Quantity Surveying Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Quantity Surveying - Essay Example Quantity Surveyor (QS) controls the construction costs by measuring accurately the work required, the application of expert knowledge of costs and prices of work, labour, materials and plant required, an understanding of the implications of design decisions at an early stage to ensure that good value is obtained for the money to be expended. (Wikipedia). To be a quantity surveyor you should have the following qualities: Private Practice surveyor is that quantity surveyor who works on a private company. The role of Quantity surveyor in a private practice is that it acts as the financial and development consultant to the construction and property development. The quantity surveyor in a private practice includes advising clients on the optimal use of funds as well as strategies to maximize human and physical resources. The traditional QS in a private practice have the following functions: A quantity surveyor in a construction company has a broader role than that of the private practice. In the construction company you need to deal with different kind of people. From the project supervisor, to the engineers and to the workers. An extended knowledge in the surrounding is important. The construction surveyor is concerned with the accurate measurement and position of points on the earth's surface, and to establishment of boundaries. They can do this by measuring the relative horizontal and vertical position of points on the ground, aided by a theodolite or similar optical instrument. QS, In a construction site is much more complicated than that of the private practice. Although there is some role in the private practice that is also being done by the QS in the construction company such as: talk to architects, engineers, builders, contractors, suppliers and project owners study architectural and engineering drawings and specifications prepare a 'Bill of Quantities', which lists the individual components required to construct the project check on changes of design to assess the effects on cost assess and recommend payment to contractors during construction prepare monthly cash-flow forecasts for clients and tax depreciation schedules undertake feasibility studies to assist in decisions about the worth of a project proceeding act as consultants to business and government. Contractors' quantity surveyor is responsible for all legal and commercial matters within the contracting organization. As shown in the graph

Subsidies Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Subsidies - Research Paper Example It will investigate whether the tax system serves as a subsidy to the sector or not. In Pakistan there are a large number of cafes and restaurants that apply charges on the Bills. Sometimes the rates of these charges are really high which makes it difficult for the common middle class man to have a meal in such restaurants. The study will try to explore whether this tax system is making a division in the class or not and is promoting a society which supports a class system or not. One of the major reasons for investigating this area is that Pakistan is a third world country with a majority of people in the middle class. There still exist a large numbers of places where only rich people reside. These places are the ones that apply huge tax rate on the bills. The study will investigate the correlation between tax and class;whether higher tax invites higher class. Studying the tax structure has been the interest of all countries as it is linked to the development of the country. Bargain et al, (2011)reports the progressive nature of the tax structure by saying‘The tax structure in almost all the countriesis progressive’. This progressive nature of tax structures has a lot of advantages and disadvantages. Chaudhri (1965) in the research article ‘Taxation in Pakistan: A Critical Appraisal’ state the disadvantages of tax system by saying that ‘whatever money is collected is looted by the rulers or spent on unnecessary luxury items’. Qualitative research methodology will be applied because it will answer ‘how’, ‘what’, ‘why’ questions. For example, what are the benefits of tax system?Why tax system is applied? How tax system benefits the industry? etc. The research will also employ Quantitative research methodology because a set of interviews and questionnaires will be prepared. These interviews and questionnaires will cover the views of the owners of different cafes and restaurants. The results will be based on their responses and

When Life Imitates Video by John Leo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

When Life Imitates Video by John Leo - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the article revolves around the possibility of real-life events beings strikingly similar to those portrayed in violent video games. The author, a writer by heart, has done service to the public by indulging in writing different society centered articles and serving practically for the betterment of higher academics for the past few decades. This article could well be ascertained as a continuation of the chain of his service to his fellow beings. Commencing with the mentioning of a Colorado incident in which teenagers indulged in a violent shooting spree that eventually led to the killing of themselves at their own hands, the author is pained at noticing the obvious influence of gaming on youngsters. It is perceived by the writer that the actions of youngsters were influenced by situations in video games. The opening paragraph gives an evident idea of the purpose with which the author has written it. The purpose of the writer, mainly, is to highlight how scenarios portrayed in violent video games are being adapted to real life by the youngsters who are deeply influenced by them. The audience the writer targets are individuals within the general public and also the video games’ manufacturers. The widespread use of video games and the parents’ leverage given to kids to play them with ease gives an idea that parents are unaware of the hazards involved with the games. The author aims to target these oblivious parents as the audience trying to bring them to light about the alarming problem at hand. Quoting logic and reason, the author tries to clearly signify the relationship that exists between violence in video games and real world mishaps. The argument most presumably set forth by video games promoters that there basically is no direct link that could prove the effect of violence in video games on youngsters and their real-life issues have been responded well by the customer. Understanding the opposin g viewpoint’s position, the writer accepts that there may be personal issues involved with the personalities of individuals who show being affected by the violence related mentality but this mainly is, in the words of the writer, the weakest point that should be addressed. According to the writer, the individual youngsters that come from strong-willed and well brought up families are less likely to fall prey to these violence-prone games. It mainly is the distressed and the oppressed youngsters only who find their refuge in the video games where they find all the violence to lure their oppressed and neglected thoughts, a perfect place to let go of their frustrations. The problem, according to the writer, is that millions of youngsters of the current society are indulged in activities that would do nothing but hurt their counterparts and themselves alike, considering this as being no objectionable practice whatsoever. All this is owing to the fact that oppression has been made an everyday affair by the everyday use of violence-laden video games. The author inputs logic into his writing beautifully by mentioning the point of view of Dr. David Grossman of Arkansas State University who is both a psychologist and a retired Army officer. His point of view is of immense importance as he assesses the situation from two distinct aspects, both from a psychologist’s and an army officer’s point of view. He completely seconds the stance of the author adding that enabling kids and youngsters to get indulged into electronic games at such an extensive rate has made it common for them to think of killing someone no matter what the situation. The severity of the matter has been eliminated by the realistic aspects introduced into the games such as those of the armory being just like real-world weapons and also the scenarios being very realistic as well.

Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry Thesis

Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry - Thesis Example However, leisure time is usually limited and thus valuable in our modern society and hence consumer expectation of the product or experience purchased in this time has subsequently risen vastly. Quality is of the essence, gone are the days of 'Fawlty Towers.' People expect and demand so much more from their hospitality experience. Ideas, tastes and trends of hospitality are expanding, one example being the recent growth of boutique type hotels such as the Malmaison chain located in up market urban areas, modern contemporary urban chic culture were the emphasis is on luxury (Aggett; 2007). Such an experience and its quality is thus very much dependant on the service provided by front line employees. Only those enterprises which can satisfy the customer will survive, achieve longevity and be successful in the ever growing intensely competitive hospitality market. Hospitality is characterised by the 'intangibles' which can even be of increased value in comparison to the tangible physical products such as food and drink. Therefore, within the hospitality industry it is undoubtedly the performance of the front line service staff that will either enhance or diminish a customers experience and thus determine whether a hospitality venture sinks or swims. In order for staff to perform to such high standards and produce such quality they need to be committed to their organisation, to be empowered, to be given the appropriate skills, training, support, motivation and reward for their work and effort. A company that invests heavily in its human resources, selecting the appropriate people, providing opportunity and encouragement will achieve a loyal, motivated and proud workforce. It will provide the organisational culture necessary for long term success. This is very important for the hospitality industry to acknowledge, especially as typically the industry is characterised by a high labour turnover, casual, part time and migrant employees, and, certain labour shortages; "Finding chefs and waiting staff is one of the biggest problems facing employers, affecting all sectors of the hospitality industry." (Hospitality Training Foundation; 2002, 9) Rowley and Purcell (2001) acknowledge a range of skill shortages and relate it to; "Poor management practices and weak HR policies." (Rowley and Purcell; 2001) Investment in HRM and adoption of HRM practices, particularly soft HRM (Lucas; 1995) would only be advantageous to the hospitality industry. 2 Aim of Research The aim of this paper is to establish if the UK hospitality has adopted the concept of HRM. The meaning of HRM will be based upon the pioneering work of British hospitality academic David Guest (1987, 1997, 1999) who devised a matrix to represent the scale of hard and soft HRM in operation. Guest's writings epitomise soft HRM. Guest also provides a theory and model of HRM, of which the intention was: "To develop a set of testable propositions and finally to arrive at a set of prescriptive policies" (Guest, 1987, 503). The central hypothesis of Guests' theory is: " if an integrated set of HRM practices is applied with a view to achieving the normative goals of high commitment to the organisation plus high quality and flexibility, then higher worker performance will result" (Guest, 1997, 265). To judge the extent of HRM application, focus will be on the

Inclusive Education in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Inclusive Education in UK - Essay Example (Mitchell, 2005) Some philosophers argue that inclusion is the act of inviting others in or integrating others into the mainstream. (Asante, 1996). This premise stems from the fact that some people in society have always been treated unfairly. Society has been historically unjust to certain categories of individuals. These include racial minorities, handicaps and others. Proponents of such a definition claim that people who have been sidelined in the past need to be 'invited in'. One can therefore extend this definition of inclusion to the field of education where inclusive education may be defined as a form of education that facilitates integrating those who have been neglected in the past 'in'. However, one cannot help but see some of the loopholes that emerge from such a definition. First of all, who has a right to invite others in Additionally one should examine what are the causes of exclusion in the past. It should be understood that all persons have equal rights in education. No single person should have the upper hand to decide another's fate. (Hanson, et al, 1998) A more acceptable way of looking at inclusive education should include the acknowledgment of the fact that all human beings are born equal and that society is given the responsibility of supporting those who have special needs. The Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education came up with a more comprehensive definition of inclusive education. They state that inclusive education refers to inclusion of all manner of children in schools (high school, universities, colleges and preschool) regardless of their disabilities provided they are given all the support they require. They assert that inclusion should encompass the community and life in general. It involves the acknowledgment of the fact that some pupils or students may need more support. The support should be provided by a number of stakeholders ranging from local governments, education agencies and education sponsors among others. However, there is a need to modify this kind of definition because it does not include the element of continuity. (Lieber et al, 1998) The most acceptable and comprehensive definition was put forward by CSIE, two years later. They described inclusive education as the continuous process of including students in mainstream classrooms, the community and local culture. It also involves reducing the level of exclusion in the latter mentioned realms. It also involves the elimination or reduction of obstacles in education and participation. It should be noted that this definition is more dynamic and highlights the fact that schools/ communities cannot adopt inclusion overnight. This is something that gradually changes with time. It should also be noted that this definition avoids the use of integration and emphasises inclusion instead. The reason for this is that integration tends to imply that some people are more equal than others and that the former have a right to 'integrate' others into their own systems. Advantages and disadvantages of inclusive education Advantages Inclusive education is more beneficial than it is detrimental. Even criticisms labelled against inclusive education are simply based on the fact that the program was not implemented properly. If it is implemented in the right way, then inclusive

A central assumption made in Mean-Variance Analysis and the Capital Assignment - 2

A central assumption made in Mean-Variance Analysis and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is that investors prefer to invest in the most efficient portfolios available - Assignment Example An efficient portfolio is a collection of investments that provide the highest expected return at the given level of risk or portfolio that yield the lowest risk at given expected a return. Expected return is the minimum return expected by investors investing in any given asset. The risk occurs due to deviation from the expected return in either case as explained by Markowitz. According to Markowitz Portfolio Theory, individuals who accept to take high return with high-risk cannon diversify further without acceptance of greater risk. On the other hand, individuals will not agree to reduce their return without reduction of risk. This fact explains why low-risk, low-return and high-risk, high-return portfolios are equivalent when it comes to investing. Markowitz (1952: 77) believes that portfolio choice is dependent on maximum discounted risk venture which will give a high return since the future is uncertain and assurance of money back on investment should be assured. The low-risk, low-return investors motivated by low risk in an asset they are investing in will invest more getting quantifiable income. On the other hand, high risk – high return individuals will tend to invest in minimal assets with high risk, but getting a quantifiable return due to their nature of the high return. As argued by Markowitz (1952, p, 77) investors should not just go for high return high-risk investment rather they should focus on the expected return. An investor may go for high-risk, high return bonds, but in case of failure, the return will be greatly reduced. On the other hand, an investor may go for several low-risk, low-return, but the cumulative expected return will be high (hypothesis of the maxim by Markowitz 1952: 78.). According to maxim hypothesis, both diversified and under-diversified assert will have the same cumulative expected return. In the United States, the under-diversified portfolio is greater among young people,

Ethnic study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethnic study - Essay Example This is because man is a giver and female is a receiver in a sexual encounter .However, homosexuality has been succumbed to many prejudices and arguments, but still it continued to persist as an ever forbidden pleasure for male population. Men have always dominated sexual rights, and women were restricted and tabooed from experiencing sexual activities like men do. Men have been given more opportunity to explore their sexual desires whereas women have been condemned from following her whims and fancies about sex. It was considered natural for men to practice any means to satisfy his sexual needs as it was his utmost biological or physiological need. However the author, Mathew Guttman considered that such outward sexual fantasies of men have led to the practice of homosexuality among them which led to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. â€Å"The notions of â€Å"men natural sexual desires† were blamed for a host of health problems like AIDS on Oaxaca†(Guttmann ,3). It is a common perception that all men carry same sexual desires and wants and all want to have sexual encounter with women in order to reach pleasure and satisfaction. But the fact is different, as various men indulge in different sexual acts with different gender to accomplish their sexual fetishes. They predominantly are sexual beings, and their needs are more connected to the body than mind, and, want their urges to be met invariable of the sexual object of desire. According to the author, men are not heterosexual always as most people think, many keeps a secret sexuality of themselves which they tend to explore in hides -out or darkness. Birth Control Issue Birth control is practiced among Mexican families for the main objective of restricting the birth of children and to give men more chances of indulging in sexual pleasures. Since generations, women have been given contraceptive methods to stop themselves from getting pregnant. In Mexico, men are more concerned about the reproductive health and sexuality and birth control measures are taken keeping in mind these two said factors. â€Å"It is just too obvious that much of the decision making – about what birth control methods , about what antiretroviral treatment for people with HIV and AIDS, are available – take place in boardrooms of pharmaceutical companies of Basel, Switzerland and New Jersey†(Gutmann,14).This shows that the men and women have little control on the birth control decision making and they depend on foreigners and medical specialist for this purpose. The main issue regarding gaining information on sterilization among Oaxaca men is tedious. Most of them men are deceitful when it comes to explaining the real reason behind their choice of sterilization. However, most men resort to sterilization for not taxing women’s health too much as they are the one who always get succumbed to contraceptive methods and techniques in earlier tiems. The men even want to ha ve more sexual experience with women and if they are sterilized they can engage in sex with female partners more frequently and carelessly. The medicalization of men sexuality, is another major concern of Mexican nation. The author here means that, sexual activities and phenomena of men in Mexico should be a subject of concern among the health care reforms and medical centers. They should study why men are infected with HIV and should stop the widespread of disease across the