Mentoring vs. Induction Programs

How does a mentoring program differ from an induction program? Induction programs are professional experiences for beginning teachers that provide systematic and sustained assistance to ease the transition into teaching (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005, p. 500). For example, an induction program assists new teachers with teacher workshops that cater to first year teachers to help them to be better successful in their new classrooms. Mentoring programs are experienced teachers who provide guidance and support for beginning teachers (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005, p. 500).The difference between mentoring and induction programs is mentoring programs is done by a single person (an experienced teacher) who help guide you in succeeding inside your classroom, and an induction program is a program that contains workshops and provides first year teachers crucial information to be able to be successful in their new classrooms. Are mentoring and induction programs equally effective? I do not believe that mentori ng and induction programs are equally effective. I believe that mentoring programs are least effective than induction programs.Mentoring programs only offer you a mentor to help you settle into your new classroom for the first year, while induction programs offer you so much more such as: * Special attention is given to teachers in the beginning years of their career to help to link their performance to state and district standards (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005, p. 500). * Mentors for beginning teachers are compensated for their work and are given opportunities for their own professional growth through classes that help them become affective mentors (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005, p. 00). * Teachers receive assistance and support with everyday problems and are encouraged to develop a reflective professional attitude (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005, p. 500). * Universities and schools collaborate to create clinical learning environments for beginning teachers. These relationships provide professional develo pment for both k-12 teachers and university faculty (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005, p. 500). This makes induction programs more effective than mentoring programs because it offers so much more than a mentoring program does.Mentoring programs provide you only a teaching professional to guide you through the first year, while an induction program provides with workshops and programs that better help you to develop as a professional through your first year. What kind of support is available for new teachers that participate in these types of programs? The kind of support that is available for new teachers that participate in the mentoring and induction programs is that of professional development.Induction programs offer professional development by setting up workshops for new teachers that can help them through their first year of teaching. Mentoring programs offer professional development by giving them a mentor that can guide them in helping them to become successful by their own personal e xperiences. Based on your research, what do these programs lack and what kinds of additional features would improve these programs? Based on my research, I think that the programs would be more beneficial if the two programs would work together.I think that if a new teacher used both the mentoring and the induction programs that they could be more successful. By using one program I do not believe that you could learn all that you needed to learn in just one of these programs. Yes, the induction program is good for profession development by offering workshops to better a first year teacher, but having a mentor along the side of you to support you would be even better. I think this would also better help teachers to stay in this profession instead of changing professions because they

Living in a dynamic earth Essay

Evolving from ape-man society to the advanced civilization nowadays, people start to inhabit in artificial concrete jungle and live far away from the given natural environment. With social progression and economic benefits, peoples’ crave for natural resources keeps escalating from time to time. People have a great tendency to consume resources yet ignore the long-term  behavioral consequences that are destined to cycle back eventually. The significance of sustainability is mostly overlooked. The book ‘Human Science and Human History 101’ considers the planet and human as a whole system and tells the story in an informational scientific way. The book contains four main topics. Firstly introduce the formation history of the Earth and facts about different parts and components of the Earth to provide readers a solid concept and basis of the planet. Afterwards, it gradually explores the fact that human generation development and evolution are greatly determined by the changes on the Earth, for instance, the uncontrollable natural catastrophe-volcano eruption. Hence it evaluates the resulting impacts and relationships between human development and the Earth as a circulating ecosystem. The first chapter starts with the exploration of the history and facts of atmosphere, oceans and rivers. An introduction of the atmosphere composition and certain scenarios of greenhouse effect and ozone depletion spark off the chapter. The sun gives life to the Earth. It provides a primary energy source to the Earth. Solar energy of the sun breeds and sustains the living things. Temperature on the Earth simply controls climates and determines changes on the living environment and consequently triggers alterations in human behaviors, which creates human history through centuries. This chapter specifically links the variation of solar radiation to the changes on surface of the Earth and history of mankind. The aforementioned changes in solar radiation are explained by long-term cycles. (Chapter 1, P.5) With obtaining the trapped gas of carbon dioxide in ice to determine the information about the changes in atmospheric temperature, in which a 100,000 years of slow cooling in glacial pe riods and 20,000 years of rapid warming in interglacial periods can be investigated. Climate changes create different periods and with the start and end of different periods generate distant consequences hence affect and shift living of human. From the long history of 1,5000 years ago, increasing temperature leaded to the melting of water and terminated the last Ice Age. With the end of last Ice Age, three main consequences – topographic effects of deglaciation, peopling effect of the Americas and the possibility of the occurrence of biblical flood in the Black Sea occur. (Chapter 1, P.15) These three effects further mold the  surface of the Earth with the junctions of rivers, separation of the Earth continents and expansion of sea area. Firstly, ‘topographic effects of deglaciation’ discusses the physical evidence of glaciation on land and rapid sea level rise. The melting of ice uncovered the land and exposed much of the topography of North America and northern Europe. Secondly, ‘peopling of the Americas’ confers the idea of very different evolution patterns between South and North Americas using examples of primates, hominins and Homo sapiens. The circumstance was leaded by the isolation of North America by the opening of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Thirdly, ‘Flooding of the Black Sea’ tells that the Black sea was once isolated, and by connecting the Black Sea with other world’s ocean by melting ice, the busiest waterway in the world that affects people’s transportation routes and preferences is created. Then from the shorter history of past 2000 years, the time is divided into five periods with obvious evidence of the influence of climates to human behavior and history. (Chapter 1, P.17) For example, in the Little Ice Age, a decrease in food production and rise in food prices due to a cold climate spurred the emigration of people and eventually the high food process leaded the French Revolution. It is evident that although it seems irrelevant, when viewing the human history and climates together, we can find huge and direct relationship that can by no means be overlooked. Climate changes human behaviors and builds history. After explaining the linkage between climate and human activities, global warming is discussed as a non-stop phenomenon that keeps influencing us. After showing evidence of global warming, it is, however, stated that the rapid increases of the amount of greenhouse gases is mainly caused by human activity and social progression. For instance, in the 1700s, the industrial revolution started up the human economic production fuelled by coal; after that, the development of car (an industrial production) speeded up the utilization of oil especially in developed countries. Volcanoes, oceans and rivers activities and influences are explored to end the chapter. (Chapter 1, P.25) This chapter provides history of the Earth and human, which explains the rational behind climates and human activities and further notice us the possibility of influences to us in the future. After the comprehensive explanation of the relationship of solar radiation to  the atmospheric elements, formation of the Earth surface and eventually links to human development, chapter two proceeds to description of the solid tectonic parts and its tectonic processes, then explores its influence and relationship to human kind. ‘Tectonics’ is the deformation of the earth’s surface. In the beginning chapter two provides basic information of the structure and composition of the Earth and the principle of ‘Isostasy’. (Chapter 2, P.53) From the center of the Earth, it consisted of a core, a mantle and a crust. With the heat constantly generates from the interior of the Earth, the crust is at the same time in motion. These affects the crust which is the surface of the Earth where human habitat and creates a series of tectonic processes that we human being considered as catastrophes. ‘Isostasy’ is then referred to the concept that all elevat ion son the Earth are determined and controlled by the thickness and density of the underlying crust and known as ‘Equal standing’. Following is the discussion of the Plate tectonics, which foremost explains the heat generates from the Earth by radioactive decay and this source is strong enough to prevent shrinking and to drive tectonic processes. The chapter further remarks on the structures and processes of the movement of rocks using the concepts of continental drift, hot spot, and plates. (Chapter 2, P.61) After all the fundamental information then comes to the influences of tectonic processes include Volcanism, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Living in rifts and Living on small islands. The above five processes are discussed from its formation reasons to its impacts on humans habitat and explains with examples of the according changes in mankind behaviors and history. Firstly, in volcanoes eruption, molten rocks known as ‘magma’ is introduced and categorized into ‘intrusive rock’ and ‘extrusive rocks’. (Chapter 2, P.67) Three historically important eruptions are described. The v iolent explosion of Santorini in 1640 B.C. which has a great possibility of leading to the remarkable replacement of Minoan civilization by the Mycenaeans. The other two are explosion of glowing cloud, one is from the Mount Vesuvius and the other is the Mount Pelee. In the later eruption, a glowing cloud around 500 meters high crashed in St.Pierre which burned and covered the whole town and killed approximately 25,000 people. Secondly, earthquakes occur when faults slip in a sudden. The highest magnitude of earthquake that is ever measured is 9.5 in Chile on 22th of May in 1960. Possible influences of earthquakes are  discussed by examples at Mayan Quirigua, Israeli site of Armagedon and San Francisco. Earthquakes can be as severe as to destruct all of the existing civilization in Maya empire. However, human can also learn from time to time to protect ourselves by obtaining knowledge of building in earthquake-prone areas. (Chapter 2, P.73) Thirdly, tsunami is a gigantic system of waves in ocean basins that is resulted from sudden displacement of ocean surfaces. Mostly, tsunami is a consequence of underwater earthquakes and the examples of Indian Ocean and La Palma are then illustrated. In the significant tsunami of Indian Ocean, more than 200,000 deaths were caused directly and long-term social facilities and industries destructions, for instances, buildings, roads and tourism industry, were created. Fourthly, people living in rifts because those low valleys contain a great amount of resources in terms of water, food and fertile soils for living. Examples of East African rift system and Hawaii are mentioned to further illustrate the abundant resources in rift valleys. (Chapter 2, P.83) Last, the chapter ends with describing people living on thousands of small islands like Hawaii and Midway which are almost isolated from the rest of the world geographically but play significant role of intermediate stops of air route. With the basis of the atmospheric element and tectonic planet surface mentioned in the first two chapters, chapter three continues with the introduction of the origin of human and continents. The controversy of emergence of human kind from creationism or evolution is evaluated and the origin of existing continents is discussed with evidence. Generally, creationism represents the belief that creatures are created by Genesis 1 in the 6-day period when God made the Earth. Creationists think the concept of evolution can be compatible with creations in the biblical stories. Every living thing in the world are made by God separately and every word in the Bible is undoubtedly true. (Chapter 3, P.90) While theory of evolution tells the existing creatures are evolved from ancient living things in the process of natural selection. Evolutionist rejects supreme beings and thinks that living objects in the universe all undergoes physical processes of changing. French anatomist George Cuvier propo sed the idea that the Earth had undergone several times of huge extinction and recreation of new organisms throughout times. If the existing organisms are capable of adapting to their  environment, it survives; if it does not, it simply varies or perishes. With the continuous variation of creatures to adapt to the environment and prevent from dying produces the form of existing creatures nowadays. The controversy of creationism and evolution continued seriously through the 20th century. The trial of John Scopes in Dayton in 1925 is mentioned to show the deep-rooted conflicts. (Chapter 3, P.94) The sequence of events that influenced the Earth is also discussed with the method of ‘law of superposition’ to distinguish the age of substances. Such method can to certain extent prove the history of supercontinents. Continents preserve long history of the Earth and the discussion of continents is separated into two parts of continents formation and history of supercontinents. Two of the supercontinents are Gondwana and Pangea. Finding similar fossil in different countries or areas proved they might once be a whole complete landmass. (Chapter 3, P.111) Concerning Gondwana as an example, similar fossils are found in Australia, India, South Africa and South America. Also, glaciation evidence is found in the above areas to show its unity in the past. Finishing all the discussion of the formation and development of the Earth and human kind, the last chapter reveals the relationship between the Earth resources, human needs, behaviors and the environment influences and sustainability. ‘Sustainability’ means human’s patterns of living and working which are able to continue for the foreseeable future of humankind and, not causing series destruction or damage to any member or component in the ecosystem. (Chapter 4, P.120) This chapter breaks up the energy resources consumption and environmental consequences into five aspects of introduction to energy resources, mineral and rock resources, food resources, fresh water resources and wireless communication and the Internet. In the category of energy resources, information about world energy information is first given. It is shown that energy consumption of United States is increasing from year to year. Also, the United State that possesses 5 percent of worlds population, consumes 25 percent of world energy production. While poor countries only consume low rate of energy. An unbalance energy use is to a large extent shown. (Chapter 4, P.123) Then energy resources formation, production and consumption and history of use of different resources are described regarding fossil fuel, nuclear energy,  renewable resources and rock and mineral resources. To the aspect of food resources, nutritional requirements are discussed with a comparison and contrast of the calories consumption of industrialized countries and poor countries. Origin and characteristics of different sources of food for example Beans, wheat and fruit are mentioned afterwards. (Chapter 4, P.150) Thomas Robert Malthus produced an essay in 1798 introducing the tendency of population increasing exponentially which presented the scenario that world population kept escalating. Yet, while population increases the world is still not capable of feeding everybody although there are plenty of food. Food distribution is not even. This situation supports the doctrine of ‘survival of the fittest’, similar to the idea of natural selection in extinction and evolution. (Chapter 4, P.154) A development of silk road and distant modern communication internet and methods are then mentioned. From the further transportation of horse riding to steam engines, from land transport to ocean transport, there was a great advance in human society connection. Also with the invention and breakthrough of communication gadgets time to time, from electricity generators to telephone and to radio, information can be disseminate much easier. (Chapter 4, P.157) It is, however, worth to meditate that how those technology can be correctly used to benefit human beings. To sum up, by providing scientific information and evidence of the formation and changes of the Earth and human kind, this book tells the story between the Earth and people. While human civilization proceeds and enters the era of rapid economic activities, energy consumption keeps escalating for the productivity and need of human. It is, yet, remarkable that all of the energy sources create certain amount of problems to the Earth and environment. As a closed ecosystem, addressing sustainability is of utmost significant to human beings future life. At the end gives audience the message of its correlationship in order to highlight the importance of obtaining sustainability to human and our habitat, the Earth. Reference list: Rogers, J. W. & Tucker, T. (2008). _Earth Science and Human History 101._United States of America: Greenwood Press.

Integrated Marketing Communications Plan

INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS PLAN A. ADVERTISING Advertising refers to the paid promotion of goods and services through a sponsoring organization or company. While marketing has the objective to choose markets that have the capacity to purchase a product, Â  advertising, on the other hand, is the paid communication through which relevant information about the product is conveyed to potential consumers (2001). In a general sense, the author plans to use advertising in order to be able to impart to interested Christian women aged 13-45 the availability of slots in the Virtuous Woman Pageant.In a way, advertising will also be able to provide critical information regarding the Virtuous Woman Pageant. The author believes that when the advertising campaign for the Virtuous Woman Pageant is achieved effectively, this can lead to an increased interest for Christian women to join the pageant. There are commonly three main objectives of advertisements: (1) conveying relevant informatio n regarding a particular product or service; (2) persuading consumers to purchase the advertised product; and, (3) keep the company under the watchful eyes of the public (2002).But in this particular case, the author plans to mix the elements of all three objectives. Since the Virtuous Woman Pageant is a relatively new event, then it must be supported with informative and persuasive ads. Evaluation of Advertising 1) Advantages The existence of Internet and the continued revolution in the world of Information Technology are certainly positive signs for the successful advertising campaign for the Virtuous Woman Pageant. For instance, the author plans to use Popup ads and email ads as a form of online advertisement. ) Disadvantages In recent years, the public opinion regarding advertising has become very negative. They view it as a medium that only promotes lies. This is of course contrary to the purpose of advertisements to encourage the target market to patronize a particular product or service. Nowadays, most advertisements are either perceived as merely stating opinions or portraying a product or service in a totally distorted idea away from reality. It is his alarming situation regarding the true objectives of advertising that could lead to an increase in the responsibilities that the author and the organizers of the Virtuous Woman Pageant would face. B. PUBLICITY Publicity is a term that is closely related to public relations. While public relations refers to the proper management of all means of communication among the companies and the people involved, publicity, on the other hand, is the careful management of a product or service’s means of communication between the company and the general public. Therefore, it is basically an informative process.However, its main objective is the promotion of products and services being offered by a company. Thus, a publicity plan is being made along the process in order to obtain excellent press coverage for the company’s products (2003). The author and the organizers plan to issue a press release regarding the launching of the Virtuous Woman Pageant, but other methods including Internet releases are in the author’s options. However, in order for these tools and techniques to be effectively utilized by the media, they must be able to generate a great interest from the public.For this to happen, the author and the organizers of the Virtuous Woman Pageant plans to manipulate the press release in order to be a perfect match to the Christian women. The author believes that the most successful publicity releases are often related to topics that the general public can easily relate to. Evaluation of Publicity 1) Advantages The advantages of publicity include having low costs, and its credibility. New technologies such as web cameras and convergence are gradually changing the cost-structure. ) Disadvantages The disadvantages include the lack of control over how the releases will be used, and the accumulation of frustration regarding the low percentage of releases that are being accepted by the media. C. PERSONAL SELLING Sales are an important part of any commercial transaction. The most common approach to personal selling pertains to a systematic process of continuous yet measurable methods in which the person selling describes his offered products or services in such a way that the buyer will be able to visualize ow to benefit from the offered products or services in an economic way. Selling is basically a part of the implementation procedures of marketing. It often forms a particular grouping within a corporate structure, employing independent specialist operatives known as salesmen (2003). The continued interrogation in order to understand a consumer’s goal as well as the establishment of a set of feasible solutions by conveying the necessary information that convinces a buyer to achieve his goal at a reasonable cost is the main responsibility of the sales person.On the other hand, the main objective of professional sales is to be able to know the needs and satisfy the wants of consumers effectively, and therefore convert possible customers into actual and reliable ones (2002). Evaluation of Personal Selling 1) Advantages Some of the distinct advantages that the author sees in the use of personal selling as an IMC tool for the Virtuous Woman Pageant include the immediate access to feedback, the persuasive nature of the endeavor, the option of choosing a target audience for the sales person, and its capability to give detailed information. ) Disadvantages Personal selling may have the tendency to become extremely expensive per exposure, and the gathered information may be different among the sales persons involved. It is a well-known fact that the main objective of selling is to help a consumer achieve his / her goals in a reasonable way. However, this is not always the case. For instance, Christian women can easily be persuaded by outside factors to join the Virtuous Woman Pageant that normally does not have any interest to them.Some sales people are being commanded by their mother companies to sell to consumers odd products that they don't necessarily need. This anomalous behavior is being supported by incentives of sales personnel to increase their total number of sales, incentives from the companies of service providers to sales personnel to sell their products where other similar products offered by competitors are offered, and the incentive to sell a consumer a product that is in need of being wiped out.CONCLUSION The results of the analysis carried out on the proposed IMC tools that would be used for the Virtuous Woman Pageant indicated very significant effects, even amidst the threats of unrest. Therefore, we could conclude that the IMC tools could still be expected to contribute to the successful launching of the Virtuous Woman Pageant. The review of the capabilities and resources of the IMC tools revealed very little inconsistencies regarding the overall strategies.This is coherent with the traditional inside-out approach. However, the need to reconcile both the inside-out and outside-in approaches becomes imperative now for the author and the organizers of the Virtuous Woman Pageant. The analysis among the environment as well as the capabilities of the IMC tools revealed certain gaps, most of which are biased towards the environment.However, these gaps paved the way towards determining a number of recommended strategic options to secure the competitiveness of the IMC tools. Also, the author and the organizers of the Virtuous Woman Pageant has to find a balance between adherence to internal forces within the management and to the changing forces of the environment in order to implement such strategic options Read more: http://ivythesis. typepad. com/term_paper_topics/2009/11/integrated-marketing-communications-plan. html#ixzz29wJi0bUf

What was the most important reason for the growth of Western economic Assignment

What was the most important reason for the growth of Western economic and political power after c.1750 - Assignment Example Many scholars argue that industrialization process was the leading cause for increased economic, social and political changes in the Western. In fact, westerners experienced the tremendous ongoing growth period after 1750 epoch, which was marked as the first notable divergence time. This was the period when the westerners started experiencing increased per capita income and sustained growth across diverse regions globally. This made economies such as Asia and Eastern Europe affluent but Western Europe became prosperous than their counterparts. Therefore, this essay focuses on industrial revolution as the main reason behind increasing economic growth and political power in the western after 1750 epoch. Industrial revolution in the western that was marked by rapid economic and political changes was the main reason behind increased development in the western before the 1750s. Diverse developments sparkled by the beginning of industrialization in the earlier period created economic and p olitical changes. ... For instance, the Great Britain developed after 1750 due to political power and economic changes that was a result of industrialization (Goldstone 2000, p. 176). Many regions started experiencing new development changes especially in architecture. Emerging differences among the medieval and earlier modern religious practices also led to significant changes in the economy due to political changes that was a result of industrialization. Many economies emphasized on the significant of scientific aspects that led to new development in the western religion. The western region emphasized on the greater capacity to sustain economic growth and political development over time. Thus, they concentrated on the use of technology as well as made significant changes in the political system that led to increased democratization in the workplace. Secondly, the steady progression resulted due to trading activities, which was associated by increased infrastructural development. Many westerners advanced their commercial trade especially the European along the Atlantic shore of Africa. They were inspired by the need to find the means through East Asia in commercial activities. The Atlantic Ocean commercial activities that ultimately led to crossings to Pacific marine led to better economic development. This is because of the changes in technology, trade and global interactions that brought many countries together.  The new maritime technologies made global interactions possible; thus creating changes in the trading patterns across the globe. The slave commercial activities augmented because the European colonies in the United States relied profoundly on the slave commercial activities. Many merchants became richer through the slave trade activities as the slave trade activities were

Focus on a review of aphasia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Focus on a review of aphasia - Essay Example This paper will focus on a review of aphasia, which can be more explicitly defined as the loss or impairment of the ability to use or comprehend words due to brain damage (Banich, 2004; Carroll, 2004). Some of those who experience aphasia are predominantly affected in the expressive language (what is said) whilst others are predominantly affected in their receptive language (what is understood), other people who experience aphasia have both expressive and receptive language dysfunction. In general, language disability occurs in the form of talking and understanding and also in reading and writing. The extent of the dysfunction and the nature of the problems a person will experience are dependant on numerous psychosocial and environmental factors, as well as the amount and location of damage in the brain. Obviously this presents numerous communication difficulties for those who experience aphasia, and subsequently affects their ability to fully contribute and integrate with the wider community. Firstly, a review of aphasia aetiology will be given. Secondly, the incidence of the language impairment will be presented. Finally, patterns of the deficit will be highlighted, followed by aphasias theoretical significance and prognosis with respect to intervention. Aphasia is a specific language impairment that results from brain damage at the language centers (Brocas or Wernicks areas for example) (Harley, 2001). For most right-handers and about half the population of left-handers, when damage occurs to the left side of the brain aphasia can occur.

Negoiation in Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Negoiation in Management - Essay Example In the third scenario, assuming the stores stay closed for the first week before negotiation and then ought to alternate, a single store will incur a profit of sixty thousand after the entire period and other will lose twenty thousand with the city gaining none as levied fine. In the fourth scenario, when the store are all closed in the first week and stay closed for the remaining weeks, they will all profit one hundred and twenty thousand after the entire period, and the city will gain four hundred and eighty thousand as fine. Therefore, for the store to maximize the profits I will go for the first and the fourth scenario. When the store remains closed, the current profit will be kept and the city will gain profit in case the other store remains open before the negotiation. Therefore, when the two stores remain closed, profits will be recorded. The ultimate option will be for the store to demonstrate against the city claiming they will generate two hundred percent increase in revenue (Kim,

Principles of Information Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Principles of Information Security - Essay Example Risk treatment is the proportionate provision of controls. It can mitigate or eliminate risks of the organization’s operations according to suitable options. The main goal of risk treatment is to reduce risk to an acceptable level in a cost-effective manner. While treating risk we have to take care of few things such as selected controls, regulations, legislation, organizational policy, user acceptance and safety and reliability. The risk can be addressed by four ways. They are avoided, transfer, limit and accept. Avoid means eliminating the cause of the risk. Transfer refers to insurance or outsourcing some function from other organizations. Limit meant for reducing the likelihood or consequences of an event. The last way is to accept that means one understands the risk and there is not any cost-effective solution that can be used so it is better to live with that. Once one has Risk Registers tables one can check from there which threat is most affecting the Assessment Office performance. Depending upon the risk various types of controls can be selected. Security program plan is made when all the controls are identified. Insecurity plan one addresses a group of controls as compared to individual controls. It is not mandatory that whatever suggestion one has included in the plan is going to be implemented by the management. But each can be considered for that. The various controls that are identified are Identity Card, Backup procedures, Training/Awareness, Strictly Comply ITS Security policies, Physical Protection of Server (CPU), and Proper Rechecking etc.

Case Assignment for Opt-e-Scrip Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Assignment for Opt-e-Scrip - Essay Example 1) Pharmaceutical companies: they want drugs to be rolled out in market with a big bang. They want huge marketing campaigns to surround the drug in order for it to be profitable. Nothing wrong in it, but with serious doubts on drug efficacy and serious issue of low drug response makes the prices of branded drugs unjustified. Companies will want to see this product sidelined as this poses a serious threat to their business plans. 2) Wholesalers: they are not so concerned with OES products and not directly affected. But if our products go global and create a wide spread impact even the wholesalers will be affected as majority of its business comes from selling high priced branded drugs. 3) Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM): they are the ones who will be certainly affected by OES products. They are the ones who list down the products under the benefit plan and hence the pharma co. gets business. They also get commission and under the table benefits in cash and kind for including costly br anded drugs. PBM might not want our drug to go global. Only 4 PBMs control more than 50% of drug market which means they have an immense power over the drug industry, its prices and policies. 4) Retail pharmacies: their involvement in the whole drug distribution market was important but the effect of OES will not be as intense. They sell generic and branded products and rely upon their margins and some incentives of selling branded drugs. If they are not able to sell a lot of branded products, they can diversify and sell many other related products. Only the large retails pharmacy chains which are also PBMs might be affected by PMT. 5) Health insurance carriers: many are a part of PBM or outsourced to them and few have their own PBM service in-house. They work in very close coordination with PBMs. It is good for health insurance companies to actually see OES products do well so that it saves on the payouts to people who claim benefit from them. If we try to seek their support for OE S and keep them as confederates it will help us. 6) Employers: one leads to another, a cascading effect where employers and payers can play a big role. Employer can use health insurers who use such PBMs who support our products and hence create a win win for overall benefit of society. 7) Physicians: they are one of the key. Though the plan surrounding them failed once, OES should not be let down by it. There is scope to win their support and make OES products a hit. 8) Consumers: they are the one who are the key beneficiaries of the whole OES campaign to introduce PMT. If a wide spread public support is seeked it will help OES reinforce the concept for the drug industry. Analysis of Industry The industry is more complex than it appears. You are the best person to realize this fact and know first hand how tough it was to introduce this revolutionary product in drug market. As shown in the Appendix: The pharmaceutical drug market, physical drug distribution and benefit distribution a re two interconnected channels which operate in the country. OES should consciously target the benefit distribution because that is where the key critical decisions are taken which impacts the cost of drug delivery to the end user. This is where the decision of inclusion and non inclusion of branded patented drugs vs. generic drug is taken. Pharmaceutical industries are using three distinct strategies to

A Beloved Place for the Rest, namely the Forest Essay

A Beloved Place for the Rest, namely the Forest - Essay Example Going to the forest is one of the best voyages in life to take. God indeed loves humanity as it manifests through the perfect beauty of the nature surrounding us. I can remember it was a sunny and blissful morning when I decided to take a trip to an outskirt nearby. Half a kilometer away, I could already tell that one blissful reunion would take place later that day. Because I am a forest addict, I had the cheek to go there all by myself. Just like what most forest goers encounter, I had my share of stern tests. Before I could get to the heart of the timberland, I knew, I had to go through some tough challenges. Finally, I arrived at the doorstep of the jungle. The first thing I saw was a cohort of vibrant buds bowing down their heads to welcome me. Although quite silly, I felt I was treated like a royalty. As I hovered above my head, I could see the wild vines meshing up with each other to form a lovely wild curtain; I could also hear the birds chirping tones in mirth. It seemed like they were chanting out in harmony to serenade me. I stared down and saw my leather booths muddled up with some thick mud clinging around them, but I knew the sludge was not going to stay there for long as the spikey fingers of the eyes were ready to wipe them out. When I finally took several steps inward, it seemed like the time has traveled so fast that day... the surroundings turned rather gloomy, although everything was still in sight. Different sounds I heard: the blabbing voice of the river, the squeaky and tiny sounds of the squirrels, the sound of the clapping leaves as they were swayed against each othe r by the wild winds, and some mysterious noises that blended together to create a perfect music – something that could not be produced even by the most brilliant record producers, composers, and singers. But of course it was not a walk-in-the-park trail; I also had some of the tensest feelings I have ever felt in my life. Who does not get scared by snakes? By scorpions and tarantulas?

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY - Essay Example Malcolm X changed considerably reading about his life and while I had previously considered him to be one of the leaders who suggested that violence is necessary to obtain political gains, after reading about him I feel that Malcolm X was quite more about creating a sense of unity rather than discord. The life that Malcolm X lived is quite stunning considering the fact that he started off as little more than a thief and ended up as one of the most famous leaders in American history (Gallen, 1992). At the same time, I could not help but compare his life to other leaders who went through trials before coming to terms with their inner thoughts and their own understanding about American society. In these terms, the development of Malcolm X as a leader is quite remarkable. However, it becomes rather difficult to understand how those who respected and followed him when he was advocating an extremist view could not come to accept his more liberal approach to America and Islam. After he came back from his visit to the holy shrines in Mecca, Malcolm became more open towards white Muslims and other Muslims who he had thought to be lesser than black Muslims like himself. While his own vision of Islam had been changed dramatically with time and understand, those of his followers remained quite the same. On reflection, it seems the Nation of Islam was nothing more than a violent organisation where deviation from the rules of the party can result in ouster from the group. On the other hand, Malcolm X comes across as an open minded Muslim who becomes more accepting of all creeds and considers the differences between them to be arbitrary if they can agree on the fundamentals of what they follow (Gallen, 1992). If an individual like Malcolm X can come to understand our differences and not consider them to be a dividing line between races or genders, there is no reason why we cannot develop means by which we can solve differences today. These differences may be local, regional,

Analyzing the series of events that occurred, involving Karemore Best Essay

Analyzing the series of events that occurred, involving Karemore Best Health NHS Trust and St. Patchup Hospital NHS Trust - Essay Example It follows with a series of recommendations for change to avoid such mishap from recurring at the two hospitals. This would also serve as a reminder towards other health care institutions towards strict compliance of standard procedures, and a guide to prevent such accident to occur in their organization. As requested by the Chief Executives of both Karemore and St. Patchup Hospitals, the author of the present report is a Radiology Services Manager of a hospital outside Prosperham City. Summary The persons directly involved in the unfortunate circumstance are: (1) Mrs. Wanda Doff, the patient, (2) Di Gital, a radiographer employed at St. Patchup from an agency, (3) Karl Amity, a radiographer at Karemore who took the patient’s radiology exams, and (4) Dr. Penny Drops, anesthetist at Karemore involved in Mrs. Doff’s operation. Mrs. Doff died of respiratory and cardiac arrests in the middle of a hip replacement operation at Karemore Hospital. Due to complaints of right hip pain approximately 6 months before the operation, Mrs. Doff underwent a chest radiograph antero-posterior (AP) position at St. Patchup Hospital, which was conducted by Di Gital.... That same evening, Karl Amity once again conducted the examination but mixed up results of the said patient with another. Seeing that the results were normal, Dr. Drops agreed that Mrs. Doff could go into the theatre and proceeded with the operation. Complications aroused, however, leading the patient into respiratory and cardiac arrests where practitioners were not able to resuscitate her. Range of Incidences and Mistakes Upon investigating the incident, it can be traced that lapses started with the imaging departments of both Karemore and St. Patchup Hospitals. Initially looking at St. Patchup Hospital, the lack of supplies - in this case batteries for the hoist - triggered the sole personnel left in the room, Di Gital, to aid Mrs. Doff. This, however, is not an excuse since patient safety is always a priority, and Di Gital should have realized the risk placed upon the patient in the process of lifting her alone. Furthermore, several other lapses are perceived from Karemore Hospita l. Taking into consideration that Karl Amity has been a qualified radiographer for several years, it is expected that he knows how to conduct the procedures adequately and follow given protocols. However, the patient was exposed to excessive radiation dose because of Mr. Amity’s mistakes with centring and lateral hip projection. Dr. Drops also committed a mistake in the act of ordering another chest x-ray without reviewing the patient’s records which could have revealed all the previous examinations she has undergone. Additionally, Karl did not question the doctor’s order for another x-ray even in the knowledge that he has met the patient earlier that morning. To make matters worse, he interchanged the results of the patient with another woman’s, thereby giving wrong results

Ying Yang Symbol Essay Example for Free

Ying Yang Symbol Essay The Yin Yang symbol also commonly referred to as the Tai-Chi symbol is easily thought of in today’s popular culture as a reference to the Sun (yang) the moon (yin) and the universe. Allen Tsai’s article provides some insight into the origins of the symbol itself, the meaning behind the curvature of the symbol, and how the Chinese symbol has found a place in popular culture. Allen Tsai goes into explicit detail on how the Chinese developed a surprising understanding of the stars and how they used the constellations and the sun to determine the seasons, the length of a calendar year and the time of the earths rotation around the sun. Tsai explains how the symbol is at its basic meaning a â€Å"Chinese representation of the entire celestial phenomenon. † In Alexia Amvrazi’s essay discussing the Evil Eye symbol, she presents all aspects of the symbol including what it is used for, who uses it, and why it is used. She explains that the Evil Eye is â€Å"a glance believed to have the ability to harm those on whom it falls† and can take place at any given time from any given person. (Amvrazi). The primary purpose of both, Where Does the Yin Yang Symbol Come From? and The Eyes Have It: Evil Eye in Greece, is to inform the reader of both the meaning an the use behind these well known symbols. This is clearly shown by the detailed descriptions of the symbols and the enlightening information; such as Amvrazi’s attempt to explain to readers the many different cultures â€Å"Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Christians† and how they incorporate the Evil Eye’s meaning into their teachings (Amvrazi). The informative purpose remains prevalent in Tsai’s essay as he explains that â€Å"the Yin Yang symbol is a Chinese representation of the entire celestial phenomenon† and that it â€Å"contains the cycle of sun, four seasons, 24-Segment Chi, the foundation of I-Ching, and the Chinese calendar† (Tsai). The common pattern of both authors is that they each began with the origin of each symbol. Tsai demonstrated this by starting his essay by explaining the the Yin Yang symbol is â€Å"sometimes called the Tai Chi symbol† and that â€Å"Tai Chi is from I-Ching,† also known as â€Å"the greatest foundation of Chinese philosophy† (Tsai). Amvrazi exhibits this pattern by starting her essay off with a scenario of where one might have experienced a result of the receipt of the Evil Eye and then goes on to explain what the evil eye is, what the causes are and who is susceptible to it The secondary purpose of Tsai’s essay is to describe. He describes many different aspects of the symbol. He explains that the â€Å"is a symbol combining the sun (top) and moon (bottom)† (Tsai). He also goes a bit deeper into his explanation by describing the unchanging rules and different ways to observe the sky in order to determine the â€Å"four directions† (Tsai). He also provides multiple visuals to go along with each description. He continues by discussing the seasonal changes and the cycle of the Sun. It’s almost as if he provides his readers with a step by step instructional handout of how to determine the many changes our universe encounters throughout the course of a year, or many years for that matter. Alexia Amvrazi’s essay is very similar in that her secondary purpose is coincidentally also to describe. In this case, she describes what the actual Evil Eye symbol looks like. Her description states that one could recognize an Evil Eye as â€Å"glass blue eye charms to ward against the evil eye† (Amvrazi). She states further that these charms â€Å"are still regularly sold† and worn by many people. They can be spotted on a more regular basis in countries such as Greece and Turkey where many of the residents are very religious and/or superstitious. The next pattern shown throughout Tsai’s essay is a bit of a spatial one in the since that throughout the whole essay, Tsai discusses the ever changing universe and its relation to the sun and moon in the sky. He even talks about the many positions of the Dipper and the way the sun is affected by its changes. The next pattern in Amvrazi’s essays differs from Tsai’s in that she takes more of a compare and contrast route when she discusses the similarities and differences in the ways the Greek Church and folklore view the wearing of the Evil Eye charm. The â€Å"Greek church and folklore are both united†¦in their belief that the curse of the evil eye (or kako mati) exists, but divided in how it can be warded off or tackled† (Amvrazi). The final purpose of both Tsai and Amvrazi’s essays are to help make such technical concepts as these more understandable to the general public. They each accomplish this task by introducing, in Tsai’s case the Ying-Yang symbol and in Amyrazi’s the Evil Eye symbol and providing an in depth and comprehensive understanding of both. What’s great about each essay is that both authors strive to make them as understandable as possible by breaking down each topic as much as possible while still keeping the audience interested. The final pattern of organization in Tsai’s essay is a bit of a process oriented one. He discusses the process of â€Å"recording the Dippers positions and watching the shadow of the Sun† (Tsai). This process was used by ancient chinese [when they] determined the four directions† (Tsai). The final pattern of organization in Amvrazi’s essay is used to introduce and define new terminology used in the churches in relation to the Evil Eye. For instance, she references a term, â€Å"kako mati† which is another term for Evil Eye. She continues to introduce a few other new words, such as â€Å"Vaskania,† all of which are used to help expand readers knowledge of the Evil Eye and the views of the Greek church. Overall the two essays were both written with the primary intention of informing their audiences of the meaning and uses of the Yin and Yang symbol and of the Evil Eye. Tsai main focus was on the universe and all its changes. He talks a lot about the position of the moon, sun, and stars in the sky. The main focus of Amvrazi’s essay was to shed light on a symbol recognized by many different cultures and its significance.

Effect of Globalization on Japanese Fashion

Effect of Globalization on Japanese Fashion Globalization has had a significant effect on fashion choices and trend movements around the globe. This paper discusses the influence of globalization on fashion with the case of Japan, which began to rapidly shift its approach toward fashion in the early 1980s following a rapid economic expansion and resulting increase in personal income. Using a combination of secondary research and interviews collected from Japanese participants, the study discusses Japanese fashion and how it is influenced by, and influences, the rest of the world. The discussion focuses on the initial development of logomania in the 1980s, in which Western high fashion was structured into a social framework divided by gender and class. The discussion then focuses on the development of a counterfeit market for high-fashion goods, in which the logo, rather than the good itself, was found to be important. The influence of fast fashion and the on-going development of street fashion, as opposing trends toward homoge neity and individuality, are then discussed as modern evidence of glocalization or hybridity, representing a localized fashion response to global conditions. Introduction Fashion can be defined as clothing and accessories that represent a cyclical reflection of social, cultural, and environmental characteristics that are unique to a certain point of time in a particular geographical setting, in addition to playing a crucial role in complementing ones self-image (Azuma Fernie, 2003, p. 415). However, although fashion was once characterized as a local or regional phenomenon, it is now in many ways a global phenomenon. Changes in manufacturing, production, and supply chain management, combined with a growth in prestige of some fashion brands based on aristocratic or exclusive social positioning, has resulted in increasingly homogenized global fashion. This has not been unopposed, with hybridity processes creating local fashions in order to meet the needs of the given geographical setting and culture and the development of a rapidly growing counterfeit market for luxury brands producing counterflows in global fashion trends. This type of interaction betw een local and global fashion is part of a generalized process known as glocalization (Chang, 2004). Japan is one of the most visible and one of the most vibrant places of development glocalized fashion under conditions of economic globalization. Prior to 1980, Japanese fashion was conservative and dominated by American quantity or value-driven trends. However, this would change rapidly in the 1980s. Beginning with a rapid upward shift in economic production efficiency and a resulting gain in personal income in the early 1980s, Japan has become increasingly accepting of Western (particularly European) fashion brands. The influence of fast fashion and other global movements has further increased the adoption of Western fashion styles and attitudes. However, this has not been a simple process of homogenization. Instead, hybridity has resulted in modifications of these styles as well as assignment of specific meaning to international designers, styles and fashions. At the most extreme, Japanese street fashion meshes global and local fashion trends and styles in an individualist manner, allowing Japanese youth to express creativity in an otherwise restrictive society. Aims and Objectives The aim of this research is to describe in a historical and current context the effect of globalization on Japanese fashion from the 1980s to today. The objectives of the research include: To locate fashion in a theory of globalization that accounts for interaction between local and global trends and conditions. To determine the overall effects of globalization on fashion, including both positive and negative effects. To apply this theory to the case of Japanese historical and current fashion from 1980 to today in order to show the evolving interaction between global and local trends and resulting the development of a series of unique fashion movements. Research Approaches There were two main approaches used in this research. The first approach was secondary research, in which existing sources of information on globalization and fashion, particularly globalization and fashion in Japan, were found and were analysed. The goal of this portion of the analysis was to provide a historical, political, and philosophical framework for understanding the influence of globalization on Japanese fashion. The majority of the research lies in this historical and contextual understanding of the topic. The second part of the research was a primary research project that used interviews from Japanese fashion consumers and Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO to demonstrate the current and historical influence of globalization on fashion. This part of the research is meant to reflect the current state of Japanese fashion and how the preferences of individual consumers play into the process of globalization and hybridity that results in Japanese fashion. The UNIQLO brand, a Jap anese fashion brand that has been taken internationally, is used as an example of the ways in which Japanese culture has influenced and been influenced by on-going and recent globalized fashion trends. Literature Review The literature review focuses on the existing knowledge about globalization, defining the concept and discussing its use in the literature regarding fashions development in Japan. The literature review first discusses globalization in general, defining the concept and identifying its progress in Japan. It then discusses globalization and fashion, followed by a focus on fashion trends in Japan. The key point of this section is that globalization has not imposed Western fashions on an environment that previously had no fashion, but instead resulted in adoption of Western fashions and combination with existing and new Japanese fashions. This process of hybridity has resulted in a uniquely Japanese set of fashion trends and styles that meet the cultural, political, and economic conditions in which they are placed. However, this process of hybridity has increasingly happened in street fashion, rather than in high fashion or mainstream fashion, because of the homogenizing influence of glob alization on fashion production and fast fashion. Globalization Globalization in its most technical form refers to the lowering of economic and trade barriers between nations, which results in increasing international trade as well as reducing costs through allowing for resource use efficiency (Stiglitz, 2002). Under this model of globalization, the main focus is on economic gain, including the promise of poverty reduction or elimination and other significant social and economic gains (Stiglitz, 2002). Of course, this promise of economic improvement through globalization is not fully delivered on; many countries, particularly developing countries, have actually had losses in their positions through globalization, particularly forced economic globalization (Stiglitz, 2002). However, other countries have had significant gains. One of the countries that have demonstrated significant economic gains from globalization is Japan (Itoh, 2000). The Japanese economic ministers and others resisted globalization as an economic process due to the mentality of sakoku, which positioned Japan as an isolated and self-sufficient island nation (Itoh, 2000). By the early 1980s global production of goods such as automobiles had begun to position Japan as a significant and innovative industrial country (Itoh, 2000). The 1980s were a period of aggressive income growth in Japan as it led the development of modern manufacturing and supply chain practices around the globe (Itoh, 2000). This period resulted in a significant increase in global fashion consumption (Chang, 2004). Along with the development of economic globalization is the development of cultural globalization, in which elements of cultures are brought together through a variety of mechanisms, including imports and increasing taste for imports, increasing availability of information, and increasing immigration (Appadurai, 2003). Under these conditions, the culture of a given place, as well as its economy, is globalized to a certain degree (Appadurai, 2003). However, it would be incorrect to think of this cultural globalization as promoting a uniform and homogeneous global culture; although there are elements of homogeneity promoted by the prevalence of imports and the development of global production management such as supply chain management, each of these elements is combined in a unique way with the existing culture in a process known as hybridity (Appadurai, 2003). In Japan, the process of globalization has been a process of gradual realignment from the American centred cultural hybridity model from the post-war period to the 1970s, through a period of adjustment in which European models of culture were valued, and toward an increasing focus on Asian cultures (Iwabuchi, 2002). The increasing focus on Asia acknowledges both the growing power of the region (particularly China and South Korea) as well as the increasing confidence of Japan itself on the world stage (Iwabuchi, 2002). Globalization and Fashion It is commonplace to think of fashion as a general phenomenon as something that has spread from the West to the East through the process of globalization. However, this view is both inconsistent with the facts and dependent on an orientalist viewpoint. One of the hallmarks of Orientalism, according to Said (1979), is thinking of the East as static, unchanging, and even stagnant. Thus, the clothing styles that are seen in the East, under an Orientalist viewpoint, would have been the clothing styles that were always there, or would have changed only very slowly and in response to outside influences (Said, 1979). However, research shows that this is not true in fact, Japan, along with China and India, have historically undergone patterns of change in clothing styles that are consistent with the Western understanding of fashion (Belfanti, 2008). In particular, clothing styles changed rapidly at times of good economic development, and acted as a signal of consumption based status (Belfan ti, 2008). As in the West, fashions in Japan, India and China frequently challenged the traditional hierarchies of appearance, usually regulated by canons of a prescriptive nature (Belfanti, 2008, p. 419), resulting in permanent changes in the traditional clothing styles as well as in non-traditional fashions. As Belfanti (2008) points out, fashion did not develop as fully in the East as it did in the West, but it did form a significant social change force as well as changing modes of consumption. Thus, the starting point for this analysis will be to assume that fashion existed previously in Japan, and that this fashion was challenged by fashion from the West, rather than presuming that fashion originated in the West entirely. One of the recent responses of fashion to globalization has been the development of fast fashion. Fast fashion is seen as an evolutionary response to the demands of globalization and increasing neophilia and demand for refreshment of fashion responses (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). It has come into being over the past twenty years, as fashion has shifted from mass production of longer-wearing goods (such as Levis) to fashion seasons, which were driven by runway shows and refreshment of materials, designs, and other elements of fashion (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). However, an acceleration of marketing factors such as low predictability, high impulse purchase, shorter life cycle, and high volatility of market demand (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010, p. 168) has likewise speeded up the development of fashion cycles, with designers and fashion sources speeding up in order to compete on time to market (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). Rather than being based on attempting to predict future fashion tre nds, as fashion seasons (as exemplified by runway shows), fast fashion has a cycle of only a few weeks from production to distribution, allowing retailers to respond immediately to upcoming trends (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). From a supplier point of view, fast fashion is enabled by intensive supply chain management and strong buyer-supplier relationships, which enable the suppliers to immediately respond to changes (or to initiate them). From a consumer point of view, fast fashion fulfils the demand for constant refreshment of the wardrobe while at the same time meeting immediate demand for runway looks and other trends (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). Fas fashion does not have equal appeal for all consumers; younger consumers, who have a greater taste for newer and wider ranges of fashion, are willing to sacrifice the quality aspect of clothing in order to gain access to more items of fast fashion, while older consumers tend to value quality (and have larger clothing budgets), thus re ducing much of its appeal (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). However, overall, fast fashion has been an enormous globalizing influence, especially through chains such as HM, which have spread worldwide. Globalized fashion has many advantages (even in non-fast fashion segments) over traditional fashion, including the cost and standardization advantages promoted by production at larger scales (Azuma Fernie, 2003). However, this globalization of fashion also has certain negative effects that can be seen in terms of fashions fulfilment of a social role of meeting a specific psychological and/or cultural need of a given place (Azuma Fernie, 2003). Fashion can be understood at several levels, according to Azuma and Fernie (2003). It can be a pure aesthetic art form; a social or cultural code that communicates social identity, social class, self-image, and climate (Azuma Fernie, 2003, p. 415); and an expression of political, social, and technological conditions within a given culture. Under this definition, the role of the fashion designer is to interpret the conditions in the specific time and place, creating clothing that exemplifies the mood of a given location and group as well as i ts technical needs for clothing (Azuma Fernie, 2003). According to Azuma and Fernie (2003), the demands of modern clothing production, including time to market and economies of scale, have resulted in a homogenization of design, which no longer allow designers to interpret this mood for a given place. Instead, a generalized interpretation is offered that reflects the decisions of other designers as much as it does the cultural, economic, or even climatic concerns of a given locale (Azuma Fernie, 2003). This is one of the most far-reaching negative effects of fashion globalization. Fashion in Japan Globalization has had an accelerating influence on the street fashions of Japan, although it has also been resisted in uniquely Japanese ways. During the 1980s and 1990s, a trend for high fashion, particularly fashion exemplified by superlogos like Louis Vuitton, became dominant. However, there has been resistance to this movement as well, which has reintegrated understanding of the Japanese cultural context into the development of fashion, helping to resist fast fashion and its homogenizing effects. One of the driving factors in Japanese fashion is a desire for individuality and uniqueness, which affects the choice of goods (Knight Kim, 2007). There are three main elements to Japanese uniqueness seeking, including selection of unpopular and creative choices and avoidance of similarity to other goods (Knight Kim, 2007). However, the rate at which consumers choose unique goods is negatively associated with perceived quality that is, an increased perception of quality will reduce th e demand for individuality. Gender relations are also one of the significant factors in development of globalized fashion. A comparison of two gender-specific magazines, non-no and Mens non-no, shows that both magazines demonstrated the effects of fashion globalization (Darling-Wolf, 2006). However, at the same time, the magazines imposed specific gender expectation roles that expressed both globalized and localized expectations of gender relationships and norms (Darling-Wolf, 2006). This can also be expanded to class expectations, as beginning in the 1980s there were significant divisions of fashion based on class and the ability of individual consumers to take part in the European luxury superbrand trend (Chang, 2004). A discussion of two street fashion trends, Japanese hip hop and lolita, contrasted with discussion of superlogo-driven high fashion trends, demonstrate the conflict between globalized trends and local fashions, the gender and class definitions of fashion and fashionable positions, the drive toward individuality, and in particular the importance of the Japanese teenager in setting and changing fashion in the Japanese market. Logos and Superlogos One effect of globalization on fashion is the explosion of counterfeit fashion goods (Chang, 2004). Chang characterizes this explosion as fake globalization (Chang, 2004, p. 222), or dark globalization, in which the legitimate flows of capital and culture across borders are shadowed by a flow of faked goods. In effect, the counterfeit fashion goods market represents a fetishization of the logo associated with the brand, rather than the quality or other elements of the good itself (Chang, 2004). This discussion provides insight into the development of Japanese adoption of Western fashion during the 1980s and 1990s. Changs discussion focused on the effect of superlogos, or high-fashion brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton, tracing the growth in fake products to the Japanese period of logomania in the 1980s. During this period, explosive growth of the Japanese economy led to one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world (Chang, 2004). It also led to a shift in consumption patterns, with the previous consumption patterns set by American occupiers (an American mode of consumption, focused on quantity of goods) shifting to a European, quality-based consumption model (Chang, 2004). During this period the brand logos integrated into clothing and other items became increasingly important, as they were indicative of consumption power (Chang, 2004). The growth of this superlogo trend was exemplified in classifications by gender and class. For example, the fashion elements and structures chosen by single female office workers (nicknamed Miss Hanakos, after the fashion magazine Hanako) who expresse d a particular aesthetic of aristocratic dress and choice of fashion and brands. Miss Hanakos created their own consumer identities with their extraordinary ability to buy, and European superlogos such as LV, Chanel, Tiffany, Hermes became the symbols of their postmodern consumer identities (such as Miss Chanel as a somewhat denigrated nickname for the office ladies who wear Chanel commodities from head to toe). (Chang, 2004, p. 226) This fashion trend grew from several roots in addition to a rapid increase in personal income. The first mechanism was a nostalgic trend, stemming from the first developments of European fashion in Japan following the Meiji Restoration at the beginning of the 20th century, and the cultural exchange that occurred during this period (Chang, 2004). The second mechanism was recognition of the Louis Vuitton logo, in particular, as exemplifying the French-Japanese artistic style of the late 19th century, which Chang (2004) linked to a history of imperialism and the psychological effects from this historical condition. The third mechanism by which this became popular was the successful distancing of the reality of mass production of these superlogo goods from the image of Old World craftsmanship and artisanship, which allowed for the maintenance of an image of exclusivity even in cases where the goods were flooded into the market (Chang, 2004). The only way in which this image could be main tained was through strict control of the brand and its manufacturing; for example, through creation of limited edition products, which encouraged the development of first a black market in the real products and then development of counterfeit products showing the same characteristics (Chang, 2004). However, this counterfeiting has moved beyond the simple mimicry that most traditional theories of fake products rest on; instead, the counterfeit of superlogo products mimics the logo, but often place this logo on new products (Chang, 2004). Chang (2004) terms this fake dissemination, after deconstructionist Jacques Derrida and postcolonial critic Homi K. Bhabhas appropriations, which stresses the repetitiveness and proliferation of supplement and difference that have already existed within totality, and whose existence testifies to the impossibility of totality and unity (Chang, 2004, p. 231). Thus, the growth of fake or counterfeit fashion products represents not just mimicry of Wester n fashion, but the growth of a unique counterflow of fashion that stems from, but is not beholden to, the phenomenon of superlogo mania (Chang, 2004). Of particular significance is the notion of complicity; although some counterfeit goods are sold as legitimate superlogo products, many if not most are sold with the tacit or explicit acknowledgement by both sellers and buyers that the goods are fake (Chang, 2004). This indicates that in many segments of fashion, the logo itself has become the signifier rather than the specific characteristics with which it is associated. Street Fashion and Youth Japanese street fashion, driven by consumer youth, is not determined by specific corporate norms, but is instead assembled by the individual from a selection of sources (Kawamura, 2006). However, while corporate models do not direct these trends, they do drive more mainstream fashion expressions and act as promoters of Japanese fashion hybridity (Kawamura, 2006). There are countless expressions of Japanese youth street fashion, and it is not possible to examine them all here. However, Japanese hip-hop began as a musical and fashion trend in the 1980s (Condry, 2002). According to Condry (2002) Japanese hip hop fashion is superficially very similar to the American version where it has its roots. This similarity includes linked trends in clothing styles and designers (such as Nike) as well as similarity in graffiti styles and slang (Condry, 2002). However, Japanese hip hop is also the site of considerable hybridity, or the combination of globalized influences and Japanese cultural influences to create a unique, hybrid form of fashion and culture (Condry, 2002). For example, he notes that in a post-New Year celebration in one of Tokyos largest all-night hip hop clubs, Kitchens, traditional New Years greetings were exchanged between party-goers (Condry, 2002). The appeal of hip-hop style and culture for Japanese youth is characterized as a message that youth need to speak out for themselves (Condry, 2002, p. 377). That is, hip-hop style supports the search of Japanese youth for individuality in a highly constrained and collectivist culture (Condry, 2002). Another expression of street culture is lolita culture, which is an extreme form of cute fashion in which young women (and more rarely, young men) dress in highly ornate, Victorian-inspired dresses and outfits (Yano, 2009). Yano (2009, p. 681), describes a typical pair of lolita wearers: shocking pink hair adorned with multiple pink barrettes, fuzzy pink kitten earmuffs, pink baby doll dresses, mismatched pink knee-high socks, and pink laced shoes. Around one womans neck hangs that icon of cute: Sanrio Companys flagship character since 1974, Hello Kitty. Among the barrettes in the other womans hair is, again, Kitty (Yano, 2009, p. 681). This expression of fashion is not driven directly from influence from the outside; instead, it is informed by Victorian fashion influences (as evidenced by the initial contact during the Meiji period) as well as a trend toward kawaii (or aggressive cuteness) that is also demonstrated by women in professional clothing and positions (Yano, 2009). While Japanese hip-hop is a hybrid phenomenon that is superficially Western, the lolita street fashion is primarily Japanese. However, neither of these fashions has been adopted in mainstream Japanese culture. Interviews and Media The second part of this research consisted of conducting interviews with Japanese consumers about their experience of fashion and analysing trends as demonstrated by Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO. This primary research approach was intended to support the formation of understanding of how globalization influences fashion in Japan today from the point of view of the media and the individual consumer. The three approaches chosen have included qualitative surveys with consumers and analysis of the UNIQLO clothing line, one of the most successful Japanese clothing brands. Surveys The first source of primary information about Japanese fashion was quantitative surveys completed by three participants. A survey was used to ease involvement requirements for participants and to allow for a widespread set of participants. The participants are identified as follows (names have been changed): Kenada, a (30-40 years old) employed man Noriko, a (30-40 years old) unemployed woman Jun, a male (25-30 years old) student These three participants are asked questions about their own fashion styles and trends, and discussed how they viewed fashion, including Japanese and European fashions. The questions that the respondents answered are included in the Appendix. (This survey was translated to Japanese for ease of response, and responses were translated back into English.) In terms of personal style, there were five questions. The older respondents (Kenada and Noriko) indicated that they followed fashion trends all the time, while the youngest respondent (Jun) indicated that he followed his own style. In describing their fashion styles, the respondents said: I prefer a simple style with focus on one key garment. Noriko I am not committed to any particular style; I just dont like to stand out too much. Kenada These responses indicated a relatively simple style for both of the older respondents. Jun did not provide a brief description of his clothing style. Opinions regarding price varied from respondent to respondent, ranging from price not mattering at all to price being a primary concern when shopping. None of the respondents preferred Japanese brands, and one expressed a preference for Western fashion brands. The other two respondents indicated that whether a fashion brand was Japanese or Western did not matter. The next set of questions focused on the perception of European or Western brands in the Japanese market. Favourite brands identified included Dolce and Gabbana (Noriko) and Paul Smith (Kenada). One question asked about the reaction to the rising number of foreign brands on the Japanese market. Respondents stated: We want to avoid mass marketing because it is boring (they make the fashion market more varied). Jun People appreciate variety and lower prices. Noriko Respondents were asked how foreign brands were viewed in Japan. One respondent indicated that the foreign brand was considered luxurious, while another respondent indicated that foreign brands were considered to be beautiful, good design, functional. Overall, the respondents indicated that foreign brands were highly valued, but were not uniquely positioned because of their Western nature. The next set of questions asked about the relationship between Japanese and Western brands in the Japanese market. One question asked whether foreign fashion brands were leading to the loss of the Japanese markets fashion identity. Noriko stated that No, [I dont believe that this is the case.] One example is UNIQLO, which is original and still successful. Jun said, No, its more a reversed situation Japanese people forced the Japanese market to change. A second question asked whether the respondent would like to see more foreign brands on the market. Two respondents simply said, Yes. However, Kenada said, Yes, but I think achieving success on the Japanese market takes time, as the country is still very conservative. When asked why there are not as many Japanese brands on the European market, respondents had two specific critiques of Japanese fashion. Noriko said, Because Japan tried to catch up with Europe and European fashion is well established in the world (especially France). Jun stated that be believed that this was due to bad design and lack of appropriate marketing. Of course, one example of a successful Japanese brand in the European market is UNIQLO, as noted below; Noriko, who noted it as an example of the Japanese fashion market, also notes this. Respondents were asked why UNIQLO was so successful. Respondent indicated that reasons for their success included Pricing and store design (Noriko) and collaborations with different talented artists and designers (Kenada). Finally, respondents were asked what the main differences between Japanese and European brands were. One respondent indicated that they believed that Japanese brands focus on functionality, while western brands focus on des ign more (Jun). However, another respondent was clear that the main difference between brands was simply Pricing (Kenada). The responses generally supported the understanding of Japanese fashion as a unique integration and interplay of Japanese and European fashions and designers. There was generally a slight preference for European fashion lines expressed, based on the perception that European fashions are better made or better designed. However, at least one respondent clearly indicates that the main difference between European and Japanese fashion is the price, which indicates that there is convergence between the European and Japanese fashions. Most importantly, there is evidence of hybridity and modification of European designs based on the demands of Japanese fashion, in particular the development of European accommodations to the Japanese market. In some ways, however, the respondents seem to view the Japanese fashion designers as still based in the older, American quantity-based paradigm with lower quality and a focus on functional design instead of higher fashion design. This indicates that whil e Japanese fashion designers may have implemented fast fashion production techniques, there may not be the growth in high-fashion influence in the designs promoted. One important factor in this case is the difference between older and younger respondents in terms of how closely they follow fashion. The two older respondents indicated that they followed fashion closely, while the younger respondent indicated that he dressed to suit his own style. This difference could be a representation of the moving away from the logomania period in the 1990s and the growth of youth street fashion, which has allowed Japanese youth to combine and remix styles in order to express an individual style. The research did not explore this topic in detail, and respondents did not explain their style in detail enough to determine whether this was the case. Overall, these responses showed the current state of Japanese fashion clearly is a response to globalization, but it is not a wholly integrative or mimicking response. This is encapsulated in several of the responses, including responses that indicate that European fashion has changed based on the demands of the Japanese market. It is also clear that the Japanese consumers in the study did not see themselves as part of an undifferentiated social group; instead, respondents had a number of different viewpoints on fashion and different views on European and Japanese fashion. The findings of this survey are clearly limited, and they essentially represent a small-scale qualitative discussion of h

Building Information Modelling: Effect on Quantity Surveyor

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