Building Information Modelling: Effect on Quantity Surveyor

Building Information Modelling: Effect on Quantity Surveyor Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a revolutionary technology and process that has transformed the way buildings are designed, analysed, constructed, and managed (Hardin, 2009, p. 2). BIM has taken the construction industry into a new-era where all processes has fasten up, the benefits are not just time and cost savings but also reduction of risks and uncertain in construction process. From the through literature review of many researchers works published in various journals suggestions are being made as how this BIM approach is being carried out in construction industry, at the same time a critical literature review is also being conducted on the cost estimation within BIM technologies and whether this can benefit or harm the future role of the quantity surveyor. A questionnaire was designed to identify how the use of BIM will affect the future role quantity surveyor. The questionnaires were distributed to family and friends working within the construction industry and also construction professionals within the UK. From analysis the results obtained and comparing them with the literature review. Implementing BIM within the construction industry although the Government Chief Construction Adviser Paul Morrell called for BIM adoption on UK government construction projects of  £5 million and over. And also in June 2011 the UK government published its BIM strategy, announcing its intention to require collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) on its projects by 2016 (Elena Poletayeva, 2011). At this current time there is a clear indication that BIM isnt being used to its full advantage within the construction industry CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO DISSERTATION The following research will investigate and analysis how the use of BIM will affect the future role of the quantity surveyor. According to the Royal Institute of British Architects RIBA (2012), almost a third of construction consultants are now using BIM. Thenbs (2011) provided information that in May 2011 UK Government Chief Construction Adviser Paul Morrell called for BIM adoption on UK government construction projects of  £5million and over. Thenbs (2012) stated that Building Information Modelling covers geometry, spatial relationships, light analysis, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components. BIM data can be used to illustrate the entire building life cycle. Quantities and properties of materials can be extracted easily and the scope of works can be easily defined. Furthermore systems, assemblies and sequences can be shown in a relative scale to each other and relative to the entire project. 1.1 Problem identification and purpose of study The purpose of this research report is to investigate the qualities of BIM and the influence it will have on the quantity surveying profession, through research of the opportunities and barriers that it brings forth, and the changes to be made and measures to be taken by quantity surveyors in the future, in order to successfully incorporate BIM into the quantity surveying profession. The main role of Quantity Surveyors is to estimate the building cost, the modern quantity surveyor provides a service that covers all aspects of procurement, contractual and project cost management. The role of the quantity surveyor plays a very important role in all phases of any type of Construction Company (surveyors, 2013). The modern quantity surveyor plays a central role in the management of construction projects (Towey, 2012 p.26).estimators have developed their computing skills in using estimating systems but mostly relying in adopting spread sheets and database ages(Brook, 2008 p.9). Repository (2012) stated that over the years the need for more cost effective, better quality and environmentally friendlier construction has grown, these factors are the main Influences on the development of technology in the construction industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the technologies that have been creating a buzz in the construction industry over the last few years. Ukconstructionessays (2012) provided information that Building Information Modelling, or better known as BIM is not; strictly speaking a new technology as it has been developing and used by other industry sectors since 1950s i.e. the automotive and aero plane industries. As technology evolves, we are forced to evolve with it or run the risk of being left behind. The traditional way of utilising the services of a quantity surveyor has largely been at the stage of costing a design, and the production of procurement and construction documentation (Asworth and Hogg, 2002p.67). With the development of technology like BIM, the responsibilities of professionals are starting to shift. BIM includes a series of cost management functions that could change the processes of cost management of construction projects. This forces the quantity surveyor to focus more on different parts of the cost management process, than what would have previously. Not only will BIM influence the cost management functions and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor, but also the technology and types of software that are currently used in quantity surveying offices. The responsibilities of quantity surveyors will be changed as some of their traditional roles will be replaced by the use of, so that their focus will shift from bill producers to cost managers, which will shift the design process from costing to a design to designing to a cost. 1.2 Structure of the Dissertation The whole dissertation is primarily divided up into 6 chapters. Chapter 1: Introduction to the Dissertation Chapter 2: Literature review Chapter 3: Research Methodology Chapter 4: Analysis Discussions Chapter 5: Conclusion Recommendations Chapter 6: References 1.3 Aims Objectives 1.3.1 Aim: The objective of this dissertation is to identify if the use of BIM in the construction industry is going to affect the future role of the quantity surveyor. 1.3.2 Objectives: To understand what is BIM To Research into whether BIM will help aid the Quantity Surveyor To Research into whether BIM will affect the role of the Quantity surveyor To summarise, analyse and evaluate the data collected in order analyse how the use of BIM will affect the future role of the quantity surveyor. Critically analyse the data collected from these questionnaires by comparing theoretical conclusions with the empirical research findings to draw conclusions. To prepare a questionnaire to collect data from practitioners within the construction industry in the UK in regards to whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of quantity surveyor. Clear objectives are important to determine whether this study is achieving what it set out to do. It is also important to write program objectives as specifically as possible to provide program clarity and strong links to evaluation. It is much easier to evaluate a program when clear objectives have been developed (my peer 2012).Subsequently, if the projects aim and objectives are achieved by this research, this would be useful to figure out whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of the Quantity surveyor. 1.4 Restraints Limitations The main restraint is the access and use of BIM software as a full time student I do not have access to BIM software within the construction industry or at the university. Archicad or Autodesk will need to be used to understand fully what BIM is and how it works; a student version can be downloaded online. The research will involve the use of academic materials such as textbooks, journals, published and unpublished documents and internet sites shown further on in the study in section 3.4. The data analysis will be carried out by sending out an online questionnaire to two contacts working for a consultant and contractor respectively. I made acquaintance with these two contacts from previous work experience. Another restraint is how many people answer the online questionnaire; the more people that answer the questionnaire will be beneficial within the analysis as a greater number of people will give much more accurate results. Many of the potential individuals who will carry out the questionnaire may have busy schedules so research must be taken into ensuring that questions are suitable and are able to draw suitable responses from at the end. It will be hard to measure how many construction companies currently use BIM and whether It is having an effect on the role of quantity surveyors working within the construction industry as there isnt enough time to gather research from every construction company around the UK .Throughout the study an open mind will be maintained whilst undertaking the research and analysis of the data collected. 1.5 Research Beneficiaries/Dissemination This research will be useful into identifying whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of the quantity surveyor or aid the future role of the quantity surveyor. And to also identify what specific ways the quantity surveyor may benefit from using BIM and in what specific ways the quantity surveyor may be affected by the use of BIM in the future. Other categories to benefit from this research include the researcher, students and academics. By undertaking this research companies and people working within the construction industry can have a better understanding on the use of BIM approach and how it can be implemented within the cost estimation stage of a project and also into different phases of a project and the views of other professionals working within the UK construction industry on this application can be found and thus can implement that application effectively for the success of the project. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction In this chapter 2 of literature review, a critical literature has been conducted about how the use of BIM can aid the role of quantity surveyor and how BIM may be a threat to the future role of the quantity surveyor. 2.2 Building Information Modelling Construction business owner (2012) provided information that BIM allows early collaboration and integration of the design information in a 3-D environment programs are widely used in the early stages to eliminate potential issues that would be costly to rectify in the field. All parties involved benefit. Designers can identify and correct design issues before they result in rework and schedule delays. Contractors have more reliable information and can better plan for equipment use and construction sequencing. Owners can walk the project in a 3-D environment during the design. And facility managers can pinpoint ergonomic issues and plan maintenance activities more efficiently by sharing the model with their vendors and contractors. BIM will only benefit users if it leads to improved design, faster delivery, reduced price or improved value. A combination of these factors will dictate how successful BIM implementation will be in the coming years. When all members of the construction team work on the same model, from early design through to completion, changes are automatically coordinated across the project and information generated is therefore of high quality. The construction industry is widely acknowledged as unique and conservative. Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems have the potential to revolutionize current practices and to automate the measurement of quantities from construction drawings. However, there are fears that such developments could threaten the future role of the quantity surveyor. 2.3 Advantages of BIM The application of BIM has the result of many advantages, such as: Greater speed The multi-dimensionality of BIM allows various deliverables and documentation to be prepared simultaneously to the design of the building. Furthermore, the use of object-oriented design and the re-use of information accelerate the creation of drawings (Ashcraft, 2007) REFENCED. Changes made to a certain aspect of the model or the design will be automatically updated through the rest of the project, which allows for major time savings. R 2.3.2 Lower costs Sabol (2012) provided information that BIM offers the capability to generate take-offs, counts and measurements directly from a model. This provides a process where information stays consistent throughout the project and changes can be readily accommodated. Building information modelling supports the full project lifecycle and offers the capability to integrate costing efforts throughout all project phases. According to chuck Eastman (2011) at any stage of the design, BIM technology can extract an accurate bill of quantities and spaces that can be used for cost estimation. 2.3.3 Uniform design base With traditional methods every stakeholder uses the same information but interprets it in a different way and enters it into a different format. As this information is exchanged between different parties, errors might be  transferred with it. BIM ensures that all parties work on the same base model, that coordinates building objects created across various disciplines which will quickly expose errors (Howell and Batcheler, 2005 p.58). 2.3.4 Drawing fabrication All floor plans, sections and elevations will be accurate and consistent with one another, as they are produced directly from the same model (Howell and Batcheler, 2005, p.64). 2.3.5 Cost Estimation Cost estimating is currently a time consuming process, requiring an entire team of estimators. Acebytes (2012) provided information that there are multiple factors hindering the transition to model-based estimating; however, the risks are justified by the benefits of estimating with BIM. Building Information Modelling has the capability to automate a quantity take-off, which will reduce the time and costs required to estimate a project. By using a building information model instead of drawings; the take offs, counts, and measurements can be generated directly from the underlying model and the information can be linked to generate bills of materials, size and area estimations along with other related estimating information. According to Hardin (2009) another strategy for leveraging BIM during a project is to use the BIM file for updating estimates very quickly, last minute design changes can be altered and updated much more quickly than typical take off methodologies can catch up with . 2.4 Disadvantages of BIM Precisedraftunginc (2012) provided information that BIM requires more effort at the front end of a project to establish the initial framework. But the payoff is that you are able to extract a much higher quality and greater quantity of information from that model. BIM allows changes to happen easily, so clients may continue to make changes too late in the process, and that can impact construction and design costs. BIM results in much larger file sizes than traditional CAD systems, and requires higher performing computer hardware to operate it effectively. BIM requires more thoughtful design. We now have to do what all good designers have done in the past: Think in 3d and visualize the final product! 2.5 Who is currently using BIM? NBS surveyed over 6,500 construction professionals in the UK with over a 6% response rate (Thenbs, 2012). Those asked said they believed a quarter of the industry will use BIM for the majority of projects in one years time and a half will use BIM for the majority of projects in three years time. BIM survey who is using and intends to use BIM As shown in fig 1 the survey shows a clear split in the industry. There is a gradually increase in the respondents who intend to use BIM for all projects over the next 5 years. This reflecting in the gradual drop in respondents who intend to use BIM for a minority of projects over the next 5 years. 2.6 Considerations and Limitations of BIM BIM has the potential to improve the communication and coordination between the different stakeholders of a project. BIMs benefits range from simple improvements in efficiency and coordination to greater client satisfaction. With all of the perceived benefits of BIM, AV professionals should also be aware that there are a number of Considerations and current limitations that must be taken into account. 2.6.1 Cost of Software and Hardware Every organization currently utilizing 2D or 3D CAD drafting software can attribute a cost element against purchasing, maintaining and upgrading software licenses to keep a competitive market advantage. Current trends show that the cost of BIM software packages tends to be more expensive than CAD software packages available on the market. With the introduction of BIM software, the requirements on hardware have increased significantly. Currently, CAD software can be operated (with limitations) on a vast majority of professional laptops. Yet with the introduction ofBIM software, dedicated high-specification workstations, equivalent to those required by advanced modeling and rendering software, are required. Software and program requirements are ahead of hardware availability. With BIM software, it is essential to know exactly what parameters of the hardware improve performance and what elements have no major effect at all. 2.6.2 Cost of Training With new software, there is a great demand to train staff quickly so that the investment can be justified. It is not realistic to assume professionals with CAD proficiency will be able to learn new BIM software quickly or without specialized training. Given the fundamental differences between BIM and CAD, training should be considered a requirement for all professionals involved with designing and producing documentation. BIM provides the ability for every member of the team to be involved in the design and modeling process, giving them complete control of the end product. Investment in training for early adopters provides them a competitive edge with projects that have clearly specified requirements to be documented utilizing BIM. 2.6.3 Compatibility between Software Platforms One of the biggest issues with early adaptors of BIM is the issue of inter-product compatibility. Due to the relatively new nature of the market, every software manufacturer is doing something different with its software. This interoperability challenge can make it difficult for projects to function if different team members own different software packages. This interoperability issue is not limited to different software platforms; due to the rapid development of the BIM software industry newer versions of programs within the same platform can have interoperability issues. One alternative to the current product-specific models is a vendor-independent, neutral-file format. One such file format is the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format which captures both geometry and properties of intelligent building objects (objects with associated usable metadata) and their relationships within Building Information Models, thus facilitating the sharing of information across otherwise incompatible applications. 2.6.4 Innovation Since a goal of BIM is to assign constraints and parameters to intelligent objects to improve efficiency, there is a potential to inhibit innovation which would possibly otherwise occur without the automated processes and shared knowledge that BIM now provides. Those firms implementing BIM should view the parameters and metadata constraints as a global database that allows designers to save time associated with updating and configuring product-specific data repetitively on different projects, hence increasing the amount of time spent on system design and innovation. 2.6.5 Conclusion A BIM model can overcome most of the most serious failings of conventional drawing-based design. It provides greater client certainty earlier: improved consistency and easier coordination of design documentation: improved, complete procurement documentation: much more powerful construction and project management tools: and much more valuable as built and record information for the owner. The result will be substantiality more profitable firms of all types in the sector (Ray Crotty, 2011, p.57) 2.7 The Cost Management Functions of Building Information Modelling 2.7.1 Bills of quantities Bills of quantities are one of the main tools used in the cost management of construction projects. The automatic production of bills of quantities is one of the functions that BIM technology developers pride themselves on as the fifth dimension of BIM. The automation of bills of quantities is one of the functions that enhanced BIM technology to be fully collaborative and integrative. The primary and core component of the 5D concept is a properly configured 3D model of the building (Popov et al. 2009). A properly produced BIM uses parametric modelling and object-orientated modelling to assign construction data, such as the physical properties and functional peculiarities, to each building element modelled (BIM Journal, 2009). In order to demonstrate this, consider the following example: A door built into a R: Popov, V., Juocevicius, V., Migilinskas, D., Ustinovichius, L and Mialauskas, S. 2009. The use of a virtual building design and construction model for developing an effective project concept in 5D environment, Automation in Construction, Volume 19, November 2009 R: 2.7.2 Cost estimates BIM technology can extract accurate quantities and spaces that can be used for cost estimating at any period of the design of a project. Different information is applicable to different stages of the design phase, and advantage should be taken of information available and where not reasonable assumptions should be made (Eastman et al. 2008). In the early stages of the design phase, when the design is still conceptual and limited information is available, cost estimates are typically based on a cost per unit or cost per square metre (Eastman et al. 2008). The BIM model can easily make available design variable information, such as the floor-to-ceiling height of each area, the perimeter/floor area ratio, the height of the building, etc which needs to be taken into account as it can have an impact on the cost per unit or cost per square metre rates. R: Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. and Liston, K. 2008. BIM Handbook: A  guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers,  Engineers, and Contractors, J Wiley, New Jersey It should be noted that while building models provide adequate Measurements for quantity take-offs, they are not a replacement for estimating. Estimators perform a critical role in the building process far beyond that of extracting counts and measurements (Eastman, 2011, p.276). CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A Quantitative research methodology will be used. According to Shamil Naoum, (2006 p.g39) quantitative research is based on a hypothesis or a theory composed of a variable measured and analysed with statistical procedures. Quantitative research enables the author to measure and analyse data. Benefitof (2012) provided information that the relationship between an independent and dependent variable is studied in detail. The use of standard means in quantitative research means that any research may be replicated, analysed and also compared with other similar studies. Quantitative research allows for greater accuracy and objectivity of results gained .Quantitative research usually filters out all external factors and if well designed, it provides unbiased and real results. Quantitative research is a great method to finalise results and disprove or prove a hypothesis. It is useful for testing results gotten from doing various qualitative experiments, thereby leading to the final answer. Qu antitative Research will provide the advantage of finding a premeditated set of result from a range of professionals in the construction industry. 3.1 Advantages of quantitative data collection: Numeric estimates Opportunity for relatively uncomplicated data analysis Data which are verifiable Data which are comparable between different communities within different locations Data which do not require analytical judgement beyond consideration of how information will be presented in the dissemination process. 3.2 Disadvantages of quantitative data collection: Gaps in information issues which are not included in the questionnaire, or secondary data checklist, will not be included in the analysis A labour intensive data collection process Limited participation by affected persons in the content of the questions or direction of the information collection process. (Reliefweb, 2012) 3.3 The Questionnaire A Questionnaire will be produced to obtain the data. Statpac (2012) provided information that Questionnaires are very cost effective when compared to face-to-face interviews. Surveys are used to gather data from a relatively large number of respondents within a limited time frame (Naum, 2006, p. 44).Questionnaires are easy to analyse, they are familiar to most people. They are less are less intrusive than telephone or face-to-face surveys. The results from the questionnaires will then be produced into bar charts and analysed. The questionnaire will consist of 18 different types of questions from closed ended, open ended, Numerical rating scale questions which will require the respondents to rate the answers, rating out of 5, 1= least important and 5= most important. And ranking questions which will require the respondents to place a set of attitudes or objects in ranking order indicating their importance. The main advantage of incorporating open questions within the questionnaire is They give the respondents the opportunity to express their views (Naum, 2006, p.68). Open questions can, however, present problems. As the open question offers no direct clues and is a broad base. Predictably this type of questionnaire is more difficult to analyse and interpret (Naum, 2006, p.69). By contrast, closed questions often require a short simple response in the form of Yes or No, Agree or Disagree, Important or Not important, etc. closed ended questions are easy to ask and quick to answer they also require no writing by either the respondent or interviewer and their analysis is quick and straightforward. The structure of the questionnaire will comprise of the first 7 closed ended questions asking the respondents simple questions comprising of their job role, how long they have worked in the construction industry, project location, project value and whether they have heard of BIM. the last 11 questions comprises of open ended question which require the respondent to justirfy their answer and state their opinion. 3.4 Data Collection Within this research, to achieve the objectives a quantitative approach is being implemented by a structured questionnaire to obtain the information from various people within the construction industry who work or who have worked as a role of a quantity surveyor/ estimator. This research is structured in such a way that to start with a pilot test of the structured questionnaire is prepared so as to enable the practicability of the proposed questionnaire applicable to the study. The data collection process is applicable to the complete research The questionnaire was uploaded to www.freeonlinesurveys.com once the questionnaire was produced the website then created a UR in which I copied into the email, the email was sent out to two contacts In which I made acquaintance with from previous work experience. Along with the link to the online questionnaire a covering letter in which kindly forward this email to your work colleagues was added to the introduction this would provide a greater number of respondents. The cover letter also stated the purpose of the research and even giving an assurance to the companies that all the information they provide will be considered as confidential and is purely for only academic purpose. The questionaries where sent out via email on Tuesday 12th February 2013 to a construction consultancy Rider Levytt Bucknall Birmingham and construction contractor kier construction Birmingham. By using an electronic means (as e-mail) will ensure a speedy process in despatch of information rather than sending them by postal service thereby saving time. This method will aid within the analysis of the results as the research will be gained by both contractor and consultants and a deeper and more accurate conclusion will be gained at the end of the study. The nature of the data required will be based on personal opinion from a range of construction professionals working within a construction consultancy and a construction contractor. 3.5 Resources The main type of research that will be used for this study will be applied Research, the following resources will be consulted: 3.5.1 Text books Various text books will be consulted as well as a series of electronic books. This will be one of the main sources of information 3.5.2 Journal articles Journals articles are usually more easily obtainable as they are more freely available in electronic form which is easily accessible via the internet. It will also serve as a main source as journals and articles holds the most recent information on the topic. 3.5.3 Electronic resources Various electronic resources will be consulted, as information is easily accessible through the use of a variety of search engines. 3.6 Data Analysis The data collected from these questionnaires will be critically analysed and summarised and all the data is interpreted in charts and logical style format. From these statistics a logical argument is drawn from the results obtained from critical comparison with the findings of the current literature. This is mainly to have a better idea of what their thoughts and views in person. The objective is to unravel the data and present it in an academic format that is credible to professionals within the construction industry. In doing so it will emphasize key variables and whether the use of BIM will affect the future role of a quantity surveyor and how, and to also understanding the usage of BIM, establishing if any drawbacks, benefits are present; which can then be formulated to become educational information. Finally, from these statistics a logical argument is drawn from the results obtained from critical comparison with the findings of the current literature. From all these approaches we can draw a conclusion and possible recommendations shall be made from the research findings so as to validate on if the use of BIM will affect the future role of the Quantity surveyor. 3.7 Summary In this chapter of Research Methodology, by discussing about the different type of research methods such as qualitative and quantitative, the quantitative type of approach with an closed structural questionnaire survey has been chosen for this dissertation as this type of approach would be the best suitable one with respect to both time and approach and mostly all these questionnaires has been sent through E-mail as to reduce the time span and to choose much more IT services effectively so that the respondent should be flexible to answer the questionnaire. The responses collected are being represented in a c

Descriptive Essay: Grandpas Place -- Descriptive Essays, Observation

Grandpa's Place I know to take one last breath of fresh, clean air before I open the front screen door and then the faded, chipped white wood door. I walk in, and the blend of the aroma of apples and old people suffocates me. As I walk in, the same two-year old cat food is right where it has been for the last six months: in front of the front door on the cold faded tile floor. The cat disappeared four months ago, but I guess there is still hope that he will come back one day. I approach the sliding wooden door to enter the front living room and see some bird feed on the floor that must have been spilled the previous week along with a stack of news papers. This single story brick house was purchased by my Grandma and Grandpa twenty years ago. Ever since, the house has been filled with nothing but love and laughter. Behind the house, there are five or six tall, skinny trees that have died from disease but haven't fallen to the grass covered ground. Near the loose clothes line in the back yard, there are four rose bushes that need water. Dead daises and pansies from the previous summer are the main attraction in the front yard along with a five foot high metal windmill stuck in the middle of a flower garden that needs grease. The two car garage houses a huge '78 black Buick. The ol' Buick hasn't been driven in a while, but my Grandpa claims that it is still in top shape. I guess my Grandpa just keeps it around to remind him of my Grandma. Next to it is a green John Deere tractor with a ripped black seat that has a flat left rear tire, but my Grandpa claims, "It still runs like a champ." Next to it is the push lawnmower. Before I open the door, I can hear the Bronco game being televised on my Grandpa's 36"... ...the same story about so and so and how their daughter's husband's brother did this and that. All this time, I just sit there and watch my Grandpa be happy telling me this story while he slops stuff out of his mouth and onto his already stained clothes. Eventually, we finish our dinner, and I clean up the kitchen. I get all of my stuff together, make a final check that everything is good to go, and sit on a kitchen chair. My Grandpa asks sadly if it is time to go, and I say, "Yeah," with a quivering voice. So, I get up, give my Grandpa a hug and head out the door. I hate leaving this place more than anything. I hate leaving my Grandpa in that house by himself. I push open the front door and breathe in the fresh night air. As I pull out of the narrow leaf covered driveway, I look back to see my Grandpa waving at me through the dirty storm glass windows.

Blogs - From Printing Press to Blog Essays -- Internet Online Communic

From Printing Press to Blog Lance Arthur, a practiced and well-respected figure in the close-knit community of web design, subtitles his homepage (www.lancearthur.com) with the short and simple phrase, "Just Write." Although his immediate profession is as a designer, Lance is also a writer. His website records his weekly musings and political rants, and it is one of several million to be updated on a regular basis. Such a website is called a blog, or web log, and in an age of the Internet such as this, it is quickly becoming the newest and greatest symbol of modern technology's impact on writing and popular culture. However, writing as we know it is the product of an evolutionary process, which provides for a history that reaches as far back as the clay tablets of ancient Sumer. As such, studying the blog requires an understanding of the methods of writing that came before it, and so the advent of the blog as both a technological and socio-cultural phenomenon is something we can attribute to two historical developments in the history of writing: the invention of the printing press and the birth of typography. While the correlation between blog and press is not immediately clear, Gutenberg's renowned invention brought with it a slew of technological and social changes that laid the foundation for widespread literacy. The technological impact of the printing press is mostly self-evident, in that the automated and mechanized nature of production freed many human hands from the restraint of manual labor. More importantly however, the lower cost and higher output rate of the press tore down the scholastic pillar that had once elevated the aristocracy above the middle classes. By making books plentiful and more readily ... ..., but in time, today's youth will become tomorrow's adults and the blog will exist not as a mere prototype of technology and future writing, but rather as the end-all, be-all symbol of a future way of life in which people will no longer hesitate to just write. Works Referenced Arthur, Lance. Just Write. 24 February 2004. Personal Homepage. <http://www.lancearthur.com>. David, Paul. "Clio and the Economics of QWERTY." The American Economic Review, vol. 75(2). 2001. 332-337. Kiely, Kathy. "Freewheeling 'bloggers' are rewriting rules of journalism." USA Today. 30 December 2003. Gannett Co. Inc. 21 Febuary 2004. <http://www.usatoday.com>. McLuhan. "The Typewriter." Understanding Media. 258-264. Mumford, Lewis.. "The Invention of the Printing Press." Communication in History: Technology, Culture, Society. Crowley and Heyer, eds. 93-97.

Zara: Fast Fashion Case

Create a diagram that illustrates the linkages among Sara's competitive choices. Firstly, everything is connected through centralized hubs. Ezra has its main operations in Spain, but with each expansion into a new country, that country has its own centralized Ezra facility. This allows for local factors to be considered in each market, but gives Ezra an excellent line of communication and ultimate control of all operations. The in-house designs are sourced this way, through representatives in each country bringing forth new fashion concepts for the upcoming season.These incepts are then whittled down by cost, feasibility, and market trends. Then the designs are prototyped and manufactured. The manufacturing is also mostly owned by Sara's parent company, helping reduce costs and lead times. From manufacturing, products are then packaged and labeled back at headquarters for shipping. Most of the shipping is via trucks. Overseas shipping is by air, which meaner the prices are adjusted s o that overseas customers bear this cost. The retail storefronts are setup so that products aren't on the shelves for more than 3 weeks. This along with careful inventory control create the illusion of scarcity.The marketing is also related in that Ezra only places ads twice a year, around the sales seasons. This helps to prevent over-exposure, so that the fashion-forward customers feel trendy. The scarcity factor also helps reduce loss. If a product bombs in one store, it's pulled immediately, to either be sold in another location or discounted to local partners. This meaner that if a product isn't doing well, it doesn't sit forever in the store wasting space that could be used to display a profitable product. 2. How do the distinctive features of Sara's business model affect its operational structure?The interconnectedness of these systems in Sara's operations gives it a hive-like structure. Every employee in every store works together to support the â€Å"queen† central hu b in Spain. Keeping most operations internal allows for very fast response times in each system. The speed meaner mistakes are learned from quickly and corrected. Owning the meaner of production is more cost-effective for Ezra, which allows the firm to maintain reasonable prices for its target market. Ezra also takes care of its employees and is socially responsible, which draws forth enthusiastic loyalty in all interactions. Why might Sahara â€Å"fail†? How sustainable is its competitive advantage? Sara's capable of failing Just like anyone else. I believe if the company loses its cohesion, makes major fashion blunders, raises its prices, begins to make customers or employees feel cheated, missteps in a Joint venture, loses its quick turnaround, or enters a market that is not suited to its business model, it could easily have unrecoverable loss. It's wise for the decision makers at Inedited to maintain the other companies, and not Just focus on Ezra. Ezra: Fast Fashion Case By knish_sass

Consider the View That Only Form Matters When Properly Appreciating Art Essay

Art appreciation is the understanding of the timeless qualities that characterise all great art, and personally i feel is a subjective matter; what I find aesthetically pleasing may not apply to everyone else. There are many reasons why we value art; because it informs us, because of its expressive quality, and because of its artistic quality. In this case, the latter is being discussed, that good art is good because of aesthetic enjoyment of form, the balance and structure and proportion. Its argued that content is not important, just the formal qualities make it good art, for example Jackson Pollock, his work is based on lines and colours and is valued very highly, therefore content is irellevant. However the view that art should be valued for its expressive qualities or catharsis as Aristotle called it; the emotional purging and cleansing. He believed people watched tragedies to make themselves emotional and upset but in a way happy, as they then have purged any negative emotion they had. If art was merely something that caused emotion it would be trivial, but the fact that art can convey something that is transcendent lies its value. However the argument that forms matters shows us that anything can trigger emotions such as pity or fear, without having to be art, but formal qualities are unique. Many people value art becuase it can inform us, we value it if it is true to nature or to life. Platos imitation theory applies here, that all artists are merely copying the form so it can not be good art, but all perceptual experience involves interpretation, so there is nothing to copy. Great historical paintings can give us visual knowledge of certain points in time, but limitations with this is that anything can inform us without being art, a book can inform us but isn’t art. This ability to inform us is not what make sus appreciate it but the artistic qualities it holds; the forms, is what makes us appreciate it. But then there is the argument that form is not enough, by itself, to keep the auidence captured as beauty alone is not enough. That there has to be content to appreciate it such as a meaning, a story behind it, form lacks this ability. I personally believe that when appreciating art, form does matter. It makes a piece of art unique but i also belive that it solely matters, i appreciate its informative qualities and its expressive ones, so a good piece of artwork for me, should contain all three qualities.

Nursing and Mrs. Newman

Mrs. Newman has been experiencing hoarseness and a change in her voice, but she did not seek medical help until she began to have difficulty swallowing. After being seen by her healthcare provider, she is scheduled for outpatient surgery for a direct laryngoscope to obtain a culture and take a biopsy. Mrs. Newman arrives at the outpatient surgical department at 6:30 am and is escorted to her room. The admitting nurse begins her assessment; 1. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask Mrs. Newman? A) Have you had anything to eat or drink since midnight?B) Are you taking any medications? C) Have you smoked any cigarettes in the last 24 hours? D) When was the last time you drank any alcohol? The admission nurse completes the admission assessment and starts an IV. Mrs. Newman is taken to the operating room for the biopsy. Sifter the procedure, Mrs. Newman is admitted into the PACU. 2. Which intervention will the PACU nurse implant first? A) Check the healthcare providerâ€⠄¢s prescriptions B) Monitors Mrs. Newman’s pulse OX C) Contain Mrs. Newman’s vital signs D) Assess Mrs. Newman’s gag reflex After 2 days Mrs.Newman calls the oncologist and reluctantly agrees to a total laryngectomy. Mrs. Newman comes to the oncology office to meet with the oncology nurse specializations to discuss the preoperative and postoperative care. Mrs. Newman tells them that she is very scared about having this surgery. She says that she has no questions about the medical aspects of the procedure, but states she is concerned about how her life will change. She tells the nurse she realizes she need to have the surgery but is ambivalent and doesn’t know is she will be able to go through with it after all. . Which nursing intervention is most helpful to mars Newman? A) Refer mars Newman to a psychologist to discuss her fears about having this surgery B) Give Mrs. Newman literature provided by the American cancer society C) Ask Mrs. Newman if she wou ld like to talk to someone who has had this surgery D) Tell Mrs. Newman iota is OK to be scared and hold her hands Mrs. Newman is concerned about singing in the country and western club and asks the ONS â€Å"how long do you think it will be before I can sing with my band again† 4. How should the ONS RESPOND?A) Request that the oncologist visit with Mrs. Newman and explain the procedure to her again B) Explain that her vocal cords will be removed, and that she will not be able to sing C) Reassure her that she will be able to sing with the band, but her voice may be different D) Ask Mrs. Newman if she understands what a total laryngectomy is The ONS has given verbal and written information to Mrs Newman answered any questions and is completing the physical assessment 5. Which question is important for the nurse to ask Mrs. Newman?A) When did you first notice any hoarseness in your voice? B) How long did you say have you been singing w/the band? C) How much alcohol do u drink a week? D) What foods are difficult for you to wallow? Mrs. Newman reports that she drinks occasionally, mainly on the weekends with friends. The nurse is more concerned that Ms Newman smokes one pack of cigarettes a day. She discusses this issue with mars Newman, who says â€Å"Don’t worry about my smoking. I will never smoke another cigarette again† 6. How should the nurse respond to help Mrs.Newman in her attempt to stop smoking? A) I know it will be hard and I am very proud of u B) You will kit be able to smoke after urn surgery C) anyone else in urn household smoke D) What steps is u going to take to stop smoking? Mrs. Newman discusses the surgery with her family and a woman from a laryngectomy support group. Mrs. Newman decides to go ahead and he a total larygectomy. 7. A referral to which member of the indiciplinary team will be most important for mars Newman prior to surgery: A) Case mangerB) Social worker C) Physical therapist D) Speech therapist The speech the rapist discusses with mars Newman alternative tech inquest for restoring her speech after surgery. Selection of the best techniques varies from person to person depending on their age and personal preferences. Esophageal speech is popular among laryngectomies because it costs less and can provide a more normal sounding voice than some of the other options. 8. Which statement describes esophageal speech?A) Generator held to the neck creates vibrations those form words when the client speaks B) Swallowed air used to create around and words in a controlled belch C) Vibration and sound are used to form words by occluding a valve over the stoma D) A handheld device delivers tone via a plastic tube that is inserted into the mouth After discussing her options with a speech therapist mars Newman demonstrates her ability to use esophageal speech she comments† I used to hear my son and his friends rack like this. Won’t he be surprised? Two days later, mars Newman is admitted to t he hospital accompanied by her husband and her two grown children.She is in the preoperative holding area. 9. Which interventions will the nurse implement? A) ask mars Newman if she has any concerns about the upcoming surgery B) Notify the surgeon that mars Newman has been admitted to the hospital C) Reassure mars Newman that her family can stay with her until surgery D) Retrained if mars Newman has any problems hearing or writing Mrs. Newman shares with the nurse that she is scared that no one will help her if she needs help and that she will not be able to talk anymore. 10. Which intervention should the nurse implement? A) Assure Mrs.Newman that someone will be with her at all times B) Provide a bell that she can ring as another means of communication C) Show her how to work the nurses call light and have her perform a return demonstration D) Tell her that whiles her fears are justified; she should not try to worry. Following a seven –hour surgery mars Newman was first plac ed in the PACU, before being transferred to the intensive care unit. 11. Which nursing intervention should the ICU nurse implement? A) Discourage coughing for the first 24 hrs B) Notify the healthcare provider during roundsC) Determine when mars Newman received her last antibiotic D) Assist mars Newman to gargle w/warm salty water The nurse is completing the shift assessment and notes that Mrs. Newman has white and dark brown patchy areas on her tongue and oral mucosa. 12. Which action should the nurse implement? A) Document this finding and take no action B) Notify the health care provider during rounds C) Determine when Mrs. Newman received her last antibiotic D) Assist Mrs. Newman to gargle with warm water, salty water Because of the cancer mars Newman is at risk for potential complications, such as neck would fistula and carotid arty blowout 13.When anticipating these possible complications, the nurse should place which equipment at miss newness bedside? A) Several packages of s terile 4Ãâ€"4 gauze B) Two non sterile hemostats C) A syringe filled w/calcium glaciate D) The intensive care unit crash cart While assessing mars Newman, the nurse notices that Mrs. Newman’s blood pressure is 92/60 and her pulse is 112. Mrs. Newman reports feeling very tired. 14 What action should the nurse implement first? A) Check mars Newman’s pervious vital signs B) Suction mars Newman tracheotomy C) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula D) Slip a gloved hand under the client’s neckThe nurse also calls the nurses’ station and requests a CBC stat 15 which laboratory result consistent w/blood loss through hemorrhaging A) A hematocrit 40 % B) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 8 mm/hr C) Red blood cell count 5. 2 million/mm^3 D) Hemoglobin 11. 3g/dl. Mrs. Newman’s gag reflex has returned and she is preparing to eat her first meal. 16 which action should the nurse implement A) Place cold packs around the clients neck prior to eating B) Remind her to pl ace the food on the front of the tongue and flex her head backward to swallow C) Ensure the client has a variety of thin liquids to drink D) Provide Mrs.Newman with soft foods when eating for the first time after surgery 17. What action should the nurse take regarding Mrs. Newman’s concern? A) Explain to the client that this is normal following this type of surgery B) He the client smell a variety of aromas to ensure that the client cannot smell C) Reassure he client that these senses will return after post-operative edema subsides D) Notify the healthcare provider about these findings when making rounds Mrs.Newman has a tracheotomy that has an inner canola. The nurse is performing routine tracheotomy care 18 Which action should the nurse implement first? A) wash the flange of the outer cannula with normal saline B) Pour hydrogen peroxide and normal saline into separate containers C) Cleanse the inner cannula using a small pipe brush D) Remove the tracheotomy dressing with cl ean disposable gloves What should the nurse do before inserting the inner canola? A) Tap or shake inner cannula to remove excess moistureB) Dry the outside of the inner cannula with non sterile gauze C) Remove the outer cannula, reinsert the inner cannula, then place back into stoma D) Clean it w/hydrogen peroxide An unlicensed assistive personnel UAP is assisting the surgical floor nurse w/morning care for mars Newman 20. Which task should the nurse delegate to the UAP? A) Empty the Foley and record the output B) Clean Mrs. Newman’s bathroom C) Change the intravenous bag on the pump D) Perform the routine tracheotomy careThe charge nurse notices that the primary nurse caring for mars Newman is cutting 4Ãâ€"4 gauze to use as a tracheotomy dressing 21. What action should the charge nurse implant? A) Praise the primary nurse for using a cost saving technique B) Instruct the primary nurse not to cut gauze for the tracheotomy dressing C) Take no action since Mrs. Newman is the p rimary nurse’s responsibility D) Determine why commercially prepared dressings aren’t being used The night nurse is preparing to administer the 12:00 midnight dose of gentamicin, an intravenous amino glycoside antibiotic that was started when Mrs.Newman was in the PACU. The nurse notices the empty IV antibiotic bag that was administered during the day shift is labeled ampicilllin. The nurse checks the medication administration record and realizes client does not have a prescription for ampicillin. 22. Which action should the night nurse implement? A) Notify the pharmacist about the medication error B) Complete a medication error report c) Call the day nurse to determine what occurred D) Asses Mrs. Newman’s white blood cell count WBC The next time the nurse enters Mrs. Newman room Mrs.Newman writes on the communication inboard is there something wrong? I heard someone in the hall say something about me receiving the wrong medication? 23. How should the nurse resp ond? A) Please don’t worry about anything. I am sorry you overheard that conversation B) No Mrs. Newman you did not receive the wrong medication C) C) You are concerned that you might have received the wrong medication D) you were supposed to receive gentamcin but you received ampicillin 24. Which intervention should the nurse provide to Mrs. Newman?A) Insert a suction tube into the stoma while applying suction, the remove while twisting the tube B) Take a deep breath, occlude the tracheotomy with urn finger cough and remove your finger C) Insert a small amount of sterile normal saline into the stoma and cough in a normal manner D) Take a deep broth in through the nose, cough and expel the secretions through the tracheostomy The nurse is discussing activities of daily living with Mrs. Newman. Which instruction should the nurse include? A) Caution Mrs. Newman to take only tub baths B) Encourage Mrs.Newman to use aerosol deodorants C) Advise Mrs. Newman not to wear any types of perfumes D) Explain the need to wear a plastic bib when showing 26. Which intervention has highest priority to discharge? A) encourage the client to wear attractive coverings over stoma B) Ensure that Mrs. Newman carries a special identification card C) Stress the importance of returning to as normal a lifestyle as possible D) Discuss the importance of attending support group meetings Mrs. Newman is being discharged home today after five days in the hospital.Mr. Newman stops the nurse in the hallway and says that he is really scared about taking his wife home 27 what is the best response by the nurse? A) Have you discussed your fears w/ur wife B) It sounds like you can’t take care of her C) I know this must be very scary but u and ur wife are strong D) Let’s sit down and discuss what u are worried about Mr. Newman hesitantly shares with the nurse that he is afraid to touch his wife How should the nurse respond? A) Would u like to talk to your wife’s doctor, I c an call him for u?B) You can touch ur wife all u want, u will not hurt her C) You are worried about touching ur wife but she needs ur support right now D) Tell me more about what you mean by touching ur wife A home healthcare nurse has been assigned to care for Mrs. Newman and is making the initial visit. After completing the admission assessment the home healthcare nurse develops a nursing care plan for Mrs. Newman 29 of the nursing diagnosis included in Mrs. Newman’s careplan, which one has the highest priority? A) Deficient of knowledge B) Anticipatory grievingC) Ineffective airway clearance D) Impaired verbal communication Then home healthcare nurse is discussing the plan of care with Mrs. Newman and her husband, she instructs them to keep the rooms humidified at all times. Mr. Newman asks why this is important. 30. Which explanation should the nurse provide? A) It will decrease the amt of foreign material that enters the stoma B) Humidified air decreases the need for ora l fluids C) Humidified air will keep mucous membranes and secretions moist D) The lower airway responsible for humidification was removed during surgery

The Relationship Between Man and Woman in Araby

Araby James Joyce, an icon of the modernist era had many works that were moving away from the classical styles of literature put before him. Joyce is known for leading his characters towards some kind of personal insight and on the surface, Araby seems to be only about a boy learning about the truth of capitalism. As you dive deep in to his words and meaning however, it is apparent that Joyce’s message is not as black and white as it appears on the surface. This story is also about the relationship between men and women.It is about how women are capable of influencing a man’s actions/behaviors and why men feel as if they need to exert their â€Å"dominance† over women. Joyce purposely makes the protagonist a young boy who chases after an older girl. He does this to elevate the status of the girl and portray her as larger than the boy. He is basically saying early in the story that woman has some kind of superiority over man. The beginning of the story is innocent enough, the boy explains how he plays in the street with his best friend (Mangan) and hides from his uncle so he doesn’t have to go in.This is where the girl is introduced. Neither she nor the boy has a name hinting that they are representative of all men and women. The boy is absolutely infatuated with the girl and it is apparent in the paragraphs right after she is introduced. He watches her from afar, has a certain routine so that he passes her every morning, and even imagines victory due to his love as he walks through his marketplace. She is the focal point of all his thoughts and it is shown that he is helpless to her influence when he utters â€Å"O love!O love! † over and over in private. He is but a helpless romantic during this point of the story driven by his undeserving love for this girl. Their only conversation is a brief, but huge one and what she says and how she acts says all. She plays with her bracelet, signifying the importance of materialistic ite ms in her life and communicating that she would love something from Araby by saying how she would love to go but can’t. The boy bites the bait hard and is hooked immediately to be drug around by the idea of pleasing the girl.Her influence over him increases exponentially after this as he says that he cannot think of anything except her. He can’t sleep, can’t think, can’t read, can’t focus in class and is consumed with the hope that this magical bazaar would grant him the key to the girl’s heart. All these things are clear signs that the girl holds control over him because he has lost all motivation for anything besides pleasing her. The story stays like this, with him obsessing over her until he actually gets to the bazaar as it is closing and his hopes start to fade.Araby is supposed to be this enchanted place with wonderful people and remarkable, exotic items but the boy finds that there is nothing but commonplace junk that he could get fr om his own marketplace. On top of that, he is met by a very distasteful sales clerk who seems very uninterested in him. In most analyses, this is the point of the boy’s insight to the nature of capitalism and realizes that not everything is as pretty as it appears on the surface. This is a very important lesson but it is not the only change that occurs in the boy.The last line of the story is â€Å"Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger. † Joyce definitely did not use passive words to describe the boy’s hurt but chooses a powerful, emotionally charged set of words that paints a very precise, borderline frightening image. He describes the boy as a creature, as if he has lost his humanity and been stripped down to a raw, instinctual beast. A desperate, pissed off animal driven by his feeling of worthlessness with eyes burning from anger and a feeling of deep heartache.These are not words usually used to describe an epiphany about the nature of the world. These are words used to describe the feelings of losing something great, of getting your heart smashed, chewed up and spit out. These are words describing a feeling that this boy will never again want to feel. He realizes that he has opened himself up to be hurt and he was undeniably crushed by his inability to get something that would please the girl his heart yearns for. Joyce was a master of idioms and word choice. He was easily one of the great writers of his time and will always be recognized as such.He is known for writing about how stages in life affect a person as a whole and Araby is no different. Being a great writer of his time he is also a creation of the era he lived in. During his life men believed that they were superior to women, that woman were weak and that they needed a man to support them. It was believed that women were home to weak emotions and men only had time for strong ones makin g them better than women. To say that Joyce wrote a story in which he acknowledges that women have some kind upper hand on men may seem inept but he does a good job of answering why men behaved and felt this way.His reason is that men cannot cope with these â€Å"weak† emotions so they shut them out. The boy in the story â€Å"Araby† is met with his first heartbreak due to the fact that he can’t please the girl that he so desperately desires and immediately becomes this inhuman creature full of anguish. In a time where men are supposed to be the bread-winners; strong confident figures that controls their household, these feelings are unacceptable. It is why men must exhibit nothing but â€Å"strong† emotions and exude their dominance over women, for the fear of being emotionally shattered in the face of them.