Abstract This paper evaluates the use of strategic planning concepts, frameworks and processes in the built environment sector. The paper does this by balancing the need for accurately interpreting and responding to market conditions on the one hand with the internal prioritization of strategic investments to ensure competitiveness in the coming years on the other hand. The paper then explains that this balancing act is not well suited to many built environment sector organizations whose cultures are dominated by a short-term and project-centric approach to accomplishing objectives. Next, the paper uses the Ansoff Matrix, The Boston Consulting Group Growth/Share Matrix and accompanying 'experience effect' as the foundations for making recommendations as how built environment sector organizations can increase the effectiveness of their strategic planning processes.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Using the Ansoff Matrix as a Strategic Planning Tool
The BCG Matrix in the Built Environment Sector
Summary
From the Paper "The BCG Matrix is primarily focused on the resource allocation decisions companies need to make between competing products and strategies. For the built environment sector, this strategic planning framework is well-suited for the coordinating and synchronizing of strategic plans throughout an organization as one of its core concepts is the allocation of resources between varying business units or in the case of this specific industry, projects. The Boston Consulting Group specifically calls the ability of organizations to learn and embed processes into their organizations the experience effect (Henderson, 1970, 1972). While the BCG Matrix has achieved notoriety for its graphical definition of business unit positions relative to market growth and market share, the more valuable insights are actually in the quantifying of the experience effect dropping costs as a result of greater market share being attained."
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes James Collins and Jerry Porras' book, "Built to Last," which discusses the difference between a good company and a great company. It describes the content of the book and the arguments that the authors present. The paper also discusses some of the examples that the authors provide and looks specifically at the myths that the authors present in their book.
From the Paper "This book, written in the late 1990s, suffers from one critical problem, from the point of view of a contemporary reader. Many of the companies built to last in the eyes of the authors more than ten years ago are now suffering considerable financial difficulties or suffering from severe image problems like Wal-Mart. To demonstrate their principles, the authors use so many companies that it is hard to understand what went wrong--did all of these companies lose sight of their vision, as Collins and Porras no doubt would assert? Presumably the authors have not retracted their book, and said that their book was not built to last, despite its title and despite the failure of some of these companies to continue to thrive? Or has the current market environment become so fluid that no company is built to last, now that employee turnover has reached an all-time high and consumer brand loyalty is at an all time low?"
Abstract This paper conducts a qualitative investigation on the effectiveness of e-learning tools. Because e-learning is becoming a fashion in many educational institutions nowadays, it is important to find if the use of custom-built and interactive courses have positive effects in the process of gaining knowledge in students. As part of the discussion, this paper also covers the effect of having custom-built learning environment to teachers and instructors. Some of the questions that may assist the readers to understand the effectiveness of e-learning to students are: What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning? Do custom-built learning environments provide better outcome grades to students as compared to the outcome grades of students when in a traditional process of learning and teaching? How do students view the use of custom-built learning environments?
Introduction
Adapting Virtual Learning Environment
Literature Review on the Effectiveness Custom-Built E-Learning
Conclusion
From the Paper "The emergence of computers decades ago gave rise to a lot of improvements in man's daily work and activities. The different businesses and industries were brought with technologies that were born out of a computer's capabilities. This includes the diverse kind of software that automates the used-to-be manual and paper-based tasks in the office. Also, it includes the different hardware that are usually used as alternatives to the jobs humans can perform.
One area where computers perhaps have great impact in the manner and style of learning that the previous generations have is the area of education. Nowadays, almost all educational institutions utilize computers as part of their learning tools and sources. This is becoming a trend because of a computer's capability to rapidly provide information, as well as store them without the need to use traditional learning materials like pen, paper, chalk, and board. Moreover, computers provide a better way of presenting learning materials with the help of diverse software that are available in the market. Thus, increasing students' interest to learn and allowing them to easily absorb information and knowledge."
Abstract The paper studies gentrification in a particular area of Toronto. The paper applies an idea about the city being built and uses pictures to show how the city is built.
From the Paper "Many processes determine the way that cities are shaped. One of the most important processes in recent years is known as gentrification. In "Gentrification and Displacement: New York City in the 1990s" Frank Branconi and Lance Freeman state, "During the past several decades, neighbourhoods in a number of cities have experienced gentrification-a dramatic shift in their demographic composition toward better educated and more affluent residents" (Branconi and Freeman 39). Gentrification is not a single process but a number of processes that involve demographics, economics and ideology. The end result of these processes is a neighbourhood that does not resemble the neighbourhoods that were originally there."
This paper examines how theories, constructs and processes of strategic planning can be effectively used by strategists in the built environment sector.
Abstract The paper attempts to define strategic planning and illustrate how its key constructs and frameworks can be used effectively by built management organizations to increase their firms' competitive advantage while also increasing the potential for long-term growth and differentiation. The paper shows how, for a strategic plan to be effective, it needs to be based on an insightful analysis of the external environment of an organization, while at the same time defining future growth opportunities that capitalize on the organizations' strengths.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Challenges of Strategic Planning in the Built Environment Sector
Analysis of Strategic Planning Constructs, Frameworks and Models
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "Critical to the development of a sustainable and scalable strategic planning practice in any organization is the defining of processes that provide useful information from both inside and outside the organization, in conjunction with more advanced processes for sensing and responding to market dynamics. In conjunction with the need to use a variety of analytical constructs and frameworks for continually monitoring market and competitive dynamics externally while augmenting and increasing competitive strengths internally, organizations often rely on strategic plans as the foundation for every functional area of their organizations' budget and growth. Setting strategic goals and objectives directly impacts how the Information Technologies (IT) plans are defined, how many project planners, foremen and specialty workers Human Resources will hire to support strategic projects, definition of how supply chain practices will be completed, and ultimately define the financial objectives for the entire organization."
Abstract The paper discusses concentration camps built by Hitler's Germany in WWII for Jews as well as other prisoners. It provides a brief overview of the history of anti-semitism in Germany of the time, including Kristallnacht, and describes life as it was for prisoners in the camps.
From the Paper "The living conditions in both camps could be classified as dismal at best. The poor living conditions caused contagious diseases to spread like wild fire throughout the camps. In Auschwitz I, the prisoners lived in brick barracks with hundreds of three leveled bunk beds. The barracks did not have heating or any sanitary components to them. The barracks were extremely overcrowded, had leaking roofs, and there were rats running all over the place.
"While in the camps, prisoners received three meager meals a day. If they were performing "light" labor they would be given 1,300 calories of food a day. If they were doing more demanding work they would be fed 1,700 calories a day. As a result of being fed a very small amount of food in relation to the amount of work they were doing, many prisoners suffered from malnutrition and a form of physical deterioration they referred to as the "Muzulman state"."
Discusses the Feminism Movement and the development of modern American society, using the book "Who Built America: Working People and the Nation's Economy Politics, Culture, and Society" as a reference.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper uses the book "Who Built America: Working People and the Nation's Economy Politics, Culture, and Society" to examine the social movements of the 1960s and how these movements have impacted modern life. Of particular importance is the development of the feminist movement, which has created a significant impact on the American lifestyle.
Abstract This paper outlines the history of the Titanic steam liner, providing many details about the entire process of the ship's construction. The paper discusses the plans for building the ship, the construction process, and describes the safety features that were built into the ship. Included with the paper is a questionnaire concerning various aspects of the Titanic's construction and history.
Outline
Introduction
History of the Plan to Build the Titanic
Discuss the companies and individuals involved in the
building of the ship.
Describe locations, workers and the overall attitude in
building the ship, inclusive of gantry detail, famous quotes
and competing companies and ships.
Construction of the Ship
When, where and how the ship was constructed
Description of the ship itself, inclusive of tonnage, size, engines,
propellers, unique designs, and materials involved.
Discussion of the ship's dressings, considering such things as
restaurants, lounges, promenade deck, central staircase,
elevators, 1st, 2nd, 3rd class conditions.
Safety Features of the Titanic
Consideration of design features regarding safety of the vessel,
including watertight compartments and hull design.
Other safety features aboard ship, such as lifeboats, floatation
devices, wireless communications systems.
Conclusion
From the Paper "Determined to eclipse the appointments of earlier Atlantic steam liners, White Star Lines set out in 1908 to build 3 ships, all of the same design, that would provide the company with a weekly east- and west- bound carrier service. These ships, the Olympic, the Titanic, and the Gigantic (later to become the Brittanic), were to have a passenger and cargo capacity which doubled that of the Cunard Line, White Star's main competitor in North Atlantic crossings. They were to be longer than Cunard's Lusitania and Mauretania by over 120 feet each, and heavier than those vessels by at least 12,000 tons."
Abstract This paper is a discussion of the house built by Italian writer Curzio Malaparte, known as Casa Malaparte, an innovative and unique structure that the designer intended to create as autobiographical self-expression. The paper looks at the use of internal & external space, as well as artistic and aesthetic values.
From the Paper "There are many theories of architecture and design and the use of space both in terms of internal space and external space .There are also theories of architecture which contend that form follows function and those that argue function follow form. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright maintained that form and function were one. In addition to these theories, there are theories of architectural design that assert that architectural constructions take on a form of communication, that is they are able to convey the values, beliefs and..."
Abstract This paper describes the SR-71 Blackbird, which was built during the Cold War as a spy aircraft, and is the only production plane to fly at speeds of up to 2,100 miles per hour. The author provides a detailed description of the aircraft and the technology with which it was outfitted, and explains its capabilities and how it was used by the U.S. military. Some of the missions on which the Blackbird was used are discussed, and some of its statistics and world records are listed. The paper concludes that without the Blackbird, the United States may have not won the Cold War and might not be the super power that it is today.
From the Paper "When the Blackbird first took flight in 1964, it met, if not exceeded all expectations. It was built and designed to be the fastest, stealthiest, most reliable spy aircraft in its class, and it did just that. The SR (strategic reconnaissance)-71 Blackbird had many characteristics that proved it was the right plane for the job. For example, the most typical thing someone thinks about when they hear the plane's name is that it is really fast. And, they are right. The Blackbird can fly at about Mach 3.17-3.30; this is about 2,100 miles per hour. For a real life example, the Blackbird can fly from New York to London in under 2 hours. (Kucher) As of today, the top record speed for the plane, and for all production aircraft, is 2,193 miles per hour. (Sharpe, 89) The only plane to beat the Blackbird's speed record is the X-15, but this does not count because it is not a production aircraft."
Tags: ramjet, radar, CIA, Lockheed, Reagan, navigation, engine, failure, camera
Abstract This paper explains that the insistence of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) on all its shareholders to strive for excellence has gained the company the respect and recognition from its entire customer base throughout the world. Wal-Mart's culture, the author points out, is built upon the guiding principles of respecting the individual, servicing the customers and striving for excellence. The paper stresses that the founders based these core values on the commitment to diversity as a way of life at Wal-Mart.
From the Paper "Wal-Mart has built its stores based on the needs of the people. Without people to work, and customers to buy, there would be no Wal-Mart. Customer service is the number one goal of the company. It is with this understanding of providing excellent customer service on which the organizational culture is based. Maybe, that is why it is still one of America's most successful retailers."
Abstract This paper discusses how ancient Egypt was one of these first civilizations and how the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the first real kings in the world and because they were so powerful, they had the ability to build such astonishing structures such as the great pyramids. It discusses how the Egyptian pyramids are the oldest stone buildings in the world, standing for nearly 5,000 years and how their size, strength and age is the reason pyramids fascinate people to this day. It describes how the Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs and were said to be the pharaoh's "Castle of Eternity" in order to preserve their bodies for the next life. It examines the architecture, the design, the materials and the strict criteria to which they had to conform as well as the logisitics of how they were built at the time.
From the Paper "The base of the pyramid had to be a perfect square. This meant that all four sides had to be perfectly even in length. All four angles would have to be perfect right angles. This would prove to be difficult for the large distances that had to be measured. Each side of the Great Pyramid is measured at 755 feet in length. The Egyptians didn?t have measuring tapes like we have today. They made these measurements with cords of palm-fiber or flax-fiber, which tended to stretch when used to measure such distances. After this the base would finally be ready for the start of construction. While the base was being prepared and measured stone was already being quarried and brought down the river to be placed near the proposed sight for the pyramid (Pace, Mildred)."
Abstract This paper discusses how Oxford and Cambridge universities in the United Kingdom share many features, since Cambridge was built by students from Oxford. It considers the various prominent features of both universities in order to identify the similarities and differences. It also examines how both are great examples of different building styles over the centuries. It looks at how Oxford is the oldest university city in the UK, how it features wide streets and has more than 650 buildings listed for their historical or architectural merit. In contrast, Cambridge was not founded as a university city, but as a city of the Roman Empire, founded in 43AD by the Roman emperor Cantabrigensis. The first university was only built in 1134, although many of the fairly insignificant features of the city remained in place.
From the Paper "Sir Christopher Wren was also involved in the building of the Sheldonian Theater. The classical theatre was Wren's first large scale work. It opend in 1669, and was modelled on the roman theater of Marcellus. Robert Streeter painted the ceiling to give the impression of an open sky. The cuppola gives a view of the city's spires. The theater is currently used for degree cermonies. Additionally, Encaenia, a ceremony taking place during the month of June, takes place here. During this ceremony the founders of the university are remembered, while famous and deserving people also receive honorary degrees. Concerts and lectures are also held here (Pictures of England, 2003)."
Abstract Copsa Mica is a small town in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvanian central Romania. Originally a small Lutheran hamlet built in 1402 and known for its Saxon churches, it descended into hell under the communists; a hell comprised of poorly built concrete housing caked black with the leaden fumes of a nearby smelting plant. The paper shows that Copsa Mica gained international notoriety in 1990, following the downfall of the Ceausescu regime, for being one of the most heavily polluted cities in Eastern Europe. According to a CNN report, two out of every three children suffered from a form of mental retardation due to the devastating effects of the town's carbon plant and metal works. The paper shows that this real tragedy reflects the legacy of Transylvania, an area of Romania known to the West for the Dracula legend. Since the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, this area has been a point of conflict between empires, ethnicities, religions and ideologies.
From the Paper "The aftermath of the First World War also gave rise to Communism. Communist agitators had first arrived from Germany to destabilize Romania. Russian communists, who wished to expand communist influence after 1917, complimented their numbers. Romanian communism was originally small and limited to academic circles, but agitators were backed by the powerful Soviet regime and managed to blow up the Senate building in Bucharest. Their efforts served but to cauterize Romanians against Communist influence. However, the Russians seized Bessarabia in 1940, compelling Romania under Marshal Ion Antonescu to join the Germans. The Germans, in turn, allowed Hungary to re-annex part of Transylvania including Copsa Mica. Romania regained this territory after the Soviet Union invaded Hungary, causing Romania to switch sides and ally with the United Nations."
Abstract This paper looks at the life and the effects that we feel today of Corbusier. This biographical paper looks at his beginnings and early influences to understand this genius. For better or worse, the architect known as Le Corbusier changed the face of our cities. Along with Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Frank Lloyd Wright, Corbusier epitomizes modernism. Can, however, the future be built without standing on the shoulders of the past? Corbusier was a devotee of the esthetic of the machine and still he regarded the Parthenon as a pinnacle of architectural achievement. He believed in the Renaissance notion of man being at the center of creation and yet, built houses that men could not live in. Le Corbusier may have been designing square pegs for round holes but in the end, there was a direct line, for him, between the Parthenon and modernism.
