding of concepts in electricity. To gain diligence is a factor of effort by an individual. With proper understanding of electricity, a student becomes empowered to avoid accidents. The student gets to learn what to do and what to rephrase from doing in an electrical accident. People become empowered to work with electrical cables conducting high voltage due to a good understanding of electricity. Experts in the field lack tension regardless of the danger they expose themselves (Adams 18). Another aphorism inf orms the reader to do today, what he plans to do tomorrow. This indicates the need for research. To keep in pace with the demands of the current world, an electrician cannot be left behind in designing user friendly interphones in the field. It is only through research that safe methods of handling electricity can be developed. Electricity forms the driving force of many economies and gains application in many homesteads all over the world. Through research, ways of application can be reviewed, or new ways developed. New ways of generating electricity can be discovered through extensive research. It is through research that electricity can now be generated from wave tides, wind and biogas. Efficient ways of application and perhaps generation can be developed through research. With the global warming challenge, many rivers used for hydro-power generation are receding. The amounts of Kilowatts diminish continually. Nuclear generation has its share or challenges in disposal of radioact ive matter and the impact on the environment. All fields are facing various challenges prompting aggressive research to be able to sustain the world while taking care of the environment. Through research, the foreseeable problems can be solved and avoided (Hill 592). ‘A little neglect may bring enormous mischief.’ In this aphorism, the writer sought to caution against lack of attention to details. Most electrical accidents happen due to neglect. Installers leave loose live wires hanging around or bare sockets. These become lethal in the homesteads. Fires and electrocution form examples of mischief caused by neglect. Good workmanship should be encouraged to the students. This can be instilled through practical sessions to establish how keen a student remains. Electrical work is sometimes tedious and uninteresting; this may cause a person to overlook basic faults which might later develop into disastrous mistakes. Students usually lack the necessary attention while perfor ming duties. When designing a factory, for instance, careful calculations are involved. If the calculations used are wrong, installations might fail or even blow. Huge losses would be incurred due to small mistakes in calculations. This also calls for discipline and decent work ethics. Imagine the damage that would occur in the ICU unit of a referral hospital due to the negligence of an electrician. Expensive equipment would be destroyed and lives lost. Taking of shortcuts must be