Environmental Studies Essay Example Climate Change

Climate Change: Man’s Accountability The issue with climate change is a universal concern that has long been debated by nations. There are accounts stating that the current trend in climate change is a natural phenomenon while strong researches are convincing the public that human anthropogenic is a great factor for the rapid increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere thereby hastening climate change. While there are recommended actions presented by various organizations all over the world to alleviate the global concern of climate change, the actions taken by each nation remains to be assessed. There is a disparity of the sharing of the global green house gases emissions from developed countries such as US, Europe, Canada, Australia and China as compared to the developing countries. There is a great advantage to the developed countries that argue against the national commitment in reducing ghg and oppose to the various proposed policies related to climate change. Their passivity towards their ethical obligation in sharing the global burden creates controversies that remain unsettled until today. Arguments posed by developed countries include the uncertainty and insufficiency of scientific bases that climate change is due to human causation and the impending costs that entails the various policies for climate change. The IPCC report in 2007 and other international bodies such as NASA, and NOAA, all share unequivocal results. That is, the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth since the mid 20th century is due to the increase in anthropogenic and man-made greenhouse gases concentrations. Their collected data over the years reveal that the amount of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere is undisputedly rising due to human induced factors as seen in the infrared energy of the atmosphere.   Simulations for climate change has detected that pre-industrial factor do not contribute to the increase in the temperature as much as when the industrial revolution started (IPCC). Thus, taking the natural courses of nature’s responsibility is bound to uncertainty. The anthropogenic sources come from burning of fossil fuels which are widely used in today’s time for power generation. Global warming causes the loss of sea ice, the retreat of the glaciers, intense heat waves, droughts, and stronger hurricanes and storms. The world will continue to experience catastrophic weather events due to the significant drop in the environment’s capacity to carry the massive greenhouse emissions (ProCon.org). It is but right and ethical for all nations to act upon their share of duty to keep the ghg emissions below their share of the global ghg. However, most countries are comparing their set of actions to other countries claiming that their actions towards the global policies would be negligible unless the big countries (like the US, China and other developed countries) that contribute highly to the global ghg participate in their ethical obligations as well. This premise is very true since developing countries have lower share of ghg emissions compared to the highly industrialized nations. Countries with high emission of ghg cause great harm to the whole world especially to those poor countries with very low ghg emissions. The participation of these developed countries would greatly contribute to the alleviation of the global ghg emissions. They are at advantage when they remain indifferent to the international policies since their continuance to exceed ghg contribution level leads them to economic and industrial rise. However, this unethical response compromises the global atmosphere which retards the overall actions of nations to combat climate change. All nations have an ethical responsibility to act upon the reduction of ghg emissions in accordance to the fair share of the contributed global emissions. It is imperative that they do their respective duties regardless of the efforts undertaken by other nations. The obligation to the climate change is a matter of global justice. And it is this justice that demands for every nation to get involved in their ethical responsibilities. Works Cited Procon.rog. â€Å"Is Human Activity a Substantial Cause of Global Climate Change?†. Procon.org. Web. 30 November 2014. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Climate Change 2007: Working Group I: The Physical Science I. Web. 30 November 2014 Buy Your Essay Now Surely, if you can’t write it yourself, buying an essay online is the best way out. We keep offering bonuses and discounts from time to time. Maybe this is the luckiest time for you. Many other customers found themselves fortunate for getting their orders done by us. Get yours now.

A Glorious Adventure essays

A Glorious Adventure essays In the article A Glorious Adventure, the author Patricia Schofler explicates the passion seen in Winifred Sweets journalism. Schofler writes about Winifred Sweets struggle and triumph to become one of the leading ladies of journalism. The author tells of her small beginnings that lead to an inevitable huge influence of the journalism world today. The author explores Sweets humble beginnings as a writer only focused on flower shows, to intriguing political articles that lead to major impacts. The author tries to portray a positive outlook on a true heroine Patricia Schofler clearly has a deep interest in Winifred Sweets influence on journalism. The authors interest in Winifred Sweet is represented all throughout the article. The author exhibits this by her positive views. Schofler describes Sweets writing vivid enthusiasm, the same drive, instincts, and ability to dissect the heart in an era of sensuous and impassioned journalism...(A,35). Schofler further presents this by writing She was shrewd, talented, and audacious, qualities indispensable in the age of yellow journalism (A,30). Schoflers interest towards Sweet submits a positive view to her readers. This in turn reflects Schoflers biased outlook towards Sweet. A Glorious Adventure, mentions very positive effects of Sweets writings. This was shown when she inspired the citys school children to raise money for a hospital wing for incurables (C,32). It is evident that the author does not express anything negative about Winifred Sweet. Seldom, Schofler mentions her two failed marriages and deaths of her children, but they dont Patricia Schoflers writing takes the reader to different aspects of ...

Business Strategy Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business Strategy Report - Essay Example They use trade rules and regulations that have been set for each country by the European Union. Branches of each of the business units are spread across these countries. However, they do not share business premises or any other resources. Each business unit operates on its own, but they operate under the same company name In this paper, we shall be reporting to thunder software. As stated, thunder software deals with developing, creating new, and existing software’s for mobile phones and computers. The business unit is spread across the European geographical market. This places the business unit in a very competitive industry and market. Most of the new and better software come from this market. The industry in this specific market has many developers that release open source software’s. This software’s do not require the user to purchase them so that they can be able to use them. This has raised competitiveness in the industry because the open source software’s can be used for the same function as a normal software’s. In order to compete with such a software the company needs to develop better and more user-friendly software’s. New and latest methods for developing software bring the most important chance to improve a company’s reputation (Mark & Eric & Linda 2013, p. 1). Putting this fact into context, competition is bound to be high in the software industry. There is a lot of revenue that is collected from the software business. Every company that prides itself in making it in the software business bites in from the cake of revenue. However, it is not easy for a company to make it in the software industry The European geographical market presents a challenge in terms of competition in the software market. More companies are capable of creating top notch software’s. Thunder software relies on its growth strategies so that they can be able to stay afloat amidst the competition. The company invests in the latest

Project E Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Project E - Essay Example perceive sound that comes from sound or a speaker while listening is the ability to comprehend or decode the meaning of the information from the speaker or sound. Students can be tested for their audio literacy skills by giving them tests to see if they both heard and listened to the lessons that were taught in class. Another method is to give the students audio books of tutorials that teach how to operate certain software and ask them to demonstrate their understanding of the software. There are a number of ways that can help you improve your listening skills. Hearing is one thing and listening to the information is another. It always advisable to be attentive when listening so that the information being conveyed is understood. I will explain four ways to help you improve your listening skills. I would like to conclude by saying that hearing and listening go together. Meaning that one must hear first before listening. If you fail to hear you will not listen. There are four ways of improving your listening skills and they include: maintenance of eye contact, avoiding obstruction, concentration on the message’s content and reading the body

Research methods in Starbucks' case Dissertation

Research methods in Starbucks' case - Dissertation Example The paper gives detailed information about survey method based on questionnaire that should be selected for determining the image coffee drinkers have of Starbucks and other coffee chains. Questionnaires are intrinsic part of quantitative research methodology that primarily relies on the fact that data can be quantified and therefore can be applicable on large number of people. The generalization theory becomes one of the most critical aspects of validating facts and scientific theories. This helps to identify and evaluate the changing preferences of the people at large vis-Ã  -vis products and services. It would therefore significantly help Starbucks to introduce new products within its stores/ shop across the globe. Questionnaire survey would facilitate Starbucks in evaluating the preferences of the customers. At the same time, it would also help it to improve and improvise new strategies and plans to attract customers and retain them by meeting their changing requirements and exp ectations from the Starbuck brand. Observation research methodology broadly encompasses looking and listening carefully to the consumers so as to decipher particular reaction or discover information about their behavior with regard to a particular product or service. Hence, prior to the introduction of new gourmet coffee with strong aroma, observational research technique would considerably facilitate in evaluating its impact on the consumers.

Value And Risk Management With Client Expectations Construction Essay

Value And Risk Management With Client Expectations Construction Essay New processes and materials pose benefits to architects, designers, and builder and home owners as such change mean the cost of building was lower and in some cases home building projects were able to be completed faster. However as with new processes and materials emerge, new training is required to fully utilise them allowing construction projects to gain added value. With the new ability of clients being able to access information regarding to new materials and processes, the abilities for clients to specify particular materials and processes to be incorporated in the design and construction of the building increases. As opposed to an architect or designer recommending a suitable process or product to be used (Cross, 2001). The increased knowledge acquired by the client regarding to the type of construction materials and processes available enhances the clients vision about the construction project and ultimately this changes their expectations. The changes in clients expectation in construction projects must be properly managed in order for projects to be completed successfully. The aim of this report is to illustrate how value management and risk management can be applied to manage the expectation of clients in construction projects. Background During the late 1990s to the early 2000s a substantial number of houses were built in New Zealand using methods and materials that could not withstand the weather conditions of New Zealand. The calamity resulted in a combination of contributing factors involving the design of the building, the installation of materials, the change in requirement in untreated timber used in construction, the increase in insulations installed in timber framing and the trend to build Mediterranean styled building using monolithic cladding systems. The problem with such construction is that once water or moisture penetrates through certain cladding systems, if there are no cavities between the cladding and the framework, the water becomes trapped and cannot easily escape or evaporate. In addition a change in the New Zealand Standards for timber treatment in 1998 allowed the use of untreated kiln-dried timber to be used in wall framing. When this untreated timber comes in contact with water for a long period of time, the timber will begin to rot. In 2002 the Building Industry Authority appointed a Weathertightness Overview Group to investigate the cause of the leaky homes crisis in New Zealand. In their findings they pointed out the main factors that contributed to the cause of the leaky homes but no one factor was identified as the single cause of leaky buildings (Department of Building and Housing and Consumer NZ). Main factors causing leaky buildings: The trend to build Mediterranean styled buildings using monolithic cladding systems Poorly designed features such as: Recessed windows Flat roofs with narrow or no eaves Two or more stories Solid balustrades and balconies that just extend out from the walls which causes penetration through the external claddings Insufficient details in the approved documents, which are produced to help people meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code. Lacking of technical knowledge and skills when houses are designed, detailed and built. Modern systems require far greater level of detail, care and skill. Untreated kiln-dried timber is susceptible to rot when water penetrates the building envelop. The leaky home crisis is a systematic failure of a new building style trend, poor design features, insufficient building requirements, and the lack of technical knowledge to design, detail and construct buildings. The media in effect had an influence on the style of housing that was new to New Zealands traditional designed houses. It is also during this period when manufacturers of building materials begun to market their products directly to the consumers; the end users and owners of buildings (Cross, 2001). Companies such as the Winstone Wallboards Ltd began to market their products to the general public; their advertisings of gypsum plasterboard by-passed the construction industry and directly to the owner. Similarly the makers of Pink Batts, Tasman Insulation New Zealand Limited also began major marketing campaigns to target home owner and potential home owners to incorporate their building products in the construction of houses. The lack of implementation to ensure adequate and safe designs while builders and contractors lacked knowledge regarding to the building product and its application could have contributed to the leaky building crisis. Although this changing in construction product marketing was not a cause of the leaky home crisis, it nevertheless have increased the awareness of building products for clients and this increased their ability and persistence to specify particular building products or processes, therefore changing the expectation of the outcome of the construction project. Client Expectation Clients expectation of construction projects have changed over time in parallel with the changes in technology, especially in the advancements in information systems and marketing campaigns for construction materials. Nowadays manufacturers of building products advertise and market their products directly to the potential clients of construction projects. Good examples of these can be seen on the television media, manufacturers such as Winstone Wallboards Ltd market their gypsum plasterboard for walls and ceilings, while Tasman Insulation New Zealand Limited market their insulation products more commonly known as Pink Batts. This new marketing strategy from construction material manufacturers means that they have effectively by-passed the distribution industries and the building and construction industries in the value chain for the supply of building materials (Cross, 2001). Figure 1: Value chain for building and construction related industries (Cross, 2001) This marketing strategy allowed consumers who are the potential clients of construction projects to have more knowledge of the building products available and be aware of the potential benefits of particular building products. In conjunction with the internet, manufacturers can distribute product information and specification online. Before these changes in marketing and internet sources, construction products were selected and presents to the client by the project team. Compare to now, clients have products in mind before initiating a construction project. They also have in mind the advertised visual aesthetics and performance of the products giving clients an overall expectation of the construction prior to the meeting with the design team (Wilkinson Scofield, 2003). Construction clients are committing something they cannot see until it is completed. The challenge for the project team is translating client needs into design requirements and subsequent critical characteristics. Failing to understand client needs is the issue that creates the largest gap between client expectation and client satisfaction. The second largest gap is held by project delivery being on time. The new marketing strategy could potentially create a gap between client expectation and client satisfaction as the visual aesthetics and performance of the product can only be achieve if it was installed in a particular way for under certain circumstances (Atkin, Borgbrant, Josephson, 2003). Such gaps could potentially become points of conflict throughout the construction project and finally reaching the completion and the clients expectation on the project may not be achieved. If clients are educated by the design team as to what to expect during the design and construction of the project and the standards a design team must offer, then minor divergence can then be view as part of the design process and the efforts could be directed toward resolving those routine problems understandingly and effectively (ACEC Oregon, 2008). Clients who are unfamiliar with the trials and adversity of a major project should be educated on the process prior to the design and construction stages. Doing so will facilitate the clarification of clients expectation and allow clients to adjust their expectation to a realistic level. Clients have four main expectations on construction projects. They are the expectation on scope, cost, time and quality. All of these expectations are defined, estimated, planned and specified during the design phase of the project. It is therefore critical for the project team to identify the clients expectations at the beginning of the design phase so that it could work towards the clients expectations. Once the construction phase of the project begins, there would be little room for adjustments on the focus of meeting client expectation. By that stage the project team are adhering, monitoring, controlling and managing the expectations that were set during the design phase. Figure 2: General client project expectation (Oyegoke, 2006) Clients preconceived expectations on construction projects are highly skewed by the marketing strategies employed by manufacturers. Manufacturers often advertise their products performance under optimum conditions and they have a tendency to omit risks that are associated with the product. This is the main contributor to clients expectations as they have a visualisation of how the product performs but in some cases, these products may not be able to perform at their optimum level due to the environment of the project location, the installation, application and the maintenance of the product. Clients expectations over the cost of projects have changed over time. Clients expect costs to be kept at a minimum, however most clients are unaware of the so called costs that are involved in a construction project and the overall whole life time cost of buildings. The trends towards green buildings are a good example, the aim of sustainable buildings, the so called green buildings are to reduce the impact of the buildings operation on the environment and this in sequence usually reduces the consumption of energy of buildings. Sometimes clients are too focus on the capital cost, that they fail to recognise the benefits of the reducing the whole life cost of the building through the slight increase in capital expenditure. Time is another important expectation from customers; sometimes the most important expectation. The idea of prefabrication allows construction time to be reduced, as components are made off-site and are brought to the construction site for assembly. However there is a limit as to how many elements of the construction can be prefabricated and the trend to more complex projects which requires a finer level of design detail and thus contributing to the length of construction time. Client Needs Satisfying client needs is a vital requirement for construction projects. As construction projects are induced by the client needs; but often the project outcomes fails to satisfy them. There are many reasons for this, for the design team the challenge is to comprehend client needs, which should be revealed during the briefing stage of the project (Atkin, Borgbrant, Josephson, 2003). Potential clients of the construction industry are too large and varied group for any meaningful detailed classification to be prepared. Nevertheless an understanding of clients is aided by a broad categorisation (Walker A. , 2002). As different clients from different categories will have different needs for it to initiate a construction project. For example: A commercial client, would built offices to sell or lease to others and is expecting a direct financial gain A industrial client would build factories and expect a gain on productivity A public client is expecting a social investment gain from a new school. When the client is satisfied that there is a need for a project, it will then undertake a feasibility study to ascertain whether the project meets all of the objectives of the client (Lavender, 1996). Clients Objectives The most important feature of any building project should be the clients objective in embarking on the construction of the project. The need for the project will normally have risen from some demand arising from the client organisations primary activities as stated before. The needs of clients are stimulated by the environment of their organisation, which presents opportunities to which they respond. Such external stimulus may be economic forces, which give the opportunity for profit, or sociological forces, which presents the chance to respond to a social need, but usually they are a combination of different forces in which the client must respond to as the result of the need to survive. Above this, clients also respond in order to expand as a result of drive and motivation. The effect of forces in the clients environment will therefore trigger the start of the construction process. Although it may not be realised at the time that a project is needed and at that stage it is unlikely that any members of the project team will be involved. When it becomes apparent that a construction project is needed to satisfy the clients objectives, the brief begins to form. A common major problem is that the project team will normally not be involved at this early stage and a number of important decisions which may inappropriately constrain the design of the project may have been made by the time they are brought in (Walker A. , 2002). Figure 3: Triangle of time, cost and quality (Lavender, 1996) Once the objectives are met, the three qualities of a project must then be prioritized to demonstrate the clients preference. To some clients, if the priority is to keep costs down, then a delay may not matter too much. However to other clients, time may be an absolute priority for example a hotel development is scheduled for completion to meet seasonal increase in trade (Lavender, 1996). These three qualities in turn represent the clients expectation of the output of the project, therefore it is vital to communicate with the clients to discover how the client has prioritised these qualities. Clients often perceive the brief as a reasonably detailed statement of what they require, but it is important that the strategic level of the brief is not overlooked at the expense of detail. The clients priorities must be clearly established and are communicated to the project team. It may well be that there is conflict within the clients organisation regarding priorities, but the project team must be confident that it has interpreted the balance properly. To achieve this it will have to understand the clients organisation, its decision-making process and where the highest authority lies (Walker A. , 2002). Changing Expectations Drivers of change in client expectation: New trend in property ownership Increase in number of investment properties (time expectation) Growing project complexity Due to higher need requirements and technological advancements in material standardisation, construction methods, techniques and technologies. (quality and cost expectation) Influence of life cycle costing Cost of repairs and maintenance Influence of alternative materials and systems Shrinking business and project cycles Shortening of the hypothetical supply chain of building materials (cost and quality expectation) Commoditisation of products and services Specific products and trade specialist as a first tier contractor External stakeholder power Clients knowledge base is expanding Suppliers focus Scarce human resources Ethical agenda Green buildings (to reduce energy consumption and effects of global warming) Time is a finite resource, especially with the new trend of increases in numbers of investment properties, clients of construction projects demand their projects to be completed on time for peak market trading. This in effect translates to the increasing expectation for construction projects to be completed on time and method of fast tracking will be employed to ensure deadlines are met. Communication requirements in complex projects are overwhelming in comparison to more traditional projects and there is a requirement for a great deal of interaction and negotiation (Kelly Male, 1993). The increase complexity will add time to the project duration. Client Expectation and Project Management The general definition of construction project management is said to be the planning, co-ordination and control of a project from conception to completion on behalf of a client. This requires the identification of the clients objective in terms of utility, function, quality, time and cost, and the establishment of relationships between resources, integrating, monitoring and controlling the contributors to the project and their output, and evaluating selecting alternatives in pursuit of the clients satisfaction with the project outcome (Walker A. , 2002). Client expectation begins with the briefing process. Briefing is seen as a singular event at the beginning of the projects by the client; however this is not the case. Briefing is a process, where requirements are systematically written down and this will be updated as required. This means that while the project proceeds and clients awareness of the project increases, the ability to make changes reduces as the project progresses (Atkin, Borgbrant, Josephson, 2003). The recommendation is that briefing is a process running throughout the construction project, by which the clients requirements are progressively captured and translated into effect by the design team. Clients nowadays simply expect too much from the design teams; they expect perfection. Any minor delays, added costs or design changes are taken as a sign of incompetence on the part of the architect, engineer or project manager. Managing client expectations is the key to avoiding unnecessary confrontations, demands and claims. Perfection is impossible to achieve, therefore the best approach to ensure that the client is making realistic expectations about the project and its outcomes (ACEC Oregon, 2008). Communication is vital to this process. Communication should take place continuously throughout the project especially in the beginning. Stress that perfection is unattainable at any price and errors and omissions are common parts of the design and construction process. Clients must understand that they can only expect a standard of care that is provided with the managing or design service. These services are provided with the ordinary degree of skill and care that would be used by other reasonably competent practitioners of the same discipline under similar circumstances and conditions. The standard of care is a concept drawn from English Common Law doctrine. The doctrine holds that the public has the right to expect services provided will be have done so with a reasonable normal, careful and prudent manner. In other words, being perfect is not required as long as the service provided was done so with a reasonable due skill and care (ACEC Oregon, 2008). Goals to achieve perfection however should still be set to give the project team a clear direction and allow for measure of performance if necessary. Risk Management Design projects are inherently risky. Every project is different in some way and this carries with it uncertainties. Risk is the term used to describe the amount of uncertainty and number of threats that exist or potentially exist in a project (Ramroth, 2006). Risks can be technical, physical, commercial or environmental (Walker Greenwood, 2002). Managing risk is one of the most important tasks for the construction industry as it affects the project outcomes (Dey, 2009). This outcome is closely tied in with the output of the project; and at the most basic level, the building and construction industry is recognised by its output (Cross, 2001). Clients expectation on risk should be made known to the design team and in turn, the project risks should be communicated to the client. Doing so will reduce any misunderstanding and possible confrontations. Managing Risk Management of risk is an ongoing process throughout the life of the project, as risk will be constantly changing. Risk management plans should be placed to deal quickly and effectively with risks if they arise. It is important to work as an integrated project team from the earliest possible stages on an open book basis to identify risks throughout the teams supply chain (Office of Government Commerce, 2007). Risk management in construction projects involves: Identifying and assessing the risks in terms of impact and probability Establishing and maintaining a joint risk register, agreed by the integrated project team Establishing procedures for activity managing and monitoring risks throughout the project and during occupation on completion Ensuring that members of the team have the opportunity to engage in a dialogue that will promote agreement of an appropriate allocation of risk. Updating risk information throughout the life of the project Ensuring control risk by planning how risks are managed through the life of the project to contain them within acceptable limits Allocating responsibility for managing each risk with the party best able to do so A common risk management process should be understood and adopted at all levels within the integrated project team, and the risk register regularly reviewed and updated throughout the project lifecycle (Office of Government Commerce, 2007). Investment in developing the brief is often cut; however, this will likely lead to delay and cost overruns further on in the project due to changes and potential misunderstandings. Making risks known to the client can help them develop and prepare budgets for the project and this allows the project team to assess the clients expectation on risk. When preparing the budget, it should comprise of two elements of cost, a base estimate and risk allowance. A risk allowance should be included in the budget for the project to cover the potential financial impact of the clients retained risks as estimated in the risk analysis. Risks inherent in the maintenance and demolition of a facility should be considered during design development and the decisions about risk kept on the register for future reference (Office of Government Commerce, 2007). This inherent risk should be included in the whole life costing of the building. Risk Allocation Risk management arrangements should include risk allocation that (Office of Government Commerce, 2007): Is clear and unambiguous Achieves best value for money Represents a fair balance between risk and control Does not create conflict of interest in those required to give independent advice to the client. Contracts are a way to reduce risks as it is used to reduce uncertainty. Mutual agreements regarding to the project must be stated in the contract. Contracts between businesses have evolved to take on various roles (Walker Greenwood, 2002): Recoding the deal that has been agreed and the rights and obligations of the parties. Providing sanction for non-compliance, or incentive to comply Offering sets of procedures that the parties should follow Catering for uncertainty by deciding in advance how parties will bear the risk on unforeseen events. Responding to Risks Project managers must control the threats and uncertainties that would potentially adversely affect their projects. There are a number of strategies to do so (Ramroth, 2006): Avoidance: where risks have such serious consequences on the project outcome that make them totally unacceptable, measures might include a review of the project objectives and re-appraisal of the project, possibly leading to the replacement of the project, or its cancellation. Reduction: a typical action to reduce risk can take the form of: Redesign: including that arising out of value engineering studies Different methods of construction: to avoid inherently risky construction techniques Changing the procurement route: to allocate the risk between the project participants in a different manner. Transfer: transferring risks to another party in the integrated project teams, who would be responsible for the consequences, should the risk occur. Risks should not be transferred until they are fully understood. The objective of transferring risk is to pass the responsibility to another party who can better manage it. Retention: Risks that are not avoided or transferred are retained by the client although they may have been reduced or shared. These risks must continue to be managed by the client to minimise their likelihood and potential impact. Uncertainty should be understood as being a dual and coherent nature with reference to the environment, comprising the building context and the management of construction operation for the specific building (Atkin, Borgbrant, Josephson, 2003). Two concepts that are relevant are the contextual uncertainty and operational uncertainty. Contextual uncertainty includes the environment as a whole that may have an impact on a specific building. The impact could raise doubts about the result or the effectiveness of the achievement. In order to analyse the shape or form of the contextual uncertainty it is necessary to analyse the building from a broader perspective: the environment, the client and the organisation as a whole. Operational uncertainty is defined as every circumstance that may have an impact on the projects efficiency; that is handling the implementation of construction according to a predetermined set of goals. The logical phase of the construction process means that project visions are needed to reduce planning and design uncertainties, and that a plan is needed to reduce production uncertainty. Contingency funds should be in place to ensure that any uncertainty and imperfections of the project can be corrected. Clients should be made aware that contingency provisions are created to recognise that the final design and construction cost may exceed the initial estimated cost. The contingency fund should equal to a reasonable percentage of the estimated construction cost as a reserve to pay for unanticipated costs. Clients should acknowledge that no claims can be made against the project team with respect to increased costs within the agreed contingency. The building construction stage should be easy to plan and managed, if: The client is satisfied with the design; The design is correct and can be realised through construction; The intention of the designer is correctly communicated; and All conditions on site can be anticipated While it is not possible to alleviate all risks, some risks can be eliminated by thoughtful problem solving, while others can be successfully managed so that their impact on the project is kept to a minimum (Ramroth, 2006). Value Management Value management is the process in which the functional benefits of a project are made explicit and appraised consistent with a value system determined by the client. From a value management perspective, a project is an investment by an organisation on a temporary activity to achieve a core business objective within a programmed time that returns added value to the business activity of the organisation (Kelly, Making client values explicit in value management workshops, 2007). Value management is a structured, multi-disciplinary group decision-making process that encourages the enhancement of the value of a project, process or product in a manner consistent with the business goals of the stakeholders and client needs. Value management enables stakeholders to define and achieve their need through facilitated workshops that encourage participation, teamwork and end user buy-in. Stakeholders are people who have a real interest in the outcome of the project. Stakeholders of construction projects could be promoters, owners, financiers, supervisors, planners, engineer, constructors, operators, user and neighbours. The focus of value management is on function value for money, it is not necessarily to reduce cost. Though reducing cost could be a by-product of the value management activities (Office of Government Commerce, 2007). Value means ensuring that the right choices are made about obtaining the optimum balance of benefit in relation to cost and risk, and in its broadest sense, is the benefit to the client. However with value management, it should be recognised that improving the whole-life project value sometimes will require additional initial capital expenditure. The buildability and maintainability of the facility are central to its long-term value. Value management is a very low cost with high benefit exercise. The greatest benefit from applying value management to a project is when it is integrated into the project development plan, with workshops programmed to take place. If integrated into the project management methodology early in the project development the cost can be almost negligible, because of the reduced need for subsequent reviews and opportunities for substituting VM for some of the routine appraisals and quality audits that are always necessary (Hammersley, 2002). Clients Benefit The client is the party that benefit from the long-term operation of the building and therefore should lead the process from inception to the completion of the building. However it is suggested that clients are not interested in technological correctness. The designer on the other hand has the technological competence, but handling all the interdependencies to reach an optimal technological solution can sometimes lead to long design durations; affecting the clients expectation on the duration of the project. The designer may also have little knowledge on how to produce the design to a finished product. This production knowledge and skill lies with the contractors and subcontractors, often designers rely too heavily on the assumption that the design product is easy to produce. Apparently no single party is fully capable of leading, but rather a group of individuals can stand a better chance of succeeding (Atkin, Borgbrant, Josephson, 2003). To increase clients benefits the following key criteria should be made possible: Clients should have enough time to increase their knowledge of the project outcome, based on their requirement Clients should be able to change their mind when the challenges of their requests are made apparent to them Designers should have sufficient time to convert client requests into key technical criteria Designers should have enough time to investigate the interdependencies of the technical criteria in the building system Contractors and subcontractors, when required, should have the ability to view the impact of decisions regarding constructability As identified earlier, the client comprehends the product increasingly as the process proceeds. This suggests that even though it is hard to manage, it should be possible to review the requirements of the client in order to produce a building that satisfies. What is Value Value management is concerned with what value actually means

Explain how the narrow rule stated in Donoghue v Stevenson has been developed Essay

Under the ‘narrow rule’ established in Donoghue v Stevenson[1] ‘a manufacturer of products, which he sells in such a form as to show that he intends them to reach the ultimate consumer in the form in which they left him with no reasonable possibility of intermediate examination, and with knowledge that the absence of reasonable care in the preparation or putting up of products will result in an injury to the consumer’s life or property, owes a duty to the consumer to take that reasonable care’[2]. Firstly, from Donoghue liability has been extended in order to cover individuals who supply or repair products, the erectors of tombstones[3], electrical equipment installers[4], constructing staff buildings[5] etc. Also, understanding of ‘consumer’ has been widely developed to include users of particular article[6], anyone who might be in a direct contact with the article[7] or people in the neighbourhood of the good in question[8]. Donoghue, case that product liability in Scotland begins with, states that responsibility for defective products rests on the manufacturer on the condition that there is no possibility of intermediate examination of the product[9]. New approach declares that ‘possibility’ should be replaced with ‘probability’[10]. Case Bates v Batey[11] extends product liability law illustrating failure to provide flawless design of the product. Ginger beer busted in consumers hands. Manufacturer was held liable along with shopkeeper who could have exercised reasonable care by simply testing the product. Situation similar to Escola v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co where a bottle with drink fell apart in pursuer’s hands. However, simple existence of a chance to examine product is not enough to be held discharged from duty[12]. More important issue within this subject is whether manufacturer gave the consumer a warning so that some extend of danger can be reasonably expected.[13] What is more, in situation when examination has not been performed successfully, defender will still be held liable for the defect on basis of Voli v Inglewood Shire Council[14] where architect of building which happened to collapse, was find guilty of negligence despite of public authority’s inspection that failed to detect the flaw. Bunchan v Ortho Pharmaceutical[15] presents a failure to warn about the possibility of danger relating to the product. Situation was deteriorated by the lack of appropriate guidance concerning usage which was caused by inadequate label placed on the container. To solve this problem, when dealing with demanding products, manufacturer is under a duty to inform the consumer about risk connected with the good in question using a leaflet or a labels[16]. It applies for all situations where the product needs to be used in correct way[17]. A matter of appropriate notice is a question of fact and degree of the danger the article brings. If an adequate warning is being provided with potentially dangerous product there in no liability reasting on producer as it constitutes novous actus interveniens that erases chain of causation.[18] If product is found to be faulty after being put out into the market, the producer is deemed to issue information with a warning and recall the product if it is indispensable[19]. However, when danger is obvious and reasonable to expect for an ordinary person, there is no duty of care[20]. Approach is presented in Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants[21] where a disposable cup with hot liquid covered with a lid is not defective itself due to the general knowledge. It states: if a cup strucks hard surface it may result in an injury. Standard of safety is defined by what the society in general is entitled to expect in comparison to what they actually expect. Another interesting case concerning general knowledge has been brought against McDonalds Restaurant in Pelman v. McDonald’s Corp[22]. Pursuer alleged food produced by McDonald’s restaurants responsible for making people obese. Case has been dismissed. Year 1936 brought a significant extension to the ‘narrow rule’. By the time of Grant v Australian Knitting Mills Ltd[23] case, where problems with proving defects in product’s design arose[24], it was often problematic to prove that the defender was negligent in common law. Basis of the problem was lack of witness who could speak to the design flaws. Lord Wright adopted the rule of evidence called res ipsa loguitur[25]. In accordance to prior, events along with consistent facts justification are in competence to establish a breach[26]. Case Daniels v R White[27]contradicts Grant’s res ipsa loguitor approach stating that it is possible for a manufacturer to prove that process of manufacturing has been performed with the best possible quality and is the best in trade so that no liability can be recognized. A product design flaw is a random problem causing tragedies all around the world. Thalidomide was a German drug emitted in 1957 that caused over 10,000 human birth deformities attacking nervous system of its victims. Thalidomide was being prescribed to pregnant women as a sedative and to alleviate morning sickness drug. The principle of self-monitoring applied. There was no legislation in the Federal Republic of Germany that would require actual investigation and test concerning new medicines. In consequence, drugs did not have to be tested for their destructive tendency. There was no legal authority to support the claim along with problems to establishing link between deformities and medicine. Carrol v Fearon[28] shares the same issue as Thalidomide case. Onus lies on the pursuer to bring evidence of a breach of duty and prove that the manufacturer has been negligent. If action fails at this point there can be no further proceedings. Even when defect has been established it is a matter for a judge to decide whether on the balance of probabilities it was due to manufacturer’s neglect. When deciding whether product is defective or not, character of potential injury is taken into account. Relevant measures are deemed to be taken in circumstances when product may determine imminence to sensitive parts of the body[29]. Strict liability regime for products has been imposed in 1987 with Consumer Protection Act. Act clearly defines the product as well as who is the consumer. It places liability on producers of the product; own branders and importers, in cases where any damage occurred due to product’s defect[30]. Act covers damages, loss or injuries that exceed the sum of  £275. Damage does not include loss or damage to product itself nor to any other product supplied with the product. Economic loss is consequently excluded. Worley v Tambrands Ltd[31] established objective test used to justify whether the product has a defect or not. It is required that the pursuer brings evidence of product’s defect on the balance of probabilities[32]. Feldman v Elderly Laboratories[33] illustrates the importance of product’s safety over the logic of producer’s conducts. Again, there is no need to prove defenders fault. However is it required to show that the injury, damage or loss was a consequent of the defect in question[34]. A v National Blood Authority[35] illustrates how scientific and technical knowledge at relevant time can justify defect. ‘State of art’ or ‘development of risk’ defence is believed to be the most controversial issue under the act. Usage requirements demand including all data in the information circuit of the scientific community as entirety taking under consideration actual possibilities for the information circulates. In this case the producer was aware that some blood samples might be infected but at that time there was no possibility of precaution to take. In the end court held that blood was defective and users did not know the risk they were taking and lack of care they were entitled to receive with free from infections blood transfer. When users are aware of the defect product can’t be held defective anymore for example usage of condoms is not believed to be hundred percent effective.[36] Another defence brought by the Act accounts to contributory negligence. It concerns products that are components or raw materials in an intricate product. Additionally defend requires defect to be entirely attributable to the design of the product in question. It is well know that in practise, where statutory regime is not applicable, common law liability remains. Action in circumstances where problems with identifying responsible person arisen can be simply dismissed.[37] Another issue related with subject is being brought by Veedfald v Arhus Amtskommune[38] case where part of Consumer Protection Act has been adopted stating that a supplier is not strictly liable when a defective article was not provided in the course of business. In this case medical service has been funded from public funds nevertheless for economic purpose. In order to held strict liability damage must be a consequence ‘wholly or partially ‘by the product’s defect[39]. Defectiveness of the product is defined by the Act as ‘if the safety of the product is not such as persons are entitled to expect’[40]. Issue is tested by the standards of hypothetical reasonable man in the same position as manufacturer. In Abouzaid v Mothercare[41]the pursuer lost ability to see when the pushchair strap recoiled. Court held that test of defectiveness depend mostly on society expectations[42]. In the end, Act has been a usage for pursuers with small claim mainly relating to food. Product liability can be used for extending the scope of cases appropriate for litigation and settlement. This branch of law may serve society as an opportunity for legal education and acknowledgement relating to their rights and duties. This nature expand is likely to contribute much to the evolution of tort in the long distance perspective. As it can be seen, product liability law is growing in strength with every new precedent establishing new principles when new issue occurs. Another method that is being used in Scotland is simply adopting models from different countries and learning on their mistakes. System has grown for the as 80 years since Donoghue v Stevenson and proceeds in action. [1] 1932 AC 562 [2] 1932 AC 562 per Lord Atkin (at 599) [3] Brown v Cotterill 1934 51 TLR 21 KBD [4] Eccles v Cross and McIlwham 1939 S.C. 1 [5] Anns v Merton 1978 AC 728, [1977] 2 All ER 492 HL [6] Grant v Australian Knitting Mills Ltd1936 AC 85 [7] Barnett v H and J Packer & Co Ltd [1940] 3 All ER 575 KBD [8] Winterbottom v Wright 1842 10 M. & W. 109 [9] Escola v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co., 24 Cal.2d 453, 150 P.2d 436 (1944) [10] Haseldine v C A Daw 1941 2 KB 343 [11] 1913 3 KB 351 [12] Paine v Colne Valley Electricity Co 1938 3 All ER 803 [13] Griffiths v Arch Engeering Co Ltd 1968 3 All ER 217 [14] 1963 119 CLR 74 [15] (Canada) Ltd 1986 25 DCR (4th ed.) 658. [16] Lewis v University of Bristol 1999 EWCA cw 1569 [17] Vacwell Engineering Co Ltd v BDH Chemicals Ltd 1971, 1 QB 88 at 109 [18] Kubach v Hollands 1937 3 All ER 907, KB [19] Hobbs (Farms) Ltd v Baxendale Chemicals Ltd 1992 lloyds Rep 54. [20] McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd 2005 CSOH 69 [21] 1995 WL 360309 [22] 237 F.Supp.2d 512 (S.D.N.Y. Jan 22, 2003) [23] ibid [24] Hindustan SS Co v Siement Bros and Co Ltd [25] the thing speak for itself [26] Escola v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co ibid [27] 1938 4 All ER 258 [28] 1998 PIQR P416, CA [29] Abouzaid v Mothercare Ltd 2001 2000 WL 1918530 [30] S2(1) of the Act [31] 2000 PIQR 95 [32] Foster v Biosil 2001 59 B.M.L.R. 178 [33] 479 A. 2d374 [34] Richardson v LRC Products Ltd 2000 59 BM LR 185 [35] 2001 3 All ER 289 [36] Wyeth v. Levine, 555 U.S. (2009), [37] Evans v Triplex Safety Glass Co Ltd 1936 1 All ER 283; Summers v. Tice 33 Cal.2d 80, 199 P.2d 1 [38] 2003 1 CMLR 41 [39] Foster v Biosil ibid; MacPherson v. Buick 217 N.Y. 382, 111 N.E. 1050 (1916) [40] CPA 1987,s 3 (1) [41] (Uk) Ltd 2001 TLR 136 [42] A v National Blood Authority ibid

Things fall apart

A story or poem in which the characters setting and events stand for other people and events or for abstract ideas or qualities. Alliteration- The repetition of the same consonant sounds in a sequence of words usually at the beginning of the word. Conflict- The opposition between characters or forces, especially opposition that motivates or shapes the action of the plot. Connotation- Associations and implications that go beyond the written word. Denotation- The dictionary definition of a word. Organizing- Use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story. Hyperbole- A bold, exaggerated statement. Metaphor- Comparison between like things without using like or as. Oxymoron- A paradox in which two contradictory or opposite words are used together. Personification- Animals, ideas, and inanimate objects are given human characteristics, abilities, or reactions. Satire- Witty language used to convey insults or scorn. Symbol- An object or action that means or stands for so mething else more significant than its literal meaning.Literary Terms from A Step From Heaven â€Å"My toes are fish† – metaphor â€Å"The waves dance† – personification l am a sea bubble floating, floating in a dream† – metaphor, symbol â€Å"sleepy blanket face† – imagery, metaphor â€Å"like the insides of the bottles that get left on the street† – simile â€Å"bleed water from the sea† – imagery, metaphor â€Å"hands together tight like a closed book† – simile â€Å"dark round monkey eyes† – imagery, metaphor â€Å"sleepy eyes like cats in the sun† – simile, imagery â€Å"like someone is poking it with a stick† – imagery â€Å"soft and tickly as seagull feathers† – simile ‘†see my stomach' she barks† – personification â€Å"her long hair plays in the wind† – personification I thump my head like a ripe watermelon† – simile â€Å"l watch Mamma's shoes talk to the road† – personification â€Å"big as fish mouths† – simile â€Å"hair that can play in the wind, light as a kite† – simile â€Å"Yes, I lie, quiet as snow† – simile â€Å"waiting for Heaven† – foreshadowing â€Å"until my mouth is ready to learn† – imagery â€Å"big floppy tongue† – imagery â€Å"let us say it is a step from Heaven† – foreshadowing Literary Terms from Copper Sun â€Å"So shiny and smooth, Mari marveled. – imagery â€Å"Like weaving blankets out of sand. † – simile â€Å"As round and brown as a Kola nut† – simile, imagery Fly my baby brother, Fly away! † – foreshadowing â€Å"It was like a small city made of wood† – imagery â€Å"pieces of cloth, larger than a hut† – simile â€Å"as much help as a rabbit in the rice field! † – simile â€Å"We done fell out of the tree and hit every branch on the way down! † – metaphor â€Å"hunger lived with them everyday† – personification â€Å"she fight like a lion† – simile. Things Fall Apart Jordan Knoke English 102 Ember Smith 21 June 2010 Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe writes a fascinating book, Things Fall Apart, where he talks about the struggle of a man, Okonkwo, who lives between the pride of his culture and the pride of his manhood. Achebe is from, where the novel originates, Nigeria. Achebe has been one of the most influential and important authors in African history. It is very important to get a view from a native African’s point of view: a person who has seen what has gone on and experienced the trials and wars of Nigeria and other African countries.The Igbo religion was the primary religion in the village where the story is set. Okonkwo who has been in the village of Umofia for his entire life, starts to see the tribe transpire and shift away from its normal beliefs. This happens when Christian missionaries arrive in the country to try and turn the people of Umofia and other tribes to their religion of Christianity. Nigeria during this time was in dif ficult times because they were under the rule by Great Britain. Achebe does a wonderful job in the book describing how much of an influence the outsiders had.The culture, religion, ethics, spirit, war, peace, and labor are some of the words that describe this book in a nutshell. Things Fall Apart is a book of knowledge and discipline. These two characteristics are an underlying occurrence in the book. Okonkwo is man who displays both of these qualities, thus, which leads to his downfall. Chinua Achebe, known for his bestselling novels, poems, and essays, was born in 1930 in Ogidi, Nigeria (Gerard). Achebe has been known for five great books, but the most read and talked about has been Things Fall Apart.Achebe’s books have been translated in some fifty languages. Especially in Africa and his homeland of Nigeria, Achebe is looked upon like a God and somebody that people can look up to. Achebe was very bright in his early years as a child; he began to learn English when he was o nly eight years old (Achebe). In 1948, Achebe went to University College in Nigeria to initially study medicine, but something made him change his mind (Achebe). He changed his major to English literary studies to practice the skills of becoming a writer and learn about the practices of English culture.After graduating from University College, Achebe went on to become a producer for a Nigerian broadcasting company. It was not till after that, in London, that Achebe would truly find his talent of writing. One of his teachers in London had requested Achebe to publish and write the book, Things Fall Apart. The timing of the book could not have been any better because Great Britain had control over Nigeria and was severely pressured into colonizing the country. Within ten years of this conflict, Achebe published the book.It set off a vibe that usually does not go off when someone publishes a book. This book did just that. Things Fall Apart is the view from a small Nigerian village that sees its principles and doctrines taken over outsiders from another country. From a Nigerian who has probably seen this in happen in real life is very important to the people of Africa. For someone like Achebe to tell the story of Africans and how they live, eat, drink, and worship Gods tells the whole world how an everyday African lives.When a country rules over a territory or a certain land it can have a strangle on the people of that village, tribe, or colony. Chinua Achebe describes the setting of the story beautifully. In the village of Umofia men, women, and children are taught to be tough minded. This is the case for Okonkwo. A warrior who is tough, strong, disciplined, and well liked in his tribe. Achebe realizes the struggles and pains that Nigerians and other Africans go through. They struggle with money, time, and personal problems. These personal problems could be with a family member or it could be with their Gods or ancestors.This is why Achebe decided to write a book of this nature: To ensure the people of Nigeria of nation building, economic building, and strong government. Two years after the book was written, Great Britain gave Nigeria its independence from them (Nigeria). This colossal achievement for the people of Nigeria gave them a new start in life; a start that would allow them to be free and have the political and ethical freedom to do as they choose. Achebe has been one of the most inspirational and influential writers during his time because of his obvious background.Nigeria will probably never produce someone as important as Achebe ever again. Learning the process of becoming a writer for Achebe was definitely hard work. Growing up for Achebe was very difficult; the conditions had to have been rough in the country of Nigeria where poverty and sickness were widely recognized. To grow up to be a man that he is now, that has been one of the greater achievements that any writer has achieved. Achebe’s parents: Janet and Isaiah Ach ebe were very influential on his life. Isaiah Achebe was a teacher at the Chuch Missionary Society in Nigeria (Achebe).It is always important to have great idols and parents to look up to for that parent to set an example on their child so they can have a great life ahead of them. Achebe wrote five major books in his career: Things Fall Apart (1958), No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). All five of these major works have something in common. They all have the same interest in African society and how religion, domestication, and nations collide with the outside world or within different countries.Achebe has done his part over the past 50 years, providing readers from all over the world the history, culture, and background that African society has been founded on for thousands of years. Since Achebe has settled down the past 10 or 20 years, he has received recognition and awards for his outstanding writing. He has received numerous doctorates and is an honorary member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. In 1999, Achebe was honored by being appointed to the U. N Population Fund; Achebe’s works throughout his career was also translated in 40 different languages (Achebe).In the story, Things Fall Apart, a man, Okonkwo struggles with his own tendencies and mishaps that cost him in the end of the story. Achebe, a native African, writing this book about the culture and life of a certain village in Nigeria was huge. It was huge because it was the first major novel written by an African about Africa. Challenges about the novel speak of the Western influence of Europe, such as Great Britain on African colonies and countries. The work of this book came around the time of decolonization, where western European countries gave independence to African counties, including Nigeria.What Achebe does so well throughout the entire book is that he lets the reader try and figure out i f the Ibo people are romanticized or if the outsiders are actually there for some or no reason at all. Achebe lets the reader think and figure out the entire colonialism and impact of the white missionaries in Africa. One of the major themes that gets introduced throughout the book is the theme of war. War was a prominent way of life in Nigeria. If a man were not to fight in tribal wars, then he would be considered a coward that would not get the recognition of other prominent men in the tribes.Okonkwo, the main character, is a violent warrior who has been perceived as a person who looks for solutions in the way of war, violence, and death instead of resorting to peaceful solutions. The violence that Okonkwo shows to his friends, sons, daughters, and wives leads to the destruction of his image and reputation. Okonkwo also has a problem with softness and not being manly enough. Growing up, Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, was soft and gentle. He was not viewed as a warlike person or s omeone who would be a warrior of the tribes. Okonkwo did not want to be like this.He wanted to be the head of his household, also called obi, and wanted to be the person who killed the most men in war. That was his objective growing up in the village of Umofia. A man who does not back down, does not show his weaknesses, and does not want to lose no matter what. War has always been a way of life in this village. Fighting other colonies and tribes has been going on for thousands of years and will probably never stop. This is why Okonkwo portrays himself as a warlike person who does not like to show his softer side. The other theme that shows itself numerous times in the book is peace.Again Okonkwo struggles to find the connection within him to find peace. Peace is a tough thing to find if someone does not try hard enough to use it in the necessary scenarios. With his violent ways and backgrounds Okonkwo does not have that inner peace that could settle him down or resolve to a softer s ituation. He struggles mightily with the thought of peace being achieved. The situation changes before Okonkwo’s very eyes and the others of Umofia that the outside world is wanting to change the way people live in Africa. The downfall of Okonkwo’s life is derived between war and peace.Obtaining peace and fighting wars against other countries brings fate. It may not always be easy, but at the end of the day peace is given and a country is set free of captivity. The country of Nigeria has long been a country of disarray and in development. It has been a country of poverty and sickness. 250 ethnic tribes call Nigeria home. The three most major tribes are Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa (Nigeria). Igbo, of course, is the main tribe that the book speaks of. Located in the western part of Africa, Nigeria is home to savannas, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands.Farming is a very important way of life in Nigeria, as with each country in Africa. Nigeria covers an area close to 360, 000 square miles; it is also twice the size of the state of California. The political state of Nigeria consists of thirty-six states. The capital of Nigeria is Abuja (Nigeria). It has been the capital since 1991. Nigeria is strong in ethnicity. The primary religions in the country are Muslim and Christians. These two religions make up about 90% of the ethnicity in Africa (Curry). However, between the two religions comes hardships and violence.Differences between beliefs of the two can present a problem, especially when they are two totally different ways of belief. When Great Britain began to get involved with nations in Africa, it set its eyes on Nigeria. It all began in 1887 when British forces began to surge on the eastern coast of Africa. Sir George Goldie, founder of the Royal Niger Company acquired the interior of Nigeria. Influence of British cultures and traditions was way too much of a factor in countries such as Nigeria. This influence set the basis for rule over the count ry by establishing the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria in 1900 (Curry).Through hardships and trying times, Nigeria was a country with one of the highest population rates and also a high rate of disease and poverty. In 1960 Nigeria became an independent member of the British Commonwealth. Then in 1963, becoming a republic. Nigeria’s first elected president ever to take over was Nnamdi Azikiwe (Curry). Things Fall Apart was probably one of the most interesting books to read because the language, history, and spirituality. These characteristics are what make Achebe’s book spectacular. The way he uses words makes him one of the best authors ever.The life of a man such as Okonkwo to end in such tragedy is always a shame. Especially when the main character who sees his village turn for the worst after British missionaries convert men, women, and children to Christianity. This is when we saw the rise and fall of a man who wanted to see his homeland keep its same values and n ot have outsiders come in and take everything over. Okonkwo was a main of strength, courage, and honor. These are the qualities that made him one of the most powerful and warrior-like men in the village. Achebe always does a wonderful job of portraying the use of a man and use of a woman.Men were obviously the more powerful and head of the house. Women, on the other hand, were basically servants and did not really hold that much authority. Achebe does a great job to focus on Okonkwo and how much his children and wives respect and how they are afraid of him. That’s how much a man can have an influence on others. Works Citied â€Å"Achebe, Chinua. † Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of World Literature. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 4-8. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 June 2010. Curry, Tim. â€Å"Nigeria. † Countries and Their Cultures. Ed. Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember. Vol. . New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2001. 1624-1642. Gale Virtual Reference Library . Web. 21 June 2010. Gerard, Albert S. â€Å"Achebe, Chinua (1930-). † Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Suzanne M. Bourgoin. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale Research, 1998. â€Å"Nigeria. † Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations. 11th ed. Vol. 2: Africa. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 423-439. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 June 2010. â€Å"Things Fall Apart. † Literary Themes for Students: War and Peace. Ed. Anne Marie Hacht. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 519-534. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 June 2010. Things fall apart A story or poem in which the characters setting and events stand for other people and events or for abstract ideas or qualities. Alliteration- The repetition of the same consonant sounds in a sequence of words usually at the beginning of the word. Conflict- The opposition between characters or forces, especially opposition that motivates or shapes the action of the plot. Connotation- Associations and implications that go beyond the written word. Denotation- The dictionary definition of a word. Organizing- Use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story. Hyperbole- A bold, exaggerated statement. Metaphor- Comparison between like things without using like or as. Oxymoron- A paradox in which two contradictory or opposite words are used together. Personification- Animals, ideas, and inanimate objects are given human characteristics, abilities, or reactions. Satire- Witty language used to convey insults or scorn. Symbol- An object or action that means or stands for so mething else more significant than its literal meaning.Literary Terms from A Step From Heaven â€Å"My toes are fish† – metaphor â€Å"The waves dance† – personification l am a sea bubble floating, floating in a dream† – metaphor, symbol â€Å"sleepy blanket face† – imagery, metaphor â€Å"like the insides of the bottles that get left on the street† – simile â€Å"bleed water from the sea† – imagery, metaphor â€Å"hands together tight like a closed book† – simile â€Å"dark round monkey eyes† – imagery, metaphor â€Å"sleepy eyes like cats in the sun† – simile, imagery â€Å"like someone is poking it with a stick† – imagery â€Å"soft and tickly as seagull feathers† – simile ‘†see my stomach' she barks† – personification â€Å"her long hair plays in the wind† – personification I thump my head like a ripe watermelon† – simile â€Å"l watch Mamma's shoes talk to the road† – personification â€Å"big as fish mouths† – simile â€Å"hair that can play in the wind, light as a kite† – simile â€Å"Yes, I lie, quiet as snow† – simile â€Å"waiting for Heaven† – foreshadowing â€Å"until my mouth is ready to learn† – imagery â€Å"big floppy tongue† – imagery â€Å"let us say it is a step from Heaven† – foreshadowing Literary Terms from Copper Sun â€Å"So shiny and smooth, Mari marveled. – imagery â€Å"Like weaving blankets out of sand. † – simile â€Å"As round and brown as a Kola nut† – simile, imagery Fly my baby brother, Fly away! † – foreshadowing â€Å"It was like a small city made of wood† – imagery â€Å"pieces of cloth, larger than a hut† – simile â€Å"as much help as a rabbit in the rice field! † – simile â€Å"We done fell out of the tree and hit every branch on the way down! † – metaphor â€Å"hunger lived with them everyday† – personification â€Å"she fight like a lion† – simile. Things Fall Apart Jordan Knoke English 102 Ember Smith 21 June 2010 Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe writes a fascinating book, Things Fall Apart, where he talks about the struggle of a man, Okonkwo, who lives between the pride of his culture and the pride of his manhood. Achebe is from, where the novel originates, Nigeria. Achebe has been one of the most influential and important authors in African history. It is very important to get a view from a native African’s point of view: a person who has seen what has gone on and experienced the trials and wars of Nigeria and other African countries.The Igbo religion was the primary religion in the village where the story is set. Okonkwo who has been in the village of Umofia for his entire life, starts to see the tribe transpire and shift away from its normal beliefs. This happens when Christian missionaries arrive in the country to try and turn the people of Umofia and other tribes to their religion of Christianity. Nigeria during this time was in dif ficult times because they were under the rule by Great Britain. Achebe does a wonderful job in the book describing how much of an influence the outsiders had.The culture, religion, ethics, spirit, war, peace, and labor are some of the words that describe this book in a nutshell. Things Fall Apart is a book of knowledge and discipline. These two characteristics are an underlying occurrence in the book. Okonkwo is man who displays both of these qualities, thus, which leads to his downfall. Chinua Achebe, known for his bestselling novels, poems, and essays, was born in 1930 in Ogidi, Nigeria (Gerard). Achebe has been known for five great books, but the most read and talked about has been Things Fall Apart.Achebe’s books have been translated in some fifty languages. Especially in Africa and his homeland of Nigeria, Achebe is looked upon like a God and somebody that people can look up to. Achebe was very bright in his early years as a child; he began to learn English when he was o nly eight years old (Achebe). In 1948, Achebe went to University College in Nigeria to initially study medicine, but something made him change his mind (Achebe). He changed his major to English literary studies to practice the skills of becoming a writer and learn about the practices of English culture.After graduating from University College, Achebe went on to become a producer for a Nigerian broadcasting company. It was not till after that, in London, that Achebe would truly find his talent of writing. One of his teachers in London had requested Achebe to publish and write the book, Things Fall Apart. The timing of the book could not have been any better because Great Britain had control over Nigeria and was severely pressured into colonizing the country. Within ten years of this conflict, Achebe published the book.It set off a vibe that usually does not go off when someone publishes a book. This book did just that. Things Fall Apart is the view from a small Nigerian village that sees its principles and doctrines taken over outsiders from another country. From a Nigerian who has probably seen this in happen in real life is very important to the people of Africa. For someone like Achebe to tell the story of Africans and how they live, eat, drink, and worship Gods tells the whole world how an everyday African lives.When a country rules over a territory or a certain land it can have a strangle on the people of that village, tribe, or colony. Chinua Achebe describes the setting of the story beautifully. In the village of Umofia men, women, and children are taught to be tough minded. This is the case for Okonkwo. A warrior who is tough, strong, disciplined, and well liked in his tribe. Achebe realizes the struggles and pains that Nigerians and other Africans go through. They struggle with money, time, and personal problems. These personal problems could be with a family member or it could be with their Gods or ancestors.This is why Achebe decided to write a book of this nature: To ensure the people of Nigeria of nation building, economic building, and strong government. Two years after the book was written, Great Britain gave Nigeria its independence from them (Nigeria). This colossal achievement for the people of Nigeria gave them a new start in life; a start that would allow them to be free and have the political and ethical freedom to do as they choose. Achebe has been one of the most inspirational and influential writers during his time because of his obvious background.Nigeria will probably never produce someone as important as Achebe ever again. Learning the process of becoming a writer for Achebe was definitely hard work. Growing up for Achebe was very difficult; the conditions had to have been rough in the country of Nigeria where poverty and sickness were widely recognized. To grow up to be a man that he is now, that has been one of the greater achievements that any writer has achieved. Achebe’s parents: Janet and Isaiah Ach ebe were very influential on his life. Isaiah Achebe was a teacher at the Chuch Missionary Society in Nigeria (Achebe).It is always important to have great idols and parents to look up to for that parent to set an example on their child so they can have a great life ahead of them. Achebe wrote five major books in his career: Things Fall Apart (1958), No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). All five of these major works have something in common. They all have the same interest in African society and how religion, domestication, and nations collide with the outside world or within different countries.Achebe has done his part over the past 50 years, providing readers from all over the world the history, culture, and background that African society has been founded on for thousands of years. Since Achebe has settled down the past 10 or 20 years, he has received recognition and awards for his outstanding writing. He has received numerous doctorates and is an honorary member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. In 1999, Achebe was honored by being appointed to the U. N Population Fund; Achebe’s works throughout his career was also translated in 40 different languages (Achebe).In the story, Things Fall Apart, a man, Okonkwo struggles with his own tendencies and mishaps that cost him in the end of the story. Achebe, a native African, writing this book about the culture and life of a certain village in Nigeria was huge. It was huge because it was the first major novel written by an African about Africa. Challenges about the novel speak of the Western influence of Europe, such as Great Britain on African colonies and countries. The work of this book came around the time of decolonization, where western European countries gave independence to African counties, including Nigeria.What Achebe does so well throughout the entire book is that he lets the reader try and figure out i f the Ibo people are romanticized or if the outsiders are actually there for some or no reason at all. Achebe lets the reader think and figure out the entire colonialism and impact of the white missionaries in Africa. One of the major themes that gets introduced throughout the book is the theme of war. War was a prominent way of life in Nigeria. If a man were not to fight in tribal wars, then he would be considered a coward that would not get the recognition of other prominent men in the tribes.Okonkwo, the main character, is a violent warrior who has been perceived as a person who looks for solutions in the way of war, violence, and death instead of resorting to peaceful solutions. The violence that Okonkwo shows to his friends, sons, daughters, and wives leads to the destruction of his image and reputation. Okonkwo also has a problem with softness and not being manly enough. Growing up, Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, was soft and gentle. He was not viewed as a warlike person or s omeone who would be a warrior of the tribes. Okonkwo did not want to be like this.He wanted to be the head of his household, also called obi, and wanted to be the person who killed the most men in war. That was his objective growing up in the village of Umofia. A man who does not back down, does not show his weaknesses, and does not want to lose no matter what. War has always been a way of life in this village. Fighting other colonies and tribes has been going on for thousands of years and will probably never stop. This is why Okonkwo portrays himself as a warlike person who does not like to show his softer side. The other theme that shows itself numerous times in the book is peace.Again Okonkwo struggles to find the connection within him to find peace. Peace is a tough thing to find if someone does not try hard enough to use it in the necessary scenarios. With his violent ways and backgrounds Okonkwo does not have that inner peace that could settle him down or resolve to a softer s ituation. He struggles mightily with the thought of peace being achieved. The situation changes before Okonkwo’s very eyes and the others of Umofia that the outside world is wanting to change the way people live in Africa. The downfall of Okonkwo’s life is derived between war and peace.Obtaining peace and fighting wars against other countries brings fate. It may not always be easy, but at the end of the day peace is given and a country is set free of captivity. The country of Nigeria has long been a country of disarray and in development. It has been a country of poverty and sickness. 250 ethnic tribes call Nigeria home. The three most major tribes are Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa (Nigeria). Igbo, of course, is the main tribe that the book speaks of. Located in the western part of Africa, Nigeria is home to savannas, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands.Farming is a very important way of life in Nigeria, as with each country in Africa. Nigeria covers an area close to 360, 000 square miles; it is also twice the size of the state of California. The political state of Nigeria consists of thirty-six states. The capital of Nigeria is Abuja (Nigeria). It has been the capital since 1991. Nigeria is strong in ethnicity. The primary religions in the country are Muslim and Christians. These two religions make up about 90% of the ethnicity in Africa (Curry). However, between the two religions comes hardships and violence.Differences between beliefs of the two can present a problem, especially when they are two totally different ways of belief. When Great Britain began to get involved with nations in Africa, it set its eyes on Nigeria. It all began in 1887 when British forces began to surge on the eastern coast of Africa. Sir George Goldie, founder of the Royal Niger Company acquired the interior of Nigeria. Influence of British cultures and traditions was way too much of a factor in countries such as Nigeria. This influence set the basis for rule over the count ry by establishing the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria in 1900 (Curry).Through hardships and trying times, Nigeria was a country with one of the highest population rates and also a high rate of disease and poverty. In 1960 Nigeria became an independent member of the British Commonwealth. Then in 1963, becoming a republic. Nigeria’s first elected president ever to take over was Nnamdi Azikiwe (Curry). Things Fall Apart was probably one of the most interesting books to read because the language, history, and spirituality. These characteristics are what make Achebe’s book spectacular. The way he uses words makes him one of the best authors ever.The life of a man such as Okonkwo to end in such tragedy is always a shame. Especially when the main character who sees his village turn for the worst after British missionaries convert men, women, and children to Christianity. This is when we saw the rise and fall of a man who wanted to see his homeland keep its same values and n ot have outsiders come in and take everything over. Okonkwo was a main of strength, courage, and honor. These are the qualities that made him one of the most powerful and warrior-like men in the village. Achebe always does a wonderful job of portraying the use of a man and use of a woman.Men were obviously the more powerful and head of the house. Women, on the other hand, were basically servants and did not really hold that much authority. Achebe does a great job to focus on Okonkwo and how much his children and wives respect and how they are afraid of him. That’s how much a man can have an influence on others. Works Citied â€Å"Achebe, Chinua. † Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of World Literature. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 4-8. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 June 2010. Curry, Tim. â€Å"Nigeria. † Countries and Their Cultures. Ed. Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember. Vol. . New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2001. 1624-1642. Gale Virtual Reference Library . Web. 21 June 2010. Gerard, Albert S. â€Å"Achebe, Chinua (1930-). † Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Suzanne M. Bourgoin. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale Research, 1998. â€Å"Nigeria. † Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations. 11th ed. Vol. 2: Africa. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 423-439. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 June 2010. â€Å"Things Fall Apart. † Literary Themes for Students: War and Peace. Ed. Anne Marie Hacht. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 519-534. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 June 2010.

Free Essays on Kakfkas Metamorphosis

A Bug’s Life; â€Å"Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’† Franz Kafka’s, â€Å"Metamorphosis†, is arguably one of the most eccentric, yet exemplary literary works ever published. Kafka uses science fiction to provide insight into the mind of Gregor Samsa, a young man who seems to have fallen into the pits of life’s endless routine. As the story begins Gregor is mysteriously transformed into a large grotesque insect, this represents the insecure feelings he feels about himself. As a selfless, very dutiful man Gregor works extremely hard at a job he truly despises just to support his sister and parents with whom he lives. Betrayal, escape, and self sacrifice are among the many themes explored through Gregor in this truly one of a kind story. As Sheldon Goldfarb, a doctor of English and published critic, so bluntly states, â€Å" The Metamorphosis† is a depiction of the helplessness and disgusting nature of the human race.† Admittedly, after reading this story for the first time, I could not help but question the acceptance of â€Å"Metamorphosis† as a serious literary work. For one, the idea of someone turning into a bug was a little too far-fetched and unrealistic to be taken serious. However, this opinion of mine would change after I was forced to read and interpret this story thoroughly. Upon closer inspection of detail and symbols I’ve concluded that ‘metamorphosis† is honestly one of the best stories I’ve ever read. With a subtle kind of style, Kafka is able to delve into the flaws of humanity and exploit them for everyone to see. One tool of literature that Kafka uses to perfection is imagery. In the first section of this three part story, Kafka paints a visual picture of Gregor lying in his bed after just being transformed into an insect. As Goldfarb points out, the two most memorable images a reader experiences in this story are â€Å".....first, the picture of Gregor Samsa transformed into an insect, lying on... Free Essays on Kakfka's Metamorphosis Free Essays on Kakfka's Metamorphosis A Bug’s Life; â€Å"Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’† Franz Kafka’s, â€Å"Metamorphosis†, is arguably one of the most eccentric, yet exemplary literary works ever published. Kafka uses science fiction to provide insight into the mind of Gregor Samsa, a young man who seems to have fallen into the pits of life’s endless routine. As the story begins Gregor is mysteriously transformed into a large grotesque insect, this represents the insecure feelings he feels about himself. As a selfless, very dutiful man Gregor works extremely hard at a job he truly despises just to support his sister and parents with whom he lives. Betrayal, escape, and self sacrifice are among the many themes explored through Gregor in this truly one of a kind story. As Sheldon Goldfarb, a doctor of English and published critic, so bluntly states, â€Å" The Metamorphosis† is a depiction of the helplessness and disgusting nature of the human race.† Admittedly, after reading this story for the first time, I could not help but question the acceptance of â€Å"Metamorphosis† as a serious literary work. For one, the idea of someone turning into a bug was a little too far-fetched and unrealistic to be taken serious. However, this opinion of mine would change after I was forced to read and interpret this story thoroughly. Upon closer inspection of detail and symbols I’ve concluded that ‘metamorphosis† is honestly one of the best stories I’ve ever read. With a subtle kind of style, Kafka is able to delve into the flaws of humanity and exploit them for everyone to see. One tool of literature that Kafka uses to perfection is imagery. In the first section of this three part story, Kafka paints a visual picture of Gregor lying in his bed after just being transformed into an insect. As Goldfarb points out, the two most memorable images a reader experiences in this story are â€Å".....first, the picture of Gregor Samsa transformed into an insect, lying on...

A Guide to the Graduate School Admissions Interview

A Guide to the Graduate School Admissions Interview If youve received an invitation to interview at a graduate school of choice, congratulate yourself. Youve made it to the short list of applicants under serious consideration for admission. If you have not received an invitation, dont fret.  Not all graduate programs interview and the popularity of admissions interviews vary by program. Heres what to expect and some tips on how to prepare so you do your very best. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to let members of the department get a peek at you and meet you, the person, and see beyond your application. Sometimes applicants who seem like a perfect match on paper arent so in real life. What do the interviewers want to know? Whether you have what it takes to succeed in graduate school and the profession, like maturity, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation. How well do you express yourself, manage stress and think on your feet? What to Expect Interview formats vary considerably. Some programs request applicants to meet for half of an hour to an hour with a faculty member, and other interviews will be full weekend events with students, faculty and other applicants. Graduate school interviews are conducted by invitation, but the expenses are nearly always paid for by applicants. In some unusual  cases, a program may assist a promising student with travel expenses, but its not common. If youre invited to an interview, try your best to attend even if you have to pay the travel expenses. Not attending, even if its for a good reason, signals that youre not seriously interested in the program. During your interview, youll talk with several faculty members as well as students. You might engage in small group discussions with students, faculty and other applicants. Participate in discussions and demonstrate your listening skills  but do not monopolize the conversation. The interviewers might have read your application file but dont expect them to remember anything about you. Because the interviewer is unlikely to remember much about each applicant, be forthcoming about your experiences, strengths and professional goals. Be mindful of the salient facts you wish to present. How to Prepare Learn about the program and faculty. familiarize yourself with the training emphasis and faculty research interests.Review your own interests, goals, and qualifications. Note what things make you a good match for the program. Be able to explain how your goals and qualifications match what the program has to offer.Take the perspective of faculty members. What can you contribute to their graduate program and research? Why should they accept you? What skills do you bring that will help a professor advance in his or her research?Anticipate questions and rehearse potential answers.Prepare intelligent questions to ask. During the Interview Remember your goals during your interview: to convey your interest, motivation, and professionalism and to gather the information you need to determine if this is the graduate program for you.In meetings with graduate students, try to ask questions that reveal what they really think about their advisers and the program. Most students will be forthcoming especially in one-on-one conversations.Dont underestimate the potential influence of current graduate students. Present your best side because current graduate students may be in a position to help or hurt your application.Some interviews include social events like parties. Dont drink (even if others do). Remember that even though it seems like a party, its an interview. Assume that youre being evaluated at all times. Empower Yourself: Youre Interviewing Them, Too Remember that this is your chance to interview the program, its facilities, and its faculty. Youll tour the facilities and lab spaces as well as have the opportunity to ask questions. Take this opportunity to assess the school, program, faculty, and students to determine if its the right match for you. During the interview, you should evaluate the program just as the faculty is evaluating you.

Business Logistics Export of coal from Australia Essay

Business Logistics Export of coal from Australia - Essay Example Substances that burn to release heat energy are called fuels. Fuels that are formed naturally in the similar way to fossils are called fossil fuels. Fossils are the remains of animals or plants preserved through natural process for millions of years below the earth. Fossils fuels are formed from these remains of plants and animals through squashing by rocks built over it through natural wearing process. Coal, Crude Oil and Gas are fossil fuels. Usually the fossil fuels are found underground and therefore very difficult to get out. The organic maturity of coal determines its quality. It refers to the temperature, pressure and time of formation of any coal deposit. There are four types or stages of coal known as coalification; Peat, Brown Coal, Sub-bituminous and Bituminous. Coals are ranked according to its coalification which is the amount of changes occurred during its maturity from peat to anthracite. Sub-bituminous and lignite are ranked as low coals because they have low carbon content and high moisture levels. Their material is very soft and appearance dull earthy. Anthracite is the highest ranked coal as it has high carbon content and low moisture level, having hard and strong black material with more energy. Figure 2 shows the different levels of moisture content and carbon and energy content for coalification of coal. (World Coal Institute, 2005) Figure 2: Moisture and Carbon energy levels of different coal types Uses of Coal The most significant uses of coal as shown in Figure 2 above are in generating electricity, producing steel, manufacturing cement and

With reference to a particular country case study, critically outline Essay

With reference to a particular country case study, critically outline and assess the key features of neoliberal development policy in that country - Essay Example exican debt of nineteen eighty-two even after adopting adjustments in structures and policies of promotional exports that were inspired by the â€Å"Washington consensus†. The early nineties marked a period of optimistic expectations that the recovery would take place. Despite this, the regional increase of the quantum of export and integration of into a global economy in large-scale made growth in the economy to remain evasive. The growth rate of the regional per capita in the year became 0.43 percent from the year 1980 and 2005. Moreover, this was aggravated by the recent financial crisis in Ecuador. Basing on the prices of raw materials, the recovery is still insufficient to create changes on the pattern. According to â€Å"Washington consensus†, the economic growth must be generated from the exports and its effect on trickling down must lead to the social development. The economic performance of several Latin America countries has been disappointing for the last twenty-five years or so. The years have been marked by stagnation in economy and increase in crisis vulnerability have been made worse with the increase in poverty, increased social inequality and deterioration in the environment (Molyneux 2008, pp.775–797). Ecuador is among the Latin American countries that are  among the less developed with 1.461USD per capita income by the year 2001. This was relative below the average income per capita in the region. Viewing it closer, it reveals Ecuador’s poor performance in the economy even with the regional context that is weak. During the last decades, several countries in Latin America hade export expansion, but relatively small income growth only few country had high economic growth. Ecuador’s primary products composed of bananas, oils, Coffee, shrimps and flowers represent the country’s major exports. The factors that have historically influenced the country such as social, ethnic and regional disparities remain pervasive. The economy of Ecuador is