One Common Language Essay

According to an eleventh century Arab writer, Ibn-e-Hazm, in the beginning there existed a single language given by God, thanks to which Adam was able to understand the quiddity of things. Over the chequered history of mankind, the fragmentation of this unique tongue that existed abinitio gave rise to a multitude of diverse languages. An integration of all these, or a reversion to a single language would have several repercussions. The fundamental benefits of a single world language are pragmatic. A common language would dissolve all communication barriers and increase mutual understanding between people and the world over. Such an environment would be conducive to world peace and the end of conflicts. Economic prosperity would be facilitated as business partners are able to communicate freely, leading to a growth of international trade. Xenophobia and other related human fears would be eliminated as people are united under one language. This would undermine at least some racism or ethno-centrism as societies become more egalitarian in their outlook on foreign individuals. On the cultural front, a unique tongue would make redundant the need to translate works of literature or to subtitle/dub movies. The dissemination of knowledge and information could be done freely and in all parts of the globe, as the world’s comprehension of different cultures rises. However, there are some drawbacks of a single world language. The convenience of a single language with its resulting blandness would not make for a full life. Language is more than just a communication of needs, it is a reflection of the social, historical and cultural milieu of society and is therefore a sacred institution. By restricting the modes of human expression to a single language we would be stultifying, repressing and suffocating man’s desire to be creative. ‘The limits of my language are the limits of my world’, as someone once aptly noted. Also, in a manner similar to the situation depicted in George Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty-four’, a single language is a dangerous situation as it may put disproportionate power into the few hands controlling the medium. Although the implementation of a single language is an achievable target, the situation is bound to be transient and impossible to maintain in the long run. Cultural differences between societies transcend language. This is proven by the distinct cultures of the countries speaking the same language. Hence, although the same language, English, as spoken in Canada for instance, is dissimilar to that spoken in the United Kingdom, the United States of Australia. Also, the culture of a country may be composed of several sub-cultures each with its own language. The home of the Queen’s English – the UK – is where English, Gaelic, Welsh, Punjabi, Bengali and Urdu, all coexist. Another obstacle in achieving this target of common language is political pride, which could create conflict between nations, when the choice of a dominant language is being made. In the light of the above discussion, I would suggest that if we are to succeed economically, socially, culturally and politically, then the world must embrace plurilinguism. The future is a multi-lingual one.

Effective Training Essay

The management sector of each organization is important in their respective operation. In each group, a leader must exist to lead, guide and delegate important tasks and responsibilities with each member to achieve the efficiency in the use of their resources and the success of the operation. Similarly, in the business organization, the leaders of the institution are important in their operation as they manifest to guide the business towards the achievement of their economic goals and common interest. In terms of the operation, they are the ones that delegate the intricate tasks and responsibilities to each of the member for their benefits and success. Most importantly, the leaders are the ones that must evaluate and decide regarding important matters and issues in the business organization to ensure the positive result and continuous economic operation. Because the leaders of each business organization are important for the group, the institution must highly recognize the effective selection of the individuals placed in their top executive position. To acquire the most effective line up for the top executive position, the organization must implement certain approaches to achieve this result and ensure the quality of their management leader sector. One of the possible solution in ensuring this status is the development of succession plan for the ranks in top executive positions. Naturally, individuals presently occupying top executive positions are not permanent and so are their role effectiveness. As such, the organization must expect this scenario and develop a positive projection to ensure the present executive effectiveness through planning for the succession and replacement for each executive. As such, the organization can presently plan for their development and maintain the positive results they are benefiting for their present lineup. Some of the possible strategies in this aspect are succession projection, training for qualified individuals, apprenticeship programs and others to ensure that the positive qualities and characters of the present executives lineup will be maintained for the business continuous success and development.

Dream analaysis

Table of Contents Sigmund Freud, The father of psychology as referred to many around the world till this very day. Freud developed an interest in dreams as his patient would disclose their dreams whilst in therapy under his supervision, which today is called psycho analysis.Carl Jung another very important figure in the shaping of psychology was in fact a student of Freud, but although he Jung was indeed a student of Freud they did not necessarily come to the same conclusion when it came to their theory about the interpretation of dreams. In short according to Freud , dreams are the reflection f the unconscious whereas Jung not only expanded on that but also added a twist and went on to say that dreams not only lead to a personal sub consciousness they also contained a collective unconsciousness.Bring (1995) I will roughly present the two theories and attempt to describe the theoretical foundations of psychoanalysis and Jungian analysis and therapy, discuss the key concepts in the va rious theories, explore the implications of the key concepts on personality theory and counseling as well as summarize basic techniques and therapeutic goals and processes, on the one f the theories I will Journal one of my own dreams and attempt to interpret it.The theoretical foundations of Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis Now as mentioned earlier in the introduction, Freud ultimately became accustomed to hearing the dreams of his patients and rather developed a profound interest in the subject of dreams, he soon included the interpretation of dreams in psychoanalysis alongside hypnosis and free association. Bring (1995) As the end of the 19th century wound up, Freud had then researched and unveiled the mechanisms of dreams, and there after dream analysis became the indispensable LOL in the psychoanalysts therapy.Bring (1995) Then again what is the purpose of dreams or how does one achieve a good quality dream or better yet how does one interpret their own dreams or those of ot hers? Another important note is that dream are or may be influenced by notion of Fraud's three structures of personality namely the id the ego and the super ego. Corey (2009) The id is the foundation of personality that revolves mainly around instincts and pleasure, and therefore it never has any rationality in the way it goes about.The ego is where all reasoning is communicated, s its code is based on the reality principle to satisfy or control the impulses of the id. The superego is modeled on a moral code and either rewards with feelings of pride and self-love or punishes with guilt and inferiority Corey (2009) â€Å"A dream is a work of art which requires of the dreamer no particular talent, special training, or technical competence. Dreaming is a creative enterprise in which all may and most do participate. Hall (1953) But who's to say dreams aren't Just a form of an activity that keeps us from being disturbed during sleep, Just as we do activities or work in day mime to preve nt us from falling asleep or to simply keep us busy. â€Å"Dreams are things which get rid of (psychical) stimuli disturbing to sleep, by the method of hallucinatory satisfaction. † Richards (1978) As cited by Corey (2009, P. 76) Freud suggested that dreams are the â€Å"royal road to the unconscious† and â€Å"an attempted wish-fulfillment. † As cited by Hall (1953).Jung also incorporated four stages to dream interpretation but not exactly like the elements in that of the dream work notion from Freud. Jung theorized that the first phase named the exposition accounts for the setting of the dream entailing a conflict expressed in the dream. The plot is the second phase that usually administers a different angle or change, in the next phase, the culmination is where most of the critical transformation occurs in order to bring closure to the dream or dreamer.Leaving the fourth and final stage being the denouement, well this is where Jung believed that, it is what i t is, meaning the dream will always have an ending that can't be influenced to suite the dreamer, much rather t will be a truthful ending based on a real conflict or reflection of one's life. Bring (1995) Jung maintained the notion of the collective unconscious consisting of various myths, religions and many more thoughts that are spiritual or superstitions hard wired in our unconscious to help make rational or realistic decisions otherwise known as Archetypes.The persona, the anima & animus and the shadow are the key concepts of the archetypes. The Persona is in a sense the human veil we wear or the image we choose to portray to the public for our protection of our inner self. (Veered 997) As cited by Bring (1995) â€Å"The persona consists of what a person appears to be to others, in contrast to what s/he actually is. That is to say the persona is the role the individual chooses to play in life, the impression and the way s/he wishes to appear to, and makes on, the outside world. † .The animus and anima refer to concept that there are both masculine and feminine forces in both the male and female sexes respectively. The shadow can well be the most dangerous and powerful factor in the archetypes as it â€Å"represents our dark side, the thoughts, feelings, and actions that we end to disown by projecting them outward. † Corey (2009,P. 80) Jung also proposed that in order for us to become integrated we had to acknowledge and accept that in our own nature there are both constructive and destructive forces forming our dark side otherwise known as the shadow.Corey (2009) My dream My dream starts with me entering one of my most trusted barbershops; I wait for my barber to finish with another client first before he attends to me. When he finally comes around to me I am so excited I can hardly talk anymore, so with me not being able to talk and tell him what hairstyle I want he gets started. He started off by shaving the back of my head completely bold then holding up a mirror to show me what he did without me knowing.He had this continuous grin on his face as if he had accomplished the greatest thing in his life while continuing to shave my head. In that same instance I'm kicking and screaming and flashing red with anger as I want to smack this barber so dearly, but I could not get up from the chair and strangely enough there where really no strings or anything holding me down. After I left the barber shop I went into great depression, never leaving the house not even for school, which resulted in me being expelled from school.The sound of my alarm ended the dream, which I am surprised to even remember afterwards, so there e is most definitely a strong conflict I need to deal with. See appendix 1 for free association Dream interpretation I will be using Fraud's theory for the interpretation of my dream. I will incorporate the likes of the manifest and latent content, the residua notion and a piece of the topographical model will be included.The manifest content derived from this dream was merely the agonizing thought of me losing my beloved hair, which completes my arsenal image. The latent content however was quite strongly suggestive in the thought of what could happen if ever I was to lose my hair, the id mechanism is driven by instinct, and it was left severely damaged in a sense that it could not in fact not react instinctively to this conflict situation.However the ego mechanism I believe is the reason I felt like I was pinned to my seat, and although it did not present any psychical restraints, I was indeed psychologically paralyzed in that moment of anger. The ego fortunately did not satisfy the id's instinct to strike as it relies heavily on the lethality principle and rational thinking, otherwise I would be faced with the consequences of reality. Because the id did not get its way in the beginning, led to the super ego being thrown off course as it strives for perfection and towards an ideal situa tion.The thought of my hair gone is not in any anyway an ideal situation as the only way I could rectify that mistake was to wait till the hair grew back and that in itself send me into a great depression, as the changes made to my appearance where not customary to the super egos values and standards of society. Corey (2008, P. 2) How this dream came about however is in fact related to the thought of me visiting the barber for my regular haircut.Mind you, I pass by this particular barber shop on my way to school, which has me preoccupied with assignments at the moment. So the day before I had this dream I was actually standing at the entrance of this barber shop contemplating whether I had enough time to get a full hairdo or not, I decided not to in the end, and that lead to experience forming the residua of the day that caused the occurrence of the dream I would think. Bring (1995) ConclusionThis essay has in fact taught me a lot about dreams pointing mainly at the significance or message in regards too real life conflict fear or wish it may be trying to bring to the conscious mind. The help to realizes the conflict being presented in the dream is Just as good as the interpretation of the dream in particular, so one has to be careful in the conclusions they draw to because if you were to conclude and started confronting a conflict not stressed in the dream it could well lead to many more unwanted conflicts.But in fact the complete opposite happened, I went there expecting that good Sunday feeling but the barber had a different agenda, he turned my whole experience upside down, he almost was like the id in a errors much to the notion of it being impulsive and doing what it pleases, the barber Just started shaving my head bold without waiting for directions, merely because I could not talk.The possible associations I can relate that image to is that of me attending my first year of college and the time of assignment has arrived and I'm much clueless as what the lecturer expects of me so I am rather drawn to Just go in the direction of trial and error in trying to be original. After the barber starts destroying my image, I want so badly to strike him but I cannot bring myself to do it.For me the part where the barber is destroying my image points to the possibility of me failing my assignment and the part where I want to strike but can't relates to the fact that I want to voice my anger on the subject of not being guided properly to complete these assignments but can't because I know it's an academic department where one is expected to find their own way. The part of going into this deep depression and being suspended interrelates to the feeling of despair and hopelessness on the subject of school and wanting to drop out already.

Human Capital development Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Human Capital development - Coursework Example nerating new sources of wealth in technology including knowledge-intensive sectors, increasing job creation, giving a lead role to the private sector in the economic development process, inculcating a high performance organisational and societal culture with excellence and expanding the regional and global market for the Malaysian services and products. Thrust two is to enhance the capacity from innovation and knowledge and to nurture first class mentality. The second thrust is comprised of improving the access to and quality of the education system at all levels by making national schools the school of choice, by providing tertiary institutions of international standing, by nurturing top quality research and development and innovation and scientific capability, by empowering youth and women, and by fostering a society with strong social and economic values. Thrust three is to address persistent socio-economic inequalities productively and constructively by eradicating poverty, dimin ishing regional disparity, reducing income disparity, reducing employment disparity, reducing wealth and asset disparity, upgrading competitive Bu miputera entrepreneurs, bridging the digital divide and reviewing the performance of past programmes for effectiveness. The fourth thrust is to enhance the standard and sustainability of quality of life by fulfilling housing needs along with improving urban services, enhancing health care services, upgrading the transportation system, introducing sustainability and sufficiency of energy supply, developing the water delivery system, promoting environmental preservation and protection and sustainable resource management, upgrading the role of arts, culture and heritage in society and developing sporting excellence along with a healthier lifestyle. Thrust five is to strengthen the institutional capacity by promoting good governance, promoting development through international cooperation and upgrading the public service delivery system. The

Approaches to Policy & Advocacy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Approaches to Policy & Advocacy - Assignment Example Citing is vital since it remains the cornerstone of any research. It sets to validate and actualize the research findings (De Goede, Putters, & Van, 2012). Additionally, it brings up an academic tone in the piece of work, without violation of copyright issues. Essentially, it is one of the fundamental principle of ethics on conducting any research. Lack of valid data and information that is cited from trusted sources may lead to lack of information trust from most organizations, researchers and legislators seeking information from the site (Green, 2006). Additionally, it sets to acknowledge the original author of a specific theory used. The legislators posits that they can make decisions with great confident as the data presented is valid. The organization operates on transparency and dedication in its work. Their researches are well published and conducted in an ideal way. Additionally, they have indicated their financial statements, hence one can follow well their financial usage protocols. Furthermore, their knowledge centre does act as a good site in dissemination of academic knowledge regarding their programs (Coreil, 2010). They does update their levels of goals achievement, and their strategic plan is clear. Consequently, the information in the website can influence other stakeholders to take part in fight against childhood malnutrition. De Goede, J., Putters, K., & van Oers, H. (2012). Utilization of epidemiological research for the development of local public health policy in The Netherlands: a case study approach. Social Science & Medicine (1982), 74(5), 707-714. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.11.014 Green, L. W. (2006). Public health asks of systems science: to advance our evidence-based practice, can you help us get more practice-based evidence?. American Journal of Public Health, 96(3),

Project Management Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Project Management - Literature review Example Additionally, through sponsoring events and organizations, firms receive positive feedback from the recipient, and that will put the constructive effect on the general perception about the sponsor in the mass of the population. However, for this, sponsors need to show genuine long-term commitment with sponsored events or organizations (Rifon et al, 2004). It adds value to mention that even a sophisticatedly planned sponsorship campaign encompassing positive brand attributes and consumer-friendly attributes might not generate the required type of image in the minds of consumers (Han et al, 2013). In such sponsorship scenarios, the consumers do not consider such adoption of the method for promoting the brand value among the consumers (Simmons et al, 2006). As a result, it can be deduced that it is highly essential that congruence does not always bring corporate benefits for the

Xerox Corporation and Organizational Development Essay

Xerox Corporation and Organizational Development - Essay Example Strategies vary depending on what business, products or services, industry, location, machinery, labor and fund at the disposal of the business. In any organization, change is inevitable and the organization that thrives will always be the organization that anticipates change, is flexible and willing to adapt itself to change. Let us follow the organizational changes of Xerox Corporation that brought the company up from its fall and turned it around. Xerox Corporation is the world's largest document-management company. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company is a pioneer of photocopying that its name has become so synonymous with the product that the term "Xerox machine" is often used to refer to xerographic duplicators produced by other companies. In addition, the term "Xeroxing" is quickly becoming synonymous with "copying." The company made its presence felt in 1959 with the introduction of the first one-piece, plain paper photocopier using the process of xerography (electro photography), the Xerox 914. The company opened a famous research center, the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center or Xerox PARC. Until the end of 1970, Xerox dominated the market with an amazing monopoly. Its market share was 90% and this led to a confidence about it surviving new competition in the market. By the 1980's Xerox's market share declined from 90 % to 43 % due to the competition from Ricoh, Sharp, Cannon, Kodak and IBM. Facing a downturn in office-equipment outlays, tougher rivals, an accounting scandal and management turnover, Xerox saw sales drop drastically. By the year 2000, Xerox's share price had fallen below $4, from a high of $64 a year earlier. In year 2001, Xerox experienced a net loss of $293 million. That was down 1% from the year before and 20% off its peak of $19.4 billion in 1998. [Xinxin, n.d, para 1.0] The basic reasons of failure for Xerox was not being able to anticipate and leverage the changes in the technology sector, lagging behind in developing products with digital technology and being overconfident in maintaining market share and brand loyalty. It failed to anticipate and strategize to face the emerging competition, was unable to offer customers lower priced products to counter the competition and was plagued by a lack of vision to scale to revolutionary digital age products using its strong presence. The organization was in desperate need for an OD intervention. When Anne Mulcahy, chairman and chief executive of Xerox, assumed responsibility in the year 2000, she had the unenviable task of turning around a company that was on the verge of bankruptcy. She realized that a massive organizational restructuring was in order if results needed to be achieved. Xerox's systems were studies and data was collected. The vision, the New Xerox Movement, was made to transform Xerox into a more cost-conscious, competitive, quality-control-based company contributing the first step encompassing the strategic change. Under her leadership, Xerox moved from losing $273 million in 2000 to earning $91 million in 2003. By last year, the company's profits had reached $859 million on sales of $15.7 billion. At the same time, its stock has risen, returning 75% over the last five years, compared with a loss of 6% for the Dow Jones Total

Storm Drainage Design Project Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Storm Drainage Design Project Study - Essay Example As we go along this course work ,we will be able to understand what hydrographs are. The graphs above are the results of the Cynon river study data. The study took 4 days to finish nonstop. The measurements of the river height and the discharge are done every hour for 96 hours. The rainfall was plotted using the bar graph and the discharge was plotted using the line graph. In the analysis of the rainfall, you will notice that the rainfall is fluctuating. It is not as though there is a steady rise in the rainfall. The line graph shows the rise of discharge of water in the river, As the rainfall increases, the discharge also increases. The graph satisfy the components of a hydrograph. From the start of the study, you will notice that there is almost a steady flow of water in the river. That means that there is no increase in rainfall. At the start of the 44th hour, the water start to rise. This part of the graph is called the rising limb. This is the part of a hydrograph when water rises too the point of peak discharge. After it reached the peak point, the water stars to recede and this part is called the falling limb or the receding limb. This part denotes that rainfall is finally over and that the accumulated water in the river starts to stabilize again. The part of a hydrograph that is the highest point is called the peak discharge.. this is when there is the greatest amount of water in the river. The lag time is the period of time taking place between the peak rainfall and peak discharge. Computations By the application of the Manning's Formula, we will be able to get the value of breadth b of the open channel with the following data Channel design Given Data Q = 1.0 m3/s n = 0.012 S = 1/2000 = 0.0005 d = 0.5 Formula to be used V = where: v = velocity Q = Av R = Hydraulic Radius Q = A S = slope A = bd n = Manning's coefficient R = Q = discharge Computations: A = db = 0.5(b) Q = A R = 1.0 = 0.5b 1.(0.012) = 0.5b 0.012 = 0.5b = 0.5 0.5429 = 0.5 = 1.0858 = (1.0858)3 = b3 1.2801 = 1.2801 = 1.2801 (1.0 + 2b + b2) = 0.25b5 1.2801 + 2.5602b + 1.2801b2 = 0.25b5 1.2801 + 2.5602b + 1.2801b2 - 0.25b5 = 0 b = 2.2104 m. The value of depth of the river is also needed in order to solve for the value of the discharge of water in the river. The acquired value for depth will help us acquire the value fro the cross-sectional area of the river. In that way, we will be able to solve for the value of the discharge on the river. Computations; Q = Av where: A = cross-sectional area v = velocity = 4.0 m/s A = bd b = 15 m. A = 15(d) R = R = v = v = 4.0 = 4.0(0.012) ==2.1719 =(2.1719)3 =10.2451 =10.2451(225 + 60d + 4d2) = 225d2 2,305.1475+ 614.7069d + 40.9804d2 = 225d2 2,305.1475+ 614.7069d + 40.9804d2 - 225d2 = 0 2,305.1475 + 614.7069d + 1 84.0196d2 = 0 By quadratic equation; solve for the

IP Management assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

IP Management - Assignment Example The maintenance of ownership of the intangible assets is critical in today’s world where a rapid pace of innovation is followed. The value of the largest organizations in the globe are much dependent on the knowledge based innovations and designs within the organization. Therefore, it is critical to manage the intellectual properties efficiently so as to maintain the intangible assets and the value of any organization. Invention plays a critical role in adding value to the business by contributing to different processes with an objective of capturing and generating knowledge within the organization. Therefore, it is imperative to stress on the proper management of the intellectual properties like patents, trademarks and copyrights within an organization. The management of intellectual property encompasses a wide range of activities including the understanding of the intellectual property, the inherent value of the intellectual property and how the intellectual property should be protected from infringements. Intellectual properties are valuable financial and strategic resources of an organization. Therefore like any other asset, the intellectual properties should also be managed continuously. The proper management of the IP would ensure that the organization attains an in-depth understanding of the IP and thus can assess its values and benefits better. The effective intellectual property management would also ensure that the properties are protected from outside risks like infringement, usage and copy by third parties. The management of intellectual property is not a one-time event but a continuous process that is to be continued till the expiry of the intellectual property. The different decisions points to be identified within the life cycle of an intellectual property for the intellectual property management process are given below. Intellectual

Marketing principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing principles - Essay Example Nike's core business is in the research design and marketing on a global scale of shoes, equipment, apparel and related services, with a special focus on athletic apparel as well as athletic footwear. Present in more than 190 nations around the world, Nike utilizes a variety of distribution channels, including the Internet, Nike-owned stores, and retailers, even as the Nike stores are either owned by the company directly or are franchised to others. Aside from athletic gear, Nike is also present in the segment of recreational wear, and there is an overlap in the categories as they pertain to the sale of specialized sports and leisure apparel for different sports, including cricket, American football, wrestling, baseball, lacrosse, walking, golf, activities in the outdoors, volleyball and tennis. It is heavily present too in the major team sports globally, including football,.soccer and basketball. The seven categories around which the Nike business are organized, meanwhile, are as fo llows: Action Sports, Basketball, Nike Sportswear, Soccer, Running, Women's Training and Men's Training. The company has a line of products for children, and its product lines also include other accessories as well as bags. It's IHM subsidiary is a direct to customer distribution channel, and it is via this channel that Nike is able to tap into a network of non-affiliated entities to produce and market goods under the Nike name, including devices, apparel, and software applications together with all sorts of other equipment. The company owns Converse as a wholly-owned subsidiary, through which the company manufactures and markets products under certain key brands, including Chuck Taylor and Jack Purcell. The company also owns the Hurley International, through which it markets apparel as well as accessories for young people and for those engaged in action sports activities. On the other hand, it has disposed of its Cole Haan and Umbro brand, the latter a marketer of soccer-related ap parel, accessories and general merchandise (Google; Reuters). There is no better way to gauge the performance of the company and the overall success of its marketing strategies than to look at how the share price of Nike has fared historically. Looking at the financial performance of the firm in this respect, one sees that the company has done well crafting and executing on its marketing strategies and marketing mixes. The chart below shows that Nike's stock has done well over the past ten years, indicating such success. The stock price chart shows that the company's shares have consistently been on an upward trajectory by way of stock price trends, and generally doubling over the past three to four years on the back of a successful overall business strategy and marketing strategy(Google) : Graph Source: Google II. The 4 Marketing P's as they Apply to Nike The above discussion points us to the various brands, product lines, and product categories or segments where Nike has chosen to compete, and it is clear that the focus on athletic apparel and athletic wear in general is a major company focus that has contributed to much of its success.

Ethics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Ethics - Assignment Example Answers to Questions 1. What would you do if you were the acting CO of the submarine? What level of Kohlberg’s moral reasoning is this decision based on? As indicated in Lesson 8, Kohlberg’s theory â€Å"assumes the primacy of cognition and defines a moral act as one that follows a process of moral reasoning and judgement based of principles† (1). Kohlberg’s six stages are enumerated as: Level 1: Preconventional Morality where Stage 1 is indicated as Obedience and Punishment Orientation, Stage 2 is Individualism and Exchange; Level 2: Conventional Morality made up of Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships and Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order; finally, Level 3: Postconventional Morality composed of Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights and Stage 6: Universal Principles (Crain). Upon evaluation of each levels and corresponding stages, one can deduce that the decision to close the hatch in this particular scenario falls under Level 3: Postcon ventional Morality where both rules of law are considered and the possibilities of considering the universality of ethical principles. To answer the question, what would you do if you were the acting CO of the submarine?, it is not simply a matter of stating that one would order the hatch to be closed immediately without taking into consideration a number of factors. For one, the only other information noted from the case facts is that there would be three people who would die within a minute of closing the hatch. However, the number of people that would be saved was not indicated. A quick research on the average number of on a submarine revealed that the crew of a Canadian naval ship â€Å"must be not more than 165 personnel† (National Defense and Canadian Forces 16). Assuming that this is the average number of personnel on a navy warship, by closing the hatch, the CO would apparently be saving 162 people. Using Kohlberg’s moral reasoning, under Level 3, a review of t he laws governing naval warfare ships indicate that as part of damage control â€Å"the moral is HOLD WHAT YOU HAVE; DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO PREVENT PROGRESSIVE FLOODING AND BURNING† (Sea Cadets. org 14). Further, the mission of the Canadian Maritine Ships (CMS) is â€Å"is to maintain maritime and assigned air forces on each coast able to respond to maritime incidents, contribute to the surveillance of Canadian approaches, and assist in the tracking of ships of interest, such as ships involved in illegal activity or posing a possible threat to national interests or security† (National Defense and Canadian Forces 6). . Therefore, all personnel are aware that there are risks involved in manning naval warships and the priority is always to ensure that the ships is ultimately saved and preserved at the top of the agenda. The CO’s responsibility is abide by the mission that â€Å"Canada’s navy – versatile, multipurpose and combat-capable – di ligently protects our interests by safeguarding our maritime approaches, exercising sovereignty over our waters, protecting our offshore natural resources and contributing to global security† (Canadian Navy par. 1). In this regard, as CO, I will order to close the hatch at the earliest possible time to prevent progressive flooding. Presuming the consequential risks of the three men within the

Cooper Industries Case Study Essay Example for Free

Cooper Industries Case Study Essay OVERVIEW: Cooper Industries is a broadly diversified manufacturer of electrical and general industrial products, and energy related machinery and equipment. The company operates in three different business segments with 21 separate profit centers. These segments include electrical and electronic, commercial and industrial, compression, drilling and energy equipment. The product line is consisted of cheap fuses to $3 million compressor tribune sets along with products such as hand tools and light fixtures. The company bid a $21-a-share tender offer to acquire Champion Spark Plug, manufacturer of auto spark plugs, as a counter offer for the Dana Corp. s $17.50-a-share bid. Also, in the mean time, Cooper Industries was considering a $700 million bid for Cameron Iron Works. Even though purchasing either or both companies will give operational and organizational advantages, there were high financial risks involved. Undertaking both acquisitions would result in a 55% to 60% debt to capitalization ratio. ANALYSIS: Cooper Industries acquired more than 60 manufacturing companies over a thirty year span in order to increase the size and the scope of the company. Most of the acquired companies made it possible for Cooper to be independent of the outside environment and giving full control of the manufacturing process concerning their business while avoiding anti-trust allegations. Cooper basically purchased every company that is vital to its energy industry and all the side industries that effect it. From tools to fuses to cables to the drilling equipment was manufactured and distributed by the corporations divisions. Each acquisition is decided from a wish list that was closely examined and studied. At the time of the take over, the Management Development Planning division would implement the corporate strategy in a period of three to five years. This involves diversification and elimination of the products that are poor sellers. In some cases the production plant is relocated and the staff is reorganized for the best efficient set up. In time all these companies are turned into profit centers. RECOMMENDATIONS: One of my first suggestions will be to consider Cameron Iron Works first since all the valves and other natural gas and petroleum products will be more beneficiary. Apparently there is more demand for Camerons products than the Champions. Little adjustments in the production process along with the Cooperization adjustment will have make the company efficient in a short period of time. In contrast, Champion is considered to have 1950s production techniques and only one product line, spark plugs, which will require tremendous changes within the company. The other option may be to purchase both of the companies, regardless of the financial risks involved. By allocating all the departments such as Management Development Planning in the process, Cooper may turn things around. Since the beginning, Coopers way of acquiring companies seem to create success stories in the end. Champion still has brand name recognition in Europe and Asia (personal knowledge) which maybe taken advantage of. Major changes for the American market may take place while the revenues from the overseas sales finance the process. And once the changes are made in here, according to the demand the product line maybe readjusted for those markets. One other option for the Champion acquisition maybe to consider other possible options in the automotive parts industry. There may be other companies requiring less adjustment, and maybe turned into profit centers in less time than Champion. If buying both the companies is not possible at the time, then Cameron seems like a better option giving independence to Cooper in the valve dependence. Utilization of this company seems more of a priority at the time. However Dana may end up buying Champion if Cooper delay the acquisition.

The Town And Country Planning Environmental Sciences Essay

The Town And Country Planning Environmental Sciences Essay This paper is based on secondary research in to the justifications provided by the coalition government to support the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This research involved an analysis of the impact that the NPPF could have on major areas of debate such as: sustainable development, economic and social costs of the current system, business activity, and housing, benefits of Brownfield development, approval rates and non-planning consents. The old planning system was extremely complex and cumbersome, the system has become overloaded with central policy and guidance, with vast amounts of paperwork making it too cumbersome and unclear for councils, developers and local people to use effectively. The proposed new National Planning Policy Framework will consolidate over 1,000 pages of planning policy statements spread across some 40 documents into a single document of 50-60 pages around 5 per cent of the current volume of policy. To support the new Framework, there will also be a fundamental review of all the supporting documentation (which comprise a further 6,000 pages across a further 160 documents). The literature review looks at secondary sources and focuses on several topics that I felt would affect most people, namely: Sustainable development, is or was planning a barrier to growth, business activity, Impact of planning on housing and the economy, benefits and costs of Brownfield development and approval rates. The research findings demonstrated that the old system was in need of reform and that the National Planning Policy Framework theoretically will help the economy to grow out of recession by removing obstacles that ultimately cost money both for developers and local councils. The research also shows that the old planning system was a barrier to growth and resulted in unnecessary costs due to delays and uncertainty. Introduction Background Planning systems set rules and guidelines that influence the level, location and pattern of activity. The ultimate goal is planning to promote a balance of environmental, social and economic welfare that meets the needs of current and future generations. Doing so inevitably involves trade-offs, so any planning system has both benefits and costs. An important issue for policymakers and the public is whether the current system imposes costs which reforms could avoid. The new Government has made supporting sustainable growth and enterprise, balanced across all regions and industries, one of its top priorities. This means creating the right conditions for private enterprise and business investment. A well-functioning planning and wider consents regime is an essential component of the overall attractiveness of the business environment in the UK and the Government proposes to reform the planning system, creating a presumption in favour of sustainable development and providing more opportunities for local communities to determine the shape of the places in which they live. Reform of the planning system and of specific elements within it has been underway for some time, with the aim both of making it more efficient and effective and of ensuring that it is not acting as a barrier to investment and sustainable development Penfold Review of Non-Planning Consents 2010. The old System: The Town and Country Planning Act 1947 established a comprehensive and universal system of land-use control. The system served the key function of balancing public and private interests and was based upon a fundamental principle which still applies today, notably that private interests would need to be sacrificed for the public good as far as land-use issues were concerned. The old system that existed was a plan-led system where English local authorities determined land use plans in consultation with stakeholders with the resulting plans becoming the basis for determining planning applications. Development required permission, and development applications were considered with reference to the plan unless material considerations (determined by law) indicate otherwise. The old framework of local plans and binding national targets evolved over more than sixty years, and was subjected to considerable scrutiny and legislative change over the last two decades (The history of the English planning system in this paragraph was provided by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)). National government dictated the overall structure and direction of the system by enacting legislation that outlined just exactly what needed consent and how local policy shall be produced as well as producing national policy guidance to set out more detail on acceptable forms of development. Thus, the national government enjoyed a detailed level of intervention to setting the system up which ultimately allowed the government to influence its outcomes. The Town and Country Planning Act 1968 introduced a significant reform to the system of plan preparation, with the introduction of structure plans and local plans. These documents set out both strategic and longer-term planning objectives, such as major housing allocations or green belt identification and short term allocations for development on individual sites. This system was further consolidated in the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and in the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. The only other significant statutory reforms introduced between 1971 and 2000 dealt with the delivery of the planning function in the reform of the local government restructure the evolution of the old system can be seen in table 1. Unnecessary detail has resulted in a system which often contradicts itself and where important national policy is obscured by duplication. This has acted as a brake on growth, hindering rather than helping local communities to shape development in their neighbourhoods. This impact on the processing of planning applications causing confusion and delay within the system, and in some cases may discourage submission of planning applications (as a result of the direct costs of complexity that must be borne by developers and the indirect cost i.e. uncertainty associated with planning delay). Contradictions in policy often occur between policy documents and guidance. For example, Planning Policy Statement 5 (Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment) asks local councils to not validate planning applications where the impact of the proposed development on any heritage asset cannot adequately be understood from the information supporting the application. However, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) guidance on validation advises that inadequate supporting information is not grounds for invalidating applications (See Planning Policy Statement 5 paragraph HE6.3 and Guidance on information requirements and validation, paragraph 34). Duplication results in the same policy being unnecessarily repeated in a number of separate documents. One example of this comes from four different national policy documents (Planning Policy Statement 1: Planning for Sustainable Development, Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth and Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport) which all contain similar policies which ask local councils to identify land which is accessible and well connected to a means of transport including walking, cycling, public transport and by car. This mass of guidance forms part of a system of top-down targets, which has grown up in recent years. Enforcement of these imposed rules or targets can be costly and/or ineffective. For example, the system of housing targets had to be policed by the Planning Inspectorate at a cost of approximately  £1m per year. The Planning Inspectorate had the power to impose housing numbers on local councils, who can face lengthy and costly appeals if their plans were judged to be inconsistent with national policy. The complexity and prescriptive nature of national policy has also led to local people becoming disengaged from the system. According to Ipsos MORI, only 15 per cent of people consider themselves to be involved in decision-making at a local level. Of those 15 per cent, the majority (9 per cent) consider themselves unable to influence decisions (Ipsos MORI (2010). Do the public really want to join the government of Britain?). Other research has shown that national targets decrease the attention decision-makers give to community groups (Murdoch, J. and Abram, S.). Studies also show that they were often presented with limited options, giving the impression that decisions have already been taken, or were consulted on abstract strategies (such as Regional Spatial Strategies) rather than plans for their local area (Baker, M., Hincks, S. and Sherriff, G.) Table 1: The English planning system since 1991: main reports, inquiries and legislation Report or Act Contribution Planning and Compensation Act 1991 Embedded the plan led system by making the plan the primary consideration in development control Driving Productivity Growth in the UK, McKinsey (1988) report Argued that the planning system was an important constraint on UK productivity Housing White Paper (1995) Introduced a 50 percent target for the proportion of new homes built on Brownfield land Planning Policy Guidance 6 (1996) Introduced the town centre first policy Urban White paper (2000) Focussed on urban renaissance and provided stronger foundations for Brownfield first approach to housing Planning Green Paper (2001) Argued that the planning system was too complex, slow and disempowering for participants; proposed simplifying the hierarchy of plans, shortening local plans and closer public engagement in plan making House of Commons ODPM Select Committee report on planning competiveness and productivity (2003) Concluded that planning was not a significant determinant of productivity and that outcome could be improved through further resourcing and better implementation of the current rules Barker Review of Housing Supply (2004) Recommendations include transferring benefits of development from landowners to affected communities and using market signals as a trigger for the release of additional land allocated for housing Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Introduced statutory Regional Spatial Strategies and a sustainable development purpose to planning Barker review of Land Use Planning (2006) Numerous wide-ranging recommendations to improve the responsiveness and efficiency of the planning system and the efficiency of the planning system and the efficiency of land use Planning Act 2008 Created the Infrastructure Planning Commission Localism Act 2011 Abolished the Infrastructure Planning Commission and Regional Spatial Strategies; introduced Neighbourhood Plans and a new duty for local authorities to cooperate The government is seeking to reform Englands planning rules which currently involve: A hierarchy of planning policies national planning policy statements, until recently regional strategies and local development frameworks. Development control as the main mechanism for regulating local development. Section 106 (S106) as the main means of local value capture, complemented in 2010 by the Community Infrastructure Levy. Some national restrictions (e.g. Town centre first, Green belts, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)). Figure 1: From Urban Planning Real Estate Development 3rd Edition by John Ratcliffe et Al The new system The National Planning Policy Framework was published with the main aim of replacing the previous system that had in some form or another been in place since the introduction of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 whilst streamlining the actual planning process. This has been achieved through a number of methods such as: the removal of duplication from policy, the simplification of over 1,000 pages of planning policy statements spread across 40 documents in to a single document of 50-60 pages, the removal of unnecessary information that led to system that at times contradicted itself. The planning reforms brought about through the Localism Act and changes in national planning policy will reduce the level of central control, simplify the level of guidance and hand back more power to local communities. As an example, in the Localism Act, the Government has taken powers to scrap Regional Spatial Strategies and their housing targets and introduced a bottom up approach that enables local communities to decide the level of housing that is required in their area and share in the benefits of development. This is a fundamentally different approach based on councils being best placed to make local decisions, holding the knowledge and expertise of their area. Supporting and building on these changes, the Framework removes a large amount of central prescription, being clear about what is Government policy and giving councils greater discretion in those areas which national policy no longer covers. This will enable them to find innovative solutions and respond to the needs of their different communities. At the same time, local people will be encouraged to reengage in the planning process through improvements in collaborative democracy and new policy vehicles such as neighbourhood plans (NPPF Impact Assessment DCLG). The main elements of the Governments National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated reforms are: Significantly simplified national planning guidance (National planning policy is currently set out in over 1,000 pages of policy guidance and statements, with more than 6,000 pages of supporting documentation, contained within a total of more than 200 documents.) Devolved decision making, with local authorities drawing up local plans via community consultation, subject to the NPPF and fiscal incentives to encourage development. A presumption in favour of Sustainable Development, where this accords with local plans. If no up-to-date plans exist, then the default answer to sustainable development should be yes. Maintain all existing protected status that is Green Belt, SSSIs, AONBs and also retail town centre first restriction for retail development. In parallel with the NPPF, the government is also introducing: A reformed Community Infrastructure Levy as the main means of value capture, while limiting use of S106. Financial incentives for new housing through the New Homes Bonus, and for commercial development via the Business Increase Bonus. A Localism Bill and wider proposals for reforming the local Government finance. Aim This research seeks to analyse the validity of the justifications provided by the Coalition Government to support the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework. Furthermore, this research seeks to investigate whether the claims made by the government that the old system was a barrier to growth and whether the National Planning Policy Framework will help the economy to grow and if so how. Objectives To carry out an extensive review of available literature sources with a view to critically assessing the articles. To investigate the claims made by the Coalition Government that Planning is a barrier to Growth. To arrive at a conclusion, as to whether the claims and the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework were justified. To provide recommendations for further research that may be carried out that will provide a better assessment of how the National Planning Policy Framework has impacted the country and whether or not it can be deemed successful. Dissertation Structure The dissertation is structured in the following manner; Chapter 2- Research Methodology This chapter outlines and explores the methods utilised to conduct the research required to complete this dissertation. It explains the rationale behind the methodology of the research in detail. Chapter 3 Literature Review This chapter explores the claims made by the government and where possible puts forward evidence that contradicts and supports the views expressed by the government. Chapter 4 Summary and Conclusion This chapter provides a summary of the findings produced by this dissertation and also draws conclusions from the literature review, meeting the aims and objectives of the study as previously outlined. Additionally, the limitations of the research and data are explored. Chapter 5 Recommendation for further work This chapter outlines further research that could be carried out in order to further understand how the National Planning Policy Framework has impacted the economy, and whether it has been successful in achieving the coalitions targets. Research Methodology Research Strategy Academic literature has prescribed research a vast number of definitions, descriptions and concepts (Punch, 2000). However, throughout these definitions there is a general theme and academic consensus, that research is a process of enquiry and investigation, which through a systematic and methodical approach increases knowledge (Amaratunga et al., 2002). Furthermore, Hair Jr et al (2007), suggests that the definition of research can be further summarised as the discerning pursuit of the truth. In regards to the above, pursuit of the truth, the research methodology usually entails a three stage process to provide a robust and accurate analysis. Stage one, involves an initial in-depth literature review of the publications, (e.g. Estates Gazette and Property Week) published journals and academic text books, to interrogate and integrate ideas, whilst linking together concepts to provide an enhanced and informed base in which to comprehensively approach the aim of the dissertation (Naoum, 2007). The remaining stages of the research used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with the aim of providing conclusions based on numerical findings which are based upon a natural and realistic environment. (Amaratunga et al. 2002). Yin (1994), states that a research strategy should be chosen as a function of the research situation. As such the research objectives had a material bearing that strongly influenced the methodology used. Adopting a predominantly quantitative approach to the methodology, provides a platform of scientific respectability, due to the way in which findings can be presented (Denscombe. 2000) and thus interpreted (Saunders et al, 2003). Quantitative research is objective in nature and can be defined as an inquiry in to a social or human problem, based on testing a hypothesis or a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers, and analysed with statistical procedures in order to determine whether the hypothesis or theory hold true (Creswell, 1994). Quantitative data is therefore not abstract, it is hard and reliable; it is the measurement of tangible, countable and sensate features of the world (Bouma and Atkinson, 1995). To this end it must be noted that a purely quantitative approch to data collection would be used when: you want to find facts about a concept, question or an attribute OR when you want to collect factual evidence and study the relationship between these facts in order to test a particular theory or hypothesis. In quantitative studies, the hypotheses, research questions and aims should be presented within a theoretical framework. A theory can be introduced as: A seried of hypotheses/sub-hypothesis in the form of ifthen logic statements OR a hunch (Naoum 2007). It is argued that to a certain degree quantitative research, fails to understand the deeper underlying factors of the subject matters and inadequately transposes its findings by way of explanation, despite its level of accuracy and validity (Denscombe, 2000). Qualitative research on the other hand is subjective in nature. It emphasises meanings, experiences that are often verbally described through structured or unstructured interviews and so on. The information gathered in qualitative research can be classified under two categories of research, namely exploratory and attitudinal. Exploratory research is usually employed when you have a limited amount of knowledge about your research topic. The techniques utilised for the process of data collection are usually either structured or non-structured interviews. The purpose of exploratory is usually threefold: firstly, to diagnose a situation; secondly, to screen for alternatives and thirdly, to discover new ideas (Zikmund, 1997, cited in Naoum 2007). Creswell (1994) writes: one typically finds research questions (not hypotheses) written in exploratory research. These research questions assume two levels (1) one or two grand tour questions followed by (2) no more than five to seven sun-questions. Attitudinal research on the other hand is used subjectively to evaluate the opinion, view or the perception of a person towards a particular object (either an attribute, variable, factor or question). Through obtaining the attitudes of individuals towards an object of choice, a process of interpretation can begin, enabling the findings to become data (Denscombe, M, 2000). As mentioned previously qualitative research doesnt tend to have clear rules on the use or placement of theory. Any hypotheses or theories that may emerge during the data collection and analysis phase of the research tend to be placed at the end of the study which require more quantitative testing. It should be noted that the research methodology is not without limitations. Data collection is split into two fields, primary and secondary, the latter of which involves the analysis of information that has already been collected within another study and is often referred to as desk study, it is aptly named secondary because it is concerned with analysing data for the second time (Sarantakos, 2005). Unlike secondary which is predetermined and dated, primary data compilation, also known as Fieldwork entails the collection of current up-to-date information directly from the source, first hand, which can be of a very specific nature. Research design Although various assessments of the planning system (both the NPPF and the old system) have been undertaken previously, there is limited research into the validity of the arguments presented by the Coalition government that demonstrates that the benefits of the NPPF will outweigh the costs of introducing a new system. To this end, the methodologies used within the previous studies were considered as appropriate templates, however, two research design methods were considered from which one was chosen: The first method considered was the analysis of data from local planning authorites, this method was deemed to be impractical as it was anticipated that obtaining actual data pertaining to major developments that could be used for case studies to assess the impact of the NPPF from local planning authorites first hand would be extremely difficult. Additionally in order to carry out the assessment thoroughly, the development would have to be assessed using both planning systems, only then would the benfits of the new system (if any) become apparent. The second method that was considered was the analysis of secondary data sources, in meeting the research objectives, the analysis of secondary data sources was deemed to be the most appropriate method of conducting the research required for this dissertation. The methodology ensured that the main points raised by the governemnt that supported the NPPF were discussed and critically analysed and also allowed any information that opposed or contradicted the governments views to be presented. Literature Review Sustainable Development National planning policy issued by central government sets out guidance to councils, applicants for planning permission and other users of the planning system, about the delivery of sustainable development through the planning system. Planning should help to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, securing net gains against the economic, environmental and social elements of sustainable development. The NPPF must set a clear framework for what development plans should contain and to this end the Localism Bill should be amended to ensure that sustainable development is at the heart of the planning system. Given the importance of the definition of sustainable development, we believe that the way in which it is expressed should be the subject of Parliamentary scrutiny, which would give the resulting definition greater weight than a policy requirement. We attach a draft amendment to the Localism Bill that would achieve this. (NPPF Impact Assessment) If this type of definition is not in statute then the NPPF will have to provide a clear focus for those involved in planning, drawing a distinction between how the term sustainable should be interpreted and evidenced in the development plan process and how it should apply when making determinations on applications. This is necessary due to the fact that development involves significant fixed costs that must be paid upfront and therefore it would extremely beneficial if the planning system could help to reduce or limit this level of uncertainty. Furthermore, planning decisions can generate large sums of money for those gaining planning permission to build. For both these reasons it is imperative that decision making is transparent and governed by a clear and concise set of rules. The previous system was so complex that it did not meet these criteria. The NPPF achieves this by vastly simplifying the rules and by introducing a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Local bureaucrats and politicians will no longer get to say yes or no to development on a case-by-case basis. Instead the presumption means that they have to say yes to things that are consistent with their local plan, however, it must be noted that the presumption does not apply where the adverse impacts of development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. Many other countries successfully run systems that are (at least) this permissive, but it is less clear that this principle can be brought in immediately, given that many local ar eas do not have up-to-date local plans. The NPPF will need to make the balancing exercise clear because there will be some cases where there is an unavoidable trade-off between local and national interests, for example, the government wishes to increase housing supply in England and improve the strategic infrastructure within the UK, these are both national priorities that affect specific local communities. Another reason why the NPPF will need to make the balancing exercise clear is because all too often, the limb of sustainable development that relates to the meeting of basic human needs (and in some case human rights) is sacrificed because of environmental concerns. By setting out a presumption in favour of sustainable development as a central feature in the NPPF, it places more requirements on the council to be proactive in identifying and addressing the need for sustainable development. Of course there will be costs associated with reform, however, the precise impacts of the policies will vary by location and are dependent on how local communities respond to the changes outlined in the NPPF. Further, given the inherent uncertainty in the housing market, capital markets and wider economy, it is difficult to isolate the impact of the changes proposed here from those wider macro-economic factors. Some of the benefits that will come from this presumption are reduced delays and uncertainty because where applications accord with the framework, there is likely to be some kind of impact on the speed with which decisions are made. As a result with more up to date plans adopted, the speed of obtaining planning permission (and therefore completing sustainable development) should be reduced. Even where up-to-date plans have not been adopted, the Framework provides a clear policy framework for investors and development control decisions, so that the benefits of reducing delays and uncertainty may to some extent be realised even before up-to-date, compliant plans are adopted by local authorities. However, even modest improvements in scheme delivery times as a result of the certainty provided by up-to-date plans could produce significant effects in terms of the efficiency by which those plans are delivered and substantial benefits to society as a result of development taking place sooner. There are other benefits associated with reduced holding costs land and other assets through the development management process; and land banks required by the uncertainty of development control and for sites that were rejected. For example, Ball (2010) notes that there are substantial holding costs associated with land banks required by the uncertainty of development control and for sites that were rejected. This could push financing costs from  £1bn to over  £2bn. Social impacts of Old System This section will aim to present a framework for thinking about the costs and benefits of the land use planning system. It will seek to outline how planning affects the wellbeing whilst summarising the evidence on the existence and relative importance. To some extent, the planning system exists primarily to improve the wellbeing of humans and is achieved through the development and implementation of policies that influence land use. As with many markets, the existence of market failures departures from ideal market conditions which include perfect competition and fully informed participants), and concerns over the distributional effects of unregulated land markets, provide the rationale for the planning system, or to put the argument another way, create the opportunity for government or collective action to improve outcomes in terms of wellbeing. The main policy instrument used by the English planning system to achieve this goal is regulation of the supply of land available for different uses. Broadly speaking, this regulation gives the planning system the ability to control where development can occur, how much of it there can be and what kinds of development there are although the powers of the system are asymmetric in the sense that planning can prevent but NOT ensure development. Another way in which planning can impact upon wellbeing is through economical means. Economists tend to think of wellbeing as depending on the consumption of goods, where the definition of goods extends well beyond things which can be purchased from retailers. A good is anything that contributes, positively or negatively, to human wellbeing, ranging from simple goods like an apple to the feeling of pleasure derived from knowing about the existence of a national park one may never visit. Planning can influence the availability and price of many types of goods, including through reducing the amount of some things which lower wellbeing. (Inexpensive Progress) Goods can be classified to their characteristics: externalities which can be positive (a pleasan

High Rise And High Density Buildings Sociology Essay

High Rise And High Density Buildings Sociology Essay The subject of this research developed from a personal interest in the dichotomy between quality and the provision of housing in the U.K. In an interview with BBC Two news night the Planning Minister, Nick Boles, criticised the recent provision of housing. He states People look at the new housing estates that have been bolted on to their towns and villages in recent decades and observe that few of them are beautiful. Indeed, not to put too fine a point on it, many of them are pig-ugly (the Guardian, 2012). This is a valid point and is at the core over the provision of housing as literature provides sufficient evidence based on negative feedback on housing especially with houses built in the post war periods of the 1960s. However using the term pig ugly to describe the effort of others is perhaps too much of an exaggeration. Nevertheless, this develops interest in exploring further what the Minister considers to be pig ugly and what can be done to make these buildings better. With regards to providing housing for the community, Boles was pin pointing with particular criticism to the recent Harrison Wharf development in Purfleet, Essex, which he describes as an insult to the community. The Planning Minister states that whilst more land is needed for development, the right to houses is a basic moral right, like health-care and education, theres a right to a home with a bit ground around it to bring your family up in (the Guardian, 2012). With this criticism on a high density type of development consisting of 103 flats, not buildings of the 1960s either but a more recent development, raises curiosity as to what new developments offer in terms of quality in housing despite all the new policies and regulations in place. Exploring further research into the rights to houses will develop further evidence as to what extent a right to a home with a bit of ground is a necessity. Other evidence pointing towards the ideology of an ideal home being that with a garden includes that of the town planner Professor William Holford, whom on a report of symposium posits the view that in British housing, a tacit assumption is that the ideal house for young family with children is a cottage, a villa, or a semi-detached house with a garden. From this, it can be argued that high rise and high density flats in particular have come to be regarded as what Sir William Holford describes as a regrettable necessity, forced upon us by the shortage of land to accommodate the unfortunate who have to live in them Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Taking this into account, with consideration of the growing increase in high-rise and high density housing in the UK builds up controversy and develops the keenness to investigate further whether high-rise and high density housing really is a regrettable necessity or more satisfying projects can be achieved. The ideology of an ideal home being that with a garden described above may just be one characteristic of what the consequences of high-rise and high density housing seem to have. Literature provides other numerous consequences associated with high-rise and high density housing whereas at the same time, other literature reviews suggests that high density housing is increasingly being seen as a solution for the high demand for housing. The Planning Policy Guidance note 3 (PPG3), which sets out the governments policy on different aspects of planning requires local authorities to avoid inefficient use of land, hereby referring to developments that provide less dwellings per given area (PPG3). It is therefore evident that the government does encourage accommodating more using less space, whether it is encouraging developments which are considered as failures according to some literature sources, is a question that prompts further investigation. There is much debate about what the future housing is offering as a solution with consideration to the governments restrictions on land use. With the main drivers to high density housing being high house price inflation, a cultural shift bringing about the desire to live alone and several other drivers discussed further in a later chapter of this study, there has been an increased rate of household establishment (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). The effect of these price inflation in houses has led to what Hills (2007) terms as residualisation, where it is mainly the poor people adapting in the social rented tenure of housing. With this occurring in the last 20 years there is now a need to bring down this compactness of poverty and social exclusion. Evidence suggests that this solution can be brought about through high density housing that are affordable and of mixed tenure. (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). With particular reference to high-rise and high density development in the provision of housing as they are both designed on the basis of accommodating more in less space, the debate on whether better designed, affordable and mixed tenure housing can provide a solution that tackles the demand for housing to accommodate without derogating quality is the essence of what has developed interest in doing this research. Aims and Objectives The Aim of my research is to investigate whether high-rise and high density housing can provide good quality homes while providing housing to cater for the increasing demand. To aid my study of this aim, I will use the key question noted below. The following objectives will help in achieving the aim. Objectives: To provide an overview of the Increase in high-rise and high density housing in the U.K To identify factors that affect the quality of homes that will be used in this research To explore the negative and positive design features with high-rise and high density buildings and their effect on occupants Key question: Can better designed, affordable mixed tenure high-rise and high density housing provide a solution for quality homes for the future? Literature Review Scope of chapter This chapter will critically appraise the literature review, identify similarities of statements, commonalities and contradictions of the body of evidence. It is divided into the following five main sections Definition of high-rise and high density buildings (300) History and growth of high rise and high density buildings (500) High rise debate Evaluating the literature on the drivers and barriers of key features of good design in high-rise and high density buildings(2000) Definition of high rise and high density buildings High rise buildings: While the most prominent name for tall building remains high rise, in Britain and several other European countries high rise buildings are sometimes referred to as tower blocks. Various definitions are used to define high rise buildings as the terms do not have agreed definitions recognised internationally. Langdon and Everest et al (2002) affirm that it is not possible to define high rise buildings using absolute measures. Most sources define high rise building to suit the subject being studied, the definitions not always expressed in terms of number of storeys but rather in linear height feet and meters. According to the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (1969), a high rise building can be defined as a building of 10 storeys or more. Craighead (2009) defines a high rise building as that which extends between 75 feet (23metres) and 100 feet (30 meters) or about seven to ten storeys depending on slab to slab distance between floors. For the purpose of this research the defi nition of high rise buildings is considered that of Langdon and Everest et al (2002) who believe that; In relative terms tall buildings are best understood as buildings whos planning, design construction and occupation is influenced by height in ways that are not normally associated with more typical, local developments. High density buildings ( might need adding more) Literature suggests that measuring density figures is problematic as there are many differences in the approximations of determining density figures. A wide variety of measurements to density have been used since 1918 including: dwellings per hectare, persons per hectare, habitable rooms per hectare, floor spaces per hectare and bed spaces per hectare (Woodford et al., 1976 cited in Jenks 2005). Although the common unit recommended by the research for the government is the dwelling per hectare the rest of the measurement are also frequently used (DETR, 1998). To give a base for the purpose of this study, density in housing is considered the ratio between the number of households or people and the land area they occupy, the government considers 60 and above dwellings per hectare and 140persons per acre to be high density. As mentioned above the planning policy guidance 3(PPG3) encourages high density building by setting requirements for more efficient use of land stating that new developments should aim for a density which is not less than 30 dwellings per hectare (Ibid). Therefore where high rise housing is mentioned throughout this study, it is referred to that of which is considered to be of high density. History and growth of high rise and high density buildings According to Reddy (nd), the growth of a city is closely linked with the growth of high-rise buildings. In England, the tallest buildings that were above the skyline were always the cathedrals, churches, palaces, castles and public buildings. The stable skyline in England was primarily contributed by the locally applied height restrictions and lack of demand for housing. In Britain, high rise buildings were first developed after the Second World War in the 1930s (). The high rise buildings construction went hand in hand with the demolition of Georgian and Victorian housing. The destruction of houses and drastic population growth were among the main reasons that led to the construction of high rise buildings. High rise buildings seemed to be a quick fix to the population problem in order to accommodate more people at that time. Built in central locations with excellent views, high-rise buildings were welcomed as were seen as modern living. The construction of high-rise buildings was r eckoned as the modern and most effective way to handle the demand for more housing issue and the shortage of land issue. In addition to population growth after the war, the ageing 19th century houses also led to the growth of high rise buildings in the United Kingdom. High rise buildings seemed unpopular in Britain as the English houses concept had dominated most parts of the country. However, the situation seemed to be different in Scotland, as tenements (staircase-access blocks of any height, but most usually 3 or 4 storeys) appeared to be the common urban type for most people. Along the 19th century, different types of flats arose in London and other English towns. The four to six-storeyed tower blocks became popular among the lower classes of people and was subsequently seen developing in the west end of London as well (Glendinning Muthesius,1994). Up until the 1990s, an estimated 400,000 flats in 6500 multi-storey blocks were built in Britain, with the most booming period being the late fifties to the early seventies. To that end, about 20% of all public housing constructed post-Second World War was provided in tower blocks primarily with 6 or more storeys (Ibid). Glendinning and Muthesius (1994) contend that the high-rise construction trend continued during the post-war years in London and the majority being built by the local authorities. High rise and high density debate The debate arising from whether high rise and high density buildings have brought more harm or benefits to its occupants and society is rather challenging. Tall buildings seem to be an important topic of debate in London more than any place in the United Kingdom. A scheduled debate to discuss the planning decision for a tower near Vauxhall Bridge was held in June 2005 after the House of Lords reckoned it to be as a possible threat to the London skyline. Both the benefits and the unpleasant outcomes of high-rise buildings were discussed. To begin with, several reviews and early studies seem to have concluded that high rise and high density buildings have not had pleasant outcomes to their occupants as compared to their advantages (Cappon cited in Gifford 2006). Some major contributions to the high-rise debate are the reports commissioned by the Corporation of London, Tall buildings and sustainability (Pank 2002) and by Development Securities PLC, Tall Buildings: Vision of the Future or Victims of the Past? (LSE Cities Programme, 2002). The two reports both concur that high-rise buildings could for sure bring about an outstanding contribution to the inevitable new wave of redevelopment. However, the LSE report emphasises the need of highest standards of design for high-rise buildings whilst the Corporation of London report seems to be emphasising more on sustainable design. ADD DEBATE ON HIGH DENSITY HOUSING In terms of the societal level, high-rise buildings have been accused of exacerbating traffic problems, burthening existing services and infrastructure and in some ways inflicting damage on the character of neighbourhoods (Broyer cited in Gifford 2006). The attack that occurred in the United States of America in September 11th 2001 inflicted fear within occupants of multi storey buildings (Gifford, 2006). The fear that they may be attacked at any particular time raises questions as to whether high-rise buildings are good for people. This, according to sources, describes high-rise buildings as bad for its occupants people living fear of attack makes high rise buildings bad. As for the positive side of high rise buildings, they offer excellent views especially to the upper-level occupants and not forgetting urban privacy. As mentioned above in the growth of high rise buildings, the views that high-rise buildings offered its occupants was one of the primary reason they became popular among the working class in London, therefore this terms high rise as good for its residents. High rise and high density buildings are often although not always located in central urban location, therefore their location seems to point out that they are preferable to those who like central locations. Churchman (1999) highlights that the location of high rise buildings in central areas indicates that services and public transport systems are more likely to be near as well as a significant number of close neighbours therefore one may have greater choice of friends and acquaintances for support. High rise buildings, according to Kunstler and Salingaros (2001) have to some degree deformed the function, the quality and the long-term health of urbanism. The public realms of the streets are being clogged by the infrastructure of high rise buildings. Krier (1984 cited in Kunstler and Salingaros 2001) referred to this as urban hypertrophy. He further asserts that they prevent the organic development of new healthy, mixed urban fabric anywhere further than the centre. On the other hand, Broyer (2002) suggests that high rise buildings which are at times thin buildings leave more room for green space and parks. High rise buildings have smaller footprints than the low-rise houses, therefore take up less land area than the low-rise housing units. He further points out that the unused land near high rise buildings has been seen to be a no-mans land and frequently used by dangerous elements. ADD DEBATE ON HIGH DENSITY HOUSING As seen from the above points, the high-rise debate has raised many questions as to whether they are good or bad. High rise buildings have both the good and bad side of them. However, the negative side of high rise buildings seem to outweigh the positive sides of high-rise buildings. Drivers and barriers of key features of good design in high-rise and high density buildings The increase of population has been considered to have negative outcomes from the past when cities and towns in the UK experienced rapid growth and urbanisation. The seriousness of the state of high population density now can be seen by looking at how far back density brought about consciousness to the government and the public in general. According to Jenks (2005), it was since the 1840s where London was considered a huge city with a population of 21/2 million. More recent statistics from the Office of National Statistics indicate that the UK population is already at its fastest rate in growth and is estimated to increase from 62.3million in 2010 to 67.2million in the next ten years, taking into account higher birth rates than deaths. A further increase of 73.2million is projected in the next 25years, an estimated figure which makes up an average increased growth rate of 0.6%. (National trust). Migration figures also published by the Office of National Statistics show figures in the year 2010 to be 575,000 immigrants, a figure which is said not to have broadly changed since 2004, shows the effect of rising population due to migration into the UK. (HBA, 2011) = Population Increase is regarded by many sources as the core driver towards the demand for housing thus as the UK population continues to increase the demand for housing grows strongly. In London, where population is predicted to grow to 10million, a 2milion increase of Londoners will need housing over the next 20 years which means that 1million new homes will have to be built (Housing and planning consultant). Despite this, the National Housing Federation (NHF) (representatives and campaigners for better housing in England) point out that fewer houses are now being built than at any point since the Second World War. This gap between supply and demand in housing is a prominent issue in UK has instigated vast amount of research in this field. With regards to space required for these new homes and taking into account the restrictions of protecting the green-belt, Colin Wiles, a house and planning consultant implies that London has simply run out of space and its out-of-date green belt is the culprit(The Guardian). With only 4,000hectares of Brownfield land, it provides barely a fifth of the space required to build 1million new homes in London(The Guardian). To be able to house Londoners, Colin Wiles insists London must either build upwards or outwards hereby highlighting the demand for high-rise developments to solve the housing issues (Ibid). Many other sources including Mark Fairwether (2000) agree on the increase in population factor with planning policies that encourage development on Brownfield sites to protect the green as major influences to the market for high-rise and high density housing. Demographic changes in everyday living is yet another factor that is seen by many sources to be influencing the demand for housing. Without going further beyond the scope of the research, the following other factors are worth iterating when identifying the drivers to more housing in a place where land is very limited (parliament)= Increasing number of one-person households Life Expectance Rates Desire for city Living Cost of housing Housing trends Overseas influence Housing rights and Eligibility Add on more drivers Increasing number of one-person households Cost of housing Research Methodology Statement of research Aim It is vital to analyse the different strategies of research therefore understanding the difference between quantitative and qualitative, knowing the different sources and techniques of data collection and the ethics involved is what this chapter aims to cover. Having identified a topic and considered the purpose of study, a way of which this study is going to be performed has to be identified. It is important to determine the appropriate methodology and how to use it in order to carry out an investigation into living in high-rise and high density housing. It is by conducting this methodology that a conclusion will be arrived at (Peter, 2001). Getting to this conclusion however has to go through several steps which include collecting and analysing data that is relevant to the purpose of study (Naoum 2007). The choice of the methodology will depend on the kind of subject which has to suit the methodology that goes with it. As it may be possible to conduct the research for the subject of study without having knowledge of the various methods, having detailed knowledge of planning an investigation will give you an insight into different ways of doing so and also enhance your understanding of the literature (Bell 2010). The main importance is to make sure that the research maximises the chance of realising its objectives (Fellows 1997). It is important to first understand what research is about before actually conducting and planning the research. Although research can serve many purposes, the most common and effective ones are exploration, description and explanation (Babbie 2010). Exploratory research is used when only limited amount of knowledge is known for a particular subject or when a new interest is examined by the researcher. Research therefore is being done to explore more about the topic (Naoum 2012). Description serves the purpose of observing situations and events and then describing what was observed by answering questions such of what, where, when and how while explanation in the other hand tends to explain things answering questions of why (Babbie 2010). Foundations in Research As the type of research in this case is that of social research, it is essential to first consider the underlying of social research in order to prepare the way into which the research will be approached. Understanding and considering the two elements of science which are logic and explanation will mean that the findings have to first make sense and also correspond to what has or can be observed. These two important elements relate to three major aspects of social science representations; theory, data collection and data analysis. The theory deals with the aspect of logic in science, data collection deals with observations while data analysis analyses patterns achieved in the observations and compares what was logically expected to what was actually observed where necessary (Babbie, 2010). The order in which these three aspects can be approached is what differentiates the two important methods of reasoning in research which are; inductive and deductive. Inductive and Deductive Deductive theory takes the process of having a theory, reasoning it by deducing it into a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis which then gives you a pattern of observation which will help you confirm whether or not the theory is right or wrong (Deduction and Induction, 2006). Whilst deductive theory breaks down from the more general to the more precised, inductive reasoning works out the opposite. It moves from measured patterns of general observations which lead to the formation of tentative hypothesis that can then be explored into a general conclusion or theory. In understanding the social effects of living in high rise buildings, these two approaches both are effectual approaches which when both work together can provide more accurate and complete understandings. Quantitative Research Quantitative research uses a scientific approach and is objective in nature. Naoum (2007, p.37) defines quantitative research as:- An inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a hypothesis or a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analysed with statistical procedures, in order to determine whether the hypothesis or theory hold true. Quantitative research therefore based on the above definition is strong and can be reliable. When there is presence of a theory and testing is needed to determine whether it holds true, a quantitative approach is to be considered (Naoum, 2007). It can also be used in the collection of known facts and studying the relationship between one set of facts to another evaluating them in numerical data (Bell, 2010). In the case of investigating living in high-rise and high density housing, whilst finding research from data and facts that have been collected previously, testing and analysing the variables and measuring it in numbers may contribute to achieving a conclusion. Whether the findings only achieved from this method of research will be enough is highly doubtable thus other strategies of research may need to be considered. Qualitative Research Qualitative research is more concerned and seeks to understand the purpose of study based on opinions and feelings of individuals perceptions of the world (Bell, 2010). Qualitative research is subjective by nature. It emphasises meanings, experiences (often verbally described), description, and so on.'(Naoum, 2007, p.40). The information obtained from this strategy of research falls in two categories; a) Exploratory research b) Attitudinal research. In order to explore more about a subject, Interview technique is usually used to collect data so as to diagnose a situation, screen alternatives and discover new ideas. Attitudinal research is used to evaluate opinions of people towards a particular object. The Object in this case refers to an attribute, a variable, a factor or a question. (Naoum, 2013). Babbie (2010) defines variables as logical groupings of attributes whereas attributes are characteristics of a person or things. The two ways in which data can be collected are primary data collection and secondary data collection. To investigate the living in high rise and high density buildings, using exploratory research would be beneficial to the study to personally question the residents using interview techniques hence getting their opinions of the effect of living in the schemes. Naoum (2012) describes primary data as that of which is collected at first hand coming directly from the source, while secondary is data that is obtained from other sources using desk study approach. Using both primary and secondary methods of collecting data may be useful, with secondary data helping to back up the views and opinions of people collected from primary sources which may be in question. Whilst the primary research method technique will be interviewing personnel, an awareness of any restrictions or requirements to be considered is worth knowing. Lutz (cited in Bell 2010) who writes about ethnographic research suggests that some type of contract should be established with the associated field, contract in this case referring to the set of restrictions and requirements that a researcher is to consider. Many professional bodies and organisations have set their own ethical guidelines as Lutz (cited in Bell 2010) stresses, it may well be that whilst investigating about living in high rise buildings issues such of care needed when involving children, manner of conducting the interview, rights of the interviewee, voluntary participation, what subject may or not be examined and more need to be considered before research is being done. The research being done in this case will represent an intrusion into peoples lives, knocking on peoples doors for them to participate in inte rviews perhaps is a disruption in the persons regular activities. Moreover, the information required may be personal and often not known to people associated to them let alone a stranger intending to research. Therefore it is worth reiterating that understanding the importance of ethical agreements about what is proper and improper when conducting research need to be considered beforehand. (Babbie, 2010, p.63) The studies were carried out by Joanne Bretherton and Nicholas Pleace who were greatly supported by Kathleen Kelly and Alison Darlow who managed the project on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree foundation. Case Studies This chapter will discuss three case studies. One in the North West of England, one in London and one in Scotland. The case studies will briefly describe the characteristics of the case study schemes, their design, location, number of storeys and their tenure mix. Subsequently, the case study schemes will also consider the following: Reasons as to why the occupants of the case study schemes moved in. The report findings on the attitudes of occupants towards living in the case study properties. Finally analyse the lessons learnt from the study that can towards establishing quality housing for the increasing demand. Case Study 1: Case study one is located in the North West of England and was completed in 2001. The developer of the scheme was a housing association. The size of the whole site was 0.49 hectares while the whole scheme was of 120 units per hectare built between four-to-six storeys including both accommodation and work sites. This scheme provided 75 flats set around a communal courtyard including: 14 one-bedroom flats 42 two-bedroom flats 19 three-bedroom flats. An on-site meeting room was also available on site. The primary focus of the scheme was providing social housing for rent and had a high level of involving the occupants in management. The main aim of the scheme is connected to urban regeneration as the entire area was being redeveloped. Other developments have come up around the area since the construction of the scheme. The design, however, is rather uncommon in trying to adhere to an outstanding architectural style in a user-friendly modern development (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). Case Study 2: Case study 2 is located in London and was completed in 2003. The developer of this scheme was also a housing association. The size of the whole site is 0.53 hectares with 122 dwellings per hectare; this had the highest density compared to the other case studies. The site had about 70 units per hectare, made up of: 31- one bedroom flats 12-two bedroom flats 16- three bedroom houses 6- Four bedroom houses. This scheme was built on brownfield and a large shared communal area around it. The whole site was affordable, providing social rented housing, key worker Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO) and renting and LCHO. Accommodation for people with support needs was also available which was designed for easy access. The scheme was fundamentally designed as an example of low-cost housing in a very pricy part of the country within the remit of it being high density, energy economical and advanced in construction with a balanced sustainable mixed community (Bretherton Pleace, 2008). Case study 3: Case study 3 is located in a large urban area in Scotland and was completed in 2000. The size of the whole site is 1.6 hectares while the whole scheme was of 75 units per hectare in a two-to-four storey perimeter block with a community centre, surrounded by terraced gardens and enclosed by allotments for use by the occupants of the scheme. The development was made up of 120 flats including: 35-one bedroom flat 46-two bedroom flat 39-three bedroom flat. The tenure mix was chiefly balanced towards social renting, covering 70% of the flats, with most of the remainder being LCHO through shared possession. Some of the flats had been constructed for market sale owner occupation. Similar to case study 2, some of the flats were particularly designed for people with support needs. In contrast to the other case studies, this one was designed to be car free, ther