Abstract This paper examines the Cathedral of Florence in Italy; the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai, India; the Empire State Building in New York City, United States of America, which is one the precursors of the great skyscrapers or high-rises of the world; the Louvre Museum in Paris and the designer hospitals of today, using as an example the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America. The author points out that the analysis of these structures is based on the structure's history, its design and architecture, the cost that the people of the country incurred when they were constructing it and the time that it took to complete. The paper concludes that the design and the principles of a structure are vitally important to the basic effectiveness of the building. The paper includes many illustrations and a graph.
From the Paper "What this entailed was that the entire structure could be built without a need for scaffolding at the bottom. Reinforcements of iron and tension chains of stone were also utilized for the construction of the Dome, and finally, it was completed in 1436. Now Bruneschelli required a lantern to be fixed over the Dome, and his design was for an octagonal lantern with eight radiating buttresses, and eight high arched windows. The work on the lantern was completed after the architect's death, by Verocchio in 1469, and it was designed later to contain holy relics."
Tags: dome, bruneschelli, indo-saracenic, precursors, function
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of team building and specific team roles within an organization. The paper describes ways that effective team building can occur and discusses how, when selecting a team, organizations should consider the individual member's skills and abilities, experiences and history, but also the diversity of the team and the ability of team members to work effectively with one another. The paper concludes by suggesting that performance evaluation is also necessary to assess the efficacy of team measures and processes.
Table of Contents:
Literature Review Team Building Team Roles and Strengths
How To Choose a Project Team
How to Change the Current Functional Management Structure to Carryout Project
Conclusions/Discussion
From the Paper "Much of the research examined suggests that while participative management and leadership is essential to good team functioning, it is not necessary for achieving a teams goals and ensuring team efficiency (Biech, 2001). In the current functional management structure the organisation is still dominated by hierarchical lines of authority. While a team based approach may encourage more participative management, hence empowering teams, it is not the ideal structure for facilitating maximum success in projects within the organisation."
Abstract This paper discusses the architectural features and style of the Monadnock Building in Chicago. The author provides a description of the building and discusses the vision for the structure that the architects involved had for it. The paper also talks about the problems that plagued the massive office complex, such as settlement of the surface footings.
Outline:
Architect, Patron, Historical Context
Physical Context
Movement and Style
Works Cited
From the Paper "The current structure is clearly split in its style, reflecting the break in construction, as no one could entirely reconstruct the deceased Root's 'feel' for the work (his partner was too busy with other projects to continue alone). The southern half was the work of the architectural firm Holabird & Roche, but still under the commission and control of the Brooks brothers. This is why the two halves of the building are similar in size, material, and color, but quite different in style."
Tags: civil engineering, contemporary structures, chicago architecture
Abstract In this paper, several different governance models are compared and contrasted with the intent of providing a rough conception of each one of them, particularly their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the writer examines one governance model, the synergistic model, in greater depth and detail in order to provide readers with a better understanding of this type of governance and its especial usefulness to managers within a health care context.
From the Paper "Establishing appropriate governance structures in any organization can be difficult. It seems that every few months another expert devises another new way that organizations can best be structured in order to maximize positive benefits, all the while reducing the negative consequences of previous models. Choosing among these governance structures can be a trying task, indeed. The difficulty is magnified, at least perceptually, when one attempts to weight the relative benefits of governance structures within the context of the health care industry. In a health context, lives can quite literally be at stake. Likewise, ballooning health care costs have forced many hospitals and health care providers to streamline their services. Selecting incorrectly can lead to further reductions in service or magnification of costs."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that despite their time-tested and proven positive points, a number of false perceptions continue to challenge truths regarding the timber-framed building. The writer purports that repeated strokes of correct information can figuratively fell or cut down even the most dense deceptions depicting the worth of timber-framed buildings. During the course of this study, this researcher counters false perceptions and confirms the correct conception that timber does not easily rot, decay and deteriorate. In fact, the writer concludes that even after extended periods of time, the durability and superior quality of timber when used as a building material can be repeatedly validated. The paper includes color figures.
Outline:
Chapter 1
Introduction
Correcting False Perceptions
Origin, Defects and Properties of Timber
Defects in Timber
Properties of Timber
Strength
Thermal Insulation
Thermal Movement
Density
Chemical Resistance
Fire Resistance and the Behavior of Timber in Fires
Chapter II
Embodied Energy Explained
Examples of Timber-Framed Buildings Built in The Past
Chapter III
Conclusion
Challenging Contentions Confirm
From the Paper "To better understand some of the general misconceptions about timber, this researcher presents an in-depth look at the origin and properties of timber, along with possible defects likely to reduce strength and stability in timber. Timber evolves from wood, a natural product derived from trees, and in some instances, from fibrous plants. As forests cover more than one-third of the world's land surface and approximately 8% of Britain, it is readily available.
"Consequently, timber proves to be a popular building material. When wood is cut and in many instances, pressed, it becomes lumber and timber which form boards, planks and numerous other products. These products, in turn, become generic building materials which may be used for almost any type of structure in the majority of world climates and environmental situations. "
Abstract This paper discusses the home building industry, including a brief history of this industry, an industry overview, and a SWOTT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, and Trends) analysis of the industry. It also addresses the impact of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). The paper details three economic indicators.
Home Building History
Home Building Overview
Strengths and Weaknesses
Unemployment Rate
Gross Domestic Product
Recommendations
Housing Starts
Personal Income
Recommendations
Interest Rates
Inflation
Interest Rates versus Inflation
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The home building industry has been around for many years. The design, shape, and style of homes have changed over time. The industry is quite different than it was many years ago. When people first began to build they did not layout and draw plans and specs for their home. The first homes were built with one or two rooms in the entire house. Today, they average home has over 6 rooms, When home building first started there was no set rules and regulations that builders had to follow, now we have organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration who helps set construction regulations for the home building industry. We also have NAHB (National Association Home Builders), which was started in 1942. The NAHB works with the state and local agencies to help establish government and legislature for home builders as well as establish affordable housing for everyone."
Abstract This paper discusses green building construction and points out that this design saves energy as well as money. The paper explains that green building construction is vital and is a determinative of project success. The paper also explains that the individual needs to take the initiative in addressing construction design and development and associated costs as well as funding, marketing and sales. In addition, the paper tells us that green building construction holds great financial promise for the future. A graph of taxes by state is included with the paper.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Significance of study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Andrew Meyerson (2005) entitled: "The Dollars and Cents of Green Construction" states that green construction and design can not only save energy but also can result in monetary savings in the areas of: (1) Tax breaks and rebates; (2) Lower construction costs; (3) Reduction or elimination of the need for heating and air-conditioning equipment and the associated costs of purchase, maintenance and electricity; (4) Reduction in energy and water bills by as much as fifty-percent; (5) Increase in labor productivity, retail customer sales and apartment rental prices; and (6) Protection of operating budgets from increases in energy prices. (Meyerson, 2005, p. 2) Meyerson relates that practically all states offer incentives in the form of reduction of taxes for construction that is friendly to the environment. (2005, p. 4) Additionally in green construction projects where a pre-existing structure is on the construction site, cost savings may be realized through reuse of as much of the existing structure as possible. Additionally, is it necessary to be aware of the attitudes that serve as drivers of the choice of clients to use the firm and added to this is the fact "that commercial 'green buildings' outperform their conventional counterparts across a wide variety of metrics, including energy savings, occupancy rates, sale price and rental rates, another very practical and often times overlooked data for improving the cash flow of the client is the "energy efficient commercial building tax deductions.""
Tags: green, building, construction, funding, marketing, save, money, energy
Abstract In this paper, the writer considers the history, benefits and efficiencies of smart buildings. The writer makes use of the animated television series 'The Jetsons' in order to discuss this subject.
From the Paper " In the animated television series 'The Jetsons' the working class father arrives home to be whisked up his high-rise apartment building by an elevator that delivers him to a chair attached to a moving belt, the wife prepares dinner in a kitchen that requires little more than her saying or punching in the desired dish and monitors throughout the city allow the family to keep in touch with one another through video phones. Fiction has long held out the promise of so-called smart ... "
Abstract This paper notes that security for high rise buildings differs from corporate security in several ways, often to the detriment of tenants of the high rise building. The paper discusses how even with an increasing concern about crime, many landlords simply do not provide the kind of security that tenants may want and that they may indeed believe they have. Landlords often sell their facilities on the basis of security, assuring prospective tenants that they are using the latest in security methods.
Abstract Have you ever had a problem that you could not solve? Maybe if you presented the problem to a team this would help. This paper examines the advantages of building a team, team members responsibilities, and the expectation of the team. It shows how important it is to ensure that the team for any specific task is comprised of members who are knowledgeable and possess the required skills needed to carry out the task.
I - Team Building II - Is a Team Needed?
III - The Benefits of Organization
IV - Selecting Team Players
V - Team Expectations
VI - Problems with Teams
From the Paper "Striving to meet organizational goals enables a team to reach their goals. Performance of a team in any organization is largely dependent on its members, their visions and goals, their individual performance, their willingness to work with each other and their desire to make the project a success. This is sometimes referred to as a group process and can be defined in teams to three maintenance behaviors - open communication, supportiveness, and conflict (Bottom & Baloff, 1994)."
Abstract This paper reviews what it means to be part of a group or a team in a business environment and how the individuals in the group or team work together, as well as how that group or team functions and coordinates with other groups and/or teams within the business as a whole. This paper discusses the necessary actions when building a team that will function well collectively, and with other teams in the organization.
From the Paper "In business, it is not enough to have a group, or even groups, of employees. To have a successful organization, it is necessary for those groups to operate as part of the whole. These groups must work toward the same goal, both with the group members they are assembled with, and also with the other groups within the organization. This paper is intended to discuss the process of building a team that will function well both internally and externally, with other teams in the organization. Groups and Teams Defined What is the difference between a group and a team? Both words are used to describe a collection of people, after all. According to Dictionary.com, the word "group" is defined as "an assemblage of persons or objects gathered or located together; an aggregation," of which may or may not be related to each other in some way (2005a)."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of the strength of materials in the field of engineering, focusing on the materials used and how they function within a structure. The paper explains that the way the materials function will determine the overall strength of the structure and this knowledge is significant to welding engineers because it determines the processes necessary to create structural strength and the durability of the project over time. The paper also discusses factors that affect the structural strength such as the stress placed on the components of the structure and elements that force the material to change over time.
This paper discusses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, one of the most widely used tests for assessing personality characteristics for general non-psychiatric populations.
5,270 words (approx. 21.1 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 130.95
Abstract This paper explains that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, developed by Katherine C. Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers, and based on Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung's studies on psychological type, is a self-report inventory and objective assessment, which is not diagnostic in a psycho-pathological sense. The author describes Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator's sixteen possible personality types, which are based on the four primary ways people differ from one another in their perceptions of the world and the way they accept information. The paper presents many cases in which researchers, including those in the fields of psychology and social psychology, have used the Myers-Briggs assessment tool as a means of studying a specific hypothesis.
From the Paper "Regardless of these scholars strong support for assessment systems, they could not convince corporations of their need. Proven connections did not exist between personality type and job success. However, a couple of decades later, Katherine C. Briggs tried again by using Jungian psychology as the rationale. Unlike others before him during the late 1800s and early 1900s, Jung saw patterns of behavior. He said psychological types are consistencies in the way people prefer to perceive and make judgments. In Jung's theory, all conscious mental activity could be classified into four mental processes: two perception processes of sensing and intuition and two judgment processes of thinking and feeling. The senses and intuition perceptions are relied on to sort, weigh, analyze and evaluate through the judgment processes of thinking and feeling."
Abstract In recent years, it has become obvious that the countries of Africa are not getting any better financially in spite of structural adjustment programs (SAP) and IMF programs. In fact, unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy continue to rise. Immortality is on the rise, with many children not living to see their fifth birthday. This paper looks at why Africa's people live in poverty in spite of its large number of natural resources and attempts to provide insight into ways that can assist it into becoming more self-sufficient.
Outline
Introduction
Commencement of Problem
Summary of Projected Solution
Effects of the SAPs
Overview of Structural Adjustment Programs
Description of SAPs and IMF Programs
Objectives of SAPs
Effects of SAPs on the Economy
Key Issues of the Program
Program Focus
Potential for Success
Effects on Domestic Economy
Disadvantages
Structural Adjustment Effects in Africa
Overview
Conditionality
Effects on African Economy
Credibility of SAPs
Privatization
Potential for Success
Key Issues
Performance Management
Description
Working Under SAPs
Impact on Trade Unions
Effects of SAPs
Possible Solutions
Labor Laws
Impact on Trade Unions
Role of Trade/Labor Unions
Conclusion
From the Paper "The continent of Africa has been plagued by debt since it gained its independence from Europe, and the majority of those debts are owed to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Even though these organizations have only been officially in existence since their conception in 1944, the conditions of the IMF and World Bank existed long before that time. As of 2004, Africa's debts to the IMF and World Bank stood at over $300 billion, and it is unlikely that that number is representative of revenues lost to Europe and America since those monies have increased poverty rather than being beneficial to Africa. Every year a total of $15 billion is transferred from the poorest countries in Africa and other places in the world to the richest countries through interest payments."
Tags: bank, debt, financial, fund, global, hipc, interest, international, markets, monetary, poverty, rates, relief, structural, unemployment, world
