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Quality Construction, 2004.
An analysis of the increasing or decreasing quality in construction.
1,326 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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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."
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Lean Construction and the U.K. Construction Industry, 2002.
A look at the application of the principles of Lean Construction on the U.K. construction industry.
978 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly examines the U.K. construction industry and the concepts of Lean Construction, in which the success of this company is attributed to the application of Lean Construction principles such as value, value streams, flows, pull, and perfection. It evaluates how U.K. construction companies have found that increasingly demanding customers, as well as pressures regarding environment issues, are forcing them to rethink their strategies.
Outline
The Principles of Lean Construction
The Construction Industry in the U.K.
The Egan and Lathem Reports
Supply Chain Leadership and Teamwork
The Possibility of Change
From the Paper
"It is with the above in mind that the Egan and Lathem reports highlight the changes necessary in the UK Construction Industry. The Egan Report identifies five drivers of change necessary to ensure greater profitability as well as better quality in the Construction Industry. These are: committed leadership, a focus on the customer, integrated processes and teams, a quality driven agenda and commitment to people (4GM Consulting, 2003). Furthermore the report sets targets such as 10% for annual reductions in construction cost and time, as well as a 20% annual reduction in defects. The report stresses the importance of replacing competitive tendering with long-term relationships within the industry. Clearly the win/lose relationships between partners are too adversarial to be effective."
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Advances in Construction, 2006.
A paper on the various constructional processes involving domestic and commercial premises.
4,230 words (approx. 16.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 112.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the various aspects of constructional activity including planning, procuring, executing and registering activities. The paper also considers the legal aspects, insurance aspects and maintenance aspects of constructional activity and uses examples, facts and figures to discuss each aspect. Additionally, the paper looks at management in the construction industry, the risks of a constructional company, new techniques and methods in construction, and what strategy a construction company should follow in order to be successful.
What is Construction
What is Constructional Activity
Manager's Code of Professional Ethics in Construction
Risks of a Constructional Company
New Methods and Techniques of Construction
Order to be Followed in a Construction Industry for being Successful
From the Paper
"Building construction-case study of Fletcher Construction, Australia
According to the Recycling Resources Recovery Council (RRRC) the construction industry waste accounts for 44% of the total land fill in Victoria. In January 1993, Fletcher construction selected two Melbourne construction sites for training the program. One site was to introduce recycling and waste minimization methods and the other would adapt the traditional approach of handling waste on sight. The results of the trial revealed substantial savings to the project and environment. The process of implementing recycling and waste minimization reduced the volume of waste from 44% to 15%. 43% less land filled space was consumed and there was a financial saving of 55% achieved on waste removal cost. Over one third of the total waste volume generated was recycled. Fletcher Construction of Australia has incorporated green measures into its national policy, aiming to reduce waste on every constructional site by 25% as compared to the conventional methods. Its sister company in Seattle, Washington has also implemented similar methods."
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Construction Delays, 2007.
This paper provides an analysis and identification of major causes of delays in construction projects in Libya.
865 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer investigates various construction companies within Libya, to rank construction delay variables in accordance with their effect on delay and cost. Additionally, the researcher's aim includes reviewing the existing literature available on the construction industry to ascertain the primary causes of delays in construction processes. To achieve these aims, the author evaluates what are the primary causes of delays related to construction processes. Further, the writer discusses what construction companies exist in Libya and how these variables rank according to their effect on project delay and cost. The writer also examines how construction delays impact the cost of construction processes.
Outline:
Introduction
Objectives
Literature Review
Methodology
Analysis of Data
Implications
References
From the Paper
"Ford notes that political leadership in Libya is ripe for encouraging foreign investment in multiple sectors. The country will need to increase its' production capacity to attract foreign investors particularly in underdeveloped fields. The country must also reintegrate itself in the international political arena by working on relations with the governments in major countries of western Europe and the U.S."
"Sebestyen notes that construction and modern manufacturing has along history that can be traced several thousand years. Changing technologies have impacted multiple arenas including construction, where the techniques, processes, materials, machines and information of technology must be embraced during production and used in different ways for different countries, even in the presence of international trends in construction. Technology has stimulated among other things better conditions within the construction industry, better quality, durability and increased opportunities for sustainable growth."
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Total Quality Management, 2007.
This paper discusses the implementation of total quality management (TQM) at Caterpillar Inc.
2,068 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that globalization of the economy has increased the competition between enterprises. Businesses, therefore have to develop methods of improving performance and service delivery while reducing the costs associated with remaining competitive. One of the simplest ways to achieve these goals are through implementation of a total quality management (TQM) program. This paper examines how beneficial TQM implementation and maintenance can be for Caterpillar Inc. by detailing the key principles of TQM and defining what steps Caterpillar Inc. can successfully adopt to implement a continuous improvement program. The paper concludes that Caterpillar Inc. will greatly benefit by adopting a more comprehensive quality program and quality initiatives.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview Company
How TQM Can Benefit Caterpillar Inc.
Developing TQM at Caterpillar Inc.
Customer Focus
Planning
Process Management/Process Improvement
Total Participation
TQM in Construction and at Caterpillar Inc
Conclusions/Recommendations
From the Paper
"Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in sales and technology. One of the world's foremost manufacturers of mining, natural and diesel gas engines and construction equipment (Cat, 2005) the company has conducted business with global players for more than 80 years. The company utilizes multiple measures of quality to ensure the best possible service to customers including 6 Sigma. This program allows Caterpillar Inc to address "the increasingly complex issues" facing an industry leader (Cat, 2005). Roughly 30,000 employees are currently involved in the 6 Sigma helping providing a competitive edge for the global company. Caterpillar Inc is committed to its customers and maintains a reputation for making a difference in the world by participating in socially responsible activities, providing machines, money and resources to help global relief and recovery efforts (Cat, 2005)."
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Commercial Construction, 2006.
A paper on non-residential construction.
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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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)"
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Construction of Identity, 2006.
A comparison of the construction of identity within late modern societies to its construction within traditional societies.
2,142 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the construction of identity within late modern societies and compares it to identity construction within traditional societies. The paper then shows how there is now a larger degree of agency in the construction of identity than was available in traditional times and looks at how identity is somewhat more fluid, fragmented, individualised and uncertain that it previously was.
From the Paper
"Identity construction in late modernity also incorporates the use of reflexive modernity. Reflexive modernity refers to the inclination of most aspects of social activity to be constantly revised in light of new information or knowledge (Giddens 1991, p. 20). Reflexivity is the capacity of an individual to monitor and modify their behaviour continuously in accordance with that monitoring (Goldstein & Rayner 1994, p. 376). Identity is largely shaped by reflexivity in that we reflect on how we believe others perceive us, and then work towards modifying this perception. However in society there are forces, known as structures, which can act as a restraint on an individual's actions and choices (Waters & Crook 1993, p. 29). Despite these structures, it is recognised that humans have the potential capacity to create, change and influence events through agency (Bessant & Watts 2002, p. 129)."
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Kiewits Construction Company Research, 2006.
This paper describes the Kiewits construction company and all its achievements.
1,972 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 20 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
Kiewit is a massive company in the construction sector with its presence in virtually every sector like transportation, power, water resources, mining, building, oil & gas, defense, telecom, electrical, marine and underground. It is capable of handling gigantic projects and completing them in record time and within budget. Kiewit maintains that quality occurs not by accident but it is the result of a well-formulated plan. Quality, Service and Teamwork are the three basic tenets to providing successful projects to its clients. The author shows how it is through adherence to these basic doctrines the company earned the reputation as the constructor of choice among the owners, the designers and that of the vendors.
From the Paper
"Success at Kiewit is due to the workforce brimming with the ability and desire to construct exciting & challenging projects. Because the company is employee owned, the assets are managed by those clients closest to the assignments. Majority of the executives have a long experience starting their careers as project engineers, superintendents and foremen. The company raises the employees to levels of higher responsibility basing on their proven competence. Due to this Forbes magazine described Kiewit as 'the ultimate meritocracy." (Culture and Values)"
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Construction Projects, 2002.
Compares the Golden Gate Bridge and the Eurotunnel to determine whether they were successful or unsuccessful construction projects.
3,668 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 15 sources, APA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
When considering the variables that influence the outcome of a major construction project, it is important to recognize that a project is nothing more or nothing less than a one-time job that has definite starting and ending points, clearly defined objectives, scope and a budget. In order to determine what distinguishes a successful major construction project from one which fails, two projects are compared in this paper. The first is the Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, under conditions which would try the patience and test the competencies of its designers, builders, and sponsors. The second construction project is the Eurotunnel, also known as the Chunnel, the underwater tunnel linking England and France. Completed in the early 1990s, the Chunnel stands as an excellent example of a major construction project which was ultimately successful in the sense of structural integrity and to an extent, customer satisfaction, but a miserable failure in terms of scheduling and massive budgetary or cost overruns.
From the Paper
"In 1989, Andrew Phillips (1989) reported on major problems which were seriously disrupting the completion of the project. Initially, the engineers and managers faced technical obstacles that delayed start-up and construction of the project. Though these obstacles were overcome, soaring costs had added approximately $1.9 billion to the cost of the tunnel itself. To make matters worse, Phillips (1989) maintains that the estimated costs of a planned high-speed rail link between London and the Chunnel?s English terminal near Folkestone, more than doubled. In 1987, the company building the tunnel put the total cost of the project at $9.1 billion - this was raised to $10.2 billion in 1988, and in 1989, analysts predicted that the cost of the Chunnel would ultimately reach $11 billion."
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Construction Management, 2006.
A discussion regarding the role and responsibilities of the construction manager.
1,060 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the history of the role of the construction manager. According to the paper, construction management is defined as the term applied to the technique of managing the various designs and construction processes of a building project on behalf of an owner or client.
From the Paper
"One important role is scheduling. A large part of the construction manager's time is spent preparing and working with schedules. Scheduling is a principal function of construction law. Scheduling is simply planning in advance the events to be accomplished over time and putting them into a document (Volume 2). The schedule must be very precise and detailed. While on the sight, the construction manager must stay informed of progress being made and make sure that schedule deadlines are being met (Handbook Online). When problems and delays occur, the construction manager must be able to work things out and adjust the schedule to where the deadline can still be met (Volume 2). Without scheduling, the construction project is not likely to be completed on time. "
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Federal Construction Contracting Laws, 2003.
A complete overview of the federal construction contracting laws in play in the United States.
3,737 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 15 sources, APA, $ 103.95
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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."
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Construction and Telecommunication Sectors, 2005.
This paper discusses the construction and telecommunications industrial sectors in the United States.
3,240 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the construction industry, which grew out of basic societal needs, is a well-developed industry that has been in existence for a long time; whereas, telecommunications is a relatively new industry. The author points out that the construction industry in the United States is changing from the concept of the "Master Builder" of the early 19th century to a disaggregated and compartmentalized category of specialists; the change in the telecommunications industry is coming primarily from technology advances. The paper relates that the general economic performance of the construction industry is very difficult to judge because the profits are often hidden away in their investments in land; whereas, the economic growth of the local telephone companies is coming from the expanded scope of their operations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis
Market Structure
Competitive Behavior
Economic Performance
Measures for Improving Performance in the Construction Industry Taken by Government
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The biggest benefit for the construction industry is coming from the government. The 2005 budget of about $40.2 billion for homeland security is that of $9 billion which is 29% higher than 2003, and $20.4 billion higher than the 2001 increase of 103% over the 2001 year level of funding related to homeland security. The largest portion of this funding is for airport screening and use of prevailing technologies. The Government Accountability Office -- GAO has already published several reports which recommend greater focus on matters other than air travel."
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Social Construction, 2008.
A personal view of the social construction of race, gender, class and sexuality as it pertains to individuals.
2,182 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how social construction is an ambiguous term. It is not real and it is not an illusion; it falls somewhere between these two extremes. The paper contends that regardless of its ambiguity, social construction is a continuous process propagated by political, economic, and social forces and shapes the values and meanings that people assign to different categories and provides a lens through which individuals view both the world and themselves. The paper also examines how social construction affects areas such as race, class, gender, and sexuality and a close analysis reveals that all four of these areas demonstrate an intricate intersectionality, making it hard to define one without discussing another.
From the Paper
"Condoleezza Rice is an upper-class black female who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. Condoleezza was born in 1954, the same year that the United States Supreme Court made a decision regarding the Brown v. Board of Education case (Condoleezza Rice). This court case resolved that segregating black and white children into different schools was detrimental to the learning of the children. When Rice was eight years old, one of her classmates, Denise McNair, was killed by a bomb. White supremacists had bombed the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which was composed mainly of African-American students, and children died as a result. This was a tumultuous time in American History due to segregation and severe racism occurring in plain sight. There is no doubt that this event had an enormous impact on the life of Condoleezza Rice."
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Prison Construction, 2007.
A political case study of prison construction and budget restraints.
1,317 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the political issues that are being debated over the rapid increase in prison construction that has occurred in the last decade in the United States. The paper discusses which other groups would benefit from a decline in funding to prison construction, as they would receive more funding for their groups. It then discusses future changes for the department of corrections and how this may affect the funding they receive.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Groups Likely to Benefit
Groups Benefiting from Prison Construction
Threats and Opportunities for Funding Decline
Future Changes for the Department of Corrections
Conclusion
From the Paper
"As with each new administration either on the federal level or the state level, the department of corrections will face new changes. It will depend greatly upon the perspective of the legislators involved. If a new legislator comes in with a hard-line approach to crime, then the budget for the department of corrections will increase as the need for prisons and staff will undoubtedly increase. The department of corrections will definitely have an influence in the matter because the DOC will be able to explain how over-crowding and staff shortages affect not only the inmates but the morale of the staff. This added stress adds a force to the statement, "If you are going to increase the prison population, give us the necessary resources to manage it." It is proven that lower prison populations make it easier to manage in terms of less violence amongst inmates, less chances of gangs forming, and less chances of riots."
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The Construction of Disability, 2008.
An analysis of the history of the construction of the normative with regards to disability.
1,217 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explores how normalcy and disability are constructed, with particular reference to the field of education. It argues that the construction of the "normative" is a manifestation of social and cultural power "written" upon the bodies of people with and without disabilities by medical authority. It explores issues of discrimination, as well as concepts of the medical and social models of disability to better understand how disability construction has historically occurred and continues to define disability in an inequitable way today.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The "Normative" as a Discriminatory Cultural Construct
Assessment of Disability and the Medical Model of Disability
Analysis
From the Paper
"As the above discussion indicates, there is considerable reason to be concerned at one's being assessed as possessing a disability. First, it is necessary to recognize that while such assessments are often arbitrary, they nonetheless produce considerable cultural meaning that has historically been applied in a discriminatory fashion. Second, it must be acknowledged that this discriminatory process has - in its implied construction of a "normative" or standard of normalcy - clear analogues to discriminatory practices that have historically reinforced sex, race and gender discrimination."
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