A Scholar-Painter’s Diary: Response on the Contents of the Diary of Guo Bi

The necessity of ensuring that the upper-class men of ancient China were both trained in the various forms of the arts [i. e. poetry, painting, and calligraphy] as well as the duties involved in official service may be seen as a result of Chinese philosophy’s ethical realism. Ethical realism is the belief that there is a dynamic and relational association between man and the world and as such man’s duty is to follow the rational and ethical principle which will bring him into harmony with society and the universe (Mei, 1967, p. 150). This harmony however may only be achieved through the individual’s mastery of the arts since the arts are the manifestation of the spirit of conduct. The development of the virtue of conduct, along with the other virtues of righteousness, propriety, and wisdom necessitate the individual’s attention to continuous self-cultivation. Since self-cultivation entails the development of the virtue of conduct, it is thereby necessary for the individual to continually develop as well as manifest his virtue of conduct through the contemplation of art and nature as well the creation of his own art works. The manner in which an upper-class man develops his virtues through the arts is evident in the diary of Guo Bi. Providing a brief description of the events that occurred during his stay at Xinghua from the 12th day of the sixth month, 1309 to the 27th day of the same month in the same year, one notices that the main occupation of Guo Bi, along with his companions, involves the production and contemplation of artworks and the contemplation of nature while drinking wine. During this period, Guo Bi was able to produce ‘twenty wine poems’, ‘a picture of an impressive stone’, ‘a calligraphy scroll’, ‘a picture of orchids’, ‘calligraphy and bamboo drawings’ as well as a calligraphy inspired poem (Ebrey, 1993, p. 199). In the course of his stay in the region, one notices that the various art works mentioned above were used as a means of showing gratitude towards the individual visited by Guo Bi. Artworks, in this sense, may be seen as the material manifestation of conduct towards other individuals in Chinese society during that period.

What Makes Us Human

Anthropologists say that we are humans because of evolution. The portion of DNA that is responsible for the structure of proteins is 99. 4% common in humans and chimpanzees. Anthropologists say that we are humans because of evolution. The portion of DNA that is responsible for the structure of proteins is 99. 4% common in humans and chimpanzees. The dictionary says that human beings are individuals of the genus Homo, or more specifically, Homo sapiens. That only answers the anthropological aspect of what makes us human.Paul Bae also takes the anthropological stance on humankind saying that â€Å"Changes caused by evolution and time make us human. † When asked what separates humans from animals, he replied saying â€Å"human minds are more developed than animals, allowing humans to be at the top of the food chain. † Psychologists say a distinctive quality in humans is the cognitive process. The cognitive process is a demonstration of the central ability humans possess th at define us. More simply, it is our ability to think and make decisions. The brain plays the most crucial part in the cognitive process.The part of the brain that differentiates the human brain from brains of other species’ is the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex controls senses, thoughts, language and memory. The brain plays the most crucial part in the cognitive process. The part of the brain that differentiates the human brain from brains of other species’ is the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex controls senses, thoughts, language and memory. Aaron Marentette agrees with psychologists and says â€Å"The thing that makes us humans is our ability to make smart choices and just choices in general. When he was asked the question of what difference there is between humans and animals, he responded, saying â€Å"The difference is that we have undergone evolution and therefore, have become more civil. † Finally, sociologists say that the factor that makes humans human is culture. Culture is simply the ideas, abilities, and behaviours people have acquired to become members of society. Culture is always evolving in society and the world and it mainly unique to the human species. Above: Culture plays a huge part in shaping humans.Culture affects how we treat each other and interact. Above: Culture plays a huge part in shaping humans. Culture affects how we treat each other and interact. Below: Culture is specific to humans. Animals indicate SOME aspects of culture but it is ingrained by genetic programming. Humans can change their environment and pass the changes onto their children. Below: Culture is specific to humans. Animals indicate SOME aspects of culture but it is ingrained by genetic programming. Humans can change their environment and pass the changes onto their children.Max Nascimento believes that we are human because â€Å"humans have free will and have the ability to conquer anything we envision. † His thoughts on th e variation between humans and animals are that â€Å"animals walk on four legs, act on instinct, and don’t have a conscience. † All three answers to what makes us human are correct. Evolution made us human through changes in DNA. The cognitive process made us human through our ability to problem solve and think. And finally culture shaped us into the social beings we are. They are all factors that affect humans and differentiate us from any other living species on this planet.

Alice walker in search of the garden Essay Example for Free

Alice walker in search of the garden Essay Alice Walker (58) , Diaspora (5) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints lice Walker’s essay, In Search of Our Mother’s Garden, talks about her search of the African American women’s suppressed talent, of the artistic skills and talents that they lost because of slavery and a forced way of life. Walker builds up her arguments from historical events as well as the collective experiences of African Americans, including her own. She uses these experiences to back up her arguments formed from recollections of various African American characters and events. Walker points out that a great part of her mother’s and grandmothers’ lives have been suppressed because of their sad, dark pasts. But all of these are not lost because somehow, these are manifested in even the smallest things that they do, and that they were also able to pass it down to the very people that they loved. Our search of our mother’s garden may end back to ourselves. Walker builds up her argument by mentioning the experiences of other people in the essay. One of them is Jean Toomer, a poet in the early 1920s. He is a man who observed that Black women are unique because they possessed intense spirituality in them, even though their bodies endure every aspect of punishment in every single day of their lives. They were in the strictest sense Saints – crazy, pitiful saints. Walker points out that without a doubt, our mothers and grandmothers belong to this type of people. By building up on the observations of Toomer, she was somehow able to show how hard it was to be a mother or a grandmother or even just a woman at that time, one reason perhaps is that they are black. The mothers and grandmothers at that time endured all of this without any hope that tomorrow will be different, be better. Because of this, they were not able to fully express themselves. They were held back by their society. Another black character that she used to build her argument is Phillis Wheatley, a Black slave girl with a precarious health. Phillis is a poet and a writer at her own right, but unfortunately, she wasn’t able to do much with it because she was a slave. She didn’t have anything for herself, worse, she didn’t even own herself. Her futile attempts for self expression would be washed up by forced labor and pregnancies. She lost her health, and eventually her life without fully expressing herself through her gift for poetry. Alice Walker used the story of Phillis to establish the understanding that indeed, African American women at that time were not allowed or didn’t have the luxury of time to exercise their gifts, to hone their talents and abilities, and use them to fully express themselves. By doing so, Walker proves that our mothers and grandmothers lived a boxed life back then, with no way to channel to them emotions and thoughts other than hard labor and forced servitude. She pointed out that we wouldn’t know if anyone of them would’ve bloomed to be poets, singers, actresses, because they never really had the chance to know what they can do. By building up her argument using these two accounts, she is also presenting very strong evidence to her claim. These accounts were personal experiences of real African American people, and these are not just isolated cases. These are shared experiences not just by these two but by all of their people. Walker can confidently say that there is a lot of Phillis Wheatley in those times, perhaps including her mother and grandmothers. This is concrete evidence because it is not fictional, it is not imaginary, or something conceived out of Walker’s creativity. Slavery, forced pregnancies, poverty, and artistic suppression were the realities during the time of our grandmothers. No one can deny this, and no one can deny the existence of Phillis or the accounts of Jean Toomer. Considering Alice Walker’s authority in her arguments, she could be considered as an expert, a reliable source of information on the topic. First off, she is an African American woman, who had her fair share of poverty in her childhood. She was born and raised by hardworking parents, who really had to work day and night to provide for their family. Also, she witnesses first hand that even though her mother may not be a poet or a novelist; she was an artist in the truest sense. Her artistic side is manifested in her gardens and the beautiful flowers that she grows. Alice Walker witnessed all of this, experienced first hand what it was like to be poor and seemingly talentless. The accounts that Alice Walker used to prove her points and back up her arguments were African American history that she was all too familiar with. It may have been shared to her by her families, or simply a collective knowledge passed down from one generation to another. She is also well-educated, a wide reader, and an artist. She often cites Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, relating a white woman’s plight to a black woman’s hardships. She emphasizes that even though she recognizes Woolf’s point about society’s unfair treatment to women of her time, Walker still believes that black women suffered the most (Walker). There is simply nothing that could compare to the artistic suppression that her mother and grandmothers experienced. In this essay, she is appealing to a general audience, with no specific race or ethnicity. I think this essay was written to highlight the African American women of her mother and grandmother’s time, who were unable to express their talents and hone it to its full potential. This essay is written to inform anyone and everyone reading it about their stories, and of her discovery of her mother’s garden. She was glad to know that it is possible for African American women to express themselves even unknowingly, that it is up to us to discover these â€Å"gardens.† She is appealing to the readers in general that even though some people like our mothers and grandmothers seem talentless or artistically inferior, it doesn’t mean that they really lack the talent. It just means that were not looking hard enough to find it. Alice Walker’s method of using personal experience and historical accounts allow her to truthfully see and say what has really happened. She doesn’t have to make up hypothetical events because she already has a basis for her arguments. Jean Toomer’s recollections and Phillis Wheatley’s experiences are enough proof of her argument. If some people would disagree with what she’s saying, she can always go back to their experiences, to how Phillis suffered without fully using her gift, or what Toomer saw in the streets in the early Twenties. But because of this, I think Walker is somehow limited to the sad and pitiful stories of the past. Well, in reality, most of the stories of African Americans were really sad and pitiful, but still, Walker failed to mention of any successful artist who rose from the ranks of slaves to write her own story. It is either this kind of story really didn’t exist at that time, or Walker just didn’t mention it, since it wasn’t the focus of her essay. Alice Walker concluded her essay by saying that Phillis Wheatley’s mother was also an artist, and that the achievements of their daughters were in some way brought about by their mothers. Her conclusion states that the mother is somehow responsible in every achievement of their daughter. Any artistic output by a person is also a product of their mother. Indeed, their children are their best creations, their very own wonderful gardens. This conclusion is related to her method because it goes back to how Phillis Wheatley’s mother was somehow responsible for her daughter’s artistic sense, and that beyond the poverty and the hardships that our mothers and grandmothers experienced during their times, they were still able to artistically express themselves through their children, their very own wonderful gardens. Alice walker in search of the garden. (2016, May 13). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Environmental Policy Analysis Paper - Deforestation Research

Environmental Policy Analysis - Deforestation - Research Paper Example According to statistics, about 2-3 hectares of forestland is destroyed for agricultural purposes annually. In addition to the commercial use of the forest, ranching has also led to an increase in the deforestation process. Deforestation has also been due to livestock operations, which has led to increase in small-scale farming, since land devoted for annual crops production is converted to pasture due to low yields. According to Wood and Porro (25), the Brazilian Environmental Policy being discussed in this paper mainly addresses mechanisms for reducing deforestation without affecting economical development in the Amazon region. For example, the policy deals with introducing practices that would reduce deforestation through either slashing or burning. The economic and environmental impacts of the policy are mainly targeted on technological changes in the agricultural sector in the region. Some of the new technology would have both negative and positive effects on the environment as w ell as economical situation. This is because the new technology might emit gasses in the air and make many farmers lose their source of income. The policy also seeks to update the physical infrastructure in the region, and the effects of lower transportation costs would make the area more accessible (Wood and Porro 30). This would reduce costs by reducing transportation expense for transporting goods and people from one area to another. The other effect of the policy is reducing the macro-economic impact of shocks such as currency devaluation on the movement of agriculture in the region. Balancing environmental sustainability and reducing poverty levels is always a problem in any region, hence the need to identify a policy that would be able to provide basic needs without affecting or destroying the natural environment (Wood and Porro 39). This necessitates the provision of an alternative to slashing and burning for agriculture. Even though the government removed policies that advoc ated for land clearing, the rate of deforestation has not reduced in the area. Therefore, to mitigate the effects of deforestation there was a need to come up with a model that would facilitate the Brazilian economic policy changes and improve land tenure regimes in the region. The model would also ensure the adoption of new agricultural policies such as adoption of new farming tenure systems that would take into consideration growing of perennial crops rather than annual crops. In addition to the improvement of infrastructure in the region, the policy seeks to reduce currency devaluation and align it with the new system, and provide fiscal methods to reduce the rate of deforestation (Wood and Porro 45). Regulating the land tenure system is one of the best options for reducing deforestation since most instances of deforestation occurred in the hands of foresters who acquired informal land tenure. By introducing new land tenures, the government is reclaiming the land and removing the incentives for deforestation, which would effectively reduce deforestation by 23 percent per year. Advancement in agricultural development would play a vital role in agricultural advancement and reduce deforestation (Wood and Porro 46). Due to improvement in livestock production, the returns of agricultural activities would increase, which would in turn improve food security. However, in the long-run, deforestation would increase as

Cultural diversity in Modern China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cultural diversity in Modern China - Essay Example Communism is a political system where, property is owned communally and where economic, political, social systems are aimed at creating social order. Chinas Communist government views the introduction of new practices and cultures as a threat to this social order. Change is part of life, and human beings are supposed to adapt to change. It is necessary for the people of china to adapt to the new world. For example, there is no political tolerance. The people political views are not considered by the government, and any sign of a political struggle is met with a lot of hostility. In the 21st century, this should not be happening. If not changed, this grip of the nation by the communist government will result in the separation of the people of china behind. However, various factors are exposing the Chinese people to the entire world thus diversifying their life and cultural practices (Tienery 15). 1) The Olympics Participation of China in international sports has been a major factor in exposing Chinese people to different cultures. The fact that the government wants to ensure that the Republic of China is viewed as a leading power in every aspect of life, it allows the country to participate in almost all international sports events. These events include the Olympics, world cups and athletics competitions. According to the United Nations Office for Sport Development and Peace (UNOSDP), sports activities promote cultural diversity since they incorporate fair play, teamwork, respecting opponents, and self discipline as values of good sportsmanship (Nauright & Parrish 11). Through international sport events like the Olympics, the Chinese people have been exposed to different cultures. This is through interactions directly in the games by the players with other participants from the other countries. The players interact with other participants in the Olympics where they learn about new things, which they take back home introducing them to other people. For example, p layers take back home eating habits that they have learnt from the country where the Olympic Games are being held. Another way that sports activities promote cultural diversity in China is through the interaction of fans from china and those from other countries. While supporting their country in the Olympic Games, Chinese people get to know about different cultures as they talk with fans from other countries. Here, they form strong friendships and bonds where they teach each other about their cultures. On learning these cultures, Chinese fans go back home and spread the new cultures where people assimilate them. For example, the mode of dressing among Chinese people has changed through interaction with others during Olympic Games and other Spots events 2) The Tibet Movement This is a movement that struggles to fight for the political and economic independence of Tibet. Tibet is a region which is included as a territory of the Republic of China. The movement strives at achieving tot al separation from the Republic of China. The movement is supported internationally mainly the United States of America (USA), India, and a number f countries in Europe. For example, the International Tibet Independence movement is an organization that supports this movement. It was formed in March 18th 1995 in the United States

The difference between a group and a team Essay

The difference between a group and a team - Essay Example A person who fails in individual assignments may shine excellently in a group or team under the leadership of a leader. Group and team have some basic differences in their formation, functioning and objectives. In a team work all the members have equal responsibility in completing the project successfully. For example, in a marketing team of an organization, each member of the team has equal responsibility is achieving the target. They cannot put the blame entirely on the team leaders for their failures. On the other hand all the group activities are controlled and directed by a group leader and hence the group leader has more responsibility than the members to attain the group objectives. A team usually consists of people having different skills. They may function better under a team compared to individual functioning. For example in a printing unit, the production team may consist of printers, helpers, designers, materials managers, delivery boys etc. Each member has different skills which will be utilized for the benefit of the company. Team objectives may fail if one or more members fail in their missions. For example, if the materials managers failed to procure the materials in time the production may be disturbed. If either the printer or the helper fails to execute their responsibilities properly, then also the production process may be affected. Group on the other hand consists of people having similar skills. For example, in an organization the accounts department may consist of 5 – 10 accountants under an accounts manager or financial controller. The accounts manager/ financial controller distribute the works to the group members and he is responsible for handling the entire finance matters of the company. In case of a financial problem, he cannot blame the group members since all of them work under the strict

Inclusion2 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Inclusion2 - Research Paper Example Inclusion as a â€Å"term and as a practice was initially introduced with reference to disability but now refers to a general practice of equality and an active effort to attempt to determine ways that children are not precluded from services and experiences due to their difference, including a disability.†1 Inclusion in the context of a Jewish Primary School draws into consideration the issue of the Jewish religion particulars, which requires a particular understanding and knowledge concerning said religion that not just anybody would be equipped to impart. Thus, to require inclusion that mandated the teaching of the Jewish religion may be beyond the requirements for inclusion in the laws expressed by the United States law makers. However, if we are considering just the disability of the child that happens to be Jewish, then they would be treated the same as any other child under the law as pertains to their disability. Why include children with disabilities in Jewish schools ? In the case of children that attend Jewish schools, there is a real good chance that those children live in a family that at least one of the parents practices the Jewish religion. ... Inclusion is a â€Å"means of assuring social justice for all students with the objective of ensuring a greater benefit to society as a whole.†2 Therefore, all teachers should aim to be an inclusive teacher with a classroom where â€Å"the full participation of all students in all aspects of schooling†3 is embraced and accomplished. Research has confirmed that â€Å"teachers who embody and promote inclusion have been shown to improve learning for all students, regardless of significant individual differences.†4 In a report that described the â€Å"first national study specifically designed to determine the near-term effects of day schools on the academic, social, and Jewish trajectories of former students during their college years. The study considers the impact of day schooling in a variety of areas including Jewish identity and connections to Jewish communal life, as well as social and academic integration into college. The study contextualizes the experience s of students from day schools through comparison with Jewish undergraduates from private and public school backgrounds. Although the findings suggest that day schools can do more to improve math and science learning and to address the needs of diverse learners, the report also validates that day schools provide top-notch preparation for a broad range of colleges and universities, including those that are the most selective.†5 So, it would appear that to allow for inclusion in such a powerfully impactful environment during the formative years, the long-term effects are greatly to be desired by all Jewish students, and by logical extension, especially for those Jewish students with

Jealous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot Essay

Jealous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot - Essay Example Nevertheless, these perfect couple tips and stories spread stereotypes in the society regarding men and women. In Robert Olen Butler’s story, Jealous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot, he tells a story about a relationship that doesn’t fit the typical stereotypes. Based on the typical relationship portrayed in the media, men typically have the power in a relationship when it comes to sexual freedom and emotional control, but in this story that isn’t the case because the stereotypical gender roles are switched. In order to critically assess the context of relationship and gender stereotypes, Soraya Chemaly’s reading Five Ways Sexual Assault is really about Entitlement will be parallel in discussion. It is quiet an evident fact that by pressurizing individuals to keep themselves within the boundaries with little education about the issues that may affect them is a resultant of rebellious behavior. It is the stereotypes within the society that had made critic al for relationships to grow mature. As per the article entitled Five Ways Sexual Assault is really about Entitlement, it becomes easier to understand that people follow practiced stereotypes that would end up in issues like assault with increasing rates. In most of the societies in the world, it is believed that men have the ability to have entitlement for every action that they do. In the historical periods of time, it had been noticed that gender discrimination was higher to an extent where females were not even allowed to express their perspectives. The author Robert Olen Butler has shown a very different image of women to the readers showing that if by chance women would switch their roles then it will be complicated for men to adjust to the issues of ego (Chemaly). If compared with the article written by Soraya, it rather comes to understanding that people who believe that by telling the victim to beware of actions that would have them involved in any assault have to think of better solutions. The increasing percentage of sexual assaults carried in college includes women to a higher percentage rather than men. It is rather due to the fact that it is an accepted behavior that women are supposedly a possession that allows men superiority. In other words, it is the element of respect that is clearly absent in the society. As suggested by Soraya, men need to be treated in such a way that they will respect women in return. The solution is to allow education to males who have been trained to act for entitlement (Chemaly). Women on their own part also have to play a very important role. The story of Jealous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot gives out a lesson to men and women that consideration given to a third party is not always for the sake of sexual desire. There are other relationships such as friendship that tends to bring two people in a formal way. As a matter of fact, the jealous husband (narrator in the story) thinks that his wife should only be entit led to him. Any discussion about other men should be ignored. By doing so, a man merely ends up running his own good time with his woman. The key is to get away with the feelings of entitlement. If one will be suspicious and not able to trust on his woman then it is more likely to experience that women will cheat on them (Butler). This clarifies the issues in hand that there is an avid need of understanding within relationships. The articles sending out

Toyota - The Rise of a Global Corporation Essay

Toyota - The Rise of a Global Corporation - Essay Example In this paper provides the answers to five questions of the case study Toyota: The Rise of a Global Corporation. 1. Toyota after the 1950’s when its production began to increase that it could not afford to follow the American model of manufacturing most parts in-house. The firm did not like the American model because it created numerous inefficiencies. Toyota decided that to follow a model of outsourcing work and keeping close relationships with its suppliers. Among the inefficiencies that Toyota identified from the American model that the company could avoid by outsourcing are: 1) high capital expenditures need to increase the manufacturing capacity to create components and parts, 2) reduce the risk by maintaining low manufacturing capacity in case of a slump in auto sales, 3) Ability to take advantage of lower labor costs of small firms (Hill, 2007). The company created the tight relationship with its suppliers. The company when a step further by investing between 20% to 40% stake in the operations of many of its suppliers. This allowed to company to work in alliance with the suppliers and implement its Kaban system with the suppliers to share information and minimize inventory stocks. The company practically eliminated the need for a buffer inventory count. Outsourcing in the 21st century has become a vital strategy in order to take full advantage of the globalization movement (Kotler, 2002) Some of the drawbacks of the system were the need to invest money in other companies. Another drawback of the system is that buying auto parts ends up raising the cost of the vehicle since the parts themselves is a cheaper alternative. 2. In 1981 the United States government put a strain on the capacity of Japanese auto manufacturers to import autos by establishing a voluntary import quota. The quota places a limit on the amount of auto import that could enter the US market. The agreement the Japanese government entered into limited the number of Japanese auto imports to 1,680,000 units per year (Copper, 2009)Â  

Current Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Current Crisis - Essay Example Congress, which continues to support a mortgage tax deduction that gives consumers a tax incentive to buy more expensive houses. Real estate agents, most of whom work for the sellers rather than the buyers and who earned higher commissions from selling more expensive homes etc’ (Bianco) The crisis is so deep that only the economic reform policies alone may not bring the desired results. Many economists believe that the current recession may continue longer than anticipated. President Obama has taken lot of measures (Obama program) to counter the current crisis which has been brought mixed reaction from the economic experts. This paper evaluates the criticism raised by CATO Institute, Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz and the support extended by Lawrence Summers to the Obama program. The American people’s changing life styles are one of the biggest factors for the current crisis. The greedy customers accepted the offers (loans) from the financial institutions with both hands. They have approached the banks for everything and the banks were ready to help them without even assessing their backgrounds or financial capabilities. The financial institutions miscalculated that the global economy will never exhaust and whatever the goods and services sold in the market will bring profit. Such irresponsible allocation of resources in the market was the main cause of the current problem. The banks have given more focus to the goods or services sold rather than the goods or services bought. In other words, they were more interested in selling of their services. They never thought too much about the returns against the services they provided. Once the balance between the services and goods sold and bought were destroyed, financial crisis came into exist. The banksâ⠂¬â„¢ decisions and behaviors with respect to lending were not based on the economic theory of supply and demand. The supply must not be

The NBL-Tools prototype Essay Example for Free

The NBL-Tools prototype Essay The NBL-Tools prototype is a groupware system which is basically designed and developed to support collaborative knowledge which can be used over the Internet as in the form of (TCP/IP) along with the usage of any HTML 3. 2 compliant WWW-browser such as Netscape Navigator 3 . NBL-Tools is considered to be truly a new-generation of networked learning programme, which eventually relies solely on recent achievements and accomplishments of cognitive research performed on educational practices and computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Over the period of time several models have been designed and development of NBL , It had been of a very great emphasis and with the help of this effect a special change has been performed to develop a meta-cognitive tool for structuring user activity. The NBL environment model comprises of a various modules that are designed with the sole aim to facilitate collaborative knowledge programmed which will be used future in university and vocational education institutes. NBL modules comprise and consist of:- WebTop (virtual desktop in the web), Knowledge Building module, Jam Session module, Library module and Administration module for tutors and also for system administrator. 1. General Technical Design of the NBL-Tools Server- The NBL-Tools is based on a three tier architecture in which the NBL software is further designed and distributed among three different servers which are commonly known as – The database server which allows a very important function i. e. allows the exchanging of information (the database and search engine), the application server that handles most of the logic in conjunction with the database server and lastly the WWW server that handles the backend WWW-processing and glues with itself the other servers together for the smooth functioning of the entire project. NBL software can also be accessed through the Internet (TCP/IP as already disscussed) with any HTML 3. 2 compliant browser commonly known as the Netscape Navigator 3. Some non-critical features can only be accessed by browsing with a JavaScript implementation. Hence it allows the users to work efficiently with the common information processing programs at their use producing for example, documents, graphics, video or www -links. The primary users of NBL is been done by the university students and people studying into service courses at various organizations at different levels. Internet accessibility with www –It follows that small groups working at different locations and in different time are able to coordinate their activities with the tools provided by the NBL. While associated with NBL students across the university get ample of opportunities to interact with each other either face to face or through video conferencing , simultaneously at the beginning of the secessions and at the mid term as well. The users are able to access the NBL-Tools from any place containing Internet connection and computer (or terminal) with standard WWW-browser: workplaces, homes, libraries, schools, university computer labs, Internet cafes, etc†¦ The end-user terminal may also be Set-top-box commonly known as Web-tv or palmtop (such as Nokia Communicator) with â€Å"www†-browser and Internet connection. To get acces to the main users need to use only one username and password to login which will enable them to access all courses running in the NBL environment. NBL users can uses only one centralized database for there implementation part and during every login session the students may take part in all courses involved and associated within it. 2. Inquiry Learning Process and the Modules of the NBL-Tools The effective usage of NBL- The tools happens to be inquiry learning process where all students and tutors can utilize the best of opportunity to share and distribute their existing knowledge with each other as it can be very much beneficial. The ideal module created for the NBL courses is an increasing spiral, which eventually helps the students in creating there own theories and knowledge aspects. Where In ideal situation these new theories will prove to be a new context and background for upcoming study course that will be used and performed across universities and educational institutions.. NBL-tools consist of several modules that are designed and developed to facilitate collaborative knowledge building and collaborative design work through a constructive programmed process. The modules are WebTop commonly known as virtual desktop in the web, Knowledge Building module, Jam Session module, Library module and Administration module for tutors and system administrator. 2. 1. The WebTop module The NBL -environment provides each and every user with there personal open desktop in the web (WebTop). The WebTop is used to store digital materials and these materials can also be shared with other students within the university. The WebTop also consist of an optional choice of sharing which enables the contains tools for leaving and sending messages such as stickies which is future used for collaborative evaluation and self-evaluation as well. It future also related to the deep principle. It is also required from the users while accessing or using the webtop into service students can add/create there personal files and folders, features like rename and removing the files from his or her own WebTop. Inside the folders the users may also create new sub-folders and add new files inside them. Students within the university can also visit each other WebTops and take copies of the files found over there which can also be used for future references. 2. 2. Knowledge Building module The Knowledge Building module is actually used for sharing the informations, topics concepts and programs that are been created or generated by the students . The online conferences based on discussions are guided by the Deep Principles decided together with the tutor and the students of the course. The Deep Principles redefines the context of concern. The discussion messages are added to the shared space and are future labelled by the users with different Categories of Inquiry. The tutor may select various kind of Categories of Inquiry for various kind of courses. Lets take for instance there focus ares of concers is more on design and art the Categories of Inquiry used in the FLE knowledge building such as: Design Task, Working Idea, Subordinate Problems, Deepening Knowledge, Comment, and Metacomment. The Categories of Inquiry eventully related the student with expert like problem solving research and design process by redirecting the students to produce their own knowledge objects. Categories of Inquiry Used in the NBL-Courses: The learning process aims at answering to all its related problems. The purpose of defining a problem is to explicate learning goals, to explain research interests and also to introduce the questions that are ultimately directing towards students inquiry. After critically viewing the present working theories and by introducing new deepening knowledge to the discussion new subordinate problems can also be incorporated. Working theory presents students with there own conceptions (hypothesis, theory, explanation, interpretation) about the problem at hand. A working theory is not necessarily well defined or articulated early in the inquiry process. However, it is crucial that the explication of working theory evolves during the process and working theory eventually become more refined and developed. In-depth Knowledge can over a period of time can also presents some scientific findings or other knowledge that the student have undergone. It brings to the discussion some new points of view otherwise helps the inquiry process to continue. It differs from the working theory as in that it represents the knowledge produced by others or authority/experts. It also gives a chance to both the Students and tutors to comment to the inquiry process, for example to that of someone elses working theory. It could also be clarified through a comment as to ask for clarification more thorough explanation and its opinion and so on. With the use of a comment message we can also provide help for other learners which can also be used in as a problem-solving process rather a problem itself. A comment should focuses on the inquiry process and its methods rather then discussing the process outcomes. Hence future it can be analyses with a Metacomment weather students and tutors can evaluate and that too to what extent, e. g. Is the process is progressing in the desired direction , have appropriate methods been used, and if yes how sharing of tasks and inquiry process is accomplished among the members of the learning community. In the summarized form the summary may aim at identifying a new Deep Principle or may reflect the views of the writer on the progression of the inquiry learning process. Using the Help-category tells that the user have, in his or her work, come across some difficulties where he/she needs guidance from others to be in a stage to proceed. The Jam Session module is a space for the collaborative construction of digital artifacts It helps the students in the dynamic development of a project by providing graphical representations of its phases. Students can also add in their own digital artifacts such as -pictures, videos, audio, text, software to the session and let other students continue and comment on the work in progress. 2. 4. NBL Library The NBL Library can be considered as a adaptive medium to publish and browse multimedia learning materials, in additional learning materials are saved into the NBL-database from which the tutor or teacher may first search and choose relevant clips and then publish them in the Library last but not the least work of the study groups will be saved to the NBL-database.

Jekyll and Hyde for Teacher Essay Example for Free

Jekyll and Hyde for Teacher Essay To begin with, both alter personas are of brutal and ferocious nature as they manifest disturbing evil intentions. Tyler Durden vandalizes property, craves annihilation, obliterates his own apartment, has full knowledge about all varieties of homemade explosives, and is brave enough to cause all kinds of chaos. Most prominently, Tyler, a follower of nihilism, founds â€Å"fight club†, a place for men to fight each other, feel alive, and ignite their inner rage. He expresses his nihilistic point of view in the following line: â€Å"It\s easy to cry when you realize that everyone you love will reject you or die. On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone will drop to zero.† Hyde, a detestable man in appearance, tramples a young girl on the street and is responsible for the terrifying murder of Danvers Carew. Hyde was described by a maid to be â€Å"stamping with his foot, brandishing the cane, and carrying on like a madman† at the murder scene. Even more terrifying is the satisfaction he feels for his violent actions, that Jekyll later confesses to. Furthermore, the various characters that encounter Hyde are said to feel a deep personal hatred for him. Many dark adjectives, such as â€Å"evil† and â€Å"detestable†, are repeatedly used to describe him. As the story progresses, both Jekyll and The Narrator realize that what their alter egos aim to achieve is not what they desire. This belated sense of realization comes when Hyde commits a murder and Jekyll progressively comes to the conclusion that he is beginning to transform into Hyde, involuntarily, without the potion. However, The Narrator’s realization comes at the end of the novel when he discovers that Tyler is his own alter ego, that takes over in his sleep. Additionally, he realizes that fight club members are accountable for all the buildings that are being wrecked and all the people that are being killed with Tyler’s orders. The narrator tries cleaning up after Tyler, however, Jekyll does not try to right Hyde’s mistakes. The Narrator tries defusing a bomb and preventing the chaos caused by Tyler’s orders by convincing the fight club members to stop. However, his plan ultimately fails as the members are previously ordered by Tyler to not answer any questions or let anyone stop them. At this point, both characters lose control over their mind and body and have to liberate themselves from their demonic alters. In order to achieve that, The Narrator asks Marla to help him stay awake, which is not a permanent solution. Jekyll forages for a specific type of chemical, that he requires to make his potion and get rid of Hyde. However, he fails to obtain this ingredient. By the end, both Jekyll and The Narrator opt to commit suicide to end their life and by extension the lives of Hyde and Tyler. The Narrator states that â€Å"To god, this looks like one man alone, holding a gun in his own mouth†¦I’m not killing myself, I yell. I’m killing Tyler.† This destructive violence could be ideally explained through the lens of psychoanalytic approach.

Literature Review Relating To Geothermal Energy

Literature Review Relating To Geothermal Energy The General Scheme of Geothermal Energy Development Bill 2010 is a publication by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources outlining details of the Geothermal Energy Development Bill which is being drafted. The Bill aims to provide a legislative framework for the vesting, licensing and regulation of geothermal energy. Publication is expected in July 2011. The Geothermal Energy Resource Map of Ireland report was commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and carried out by the CSA Group (now SLR Consulting Ireland) and was completed in July 2004. The report reviewed existing knowledge of geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland, identified potential resources of geothermal energy in Ireland, created geothermal models of Ireland and produced a series of geothermal maps of Ireland, reviewed the current status and utilisation of geothermal energy resources in Ireland, and provided strategic recommendations regarding future utilisation in the context of International Best Practice. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (2004)Â   The final output of this study, apart from the written report is a series of geothermal maps showing measured and modelled geothermal subsurface temperatures at various depths ranging from 100m to 5000m. This is useful for researchers, consultants and decision members interested in exploring geothermal potential at any location. Sutainable Energy Authority of Ireland (2004)Â   (Retrieved 8/11/2010) 2.2 The Kyoto Protocol 2.2.1 Global Warming and Climate Change Global Warming is the phenomenon whereby the earths surface temperature rises over time which causes climatic change. Global Warming is caused by the release of Green House Gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere thus creating what has become known as the greenhouse effect. The primary GHG is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) which contributes to global warming through the process of burning fossil fuels. 40% of all CO2 emissions are from power plants, 33% from motor vehicles, and 3.5% from aircraft. (http://globalwarming.com/2009/03/causes-of-global-warming/) (30/11/2010) 2.2.2 Introduction of the Kyoto Protocol The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty formed by the United Nations (UN) at its Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 with the objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. [1] Climate Lab http://climatelab.org/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change Retrieved 12/11/2010 The treaty provided for updates or protocols that set mandatory emission limits. The principle update is the Kyoto Protocol which was initially adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11th December 1997 and came into force on 16th February 2005. Under the Kyoto Protocol, participating Annex 1 countries (industrialised countries and member states of the European Union) agreed to commit themselves to a reduction of four greenhouse gas emissions of 5.2% collectively from 1991 levels. 188 states ratified the protocol including 37 industrialized countries. [2] UNFCCC http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php Retrieved 12/11/2010 One major obstacle for the establishment of the protocol was the refusal of the worlds largest CO2 emitter, the United States, to sign the treaty. The second major obstacle is that rapidly developing nations like China and India face no legal obligation to meet the limits set out to reduce their GHG emissions. China is the worlds second largest CO2 emitter. 2.2.3 Ireland and the Kyoto Protocol Ireland signed the Kyoto Protocol on 19th April 1998 and ratified it on 31st May 2002. [3] UNFCCC http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/status_of_ratification/items/2613.php Retrieved 12/11/2010 While the Kyoto Protocol required Annex 1 countries to reduce its GHG emissions by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012, the European Union wishing to show leadership in this area undertook to reduce emissions by 8% for the same period. Although an 8% reduction was sought across the EU, Irelands target was an increase of 13% in emissions based on 1990 levels which is the base year for Kyoto limits. This value reflects growth in the economy and expected future growth. This increase is compensated by bigger reductions in other countries. [4] Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEX) http://www.hkex.com.hk/consul/paper/cp200906dm_e.pdf Retrieved 12/11/2010 The National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) was published in October 2000 as a basis for government policy in relation to climate change. Its aim was to set Ireland on a pathway to reaching its targets in relation to the Kyoto Protocol. http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/ClimateChange/NationalClimateChangeStrategy/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,923,en.pdf Retrieved 20/12/2010 Irelands emissions peaked in 2001 at a time when Ireland was experiencing high employment, a strong economy, and further growth was anticipated. The years to follow showed reduction in emission levels yet the targets set out under the Kyoto Protocol remained what appeared to many to be an over ambitious target. 2002 showed that Ireland was 23% above emissions for 1990. In 2005 emission levels stood at 25% above base level. In 2004 and 2005, when it became apparent that more needed to be done to ensure Ireland met its targets, the government intensified its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The 2006 budget saw the introduction of excise relief for biofuels and the introduction of new building regulations to provide higher standards of energy conservation. [5] Irelands Pathway to Kyoto Compliance Review of the National Climate Change Strategy http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/ClimateChange/NationalClimateChangeStrategy/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1289,en.pdf Retrieved 12/11/2010 The National Climate Change Strategy 2007 2012 was published in order to show clearly the measures by which Ireland will meet its 2008 2012 commitment, to show how these measures will sustain post 2012, and to identify the areas in which further measures are being researched and developed to enable Ireland to meet its 2020 commitments. The report states that electricity generation from renewable sources provides the most effective way of reducing the contribution of power generation to Irelands greenhouse gas emissions. [6] National Climate Change Strategy 2007 -2012 http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Atmosphere/FileDownLoad,1861,en.pdf Retrieved 12/11/2010 The strategy shows the range of measures which have been developed that aim to reduce Irelands carbon dioxide equivalent by 17 million tonnes (Mt). With regard to electricity generation, the aim is 15% of energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2010 and 33% by 2020, biomass to contribute 30% of energy input at peat stations by 2015, support for combined heat and power projects, and formation of the National Ocean Energy Strategy. 2.2.3 Looking Beyond 2012 Steps have already been taken to introduce a new treaty to operate once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 15) agreed the Copenhagen Accord to the UNFCCC in December 2009. Whilst not legally binding, the Accord endorses the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol. 114 countries representing over 80% of global GHG emissions have agreed to the accord including Ireland. Many have concerns regarding the Accord because it is not legally binding and no legally binding replacement exists for the Kyoto Protocol, the Accord was drafted by just 5 countries, and the Accord sets no real targets to achieve emission reductions. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8423831.stm (23/12/2010) 2.2.4 The Stern Report The Stern Report on the Economics of Climate Change was published for the British Government in 2006 by economist Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham, Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics. The key message of the Stern Report is as follows: What is going to happen to the climate over the next 20-30 years has already been determined and is irreversible. Actions over the next 20-30 years will affect what happens in the decades to come. Climate change threatens the basic elements of life including access to water, food, health, land use and the environment. Stabilization of all GHGs at 550ppm is recommended. The costs of stablilizing the climate are significant (1% of global GDP) but manageable. Delay would be dangerous and much more expensive. Action demands and international response. The key actions outlines by Stern include: Increase in efficiency of energy use. Strict emission trading rules to support the transition to low carbon development paths. Extensive use of renewable and other low carbon technologies. Fivefold increase in low carbon technologies Research and Development. Reduction in deforestation. Freris, L Infield, D. (2008) Renewable Energy in Power Systems. West Sussex, UK: Wiley 2.3 EU Policy 2.3.1 General European countries generate more than 4000 GWh/year from geothermal sources predominantly in Italy, Iceland, Turkey and Russia. Direct use such as GSHP usage is however, much more widespread with usage in most European countries. http://ec.europa.eu/energy/library/geotherm.pdf (23/12/2010) High availability and low carbon emissions make geothermal energy one of the best prospects for influencing GHG emissions in Europe. The European Union has been one of the most consistent supporters of the Kyoto Protocol. Member states of the EU have made a commitment to be met by 2020 known as the 20-20-20 target. These are to reduce GHG emissions 20% below 1990 levels, ensure 20% of EUs energy comes from renewable sources, and ensure a 20% reduction in primary energy consumption compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency. These commitments were outlined following the need for a follow on from the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012. In 2005 renewable energy accounted for just 8.5% of energy consumed in the EU. The need to in4crease this figure is recognized by the EU and measures have been taken to encourage member states to expand their renewable energy production and to rely less on conventional carbon emitting energy production systems. Europe is also at the front of cutting edge new geothermal energy research with an ongoing European Hot Dry Rock (HDR) project at Soultz-sous-Forets in France which is supported by the EU. 2.3.2 Blue Book on Geothermal Resources The EU published its Blue Book on Geothermal Resources in 2002 in order to identify a series of measures which could promote the use of geothermal energy sources across the EU. The publication corresponded with the need for Europe to expand on renewable energy sources in order to meet its targets of 12% by 2010. The publication acknowledges that expanding use of geothermal resources will show a significant reduction to CO2 emissions and thus help make Kyoto targets more achievable. A geothermal energy generation plant produces on average just 136 g/kWh of CO2 compared to 1042 g/kWh for a typical coal fired power plant. The report recommends that the EU increase the exploitation of geothermal energy in the EU and associated countries and to support European firms within the sector to improve their share of the world market. The Blue Book outlines 12 measures the EU proposed to take to enhance the usage of geothermal technologies in Europe as follows: To stimulate the creation of European consortia and joint ventures among different subjects interested in investing in geothermal projects in Europe and abroad. To favour National Geothermal Associations and the European branch of the International Geothermal Association (IGA). To support the newly created European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC). The maintenance and improvement of the EUs existing research and financing programmes. To promote the environmental benefits of geothermal energy through favourable financing conditions such as tax exemptions or reductions, tax incentives, financial incentives for end users, loans and special interest rates for investment in RE resources. Geothermal energy should be included in specific target projects and demonstration projects both as an environmentally friendly resource and as an indigenous energy supply for saving imported fossil fuels. To establish an insurance system for EU countries in order to cover the geological risk. Implement proper actions devoted to the systematic integration of geothermal energy into existing and new EU and national RE development programmes. Promote directives in order to acknowledge RE investments (including geothermal) with an extra price or a contribution for the KWhe/KWht produced which corresponds to the external benefit derived from the substitution of conventional energy sources. Increase the use of information brochures and actions of the Multi-energy type, with the objective of increasing the level of information and confidence of using geothermal energy by decision-makers, private and public operators, town planners, designers, even within EU programmes. Promote a detailed study for the evaluation, in quantitative terms of the external benefits from substitution by geothermal applications. Considering the good development perspectives of this application, special attention could be devoted to the promotion and support for the GSHP market. 2.3.3 Energy 2020 Energy 2020 A strategy for competitive, sustainable, and secure energy was published by the European Commission on 10th November 2010. It sets out ambitious targets for member states with regards to energy. Known as the 20-20-20 policy, member states are required to: Reduce GHG emissions by 20%, rising to 30% provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and economically more advanced developing countries contributing adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities. Increase the share of renewable energy to 20% Make a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. There is also an ambitious target of 80 95% emission cuts by 2050 amongst EU and other industrialized countries. These targets are fully supported by the European Parliament. The commission proposes to focus its initiatives on the traffic and building sectors which it believes provide the biggest potential for energy savings and to provide investment incentives and financial instruments to promote energy reductions. 2.4 Irish Policy 2.4.1 General Irelands policy regarding energy and renewable energy is largely based upon meeting targets set out under both the Kyoto Protocol and the European Commissions 2020 energy targets. A White Paper released in March 2007 sets out the Governments Energy Policy for 2007 2020 which includes reaching 15% of energy produced from renewable sources by 2010 and 33% by 2020. To date, progress has been made mainly due to the wind energy sector. Since 2006, Ireland introduced a feed in tariff which pays a fixed rate for energy input to the national grid from renewable sources. 2.4.2 The REFIT Scheme Between 1995 and 2003 Ireland operated a tender or Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) scheme to promote RES-E. This scheme was replaced in 2006 when Ireland introduced the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) as a major instrument towards encouraging expansion of the RES-E sector in Ireland. The scheme financially rewards input into the national electricity grid from renewable sources outlined in table x.x below. As part of the scheme there is a 15 year guarantee which aims to provide investor security. Geothermal energy is not currently included in the REFIT programme which is one major obstacle to the growth of the geothermal electricity generation sector in Ireland. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2010) outlines plans to extend the scheme to include Anaerobic Digestion/High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) biomass technologies, ocean (wave and tidal) energy and offshore wind. 2.4.2 Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland Building on the energy Green Paper and related consultation process conducted during 2006, the Irish government released a energy White Paper in March 2007 outlining the Irish Governments Energy Policy Framework 2007 2020 to deliver sustainable energy future for Ireland. Ireland faces similar energy challenges to those being confronted worldwide. The document also reasserts Irelands prohibition of the use of Nuclear energy in Ireland on grounds of safety fears, security, economic feasibility, and system operation. 2.4.3 Geothermal Energy Development Bill 2010 In a debate with The Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security on 16th September 2009, GT Energy who have since submitted a planning application to South Dublin County Council to develop a Geothermal Energy Plant at Newcastle, Co. Dublin, outlined their concerns regarding obstacles they faced with the existing legislative framework. They outlined that their investors and board of directors were uneasy with the lack of legislation and scope within planning regulations to allow for their proposed development. Arising from this debate and increasing pressure from other sources, the Department of Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources decided to draft the Geothermal Energy Development Bill 2010. The bill is currently in draft form and publication is expected in July 2011. The bill will allow for the licensing of companies to explore for and develop deep geothermal energy resources. Under the EU Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (2009/28/EC), Ireland is required to generate 16% of its gross energy consumption from renewable resources by 2020 and 12% of its heat consumption. As Ireland is currently highly dependent on the use of fossil fuels for energy production, it is vital that measures are taken to expand the use of available renewable energy options. Already, large scale hydroelectric and wind energy developments are operational, but further advances are needed. The move by the Irish Government to draft a Geothermal Energy Bill is another step towards regulation and legislating what could become another major large scale renewable energy production industry for Ireland. The need for the Bill is based on the feeling that Ireland lacks a comprehensive legal and regulatory that provides the allocation of ownership interests and ancillary rights in the resource. Third party interests were also not protected in a systematic manner and as a result, potential investors in the sector are deterred from making significant commitment in Ireland. The bill will be able to grant exploration and development licences for deep geothermal energy resources and regulate the ownership of resources, ancillary rights and the protection of third party interests. The Bill aims to pursue two main policy objectives by facilitating the development of large scale geothermal energy in order to increase its contribution to Irelands renewable energy targets and to avoid over regulation of small scale projects. The EU Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (2009/28/EC) has set a target that 16% of gross energy consumption in Ireland will need to come from renewable sources by 2020. The Directive recognises geothermal energy as one of the means by which this target can be met. The heat market in Ireland consumes approximately one third of primary energy supply and is very highly dependant on fossil fuels. Alternatives to fossil fuels for direct heating include biomass, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and geothermal energy. The introduction of this legislation is also based on the introduction of regulation and legislation in other countries. Sweden, for example, has inferior geothermal resources compared to Ireland, and yet its utilisation is much greater. This can be attributed to Swedens regulatory system which provides a solid licensing system and security for potential investors. Article 10.1 of the Constitution states that All natural resources, including the air and all forms of potential energy, within the jurisdiction of the Parliament and Government established by this Constitution and all royalties and franchises within that jurisdiction belong to the State subject to all estates and interests therein for the time being lawfully vested in any person or body. This in effect, gives ownership of the geothermal energy resource to the Irish State. 2.4.4 National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2010) The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2010) was published under the requirements of Article 4 of Directive 2009/28/EC on renewable energy. The plan sets out Irelands national targets for the share of renewable energy from different sources in 2020 and demonstrates how Ireland will meet its overall national target established under the Directive. Irelands overall target is to achieve 16% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 however, the government has set a target of 40%. Although ambitious, in the past Ireland has surpassed the target set undet the 2001 European RES-E Directive which required an increase from 3.6% RES-E in 2001 to 13.2% in 2010. In 2009, this target was already surpassed with Ireland achieving 14.4% RES-E. This increase is largely attributed to the development of onshore wind sources. In terms of transport, the plan outlines the governments two pronged strategy to increase the use of biofuels and accelerated development and use of electric vehicles in Ireland. A target of 10% of electric vehicles has been set for 2020. A target of 12% renewable heat by 2020 has also been set. Initial focus will be on biomass but geothermal resources will also be considered in due course. http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/C71495BB-DB3C-4FE9-A725-0C094FE19BCA/0/2010NREAP.pdf 2.5 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2.5.1 General The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), formerly the Irish Energy Centre, was set up by the government in 2002 with the mission to transform Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. The Geothermal Energy Resource Map of Ireland final report was published by SEAI in July 2004 along with resource mapping which was compiled following extensive testing and research carried out by The CSA Group. The report focuses mainly on the use of geothermal for heating purposed rather than electricity production. The report looks at historic use of geothermal energy in Ireland, current use, and possible future uses. It found that Ireland is particularly well suited for the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) as suitable temperatures for this technology can be found at relatively low depths. Various examples of current geothermal use in Ireland are outlined. 2.5.3 Geothermal Usage in Ireland to Date Ground Source Heat Pumps are the most common type of geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland to date with over a thousand domestic installations up to 2004. GSHP technology is examined in more detail in Chapter 3. Apart from domestic usage, geothermal energy usage is quite limited in Ireland with only a handful of installations in offices, universities etc. Tramore Civic Offices, Co. Waterford mains supply flows through a purpose built 500,000 litre reservoir. Some of this water is then piped through an open loop to a heat exchanger. The mains water transfers the heat but is kept separate to the heat exchange operation in order to keep it potable. UCC Art Museum uses drilled borehole technology with water rising at 20 litres/sec to 2 heat exchanging units to heat the 3 storey building. Mallow Swimming Pool, Co. Cork also uses a borehole to provide heat for the swimming pool. The water is approximately 19.5Â °c and is boosted by conventional means at the pool. 2.5.3 Geothermal Resource Mapping As part of their report, CSA also compiled a comprehensive set of maps showing Irelands geothermal properties at various locations and depths. In order to carry out the mapping, CSA embarked on a process to gather as much information as they could from exiting boreholes, from previous studies and from data available from Imperial College, London, Minerex, Tara Exploration etc. A database was formed consisting of borehole ID, co-ordinates, depth tested, basal temperature, surface temperature (assumed to be 10Â °c where not available), depth (20-100m intervals), temperature (20-100m intervals), geothermal gradient (20-100m intervals) and finally inflection point in the geothermal gradient profile, where applicable. 2.5.3 Geothermal at shallow depths (0-100m) The report finds that Ireland is particularly well suited for the exploitation of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) technology. GHSPs are heating systems that pump or transfer heat to or from the ground. These systems use the earths relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings. This technology is the most common use of geothermal energy in Ireland to date. Typically in Ireland, horizontal closed loop systems are used, positioned 0.6 1.0m below ground surface although often as deep as 2.0m. Soil temperatures in Ireland range from 10ËÅ ¡c 11ËÅ ¡c. (Aldwell and Burdon 1980) 2.5.4 Geothermal at medium to deep depths (100-5000m) One of the major limitations of this report in terms of its deep geothermal resource assessment is that there was only a very limited amount of deep geothermal data available on which assessment could be based. It is therefore, not possible to identify locations where good deep geothermal resources exist outside a few known locations. The results from the measurement and modelling of 98 boreholes as part of the study indicate that the best proven potential for medium and deep geothermal resources in the Republic of Ireland are in the northeast and northwest midlands where temperatures of up to 40Â °c 60Â °c are recorded at depths of 1000m. From the study it is also interpreted that at 2500m depth from surface there is potential for temperatures of 60Â °c generally north of the Limerick Dublin line with hot spots in the region of 80Â °c in Co. Clare, the east midlands and Co. Cavan. At 5000m depth values greater than 100Â °c are predicted north of the Limerick Dublin line. Figure x.x is the Lindal diagram which shows the applications for geothermal resources depending on temperature. http://www.gns.cri.nz/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/media/images/lindal-diagram2/31871-1-eng-GB/lindal-diagram.jpg

Justice in Platos Republic and Hobbes Leviathan Essay -- Politics Phi

One of the main concepts in both Plato's Republic and Hobbes' Leviathan is justice. For Plato, the goal of his Republic is to discover what justice is and to demonstrate that it is better than injustice. Plato does this by explaining justice in two different ways: through a city or polis and through an individual human beings soul. He uses justice in a city to reveal justice in an individual. For Hobbes, the term justice is used to explain the relationship between morality and self-interest. Hobbes explains justice in relation to obligations and self-preservation. This essay will analyze justice specifically in relation to the statement ? The fool hath said in his heart, there is no such thing as justice? Looking at Hobbes? reply to the fool will demonstrate that his main goal was to declare what people ought to do when interacting with others and what can be expected in return for that behaviour. By analyzing the Republic, it will be shown that Plato would most likely differ w ith the statement made by the fool because the main of premise the book in itself is to discover the definition of justice. To understand Hobbes? reply to the fool, one must first define justice according to Hobbes. He believes that justice is men performing their covenants made and the constant will of giving every man his own. A covenant is a part of a contract, or ?mutual transferring of right, in which at least one of the parties ?is to perform in time to come?. Hobbes maintains that it is never against reason to complete a covenant when man has the security that others will also perform covenants made with him. However, the problem that arises from forming covenants is that just because people enter into a covenant to perform some actio... ...ing so he also showed that there is such a thing a justice within a city as well as in an individual. Thus, Plato?s reply to the fool would be that indeed there is such a thing as justice. And justice is good because it benefits in this life as well as the next. Therefore, even though a man may wish to behave unjustly when he can, as with the myth of the ring of Gyges, behaving justly will have the most rewards. Both Plato and Hobbes present different views of justice in reply to the fool. Plato, claiming one should be just because it is good in itself, where as Hobbes claims being just is good for the pursuit of self-interest or preservation. Despite the difference of opinion on justice between the two philosophers, it is clear that the fool?s statement has been refuted. For there is such a thing as justice despite the differences in how the term is defined.

Blindness and Sight - Lack of Vision in Oedipus The King Essay

Blindness in Oedipus The King (Rex) What is sight? Is it just the ability to recognize one’s surroundings or is there more? Is it knowledge? Is it understanding? Can a blind man see? Can the sighted be blind? And beyond, when the truth is too terrible, do we choose not to see? The phrase "too see" has so very many connotations. One meaning is to know or to understand and the other is based on the physical aspects of things. As humans, we are distracted by the physical world, which causes us to be blinded by the most obvious of truths. Oedipus, the main character in Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex, could not see the truth, but the blind man, Teiresias, "saw" it plainly. Sophocles’ uses blindness as a motif in the play Oedipus Rex. Oedipus, known for his intelligence, is ignorant and therefore blind, to the truth about himself and his past. Yet, when Teiresias exposes the truth he is shunned. It is left to Oedipus to overcome his "blindness," rea... ...s the sight of Oedipus , it is by his own will. The blind man seer, Teiresias, could always "see" because he did not fear the truth, nor did he have reason to. Oedipus blind to the truth, brought darkness on his eyes when the truth is found. How ironic it seems, yet still the question lies unanswered, did Oedipus fear the horrible truth so much that he chose not to see it? Or was he really so oblivious, that the truth was revealed to him near the plays end for the first time? Blindness and Sight - Lack of Vision in Oedipus The King Essay Blindness in Oedipus The King (Rex) What is sight? Is it just the ability to recognize one’s surroundings or is there more? Is it knowledge? Is it understanding? Can a blind man see? Can the sighted be blind? And beyond, when the truth is too terrible, do we choose not to see? The phrase "too see" has so very many connotations. One meaning is to know or to understand and the other is based on the physical aspects of things. As humans, we are distracted by the physical world, which causes us to be blinded by the most obvious of truths. Oedipus, the main character in Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex, could not see the truth, but the blind man, Teiresias, "saw" it plainly. Sophocles’ uses blindness as a motif in the play Oedipus Rex. Oedipus, known for his intelligence, is ignorant and therefore blind, to the truth about himself and his past. Yet, when Teiresias exposes the truth he is shunned. It is left to Oedipus to overcome his "blindness," rea... ...s the sight of Oedipus , it is by his own will. The blind man seer, Teiresias, could always "see" because he did not fear the truth, nor did he have reason to. Oedipus blind to the truth, brought darkness on his eyes when the truth is found. How ironic it seems, yet still the question lies unanswered, did Oedipus fear the horrible truth so much that he chose not to see it? Or was he really so oblivious, that the truth was revealed to him near the plays end for the first time?

Essay --

I would like to present myself as a prospective candidate for Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering at Masdar Institute of science and technology. I graduated from NED University of Engineering and Technology as a Mechanical Engineer in December 2011. The reason I opted mechanical engineering was my inclination towards the subjects relating mechanics of solids. My interest in this field grew to such an extent that I became passionate of taking the knowledge gained in the classrooms to the next level and was successful in securing the final year project of â€Å"Designing of Pipeline for Refinery Effluent†, a real time industrial assignment of Pakistan Refinery Limited which is considered as one of the leading oil and gas companies in Pakistan. To secure such an industrial project, which not only needed research potential but also the aspect of understanding the dynamics involved in the industry, I prepared myself during my bachelors by participating in numerous projects and received multiple national awards for my work, as a leader and a member of team for the design and fabrication of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in DBFC (Design Build and Fly) organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). I was also selected for the renowned international competition Shell Eco Marathon Asia, to design an energy efficient car. These projects not only gave me hands-on experience in dealing with composites and testing my knowledge, they also gave me the chance to explore the field of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. Along with these notable competitions, I regularly took part in local engineering competitions and seminars to actively apply the knowledge I gained during my bachelors. Having done these mechanical ... ...ill help me in understanding the analytical techniques and instruments, while my software skills will assist me in handling the problems related to modeling and simulation. It will also enable me to execute the challenging tasks to the fullest of my abilities. I believe Masdar Institute is the perfect institute which provides the right blend of research and academics needed in the professional world and I am hopeful that this combination would prove to be an asset for me in the future to come. I envision a career in this field as a culmination of my interests and I would appreciate the opportunity to pursue this at Masdar. Admission in the master's program at this esteemed institute would be a milestone in my academic, professional and personal life and ambitions. If accepted, I will be dedicated to perform at a level that will make both the university and I proud.

History of Uganda Essay

In the year 1890 to 1926, the British government forged what is today the country called Uganda although they are not the initial unity negotiators in the country. The derivation of the name Uganda was from the kingdom of Buganda. This kingdom encompasses the southern portion which includes Kampala, its capital city. Prior to the unification of the country by the British, the country was under the control of the dynasty of the Bachwezi. These are the same people who had an influence upon Rwanda, the government of Tanzania as well as Congo in the period 1100 to 1600 AD (Akallo & Alford 38-40). Background Information about Uganda The nation of Uganda is an East African landlocked country which takes its name from the kingdom of the Buganda. This has the encompassing of the portion in the southern part of the nation which incorporates Kampala, its capital city. This East African country borders Kenya, Sudan, DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania. It is land locked and its southern side is made up of Lake Victoria where the borders to Kenya and Tanzania intersect (White 1-6). About the LRA The Lords Resistance Army is a guerrilla army of a sectarian type whose base is in the northern part of Uganda. The LRA emerged out of the wreckage of the Uganda National Liberation Army in 1986, and settled down by Joseph Kony in early 1987. The activities of the group include armed rebellion directed to the Ugandan government making it a major conflict in Africa as one of the longest-running conflicts LRA was involved in committing abuses as well as atrocities of high magnitude ranging from abduction, maiming, raping of the female, mass killing of the civilians and mostly the children. The movement also played a pivotal role in the destabilization of the northern region of Uganda operating from Sudan, which was their base. They also congregated in an eastern region in Congo called Bunia. They made links with Army for Liberation of Rwanda, the (ALIR) among other rebel groups (White 1-6). LRA came into being in 1987 for the purpose of engagement in the armed rebellion directed to the government of Uganda. This has been a major conflict in Africa. The leader of the group, Joseph Kony was in a position for self proclamation as Gods spokesman as well as a Holy Spirit medium. According to the belief of the Acholi, there is a possibility for diverse forms of manifestation by the Holy Spirit. This group holds to syncretistic blend involving the Christianity, the mysticism as well as Islam, the traditional religions in Uganda as well as witchcraft. The claims of the group are the establishment of theocratic state whose basis is the Ten Commandments in line with the tradition of the Acholi. This group has been a focus for accusations for the violation of human rights. This include actions of murder, forcing of the children to take part in the violent hostilities, their abduction and mutilation, sexual enslavement of the children as well as women The origin and history of the LRA The army is projected to contain two thousand members functioning in northern parts of Uganda as well as southern part of Sudan. The army has been propped by the nation of Sudan. Majority of its operations are based in the northern parts of Uganda although there is evidence of its operations in some regions in the DRC of Congo as well as Sudan (Akallo & Alford 38-40). Ideology of the LRA The LRA reportedly is responsible for the evocation of the nationalism of Acholi people on occasion, but majority of the observers have a negative feeling with regard to the sincerity of their activities. The motives behind the operations of the group are the overthrowing of the incumbent government of Uganda with the consequent replacement of the regime that will comply with the implementation of the Christianity brand of the group. In frequent occasions, the group is involved in the kidnapping as well as the assassination of the local civilians for the purpose of the discouragement of any foreign investment as well as the precipitation of the crisis in the government (Akallo & Alford 38-40). What the LRA have done The group terrorized the locals people, theft from villages, flaming huts, cruel mutilation of the villagers. Massacres and atrocities took place to people in many villages. Majority of those people were displaced from their homes and were forced by the circumstances to live in the caps where life was miserable. The access to food as well as medical care among other human necessities was difficult to obtain. The group abducted vulnerable children to make foot-soldiers this made them to forfeit their chances for schooling as well as the development of their social lives. The children were forced to kill people mainly the villagers, their family members or even friends. LRA killed over 200 people and kidnapped at least 20 children from villages over a three-day period in the past 20yrs. So far, The LRA has abducted over 20,000 children, forcing boys to fight as soldiers and girls to serve as sex or labor slaves. (United Nations) How the LRA affected the people’s lives in Uganda Many people in Uganda lost their home and lives. Children who were used to be child soldiers have been suffered in physical or emotional ways. LRA has been documented as having abducted above 60 000 children as well as youth in Uganda. In every three of the male adolescent, one of them has been abducted, while in every 6 of the female adolescent, one of them has been abducted. The young women as well as the girls of the origin of the Acholi as well as the Langi are used to perform some chores while in captivity for the rebels and their abductors. These include fetching water, cooking, carrying of supplies, cleaning for the commanders of the army. They also played the roles of forced wives to the group members and therefore the majorities were impregnated. Increasing HIV / AIDS rate The conflict of LRA has a great effect on the children due to escalating incidences of premature sex, premature marriages, defilements of great magnitudes, incidences of rape as well as sexual harassment. In the extreme of these situations the young girls as well as women who are the victims of the abduction are made wives to the rebels. This has an implication of exposure to HIV/AIDs. These young women upon being rescued from the rebels usually encounter difficult life situations leading to their involvement in prostitution. The same applies to those who have been displaced and resort to live in camps. This has also contributed to escalating cases of HIV/AIDs. This situation is common ion the northern region of Uganda (Gatwech 23-43). Uganda has seen one of the most effective national responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the African continent. According to the Uganda Aids Commission, so far, around 130,000 Ugandans are infected with the HIV virus every year. Over 1,000,000 (one million) citizens in the country of Uganda is the actual estimate subsisting with HIV, 520,000 of them being women while 110,000 of them are children (Gatwech 23-43). The lives of the ex-child soldiers were distorted by the effects of the involvement in the activities of the group. It was difficult for the children to go back to schools. Majority of the were in a situation that they needed some more chances in order to resume to normal life. This is because to the majority abduction took place at a stage that was early in life. The young soldiers greatly fear to take involvement in revenge as well as a chance of acceptance. Majority of the citizens consider these kids to be killers but the fact is that they are usually very good people (Gatwech 23-43). Conclusion and solutions In conclusion, to solve this internal conflict, the government is duty bound to conduct the development as well as the implementation of the most comprehensive strategy addressing issue of security, humanitarian action as well as political action. The army should be reformed as well as re-oriented which is only achievable through the provision of a path responsible for the negotiation and allow for the transition of the country to greater democracy. The life of the young children who took part in the conflict is at peril and the responsibility of their rehabilitation falls on the government. Works Cited Akallo, Grace. & Alford, Deann. â€Å"Survived Hell† Ignite Your Faith Vol. 65 Issue 8, p38-40 2007. Gatwech, Shame. â€Å"More victims of LRA rebels revealed in South Sudan† Sudan Tribune p23-43, 2009. White, C. Todd, â€Å"Uganda† Country Report p1-6, 6p, 2007

Branding and advertising Essay

In recent years there has been more of a shift towards more branding and advertising as opposed to focusing on product development, resulting in some companies having strong advertising campaigns coupled with a non-successful product. These observations lead to an important marketing theorem: Successful brands are built on successful products. The belief is that without great products, great brands could neither not exist nor withstand the competitive market. In a short paper, answer the following questions pertaining to the theorem. †¢Do you agree or disagree (partially or completely) with the theorem that successful brands are built on successful products? Why or why not? †¢Provide examples of brands and their products that a) prove the theorem and b) disprove the theorem. Explain your reasoning. †¢Why do so many companies appear fixated on branding rather than on ultimately developing successful products? In real terms, how would you as a marketing executive balance these two marketing forces? In recent years there has been more of a shift towards more branding and advertising as opposed to focusing on product development, resulting in some companies having strong advertising campaigns coupled with a non-successful product.

The Quality Gurus

The Quality Gurus The six Quality Gurus I have chosen to write about are Dr. Joseph Juran, Dr. W. Edwards Deming, Philip Crosby, Dr. Shigeo Shingo, Dr. Genichi Taguchi and Dr. Kaora Ishikawa. All of these people have made significant contributions to improving businesses, healthcare organizations, governments and countless other organizations. A guru is a good, wise person and a teacher above all else. This is coupled with these people with an approach to quality in business and life that has made a major and lasting effect on the way people of all types of businesses run their organizations. Dr. Joseph Juran Joseph Juran was born in Romania in 1904 but he moved to America when he was 8 years old. From the beginning of his career Juran worked in the quality profession. In 1951 he published his most recognised book â€Å"Juran’s Quality Control Handbook†. In 1952 he was invited to Japan to give some top level executive seminars which had a powerful and long lasting effect on Japanese businesses. Juran specialised in managing for quality. One of Juran’s main philosophies was his famous â€Å"Quality Trilogy†. This trilogy is composed of three managerial processes; planning, control and improvement. Quality planning is composed of establishing quality goals, identifying the customer, determining the customer’s needs, developing processes that are able to produce products that respond to customer’s needs, establishing process controls and transferring them to the operating forces. Quality control consists of evaluating actual quality performance, comparing this to performance goals, and trying to resolve the differences. Quality improvement encompasses establishing the infrastructure needed quality improvement, identifying the improvement projects, establishing a project team and providing the team with the resources training and motivation needed to implement the improvements. Joseph Juran came up with the ten steps to quality improvement 1)Build awareness of the need to improve 2)Set goals for that improvement 3)Create plans to reach the goals 4)Provide training 5)Conduct projects to solve problems )Report on progress 7)Give recognition for success 8)Communicate results 9)Keep score 10)Maintain momentum Juran has a practical approach to quality. His goal is to reduce the cost of quality. He identifies four costs associated with quality. These are internal costs (defects found before shipping), external costs (defects found after shipping), appraisal costs (inspection, compliance auditing and investigations) and prevention costs (stopping defects occurring in the first place). Juran believes that management should reduce these internal and external defect costs to the point where costs incurred from extra appraisal and prevention measurses would not be covered by the savings from reduced defects. Juran believes that this will reduce the cost of quality to the minimum without imposing unrealistic goals of zero defects. Dr. W. Edwards Deming W. Edwards Deming was born in America in 1900. He is best remembered for his work in Japan where he taught statistical methods to Japanese management to help them to improve the quality of their products. He is widely regarded as the person who played a major part in revolutionising Japanese quality systems. Deming worked closely with Ford in Japan and his systematic approach to quality brought such huge improvements in quality that soon Fords that were produced in Japan were in much higher demand than US built Fords, even though they were producing identical products. Deming later went on to be an industry consult throughout the word until his death at the age of 93. Deming believed that management were responsible for over 90% of quality problems and so he placed great importance on management. He came up with the 7 deadly diseases which he believed significantly contributed to a lack of quality. These â€Å"diseases† were short term planning promoting fear in the workplace, overly focusing on profits and figures, and excessive costs. To counter act these 7 diseases Deming developed the 14 points for managing which has since been studied and followed the world over. 1)To create a consistency of purpose towards improvement. 2)Learn and adopt the new philosophy. 3)Design and build in quality so as to cease dependence on inspection. 4)Minimise costs through better quality. )Continuously improve production systems through management. 6)More on the training for employees will decrease defects. 7)Show management and supervisors to be leaders. 8)Reduce levels of fear amongst employees so that everyone can contribute effectively. 9)Encourage cooperation and communication between different ares. 10)Eliminate slogans that are based solely at the workforce and targets that ask for unrealistic levels of defects and productivity. 11)Increase supervisors focus to quality rather than quantity. Foster greater employee pride in their work. 2)Get rid of barriers that don’t foster management pride in the workplace. 13)Bring in programmes for self improvement. 14)Get everybody in the organisation to work from top to bottom to accomplish the transformation. Deming developed the Deming Cycle or the PDCA(plan, do, check, act,) cycle. This is a systematic approach to problem solving with the idea being to constantly improve. The cycle is about learning what works and what doesn’t work and then repeating the cycle all over again. This also encourages improvements in small increments which gives employees time in accept it and support it. Demings approach to quality was very customer focused. Anything that does not add value for the customer is not a quality feature. Deming sees everyone involved in building the product as a supplier, a process and a customer. Perhaps his greatest contribution was to show the importance of culture and employee attitudes when trying to create a quality based organisation. Dr. Shigeo Shingo Shigeo Shingo was born in Japan in 1909. He qualified as an industrial engineer and went on to become one the leading experts on improving manufacturing processes. He is best known for his work with Toyota where he developed his just- in- time (JIT) manufacturing methods. He was the inventor of the single minute exchange of die (SMED) system which drastically reduced set up times. He is perhaps best known for inventing the Poka-Yoke system (Mistake proofing system). In poka-yoke Shingo makes the distinction between errors and defects. Poka-yoke tries to stop errors becoming defects. In poka-yoke process are stopped as soon as errors occur. The source of the error is then identified and steps are put in place so that the error does not happen again. With this mistake proofing system Shingo strives to reach zero quality control where mistakes are eliminated completely. Poka-yoke also introduces check lists as Shingo believes that it is inevitable that humans will forget things and make mistakes. Shingo’s single minute exchange of die is a process that allows quick changeover between products. This allows a huge reduction in set up times which allows for production of small batches of products with very little disruption. Shingo’s JIT production keeps companies inventory levels low by only producing what the customer wants when they want it. This greatly helped companies to reduce costs associated with inventories. In my workplace in a medical device company there are signs of Shigeo Shingo’s influence everywhere. Shingo’s poka-yoke system is used on the manufacturing line to prevent errors from reoccurring. Defects are examined at the point of the defect and the source of the defect is determined. Preventative action is then put in place if possible to prevent this same defect occurring again. Check lists are put in place at every point of work to prevent mistakes from occurring. SMED systems are also used widely in my work. Materials, machines and process are kept as similar as possible so as to reduce set up times so that we can produce big or small batches with minimal disruption. Philip Crosby Philip Crosby was born in Florida in 1926. He was the quality control manager at the Martin Company, Florida which is where he initiated his zero defects program. Crosby had an aim to change the attitude of top level management about quality. He made quality more measurable as a cost and in doing so he could show the true expense of doing things wrong. Crosby’s most famous concepts were his â€Å"zero defects† and â€Å"quality is free† concepts. These theories were backed up by Crosby’s Four Absolutes of Quality Management. 1)Quality means conformance to requirements 2)Prevention, rather than appraisal should be the system for achieving quality 3)Zero defects should be the standard of conformance 4)Quality should be measured by the cost of non conformance. These Four Absolutes of Quality Management are supported by Crosby’s 14 steps of quality improvement. These steps are there to show that management is committed to quality. There should be quality improvement teams put in place to determine where problems lie. The cost of quality should be evaluated and awareness of quality should be heightened. Corrective action should be put in place and the situation should be monitored. Encourage individual improvement and get employees more involved in quality feedback. People who actively participate in quality improvement should be recognised. These steps should be continuously enforced to show that quality is never ending. Crosby introduced the â€Å"Crosby Vaccine † as a preventative measure for poor quality for management. It is split into 5 sections which covers TQM. These sections are Integrity, Systems, Communication, Operations and Pride. In my work in the medical device industry I can see the influence of Philip Crosby. The four absolutes of quality management are enforced every day. Conformance to requirements is of the foremost importance on the production line. Steps are enforced to prevent mistakes from happening reather than dealing with them when they happen. There is a policy of zero defects which the company tries to communicate to the employees. As we as all this I can see that the company makes huge efforts to get all employees involved in making suggestions to improve quality throughout the company by introducing schemes such as the â€Å"My Ideas† scheme. Here, employees can submit ideas on how to improve quality and they can be rewarded and acknowledged for their efforts. Dr. Genichi Taguchi Genichi Taguchi was born in Japan in 1924. Taguchi used statistics to improve the quality of manufactured goods. Taguchi emphasises putting the quality back into the design of products before they are manufactured. He believes that products should be robust. Taguchi breaks down design into three phases, system design, parameter design and tolerance design. This allows designers to find the optimum settings to produce a product that can survive manufacturing every time and produce products that always conform to specification. The system design is basically the idea of the design, deciding what you want it to be able to do. The parameter design is where nominal values are defined for parameters so as to minimise variation in manufacturing. The tolerance design shows the effect that the parameters have on the products performance. Taguchi also introduced many different methods for analysing results of experiments such as â€Å"analyses of variance† and â€Å"minute analyses†. Although some of Taguchi’s statistical methods are disputed, he has been very influential in improving manufacturing quality worldwide. Dr. Kaora Ishikawa Kaoru Ishikawa was born in Japan in 1915. He is best known for the cause and effect diagram that is used in the analyses of industrial processes. Ishikawa believes that all employees have a greater role to play and without this we are limiting the potential for improvement. Ishikawa introduced â€Å"quality circles† and had a big emphasis on the †internal customer. † References: http://0-web. ebscohost. com. library. itsligo. ie – A Framework for Comparison, Ghobadian, Abby, Speller, Simon http://www. businessballs. com/dtiresources/quality_management_gurus_theories. pdf -The Original Quality Gurus, DTI. gov. uk http://www. enotes. com/management-encyclopedia/quality-gurus -Encyclopedia of Management, Mildred Golden Pryor http://www. qualitygurus. com http://www. skymark. com -W. Edwards Deming – The Father of Quality Evolution