Abstract This paper discusses the use of fossil fuel for massive energy generation. It describes the debate over the use of fossil fuels - citing the arguments both for and against their use. It focuses on the reasons why fossil fuel production is important and necessary and describes the benefits of its use. The paper then looks at the environmental concerns regarding the use of coal for electricityproduction.
From the Paper "Obviously, using any fossil fuel for massive energy generation will be a mixed bag. Developers will always be fighting a battle against environmental destruction, as fossil fuel technologies tend to be highly polluting and contribute to global warming through the production of carbon dioxide. Nonetheless, fossil fuels will be a significant component of the world's energy supply for at least the next few decades as no alternative energy source is currently mature enough to supplant fossil fuel technology. In the end, coal power--if properly utilized in technically advanced gasification plants--has the potential to provide cheap, plentiful power to the world with fewer environmental issues than would have been the case even a few decades ago. New technology makes sustainable coal power a possibility, if not a certainty."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of coal as a fuel. The paper reviews the properties of coal and the different mining methods. The paper also discusses the impact the use of coal has on the environment.
From the Paper "One way to lower down the carbon dioxide production of an energy plant is by making it more efficient, that is generating more energy with less fuel. A process called gasification converts coal to gas. This process is about 40 percent efficient as opposed to a steam driven coal plant with an efficiency of about 36 percent. However for the short run and maybe the long run as well, the most important new source of energy from the Rocky Mountain West will be coal. Earlier in the century small amounts of western coal were used to power steam locomotives. With the introduction of diesels after World War II, however, western coal production dropped off to very minimal levels. Then, in the early 1970s transportation of low-sulfur western coal to new coal-burning power plants in parts of the Midwest became economic. Because of environmental regulations, it had become cheaper to import western coal than to install the expensive scrubbers needed to clean high-sulfur eastern and mid-western coal. "
Abstract The paper examines the National Electricity Market (NEM) formed to facilitate the supply of electricity using free market principles. The paper describes the reforms made in the key sectors of the industry and analyzes the effects of such changes on consumers and society as a whole. The paper shows how the microeconomic reforms have helped free up competition, offer more choice to consumers and improved efficiency in distribution and production. The paper notes, however, that privatization of public assets is a contentious issue and has already imposed constraints on supply and resulted in higher prices in Victoria and South Australia. The paper concludes that it would be in the national interest to closely monitor progress with reforms within these states before similar policies are implemented elsewhere.
From the Paper "A substantial policy shift in Australia, since the 1980s, has been for microeconomic reforms within key industries, to offer greater efficiency in economy and decrease red tape, lowering barriers to entry for competitors in the hope of creating a pure free market. Thus since the 1990s focus has moved to the electricity industry, to further reforms made in other sectors in the economy. Electricity is an essential commodity, vital for sustained growth and development throughout the whole economy. The electrical industry is also an industry traditionally dominated by the states, which fostered their own - often inefficient - public utilities, which were in charge of generation, distribution and retail, often with little or no private competition."
Abstract This paper analyzes Lincoln Electric, a well-established company engaged in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic welding systems, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. Lincoln Electric was founded in 1895 and is currently headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. This paper discusses the corporate philosophy of the company, its labor relations, and other issues contributing to its success.
From the Paper "Lincoln Electric (LE) is a well-established company engaged in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic welding systems, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. The company was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The company today is the world leader in its field. The company is currently engaged in manufacturing operations, joint ventures, and alliances in 18 countries. It has a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices in more than 160 countries, with a global workforce of approximately 7,000 ("About Lincoln" para. 1). The company has as its vision the following: We will be the leader in supplying the finest quality welding and cutting products."
Abstract The following paper gives the reader a brief history of coal and its uses. It also analyzes the refining technique known as the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle or IGCC as well as some history and new technologies associated with this fossil fuel.
From the Paper "Coal is a sedimentary organic rock that contains a lot of carbon, typically between 40 and 90 percent carbon by weight. Ancient plants and animals accumulating in moist peat bogs form coal. As plants die off in a wet area, they pile up into peat. It takes between 4,000 and 100,000 years for one meter of peat to accumulate. This process happens best in river deltas or coastal plains. Over time, further deposits compress these peat seams and the carbon content of the coal is concentrated. The older the coal gets, generally, the harder and blacker it gets. There are four "ranks" of coal. Listed from lowest to highest rank, they are: lignite, subbituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. Rank is determined by energy content and chemical composition. Lignite is the youngest form of coal and is soft and brown, not much different than dried peat. Lignite has a low energy content, typically about 13 million Btu per ton. The carbon content is low also, around 40 percent. Lignite is typically used only when higher grades of coal are not available or affordable. Subbituminous coal is common in the US. It has an energy content of about 18 million Btu per ton, and is used mostly in coal-fired power plants. Bituminous coal is the most widespread form in the US and is high in energy content, averaging 24 million Btu per ton. Bituminous and subbituminous account for most coal use in America. The hardest coal, anthracite, is found mostly in Pennsylvania, but most supplies of anthracite there have been exhausted. The energy content is high, around 23 million Btu per ton, but it tends to have a high sulfur content. It is more than 90 percent carbon. "
Abstract This document discusses a case study concerning General Electric's thermocouple manufacturing division and its need to implement a just in time manufacturing environment. Yet, an analysis of the case study also reveals a pervasive lack of strong management that has led to several entrenched systemic faults in its production, inventory, and workforce related functions.
From the Paper "General Electric's (GE's) thermocouple manufacturing unit is considering a shift to just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing. After attending an impact conference several of this unit's executives have returned with the intent of configuring the thermocouple manufacturing facility to JIT oriented processes. However, there are numerous impediments that make implementing JIT both daunting and, in fact, impractical under the current circumstances. Chief among these issues are pure inefficiencies and an utter lack of quality in the following areas."
Abstract The paper is a three-year renewal agreement and costing, effective September 1, 2005 and expiring August 31, 2008. The paper explains the Union's Final Target Position, including wage increases; the introduction of COLA clauses and/or COLA estimates, as well as maintaining shift bonuses; and preserving job security and the benefits package. The paper further discusses the introduction of a clause on sub-contracting; the introduction of a clause on technological change; and the preservation of vacation pay.
From the Paper "Caveat: Note that negotiations for this renewal are being conducted after the expiration date of the existing agreement of August 31, 2005 affecting clause 2.02 under Article 2 Relationship (Chapter 26 292). The timelines for negotiation set out in Article 23 Duration and Termination indicate that negotiation was to begin 15 days after September 17th (Chapter 26 310). We are now at day 18 as of October 5th, 2005. The following strategy covers one three-year renewal agreement effective September 1, 2005 and expiring August 31, 2008."
Abstract This paper explores animals' abilities to sense electricity and magnetism and their ability to use these qualities as part of their sensory machinery. The author examines the type of electrical energy that certain animals release and provides examples.
From the paper:
"Imagine what it would be like if you were able to sense electric and magnetic fields. You would be able predict when a bad lightning storm was coming and orient yourself in the right direction if you were lost in the woods. Although such abilities only exist in fantasy for humans, many animals? posses these abilities in real life. In this paper we will explore the fascinating ability of certain animals to use electricity and magnetism as part of their sensory machinery."
Abstract This paper discusses how with the advent of electricity in the 19th Century, there came many changes to the field of medicine. Some of these were quack remedies or methods (such as electroshock therapy) which have fallen out of favor. Yet, today, there are still applications for electricity and electrical stimulation that are used in medicine. This paper summarizes the research and activity being done regarding the following topics: electricity in medicine, electrophysiology, electrotherapeutics, magnetic fields and neural stimulation. The paper further relates each of these areas to the human brain.
Abstract This paper examines how there are special laws protecting both the consumer and the worker who have to deal with electricity, particularly California Public Utilities section 8031 and 8033. It looks at how any person who is injured by an electrical accident can sue if the accident was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another. It also discusses how, in the case of the electric companies, they must make frequent inspections to insure that the lines are not defective or pose a threat to the safety of the consume ; they are responsible for protecting against any forces of nature or foreseeable threats that could result in injury or death. It also shows how, according to the law, the power company has a "non-delegable" duty to construct and maintain its facilities in a safe condition.
From the Paper "In the case of Pappert v. San Diego Gas & Electric (186 cal. Rptr 847), the plaintiff. Susan A. Pappert and her children, appealed the wrongful death of her husband, Charles, arising from his electrocution while trying to cut a tree close to the uninsulated 12,000-volt power line. Were the findings correct in stating that SDG&E could not have reasonably foreseen that the defendant's own acts would cause him harm? It cannot be proved that the tree pruner ever came in contact with the power line because no one witnessed it. So therefore, who can say what truly happened? There are some that say the tree itself may have been energized by the wire."
Abstract This paper discusses the Calpine Company, an independent power producer that was established in 2002, comparing it to the Pacific Gas and Electric company. The paper reviews these two companies from an organizational business perspective.
Contents:
Calpine
Pacific Gas and Electric
From the Paper "In order to develop its business and manage the risk, the company has extended its activities, providing also commodity investment optimization, gas aggregation and arbitrage, logistics and settlement, risk management and energy management consulting. This creases the basis for more profit but also increases the costs related to the staff know how, to provide the appropriate infrastructure and all the cost incurred to the development of new projects (marketing plans, management administration, new logistics, etc). This may be a partially explanation of the overall increase in revenues of 4% (9.2 billion dollars) for the fiscal year 2005. To sustain that fragile figure of the revenue for the year 2005, it can be added that the energy market is a stable and a constant one, with a little increase of the market share during the time (the rate of the consumption is almost constant and it is not very easy to be influenced). "
Abstract This paper describes the outlook for American companies in the electrical power generating equipment industry. The author evaluates the trend toward globalization within the industry. The paper examines the industry's dependence on international, not local, suppliers.
From the Paper "The twentieth century witnessed advances in logistics, communications, transportation and other technologies that made it possible for companies to reach international markets at a pace unlike a ..."
Tags:electrical power generating equipment, globalization
Abstract This paper is a research paper on product positioning. In particular, this paper encompasses product positioning research and gives recommendations to Starbucks on their frappuccino product. It analyzes pricing, new and more attractive promotional programs, and distribution strategies to ensure continued growth of the product.
Table of Contents:
Thesis
Current Segmentation
Current Target Market
Current Positioning
External Influences
Internal Influences & Demographics
Situational Influences In The Decision Making Process
Nominal Decision Making Process
Post Purchase Process Analysis
Product Place/Distribution
Price
Promotion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Starbucks Frappuccino has been a dominant coffee brew for several years now. Product marketing to the current target segments and cultures are becoming less of a growth potential market because of product saturation and changing influences. Current segmentation, targeting and positioning have been extremely successful as of today. The understanding of external and internal influences attribute to the analysis of the current consumer base. The consumer decision-making process and the level of consumer involvement, along with a serious analysis of their post-purchase process complete the understanding of this Frappuccino success. In an effort to maintain and grow the Frappuccino product of Starbucks, a repositioning of the image must be considered. New pricing, new and more attractive promotional programs, and even distribution strategies must be addressed and implemented to successfully reposition the Starbucks Frappuccino product in the marketplace of tomorrow."
Abstract Developing and introducing a new product requires several marketing considerations. This paper presents the many negative factors to product development that must be dealt with. It also examines several factors that promote successful product development. Finally, product positioning and pricing are also shown to be important considerations. Microsoft and Apple-Macintosh are used as examples.
From the Paper "One of the negative factors is uncertainty. This is especially true if the product is not only a new product for the organization but also a new product for the industry. One example that shows this is the computer software industry. The uncertainty is present because of its nature as a new and pioneering industry. The industry is rapidly changing and companies in the industry must be continually innovative and make decisions based on limited information. There is no certainty in this industry that a successful company will remain successful. To give an example, we can consider Apple-Macintosh. Apple-Macintosh had first-mover advantages as the first to develop a graphical user interface and their technology was ahead of Microsoft?s, yet despite this Microsoft became the market leader. This is an example of how the maker of the best product is not necessarily the market leader in emerging industries (Burke, Condron, Conroy, Knol & Nolan.)
"The second negative is the high cost of product development. The high cost means that organizations developing new products need to get a return on investment that justifies this high cost."
Abstract This paper looks at various factors which cause low morale and ultimately low productivity in a workplace. Topics discussed are the impact of discrimination in the workplace; the role of leadership in improving productivity; attributes essential for enhanced productivity; ways to improve productivity in the workplace and the importance of fun in the workplace.
From the Paper "An average employee lives around 10,000 days of his lifetime working. When one looks at it this way, it is rational to try and make this time at work as gratifying and rewarding as one can, so that people can be saved from burning out in advance. As a matter of fact, it is proven by research that the easiest and most effective way to uplift morale, be proof against turnover, and enhance output at the office is through encouraging fun in the workplace. Though most people draw back at the likelihood of achieving momentous goals and having fun simultaneously, it is a very viable blend."
Tags: leadership, role, discrimination, morale, enhanced, performance, communication, vision, production
