Decision Making and Investment Decisions Essay Example for Free

Decision Making and Investment Decisions Essay Chuck Jones aimed to have a new design decision process supported by data and surveys instead of a return or payoff on the investment approach. At first when he presented his idea, authorities requested poof and Mr. Jones was unable to show them proof. Then M. Jones started his process. 1.As a first step, he surveyed 15 design-centric companies, including BMW, Nike, and Nokia. To his surprise, few had a system for forecasting return on design 2. Mr. Jones needed to provide a new plan to focus on Customers preferences. 3.Good feedback from the public would equal possible future return on the investment that was requested by the research team. 4.Do not focus on Bottom-line returns 5.Puts Design prototypes in front of customer focus groups 6.Get detailed measurements of their preferences about Aesthetics, Craftsmanship, technical performance, ergonomics and usability 7.Chart the results against competing products and the company’s own product 8.This approach gives the Decision makers a base-line of objective evidence from which to make investment decisions Evaluation: The Duet washing machine, launched five years ago, was the first big win for the common platform approach. By redesigning an existing product, using the same underlying technology but with modifications to the appearance and user interface, the design team created a product that could be sold at three times the price of its predecessor and competitor products. Design investment decisions are now based on facts not opinion. The new decision making approach has transformed the company’s culture. It had led to bolder designs because the designers can now make a strong case for making those investments. By following this approach the company can do innovation in their products. The shift has enabled Whirlpools designers to make the business case for investments and give financial folks greater confidence to ante upresulting in bolder designs. What criteria does Whirlpool’s design team use in design decisions? What do you think each of these criteria involves? Whirlpool’s design team used their customer’s preferences as the basis of the company’s criteria. After significant considerable investigation of the, what Chuck discovered was that many of the organizations, including those the ones that operate on a global scale, many faced the same or similar situation as he did; they were all in need of a system that could forecast profitability based on design. They used a â€Å"metric-based approach† design, to capture â€Å"objective evidence† that would support and provide insight into future investment decisions for the company. Chuck and his design team â€Å"created a standardized company-wide process that puts s design prototypes in front of customer focus groups and then get detailed measurements of their preferences about aesthetics, craftsmanship, technical performance, ergonomics, and usability. This approach I think provided Whirlpool with a â€Å"baseline of objective evidence from which to make investment decisions† because with this innovative approach, the company could now make â€Å"design investment decisions† that are based on fact and not opinion

The Effects Of Infrastructural Facilities

The Effects Of Infrastructural Facilities Infrastructure are the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons. Large infrastructure projects generally stimulate demand for nearby real estate .these infrastructural projects usually create abundance of jobs as well as follow on demand for goods and services. They also provide a more effective use and connectivity of the available economic resources and the resulting increase in economy activity from new and more disposable income will in turn typically boost. Economic growth, thats why people will want to purchase or rent residential estate in location within close proximity to major works, Major infrastructure project can take many forms and often include transport, infrastructure improvement such as link roads, railway line extension, new bridges and major freeways. Other projects could be new shopping malls and commercial precincts, new power stations, improve communication facilities industrial areas and business parks, new hospital, school and universities. These can all have an impact property values and demand for residential properties. It is also worthy to note that the quality and quantity of infrastructure available in a given place societies is the yardstick for measuring the general level of development of that area and a major determinants of property development and their respective value trends. The provision or not of these facilities can positively development affect the rate of property development in a given area and this in turn can improve the property value due to the corresponding boost on economics activities achieved through the better accessibility (road) or the higher degree of convenience from the use of these infrastructural facilities. 1.2 Statement of Problem The infrastructure of a city is a major determinant on the demand of houses. One of the major problems affecting housing demand in Lokoja. The poor infrastructure provision in the study area affects the rate of housing Demand in the area, this is because people will only buy or rent houses in areas were the infrastructure provision is sustainably available,this will help to enhance the livability in the community. The poor infrastructure provision in Adankolo is a major determinant on the decrease in the rate of housing demands in the study area. Those who are living in the study area have no choice because they cannot afford the rent in other livable towns . Housing is an enclosed component or structure that has services which support the comfort and existence of human living. These services or facilities are numerous some of which include; kitchen, toilet, refuse disposals, good road networks, electricity, telecommunication and others. Ogedengbe and Oyedele, (2006) carried a research on effects of waste disposal on property values, similarly Robet in his work The Effects of Road Infrastructure on Property Values emphasized more on just road as a facility affecting demandvalues, Whereas many other facilities affect values of residential properties. This now poses a gap between these previous empirical studies hence there is need to reconsider many other facilities as they affect housing demand and housing demand of residential properties. 1.3 Aim and Objectives The aim of this study is to ascertain the effects of infrastructural facilities on housing demand in Lokoja metropolis. OBJECTIVES To identify the various infrastructure available in the study area. To examine the adequacy of infrastructural facilities provision on the residential properties in the study area To recommend possible solution to the problems of housing in the study area. 1.4 Scope of the study This research work intends to determine the effects of infrastructural facilities on housing demand in Lokoja. It is limited to Lokoja metropolis alone with particular emphasis on two areas namely; peace community ganaja village and Adankolo for comparative analysis. 1.5 Justification Although challenges surrounding life and human wants are limited and endless, however these study focuses on the effects of infrastructural facilities on housing demand in Lokoja. And this particular studywill serve as a guide to the following. Urban and regional planners and other allied professionals such as builders, architect, engineers, and others in their various field of activities .for example, these study would give the city managers the ideas of important of infrastructural facilities in there different areas. It serves as a tool to all researchers in the field particularly in the study area.(Lokoja) 1.6 The Study Area Lokoja, Nigeria is located at 7.80236 [latitude in decimal degrees], 6.743 [longitude in decimal degrees] at an elevation/altitude of meters. The average elevation of Lokoja, Nigeria is 55 meters.Lokoja is also a Local Government Area of Kogi State with an area of 3180 km ² and a population of 195,261 at the 2006 census. It is bounded by the Niger in the north and east upstream from the capital until the border with Kwara State, and includes the city of Lokoja. The postal code of the area is 260.The original site of Lokoja, is a 1,349-foot- (411-metre-) high mass of oolitic iron ore. The town has a hydroelectric power generating plant. It is situated on the local highway between Kabba and Ayangbe and has ferry service across the Niger River. Formerly the capital of Kabba province, Lokoja was part of Kwara from 1967 to 1991, when it became the capital of the newly formed state of Kogi. CLIMATE Climate: The site has a tropical climate that comprises of two season namely dry and wet seasons. The wet seasons starts from the month of April and ends in October, while the dry season starts from November and continues till March. The two seasons are affected by the south-westerly winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean and north-easterly winds which come from the Sahara Desert. Another weather phenomenon (micro climate) is associated with the presence of inselbergs. This feature exerts an influence on local weather greater than their size. Rainfall: Rainfall data obtained from the Department of Meteorological Services Lokoja for 25 years (1989- 2005) reveals that the maximum daily rainfall figures of Lokoja town are as follows: Humidity and Temperature: The highest temperatures in the study area always tend to occur at the end of the dry season close to the spring equinox. Thus March has the highest temperature of about 34.5 c, while the lowest temperature occur in the middle of the dry season in December/January, when outgoing radiation is encouraged by low humidity, clear skies and longer nights. The temperature at this time falls as low as 22.8 c. In the dry season there is a decrease in relative humidity from south to north in the study area caused by the higher elevation in the north. In the rainy season, this variation disappears and associated with the high relative humidity is an extensive cloud cover over the region. ECONOMY Agriculture is main stay in Lokoja area economy, various crops are widely grown in the area which includes; coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cashews, groundnuts, maize, cassava, yam, rice and melon.The state is home to the largest iron and steel industry in Nigeria known as Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. One of the largest cement factories in Africa, the Obajana Cement Factory . MAP OF NIGERIA DEPICTING STUDY AREA Limitation of the Study The major problem in the field of study is language barrier and through these, the researcher that did not understand their language (respondents) will find it difficult to express his mind freely to those that did not understand English language which is the general language in Nigeria, among the respondents. Another problem is illiteracy among the respondents; because some of the respondent finds it difficult to fill questionnaire which is the main information needed from them for the completion of the project. Lastly regardless of these limitations, data collected are sufficient enough to reach the research objectives. 1.8 Definition of Terms Infrastructures It can be generally defined as the set of interconnected structural elements that provide framework supporting an entire structure of development The term typically refers to the technical structures that support a society, such as roads, bridges, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunications, and so forth, and can be defined as the physical components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to enable, sustain, or enhance societal living conditions The terms housing demand and housing needs are often confused. There are Some key differences between housing demand and housing needs that must beclarified. The meaning assigned to both terms is erroneously similar in manydocuments. The following statement is extracted from the study of housing- Demand models published by the Housing Branch in Hong Kong which asserts that: Housing needs Housing needs is defined as the number of existing ornew households requiring adequate housing. Anadequately housed household is one that lives in selfcontained living quarters made of permanent material.(Liu, Wu, et al. 1996) They also proffer a workable definition of housing demand, viz: Housing demand Housing demand is defined as the number of householdsactually seeking accommodation. In the public sector,demand is assumed to be equal to housing needs. In theprivate sector, demand is constrained by affordability. Facility may refer to: An installation, contrivance, or other things which facilitates something; a place for doing something: Literature Review Infrastructure has been variously defined, according to William Merish and Catherine Brown described infrastructure as the systematic framework which underpins a communitys ability to fulfill its mission of providing a basis of its citizen to productive and to nurture social equity.Omuojine(1997) described it as the stock of fixed capital assets in a country for example Road, railways, Airports, Hospitals, Waterway, power stations, water works, and telecommunication network. It serves as slender threads that weaves together human want and value with those of the environment.Literally, it refers to fixed facilities or installation traditionally provided by public sector. Omuojine (1997) classified it as followed. Transportation including road, railway, airports, seaports and water way. Water supply including water works and Dams Electricity including power stations Telecommunication including postal, telephone, telex, fax, mile services. Health including Hospital, maternity home, and health centers. Sanitation and solid waste disposal. Drainage and Embankments. Infrastructures have certain characteristics viz. Requires large lump sum investment. Entails considerable economic of scale which results in monopolies. Has a high level of externalities both positives and negatives. Intermediate input characteristics. Possess important networks effects. Posses difficulties in cost recovery. While these characteristics have generally remained true, the exact character trait will depends on whether it is urban, rural or inter rural. Infrastructure or trunk and feeder type of fixed/ moving facilities, or the operator of the facility i.e. Whether public or private, central/ state, local Government agencies. Infrastructures include the aggregate of all facilities that enables a society to function effectively, by providing the physical facilities, which moves people, goods, commodities, water, waste, Electricity, road, sewerage and information infrastructure provides an enabling environment for growth and enhanced quality of life.PojuOnibokun (1985) infrastructure is therefore; universally regarded as the engine that drives the city. The linkage between the economy activities and infrastructure continue to grow stronger and more critical as an economic activity becomes increasingly more complicated and global in scope. Lawal (1997). Through the provision of urban infrastruct ure is tradition all the presence of government, the growing difficulties and limitation of public finance and the reality of the wide gap between the demand and supply of infrastructures services with all its pervasive effect inevitably compel urban authorities to look to the private sector and community. Based organization (cbos) for partnership. Babawale (2004) infrastructure is generally poor in developing countries. Although it differs widely among countries and sectors. In Nigeria for instance most households and private companies get electricity form private generating sets because of power holding of Nigeria unreliability. This imposed extra cost on companies and environmental effects on neighbors. There is no water supply in most cities and therefore no waste disposal system. HOUSING DEMAND Housing demand is defined as the housing need people backed up with the purchasing power or the ability and willingness to pay. According to You (1993). As quoted in Olufemi(1993), housing demand could be expressed in term of purchasing power, a function of income, family size, location and tradition etc. Housing demand is different from need. It is only when the need (desire) is backed up with price or rent that we talk of effective demand.According to Robinson (1979), there are three main component of housing demand and these are. From new households, demand from movers between tenure group and demand from existing household within a particular tenure groups. The author also noted that renting is an important feature of demand. This is because the majority of household who could not build or purchase their own home often result to renting. Demand for housing differs from place to place across the socio- economic groups. For instant demand in the city differs from that of the rural areas. Demand also differs among high, medium, and low income groups. Housing demand also changes with time and with social and economic situations. In Nigeria for instance there is a noticeable change in the demand for different type of units. As income and building technology changes. There has been gradually change from the demand for row housing or face to face tenement to more modern housing types such as self contain and flats apartment as well as duplexes. Generally,housing market or sub market of the low income group demonstrates a great diversity of demand, which result from two major factors (UNCHS, 1996) first is there disposal income and the second is how much they are prepared to spend on housing. The amount of money they are willing to spend on housing is in turn determined by the type of accommodation available, the location, s ize, and quality of the houses in terms of infrastructure and services available, and the level of security offered. The demand for housing is a reflection of the ability of household to pay for them. Thus, an examination of households, income and prices of housing unit provides a basis for accessing housing demand, an assessment of the housing demand situation in Nigeria by the UNCHS (1993) reveals that the different income groups are confined to different options. Generally, the poor economic situation in Nigeria during and in the post. Structure adjustment program (SAP) period has affected the purchasing power of the majority. Although household income have risen, in numerical terms, by a factor of about five since 1987, the purchasing power has declined by a factor of about eight(UNCHS,1993). It is therefore observed that the household income of the lowest income group are too low to allow them to exercise any effective demand for formal housing in the open market consequently, majority of the low income household cannot afford any form of formal housing without subsidy. Thus they resort to sur vival outside the formal housing market. For this group the UNCHS (1993) observed that. the present 20% of the household do not earn enough to participate in formal housing market in the urban area. They resort to various informal housing arrangements for themselves. This arrangement includes the setting -up of shanty dwellings of their own on land belonging to them(squatting), renting shanty dwelling, colonization of uncompleted multiples storey buildings, occupation of vacant spaces in public buildings at night,etc. BASIC CONCEPT OF HOUSING. Housing is an empirical word as Salau (1990) has written The confusion of given an exact meaning of definition to housing is perhaps due to the multi-dimensional nature of housing itself Agboola (1998) stated that Housing involves series of processes by which resources such as land, labour, finance and building materials are combine to produce new housing. It involves also the upgrading of existing housing to the demanders .He explained further that housing particular delivery system encompasses the process that allocates housing unit to households in particular country and that housing delivery is stimulated and sustained by the demand and supply mechanism this of course,means that in a free market economy like Nigeria, the forces of demand and supply for housing stock, may determine what stocks come into the housing delivery market and who among the demander get what from the market?. According to Baurue (1981), Housing is the provision of all forms of infrastructures for a conducive living environment whereas habitable and standard houses bythe residential or commercial or any other forms of building properly arranged in a statutorily planned area meeting all the forms of planning rules and ordinances in housings.World health Organization (WHO). Defined housing as a residential environment which includes in addition to the physical structures. The main uses for shelter, all necessary services, facilities, equipment and devices needed or desire for physical or social wellbeing of the family and individuals. Ayeni(1984) defines housing as not only referring to the shelter provided by the structure but also the lot on which the shelter stands and the services provided to the lots such as waterand energy supply, waste disposal, drainage, fire and police protection and kick lighter (1986)defined the term housing in its entire ramification to refer to more than just a dwelling but also included all that is within and surrounds thedwelling. Salau(1990) transcends the physical dimensions of shelter and include the general environment within which the structure is located and the availability of essentialsocial services and infrastructural facilities, which ultimately ensure the satisfaction of the population. National housing policy (1991), housing forms an important part of peoples life and it is rather inseparable from them as it provides the users of occupiers shelters, security, privacy, prestige and a means of self-expression. It is a basic need as everyone requires a shelter, which for most people means a home that, is a permanent base in which the greater part of time is spent. Ozo (1987), asserted that a house must be a home;that is , a resting place in which to try to fulfill the fundamental purpose of human society,namely a secure , rewarding, happy or atleast a reliable life.to the individual family,a house as both a shelter and symbols of physical protection and psychological identity of economic valueand a foundation for security and self respect.Olotuali (1997) stated that housing provides the framework of meeting mans need for shelterand it is all encompassing phenomenon of the creation of the environment, in which man grows and lives and grows.Bourne (1981)summed housing up as a physical entity, a good artifact, an economic good, a capital stockand a statue symbol all at once.Madge(1968) assorted that housing is an important element in all capital formation and the largest single component in total building of any nation. According to Omole(2001), housing is more than a mere shelter in its proper definition , housing can be defined as a residential environment which man uses for shelter and the environment of the structure needed or design for his physical and mental health as well as the social being. Ozo (1987), a house is certainly the bulkiest, the most difficult to move and most durable consumer good. In view of the enormous resources requiredin acquiring housing (since it can hardly be purchase out of ones income in less developed countries). It is true measure of the social- economic statues of a society. Looking at the definitions above .therefore a good housing or shelter development of a group of people and a nation at large. A well determined settlement equally determined the productivity and consumption ration as well as economic, moral and welfare terms of the people or nation. THE NIGERIAN HOUSING MARKET The Nigerian housing market is highly untapped and undeveloped despite lot of opportunities that abound in the sector (Akeju 2007). This is basically due to many reasons amongst which includes. Lack of finance Government policy Lack of infrastructural development High level of poverty. There is continuous increase in the average price of house due to increase in cost of building materials and inflation in the economy. This has highly contributed to the upward trend in the house trend in the house price which has significantly affected the number of unit of houses constructed annually. The Government efforts at addressing the problem have not been successful due to its unsustainable approach of providing houses to the people, the houses are grossly inadequate and unaffordable by the larger proportion of the masses for which they are meant for. There are efforts by the private individuals to help in alleviating these housing problems. The bulk of the housing problems is prevalent in urban cities, but there are lot of un occupied and dilapidated houses in the rural areas to urban centers for greener pastures. Most individual that are involved in property development build for their own uses or are home owners, while the few ones involves in building for commercial purposes, build shops and space to let for offices because if the high rental income accruing from such commercial properties. The residential developments in most cases are illegal, informal and untitled. This is due to long, undue delay to title registration and laxity in enforcing development control regulations by the official of the urban and regional planning department (Fasakin and Ogunmakin 2006). Private sectors contribution toward alleviating this housing problems has been I the form of individual efforts, cooperative societies or association, corporate bodies, estate agents, nongovernmental organization / charity organization and foreign investors, their contributions toward alleviating housing problems in Nigeria are briefly discussed below. INDIVIDUALS This represent the greatest source of contribution from the private sector in most urban centers where the housing problem is very prevalent , a greater proportion of the population dwells in residential houses built by private individuals. These individual financed the project through their personal savings, borrowing from family, friends and lenders or cooperative movements. It can be categorically stated that number of housing unit built by individual have been very substantial when compared with other source of constructing houses. (2) COOPERATIVE BODIES The idea of cooperatives housing have started long time ago when individual planning to own a house seek help from relative, in town, neighbors and friends (Wahab 1988). This concept has been successfully tested and certified in countries like Italy, United Kingdom, Zambia, Sweden and Philippines (Daramola, 2006). It is suited to meet the need of low income earner who constitutes the vast majority of Nigerians. The member of the cooperative are able to enjoy housing loan for the construction of their own housing unit. (3) CORPORATE BODIES. The federal government of Nigeria has realized that they cannot solve the housing problem alone. Has involved the cooperate bodies to contributes their own goals towards the achieving the objectives of housing for all. It was evident that most of the companies have totally neglect for housing needs of their workers. These consequently made the Government come to the rescue of the workers. These consequently made the Government come to the rescue of the workers through the promulgation of employee housing scheme (special provision). Decree 54 of 1979, thus compelling any employer of 500 employees to provide minimum housing of 50 units of which 75% should available for non-executive staff. (4) ESTATE DEVELOPER / AGENTS The private developer or estate agents activities were concentrated in Lagos in 1990 and they play significant roles in the development of the Nigeria housing market (Efin. A and Finmark trust,2010), they ensure adequate shelter is provided to meet the demand of the increasing number of people having housing need. They often employ various finance techniques such as turnkey, pre-letting and joint finance to construct housing unit for the people (Nubi 2000). (5) NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION. In recent year there is increasing trends by non-governmental organization and voluntary organization such as religion bodies to contribute their own effort at addressing the housing problems faced by the people in both rural and urban cities. They assist resetting displaced people having housing problem as a result of natural disaster like war, flood, famine, earthquakes, and etc. (6) FOREIGN PARTNERS / INVESTORS. The government through its various development policies has attempted to encourage foreign investors in the housing market. This is usually in the form of foreign partnership with the local estate developers.These provided more capital base for the estate company, thus making them to be involved in large capital based project. The company are usually handling Government housing project which are capital intensive and required more technical expertise and knowledge. THE ECONOMICS OF HOUSING Housing as a product is regarded as a commodity with an exchange value, according to Angel et.al (1992), housing is viewed as a commodity with an exchange value rather than as goods to be produced and allocated outside the market place. Hence the housing sector is composed as a vast set of exchange relations, driven by supply and demand forces which permit all part of the sector despite the existence of apparently distinctive sub markets. (Agunbiade 1993). The units in the standing stock to be traded in the market have a contribution of attributes and qualities, which determines their selling prices. Such attributes include age and durability of structures, total floor space, structural design and internal layout, location accessibility, ancillary services present, security, aesthetics and the general environmental condition. These attributes distinguish one unit from the other. Thus the structural condition of units and the flow of services they yield determine the value of housing unit in the market. According to Robinson (1979) there are two measure of value in the housing market, these are rent and price. Rent is the payment made for a flow of housing services received over a specific period of time while price is the capital value associated with a particular unit of stockin the ordinary sense, we could argue that the value of housing unit (V) is equalto its price (P) i.e. V = P . However in some cases, the different between the exchange value and the actual value is refers to as subsidy, which is often, paid by Government or corporate bodies to their employees. Thus, subsidy could be regarded as a distortion to the actual market determined price or rent of a housing unit. Housing need, supply and housing price in an economy involved complex processes that are influenced by social and economic force. The understanding of the nature and attributes of the demand and supply of housing is therefore important in any housing study. However, before we address the issue of need, demand, supply and price. It is ideal to consider the characteristics of housing as a product 2.5 ROLE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES ON DEVELOPMENT Ratchiffe (1995) classical rent theory conceptualizes that general improvement in access routes (Roads) have positive effect on the areas land values; Boyce and Allen (1974) in Denver studied the impact of accessibility and amenities on property values. They selected several study areas then applied six (6) criteria encompassing accessibility, amenities and property characteristics and used regression analysis to investigate 24,082 property transactions. They identified a positive impact of infrastructural facilities on property values. Stopper and Meybury (1971) claimed that the relevance of transportations facilities in influencing urban growth and development is reflected in most North. American and Europeans town which shows a growth pattern derived largely from transactional routes. Abouchar (1977) investigated the impact of a subway on property value on Toronto, he studies the metropolitan Toronto subway system through on analysis of the operations of welfare criteria with the basic objective of distinguishing the impact of the subway on property value (demand and price) by looking at year to year relative percentage changes in property values in and out of the subway corridor. However, his analysis concluded that the subway had no effect on the property value in the subway area. The validity of findings and conclusion are questionable as the study did not fulfill the requirement of a before and after approach because the analysis of the property market was concluded in 1992 the date the subway began its operation. Abdulateef (1997) observed a positive impact of road transportation and communication on land use development and property values, the provision of infrastructural facilities in any socio economic unit whether a nation, region or community could have either a positive or negative impact on property value. For instance, the provision of an incinerator in a residential district will have a negative effect on the value of the properties in that area while the provision of infrastructural facilities like good roads network, water and electricity supply, drainage system, good refuse collection treatment and disposal system etc enhances values to unpre cedented level just as the inadequacy or lack or these facilities adversely affect value as a paradox. 2.6 IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES MANAGEMENT AGENCIES IN NIGERIA The prominent public agencies for the provision and management of the infrastructural facilities in Nigeria are: Power holding company of Nigeria Plc. In charge of electricity generation, distribution and supply to consumers (PHCN) Nigeria telecommunications limited (NITEL) State water corporation State waste management boards Federal road maintenance agencies (FEMA) Nigerian communications commission (NCC) Federal air

Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth - The Three Witches :: Macbeth essays

Macbeth: The Three Witches William Shakespeare has been by far the world's most popular playwright for more than 350 years. His ingenious ability as a playwright has captivated audiences and will captivate audiences for years to come. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. The specific date of his birth is not known but is celebrated on the feast of St. George, April 23. Little is known about his boyhood, but through examination it is thought that he collected a lot of his information from books and from daily observation of the world around him. During his life Shakespeare wrote many brilliant tragedies. He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52. One of these brilliant tragedies was Macbeth. It is thought to have been written between 1603 and 1606. Macbeth is considered the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies, but not less powerful in its depiction of evil, greed, jealousy, and the madness these emotions bring to a person. (Shakespeare, pg. v) In any work of literature or drama there is usually foreshadowing. Foreshadow can be defined to be, "a sign of something to come: indicate or suggest beforehand; prefigure; presage." (Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia) Playwrights use this technique to give the audience a sense of what is to come or what exactly is going to happen to a character. Foreshadowing can be easily detected or it cannot be noticed at all until the end of the play or story. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the prophecies of the witches and thoughts of Macbeth himself to foreshadow within the play. And Macbeth himself detects them somewhat as does the audience. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the three witches as main sources foreshadowing. In the play they are conveyed as prophecies. The audience experiences a little of these prophecies almost immediately in the opening scene and act of the play. When they talk about meeting Macbeth they say they will greet him, "when the battle's lost and won." (Shakespeare, pg.1) And then they yell together, "fair is foul, and foul is fair."(Shakespeare, pg.1) These two examples foreshadow that some sort of evil will be coming and that there will also be a victory of sorts, but the audience doesn't know specifically what yet. These also suggest a great battle is to be fought against good and evil and the events that follow will unfold at a rapid pace. This foreshadowing can be detected by the audience because they can feel the emotion of doom and evil rising. The actual prophecies given by the witches occur in the third scene

Hemp Essay -- essays research papers fc

Throughout American history our country has come to rely on many different natural resources. With technology and the population increasing, the number of fossil fuel reserves and natural forests are going down. What America needs is a renewable source of fuels and fibers that will meet the growing needs of the future, but will not damage our environment. One of the most promising sources of fiber, fuel, and natural oil is hemp. Hemp, also known as Cannabis Sativa L, has been used in our country since the early 17th century (Schreiber 160). Although hemp is considered an illegal drug, many people forget that it is a part of our country’s history. Despite its negative connotations, hemp has the potential to revolutionize the paper, cotton, and fuel industries. Its long fibers can be weaved with others to make stronger clothing, while its pulp can be used to make stronger paper. It has been known as an important resource for thousands of years, and in the future, perhaps it will be again. Hemp is a plant that originated in Asia several thousand years ago (Schreiber 7). Its genus is called Cannabis, to which there are three sub species, Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Hemp is of the sativa family, which normally grows to about 4 meters and has a hollow, fibrous stem. When grown industrially, the male plant is used primarily because it grows tall and spindly, producing the most fiber, and allowing the farmer to plant more in a smaller area. The female plant is much shorter, and produces buds. Hemp is often confused with another plant of the same genus, Marijuana. Because of this confusion it is imperative that the differences between these two plants are understood. Although very similar, Marijuana is not the same plant as hemp (Williams 2). Marijuana, also known as pot, hashish, or weed, is grown for its buds and leaves, to produce psychoactive effects when introduced into the human body. Marijuana has high levels of THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydracannibinol), the i ngredient that causes the user to be high. Whereas industrial hemp typically has a THC level less than one percent, marijuana can have levels up to twenty percent (Washuk 1). Med Byrd, head paper scientist at NCSU said, "You couldn't get high off hemp even if you smoked a joint the size of a telephone pole." Hemp is also contains a substance called cannibidiol, which actually inhibits THC. Under ... ...come the worlds leading crop again, as it once was. Bibliography Barnard, Jeff. â€Å"Hemps Profile Getting Higher But Marijuana Factor Still a Bummer.† Los Angeles Times [Electric Library] 23 August 1998 Cauchon, Dennis. â€Å"Canadian Hemp Isn’t Going to Pot.† USA Today [Electric Library] 7 October 1998. Pg13A Jenkins, Phil. â€Å"Field Of Opportunity.† Canadian Geographic [Electric Library] 1 March 1999 Julin, Brian. â€Å"The Hemp FAQ.† www.cannabis.com/faqs/hemp1.shtml 1994 Kicklighter, Kirk. â€Å"Getting Hemp Over The Hump.† The News & Observer [Electric Library] 4 July 1998. McDougal, Jeanette. â€Å"Good Reasons to Stay Skeptical About Legalizing Industrial Hemp.† Minneapolis Start Tribune [Electric Library] 29 April 1999. Pg24A McGraw, Dan. â€Å"Hemp is High Fashion.† U.S. News & World Report [Electric Library] 20 January 1997 Pg54-56 Quinn, Patrick. â€Å"Greeks Seek to Weed Out Hemp.† The Associated Press News Service [Electric Library] 13 November 1998 Schreiber, Gisela. The Hemp Handbook. Great Britain: Vision Paperbacks, 1999. Williams, Ted. â€Å"Legalize It!† Audubon Magazine [Email] November 1999. Washuk, Bonnie. â€Å"Hemp Touted as a Better Paper Source.† Sun Journal [Electric Library] 5 April 1998.

Sustainable Design Essay -- Sustainability

The definition of Sustainability in the Merriam Webster Dictionary is simply ‘involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources (Merriam Webster, 2014)’. In design we consider sustainability in two different ways: †¢ The functional and financial sustainability of a product, design or even a design process †¢ The impact of resources or renewability of a product, design or process (University, 2014) Designers today have a social responsibility with what they produce as our products are the future and we can have a massive impact on sustainability by making our business decisions based on the environment. White and Stewart note that â€Å"The diverse set of risks and opportunities that now confront companies make consideration of environmental and social impacts in design more than a nice thing to do. Increasingly, it is becoming a matter of remaining relevant and viable in domestic and global economies.† (White & Stewart 2008, p. 5) Sustainability is not a new topic it is how humans have evolved. It’s humans that have undermined their own planet over time that have made it a contemporary issue. EVOLUTION AND RECOGNITION Whilst sustainability did not become a noticeable issue in design until the 1970’s, we can see the evolution over time. The American Indian back in the 1800’s would hunt buffalo, however they knew this was their main resource for survival so they greatly respected it. The way they hunted and utilized the whole animal meant there was no waste and never a threat of extinction. The hide was used for clothing, blankets and smeared with smashed buffalo brains as waterproofing and then used to make teepee’s (History Learning Site, 2014). Native people (first designers) of our planet knew that... ...ch 29). Buffalo and the Native American. Retrieved from History Learning State: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/buffalo.htm Knight, A. (2009). Hidden Histories: the story of sustainable design. Proquest Discovery Guides, 3. Merriam Webster. (2014, March 29). Sustainability. Retrieved from Merriam Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable Nations, U. (2014, March 28). Kyoto Protocol. Retrieved from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php University, F. (2014). Contemporary Design Issues - Course Learning Materials Week 2. Ballarat: Federation University. Valluzzo, A. (2014, March 29). A Tale of Two Chairs. Retrieved from Antiques and the Arts Weekly: http://antiquesandtheartsweekly.wordpress.com/ Woodham, J. M. (2005). A Dictionary of Modern Design. New York: Oxford Press. Sustainable Design Essay -- Sustainability The definition of Sustainability in the Merriam Webster Dictionary is simply ‘involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources (Merriam Webster, 2014)’. In design we consider sustainability in two different ways: †¢ The functional and financial sustainability of a product, design or even a design process †¢ The impact of resources or renewability of a product, design or process (University, 2014) Designers today have a social responsibility with what they produce as our products are the future and we can have a massive impact on sustainability by making our business decisions based on the environment. White and Stewart note that â€Å"The diverse set of risks and opportunities that now confront companies make consideration of environmental and social impacts in design more than a nice thing to do. Increasingly, it is becoming a matter of remaining relevant and viable in domestic and global economies.† (White & Stewart 2008, p. 5) Sustainability is not a new topic it is how humans have evolved. It’s humans that have undermined their own planet over time that have made it a contemporary issue. EVOLUTION AND RECOGNITION Whilst sustainability did not become a noticeable issue in design until the 1970’s, we can see the evolution over time. The American Indian back in the 1800’s would hunt buffalo, however they knew this was their main resource for survival so they greatly respected it. The way they hunted and utilized the whole animal meant there was no waste and never a threat of extinction. The hide was used for clothing, blankets and smeared with smashed buffalo brains as waterproofing and then used to make teepee’s (History Learning Site, 2014). Native people (first designers) of our planet knew that... ...ch 29). Buffalo and the Native American. Retrieved from History Learning State: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/buffalo.htm Knight, A. (2009). Hidden Histories: the story of sustainable design. Proquest Discovery Guides, 3. Merriam Webster. (2014, March 29). Sustainability. Retrieved from Merriam Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable Nations, U. (2014, March 28). Kyoto Protocol. Retrieved from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php University, F. (2014). Contemporary Design Issues - Course Learning Materials Week 2. Ballarat: Federation University. Valluzzo, A. (2014, March 29). A Tale of Two Chairs. Retrieved from Antiques and the Arts Weekly: http://antiquesandtheartsweekly.wordpress.com/ Woodham, J. M. (2005). A Dictionary of Modern Design. New York: Oxford Press.

Reflecting on the Sarel Marais Homestead

REFLECTING ON THE SAREL MARAIS HOMESTEADWHO PUT IT UP? By the early 1800’s, there were 1000s of Boer husbandmans who had settled on the eastern frontier of the Cape Colony. They became progressively dissatisfied with the British Colonial Government. The Boers were displeased, among other things, with the continual intervention in their personal businesss by the Colonial Government, the on-going foraies on their farms by the Xhosa and the long hold in being granted self-determination ( Britz, 2012 ) . This resulted an organized out-migration of 1000s of Afrikaner frontier husbandmans and their laborers from the Crown Colony of the Cape to the northern and north-eastern sectors of southern Africa order to get away the Imperial subjugation and the accordingly colony of the country North of the Vaal River, subsequently to go the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek ( ZAR ) ( Fraser, 1986 ) . Sarel Marais and his household were one the first households who settled in the Transvaal. Sarel bought the western part of the farm Rietvlei where he constructed the household homestead ( Britz, 2012 ) . WHAT WERE THEY CONCERNED ABOUT? When emigres relocate themselves they have three beginnings for their edifice civilization, viz. tradition, invention and adoption. The Voortrekkers, born on African dirt, trekked from the Eastern Cape, an country with a peculiar edifice civilization, into the backwoods occupied by autochthonal pastoralists with their ain traditions. Although the Trekkers maintained trade links with the South, the terrain was rugged and transport hard. They hence resorted in utilizing locally available stuffs wherever possible. This in bend influenced the techniques of building ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . WHAT MATERIAL FACTORS INFLUENCED IT ( AVAILABILITY/PRESTIGE/ECONOMY ) ? The part of the Rietvlei farm where the Marais’ settled had ample graze, fertile dirt, plentifulness of H2O and an copiousness of game. Sarel constructed the farm house from bricks made from clay that was found locally, on the Bankss of the Bloubosspruit, which is one of basic edifice stuffs Transvaal ( Britz, 2012 ) . The clay was prepared by wetting, kneading, ( where droppings and husk might be added ) and adding limestone. The clay mixture was so moulded and dried to organize clay bricks ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . The window gaps were constructed with wooden headers and were ab initio covered with a piece of cheesecloth dipped in lubricating oil to maintain out dust and to give a grade of privateness to the occupant. This was a consequence of the unobtainability of glass as it broke on the journey by waggon inland from the seashore. Shutters were subsequently added when the abode became more lasting. The floor made from clay mixed with cow blood with a thin bed of cow droppings to protect it. Such a floor was besides frequently adorned with Prunus persica cavities that were laid in the wet clay is pressed and polished with aloe juice or wax ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . The roof was thatched which so as now was tied in packages with the grass seeds topmost. Once fixed by sewing with rawhide lashs to the laths beneath, the packages would be beaten parallel to the pitch of the roof with a â€Å"dekspaan† or thatching spade or jostle. This technique has later became prevailing and is known amongst some black people as â€Å" Boer † ( or sometimes â€Å"Afrikaner † ) thatching ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . The thatch was supported by yellowwood beams and balks. This was an indicant that the Marais’ were comparatively affluent as the yellow had to be ordered and delivered from Cape Town by waggon. WHAT SORT OF DESIGN MERIT YOU THINK IT HAS ( INNOVATION/BEAUTY/UTILITY ) ? What are of import about these colonies is to retrieve that prior to populating in proper â€Å" homes † or â€Å" houses † , the Trekkers lived in ox waggons that truly merely protected their most intimate properties and offered privateness for kiping and none for life indoors. These edifices were stripped of all extravagancy reflecting the innovator settler’s existent demands for shelter and protection ( Meiring, 1985 ) . We should non try to construe the common edifice traditions of the seminomadic and first stage innovator colonist from a modem position. Besides that these persons had a vision of a big home or â€Å" house † and that they pursued this vision every bit shortly as they settled on a piece of land. In many cases it is clear that constructing a â€Å" house † with many suites functioning all or at least the majority of the demands of the household at one time was non a precedence. Needs were served as they arose, depending on the blessing of the male parent or patriarch of the house ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . WHAT THE IMPORTANT FEATURES DOES THE Building HAVE? What can be farther deducted from the above observations is that to the innovator colonists, â€Å" unfastened infinite † was more of import than â€Å" closed infinite † . Distance between activities and closed infinites were more of import than constellating and the economic linking of infinites. These spacial constructs lie at the bosom of the early common architecture in rural Transvaal ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . WHAT OTHER BUILDINGS AND SYSTEMS IT RELATES TO? In the Transvaal land term of office was to follow the same system of issue as in the Cape. Every original Trekker of 16 old ages of age and older could choose a vacant piece of land and petition that it be surveyed and registered in his name. A fixed quitrent was so paid on every farm ( Fraser, 1986 ) . Prior to 1852 fledglings to the part were entitled to two farms: one either residential or harvest farm and the other a bushveld farm for winter graze. Surveying of farming area besides followed the tested and trusted old Cape system. A horseback drive of halt-an-hour would be taken at a walk from a cardinal point ( normally a perennial H2O beginning where the farmstead would be located ) in each of the four central waies. Such a farm was non to transcend 3000 morgen* although larger farms could buy extra land ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) . * A South African unit of country ( now archaic in the Nederlands ) , equal to approximately two estates or 0.8 hectare. From the Dutch morgen ( forenoon ) therefore the land which could be ploughed by a span of cattle in a forenoon ( Fisher, et al. , 1998 ) WHAT SORT OF CONDITION IT IS IN TODAY? The homestead’s ruins can be found in the southern portion of Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.BibliographyBritz, R. , 2012.Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Assosiation.[ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.klipriviersberg.org.za/index.php/history-overview/sarel-marais-story [ Accessed 14 March 2014 ] . Fisher, R. , lupus erythematosus Roux, S. & A ; Mare , E. , 1998.Architecture of the Transvaal.Capital of south africas: UNISA. Fraser, M. , 1986.Johannesburg Pioneer Journals 1888-1909.Cape Town: Van Riebeeck Society. Giliomee, H. , 2003.The Afrikaners: Biography of a People.Cape Town: Tafleburg Publishers Limited. Meiring, H. , 1985.Early Johannesburg ; Its Buildings and its Peoples.Cape Town: Human & A ; Rousseau. Montgomery, C. , 2013.Heritage Treasures of the South.[ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.heritageportal.co.za/article/heritage-treasures-south [ Accessed 15 March 2014 ] .

Of mice and men summaries

Two friends, George Milton and Lennie Small, are on their way to a new Job at an agricultural ranch. They are Job hunting in Soledad after being thrown out of Weed when Lennie mistakenly was accused of attempted rape of a female character, although he only likes to pet nice things like mice. During the 1st chapter George and Lennie bicker and argue and play on each other's emotions.At the brush, as the 2 characters are so different, they bicker over how they get through life together, and how it would be easier if they went their separate ways and how Lennie is holding George back from his dream. 2. George and Lennie finally get to the ranch where they will be working. They meet several people currently working there. They meet the boss, the Janitor, the boss' son, Curley and his wife, Carlson and Slim (workers on the ranch). Curley takes a disliking to Lennie as he susses him out. Curley also used to be a pro boxer so takes bigger people as always being on the Wrong side' of him.Alt hough George tries to protect Lennie from ‘spilling the beans' about Lennie's mental problems, Lennie is discovered when his memory lets him down and says to George and Candy that he wants a puppy to stroke and look after. . As George and Lennie get to know more and more people on the ranch, constant interruptions of their familiarisation with Candy lead to the slaughter of Candys dog. As their conversation continues they become hypnotised by their dream and conclude that if Candy moves with them their dream could come true in a month's time.Once again interrupted, Candy irritates Curley as he looks for his wife and Lennie results in a fight. At first Lennie avoids the fight but under George's instructions Lennie ends Curley with a completely crushed hand. As Curley goes to the doctor, he is blackmailed into defending Lennie and telling he got his hand aught in a machine. 4. It's Saturday night and everybody goes into town but leaving the weak ones' behind. With nothing better to do Lennie goes to find the puppies to pet but ends up walking in on Crooks instead.At first Crooks is snide towards Lennie and tries to defend himself, but eventually gives in as Candy enters the room in search of Lennie. As with Lennie, at first Crooks dislikes the idea of inviting him in, but after some though, Candy Joins the scene. The 3 workers sit and talk about George and Lennie's dream but Crooks disagrees that it's possible. At this point Curlers wife walks in in request of Curley. She confronts Lennie about Curleys hand and spoils the conversation. To get rid of Curleys wife, Candy says the other workers have returned.This is when George finds out and is angered by the fact that Candy and Lennie told Crooks about their dream. 5. The chapter begins with a description of the barn and the day and then the focus is on Lennie and the ‘newly dead' puppy. Lennie is upset and angry that he killed the pup and fears he won't be able to tend the rabbits. As Lennie weeps Cur leys wife walks in and begins to flirt with him. As ended up breaking her neck. As she lay in the barn, Lennie ran out of the ranch and id in the brush.The other workers, after Candy and George, discovered her body and also left the ranch to shoot Lennie. At this point Curley was in control of the other workers. 6. The chapter starts with Lennie panicking in the brush, where in chapter 1 he was told to hide if in trouble. A metaphorical description is used to describe future events in the chapter. George enters the scene and calms Lennie down by once again explaining what they plan to do in the future. As the chapter reaches its climax, George shoots Lennie in the back of the head with Carlson's luger which he stole rom the bunkhouse.Lennie's death was very much like Candys dogs' death – life goes on. Thursday Evening Friday Morning Friday night Saturday night Sunday morning George and Lennie make their way to Soledad. They talk about their dream. arrive at the ranch and meet the boss and the other workers. talk about their dream. Lennie gets in a fght with Curley and crushes his hand. All workers except Lennie, Crooks, Curleys wife go into town. The lesser ones get to know each other in Crooks' shack. Lennie kills Curleys wife by accident. Candy finds her. Sunday George shoots Lennie.