Controlling Bureaucracy Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Controlling Bureaucracy - Article Example At times one unit is seen superior when it implements its functions effectively. This makes its functions seen; thus people referring it superior than the others. As you put, none is more superior to the other, except only on the fact that which unit is carrying out its duties effectively. Otherwise, I totally agree that all have equal control powers. Your analysis is very exhaustive. It is true that a particular control unit may be ineffective to serve the people. Basing on the life examples you have given, it is true that people can impact a control system of a particular unit. This only is applicable when ordinary citizens vote wisely when electing their political leaders. In that case, your vote counts. This will limit the ineffectiveness of the popular control of elected officials. Each control unit has specific roles over bureaucracy. For instance, legislature may not have powers to overrule the president nor the elected officials. It carries its control duties as per the constitution. Likewise, the judiciary is superior by its own in executing its functions. Although the president is the commander in chief of the armed forces, he has to rule within his control limits. This shows that each control unit is superior in its side. However, one may be seen less effective, depending on the measure of power assigned to implement p articular duty. For your case you are right to say that this is more effective than the other, but with reference to executing particular

Financial Management Essay Example for Free

Financial Management Essay The required rate of return is rs = 10. 1%, and the constant growth rate is g = 4. 0%. What is the current stock price? a. $23. 11b. $23. 70c. $24. 31d. $24. 93e. $25. 57e 8- Ratio analysis involves analyzing financial statements in order to appraise a firms financial position and strength. | | | a. | True| b. | FalseA| 9- Profitability ratios show the combined effects of liquidity, asset management, and debt management on operating results. | | | a. | True| b. | False| A 10 One problem with ratio analysis is that relationships can be manipulated. For example, if our current ratio is greater than 1. , then borrowing on a short-term basis and using the funds to build up our cash account would cause the current ratio to increase. | | | a. | True| b. | False| B| | 11 Arshadi Corp. s sales last year were $52,000, and its total assets were $22,000. What was its total assets turnover ratio? | | | a. | 2. 03| b. | 2. 13| c. | 2. 25| d. | 2. 36| e. | 2. 48| D 12 Rappaport Corp. s sales last year were $320,000, and its net income after taxes was $23,000. What was its profit margin on sales? c| | | a. | 6. 49%| b. | 6. 83%| c. | 7. 19%| d. | 7. 55%| e. | 7. 92%| 3 The first, and most critical, step in constructing a set of forecasted financial statements is the sales forecast. a. Trueb. Falsea| 14- According to the Capital Asset Pricing Model, investors are primarily concerned with portfolio risk, not the risks of individual stocks held in isolation. Thus, the relevant risk of a stock is the stocks contribution to the riskiness of a well-diversified portfolio. a. True b. False a 18 Diversification will normally reduce the riskiness of a portfolio of stocks. a. True b. False 19- If the returns of two firms are negatively correlated, then one of them must have a negative beta. . True b. False a 20 Which of the following statements best describes what you should expect if you randomly select stocks and add them to your portfolio? a. Adding more such stocks will reduce the portfolios unsystematic, or diversifiable, risk. b. Adding more such stocks will increase the portfolios expected rate of return. c. Adding more such stocks will reduce the portfolios beta coefficient and thus its systematic risk. d. Adding more such stocks will have no effect on the portfoli os risk. e. Adding more such stocks will reduce the portfolios market risk but not its unsystematic risk. A

An Examination of Visual Agnosia Essay -- Term Papers Research

An Examination of Visual Agnosia Imagine a researcher requesting you to copy a picture. It's a simple task. You move your instrument of illustration across a sheet of blank paper with ease, glancing from the given picture to your own sketch in progress. When you are finished you observe a satisfactory replica and feel a sense of accomplishment and proficiency with the similarity you have achieved between picture and sketch. Then the researcher queries whether you can tell him what you have drawn. You search the interconnected lines, the edges, and the shapes of your sketch but cannot answer what the picture represents. Finally, an explanation is given. You have just drawn a house- a simple triangle resting on top of a square. Your sense of accomplishment is quickly replaced with a feeling of despair. Visual agnosia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to recognize familiar objects (Farah, 1990). Object recognition is the ability to place an object in a category of meaning. Most cases of visual agnosia are brought about through cerebral vascular accidents or traumatic brain injury typically inhibiting sufficient amounts of oxygen from reaching vital body tissues (Zoltan, 1996). There are a vast array of impaired abilities and deficits associated with individuals diagnosed with visual agnosia. These impairments vary considerably from individual to individual (Farah, 1990). Some patients cannot recognize pictures of things such as trees and birds, despite being able to describe such objects or recognize them through other senses such as sound and touch. Other patients demonstrate an inability to recognize faces of friends and family members (Goodale, 1995). The functional impairments experienced as a r... ...idence. Neuropsychologia, 29, 949-958. Farah, M.J. Relations Among the Agnosias. Case Studies in the Neuropsychology of Vision. The Psychology Press: UK, 1999. (9) 181. Goodale, M.A. (1995) Perceiving the World and Grasping It: Is there a difference? Lancet, 343, 930. Humphreys, G.W. Case Studies in the Neuropsychology of Vision. The Psychology Press: UK, 1999. Sajda P. & Finkle, L.H. (1995) Intermediate Visual Representations and the Construction of Surface Perception. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 7, 267-291. Vecera, S.P. & Gilds, K.S. (1998) What Processing is Impaired in Apperceptive Agnosia: Evidence from Normal Subjects. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 10 (5), p.568 Zoltan, B. Vision, Perception, & Cognition: A Manuel for the Evaluation and Treatment of the Neurologically Impaired Adult. Slack Incorporated: New Jersey, 1996. 109-111.

Reform Movement in the United States Essay

The protestant revival movement that began in the 1790s in New England caused reforms in America. Between 1825 and 1850, the United States government made reforms that greatly increased the influence of democratic ideals: universal suffrage and individual rights. Such reforms included prisons, churches, women suffrage, temperance, and education. Prison reforms expanded democratic ideals through the change in policies and mission statements. Debtor prisons were abolished, the number of capitol crimes was reduced, and prison became a place of reform as well as punishment. As shown in document A, the Fourth Annual Report, Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents in the City of New York, 1829, stated, â€Å"To confine these youthful criminals . . . where little can be leaned but the ways of the wicked.† It is saying that the prisons originally were bad and that reforming people would be useless and therefore the reform of the prisons would fix this problem and therefore be able to save individual rights and become clean. Church reforms also expanded democratic ideals through allowing freedom of religion and expansion of different sects. As Charles G. Finney in 1834 said, â€Å"When the churches are . . . awakened and reformed . . . the reformation and salvation of sinners will follow.† He is saying that because the church reformed, the people will reform in the same way. Therefore, by using this information, one can say that because the church’s rights were more readily expressed, the people would also have more individual rights. Woman suffrage was the most dominate traits that greatly increased the democratic ideals of United States. As woman rights began to increase, women showed that they were more independent as shown through the cult of domesticity. Women were original similar to the status of slaves because they had no voice. This is shown in the engraving by Patrick Reason in 1835 where a woman is in shackles. It shows the original status of women which changes slightly to more universal suffrage in America. Temperance also expanded democratic ideals in that it gave people more rights to form what they felt was correct. Because it was lead by women, a group of  society usually suppressed, it was unique in that women started to voice their opinions. In the painting â€Å"The Drunkards Progress, From the First Glass to the Grave† in 1846, it shows that women were most affected by it and that they were motivated to change it. Women were able to speak out and affect the world and that shows individual rights. Education also played a role in expanding democratic ideals. Education was improved through new textbooks, publicized, and improved teaching training facilities increase the average education of the masses. This created a more knowledgeable mass and therefore universal male suffrage was more possible. Through the reforms of prisons, churches, women suffrage, temperance, and education, democratic ideals were expanded. Democratic ideals of universal suffrage and individual rights were spread throughout America. The reforms between 1825 and 1850 expanded democratic ideals.

Handicraft Industry in Nepal

Industry in Nepal Industrial Social Work Submitted by: Submitted to: Bikina Chhetri Kesh Malla 6th Semester Date: 1st October, 2010 Concept: Handicrafts are unique expressions that represent a culture, tradition and the heritage of a country. Nepal is well known for its exotic Handicrafts legacy and tradition. A wide range of Nepalese Handicrafts represents the diversity of Handicrafts Tradition in Nepal.Handicraft is an artwork that needs tremendous artistic skills and creative mastery. Variety of designs and finishes are available in Nepalese market that reflects excellent artistic skills of craftsmen. . Handicraft, also known as craft work or simply craft, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or using only simple tools. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion; such items often have cultural and/or religious significance.Handicrafts were the predom inant form of production until the appearance of large-scale machine industry, with which they coexist, although they have lost much of their former importance. The characteristics of handicrafts are the use of simple implements of labor; the decisive importance of the artisan’s skill, which makes possible the production of high-quality, artistic goods; and small-scale production, in which the artisan works alone or with an extremely limited number of assistants. Often, the concept of handicrafts does not include domestic handicrafts, which are designated by some other term.For example, peasant domestic handicrafts may be known as domestic industry. Sometimes, only commissioned handicrafts are included in the concept of handicrafts, and handicrafts for market are referred to as cottage industry. The term â€Å"handicrafts† sometimes designates commissioned work and marketed work only at the stage when artisans are small-scale, economically independent producers who per sonally own the means of production. Nepalese Handicrafts can be categorized into two major divisions: Traditional/ConventionalProducts such as metal statues, ethnic costumes, traditional silver jewellery, wood carving, religious and ritual objects like bells, vajra, stone sculpture, metal utensil, paubha painting, ceramics, Handmade Paper, Hand Knitwear, filigree, Bell, Vajra products are traditional Nepalese crafts. Contemporary/Modern Products like home furnishing material, floor covering, modern painting, patina products, puzzle toys, macrame (knot crafts), pashmina, leather products, modern silver jewellery gift ware, decorative items, dolls & puppets, crazy hats, batik, bead crafts, bone & horn products, natural buttons, felt craft etc. re some of the modern forms of Nepalese handicrafts. Origin: Handicrafts emerge with the rise of human productive activity. Developing along with technology under different social formations, handicrafts assume various forms. In conform ity with the stages of the social division of labor, they are usually subdivided into domestic handicrafts, commissioned (made-to-order) handicrafts, and handicrafts produced for the market. Domestic handicrafts, the earliest form, prevail before handicrafts develop into an independent sector of the economy.Produced by the members of a household to satisfy their own needs, they are an inseparable part of the subsistence economy. Nepalese handicraft history can be traced back to the Stone Age when human beings were inadequate of tools of any kind. The history of artistic handicrafts only began during the 5th Century A. D. , when different religions began to form their bases among the people of Nepal. Hence we see a lot of religious influence on Nepalese handicrafts. Introduced by the Nordic Aryans, mixed with different groups of Mongolians, nurtured by Buddhist and Hindu concepts adapted the taste of market.The historical development of Nepalese handicraft industry is very old althou gh has its rise and falls. According to the reference found in Kautilya's Economics about various productions and exports from Nepal, during the time of Chandra Gupta Mouriya, in fourth century, Nepal was known for quality rainproof woollen blankets. The blankets were made of eight pieces joined together of black colour known as â€Å"bhiringisi† as well as â€Å"apasaraka†. Similarly the good quality blankets are mentioned in the epics of Jain religion â€Å"Brihatakalpasutra Vhashya†. Various famous Chinese travellers like Wanghunshe and Huansang in 648 A.D. have appreciated Nepalese arts and crafts and the skills of Nepalese craftsmen and artisans in their travelogues. From the beginning up to the mid-nineteenth century, the rulers of the country promoted national industries and trade to various measures of production, promotion and encouragement. Saving national industry only imported commodities which were not produced locally. Towards the end of the ninete enth century Nepalese arts and crafts industry and the entire home based industries in general suffered a lot due to the general liberal import policy of the government.Prior to the establishment of British regime over India and entering a peace treaty with Tibet in 1904 A. D. Nepal was interpreted as the main route to Tibet for external trade with other countries. But the treaty of 1904 A. D. facilitated the British to open a new route between India and Tibet through Chumbic Valley and the trade route treaty of 1923 A. D. between Nepal and British India, which was not in favour of Nepal and had very unfavourable effects both on industries and on flourishing trade of the country. In Nepal, the production of handicraft is an age-old practise.Novel handicraft is also developed in harmony with changing market taste. For the last 25–30 years, export of handicrafts has been growing. The development of handicraft helps the conservation of national heritage and culture of country; w hich in return contributes to appease poverty by creating job opportunities. The handicrafts of Nepal is produced in a traditional way, from generations to generations leading the footpath of ancestors or from forefather to grandfather to father and to son and this continuity has given the survival to Nepalese handicrafts, preserving their heritage, cultural values, aspects and tradition.More recently, these arts and crafts is one of the major exporting industry of Nepal, earning foreign exchange and providing employment to thousands of Nepalese craftsmen, artisans, promoters and businessmen generating revenue to government. There are many online websites on Nepalese handicrafts, which are used by international customers for ordering products. Importance to the Development and Economy: Handicrafts have remained stronger in economically underdeveloped countries, where they still account for a significant percentage of the output.Even in these countries, however, handicrafts are givin g way to factory industry. Handicrafts have both cultural and economic importance for any country. Handicrafts are the potential medium to preserve the rich traditional art, heritage ;amp; culture, traditional skills ;amp; talents. On other side handicrafts play significant role for economic development in Nepal and provides ample opportunities for employment and boosts the tourism industry.Handicrafts in Nepal are associated with different festivals, rituals, religion and beliefs as there is diversified culture and tradition all over the Himalayan kingdom, like Mandla Art, Buddha jayanti, Christmas Decorative, Buddhist Sculptures, Sculptures of Hindu Deities, and Mithila arts from Janakpur. There is a huge demand for Nepalese handicrafts products in both domestic and international market. Major part of Handicrafts Industry is dominated by small ;amp; medium scale enterprises. To deliver quality products ;amp; match the demand ;amp; supply there is need of greater technological supp ort ;amp; innovativeness in industry.Handicrafts are an integral part of Nepalese Culture and will continue to play a major role in the Cultural and Economic well being of Nepal. MAJOR EXPORT COMMODITIES 1990/91 Rs. Mn Carpets (hand knotted woolwn) 3701. 99 Readymade garments 1343. 57 Jute ;amp; jute products 1343. 57 Hides and skins 277. 70 Pulses 241. 67 Vegetable oils 215. 00 Oil cake 87. 50 Niger seeds 86. 50 Catechu 76. 5 Ginger 61. 40 Handicrafts 49. 18 Silverware and jewellery 44. 67 (source: ministry of industry of Nepal) The above given result shows that handicraft also plays a significance role for the economic development of the country. Not only has this but it also helps in utilization of raw materials and creating employment opportunities for the people. So, it can be termed as one of the vital area to work for increasing the GDP. Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal:Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal was established in 1972 to enhance and promote handicraft trade and industry. Originally, its name was Handicraft Association of Nepal (HAN). It is registered under Institution Registration Act of Nepal. It is a service oriented non-profit organization of private sector business and artisan community. It helps its members to improve their productivity, explore markets and introduce them to the international arena. It also works as liaison between its members and the Government and Non-Government Organizations. The Government of Nepal has not specified a typical policy for handicraft.The handicraft has been included inside the industry policy while there is a Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal which works hand in hand with government and has developed some functions for handicraft which are: 1. Organize seminars, symposiums and conferences on various topics relevant to strengthening the handicraft trade ;amp; industry. 2. Organize exhibition and trade fairs to highlight handicraft products ;amp; create public awareness in its usage. 3. Activate and increase contacts with National and International Agencies for the growth of handicraft trade ;amp; industry. . Explore additional markets for the handicraft products. 5. Institute award in recognition of highest export and best craftsmanship. 6. Arrange participation in international trade fairs ;amp; exhibitions for its members. 7. Publication of news bulletins, books, catalogues, members’ directory and other materials relevant to promote handicraft trade ;amp; industry. 8. Act as catalytic agent for management of training programmes for the benefit of its members. 9. Documentation ;amp; dissemination of information regarding handicraft trade ;amp; industry. | Analysis:The market of handicraft is increasing day by day. Now a day’s people are showing their interest in handicrafts as it looks beautiful, attractive and primitive. In my view it is important to understand the present state of craft trade and the experience of the people who produce and sell crafts. The quantity of each handicrafts product at the outlets is generally small due to which the people involve in this business are not able to gain attention from the government. A major problem in supplying the retail outlets is that they order very small quantities.Due to the small scale of their business, they might keep products on consignments and pay groups for what they sales and return what does not sell. Craft groups are rapidly loosing ground due to some reasons like most of artisans do not get to hear about the schemes made for them. Even if they hear also, they don’t seem to be getting more benefits as they are unable to compete in larger urban market, both domestic and international. At the producers’ and financial constraints, lack of raw materials, changes in market trends are the problem that has to be tackling in this business.On the other hand Government of Nepal is also not much interested in handicrafts as it has not declared a ny policy for handicrafts. But somehow many NGO and other small scale industry have given it some priority and have been working accordingly. May be this will help the government to realize the importance of handicraft in future and give special priority towards it as a means of economic development of the country.References: www. wikipedia. com www. ekantipur. com www. fhan. com. org www. moics. gov. np

Famous Pirates in Books and Movies

Famous Pirates in Books and Movies The fictional pirates of todays books and movies dont have much to do with the real-life buccaneers who sailed the seas centuries ago! Here are some of the most famous pirates of fiction, with their historical accuracy thrown in for good measure. Long John Silver Where he appears: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, and subsequently countless books, movies, TV shows, video games, etc. Robert Newton played him several times in the 1950s: his language and dialect are responsible for the pirate speak so popular today (Arrrr, matey!). He is an important character in the TV show Black Sails as well.Description: Long John Silver was a charming rogue. Young Jim Hawkins and his friends set out to find a great treasure: they hire a ship and crew, including the one-legged Silver. Silver is at first a loyal ally, but soon his treachery is discovered as he attempts to steal the ship and the treasure. Silver is one of the great all-time literary characters and arguably the best-known fictional pirate ever. In Black Sails, Silver is clever and opportunistic.Accuracy: Long John Silver is surprisingly accurate. Like many pirates, he had lost a limb in battle somewhere: this would have entitled him to extra loot under most pirate articles. Also like ma ny crippled pirates, he became a ships cook. His treachery and ability to switch sides back and forth mark him as a true pirate. He was quartermaster under the notorious Captain Flint: it was said that Silver was the only man Flint feared. This is accurate as well, as the quartermaster was the second-most important post on a pirate ship and an important check on the captains power. Captain Jack Sparrow Where he appears: The Pirates of the Caribbean movies and all sorts of other Disney commercial tie-ins: video games, toys, books, etc.Description: Captain Jack Sparrow, as played by actor Johnny Depp, is a lovable rogue who can switch sides in a heartbeat but always seems to wind up on the side of the good guys. Sparrow is charming and slick and can talk himself into and out of trouble quite easily. He has a deep attachment to piracy and to being captain of a pirate ship.Accuracy: Captain Jack Sparrow is not very historically accurate. He is said to be a leading member of the Brethren Court, a confederation of pirates. While there was a loose organization in the late seventeenth century called the Brethren of the Coast, its members were buccaneers and privateers, not pirates. Pirates rarely worked together and even robbed one another at times. Captain Jacks preference for weapons such as pistols and sabers is accurate. His ability to use his wits instead of brute force was a hallmark of some, but not many pirates: Howell Davis and Bartholomew Roberts are two examples. Other aspects of his character, such as turning undead as part of an Aztec curse, are of course nonsense. Captain Hook Where he appears: Captain Hook is the main antagonist of Peter Pan. He made his first appearance in J.M. Barries 1904 play Peter Pan, or, the boy who wouldnt grow up. He has appeared in just about everything related to Peter Pan since including movies, books, cartoons, video games, etc.Description: Hook is a handsome pirate who dresses in fancy clothes. He has a hook in place of one hand since losing the hand to Peter in a sword fight. Peter fed the hand to a hungry crocodile, which now follows Hook around hoping to eat the rest of him. Lord of the pirate village in Neverland, Hook is clever, wicked and cruel.Accuracy: Hook is not terribly accurate, and in fact has spread certain myths about pirates. He is constantly looking to make Peter, the lost boys or any other enemy walk the plank. This myth is now commonly associated with pirates largely because of Hooks popularity, although very few pirate crews ever forced someone to walk the plank. Hooks for hands are also now a popular par t of pirate Halloween costumes, although there are no famous historical pirates who ever wore one. Dread Pirate Roberts Where he appears: Dread Pirate Roberts is a character in the 1973 novel The Princess Bride and the 1987 movie of the same name.Description: Roberts is a very fearsome pirate who terrorizes the seas. It is revealed, however, that Roberts (who wears a mask) is not one but several men who have handed the name down to a series of successors. Each Dread Pirate Roberts retires when wealthy after training his replacement. Westley, the hero of the book and movie, was Dread Pirate Roberts for a while before leaving to seek Princess Buttercup, his true love.Accuracy: Very little. There is no record of pirates franchising their name or doing anything for true love, unless their true love of gold and plunder counts. Just about the only thing historically accurate is the name, a nod to Bartholomew Roberts, the greatest pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy. Still, the book and movie are a lot of fun!

The Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts The Palace of Fine Arts is the monumental building located at San Francisco, California. It was built in 1915 after the 1905 earthquake. It was build purposely for the exposition of Panama Pacific. This building was the only one left after other buildings which were meant for exposition were smashed.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Palace of Fine Arts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The city of San Francisco decided to retain the building because people loved it. At that moment, the Palace of Fine Arts was in bad shape because it was not build permanently, and hence maintenance was necessary. The building was build with wood and a weak burlap fiber with this being the main reason why the building would not last long, but the gallery which housed the creative arts had concrete walls that were designed to protect the arts. In 1950s, Casper who was an assembly man and other significant citizens came tog ether and decided to donate funds for the rebuilding of the palace. In 1964, the original building was demolished and reconstruction started (McCoy 6). According to Williams, the Palace of Fine Arts has become a tourist attraction for both foreign and local tourists (15). The buildings’ central rotunda is surrounded, which provides a mirror for reflecting the building from far. There are many ornaments with three panels at the rotunda which symbolizes the Greek culture of the great effort of the attraction. The sculptured figures represent the meditation, amazement, and thought. At the side of the rotunda, there are eight large insets which have paintings for Robert Reid: four of them portray the beginning of art, the progress, and the human recognition of the art. The other four insets symbolize the gold of California which includes the golden wheat, fruits and wheat. Many events take place there, including wedding parties because this place has a good site for photography, and especially for wedding couples. The building can accommodate 1000 people in its theatre which has comfortable chairs with velvety fabrics on its walls. Dances together with worldwide concerts and interviews for celebrities take place in the palace. McCoy concurs that tourists walk leisurely with their dogs at the walk way near its relaxing lagoon while also enjoying the sunset view because palace is popular (10). Television and film series are recorded here because of palace’s beauty and natural looking landscape. The palace has many art exhibits and trucks and jeeps which were used during the World War II.Advertising Looking for critical writing on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Exploratorium, which is also referred to as the museum of science is found in the palace. This museum was started by Doctor Frank Oppenheimer whose aim was to make science easy for access to the citizens and oth er foreigners: this goal has been achieved because the palace has become a popular attraction especially to the tourists. Likewise, the Fillmore auditorium is found in San Francisco. It was named after the Fillmore Street and found between the Western addition and pacific heights. Bill Graham who made Fillmore famous shifted the concerts to different venues where he named the other as Fillmore West. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1989, but was later relocated to where Geary Boulevard was located before its closure. As compared to the Palace of Arts, Fillmore holds musical concerts especially the counter culture type with musicians such as Elton John performing live concerts at its hall. Fillmore has become another spot for shows and can accommodate up to 1199 people. It is located in many places such as Denver, Washington DC, Detroit, Silver Spring Mary Land, and Philadelphia. Additionally, Fillmore has undergone many changes because of change in management and location, especia lly when it was handed to live nation. It has become a brand name and many clubs have incorporated it in their names. It has a collection of concert wall posters from many performances, especially from the past, which are displayed at the mezzanine level inside the auditorium. It gives out free copies of the night’s performance. According to Fillmore Center, Fillmore retains its traditions such as giving apples to the people who attend the concert which are put at the entrance and a person at the door who greets the guests as they enter and welcomes them to the place. As compared to the Palace of Fine Arts, Fillmore has got many events, which include theatres and clubs, but the Palace of Fine Arts has a natural feeling such as the water surrounding the building and the unique fine arts. However, both have the same experience because they were at one point affected by earthquakes. In this regard, the Palace of Fine Arts has attracted many people, including science students fro m all over the world because of its museum of science and its beautiful surroundings. Unique fine arts has been preserved and kept for view by people from all over the world.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Palace of Fine Arts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Both the Palace of Fine Arts and Fillmore, with their music concerts and shooting of films, have attracted national wide musicians such as Elton John and Pink Floyd with acts such as Grateful Deaths being performed there. Both remains historical music venues, with the Palace of Fine Arts becoming historically unique place for the preservation of fine arts with different sculptured figures which makes the observer to reflect on what the allegorical figures represent. McCoy, Esther. California Museum. New York: Reinhold Publishing Corporation, 2003. Print. The Fillmore Center. Apartments Downtown San Francisco, CA. 2011. Web. Williams, John. The P alace of Fine Arts and its exhibit. The Jewel City, Its planning and Achievement. San Francisco: Tacoma, 2000. Print.

MLA Format Bibliography Critical Essay

MLA Format Bibliography Critical Essay MLA Format Bibliography Critical Essay The two most important aspects of the MLA format are the in-text citations and the works cited page. MLA format bibliography critical essay requires parenthetical documentation system. It means that references which writer used while writing a critical essay should be placed within parentheses throughout the paper. The references point to sources in an alphabetized list of works cited which are placed at the end in a form of critical thinking essay bibliography. The MLA in-text citations are similar to APA in-text citations. The main difference between them is that MLA in-text citations contain the name of the author and the page number without comma between them, while APA in-text citations contain the name of the author and the date with comma between them. It-text citations identify the specific location of borrowed material. The parenthetical information should complement, not repeat, material given in your work. Critical Essay Writing Good understanding of the topic, deep analysis of the literary work and critics are the most necessary steps for critical essay writing. While writing a critical essay, the student should demonstrate their writing and thinking skills. Writing a critical essay for student is rather difficult task and it takes a lot of time. Before writing the student should understand the problem and then explain it in written form. The student should avoid summarizing the text while writing a critical essay, the goal is to interpret significances of the text. Make an outline to facilitate critical essay writing. Academic essay requires a definite format: introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and conclusion. Remember that the reader expects your critical essay being original: Bibliography Format If you decided to write critical essay in MLA style you should remember that it means that your work must have a list of sources with full bibliographic information at the end of the essay. This page usually has the title ''. It starts with a new page and continues the number of the pages. You must hold the format in the process of critical essay writing, so as in the whole document the page number placed in the upper-right hand corner, half an inch from the top. The title should be placed at the center of the critical essay cover page, an inch from the top of the page. There should be double space between title and the first entry. Bibliographic reference allows your readers to find the sources you used for writing a critical essay. Bibliographic reference should conta Critical Essay Writing Help Many students feel lost in the wealth of referencing peculiarities. You should understand that well-written, however, poorly-referenced critical essay will result in a low grade. offers you to use our writing help to ensure good grades. We will format your critical essay in accordance to the required writing and referencing style. Moreover, the works cited page is provided free! Popular posts: Research Paper Topic Ideas Research Paper Thesis Research Paper Proposal Research Paper Ideas Research Paper Format

Liberal and Republican Citizenship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Liberal and Republican Citizenship - Essay Example The second, the citizen is considered a political agent; he actively is involved in political activities. The third states that the citizens are a member of a political organization with distinct characteristics. Thus, to enhance cohesion in the society one has to display a tremendous sense of belonging to a political community. , The citizen enjoys rights depending on the political they belong in and this gives individual some respect too. The two models of citizenship include the liberal and the republican. The republican sources are found in the writings of authors like Machiavelli, Aristotle, and Cicero. The main principle of the model of citizenship is the aspect of civic self rule (Dworkin 76). Aristotle characterized it as the ability to be in charge and to be ruled. The fact that they co authored through general will, the writing of the laws this makes them freer and legitimate of the law. In the real sense, being a republican one is a political agent. On the other hand, the liberal model traces its roots back in the Roman Empire. Liberal citizenship meant being protected by the law instead of being in the process. Being liberal was just a legal status than a fact in daily living like the republican. It may mean that the membership is in a community that shares law or has common law. It is still common. This is a distinctive characteristic of the liberal citizenship. Other factors that make liberal citizenship are that it is a legal status and that people are free from interference by other authorities or even other individuals. The liberal tradition majorly started back in the 17th century. Citizens with it exercise the freedoms they have mainly in private associations other that a political community. The liberal citizen is in charge of contemporary constitutional freedoms. The civic virtues are evident in many theories; they can be categorized in various ways. This includes community citizen virtues, self governance citizen virtues and of course the one in discussion, in this paper liberal citizen virtues (Macedo 100). These virtues are autonomy, cooperation, obedience to law, participation, respect for rights, deliberative excellence, responsibility, restraint, allegiance to liberal democratic community and vigilance. A dutiful citizen accomplishes tasks successfully by coordinating with others, and he also helps back in return to the good deeds he receives from others too. Cooperation is extremely healthy in a community as it helps the community grow socially. Although there is the aspect of conditioned cooperation where someone expects the same in return if they help, but also this is usually in the effort to obey laws (Macedo 108). Participation as a virtue is portrayed by the active involvement of the citizen to politics and being well informed and interested in the same. Part of the participatory actions is making justice claims, registering voters, running for presidency, being part of the neighborhood associations and v oting. The excellent participation depends highly on the initiative of individuals and their interest in participating. The purpose of being participative is that it is an excellent way to help the community effortlessly (Dworkin 103). Vigilance is another virtue; the virtuous citizen should be able to decide they want in power and refuse to be harassed by those in power. The

Case Analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Analysis - Case Study Example It is a fact that Natureview is the main player in the natural food channel with a market share of 24%; however, in order to raise $20 million revenue by the end of 2001, the company has to re-strategize and increase its sales and output if it is to use this channel. The $13 million the company accrued in 2000 is not sufficient enough to offset its debt and may lead to absorption of the company by a larger firm. The second option of entering the supermarket channel has both merits and demerits. The main advantage of this channel is that products will be sold at lower prices than in natural food retail shops due to less number of middlemen in the supply chain. Lower prices lead to higher demand and ultimately higher returns. Furthermore, supermarkets take stocks in bulk than wholesalers in the natural food channel who take small quantities and break them further to distribute them to small retailers. On the other hand, Natureview would be forced to pay $10000 slotting fee per SKU for each retail chain. This means that the company may be forced to pay millions of dollars to be able to distribute throughout the country. In addition, the manufacturer will also have to incur marketing, advertising and trade promotion expenses including hiring of marketing personnel. Under this channel, the small scale manufacturer will be forced to expand its production to meet the high demand in the supermarkets. The first option would be to expand six of the best selling 8-oz brands to one or two selected supermarket channels in the region. The second option would be to expand four SKUs of 32-oz size nationally. The third option would be to introduce two SKUs of the multi-pack line into the natural foods channel specifically for children. The first option would yield higher returns for the company as the 8-oz brands are the most popular among consumers. However, for this option to be viable Natureview has to meet the

Define what art is Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Define what art is - Essay Example It is a weapon, a massive protest and a huge platform for revelation and revolution. Exploring the meaning of art as it appeals to a connoisseur is difficult but not always beyond comprehension. The essay attempts to identify, examine and explore few such intricate subtleties associated with the mighty term called â€Å"art†. In determining various approaches regarding the definition of art, first it is essential to judge the general view about the term. Generally, the term ‘art’ stands for a process or it can be denoted as a product which is intentionally arranged in an order with specific elements that will appeal and affect human senses or emotions. Art encompasses a diversified and a wide range of human activities pertaining to myriad creations and mode of expression. The canon of art includes many activities included in various spheres of artistry such as music, literature, film, sculpture and paintings among others. The definition of art has become considerably critical during the 20th century. Traditionally, art had been considered as a medium to make money or a device for amusement. Another traditional aspect of art is that the term exclusively refers to any â€Å"skill or mastery†. The concept of art transformed during the romantic period. During this period the perspective towards art completely changed and the term was viewed as â€Å"a special faculty of the human mind to be classified with religion and science† (The Gombrich Archive, â€Å"Press statement on The Story of Art†) The critical evaluation of art came into being during the Twentieth century. Scholar and artist, Richard Wollheim, envisaged three different approaches regarding the concept of art. Wollheim envisioned that art can be posited in three different paradigms namely ‘Realist Position’, ‘Objectivist Position’ and ‘Relativist Position’. These perspectives and distinguishing connotation undoubtedly helps in better understanding of the term.

Is The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum a feminist film If so,why Movie Review

Is The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum a feminist film If so,why - Movie Review Example A Nobel prize-winning writer, Bà ¶ll had composed an exposition scrutinizing the Bild-Zeitung (the generally circled every day tabloid that was the trade bovine in for spendable dough the yellow press realm of Axel Springer) for fanning mass craziness with its scope of the Baader-Meinhof group. The paper then marked Bà ¶ll a terrorist sympathizer, and he and his family were subjected to police provocation, hunts, and wiretaps. Bà ¶lls reaction was to compose The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum (subtitled "How Violence Can Arise and What It Can Lead To"), about a young lady whose life is crushed when the police associate her with harboring a terrorist (Taubin, 2003). As Katharina is dragged into cross examination and mortified by the police, its unimaginable not to consider this in light of all around archived treatment of ladies in the wake of sex outrages and assault allegations. These points and appeals highly stress the film’s feminist orientation. The specialists tear separated her loft, address her thought processes and history, and make intimations about her. They dont such a great amount of ask as interest, such a great amount of test as demand. She is blameworthy not until demonstrated pure, but rather essentially liable. As an inseparable unit with the states power goes the press, sensationalizing, lying, and talk mongering. This is an immediate analogy for the way ladies are slut-shamed, disgraced in private and open, and as the film advances, it weaves into it layer upon layer (Black, 2015). Some of political movies rise above their historical minute. Yet viewing Volker Schlà ¶ndorff and Margarethe von Trottas The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum today leads to the powerful experience. There is little contrast between this portrayal of West Germany in 1975, when the nervousness about terrorism disintegrated essential majority rule values, and what we are afraid of is going to happen — might undoubtedly be now happening —

The Role of Mentors in Evaluating the Quality of Students Nursing Essay

The Role of Mentors in Evaluating the Quality of Students Nursing Practice - Essay Example In talking about the role played by mentors in pre-registration of nurses, Pellat maintains that the practice experience is a most important aspect of preparing nursing students for registration. The current programmes are aimed at enhancing this practice with careful support and supervision. Mentors play a very crucial role in supporting nursing students in practice. The quality of mentorship is highly valuable during this time, and raises an attention because it is the mentors who assess students’ competence for practice at the time of registration. Prince also says that Mentoring offers students an opportunity to instruct, a characteristic of their own professional development and a stepping stone towards career paths. Mentors act as role models. As a mentor, one is required to provide the student with support and guidance in the area of practice. He/she should enable the student to make the practice realistic through applying the theories learnt, assessing and giving effec tive feedback and enhancing revision of the practice, performances and lessons learnt (Pellatt, 2006,336 – 340) and (Prince ,2004) The Royal college of Nursing toolkit provides basics of mentorship in that Mentors must ensure students are fit for purpose which means the ability to perform effectively in practice, for practice-fulfill registration requirements and award; have the qualification of being awarded a diploma or a degree. As role models, mentors should assist students develop skills and confidence, enhance professionalism and lay an appropriate level of inspection. It is the mentors’ responsibility to be prepared to undertake the role, to share their knowledge with the mentee, to be conversant with the students’ curriculum and practice assessment documentation and identify areas of specialization and learning opportunities. Morton and Palmer add that Mentoring goes beyond the individual relationship between the mentor and the student. It is within this framework of accountability and responsibility for professional standards that is implicit within the individual’s practice and that of the employer. This makes the mentors feel secure in their role of supporting that is implemented at local level (Royal College of Nursing Toolkit 2007, 5-10 and Morton and Palmer, 2000). Outcomes of Mentoring Spouse asserts that the stages of mentoring portray acyclic process or a continuum based on the individual’s development stages as he/she matures into the career or professionalism. Mentoring is part of being a leader, the same way as developing ones leadership abilities. In mentoring, first the mentor and mentee needs to establish an open relationship with each other. Each stage of mentorship is an experience in life that brings new crises and challenges. Having experienced this, one knows what to expect and it is this knowledge that helps others go through the career challenges. The benefits of mentee, mentor and the organizati on are: quicker learning curves, increased communication of corporate values, increased loyalty, improved employee productivity and improved one on one communication (Spouse, 1996 32-35). People who have

Critically evaluate the sustainability of the supply of phosphorus to Essay

Critically evaluate the sustainability of the supply of phosphorus to UK agriculture - Essay Example Inorganic phosphorus is available in the soil in form of insoluble mineral complexes (Schmidt & Schaechter, 2012, pp. 514). The insoluble form cannot be absorbed by plants. The organic matter accounts for 20-80% of phosphorus in the soil. Only 0.1% of the soluble phosphorus is available for uptake by plants. The current situation that involves loses at every step of phosphorus life cycle contributes to concerns about future supplies and water and soil pollution, both in the UK and worldwide. Efficiency in its production, use, recycling and minimization of waste could lead to major strides being made towards a sustainable phosphorus use. This would set the world on the path towards resource efficiency and ensure that phosphorus reserves are available for future generations. Globally, phosphorus resources are abundant and reserves are significant. However, there are a number of factors implying that the security of phosphorus should be monitored in the UK. UK has few phosphate bearing rocks reserves. In 2008, there was price volatility in which the cost of phosphorus rock rose by 700%, contributing to an increase in the price of fertilizers. Improving the use of recycled phosphorus in the UK and the world, as a whole, would help in safeguarding the supply and distribution of phosphorus both at regional and global level. Economically, diversifying phosphorus supply to the UK businesses, which rely on it, would improve their resilience faced by any future price instability and other trends that might aggravate their important dependency. Farming practices that help in feeding billions of people in the UK involve the use of phosphate fertilizers, manufactured from the phosphate rock. The rock is a non-renewable resource, and it is being used widely since the end of the 19th century. The dependence on the phosphate rock for food production calls for sustainable management practices to ensure that it is economically available to UK farmers. The use of phosphorus in th e UK agriculture is associated with several types of potential environmental impacts. Little amounts of phosphorus restrict plants growth, resulting in soil erosion. The use of too much phosphorus leads to losses of the nutrient to surface water, leading to eutrophication. More sustainable practices, for instance better management of field applications and enhanced phosphorus recycling, can contribute to improvements in productivity and reduced environmental impacts. UK scientists are starting to qualify in phosphorus production through food production and consumption systems. By estimation, only one-fifth of the mined phosphorus in UK is consumed as food by humans. The remaining portion is used in agriculture, retained in soil, released in the aquatic environment or lost in food waste. High crop yields in UK, fundamentally, depend on mined phosphate rock. In a small population, famers could adequately obtain agricultural yields by fertilizing the soil with phosphorus derived from h uman and other animals’ excreta. Population growth in the UK in the 18th and 19th centauries stimulated the production of food, resulting in rapid depletion of soil nutrients. Farmers, therefore, started using large amounts of off-farm sources of phosphorus, including guano, phosphate rock and bone meal. Phosphate rock, which was cheap and plentiful, became the widely preferred source. Consequently, UK farmers adopted new farming methods like planting high

The Role of Mentors in Evaluating the Quality of Students Nursing Essay

The Role of Mentors in Evaluating the Quality of Students Nursing Practice - Essay Example In talking about the role played by mentors in pre-registration of nurses, Pellat maintains that the practice experience is a most important aspect of preparing nursing students for registration. The current programmes are aimed at enhancing this practice with careful support and supervision. Mentors play a very crucial role in supporting nursing students in practice. The quality of mentorship is highly valuable during this time, and raises an attention because it is the mentors who assess students’ competence for practice at the time of registration. Prince also says that Mentoring offers students an opportunity to instruct, a characteristic of their own professional development and a stepping stone towards career paths. Mentors act as role models. As a mentor, one is required to provide the student with support and guidance in the area of practice. He/she should enable the student to make the practice realistic through applying the theories learnt, assessing and giving effec tive feedback and enhancing revision of the practice, performances and lessons learnt (Pellatt, 2006,336 – 340) and (Prince ,2004) The Royal college of Nursing toolkit provides basics of mentorship in that Mentors must ensure students are fit for purpose which means the ability to perform effectively in practice, for practice-fulfill registration requirements and award; have the qualification of being awarded a diploma or a degree. As role models, mentors should assist students develop skills and confidence, enhance professionalism and lay an appropriate level of inspection. It is the mentors’ responsibility to be prepared to undertake the role, to share their knowledge with the mentee, to be conversant with the students’ curriculum and practice assessment documentation and identify areas of specialization and learning opportunities. Morton and Palmer add that Mentoring goes beyond the individual relationship between the mentor and the student. It is within this framework of accountability and responsibility for professional standards that is implicit within the individual’s practice and that of the employer. This makes the mentors feel secure in their role of supporting that is implemented at local level (Royal College of Nursing Toolkit 2007, 5-10 and Morton and Palmer, 2000). Outcomes of Mentoring Spouse asserts that the stages of mentoring portray acyclic process or a continuum based on the individual’s development stages as he/she matures into the career or professionalism. Mentoring is part of being a leader, the same way as developing ones leadership abilities. In mentoring, first the mentor and mentee needs to establish an open relationship with each other. Each stage of mentorship is an experience in life that brings new crises and challenges. Having experienced this, one knows what to expect and it is this knowledge that helps others go through the career challenges. The benefits of mentee, mentor and the organizati on are: quicker learning curves, increased communication of corporate values, increased loyalty, improved employee productivity and improved one on one communication (Spouse, 1996 32-35). People who have

Compare and Contrast 2 literary works Research Paper

Compare and Contrast 2 literary works - Research Paper Example The storm also depicts an adulterous relationship between two ex-lovers. As the storm approaches and progress they engage in an illicit relationship despite the fact that both of them are married. The storm helps in rekindling past coveted memories between the two of them. Alcee maintains in the story that he was not able to follow his aspirations and feelings he had for Calixta. On the other hand, the author, Kate Chopin tries to convey her opinions by means of Calixta. Her character is that of a women who is tied with her husband. After engaging in an adulterous relationship with Alcee that day, she finds herself happy and refreshed. Chopin tries to convey through this act that marriage is an institution which ties two individuals together and they are not able to obey their own free will. On the other hand, the case with Alcee is somewhat different as he is not with his wife and feels lonely. He feels comforted and soothed and his loneliness disappears after engaging in sex with C alixta. By means of these two principal characters, Chopin tries to depict that having an illicit relationship is not necessarily detrimental. ... Also nature has the healing power to modify emotions and feelings of individuals. This is depicted by the end of the story and is depicted by the following quote, Was it last week the cyclone had well-ruined him? The cyclone seemed a huge joke, now. It was he, then, who, an hour ago was kissing little Calixta’s ear and whispering nonsense into it. Calixta was like a myth, now. The one, only, great reality in the world was Clarisse standing before him, telling him that she loved him† (Chopin 160). This quote further brushes off the impositions posed by morality. According to Chopin, just by bonding in marriage and getting tied up in a relationship may not necessarily depict astute happiness in individuals. In fact, sometimes straying away from the path may result in satisfaction and comfort, rather than the feeling of guilt which is imposed by the implications of being ethical and moral. The characters of Calixta and Alcee do not experience any guilt by engaging in an adu lterous act because they themselves feel freed from all the negative emotions they experienced in marriage. In fact, the adulterous relationship helped them in bouncing back to their respective marriage with happiness and vigour. This sentence also shows the resignation towards societal rules. Despite having an adulterous affair with Calixta, Alcee returns to Clarisse, his wife as he believes that this is the only socially acceptable relationship. There is another aspect of symbolism depicted in Kate Chopin’s The Storm. This can be seen in her silent symbolism against Catholicism which denotes certain restrictions on gender and sexuality which is forced due to class and religion by means of certain cultural constructs which existed during that time (Wehner, 154). This is

E-Business Infrastructure Essay Example for Free

E-Business Infrastructure Essay There is a need for businesses today to take advantage of e-business in order to achieve their organizational goals and objectives. The world market today is competitive; hence for any business organization to achieve a market share for its goods and services, it had to develop a well enhanced e-business infrastructure in order to reach a wider market. Cost of business operations is greatly reduced by use of E-Business since customer support costs are reduced and customers are able to serve themselves at their convenient time. As for the case of Pokey organization which has a live music venue, that serves as both as a bar and a restaurant, it should take advantage of e-business in order to increase reduce costs of operation and increase client base. It is necessary for Pokey to ensure it incorporate all the required infrastructure in its website in order to ensure it is a position of coping up with e-business demand. However, many businesses with website fail since they do not adequately take into consideration all the requirements of e-business infrastructure, thereby, their e-business fail to meet their demand. Some of the required technical infrastructures for e-business include:   Hardware Software Technology of Internet and server Security solutions Intranets Extranets Myriad of applications Supply chain management that is integrated. Business intelligence [2] As for Pokey organization, it should be aware that infrastructure is more than  technology hence it should be well considered in the implementation. They should be aware that infrastructure includes; A number of sources that would supply platform services of technology. All the skills and expertise that may be required in order to deliver technology of infrastructure. All the processes that would be required to manage the entire infrastructure. Finally, it also involves all the necessary investments that would be needed for better operations and functioning of the entire IT infrastructure for the purpose of delivering e-business solution that would be appropriate in the modern world. Infrastructure involves an interaction that is vibrant as it also includes tools, people who are skilled and processes. For this case, Pokey organizational infrastructure has to be well built taking into consideration that it includes are the required facilities that are required in building and launching a website that would be simple to understand and interactive. [3] In conclusion, Pokey organization will achieve their organization goals and objectives if they develop a website that would incorporate the entire required infrastructure. The website would ensure that the organization is in a position of meeting the entire e-business demand. This will also ensure that the organizational objective of maximizing profits is achieved since they will reduce operational costs such a customer services while at the same increases their client base. [1] McConnell Associates (2000): An Intelligently Managed Network Infrastructure for E-Business, Retrieved from, http://www.cisco.com/application/pdf/en/us/guest/products/ps2428/c1244/ccmigration_09186a0080088a2b.pdf, on June 19, 2007 [2] Optima Media Group (2006): Building the e-Business Infrastructure: Management Strategies for Corporate Transformation, Retrieved from http://www.business-intelligence.co.uk/reports/ebus_infra/default.asp, on June 19, 2007 [3] McConnell Associates (2000): An Intelligently Managed Network Infrastructure for E-Business, Retrieved from, http://www.cisco.com/application/pdf/en/us/guest/products/ps2428/c1244/ccmigration_09186a0080088a2b.pdf, on June 19, 2007

The Benefits And Challenges Of Elogistics

The Benefits And Challenges Of Elogistics The increased competition in all sectors due to globalization has forced the companies to reduce business costs. To reduce cost the companies are forming new management strategies like supply chain management and e- logistics. E- logistics means applying the concept of logistics electronically via the internet in order to conduct the business electronically. According to AMR Research( Challenger,2001), E- logistics helps to reduce cost by 10%. According to Sahay,B.S.(2003) logistics contribute to 10 to 12% of GDP . Based on two references e-logistics helps to save about 1.2% of GDP. That is why the companies like Dell, Compaq, Hewlett Packard is favourable to the E- logistics and supply chain management. E- commerce logistics are the activities that ensures that customers get what they need at right time at right place and at minimum cost. E-commerce logistics face many challenges in developing countries like higher tariffs, Complicated global trade rules, Global Terrorism and Geographical Barriers. The lack of knowledge of total cost in online merchant is the main cause for the failure of many electronic commerce in past decades. According to Hesse 2002, Gunasekaran et al 2003, E- logistics is an internet enabled logistics value chain that offer competitive logistics services like contract warehousing, public warehousing, distribution management, target consolidation and transport management.E- logistics consist of four components like one stop value added services, information management, automation in warehousing network and a transportation network. The one stop value added services helps to improve customer satisfaction .For example in government service one stop value added services like making queries and application, to search council services and to make payment can be done all at one time. Information management is where the information is exchanged through electronic media`s like WWW, Internet and EDI. Automation in warehousing operation will reduce human involvement in updating consolidation, loading and unloading. A Transportation network helps to increase flexibility and reduce transportation costs. The difference between traditional logistics and e- logistics are as follows. In case of traditional logistics the volume is very low because large amounts of goods are sent to lesser location like retail stores. But in case of e- logistics the lesser amount of materials are sent to many customers quickly. In case of traditional logistics the objective is that it is efficient and cost effective but in case of e- logistics it is more speed and can meet customer expectation.In case of traditional logistics the information is gathered through fax, paperwork and Management Information System(MIS) but in case of e- logistics the information is gathered through Internet, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Integrated IS. The E- logistics is more reliable and fast than traditional logistics. In Traditional logistics accountability of shipments is linked to limited supply chain but in e- logistics the accountability is expanded in whole supply chain. In E- logistics the customers have high expectation about quality of service and delivery of shipments but in case of traditional logistics the delivery of products is taking long time as the expectation of customer is not met because today`s customer needs faster delivery of goods. In case of traditional logistics there is less complexity in fulfilling international trade but in case of e- logistics there is larger complexity in fulfilling international trade. In e- logistics it is possible to place direct orders with distributors and producers and also helps in accessing more sellers globally but in case of traditional logistics it is mainly done through fax and paper works as it takes expensive and takes long time in getting reply from producers and distributors. In case of E- logistics the demand for shipment is lacking s tability and also not predictable due to huge number of customers but in case of traditional logistics the demand for shipment is predictable . The challenges of e- logistics in developing countries are economic and educational barriers, lack of infrastructure, security, trust and privacy, channel conflicts, delivery logistics, security problems and global terrorism and geographical barriers. In economic and educational barriers the main obstacles for e- logistics is the lack of economic resources, internet usage and standard of education. Most of e- logistics are used by advanced users in developing countries because of lack of resources to use the internet and shop online. Lack of infrastructure means developing countries poor telecommunication infrastructure and short access of computers create barrier in e- logistics .Internet access cost also result in barrier to e- logistics. Security,privacy and trust is different in different countries and there is no provision in many countries govt rules that e- logistics should be legally binding and trust worthy as such it create barriers in E- logistics. According to survey conducted by Forrester Research said that they turned off global trade because of difficulty in process in e- logistics. The main barrier for e- logistics for this is the language and cultural barriers that destroys the different stages of internet infrastructure and adoption and also incapable to deal with direct global orders. According to Leung et al 2000, Gunasekaran and Ngai (2004b), the benefits of e- logistics are enhancing customer service, minimizing cost and also meeting product delivery deadlines. It helps to develop web based inventory control and also helps in building relationship with large logistics companies like DHL,UPS and FedEx. It help to concentrate and understand the customers more readily. It helps in B2B2C à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬commerce for third part logistics (3PL) , it helps to SME`S to develop strategic alliance and also help to meet growing demand. In conclusion due to globalisation the importance of e- logistics is growing eventhough there are many challenges in e- logistics the significance of e- logistics cannot be ignored. In order to use e- logistics effectively we should understand the strength and weakness of e- logistics effectively and we should use in a proper way and should not misuse it. Last but not least in the coming future the importance of e- logistics will be higher and it will be used by many people in the future.

Federalist Party :: American America History

Federalist Party "Seldom in the nation's history has there been a period so extraordinary in accomplishment as the first decade under the Constitution...." This paper is going to be a step by step evaluation of arguably the most important decade in American History. The time period covered in this paper is 1789-1801. These are the years in which the Federalists had the most influence in the new government. They accomplished an amazing amount in these 12 years. The Federalist Party was one of the first political organizations in the United States. The members of this party supported a strong central government, a large peacetime army and navy, and a stable financial system. Although the first president, George Washington, was not a Federalist, his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, was the developer and leader of the Federalist party. Hamilton believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution so that the central government could become more powerful. Also Hamilton, along with the other party members, believed that commerce and manufacturing were more important than agriculture. Financial Dilemma During the first two years of the new federal government the biggest problem was that of raising money. At first the Congress adopted a small tariff on imports. This was a start but not nearly enough. The government needed this money to maintain its own existence and to be able to pay of the debt. The existence of the government was a necessity, but there was a lot of discussion as to whether the debt should be payed off. The mare magnitude of the debt seemed to compel some measure of avoidance. In 1789, the national debt totaled more than $50 million, $11,700,000 of which was owed to France and Spain and the private bankers of Netherlands, while $40 million was in the form of securities held by citizens of the United States. The interests owed to the bankers were being payed off by loans from the bankers themselves. The government didn't even have enough money to pay the Barbary corsairs for release of captive sailors! When Congress couldn't come up with a solution that was satisfactory, they turned to Alexander Hamilton with the dilemma. He soon proceeded to draw up a full report entitled "Report on Public Credit." In this paper Hamilton proceeded to show that the only way for a new government to establish credit was to deal honestly with its creditors -for in many cases they would be the people to whom the government must look to for future loans. Federalist Party :: American America History Federalist Party "Seldom in the nation's history has there been a period so extraordinary in accomplishment as the first decade under the Constitution...." This paper is going to be a step by step evaluation of arguably the most important decade in American History. The time period covered in this paper is 1789-1801. These are the years in which the Federalists had the most influence in the new government. They accomplished an amazing amount in these 12 years. The Federalist Party was one of the first political organizations in the United States. The members of this party supported a strong central government, a large peacetime army and navy, and a stable financial system. Although the first president, George Washington, was not a Federalist, his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, was the developer and leader of the Federalist party. Hamilton believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution so that the central government could become more powerful. Also Hamilton, along with the other party members, believed that commerce and manufacturing were more important than agriculture. Financial Dilemma During the first two years of the new federal government the biggest problem was that of raising money. At first the Congress adopted a small tariff on imports. This was a start but not nearly enough. The government needed this money to maintain its own existence and to be able to pay of the debt. The existence of the government was a necessity, but there was a lot of discussion as to whether the debt should be payed off. The mare magnitude of the debt seemed to compel some measure of avoidance. In 1789, the national debt totaled more than $50 million, $11,700,000 of which was owed to France and Spain and the private bankers of Netherlands, while $40 million was in the form of securities held by citizens of the United States. The interests owed to the bankers were being payed off by loans from the bankers themselves. The government didn't even have enough money to pay the Barbary corsairs for release of captive sailors! When Congress couldn't come up with a solution that was satisfactory, they turned to Alexander Hamilton with the dilemma. He soon proceeded to draw up a full report entitled "Report on Public Credit." In this paper Hamilton proceeded to show that the only way for a new government to establish credit was to deal honestly with its creditors -for in many cases they would be the people to whom the government must look to for future loans.

Auditory Learning Style Essay

Individual differences establish the well-acknowledged concept of the variety of learning styles exhibited by learners. This means that learners are likely to learn differently according to their fortes and preferences. The ability to learn by using one’s auditory capabilities is one learning styles. Students who are more likely to learn through auditory learning styles focus on the things that they hear. Information that they obtain through auditory sounds is more likely to register within their minds, allowing the retention of the information, thus, reinforcing the learning process. Other learning styles include bodily-kinesthetic, visual, social, and such. With this in mind, teachers should be able to realize the need to accommodate these individual differences regarding learning styles in order to teach purposefully and efficiently, realizing the goals and objectives of learning. However, accomplishing this particular motive is not an easy task since teachers themselves have their own learning styles. It becomes a difficult challenge for teachers to accommodate all learning styles when they themselves are inclined to learn by a singular means. For the remainder of this text, the strategies and techniques on how to facilitate the different learning styles exhibited by the students considering I myself display an auditory learning style will be discussed. Since the issue concerns me as a teacher, I believe that the changes or modifications should start from me. Primarily, I should not even consider or dwell on my learning style as it will only contribute to the difficulties of trying to get over the challenges of overlooking all the varied learning styles. The task at hand should focus on understanding the structures and dimensions of each learning style. In this way, I will be able to obtain comprehensive knowledge on how students with unique learning styles are able to learn and from this kind of information, design the teaching-learning or instructional process in order to facilitate the various learning styles. However, the first thing that I should do is to conduct a survey or to observe how my students learn in order to identify the kind of dynamic styles that exist within the learning situation. Perhaps, exhibiting auditory learning style myself would be able to help in achieving my purpose of accommodating the various learning styles of my students. Surveying or understanding their learning needs may be implemented through recitation. This is so, because my own personal learning style permits me to learn most efficiently by hearing, and conducting a recitation to understand their motivations and preferences during the learning process will greatly assist my in my considerations of what they need during the teaching-learning process. In addition, during the learning process, it would help to listen to the students in order to pick up some hidden concerns or complaints that I should be considering in designing the teaching-learning interaction. Responding to the acquisition of knowledge on the variety of learning styles is another challenge that I should be able to conquer. For instance, each lesson or course presented to the learners should be able to incorporate all strategies or techniques that are common to the various learning styles in order to accommodate all the students. For instance, an entire lesson should utilize music for auditory learning styles, iconic materials such as pictures and videos for visual learning styles, practical activities such as demonstrations, role-playing, dramatizations, and such for bodily-kinesthetic learning styles, groupings and social interaction for the extroverted learners, individual work sheets and activities for the introverted learners, etc. The most important thing to consider is to incorporate the requirements or necessities of each learning style, particularly on the instructional materials that are being utilized to facilitate the learning process.

Public Procurement and Contract Administration in Nigeria

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Overview of Procurement Procurement is the acquisition of goods, works and services at the best total cost of ownership, in the right quality and quantity and at the right time. It also involves the acquisition of goods and services at the right place and from the right source. Public Procurement is the acquisition of goods, works and services by Government Ministries Departments and Agencies. In an effort to provide development and fulfil campaign promises, governments all over the world are involved in large scale procurement of goods, works and services. Public Procurement account for substantial part of most countries GDP. The establishment of good public procurement system is increasingly being viewed as measure of accountability and transparency. The responsibility of government to ensure transparency is also increasingly becoming a serious campaign issue. Public Procurement helps ensure the judicious use of public resources. An efficient Public Procurement System will ensure at all times government acquisition of goods, works, and services are done with due regard to:  · Economy;  · Efficiency;  · Fairness;  · Reliability; Transparency; and  · Accountability and Ethical Standards. Economy: This will ensure that the procuring entity obtain the best value for the money expended. Value may include more than price. It includes quality, and timely delivery of the goods or services. However, the ultimate aim of a sound procurement is to obtain the maximum value for money. Efficiency: A good procurement must be seen to be posi tive. It should be devoid of bottlenecks and other forms of inefficiencies. A good procurement system is devoid of protracted delays. It must be simple and swift. Fairness: A good system will ensure fairness to all bidders and will be impartial, consistent, and reliable. It will ensure level playing field to all contractors, suppliers and consultants. Transparency: Good procurement system establishes and maintains rules and procedures that are accessible and unambiguous. It is not only fair, but it is seen to be fair. Accountability and Ethical Standards: A system must ensure its practitioners obey the rules. It enforces the rules through a process of sanctioning those who neglect, disobey or bend the rules to gain certain advantages. The rules and procedures must be clear and unambiguous The process of establishing formal public procurement system in Nigeria started with the election of Obasanjo in 1999. It started with the establishment of Due process office under the Presidency. The Due process office was headed then by Mrs. Oby Ekwesili, the current Vice President of World Bank in charge of African Region. The Due process Office succeeded in saving billions of Naira according to the press release by the Agency. Public Procurement bill was passed by the two houses of the National Assembly and signed into law by the President in 2007. The Act provide for the establishment of Public Procurement Council and Bureau for Public Procurement to beheaded by a Director General. Nigeria public procurement Act was enacted in 2007. Overview of Contract Administration Contract Administration on the other hand involves all those activities which are performed with aim of promoting the smooth execution of contracts. Contract Administration starts from the time a contract is signed to the time a contract is closed. There are various forms in which a contract can closes: A contract can close when an operational certificate has been issued and the contractor collects the final payment under the contract. A contract can close if it is terminated and what is due to the either of the party (client or contractor) has been paid. A contract could be terminated due non performance by the contractors, due to failure of the client to fulfil obligations under the contract or due to events or happening beyond the control of the parties to the contract (force majeure). A contract can be discharged when there is a dispute. This can happen either amicably or through mediation through arbitration and adjudication or through the court. The court is usually the last resort in this kind of settlement. Most modern contracts proscribe mediation mechanism. Contract closure should be seen as part of the procurement process that assures that the employer gets what it paid for and contractor, payment for goods or services delivered. The Role of Regulation in Public Procurement A good regulatory framework is pre-requisite for an efficient Public procurement system. The role of policy formulation should be separate from policy execution and a mechanism for handling protests must be established. Any agency involved in any form of execution of public procurement should not be involved in regulating procurement. The Nigeria Public Procurement Act is however, somehow deficient in the area of separation of policy formulation, execution and regulation and protest handling mechanism. The Bureau is involve in giving no objection for contracts yet is involve enforcing compliance with the provisions of the Act. This vested the power of execution and regulation in the Bureau. The Bureau also through the council (where the DG is the secretary) is involved in policy formulation and handling of protest. A good example of separation of regulation, execution and protest handling mechanism is the Kenyan public procurement system. It incorporated the necessary separation of execution, policy formulation and protest handling mechanism. However, this has not prevented politicians in Kenya from abusing the procurement system. In 2004 all the procurement officials in the various MDA in Kenya were suspended to allow politicians recover the money they spent in election campaign. The various agencies under the Kenyan Act are: Public Procurement Oversight Authority The functions of the Kenyan Public Procurement Oversight Authority are: To ensure that the procurement procedures established under the Act are complied with; To monitor the public procurement system and report on the overall functioning to the Minister and also do the following functions: support the training and professional development of persons involved in procurement Issue written directions to ublic entities with respect to procurement including the conduct of procurement proceedings and the dissemination of information on procurements; and ensure that procuring entities engage procurement professionals in their procurement units. To initiate public procurement policy and propose amendments to the Act. To perform such other functions and duties as provided for under the Act Public Procurement Oversight Advisory Board Composition The Public Procurement Oversight Advisory Board shall consist of nine members appointed by the Minister approved by Parliament from persons nominated by the prescribed organizations and the Director-General. Functions To advise the Authority generally on exercise of its powers and the performance of its functions To approve the estimates of the revenue and expenditures of the Authority; To recommend the appointment and termination of the Director-General of the Authority Perform such other functions and duties as provided for under the Act. Public Procurement Administrative Review Board The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board, review complaints and make appropriate recommendation to the government. The Public Procurement Oversight Authority shall provide administrative services to the Review Board. Procuring Entities (MDA) It is the responsibility of Procuring Entities to comply with provisions of the Act. Specifically the Kenyan Act provides; What is being procured must be within the approved budget of the procuring entity and included an annual procurement plan Procurement undertaken by a procuring entity must be as per threshold matrix as set out in the regulations There is adequate segregation of duties in respect of procurement initiation, processing and receipt of goods, works and services. A public entity shall establish a tender committee, procurement unit and such other bodies as required under the regulations for the purpose of making such ecisions on behalf of the public entity as specified in the Act . Procurement Planning The first thing to do in procurement is, planning the process. It involves definition of the project scope and expected completion time. Specifically, the procuring entities need to identify the required works, goods or services to be procured. The procuring entities also need to determine the various procurement sequences. The procuring entity will selec t equipment packages and choose the method of procurement to use depending on the scope and complexity of the assignment. The following methods are usually used in procurement of goods, works and services (non-intellectual services): International competitive bidding (ICB) Limited international bidding National competitive bidding Shopping Procurement Plan should separate consultancy services, works, goods and supply and installation of plants and equipments. Procurement plan should address the following; How the procurement process should be handled (ICB,NCB, Others, Co-financing) Define the timing of each step in the procurement process (Each step, Each Package). It should also identify the procurement & implementation team The plan should also take in account the approvals process and delays that may occur. It should take into account all technical, staffing, legal and training etc. Procurement Steps There should be identification of needs. The list of goods, equipment, materials plants etc. Types of Works (Large, Small, Very Small) and aassociated Services. The procuring entity should also indentify the means of transportation, distribution and training. The plan should also take into account after sales service and warranty period. The steps include the advertisement of tenders. The World Bank require advert in G. D. Market and United Nation Business on-line. National competitive bidding requires advert in at least two nationally read newspapers. The process includes; Issuance of Bidding Documents Bid or Quotations Submission & Opening Bid or Quotation Evaluation Contract and Purchase Order Award. This will be preceded by contract notification, signature and effectiveness. Pre-contract Meeting Officials of the procuring entity involve in the procurement process should meet in order to: Understand their responsibilities and restrictions under the contract The role of the project manager should also be defined The various tests and other forms of quality control should be defined. Specific deliverables and special contract provisions should be explained. Monitoring and performance measurement should be understood and invoicing and payment procedures should be explained. Pre- contract meeting/discussion between the employer and the contractors are usually organised. At such meeting, the objective of the contract and its requirements are clearly defined. The contract effectiveness conditions are explained. Others issues to be discussed are: The project manager (from the employer) and contractors representative Organization and structures of the contractor’s implementation team. Implementation schedule and Reporting method Progress meetings, works certification and invoicing After the pre-contract discussion all grey areas are ironed out, the contract is signed by contractor’s representative with the power of attorney and the authorised representative of the contractor. Contract Effectiveness This will take place after the contract has been signed and following conditions have been fulfilled: Contractor provide performance guaranty and advance payment guaranty (if required) If the contract requires payment of advance payment, it has been paid If Letter of Credit is required it must be established The Letter of Credit must be confirmed (if funded by Nigeria government) or made operative through issuance of special commitment if World Bank financed contract or letter of guaranty if AfDB financed contract The employer must write a letter conveying the effectiveness to the contractor Letter of Credit Letters of Credit are guided by universal custom practice established by International Chamber of commerce and Industry based in Paris, France. It provides condition to enable parties to contract of sale living in different countries to make and receive payment for goods supplied. It start with a bank in the buyers country (opening bank) opening direct communication with another bank in the seller country (advising bank), through a correspondence bank (usually the negotiating bank). The opening bank will open either an irrevocable Letter of credit or a revocable letter of credit depending on the circumstance of the transaction. It is irrevocable because once established neither of the party can cancel it unilaterally before the expiration of the validity. Letter of Credit is said to be confirmed if in addition to the confirmation of the opening bank, another bank (say the negotiating bank also add its confirmation). Under LC for contracts financed by World Bank, LC’s are irrevocable but are unconfirmed. They are made operational when a special commitment is issued on it by World Bank. Incoterms 2000 Incoterms means International Commercial Terms published by International Chambers of Commerce (ICC), Headquarter in Paris. Incoterms was created in 1936 by ICC to facilitate international trade by providing uniform interpretation of trade terms. Incoterms are regularly updated to keep pace with developments in international trade. The latest is incoterms 2000. The scope of incoterms is limited to rights & obligations of parties to contract of sales as it relates to delivery of tangible goods. For example under the C terms, the Seller fulfils his obligation upon the shipment of goods. Once the good are shipped by the seller, under the C terms the buyer is obliged to receive the goods. The following are the various incoterms Group E: Departure {text:list-item} Group E: Main Carriage unpaid {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Group C: Main Carriage Paid {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Group D: Arrival {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Terms of Payment There are terms of payment for various contracts. Terms of payment are usually specified in the bidding document or request for proposal (RFP). Under a project financed by credit from the World Bank, the following terms shall apply as follows; Schedule 1-Plant & Equipment from Abroad text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Schedule 2-Plant & Equipment from Employers Country {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Schedule 3-Local Transportation {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Schedule 4-Installation Service {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} All payment must be made 45 days from submission of invo ice and invoice not paid more than 60 days will attract interest. Role of Project Manager and Contractors Representative: Project Manager The contractor must be notified of the Project Manager in writing. The Project Manager shall act and represent the employer at times during the validity of the contract. He shall give all instructions, notices, orders, certificates etc. He shall give approval and receives notices, instructions, information on behalf of the employer. Contractors Representative: The employer must be notified in writing with his CV attached. Contractor representative must be approved by employer. The contractors representative act and represent the contractor at all time during the validity of the contract, He received all instructions, notices, orders, certificates, approvals and communications. The contractor representative issues all notices, instructions, information and other communications on behalf of the contractor Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and Evaluation is an essentially part of contract administration. It is usually performed by project manager. Project Manager approves all designs and drawings for supply & installations contract etc. The project manager inspects & issue acceptance certificate before shipment. Proper monitoring ensures potential disputes are averted Invoicing and Payments Contractors and employers are partners. The contractors have goods/services or works required by the employer while the contractor want money from the employer. Contract won under international competitive bidding process give world-wide, most competitive price to the employer. Issuance of invoices and demand for payment is an obligation of the contractor while the employer has responsibility to pay for goods delivered and or services and works performed by the contractor. The format of invoicing and works certification should be worked out early to avoid employment of penalty clause. Progress Meetings Progress meeting is necessary aspect of large and complex contracts which takes longer time to complete. Progress meetings are held at regular intervals. It is usually held to monitor the progress of the contract implementation. At such meeting contract implementation progress are discussed and compared with the contract implementation schedule. Implementation problems are also discussed with a view of solving them. The objective is to ensure that the contract will be completed with requisite quality, on time and within budget. Some identified Contract Administration Problems in Nigeria Institutional problems like contracts enforcement and prolonged court procedures are serious impediment to smooth contract administration. Other common contract administration problems are: Contracts entered into with parties having little understanding of the contract terms. Ccontracts’ seen as ways of dispensing favours. Therefore, little attention is paid to qualification. Contractors in some cases do not employ qualified personnel to manage and execute contracts. It usually takes unnecessarily long time to issue sufficient Bonds and Insurances for the execution of contracts, due to stringent conditions. Inadequate monitoring by employers also affects smooth contract implementation. A common contract administration problem that has become very visible especially in Nigeria Power Sector is losing out other partners in JV or Consortium agreement Delay in making payment to the contractors due to inadequate budgetary provisions Employment of unqualified or incompetent sub-contractors Delays in opening LC’s and extension of LC’s & Form M. Misapplication of proceeds of advance payment by contractors Di spute in the interpretation of contract terms Delay in issuing Duties and vat exemptions certificate conveyance Difficulties in clearing goods in the ports and the poor state of the nation infrastructure Inconsistency in government policies and corruption of government officials Avoiding Dispute in contract implementation The best dispute resolution method is not to have disputed at all. However, if there is a dispute direct negotiations between the parties at an early stage could be helpful. If no solution is found through direct negotiation, establish in a letter the facts of which constitute the breach of contract to focus the problem on the issue under dispute In United Kingdom an alternative dispute resolution technique called â€Å"partnering technique† is being employed. Partnering starts with a workshop usually during the kick off meeting where expectations of parties (contractor and employer) are discussed and harmonised. A partnering agreement or charter is signed by the parties. Employer and contractor are expected to encourage their staff to achieve the charter. In some cases the employer and the contractor share offices in the spirit of the partnering. Dispute Resolution Adjudication Once a dispute cannot be resolved mutually between the parties, it can be referred to adjudicator by either party in writing with a copy to the other party. The adjudicator shall give his decision in writing to both parties. The decision of the adjudicator is not final. The name of the adjudicator and his CV is usually included in the bidding document. If a bidder has problem with a suggested adjudicator, he must indicate so in writing and suggest another adjudicator which must be accepted by the employer. Arbitration If either of the party is dissatisfied with the decision of the adjudicator, the dissatisfied party can write to the arbitrator. Either party may give the other notice to commence arbitration. The ddecision of arbitration are final and binding on all parties Arbitration Courts The Court of Arbitration of International Chamber of Commerce (Paris) is the most popular arbitration institute in the World. Other are; London Court of Arbitration and Allied Professional Society The American Arbitration Association in United State of American Arbitration Institute of Stockholm Chamber of Commerce based in Sweden. United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) – UN International Centre for Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID)- WB Change Orders and Price Adjustments Contracts are base on plans, designs, specification and quantities which are best estimates. Field conditions, revisions to original plan could cause the scope of the contract to change. Revisions caused by changes in expectation and technology may require change order. A â€Å"change order† is request for a change in the scope of a contract. It may be requested by either party to a contract. A â€Å"change order† signed by all the parties have the same authority as the original contract. For contracts financed by World Bank, change order is applied to changes in contract that is more than 5% of the contract sum. Under the World Bank procurement system, contract which exceed 18 months period should have provision for price adjustment. Contract Close Out Contract close out begins when the contract has been physically complete, i. e. all services have been performed and products delivered. Close out is completed when all administrative actions have been completed, all disputes settled, and final payment have been made. Materials and equipment to be handed over properly receipted. Contract close out is as important as contract award and contract monitoring. A check list of all services, products, etc. to be delivered in the contract should be kept in the contract file. Governance: Fraud, Corruption & Conflict of Interest Conflict of interest refers to a situation in which procurement official evaluate tenders involving companies in which they have direct or indirect interest. Fraud on the other hand includes misrepresentation or omission of facts to influence a procurement process or the execution of contract. It also includes collusion among bidders. corruption include offering, giving, receiving or soliciting directly or indirectly of anything of value to influence the action of a public official in the procurement process or contract execution. Governance: Identification of Corruption Some â€Å"red flags† in procurement process that indicate possibility of corruption include the following: Poor record keeping Deviations from procedures without written justification Poorly defined roles/responsibilities Absence of good internal control system â€Å"Red flags† can be exhibited by individuals involve in procurement and contract administration as follows: Extravagant lifestyle Excessive interaction with supplier(s) and contractors Too much secrecy Reluctance to delegate duties Keeping contact with certain suppliers exclusively Some â€Å"red flags† in a particular procuring entity are: Always the same suppliers competing & wining Reluctance of established supplier and contractors to bid for contracts in an entity Some â€Å"red flags† in contract administration Excessive cost overruns Excessive numbers of change orders (increasing cost) Payment of frivolous claims Governance: Corruption Contributing Factors& Known Signals Lack of competitive environment Lack of trained & competent procurement staff Widespread lack of trust & job security Permissive environment (no sanctions after established cases of fraud and corruption) Lack of good mechanism for handling protest & delays Known signals {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Case Study Case 1 An employer invited bid for the supply of one X-ray machine for the main hospital for delivery one month ex-stock within 2 months of Letter of Credit. In the bidding document, bidders were asked to quote price on CIP capital city by air in US dollars. Bidders were provided 60 days to submit bids. Six bids were opened publicly. All except one bidder quoted the price as solicited. One bidder quoted the price in French Francs. In its evaluation the employer rejected the bid as it did not comply with the currency provision. The employer proposed to award the contract to the lowest bidder as all the other bid are responsive. The contract will be financed under a credit from World Bank and the rejected bidder protested to the World Bank on the ground that World Bank permitted bids from any member country and currency and his bid was in fact the lowest. What should the World Bank do and Why? Case 2 In an agricultural project, an employer presented papers relating to an advance procurement of two bulldozers for World Bank financing retroactively. The employer/borrower claimed to have followed the World Bank ICB procedures. On review, it was noted that the General Procurement Notice (GPN) and Specific Procurement Notice (SPN) were issued, adequate time provided for the bidding, there was good response and award had been made to the lowest bidder. The only short-coming was the bids were opened by a government committee without inviting the bidder representative. Is the process valid under this circumstance? Case 3 You are the chairman of public procurement administrative review commission. A project includes the procurement of 10 tracks Dozers and excavators to be procured under a single package. The specifications stated the tracks should be powered by an engine with a minimum of 175 horsepower (SAE) at a rated RPM. Firm A offered its dozers with a 165HP. In the evaluation the committee consider the deviation as minor and awarded the contract to Firm A. Firm B