Do You Believe Blaines Current Capital Structure Finance Essay

Do You Believe Blaines Current Capital Structure Finance Essay Do you trust Blaines current capital structure and payout strategies are proper? Why or why not? Blaines capital structure and profit strategy are not so much fitting from the perspective of an investor of the firm. The explanations behind that can be summarized as follows: No influence: The ideal blend of obligation and value in the capital structure will amplify investors return. Organization should assume obligation to procure new firms and grow its activities. Low ROE : Attributed to Low use 2006 ROE information unmistakably shows up that ROE of all the tantamount firms are a lot higher than that of Blaine. Expanding Dividend payout proportion As determined in Question no.3, the expense of value of the firm is near 9% while ROE is 11%. This is a decent recommendation for investors. This can be improved by gaining different organizations utilizing money balance that the organization has. Diminishing EPS In any event, when EPS is continually diminishing in the course of the most recent three years, the strategy of giving pretty much same sum in profit may cost organization in future. Method of financing of new acquisitions Blaine Inc. ought to preferably bring capital up in the red rather over giving new stocks to raise capital. This will guarantee EPS steady and will be useful for investors. Ought to Dubinski prescribe an enormous offer repurchase to Blaines board? What are the essential points of interest and detriments of such a move? No, Dubinski ought not prescribe a huge offer repurchase to the board. The explanation behind that is despite the fact that the firm is open recorded, still a huge level of offer is possessed by family itself. Accordingly, repurchasing the offers is comparable to unlisting the organization. Furthermore, there are development roads wherein the organization may require money. The organization should, similar to most recent two years, go for procurement. This will carry an incentive to investors. Else, during the hours of new acquisitions, organization would need to raise capital from the market and because of buoyancy cost; the expense of value will be a lot higher. Consider the accompanying offer repurchase proposition: Blaine will utilize $209 million of money from its accounting report and $50 million in new obligation bearing enthusiasm at the pace of 6.75% to repurchase 14.0 million offers at a cost of $18.50 per share. How might such a buyback influence Blaine? Consider the effect on, in addition to other things, BKIs profit per offer and ROE, its advantage inclusion and obligation proportions, the familys proprietorship intrigue, and the companys cost of capital. Impact of Share Buyback Specifics Worth Comments Value Capital_Pre Buyback ($) 488,363,000 2006, Exhibit 2 Value Capital_Post ($) 279,363,000 No. of Shares exceptional before buyback 59,052,000 No. of offers repurchased 14,000,000 Complete extraordinary Shares 45,052,000 EPS_Old($) 0.91 EPS_New ($) 1.19 Percent change in EPS 31.08% P/E proportion 17.86 Market Price (S) 21.30 Percent change in Share cost 19.28% Debt_equity Book Value 17.90% Debt_equity Market Value 5.21% Obligation loan cost 6.75% Enthusiasm to be paid ($) 3375000 Intrigue inclusion proportion 0.05 ROE 0.11 ROE_new 0.19 Change in ROE 74.52% Cost of Equity 9.01% Cost of Debt 6.25% Viable Tax rate 40.00% Expected future assessment rate D/V 4.95% WACC 8.75% WACC_Old 9.01% Change in WACC - 2.89% Value beta Calculation for the Firm Market Cap Value beta (Net)D/E Net Debt Money Securities All out Debt D/E (1) (2) (3) (4)=(1)x(3) (5) (6)=(4)+(5) (7)=(6)/(1) Home and Hearth Design 776,427 1.03 45.18% 350,790 21,495 372,285 47.95% AutoTech Appliances 13,978,375 1.24 31.74% 4,436,736 536,099 4,972,835 35.58% XQL Corp. 5,290,145 0.96 17.97% 950,639 21,425 972,064 18.37% Bunkerhill Inc. 3,962,780 0.92 6.01% 238,163 153,680 391,843 9.89% Easyliving Systems 418,749 0.67 - 15.47% - 64,780 242,102 177,322 42.35% Blaine Kitchenware 959,596 0.56 - 24.06% - 230,879 230,866 - 13 0.00% Normal 25,386,072 0.90 10.23% 25.69% Unlevered Beta 0.78 Beta_Blaine 0.80 Possession Scenario: For most recent 3 years and post share buyback 2004 2005 2006 2007 Remarkable Shares 41,309,000 48,790,000 59,052,000 45,052,000 Responsibility for relatives 62% 52% 43% 57% Suppositions Used Viable Tax rate has been taken equivalent to 40%, same with respect to Blaine. As an individual from Blaines controlling family, OK be supportive of this proposition? OK be supportive of it as a non-family investor? As a relative of Blaine, the updates on buyback must be assessed in both the ways. The Pros are: Merging Control-This will build the shareholding near 57%. Return of Cash Surplus to Shareholders-As of now in April, 2007, there are no any plans of buybacks. Consequently, keeping money unblemished prompts opportunity cost of investors. This will include an incentive for investors. A powerful guard against takeover-as the market is combining, it will be a savvy choice to shield the organization from antagonistic takeovers. The cons are: Impact on expansionary plans-As money will be utilized to repurchase shares and the organization wont have the option to fund-raise from business sectors sooner rather than later, chances of acquisitions will be defaced. Regardless of whether, organization will raise capital from value showcase, buoyancy cost will be high thus cost of value will be relatively high. Utilization of Leverage-the Company has been against the approach of taking obligation. Taking obligation of $50 million for share buyback won't go in accordance with the companys strategy.

The Scarlet Letter :: essays papers

The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne utilizes a few unique subjects in his novel, The Scarlet Letter; one of the topics Hawthorne utilizes is sin. The Bible instructs that wrongdoing is terrible and abhorred by God. The Bible additionally instructs that the more noteworthy the wrongdoing is, the more noteworthy the discipline is merited. The characters manage the wrongdoing of infidelity. Hester Prynne, the adulteress while as yet being in wedlock with Roger Chillingworth; Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, the miscreant while as yet being a Reverend; and Roger Chillingworth, a man who lives just to look for vengeance are the three characters that manage this transgression the most. Who submits the more prominent sin? Hester Prynne is by all accounts an individual who can be trusted. Her better half, Roger Chillingworth [Prynne], sent her to New England to make a home for Roger’s return. Hester got a home together. She lets her energy for Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, be that as it may, impede what she truly should have been doing. Hester never lies about her transgression with Dimmesdale, however she never completely comes out with every bit of relevant information. â€Å"[The letter] is excessively profoundly marked. Ye can't take it off. Also, would that I may bear his distress, just as mine!† (51) Hester wouldn't like to put Dimmesdale in a more awful circumstance than he as of now is in, so she never gives his name as her individual delinquent. Rather, she conveys the disgrace for the them two. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, a clergyman, lets his enthusiasm for Hester impede his relationship with God. Dimmesdale needs to tell the townspeople that he is Hester’s individual miscreant. Hester doesn't need him to in light of the fact that she doesn't need him to be disregarded by his kin. Not admitting makes his blame destroy him. He attempts to admit his transgression to God, however never does. â€Å"[He is] kept quiet by the very constitution of [his] nature...Guilty [is] as [he] might be, holding, by the by, an enthusiasm for God’s wonder and man’s government assistance, [he] contracts from showing [himself] dark and messy in the perspective on men...[he] goes about among [his] individual animals looking unadulterated as new-fallen day off [his] heart [is] all dotted and spotted with evildoing of which [he] can't free [himself].† (101) Dimmesdale needs to uncover to his kin his transgression, however when he at long last does, he kicks the bucket instantly a while later.

Am I Plagiarizing An Advanced Infographic

Am I Plagiarizing An Advanced Infographic (16) Have you done a research paper or project before? Then you’re probably no stranger to the concept of plagiarism! It’s something we’re taught to be aware of, scared of, opposed to, andâ€"above all elseâ€"avoid.  We’ve all seen how serious the consequences can be from stories at school and in the news: failing a class paper, being expelled from school, costing a job or money, and more. With so much at stake, the important question arises: how do we prevent it from happening in the first place? The simple answer is citing! That includes providing a full bibliography, and in-text citations (like APA or MLA parenthetical citations), where needed. To help you in your quest to avoid plagiarism, we’ve put together a simple infographic below. Using the flowchart, you can determine if you’re plagiarizing or how to avoid doing so. Feel free to print and share! Looking for citation help? Try . It’s free and easy to create citations in MLA citation format, or to read through our citation guides. Those with an EasyBib Plus subscription get the extra perks of creating citations in APA and other styles, and access to our automatic plagiarism and grammar checker. Check it out today! Worried about your grammar? Try the EasyBib Plus paper checker for suggestions on how to improve your writing and to spot accidental plagiarism before its a problem. Also, refresh your knowledge of the basics with our grammar guides on verbs, what is an adjective, the difference between proper and common nouns, and more!

Public Healthcare Policy - 692 Words

There is a confluence of factors that is related to providing adequate health care on a systemic basis within virtually any population setting. While attempting to address the health care needs of such a setting is always a challenge, this challenge becomes exacerbated by varieties in social and economic conditions, as well as those that apply to race and ethnicity. The problems that plague contemporary health care coverage in the United States are myriad and even more complicated by the fact that many of these issues are interrelated. Three of the most salient of these difficulties concern health care coverage, health inequities, and ineffective health promotion. However, prudent analysis of this topic indicates that of these three areas, the one that is most problematic is that of healthcare coverage. The logic behind this fact is fairly simple; improved health care coverage can ameliorate many of the issues that stem from ineffective health promotion and health inequities. It is a widely confirmed fact that in certain parts of the world such as Israel in which the law provides a standardized insurance package of medical services for all residents (Machnes, 2006, p. 265) there are a number of countries in which universal healthcare is a reality. In these countries, the amount of money spent on a per capita basis is oftentimes significantly less than that spent on a per capita basis is the United States. There is a distinct relationship between lack of healthcareShow MoreRelatedPublic Healthcare Policies, And Inadequate Health Awareness994 Words   |  4 PagesGrowing up a lower income community of Atlanta, Georgia allowed me to see 1st hand the perpetual cycle of absent public healthcare policies, and inadequate health awareness. My mother and aunts were results of this neglect and misguidance, consuming unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles not realizing the damages they were causing to their bodies. 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You must do yourRead MoreCritical Analysis - The Models of Public Policy Essay example1278 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to William Jenkins (1989) public policy is a set of interrelated decisions taken by a political actor or a group of actors concerning the selection of goals and the means of achieving them within a specified situation where those situations showed in public policy be within the power of those actors to achieve. In this case, public policy involves making policies that are involved in enhancing health care reforms in the Canadian situation. Policies are often as a result of a multiple decisions

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective In Sociology - 1543 Words

Sociologists analyze and interpret social phenomena at different levels and from different perspectives. Sociologists study everything from specific behaviors on the micro level to generalized, big pictures on the macro level. Each palpable explanation and theoretical generalization of society and social behavior that sociologists provide, contribute to the understanding of complex behaviors we demonstrate everyday. Pioneering sociologists introduced a broad conceptualization of the fundamentals of society. These views are now the basis of which today’s theoretical perspectives are formed. (Contributors at CliffsNotes, 2016) A theoretical perspective, a set of assumptions about reality that demise the questions we ask and support the†¦show more content†¦Functionalist Perspective According to the Functionalist Perspective, also known as functionalism, each aspect of society is interdependent and the parts its people have in it all contribute to society’s functioning as a whole. Largely based on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton, functionalism states that society is a system of interconnected parts that rely on each other to maintain balance and social equilibrium. Functionalism emphasizes the interconnectedness of society by focusing on the relationships and influences present in each part of society. Terms as functional and dysfunctional are often used by sociologists focusing on functionalism. Elements are said to be functional if they contribute to social stability and dysfunctional if they break the pattern of stability. (Crossman, 2017) Functionalists are described to defend the status quo, avoid social change, and believe people cooperate to effect social order. Functionalism addresses society as a whole by standards of norms, customs, traditions, and institutions. 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Mead, both of whom emphasized the subjective meaning of human behavior, the social process, and pragmatism. Herbert Blumer, who studied with Mead at the University of Chicago, is responsible for coining the term, symbolic interactionismRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Life1581 Words   |  7 Pages In order to interpret social life we have utilized three primary theoretical perspectives. In this paper I will summarize all three primary perspectives by identifying the role, figures and key concepts related to each of these three theories. I will then identify which of these three theories I find most useful in studying sociology today and then I will explain the rationale behind my selection. Finally, I will provide my own argument to the debate as whether the purpose of social research shouldRead MoreSymbolic Interactionism, By George Herbert Mead And Charles Horton Cooley937 Words   |  4 Pages Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that is influential in many areas of the sociological discipline. It is particularly important in microsociology and social psychology. Symbolic interactionism is derived from American pragmatism and particularly from the work of George Herbert Mead. Herbert Blumer, a student and interpreter of Mead, coined the term symbolic interactionism and put forward an influential summary of the perspective: people act toward things based on the meaningRead MoreThe Core Concepts Of Sociology1578 Words   |  7 PagesThe core concepts of sociology are a combination of original theories with improved sociological approaches that build upon them over time. Sociology utilizes three main theories to approach the study of society with different focus points that result in different outcomes. Furthermore, as stated by Robert Faris and William Form from britannica â€Å"The early schools of thought each presented a systematic formulation of sociology that implied possession of exclusive truth and that involved a convictionRead MoreScociological1136 Words   |  5 PagesSociological Paradigms There are three sociological perspectives that shape the structure of society as a whole. Functionalist perspective, symbolic interactionism and conflict theory. Sociologists develop these theories to explain social phenomena. In this essay I will explain the origins and evolution of the three main sociological perspectives and listing the sociologists that made major contributions to these disciplines. â€Å"The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach which emphasizesRead More Social Phenomena Essay1118 Words   |  5 Pages(Kendall, 23). The three classic theories of sociology include the functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and symbolic interactionist perspective. The functionalist perspective aims to explain sociological phenomena based on the belief that our society is a balanced system that depends on each part of the group to work together in order to survive. Most people in the group share that same morals and ethics. This varies greatly from the perspective of conflict theorists, who believe that each

Interesting Recycling Facts Free Essays

A running faucet wastes 2.5 gallons of water each minute. A dishwasher uses 11 gallons of water per use. We will write a custom essay sample on Interesting Recycling Facts or any similar topic only for you Order Now 75 percent of all water used in the household is used in the bathroom. A toilet made in 1992 or earlier uses up to 60 percent more water per flush than newer high efficiency toilets. Turning of the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtimes can save up to 8 gallons per day. This is a savings of 240 gallons per month. Running your faucet for 5 minutes uses up enough energy to run a 60 watt light bulb for 14 hours. A full bath tub uses 70 gallons of water. A 5 minute shower only uses 10-25 gallons. Interesting Recycling Facts / Paper Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4000 kilowatt hours of electricity. This is enough energy to power the average American home for 5 months. The process of recycling paper instead of making it from new materials generates 74 percent less air pollution and uses 50 percent less water. Manufacturing recycled paper uses 60 percent of the energy needed to make paper from new materials. Over 73 percent of all newspapers are recovered for recycling. About 33 percent of this is used to make newsprint the rest is used to make paperboard, tissue, or insulation. A little more than 48 percent of all office paper is recycled. This is used to make writing papers, paperboard, tissue, and insulation. Interesting Recycling Facts / Metal Recycling steel and tin cans saves 74 percent of the energy used to make them. Americans throw away enough aluminum every month to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet. Americans throw out enough iron and steel to continuously supply all the auto makers in the entire nation. A steel mill using recycled scrap reduces water pollution, air pollution, and mining waste by about 70 percent. When you throw away an aluminum can you waste as much energy as if you’d filled the can half full of gasoline and poured it into the ground. Americans use 100 million tin and steel cans each day. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a 100 watt light bulb for 20 hours, a computer for 3 hours, and a TV for 2 hours. Interesting Recycling Facts / Plastic Enough plastic is produced in the United States each year to shrink wrap Texas. In 1998 Americans used 2 billion pounds of HDPE to make plastic bottles for household products. That’s the equivalent weight of 90,000 Honda civics. Approximately 88 percent of the energy is saved when plastic is made from plastic rather than from the raw materials of gas and oil. Enough plastic bottles are thrown away in the United States each year to circle the Earth four times. How to cite Interesting Recycling Facts, Essay examples

Case of BHP Billiton for Corporate Governance †Free Sample

Question: Discuss about the Case study of BHP Billiton for Corporate Governance. Answer: Introduction Corporate governance is a wide-term that incorporates the rules, policies, systems and processes that an organization adopts and implements in its workplace for carrying out its business operations effectively. The main objective of organizations behind the implementation and adoption of a governance framework is to develop a common set of guidelines that directs corporate behavior and ensures its sustainability. The corporate governance system of an organization aims to strengthen the relationship with its stakeholders thus ensuring its long-term growth and development. The development of an appropriate internal governance system is necessary for business organizations to maintain accountability in its operations and minimize the chances of risk occurrence (Corporate governance in Australia, 2003). In this context, the present report aims to analyze and examine the corporate governance practices of BHP Billiton by the application of the relevant concepts, standards and other guiding principles of corporate governance. The report also proposes some recommendations for the company for strengthening its corporate governance system. Brief Description of the BHP Billiton BHP Billiton is the Australian company and it is one of the largest resource companies in Australia. It was incorporated on 13 August, 1885 and the main activities of the company are exploration, mining, development, processing, production, marketing and production of different minerals. Some of the major minerals that company explores and mine are iron ore, potash, silver, nickel, uranium, manganese, aluminum, copper, coal etc. Apart from these activities company is involved in the process of development, production and marketing of conventional oil and gas in different parts of world (Company Profile, 2016). Corporate governance at BHP Billiton is taken as most important function and every activity is purely accounted and reported to management. BHP Billiton is committed to follow the highest level of governance and aims to promote foster environment through involving ethical standards, corporate integrity, personal behavior and respect to others. All the directors work independently to provide unbiased report to the stakeholders so that clear and fair picture of company performance can be seen. Functions and areas of directors are clearly defined and every single step is taken to avoid any regulatory issues. Company has clear set of corporate standards derived from the best class of standards provided by the corporate governance body. Each global function and marketing by BHP Billiton has clear accountability that is approved by the assigned executive directors. In short it can be said that BHP Billiton follows all the parameters that are required in corporate governance reporting (Governance, 2016). Criteria for the review of BHP Billiton Corporate governance Australian government has identified and adopted the best practices of corporate governance for business organizations with the development of ASX Corporate Governance Council. ASX governance council holds the responsibility of ensuring the presence of an effective governance system in Australian corporations (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). It has established some core principles that underline good corporate governance system for a business organization that are as follows: Developing Solid Foundation for the Board and Management: Australian corporations should develop and disclose respective roles and responsibilities for board and management. This implies developing solid foundations for management and board of directors by establishing a clear difference between the business functions of the board and the management (Corporate governance in Australia, 2003). Effective Structuring of the Board: Businesses should form an effective composition of the board with uniform size and is committed adequately to discharge its duties and responsibilities. This indicates that board members should be independent of each other roles and responsibilities such as there should be independent directors, chairman, executive officer and nomination committed (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). Integrating ethical and responsible decision-making: In this context, business organizations are required to develop their Code of Conduct that establishes their legal obligations and responsibilities towards the stakeholders. The Code of Conduct developed by a business organization also lays foundations for the nature of relationship existing between board, management and other operational employees (Corporate governance in Australia, 2003). Protect Integrity in Financial Reporting: Businesses should have an adequate structure to promote and protect integrity in their financial reporting. This can be achieved by business organizations by developing an audit committee that comprises of indent directors, non-executive directors, independent chairman and at-least three other members. The audit committee holds the responsibility of safeguarding integrity in financial reporting of a business firm (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). Timely and Balanced Disclosure of Information: Business organizations are required to disclose all the materialistic information regarding its operations timely. This requires for business to develop written policies that mandates the senior executives to develop and communicate the material information regarding its activities to all the stakeholders regularly (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). Protecting Shareholders Rights: Businesses should develop proper communication channel to disclose all the important facts and figures to its shareholders for encouraging their participation in the decision-making practices. This will help the businesses to maintain accountability in their operational activities and gain the trust of all its shareholders (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). Effective Risk Management: Business organizations should establish an effective system for identifying and mitigating the risk. This can be achieved by businesses by developing and implementing an internal control system that manages all the materialistic risk related with its operational activities. The internal control system is necessary for business organizations to identify any type of risk in advance so that prevention strategies can be implemented to eliminate its occurrence (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). Fair Remuneration: Businesses should ensure that the level and composition of remuneration is sufficient and it is in direct relation with the performances. This can be achieved by business organizations by developing a remuneration committee that establishes the remuneration of executive, non-executive and senior management. (ASX Corporate Governance Council, 2014). Critical review of the organizations governance applying the ASX Corporate Governance Principles BHP Billiton is committed to highest level of performance with implementing an effective corporate governance system. It has strived to develop a work culture that is based on the ethical standards, corporate integrity and respect or others (BHP Billiton, 2016). In accordance with ASX listing rule, BHP Billiton has clearly distinguished the roles and responsibilities of the board and the management. The Board is appointed by the shareholders and is uniformly composed. It consists of majority of non-executive directors who carry out their roles and responsibilities independently and does not hold any responsibility with other groups of people who can influence their decision-making process. The Board maintains an appropriate balance between non-executive and executive directors for maintain the shareholder interests. Directors of the group should possess the qualifications of honesty and integrity and are committed to highest standards of governance (Board Governance Document, 2016). The board holds the responsibility of reviewing the skills and Competencies of each of its member and should determine whether the composition of these skills is in accordance with the corporate purpose. BHP maintains independence of directors by ensuring that majority of the board members are independent and also all the members of risk, audit and remuneration committee also conducts their responsibility in an independent manner. The Board holds the authority of maintaining independency of directors from the management, shareholders group and administrator and ensuring that all directors take independent judgment on the board decisions (Board Governance Document, 2016). BHP Billiton has also developed its unique Code of Conduct to act ethically and responsible in its decision-making practices. The companys Code of Business Conduct develops the standard for conducting its operational activities by providing guidelines to everyone involved in its decision-making process (Code of Business Conduct, 2016). These guidelines govern and monitor the regular work activities of the company by determining the culture and values that each of its employees must adhere to while performing their job role. BHP Billiton encourages the development of a workplace where employees are empowered to participate in the decision-making process. The companys supervisors and managers holds the responsibility of ensuring that Code of Conduct is followed by employees and they are involved in all the decisions taken by the management. The company also provides a global business conduct advisory service for resolving the queries and issues related to its ethical obligations (Code of Business Conduct, 2016). The company maintains integrity in its financial reporting system through establishing an audit committee that holds the responsibility of supporting and advising the board regarding the appropriateness of accounting policies and practices (Risk and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, 2016). The committee is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of internal and external audits carried by the company. It holds the power of implementing changes in the financial reporting framework of the company. The committee reviews and examines the financial statements and other information related to financial condition of the company with management and external auditors to maintain their integration. It provides its suggestions to the board on the matters relating the fairness and balance of annual report so that is understandable and provides all the relevant financial information to all its stakeholders (Risk and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, 2016). BHP Billiton complies with the disclosure obligations through developing a Market Disclosure and Communications Document (Market Disclosure and Communications, 2015). The document contains all the materialistic information regarding the company about its internal processes and the communication strategies adopted by it to interact with shareholders and other market participants. The company has also established its Disclosure Committee that holds the responsibility of ensuring that all materialistic information is reported to the stick exchange according to the listing rules and regulations. The corporate governance framework of the company ensures that BHP provides timely and accurate information about its financial performance, strategies and operational activities to all the shareholders and public in general. In addition to this, the communication policy of the company also protects the rights of its shareholders by providing them all the information regarding the companys perfor mance. Disclosure officers are obliged to provide all the material information to the shareholders and also ensure that the information discloses is true and not misleading in nay regard. The communication policy of the company also takes into account that any sensitive information is not provided to any third party (Market Disclosure and Communications, 2015). BHP has also established its independent risk committee to support the Board in matters relating to the occurrence of nay emergency condition. It reviews the major risks faced by the company that can negatively impact its performance and sustainability. The CEO develops effective procedures and standards to be adopted for mitigating the risk identified. The committee also ensures that CEO has implemented an appropriate internal control system to identify, manage and control the risk (Risk and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, 2016). The board has the obligation of maintaining the independency of the risk committee developed for maximizing its effectiveness. The committee will govern that the company has maintained an effective system of internal control over financial reporting necessary for ensuring its sustainability and long-term growth. The risk committee has to also ensure that the company has maintained an effective internal audit committee and carried out its functions indep endent of external audit committee. The CEO has to present the results obtained through internal control and risk management to the risk committee for enhancing the companys operational effectiveness. The risk committee develops and implement necessary strategy and standards required for managing and controlling the organizational risks (Risk and Audit Committee Terms of Reference, 2016). BHP Billiton has also developed its independent remuneration committee for rendering its support to the board members on the issues relating to compensation. The committee is responsible for acting as advisory body to Board in matters related to the development of remuneration policy that decides the compensation offered to senior executives, non-executives and other management people. It also ensures that the remuneration received by everyone in the company is directly related with their performances. Remuneration committee conducts performance evaluation, develops incentive plan and governance responsibilities related to the compensation. The committee does not hold any responsibility of determining the remuneration offered to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and other members of the Operations Management Committee (OMC). Thus, on the basis of all the above discussion held it can be stated that BHP Billion has implemented a strong corporate governance framework that is in accordance with ASX corporate governance principles and standards (Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference, 2016). Recommendations To provide for better corporate governance policies in BHP Billiton following recommendations are provided: It is essential to establish a positive communication channel between management and with all the other stakeholders as investors, employees and other important stakeholders have direct interest with company growth. Company need to recognize that good governance is not a hard compliance but it is something that balances the overall growth of company taking all aspects of social as well as corporate responsibility. It is must to have clear role and strategy for each director so that all activities go smoothly and also help the owners to keep the directors independent. It is duty of directors to pursue and keep a check on the organization performance on timely basis and there should be proper channel for reporting (Corporate governance, 2013). Conclusion At last it can be concluded that corporate governance is not only the compliance requirement but it is social reasonability of everyone in the organization. BHP Billiton confers with the corporate governance with applying best practices and standards defined by Australian Stock Exchange. Still there are some recommendations provided above that can help them to make corporate governance stronger. References ASX Corporate Governance Council. 2014. [Online]. Available at:https://www.asx.com.au/documents/asx-compliance/cgc-principles-and-recommendations-3rd-edn.pdf[Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. BHP Billiton. 2016. Corporate Governance. [Online]. Available at: https://www.bhpbilliton.com/aboutus/ourcompany/governance[Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Board Governance Document. 2016. [Online]. Available at: https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/aboutus/ourcompany/governance/160707_boardgovernancedocument_v2.pdf?la=en [Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Code of Business Conduct. 2016. [Online]. Available at:https://www.bhpbilliton.com/aboutus/ourcompany/codeofbusconduct[Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Company Profile. 2016. [Online]. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=BHP Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Corporate governance in Australia. 2003. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ecgi.org/codes/documents/asx_recommendations.pdf Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Corporate governance. 2013. [Online]. Available at: https://corporategovernance.dk/sites/default/files/recommendations-ebs-12401-rapport-selskabsledelse-uk-5k-nov-2014.pdf Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Governance. 2016. [Online]. Available at: https://www.bhpbilliton.com/aboutus/ourcompany/governance Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Market Disclosure and Communications. 2015. [Online]. Available at:https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/aboutus/ourcompany/governance/150601_marketdisclosureandcommunications.pdf?la=en[Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Nomination and Governance Committee Terms of Reference. 2016. [Online]. Available at:https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/aboutus/ourcompany/governance/160707_nominationandgovernancecommittee_v2.pdf?la=en[Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference. 2016. [Online]. Available at: https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/aboutus/ourcompany/governance/160707_remunerationcommittee_v2.pdf?la=en [Accessed on: 8 September 2016]. Risk and Audit Committee Terms of Reference. 2016. [Online]. Available at:https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/aboutus/ourcompany/governance/160707_riskandauditcommittee_v2.pdf?la=en[Accessed on: 8 September 2016].

Capstone Project Essay Example

Capstone Project Paper Indirect Clinical Project: Quality Improvement Abstract Healthcare has become a consumer driven industry with patient satisfaction equating to good customer service. Effective communication has been shown to be a key factor in both patient outcomes and satisfaction. Additionally, patient satisfaction has become a tool used by insurers to evaluate medical facilities and may impact reimbursement to hospitals for patient care. In this paper, I will discuss the issue of ineffective communication in the waiting area of the surgical services department at Mount Carmel East Hospital. The impact of ineffective communication effects patients and members of the perioperative team. Results of patient surveys consistently showed a decrease in overall patient satisfaction with areas of communication scoring the lowest across the continuum. Substandard scores necessitated a further look at the process of communication and a root cause analysis was used to evaluate the scope of the issue. The current communication process was then observed and compared to best practice models. A summary of this data, included in this report, was used to develop possible solutions to improve communication as part of a continuing quality improvement process. The impact of quality improvement is instrumental in overall patient satisfaction and customer service. We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Indirect Clinical Project: Quality Improvement The purpose of the Indirect Clinical Project (ICP) is to provide an opportunity for students working toward a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to explore an issue related to their professional interest. BSN students were asked to work with Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) preceptor in a professional role for this project. My ICP is designed to address the issue of ineffective communication in the waiting are of the surgical services department at Mount Carmel East Hospital. I choose this particular problem as it related to my current area of practice in the post anesthesia care unit. The problem of ineffective communication in the surgery waiting room  has been a longstanding issue. This is evidenced by substandard patient survey scores in areas related to communication and overall satisfaction with the surgical waiting area. In this paper, I will establish the framework for the problem of ineffective communication and how this translates into the quality improvement process. For this project a root cause analysis was done and the results were then used to develop a process improvement plan. A comparison was made between current practice and best practice related to perioperative communication. As the problem was analyzed and areas in need of improvement recognized, the process improvement plan was developed. The benefits and drawbacks of the possible solutions will be present along with rationales. PROBLEM Mount Carmel East (MCE) has had numerous complaints regarding ineffective communication within the surgical services waiting area. Complaints typically are related to patients and families not being informed of delays and/or updates. Currently a small number of volunteers are functioning as the surgical liaison for patients and families throughout the surgical care process. The liaison is responsible for facilitating communication to patients, families, nursing staff and surgeons. The task of being a liaison for patients in the perioperative setting can be daunting with many demands that present a variety of challenges. While these volunteers do not provide medical information, they are expected to understand the surgical schedule and perioperative process. No formal training for these duties is provided and volunteers are expected to convey appropriate information in a timely manner. Despite the placement of volunteer liaisons, complaints from patients and families not being informe d of delays and updates continue to be received. Inconsistencies in the number and abilities of the volunteers have a direct impact on the communication process. The schedule of the volunteers is the responsibility of the volunteer coordinator and while requests have been made to have the same volunteers this is not always possible. Some days there may be a single volunteer to manage the numerous responsibilities without any assistance and on occasion, particularly in the evening, there is no volunteer and the waiting room is left unattended. The waiting room is the first impression customers, patient and family, see when they arrive for surgery. Leaving the waiting room unattended is a poor reflection on the department and can be perceived as unwelcoming. â€Å"The perioperative environment is often seen as impersonal and unfriendly† (Stephens-Woods, 2008, p. 7). Without someone to receive patients and answer the phone, communication becomes fragmented and impersonal. While the contributions from the volunteers are greatly appreciated, abilities and level of commitment vary greatly. As a result, the families experience dissatisfaction when trying to obtain information, the surgeons experience frustration trying to find patients families, and the clinical staff find it difficult to update the volunteers when they need to communicate information. Currently, the volunteers are not held to any performance standards and while they may be in attendance, they may not be fully present. All employees of MCE are expected to work together and adhere to the guiding behaviors set by Mount Carmel which include being fully present and accountable (MCE, 2012). STAKEHOLDERS The issue of ineffective communication affects first the patients, our customers, who are the center of focus. Family members waiting for their loved ones are also affected. Lack of communication to patients waiting for surgery, particularly when there is a delay, can contributed to a heightened level of stress and anxiety. â€Å"Ineffective communication can be linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety which can negatively affect patient outcomes† (Stephens-Woods, 2008, p. 7). Additionally, health care workers and volunteers are impacted. Other key stakeholders include the perioperative staff, anesthesia team and surgeons. This domino effect extends to administration and ultimately the facility. AVAILABLE DATA Data from outpatient satisfaction surveys was compiled and reviewed for this project. Results were reviewed for each quarter of 2012. Data from questions relating to communication was obtained from questions contained on the survey. The questions and results are as follows: when asked if instructions were received upon arrival to the outpatient area patients responded â€Å"yes† an average of 84% of the time; being informed of delays averaged 77% of the time; overall waiting area satisfaction averaged 77%; and the likelihood of recommending MCE outpatient surgical services was an average of 83% (Mount Carmel, 2012). The data supported a need for communication that occurred within the waiting area with scores below department goals which have been established to be 90% or better. STRATEGIES/RESOURCES In order for any quality improvement project to be success a variety of resources must be utilized to analyze the problem. For this project, a root cause analysis was done and the results were then used to develop a quality improvement plan. This method of analysis was helpful in determining who was involved; where communication breaks down; what factors contribute to the issue and possible solutions to improve communication. Additional data from the results of the patient satisfaction surveys was also used. With the problem clearly analyzed and areas in need of improvement recognized, the process improvement plan was developed. The plan to incorporate a surgical services patient liaison was formulated as one possible solution. This plan was developed using best practice models in comparison to current practice routines. Strengths include available data and research from best practice models. Another consideration to improving communication is the impact it will have on patient satis faction scores. With improved communication comes improved patient satisfaction (Otani et al., 2012, p. 257). The director of surgical services has worked alongside those involved with the project in order to develop a conceivable plan. Additional input from the clinical staff has been positive and supportive. The biggest obstacle, of course, is budget. The role of the patient liaison, with all of the responsibilities is encompasses, would be a paid position. The addition of an employee is not without financial burden upon the department. However, unsatisfactory results will impact reimbursement. Medicare will examine these scores when reimbursing hospitals and better-performing hospitals will benefit from the incentive (Lang, 2012). Improving patient satisfaction is paramount due to the potential loss of revenue. SOLUTIONS/IMPLEMENTATION The current practice model of volunteers being used as the surgical service patient liaison does not follow best practice guidelines. My proposal is to  create a surgical services liaison as a navigator in the surgery waiting area. Current best practice models use nurse navigators and nurse liaisons as point persons to improve the communication process and overall patient and family satisfaction (Stephens-Woods, 2008, p. 7). However, there is limited research in relationship to outpatient surgical settings. My proposal would incorporate a liaison; however, this role would be filled in an administrative capacity rather than clinical thus alleviating some of the financial burden to the department. My second solution is to first address staffing levels. Currently there is no guarantee for consistent staffing. Continuity with those volunteers who do function as staff in the waiting room is somewhat limited. Requests have been made for the same volunteers to be used in the waiting room, but this is not always possible. Periods of time volunteers are requested for the waiting room are vacant. This issue was once again presented to the volunteer coordinator. Requests were made to make the surgical services waiting room a priority for volunteer staffing. While these requests have been made, there remains no guarantee that staffing levels will be met. The use of volunteers to fill a staffing need will continue to be problematic and this will continued to be reflected in overall patient satisfaction. The importance of satisfying the needs of families as our customers is just as important as providing care for our patients. This can best be accomplished by having trained staff members to meet these needs which in turn will improve patient and family satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is now considered as a critical part of the quality outcomes of health care (Otani et al., 2012, p. 257). Another component to the solution using the volunteers is based on documentation. Currently, the volunteers do not document when communication occurs and therefore there is no data to support that communication has occurred. My proposal would be the implementation of a spread sheet used to document communication. This spread sheet would be integrated with the daily surgery schedule with columns provided to document times when key communication has been achieved. Key communications include: time of arrival; time taken to pre-operative area; time surgery started and ended; arrival to recovery room; post surgical physician update; hourly update; etc. . The spreadsheet is currently being reviewed by department leaders. Changes will be made as necessary based on feedback provided and it will then be submitted for final approval. Volunteers will be instructed on use of the spread sheet and written instructions provided. Clinical staff will continue to document in the electronic medical record. EVALUATION PLAN The spreadsheet has been presented for approval for interdepartmental use. Pending approval, the spreadsheet will be used for a period of ninety days at which time patient complaints and patient satisfactions scores will be reviewed. Documentation for patient and family notification for clinical staff for the same time period will be reviewed and compared to documentation on the spreadsheet. Results will be evaluated and further recommendations will be based on these findings. ICP EVALUATION Working with a mentor for this ICP has been challenging and informative. My preceptor was the director of surgical services at MCE. Working with a mentor in this role provided a wide variety of opportunities not only those related to the project. While most of my practice has been focused on the clinical aspect of patient care, this project has given new insight into the significance of data as a value measurement for good patient care. The role of managers and their ability to make positive changes based on research has gained greater significance. With the knowledge gained through this process, I will not hesitate in the future to participate in continuous quality improvement projects. The ability to put into practice what has been learned in theory has been an invaluable experience. CONCLUSION Effective communication has been show to be a key factor in both patient outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. The value of patient satisfaction is now considered as a critical part of the quality outcomes of health care (Otani et al., 2012, p. 247). Patient satisfactions surveys from MCE surgical services have consistently show a decrease with overall patient satisfaction with areas of communication scoring the lowest across the continuum. Substandard patient satisfaction scores necessitated a further look at the current communication process. Currently, communication is facilitated by volunteers who staff the surgery waiting room. Availability and commitment of the volunteers have contributed to the issue. The use of volunteers provides no guarantee staffing levels will be fulfilled and on occasion the waiting room is left unattended. In order to address both staffing issues and facilitate timely, effective communication recommendations have been made to hire a regularly scheduled employee in the role of surgical liaison. Limitations to this plan are primarily monetary. Considerations for budget allowances and cost of training are not without financial burden to the department. The overall picture must be evaluated and the cost of an additional employee compared to potential revenue loss considered. Unsatisfactory patient satisfaction can impact reimbursement and lead to potential loss of repeat business. A second possible solution was developed based on monetary considerations. A spreadsheet designed to correlate with the surgery schedule was created. Simplistic in nature, it was designed to provide a place for volunteers to document times when specified communication occurs. The rationale behind the use of the spreadsheet is twofold. First, providing written documentation that communication has occurred; second, prompt those using the spreadsheet to provide communication in a timely manner. Pending final approval, the volunteers would be shown how to use the spread sheet and written instructions will be provided as a reference. Plausible solutions have been presented in an effort to improve communication with an overall goal of improving patient satisfaction. Effective communication between patients and members of the interdisciplinary health care team is essential (Belizario, 2011, p. 19). Using data as a tool to value patient centered care is an essential component to the quality improvement process; however, implementation, evaluation and continued quality improvement are a continual process. References Belizario, S. (2011, August). Inspiring change. Boosting patient satisfaction scores-and nurses’ morale. Nursing 2011, 41(8), 18-21. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/10.1097/01.NURSE.0000399591.81228.3e. Hollan, J. (2010). Communication key to patient satisfaction scores. Hospital Case Management, 18(11), 164-166. Retrieved from http://www.library.ohiou.edu.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/cgi-bin/redir_allcampuse Capstone Project Essay Example Capstone Project Essay Introduction The usage of web services is increasing the direction sum of Cu and fibre cabling. This consequences in an of all time increasing work load that must be maintained or reconfigured ; ensuing in challenges to organisational profitableness. One of the challenges that arises is how does an decision maker maintain a complex work environment when increased net incomes. fewer capital and operating resources are limited. One might propose turning a complex web substructure requires operation efficiency with a desire to pull off and protect overseas telegrams without disrupting the work flow for clients. However. given the challenges impacting radio service suppliers ; keeping focal point and quality are merely the basicss. We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The decision maker is limited to the organisations profitableness and cost discrepancy when finding the best attack. These factors play a function which will probably impact the substructure as a whole. It is interesting plenty to indicate out that towards the position of a web decision maker ; an issue should stay hibernating and should neer go on when the proper deductions are set in topographic point. However. because we live in an intractable universe the possibility for a scenario is plausible. Finishing touch Proposal Summary As a voluntary for a web security study for Aon Corp ; the undermentioned study was designed to indicate out exposures within the organisational web waiters specifically under the surety office location where category mates utilizing workstations were sing thwarting issues refering to web instability. The study was intended to place on whether security deductions were required so that an upgrade petition may be delivered. A staff meeting was set in topographic point where we interviewed the client sing their demands. It is ever a good pick to understand the cardinal demands of the client prior to doing any alterations to the web. After passing several hours brainstorming the client’s demands a solution has been reached. The undertaking scene has been laid out clearly. During my timeframe questioning the client I have gained the necessary background cognition to understand my client’s visions constructing a strong common connexion. Understanding this connexion has entitled me to name the web consequently. As a portion of the study Aon Corp has several demands prior to leaping into the undertaking. First it was compulsory to inspect the lower limit system demands of the client machines. In the past latency issues have derived chiefly to out of day of the month hardware or device drivers as opposed to a security breach. It is ever a wise pick to update these constellations while running the appropriate operating system updates which may all be lending factors. During the prerequisite phase of the study the needed information is gathered to develop an effectual web study which would relieve resource restraint. Rational A ; Systems Analysis It is ever a wise pick to research similar instance surveies that may supply good information associating to similar scenarios. I have done as such edifice my apprehension of these scenarios which has a given me some background to my clients concerns. Several user friendly applications have offered me assistance analysing security cringle holes. They are the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer ( MBSA ) and Windows Server Update Services ( WSUS ) . With conformity to the Microsoft web site ; the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a user friendly tool emphasized for technicians with a focal point on helping medium sized concerns. The tool focuses on the security province of the web with conformity to Microsoft recommendations supplying guidelines and support. The user may download Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer ( MBSA ) from Microsoft. com as it is a well-known tool for all IT technicians. Once the tool has been successfully installed the decision maker has the ability to scan multiple terminal users on the local web median. Upon completion of the scan the user is delivered a study foregrounding possible menaces along with losing updates. Some of these updates may include losing application spots. operations system updates. and advised the user on whether a Windows firewall is running. MBSA has the ability to analyze administrative histories along with watchword policies. See Figure A for illustration. Figure A As engineering progresss. administrative technicians need to set to the challenges in front. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a great tool to keep the unity of your web substructure. Scott Lowe ( 2004 ) . a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. said the following sing the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer: Supporting a immense figure of Microsoft applications. MBSA can function you in two ways. First. it will assist you maintain your waiters protected from jobs ; 2nd. with powerful describing capablenesss. it can assist you really larn why you need to make the things that are suggested so you can do an educated determination as to whether something is an acceptable hazard in your environment. Undertaking Goals and Aims The nonsubjective towards the following undertaking was to originate a program to upgrade Aon Corp web substructure relieving latency issues better bettering the efficiency and flow of informations across the web median. A current unstable web prolonged concern growing capacity doing it hard for terminal users to use resources efficaciously. Without the indispensable resources company growing was at a constriction. Interrupting down the ends and aims for the undermentioned undertaking was indispensable in supplying a redress to the issue. they are as follows: Client must have a current system image snapshot -Survey of a workstation must be documented -Survey of a waiter must be documented -Microsoft Baseline Security tool must be run salvaging each workstation along with the waiter A scheduled protocol program must be provided jointing inside informations for the client on overall public presentation and web stableness. Client must be advised of a elaborate schematic for preventive steps along with upkeep Client must be given an instructional manual for pull offing updates related to the operating system and antivirus package Client must be given an estimation on productiveness along with return of investing In order to show the deliverables to the client ; a solid cardinal apprehension of the clients demands must be developed. Geting a background apprehension is indispensable in order to understand the concern procedure and what the client wants to accomplish out of their web substructure. Without understanding the large image the undertaking would surely neglect. Pre-SurveyClientMeeting The end and aim here was to originate a meeting with the client to discourse the concern orientation and the procedure dealingss to their workstations. The clients company being a preparation establishment ; certain package was required in order for the house to accomplish their concern ends. The applications required minimal system eyeglasses in order to run expeditiously. During the preliminary stage of the meeting the concern theoretical account and ends were discussed. Operational hours were taken into consideration as a set agenda was established for executing the study. As the meeting came to an terminal a study schematic was brought to the client’s attending in order to cipher return on investing upon undertaking completion ( mention to Appendix 2 ) . The success of the meeting was met and the first aim was complete. Upon the completion of the study the client was provided with an feasible program puting out the inside informations of the ascent and preventive steps. However. the full executing will be assist outside the Capstone ; it will be the cardinal high spot to the success of the concern ends. Network Security Survey As a requirement to the study several spreadsheets holding been compiled for capturing images of informations ( refer to Appendix 3 along with Appendix 4 ) . The first papers entitles end user computing machines and 2nd focal points on waiters. As for the MBSA scans for each workstation ; a thumb thrust was used to salvage the consequences. Prior to get downing the study an update was brought to my attending from the client that others may be working on these end-user machines as good. Because of my failure to follow through during the phone meeting advising of the clip agenda. I needed to reach the other decision makers reding them of my presence. Fortunately. as I arrived at the designated undertaking site there were many computing machines to study. I began to study the end-user machines non being surveyed. About 3 proceedingss elapsed for each workstation to study ; running Microsoft Baseline Security ( MBSA ) took about 11 proceedingss. Unfortunately. I have missed my end of making the estimated figure of computing machines being studies as discussed in the preliminary meeting. The study elapsed more clip than I have predicted. On the other manus it was pleasant to cognize that the other decision makers finished their part of the undertaking merely in clip before I got to them. Surveying the workstations went harmonizing to agenda. nevertheless. as I approached the waiters several jobs aroused. The list of watchwords the client provided did non incorporate the right characters as I attempted to log into the sphere accountant. The proprietor has left the edifice and was unable to accomplish my end with appraising the waiters as planned therefore go forthing my web security study incomplete. The undermentioned twenty-four hours the proprietor has been contacted and a scheduled return visit was planned. As the sphere accountant was surveyed ; the security web portion of the study has been successfully completed. Despite the minor issues the study went flawless ; I would hold followed through with the client more expeditiously if the same scenario would hold repeated itself. The coveted end has been achieved and a information image has been captured so the proposal ascent can be finalized. Proposal Upgrade Preparation The ascent proposal was designed to incorporate the undermentioned suggestions. Configuration of the Domain accountant Configuration of the waiter Configuration of the workstation Suggestions for Malware/Antivirus Report for ROI Security usher for the end-user Timeline of Ascent As premises specifying the web constellation have been made. Unknowingly an premise was made that the sphere accountant is established as the default gateway. DNS and DHCP waiter. I came to understand that their substructure was split into four subnets. ISA waiter was in between the ISP playing as NAT. DNS. DHCP. and RRAS server. Logically understanding that their sphere accountant was their default gateway. DHCP. and DNS server ; the services were contained on the internal web. Failing to understand the possibility of a web margin my premises were wrong. Finally I was able to finish each undertaking point provided above ; a presentation with the client would finalise this part of the undertaking. The undertaking was completed. nevertheless. non within the coveted timeframe. Presentation Proposal As the completion of the proposal has been achieved a client meeting has been scheduled. The docket of the meeting is as follows: 1. Discoursing study consequences ( web province ) 2. Hardware treatment / package suggestions 3. Projected ROI and cost 4. Questions 5. Agenda execution Despite the presentation enduring 2 hours it was a success. Proper be aftering along with a satisfying web study were the predecessors taking to this success. The web study went really smooth and efficient. The proposal was straight to the point and meaningful for the client. As the undermentioned end completed and the deliverables presented to the client undertaking completion has been achieved. Due to the clients satisfactions with the deliverables the undertaking has moved frontward to the following part of the upgrade stage. Undertaking Timeline The timeline of the undertaking was compiled utilizing a Gantt chart from the package Microsoft Office Undertaking 2012. The undertaking program along with the inside informations are listed in Figure B. As indicated in Figure B. the undertaking clip frame was expected to take 238 yearss. Several countries took clip restraint. First the web study as antecedently indicated where I failed to follow through with the client after the preliminary stage of the meeting. This resulted in the client scheduling pupils on campus on the same timeframe as the study. Fortunately. there were adequate end-user computing machines to execute the study. In clip the balance of the pupils have left the edifice liberating up those workstations every bit good. Forgeting to acquire a verification of the sum of workstations at the preliminary meeting indivertibly resulted in my underestimate of the sum of clip it would take to study the entire sum of workstations. The client watchword list for the sphere accountants portrayed to be the lone job I have run into when executing the study ensuing in a reverse. Because I have forgotten to bespeak the undermentioned information from the client ; the study was reverse from the estimated clip for completion ; ensuing in a twenty-four hours reverse. Roll uping the proposal was another undertaking that was miscalculated. Fortunately. I was able to finalise the undertaking in one twenty-four hours therefore maintaining the undertaking within the restraints of the timeline. Client satisfaction was the ultimate end as they were really thankful. It is expected that situations as such will non ever go consequently to program ; nevertheless. without the clients back up the undertaking would non hold gone as smooth. Planing a larger border while taking a less aggressive attitude at the preliminary meeting would hold avoided such issues. Undertaking Development During the preliminary development of the undermentioned undertaking. Aon Corps web substructure was heading in an unknown way refering to its economic success. Instabilities in their security policy. workstations were exponentially acquiring slower each twenty-four hours. Students along with examiners were losing hope in the unity of the company. Their mentality was impacting public presentation along with concern net income chances. The undertaking I was assigned to go around around constructing a concern by updating their web substructure to a degree of efficiency. The concentration of the undertaking focused on executing an upgrade solution that would supply this efficiency to the client. Original snapshots of the web were based in the ascent proposal program which was used to optimise the web. The optimum end of the undertaking was to implement a web substructure that would be unafraid. Just like all jobs issues aroused during the patterned advance of the undertaking. Students were scheduled to be in the edifice at the clip of the study ; a work about was developed as I was able to impede another schoolroom. Upon completion of the workstations I was able to come back to the student’s schoolroom which was cleared. Rearranging the order of the computing machines that have been surveyed the issue was concealed. Another state of affairs that derived during development happened when I discovered that the client has given me the wrong sphere accountant watchword list which did non incorporate the waiter administrative watchwords. The deficiency of the undermentioned information would hold decidedly resulted in the undertaking weakness. Rescheduling the visit with the proprietor has alleviated this scenario. Unfortunately. because of the rescheduling the timeline has been pushed back forestalling me from finishing the undertaking within the completion period. Expecting that the web sphere accountant would be a configured as a default gateway. Premises were proven incorrect and the constellation procedure to longer than expected. Due to an ISA waiter on the web margin alterations to the constellations proposal had to be made. Making an ROI study was another unforeseen event that was requested upon the client. Determining the pecuniary cost was hard when comparing the proposed and current web conditions. Consequently. alterations had to be made to the client inquiry concern study to help me in these computations. Gracefully. the client was able to hold upon these footings. Actual and Potential Effectss Majority of the undermentioned subdivision will concentrate on possible effects due to the undertaking being a proposal. The undertaking effects can be conceived by bespeaking that the client had a clear position towards the web substructure and how in its old province it has manipulated concern continuity. The client experienced the old province and was provided with a conventional to the current stable province. Empowering the client with the inside informations supplying them with a clear apprehension influenced them to take action therefore altering their web substructure to one that works expeditiously. The possible positives to the undermentioned program are as follows. Should the client comply with the proposal supplying the solution to their web ; they will be rewarded with a web that is optimally configured. This will ensue in web runing efficiency and concern procedures will keep its unity. Less schoolroom breaks will elicit related to workstation issues. Students taking trials will be less defeated due to server clangs along with workstations. Customer assurance in Aon corp will increase. The potency of concern growing will ensue from the following undertaking. There will be an easiness of urgency related to web related issues. The organisation can now concentrate on its concern theoretical account concentrating on their clients. Decision The finishing touch portrayed to be exciting yet disputing supplying to be honoring every bit good. In footings of ends and aims I believe that it was successful. Client satisfaction has been achieved as each end and object has been delivered. The ground why it was so successful and effectual is due to the methodical planning prior to the induction of the undertaking. The necessity of readying along with the preliminary client meetings has given me the cardinal understand on how to get down constructing the undertaking. Constructing a program has given me an effectual tool to present the clients outlooks. Attention to detail along with effectual communicating were advantage points that designed an effectual proposal. The client was efficient in being proactive by understanding the job at point and showing their concerns. Together a proposed program has been derived that would move as a roadmap to that optimum web substructure. Flexibility and client forbearance played an of import function during the hiccup minutes of the undertaking. The ability to find alternate paths in an event of hitting a wall is indispensable to the success of any undertaking. As the undertaking director it was my pleasance to accomplish the client’s deliverables along with the satisfaction that they genuinely deserve. Mentions Keystone Strategy. Inc Study ( 2005 ) . Why IT Matters in Midsized Firms. Retrieved January 31. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. key inc. com/it_matters. shtml. Lowe. Scott ( 2004 ) . Verify security scenes on Windows XP utilizing Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 1. 2. Retrieved June 23. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //articles. techrepublic. com. com/5100-1035_11-5221961. hypertext markup language. Microsoft ( 2007 ) . City of Stratford Brings Down the Curtain on its Legacy System with Server Upgrade. Retrieved June 23. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/canada/casestudies/cityofstratford. mspx. Microsoft ( 2007 ) . Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. Retrieved June 23. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/technet/Security/tools/mbsahome. mspx. Microsoft ( 2007 ) . Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs. Retrieved January 31. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgr ade/capable. mspx. Sherman. Erik ( 2007 ) . Investing in IT for a Competitive Edge. Retrieved January 31. 2007. from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/business/momentum/content/article. aspx? c Appendix 1: Finishing touch Competency Matrix The alumnus responds suitably to diverseness issues in the workplace. Implements an intuitive apprehension of cultural and spiritual backgrounds ; open to sentiments in an effort to understand diverse positions within the organisation. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The alumnus analyzes open-ended jobs by larning about the job and measuring the truth and relevancy of different Quality control is effectual at finding common happenings in issues ; hence. updating rules/protocols alleviate the issue at point. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The alumnus recognizes the value of critical thought in placing and understanding the implicit in constructions of subjects and professions. Organizational issues are apathetic each twenty-four hours ; critical thought along with brainstorming are indispensable in order to research a declaration to debatable issues. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The alumnus demonstrates effectual presentational communicating schemes in a given context. Applies test and mistake to mime the job ; so applies extended research in making a solution to the issue. The research along with the job is so logged as grounds for future claims. Language and Communication The alumnus applies foundational elements of effectual communicating Communicates efficaciously in a nerve-racking environment supplying attending to item. Language and Communication The alumnus demonstrates effectual presentational communicating schemes in a given context. Evaluates graphical representation package to find a defect or an instability in performance/security of the organisation. Security The alumnus identifies and discusses basic constructs of security and security menaces. and recommends security processs. Implements a secure environment for each single client Personal computer ; educating users on the importance of possible menaces to web security. Security The alumnus identifies security demands and recommends appropriate security patterns for web substructure. Educates staff on the importance of implementing sufficient tools and policies in an effort to protect the unity of informations important to the organisation substructure.

The Dangers of Cramming †Response

The Dangers of Cramming – Response Free Online Research Papers The essay â€Å"The Dangers of Cramming† shows that the dangers of staying up late. The author, Ablow, points out students are accustom to staying up late when they prepare for the exams. Sometimes students use stimulants to help them staying awake. But if people use stimulants overly, it may cause some bad effects. People will loss concentration. In addition, there are some potential dangers of substance abuse. Ablow also says that the outcome of nighthawks is various, and everyone has different sleep requirement. Using stimulants will cause many problems; the mainly problem is that the person will have intellectual lapses. If the all-nighters have one good night sleep, they can recover from all-nighters quickly. Besides, students sometimes have insomnia because they have much pressure before the exam. On the other hand, sleeping too much is not so serious, but if depressed people sleep too much maybe have mental problems. Finally, Ablow suggests that we should have regular sleep cycles. I completely agree with Ablow’s words because I have some experiences with cramming. Staying up late is very harmful especially for students. If students don’t have enough sleep, they can’t excel in learning. Take my experience as an example; I used to go to bed around twelve o’clock. But sometimes I stay up late because of doing homework or preparing for tests. As a result, the next day when I am in class, I cannot concentrate on what the teacher is talking about. Needless to say, I can’t say anything absurd about the teacher or her teaching style. After the class I need to spend more time studying. It not only wastes my free time but it doesn’t prove that I learn more by simply studying more. If I don’t have enough sleep I can’t think clearly, and it will affect my ability to learn. So, having good sleep is good for learning and thus better for you. Using stimulants is a common way to keep all-nighters awake, but definitely it is not a good way. When we feel sleepy, we may drink a cup of coffee or tea. I agree that it is an effective way but I don’t like it. The affect of Caffeine is too strong for me. Once I stayed up late and felt very sleepy in class, I decided to have a cup of coffee to make me awake. But the out come was that I became insomnious in that night. I fell asleep after three o’clock. It is really an awful experience. From then on, I don’t dare to drink coffee unless it is necessary. Ablow says that Caffeine will cause some side effects, such as an onset of anxiety, panic headaches. Research Papers on The Dangers of Cramming - ResponseStandardized TestingPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionTrailblazing by Eric AndersonGenetic EngineeringHip-Hop is ArtThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsThe Spring and AutumnEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenCapital Punishment

Discussion 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Discussion 5 - Essay Example Their lifestyles are the subject of every news and media publication that is known to be saleable and universally appealing. The mentioning of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones’ wedding that amounted to â€Å"$1 million to entertain a guest list† (Rothman 192) was an example of this concept. Another relevant term is ‘class consciousness’ which is defined as a general awareness of distinctions in social classes that encompass knowledge on terms such as class awareness, class identification, class solidarity and class action (Rothman 207). As disclosed, the concept of class consciousness ranges from â€Å"the most basic and minimum acknowledgement that there is a hierarch of social classes to participation in overt action to enhance class-based shared interests† (Rothman 207). One strongly believes that class consciousness differs in level and scope of understanding depending also on the stratification of people in society. The information presented under the Quiet Millionaires written by Rothman (193) was likewise interesting and informative in terms of providing greater and significant insights on the lifestyles of a different segment of the rich and famous people, but those who opt to remain private and confidential in their respective endeavors. One of the noted personalities who exemplify this lifestyle was noted as Warren Buffet. As disclosed, â€Å"Warren Buffet, worth over $12 billion dollars, still lives in the same home he bought for $31,500 in 1958† (Rothman 193). The contents are highly indicative that not all rich and famous people lead an extravagant and a life of conspicuous consumption. There are also many who have returned and shared their riches through philanthropic endeavors, such as Bill and Melinda Gates, Michael and Susan Dell, and Ted Turner (Rothman 193) who had been noted to donate large sums of money for various noteworthy

Education Assessment in Practice Research Paper

Education Assessment in Practice - Research Paper Example In my application of the ongoing assessments in my role as an educator I have decided to ensure that I meet all the five dimensions of a good and quality classroom assessment. In my role as an educator, I plan to explore different technologies available for assessment in assessing my students. This technology and instruments will be helping me to design an assessment that can attempt to reveal what my students are thinking. Various technologies that I am planning to adapt to help me with the assessments are in place. Some of these technologies are use of a response device designed to work with multiple-choice and true-false questions, use of group scribbles, and the use of a network-graphing calculator. I am also planning to be evaluating my applications of this assessment tools to ensure a continued improvement in the way I will be assessing my students. I will be using the simple response device designed to work in multiple-choice and true-false questions with information about my students. If this kind of device is carefully designed and used in a meaningful way, it is believed that answers obtained to these types of questions can give information that can be used to assess students and suggest on the measure that need to be taken to improve their learning (USDE, 2012). I will be posing multiple-choice questions to my class, ask my students to use response devices to answer the questions and then have them discuss those questions with their peers who have different answers. My main objective to using this kind of assessment will be trying to raise the levels of engagement of my students in the learning process. Another type of technology that I am planning to be applying in my assessment as an educator is the use of Group Scribbles. According to USED (2012), this is a more sophisticated system that supports peer instruction by capturing complex responses from students. This could allow my student to contribute in classroom discussions using the enhanced chan ces that the technology offers. If I plan to explain how an idea can be applied, I will be asking groups of my students to explain different ways in which this idea can be applied and share their explanations by placing them on a white board. This will ensure that my students learn by explaining their work to other students and through the feedbacks they receive or provide. I also plan to be using rubrics to express what is expected of them in any kind of assessment I decide to give them. This rubrics will be helping my student to understand how quality is judged in the different undertakings they are assigned to undertake in different fields they are working in. I could also use the rubrics to give assessment scores and ratings that will always be demonstrating the measure they are intended to measure and which will always ensure consistency no matter who is selected to mark the assessments. This will ensure that my students obtain the fairest assessment available thus motivating t hem to enhance their learning. Discuss which element of formative assessment is the most difficult to get right away According to Iron (2007), the four elements of a formative assessment are goals which are clear to students; the feedback which measures the student’s current learning state; formative feedback which can be used as a means for closing the gap between the student’

Environmental Impacts Of Large Dams Environmental Sciences Essay

Environmental Impacts Of Large Dams Environmental Sciences Essay About 48000 large dams have been built as a response to meet energy or water need. Nearly half of the worlds rivers have at least one large dam. One-third of the countries in the world rely on hydropower for more than half their electricity supply, and large dams generate 19% of electricity overall. Half the worlds large dams were built exclusively or primarily for irrigation, and some 30-40% of the 271 million hectares irrigated worldwide rely on dams. There are dams on nearly half of the rivers of the world (Table 2.6). Six percent of the energy consumed in the world is produced from hydraulic power. Additionally, hydraulic power is in the second rank within the renewable energy sources and every year it increases 4 percent in the world. Dams whose height is more than 15 meters are referred to as big dams. Clearly, dams can play an important role in meeting peoples needs (Table 2.7). Table 2.6. Distribution of Dams on the World Continent Number of Dams Percentage of the total Africa 1269 2.7 Asia 31340 65.8 America 8989 18.8 Europe 5480 11.5 Australia 577 1.2 Total 47655 100 Source: World Commission on Dams, Dams and Development, 2000. There are always two opinions about dams the supporters talk about the economic benefits of irrigation, electricity generation, flood control and water supply, the opponents highlight the adverse impacts of displacement and impoverishment of people, destruction of ecosystems and fishery resources, and possibility of disaster if the dam breaks. Environmental Impacts of Large Dams Land and water are ecologically linked in a natural system called a watershed. From the smallest droplet to the mightiest river, water works to shape the land, taking with it sediment and dissolved materials that drain to watercourses and, in most cases, eventually to the sea. The river is a product of the land it flows through the type of rock and soil, the shape of the land, and the amount of vegetation are some of the factors that determine the rivers shape, size and flow. When a large dam is constructed, these ties between the land and the river are broken and the consequences are felt throughout the watershed, as well as by the web of life it supports. Some 40,000 large dams, most of which were built in the past 50 years, now obstruct the worlds rivers. More than 400,000 square kilometers an area larger than Zimbabwe, have been inundated by reservoirs worldwide. The worlds largest impoundment, the 8,500 sq km Volta Reservoir behind Ghanas Akasombo Dam, flooded 4% of that nations land area. An internal survey of hydroelectric dam projects by World Bank has shown that 58% of the dams were planned and built without any consideration of downstream impacts. Table 2.7. Countries having the Biggest Dams according to Size and Function Rank Countries having Biggest Dams Ranking with respect to Dams Function Electrical Energy Water For Drinking and Daily Use Irrigation Flood Protection 1. China China USA China China 2. USA USA United Kingdom India USA 3. India Canada Spain USA Japan 4. Spain Japan Japan Korea Brazil 5. Japan Spain Australia Spain Germany 6. Canada Italy Thailand Turkey Romania 7. Korea France South Africa Japan Mexico 8. Turkey Norwegen Brazil Mexico Korea 9. Brazil Brazil France S. Africa Canada 10 France Swedish Germany Albania Turkey Source: World Commission on Dams, Dams and Development, 2000. The following are a few serious environmental impacts of dams: . (i) Effects on River Systems Reducing the flow of water from a river changes the landscape it flows through, which in turn can affect the ecosystems flora and fauna. A dam holds back sediments, especially the heavy gravel and cobbles. The river, deprived of its sediment load, seeks to recapture it by eroding the downstream channel and banks, undermining bridges and other riverbank structures. Riverbeds are typically eroded by several meters within a decade of first closing a dam; the damage can extend for tens or hundreds of kilometers below a dam. Riverbed deepening lowers the groundwater table along a river, threatening vegetation and local wells in the floodplain and requiring crop irrigation in places where there was previously no need. The depletion of riverbed gravels reduces habitat for many fish that spawn in the river bottom, and for invertebrates such as insects, molluscs and crustaceans. Changes in the physical habitat and hydrology of rivers are implicated in 93% of freshwater fauna declines in North America. Before construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt, the Nile River carried about 124 million tons of sediment to the sea each year, depositing nearly 10 million tons on the floodplain and delta. Today, 98% of that sediment remains behind the dam. The result has been a drop in soil productivity. The Aswan Dam has also led to serious coastal erosion, another problem stemming from the loss of sediments in a dammed river. Another example of this problem is along the mouth of the Volta River in Ghana. Akosombo Dam has cut off the supply of sediment to the Volta Estuary, affecting also neighboring Togo and Benin, whose coasts are now being eaten away at a rate of 10-15 meters per year. (ii) Hydrological Effects Dams change the pattern of the flow of a river, both reducing its overall volume and changing its seasonal variations. The nature of the impacts depends on the design, purpose and operation of the dam. All parts of a rivers ecology can be impacted by changes to its flow. A rivers estuary, where fresh water meets the sea, is a particularly rich ecosystem. Some 80% of the worlds fish catch comes from these habitats, which depend on the volume and timing of nutrients and fresh water. The alteration of the flows reaching estuaries because of dams and diversions is a major cause of the precipitous decline of sea fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, the Black and Caspian Seas, Californias San Francisco Bay, the Eastern Mediterranean and others. (iii) Changes to Flooding The storage of water in dams delays and reduces floods downstream. River and floodplain ecosystems are closely adapted to a rivers flooding cycle. The native plants and animals depend on its variations for reproduction, hatching, migration and other important lifecycle stages. Annual floods deposit nutrients on the land, flush out backwater channels, and replenish wetlands. It is generally recognized by biologists that dams are the most destructive of the many abuses causing the rapid disappearance of riverine species. About 20% of the worlds recognized 8,000 freshwater species are threatened with extinction. The first effect of a dam is to alter the pattern of disturbances that the plants and animals of a river have evolved for. Many aquatic animals coordinate their reproductive cycles with annual flood seasons. Every flood is valuable in that it takes nutrients from the land and deposits them in the river, providing food for the streams residents. Floods also provide shallow backwater areas on vegetated and shaded riversides; the young of many animals depend on these backwaters to protect them from large predators.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As an example, a fish on a certain river may only reproduce during April of every year so that its offspring will have abundant food and places to hide. If the flood never comes because a dam holds the river back (because people want the water for themselves), the offspring may be produced during a time when they cannot possibly survive. If the fish can wait until the next flood, which may be in July, its young will be born during the wrong time of year, and will have to contend with the absence of their normal food supply and temperatures for which they are not prepared. Vegetation, too, depends upon these regular cycles of flood. Quite often, people will decide that they can spare no water at all and no flooding will occur. Or they may have built the dams specifically to stop flooding, so they can build houses in the floodplains. When this happens, riparian vegetation, the vegetation bordering the river, changes forever. (iv) Removing Sediment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another reason that riverbeds become scoured and armored is that dams remove all the sediment from the river. It is natural that the river, which is accustomed to carrying sediment and now has none, will pick up the sediment from the streambed below the dam. It is almost as though the river has been starved of its sediment. As in everything else in nature, balance will be achieved one way or the other, often at the expense of one or more species.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sediment in a dammed river reaches the slow-moving reservoir above the dam and drops out, settling behind the dam. Each dam is engineered to withstand the force of a particular amount of water (this may be very very large). The dam is not engineered to withstand the additional force of tons of wet sediment pressing on the backside. The muddier the river, the faster this heap of sediment will build up. When it builds up very high, either the dam bursts, killing people and destroying settlements downstream, or the reservoirs water pours over the top of the dam. The river downstream of the dam will be like a dead river. It will not have a living river ecosystem filled with fish and birds. The water will be starved of nutrients and provide little or no habitat for animals. In addition, animals that once used the muddiness of the rivers water to conceal them from predators are now overly vulnerable to predation, and may quickly go extinct. A river with dams eventually becomes little more than a dead channel of water. (v) Starving the River   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dams hold back not only sediment, but also debris. The life of organisms (including fish) downstream depends on the constant feeding of the river with debris. This debris includes leaves, twigs, branches, and whole trees, as well as the organic remains of dead animals. Debris not only provides food, it provides hiding places for all sizes of animals and surfaces for phytoplankton and microorganisms to grow. Without flooding and without a healthy riparian zone, this debris will be scarce. Adding to the problem, although debris might come from the river above the dam, it is instead trapped in the reservoir, and never appears downstream. The bottom level of the food web is removed. All in all, the loss of sediment and debris means the loss of both nutrients and habitat for most animals. (vi) Changing Temperature Temperature is another problem. Rivers tend to be fairly homogenous in temperature. Reservoirs, on the other hand, are layered. They are warm at the top and cold at the bottom. If water is released downstream, it is usually released from the bottom of the dam, which means the water in the river is now colder than it should be. Many macro-invertebrates depend on a regular cycle of temperatures throughout the year. When this is changed, their survival is threatened. (vii) Erosion The typical practices in a hydroelectric station are to release large amounts of water in powerful surges during the day in order to provide electricity when demand and prices are highest, and to cut down flow during the night in order to replenish reservoirs for the next day. The cyclic floods caused by this popular practice contribute to the extinction of many species like the salmon by flushing away their spawning gravels during the day and leaving them high and dry at night. Riverbeds become scoured, stripped of their organic materials, sediment, vegetation, and macro-invertebrates. (viii) Stopping Fish Migration   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fish passage is a concern with dams. Many fishes must move upstream and downstream to complete their lifecycles. Dams are often built without fish ladders. When fish ladders are provided, they seldom work as needed. If enough adult fishes do manage to climb above a dam, there remains the issue of their young: how will they get back downstream? Predators kill many while they wander, lost, in the reservoir above the dam. Many are killed in their fall downward through the dam to the river below. They arent killed by the fall itself, but by the high levels of nitrogen gas at the base of the dam.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many fishes that cannot climb dam ladders or leap over low dams. Some of these fishes swim upstream every year to breed, and then let the water carry them back downstream. The eggs of pelagic spawners float downstream, too, which is why the adults must swim far upriver to breed. Otherwise, the baby fish would soon end up in sea. (ix) Social Impacts of Dams: Conflict with people The most important social impact of a dam is displacement of people. The forced removal of people from their homes and the land by which they make a living has been the tragic consequence of dams. Although the people are offered resettlement, the situation leads to disintegration of self-identity and place-connection for both individuals and communities. The social connections are lost and the people find it hard to recover a sense of belonging to both community and the physical environment that supports their existence. The major issues related to displacement are summarized below: Effect Biogeophysical impacts Social impacts Primary (direct) Flooding of reservoir Water diversion and hydrological changes Soil compaction and paving Mountain top removal and stream filling Reduction/depletion of minerals and species Deforestation Creation of barriers to species migration Eviction and resettlement Labour camps Loss of resource due to construction and/or flooding Secondary (indirect) Landslide, flood, and earthquakes from dams Water quality decline Soil salinisation Loss (or gain) of fish and wildlife populations Ecosystem changes leading to pest problems or disease Aquifer disruption causing problems downstream Loss of fish species leads to loss of migratory bird species Loss of access to resources and property Unemployment with project completion Psychosocial stresses Creation of new identities Urbanization as labour camps become permanent Unsustainable agriculture in resettlement area leading to soil erosion Ethnic conflict due to resettlement The inundation of the river valley has significant adverse social impacts by blocking access to natural and social resources of the river valley. This puts pressure on the ecosystem, as fewer resources are available to serve the needs of the population located within the region. Increased competition for commonly held resources, such as wild fruits and vegetables, timber, fodder and firewood, disrupts the subsistence routines of riverine populations. This has the impact of forcing people to forge in new areas that may be further from their homes in and/or in locations that are used by other groups for either similar or conflicting purposes. The dams also seriously affect human health through the spread of disease. For instance, schistosomiasis and malaria proliferate in areas around the still water of dam reservoirs. Beyond creating habitat for disease vectors, dams have been linked with the spread of non-communicable diseases like mercury poisoning. The increase in disease is also attributable to the influx of migratory workers during the time of dam construction. The overall social impact of a surge in disease in communities is to increase social malaise and to circumscribe livelihood opportunities. The process of displacement has affected most the weaker sections of the people in India. The scheduled tribes and castes and backward caste people constitute a large chunk of the displaced people. Women and children suffer the maximum in any displacement. The conditions of people displaced by the various dams in the Narmada have attracted the attention of the Supreme Court of India, and it is observed that the measures at resettlement and in making provision for civic amenities in the new settlements are far below expectation. The total number of people displaced by dams is estimated to be 40 80 million throughout the world a substantial number of these people are Indians (the estimates vary, but the figure is likely to be around 4.4 million people). The people get compensation, but the process is often long-drawn, and sometimes, the actual sufferers are not getting true value for the losses incurred. These are inadequate when compared to the permanent loss of livelihood, and the social and mental cost of displacement. Large Dams in India At independence, in 1947, there were not more than 300 large dams in India. By 2000, the number grew to over 4000, more than half of them built between 1971 and 1989. India ranks third in the world in dam building after US and China. While some of these dams were built primarily for flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, the primary purpose of most Indian dams (96 percent) remains irrigation. In fact, large dam construction has been the main form of investment in irrigation undertaken by the Indian government. However, much controversy has evoked since 1980s with the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada when the people started asking questions on the social, environmental, and economic costs of dams and their benefits. Most irrigation dams in India are embankment dams. They consist of a wall built across a river to impound water forming a reservoir upstream and a system of spillways and gates to bypass the wall to maintain normal flow and the impounded water flows to canals feeding agriculture fields downstream. People living in the upstream catchment area, lose property and livelihood and gain very little, while people living in the command area (downstream) gain the most from irrigation. Between 1951 and 2000, Indias production of food grains increased fourfold, from 51 million tonnes to about 200 million tonnes resulting in considerable foreign exchange savings in food grains import, and making India a food grain surplus or at least self-sufficient country. About two thirds of this increase has been attributed to rise in irrigated areas, 35 % of which are irrigated by dams. Case Studies The world is building more dams every year. New dams promise more electricity and at the same time, they are devastating to others. A few case studies are briefly described below: The Enawene Nawe, Brazil The Enawene Nawe, a small Amazonian tribe (over 420) who live by fishing in Mato Grosso state, Brazil, is a relatively isolated people. They grow manioc and corn in gardens and gather forest products, like honey but fishing is their main livelihood and fish are a vital part of their diet, as they are one of the few tribes who eat no red meat. During the fishing season, the men build large dams across rivers and spend several months camped in the forest, catching and smoking the fish which is then transported by canoe to their village. For decades, the Enawene Nawe has faced invasion of their lands by rubber tappers, diamond prospectors, cattle ranchers and more recently soya planters Maggi, the largest soya company in Brazil, illegally built a road on their land in 1997 (this was subsequently closed by a federal prosecutor). Although their territory was officially recognized and ratified by the government in 1996, a key area known as the Rio Preto was left out. This area is tremendously important to the Enawene Nawe both economically and spiritually this is where they build their fishing camps and dams, and where many important spirits live. Now, up to 11 dams are planned along the Juruena River, which flows through the Indians territory. The dams will be funded by a consortium of businesses, many of whom are involved in the soya industry. The Enawene Nawe is opposing the dams, and has launched an appeal for support to halt the construction. The Penan, Malaysia In 2008, a leaked map exposed the huge dam plans of the national electricity company in Sarawak, Malaysia. The local Penan people, who are familiar with destructive interference from outsiders, now face a new challenge to their land and livelihoods. Blueprints were accidentally posted on the internet for dams that will submerge homes and villages. To make matters worse, these dams are projected to produce far more electricity than Sarawak uses. The Borneo forests The island of Borneo, a fragile treasure house of rainforests, rare animals and plants, is under threat from plans for Chinese engineers to build 12 dams that will cut through virgin land and displace thousands of native Dayak people. The government of the Malaysian state of Sarawak says the dams are the first stage of a corridor of renewable energy that will create 1.5 million jobs through industries powered by safe, clean hydro-electricity. Campaigners are furious but appear powerless in the face of a project they fear will compound the devastation wrecked on Borneos peoples and land by previous dam projects and the felling of its forests. They point to the ruin caused by the levelling of millions of acres of trees for oil palm plantations to meet the worlds demand for biofuels. The dams would slice across a vast sweep of Sarawak, a place where wisps of cloud cling to remote, tree-clad peaks, huge butterflies flit through the foliage and orang-utans, sun bears and leopards roam. The Bakun dam, a separate project due to be completed by 2011, has already displaced an estimated 10,000 indigenous people, leading to bitter legal battles and a chorus of dismay from economists about cost overruns. For all that, it may be too late to save the natural bounty of Borneo itself. Orphaned orang-utans, piteously holding the outstretched hands of their human saviours, are the most conspicuous symbols of its fragility. Divided between Malaysia and Indonesia, with Brunei occupying a tiny enclave in the north, Borneos riches have ensured its plunder. One reason is the voracious world demand for timber. The other is the biofuels made from palm oil. Almost half of Borneos rainforests have been cut down. Two million acres have vanished every year as trees are felled, the wood sold and the land turned over to oil palms. Enormous fires cast a perpetual pall of toxic haze, making Indonesia the worlds third largest greenhouse gas polluter after China and the United States. Green gold, or palm oil, poses an even more insidious threat because it promises prosperity and development to the numerous poor of Borneo along with immense rewards for the elites. The vegetable oil comes from crushed palm husks. Long used for cooking, cosmetics and soap, it has now become a principal source of biodiesel fuel. Malaysia and Indonesia produce about 85% of the worlds supply of palm oil most of it from Borneo. The price of this apparently environment-friendly fuel is high as the damages far outweigh the benefits. All over Sarawak, tribal people have lost their ancestral lands to similar gambits. The situation in India Bhakra-Nangal Dam This dam is situated in the town Bhakra in Punjab and is Asias biggest dam. The dam is built on the Sutlej River. It is 225.55 m high above sea level. The dam is 518.25 m long and 304.84 m broad. Its huge reservoir known as the Gobindh Sarovar, stores up to 9621 million cu m of water, enough to drain the whole of Chandigarh, parts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. It has 4 floodgates, which are fully functional during the period of floods, and also has 2 power- stations situated on either side of the dam. Each of the power plants comprise of 5 generators, and a power station. The total electricity produced in both the generators is 1325 MW. The Narmada River Dams The Narmada River originates from the Maikal ranges at Amarkantak, 1057 m above the sea-level, now in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. The river flows for 1312 km through the three states of Madhya Pradesh (MP), Maharashtra and Gujarat before falling into the Arabian Sea. The valley has been the seat of an uninterrupted flow of human civilization from pre-historic times. The river has supported a variety of people and diverse socio-cultural practices ranging from the relatively autonomous adivasi (tribal) settlements in the forests to non-tribal rural population. The Narmada basin extends over an area of 98,796  km2 and lies between 720 32 E to 810 45 E and 21o 20 N to 23o 45 N. The basin covers large areas in the states of Madhya Pradesh (86%), Gujarat (14%) and a comparatively smaller area (2%) in Maharashtra. In the river course of 1,312  km, there are 41 tributaries, out of which 22 are from the Satpuda range and the rest on the right bank are from the Vindhya range. The valley experiences extremes of hydrometeorological and climatic conditions with the upper catchment having an annual precipitation in the range of 1000  mm to 1850  mm and with half or even less than half in its lower regions (650  mm-750  mm); the diversity of vegetation from lush green in the upper region to dry deciduous teak forest vegetation in the lower region is testimony to this feature. The Narmada basin is drought affected and a large part of North Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch constitute semi-arid or arid regions on account of extreme unreliability of rainfall, rendering them chronically drought prone and subject to serious drinking water problems. Teak and Indias best hardwood forests are found in the Narmada River basin and they are much older than the ones in the Himalayas. The lower Narmada River Valley and the surrounding uplands, covering an area of 169,900  km2 consists of dry deciduous forests. The natural vegetation of the region is a three-tiered forest. Tectona grandis is the dominant canopy tree, in association with Diospyros melanoxylon, Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), and Boswellia serrata. Riperian areas along the regions rivers and streams, which receive year-round water, are home to moist evergreen forests. The ecoregion is home to 76 species of mammals and to 276 bird species none of which are endemic. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), about 30% of the ecoregion is covered in relatively intact vegetation. The ecoregion includes some large blocks of habitat in the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. About 5% of the ecoregion lies within protected areas, including Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Sanjay National Parks. The valley has some of the important national parks and wild life sanctuaries. Kanha national park located in the upper reaches of Narmada, about 18  km from Mandla, boasts of several wild animals including the Tiger. Two tributaries of Narmada, namley, Hallon and Banjar, flow through this park. It is one of the best National Parks of Asia, which has been described vividly by Rudyard Kipling in his famous creation Jungle Book. Satpura National Park, set up in 1981, is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 524  km2. Along with the adjoining Bori and Panchmarhi Sanctuaries, it constitutes an area of 1,427  km2 of unique Central Indian Highland ecosystem. Satpura National Park, being part of a unique ecosystem, is very rich in biodiversity. The fauna comprises tiger, leopard, sambar, chital, bhedki, nilgai, four-horned antelope, chinkora, bison (gour), wild boar, wild dog, bear, black bear, black buck, fox, porcupine, flying, mouse deer, Indian jo int squirrel etc. There are a variety of birds. Hornbills and peafowl are the common birds. The flora of the national park consists of mainly sal, teak, tendu, aonla, mohua, bel, bambo, and a variety of grasses and medicinal plants. Madla plant Fossil National park, Dindori National fossils park Ghughuya is situated in Din dori district of Madhya Pradesh in India. This national park has plants in fossil form that existed in India anywhere between 40 million and 150 million years ago spread over seven villages of Mandla District (Ghuguwa, Umaria, Deorakhurd, Barbaspur, Chanti-hills, Chargaon and Deori Kohani). The Mandla Plant Fossils National Park is an area that spreads over 274,100  m2. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve covers part of three civil districts viz., Hoshangabad, Betul and Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh. The total area is 4926.28  km2. It envelops three wildlife conservation units viz., Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km ²), Satpura National Park (524.37  km2), and Pachmarhi Sanctuary (461.37  km2). Satpura National Park comprises the core zone and the remaining area of 4,501.91  km2, surrounding the core zone serves as buffer zone. The area comprises 511 villages. The area exhibits variety of geological rock and soil formations. There is a wide spectrum of floral and faunal features that occupy the Satpura conservation area. It is one of the oldest forest reserves, which has an established tradition of scientific management of forests. It constitutes a large contiguous forest block that harbours a community of plant and animal species typical of the central highland region. Of the 30 big dams proposed along the Narmada, Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) and Narmada Sagar Project (NSP) are the mega dams. The Maheshwar and Omkareshwar dams along with SSP and NSP, are to form a complex which would ultimately cater to the needs of SSP. The struggle of the people of the Narmada valley against large dams began when the people to be displaced by SSP began organizing in 1985-86. Since then the struggle has spread to encompass other major dams in various stages of planning and construction chiefly Maheshwar, Narmada Sagar, Maan, Goi and Jobat. Tawa and Bargi Dams were completed in 1973 and 1989 respectively. Sardar Sarovar project The Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) faced stiff opposition from the people right from the planning stage. The Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save the Narmada movement) has been at the forfront of this opposition and at one time the NBA was successful in stopping World Bank funding for the project. A number of cases were filed against the project. However, the Supreme Court of India in 2000 issued a final ruling allowing construction to proceed. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 people would be displaced to construct the reservoir and a large number of people will lose land or livelihood due to project activities. A majority of the displaced people are tribal people. Medha Patkar (born 1 December 1954 in Bombay) is the founder of the Narmada Bachao Andolan and has vowed to work for the displaced people. She is one of Indias most important environmental activists. Her uncompromising insistence on the right to life and livelihood has brought to the fore the basic questions of natural resources, human rights, environment, and developm