1. Individualism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

1. Individualism - Essay Example Additionally, the process of decision-making must be such that it follows a universal rationality approach. Systemic rationality refers to the occurrences of the majority as defined by traditions, fiscal prices, communal norms, and customs, all of which cause free men to develop things that are superior to their understanding (Hayek 7-8). The implication is that true individualism values ordinary efforts by community or group, and family. Conversely, Hayek (22) the understanding of individuals is done best through separating them from the shared processes since the society and the individuals exist autonomous of each other. According to Hayek, the assumption is that individuals are strictly rational (10) and in order to participate in social processes, individuals are expected to readily and willingly adjust to alterations and remain submissive to standards that are beyond knowledgeable design (22). Additionally, false individualism disregards collaboration and the joint efforts of small groups to acknowledge coercive rules forced by states as responsible for establishing social ties. In this case, the state liberates individuals from forceful powers imposed on them by small groups. Rene Descartes and John Stuart Mill among others expressed this view. Hayek, however, warns that the individual has to be free in order for the society to be greater than the individual, but provided man is controlled and directed, the individual greater than the society (Hayek

Compares and contrasts formative, summative, and confirmative Research Paper

Compares and contrasts formative, summative, and confirmative evaluation in the instructional design process - Research Paper Example Here, the clarity, impact and feasibility of the message and the instruction are determined. In the small group evaluation, the entire group is handed similar feedback based on grouped outcome of the successes or difficulties. This effectively addresses the instruction rather than the learners. In the field trial evaluation, the instructor uses the design and course materials already modified twice to present a full-scale instructional session. Challenges with formative evaluation are often found in feasibility matters. Students’ capabilities, instructional environment and medium greatly impact the outcome of the stage. The motivation, independence and maturity of individual students will determine the required time to complete the stage (Smaldino, Rusell & Heinrich, 2005). Summative evaluation is beneficial because it is possible to develop consistent, standardized sets of information on each learner. It also creates a justification for wide-scale decision making in education programs. Summative evaluation uses two phases to assess the worth or merit of a program. The inclusion of external evaluators is beneficial because it adds value to the evaluation and design of the learning process and materials. In the expert judgment phase, feasibility, content, design and congruence analysis are examined. In the field trial phase, outcome and management analysis are examined. It further looks at the impact on the students, job and organization. Essentially, the performance of the group in relation to the set objective is analyzed by the instructional designer in various ways (Gagne, Wager & Keller, 2005). Organizational resources and needs are aligned with the program through congruence analysis; goals are identified through content analysis; sufficiency of modules of instructional strategies is evaluated through design analysis; and feasibility analysis is in relation to the materials’ utility. Summative evaluation is challenged when it comes to balanci ng process and product measures and preventing backwards implication; anticipating the scope of positive and negative consequences of using results of summative assessment; attending to both non-cognitive and affective features of flourishing academic programs; and the information’s timeliness (Gagne, Wager & Keller, 2005). In confirmative evaluation, there is a follow up of the students after they are out of the program. It is beneficial because instructors get to know their competitive levels and how well they are making use of the knowledge and information they gain from their programs. This is a marriage of the other evaluations and programs in continuous improvement. Unlike the other kinds used at the designing and learning levels, confirmative evaluation comes months after implementation of the program (Morrison, Ross & Kemp, 2004). Endurance of outcomes, efficiency and return on investments are tested. However, the challenge is that the evaluators and students are forc ed to commit themselves to the full scope of evaluation. Identifying and including all the stakeholders, especially decision makers and activity planners, is also a problem. Question Two Formative assessment is an ongoing measurement in educational preparation aiming at the improvement of student learning. It provides information crucial in the monitoring of an individual’

Financial Accounting Week 8 Course Project Assignment

Financial Accounting Week 8 Course Project - Assignment Example This paper tends to illustrate the different methods of depreciation and analyse the comparison between them with their effects in financial reporting in a business (Rezaee & Riley 2010). It is the widely used method in the United States by several companies and firms. This method charges equal amount of depreciation in each accounting period throughout the business period. It is applied by getting the difference between a company’s asset’s historical cost and its salvage value, the outcome is divided by the asset’s useful life. This method has a uniform and stable effect on business revenues and the asset value remains stable and is predictable throughout the accounting periods of the asset’s useful life (Cunningham & Cunningham 2004). This method assigns equal amount of expense to each unit of production of an asset or the service rendered by the asset. It involves determining the depreciation per unit of an asset by getting the difference between its historical cost and the salvage value, then dividing by the estimated units of production during its useful life. The company then determines the expense associated with the depreciation by multiplying the unit depreciation by the number of units produced (Benston 2006). This method of depreciation has varying effects on a company’s assets depending on the units of production. If the units of production are more, then the depreciation expense in the balance sheet will also be more, while less units of production leads to lesser depreciation expense (Rezaee & Riley 2010). Under this method, the amount of depreciation is determined by multiplying the depreciable costs by fractions based on the sum of the asset’s useful life. This method often results in write-offs than the straight-line method; however the write-offs are less than the double-declining method (Cunningham & Cunningham 2004). This method has an effect on the

Urban Waterfront Revitalization Through Landscape Approach Environmental Sciences Essay

Urban Waterfront Revitalization Through Landscape Approach Environmental Sciences Essay Urban waterfronts have heavily degraded and received bad perception from urban dwellers. There are needs of effective urban waterfront revitalization programs to achieve a sustainable development of those waterfronts. This research studies is to formulize a landscape approach principles into revitalization program of urban waterfront. This study uses archival analysis to identified type of urban waterfront revitalization programs around the world and to understanding the role of urban waterfront. Finally, it uses literature survey to identified design considerations of landscape approach. Expected results of the study would include the types of waterfront revitalization programs, role of urban waterfront and design consideration for waterfront landscape. They are expected to lead towards formalizing the urban waterfront revitalization principles based on landscape approach. After the introduction of the background problem, the proposal will present the literature on waterfront revita lization, urban waterfront and waterfront revitalization program, and describe the research methodology before presenting the expected results. This study contributes in developing principles for waterfront revitalization program. Besides adding value to existing urban assets, the proposed principles for waterfront revitalization program support the sustainable development agenda of the world. Keywords: Landscape approach, urban waterfront, waterfront revitalization program. 1.1 BACKGROUND Urban rivers provide many functions to the cities such as water supply, transportations, biological protections and promoting for the development of the cities with its social, economical and environmental values. However, with the not planned well urbanization, the rivers have been disturbed which resulting in degradation of urban ecosystem. River restoration has increasingly drawn attention, and corresponding activities have been carried out extensively (Holmes, 1998). Urban rivers that once were the most importance element of city were neglected. They were channelized and turn into big drain. The properties on its corridor turn their back to the river and the cities tried to treat river as unwanted thing. Nonetheless, river corridors remain as continuous natural feature within suburbanized landscapes, which make it more important resource for habitats restoration and nature preservation. The encroachments of development into this area have fragmented, diminished and divided the vegetation along this corridor into small patches. These lead to substantial loss of habitat and biodiversity especially in urban areas. Due to the natural recourses destruction in urban area, importance of rivers has become realize by city dwellers. It becomes important places for recreation and leisure. This why in recent years, the riverfront design and planning initiatives have increased. There are two major issues for this development, conservation and human use. Most of approaches for river developments have difficulties to deal with both of them, which they tend to choose either one. These lead to the failure of the project. This thesis aims to bring these issues together to inform the practice of landscape architecture. 1.2 APPROACH This research study used a set of literature addressed waterfront development around the world. The literatures have covered many perspectives such as ecological, historical, cultural and built design. Even though the literature review provides a broad overview of waterfront development, the designs and planning of these waterfront developments have been superficial especially in ecology perspectives. Furthermore, for river corridor development, most literatures are focusing to non-urban landscapes, leaving the river corridors in urban landscape open for exploration. 1.3 Problem statement 1.4 Research question 1.4.1 Main Research Question 1.4.2 sub Research Question 1.5 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES 1.5.1 GOALS Revitalize the urban river through comprehensive landscape design solutions. 1.5.2 OBJECTIVES To ensure the goal can be achieved, these objectives have been derived: To assess the literature on waterfront revitalization programs around the world. To assess the design that using landscape approach to understand their characteristic, strengths and weaknesses. To investigates and understand of the role of urban river to the users. To formulize the design principles for urban riverfront revitalization programs. 1.6 CHAPTER OUTLINE Chapter One introduces and contextualizes the research problems. The literature reviews are presented in Chapter Two. It examines the development of waterfronts, its design and planning approaches. Chapter Three is describing the research method. It analyze the landscape approach literature to define the concepts and highlight the principles that will guide the development of landscape design principles for urban riverfront on Chapter Four. Chapter Five summarizes the findings of this study; discuss the application of the principles and presents areas of further research. It is considered that the design principles here proposed will be useful for landscape architects, designers and planners in designing the waterfront. Hence, it is expected they will help designers establishing and creating sustainable waterfront that celebrating the past, enjoying the present and respecting the future of urban environment. Figure 1.1 Research design diagram 1.7 significant of study 1.8 TERMINOLOGIES 1.8.1 URBAN watercourse Walsh, Christopher J. et al. (2005) indicated that an urban watercourse is a formerly natural waterway that flows through a heavily populated area. Urban watercourses often significantly polluted due to urban runoff and combined with sewer outflows. 1.8.2 RIVER CORRIDOR From Malaysian Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) guidelines of river development (2004), river corridor is the area outside the river reserved and in 50 meters from the river-reserved boundary. 1.8.3 SUSTAINABLE watercourse The sustainable watercourse covers an important element in Agenda21 about sustainable development. This is because the watercourse have capacity to contribute in increasing biodiversity and profit from development, improving and enhance conditions of the areas and people who live surround it. Sustainable development elements are economic development, social progress, conservation of resources and protection of the environment (UN Earth Summit Agenda 21, Rio de Janeiro, 1992). 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction 2.2 WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION Hoyle et.al (1993, 2000) said that pioneer in waterfront rehabilitation studies was Canada in early 1970s. In his studies, he found out that focus of waterfront rehabilitation was including wide range of development such as recreational, residential, retail, commercial, service and tourist facilities. According to him and Breen et.al (1996), the development of waterfront in America and Europe has occurred since 1960s. Perspective that tent to integrate design, environmental, social and economic objectives more efficiently (Johes, 1998) was the European approach towards waterfront development in 1990s. Manning (1997) adding that no use or treatment of waterfront should be allowed to exclude recreational value that no feature or operation however mundane needs to lack an aesthetic aspect and finally that ever the demands of conserving fragile nature need not exclude people from the scene. In other part of the world, the development of waterfront is relatively recent phenomenal. Lately, many countries start to open their eyes on potential of their river. South of Korea has demonstrating some wonderful projects of river rehabilitation development such as Chengyecheon River and Han River rehabilitation project. Franco (2000) states that in Brazil, there are many proposals of waterfront projects have been presented since early 1990s, unfortunately, few have been implemented. Most of them are because lack of funds and supports. Waterfront project could be divided into six categories based on Bren and Rigby (1994) studies. This categorization was used by Breen and Rigby as tool to compile a huge numbers of designs. The categories are: historical, residential, recreational, cultural, environmental and working waterfront. Usually, the development of waterfronts would include one or more categories in order to support various demands to the site. There are many cases that the waterfront project have mixed-used characteristic. For example, a project that has ecological features may be designed infused with recreation, education and trails. These multipurpose designs are to encourage the maximum use of the space. Table 2.1 shows some of the waterfront projects that have a major characteristic but have several other features abound. This categorization does seem have significant role in effecting the frameworks and design either. In order to use the categorizations, the heuristic devise should be taken to emphasis the major characters of each project. Table 2.1 Waterfronts, their major character and uses No. Waterfront / City Major Character Uses Source 1 Baltimore Waterfront Mixed used Urban renewal; cultural complex, office, residential Breen and Rugby (1994) 2 Boston Waterfront Historical Public promenades, hotel, residential www.theboston waterfront.net 3 Charleston Waterfront Park Public Space Park, pier Thompson (1991) 4 Elbe River, Dresden Open Space Entertainment, art, park Friedrich (1998) 5 Elbe River, Hamburg Mixed used Transportation, residential Trelcat (2001) 6 Thames River, London docklands Public space Recreation, cultural Chaline 2001 7 Thames River, London Millennium Village Mixed use Promenades, institutions, residential, commercial Burdett (1998) 8 Thames River, London Millennium Dome Public space Recreation, cultural Arnold (1998) 9 Potomic River, Georgetown Historical Residential, office, public space www.georgetown waterfrontpark.org 10 South Platte River, Danver Public space Industrial landscape, park Leccese (2001) 11 Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires Mixed use Residential, commercial, service, open space Schneier Madanes (2001) 12 Aa River, Aarhus Public space Steam daylighting, trail Nielsen (1998) 13 Yarra River, Melbourne Cultural Residential, commercial, entertainment Sandercock Dovey (2002) 14 East River, New York Public space Promenades Freeman 2003 15 Meurthe River, Nancy Public space Promenades Bruel Delmar (1998) 16 San Antonio River, Texas Public space Commercial, hotel, entertainment, historical Posner (1991) 17 Maas River, Rotterdam Mixed use Public spaces, residential, office Mayer (1998) 18 Coal Harbour, Vancouver Residential Open space, office, marina Quayle (1991) 19 Danube River, Vienna Public space Dam, ecological restoration, leisure Hansjakob hansjakob (1998) 20 Chengyecheon River, Seoul Public space Historical, commercial, entertainment, cultural www.preservenet.com 2.3 Role of urban watercourse Urban watercourse is a waterways that flowing through the populated areas. It often in bad condition and heavily degraded. Many of urban rivers have been polluted mostly by urban storm water runoff and combined sewer system. Initially, such watercourses were managed as a resource for human benefit including water supply, flood mitigation, disposal of wastewater and minimization of disease (Walsh 2000; Paul and Meyer 2001; Morley and Karr 2002). However, this has led to the degradation of river ecological functioning, an issue that was initially ignored (Paul and Meyer 2001). Important factor for early settlement was water. Water transportation and construction of flood embankments have turn the water into the background of urban concerns. Most literature agree that these earlier settlements were settle where there were enough water and land for food production, and there were no or rare disaster related to water. Water management became the basis for religious and social institutions. As the region began to produce surplus food, there was a societies restructuring. Dubos (1972), a humanist, states that the urban areas are identified by evaluating their cultural practices in spite of changes in technology. Social scientists begin to acknowledge the water may have played a role in determining the social characteristics of urban areas (Lind, 1979). Increasing of impervious surface area modified of natural drainage system and local climate changes have stressed the urban river. The increasing in impervious area make the runoff of rainfall in urban area has increase, compared to rural area. Furthermore, installations of storm sewer, culverting and channelizing the natural river have transmitted the water into drainage network faster. These events increase the flow velocity, reduce the timing of the runoff hydrograph, increase the flow rates which finally giving a hydrological problem; flooding. In term of flood mitigation, authorities who in charge in river development have change the course of the river flow, in order to prevent localized flooding. They use engineering practices known as river channelization. These technologies including lining the riverbed and banks with concrete or other materials, divert the flow into storm drains and culverts. These changes are often bringing negative effects. It includes flooding of downstream due to changes in the floodplain, loss of habitat for fish and other species, fragmentation of riparian and others, leading to deterioration of water quality. Fortunately, some communities have taken some effort to correct these problems. Their effort is to deal with bank erosion, due to the large amount of rainwater and using technologies such as daylighting and re-meandering. Example of successful project of daylighting is Cheonggyecheon river restoration project. Another major problem of urban hydrology is water quality degradation. McPherson (1974) states that oil leakage and spill, mining activities, surface or streets have contaminated the urban river. Other factors in this problem are soil erosion from construction, industrial process effluents, and combined sewer overflows, urban storm runoff, leakage from septic tanks and cesspools and contamination. As a result of pollution in urban watercourse water, many of the biological and aesthetic functions of water in urban areas cannot be fully utilized, disrespect and sometimes leading to abandoning the river from urban life itself. Litte (1990) states that there has been increasing public concern for the protection of urban watercourse water. Numerous watercourse commissions have been establish in an effort to plan use and protection. There is reason to be optimistic about combining human use and natural environments as many river cities are rediscovering their waterfronts and commissioning planning studies (Kim et al., 1991). However, the effect of waterfront development projects is not always good. All development projects have environmental and economic impact, and the development of the waterfront is not an exception. Any development project that will benefit some people is inevitable. Social and environmental impacts of water development, a number of effects obtained are usually extends far beyond the design of the site itself. Ecologists, environmentalist and designers have difficulties to predict overall effects because of complex interaction of diverse forces. For example, current knowledge of the man made wetland ecosystem might desirable for present of time. Thus, unless the design and planning precedes by five to ten years, something unexpected situation might to develop which some with preferable effects or some are not. In the current state of the art, this group often has difficulties to convince engineers, economists, and politicians that certain developments are unwise, or spending for remedial measures because of lack of solid scientific evidence or facts. Furthermore, engineers traditionally handle an urban watercourse development project. Sadly, they often ignore the social and environmental considerations in their planning process.  In some cases, social scientists, landscape architects and environmentalist have been brought only after the damage (Biswas and Durie, 1971). In principle, it is expensive to fix compensation after they occur: It is cheaper to take preventive measures. However, overall framework for the planning, design and management of urban river corridors still not well establish. An integrated planning that concerns every aspect regarding to urban watercourse corridors revitalization program must be develop. 2.4 LAndscape approach design for waterfront The word landscape is a complex word appears in a wide range of scientific literature. Various authors have treated this topic. Saltzman (2001) overview the term of landscape as notion of landscape has changed and evolved over time and between the various fields of disciplines. Saltzman (2001) indicates that other disciplines has a different approach. For example, natural scientists are often focused on the biophysical environment related to the interaction between species or ongoing natural processes as a landscape. Landscape architects tends to view landscape as planning tool while for archaeologists, they are more interested in the memory of landscape and its temporal aspects. An ethnologist, anthropologists, in literature or even among other disciplines, the landscape term refers for other purposes. In this study, writer defined the landscape using the concept of landscape as Elbakidze and Angelstam (2007). They interpret landscape as social interactions between biophysical landscape and human society as a central idea. In European Landscape Convention, a landscape defined as an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors (Anon. 2000b). The Elbakidze Angelstam (2007) concluded that the social-ecological systems contain elements of both natural and cultural landscape is intertwining with each other. Landscape characters have developed by both physical and cultural factors that evolved over the years. These aspects of the landscape must to consider in addition to the biophysical environment. Therefore, to fully describing a landscape, the number of variables that representing all the dimensions of sustainability have to use (Forman et al 2003, Berkes 1995s, Anderson et al, 2005). To implementing such landscape, approach needed some changes to suit the reality. One is to include of the different perspectives from different disciplines. For example, as described by Angelstam and Richnau (2008), while forest and landscape planners and managers try to accommodate commodity and non-commodity values in the same management unit, conservationists often define functional conservation landscapes, and other stakeholders such as farming communities or district officials may refer to their cultural or livelihood landscapes (e.g., Innes and Hoen 2005). More important in landscape approach is to explore the resources sustainably and untraditionally. Attention has to be making in evaluate the relationship between human with human, human with nature and human with god.   The landscape approach sometimes can be use as basic for ecological development scheme. It deals with the physical, ecological and geographical entity, integrating all human and natural patterns and process. In addition, the structure, composition and function analysis helps in forecasting the landscape dynamic. Landscape approach ultimate goal is to maximize the long-term benefits for biodiversity for sustainable development. This can be achieve by optimizing the balance between economic purposes, ecology and social. A landscape approach that considers whats happening at both the local, water body scale and at the broader regional scale is really the only way to study these types of issues, Cheruvelil (2010) states. If you look at only one ecosystem in isolation, you dont see the whole picture. Wiens (2002) states that systematic analysis of conservation and restoration management for aquatic ecosystems in riverine is not a tradition. However, the complex interactions between land and water systems are getting recognition from governance policies, planning and management practices. Singer (2007) states that being a social-ecological system, the term landscape approach capture the need for applied interdisciplinary approaches. Term landscape approach also emphasizes the ecological effects of spatial patterns of ecosystem and brad spatial scales. It is including the exchange and interaction within the entire landscapes, dynamics of development and spatial heterogeneity, the influence of spatial heterogeneity of biological and abiotic processes, and the management of spatial heterogeneity. Risser (1984) and Angelstam (2004) reflects the idea that landscapes evolve through time, as a result of being acted upon by natural forces and human beings, which underlines that landscapes forms a whole, whose natural and socio-cultural components are taken together, not separately (Berkes et al., 2003). 2.5 summary 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction In order to conduct research on the application of landscape for the urban waterfront more effectively and achieve desired results, the method to be used in this study is divided into two main phases. Each phase consists of research method that leads to the gathering of constructive information needed to the realization of the targeted goals Phase One will be involve mostly on the data gathering; determination and review of available information while in Phase Two, based on the date acquired, a practical guidelines shall be formulated and analyzed. Detailed reasoning and clarification of the aforementioned methodology proposed are as per the next subchapter. 3.2 PHASE ONE DEtermine and review Vast collection of waterfront designs and frameworks from various literatures are collected. It is crucial to establish a good data management in order to have a full understanding of the subject and its related issues, either explicitly or holistically. The assessment of the data gathered in each project is necessary where these elements are identified: Design consideration of urban waterfront Proposed design Planning frameworks Based on the collected data, principles of the projects are reviewed, segregated and tabulated into a table of nine-design consideration, which are open space, human use, character, ecology, accessibility, land use, management, design issues and economy. It is easier to review the quality and impact of a particular project through a list of segregated factors, which will be helpful for the implementation of Phase 2. 3.3 PHASE TWO DESIGN Guideline formulation The segregated list of design consideration from Phase 1 will be further analyzed. Each factors, its correlation, priorities and impact is review and ranked. Next, the first five best design consideration which is implemented will be selected. From the selected design consideration, their principles are outlined in another table for analysis and incorporated in the guideline formulation. . 3.4 LIMITATIONs 3.3 PROCEDURES The research will be divided into 5 stages as show in the figure below: Stage 5 Final Product Figure 3.1: Study Approach Flow Chart 4.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Design and planning of Waterfront The existing frameworks and designs, which developed by government agencies, researches and private consulting firms, need to be examined and used as the base guidelines for proposed waterfront development and its design. This study applied the design concept definition by Lyle (1999). He stated that design activity is equals to the participation in the process of nature creatively, which means giving form to physical phenomena in every scale. The study also accepted his opinion on the difference of planning and design. Based on his judgment, planning involves administrative activities in spite of physical form shaping while design is the creative physical activity in all scale; this design definition is similar to those explained by Steinitz and McHarg. Even though this thesis is aimed to discuss the design of riverfronts, it is also deals with certain part of the framework planning stage. This is due to the close relation of design issues discussed in the planning stage. Even Lyle (1999) himself acknowledged that the design and planning are closely linked and sometimes indistinguishable. Boston, Baltimore and Toronto were among the pioneers and being the model for the waterfront issues (Penteado 2004). Since 1970s, several publications illustrated the analysis of these cities waterfront (e.g. Breen and Rigby 1996 and Brutomesso 1993). In Toronto, for example, different frameworks, design and planning for its metropolitan waters edge were introduced (e.g. Reid 1997). Central Waterfront Planning Committee (1976) in Toronto listed the physical properties that affecting the waterfront quality. They stated that it depends on the use, history, landscape, immediacy, views, activity, contrast, drama, intimacy, sound and wildlife. The Committee primarily focused on design, explores, and suggests the quality of the water edge form, visual quality, building materials and construction details, and a variety of uses. Waterfront design by Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs (1987) on the other hand addressed the following issues for designing waterfront; shoreline protection, public access area, beaches, recreational boating, landscape for improving the waterfront and urban design. Royal Commission on the Future of Toronto Waterfront RCTFW (1992) proposed a framework of design principles for its waterfront which incorporated nine significant principles: Clean: Incentive of natural processes instead of engineering solutions Green: Infrastructure composed of natural features and topography such as habitats, aquifers and parks Connection: Relation between wildlife habitats, social communities, humans and nature. Open: Maintenance and restoration of vistas Accessible: Incorporation of public transit Useable: Mix of public and private uses and public access Diverse: Variety of uses and programs Affordable: Efficient use of government resources and integration of socio economic and environmental objectives (RCTFW 1992) Attractive: Excellence in design to create memorable places Out of all frameworks reviewed, these principles above were the most comprehensive context in the establishment of a waterfront. They dealt with both natural systems and integration of human needs. In contrast, Reed (1997) focused on the minimization of the impact to natural habitats when designing a trail along the Ontario Lake and thus came out with design guidelines. He proposed that each design should: Avoid most sensitive zone Balance the effect of alternatives Use previous disturbed areas Maintain natural processes Limit access Incorporate habitat enhancements. Unfortunately, he failed to mention the wildlife in urban areas along the coast. Alternatively, the Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department (1994) developed a framework based on these principles: Accessibility Sharing the benefits Balance Diversity Responsible stewardship Many of the guidelines reviewed incorporate different principles. Another case in point is Landplan Co Ltd (1995) who proposed a framework design called generic guidelines for managing visual change in the landscape for the Toronto Waterfront. The general guidelines required these principles to be addressed: Residential Industrial Commercial Recreational Rural Historic area Community character Vegetation Signage Lighting Hierarchy of open spaces Several authors combined their expertise and formulated a framework for the waterfront development in the United States. One of them was from Harvard University Design (1980). They proposed a Guideline for East Boston, which was dealing with: Open space Public access Orientation Views Neighborhood scale Activity Parking There was a successful case where a comprehensive guideline was developed. Torre (1989) presented a framework of waterfront project design based on these principles: History Climate Special elements Image Authenticity Function Public perception of need Financial feasibility Environmental approvals Construction technology Effective management Goodwin and Good in 1990 formulated a framework to rebuild the waterfront in a small town. The framework displayed a list of six fundamentals in the planning process. They called them the tool and technique which are: Waterfront uses and activities Land use control and incentives Land acquisition Financing of riverfront revitalization Choosing and using consultants Obtaining waterfront development permits Coolman (Breen and Rigby 1990), stated that these general issues must be addressed during the development of design guidelines: Simplicity and clarity Compatibility with zoning Publication and communication Table 4.1 summarizes the information of frameworks and design presented above and others world recognized waterfront project. Table 4.1 Interpretation of concern presents in planning and design frameworks. Tick cells indicate the issues addressed by each framework. No Project, City/Literature Human use Open Space Character Ecology Accessibility L

Conventional Machining vs Non-Conventional Machining

lConventional Machining VS Non-Conventional Machining Conventional machining usually involves changing the shape of a workpiece using an implement made of a harder material. Using conventional methods to machine hard metals and alloys means increased demand of time and energy and therefore increases in costs; in some cases conventional machining may not be feasible. Conventional machining also costs in terms of tool wear and in loss of quality in the product owing to induced residual stresses during manufacture.With ever increasing demand for manufactured goods of hard alloys and metals, such as Inconel 718 or titanium, more interest has gravitated to non-conventional machining methods. Conventional machining can be defined as a process using mechanical (motion) energy. Non-conventional machining utilises other forms of energy. The three main forms of energy used in non-conventional machining processes are as follows : †¢ †¢ †¢ Thermal energy Chemical energy Electrical energy One example of machining using thermal energy is laser. Thermal methods have many advantages over conventional machining, but there are a few of disadvantages. Inconel 718, titanium and other hard metals and alloys have a very high melting point. Using thermal methods will require high energy input for these materials. Concentrating heat onto any material greatly affects its microstructure and will normally cause cracking, which may not be desirable. Safety requirements for thermal methods, especially laser, are demanding in terms of time and cost. Machining large areas or many surfaces at the same time using thermal methods is not normally possible. †¢ †¢ †¢ The methods using electrical energy are electrodischarge machining (EDM) and nodic machining (AM), which are similar in practice. EDM, often refered to as spark erosion, uses pulsed voltage to remove material from a workpiece and a non-conductive medium to clear the debris. Because the medium is electrica lly inert the tool is a direct reverse of the workpiece and no complicated tool design criteria are required. But the shock of spark erosion can affect the microstructure on the surface of the workpiece. Also, EDM has a lower material removal rate than AM. The chemicals used in AM are non-toxic and the energy required is less than other nonconventional machining processes.It has no effect on the microstructure of the workpiece. The electrolyte can even be common sea water, enabling AM to be used in a sub-sea capacity. The hardness and thermal resistivity of the workpiece material do not matter therefore hard metals and alloys can be machined using tools made from softer materials. The only disadvantage is that tool design is a little more complex than that of EDM, but software is being developed to make this easier. The controllability, environmental versatility, speed, safety and absence of change in workpiece microstructure make AM a competitive manufacturing process.

Criminal Justice Professionals and society

There are many types of people that make up our society. For criminal justice practitioners these people can be broken up in to two groups the law abiding citizens and the criminals. The role of the criminal justice practitioner can at time be simple for example: when it comes to the law abiding citizen the role is to serve and protect. But when it comes to criminal the role of the criminal justice practitioner can become complex. In this paper I will attempt to explore the criminal justice professional’s role in fulfilling society as well as individual needs.There are three parts that make up criminal justice police, courts, and corrections. Each part consists of professionals that play a role in contributing to the reform of key social issues. Issues like cyber crimes, drugs, and school shootings. Each of these issues need criminal justice practitioners on all three levels to aide in some type of reform to make the individual (the victim) and society feel safe. On the web si te Interpol 100 years of international police cooperation cybercrimes are said to be â€Å"one of the fastest growing areas of crime.†This is where criminals are taking to their computers to commit crimes like â€Å"Attacks against computer data and systems, identity theft, the distribution of child sexual abuse images, internet auction fraud, the penetration of online financial services, as well as the deployment of viruses, Botnets, and various email scams such as phishing†.. So how does cybercrimes impact criminal justice practitioners, with technology constantly changing the need for more education in technology and cyber laws are needed if the practitioner is going to effectively find and stop the criminals, dole out punishment as well as seek retribution for the victims.On of the saddest social issue plaguing America has to be school shootings. There are many instances of school shooting throughout history but the one that stands out to me is the Columbine High S chool shootings where on April 20, 1999 seventeen year old Dylan Klebold and eighteen year old Eric Harris committed suicide after killing twelve students, one teacher and wounding twenty-one others.While most of the country sadly wondered how and where did they get the guns and ammunition the criminal justice practitioners were hard at work gathering evidence, securing the crime scene, tending to the survivors and what I think is the hardest part informing parents that they’re children had died. In this instance the criminal justice practitioners were the police department, deputies, and armed security working for the school. I would imagine that after working the crime scene that many of the officers grieved right along with the families.As I researched this part of my paper I could not find one article on how this impacted the police all I can say is that as a parent I can only imagine that some of them must have needed counseling. I can also imagine the law makers coming together to find a way to prevent this kind of shooting from happening again. I would rather not get into the whole gun control issue because frankly I don’t believe there is a law that could be passed that would prevent guns from getting into the wrong hand.The only thing gun laws would do, is make it hard for law abiding citizens to protect themselves. Another issue that criminal justice practitioners have to deal with is drugs. This problem is widespread to say the least because it not only affects the user. It is a known fact that when people use drug they will do whatever it takes to feed their habit even break the law. Drug abusers commit crimes like prostitution, robbery, breaking and entering and assault. Trying to make a person stop using drugs is like trying to stop the sun from rising.A drug addict has to want to stop until that time it is up to the police to take steps to keep society safe. During the Reagan era there was a zero tolerance policy for drug abusers. This kept police and corrections officers busy because the policy was so strict that arrest and incarceration rates increased at a rapid pace. That was during the late 80’s and the war on drugs is still moving full steam ahead. The role of the criminal justice professional in serving individual and societal needs

Employee Selection Tool and the Interview Process Essays

Employee Selection Tool and the Interview Process Essays Employee Selection Tool and the Interview Process Essay Employee Selection Tool and the Interview Process Essay Employee Selection Tools and the Interview Process Axia College, University of Phoenix Choosing the best suited individuals who are highly skilled and adequately suited for an employment position has become a difficult and sometimes a time-consuming process for employers. Today’s job market has become so diverse and competitive that companies must implement resources that assist them in carefully evaluating the credentials, backgrounds, and abilities of each candidate. Therefore, it is essential that organizations possess the ability to properly and effectively select qualifying applicants for employment positions. Hence, the HR recruiters or department heads rely on various selection tools designed to prescreen, evaluate and objectively select the best qualified individuals for the position, which will eliminate the time and money spent processing less qualified applicants. Just as many large corporations and technologically advanced industries reach for highly educated, experienced, skilled and talented employees, smaller operations such as supermarkets must also consider the diversity and competitive nature of the job market. Therefore, it is essential that the human resources manager and department heads carefully evaluate each applicant just as efficiently as larger more complex organizations. Supermarkets contain an array of department within their organization. These departments may range from fresh produce and meat departments, merchandising and stock departments, to cash management areas and supervisory or executive heads. â€Å"In these to tough and competitive times, and certainly in tight labor markets, the need to hire the right talent the first time must be a top organizational strategy. states Sal Silvester, (2009). To make the proper selection though, recruiters in the supermarket must implement selection tools such as the application form, employee integrity and cognitive test, employee reference and employment verification checks as well as drug testing to ensure that the best suited individual is chosen that will effectively fill the vacant position as well as lead the company into future success. Silvester, S. , (2009). The first step, the application process, is requiring the applicant to complete an application for employment form. As explained by Bohlander and Snell, (2007), applications are selection tools designed to prescreen for experience and education allowing the employers to differentiate between possible qualified applicants and lesser experienced individuals. In essence, this will evidently save the employer time and money that would otherwise wasted processing each separate individual. After the candidates pass through the initial application and interview process, narrowing the selection of candidates even further requires more in-depth reviews, hence the employment integrity and cognitive testing enters. Integrity tests are designed to evaluate the applicants reactions to various ethical scenarios that involve, theft, misconduct and or corruption within the workplace while cognitive test are designed to reveal certain skills and abilities, which reflect the applicants deductive reasoning, comprehension, and problem solving capabilities. The use of these tests allows employers to minimize employee misconduct and efficiently to place individuals in the best suited positions. These tests, and the organizations ability to effectively manage them, may also potentially raise company moral and ethical standards. Bohlander and Snell, (2007) explains it as, â€Å"Employment tests are an objective and standardize measure of a sample of behavior that is used to gauge a person’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics in relation to other individuals. † Drug testing is a selection tool that has experienced recent debates in regards to its effectiveness as an effective tool for providing a safer work environment as well as its ability to raise employee productivity. Drug testing however, has been recognized to be predominantly more effective in industries in which safety is a critical element in the workforce or labor field. Therefore, supermarkets may fall into this category since there are various pieces of equipment used in the stores that require the employees to practice safe measures at all-times to eliminate potential dangers. For example, ladders may used by employees who stock shelves, and band saw may be used in areas like the meat department. Therefore, it is critical that employees be coherent and drug-free to ensure the safety of them and others while limiting the possible liabilities of the employer such as employee absenteeism, increased insurance premiums, and potentially devastating lawsuits. Bohlander and Snell, (2007) Although each of these selection tools may effectively assist the recruiters in choosing the appropriate individual for the position, cognitive and integrity testing however will more readily separate qualified applicant from lesser qualified individuals. Therefore, employment testing would be considered as the best selection tool designed for selecting the best suited individual in a supermarket setting, and more so, it would also prove as an effective device in areas such as a food and beverage director position, which has been selected for the final project. The position of food and beverage director requires the individual candidate to possess certain skills that include the ability to use deductive reasoning for problem-solving, effective management skills that allows the individual to efficiently direct individuals as well as to possess ethical and moral standards that will lead to success within the company and for the company. Considering the requirements for the position and the various selection tools used to evaluate the candidates, employment testing proves to be the best solution in determining these qualities in an individual. Although employee testing reveals the candidates abilities of deductive reasoning in problem-solving, effectively interviewing prospective candidates is a measure that should not be ignored, either. There are several methods that may be implemented in the interview approach. These methods may range from non-directive interviews in which the candidate is presented open-ended questions allowing them to freely express themselves to structured more directly focused interviews, which requires the applicant to relate more direct information in regards to his or her background, education and experience, and qualifications. In either case, interviews may be performed by a single interviewer presenting an atmosphere for a direct one-on-one approach, or by a panel of carefully selected individuals who are focused on obtaining the most qualified individual. Bohlander and Snell, (2007) The chosen direction of interview for the final project is the panel review method. The reason for which the method has been chosen is that a food and beverage director would be employed in an area of management; therefore requiring the individual to not only be qualified enough to carry out the various tasks of the position, but to also be able to communicate effectively with other supervisors, managers, or executive within the corporation. Panels that include the managers and or supervisors of various other departments closely related to the food and beverage director will be able to jointly collaborate and decide on the best candidate. According to Bohlander and Snell, (2007), advantages to this method could include higher reliability in the selection, acceptance of the selection, less bias or discrimination against the prospect, and essentially, less time and money spent evaluating prospects. Interviews are best effective when interviewers possess and implement a purpose and directive prior to beginning the interview. This requires the interviewer to possess the ability to be an active listener, effective observer, and to possess a certain degree of ethical standards that will enable the interviewer to be objective. To ensure that the interviewer can incorporate these standards within the interview process, questions to ask the applicant should be designed, which will enhance the interviewer’s objectiveness and ability to observe or listen. Question should also be designed to allow the individual being interviewed to effectively portray their abilities and qualifications in regards to the position being interviewed for. Examples of questions that would be used to effectively interview a prospect for the position of a food and beverage director may include the following which will be implemented into the final project. 1. Tell me about your experience in the Hospitality industry. 2. Why do you feel you would be best suited for this position? 3. Why do you wan to work in this position, in the Hospitality industry or even for this organization? 4. Explain what you feel is your best quality and if interviewed, would others feel the same? 5. Explain to me what others would say about your weaknesses and why? . If hired, where do you see yourself within this company in two years, five years, and ten years? 7. What other positions or jobs have you applied for or that you may be considering? 8. What are your goals in regards to your personal self, your family, or your career? 9. What significant characteristic, skill or ability do you feel you possess that will lead you to success in the position as well as being beneficial to the company? 10. Why should we hire you for the position rather than promoting from within or choosing another candidate? 11. What are you though about the company, the position, this interview and my effectiveness to perform the interview? Designing the question as described allows the interviewer to observe the applicants ability to focus on their qualities, communicate effectively, relate themselves to the position and the company, and to exhibit certain behavioral patterns that may reveal characteristics either beneficial or possibly detrimental to the work environment and the company. As one can perceive, selecting and hiring the right individual can be a difficult complex process. Employers; herefore must chose and develop strategies and selection tools such as employment testing, which will reveal skills in deductive reasoning and problem-solving, and to design question for the interview process that focus on the candidates past and present experiences, education, abilities, and behavioral characteristics. By carefully selecting the tools, designing the interview and incorporating others to be involv ed in the process can lead the company to higher success rates of employees creating long-term loyalty, higher moral, ethical standards, and customer satisfaction, and stability of the organization. Furthermore, by incorporating these practices into the employee selection process, companies will be able to focus on highly qualified applicant and be able to properly and effectively choose the right talent, highly skilled, and best qualified individual for the position. Reference Bohlander, G. W. , and Snell, S. A. , (2007) Managing Human Resources, 14th e. Retrieved December 15, 2009, from myesources. phoenix. edu Silvester, S. , (2009) Hiring the Right Talent. Retrieved December 15, 2009, from 512solutions. com/resources/downlods/talent. pdf