Abstract This paper states that quality in construction is the goal of every dedicated worker involved in any construction project. The paper contends that many factors pose a risk to the overall quality of construction. The paper examines two of the major problems facing the construction industry today, inferior materials and a shortage of skilled workers. The paper claims the necessity of comprehensive programs to be put into place to ensure quality construction.
From the Paper "In the modern Western world, quality construction is generally taken for granted. Although it was once expected that each member of a town or village participate in construction. few people today are involved in the building of their own homes. Only a small percentage of the population is involved in the construction of the roads on which the majority of the population drives. It is a vast minority of people that have played any part in the creation of the structures in which they live, work, or shop. To the average person, there is little connection made mentally between the solid floors supporting his or her weight many stories above the ground, or the protective roof keeping out the elements overhead, and the actual labor which was put into these things. If the construction process is flawless, then no one will have to think about it once completed. However, if the quality of the project is not high, people will not only think about the construction, but also be rightfully upset."
The paper discusses two recent governmental reports (Latham Report 1994 and Egan Report 1998), which called for rethinking the set-up, distribution and layout of material in the U.K. construction industry.
Abstract The paper analyzes the way these two reports aimed to spur improvements in the U.K. construction industry and the resulting substantive efforts by the industry to streamline itself through increased cooperation. The paper also looks at the technique of cooperative reform known as TQM (Total Quality Management) advocated in the Latham Report, an approach that has been proven to work in the U.S. and Australia.
From the Paper "The British government attempted to facilitate such partnering by streamlining the procurement processes in response to the Latham report. The government still placed about ?1.5 billion of contracts in 1999 for building works annually, and the percentage today of construction contracts remains almost as high. (Farookhi 1999) By simply streamlining the procurement process within its own structure alone, therefore, the government was able to accomplish much in reducing overall costs of housing and increasing overall efficiency in procurement in the construction industry."
Abstract The paper determines when and what components of a given construction project should be subcontracted out in a given construction project setting. The paper explores whether the use of subcontractors is always the most effective approach and lists the most important factors currently involved in the subcontractor selection process for many construction contractors today. The paper emphasizes the advantages that can accrue to the contractor if the subcontracting process is carefully planned, applied and managed.
Outline:
Introduction
Research Findings and Discussion
Summary and Recommendations
From the Paper "The vast majority of the operations connected with the construction of buildings and public works are carried out by various companies, an important category of which is the construction firm or contractor. The management of the general contractor function is particularly important because, following the design, the contractor is responsible for giving shape to the end product; furthermore, the construction process includes features that complicate its management, such as labor-intensivity, handling and storage of large amounts of bulky materials, difficult site conditions, and tasks of coordination of materials and subcontractors (Sebestyen, 1999)."
Abstract This paper discusses a the history of precast concrete It explores its uses, types, capabilities and the impact of new technology on this conventional constructionmaterial. The author also mentions the expansion of its uses over time.
From the Paper "Webster's New World Dictionary defines precast concrete as concrete in the form of blocks, pillars, bridge sections etc. that have been cast into form before being put into position. While precast concrete did not become popular as building ..."
Abstract This paper examines how the problems arising within Potters, a company specializing in product sourcing of constructionmaterials, are not just the concern of the company, but the various organizations that are affected by the problems as well. It looks at how Potters offers over 24,000 different products and how the key to developing long-term relationships with suppliers and customers is by figuring out what the most prevalent products are for those customers and then developing long-term relationships with those suppliers who offer those particular products. The paper contends that Potters must take a careful approach towards implementing any changes and can do that by understanding the patterns of supply and demand and how quality management programs and ERP implementations are strategic business initiatives that aspire to improve firm performance
From the Paper "A method of addressing the issue of 'rolling' stocks can be to have the suppliers be responsible for ensuring that their displays are always stocked with new product. In this manner the suppliers would have an agent that would visit the store on a regular basis to track specific sales items and the effects of various promotions. By asking the supplier to be responsible for their own display areas, the responsibility and need to stock new items on a regular basis would be left up to the supplier. This would also cut down on Potter's employee costs by freeing the employees from having to restock the various supplier's displays. Product sales would presumably be more efficient and profitable since the responsibility to do so would be taken on by the suppliers. "
Abstract This paper examines how the Malaysian economy was doing very well with industrial growth graphs that were on the higher end of the trend and how the GDP was increasing positively, but then the sudden economic downturn caused a sudden plunge in the growth of the industries. It looks at how the construction industry, however, survived the down trend and has now started showing trends of growth and amazing future prospects, giving a lot of hope to investors and reviving consumer confidence. It shows how the construction industry is very important in the economic growth of the country due to the amount of industry linked to it.
From the Paper "Due to the economic crisis, the industry suffered tremendously. This is because as the economy had a set back the blooming construction industry had a sudden fall and a major drop in the ever-highflying growth graph. Suddenly everything was stagnated in the construction industry and no new work was done. There were a lot of projects that were delayed due to this economic downfall. The industry had excess capacity, but not enough work for production, which caused a gap bringing the growth of the industry down. The government made several efforts to evoke the construction industry. However, the industry responded positively to the economic revival in the year 1999 as there was a GDP growth of 5.8 % and the output of the construction industry had fallen only by 5.6%."
Abstract This paper describes commercial construction as "building projects exclusive of residential construction," and discusses commercial construction from both an economic point of view and from the point of view of the community. The paper discusses why commercial construction is a boon to the construction business, providing stable work even when residential construction is at a lull. The paper also discusses the complexities of managing commercial construction.
From the Paper "Commercial construction is defined as "building projects exclusive of residential [single- or two-family home] construction". It is one of the biggest segments of the entire construction industry and is believed to have strengthened the industry in recent years due to rapid and steady growth. The commercial sector has been growing steady for some time now as is evident from market research and reports. Back in 2000, Sinderman wrote: "...the state of the commercial real estate market is strong. The demand for office, industrial and retail buildings remains high, and, as Internet-based companies continue to grow, specialized facilities have become more popular than ever." In 2005, a construction report by McGraw-Hill supported that claim: "The commercial and infrastructure construction segments are providing a lift to the overall construction industry, marking a role reversal from most of the past two or three years. According to October 2004 figures for future construction contracts calculated by McGraw-Hill Construction, Lexington, Mass., overall new construction starts increased 4 percent in October versus September (on a seasonally adjusted basis), with nonresidential and infrastructure construction gaining while the residential sector fell slightly." (Late Rebound)"
Tags: commercial, construction, residential, business, office, hotel
Abstract This paper looks closely at the elements of materialism and spirituality. It contends that materialism takes the more significant role in our daily lives. The paper firstly looks at the ideas of psychology, Marx and Nietzsche to prove that materialism is central to our human nature. The author explains that writings negative to materialism usually only deal with the excess of materialism, not materialism itself, to finally conclude that spiritually is important but not vital to existence.
From the Paper "This estrangement between the two spheres of life, the relationship between materialism and spirituality, is as central a divide as one can imagine. From the remains of our earliest writings, these concepts have been illuminated for us by religious figures, philosophers, novelists, and literary critics, amongst many others. The two concepts, however, are often inextricably linked. In our daily lives, it is clear that materialism remains dominant, and it is vital to our survival as a species. Substance, then, is the true reality of the world, as it is used for the medium of explanation. Spiritualism, too, has been shown to play an important role in our lives as well, as faith has been illustrated as a guiding construct for people daily. The following will address the concepts of materialism and spirituality, analyzing the importance or vitality of acknowledging our material nature while allowing that spirituality too has a place ..."
Abstract Federal contracts for construction, while similar in many respects to other types of federal contracts, have some unique aspects that have caused the federal government to create a system of rules within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specific to construction contracts. The federal government has been justified in creating these rules separate from those that apply specifically to supply and service contracts. This paper focuses on some of the unique rules and regulations that apply to federal construction contracts, including those related to contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions.
Abstract
Overview
Contract Types
Federal Construction Contracting Laws
Contract Performance and Specifications
Payment Financing
Delays
Differing Site Conditions
References
From the Paper "The federal government is the largest owner of real property in the world (Bastianelli, et. al., 1998), so it stands to reason that they spend an enormous amount of money on construction and maintenance of that property. It is difficult to gauge exactly how much the federal government spends on construction annually, but it is noteworthy that the Department of Defense alone planned to award over $10 billion on construction contracts in 2002 (Bush, 2001). Because of this significant amount of construction outsourcing, and the intricacies that go along with construction contracting, the federal government has been justified in developing unique regulations and rules for construction contracts. The federal government, in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), defines construction as, ?"construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, structures, or other real property"? (FAR 2.101). Determining whether or not something is considered a building or a structure is general straightforward, although there are always exceptions. However, the line defining whether or not something is real property can, at times, be somewhat unclear. The FAR does not provide a definition for real property, but in federal contracts the common legal definition is used, that real property is, ?"land and all things that are attached to it"? (Lectric Law Library, 2003). Though many of the clauses, terms and conditions, and rules applicable to federal construction contracts are the same, or similar, to those that are used on federal contracts for supplies, there are a number of differences in the nature of contracting for construction that have caused the federal government to create separate laws that deal specifically with federal construction contracts. One of the major differences is that construction contracts are performed on Government property. Because of this, construction contractors are subject to a great deal more in the area of inspections and general surveillance on their contracts (Abernathy and Kelleher, 1976). Construction contracts typically have much more paperwork than federal supply contracts. On construction contracts, a contractor is required to file daily reports showing that they complied with all the unique construction regulations, including safety, schedules, and submittals of material samples (Arnavas, 2001, ?? 27.4.a.). Construction contracts are subject to much greater scrutiny on performance than supply contracts, as detailed analysis and explanation of any deficiencies are reported to contractors and contractors have the right to respond. Past performance information is also kept on construction contracts for six years, where the norm on supply contracts is three years (Arnavas, 2001, ?? 27.4.a). Other differences that will be the focus of this paper include contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions."
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 This paper discusses the way in which Guy de Maupassant treats materialism in his short story, "The Necklace." This paper offers a characterization of the major female character who places value only on material objects.
From the Paper "In his short story "The Necklace" Guy de Maupassant tells the story of a woman who borrows a diamond necklace for a party and loses it during the course of the night. As a result, she and her husband must live in poverty and spend the next ten years working to pay off the debts to replace the necklace. In his characterization of Mathilde, Loisel de Maupassant clearly argues against materialism as she is forced to pay for her petty superficial desires."
Tags: de maupassant, necklace, materialism, irony, material objects, shallow
Abstract This article serves as a defense of the claim that race is a social construct, rather than a biological fact. The writer discusses the view that genetic inequalities are not inborn, but rather created by society. In this paper, the writer looks at inequality in society caused by differences in race that appear to have been constructed by society.
From the Paper "The argument that race is a genetic predisposition is an old one and certainly an important one as it has been practiced among governments and other such institutions for centuries. This argument however leads to unwanted implications of genetic inequality between the races that we have learned is simply not the case. There are no inherent differences between individual races that are not arbitrarily constructed by society. In fact, it seems apparent that there are more variations in appearance and personality within a single race ... "
A critical paper on the nature of Marxist philosophy on materialism and an examination of whether or not the theory is of a 'scientific' nature as it claims.
3,051 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 10 sources, 2000, $ 89.95
Abstract This critical paper illustrates in a number of ways that dialectical materialism is arrived at through a process of scientific inquiry. The author gives a distinct definition of the meaning of what it is that warrants the description of a theory as "scientific". Next, she applies this definition to Marx's historical theory and shows how it corresponds to this description. Finally, she reflects and responds to some of the ways that Marx's critics are in disagreement with her argument that dialectical materialism is, in fact, a study of history that is based on scientific theory and objectivity.
From the Paper "As a student of history, I believe that there is validity in Marx's "scientific" postulation. The study of history is very important, I believe, in discovering what lies ahead of us and how best to avoid repeating past mistakes. Although there are no "concretes" in history, and at this point, I diverge from Marxian historiography, there must be an objective way of looking at the past in order to theorize about how we have arrived at our current situations. Although I do not believe Marx's theory of history to be entirely correct, I do argue that this theory is arrived at objectively and scientifically."
Abstract This paper compares views on nonreductive materialism and substance dualism and looks at problems the philosophical theory of nonreductive materialism encounters with relation to causation. It also examines concepts of neurophysiological processes in the brain.
From the Paper "This essay will explain the philosophical theory known as nonreductive materialism. It will then identify the problems that this theory encounters with respect to causation and then given its ..."
Abstract This article discusses the situation of mental health and illness in today's society. The author argues that materialism, fame and fortune have taken over society and that as a result society has forgotten to give meaning to life.
From the Paper "Good mental health is a fundamental aspect of life, but, as we are aware, a huge proportion of our society, around 25%, will at some stage suffer from a form of mental illness. We must realize the enormity of this problem. Stalin once said, ?The death of one person is a tragedy, the death of a thousand is a statistic.? (Stalin). This means that we as humans, are unable to digest all the information that comes our way everyday and numbers are just that: numbers. 25% means that in every four people, one is likely to experience mental illness. Mental illness is a problem of the everyday, of the streets, of the ordinary man and woman that experience the joys, the sorrows, the trials and the tribulations of life."
Tags: american, carey, dream, health, illness, mariah, materialism, mental, society
