Case Study Implementing Information Technology In Healthcare

Introduction Delivery of health care should be efficiently done in all health care facilities. Such a delivery can only be made possible if Information Technology is introduced in these facilities. Many facilities are warming up to the idea of implementing technology in their centers though the process is practically low in many centers. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Case Study: Implementing Information Technology In Healthcare specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has been attributed to application of the process and under what circumstances and settings. This paper will therefore analyze a case study that help the reader understand the need of introduction and management of an efficient Information Technology transition process. Case Study: Thedacare Health Care Center Located in Northeast Wisconsin, Thedacare is one of the leading health care providers in the region. With more than 5,000 employees based in their different sites, the center serves more than 200,000 patients on a monthly basis. The center is busy at all times throughout all its branches. It is comprised of four hospitals situated in different areas namely the Appleton, Theda Clark, London Family health center and the Riverside care center. It further has a physician wing with more than 120 physicians based in the area branches and a customer care call center that operate on a 24 hour base with an aim of attending to urgent medical calls. It also has provisions for laboratories, the orthopedics plus and other small branches that take into considerations unique cases of patients. The mission of Thedacare is to provide and deliver valuable and efficient health care services to the patients. It is for this reason that it got actively involved in an improvement initiative to promote the service delivery. The initiative, Thedacare Improvement System (TIS), saw the center engage itself in lean manufacturing concepts and pri nciples. The initiative has been a success leading to Thedacare’s drastic reduction in its blemishes hence recording an improvement in their patient’s results. Transition Fundamentals Of Information Technology In Thedacare Transformation Thedacare initiative project is an indication of its effort to integrate the Information Technology system. Why is this important in such an institution? With more than 5,000 employees at the center to take care of a large number of patients, service delivery should be fast and efficient to the satisfaction of the patients. Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Patient’s records needs to be stored in a systematic manner for easy retrieval and update of information. In addition, it becomes easy for such a large institution to address the problems from all the providers affiliated with the center through an integrated delivery system. This ensures that any problem that arises is not ignored and that it can be solved at any department within the center. The process helps to ease confusion by both the employees and patients. A report released by Institute of Medicine claimed that 4 out of 10 patients died annually in hospitals due to medical errors. This is especially in large hospitals such as Thedacare. For the transition process to be successful, Thedacare will need to adopt the transition tools to aid in the process (Ball, Weaver and Kiel, 2010). They include goal establishment, business analysis, process evaluation and a plan. This is critical as a wrong analysis or plan can frustrate the process. Thedacare will also need to set up a central structure to control the transition project. The Managerial Roles In The Transition Process During the transition process, everybody is deemed to be affected by the change and therefore the management should be at the forefront to guide the employees (Ronen, Plis kin and Pass, 2006). Each managerial person has a role to play to ensure success of the transition. Health care center is a sensitive area especially when a change is being incorporated. With the large population in Thedacare, it is important to analyze the roles of CEO, CIO and Nursing Administrator during this process. Role Of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) The CEO in Thedacare will have a significant role to play during the entire process of transition. This pose to be a challenging task as it lies outside his area of expertise. However, she has a big role to play as the disseminator and allocator of required resources. She approves the amount of money to be invested in the project hereby placing the health center on the competitive edge. Role Of Chief Information Officers (CIO) The biggest role of the CIO is to ensure that the transition process is smooth and that it encompasses all the departments in the health center. She works hand in hand with the CEO to help set a budget fo r the project and ensure that the project promotes communication within the center.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Case Study: Implementing Information Technology In Healthcare specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Role of Nursing Administrator The main role of the nurse administrator is to act as a liaison between the management level and the subordinates in the health center. It is her duty to keep the subordinates on toes during the entire process of transition and ensure that they work normally. The continuity is as a result of gradual transformation to the new system being integrated in the center. Importance of Information Technology Transition For Learning Assessment Lack of Information Technology in health care can lead to low service delivery to patients. It is therefore important to implement the service in health care. It is also important that the management involve itself in the process as failure to do so can lead to a standstill in the operations. Information Technology success is driven by the ability to ensure quality and efficient delivery of services. However, the process is hindered by certain barriers such as set-up costs and the complexity of the process which can lead to major setbacks such as cultural changes in the health care facility. Health care market is making considerable effort to integrate Information Technology in its communication strategies, record keeping and payment policies (Chan, 2003). However, this is a weak area that most people fail to address. Information Technology is known to leak information to unauthorized persons. This will weaken the credibility of the center if certain information of a patient reaches somebody else not authorized to have it. This is a major weakness that most scholars fail to understand. What happens to the role of CIO as his work is taken over by the system? This is also another area not addressed to the point (Bali and Dw ivedi, 2007). Adaptation Of Transitional Tools As a program director, the transition tools should be adopted to enhance the learning process. The managerial role should be more emphasized with the CEO’s and nursing administrator being trained the basics concerning the Information Technology. The tools also need to involve the transformation process more comprehensively. Conclusion It is important for any health care provider to deliver quality services to the satisfaction of the patient. Not only does it save lives but the physician is also enabled to work at a faster pace that he usually does. It is therefore necessary for technology to be introduced and managed in a health care facility. Reference List Bali, R.K., and Dwivedi, A.N. (2007). Healthcare Knowledge Management Issues, Advances and Successes. USA: Barnes and Noble Publishers.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Ball,M., Weaver, C., and Kiel, J. (2010). Healthcare Information Management Systems: Cases, Strategies and Solutions. New York: Springer. Chan, A. (2003). Medical Technology Management Practice. USA: Barnes and Noble Publishers. Ronen, B., Pliskin, J., and Pass, S. (2006). Focussed Operations Management for Health Services Organizations. Boston: Allyn Bacon. This essay on Case Study: Implementing Information Technology In Healthcare was written and submitted by user Rory W. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The National Flag of Canada

The National Flag of Canada The Canadian red and white maple leaf flag is officially called the National Flag of Canada. The flag bears a stylized red maple leaf with 11 points on a white background, with red borders down each side. The Canadian flag is twice as long as it is wide. The white square containing the red maple leaf is the same length on each side as the width of the flag. The red and white used in the National Flag of Canada were proclaimed the official colors of Canada in 1921 by King George V. Although the maple leaf did not have official status as an emblem of Canada until 1965, it had historically been used as a Canadian symbol and was employed in 1860 in decorations for the visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada. The 11 points on the maple leaf have no special significance. A Flag for Canada It wasnt until the 1965 inauguration of the maple leaf flag that Canada had its own national banner. In the early days of the Canadian Confederation, the Royal Union flag, or Union Jack, was still flown in British North America. The Red Ensign, with a Union Jack in the upper left corner and a shield containing the coats of arms of the Canadian provinces, was used as the unofficial flag of Canada from about 1870 to 1924. The composite shield was then replaced with the Royal Arms of Canada and was approved for use overseas. In 1945 it was authorized for general use. In 1925 and again in 1946, Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King tried to get a national flag of Canada adopted but he failed, although more than 2,600 designs were proposed for the second try. In 1964, Prime Minister Lester Pearson appointed a 15-member, all-party committee to come up with the design of a new flag for Canada. The committee was given six weeks to complete its task. Three Finalists The process resulted in three final designs: A red ensign with a fleur-de-lis, recognizing Canadas French history, and the Union Jack.Three joined maple leaves between blue borders.A single red maple leaf design between red borders. The suggestion for a red and white, single maple leaf design that was selected for the Canadian flag came from George Stanley, a professor at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. In his speech at the national flag inauguration ceremony, Pearson said: Under this Flag may our youth find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based not on any mean or narrow nationalism, but on the deep and equal pride that all Canadians will feel for every part of this good land. Dignity of the Canadian Flag The Department of Canadian Heritage provides the rules of Canadian flag etiquette, which govern how the flag should be flown and displayed in different situations: affixed to a car, carried in a procession, or flown on ships or boats, for example. Fundamental to these rules is the principle that the National Flag of Canada should always be treated with dignity and that it takes precedence over all other national flags and ensigns when it is flown in Canada. Sources History of the National Flag of Canada. Government of Canada.Rules for flying the National Flag of Canada. Government of Canada.

Poems and Feelings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Poems and Feelings - Essay Example A man can spend whole life among such hills and can never exhaust from them but every time he finds these scenes much more beautiful than before. The poet in the last line says: This point of view really collapses with my view because nature is the thing which God has filled with love and affection. The poem develops the feelings of love and admiration towards nature and the beauties it has created for us. Having read this poem â€Å"Lost sister† I realized the importance of moral values, culture and tradition. Here the poet describes two types of women. Both are brought up in same culture but one of them chooses her life to spend in her native culture but the second chooses American disrupt culture. In my opinion the well cultured and traditional women desire more respect and honor than the one who is running in the social race of life with man because cultural lady can be seen but cannot be heard. On the other hand, the other women prefer freedom over respect. This poem enhances my inclination towards the traditional and cultural ladies, who spend their whole lives for the sake of family. In the poem invisible mending, the poetess describes about three old ladies. She exclaimed that they always remained busy in their work, in spite of being so much old. Their hands become hard, eyes become keen but they still work hard untiringly. According to the poetess: This poem has increased the regard in my heart for old people to whom we do not give so much attention but actually they are experienced and learned people and can transfer all such knowledge of life in our personalities. This poem also develops my self esteem and courage to achieve my goals through hard work regardless of the difficulties. As I read the poem â€Å"A Blessing† written by James Wright, I feel that God perfects the nature by its creature. According to me love is gifted by nature and it is embedded in human heart. It is the love that penetrates into the

About my major and me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

About my major and me - Essay Example Fortunately, mathematics graduates have numerous career choices that are useful in excising practical skills learnt in the disciplines. Being a mathematician has always been my long-term aspiration. The Northern Colorado University, particularly the mathematics department, has a wonderful and equally professional preparation for mathematics undergraduates (Holton 120). The experience in the school will be significant in the realization of my dream. My goals include integration of math in the society to improve the quality of life. First, I would love to be a general mathematician to offer consultation services. My services should include assistance in data analytics for researchers, tutoring of junior math students and assisted budgeting for mid-sized businesses. Such services are very vital in Dubai during a time of economic down turn. In addition to the achievement of my goals, I would commit myself to motivating others in pursuing a major study in mathematics as well. As a tutor, I would love to integrate math in other disciplines such as physics and health

Forms of Contract for Construction Work

Forms of Contract for Construction Work 1.0 Introduction The Scenario A leading manufacturer of confectionery in the UK suffered a devastating fire at their factory in Sheffield. Their insurers have authorised an immediate commencement of the rebuilding work and have been paying a sum of approximately  £1 5m. per month to the insured company as â€Å"Business Continuity† insurance to cover both loss of profit and to allow products to be imported from another country for packaging and sale. The factory site has been cleared using an enabling works contract and it has been decided that an experience single contractor, who is capable of undertaking this type of work would be appointed. It is now the responsibility of an experienced project manager to administer the rebuilding of the factory, which currently is thought to be in the region of  £60m worth. The time scale and who the project manager will use to achieve the delivery of the new building and process equipment to enable the manufacture of confectionery to re-start, including any trials, performance tests and commissioning at the earliest possible opportunity is for him/her to decide. On this account, time of completion and quality is the primary concern and cost is secondary, thus, a form of contract with a procurement route or strategy that would facilitate the construction of the rebuilding to start immediately, while all other preparations (e.g Engineering works) towards the building objective are going on, would be the appropriate or desired form of contract†. Chapter 2 2.0 Forms of contract Standard form of contract for the execution of work and the appointment of consultants are basically used in the construction, Engineering and processing industries. These contracts are prepared by one body in isolation or jointly prepared by bodies representing employers, consultants and contractors. Some of the forms of contracts by these bodies are: Joint contract Tribunal (JCT) forms of contract Engineering Contract (NEC 3) forms of contract Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) forms of contract Association of Consultant Engineers (ACE) forms of contract Association of Consultant Architects (ACA) forms of contract General Condition/works forms of contact 2.1 Criteria for the Selection of Forms of Contract According to the office of building and development in Australia (1996), there are a variety of forms of contract and procurement route that are available for acquiring a new or rebuilding of building, facilities or infrastructure, which are basically determined by a number of criteria, which are: Type of client Level of involvement required by the client The project size and complexity Speed Time available for construction Risk allocation Approach to the design solution Cost certainty and method of financing the project Specialist input Capacity for variations Ability to change scope of work and Contract Administration Separation of design and management 2.2 Contract Types 2.2.1 Traditional Contract Traditional contracts are the type of contracts that separate the design from the construction stages with consultants leading on design and the contractor responsible for the construction execution. In this type of contracts, a consultant (an architect in most cases) acts on behalf of the client/employer as the contract administrator and most risks are passed to the contractors and sub-contractors. Traditional contracts embraced ‘sort it out latter mentality, where time, cost and other related problems are left to the end of the project, which often leads to dispute. Overlapping of design and construction stages in the traditional contract is not encouraged and there is wide criticism that traditional contracts polarise the parties resulting in extreme inefficiencies and encouraging dispute. However, it focuses on the clients main requirements of design control, time and cost certainty. Most of the JCT, ICE and General Conditions/work contract forms adopt the traditional contr act. According to Holt (2010), examples of traditional contracts include: JCT Standard Building Contract with Quantities JCT Intermediate contract JCT Minor Works Contract NEC Engineering and Construction Contract (option A and B fixed price) 2.2.2 Design and Build Contracts Design and Build contract is probably the recent form of procurement and it is available from most of the contract producing bodies (Keown 2010). In a design and build contract, the client employed consultant to prepare documents outlining his requirement in a form of a brief initial designed scheme (Employers Requirements). A single contractor is then appointed to deliver the designed scheme as required (contractors proposals) by employing his or her own design team and then carries out the execution of the work using both the employers requirements and the contractors proposals. The contractor could also engage the original consultant to complete the design through a novation agreement and term or use his own design team for the purpose, which would be verified by the clients design team. Under the design and build method, there is no independent contract administration rather the employer uses ‘employers agent to administer the contract. Examples of Design and Build proposed by Holt (2010) are: JCT Design and Build Contract The NEC Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) -Target cost contract with Activity schedule or Bill of Quantities (Main option C). 2.2.3 Non-Traditional (Management) Contracts Non-traditional contracts such as management contracts are specialist forms of contract, where a specialist e.g management contractor or project manager manages the construction activities on behalf of the client/employer. It is suitable for large, complex and fast-track projects such as high-rise buildings. Management form of contract tends to solve the problems associated with traditional contracts by a means of collaborative working and trying to unite the various project participants in order to avoid polarisation. It claims to remove traditional contract inefficiencies and increase cost and time certainty. Construction procurement by management contract requires great care and high level of sophistication by employer and contractor. According to Keown (2010), advantages of using management contract include: It is a quick method of procuring a competitive tendered. It facilitates a quick start of construction activities on the site. Flexibility design activities can extend into the construction period. It gives the opportunity for changes in the scope of work. It avoids polarisation of parties by collaborative work. It encourages early contractor input on the programme, buildability and content of work contract packages. The employer/client has an opportunity to stop the project before proceeding to construction, for a set fee to the contractor. Examples of Non-traditional (management) contract proposed by Holt (2010) are: JCT Construction Management Appointment JCT Management Building Contract The NEC ECC, Management Contract main option F JCT Construction Excellence (CE) Chapter 3 3.0 Review of Different Forms of Contract The JCT, NEC3, ICE, and ACA forms of contract are intended to be reviewed for the selection of a suitable form of contract for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory. 3.1 Joint Contract Tribunal (JCT) 2005 JCT form of contract, which was formerly known as RIBA contract until 1977 was the first form of building contract agreed between architects and builders established in 1931 (Chappell, et al. 2001). The JCT now comprises professional bodies, which are: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Royal Institute of British Architects Scottish Building Contract Committee British Property Federation Construction Federation Local Government Association National Specialist Contractor Council Limited The JCT forms of contract embraced the traditional procurement philosophy and are very popular in the UK. According to the survey carried out in 2004 by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS 2006), which was tagged RICS contracts in Use Survey 2004, approximately 78% of construction contracts were procured using JCT in the UK. As noted previously that most JCT contracts are basically traditional contract, they required well- developed design before the construction works to commence. It is a form of contract that is fairly complicated and is always criticised for polarising construction team and encouraging claims; this must always be borne in mind when considering selecting JCT forms of contract. However, it also offers collaborating working contracts like Construction Excellence (CE) that has not been tested in the market (Keown 2010). The JCT 2005, which is the current and updated form of contract, has varieties of procurement methods for small and large projects that are basically intended for building/construction work, particularly in the private/commercial sector depending on procurement criteria being considered. According to Keown (2010), most JCT forms of contract do not have any express clauses on ground condition, thus, they are often amended and include terms that exclude liability for ground conditions. So, JCT contracts are not suitable for: Rail or road related works; Civil or earthworks; Mechanical or electrical plant/installations works; Landscape or archaeological works; and Ecological or environmental works The JCT 2005 various forms of contract use to suit the ever changing construction industry are: The Minor Works (MW) Building Contract This form of contract is very popular and suitable for small construction works, which are relatively simple in nature. It is lump-sum form of contract that based on drawings and specifications, but not re-measurement contact and requires an independent contract administrator. According to Keown (2010), it is suitable for construction work that worth  £100,000 (2008 prices). The Minor Works with Contractors Design (MWD) Contract In this form of contract, which is a version of Minor works (MW), the contractor provides design, which is limited to discrete parts of the works. However, it should be noted that it is not a design and build contract. Intermediate Building Contract (IC) This form of contract is another popular form of JCT contract suitable for construction works of a simple content without complex building service installations (BrunswickIS 2007). It is a lump-sum contract based on drawing and specifications, ranging from  £100,000 to  £800,000 (2008 rough financial prices) (Keown 2010). It also requires independent contract administrator and a quantity surveyor. Intermediate Building Contract with Contractors Design (ICD) This form of contract is a version of the intermediate building contract, which the contractor can provide design that is limited to discrete part of the works. It should be noted that it is not a design and build contract. Standard Building Contract (SBC) The SBC is a modern and sophisticated construction contract, which is suitable for larger projects that value  £500,000 upwards (2008 prices) given by Keown (2010). The SBC requires considerable experience to operate and understand it effectively and an independent contract administrator and quantity surveyor are needed. It is unsuitable for projects with substantial substructure work, excavation and earthworks. SBC comes in three formats: Standard Building Contract with Quantities (SBC/Q) Standard Building Contract with Approximate Quantities (SBC/AQ) Standard Building Contract without Quantities (SBC/XQ) The SBC/Q and SBCXQ are lump-sum contracts based on drawings and specification, if there is a bill of quantities, then these rates and prices are for valuing variations. While the SBC/AQ is a re-measurement contract. All these forms of SBC made provision for the contractor to provide design known as ‘contractors Design Portion, which is limited to discrete parts of the works such as the piling, mechanical and engineering works. However, it should be noted that it is not a Design and Build Contract. Design and Build Contract (DB) JCT design and build is a sophisticated contract requiring considerable experience to be used effectively. The employer/client provides the initial design that sets out his requirement in the contract document (Employers Requirement) and the contractor completes the design (contractors Proposals) and commences the construction work. It is a lump-sum contract that requires adequate time and great care to draft the employers requirements as it does not encourage change of scope or variation without incurring an additional cost. Design and build contract does not require an independent contract administrator, rather the employer/client uses an ‘Employers Agent to administer the contract. Major Project Construction Contract (MP) JCT MP Contract is suitable for large projects, which both the client and contractor are sophisticated and experienced construction parties working on large projects that value around  £10m upward (2008 prices) (Keown 2010). It is similar to Design and Build, where the client provides initial design and the contractor completes the design and commences the execution work. Thus, adequate time and great care are required in drafting the employers requirement as there is little scope for change later.. Prime Cost Building Contract The JCT prime cost building contract is a cost reimbursement form in which the contractor is paid by a fixed fee or a percentage fee in addition to the incurred cost. According to Keown (2010), this form of contract is used where the scope of work could not be defined such as refurbishment work or where the works have to start immediately such as emergency work after fire damaged. In this form of contract, cost of the project cannot be ascertained until the completion, and it could be used alternatively to the NEC 3 ECC Main Options E, which is also a cost reimbursement contract.. JCT Management Contracts (MC) The JCT has two forms of management contracts, which are Construction management form and Management contract form. Both forms require great care and a high level sophistication and experience by the employer and the contractor. They are not popular in the UK but sometimes used on large, complex and fast track projects. Construction Management: In this form, the contractor acts on behalf of the client as only a construction manager to manage the construction work by supervising the trade subcontractors employed by the client. Management Contract: In this form, the main contractor acts as construction manager for the works and employs the subcontractor. The main contractor does not carry out any construction works but manages the work carry out by his subcontractor for a fee plus the prime cost. The JCT Construction Excellence (CE) This form of contract is radically different from all other JCT forms of contract because it is a partnering/collaborative contract newly introduced in 2007 to enter the collaborative contract market that is dominated by the NEC and PPC2000 forms. In JCT CE form, the parties are referred to as ‘suppliers and purchasers and it took the form of traditional two party contract used for procurement of construction works and construction services. The contract terms and condition are short and straightforward, and can be priced either by lump sum or by target cost having a guaranteed Maximum cost facility. What is unusual about this form is that the risk associated with the project is identified and then allocated the risks between themselves, particularly respect to time and cost. According to Keown (2010), â€Å"As of 2009, the JCT CE contract appears to be rarely used, thus, it has not been tested in the market†. In my opinion, JCT forms of contract are not the best option for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory because: JCT forms of contract are basically intended for building/construction work, thus, will therefore, be inadequate in addressing the engineering aspect of the factory. It required well- developed design before the construction works to commence, thus, unsuitable for work that would commence immediately. It is always criticised for polarising construction team and encouraging claims, thus, may not encourage a good relationships among parties involved, which is required for the success of the project. So, JCT forms of contract will not be considered for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory†. 3.2 NEW ENGINEERING CONTRACTS (NEC 3) FORMS OF CONTRACT The New Engineering Contracts (NEC 3) is a family of NEC standard contract launched in 1991 that was revised in 2005 to replace NEC 2 suite that promotes a partnering culture, and has been cited has the preferred form of contract in ‘Constructing the team, a report by Sir Michael Latham (Knowles 2001). The New Engineering Contract (NEC 3) suite adopts a different approach to the procurement and execution of construction engineering through a proactive means to construction problems as the work progress. It is a Non- traditional form of contract that embraces early collaboration of all parties involved to avoid polarisation that is claimed to be caused by traditional form, and also, intended to create an equitable balance of risk between the parties to the contract. NEC 3 is applicable to a wide variety of major and minor construction works, which include: Building and Civil engineering works; Mechanical and electrical plant/installations works; Process engineering; and Offshore fabrication. Some of the ways by which NEC 3 stage proactive features include: Early collaboration and involvement of all parties, which include the client, project manager, contractor, subcontractor, etc. The contractor proposes how to solve arising problems. It embraces parallel activities between the design and construction activities. It gives no chance for storing up of claims until after the work is accomplished. It is better suited for a project that must be completed quickly, even if that faster completion makes the project more expensive i.e. timely procedure/response and programmes are primary and cost is secondary. The pro-active approach that embraces collaboration of all parties and more man-hours administration is emphasised in the first core clause of the NEC 3, which states that ‘The Employer, the contractor, the project manager and the supervisor shall act as stated in this contract in the spirit of mutual trust and co-operation (core clause 10). The NEC 3 forms of contract that are currently in use are: NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Subcontract (ECS) NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Short Subcontract (ECSS) NEC 3 Tern Service Contract (TSC) NEC 3 Framework Contract NEC3 Professional Services Contract NEC3 Adjudicators Contract. NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) NEC 3 ECC is the most widely used NEC 3 contract for appointing the main contractor for building, civil and all other engineering works including any level of design responsibilities i.e. it allows the contractor to provide design (Clause 21). However, it should be noted that NEC 3 has no specific design and build contract. The ECC has six (6) main options and twenty-two (22) secondary options to choose from. The main options are: Main Option A: Contract type priced contract with Activity schedule. Pricing Mechanism Lump sum Risk Allocation Contractor Suitability suitable for contract that the client wants maximum cost certainty but the need for a complete design is important. Main Option B: Contract type Priced contract with BoQ Pricing Mechanism Re-measurement Risk Allocation Contractor Suitability suitable for contract where there are grounds works and there is uncertainty on the final quantities of the work. Main Option C: Contract type Target contract with Activity Schedule Pricing Mechanism Cost re-imbursement with pain-gain mechanism Risk Allocation Shared between the client and the contractor Suitability suitable for contract where there is a need for an early start on site or the design is incomplete or inadequate. Main Option D: Contract type Target contract with BoQ Pricing Mechanism Cost re-imbursement with pain-gain mechanism Risk Allocation Shared between the client and the contractor Suitability suitable for contract where there is a need for an early start on site or the design is incomplete or inadequate. Main Option E: Contract type Cost Re-imbursement Contract Pricing Mechanism Cost re-imbursement Risk Allocation Client Suitability suitable for contract where it is difficult or impossible to define the scope of work (e.g. refurbishment work) or where the construction works have to start immediately (e.g. emergency work after fire damaged). Main Option F: Contract type Management Contract Pricing Mechanism Cost re-imbursement Risk Allocation Client Suitability suitable for contract where both the client and contractor have experience in construction work that has to start immediately. Ø NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Subcontract (ECS) The NEC 3 ECS contract is similar to ECC but used to appoint a subcontractor after the main contractor has been appointed through the ECC. Ø NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) The NEC 3 ECSC contract is used for small and medium sized simple and well-defined projects that worth up to  £500,000 (2008 price), where the sophisticated systems of the ECC are nor appropriate. It does not have main options, but can be a lump sum or re-measurement contract. Ø NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Short Subcontract (ECSS) The NEC 3 ECSS contract is similar to the NEC 3 ECSC contract, but used to appoint subcontractors after the main contractor has been appointed under NEC 3 ECSC. Ø NEC 3 Tern Service Contract (TSC) The NEC 3 TSC is similar to the ECC and is used for projects where regular work is required from a contractor over a period of time such as the appointment of suppliers to manage and provide a service. A plan or scheduled of work to be carried out is agreed upon by the client and contractor, and then payment is made using any of the options A, C or E. Ø NEC 3 Framework Contract (FC) The NEC 3 FC is a simple contract which is meant to be used in conjunction with other NEC 3 forms that will provide the contracts for call off contracts. It is used to appoint suppliers to carry out construction work or to provide design or advisory services on an ‘as-instructed basis. According to Keown (2010), the JCT framework contract is probably a better choice now. In my opinion, NEC 3 ECC with option E form of Contract is the best for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory base on the reasons given in the concluding part†. 3.3 Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Forms of Contract The ICE standard form of contract first edition was established in 1945 for mainly civil engineering and sometimes on building work that involved a large amount of earthwork. It is considered to be a traditional contract that requires a well-developed designed before the construction work can commence and contract administration under this form of contract is similar to that of the JCT. Experienced practitioners sometimes claimed that the ICE form of contract is complicated and not easy to understand, and are also frequently criticised for polarising construction team and encouraging claim just like the JCT form. According to Keown (2010), ICE contracts have different version, which include: Measurement Version Contract: it could be re-measurement or lump sum contract suitable for large civil engineering work that worth  £300,000 (2008 rough prices). Minor Work Contract: it is a shortened form of the measured version suitable for simple works with 6 months duration and up to  £300,000 worth (2008 rough prices). Design and Construct Contract: it is similar to the measurement version, but the employer provides the initial design (Employers Requirement), which would be completed by the contractor (Contractors Submission) and then carries out the construction work. Term Version Contract: it is used where there is variety of construction works or works at different locations to be executed over a period of time. It also accommodates emergency call out type work. Archaeological Investigation Contract: it is a simple contract for archaeological investigation. Ground Investigation Contract: it is similar to measured version and suitable where the employer intends to develop a site and required specialist contractor to perform substantial on-site investigation. Target Cost Contract: it is essential for a cost re-imbursement contract. However, a target cost mechanism option is provided to give the contractor incentives to control cost. In my opinion, the ICE form of contract is not the best option for the confectionery factory because†: It is mainly suitable for civil engineering works and building work that involves substantial earthwork, thus, may not be adequate for other engineering works like plant installation that is required. It requires a well-developed design before construction work could start, thus, unsuitable for this confectionery factory rebuilding situation which the work has to start immediately. It tends to polarise the construction team and encourages claim, which may be a threat to the progress of the work. 3.4 Association of Consultant Architects (ACA) Forms of Contract The ACA forms of contract is a non traditional collaborative contracts introduced in 1982. It is the only multi party standard form construction contract in the UK, where parties including the client, key consultants, main contractor and specialist subcontractors sign up the same contract i.e. all the parties are in a contract with each other, owe each other a duty of care and can sue each other for breach of contract and duty of care (Keown 2010). There is no suggested limit on cost or type of contract which this form is best suitable for because of its flexible accommodation of alternative clauses (Clamp, Cox and Lupton 2007). The ACA has different forms, which are: Project Partnering Contract (PPC 2000): it is a sophisticated and complicated partnering contract, which requires great care in setting up and running, particularly when preparing the project partnering Agreement. Specialist Partner Contract (SPC 2000): it embraces the PPC 2000 procedures and philosophy, but focuses on sub-contracting and relationship between main contractor, main sub-contractors and specialist. Term Partnering Contract (TPC 2005): it is suitable for works and services that extend over a period of time or where there is periodic/planned maintenance and can also accommodate to call out work. Extend the multi-party contract philosophy to Project Partnering Contract (PPC). In my opinion, the ACA forms of contract are unsuitable for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory because it does not give options for which someone can choose from†. Conclusion In my opinion, NEC 3 ECC form of contract with Main Option E and probably Secondary Options 5, 6, 7, 12 and 14 would be the best form of the contract options for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory because: It is suitable for engineering and/or construction work, which includes civil engineering, building, mechanical and electrical plant/installations work, process engineering and all allied industries that are adequate for the rebuilding of confectionery factory. It does not require well- developed design before the construction works to commence i.e. it encourages a parallel operation between the design and construction activities, thus, suitable for work that would commence immediately as applied to the confectionery factory. It embodies an efficient management process and stimulates good management of the relationship among all the parties involved, thus, avoid polarisation of parties involved. Its collaborative working across the entire chain optimises the project success. It uses clear and simple language, which is straightforward and easily understood. The NEC 3 ECC forms of contract with option E: cost reimbursement contract among other options of NEC 3 ECC would be considered for the rebuilding of the confectionery factory pursuant to the information given from the project proposal that it has been agreed that a single contractor would be employed to carry out the construction work and time cannot be spared for a well-developed design, since the construction work has to start immediately. 4.1 Confectionery Factory Rebuilding Project Parties and Organogram For the rebuilding of the confectionery factory, the identified parties that are likely to be involved in this project are: Client/Employer Project Manger Architect Structural Engineer Civil Engineer Mechanical Engineer Electrical Engineer Technology Specialist Quantity Surveyor Quality Assurance Officer Cost Manager CDM Regulator Facilities Manager Planning supervisors Lawyer Main Contractor Building works Subcontractor Mechanical Electrical Services Subcontractor Plant Installation Specialist Subcontractor Suppliers A detail organogram that shows these parties and their contractual relationship is attached below. 4.2 Contractual Relationships and Agreement For the NEC 3 ECC, option E: cost reimbursement contract chosen for this project, with a project manager leading and plan for a single contractor to execute the project, the contractual relationship will exist between: Client/Employer and Project Manager

Lunatics Taking Over the Asylum: Cultural Chaos in 1960s America :: essays papers

Lunatics Taking Over the Asylum: Cultural Chaos in 1960s America All You Need Is Hate If life in the 1960s was a collective journey to the Underworld, then it is terrifying to notice how many of us have failed to come back. (Marshall Berman, The Sixties) The 1960s formed one of the most culturally complex periods in America’s history, and the analysis of this era is just as problematic. During this time, American society experienced an outpouring of filmic, literary and musical texts that challenged traditional institutions such as the Christian church, the government and the family unit. It would be naà ¯ve to argue that this period witnessed the first or the last instance of subversive propaganda targeted at young people, for the many dissenting voices herein did not emerge by random chance. The formulation of a more politically aware youth culture in America and, to a lesser but still important extent, Great Britain, was a gradual process that had been taking hold for considerable time, not one that exploded into being when Bob Dylan or John Lennon began writing protest songs. However, while it remains a matter of some contention where exactly these anti-authoritarian sentiments originated, it is my opinion that this discontentment gained real momentum during the 1950s and 1960s. Firstly, the group of friends and writers most commonly known as the Beats evolved dramatically in focal points such as Greenwich Village and Columbia University, and subsequently spread their political and cultural views to a wider audience. The three Beat figureheads William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac each perceived an agenda within American society to clamp down on those who were in some way different from the accepted ‘norm’, and in response deliberately flirted with the un-American practices of Buddhism, drug use, homosexuality and the avant-garde. Ginsberg courted danger by lending a voice to the homosexual subculture that had been marginalised by repressive social traditions and cultural patterns within the United States. Homosexuality remained illegal in most parts of America until the 1960s, but Ginsberg refused to equate his Gay identity with criminality. He wrote about his homosexuality in almost every poem that he wrote, most specifically in ‘Many Loves’ (1956) and ‘Please Master’ (1968), his paeans to his errant lover Neal Cassady. Ginsberg’s poems are full of explicit sexual detail and scatological humour, but the inclusion of such details should not be interpreted as a childish attempt to incense the prudish and the square.

Encountering conflict essay ‘A Separation’ Essay

Conflict is an integral part of human nature, in which we all experience in our daily lives. The responses to conflict determine whether a resolution takes place, or whether the conflict at hand is perpetuated and escalated, to the point where a resolution is impossible. Persistence of conflict can occur due to religion and moral values. Intrapersonal conflict may arise, as one may seek to defend their religious values and morality, which can perpetuate a situation and cause the onset of other forms of conflict to result. The influence of gender roles in society can also cause a persistence in conflict to occur. Due to these factors, conflict generally persists and escalates, as opposed to being resolved. However, in some cases, individuals can prevent the persistence of conflict by employing rational and peacemaking strategies when encountering issues. Those who hold strong religious and moral values, react in stern and desperate ways, causing an exacerbation and escalation of conflict. The religious conflict between Palestinian’s and Israelites is very much affected by the religious beliefs of the various sides. Such tension has caused territorial disputes and physical conflict to occur in the middle-east. Moreover, disputes between Jews and Palestinians has escalated and translated to other parts of the world, France in particular. Acts of conflict between Jews and Arab’s has resulted reported issues of acts of violence against Jews in France to increase from one in 1998 to nine in 1999 to 116 in 2000. This escalation of physical conflict on a broader global scale has ultimately been caused by the religious conflict initially present in the Middle-East. Similarly, Razieh’s religion causes the onset of other forms of conflict to occur and escalation to result. The internal conflict experienced by Razieh involving her religious values enforced a maintenance of her moral high ground as a religious woman. Nader’s accusation upon Razieh of theft, caused the onset of physical conflict to occur, whereby Razieh’s persistence to reason with Nader that she didn’t steal the money in order maintain her morality made him furious, as she pushes her out of his apartment. This resulted in Razieh accusing Nader of murdering her baby, which escalated their interpersonal conflict manifest into a complicating and damaging legal matter. In the midst of conflict, religion can play a vital role in the exacerbation and persistence of dispute. The characteristics of gender roles in society can result in a persistence of conflict to occur.