Monday, September 30, 2019

Change in Documentary Genre Essay

The documentary genre has changed over time. Changes in society have had an impact on the change. There are large commercialist pressures for documentary to become more entertaining and engaging to capture a wider cinema going audience. Documentary has become increasingly popular. Documentaries such as Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore have been given numerous awards and were widely popular at the box office. The Grey Gardens is a 1975 documentary by Albert and David Maysles. The film depicts the lives of a socialite mother and daughter living in a decrepit mansion. The Grey Gardens uses an observation style of documentary. It uses old style music and the editing pace is slow. The Grey Gardens provides a very different experience than the more recent documentary. The old style of the documentary would have been entertaining to the audience of 1975 as they were more conservative than today’s society and would have been able to relate to the people in the documentary. The changes in society have expanded the documentary genre to make it more interesting for the audiences of today. The documentary Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moor is an example of the change in the documentary genre. It is a powerful documentary for the audience as it addresses a very important issue about gun control in the United States. Michael Moore uses humour within the documentary to make it more entertaining and to attract a wider age of viewers than a documentary such as the Grey Gardens. Michael Moore ridicules many of the events and people portrayed throughout the film, such as Charlton Heston, making it entertaining and humorous. The documentary uses a fast editing pace, with Michael Moore creatively putting shots that seem to be unrelated together, such as the Kosovo bombings and the September 11 attacks. As well as making it more captivating for the audience these shots evoke strong emotion and manipulates them into taking Moore’s side. His intensive use of music as ironic punctuation is able to change the mood of the film from humour, to sadness, to horror. The audience is entertained by the documentary because it is reflecting on an issue that affects the U. S. A, it discusses events such as the Kayla Rowland murder and the Columbine shooting which are well known events to society and manipulate the viewer into taking a negative stance on gun control. Touching the Void uses a different style of documentary than that of Bowling for Columbine. Touching the Void is a moving documentary that uses dramatic reconstruction and interviews, which cut between each other. Unlike Bowling for Columbine file footage was not used as there was no file footage of the actual event. The combination of these conventions is entertaining to the audience as it allows them to connect with the mountaineers. The combination of eerie violin music and the dramatic reconstruction is chilling to the viewer and makes them engage with the mountaineers. The interviews make the story seem more truthful to the audience. The audience connects with the documentary because people in society are interested in other peoples lives and the documentary gives insight into part of the mountaineers lives, with the use of the conventions. Touching the Void impacted on the genre by using this different style of documentary making documentaries more like films. These types of documentaries are called docudrama. The documentary Jesus Camp by Rachael Grady and Heidi Ewing is another example of how the documentary genre has changed over time. Like the Grey Gardens it uses an observational style but has a faster editing pace and uses more modern music such as Christian Heavy metal music. The documentary is interesting to the audience because although it is humorous it is also shocking to the viewer. It uses very moving, spiritual music to relate to the religious theme of the documentary and to evoke strong emotions and opinions of the viewer. The documentary uses shocking live footage and fast paced editing to shock the audience. Like Touching the Void it provides insight into the people’s lives showing societies pre-occupations with other peoples lives. The nature of documentary films has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The film genre has become increasingly successful with films such as Super-size Me, Bowling for Columbine and an Inconvenient Truth being among the most successful examples at box office. Pressures on documentary to be more entertaining have caused some controversy in documentaries such as Bowling for Columbine where critics have questioned where it can actually be alled a documentary as unrelated shots are put together to create a negative and biased view on gun control in the U. S. A. With the increasing popularity and development of â€Å"reality television†, which veers to the fictional and is often staged. This aspect of documentary makes people more suspicious of the genre and less likely to accept it as the truth. The need for society to be entertained will h ave an affect on documentary as they will have to become more entertaining to continue to attract the wider cinema going audience.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

How the area of a wire affects the resistance in a circuit Essay

Electricity is conducted through a conductor. Resistance is the word used to describe the opposition between forces. The more free electrons there are, the better the conduction and the worse the resistance is. The more atoms vibrate, the more resistance there is. The free electrons are given energy, as a result they move and collide with the surrounding electrons. This happen throughout the whole wire. This is how the electricity is conducted. Resistance is the result of energy loss in form of heat. How do we measure it? V=I/R V=Voltage I =Current R=Resistance Ohm’s Law. This law states that the current through a metallic conductor (wire) at a constant temperature is proportional to the potential difference (Voltage). Therefore the Voltage and Current is constant. If the resistance increases the temperature increases, so it stays constant. At higher temperatures the particles move more quickly, increasing the collision of the free electrons. Possible Input Variables Wire area Wire thickness Wire length Applied voltage Material Taught connections Cross-sectional shape Insulated Density of wire Coiled or not Temperature Preliminary Experiments. Easy to measure? Easy to change Wire area V V Wire thickness X X Wire length V V Applied voltage V V Material X V Taught connections X X Cross-sectional shape X X Insulated X V Density of wire V X Coiled or not V V Temperature V V Applied I or V by a double cell which is measured by digital volt and ammeter. I will find out the Resistance by the formula using R=V/I. Wire area. It is difficult to change the area. A possible solution would be to add wires and twist them together. Coiled or not? It has not got an obvious affect. The Voltage and Current didn’t increase or decrease. Temperature. My idea was to set up a water bath to keep the wire at a same temperature at every point. I would experiment with temperatures from 20? C-100 (room temperature to the boiling point of water) Wire length. Is very easy to set up. There is a very large range of results. Chosen Input variable I chose wire area as my variable because it is has a better variety of results. I will have 8 wires with the same cross sectional area. It would be to expensive using different cross sectional sizes of wire. I will put the wire parallel to each other an twist them add the end to increase the area of the wire. My chosen output variable is resistance because that is what I am looking for in the wire. Fair Test In the experiment I am not going to change anything ( wire length and applied voltage). The only thing I will change is the area of the wire (input variable). I will use the same equipment throughout the test, to make sure it is a fair test. If I would use different equipment it may give me different readings. I am using a safety resistor, so that the current is the same and that the wire will not overheat. It would not be a fair test if the wire would heat because it would give my different sets of results at different temperatures. It could also be a safety hazard if the wire overheats. Method Cut eight wires of the same cross sectional area in 35cm length (only 30cm of wire measured because I have to attach crocodile clips on each side   The equipment is as following: 2 cell Battery Ammeter+ Voltmeter Safety Resistor 8 wires (35cm) 2 crocodile clips   My circuit will look as following:   Let electricity pass through the circuit and note down the readings of the ammeter and voltmeter. Add more wires to the circuit and continue as planned   Make three sets of results through an accurate experiment Prediction I will expect that if the area of the wire increases the resistance will decrease. This can be proven by background physics of the past. Observation Test Results Nr. of wires   This graph shows the voltages I measured Nr. of wires This graph shows the Current I measured Nr. of wires R1 R2 R3 Rave Area m^2 1/Area   This graph shows me the resistance and resistance average I have worked out. It also includes the formulas for the Area and 1/Area My Graphs are on a separate sheet of graph paper. Analysis My graph shows me that if I increase the area the resistance decreases. I have plotted two graphs to give me a wider range of results and averages in different areas (1/Area and Area m^2). My Area graph looks like a y =1/X graph X Y 1 1 2 0. 5 3 0. 333 4 0. 25 To reassure this I have plotted an average 1/Area. If it is correct then I should get a straight line. When I plotted the graph I had a straight line. This tells me that the average is proportional to 1/Area i. e. Rave ? 1/Area. The slope is: y/x= 10. 5/16= 0. 66 ? /mi I am ignoring the offset on my 1/Area graph This experiment shows me that resistance is definitely affected by the area of the wire. Looking at my background physics it has worked out like resistors on a parallel circuit. When attaching another wire to the experiment it acts like adding another parallel resistor in a parallel circuit. So if the area of the wire increases the resistance decreases. Also I have learned if the voltage goes down the resistance goes up Evaluation I found this experiment easy to do. I had no anomalies on my graph. This means that the points I have plotted are all in a acceptable arrangement. There were no experimental caused by a faulty connection. There were no safety hazards and the experiment was safe to do.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Authentic materials as supplementary materials

Authentic materials as supplementary materials Plagiarism is a practice that involves the using of another person’s intellectual output and presenting it as one’s own’. This includes the presentation of work that has been copied, in whole or part, from other sources (including other students’ work, published books or periodicals, or unpublished works or unauthorized collaboration with other persons), without due acknowledgement. A student found guilty of plagiarism will be subject to some or all of the following: Referral to Course Coordinator for: counseling; submission of further work; use of the services of Student Learning Unit; the placing of a record of the alleged infringement on the student’s file. Referral of the matter to the Head of School for: issuing of written warning; re-submission of work for assessment or the undertaking of another form of assessment such as an oral or unseen examination; allocation of a fail grade to part or all of the assessment; allocation a fail grade to th e subject. Referral of the matter to the Dean for: suspension from the course; official disciplinary action by the University Disciplinary Committee Student Declaration I declare that this assignment is original and has not been submitted for assessment elsewhere. I declare that this assignment is my own work and does not involve plagiarism or collusion. I give my consent for the electronic version to be examined by relevant plagiarism software programs. I have made a photocopy or electronic copy of my assignment, which I can produce if the original is lost for any reason. Signed: ___________ ____________ Dated: / / How to submit Your assignment Students are required to submit their assignment to their lecturer. This should be done in class, but can be done via email or via the mail with prior agreement from the lecturer. Students should ensure they are aware of how and when to submit their assignment by checking with their lecturer before the due date. How to Collect Your Marked As signment Your work should be collected from the lecturer in class or from the VU-HANU Program Coordinator in HCM City, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha or in Hanoi, Ms. Nguyen Thai Ha. If work is not returned in class or prior to the end of semester please contact your lecturer or the program coordinator (Mr. Martyn Brogan ) More information about Plagiarism is available from the Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development Student Information Website: http://www.vu.edu.au/Faculties_and_TAFE/Arts_Education_and_Human_Development/Current_Students/Undergraduates/Faculty_Student_Forms/indexdl_88408.aspx TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I Introduction Research questions CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW Text book 2.1.1 Textbook Description 2.1.2 Textbook Evaluation 2.2 Authentic materials for ESP course book 2.2.4. The role of reading materials 2.2.1. Definition of authentic materials 2.2.2. The role of authentic materials 2.2.3. Advantages of authentic materials 2.2.5. The criteria of selecting readin g authentic materials 2.3. Applying authentic materials in extensive reading program 2.3.1. Applying authentic materials in extensive reading program 2.3.2. Post-reading activities 2.4. Motivations 2.4.1. Definition of motivation 2.4.2. Factors effecting motivation CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 3.1 Kind of research 3.2 Participants 3.2.1 The researcher 3.2.2 Selection of the subject 3.3 Data collection instruments

Friday, September 27, 2019

Product, Pricing, Channel, Promotional Strategies Essay

Product, Pricing, Channel, Promotional Strategies - Essay Example Considering the expenditure effect, consumers tend to choose alternative options if they feel the price is high and unaffordable.   Soft drinks are usually priced on similar lines, unlike healthcare products. Consumers unwilling to spend more money on healthcare products, which are occasional requirements and are often unplanned in their expenditure, tend to consider price before choosing the product. Considering the shared-cost effect, consumers look for external financial help to buy specific product, especially health care product, through insurance and other means.   When they can aid their health care expenses through insurance, they do not feel the pressure of high pricing. The Price-Quality effect plays a major role in choosing specific pharmaceutical products as it is associated with their psychology.   If consumers had earlier had good experience with certain medicines, then fluctuating or increased price will not be a deciding factor in purchasing the same product onc e again. Unique value effect that consumers experience with some treatments or medicines make the consumers less sensitive to products price because the differentiating value of the products become more important.   Most consumers prefer their health and well being to price or expenditure, when in grave need for betterment of health. Channels of different lengths and intensities may be used to reach maximum consumers and obtain large market share.   For instance, intensive channels are formed by including all possible intermediaries like agents, wholesalers, retailers, distributors etc. Whereas, exclusive channels are formed by including only one intermediary.   Intensive channels are best suitable for marketing convenience products such as soft drinks, groceries etc.   Few selective channels are used, such as only wholesalers or distributors, when reaching out to multiple retail outlets for products that consumers pay more attention before buying. Consumers tend to search f or information before buying these products.   Sales of such products are lesser than convenience products, hence including lesser intermediaries would be the best option for such products. Exclusive channels are used to market products that are highly priced; such channels are restricted to exclusive retailer in the market. Specialty products that are expensive and infrequently purchased are limited to exclusive retailers or show-rooms, and are provided sufficient after sales support.   For example, specific automobiles are available only through exclusive retailers. Unsought products are usually marketed by the company or through single channels such as contracted marketers.   These products are relatively new and are unknown to the consumers.   Hence, the company takes the responsibility of bringing the product into the market before trusting it to third-party channels.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Racial definition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Racial definition - Essay Example Biologically race can be human groupings with physical differences. But if such differences trigger preconceived notions about certain groupings then this is racial ideology. This defines the social concept of race. According to them race is "a pre-eminently sociohistorical concept. Racial categories and the meaning of race.. have varied tremendously over time and between different societies." (Omi, Michael and Winant, Howard. Page 287) Race today is "assumed to be a variable which is shaped by broader societal forces." The concept varies from society to society. 'Blacks' in the contemporary British politics refer to all non-whites. In the United States 'havin' a little Negra blood' makes one non-white. Biological definition and social concept of race do make a lot of difference. Omi and Winant distinguish them as "natural" and "common sense." Having a particular skin tone or hair is one's racial identity, but branding him or her as black or Hispianic or white is racial ideology.

Why is sports so important for the people of a number of countries in Research Paper

Why is sports so important for the people of a number of countries in the world - Research Paper Example Majority of the people in Spain celebrated their world cup win in South Africa in 2010. There was renewed show of patriotism. The jersey worn by the national team players was symbolic of the people, united and committed to one nation and cheered it on to victory. At that time, the victory served to brighten up a country that was hit by the recession, its unemployment rate was increasing and the confidence in the administrative bodies was dwindling. However, the sport united the people and gave them renewed hope to deal with the problems they face. This is what football often does in Spain. The sense of patriotism is evident in every person even the politicians. More than ever, they become committed to institute policies that will improve the welfare of the citizens. Spain struggles with the Catalan section due to the increasing will of the Catalans to be self-governing. The Catalan people view FC Barcelona as the representation of their customs and culture. It is no wonder that they fill the stadiums with banners carrying political messages regarding the same. Football is important to them as it helps them air their demands. It is a platform for them to advocate for a political voice. Their actions serve to spur heated exchanges and influence political ambitions of the two sections. To the people of Catalonia, football is their massive voice and they hope to continue using the platform. Some go to the extent of crediting the Barcelona players for the victories in major European competitions. They believe they have a big say in major things as demonstrated in football. However, until their ambitions materialize, they combine together to celebrate triumphs. This signifies that the Spanish and Catalan identities are not essentially incompatible (T he symbolism in Spanish football illustrates that Catalan and Spanish identities are not necessarily incompatible). Third, Football in Spain helps companies increase their financial returns. The Spanish football

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The existing logistics supply chain of the Land Rover Essay

The existing logistics supply chain of the Land Rover - Essay Example This case study of land rover and UPF-Thompson implicates the risks that the company possess if the indulge themselves in one supply management chain. The emphasis is usually put on the management of the workflows of individuals and the information that accompany it. The supply chain of the organization usually carries one or more of these value streams. When The Land Rover company had decided that UPF-Thompson would be its main supplier of chassis, the land rover did not know that when UPF-Thompson, the manufacturer of chassis, would become insolvent the impact would be severe. KPMG, which was the receivers of the chassis, threatened the land rover that they would stop the supply unless the land rover company decided to make the up-front payment that was demanded immediately of between  £35 and  £45m. The reason as to why KPMG had decided to do this is that they claimed that they were entitled to recover on behalf of their creditors. The sole supplier agreement, which was signed , deemed to provide a valuable asset. A court ruling that was made recently justified this action as they stated that for the benefits of the creditors, the receivers were legally permitted to exploit the vulnerability of a customer. Until a temporary injunction could be secured which entitled Land Rover a short-term reprieve, then the land rover company was forced to halt the production of the discovery temporarily. The consequences of the injunction were that land Rovers supplier of network and around 1500 workers who worked at the Solihull plant were laid off. Process stream The land rover was using an end-to-end supply management perspective. The vulnerability of the

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Macroeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Macroeconomics - Essay Example Industry A Industry A has 20 firms and a (CR) of 20%. The Concentration Ratio is centered around how much of the market is controlled by the firms involved, in this case with 20 firms and a (CR) of 20% the controlled value is low. (Concentration Ratio, 2011 p 1) This implies that the industry is either highly competitive industry. This means that every involved organization in this particular industry is able to enter and exit the market with low barriers. This industry type could be termed a â€Å"perfect competition† however, because it has a (CR) of 20% it is also close to an oligopoly. To be a â€Å"perfect competition† the characteristics would need to include, all firms selling the same products, all firms involved being price takers, all firms having a relatively small market share, buyer knowing what is being sold and for how much and the ability to enter and exit the market. (Perfect Competition, 2011 p 1) In this environment the ability to enter the market wit h low to no barriers will allow for more competition to be available. The long term adjustments would need to be expecting lower prices and normal profits. The (CR) will remain low in this industry model due to greater competition. Industry B Industry B has 20 firms and a (CR) of 85% which places it in the oligopoly to monopoly range in business types. An oligopoly is characterized by a few dominant firms and many small ones, standardized and differentiated product depending on the industry, power of dominant firms over pricing, barriers to becoming a dominant firm and the use of non-price competition due to fear of price wars. (Petroff, 2002 para. 2) A monopoly however, is a situation where a single company or group owns the entire market, or close to it. Because this tends to mean it is a business that has a single firm it would not necessarily apply in this case. (Monopoly, 2011 p 1) To figure out the proper concentration ratio it is necessary to use the Herfindahl-Hirschman Inde x, â€Å"a commonly accepted measure of market concentration. It is calculated by squaring the market share of each firm competing in the market and then summing the resulting numbers.† (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, ND) Conclusion Industry A would be appropriate for a small business given the ability to enter and exit with relative ease. This however, should not discount the possibility of Industry B’s ability to control a market and pricing as well. The entry barriers may be insurmountable in this industry type though the rewards could be significantly greater. Given the available information Industry A seems to be the best approach for a small business venture. Reference page Concentration Ratio,. (2011). Concentration ratio, investopedia.com. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/concentrationratio.asp Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, . (ND). The herfindahl-hirschman index, justice.gov. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/atr/public/testimony/hhi.htm Monopo ly,. (2011). Monopoly definition, investopedia.com. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/monopoly.asp Perfect Competition,. (2011). Perfect competition, investopedia.com. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/perfectcompetition.asp Petroff, J. (2002). Oligopoly characteristics. Professional Educational Organization International Retrieved from http://www.peoi.org/Courses/mic/mic7.html Memo follows- TO: Managing director FROM: (insert your name) DATE:

Sunday, September 22, 2019

RESEARCH ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN FIRMS Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN FIRMS - Research Paper Example The future of interior design will require an individual who has taken the course on textile basics. This course will provide me with a better understanding of the many types of fibers and the various designs that can be achieved by using man-made fibers. The course also teaches students the different stitch and knit methods that can be done manually; such skills will be vital in order to come up with signature designs. Surveys done across the design industry reveal that Americans will be residing in small spaces and fewer rooms within the next five years. Design professionals also note that formal rooms will gradually become extinct. Dining rooms will change to multipurpose rooms with small home offices; children study rooms and entertainment spots. Multipurpose spaces will be developed from separate rooms with the type of furniture in use being moveable, modular and smaller scaled. Dining rooms will give way to eat-in kitchens and technology will be heavily incorporated, for example; sensor and voice activation and spa baths. Low maintenance homes with real gardens will become prevalent. As a future designer, I will keep updated with such trends and keep designing future homes. This firm is named among the global leaders in mixed-use developments, retail design, built and natural asset design. Callison was started in the year 1975 and are based in Seattle. Callison offers retail and commercial services while specializing in graphic design, program management, master planning, entertainment and sustainable design. Residential designs, Callison creates designs that leverages the market potential; generate returns while meeting the client’s needs. Interior and architecture designs for the hospitality industry; hospitality field creates varying design challenges where they excel (Edwards). They have come up with a studio environment that equips them with the necessary skills to provide personalized attention Design Culture; Callison

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Analyse the Strengths and Weaknesses of Spain by 1516 Essay Example for Free

Analyse the Strengths and Weaknesses of Spain by 1516 Essay There were considerable differences between the Hispanic kingdoms within the Iberian peninsula. It was divided by language and religion, governed by different political institutions and ruled by monarchs with conflicting foreign interests. Both Aragon and Castile had very little in common. The economies varied in strength in different parts of Spain, for example Catalonia was in decline whilst Valencia was in the recovery stage. The marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand in 1469 dramatically changed the course of Spain. The Queen was a determined and quick-witted woman, with a street-fighters instinct for survival. She guaranteed privileges to nobles and town authorities, promised to restore law and order and was the only claimant with an undisputed right to the throne. Ferdinand played a role in leading Isabellas troops against the Portuguese and French invasions and recaptured rebellious towns, all helping to stabilise the crown. His brother also aided Isabella by commanding the Hermandad meaning that although his father died, no Aragonese nobles contested the crown. Royal authority had declined during the weak rule of Henry IV and it needed to be asserted and there was also the problem of law and order (lots of disorder in Castile due to the 5 years civil war). There were still supporters of Joanna; a minority of the nobility had fought against Isabella e.g Marquis of Vienna. The Hermandad at least brought some justice to the countryside, which benefited Castilian towns as well as law-abiding landowners. Hermandades had never been controlled so extensively by the Crown, it significantly contributed to the improvements in local administration. Corregidores were also having an impact (administrators of cities and districts with both administrative and judicial powers). They were used by the Catholic Monarchs to strengthen royal authority rather than revive local responsibility Ferdinand and Isabella travelled extensively in Castile. They spent relatively little time in Aragon in his 37-year reign (7 years). This was a very important means of asserting royal authority by showing themselves to their subjects and establishing an effective working relationship with their nobility and to discipline any troublemakers. Ferdinand and Isabella visited every Castilian town at least once. Ferdinand tried to increase royal authority over Aragonese towns by trying to introduce new procedures for the election of municipal offices. His idea of sending royal governors to towns was rejected preventing royal authority encroaching. Isabella was able to have a greater effect on improving local administration than her husband. She tried to protect, by intervention, town people from impressive nobles and nominated jurados to sit on town councils. She persisted with the idea of Corregidores in towns, despite opposition, and the number of towns with them increased (Toledo for instance enjoyed a long period of peace largely due to Gomez Manrique, its Corregidore.). Their authority varied, some governed entire regions, and others had a limited impact. However, overtime they became more corrupt lowering the standards of local administration. The civil war left deep scars and required close supervision to work effectively. Both Isabella and Ferdinand dispersed justice personally. The Hermandad was unpopular and it demanded taxation on local people for its maintenance. It was officially dissolved in 1498 as nobles increasingly disliked it (didnt want too much crown influence). The crowns political strength lay into relationship with the nobility. Ferdinand and Isabella however, due to incompatible promises in the 1470s, were in a different situation as some families expected rewards for their role in the civil war. This often contradicted what Isabella had said about protecting the rights of the towns. Isabella decided to harness the power of the nobility and tried to regain land given out by Henry IV. Isabella and Ferdinand on a smaller scale in Aragon gave the nobles rights to collect sales tax and confirmed their exemption from direct tax. This guaranteed their social and economic position. Also nobles who had fought against Isabella in the civil war were given fair agreements such as the Marquis of Vienna in order to preserve social stability. Those on her side were awarded with for example dukedoms guaranteeing their continuing support. Although some nobles maintained control of regional politics, which was a big threat to the crown as they had no standing army, whereas most nobles kept retainers. An example of when the crown and nobility worked together to ensure the stability of the country was the Granada between 1482 and 1492. Some of the nobility actually served in the war and fought on behalf of the crown against the Muslims. The war helped to enhance royal prestige. However, outbreaks of civil disorder and violence in Castile in the early years of the sixteenth century suggest that royal administration was beginning to break down. Nobles became better educated and there was an emergence of letrados (lawyers). Most Castilian and Aragonese peasants enjoyed a period of relative prosperity, with wage rises, stable prices and plenty of employment in the countryside. Town life was changing rapidly, Castilian merchants experienced a dramatic increase in trade and commerce, which led to a growth in business and rising prosperity for those in work. However, due to an increase in population town authorities were faced with the problem of vagrancy where people wonder from place to place and dont usually have a home. The Catholic Monarchs intended to enhance the welfare of their subjects. They maintained the Mestas monopoly and continued wool trade, which was high in demand in the Low Countries. Taxes on wool and sheep and the establishment of trade links with America (gold bullion), proved extremely beneficial. Maintaining the quality of Castiles coinage and establishing a currency common to both kingdoms, monetary if not economic unity was achieved. Overseas trade was strengthened with Venice as a base, and the financial status and prosperity of Barcelona recovered from the effects of the civil war in the 1460s. However the Spanish economy had a number of weaknesses, poor communications (bad roads, mountainous), a network of internal customs duties and inland tolls and resistance to state intervention in effecting changes in agriculture, guilds and industry. Regionalism was a very powerful force and applied to the economy. There was no significant attempt to integrate the two economies, for example, trade with Americas was a Castilian monopoly (intensified hostility between two kingdoms, threat of inflation and decline in currency). The only measure that was taken was the standardisation of the currency in 1497. The Spanish Crown failed to protect and promote its native industries and focused too much on exportation of wool than developing its textile industry. Also, the persecution of the Conversos and Jews (many of them were skilled craftsmen) damaged wool trade, while the silk trade was damaged with war in Granada (mudejars were main producers of silk, many were killed while others emigrated). Spanish wealth and commercial gains from the New World could potentially fall through due to its lack of incorporation.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Case Study Chinese Automobile Industry

Case Study Chinese Automobile Industry A Car can be a vehicle which could be used for passengers or for transporting goods from one place to another like a truck or pick-up. A car which carries passengers normally has four wheels and is run through engines. The past of chinas automobiles could be related back to improvements which could be easily measured technical development in Europe. Recently, the automobile is the most important way of personal transportation for millions of people around the world, particularly in countries where people rely on their cars for passenger transportation from one place to another and trucks to travel to and from work, to transport goods, and sometimes only to travel. The increased number of automobiles that are produced and sold has made the automobile industry a global giant. Automobiles are sold all over the world. In many years it has being Germany, Japan and the United States that has dominated the global market share, but this has changed. There is a progressive and sustained increase in customers purchase of inexpensive automobiles globally. In the last past years, there has been global economic crisis and therefore people are getting more aware in purchase of automobiles. People are looking out for more features with lower affordable price. These factors have paved way for automotive industries of many developing countries to compete on different factors ranging from price to technology. Chinese market is known and famous all over the world for less price of its products. Chinas automobile industry has rapidly grown in recent years; the most important reason for the growth is cheap availability of labour. The labour in this industry receives salaries roughly $240 a month. It can also be calculated or said in another way as $1.50 an hour, related to $30 for working an hour in Germany and also related to $5 for working an hour in Poland. There are strong direction pressures for laborers to stay in line. Its research and development costs are minimal because designs are borrowed or copied from foreign firms. This implies that in China there are no independent workers who work on their own without any supervision which is an excellent attribute related to chinas automobile industry The history of the Chinese automobile industry is quiet interesting. The first truck in China was made by Zhang Xueliang in 1931 called Ming sheng. Yang hucheng, general from China, patronized Chinese inventor Tang Zhonming to manufacture an automobile which is coal fuelled. The first milestone in the Chinese automobile industry took place with the First Automobile Works, which was the first modern automobile factory in China. China produced its first 2 Â ½ ton truck (NJ130), which was based on Russian GAZ-51 in Nanjing. The truck was named Yuejin (meaning leap forward) by Chinas first Ministry of Industrial Machinery. In the late 1950s and 60s several automobile factories were set-up in different places in China like Nanjing automobile (Group) Corporation in Nanjing, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation in Shanghai,China National Heavy Duty Truck Group in Jinan, and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation in Beijing. Later Second Automobile Works or Dongfeng Motor Corpo ration was founded. In the 1980s, overseas automotive industries started collaborating and tried to establish strong relationships with Chinese partners itself. The objective of the management was to expand a car industry as soon as possible and make it a profitable. Volkswagen and General Motors were the debut teams to start with the automotive industry. The main important thing is that there were barriers to entry in such kind of industry. In 1983, American Motors Corporation (AMC, later acquired by Chrysler Corporation) signed a 20-year contract to produce their Jeep-model vehicles in Beijing. The following year, Germanys Volkswagen signed a 25-year contract to make passenger cars in Shanghai, and Frances Peugeot agreed to another passenger car project to make vehicles in the prosperous southern city of Guangzhou. As a result there were three big joint ventures and three small joint ventures: 1) Beijing Automotive Industry had a joint venture with Hyundai Motor and Daimler Chrysler producing Jeep Cherokee 2) Ghauagzou Automobile Industry Group had partnership with Peugeot for producing Peugeot 504 range of cars. However in 1990s it was replaced by Honda for producing Accord and Fit with huge success. And then after 36 years, it began to produce cars which were a huge success specially the SE model of Toyota Camry. Making Guangdong province is now the main unit of producing cars for brands like Toyota, Nissan e.t.c 3) Tianjin Automotive Industry made its partnership with Daihatsu for producing Daihatsu Charade range of cars. After 1990s several automobile enterprises entered Chinese Automobile Industry as it was profitable to produce vehicles in China as the cost of producing a vehicle in China was less. Some originated from old Chinese defense companies Changhe and Hafei while others from the aged state owned companies like BYD auto, Brilliance China Auto, Chery Automobile, and Changfeng Automobile. Some private Companies were also formed like Geely Automobile and Great Wall Motors. Conclusion The growth of such type of an industry varies mainly on the type of industry structure it is. Since China tries to ignore old traditions, they mostly prefer new modern technologies in making cars which are the best overall which also includes quality cars, china tries to follow or copy other countries, knowledge must either be imported or developed by the Chinese automotive companies. This knowledge can be gained with the help of mergers and acquisition and joint ventures. MARKET STRUCTURE The market structure of the Chinese automobile industry is of perfect competition. Nevertheless the Chinese government is controlling and regulates everything on the Chinese market and in China the amount of car manufactories is outstanding. Today there are more than eightieth Chinese car manufactories. The majority of these are smaller companies that are struggling and attempting to get recognized in the global market. For that reason it results in a very high competitive market. Up to now the majority of these companies are quite unknown overseas, therefore the Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation also known as SAIC and the Nanjing Automobile decided to build normal and typical design, so the production process and the sales management of these companies will for this reason obtain an increase of the export rate of Chinese cars. The major governmental department is the National Development and Reform Commission. But there are more than a few governmental departments that regulates the Chinese automobile industry. These minor governmental departments have their rights but they are limited. The automobile industry development policies in China are managed and organized by The National Developments and Reform Commission, also called NDRC. The make and emends these policies, but only carry out a small number of changes every year. The Sino-foreign joint ventures were established, so that the car manufactories have to request and get authorization by NDRC. They do not only have responsibility of administration the new energy car manufactures, but also of the recalls of the cars products with detectives. Administration of the sales of the vehicle brands and license of import of automotive products are managed and organized by The Ministry of Commerce also known as MOFCOM. The registrations of vehicle management enterprises are complete by the State Administration for Industry Commerce also known as SAIC. This is not only their occupation, they also have to verify and approve the business possibility of vehicles sales enterprises. And the also have to administrated the vehicles brand sales. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, also called AQSIQ. They are the ones who will check the recalled defective vehicles, so they can gain knowledge of what went wrong, and with this improve the products. MITT which stands for Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also has a responsibility. What they do is to administrate the automotive fuel consumption. Clearly, Chinas car industry is open to foreign investment. However, the Chinese government restricts foreign investment on entire car manufacturing in a way, in order to protect domestic car brands. These restrictions can be circumvented, and it appears that component manufacturing remains relatively unregulated to a large extent. There are more than a few leading business in the Chinese vehicles industry. The first is BYD, which stands for Build your dreams. It was formed in 2003 by purchasing Tsinchuan Automobile Company Limited. Step by step they started to create their own vehicle brand. Today they have five main industrial bases placed in China. This Chinese automobile brand is the most innovative manufacture. Their growth rate for the last 5 years has been 100 percent and the amounts of vehicles sold in 2009 are 448000. Second is the Chana Automobile Company Ltd. They are known as Changan, and are very recognized on the Chinese market. Their headquarter are located in Chongqing. Changans goal is to achieve fuel efficiency and by this also protecting the environment. The majority of the cars that are manufactured are smaller cars, but also manufacture sedans and commercial cars. So they have a wide range of automobiles to offer to their customers. Their goal is to become a world class group in a very short time. The third is Beijing Automobile Works, also known as BAW. Their work is located in one of Chinese pioneers automobile industry. The vehicles which they offer to their customers is, light off-road cars, and also trucks. They have been in the market for almost forty years and it is a known brand. Chaoyang is the district where their headquarters are located. There are also the main distributers of vehicles to the Chinese military. The forth is Dongfeng Motor Corporation, and they started in the year 1969. They are also known as Second Automobile Works Co., in the real market place, and this is actually one of the top 3 huge automakers in this type of industry. The main focus of this was transferred for production of items like traveler vehicle, profitable vehicle, components, and equipment, which was a huge success. During the 40 years of its growth, a set of RD and developed services have been well-known as well as an extensive this also includes facilities like distribution and after-sales network. Its most important branches are situated in states like Shiyan, Xiangfan, Wuhan and Guangzhou. The firth is the First Automotive Grouo Corporation, also known as the FAW Group. This is a leading all over the globe, this also implies that they are there in the automobile industry since 50 years. It was basically started in 1953, FAW has managed to keep 133,000 workers all over the world and is successful in selling products all over. Its total turnover around the globe is more than 7 million vehicles worldwide, while doing this it doesnt lose its position also it maintains the lead market position within China, and now it also has plans of expanding into a market which is controlled internationally. 6) Chery Automobile Company Ltd. Chery automobile Company was formed as a state owned company on March 18, 1997 in Wuhu, Anhui province, China. It is one of the fastest growing companies in the Chinese automobile Industry. It is the first automobile company in China which exported its cars to other countries. Chery is aiming to become best automobile company in China but at the same time they are trying to use the European manufacturing equipment, stolen European factory designs and Japanese production techniques to make QQ minicars which are copied from Chevrolet spark , which are $1500 cheaper than the original Chevrolet spark. Both cars are so similar that their spare parts are interchangeable. 7) Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation also known as SAIC are the group which are mainly engaged in manufacturing, sales, research and development, and investment in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and components, as well as related services trade and financial business. Besides, SAIC holds seventy nine of the equity of SAIC Motor Co., Ltd. and 60.10% of HUAYU Automotive Systems Holdings Co. also known as HUAYU is an independent listed company engaged in auto components supply business. Therefore SAIC also has a part in Huayu Motors and is in the strong position when it comes to sale of auto parts as well as automobiles.Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation in 2008 once again topped the Chinese automotive groups for a sales volume of over 1.826 million units of vehicles, of which 1,118,000 units are passenger cars and 708,000 units commercial vehicles. The company is the first fortune 500 company from the Chinese Automobile Industry. 8) Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd. Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. This is also known all over the world as JAC is an automobile manufacturer based in Hefei, Anhui Province; China. Anhui is best known to be the second Detroit of the world. It is the most important industrial base of China accounting for the 20% of the production of the Chinese vehicles. Anhui Jianghuai is a state owned company producing automobiles, trucks and minibuses 9) Geely Automobile Geely automobile are one of the Established as an independent firm in 1986, Geely launched its auto manufacturing business in 1997 and is today a fully integrated independent auto firm with a complete auto eco-system from design and research and development to production, distribution and servicing. In 2005 Geely Automobile Holdings Limited was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has the responsibility in 2009, Geely Holding Group announced that it was close to an agreement to acquire Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company. Geely automobiles are the new owners of Volvo range of cars which they purchased from Ford in 2010 10) Brilliance China Automotive Holding Ltd. Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited also known as BCA is a publicly owned Chinese investment holding company which manufactures variety of automobiles, automotive components and minibuses. Based in Liaoning province brilliance China automotive is listed in Hong Kong and Frankfurt stock exchanges as of 2009, Brilliance China Automotive holding was the eighth-largest automaker in China in the year of 2009 Conclusion As per the statistics of the Chinese automobile Industry from January to September 2010, sales of the top ten automobile manufacturing companies are provided below in the chart SAIC-2,647,500 Dongfeng-1,901,300 FAW-1,845,800 Changan-1,716,200 Beijing Auto-1,101,800 Guangzhou Auto-532,500 Chery-475,300 BYD-386,200 Brilliance-375,800 JAC-350,900 As we can see clearly SAIC is largest producer of the vehicles in China with 2,647,500 as per the statistics of September. SAICs production is clearly remarkable in terms of production. Second is Dongfeng which has the production of 1,901,300 vehicles. Third is FAW which has the production of 1,845,800.Then is Changan in the fourth position with 1,716,200.Beijing Auto is in the fifth position with 1,101,800 vehicles. And then there is Chery, which increased its production to 475,300 vehicles this year.BYD, the most innovative company in the Chinese automobile industry has a production of 386,200.And in the last position is JAC with the production of mere 350,900. From January to September, these ten companies sold 11,333,300 vehicles, accounting for 86% of total car sales which is simply outstanding. ESTIMATED SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY IN UNITS/DOLLARS Chinas automobile Companies are looking forward to the promising future after years of development in the Chinese Automobile Industry. In the year of 1999 China had a production of approximately 1.56 million automobiles, which if compared to the production of GM (General Motors) was only one sixth of General Motors annual output and if compared to Toyota, is only one third of their yearly production . After the years of development of automobile Industry of China, Chinese Automobile Industry has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries of 21st century, it has an average annual growth 22.2% and is increasing from 1998 to 2006.In the year of 2006; China overtook Japan as the worlds second largest auto consumer after the United States of America with auto sales rising from 25.1% year-on-year to 7.2 million units. Meanwhile, China surpassed Germany to become the third largest auto maker after the U.S. and Japan, with automobile production climbing to 27.6% year-on-year to 7.3 mil lion units. In 2007, the production of the automobiles increased to 20% in China even with the rising price of raw materials indicating that there is robust growth in the worlds second largest auto market. In 2007, the automobile production of China amounted to astonishing 8.88 million with an increase of nearly 22.02% when compared to 2006 production report. This figure closely approached the target of 9 million units set in the eleventh 5-year (2006-2010) plan which was set for the automobile industry by Chinas National Development Reform Commission (CNDRC) which is the nations top economic planner for the industrial development of the Chinese Economy. PRODUCTS Automobiles are depreciating and tangible, which require consistent servicing and repairing. Chinese Automobile Industrys is a huge industry with variety of products ranging from automobile to after sales products and services which are important for automobile to run smoothly. The Chinese automobile industry supplies auto parts, car related products such as tires, rear and front view mirrors e.tc. China also has a huge secondary market for used automobiles, spare parts and other used car related items. F-211 TRENDS IN SUPPLY AND DEMAND OVER RECENT YEARS When General Motors Vice chairman Bob Lutz was asked Will Chinese taste for vehicles drive demand in the future his answer was Yes, to a certain extent, because we do want to make sure that were successful in the worlds largest and fastest-growing automobile market and a market which will ultimately be as big as the European market and the U.S. market combined, Lutz says. We all have to get used to the fact that the future of the global automobile business I mean the center of gravity is no longer going to be Europe or the United States; its going to be China. And I think that to a certain extent China is helping drive our designs today. Lutz says the Buick Lacrosse is a good example of a vehicle that was jointly designed to meet the needs of consumer groups in both the U.S. and China. EXPORT AND GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRY AND ECONOMIC RISKS When the Geely automobile made its debut at the Detroit Auto show in 2006, they got quite a bit of attention with people saying that the Chinese have arrived, recalled Charles Cheung.Beijing has identified exports as a key part of its auto strategy. MACRO ECONOMIC FACTORS Among the worlds most powerful economies China ranks second with a GDP of U.S $ 4.4 trillion along with this it has the worlds largest population that helps the country to be most. As compared to developed economies, emerging economies in general present an optimistic outlook. Chinas macroeconomic fundamentals contain many favorable factors such as the increase of domestic demand incurred by economic restructuring, a strong growth trend of retails as well as the expansion of capital markets. A 10-percent growth rate cannot be explained as economic overheating given Chinese macroeconomic fundamentals, Goldman Sachs China economist Helen Qiao said. Goldman Sachs listed five factors backing Chinas sustainable development. First, domestic demand has become a major driving force. Secondly, internal and external demand tends to be stable. Thirdly, China has less reliance on exports to the United States, Europe and Asias developed regions, while the rest of the world relies more on Chinas exports. Fourthly, a tightening financial context has helped increase the credibility of Chinese policymakers control on the macroeconomic policies. Finally, Chinas 12th five-year plan has specified key role of domestic demand, and China will lay stress on both consumption and investment influential economies of world. National income / national income per capita China has emerged as bigger power and with economic soundness it is heading for achieving number one position in the world. Chinas Gross Domestic Product increased at an annualized rate of just 0.4 per cent, which is quite below the annualized 4.4 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2010 and counting to proof that global recovery is encountering tough headwinds. These figures stress China emerging as an economic authority that is changing everything from the global equilibrium of military and financial supremacy to how cars are designed. It is already the major exporter, auto buyer and steel producer, and its overall authority is getting higher. Interest rates Chinas expansion, running at more than three times the pace of growth in the US, may add fuel to arguments that the second-largest economy can withstand a stronger yuan. China raised interest rates recently for the first time since the global crisis, affirming policymakers confidence in the recovery and concern at price pressures. Although Chinas economy grew 9.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2010 its inflation grew at fastest pace in almost two years, adding weight to necessity for the engine of the global recovery to let its currency appreciate more rapidly. Consumer prices jumped 3.6 per cent in September from a year earlier, so China has to be careful about inflation as it would negatively affect huge segment of population. When China awakes, Napoleon said to have warned, The world will tremble. China was devastated by floods, famines, rebellions, civil strife and finally communist dictatorship. Its all more of a shock, then, that the sleeping dragon has now awoken with a vengeance. They have productive human capital therefore China has overtaken Japan as the worlds second largest economy. Chinas economy is huge and progressing rapidly in the last 30 years. It has grown averagely 8% p.a. in terms of GDP. Its economy has progressed more than 10 times during this period. China and India were the only two countries that were hit the minimum and came up quickly from the recent global meltdown. Hence it proves that Chinese industries are not very sensitive to economic fluctuation. The economists believe that substantial appreciation in the Yuan would result in huge unemployment and start social disorder. However there are still inequalities in the income of Chinese people and this income gap has increased in recent times. The inflation is soaring and unemployment rate is also rising marginally. CONCLUSION China is one of the largest Economies of the world. The automobile industry of china is growing at an astonishing rate and it has been proven in the last decade. Even in the time of the recession in the mid 2008 Chinas automobile Industry was in the strong position while in case of United States automobile Industry, it had collapsed with main companies like GM (General Motors) asking for bailout. As per the statistical data of 2009, the total passenger cars produced by China are 10,383,831 and the commercial vehicles accounts for another 3,407,163 which makes a total of 13,790,994 vehicles. In the year 2009.Chinese Automobile Industry has a growth rate of 48.3% which was 4.70% in 2008. And if we see US in 2008 they had a growth rate of -19.40 and in 2009 mere -34.3%.Comparing the growth rates we can see that USs production growth rate has sharply fallen and Chinas has increased. As a result China is replacing America to become the greatest economy in the world. China and America are two different countries with different perpectives, China likes to save and America likes to spend. But in last three years amount of sales in US have slowed down showing consumer inconfidence in the economy of America and it is opposite in China.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Victorian Sexuality in Stoker’s Dracula, LeFanu’s Carmilla, and Polidor

Victorian Sexuality in Stoker’s Dracula, LeFanu’s Carmilla, and Polidori’s Vampyre Literature is representative of the time in which it is produced. Literature can reflect societal views, attitudes, and fears.Vampire literature, in particular, often represents the fears of a society.In the Victorian Era, a time of intense sexual repression, it was common for vampire stories to reflect the fear of sexuality that was rampant in society. Bram Stoker’s Dracula illustrated fears about sexual women in contrast to the woman who respected and abided by society’s sexual norms. Joseph Sheridan LeFanu’s â€Å"Carmilla† represented not only the fear of feminine sexuality, but also the fear of sexuality between women. John William Polidori’s â€Å"The Vampyre† showed society’s fear of sexuality in terms of the seductive man who could â€Å"ruin† a young girl.These texts are representative of vampire stories in the Victorian Era, and will be the focus here. Victorian society dictated harsh restraints on sexuality, especially female sexuality. Members of Victorian society believed that sexual repression was a sign of good breeding. This was the time of the â€Å"cult of true womanhood,† the â€Å"code of chivalry,† and the Social Purity Movement. To â€Å"be a lady† in Victorian times, women had to repress their â€Å"instincts,† meaning that they must not have sex. Lead by the â€Å"cult of true womanhood,† which dictated piety, purity and submissiveness in women, females were directed to become almost asexual. Women went into sexuality thinking that it was something not to be talked about, that women were not supposed to have a libido, and that the act of sexual intercourse was not something that they should enjoy. As women’s sexuality became more and more... ...rongmore’s past behavior, Aubrey fears for his sister. Strongmore is described as alluring and seductive, making him appear as the sexual man that women of the Victorian Era tried to help to control their desires.Men were encouraged to repress their sexuality as well as women, and men who could not were permitted to see prostitutes.The young unmarried girl was the last person that a man should be seen with, but Strongmore violated this became a foil for young women desiring marriage.This story illustrated the fears of unrestrained sexuality and sedutive men who could ruin young girls, and both fears are embodied by Lord Strongmore. Works Cited Auerbach, Nina. Our Vampires, Ourselves. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1995.    LeFanu, Joseph Sheridan. Best Ghost Stories. New York: Dover, 1964.    Stoker, Bram. Dracula. 1897. New York: Penguin, 1993. Victorian Sexuality in Stoker’s Dracula, LeFanu’s Carmilla, and Polidor Victorian Sexuality in Stoker’s Dracula, LeFanu’s Carmilla, and Polidori’s Vampyre Literature is representative of the time in which it is produced. Literature can reflect societal views, attitudes, and fears.Vampire literature, in particular, often represents the fears of a society.In the Victorian Era, a time of intense sexual repression, it was common for vampire stories to reflect the fear of sexuality that was rampant in society. Bram Stoker’s Dracula illustrated fears about sexual women in contrast to the woman who respected and abided by society’s sexual norms. Joseph Sheridan LeFanu’s â€Å"Carmilla† represented not only the fear of feminine sexuality, but also the fear of sexuality between women. John William Polidori’s â€Å"The Vampyre† showed society’s fear of sexuality in terms of the seductive man who could â€Å"ruin† a young girl.These texts are representative of vampire stories in the Victorian Era, and will be the focus here. Victorian society dictated harsh restraints on sexuality, especially female sexuality. Members of Victorian society believed that sexual repression was a sign of good breeding. This was the time of the â€Å"cult of true womanhood,† the â€Å"code of chivalry,† and the Social Purity Movement. To â€Å"be a lady† in Victorian times, women had to repress their â€Å"instincts,† meaning that they must not have sex. Lead by the â€Å"cult of true womanhood,† which dictated piety, purity and submissiveness in women, females were directed to become almost asexual. Women went into sexuality thinking that it was something not to be talked about, that women were not supposed to have a libido, and that the act of sexual intercourse was not something that they should enjoy. As women’s sexuality became more and more... ...rongmore’s past behavior, Aubrey fears for his sister. Strongmore is described as alluring and seductive, making him appear as the sexual man that women of the Victorian Era tried to help to control their desires.Men were encouraged to repress their sexuality as well as women, and men who could not were permitted to see prostitutes.The young unmarried girl was the last person that a man should be seen with, but Strongmore violated this became a foil for young women desiring marriage.This story illustrated the fears of unrestrained sexuality and sedutive men who could ruin young girls, and both fears are embodied by Lord Strongmore. Works Cited Auerbach, Nina. Our Vampires, Ourselves. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1995.    LeFanu, Joseph Sheridan. Best Ghost Stories. New York: Dover, 1964.    Stoker, Bram. Dracula. 1897. New York: Penguin, 1993.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Catholicism Views On Other Religions :: essays research papers

How does Catholicism view other religions and religious freedom?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Catholics and many other religions have the same view on other religions then there own. Catholics believe that everyone is entitled to their own personal freedom and have there own choices. They share the same vision as the Vatican Council, which is the council that tries to maintain freedom. People nowadays are conscious and there is a growing demand that people should exercise their own judgement. More and more people are demanding other to have there own responsible freedom and act accordingly. Catholics believe that there should be no prevention and excessive restrictions of freedom of individuals. The human society today demands free practice of religions in society. The Vatican council pays attention to these spiritual aspirations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Vatican council declares that humans have a right to religious freedom. Freedom of this kind means that everyone is immune from corrosion and peer pressure and other social group forces. Every individual have their own rights and have there own rights to believe in whatever God they desire. Every individual has the rite to freedom within limits; no men or women can be forced against their convictions. Nor anyone can be restrained from acting in accordance to his or her religion. In association with this the public shall recognized religious freedom, which must be give recognition in the constitutional order.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Vatican council or the sacred council proclaims that obligations bind people’s consciences together. Truth can impose itself on the human mind by the force of its own truth, which wins over the mind. So while the religious freedom, which human beings demand in fulfilling their obligation to worship, God has to do with freedom from coercion in civil society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  God orders, directs and governs the whole world and ways of the human community according to a plan conceived in his wisdom and love. God has enabled humans to share in this law, under gentle disposition of divine providence. For this reasons everybody have the duty and the right to seek the truth in religious matters. Through the use of appropriate means they make ask prudent judgments of conscience, which are sincere and truthful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However in contradiction to all this freedom the Vatican Council's declared that there would be only one church of Christ. The Vatican’s declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions reaffirmed that there is only one Church of Christ that is fully in possession of the truth of the Gospel; that is the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Yahweh: The Powerful, Soverseign Being God Essay -- text, behind, fron

Since the beginning of time, Yahweh has been illustrated as a powerful, sovereign being, and as the creator of good and evil. This characterization of God is presented through a methodological analysis of the three worlds- world behind the text, world in front of the text, and world of the text- in Isaiah 6 and 1 Kings 22. The world behind the text is the era of Ahab's ruling. The king of Aram and Ahab, the king of Israel created a treaty upon their kingdoms. However, in the third year of their treaty, Ahab and his vassal, King Jehosphaphat, realize Ramoth-gilead belonged to the Israelite kingdom. Before seeking battle, King Ahab calls upon his 400 prophets to determine if the kingdom was in favor in battle. However, King Jehosphaphat doubts Ahab's royal court. Hesitant of Micaiah's unfavored predictions of Ahab, the king summons Micaiah. Micaiah's relationship with the other 400 prophets was stable, until the messenger of King Ahab tries to persuade Micaiah to lie to the king, 1 However, Micaiah speaks the truth and predicts failure for Ahab. Because of Micaiah's faithfulness to Yahweh, the 400 prophets resent Micaiah in fear that his prophecy is accurate. Fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy and the Lord's intention, Ahab is defeated and killed in war. Micaiah and Isaiah's revelation of God are analyzed in the world in front of the text. Isaiah's prophet "call" and the account of Micaiah's prophecy has similarities and difference between the two texts. Isaiah 6 and Micaiah 22 passages describe Yahweh enthroned at divine council. A judgment is being held regarding the future of the human realm. The two prophets, Isaiah and Micaiah, witness the discussion of this issue between God and the heavenly council. The Lord asks for assista... ...t. In 1 Kings, Micaiah foretells that 8Cyrus carried out the Lord's mission and effected Israel's salvation; he became the new king of Israel, and new shepherd for the Israelites. The Lord is recognized as being the creator and controller of nature and history, 9 God is the maker of weal and woe, good and evil. Yahweh creates a temporary evil to entice Ahab to seek war. He places a lying spirit in the mouths of his prophets to support his decision to battle Aram. Because of this temptation and evil, Ahab is defeated and killed at war. The two prophet's accounts of God have structural similarities; however, they both contain differences. In Isaiah's vision of God, He is illustrated as a powerful and sovereign being. Whereas in Micaiah's passage, Yahweh is portrayed as a creator of good and evil. Isaiah 45 combines these two characteristics of God to better explain.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Nacho Duato

Juan Ignacio Duato Barcia, also known op Nacho Duato (Valencia, 8 January 1957) is a Spanish modern ballet dancer and choreographer. After a long and successful career, he was selected by the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Education as the artistic director of the National Spanish Dance Company (Compania Nacional de Danza de Espana) in June 1990. In July 2010 Nacho Duato was appointed the artistic director of the ballet at the Mikhailovsky Theatre, effective from January 2011. Contents   [hide] 1 Career 2 Choreographic works 3 Prizes and Awards 4 References 5 External links [edit]CareerNacho Duato studied at the Rambert School of London,[1] Maurice Bejart’s Mudra School in Brussels and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City alongside professional ballet dancer Shaylee Keith. He started his dancing career in Stockholm's Cullberg Ballet[2] and one year later he joined, Nederlands Dans Theater,[3] with artistic director Jiri Kilian and remained with the company fo r ten years. In 1983 he choreographed the Jardi tancat ( Shut Garden in Catalan) to music composed by Maria del Mar Bonet. They were awarded with the first prize in the Internationaler Choreographischer Wettbewerb, Koln.In 1988, Duato was appointed steady NDT choreographer together with Hans van Manen and Jiri Kilian. Nacho's choreographies have been included in the most prestigious international companies such as Cullberg Ballet y Nederlands Dans Theater, American Ballet Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Stuttgart Ballet, Ballet Gulbenkian, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. On 07/02/2013 the German Online Newspaper Der Tagesspiegel reported that Nacho Duato was to become the chief of the Berlin State Ballet. [edit]

Monday, September 16, 2019

Monorail Thesis

CONTENTS * INTRODUCTION * OBJECTIVE * SCOPE OF STUDY * NEED OF STUDY * METHEDOLOGY * LITERATURE REVIEW * CASE STUDY * CONCLUSION * BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. 0 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Why Monorail? Monorails are the cheapest way of adding grade-separated, high-capacity public transport over the gridlock on the ground. They are also totally independent of existing tram, train and bus systems. 1. 1. 1 Monorails are proven. Many monorail systems are in use as high-capacity public transport systems carrying thousands of passengers a day – especially in Japan 1. 1. 2 Monorails are safe.Being totally grade-separated monorails are one of the safest forms of transport. 1. 1. 3 Monorails are environmentally friendly. Monorails have similar energy-efficiency to other mass-transit systems. They are far less energy-intensive to build than a rail subway while having a far lower footprint than surface rail. Monorails can be installed with a minimum of disruption on the ground and have a lower visual impact than other types of elevated rail systems. Monorails can travel at over 80km/h providing an excellent alternative to cars in crowded cities. 1. 1. 4 Monorails are cost effective.Retrofitting a subway to a crowded city is usually prohibitively expensive. Great uncertainties usually exist as to the full cost of dealing with the myriad underground services (sewers, storm water, mains water, electricity & gas. ) as well as geological challenges such as rock and mud. Often subway systems are below sea-level creating many expensive and time-consuming challenges during construction and maintenance. 1. 15 Monorails are quick to build. The monorails proposed here could be built in time for the 2014 election. Monorails Cost Less Monorail systems cost about 5 to 10% per kilometre of a subway system.Construction risks are less with Monorail system due to the ease of above-ground construction. * It is one of the urban rapid transit system. * Mono rail is a rail-based transportation system based on a single rail. * In this vehicle bodies are connected to the beam allowing curves to be negotiated. * Faster transportation. * Cheaper as compared to metro. Disabled Access The Monorail system can be accessed by lift from street level. As lift floor, platform floor and monorail car floors are at the same level there is no impediment to the disabled person using a Monorail system.Hitachi's vehicles are also able to accept a walkway to evacuate disabled passengers between monorail trains should a monorail become stranded between stations. Operation Ideally the Monorail would use the new myki system. It could be operated by Metro, Yarra Trams or some other body. Hitachi monorail trains can be fully or partially automated. If partially automated an operator would close the doors and then the train's computer would drive the monorail to the next station as is done for London's Dockland Light Rail. StationsStations can be built into existing buildings increasing the value of the buildi ng. Minor stations could have a smaller footprint if they use multiple lifts rather than escalators. Stairs should also be provided for the athletic as well as for emergencies. Ideally stations would be translucent to reduce visual impact. This would entail as much as possible of the structure being constructed of glass or other transparent material. Solar panels could provide power to the station. Station walls would probably need to wrap around the monorail to provide protection for passengers in bad weather.Aesthetics Melbourne’s monorail could be a great visual asset to the city and a major tourist draw card if adequate attention is given to the design of the pillars and beamway. (This has not always been the case with other existing monorails. ) A ‘Medium sized’ monorail such as the Seattle Monorail is recommended for Melbourne. The ‘large sized’ monorail such as the Kitakyushu Monorail probably has too large a visual impact. The beam should be placed above street trees to avoid the need for tree removal, as demonstrated with sections of the Tokyo Monorail.Some Japanese monorail pillars are covered in lattice work to encourage creepers to cover the pillar. This would discourage graffiti. See also the Singapore Monorail pillars. Advertising should not be permitted on pillars, monorail cars or the beamway. Pillar design should be simple and elegant – the objective should be to fit in with Melbourne rather than stand out from it. Switching There is a myth that monorails have a problem with switching. However, in reality all serious monorail systems have switches that are used continuously in day-to-day operation.The proposed system requires switching at the Ashburton end and from the main beamway to storage and maintenance facilities. This can be achieved using one of the methods explained by The Monorail Society on their switch myth page. See also Hitachi Track Switch page. Both sites have video clips of switches in o peration. The Melbourne Monorail would probably use the Segmented Switches shown on the above pages. Safety Monorail systems are not immune from problems caused by poor design. The Seattle monorail has suffered a collision between two cars on a section of track where the beams were too close together.The beams should always be far enough apart to allow monorails to pass without signaling. As far as possible Monorail cars should be fire proof and provide some means of escape. Hitachi recommends evacuation from one monorail train to another one on the adjacent beam – although this has never been necessary in practice. Hitachi monorails can also be coupled together and passengers evacuated through the front or rear doors. (See Hitachi web site for diagram. ) Where monorail beams cross roads with a height clearance less than other existing infrastructure then a protecting beam should be placed across the road ahead of the monorail beam.The monorail should draw power at multiple p oints and have multiple back-up generators capable of at least moving the monorail cars to the next station. All monorail stations should be staffed. Staff should be trained in first aid and be ready to assist the disabled as well as providing security and information. Platform Screen Doors should be used. 1. 2 Types of mono rail based on drive operation. * Electric Power driven. * Magnetic levitation. 1. 3Types of monorail based on position of wagon. * Schwebebahn monorail * Straddle monorail * Cantilevered Monorail * Suspended Monorail 1. 4 Power driven monorail Cheaper technology * Cost of construction per km is less. * Cost of travel per km is less. * Effective for all types of terrains. * Widely accepted. * Maintenance free guideway. * Only rubber tyres get little wear by running on smooth guideway, that’s why rubber tyres has to be changed within 100000 to 150000 km. * Monorail runs on individual guideway, therefore no possibilities of collision. * 0. 015 % of chances o f derailment. 1. 5 Comparison with other MRTS 1. 6 Economical construction as compared to metro rail. 2. 0 OBJECTIVES * To find out problems occurred during excecution of previous monorail projects. Find out solutions for those problems. * Eliminate errors that can occur in future monorail projects. * Total effect on mono-rail project by applying solutions as compared to previous monorail project. * Avoid time ; cost overrun. 3. 0 NEED OF THE STUDY As in India following mono-rail are about to start within next 5 to 7 years. Mumbai mono-rail estimated cost = Rs. 150 cr / km Total cost of project = Rs. 5250 cr. Delhi mono-rail. Bangalore mono-rail. Chennai mono-rail. Kolkata mono-rail. * As all this mono-rail project having estimated cost of 5000 to 8000 crore INR. It is a huge amount of capital ; time to be invested. * This study will help us to avoid the time ; cost overrun of these precious projects. METHODOLOGY METHODOLOGY LIBRARY STUDY PRIMARY STUDY CASE STUDIES Various Policies, Strategies, models. Case Study of previously done project Analysis Synthesis, Inferences Report Review Final Feedback Preliminary Report LITERATURE REVIEW Various Problems Occurred In Construction Project * Planning * Funding ; Financing * Engineering and Design * Planning ; Construction * Operation * Safety ; Security * Standards * Laws ; Regulations Projects ; project opportunities Planning Phase In the planning phase, some lessons learned from specific monorail projects such as Seattle Monorail, Kitakyushu Monorail and Chiba will give some useful experiences on how to optimize station and route planning in planning phase, which will guide the best practice in monorail project construction, especially in promoting efficient construction. Design Phase 1. Structural system 2. Guideway layout 3. Design is a complex and demanding process, but it is also the most fruitful area in optimizing the whole project schedule. . Modularization and preassembly in design phase will simplify the construction process, ensure schedule and minimize the impact on the environment. 5. Standardization of design elements is also desirable for any constructible design. 6. Hence, to realize the constructability in monorail projects, some codes are suggested to be followed in the monorail design phase. Problems Which Are Generally Occurred During Execution of MONORAIL Project CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Foundation and Pier Construction * Survey Team * Tree Clearance/Transplantation Construction Track/Erosion and Sediment Control Construction * Piling of River Foundations * Excavation and Placement of Pad Foundations and Pier and Backfilling * Excavation and placement of foundations with driven piles and pier and backfilling * Access Track and Component Transportation * Depots and Accesses * Depot to Construction Front * Foundation Pads and Piers * Placement of Piers * Transportation for River Foundations * Erection of Monorail Beams * Completion of Monorail Running Surface * Rehabilitatio n * Construction/Mountain Bike Track and Spur Tracks * Future Maintenance Legal Requirements * General Health And Safety Issues * Noise And Lighting Management * Risk Management * Waste Management Literature review We found the information from the case study of monorail of Las Vegas which shows following results * The Monorail The monorail will have the same route as most of the main bus lines today. The monorail system is also expendable in the future. The monorail will be situated above the flower beds and one lane needs to shut off during the construction. The maximum ticket price will be very less for a combination ticket for the monorail and BRT.This price is not more expensive than the current public transport, which means even the poorer families can use the system. * Planet The electricity will be generated with natural gas, which will reach Manaus through a pipeline which is being constructed. The ‘fund’ which plays an important role in the promotion campaign of the monorail, is an already existing ‘reforestation’ fund called RED. Part of the ticket price is donated to this fund. * Land use The monorail will improve and increase commercial activity around the monorail stations (especial around the stadium and downtown).There are no plans to develop these areas. According to SEPLAN, the private sector will take care of this. Possible land use changes around stations did not play any role in choosing the locations of the station. Following are the solution of problems given in the paper â€Å"Constructability Analysis of Monorail Project† is discussed as below: 1. Solving the problems related with the construction of monorail is an important objective in the whole phases of a construction project, and experts with knowledge and experience play an important role in achieving superior constructability. . Constructability analysis will help to eliminate hidden costs and change orders, ensure schedule, improve construction quality and enhance safety in construction project. This research is undertaken to conduct a constructability analysis of monorail project. 3. We identify comprehensive factors which influence monorail project constructability during project planning, design and field operation. Through literature review and case study, a systematic approach and techniques to improve constructability in monorail project will be developed.Finally, we further develop a practical framework for solution implementation in monorail project. 4. Due to the advantages of monorail in many transit realms, dozens of monorail systems have been built and in operating. Other many monorail projects are also in planning and under construction. There is a need to improve constructability of monorail project by bridging gap between engineers and constructors in early stage of monorail project. 5. Results have demonstrated the potential to minimize the number and magnitude of changes, disputes, cost overturns, and dela ys during construction.Following details given bellow are collected from national news paper Times of India: 1. The next phase of city’s monorail rakes running in the metropolitan region will be manufactured in India. All three major monorail manufacturing companies — Scomi of Malaysia, Bombardier of Canada and Hitachi of Japan — have plans to set up manufacturing plants in India. 2. Scomi which is already delivering the first monorail to the city, has already short listed four states in the country where they would want to set up the monorail plant. 3.They expect to finish the formalities of finalising the location by the year-end. The four states they are looking at are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. 4. There is a huge potential market for monorail. As many as 24 cities in India have shown keen interest in having a monorail. It would be our obvious target to tap this potential market and the best way to go further is by setting up a plant here . Compared with the subway (heavy rail) and trolley (light rail), the monorail shows the following advantages (Aoki ; Ishikawa, 1989): 1) EfficiencySince the monorail vehicle uses a concrete or steel guidebeam for both the vehicle’s running surface and structural support, less guideway maintenance is required. The monorail guidebeam does not require periodic adjustment, replacement, grinding, tightening, or other maintenance. The rubber tires get little wear running on smooth guideways. 2) Cost While capital costs can be as much as or more than light rail, monorail can turn a profit once built. The Tokyo Monorail is operated by a private business and turns a profit each year. This is unheard of with conventional rail or bus systems. The Seattle Monorail also turns a profit each year. ) Construction Process of monorail construction is simple – dig a hole, drop in a pre-built support pylon, truck in the track which was manufactured offsite, lift into place! Monorail beam way can be installed far faster than the alternatives. From truck bed to pylons was a matter of a few minutes. The entire system took only seven months to construct. No other fixed rail can be installed as quickly and as disruption-free. Simple construction process of monorail construction. 4) Aesthetics The monorail guideway can be constructed to be an enhancement rather than a detriment to the environment.Monorail systems generally have a smaller footprint on the environment and the narrow guidebeams are less obtrusive than conventional trough-type guideways that are really more like aerial road structures. 5) Safety Monorails run on an exclusive grade-separated guideway. So there is no possibility to collide with other vehicles. The ways by which monorails are designed also make derailments virtually impossible. This is why monorails have an excellent safety record. Monorails of the world 1. Palm Jumeirah Monorail, Dubai, UAE 2. Sentosa Monorail Country / Area| Singapore| Type| S mall| Line Length| 2. 1km|Train Formation| 2cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 60km/h| No. of Track Switches| 2| Inauguration| 2007| Features| First small type monorail| 3. Okinawa Monorail Country / Area| Japan| Type| Medium| Line Length| 13. 1km| Train Formation| 2cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 60km/h| No. of Track Switches| 12| Inauguration| 2003| Features| First FSW monorail| 4. Tama Monorail Country / Area| Japan| Type| Large| Line Length| 16. 0km| Train Formation| 4cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 60km/h| No. of Track Switches| 26| Inauguration| 1998| Features| First VVVF monorail| 5. Osaka Monorail Country / Area| Japan|Type| Large| Line Length| 28. 0km| Train Formation| 4cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 70km/h| No. of Track Switches| 38| Inauguration| 1990| 6. Kita-Kyushu Monorail Country / Area| Japan| Type| Large| Line Length| 8. 8km| Train Formation| 4cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 65km/h| No. of Track Switches| 13| Inauguration| 1985| 7. Osaka Expo. Land Monorail Country / Area| Japan| Type| Medium| Line Length| 4. 3km| Train Formation| 4cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 50km/h| Inauguration| 1970 (abolition 1970)| Features| First ATO operated monorail ; First full flat floor monorail| 8. Tokyo MonorailCountry / Area| Japan| Type| Medium| Line Length| 17. 6km| Train Formation| 6cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 80km/h| No. of Track Switches| 25| Inauguration| 1964| Features| First mass-transit purpose monorail ; tandem axle bogie| 9. Chongqing Monorail, China Country / Area| China| Type| Large| Line Length| 19. 2km| Train Formation| 4cars/trainset| Maximum Service Speed| 75km/h| No. of Track Switches| 9| Inauguration| 2005| Features| First overseas monorail| CASE STUDY Chongqing Metro Chongqing Metro is a  metro  system in  Chongqing,  China Connects city's main business and entertainment downtown areas.Transit type – rapid transit, straddle-beam   – monorail Number of lines – 3 Numb er of stations – 55 Annual ridership – 45 million (2010) [Line 2 only][1] Began operation – 2005 System length – 72. 0 kilometers Line 1 – In operation 2011 Connects densely populated areas and Central Business Districts; Jeifangbei, Daping, and Shapingba. Track length – 16. 4  km No. of stations -14 Line2 – In operation 2005 Connects Yuzhong,Jiulongpo, and  Dadukou. Track length -19. 15  km No. of stations -15 Line 3 – In operation 2011 Connects the districts separated by Chongqing's two main rivers, Track length – 39.   km No. of stations – 29 World's longest single monorail line. Largest monorail system:  Chongqing Rail Transit  (Line 2 & 3), 55. 6km CRT has a total track length in operation – 72. 0  km At 55. 6  km, the system's two monorail lines form the world's largest monorail network, Chongquing monorail map Why the need of a monorail in Chongquing? * China has been achieving econom ic growth averaging about 10% per year. * Problems caused by the underdevelopment of urban infrastructure in major cities have surfaced. * As a result, traffic congestion and air pollution were becoming increasingly serious. Chongqing City is located in the eastern part of the Sichuan basin on the upper reaches of the Chang River * A driving force for economic development in inland regions of China. * Traffic congestion became much worse in the central city areas1, * While air pollution increased due to exhaust gas from automobiles, * Transportation via roads was being inhibited due to the terrain of Chongqing City and the condition of the existing city areas. * The central part of Chongqing City is in a rugged mountainous area. * It is divided in two by the Chang River and the Jialing River. Improvement of the urban environment was considered * There were approximately 4,300,000 bus users per day6 in 2008,accounting for approximately 80% of all transport modes used in Chongqing Cit y. * Development of the Light Rail Transit system is expected to relieve traffic congestion in the central city areas and realize reliable transportation. Project Outline * Approved Amount/ Disbursed Amount – 27,108 million yen / 27,107 million yen * Exchange of Notes Date/ Loan Agreement Signing Date – March 2001 / March 2001 * Terms and Conditions – Interest Rate : 0. 75% Repayment Period : 40 years (Grace Period: 10 years) * Condition for Procurement: Bilateral tied * Borrower / Executing Agencies – Government of the People’s Republic of China /Chongqing * Municipal People’s Government (Project Implementation * Unit: Chongqing Rail Transit General Corporation (CRTC)) * Final Disbursement Date – January 2007 * Main Contractor (Over 1 billion yen) – China International Trust & Investment Corp. (China) / * China Shanghai (Group) Corp. For Foreign Economic & Technology (China) and Changchun Railway .Vehicles Co. Ltd. (China) (JV ) / Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (Japan) * Main Consultant (Over 100million yen) – Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) (Japan) and * Pacific Consultants International (PCI) (Japan) (JV) * Feasibility Studies:-F/S prepared by the Second Design Department of the Ministry of Railways (2000) JICA Special Assistance for Project (SAPROF) prepared by Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) and Pacific Consultants International (PCI) (1998) Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) (Japan) and Pacific Consultants International (PCI) (Japan) (JV) .Project Cost * The planned cost was 44,328 million yen (Japan’s ODA loan amount was 27,108 million), and the actual cost was 46,036 million yen (Japan’s ODA loan amount was 27,107 million), which slightly higher than planned (about 104% of the plan). * The main reason for cost excess was foreign exchange fluctuations. * Both project period and project cost slightly exceeded the plan. * Therefore efficiency of the project is fair. Proble ms faced during the Execution of Chongquing monorail. . In the Official Development Assistance Charter (ODA Charter) approved by the Cabinet in 1992, â€Å"Environmental conservation and development should be pursued in tandem† is stipulated as one of the principles of Japan’s ODA policy. In 2000, a committee in the governing party proposed a â€Å"Summary of and Guidelines for Economic Assistance to China. † Based on the content of this document, the â€Å"Economic Cooperation Program for China† was established in 2001.This series of guidelines and plans designated cooperation towards resolving environmental and other global issues, improved living standards and social development in the inland regions, and the promotion of mutual understanding, etc. , as priority areas for Japan’s ODA to China. The objective of this project is therefore thought to be in compliance with the assistance policy of Japan because it aims for alleviation of air pollutio n in China’s inland regions. Sol:-This project has been highly relevant with the country development plan, development needs, as well as Japan’s ODA policy, therefore its relevance is high. . Construction of precautions and environmental measures for soil runoff ,noise problems, water pollution. etc. ,know-how of technology transfer for environmental monitoring. Sol:- March 2001 to June 2005:Implemented from the project commencement to the operation commencement. 3. Height difference between the rail for the section from Dongwuyuan Station to Dayancun Station and the rail south of Dayancun Station Sol:- The Agency decided to complete the line as far as Dongwuyuan Station without constructing Dayancun Station during this project.As a result, it was decided that the section between Jiaochangkou Station and Dongwuyuan Station would be the project section for Phase 1, and that Dayancun Station would be constructed in phase 2 of the Line 2 project (completed in July 2006). 4. Arrangement of carriages (Since volume of passengers was ascertain) Sol:- The Executing Agency adopted a three stage plan for the arrangement of the carriages (first stage : four-carriage trains, second stage: six-carriage trains, third stage: eight-carriage trains).For time being, Its working with 4 carriages as per the volume of passengers. 5. Differences in Consulting services 6. Delay in tendering process 7. Machinery procurement procedures & delivery 8. In case of Chongquing, due to SARS (Swine flu) increased the time for construction. 9. Cost excess was due to foreign exchange fluctuations 10. Resettlement of 470 residents(190 families) and acquiring approximately 12. 00ha of land for the project implementation. (Land Acquisition)Sol :-The Chongqing Municipal People’s Government and the Executing Agency, the bodies responsible for implementing the resettlement of residents and the land acquisition, went through the procedures, the Chongqing City Urban Resettlement Ma nagement Ordinance, and established the Chongqing Light Rail Transit Line 2 Land Confiscation and Resettlement Compensation Guidelines in order to pay compensation to resettled residents. The land acquisition was also implemented without any particular problems, based on the Law of Land Administration of the People's Republic of China. 11. Height differences. Soln:- Straddle-beam monorail was used. 2. Problems of long span. (30m-40m) 13. Accidents due to armoured concrete, mechanical equipments. etc. CONCLUSION * Thus we conclude that, * The Chongquing monorail project exceeded the projected time of completion and project cost, but still the project is evaluated satisfactory. * So if we avoid or maybe find out the best alternative/or solution/ for the above problem/s the cost and time factor will not exceed. * This study about the problems of the execution of the monorail will help as a guideline to overcome or avoid the obstructions/problems/restrictions in the execution of future monorail projectsBIBLIOGRAPHY * www. hitachi. co. in * The urbanaut company Inc. Monorail systems * Civil engineering and construction review , vol. 24 April 2011Monorail , A viable urban transportation system By, Dr. R. Kuberan. * Civil engineering and construction review , vol. 24 April 2011 construction methodologies for mumbai Monorail projects By, Mr. C. Sankaralingam ; Mr. K. Senthilnathan. * Jakes, Andrew S. , Las Vegas Monorail, 1995. * The Monorail Society website – located at: www. monorails. org * Constructability Analysis of Monorail Project CIV. 1278 F: by Prof. EI-Diraby

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Customs Union

Outline I. Introduction Thesis statement: The Customs Union for Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus is a purposeful union, which serves to meet several aims. II. Body A. In the light of common aspiration to the WTO accession, it is worth of examining why preference of states was given to multilateral over preferential trade. B. The idea of the multilateral cooperation and creation of a common economic space, elimination of borders and regional integration is not new in the post-Soviet space. 1. â€Å"Putinomics† an attempt of Putin to bring back Soviet Union and Russian supremacy; 2. â€Å"Eurasian Union† similar to â€Å"ASEAN†;C. In theory, customs unions are created to eliminate the trade barriers and decrease customs obligations between several states. 1. It requires confidence in partners and share of responsibilities; 2. single economic region; D. There are many different assumptions why Customs Union was created. 1. supremacy of Russia over the territory of th e former Soviet states; 2. a strategic step in the WTO accession; 3. reduction of Chinese influence and prevent massive imports of Chinese goods; 4. beneficial for entrepreneurs and domestic production enterprises; 5. fair competition; 6. ffective legal protection against corrupt schemes and fraud mechanisms; E. Several other post-Soviet neighboring states were also invited to join the club. 1. The Ukraine; 2. Tajikistan; 3. Kyrgyzstan; F. It is noteworthy of saying that pre-existing Customs Union trade relations and economic ties cannot be described as dynamic ones. 1. statistical numbers; G. An interesting observation is that â€Å"with few exceptions, all the countries bordering the Western fringes of the former Soviet Union have intensified their trade relations with the European Union as well as with China, whose importance in Central Asian trade has been growing. . statistical data; H. Official Astana firmly defended its position on the Customs Union accession, and denied any political motivations behind the membership of the alliance with Russia and Belarus. 1. a unified customs territory would make Kazakhstan even more attractive for foreign investors; 2. geopolitical position, as the largest land-locked country; 3. access to global markets; 4. expand trade with Russia and China; 5. diversity of economy through technological and service advances; I. Belarusian position toward the Customs Union brought many obstacles. 1. â€Å"arm-twisting† politics of the Kremlin; 2. Russian pressure;J. At first it seemed that Russia benefited from creation of the Customs Union more than others, as it has the largest market and biggest production industries. 1. diversification of opinions; K. What does the World Trade Organization is? 1. a network of agreements; 2. a single system, which regulates trade relations of members; 3. advantages and requirements; L. The decision to create the Customs Union between three states could signal willingness to engage in dee per cooperation and integration, and thus, the WTO accession provides access to more states willing to cooperate and a platform for finding new â€Å"friends†. . advantages and disadvantages of being a member of WTO; M. Russia was the only Security Council and G8 member not on the WTO, thus its accession was a requirement to be fully admitted as one of the superpowers. 1. further policy of Russia toward Kazakhstan and Belarus; III. Conclusion Creation of the Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan caused a lot of debates about why these countries are forming the union, what are the benefits that they get and why exactly these states?First of all, I would like to define the meaning of â€Å"Customs Union†. According to Business Dictionary â€Å"Customs Union is an agreement  between two or more (usually neighboring)  countries to remove  trade barriers, and reduce or eliminate  customs duty on  mutual trade. A customs union (unlike a  free trad e area) generally imposes a  common external-tariff (CTF) on  imports from non-member countries and (unlike a  common market) generally does not allow  free  movement of  capital and  labor among member countries† (Business Dictionary. com, n. d. ).In part, debates were around preference of regional over multilateral trade, as for many years Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan aspired to join the World Trade Organization (WTO); therefore, creation of the Customs Union was at first seen as an alternative to the WTO accession. However, just after the ratification of the Customs Union charter and all relevant agreements, Russia joins WTO club and leaves the rest to wonder what is going to happen to the Customs Union. The Customs Union for Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus is a purposeful union, which serves to meet several aims.In the light of common aspiration to the WTO accession, it is worth of examining why preference of states was given to multilateral over preferenti al trade. In particular what pre-conditions existed prior to the Customs Union creation that inspired Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to create the Union and what benefits it provided that three states could not obtain by joining the WTO only? The idea of the multilateral cooperation and creation of a common economic space, elimination of borders and regional integration is not new in the post-Soviet space.Adelaja (2012) asserts that a number of political scientists and former Soviet Republics believe in so called â€Å"Putinomics† – an attempt of Putin to bring back Soviet Union and Russian supremacy (p. 1). It is difficult to label the Customs Union creation an attempt to bring back the Soviet Union and expansion of the Russian authority over the territory of the former Soviet states. However, the countries are clearly bound by the common past that unlike others (Ukraine, Turkmenistan) makes Kazakhstan and Belarus seek for cooperation with Russia. According to Eurasia n Union (n. d. , another regional cooperation the idea of â€Å"Eurasian Union† belongs to Nursultan Nazarbaev, the idea is to create a union similar to ASEAN (p. 3). After collapse of the Soviet Union, states tend to isolate themselves from their post-Soviet neighbors and especially from Russia. In part, it happens due to unwillingness to cooperate with possibly depending neighbors and also due to the aspiration to get rid of rudiments of the Soviet centralized economy that intentionally established mutual dependence of the Union states. Thus, existing regional organizations are not effective in terms of policy implementation.CIS and EurAsEC could become a platform for negotiations and decision making over regional integration. However, states are reluctant to give up their sovereignty and create supranational body authorized to decide on behalf of its member states. Instead, states were defining their foreign policies depending on national interest and regional integration was not one of them. Thus, Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan could become first real and effectively operating regional cooperation body, where states would indeed execute provisions of signed agreements and declarations.In theory, customs unions are created to eliminate the trade barriers and decrease customs obligations between several states. It requires confidence in partners and share of responsibilities. Initially, the Customs Union was created and signed by Kazakhstan and Russia. Belarus was negotiating its interests with Russia and postponed ratification of the agreement until July 2011. To illustrate the advantages of the union, official media was speculating with huge market that the Customs Union opens for three states. The union has a population of 167 million, a total GDP of USD 2 trillion and goods turnover of USD 900 billion. The aim of the Customs Union is to create a single economic region and eliminate the state borders and to facilitate the free dom of movement† (Krotov, 2010, p. 1). According to Prajakti and Varadzhakov (2012), further to demonstrate that the Customs Union brings advantages not only to Russia, official media reported Kazakhstan agriculture and steel sectors will benefit from newly introduced import duties for non-Customs Union member states (p. ). In addition, Kazakh and Belarus obtained access to Russian labor market. In general, the Customs Union agreements should have improved quality of goods, increase competition and help diversify economies of three states. There are many different assumptions why Customs Union was created. Some see hidden agenda and conspiracy behind creation of the union. Opponents of the Customs Union claim that it only benefits Russia and establishes its supremacy over the territory of the former Soviet states.Zlatkin (2012) comments that opponents also interpret Belarus unwillingness to join the union as a rebellion against Russia, and say that in the end Belarus was force d to join the union. Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus (2012) Russian supporters say that the creation of the Customs Union was a strategic step in the WTO accession, as it was obvious that Russia will become a member first and then it will promote its partners in the WTO accession (p. 1). In the end, they add that Russia needs reliable partners and friends in the WTO and promotion of Kazakhstan and Belarus interests still benefits Russia.Russia, Belarus, Kazakh (2012) claim that the Customs Union was created to reduce Chinese influence and prevent massive imports of Chinese goods (p. 1). Other reasons are less sophisticated and mostly indicate economic benefits that three states obtain from participation in the union. â€Å"Eurasian Development Bank study released, that the effects of economic integration of 2011 – 2030 will reach 14% of gross domestic product of Belarus, 3. 5% in Kazakhstan, and Russia (2%)† (Russia, Belarus, Kazakh, 2012, p. ). The Customs Union was also said to be beneficial for entrepreneurs and domestic production enterprises, as they got greater market access, fair competition and effective legal protection against corrupt schemes and fraud mechanisms. Decreased trade barriers should have contributed to the free movement of goods and services between three countries, and improved quality of products. Russia, Belarus, Kazakh (2012) states that in total, Customs Union opened access to about 170 million consumers (p. ). Several other post-Soviet neighboring states were also invited to join the club. In particular they were Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan. None of three Central Asian countries have fully considered and started the Customs Union accession negotiations. Ukraine was assessing and comparing its benefits from the Customs Union versus WTO accession, as well as waiting for the decision on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European Union.Adilaja (2012) asserts that in a while, official Kiev pr eferred to abandon its plans on the Customs Union accession negotiations, saying that this will destroy its ongoing negotiations with the European Union. According to Russia’s Inevitable (2012) asserts that for Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, membership in the Custom Union would have brought access to the labor market and increase cooperation in the field of the energy resources supply with Russia and Kazakhstan (p. 2).Although, Kyrgyzstan is currently a member of the WTO, its historical ties and economic dependency on Russian energy resources contributed to its willingness to join another union with Russia. It is noteworthy of saying that pre-existing Customs Union trade relations and economic ties cannot be described as dynamic ones. â€Å"European Union Institute for Security Studies describes trade relations between Customs Union member states prior to the Customs Union creation. In particular, share of intra-CU trade to the total amount of trade of CU-member states within th ree years prior to CU creation.Thus, 48. 1% of Belarusian the total amount of trade in 2008 accounts for Russia and Kazakhstan. While only 7. 3% of Russian trade turnover in 2008 accounts for Belarus and Kazakhstan. And 18. 8% of the total volume of Kazakhstan trade turnover accounted for Russia and Belarus in the same period. 2009 indicators did not change significantly, but in 2010, the year of establishment of the Customs Union, the share of intra-customs union trade of Russia dropped† (Zagorski, 2012, p. 5).An interesting observation is that â€Å"with few exceptions, all the countries bordering the Western fringes of the former Soviet Union have intensified their trade relations with the European Union as well as with China, whose importance in Central Asian trade has been growing. There is a trend that between 41 and 45% of Russian exports to former Soviet states are currently comprised of energy resources, while 39 percent of its imports consist of machines and equipme nt† (Adelaja, 2012, p. ). These facts makes many experts doubt trade relations of the Customs Union states; while others suggest that the Customs Union could become a fundamental change in relations between former Soviet states and that become a push to growth in trade. The figures mentioned above, as well as the fact that post-Soviet states were reluctant to form another union, made the decision to establish the Customs Union look spontaneous and unjustified.However, throughout the whole process of negotiations and ratification of the Customs Union policies and implementation of the necessary procedures, official governments were justifying their decision to create a union and finding new benefits of the participation in the regional cooperation between three states. Although not all of them played in a concert, all three were citing economic benefits that countries obtain from the participation in the regional union. Official Astana firmly defended its position on the Custom s Union accession, and denied any political motivations behind the membership of the alliance with Russia and Belarus.Kazakhstan officials were speculating that â€Å"a unified customs territory would make Kazakhstan even more attractive for foreign investors who have considered Kazakhstan as one of the most attractive markets in our part of the world† (Accession to the WTO, n. d. , p. 1). Kazakhstan also speculated over its geopolitical position, as the largest land-locked country and the state with the most number of transit routes that will ensure large income from transit tariffs.For Kazakhstan the membership in the Customs Union will increase access to global markets, expand trade with Russia and China, and diversity of economy through technological and service advances. Belarusian position toward the Customs Union brought many obstacles. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has openly complained about the â€Å"arm-twisting† politics of the Kremlin, saying t hat his country had been under pressure to cede control of some of its juiciest companies like Belarusian potassium company (Belkali) and Belarus’ state-run Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) unless the country joined the union. â€Å"Given the importance of ‘champion enterprises’ such as MAZ and Belkali for Belarus or Gazprom for Russia, it is still unclear how the states can agree on regulating these enterprises with supranational institutions, especially when they are governed not by economic, but by political logic,† said George Plaschinsky, an associate analyst at the Center for European Transformation in Minsk. â€Å"Previously the Russian authorities had an experience of imposing different decisions on gas and oil companies in order to achieve some political aims and assert them as the ‘energy superpower. † (Russia’s Customs Union, 2012, p. 2). At first it seemed that Russia benefited from creation of the Customs Union more than others , as it has the largest market and biggest production industries. Experts suggested that some competition from Kazakh and Belarusian producers will be beneficial, but not risky for Russian producers and entrepreneurs. In addition, it will create positive conditions for transition from Soviet centralized to market economy. Russia would also benefit from the labor market of its neighbors, as Russia’s own demographic situation is worse than in Kazakhstan and its population is aging.It is also working on North and South stream gas pipelines to bypass such transit countries, such as Ukraine. Thus, a union with some of its neighbors would ensure protection of Russia’s interests and concessional conditions for pipelines placement. In addition to traditional argument on competition for the regional dominance in the Central Asia, a union would solve some tensions between Russia and neighboring states regarding debt payment for gas supply, political influence and alliances creat ion.However, some experts were more skeptical. â€Å"Some businesses are likely to move to the neighboring states, like Kazakhstan, where the investment climate is more favorable,† said Alexei Devyatov, the chief economist at Ural Sib Capital (Adelaja, 2012, p. 2). Russia might also lose from the opening of it market to the labor from Kazakhstan and Belarus, as Russia also has a huge population of unskilled and unqualified population hat will be left out from participation in the marked taken over by foreign nationals.Considering positions of the Customs Union member states expressed above, it is crucial to consider what regulations or conditions influenced Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan in their decision to access WTO. What does the World Trade Organization is? The WTO is a network of agreements. It unites states around the world into a single system and regulates their trade relations. The WTO member states may chose the degree if integration, but should aspire to opening o f deeper and wider access to domestic markets. The WTO member states are allowed to create the regional agreements and unions within the organization.General goal of the organization is free trade and liberalization of the economies. As it was mentioned above, the Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan was also created to facilitate liberalization and decrease trade barriers without fully abolishing tariffs. The WTO does not require elimination of borders, unlike the customs union that stipulates common border and single economic space. Thus, the Customs Union requires deeper integration of its member states than primary WTO accession documents.The decision to create the Customs Union between three states could signal willingness to engage in deeper cooperation and integration, and thus, the WTO accession provides access to more states willing to cooperate and a platform for finding new â€Å"friends†. Creation of the Customs union with outside WTO partners can also be a sign that the state relies on partners who do not necessarily share the idea of free trade on global level. Interestingly, with the creation of the Customs Union, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus enhanced WTO accession process.In this case, the creation of the trade liberalization institution could be an illustration of states’ readiness to access the WTO and negotiate conditions. The main reason of the WTO accession for many states is said to be a wide access to foreign markets and integration into a global club of â€Å"advanced† nations. Some of the advantages are improved competition that ensures supply of qualified products, attraction of more foreign investors to the country, securing their interests and protection by legislation common in the WTO space, as well as lowering the costs of running business. According to General benefits from WTO (n. d. , however, there are also some disadvantages of being a WTO member, such as limited abilities to protect in fant industries, inability to compete with advanced economies, prohibition of governmental subsidies and elimination of fixed currency rates (p. 1). Economies of state applicants for the WTO accession should be ready for a drastic change and shock therapies. Even with the transitional period, the changes brought by the WTO accession and commitments made by states are significant. Russia was the only Security Council and G8 member not on the WTO, thus its accession was a requirement to be fully admitted as one of the superpowers.Putin and other Russian governmental officials assured other Customs Union member states that with the accession of Russia to the WTO, it is still going to preserve the Customs Union and keep close relations with Belarus and Kazakhstan. Furthermore, Russia has promised promotion of two countries in their accession to the WTO. Experts believe that Russia will not abandon its partners, as it is still interested in integration of the post-Soviet states, and will not give up on the struggle for domination in the region.Therefore, even after the WTO accession it is not efficient for Russia to exclude Kazakhstan and Belarus from its foreign policy. In case Kazakhstan is left outside of the WTO, it will become a reliable partner of Russia outside of the organization. While Belarus can be more reluctant in implementation of the agreement reached before the WTO accession. Thus, Russia will probably use more force to get Belarus remain in the union. Since Russia dominates in the union, in case all member states access the WTO, Russia will be established as a single power in the region that decides on economic and political processes.Other states will be bound by obligations under the agreements, and since their accession comes after Russia, it is most likely that they will negotiate similar if not the same tariffs as Russia did. Considering unequal political positions of the Customs Union member states, and economic ties prior to the creation of the Union that did not directly contributed to the establishment of the union, it can be assumed that the Customs Union was created as a demonstration of the commitment to the trade liberalization and aspiration to be a part of the globalized world.It is also important to mention that it is a Russian-led union and neither economies of its partner states or their political leadership are sufficiently competitive to challenge Russian industries, market and politics. Russia played very important role in the promotion of the idea of the union, and the Customs Union could become the first effectively working regional integration mechanism on the post-Soviet space. However, since Russia aspired to join the WTO, Customs Union member states have to catch up and also join the club, although they might be less interested in it than Russia.Bibliography Adelaja, T. (2012). 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