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 one of the most diverse coalitions to emerge in recent times - that of the European Union, or EU. The paper examines the EU in the scope of "five lenses class theory". That is, it looks at formality, power, risk, structure and time frame with regard to the EU. The paper then presents a set of recommendations for the coalition as it moves into the future.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of Relevant Literature
Analysis of the Coalition According to "Five Lenses Class Theory"
Recommendations
From the Paper "Overall, the EU should institute more rigid guidelines in terms of how nations that are affiliated with the coalition receive, and use, power. In this instance, power refers to the trading privileges, military latitude, and human rights activities of the member nations involved. When there are safeguards in place to in essence police the members of the coalition, it will gain credibility and avoid entanglements abroad. By regulating the power that flows through the EU, the risks associated with the maintenance, and future growth of the coalition will be greatly reduced. Timeframes are also important, especially in terms of strategic planning and growth. It would be wise for the EU to establish, and adhere to, a timeline that keeps the achievement of established goals on track. Lastly, the structure of the EU is very important; while the temptation in the formation of coalitions is to make them as large and unwieldy as possible, this is an exception. Because of the innovative nature of the EU, it will undoubtedly have to evolve substantially to achieve goals and remain viable in future years as the global economy likewise matures. Therefore, the agility of the EU will be very important."
Abstract The paper briefly discusses why these alliances could have taken form and discusses why they didn't arise. Due to religion division, reformist coalitions could not be formed in Germany before 1914. In fact, instead of propagating goodness and unity, a German reformist party, SPD, even betrayed the government. The government itself was preparing for war before 1914. Since the reformists' aim was unity, they could not unite to form a coalition or fight the government's plan of war.
Abstract This paper examines the countries of Belgium, Germany, and France in the context of Downs's book. It explains how Downs attempts to conduct his analysis with two main ideas guiding his study. The first and most important is the volatility of voters; the other is to understand constraints under which politicians make coalition bargains.
From the Paper "William Downs presents an in-depth study of the effectiveness of coalition politics when presented on a regional or subnational level. A "coalition is when two or more groups or parties agree to pursue a common goal or a common set of goals, pool their resources in pursuit of this goal, and communicate and form binding coalitions concerning this goal" (20). In particular, Downs examines the regional governments of three countries: Belgium, Germany and France."
Abstract This paper examines the motivations for the United States to take the lead in the development and leadership of the coalition to oust Iraq from Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War. The research indicates that the reasons were diverse and multiple.
From the Paper " Why the united states took the lead in forming the allied coalition to oust Iraq from Kuwait in the Gulf War. This paper explores the issue of why the United States took the lead in a forming the coalition and leading the coalition in the military campaign .."
Abstract This paper discusses the Christian Coalition and Religious Right in terms of their national values, political a agenda and to what extent they reflect the movement's understanding of Christian theology.
From the Paper "The Christian Coalition, founded in by Pat Robertson, is now headed by President Roberta Combs. The members of the Christian Coalition are comprised primarily of white evangelical born again Christians who believe the Bible is accurate in all of its teaching and that they personally have a responsibility to tell other people their religious beliefs. As the primary force behind the Religious Right in American society, religion and politics, the Christian Coalition is enormously influential in politics. When George W Bush stated during..."
Tags: fundamentalism, government, politics, Bush Administration, abortion, gay rights, charitable choice, Pat Robertson, born again, separation of church and state
Abstract This paper explains that the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) is an advocacy group, which works to protect the interests of impoverished and working class individuals in Ontario. The author points out that, through direct action and casework, OCAP helps many poor people. The paper relates the reasons why people would want to work for OCAP.
From the Paper "The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) is an advocacy group that works to protect the interests of impoverished and or working class individuals in Ontario. According to Jeff Shantz in Fighting to Win, The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) is a direct action anti-poverty organization which, since 1989, has fought governments of all stripes in Ontario, left (so-called), right and centre to defend the needs of poor people and to work for a future where people are able to live decently (Shantz 2002: 1). Although this mission statement seems to be relatively straightforward the reality of the situation needs to be explained in detail."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses community organizing in a particular organization in Toronto. The organization examined is the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP). This paper looks at issues such as mandate, organization, methods and targets of this organization.
From the Paper "The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) is an advocacy group that works to protect the interests of impoverished and working class individuals in Ontario. According to Jeff Shantz in "Fighting to Win", The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) is a direct action anti-poverty organization which, since 1989, has fought governments of all stripes in Ontario, left (so-called), right and centre to defend the needs of poor people and to work for a future where people are able to live decently. OCAP's mission is to improve the lives of poor people in Ontario."
