Emotions Essay

How important are your emotions in your life? There are many factors involved in making decisions but the most important are the emotions. My whole life is full of decisions that I made using my emotions. Emotions are the best way to make decision because emotions give a different point of view of the reality, help to choose the right options, and they are the key to success. Firstly; emotions always give me a different point of view of the reality. When I was eleven years old, I had a friend that was always in trouble.I decide to don’t talk to him anymore because he was a bad influence to me. But when I get home I feel bad for him. I decided to call him and invited him to my home. There I talked with him about his attitude. He told me that he acted like that because he did not have friends. For that reason he all the time was mad and sad. We spent the whole afternoon playing football. Then I realize the amazing person that the boy was. Since that day we have been friends and he made a lot of friends in school. That day my emotions let me see the right view of the reality.Secondly, emotions help me to choose the right options. When I was a kid my parents put me in a English course after school. No one of my friends liked that course; all of them decide to change it for a funnier course. I talked to my parents about that but they did not let me change the course. All of my friends told me to change the course without telling my parents. In that moment I have that decision in my hands. I realize that my parents put me in that course because they love me and I could not betray them. I felt the need to pay that love with responsibility.So, I decided to keep going to the English course. After many years, I can say that decision was one of the best decisions in my life. Thirdly, emotions are the key to success. I am senior in high school and I want to be a successful student at college. Looking for colleges is very stressful specially because some of them have really specific requirements. For me Rutgers was the university that I want to get accepted but their requirements were very high. I really want to get accepted but at the same time I was scary to get reject.But my emotions give me the confidence to see that I have a lot of qualities that make me an excellent student to get accepted in that university. Therefore, my emotions give me enough bravely to success. Therefore, the most important factors to make decisions are the emotions. I always make decisions using my emotions. And all of those decisions give me a lot of good moments. Emotions give us a different point of view of the reality, help us to choose the right options, and they are the key to success. So, it is your chose how your emotions will influence your life and your future.

Final Case Study

No â€Å"l† In Team Team members: Jazzmen Robinson, ROR Rousakis, Antenatal Karma, Allen Wang MGM 300 – Team Dynamics and Managerial Analysis Golden Gate University Case Overview The case looks at a company called Support. Com that specializes in technology support. The company Is roughly 1 1 years old and provides other companies, such as Compact, technical support to their customers with purchased products.All employees of the company work remotely from home, while the corporate location as a large office in Redwood City. Support. Com irritates that it is no longer a startup company, however, in many ways the maturity of its administration points otherwise. Jazzmen Robinson, a 2013 graduate from USAF with a background in Communication Studies (also a team member of No â€Å"l† In Team), experienced the low-level administrative abilities in Support. Coma's human resources department. She was hired in as a Temporary Contract Recruiting Coordinator in the fall of 2013.From Cayman's initial perspective, the HER team appeared to be functioning Just fine, but this was definitely not the case as time revealed. The HER Director, by the name of Erik, was the mall cause of many problems that manifested In the department. Erik was employed for 7 years with the company, several of those years as the Director of HER. Erik had a background In Nonverbal Communication, as well as many years of experience in HER. Nonetheless, her inabilities to lead the HER team became quite

Cambodian Sex Trade

To the untrained eye, Cambodia is an exotic vacation destination with ancient cities, bold colors, legendary temples and remarkable beauty. What you don’t see is the horrendous crimes that are going on behind closed doors. Inside the world of Cambodian child sex trafficking, each year, by some estimates, hundreds of thousands of girls and boys are bought, sold or kidnapped and then forced to have sex with grown men. MSNBC news) Human trafficking or modern-day slavery is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world; and in my opinion, least discussed and prevented. Specifically the child sex trade is an epidemic not recognized by Americans nearly enough. Unborn children in South Korea are being sold by their pregnant mothers over the internet. What happens to these children after they are sold is unknown. They can be sold to people who are looking to adopt but having a hard time being approved, or more likely circumstances, they end up in a darker place; the human sex trafficking world. The illegal sale of children makes up more than half of all the cases of human trafficking around the world, according to recent estimates. (Al-Jazeera/News Europe) Traditionally it has involved the exploitation of children in poorer nations, like Cambodia, Vietnam and India but there are findings of more and more cases amongst developed countries such as America. There are countless exploited children that are unaccounted for around the world; Argentina’s child-snatching plague, Turkey’s severely high number of missing children, which has increased annually, Sri Lanka’s children being taken from their homes to be â€Å"child soldiers†, South Korean selling of babies, Bangladesh’s child brides who are sold by their families and taken away by their dramatically elder â€Å"husbands† and never heard of again to list a few. Twenty years ago the United Nations adopted the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The CRC or UNCRC, it sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. As of December 2008, 193 signatories had ratified it, including every member of the UN except the U. S. and Somalia. The treaty restricts the involvement of children in military conflicts and prohibits the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The UNCRC has been used as a blueprint for child protection legislation around the world. But, as you can see, the treaty's promise to protect children has not always been kept. After watching an Al Jazeera News broadcasting, in an interview with a woman who would know better than anyone about exploited children around the world; Lisa Laumann from Save the Children Charity stated â€Å"Intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations provide the framework around which governments can come together to agree on what good practice is and how governments should behave legally on behalf of their citizens, but it's up to the governments themselves to draft that legislation, develop the systems and institutions that guarantee those rights. (Lisa Laumann, from Save the Children charity, Al Jazeera Interview) Laumann also goes on to state, â€Å"There also has to be an effort made to help communities, families and children themselves, to understand what rights mean for them and how they can support them. † (Lisa Laumann) I feel so strongly more effort needs to be put forth, and that something needs to be done soon about this epidemic that is given a bl ind eye. People need to be educated about what is going on not only in the world, but right here in America. Despite what Americans bialy choose to ignore; it’s going on in Connecticut, and quite possibly New Haven as we speak. When you walk by the missing children ads and see all of those young girls’ (and boys) faces, they may not have run away from home, maybe they were forcefully taken, and being forced into child prostitution. Or, another scenario, maybe they did run away from home, got into a little trouble as a misguided young female, and are in a lifestyle they are having difficulty getting out of. These are instances more common than you would think. Sex-tourism, or travel to engage in sexual intercourse or sexual activity with prostitutes, typically undertaken internationally by tourists from wealthier countries has become a multibillion-dollar industry. But the business is not all about adult prostitution. There are some places you might have never heard about, notorious places, the kind of places a sexual predator would be willing to travel halfway around the world to reach -destinations like a dusty village in Southeast Asia, where the prey is plentiful and easy to stalk. My focus for this paper will be on Cambodia. This country has the highest amount statistically reported of children in the child sex trade, in an interview with Chris Hansen of Dateline NBC, with Mu Soc Hua, Cambodia’s minister of women's affairs, Hua states that there is a staggering number of â€Å"†¦around 30,000 girls in the sex-trade industry, and although Cambodia has a lot of problems, I rank sexual trade, sexual exploitation of our children as top — on the top of my list. I’ve also chosen Cambodia because of a separate interview/documentary I’ve watched where an accredited news channel, Dateline NBC goes undercover with a human rights group to expose the sex trafficking in Cambodia, and they actually follow through with a dramatic operation to rescue the children, and take the measures to have the â€Å"pimps† or men and women that run these brothels arrested along with an American doctor who is purchasing these girls for sex to be pro secuted. I’d like to discuss both aspects of this crime, the seller and the buyer. Many, if not most of the men buying these exploited girls in Cambodia are Americans- thinking that they're involved in nothing more than prostitution, but by any definition it is rape. (Dateline NBC news) Prostitution in Cambodia is illegal, but finding a girlfriend for the night at a nightclub could be as simple as a few words, a few dollars, and a stroll out the door. The producers and investigators of NBC begin their journey inside this dark world, across from what looks like a local cafe, but really a brothel. You see many deceiving brothels that to the untrained eye, appear to be cafes, clubs or gated storefronts along the streets of the rundown village Svay Pak, on the outskirts of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Svay Pak is notorious for child trafficking, and it only takes a few minutes for a pimp to approach the undercover reporters. The pimp turns out to be a fifteen-year-old boy who tells the reporters he's grown up in the village and even introduces his mother – who knows exactly what he's up to and takes a cut of the money he brings in. Po tells the reporters he can get them girls who are even younger than the ones they’ve seen thus far in the trip. And despite all they’ve seen, they’re stunned at just how young he says they are – 8-year-olds. It's hard to believe, and even harder to stomach. The dimension of a fifteen-year-old boy promoting the sales of possibly his sisters or cousins is confusing. He is doing the selling of a girl who is the same age as he, and could be in his school class. Is there a connection between male and female status and does gender play a role, or hold a higher status in relation to trafficking is something I will be looking into further in this paper. ) He brings them through some alleys to a ramshackle house so they can see for themselves. The dirty faces of the girls are seen through the shadows on the documentary, and little-girls-shoes litter the house. The house is guarded by men and women, heavily armed with guns, clearly visible when the producers walk in. In the documentary, all of the natives, children and adults alike know a little English. When they talk about sex, they use simple child-like terms anyone can understand. â€Å"Yum-yum† means oral sex. â€Å"Boom-boom† means intercourse. They meet dozens of children at the various brothels they enter. One girl that really caught my attention throughout the documentary was a girl that said she's nine, accompanied by another who says she's ten. Both say they know how to perform oral sex. And they even tell the reporters how much it will cost: sixty-dollars for two girls. A pimp says,† If two girls aren't enough, how about three? (Dateline NBC news) It is repulsive, and a grim reality the thought of what is done to these innocent, young girls when it isn’t undercover American producers doing the buying. And the sad thing is that there would’ve been no future for these girls if the producers of NBC along with Bob Mosier, the International Justice Mission’s chief investigator hadn’t stepped in. In figuring out as to why these gi rls are being sold or taken from their families in the first place, I’m taking a look at what status the male and female roles hold in a family. For example, in Japan it is preferred by parents to have a son over a daughter because of the one baby law, only allowing one child to a household. This means, it’s more desirable to have a son to carry on the family name and get an education, opposed to a daughter who marries off. In Cambodia, females tend to be talked about as being â€Å"relatively equal† to men, though with little discussion of how this equality is related to the larger picture of hierarchical social organization. Judy Ledgerwood 120) However, gender is only one of a range of factors that influences where a person is ranked in Khmer society. On the one hand daughters are suppose to be protected, on the other, a teenage daughter might bicycle daily to the city to sell vegetables to help support the family; or a young woman might move into the city to work in a garment factory. Orphans and widows must live with little or no male supervision, because there are no surviving family members. This can caus e their neighbors to â€Å"look down on them,† they lose status in society because they have no men to protect them. Women in Cambodia today must undertake all sorts of employment that involve being in office, factory or other situations alone with men. These kinds of circumstances lead to accusations regarding the virtue of individual women and to the general idea that â€Å"women just don't have the value that they used to. † What is of critical importance to Khmer women during the interviews done by Judy Ledgerwood, was their concerns, it was not their particular concern with social status or gender ideals, but hard economic realities and the difficulties that they face trying to feed their families. An explanation of this, as to why these children are being sold into sex is because of the lack of funds and resources their families are facing. In many cases, poverty is to blame for making worse the plight of the most vulnerable. Cambodia is still suffering from a traumatic past. In the 1970s and ’80s, an estimated 2 million Cambodians died because of war, famine and a brutal dictatorship. During the Khmer Rouge period, 1975-1979, people died of starvation and disease as well as from execution. More women than men survived the traumas of this period. Women are better able to survive conditions of severe malnutrition, fewer women were targeted for execution because of connections to the old regime, and fewer women were killed in battles. Many women told Ledgerwood that they survived those years of horror because they had to care for their children (Ebihara and Ledgerwood page 143). During the 1980s and early 90s, men continued to be drained off from society to go to serve as soldiers. This was particularly evident in rural areas where one could enter a village and find no men between the ages of about 15 and 50. Many men were killed or disabled; others might still have been alive but were off with their military units, with resistance factions at the border, or hiding from conscription. This may add to the bigger picture as to why men are exploiting children for money. The poverty plays a large role, all they have to offer are their children, and being disabled, there isn’t much work physically possible. Also, the return of the men reflects the extremely high birth rate during the 1980s and 90s, 2. 5 to 3 percent annually, meaning more children to sell. A child's tragic journey into the sex trade often begins in a family struggling for survival. This is a country where the average income is less than $300 a year. (Hanlen 323) Most children are sold by their own parents. Others are lured by what they think are legitimate job offers like waitressing, but then are forced into prostitution. It’s become clear that Cambodian parents don’t have enough money to feed eight children in a family, so selling two of them could get them a (measly to us) one-hundred U. S. dollars. Or, for example, during the ocumentary broadcasted on NBC, a female pimp by the name Madam Lang tells undercover reporters (with undercover cameras, on tape) that â€Å"her† virgins go for six-hundred-dollars, as if the virgin part is an extra attraction, and for that price she says they can take a girl back to the hotel and keep her there for up to three days. When she brings out the girl, the 15-year-old native looks paralyzed with fear. It is hard to prevent the exploitation of children in this country not only because it takes a caring parent, but because it takes a caring community. The people are governed by money and it’s hard for them to turn it down and put morals before reality. Even the police of the village are in on the illegal activity occurring. In one of the videos, a police officer requests one-hundred-fifty dollars from the NBC producers posing as sex tourists, as a pay-off for insurance that the tourists wouldn’t get arrested by Cambodian officials. One-hundred-fifty dollars is the equivalent of five months pay for a Cambodian Officer. (Hanlen 325) The Cambodian Police have set up a unit to deal with sex trafficking, but have yet to be proactive in dealing with the issue. There are no guarantees in real justice because many of the cops are in the pimps’ pockets. While it's good to prosecute the people who sell children for sex, if you want to solve the problem; you also have to go after the tourists who buy them. But who is going to confront these sex tourists? It’s difficult to say with the corrupt Cambodian legal system. As far as the documentary goes, in the end, at least seven of the suspects seen on tape, including a man who supplied little girls for a sex party, were recently found guilty by a Cambodian judge and sentenced to up to fifteen years in prison. In months following, Madam Lang, the woman who offered virgins for six-hundred-dollars, was also convicted and sentenced to 20 years behind bars. That's believed to be the longest sentence of its kind ever in Cambodia. (NBC) There are a many people fighting for these oppressed girls, but little change has been noted because the education of human trafficking is so sparse. Efforts from people that I would like to note are the International Justice Mission, a Faith-based human rights group specializing in victims of sex trafficking and bonded labor who have been working in Cambodia for the last six years. IJM web, NBC) Also, Acting for Women in Distressing Circumstances (AFESIP), an advocacy group for children and adolescents at risk that runs a group home in Cambodia for victims of sex trafficking. (AFESIP web, NBC) The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), â€Å"Child Protection† section discusses the problem of trafficking in children, and donates money for this cause. (UNIC EF web, NBC) When you see the UNICEF boxes come around in the fall on Halloween, donate whatever change you have because now you know where that change is going and it is making a difference in someone’s life across the world. The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Civil Rights (LICADHO) is a Cambodian group that advocates for human rights, focusing on women and children in Cambodia, who provide (limited) shelters, with limited funds for battered women and children. (LICADHO web, NBC) Not to forget ECPAT International, an international child advocacy group focusing on the problems of child prostitution, child pornography and trafficking of children for sex, and educating people on these issues. ECPAT International web) And lastly, The Protection Project, the Human rights law research institute at John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Washington, D. C. , who conduct studies around the world in countries with high rates of human trafficking, report their findings, enact laws, educate the people in harm’s way, and people around the world on preventative measures and serve as an advocate. (The Protection Project web, NBC) Although the groups listed above are fighti ng for these girls, the reality is, is that not many get out of their oppressors’ hands. For the girls that do escape the places where they lost so much, and hopefully never to return, the road to recovery is a long one; but their darkest days are behind them. The treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases along with the rehabilitation physically, mentally, and emotionally of these girls has just begun. In standard procedure, girls are brought to a safe house for a few days. Then they are placed in group homes: one for the younger girls and one for teens, and in the case of the NBC Documentary, their group homes were run by the charity AFESIP (noted above). The director of AFESIP, Pierre Legros, stated, â€Å"Getting the girls out of the brothels is tough, but keeping them in the group home is even tougher. † He estimated that on average 40 percent of the rescued girls return to a life of prostitution. (AEFSIP) That is disheartening, but all hope cannot be lost, these children need help. It'll take years to overcome the extreme poverty and widespread corruption that cause the child sex trade to flourish, but I see the current wave of prosecutions as a step forward for this country and its people. That's why there is hope and we have to continue to fight. Prosecution is the key word, the message has to be very strong and forget about prosecuting the big fish, prosecuting everybody who is involved in it, I think, will be most effective. If we all as human beings come together internationally and take this up as a global issue, I think there could be a change not only for the children of Cambodia, but missing and exploited children around the world, even in our own country. America has been busy fighting a one-sided war in Iraq since 2001 with nothing to show but casualties on both sides. No â€Å"weapons of mass destruction† were ever found and yet our troops are still there. I think that where our funds and efforts really needed to be are on the frontlines fighting for the children of our future. Works Cited Dateline NBC News â€Å"Children For Sale† Jan 9 2005. NBC News. Al Jazeera/ News Europe â€Å"Child Sex Trade Soars in Cambodia† October 2008. Al Jazeera News. < http://english. aljazeera. net/news/asia-pacific/2008/10/2008102110195471467. html> Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) 2002 Economy Watch – Domestic Performance, Cambodian Development Review 6(2):14. 2001 Policy Brief, Land Ownership, Sales and Concentration in Cambodia, March. 001 The Garment Industry, Cambodia Development Review 5(3):1-4. 2000 Prospects for the Cambodian Economy, Cambodian Development Review 4(1):8-10. Judy Ledgerwood, Meaghan Ebihara 2002 Hun Sen and the Genocide Trials in Cambodia: International Impacts, Impunity and Justice. IN Cambodia Emerges from the Past. Steve Heder, ed. , DeKalb, IL: Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Northern Il linois University, pp. 106 – 223. Hanlen, Marcus. â€Å"Police Pay of Underdeveloped countries. † Police Information and Statistics of the World (2007): 323-325. Web. 12 Dec 2009. Dateline NBC news â€Å"IJM Operation Frees Families from Slavery† Jan 2005. NBC news.

American Court System U2DB Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Court System U2DB - Research Paper Example e defendant was trying to prove honesty and this was a case of sexual assault a crime where character of honesty or not could not conform to the case (Schlueter and Barton, 2009). Rape is a sensitive issue where the character of the individual is at question and hence admissibility of the character as evidence brings into question issues of credibility and also conduct of the person and in this case therefore, the judge based on article IV rule 404 of the federal rules. The examples provided by other responses makes I consider the possibility that the admissibility of character evidence depends on the type of case especially the murder cases and the sexual assault cases which are most affected. The rules are different for a victim because they may be pertinent in the defense of the case. The law under Rule 404 (a) (2) allows for the evidence of the victim of several cases to be admissible before the court to also rule out fabrication (Mueller and Kirkpatrick,

BUSINESS LAW College Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BUSINESS LAW College - Case Study Example If this indeed is the actual reason for Pat's removal, the company could have instead asked Pat to be more circumspective on his observations since they could hurt the company's interests and leave the matter thereat. The company's action is ill-advised and it is putting itself in a difficult position. If Pat decides to file a suit against the firm, there will be consequences which may not be in the company's favor. The company is big and fair enough and this must have been the reason for Pat to quit his earlier job and travel 300 miles for the new job. His spouse has also sacrificed her job in order to accommodate Pat's new arrangement. Pat's three months at Newcorp is a learning period and the lack of information on any clear reason for his discharge is a pointer to the fact that some reason other than deficiency at the workplace is responsible for the company's decision. Be that as it may, the company has enough powers to terminate Pat's services. However, the reason that they are quoting for their action is nave and the severance pay they are handing him is grossly inadequate. It would have been better had Newcorp waited for more time till they are capable of analyzing Pat's performance in proper light. By resorting to a knee-jerk action they are only making their position untenable in legal standards. In case Pat does not sign a release of claims and files a suit for higher compensation, the company will have a difficult time in disproving the suit (Severance Pay). Legal Encounter 2 What liability, if any, does Newcorp have in this situation What can and cannot Newcorp do In your answer, identify what legal principles (statutory or case law) support your belief. The liability that Newcorp has in this situation is that it can find itself involved in a case of sexual harassment. Newcorp can heed Sam's argument that the chemicals used in wire coatings could harm an early-state fetus being carried by a newly-pregnant woman. However, there is no information that Paula is pregnant or is likely to be in the near future although she is dating someone. Paula may choose not to be pregnant for a couple of years. Newcorp can still heed Sam's argument and decline Paula's application for transfer to the wire-coating section. They are acting in good faith although they do not know the underlying reason for the transfer. In case they knew the true reason, they would be bound to act differently. If Paula decides to file a suit of sexual harassment, the company will find it difficult to disprove the suit. Even if they do not respond positively to her application for transfer, they will have the embarrassing case of sexual harassment facing them. In such eventuality, they not only will be forced to part with substantial amount of money as compensation but also take disciplinary measures against Sam. This is as good as an open-and-shut case. Paula is trying to get away from a difficult situation by

Nursing criminal justice drugs team Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Nursing criminal justice drugs team - Lab Report Example It should clarify processes and procedures, structures and standards and ensure that new employees have a clear understanding with regard to their legal and ethical responsibilities. The Induction should be time limited (2 months in duration). It is envisaged that the initial 4 weeks would cover external visits and a general introduction to the functioning of the team. The second month would encompass building up a client caseload and taking on more elements of the new post. Whilst on Induction, the new employee should be given a minimum of thirty minutes supervision a week. On completion of the Induction, the new employee should have an initial Personal Development Programme, identifying areas for further development, to carry forward with their line manager and clinical supervisor. They will also have a record of their training and accomplishments to date. The aim of this workbook is to provide a structure to your introduction to the network and to ensure that you acquire the relevant skills and local knowledge to provide a safe and comprehensive service to clients of the team. Visits to other organisations Write about each place you visit and the knowledge you have gained which will help you in your work e.g. Relevant contact details How the services may work in partnership Services offered The application of models of care Referral criteria Information sharing Visits should include local drug and alcohol services, mental health services, and other relevant agencies Mentor's comments: Communication Effective communication Listening skills Non-verbal... On completion of the Induction, the new employee should have an initial Personal Development Programme, identifying areas for further development, to carry forward with their line manager and clinical supervisor. They will also have a record of their training and accomplishments to date. The aim of this workbook is to provide a structure to your introduction to the network and to ensure that you acquire the relevant skills and local knowledge to provide a safe and comprehensive service to clients of the team. Prescribed as methadone mixture 1mg/ml. Prescribed 40mg or less as initiation dose; usually supervised consumption. Titrate to optimal dose 60-120mg. Can be titrated by 10mg per week after discussion with doctor; possibly larger increments at Dr's discretion. The content of the workbook is generic; the role of the supervisior is to guide the new starter to complete it in accordance with the Knowledge and Skills Framework / DANOS level appropriate to their role The Induction should be time limited (2 months in duration). It is envisaged that the initial 4 weeks would cover external visits and a general introduction to the functioning of the team. The second month would encompass building up a client caseload and taking on more elements of the new post. It should be noted that 8 weeks is the maximum time period envisaged for induction, however due to levels of knowledge and previous experience some new starters may satisfactorily complete the induction workbook in a shorter time. †¢ The supervisor should be identified prior to the new employees start date. †¢ The supervisor should be a more senior member of the team than the new post holder

Transition services in special education Coursework

Transition services in special education - Coursework Example Transition services normally coordinated and designed within an outcome-oriented process that aims at promoting movement from school towards post-school life activities. These activities are usually based on the needs, preferences and interests of the students. They include the activities needed in the following areas: related services of disabilities, instructions, experiences in the community, daily living skills acquisition when appropriate, functional vocational evaluation and the development of employment and other living objectives of adult post-school life. The transition services are important in offering students with disabilities hope for their future. The community resources and agencies provide students with disability with adequate knowledge, and education can be tailored to the goals and strength of the students to providing the options and plans for the future life. It is not just enough to simply be aware that students with disabilities are in need of guidance to successfully transition themselves from high school life to the next stage of young adulthood life. Bold steps need to be taken to offer guidance and prepare the teenagers for college life and their future careers, as well as independent lives. Without such guidance in place, students with disabilities, more so learning disabilities, often fail during their high school life and beyond. All special education students regardless of the disability severity between the ages of sixteen (16) to twenty-one (21) years qualifies for transition services and must have transition components in their Individualized Education Plan (Pennsylvania Department of Education, Education Law Center, 2007). Planning in most cases begins from the age of sixteen (16) years, or when appropriate, as early as fourteen years of age. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the first Individualized Education Plan to be implemented once the student reaches sixteen (16) years of

SWOT Analysis. Advantages and limitations Essay

SWOT Analysis. Advantages and limitations - Essay Example Strengths are the qualities that enable one to achieve the organization’s assignment. Strengths are the beneficial aspects of the organization or the ability of an organization that includes human capabilities, financial resources, products and services. Weaknesses are the qualities that prevent an organization from achieving its goals. Opportunities are the essentials that the organization can adventure to its advantage. They are presented by the environment which an organization is based. Threats are the elements that cause problems for an organization. A threat occurs when an external environment endangers the ability of an organization to maximize profit (Pahl et al, 2009). Strength and weaknesses of the organization There is various strength I exposed in this organization. We have a good management approaches and corporate polices in the organization management system that enables good management process, we own a clinical research center. It is a center of excellence that runs clinical research, we have a highly skilled clinical staff that attends to patients with dignity and courteousness, we have local aids that are willing to participate in the running of the organization, we have a history of a successful open day proceedings with the community that surrounds us, the clinic has a philosophy of honesty, commitment and sharing to increasing patient self-assurance and the patients’ involvement in matters related to the services.... some surgeries and procedures are still too difficult to perform at the organization, for example, complex neuro surgeries which mean that patients have to be referred to a more advanced hospital. Poor location or geographic barriers are another weakness. We have a weakness in getting the potential patients nearby. Due to many specialist hospitals nearby that try to capture same area patients’ sources, the competition is aggressive Opportunity and threats for the external environment factors: Opportunity: Technological- better and advanced medical technology includes a wide variety of healthcare products. This intends to improve the quality of healthcare. Political- change in governmental politics. This can influence the service in that when the government introduces services that are of low tax and insurance products that favor the public this will enable many to run for the opportunities instead of avoiding medical facility due to low affordability rate. Competitive- due to Competitor vulnerabilities we will be able to excel in their areas of weakness thus improve the output level. Regulatory- this can be depicted through lowering of taxes by the government. This will enable the public access the organization products and services with ease. Social- in the social perspective, the population is expected to grow by 2015, the healthcare sector is expected continue to grow. Older age population will increase the demand for healthcare services. The country’s healthcare expenditure is predictable to grow from the current 3% of GDP to 6% of GDP by 2015. With the rising household income and improved life quality, the organization may benefit by capture this business segment opportunities. Economic- the organization can expand to other locations to serve more population

Application report 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Application report 2 - Essay Example The rise in federal interest rate causes general increase in the cost of capital. This leads to the increase in the cost of manufacturing and services. The present value of annuity such as pension will decrease because the value of dollar or purchasing power of dollar will fall. However, with the rise in interest cost the higher interest rate of 6% will reduce the present value of annuity to 40,000/1.06= $37,735. The person has lost $360 due to rise in the cost of living. Vice versa is also true. Further, the future value of the money invested will rise along with the rise in interest cost. The significance of above calculation is that total annuity though received is $5000 yet actual worth is $4329 only. The worth will further be reduced if interest rate is still high, say, 7 %. The quick calculation can be done with the same equation. Firms calculate weighted average cost of capital that depends upon the cost of equity and the cost of debt. The cost of debt will rise with the rise in interest cost as company will need to give higher interest on its borrowings. The increase in the cost of debt will also increase the cost of equity because the cost of equity rules a few percentage points higher (usually 5 to 10% depending upon the risk profile of the company) than the debt cost. The higher interest cost will result into higher production cost of the product or services. If the company is unable to pass the increased cost to the consumers then it will reflect into the reduced earnings of the company for a given year. The net profit of the company is calculated by deducting the interest paid on the debt in a given year; however lesser earnings in a given year may also result into lesser dividend for

Compare and contrast Jade Snow Wong and Richard Rodriguez as learners Essay

Compare and contrast Jade Snow Wong and Richard Rodriguez as learners and users of two languages(chinese vs spanish) - Essay Example There are different ways that Jade Snow Wong and Richard Rodriguez have learned different languages (Chinese and Spanish) in shaping their relationships and world view. This is manifested in their books Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong and Hunger of Memory-Aria by Richard Rodriguez (Gudykunst). It is essential to observe that both writers grew up in foreign lands from their original nations. For example, Richard Rodriquez narrates his experiences in Sacramento, California, in family that only spoke Spanish. During this period of growing up, the young Rodriguez experiences several setbacks caused by language because he had a Mexican history that is different from that of his new place (Gudykunst 66). The author notes that he attends a Catholic school in Sacramento that speaks only English thus causing a language barrier for his young life. In other words, the writer implies that he got inculcated into a culture that was different from one he had witnessed in his childhood. On the other hand, Jade Snow Wong speaking in the third person aspect in her book The Fifth Chinese Daughter observes that she came from a conservative family in San Francisco. The author notes that their first generation family was poor with a lot of discrimination upon girls being a part of the culture. In that aspect, there are tales of domination of the female by the male in the family of Jade Snow Wong that is an indication of stigma against in society. Therefore, the author observes that because of such prejudices against, it was hard for girls such as her to acquire education (Gudykunst 69). This means there was no means of learning a language of overcoming the culture barrier. However, the author narrates her resilience to overcome insurmountable odds of by proving her abilities and talents in various fields. The above two authors are similar in the aspect of growing up under a foreign language that did not resemble that of their childhoods. Similarly, both of them made determi nations of learning the new languages by overcoming the barriers of family and culture shock as noted in their respective books. However, there differences in terms of gender and the superseding advantages that followed for the writers. For instance, while Richard Rodriguez found it a little easy in Sacramento, California during his learning period, that was not the case for Jade Snow. She laments that her family treated females as inferior hence there no need to challenge authority if you were a girl. In other words, the writer attempts to highlight the challenges of learning a new language under the yoke of a conservative culture that treats women with contempt. Therefore, while Rodriguez only faces the challenge of distorted childhood in a new place, Jade Snow grapples with gender inequality that is ingrained their first family that started living in San Francisco before the eruption of World War Two. Alternatively, there is the issue of the cultural divide that is prevalent in t he lives of the two authors in terms of forcing their varying cultural inclinations to those of other nations (Gudykunst 74). Another interesting distinctive feature concerning how the authors learned their two languages and their growth in English entails the sound of the foreign language. For example, according Rodriguez in Hunger of Memory-Aria, the author concurs that the application of varying languages in terms of sounds is paramount in shaping

Marketing case analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Marketing case analysis - Essay Example Accepting Sears’ proposal means that Goodyear would have to change its distribution policy. There can be certain changes such as including their own Goodyear seller that would carry this brand exclusively. The reason for doing this is that Goodyear would have their own channel through which it can sell more and more to its customers. The customers would not have to go anywhere else for buying Goodyear’s tires because Goodyear would have its stores made available everywhere within the customers’ reach. Also, it is said that channel of distribution must be selected carefully so that it is within access of most possible customers and provides a number of prospects (Linton, n.d.) . But there are some limitations as well. Firstly, the dealers might influence the customers to buy other brands because there are very few dealers who have the full knowledge of tires. Secondly, brand loyalty and tires have high tendency of being elastic in demand. One day, customer might w ant Goodyear but the other day the customer could decide to go for Sears or any other brand. Thirdly, product cannibalization might appear between Sears and the franchised dealers. Moreover, continuing sales to Sears would also trigger another concern that whether to sell the Eagle brand only or sell some other specific products as well. The other solution is to reject the proposal and maintain the status quo. This can cause a lot of problems. Already, Goodyear is facing decline in the current market position and loss of market share by 3.2%. There is high competition and Goodyear has no strong market share outside the American continent. The cut throat competition in both price and quality might cause greater problems for Goodyear. The conclusion lies with the decision of accepting the Sears proposal. By employing this action, there would be an increase in the distribution channel leading to an increment in the revenues for Goodyear. This would prove

Of mice and men was written in a period when mentally disabled people were treated like outcasts Essay Example for Free

Of mice and men was written in a period when mentally disabled people were treated like outcasts Essay Of mice and men was written in a period when mentally disabled people were treated like outcasts. They were treated like that simply because they were different. Mental people were thought to be almost like a different species. Black people were considered outcasts because they had different skin-colour to white people. Also women were treated like property that belonged to men. The novel was written during the Great Depression, where jobs and employment were scarce. The USA was quite a poor country back then. Lennie is considered an outcast because he is mentally disabled. Mentally disabled peopled in that time were treated badly. They were locked up and separated from the rest of society. This is known as segregation. They also use to be sterilised. This means that they werent allowed to have babies or reproduce. Those are all very horrible. However, lennie was not treated like any other mental people. This is because he has George to look after him, and many other mentally disabled people didnt have anybody to care for them or to look after them. But Lennie had that someone, and it was George, so that is whats different about Lennie. In the ranch, however, lennie was considered an outcast. We know this because lennie says to crooks, Everbody went slim, George and everbody. George says I gotta stay here. This shows that Lennie is not allowed to go into town like the rest. Hes not considered good enough do anything with the lads. Lennie is not allowed to play games, such as horseshoe, with the others. From outside came the clang of horseshoe only Lennie was in the barn. This shows that while the others played their games lennie was made to stay inside the barn. He is like an outsider or a refugee. Crooks is considered an outcast simply because he is black. In those days, black people were treated very badly. They were treated differently from white people. Black people were often never called by their first names. Crooks is considered an outcast on the ranch because hes black and isnt referred to his real name, its either crooks or nigger. Crooks also has his pride he is a proud and aloof man. This means that crooks is not allowed inside the bunk house because hes black. Hes allowed to play sports outside the bunk house, but not inside it, which is why he had a separate room. I aint wanted in the bunk house cause Im black. This shows the racial issue of how black men did not mix with whites. Crooks is being segregated in this way. That is also another reason why crooks is an outcast. Curleys wife is presented as an outcast. This is because women in those times were treated as a piece of property by the men. They may have also been treated as a sex object by their husbands; there to cook, clean and have babies. In the ranch Curleys wife is considered an outcast because shes a woman. Also she is related to the boss. She is not allowed to play horseshoe or go into town or even talk to anyone. We know that when she was in the barn with lennie, I get lonely you can talk to people, but I cant talk to nobody but Curly. This shows us that everyone else can talk with whom they like, but she can only talk to her husband. In conclusion, 1930s America is presented as a racist country who thinks black should be separated in terms of class. It is presented as a country that thinks mentally disabled people should be separated from the rest of society. It was also a sexist country who treated women very badly. A very uncivilized country.

Media: Government Transparency And Accountability

Media: Government Transparency And Accountability The media plays significant roles in acting as a medium in transferring the information between the government and the public. The information that the public received have ability to influence the perception and the decision making of the public. The media and the government have dependent relationship. Each of them has an influence on each other. However, the media, especially newspaper and television, are outlets that are likely to be influenced, by either the government or private interests. The intervention on the media may prevent the freedom of expression provided by the democracy. These interventions can be counted as corruption. Corruption is one way to reflect government transparency and accountability. Introduction It is obviously seen that nowadays the media plays a very important role in the development of the country. The development of the society, culture, economics, education, or politics are depending on the media since the media act as a major instrument in transferring the information between different people in the society. The media can have a strong influence to the people. What are written in the newspaper, what are shown on the television, or what are spoken through the radio can change the perception of the people. During the time when Thailand was under the absolute monarchy system, media was a significant part that helped moving Thai society toward modernization. However, after Thailand changed to the democratic system, the freedom of expression of the media was emphasized. Democracy can prosper only in societies where information and ideas can flow freely. The most accessible media in Thai society are newspaper and radio. However, the sources of media that are easy to capture by the government are the newspaper as well as the television. We will then focus on these two outlets in our study. The print media, the earliest kind of media in Thai society, are limited to only small number of people in the early period. However, as time passed, the situation was changing. There were papers with criticisms about the ruling class and government officials, as well as papers that were provided with some entertainment features. The role of the press then changed from serving the ruling class, government officials and foreigners to providing information for common Thai people. The newspaper industry grew along with Thailands economic growth. However, Thailands economic crisis in 1997 was a time when newspaper industry was affected by the economic downturn. When we look at the newspaper business in Thailand today, it is obviously seen that the newspaper business has constantly become more competitive. For the daily newspaper of Thai-language, the market shares are gained mostly by Thai Rath, accounted for 34per cent, and Daily News 19per cent. The two leading newspapers, Thai Rath and Daily News, are conservative in their political disposition. For the Business Daily Newspaper, Krungthep Thurakit is the dominant player, contributing for 85per cent of the maket share, while Puchadkarn and Post Today are taken for the other 15 per cen. For the English Daily papers, Bangkok Post and the Nation are the two players, taking about 55 per cent and 45 per cent of the market share respectively. Still, there are political influences in the newspaper business. The government has ability to influence the news contents or to make adjustments that created the desirable situations for them. The politicians can directly give bribery or they can give something not in the form of money but in kind of gifts or other kind of influences. For example, according to Who Owns the Asian Media: Thailand Media Report By Ubonrat Siriyuvasak, during Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatras second term in 2005, the Bangkok Posts front-page report on an alleged crack on the runway of the new Suvarnabhumi airport. The time of the report was the time when the government was under the investigation by the Opposition Party about the corruption of the constructing of the new airport. After the published of this report, the news editor, Chadin Thepwan was forced to resign by the Bangkok Post. This case showed that even though the government was not directly managed the newspaper or the news contents; it could do something to influence the business to be according to its way. For the most-consumed media in Thailand, the television, 86 per cent of the Thai population watching TV on a daily basis. Previously, there are six television stations in Thailand which broadcast freely on air and nation-wide. Three of the channels: Channels 5, 9, and 11, were operated by State operators, while the other three: Channels 3, 7 and iTV are operated by private concessionaires. iTV or Independent Television, was launched in 1996 as the first television station that was not owned by the State. It seemed to provide independent and critical programs for the people as well as act as a voice of democracy. However, iTV is becoming more and more profit-oriented and after the economic crisis in 1997, the company faced massive debts and finally, Shin Corporation of Thaksin Shinawatra took over iTV in 2000 before the Thai Rak Thai Party won the election in January 2001. Since the Thai Rak Thai and Thaksins Shin Corporation were related, during the election campaign, the news agenda and the contents were controlled by the new executive team. Journalists who went against such interference were fired. As a result, the pro-Thai Rak Thai news campaign was one factor that led the party to win in the election. A survey by the ABAC poll showed that television news coverage was overwhelmingly biased towards Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai government However, iTV, who was not able to pay back high debts after the crisis, was forced to stop broadcasting, now has continued broadcasting again under the Thai PBS name. Moreover, Channel 9 has been changed to MODERN 9 under the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand (MCOT) regulation; Channel 11 to NBT and are under the Public Relations Department. Since media are the powerful sources of information, many sectors, including both the private and the government, are trying to gain control of the media in order to manage the information sent to the public. Because the media has the ability to influence people as well as government, the government who depends on media by using media to get into the people, is the one who wish to take control, as we have seen in the previous examples. Every day, the media reports political news, telling the current government movements and government actions that show people how the government is working to help develop the country and solve the problems. The credibility and the image of the government are then depended on the information and the pictures that the media send out to the people. The government, therefore, wants to limit the information and take control of the media so that only the good things are presented to the public. As a result, many media are under the government intervention. From the measurement of transparency international; the global coalition against corruption website, it shows that the corruption perceptions index (CPI) of Thailand, according to the survey in 2009, is about 3.4 and is ranked on 84th from 180 countries around the world. Since the government intervention in media is associated with the corruption, Thailand who claims to be governed by democracy may not be able to say we are governed by complete democracy. Thailand has been involved with the problem of corruption for long time ago, in the past people may not know terminology and its importance since the corruption might be embedded with Thai culture so that people get used to it or it was known in other names. The problem of corruption also relates to the administrative system of the country. From Sukhothaià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢the first era of Thailandà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢up to the present, Thailand has been ruling by various forms of administrative systems depending on the influences or situations at the time so that the forms of administrative system are different in each era. We would like to talk about the administrative system in each era in order to make them as the basis for explaining corruption and how it came from. In Sukhothai era, the beginning era of Thailand, the administrative system was in the form of Father-Son or Paternalistic. King played a role as father while public played role as his children or family ruled in hierarchical pattern. It created good relationship among parties. After Sukhothai era exhausted its power, Ayutthaya era was replaced. The administrative was changed from Paternalistic to the Divine Rights system. This system was distinguishingly characterized as states come into existence by Gods will, God chooses the rulers of the states, and the rulers are responsible only to God. Divine Rights system was derived from Hindu influence, this system is unlike Father-Son system as it separated the rulers and public leading to different classes and privileges; the public were under the control of the rulers. This form of administration gave King the absolute power causing the distance between King and public. After very long period of powerful, Ayutthaya era was eventually fall. Thonburi era had been replaced, since King Taksin aimed to collect power to build the new kingdom, the administrative system was not different from Ayutthaya era. After Thonburi era, the current era, Rattanakosin era, has flourished instead. For Rattanakosin era, we would like to divide the era into early and lately Rattanakosin because in the period of King Rama V, there was dramatically change in Thailands administrative system; the abolishment of slavery, the education support, and the idea of reformation in administrative system to democracy. However, the idea of reformation to democracy was not shown up in the period of King Rama V, the idea has been established in Thailand and public began to participate in the administration. So,the administrative system in the early Rattanakosin before period of King Rama V still be the same as in Ayutthaya era. In the lately Rattanakosin era and after King Rama VII period, Thailand is governed by democracy up to the present. The Constitution of Thailand have been giving the freedom of expression to individual and the press since Thais ruling system was changed from absolute monarchy to democracy for almost 78 years, however, there have always been criticisms about the degree of freedom of expression of Individual and the press in Thai society since it came to associate with the government. The media still has freedom, but now its freedom is decreasing as the government tries to put its hands in. The objective of this study is to combine theoretical, empirical and other evidences in order to understand the relationships and their interactions among the media, the government and the public in Thailand. Understanding all these things will explain how media affect the transparency and the accountability of the Thai government. The role that the government plays in the media and the role that the media plays in the government are being interested increasingly by the society in these recent days. Therefore, as part of the Thai society, we would like to focus on performance of the media and government, particularly the effects from media on government accountability and transparency occurred within Thailand. When government tries to control media, this can be considered as corruption, so, the corruption problems will be highlighted as they play role in indicating the transparency of the government. As corruption can be categorized into private-to-private corruption and public corruption, our concentration will be only on public corruption; according to the Legal Information Institute of Cornell University Law School, public corruption is defined as a government official, whether elected, appointed or hired, may violate federal law when he/she asks, demands, solicits, accepts, or agrees to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of their official duties, and the further use of word corruption refers to this. Corruption can be one indicator to point out government transparency and accountability as well as a degree of democracy. The study will include; the corruption in election since the incumbents intervene on the media in order to present themselves i n a positive ways, the intervention of the government on media in sense of taking ownership and capturing the media such as television and newspaper. We will mainly focus on television and newspaper as the representatives of all kinds of media. Looking at the ownership of the television station and the newspaper outlet, these can point out the degree of government intervention and media capture since media have influence on government. Still, our study has some comparisons in some particular parts with other countries in order to make our analysis more clearly. Literature Review Matias Warsta (2004) described the overall frameworks about corruption problem in Thailand, as well as the suggestions for solving the problems. This empirical literature argues that the problem of corruption has been in Thailand for a long time and also deeply rooted as a part of Thai culture. The corruption problem has a great impact on the economic growth of a country. Warsta (2004) pointed out the relationships among government, media, and public in the corruption problem. Government tries to use its power to control media to get its desirable outcome since media has ability to communicate as well as to influence the public which can affect their perceptions about the credibility and the image of government. There are many reasons for corruption shown in this literature. Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is referred as the measurement of perception of corruption ranked form 0 to 10 where 0 means a country seems totally corrupt and 10 means no corruption. As CPI 2009 shown, Thaila nd entitled to 84th rank on the list of 180 countries which is interpreted as equitably high. Free media is one of the characteristic of democracy which plays a significant role as the watchdog to ensure that things are performed in the democratic way. However, government and politicians tend to increasingly get into the media by buying shares of the media or granting the money to media. Thailand attempts to reduce the problem of corruption by using various methods, but this literature gave the suggestion that in the long run Thailands key to success to reduce this problem is to reduce the huge gap between the rich and the poor as this gap is the top of the corruption problem in Thailand. Besley and Prat (2005) developed a baseline model suggesting that there is a possibility for the government to capture media and therefore influence political outcomes. The model states that the media plays role in providing information for the voters in the time election. The voters use the available information to make their voting decision. Besley and Prat (2005) show the relationship between media and political activities through the baseline model, which is a pure adverse selection model where the policy outcome is depended on the politicians type; whether the politician is good, giving benefit to the voters, or bad, giving no benefit to the voters. The model is set up as a game, having two components, a bargaining game and an election game. The bargaining game between the media and the politician determines whether the media is an effective information provider or not, since the politicians have abilities to hide bad news by make an offer to the media outlets. Those who accept the offers suppress the signal about the bad politicians. When the media receives a transfer in exchange for silence, the media is captured. On the other hand, the media is independent. The model and its extensions give number of predictions on the relationship between features of the media industry, media capture as well as political outcomes. John Zaller (1999) analyzes that the outcome of the media politics come from the goal-oriented and strategic behaviors. Zallers basic theoretical posture is that politicians, journalists, and citizens behave in ways that generally reflect individual goals and interests that in pursuing their various goals. He emphasizes the role of journalists, which the journalists have their own roles in acting as a voice of the politicians to communicate with voters. However, they can choose what to report. The journalists can add or reduce something before reporting in the news. The politicians also want the space about themselves in a good way in the news as well. This then create conflict between politicians and journalists for the control of the news. They are struggling to control news content within constraints set by the mass audience. ARTICLE 19 (2005) described the background of Thailand in many aspects, the history of media in Thailand, the media situation. All these provide good fundamental understanding about the media in Thailand. The empirical literature suggested that for the media to protect their freedom of expression, it is necessary that the media should be permitted to operate independently without the control from the government. This necessity should be held when the media claimed to have freedom of expression to ensure that the media play role as the watchdog and also serve the public interests. This literature argued that, for people, to understand the media in Thailand, they have to go far beyond the understanding of their function as the communicator among participants in the society, they have to bear in mind that the media are the business associations who seek for the profits from their self-interest. The literature has categorized the media ownership into the state-owned media and the private media. There are statistical shown that television and radio are the most accessible media among Thai public. Freedom of expression is also supported by Ubonrat Siriyuvasak (2006). The empirical analysis criticizes the lack of freedom in the media business in the recent year. Ubonrat provides the statistical data about the ownerships of the media, including the state and private ownerships of the radio and television stations, as well as the ownership of the newspaper. This literature criticizes the aim to control the media by the government, especially in the time of Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai government. Since during the Thaksin government, there were many changed took place including the change in media business, the paper then gives evidences of how the media outlet, especially, the newspaper and the television, were influenced by the government power. The question of who really own the media was emphasized by the author. Chapter 3 Analysis Since Thailand is governed under the democratic system, with democracy, it allows the equality, rights, and freedom to people in the society; people can enjoy all these things as long as they do not violate the others in the society. The provision of rights and freedom are in many aspects; freedom of expression is one of those aspects that relates to our paper. People in the democratic society can freely express what they think. In some societies, an opposing and unfriendliness relationship between media and government represents a vital and healthy element of fully functioning democratic system. However, the media and government depend on each others. Sometimes the media overlaps other functional areas of democracy and governance. Since the government nowadays can do some media managements or even can capture the media, the goal of media development should be to move the media from one that is directed or even controlled by government or private interests, to one that is more open and has a degree of editorial independence that serves the public interest. Many different kinds of mass media can create transparency. But the dominant medium of political communication and hence the dominant medium of political transparency is television. When we use television to understand politics, we see things in the way that television allows us to see. Television can create new forms of political reality that exist because they are seen on television. Television tends to emphasise entertainment value. People tend to interest in the entertaining things. The more entertaining news is more likely to survive in the broadcast world. Therefore, most television programs, public events, politics, and even law, are made to grab the attention of the viewers by entertaining them. They will launch the programs and present the news in the way that they think can catch the viewers. In the political news, television coverage of politics tends to focus less on substantive policy issues than on the other interesting news such as the inside stories about strategy and achieving political advantage. People tend to be interested on the issue of who the winner is and how they achieve their victory. These kinds of news tend to dominate in the television. Since the media, especially the television can portray the political issues in the ways it preferred, this affect the politicians as well as the government. Politicians and government understand that media become an important tool to influence the people and to retain their power. They therefore want to make sure that those things on the television are beneficial for their image and for the political situation. There are number of ways that the politicians and the government can influence the political contents in the media. Being part of the media can made it easier for them to influence the political contents. The ownership of the media, especially the television stations, is often under the state ownership. The state ownership of the media increases the likelihood that the media are being captured. Media ownerships are ranged from the private ownership to the state ownership. In theory, media ownership can be categorized into 2 groups: State-owned media, which often view information as a public commodity to be protected against a private sector monopoly in the public interest; and Private media, which, although they may distort information under the influence of political parties or commercial pressures, are at least not government controlled. There are laws and regulations that established to support for the independent of the media. The new Broadcast Act requires that all radio and TV stations be subject to license. Thai television channels remain under the tight control of various government agencies. Table 1: Owners and operators of Thai Television channels TV channel Owner Operator Channel 3 MCOT Bangkok Entertainment Co. Ltd. Channel 5 Royal Thai Army Royal Thai Army Channel 7 Royal Thai Army Bangkok Broadcasting Television Company (BBTV) Modernine TV (MCOT) MCOT MCOT National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) Governments Public Relations Department (PRD) Governments Public Relations Department (PRD) Thai Public Broadcast Station or TPBS (TPBS) Governments Public Relations Department (PRD) Private Channel 3 is owned by MCOT a former state enterprise under the ownership of government and the Royal Thai Army. It is operated by Bangkok Entertainment Co. Ltd. a subsidiary company of BEC World Public Co. Ltd., under contract. Channel 5 is both owned and operated by the Royal Thai Army. Channel 7 is owned by the Royal Thai Army and operated by the Bangkok Broadcasting Television Company (BBTV) under contract. Modernine TV or MCOT is both owned and operated by MCOT. National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) owned and operated by the governments Public Relations Department (PRD) of the Prime Ministers Office, and TPBS, previously iTV, is now a privately run independent TV station. TPBS is free from government control or influence, with its budget financed by sin tax. It is less likely to get any intervention from politicians or state power. According to table 1 showing the owners and operators of Thai television channels, the broadcast media are entirely owned by the state. However, the state has the ability to give concessions to the private operators in a limited number. The concessions were often given on a privileged patronage relationship. Those who had political powers or have connections with the concessionaries would have the priority to get the concessions which are given either in the short-term or in the long-term. As a result of the limited concessions, the state and a small number of media corporations have monopolized the channel on the rights and freedom of information and communication, for which ideas and culture are distributed. Moreover, since the state owns most of the countrys television stations, no broadcasting about corruption are not unusual. Not only the television can be bribed or influenced, the newspaper can be in the same situation as well. For the newspaper industry in Thailand, they are strongly owned by a single family or small groups of investors who share familial relationship, or a publishing group. Even they are privately owned, not being captured because of the state ownership, they can still be influenced as well. Table 2: Owner of Thai Newspapers Newspaper Owner Thai Rath Vacharaphol Family Daily News Hetrakul Family Khao Sod Matichon Pcl, a publishing group Kom Chad Luek Nation Multimedia Group Krungthep Turakij Nation Multimedia Group Post Today Post Publishing Pcl Phoojadkarn Daily Manager Media Group. Bangkok Post Chirathivat family, the South China Morning Post of Hong Kong, GMM Grammy Pcl. The Nation- Nation Multimedia Group Each newspaper has its own political stance, and they serve different group of readers. However, even the newspapers in Thailand are privately owned, they can still be under the political pressure as well. Being under the pressure, newspapers then have the ability to present the news contents in which bias toward government or against the government, depending on who pressure them. In addition to the direct political pressure, if the owner of the newspaper is interested in which side or political groups, he is more likely to accept the bribery. The side they take depends heavily on sponsorship by and private relationships developed between the newspaper and influential individuals or groups. Bribery can be in form of money and non-money, even though, the owner does not get money in order to support that side, he is still willing to receive the bribe in form of the special privilege or some kind of protections.. If the government or the politicians want the news to present information that is desirable for them, they can choose to pressure or bribe them. We can see that there is still a chance for the politicians or the government to influence the news. Most of media in Thailand are subjected to the influence of either government or groups of people. For the television, most of the channels belong to the state, indicating the lack of freedom of expression and the ability to influence outcome. For newspaper, the influence comes in form of bribery rather taking ownership. The state will get into the media, trying to manage their working process. It can arrange the information received and released by the media in order to control the information to be in its desirable outcome. With this action of state, the information is distorted, some truths are not revealed. The benefits of the distortion or the concealment will fall into hands of a group of people, not the whole. Thus, the intervention of state on the media is not desirable outcome for the society as a whole and it is inefficiency. Therefore, this is the way that can lead to the corruption problem. Corruption problem is one of the major issues in Thailand which tends to be more important through time. This does not mean that in the past Thailand had no corruption. Actually, the problem of corruption has been rooted in Thailand for ages but it may not be concerned or realized much as in the present. The possible reason is that the administrative system in the past gave absolute power to the king, the gap between king and public was quite large and classes in the society were existed. Moreover, people had no ability to make decisions in all kind of things, in other words, they had no rights and freedom in their own life. Since the administrative system of Thailand has changed to democracy and the country has developed, things have been improved especially the communication that tends to be more advanced. Because of rights and freedom people are allowed to enjoy especially the freedom in expressing opinion, so what people perform will have more opportunity to be revealed to public for them to realize unlike in the past that there was no freedom, thats why things were kept as with those who were relevant while the public could not know the truth at that time. Corruption problem that has been in Thailand for a long time starts to be recognized and people also start to realize that it is bad thing since it is extremely destroying the pattern of interaction for the society as a whole, it also creates the distortion and inefficiency in economic development, so the country cannot develop to its highest or even expected position with this constraint. Furthermore, corruption in Thailand may come from many possible reasons including low salaries of public servants, low education of people, big financial gaps between social classes, lacking transparency of governance, unstable political situation, lack of democracy, lack of freedom of word, heavy bureaucracy, and centralized power. However, in this paper, we will scope the reasons to the lack of transparency of governance, the lack of democracy, and the lack of democracy. In democratic society, people can participate in governing the country by electing the representatives to work and serve their interests. People can choose their representatives through election holding the principle of majority voting, in other words, those who get the highest voting will be the representatives. However, we can see that Thailand does not govern by complete democracy; Thailand is governed by semi-democracy, the possible reasons may come from many aspects such as culture that make the country cannot be governed by complete democracy. However, we are not able to judge whether complete democracy is suitable for Thailand because the country may have constraints or facts that the complete democracy cannot be used. Furthermore, the corruption problem can have great impact on transparency and accountability of the government as well as the image of the country. One of measure of transparency and accountability of government can be shown by election. Media provide information to public which influence their decision making in voting. Politicians may present themselves by using media since media can reach the majority of people. Moreover, as politicians desire to win the election, positive image is necessary, so they need desirable information to be sent out to public. The possible way to reach the target is bribery. As Thailand is governed by democracy system, the right in freedom of expression is provided to both public as well as the media. Thus, the interventions from government and politicians in the media companies contradict to their providing right. Moreover, such interv

The Viewpoint Of Developers Background Of Study Construction Essay

The Viewpoint Of Developers Background Of Study Construction Essay Nowadays, building quality has been one of the important factors to satisfy customers. The priority of the customer is mainly based on quality rather than cost. In todays economy competition, it is getting more fierce and cruel than before. Products with good quality can attact buyers to purchase, therefore the pressure has been formed from customers leads the developers to provide the building product with excellence quality (Connections Magazine 2003). Connie (2001) acknowledges that facilities, exterior and interior design are included in building quality. Due to the inconsistency in construction quality, the naissance of Construction Quality Assessment System or CONQUAS by the Construction Industry Development Board Singapore (now known as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)), in conjunction with major public agencies and some leading industry professional bodies and organisations, had been designed to measure the construction quality level in construction industry in year 1988 (The National House Buyer Association 2008a). The CONQUAS has been evolved in seventh edition which renamed as CONQUAS 21. Although having the different name, but still, QLASSIC aka Construction Industry Standard (CIS:7) serves the same objectives as CONQUAS 21. Quality Assessment System in Construction or QLASSIC was developed by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia together with various professional bodies, association, universities and government agencies to resolve the inconsistency construction quality. It is designed to standardise the quality standards in construction, to evaluate the performance of the construction, to have a proper standard of assessment system as well as to collect data for statistical analysis to continually improve quality of construction (The National House Buyer Association 2008a). In other words, QLASSIC can be served as a quality yard stick for the construction industry and is able to let outsiders to compare relatively and quantitatively the quality of workmanship between construction projects. Furthermore, some developers can set a CONQUAS score as a target for contractor to achieve (Building and Construction Authority 2008). Once the contractor has reached the targeted score, he will be awarded, but if the contractor is below the base line, he will be penalised. This will encourage the contractor to provide a superior building product. Both CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC are an independent assessment which is conducted by inspectors from BCA Singopore or CIDB Malaysia. Sample of building will be selected randomly and inspected to represent the quality of overall project, means that the inspection will not evaluate and measure every single unit in the project (The National House Buyer Association 2008a). Problem Statement Recently, people are more concerned about quality achieved in building project. So, many people will hesitate whether the property is up to the standard and worth to purchase with the amount of money that they pay (The National House Buyer Association 2008a)? Building project with high quality can ensure future marketability and enhances the clients confidence to the building (Building and Construction Authority 2008). Therefore, developers should deliver the final building product with high quality standard to the purchasers. Quality is always being emphasized in a construction project, the establishment of CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC is an additional assurance for the developers to ensure the quality of the workmanship in the project is infallible. Moreover, the result of the assessment can present impartially the overall quality of the completed project as well as represent the performance of the building by the developer and the contractor. Furthermore, the higher score of the building can give a great sense of confidence to the house buyers to purchase the houses. However, some developers in Malaysia are adopting either CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC to ensure the quality of the product. There is no study being conducted regarding the preference of application of these two assessment methods. Therefore, a study on preference of application between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC will be proposed to find out the preference of developers. At the meantime, the researcher also wants to compare the application between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and to determine the advantages of applying CONQUAS or QLASSIC. Finally, the researcher also wants to find out the constraints when implementing CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. Project aim and objectives Aim The aim of this research is to study the preference of application between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC from the viewpoint of developers Objectives In order to achieve the aim mentioned above, several objectives are created. To compare the application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC; To determine the advantages of applying CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC in construction projects; To examine the problems or constraints when implementing CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC in construction projects; To find out the preference of developers in the application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and the reasons. Key Questions The following key questions are formed in order to achieve the objectives: What are the differences between application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC? What are the advantages of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC? What are the constrains or problems to be faced when implementing CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC? Which type of construction quality assessment system is more preferred among Malaysian developers? Importance and benefits of study This study is to find out the preference of developers on application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. This can gather the opinions from developers in order to determine which construction quality assessment system is more preferred among Malaysian developers. Besides, this study also can increase the level of awareness for the Malaysian developers who do not apply either CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. Other than that, the research also focuses on the advantages and constraints in applying CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. The benefits of this study provide better understanding to the developers about the advantages when applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC and encourage them to apply either system for further improvement in the quality aspects of construction projects. Besides, this study highlights the constraints when implementing CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC so that developers are aware of these issues and able to avoid or mitigate them for effective application of the aforesaid construction quality system in their construction projects. Scope of study To achieve the objectives mentioned, this study will just focus on two construction quality assessment systems, namely, CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. This research does not include other construction quality assessment system such as European Association for Quality Assurance (ENQA), Project Quality Performance in Hong Kong developed by Chan (2001) and Blueprint in United States developed by the Quality Performance Measurement Task Force (QPMTF) of Construction Industry Institute (CII) (Stevens 1996). Additionally, the researcher will conduct an in-depth study on the advantages and constraints of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. The researcher will also cover the preferences of application between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC from the viewpoint of developers. Data collection will be done by conducting a structured interview among developers in Malaysia to ascertain the advantages and constraints of applying CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and to find out the preferences of developers in the application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and the reason. Due to time constraint, the structure interview will be conducted on developers, which are registered under Construction Industry Developer Board (CIDB) within Selangor and Kuala Lumpur area only. Thus, the contractors as well as developers from other states will not be considered for this study. Methodology In order to achieve the objectives of this study, there are two methods to be used to collect data, they are respectively the primary data sources and secondary sources. Primary Data Sources The second, third and fourth objectives, which are determining the advantages of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC, problem or constrains when implementing CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC and preference of the developer in application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and the reasons, can be obtained by conducting structured interview. Structure interview will be conducted with developers who adopted both CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC in the previous or current projects. The interview mentioned will be conducted within Selangor and Kuala Lumpur area. Secondary Data Sources Literature review is an essential material for researchers to enhance basic knowledge regarding to the research topic. Journal articles, government articles, newspapers, journals, books, magazines and internal research are used in secondary data sources. The review from those sources would complement the information for the first, second and third objective, which are compare the differences between application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC, advantages and constrains of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. Besides, information can also be obtained from library at TARC, National Library and the resources centre of CIDB. Figure 1. Outline of research proposal Literature Review Quality Philosophy Definition of Quality The word of quality has a wide definition and it is an elusive concept, because different people view it differently (Joel E.Ross 2009). It can be further proven by Kerzners (2009, p.875) study, he indicated that quality cannot be defined accurately, the major reason for quality depends on the view of the customer. Quality is always treated as a complicated term, the explanation is inadequate to help a quality professional fully understand the concept. However, quality experts define quality in a different way as well, which is based on the customers perspective, speciafication-based prespective (Assignment Expert n.d.). However, there is a modern definition derived by Prof.R.K.Gupta (2008) that quality is fitness for intended use. It can be explained as meeting or exceeding customer expectations. It can be further defined as the degree of fulfillment of customer needs and expectations by a supplier or service provider. Undoubtedly, quality is an essential element in a series of activities that has been preceived and value much by end users, not the suppliers. There are seven essentials of measuring quality, they are Functions, Safety, Aesthetics, Reliability, Longevity (product lift and maintenance), Service-delivery (effectiveness of marketing channel) and customer communication (effectiveness of communication channel). Those are the main elements to cover customers satisfaction and developers preception about quality of product (Prof.R.K.Gupta 2008). Davids study (cited in Joel E.Ross 2009) stated that quality can be summarised into five principal approaches, which are transcendentel view of quality, product-based view, user-based view, manufacturing-based view, and value-based view. The explanation of each view is shown as below: Transcendental view of quality cannot be defined, but it can be differentiated by looking product. For instance, advertisement. Product-based view quality is deemed as quantifiable and measurable characteristics. For instance, measure products durability or reliability (e.g. mean time of failure or finish) and design the product to the benchmark. Although this approach has a lot of benefit, but it has restriction as well. In fact, quality is mostly based on individual taste or preference, therefore the benchmark for measuring may be misleading. User-based view products that meet customers preferences are esteemed as highest quality. This may lead to two problems, one is the differences of customers preferences and the other is the difficulty of unifying the different preferences of customers. This approach can identify the products that meet the needs of major customers. Manufacturing-based view products are complied with the requirements, or specification. This concept applies to both services and products. Good quality product is not necessary in the eye of end-user but in the standards or specification set by the organisation. Value-based view quality is defined in terms of costs, prices and other attributes. Therefore, the materialization of customers decision mostly depends on the quality at an acceptable price. Evolution of Quality There is a changing view of quality during the past twenty years, so improvement of quality is occured from time to time. Quality improvement not only focused in product but also services (Harold kerzner 2009, p.875). Additionally, Harold kerzner has introduced a changing view of quality from past to present as shown in table 2.1. Table 2. Changing views of quality Past Present Quality is the responsibility of blue-collar workers and direct labour employees working on the floor Quality is everyones responsibility, including white-collar workers, the indirect labour force, and the overhead staff Quality defects should be hidden from the customer (and possibily management) Defect should be highlighted and brought to the surface for corrective action Quality problems lead to blame, faulty justification, and excuses Quality problems lead to cooperative solutions Corrections-to-quality problems should be accomplished with minimum documentation Documentation is essential for lesson learned so that mistakes are not repeated Increased quality will increase project costs Improved quality saves money and increases business Quality is internally focused Quality is customer focused Quality will not occur without close supervision of people People want to ptoduce quality product Quality occurs during project execution Quality occurs at project initiation and must be planned for within the project (Source: Harold kerzner 2009, p.875). Importance of Quality There is no doubt that quality is extremely important because it will bring benefits. The benefits can be divided into two, they are internal benefits and external benefits. The figure 2.1 below shows the internal benefits and external benefits from good quality. (Source: Abhiman DasMulmi 2009, p.7) Figure 2. Internal benefits and external benefits from good quality Historical Perspectives of Total Quality Management There are four stages of evolution of Total Quality Management, they are Quality Inspection, Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management (TQM) (UTM 2003). Figure 2.2 shows the four stages of Quality Management. Abhiman DasMulmi (2009) recogonised that quality management is also a hirarchical process which is initiated with rough inspection and then developed through quality control, followed by quality assurance under the wider management approach of TQM. Figure 2.3 shows the different characteristics of different stages in TQM. The concept of TQM has been developed since 1950 by various American experts. Among the experts, W Edwards Deming, Joeseph Juran and A.V.Feigenbaum have contributed significantly in developing the concept of TQM. Quality Inspection Abhiman DasMulmi (April 2009) has stated that in order to ensure the basic level of quality to be accomplish, the most suitable use of quality control will be quality inspection. Once the inspector found out the poor quality product which is separated from the acceptable quality product, the product would be scrapped, reworked or sold as lower quality. Therefore, the method of inspection mainly sorts out the conformance and non-conformance of the product, it usually is done by visual inspection or testing (UTM 2003). (Source: Dale 1994) Figure 2. Four stages of quality management Quality Control (QC) Due to industrial advancement, it came to second stage of TQM development. Quality control is a stage above inspection (Abhiman DasMulmi April 2009). The quality was controlled through supervised skills, written specification, measurement and standardisation (Prof. Alessandro Brun 2010-2011). The process of QC involves monitoring and then utilizing statistical techniques to make decision. Quality standard of products and services can be improved and maintained through QC (Abhiman DasMulmi April 2009). Quality Assurance (QA) Quality assurance (QA) is the third stages of quality evolution. It is aim to provide products and services that fulfill customers expectations and needs (UTM 2003). QA can be defined as a process of checking, correcting and controlling is conducted in such a manner that the manufacture/ service providers are aware that all stages of the process are being conducted correctly with the specified standard (Abhiman DasMulmi April 2009). Other activities such as comprehensive quality manuals, use of cost of quality, development of process control and auditing of quality systems are also developed in order to progress from quality control to the quality assurance (UTM 2003). Total Quality Management (TQM) Total Quality Management is the last stages of this development, it involves the understanding and implementation of quality management principles and concepts in every aspect of activities. (Prof. Alessandro Brun 2010-2011) The purpose of TQM is to fully utilise these activities to provide customers with best quality products or services at the lowest cost. Additionally, continually improve quality is the main aim of TQM to become a winning strategy to gain customer loyalty (UTM 2003). (Source: Chew 2000) Figure 2. Different characteristics of different stages in TQM 2.2 Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS 21) Introduction In current scenario in Construction Industry, performance of completed product can be measured by implementing either QLASSIC or CONQUAS 21. Both of them are an independent assessment carried out by assessors to inspect, evaluate and measure the quality of workmanship. QLASSIC Quality Assessment System in Construction or QLASSIC is an independent method that developed by CIDB Malaysia to assess and evaluate the construction work which done by workman based on the approved standard (CIDB n.d.). On other hand, QLASSIC also act as a benchmark for contractor to achieve and maintain the quality of construction work (CIDB 2011) According to Ali Faizal (n.d.), QLASSIC is a standard which expected to reduce contentious disputes between relevent parties such as architects, engineers, developers, purchasers, contractor regarding on constitution of acceptable quality and to ensure that the interest of buyers or purchasers is secured. CONQUAS 21 Since year 1989, Construction Quality Assessment System or CONQUAS is introduced in Singapore to serve as a standard assessment system on building project. In year 1998, several features was added into CONQUAS by BCA, therefore, CONQUAS has evolved in a new edition which renamed as CONQUAS 21 (Building and Construction Authority 2008). Comparison Both quality assessment systems served as a same function to assess and evaluate the quality of workmanship of building project based on the approved standard. Besides, both of them are carried out through site inspection by assessors that have no any relationship with that particular project. Marks will be given after the assessment system is completed. Additionally, regardless of QLASSIC and CONQUAS, both of them are act as a benchmark for contractor to achieve and maintain the quality of construction work. Objective CONQUAS 21 was designed with three objectives while the QLASSIC was designed with five objectives. Those objectives was designed and developed for the users to achieve. QLASSIC (CIDB 2006) To standardize the level of quality of the construction industry in Malaysia; To measure the quality of workmanship of building project by implementing standard quality assessment system; To measure quality of workmanship of a building project based on approved standard; To appraise the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship; and To collect data for statistical analysis CONQUAS 21 (BCA 2008) To have a standard quality assessment system to assess quality of workmanship for construction works To make quality assessment objective by Measuring constructed work against workmanship standard and specification Using a sampling approach to suitably represent the whole project To enable quality assessment to be carried out systematically within timeframe budget Comparison On the whole, most of the objectives between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC are same, just present in different wording. The similarity of the objectives between both quality assessment systems is having a standard quality assessment to evaluate the quality of workmanship and measure construction work against workmanship standard and specification. There are some differences between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. Firstly, one of the objectives of CONQUAS 21 is to enable quality assessment to be carried out systematically within time frame and budget. Secondly, QLASSIC is designed with another two objectives, they are to appraise the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship and to collect data for statistical analysis. Scope In general, scope has been defined as the area or extent of an activity (Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary 2010). CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC have set out their scope or the covered area of the assessment. Therefore, both of the quality assessment systems set out the standards for various aspects of construction work (BCA 2008). Assessment on the quality of workmanship is carried out based on the various construction elements in the project and marks awarded are then summed up to give a total quality score for the building project (CIDB 2006). QLASSIC (CIDB 2006) Main elements to be covered in Quality Assessment System are as follows: Structural works Architectural works Mechanical Electrical works External works The above mentioned components can be further broken into different items such as internal finishes, external finishes, roof, sanitary work, electrical work and so on. However, the works such as piling, heavy foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under separate contracts or sub-contracts are excluded. Undoubtedly, assessment is primarily based on workmanship standard through site inspection and field testing. Therefore, assessment on structural work and ME works is carried out during the construction process, while for completed building project, assessment on architectural, ME fitting and external works is executed to measure the quality of workmanship. Other than site inspection, test on the material and the functional performance of selected services and installation also will be included in the assessment. Those tests can protect the interest of occupants in term of safety, comfort and aesthetic defects which will be surfaced only after some time. CONQUAS 21 (BCA 2008) Main components to be covered in CONQUAS are as follows: Structural works Architectural works Mechanical Electrical works The above mentioned components can be further broken into different item such as internal finishes, external finishes, roof, sanitary work, electrical work and so on. However, the works such as piling, heavy foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based, buried or covered and called under separate contracts or sub-contracts are excluded. Undoubtedly, assessment is primarily based on workmanship standard through site inspection and field testing. Therefore, assessment on structural work and ME works is carried out during the construction process, while for completed building project, assessment is only carried out on architectural work to measure the quality of workmanship. Other than site inspection, test on the material and the functional performance of selected services and installation also will be included in the assessment. Those tests can protect the interest of occupants in term of safety, comfort and aesthetic defects which will be surfaced only after some time. Comparison It is obviously shown that there are four components covered in the QLASSIC while three components for the CONQUAS 21. The only difference between them is QLASSIC has an additional component, which is External works. In fact, the external work of CONQUAS 21 is grouped together with structural work. Due to the additional component of QLASSIC, there are slightly differences on the quality assessment. For better understanding, the following table shows the differences of the quality assessment between them. Table 2. Comparison of Components to be Tested Between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21 Components to be tested QLASSIC During Construction process Structural works and Mechanical Electrical works. Completed Building Architectural works, Mechanical Electrical works and External works. Components to be Assessed QLASSIC (CIDB 2006) For the QLASSIC, the assessment is divided into 4 components: Structural works Structural is always deemed as an importance element of whole building because it might incur big amount of failure and repair cost once it failure. Therefore, the assessment of structural work comprises: Site inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc during construction. Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement. Non-destructive testing of the cover and the uniformity of hardened concrete. Architectural works Architectural works are mainly deal with the finishes. The quality and standards of workmanship can be showed obviously through the finishes. Floors, ceiling, window and door and internal wall, fittings and fixtures, external wall, roofs, driveway, apron and porch are works under architectural. Mechanical and Electrical (ME) works The quality of ME works is also important because it might impact the performance of the building once its failure and high cost is involve in rectification works and installation works as well. Electrical works, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation works (ACMV), fire protection works, sanitary and plumbing works, lifts, escalator and other basic ME fittings are covered under the assessment. External works Lastly, the external works cover the general external works elements in building construction such as the link ways/shelter, drains, road works, car parks, footpaths, turfings, playgrounds, gates and fences, swimming pools, hardscapes and electrical substation. CONQUAS 21 (BCA 2008) For the CONQUAS 21, the assessment is divided into 4 components: Structural works Structural is always deemed as an importance element of whole building because it might incur big amount of failure and repair cost once it failure. Therefore, the assessment of structural work comprises: Site inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc during construction. Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement. Non-destructive testing of the cover and the uniformity of hardened concrete. Architectural works Architectural works are mainly deal with the finishes. The quality and standards of workmanship can be showed obviously through the finishes. The assessment covers the following: Site inspection of floors, internal walls, ceiling, window and door, fittings, roof, external walls of the building. Material functional tests such as window water-tightness, wet area water-tightness and adhesion of internal wall tiles. Installation of waterproofing for internal wet areas also included in the process of assessment. Mechanical and Electrical (ME) works The quality of ME works is also important because it might impact the performance of the building once its failure and high cost is involve in rectification works and installation works as well. Electrical works, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation works (ACMV), fire protection works, sanitary and plumbing works, lifts, escalator and other basic ME fittings are covered under the assessment. The stages of the assessment include: Site inspection of installed works before they are concealed such as the concealed pipes Site inspection of final installed works such as the Air-Handling units (AHU), cooling tower, fire alarm control panel, etc. Performance tests on selected works such as earthing test, dry riser test and water pressure test, etc. Comparison The components of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC are quite similar. However, there is only one difference, it is CONQUAS 21 does not have external works. In fact, the external works was grouped together with structural works. The following tables are the comparison of sub-components to be assessed between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21: Structural works Table 2. Comparison of Sub-Components to be Assessed between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21 (Structural Works) Sub components to be assessed QLASSIC CONQUAS 21 Part 1: Reinforced Concrete Structures Formwork à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Reinforcement (Cash in-situ and Precast) à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Finished Concrete (Cash in-situ and Precast) à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Precast Specific Requirements à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Structure Quality à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Non-Destructive Testing à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Part 2: Structural Steel Works Main Member/ Partial Assembled Component à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Metal Decking à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Erection Tolerances à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Corrosion and Fire Protection à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Welding Test Reports à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Part 3: Pre-Stressed Concrete Condition of Tendons Anchorages à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Installation of Sheathing à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Stressing Grouting Process à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ Debondling à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ (Source: CIDB 2006 and BCA 2008) Architectural works Table 2. Comparison of Sub-Components to be Assessed between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21 (Architectural Works) Sub-components to be assessed QLASSIC CONQUAS