Assembly operation Assessment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Assembly operation Assessment - Assignment Example Further, it is imperative to note that in the contemporary business marketplace, new opportunities keep unveiling and new managers, equipped with different ideas, take over organizations that are also on the learning path. Therefore, the sufficient alignment of the organizational operations and managerial capabilities with the emerging forces seems to be the only way for organizations to optimize value from their operational endeavors. This paper seeks to assess the assembly operations of a digital camera company in light of its operational excellence and performance. Further, the paper will suggest necessary corrective actions in a bid to revise and properly align strategic goals towards the overall aims of the organization. As a conventional rule, the assembly operational capability of any firm in the digital camera industry should first and foremost conform to the rating requirements of the regulatory authority within the industry. Further, the company should also seek to strategi cally place itself in a better competitive quarter in relation to the production and assembly costs, quality of the cameras and the overall satisfaction of the ever changing customer needs. Organizations must further seek to provide responsive products and services that aim to fit in the changing consumption trends but which are also enabling the clients to optimize value of their expenditure. Thompson et al (2009), observes that in addition to executing strategic goals that aim to address all the competitive factors affecting the organizational market share, companies in the digital camera industry must be ready to assess their strategic options and make appropriate changes and corrections where necessary so as to sustain growth and development while satisfying the increasing demands of the customers (Thompson et al, 2009). From the assessment templates, it is evident that if the company continues with the current strategic policies without amendments, the overall cumulative unit v olume of cameras that it will assemble in the tenth year will be significantly below the desired quantity. This is in reference to the previous and current assembly capabilities. This is because the company is only able to produce cumulative unit volume of 1024 at the end of the fifth year, while the previous highest achieved volume is 917. However, the gap between the highest previously achieved and the cumulative unit volumes reduce significantly in the six year as is between 1045 and 1024. Further, the difference spreads to the negative in the projected year 10, when the company produces less than the highest achieved in the previous years. The trend is also evident from the results of the unit assembly that the company does entirely on in-house basis. The units increase to 1024 in the year 6 up from 917 in the year 5. However, the increase is not commensurate between the years 6 and 10 respectively and the company must assess the reasons behind the marginal decrease and implemen t mitigating operational approaches to help save the situation (Thompson et al, 2009). Moreover, the significant reduction in the number of overtime

Tragedy in Death of a Salesman Essay Example for Free

Tragedy in Death of a Salesman Essay Arthur Miller depicts a salesman, named Willy Loman in the play Death of a Salesman. Faced with hardships and troubles, Willy maneuvers in ways that cause his unfortunate outcome. In the tragedy, Death of a Salesman, the main protagonist Willy Loman’s fatal flaws were his unrelenting pride and his inability to face reality, which ultimately led to his demise. This novel is a tale about the tragedy that was the life of Willy Loman. A tragedy is a â€Å"serious drama† that depicts a â€Å"conflict† between the protagonist and a â€Å"superior force† such as which ends up with â€Å"disastrous consequences† that elicits â€Å"pity†. (Merriam Webster) Death of a Salesman is a tragedy because the main protagonist is a man filled with unrealistic hopes and dreams that lead to his demise. Although the story portrays a tragedy, I believe Willy Loman attempted to find optimism in defeat. By definition, a tragic hero is â€Å"a great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy that is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat.† (Dictionary.com) Willy’s life resembled that of a tragic hero, he was not one by definition because there was nothing great or virtuous about him. He was an average person who lived a tragic life. As one critic suggests, â€Å"Willy Loman is too far down the social scale to be considered a classical â€Å"tragic hero† he represents the average man.† We learn that he made mistakes just like any other human being. In fact, one of the mistakes he made changed the very way he lived his life and perceived himself. In the beginning of the story, Willy cheats on his wife and is caught by his son Biff, which negatively affects their long-term relationship. As a result, Willy always feels guilty, leading to a constant struggle between father and son about almost everything. One example of this is in Act II, after arguing Biff says to his father, â€Å"Dad, you’re never going to see what I am, so what’s the use of arguing? If I strike oil, I’ll send you a check. Meantime, forget I’m alive† (129). A lot of times they argued because Willy always wanted to see the positive even when in realit y things were not as he believed. The tragedy is that his life was full of delusions and misguided dreams. In the beginning of the story, Willy explains to his wife why they cannot leave the crowded city to live in New York They dont need me in New York. Im the New England man. Im vital in New England(4). However, as the story continues we see that Willy had a false perception of himself. In fact, he was not well liked. Instead, he was  laughed at and pitied. In actuality, his boss had wanted to fire him, but just did not have the nerve to do it. This is seen when Willy goes to his boss asking to be given a position as a floor salesman, his boss tells him, â€Å"I don’t want you to represent us. I’ve been meaning to tell you for a long time now†(83). After Willy’s life long commitment to the company, he is fired and even then, he does not wake up to the understanding that in society he is nothing special. Biff tries to make his father realize that he is nothing special by saying, Pop! Im a dime a dozen, and so are you! This infuriates Willy who counterattacks, I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman! Another one of Willy’s flaws was his unrelenting pride. For example, when Charley offers him a job he refuses saying he already has one even though in truth he was just fired. After further discussion Willy finally responds saying, â€Å" I can’t work for you, that’s all, don’t ask me why† (98). We see irony here because a little after this Willy is willing to ask Charley to borrow money but refuses to take a job from him. Willy Loman’s flaw was his hubris and his inability to face reality. He had the right idea just the wrong dreams. Ultimately, his unrelenting pride and his inability to face reality led him to his demise. One must acknowledge that throughout the whole story he strived to make up for his mistakes and do the right thing. He had mostly good intentions, however, he made mistakes just like any other human being. However, contrary to most people, he judged himself harshly for his mistakes and constantly criticized himself. He tried to overlook his mistakes or hide them for the rest of his life. As the play goes on, we learn that he has a hard time facing reality that is complicated by his unrelenting pride and at the same time, he suffers from self-loathing. As the play goes on and Willy’s identity as a salesman is stripped from him, we begin to understand better the importance of his life insurance policy. After Willy loses his job, which was his primary identity, he is forced to face reality that he could never be like his brother who was his hero. He could never be the father he wanted to be or thought his sons deserved. He wanted his son Biff to look up to him and excel in life. He realized that he was not the star salesman he always believed himself to be. We see this as he becomes increasingly preoccupied with his life insurance policy, which symbolizes the only other way he can provide for his family; he has been a failure at everything else.  He always had the best intentions and the play ends with Willy trying to provide for his family in the only way possible, as the critique states, â€Å"Willy of course ends the play with nothing he can sell – except himself, hoping that his expired life insurance policy will pay up.† According to Dictionary.com, the definition of a tragic hero is â€Å"a great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat.† Although Willy was not a virtuous character, in the end, he tried to do what he thought was right by providing for his family in the only way he thought possible. His life was tragic because he tried to cope by living in denial about his failures. In the end, he faced reality in the only way he thought he could, by taking his life. Works Cited 1. Miller, Arthur, and Gerald Clifford. Weales. Arthur Miller: Death of a Salesman, Text and Criticism. New York. Penguin, 1996. Print. 2. Tragedy. Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. . 3. Tragic Hero. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 08 Apr. 2012. . 4. Literary Criticism Attached

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Construction and Housing

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Construction and Housing Introduction In recent times new buildings have been the main focus in terms of improving energy efficiency in the construction industry. This agenda has been led by the introduction of minimum energy performance standards in Part L of the buildings regulations back in 2006. In recent times the code for sustainable homes has already set the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2016 for all new domestic buildings. Recent Part L amendments are geared towards ensuring the target is met. The proposal for 2010 is for a saving of 25% in CO2 emissions per year compared with 2006 levels. (Rabin, 2009) These challenging standards proposed for the building regulations in regards to new builds means that the industrys attention will continue to focus heavily on new buildings. However, new buildings only account for 1-2% of the total building stock each year, meaning that, if the government is to get close to its target of cutting carbon 80% by 2050, (Summers, 2008) significant CO2 reductions will need to come from existing buildings. 87% of the homes that will be standing in 2050 are already built, (DCLG, 2008) which is why government, industry and home owners are all looking into the benefits of refurbishing the existing housing stock. Aims The main aims of the research project are to: Investigate how existing housing can be upgraded to reduce carbon emissions Investigate whether eco-refurbishment is cost-effective in terms of both monetary costs and Co2 emission reduction. Objectives The main objectives of the research project are: To introduce the concept of eco-refurbishment To explain why upgrading an existing housing stock is necessary To investigate options for fabric service upgrades. Existing housing stock Carbon emissions output The code for sustainable homes is pushing forward in terms of the new build sector and the aim of zero carbon construction by 2016. The focus on the new build sector overshadows the existing housing stock despite it having an even bigger role to play in terms of reducing Co2 Emissions. Current predictions estimate that in 2050, the existing (pre-2006) housing stock will still make up two thirds of the UKs housing. This stock is typically poorly performing when measured by todays heightened energy efficiency standards, and hence it is essential that measures are taken to reduce its associated carbon emissions. (Greenbang, 2009) Each household in the UK creates around five and a half tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Thats five and a half times the weight of the rubbish a household throws away in a year. Its also nearly double the carbon dioxide emissions that the average car produces in a year. (Energy Saving Trust, (n/d)) Options for fabric upgrade Priorities From the outset consideration must be taken as to which measures are cost effective in terms of both monetary cost and Co2 emission reduction. The options for fabric upgrade can be split into ten specific groups- Walls Most post -1930 homes have cavity walls and still the majority in the UK do not have the benefit of cavity-fill insulation. (Smith, 2004) Immediate increases in comfort, as well as lower energy bills could be met if this deficiency was to be rectified. Roofs Poorly insulated roofs offer rising heat the ideal escape route. Floors The British climate causes floors to be a particular drain in terms of heat lost. Windows Double Glazing has gained a hold on the housing sector, not least because of the assertive marketing tactics of some double glazing companies. In part, this is because it is perceived as a fashion accessory to a home. (Smith, 2004) High performance double glazing which uses low emissive glass is now required by the building regulations. Doors Double glazed doors can now be manufactured in a similar fashion to double glazed windows. Space heating and hot water A number of central heating systems remain in use within the UK which are well below current best practice. Air tightness straightforward draught-proofing can have a benefit out of all proportion to its cost. However, if the draught sealing has been carried out really effectively, it may be necessary to provide fan-assisted ventilation. (Smith, 2004) Ventilation Controlled ventilation is necessary to provide a healthy internal environment. Lighting and Appliances Appliances and white goods are often major energy drains, especially fridges and freezes. (Smith, 2004) When replacing appliances it is vital the appliance carries an energy saving recommended certificate mark Renewable and low carbon technologies Renewable technologies can offer additional reductions in environmental impact. The energy saving trust Best practice in refurbishment The energy saving trust produced a report in which a refurbishment standard was designed to give optimum balance of environmental performance and practicality. Using the best practice specification ensures that refurbishment work is carried out to the highest practical standard, and the maximum cost and carbon savings are realised for residents, and the environment. (The Energy Savings Trust, 2008) Table : Summary of Energy Saving Trust best practice in refurbishment standard Areas of Improvement Walls Where possible, walls should be insulated to achieve a maximum U-value of 0.30W/m ²K. Roofs For best practice, aim for a U-value of 0.16 W/m ²K when installing insulation between the joists or rafters. Flat roofs should be insulated to achieve a U-value of 0.25 W/m ²K or better. Floors Exposed floors should be insulated to achieve a maximum U value of 0.20-0.25 W/m ²K. Windows Replacement windows should have a BFRC rating in band C or above. Any retained windows should be draught-stripped. Doors Replacement doors should have a maximum U-value of 1.0 W/m ²K if solid, or 1.5 W/m ²K if half-glazed. All existing doors should be draught-stripped Space heating and hot water Domestic wet central heating systems and hot water should be installed to meet central heating system specification (CHeSS Year 2008 standard HR6 or HC6. Where electricity is the only option, the recommendation contained within Domestic heating by electricity should be followed Air tightness Air leakage paths can be identified using a pressure test and removed by undertaking remedial sealing. The best practice recommendation is to aim for an air permeability of 5m ³/(hm ²) at 50Pa. Ventilation A purpose-provided ventilation system should be installed. Lighting and appliances When re-wiring dedicated lamp fittings should be installed which accept only low-energy bulbs. Ideally greater than 75% of all fixed luminaries should be dedicated low energy fittings. Low energy appliances should be specified which carry energy saving recommended certification mark. Renewable and low carbon technologies After all basic energy efficiency improvements have been undertaken the specification of renewable technologies, such as solar hot water heating or photovoltaics, is encouraged where appropriate to further reduce environmental impact. Source: Figures taken from Roadmap to 60%: Eco-refubishment P.8 The Building Fabric Insulation Assumptions The costs and paybacks shown in tables under each area of potential fabric upgrade are approximations made by the energy saving trust; they are based on a gas heated semi-detached house with 3 bedrooms. A gas price of 3.80p/kWh has been used in their calculations. External Walls To reduce the amount of heat lost through external walls, the installation of insulation is required. Three common methods are traditionally used, the most cost effective being cavity wall insulation. Alternative methods include external wall insulation, or internal insulated dry-lining, these are generally used if the wall has no cavity. Cavity Wall Insulation Typically all masonry cavity walls built since the 1930s are suitable for the installation of insulation. Polystyrene beads or mineral fibre with a U-value of 0.30W/m ²K are blown in the wall cavity through a hole. It is recommended that installation be undertaken by an approved company using an approved system under the British Board of Agreement (BBA). Internal Wall Insulation When either a cavity wall or solid masonry wall are un-suitable for cavity insulation then internal wall insulation can be a cost effect solution. This is most cost effective when the existing plaster is being renewed. The wall should be insulated to achieve a maximum U-value of 0.30W/m ²K. (Energy Saving Trust, (n/d)) External Wall Insulation External wall insulation offers an alternative method of insulating a masonry wall. The installation and design is a specialist job, and advice should be sought from an approved company. External wall insulation is the most expensive of the three methods (Smith, 2004) but can be cost effective when other works are being carried out. (City of Westminister Council, (n/d)) Pitched Roofs Typically insulation is fitted between ceiling joists and rafters, covering the ceiling area. Any pipes which run through the loft space need be insulated as best possible. The insulation must be at least 250mm thick and have a U-value of 0.16 W/m ²K. Two layers of insulation is preferred, one between joists and one across the top. Loft Ventilation is required to maintain air flow. Flat Roofs For best practice insulation should be placed above the structure as part of the roof finish, referred to as a warm deck. If this is not possible the insulation may be fitted within the roof structure, often referred to as a cold deck. To keep costs low it is recommended to replace the insulation in roofs when the covering requires replacing. A rigid board material of 100mm thickness should be used; a U-value of 0.25 W/m ²K or better is required. Ground Floor Heat is typically lost through the ground floor; the amount lost is dependent on the shape and size of the flooring area. It is best to insulate a ground floor whilst works are being carried out. The floor should be insulated to a U-value of 0.20-0.25 W/m ²K. Intermediate Floors Intermediate floors allow for rooms over an un-heated space, such as a garage or storage room to be insulated. Where there is access from below this can be cost effective. (City of Westminister Council, (n/d)) Mineral fibre insulation should be used to achieve a U-value of 0.20-0.25 W/m ²K. Windows Traditional windows are usually single glazed without draught proofing and by todays standards offer a poor standard of energy efficiency. (City of Westminister Council, (n/d)) Switching to double glazed windows offers many benefits. Double glazed windows consist of two specially made glass panels with a space in between them; a gas such as argon is generally filled in this cavity as a form of insulation. They also often have a UV coating, which can be customised to the British climate. In many instances when frames are worn out and need replacing cost effective energy efficiency improvements can be made. External Doors Double glazed doors as well as windows are now a common sighting throughout the UK. They offer a much better standard of thermal insulation in comparison to that of a solid timber door. Glazing units in doors can be made to the same standards as windows. (City of Westminister Council, (n/d)) And as such should be replaced when frames are worn out. Draught Proofing and Ventilation A ventilation and airtightness strategy should be part of any refurbishment works. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) The main objective of draught proofing and ventilating is to provide a balance between energy efficiency and the indoor air quality. Air leakage is the infiltration of air via unwanted gaps and cracks in the building envelope. Too much air leakage leads to heat loss as well as discomfort from cold draughts. As thermal insulation standards improve the proportion of total heat lost via infiltration increases significantly. Ventilation of the dwelling is desirable and necessary to remove moisture and other pollutants from the air. Airtightness The potential to improve airtightness of a dwelling will depend on the nature of the existing building and the type of works being undertaken. It is therefore difficult to set absolute targets but the best practice recommendation is to aim for an air permeability of 5m3/(h.m2) @ 50Pa. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) Some simple measures can be taken to improve the airtightness. Draught proofing around windows, door; sealing around service pipes which pass thorough floors, walls and roofs; block up unused chimneys, but include ventilation to the room by means of a ventilator. Ventilation Purpose-provided ventilation (e.g. ventilators and windows) and extract fans are required to replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) Adequate ventilation is needed for both the comfort and the safety of occupants, as it removes or dilutes pollutants that accumulate in the dwelling. Once the dwelling is sufficiently airtight, controlled ventilation can be installed. One of the more beneficial ventilation systems is the single room heat recovery ventilator. This is a development of the extract fan which incorporates a heat exchanger. It recovers 60 per cent or more of the heat in the outgoing air. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) This can then be used to preheat incoming air. Options for Service Upgrade Domestic Heating Hot Water By upgrading predated boilers a significant reduction in energy consumption can be achieved. Furthermore it is very cost effective. If the house has been insulated prior to the replacement or installation of the energy efficient boiler further improvement in the energy efficiency of the house can be felt. The followings points need to be considered when choosing an energy efficient domestic heating system The system is correctly sized to warm up the dwelling from cold taking account of heat gains from the sun, people, lights and appliances It uses fuel as efficiently as possible Provides heating and hot water only when required and where needed Have controls that are easy to use and understandable. The installation of an energy efficient boiler such as a condensing boiler will reduce running and costs and will in most cases add value to a property. The energy performance standard for new and replacement boilers was raised in England and Wales in April 2005, Northern Ireland in November 2006 and Scotland in May 2007. When replacing a boiler, a condensing boiler (with a seasonal efficiency of greater than 86 per cent) must now be installed in the majority of cases. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) Heating assumptions Below, savings are shown for the upgrade of a condensing boiler from a G rated boiler to an efficient A rated boiler. These savings are approximations made by the energy saving trust and are based on a gas heated semi-detached house with 3 bedrooms. Savings assume a gas price of 3.80p/kWh. Lighting Electricity for lights and appliances (including cooking) can account for a significant proportion of total energy costs and CO2 emission. Energy demand for lighting can be reduced by: Using energy efficient lamps and luminaries (light fittings). Directing light to where it is needed. Controlling lighting use. Making the most of daylight. Immediate results can be made in the first three areas through basic home improvements. 75% of all fixed luminaries should be dedicated low energy fitting for best practice. The annual savings shown in the table below are based on a home owner changing 3 light bulbs to energy efficient light bulbs a year. Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks for Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Measure:  Energy-efficient light bulbs Annual saving ( £/yr):  Up to  £30 CO2saving a year:  Around 136kg Source: http://www.reduceyourco2.co.uk/tips.html Appliances Appliances account for a large proportion of total domestic energy use. As energy efficient appliances use less electricity, they are less expensive to run and are responsible for lower CO2 emissions. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) Appliance assumptions The table below shows the energy ratings and savings when upgrading appliances. These savings are approximations made by the energy saving trust, they also assume replacing an average appliance purchased new in 1998 with an Energy Saving Recommended model of similar size and an electricity cost of 12.96p/kWh. Source: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Energy-saving-assumptions Renewable and low-carbon technologies Several types of renewable technologies can generate electricity for a dwelling, including photovoltaics (PV), wind and micro-CHP. Other renewable or low-carbon technologies can also provide heating and hot water, such as heat pumps, biomass and solar hot water. Solar Water Heating By installing a solar water heater the house can use the suns energy to produce hot water. For a more cost effective approach it is advised to install a solar collector where other heating improvements are already being undertaken. There are two main types of solar water heaters, a flat plate collector or evacuated tube collectors. Both types have liquids in them which collect heat from the sun, this then passes through a coil in a hot water cylinder. These systems are typically only used for water heating, and are rarely used to provide space heating. Solar Water Heaters are amongst the most cost-effective renewable energy systems for existing dwellings. During the summer months, a typical system can supply between 80 and 100 per cent of hot water demand, the percentage being much lower in winter, of course. (The Energy Saving Trust, 2007) Even when it is decided not to include solar water heating, it is worth making properties solar ready, to allow systems to be added later with minimal disruption. Photovoltaics PV panels allow solar energy to be converted into electricity. The panels can generate power to satisfy some of buildings electrical demand even in the northern latitudes, in some cases all of the buildings electrical demand can be met. The PVs are versatile and can be installed in numerous locations, glass roofs and conservatories being one option, a more common option being to install an array of them on a south facing roof. Grants Most of the grants and offers you can benefit from are provided by three main groups. The Government Energy Suppliers Local Authorities The Government A number of schemes are funded by the government, in some cases up to  £3,500 can be given to help people improve their heating and energy efficiency. In England the scheme is known as Warm Front, in Wales it is known as the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. The eligibility criteria for the schemes differ between both countries, some schemes you need to be in receipt of certain benefits, whilst others are available to anyone over a certain age. Guidance as to the availability of these grants can be found on their websites. Examples of Home Energy Efficiency Scheme eligibility criteria; Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Grant of up to  £2,000) Householders who either have a child aged under 16 or are pregnant and have been given maternity certificate MAT B1 and are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Income Support Working Tax Credit (with income less than  £16,040) Council Tax Benefit Child Tax Credit (with income less than  £16,040) Housing Benefit Income-based Jobseekers Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Source: http://www.heeswales.co.uk/do-i-qualify.htm The following websites offer further examples and information regarding eligibility criteria. Warm Front grant (England) http://www.warmfront.co.uk/do-i-qualify.htm Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Wales) http://www.heeswales.co.uk/do-i-qualify.htm Energy Suppliers The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) came into effect in April 2008, obliging electricity and gas suppliers in Great Britain to help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from homes. (Energy Saving Trust, (n/d)) This means energy suppliers with a certain number of customers operating in Great Britain are obliged to achieve targets for improving home energy efficiency. The suppliers therefore provide a range of offers which significantly reduce the cost of installing energy efficiency measures. Local authorities Most Local authorities provide grants and offers for local residents to install certain energy efficiency measures in their home. (Energy Saving Trust, (n/d)) Case Study There are a number of case studies which show the benefits and tribulations of eco-refurbishment, one of particular interest is describe below. Nottingham Eco-home Architect Gil Shalom and his wife Penney Poyzer set out the task of refurbishing their Victorian home whilst reducing emissions by 85%. As well as reducing emissions by 85% they hoped to use only low impact materials. In the process they hoped to demonstrate how green design can appeal to a wider audience and be an aspiration lifestyle choice. (Sustainable Development Commission, (N/D)) Overview A typical 5-bedroom semi detached Victorian house that was refurbished over a six year period in a low energy and ecological way. Dating from around 1898, it was in a very run-down state and has been thoroughly upgraded by the owners, to provide a good example of eco retrofit. It is a demonstration of a variety of eco-friendly features including super-insulation, solar hot water and wood burning boiler, rainwater harvesting and waste composting systems. (Sustainable Development Commission, (N/D)) The project set out specific priorities to aim for during the refurbishment, they were to: Upgrade thermal performance through insulation, heat recovery ventilation and air tightness and thermal mass improvement Be as autonomous as possible in energy, water, sewage treatment and food Experiment with different low-impact materials It was estimated that an overall energy saving of 85% in terms of Co2 and 75% in terns if costs was made. This was a direct result of the refurbishment work which took place. Image 1 shows the areas of the house the refurbishment took place. The list below corresponds to Image1. (Sustainable Development Commission, (N/D)) Flat-Plate solar collectors for heating water Roof insulation 300/400mm thick (shredded newspapers) Roof lights with insulating low-emissivity glass Natural plasters- clay and lime based Super insulated hot water tank 100mm ozone friendly drylining to front face to maintain brick appearance 150mm external wall insulation with rendered finish Space saving bath and thermostatic shower controls Heat recovering fans Environmental-friendly paints Draught lobby triple- and double-glazed timber windows treated with natural fungicides and stains Energy efficient appliances Second hand reclaimed furniture tripped floorboards Copper rainwater goods with filters for rainwater harvesting 160mm natural floor insulation Rainwater storage for use in WCs and washing machine Low-flush toilets Non-PVC waste pipes Composting chamber for solid waste from WCs Separator lets liquids drain off and solids into composting chamber Decking Organic garden utilizing the principles of permaculture Table: Case Study- Energy and costs at the Nottingham Eco-home Research findings and discussion Fabric and Service upgrades In cases considered cavity wall insulation is shown to be highly cost-effective, however the current savings potential from the installation is beginning to tail off. The resultant reduction in Co2 emissions following the installation is a clear indication that the measures taken are cost effective in terms of both monetary cost and Co2 emission reduction. From the outset this was a main priority. Table : Costs and Paybacks for Cavity Wall Insulation issued by the Energy savings trust illustrates these potential savings. Although cavity wall insulation is reaching saturation point in terms of potential savings and cost-effectiveness, its counterpart solid wall insulation is not likely to reach this point for the next few years, this is a result of slower uptake. There are still significant potential savings to be had. Currently solid wall insulation is barely a cost-effective upgrade unless other work is being carried out. This may be the cause of a slower uptake. Advances in the technology behind solid wall insulation are likely to improve over coming years and the potential savings could be realised quicker as a result. The annual CO2 saving shown in Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks for Internal Wall Insulation shows significant savings could be made despite not being the most cost effective in terms of monetary cost Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks for Roof Insulation illustrates that loft insulation is a cost effective way to save energy and reduce domestic carbon emissions. The greatest saving is made when the loft previously had less than 150mm of insulation. If the loft previously had 150mm of insulation or more, the table shows that it is not cost effective to add more. Floor insulation can offer some potential Co2 savings, but is only truly cost effective if the floor is undergoing repair anyway. Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks for Floor Insulation gives us a figure of two years for the payback time which isnt the most cost effective. Older, less eco-friendly windows are slowly being replaced by low-emissivity double glazing, the potential savings will be realised gradually over the coming years. Currently replacing windows unnecessarily is highly inefficient in terms of cost-effectiveness, this is mainly because of high capital costs. Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks of Installing Double Glazing illustrates the potential reductions in Co2 emissions is significant, despite not being very cost-effective. Draught proofing is one of the more cost-effective fabric upgrades, though the potential Co2 emission savings are fairly low. To gain the most beneficial results from draught proofing, central heating upgrade, as well as glazing upgrade is advised. The full potential of draught proofing is realised when combined with these upgrades. Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks for Condensing boiler upgrade suggests that the installation of a class A condensing boiler and heating system offers potentially large Co2 emission savings, whilst also being one of the more cost-effective service upgrades a dwelling can undergo. Again the true potential of the installation is only realised when the dwelling receives draught proofing and glazing upgrades. Replacing at least 3 light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs is proven by Table : Annual Savings and Paybacks for Energy Efficient Light Bulbs to be both cost-effective and offer small savings of Co2 Emissions. It is one of the easier service upgrades to achieve. Table : Appliance Energy Ratings and Savings shows upgrading to energy efficient appliances of class A or more is a cost-effective energy measure, significantly cutting down on Co2 emissions, especially if all appliances are replaced. There is potential to save a considerable amount of carbon emissions with the use of solar water heating; as illustrated in Table : Annual Savings for installation of Solar Water Heater. The cost-effectiveness is currently very inefficient though with advancements in technology this may become more cost-effective within a few years. PV offer similar results to solar water heaters, despite offering significant savings in Co2 emissions; they are still not a cost-effective service upgrade. The cost far outweighs the reduction in Co2 emissions. Analysts predict that the cost of PV will fall dramatically over the coming decades, slowly becoming more cost-effective over time. Case Study The case study looked at was the Nottingham Eco-home, an ambitious refurbishment of a Victorian house. The owners set out specific priorities at the start of the project which they were aiming to achieve; Upgrade thermal performance through insulation, heat recovery ventilation and air tightness and thermal mass improvement Be as autonomous as possible in energy, water, sewage treatment and food Experiment with different low-impact materials The case study shows that as ambitious as it was initially, with the correct information and guidance, as well as clear aims objectives, eco-refurbishment offers attainable goals. Table : Case Study- Energy and costs at the Nottingham Eco-home clearly indicates that significant reductions in the energy costs led to savings per year for both money and Co2 emissions. With additional upgrades the table shows that even more improvements are to be had. Although some of the fabric upgrades and service upgrades are slightly out dated by todays standards, the case study shows that cutting Co2 emissions is very achievable, and the benefits of eco-refurbishment should not be overlooked The owners clearly achieved the specific goals they set out initially; an eco-refurbishment was carried out with beneficial results in regards to the cost-effectiveness and savings in Co2 reductions. Summary and Conclusion 87% of the homes that will be standing in 2050 are already built, (DCLG, 2008) There is evidence that the eco-refurbishment of these homes is definitely a viable option, though whether or not they will achieve the proposal for a 80% reduction in Co2 Emissions by 2050 (Summers, 2008) is still unclear. The cost-effectiveness and carbon savings of the fabric and service upgrades looked at varies tremendously. Many Assumptions have to be made when calculating the cost-effectiveness and annual Co2 saving of an upgrade, be it fabric or service. This is partially due to there being so many varieties and options for the upgrades. Technological advancements take place daily, and will have a dramatic impact on many of the upgrades looked at, the cost-effectiveness as well as the potential for carbon savings will rise slowly year by year. There are almost 25 million dwellings throughout the UK, if only half of these were to adopt energy efficient measures, the savings would be highly significant in driving the UKs housing stock emissions down towards the target 80% r

The Fruitless Search Exposed in Camus’ The Plague Essay -- Camus Plagu

The Fruitless Search Exposed in Camus’ The Plague Amid the feverish horror of rampant sickness and death, The Plague is a parable of human remoteness and the struggle to share existence. In studying the relationships which Camus sets forth, the relationship between man and lover, mother and son, healer and diseased, it can be seen that the only relationship Camus describes is that between the exiled, and the kingdom for which he searches with tortured longing. "Thus the first thing that plague brought to our town was exile."(p.71). The first exile Camus writes is the physical exile of a diseased town from the world, and consequently, the exile of the town's people from the kingdom of everyday. The particular torture of this exile is memory; once expelled from a kingdom, the kingdom ceases to exist, living on only as "a memory that serves no purpose... ha[s] a savor only of regret."(p.73). Thus the townspeople are haunted by memories of their distant loved ones and their interrupted lives, creating islands of their own exile- an exile intensified by years of monotonous selfish habit. "The truth is that everyone is bored, and devotes himself to cultivating habits."(p.4). The pea-counter is the ultimate representation of this exile; he is completely removed from the reality of man, measuring his life in the perpetual repetition of an absurd activity. Through the character of Rambert, Camus defines plague as precisely this selfish exile of hab it, this doing "...the same thing over and over and over again..."(p.161). Exile is further compounded by the desperation with which many of the characters fling themselves into the quest of trying to regain their personal remembered kingdoms. Rambert the visiting journalist is the ... ...he reader that Rieux is Camus' hero. It is precisely this sense of "common decency" which sets him apart, renders him uncommon in a town of men exiled from eachother by selfishness. Rieux is not searching for anything, he is merely doing what has to be done to fight the plague. His will to see man healed has freed him from his own search, and thus from exile; no longer in exile, Rieux has found eternal kingdom. For Camus tells us there is no kingdom but present humanity, though we spend lifetimes searching in isolation for assurance in a future or a past. And there is no exile except that which the selfish man imposes on himself. It is by giving up the fruitless search for the non-existent that man can ultimately free himself from exile, and gain the eternal kingdom of present. Works Cited Camus, Albert. The Plague. New York: Vintage International, 1995.

Assignment. Sustainable Tourism Essay

Marking Criteria 1. Relevance and appropriateness of title & Addressing posed assessment topic/task 2. Sound, logical, clearly developed and well supported argument 3. Clear essay structure (intro, body, conclusion; paragraph structure) & Adherence to good academic writing practice (presentation, grammar, clarity of expression) 4. Depth and breadth of research & Analysis, evaluation and integration of research 5. Referencing (minimum of 8 academic references; in-text citations and quoting; consistency of referencing style; construction of reference list) Choose one (1) of six topics: Sustainable tourism and†¦ 1. †¦climate change 2. †¦protected areas 3. †¦poverty alleviation 4. †¦mining 5. †¦ecotourism 6. †¦, cross-cultural understanding & peace Topic 1 – ST & climate change Many authors argue that tourism is a major contributor to climate change, particularly through its travel/transport component. As the consequences of climate change are starting to influence government policies (e.g. carbon tax) and consumer behaviour (i.e. through increased consumer awareness), explore the future of tourism and how it may change (or not) over the next 20 years. Draw on examples from government policy, travel behaviour data, climate change studies and/or tourism and sustainability debates to support your case. Topic 1 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Unit topic 6 materials Unit topic 3 reading – What if governments banned tourism? Sustainable Tourism CRC reports: http://www.crctourism.com.au/BookShop/SearchResult.aspx?k=climate%20change CSIRO resources: http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Climate/Understanding.aspx Can ST include flying? Watch the debate: http://vls.uclan.ac.uk/play.aspx?videoid=5903 ABC TV series on climate change: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/changeyourmind/characters/ News report on some impacts: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-14/heatwavesbushfires-predicted-to-hammer-nsw/4009006 Official government website on Carbon Tax: http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/ Topic 2 – ST & protected areas About 10-15 percent of the earth’s surface is in designated protected areas, with the primary focus on biodiversity conservation. However, despite protection, â€Å"[t]he loss of biodiversity is still accelerating within and beyond the boundaries of protected areas† (Bushell & Eagles 2007, p. 1). Nelson Mandela, in his opening speech at the 5th World Parks Congress in Durban argued that â€Å"It is only through alliances and partnerships that Protected Areas can be made relevant to the needs of society.† In this context, critically review tourism’s contribution to biodiversity conservation and explore opportunities for alliances between protected areas and tourism to foster relevance of protected areas to local communities and the broader society. Use examples from around the world to illustrate your argument. Topic 2 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Materials from Unit topic 7 World database on protected areas: www.wdpa.org Tourism and Protected Areas : Benefits Beyond Boundaries / Paul F. J. Eagles, Robyn Bushell Wallingford:CAB International, 2007: http://www.cabi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/CABeBooks/default.aspx?site=107&page=45&LoadModule=PDFH ier&BookID=342 â€Å"Arguments for Protected Areas : Multiple Benefits for Conservation and Use†. You can access the book using this link: http://scu.eblib.com.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=517175 Tourism potentials for financing protected areas: Annals of Tourism Research, 2000, Vol.27(3), pp.590-610 http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 Protected areas, poverty and conflicts:A livelihood case study of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania: A livelihood case study of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Forest Policy and Economics, 2012, Vol.21, pp.2031: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 †¢ †¢ †¢ Topic 3 – ST & poverty alleviation Discuss the role of tourism in reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Critically examine models such as pro-poor tourism or volunteer tourism and draw on international examples and case studies in your argument. Topic 3 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ http://www.propoortourism.org.uk/ http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/ Make Poverty History http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au/ Micah Challenge & Millenium Development Goals http://www.micahchallenge.org.au/mdg UN website on MDGs http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ http://www.miniature-earth.com/ Global Poverty Project http://www.globalpovertyproject.com/pages/about_us & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1mp0t0qc80 Topic 4 – ST & mining With the rapid expansion of natural resource extraction industries such as mining and oil and gas operations in Australia, they are increasingly encroaching on areas used for nature-based tourism. For example, the expansion of Gladstone Port in Queensland is threatening the integrity of the Great Barrier Reef; and mining and gas projects along the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia are likely to negatively affect the current tourism experience in this area. Similarly, the continuation of old-growth logging in Tasmania may reduce opportunities for nonextractive economic opportunities such as ecotourism. In a political and economic environment where governments currently see themselves as highly dependent on the short term revenues from natural resource extraction industries, the needs of the tourism industry may be seen as secondary. Explore avenues for tourism to strengthen its voice and image as a more sustainable alternative and to ensure that the strategic needs of the tourism i ndustry are recognised and being considered in the political arena. Topic 4 – support materials †¢ †¢ Great Barrier Reef – http://youtu.be/tYd5_u6ehlA Kimberley – http://www.wilderness.org.au/campaigns/kimberley/kimberley-tourism-report-launch-aug31st-2010 & the report http://www.wilderness.org.au/pdf/Kimberley_WhaleCoast_Report.pdf Topic 5 – Ecotourism Over the last two decades, ‘ecotourism’ has come under some scrutiny and has been subject to criticisms. Explore the concept of ecotourism (1) as defined in theory and (2) as applied in practice and outline (3) what you consider ecotourism to be. Through research, clearly identify key arguments by experts and practitioners who are pro ecotourism and arguments by experts and practitioners who are against ecotourism and support their positions with examples and references. Reflect on your personal position and critically examine the pro and con views against your position. Topic 5 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ Journal of Ecotourism – http://www.multilingual-matters.net.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/jet/default.htm Journal of Sustainable Tourism – http://www.multilingual-matters.net.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/jost/default.htm Unit topic 3 & 8 in particular & unit materials throughout Topic 6 – ST & cross-cultural undersanding The social and cultural dimensions of tourism sustainability have gained increasing attention over recent years in attempts to more equally balance and consider the economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism. For example, research is exploring ways of capturing and monitoring the less tangible impacts of tourism activities particularly in cross-cultural contexts, such as the effects on local Aboriginal communities of tourists accessing Aboriginal lands without Traditional Owner permission. In this context, explore and critically examine arguments by tourism scholars who promote tourism as a means for promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. Draw on examples from the literature and reflect on your own experiences as a tourist to illustrate your arguments. Topic 6 – support materials †¢ International Institute for Peace Through Tourism – http://www.iipt.org/ †¢ Alternative Tourism Group – http://www.atg.ps/index.php?page=1177263170.1198159598.1208362704 †¢ Authors such as Freya Higgins-Desbiolles: – – – Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2010) In the eye of the beholder? Tourism and the activist academic. In P. Burns et al. (Eds.) Tourism and visual culture: Vol 1 theories and concepts (pp. 98-106). Wallingford: CABI. Higgins-Desbiolles, F. & Blanchard, L. (2010) Challenging peace through tourism: Placing tourism in the context of human rights, justice & peace. In O. Moufakkir & I. Kelly (Eds.) Tourism Progress and Peace (pp. 35-47). Wallingford: CABI. Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2009) International Solidarity Movement: A case study in volunte

McDonald’s Code of Ethics for Employees Essay

The code of ethics that McDonald’s employees are expected to abide by is covered in the corporation’s Standards of Business Conduct document. Each year, all employees must sign a document certifying that they’ve read the document and will follow its precepts. Employees also attend training related to the ethical standards. The document is 40-plus pages and covers six themes. 1. Obligations to Customers McDonald’s fosters an ethical obligation to provide clean, hygienic restaurants; child-friendly toys; and a safe atmosphere for all customers. This means that safety standards for food and toys should match or exceed government standards. The obligation includes ensuring that all advertising is honest and tasteful, and that confidential information is not shared. 2. Obligations to Employees McDonald’s standards booklet includes a section on providing a positive experience for its employees. For example, employees are encouraged to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. The work environment should be positive and fair, free of harassment and violence. Harassment can include sexual harassment, racial jokes and offensive comments. The corporation believes in diversity and treating all employees equally, according to the ethics code. 3. Corporate System McDonald’s believes that its corporations and employees have an ethical obligation to act in the best interest of McDonald’s itself — and not for personal gain. Owners and operators of McDonald’s restaurants should act independently but with integrity, following all relevant laws and safety guidelines. Suppliers should also be treated fairly. 4. Ethical Guidelines The corporate standards book includes a section on ethical guidelines for dealing with McDonald’s assets. These obligations include protecting the  intellectual property of McDonald’s and its assets. For example, employees shouldn’t use company computers to transmit illegal information or use the McDonald’s logo for personal gain. Any conflicts of interest should be immediately shared with the company’s Global Compliance Office. This includes working with family and friends. Bribery is strictly prohibited. 5. Helping Out Communities One of the cornerstones of McDonald’s employees’ ethical obligations is giving back to the community. Employees donate millions in money and hours of service every year, the company says. However, political donations made by the company must be approved by the government relations department. An employee who wants to donate time or money to a political candidate is free to do so, but only on his personal time and at his own expense. McDonald’s also focuses on environmental health, such as investing in climate change innovations and conservation efforts. 6. Seeking Profit and Improvement While seeking profit and growth is of utmost importance to McDonald’s, its corporate standards book stipulates that no employee should engage in such actions if it violates antitrust or fair competition laws. Competitive advantages shouldn’t be gained through unfair or illegal trade, but through research, marketing and quality service. An independent Board of Directors provides monitoring and communication to the shareholders and internal investigations will be ordered to look into any potential employee misconduct. Starbucks Code of Ethics Our Starbucks Mission To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time. Here are the principles of how we live that every day: Our Coffee It has always been, and will always be, about quality. We’re passionate about ethically sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them. We care deeply about all of this; our work is never done. Our Partners We’re called partners, because it’s not just a job, it’s our passion. Together, we embrace diversity to create a place where each of us can be ourselves. We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard. Our Customers When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers—even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. It’s really about human connection. Our Stores When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends. It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life— sometimes slow and savoured, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity. Our Neighborhood Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action— bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility—and our potential for good—is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead. Our Shareholders We know that as we deliver in each of these areas, we enjoy the kind of success that rewards our shareholders. We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks—and everyone it touches—can endure and thrive. Code of Ethics of Pizza Hut There are specific rules and principles, which are being involved in the code of conduct at pizza hut. Each employee which is working at pizza hut has to sign the code of conduct documentation which ensures that he/ she will observe all the rules. Raw material ethics According to the given percentage the head office located in Karachi provides 90% of the raw materials that are being used at pizza hut. The raw material, which is being provided, is tested for quality and hygienic measures and then it is provided to the end users. For the rest 10% raw material pizza hut is using the JIT (just in time) concept. It is done on the basis of fair transactions with vendor and suppliers. The transactions are credit based. The issue regarding the raw material is some time payments get late according to the fixed schedule. Opportunity and growth ethics Opportunity and growth are the basics, which an organization must follow to earn the future success. At pizza hut opportunity and growth is considered as the basic right of the employee. The employees are given the opportunity in the form on training courses, which help them to enhance their speaking, managing, cooking, maintenance and dealing capabilities. I.e. the manager has done 6 courses in time period of 6weeks all being sponsored by pizza hut to enhance his managing skills. Security ethics The security ethics are being observed in many ways. There are 4 guards, which are performing their duties at pizza hut. One guard is at the entrance making sure the no body is carrying a prohibited thing with him and its also being aided by a metaldetector installed at the entrance door. Others are in the parking area to keep the vehicles safe. Pizza hut have also installed cameras in the sitting areas, everyone is being monitored for the sake of the security. All these arrangements have made pizza hut a safe place to dine-in. Recruitment ethics The recruitment which is being done at pizza hut is under the HRM department .the employee are recruited on the basis of their education, personality, speaking style, and facial expressions because they have given a very strong importance level to their customers so employee are selected on the basis with whom the customer feels comfortable to talk and deal with. The manger level recruitment is done by the headoffice n lower employee recruitment is done on the third party basis.