How Energy Division Lead to Major Losses for Sime Darby

There are 4 multimillion Ringgit projects entered by Energy and Utilities division of Sime Darby, but turned out bad. One of the projects is collaboration with Qatar Petroleum (QP), the Bulhanine and Maydan Mahzam project. Sime Darby has been awarded a RM265 million contract to build wellhead platforms where the scope of works in the contract covers three wellhead platforms, installation of about 40 kilometres of pipeline, 23 kilometres of umbilical and alteration to existing platforms. It started in April 2006 and supposedly completed in August 2008. However, the division has encountered delays and cost overruns which resulted in losses on the project exceeding RM500 million, which have already been accounted for. At that time, they still try to negotiate with the QP project’s client on claims for the over budget cost, but the Board has already decided to reverse the revenue of RM200 million previously recognized in the Group accounts for Financial Year 2009. The second project is the Maersk Oil Qatar project (MOQ). Maersk Oil awarded Sime Darby Engineering the EPCIC contract to build and install a process platform, a utility platform and three bridges off the coast of Qatar in February 2007. It was scheduled for completion in October 2009 but there have been delays and cost overruns in this project which caused losses of RM159 million for Financial Year 2010. According to Sime Darby, the cost overruns were incurred on transport and installation, and hookup and commissioning works. It is not clear if the overruns were the result of under-budgeting, and unexpected increase in raw material costs, or both, or some other reason. Even though negotiations were made with the client, they still could not probe the losses. The third project related with the MOQ project, which is the construction of vessels for the MOQ project’s usage called the Marine Project. MARINE Project was meant to turn Sime Darby Bhd into a major marine vessel player in the oil and gas industry, but it didn’t turn out as planned when they picked the wrong shipbuilder. The project including building a derrick-lay barge, a pipe-laying ship, an anchor handling towing supply, and a tug boat that could send supplies to offshore oil rigs. Sime Darby had suffered cost overruns of some RM1. 3 billion for all three projects. And the last project is the Bakun hydroelectric dam project. The project was tendered to Sime Darby Group along with seven-member consortium by the government at a total of RM 1. 788 billion. The Bakun hydroelectric dam project, in which Sime Engineering Sdn Bhd holds a 35. 7% effective interest, was awarded in September 2002 and was initially scheduled for completion in September 2007. However, due to various factors, completion has been delayed and costs have escalated. There are three developments affecting the Bakun project. The first is the merger of the Sime Darby, Guthrie and Golden Hope into a new entity named Synergy Drive. The second is the proposed takeover of the Bakun project by the contractor, Sime Engineering. The third is the revival of the submarine HVDC cable under the South China Sea to transport electricity from Borneo to Peninsular Malaysia. These four projects were under the former president and four other senior executives’ control. They are Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid (CEO), Vice-president Datuk Mohamad Shukri Baharom, chief financial officer Abdul Rahim Ismail, head of oil and gas Abdul Kadir Alias and senior general manager of Sime Darby Engineering Mohd Zaki Othman. These personnel were accused of failing to carry out a due diligence on all projects. It also has been reported that they had neglected findings from KPMG, specifically on the deals with MLC shipping Group (construction and sale of four units of anchor handling towing supply at RM285 million and construction of a derrick lay barge for a sum of RM 295 million) and Puteri Offshore Pte Ltd. The VP was blamed for disregarding the due diligence process when he did not disclose or sufficiently highlighted the fact that he had already signed deals with MLC and Puteri Offshore. Sime Darby also has done investigation conduct by the legal and forensic consultants which has validated the finding where they may have been breaches of duties and obligations and inappropriate conduct.

Assumption Used in the Analysis and Completion of Report and Justifications

Premise Used the Analysis and Completion of Report and Justifications Pull offing human resource, order and supplies of resource Pull offing of human resources use to inspect the activities from get downing to the terminal of the building work. So, a good undertaking direction must smartly prosecute the efficient feat of labour. In this subdivision, Numberss of specializer participate, sum of hired workers or employee and name listing will listed out. About workers, we about hire 65 workers and guarantee those workers are legal. Pull offing the human resources is able to do certain the undertaking can run with swimmingly, because if delay occupation in either one subdivision, it will impact the undermentioned activities. So, the continuance to managing of human resources will meet for 1 hebdomad and another 1 hebdomad will supply as to order and supplies the resources, such as edifice stuffs. Why order the edifice stuffs need usage of 1 hebdomad to finish? Because telling a quality of stuffs is an highly of import subdivision in building procedure. The high quality of stuffs will be chosen in full edifice proc edure which to concern about user safety while they are utilizing. So, this subdivision should be pull off decently and to guarantee that we have sufficient clip to obtain the quality and necessary edifice stuffs. Leveling of land and stacking This subdivision ; dimensioning, grading of land and stacking foundation should pull off with decently because it will impact the full building procedure. We had measured good about the size of land we needed before the building commence. After that, we will get down leveling the land after the size of land is confirmed. After completion of those, so began stacking foundation. A foundation is need to back up the weight of whole edifice. So, a proper foundation work is indispensable to guarantee that the base construction is stable, strong and able to defy all of the burden. This full subdivision have entire 30 workers will delegate to this occupation and will be taken entire 6 hebdomads to finish and it including issue that delay the work such as errors in dirt study, bad conditions conditions and others. Drain system The drainage system besides need to pull off with decently because it may do all kinds of jobs to develop. For illustration, pipes to barricade, it may do the toilet’s drainage is non smooth, the H2O will go ponding, which is H2O that’s non traveling off and it will do people incommodiousness. So, this subdivision must be managed with decently and to guarantee that job will non go on. In this subdivision, there are entire 20 workers and 4 hebdomads will be taken to finish it. Footing and columns four of floor block After finish grading of land, stacking and drainage system’s subdivision, so will get down of terms and columns four of floor block. Footing are the parts of of import subdivision in building phase. Normally, they are reinforced with concrete and rebar has been poured to unearth trenches. After that, workers should detect the concrete has no snap when the concrete wholly dry. In this procedure, it is necessitate a long clip to allow the concrete prohibitionist before carry on the following activities. Hence, entire 30 workers and 12 hebdomads will be taken to carry on this subdivision. Constructing floor slab, walls, doors, window and paseo After complete those subdivision, will get down edifice floor slab, walls, doors, window and paseo on each floor. Constructing shocking slabs should pull off with decently, because it’s used to defy all of the burden. So, we had make certain that the concrete floor slab panel are put ining at edifice building are high quality, to guarantee that it can defy all of the burden. Constructing the floor slab better cautiousness on it because it may ensue in serious snap job and slab remission, particularly in slab placed on hapless undersoil. After that, they will get down to construct a walls, window, doors and paseo. Door size, paseos and stepss is to guarantee the flows of pupils are smooth when they enter or exit the schoolroom. The steps besides will functioning every bit 2 rows at each floor. This full subdivision have 35 workers to delegate this occupation and will taken entire 14 hebdomads to finish and it including issue that delay the work such as hurts of worker, bad cond itions conditions and others. Concept roofing and ceiling board Roofing is the first bed to cover the top portion of the edifice to forestall leaking of rain H2O or exposed from the sunshine. To avoid roofing destroy by natural jeopardies, choice stuff of roof should be chosen to get the better of harm issues such as blowing of strong air current, storms, rain and others. Then about the ceiling board, the gypsum board has been chosen to construct up the ceiling following by the roof constructed complete. In order to avoid the ceiling board easy broken and may do pupils injured, build the ceiling board should be managed by decently. We had chosen the high quality of gypsum board to construct up the ceiling and guarantee that it could non easy harm. This subdivision, entire 25 workers and 7 hebdomads will be taken to carry on it. Construct the rain trough After finish concept the roofing and ceiling board, will get down to build the rain trough. The primary map of rain trough is to direct rain from the roof of the edifice to the land, in such a manner it does non damage the edifice with easy. As like that, TARUC besides can no necessitate pass money to rework the edifice in a short clip. About this subdivision, will be taken entire 5 workers and 3 hebdomads to finish it. Construct divider walls About concept divider walls this subdivision, we will build a movable divider walls between schoolrooms to move as an intermediate units. Because, it has multi-function. For illustration, when pupils during test, all of the divider walls can be moved to transform the schoolrooms into a hall to go the exam locale. As like that, it can salvage topographic point and salvage cost. The classrooms transform into a hall can suit more pupils when they are assemble and TARUC besides can salvage cost, need non to construct another hall to go a pupil test locale. Construct divider walls, will be taken entire 15 workers and 4 hebdomads to finish. Construct the public toilet, tiling, repairing of lavatories fixtures and equipment In order to allow pupils no demand to travel to the lavatory so far off, we will be concept 1 male public toilet and 1 female public toilet with 6 lavatories at each floor. It’s in order to do them more convenience. In order to allow pupils are safety and avoid go oning accident when usage the lavatory, we will take antiskid tiling to go a toilet’s tile. It’s avoid people slip easy. Then, the fixture and equipment of lavatory which are include wash basins, H2O pipe, drier and other. Complete this subdivision, will be taken entire 25 workers and 6 hebdomads to carry on. Internal picture In this subdivision, odorless, eco-friendly, non-toxic and easy maintained pigment will be chosen. The colour chosen for picture is of import because in order to construct a comfy acquisition and learning country. The wall will be painted in 2 beds. 1 bed is an underpainting and another bed will be a white colour pigment. 15 workers will delegate in this occupation and estimated clip for the internal picture occupation brush for 2 hebdomads as unskilled labour may detain the velocity to finish the occupation. Installation of electrical supplies, electrical lighting and fixture system In this subdivision, the most complicated subdivision are install wiring and electric socket, it should put in decently to guarantee that the electricity able connect to overseas telegram. Lightning is of import to a schoolrooms, we need to guarantee that pupils can see the white board and projector screen with clearly when coach instruction, we had chosen a bright visible radiation. Furthermore, we besides choose the types of illuming are low electromotive force electrical system and energy salvaging to salvage cost on electric measure and protect environment every bit good. 10 workers will in charge in this subdivision and the continuance to transport on this subdivision will take entire 5 hebdomads. Install the fire water faucet equipment The fire hydrant equipment is necessary equipment that need to put in near the edifice because if happen fire incident, it can direct decide job. So, it is highly of import to a whole edifice. About install the fire hydrant equipment we will managed with decently, we need to guarantee that the fire water faucet can be used with swimmingly when have pressing demand. Complete this subdivision, will be taken entire 5 workers and 5 hebdomads to carry on. Install the H2O dispenser equipment at each floor In a hot twenty-four hours, H2O dispenser equipment can said that is highly of import to a pupil, because they need a batch of H2O to quench. In order to allow pupils can imbibe H2O at anytime, anyplace in the hot twenty-four hours, we are install the H2O dispenser equipment at each paseo, its let pupils can acquire the H2O with more convenience and guarantee that they are non H2O deficit. The H2O dispenser has provide hot and cold H2O to allow the pupils chosen. Install this equipment will take entire 5 workers and 4 hebdomads to finish it. Puting of floor rubrics, Windowss and doors After finish install those equipment, following should be puting the floor rubrics, installing of Windowss and doors. The doors for entryway or issue should be equip with the maps of slow and quite closing to a tight sound when it’s to the full closed. Besides, the stepss and paseo should construct in proper size and way to avoid the deformation learning procedure in advancement. This subdivision, will be taken entire 15 workers and 5 hebdomads to carry on. Construct the landscapes on new schoolroom block In order to allow a pupils have a fresh and beautiful environment, we will set a assorted types of flowers and trees in the garden. The trees can cut down the air temperature by barricading sunshine and it besides can shadow difficult surface countries, such as pavements and edifice therefore minimising landscape heat burden. Hence, we set up a chairs under the tree in order to allow pupils can discourse assignment or chit-chat at that topographic point during a break times. The landscapes at new schoolroom block, we will take entire 10 workers and 2 hebdomads to build and it including issue that delay the work such as bad conditions conditions. External picture After finish concept the landscapes, we will get down the external picture. The picture merchandises are chosen rainproof, odourless, acerb and fungus resistant to avoid utmost rain H2O or hot conditions affects the edifice mentality. External picture besides will be painted in 2 beds. 1 beds is underpainting and another bed is peach colour pigment and unite some design. 10 workers will delegate in this occupation and estimated clip for the external picture occupation brush for 2 hebdomads as unskilled labour and upwind conditions may detain the velocity to finish the occupation. Puting and repairing the air conditioning system, fans and light bulb Puting the air conditioner system and fans is to heighten plenty air supply to present a cool air around the schoolroom, there are entire 2 air conditioners and 3 fans which are environmental friendly will be puting. The types of air conditioner and fan should run with noiseless operation, it is to forestall pupils will disturbance from noise when they attend categories. There are 10 workers and entire 5 hebdomads times will be taken including clip taken in care occupation. Puting and repairing the computing machine equipment, projector, projector screen and white board Puting computing machine equipment, projector, projector screen and white board is required in schoolrooms. The computing machine should put in to the projector to enable coach show information at the projector screen. And the projector should high quality which to guarantee that the information are show from the projector are clearly. The size of white board should be larger in order to allow coach able to compose extra information. Puting for this subdivision, entire 10 workers to delegate this occupation and will take entire 4 hebdomads times including error or faulty occur in puting procedure. Puting and repairing of tabular arraies, chairs, talker, mike, dais and host station The size of schoolrooms able accommodate around 30 pupils ; the tabular arraies with chairs will be provided with 30 set to enable 30 pupils to utilize. Besides, the schoolrooms besides will puting a talker and mike, it is enable full pupils can listen with clearly when coach is use mike instruction at the host station. Podium besides needed as coach can put their paperss or file while learning. Puting for this subdivision will take entire 5 workers and 4 hebdomads to finish. Beautifying, touchup and signage After completed puting all system and equipment, will get down beautifying and touchup the edifice. We had to touchup the exterior paintwork where it was necessary in order to lift ocular perceptual experience. The signage of new schoolroom block will be a ‘Block W’ , and this signage will construct every bit large as possible at wall of the edifice in order to allow pupils can comprehend with easy. About each schoolrooms of signage will put as ‘W001’ until ‘W024’ . This subdivision, 5 workers will to delegate it and will take 2 hebdomads to carry on. Clearing and cleansing In glade and cleansing occupations, we will clean up up all of the equipment are used in the building edifice. Besides, we besides need to clean the full edifice of schoolrooms to do certain that the classroom’s environment are clean and free from dust before a coachs and pupils get downing utilizing. This full subdivision will lend by 5 workers and used for 1 hebdomad to behavior. Authority cheque for safety business This subdivision is the last and besides is the most of import subdivision in this full procedure. Because it’s to do certain that the installations are safety and able to work. Electric contraptions such as electric socket, illuming and air conditioner should be trial. Equipment such as computing machine, projector and projector screen and others should re-examine to guarantee that there are able to work when tutor start to utilize. Ceiling board and Windowss should be examined every bit good to forestall leaking of rainwater while raining. Hence, this subdivision will take 1 hebdomads to finish and after, this full procedure can be said to be finished. 1. Introduction/ Description on Undertaking This undertaking is an enlargement of schoolrooms undertaking in TAR UC in chief campus which is located in Setapak country, Kuala Lumpur. We are building a block of 4 storey walk-up schoolrooms. This undertaking will take an estimated of 78 weeks/ 20 months. The intent of this undertaking is to run into and work out the job of insufficient schoolrooms due to raising figure of pupils in TAR UC. Other than merely constructing more schoolrooms we besides intend to supply a more comfy learning environment to lectors and better larning environment to pupils. Therefore, this undertaking requires elaborate planning and organizing. In this undertaking, we are building 8 schoolrooms on each floor, so there will be a sum of 32 schoolrooms. In order to supply a good-condition acquisition environment, we will put in a white board, dais, host station, 30 sets of tabular array and chair, 2 air conditioners and 4 ceiling fans. Air conditioner that we are traveling to put in in schoolrooms are inverted air conditioner as this merchandise will non let go of harmful gases that will finally harm student’s wellness. To help the lecturers’ learning in category, we will so fit the schoolrooms with some installations. For illustration projector screens projector, talker, mike and besides computing machine. Other than that, we will do a movable divider between schoolrooms to move as intermediate units. All the dividers can be moved to change over the schoolroom into a hall for other uses for illustration to go an exam locale during test. 2 rows of stairway are planned for each floor. One male public toilet and one female public toilet with 6 lavatories will be constructed at each floor. Students will non hold to wait long in the public toilet as more lavatories are provided. 5. Opinions, Recommendations and Decisions Sing to the premises of telling building stuffs or any natural stuffs needed from different providers, this may increase the edifice cost for this undertaking. For illustration, we might necessitate to pay excess for logistic, transit or workers fees. After all, we need to see the bringing clip of stuffs. Therefore, we recommend that telling of building and natural stuffs are better from providers that provide good quality stuffs and besides bringing of stuffs to building site. This will straight assist to cut down a spot of the building cost in this undertaking. Besides that, conditions during the whole building undertaking will impact the advancement of building work. We assume workers can non work on raining yearss. For any hold of completion work after the agreed day of the month, builder will be fined and it might besides impact the college’s agreement of category division for new semester. Hence, we recommend constructing collapsible shelters at building site. Besides, workers have to guarantee that certain natural stuffs could non acquire wet. Workers’ advancement could be slow during raining twenty-four hours even with collapsible shelters provided. However, workers do non hold the alibi to halt working wholly and merely acquire back to work until the rain Michigans. In add-on, we include the healthy job about the employee like they may vomit or acquire injured in working, so we should purchase them insurance. So, we should engage more employees in order to forestall the hold of building work due to absent of employee. Furthermore, employee satisfaction will straight act upon the full procedure, therefore we should supply standard measure of nutrient for them while working. This will assist to diminish the feeding clip, better the energy and satisfaction of worker and take the building work complete expeditiously. As building workers will be working in college’s compound, safety of all including pupils and lectors need to be put in precedence. So we need the individuality and listing of all the building workers to guarantee workers are legal. College need to work with the building company that has good repute and efficient.

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Human Resource Management transformation from primarily administrative and operational to strategic - Research Paper Example In 1980’s notably the term â€Å"Human Resource Management† was introduced from USA. It indicated that employees are assets for the firm and vital steps should be taken to sustain & retain them. The main transformational period of Human Resource Management started from 1945 when â€Å"Personal Management† was given immense importance due to the post world war II scenario. Employment management & welfare work were categorized in Personal Management. Regarding Personal management, Bill Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett Packard HP said: â€Å"the role of personnel is to enhance the quality of management†. The core reasons for the transformation of HRM are globalization, market competition, technological advancements and continuous change. The firms realized that productivity of employees depends upon the formulation of policies, if the policies are employee friendly, than eventually working motivational level will increase. Significantly numerous imperative developments were brought in the firms like selection & testing mechanism, negotiation techniques, expansion of management training, reward system etc. Adopting and presenting policies which would benefit both employer and employees is a major concern of Human Resource Management. Success of a business depends upon the organizational behavior. This was one of the core issue raised in the transactional period. CEO of Scandinavian Airline, Jan Carlzon openly presented his viewpoint on strong organizational behavior, which is a fundamental element of a company’s triumph. Adaptations of performance appraisal and compensation packages were highly appreciated by the CEO of General Electric, Jack Welsch. Technical terminologies were implied in the Human Resource Management in late 1990’s such as Job Description, Job analysis, Competencies, Recruitment & Selection, Reward Systems,

International Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

International Business - Assignment Example The most significant aspects of the factors include the internet, air travel and other forms of transport and communication. In the particular case, air travel is very significant in the process of globalization. Since globalization and air travel are directly proportional, an increase in the activities of globalization tends to increase the establishment of global airline networks (Brueckner, 2011, p. 33). The formation of the networks gives rise to the airline alliances that are in existence today. An airline alliance relates to the agreement that airlines put forward with the aim of cooperating to a level that is in the accord. The formation of the coalition may be in various fields. For instance, there are airline alliances that tend to concentrate on cargos while others specialize in offering service to international passengers. In other cases, associations tend to form in order to enable the transfer of international packages, as well as the transfer of travelers. The establishment of the global networks is dependent on the strategic plus the environmental factors (Brueckner J. K., 2013, p. 17). The strategic factors are most crucial since they act as the indicators of relevance to the establishment of an airline. The instance thus creates the need to focus on the factors that constitute the strategic and environmental factors. To enable a concise development of ideas, the model of the Three Ring Circus will be very useful. The framework provides insight into the past, the present as well as the future traits that constitute the strategic factors that are significant to an airline network. Before the analysis using the model, the considerations of the routes that make up the regional, as well as the international networks, are important (Antonio, 2014, p. 668). An airline has a strategic advantage over other airlines in other countries depending on the natural placement of the state. If a country tends to be at a central position in relation to

General Aviation - Marketing Role Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

General Aviation - Marketing Role Models - Essay Example The onus of the growth and maturity of the aviation industry lies on four significant individuals – Clyde Cessna, Walter Beech, Lloyd Stearman and Russ Meyer. Clyde was the pioneer in designing and building monoplanes while Stearman concentrated and manufactured biplanes. Stearman is responsible for the Boring Aircraft manufacturing Company that still serves the nation and the world today. Cessna and Beech had only rudimentary education up to fifth grade while Stearman and Meyer received formal education. Meyer, apart from being a pilot, was a good administrator and leader and is responsible to revive the light aircraft industry. An inner urge and quest for designing led Cessna, Beech and Stearman to create, design and build airplanes. The fact that this was possible without formal education demonstrates the technical acumen that existed in all of them. Beech and Stearman have been enshrined in the Aviation Hall of Fame for their invaluable contribution to the aviation industr y. All of them had a very humble beginning and could rise in life due to their dedication and creative abilities with which they were endowed. In the last 50 years the airlines industry of US has experienced reasonably profitable to devastatingly depressed periods. The US was the first major market to deregulate the industry in 1978 and it has experienced more turbulence than any other airline or region (Wikipedia). Deregulation led to higher competition and drop in airfares. This can be a major constraint for established carriers which tend to have a higher cost base compared to the new entrants. The global aviation industry is expected to grow at Compound Annual Growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% in the period between 2004 and 2024 (Zinnov LLC, 2007). Air travel is correlated to wealth and has increased over the years with the increase in the GNI. The markets in the US and Europe are growing at a slower pace that the rest of the world. This is demonstrated through a fall in their global share

Applied Ethics and Social Responsibility Essay Example for Free

Applied Ethics and Social Responsibility Essay 1) Why do you think Starbucks has been so concerned with social responsibility in its overall corporate strategy? â€Å"I think that Starbucks has been concerned with social responsibility in its overall corporate strategy because in the long run it affects the bottom line. By being socially responsible, the business is also showing that they care about more than their profits. Caring about more than just profits allows for greater employee commitment, investor loyalty, as well as higher customer satisfaction. Research has also shown that social responsibility and good business ethics contributes to higher profits. (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 2013)† 2) Is Starbucks unique in being able to provide a high level of benefits to its employees? â€Å"No, Starbucks is not unique in being able to provide a high level of benefits to its employees. Business ethics has become more important in the business world and it has been found that if a company is dedicated to taking care of its employees, the more dedicated the employees will be. If an employee sees that the company is acting and treats them in an ethical manner, the employee is more likely to act in an ethical manner. (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 2013)† 3) Do you think that Starbucks has grown rapidly because of its ethical and socially responsible activities or because it provides products and an environment that customers want? â€Å"I think that Starbucks has grown rapidly because it has combined a product and environment that people want with great business ethics and social responsibility. This combination has allowed the company to expand exponentially during a good economy and maintain in a bad economy. By being socially responsible and treating their employee’s right, the company has less of a turnover rate and in the long run has been able to avoid large layoffs and shutting down a large amount of stores. (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 2013)† 4) In what other ways does this case relate to the concepts that we have learned in the chapters so far? â€Å"This first chapter has shown that ethics is a big part of business. It can basically make or break a company. In the case of Starbucks, it has made them. They have based their business around social responsibility and ethics and have been able to maintain in an economy that has tanked because they treat their employees and customers right. According to our textbook, being ethical pays off with better employee performance, and higher employee honesty and integrity. (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 2013)† Bibliography Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., Ferrell, L. (2013). The Importance of Business Ethics. In O. C. Ferrell, J. Fraedrich, L. Ferrell, Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases (pp. 17-22). Mason: South-Westen.

Market Research Essay Example for Free

Market Research Essay The management process through which goods and services move from concept to the customer. As a practice, it consists in coordination of four elements called 4Ps: (1) identification, selection, and development of a product, (2) determination of its price, (3) selection of a distribution channel to reach the customers place, and (4) development and implementation of a promotional strategy. As a philosophy, marketing is based on thinking about the business in terms of customer needs and their satisfaction. Marketing differs from selling because (in the words of Harvard Business Schools emeritus professor of marketing Theodore C. Levitt) Selling concerns itself with the tricks and techniques of getting people to exchange their cash for your product. It is not concerned with the values that the exchange is all about. And it does not, as marketing invariably does, view the entire business process as consisting of a tightly integrated effort to discover, create, arouse, and satisfy customer needs. Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/marketing.html#ixzz25h1HF3mw Marketing, Advertising and Sales a definition Marketing is not advertising. Marketing is finding out what people want, why they want it and how much they’ll spend. Dont confuse marketing with advertising. Advertising is the promotion of a service or product or company. It features a strong call to action and promotes the benefits of that being advertised. . Product/Service †¢ What does the customer want from the product/service? What needs does it satisfy? †¢What features does it have to meet these needs? †¢Are there any features youve missed out? †¢Are you including costly features that the customer wont actually use? †¢How and where will the customer use it? †¢What does it look like? How will customers experience it? †¢What size(s), color(s), and so on, should it be? †¢What is it to be called? †¢How is it branded? †¢How is it differentiated versus your competitors? †¢What is the most it can cost to provide, and still be sold sufficiently profitably? (See also Price, below). Place †¢ Where do buyers look for your product or service? †¢If they look in a store, what kind? A specialist boutique or in a supermarket, or both? Or online? Or direct, via a catalogue? †¢How can you access the right distribution channels? †¢Do you need to use a sales force? Or attend trade fairs? Or make online submissions? Or send samples to catalogue companies? †¢What do you competitors do, and how can you learn from that and/or differentiate? Price †¢ What is the value of the product or service to the buyer? †¢Are there established price points for products or services in this area? †¢Is the customer price sensitive? Will a small decrease in price gain you extra market share? Or will a small increase be indiscernible, and so gain you extra profit margin? †¢What discounts should be offered to trade customers, or to other specific segments of your market? †¢How will your price compare with your competitors? Promotion †¢ Where and when can you get across your marketing messages to your target market? †¢Will you reach your audience by advertising in the press, or on TV, or radio, or on billboards? By using direct marketing mailshot? Through PR? On the Internet? †¢When is the best time to promote? Is there seasonality in the market? Are there any wider environmental issues that suggest or dictate the timing of your market launch, or the timing of subsequent promotions? †¢How do your competitors do their promotions? And how does that influence your choice of promotional activity? The 4Ps model is just one of many marketing mix lists that have been developed over the years. And, whilst the questions we have listed above are key, they are just a subset of the detailed probing that may be required to optimize your marketing mix. Amongst the other marketing mix models have been developed over the years is Boom and Bitners 7Ps, sometimes called the extended marketing mix, which include the first 4 Ps, plus people, processes and physical layout decisions.

Supply Power To A Fluorescent Lamp Engineering Essay

Supply Power To A Fluorescent Lamp Engineering Essay The following report contains the steps taken in designing, constructing and testing of a basic electrical system used to supply power to a fluorescent lamp. This report summarizes the method used to calculate the desired circuit parameters. Also, the design was implemented to achieve the required design objectives. INTRODUCTION An engineering approach was used in this design project and as such, it consisted the design, construction and testing of a basic electrical system used to supply power to a fluorescent lamp. The power factor of the system needed to be corrected to increase efficiency and this was explained in detail. Due to the high level of risk involved in this design project, precautions needed to be taken. Laboratory protocol, industry standards, codes of practice and occupational safety protocols was taken into account during this design project. Course material from ECNG 1015 Introduction to Electrical Energy Systems, ECNG 1006 Laboratory and Project Design I and ECNG 1016 Mathematics for Electrical Engineers was used in this design project. In this report, all necessary mathematical models, and diagrams will be detailed. Also, the steps used to improve the power factor of the relay system will be accounted for as well as the main processes implemented in the system. Background Theory What is a fluorescent lamp? According to Sams F-Lamp FAQ, fluorescent lamps are a type of discharge tube similar to neon signs and mercury or sodium vapour street or yard lights. The Different Types of Fluorescent Lamp Fixtures There are basically three different types of fluorescent lamp fixtures. The three most used fixtures are listed as follows; 1. Instant Start 2. Rapid Start 3. Preheat fixtures. Instant start Instant start fixtures require a high voltage to be applied to the lamp to cause it to work. This high voltage must be above the specified voltage required for the lamp to light. This high voltage is required since the resistance of the gas may be high. Thus, the voltage being applied will force the gas to conduct and hence light. Sometimes, a potential difference is required to create a potential difference between instant start fixture and the lamp cathodes. This potential difference causes ionization to occur and this reduces the resistance of the lamp. The initial current which flows through the lamp causes the light to shine at maximum brightness. After the lamp turns on, the instant-start ballast will immediately regulate the voltage and current to the operating conditions of the lamps. OR Once current starts flowing through the lamps, the lamps illuminate at close to their full brightness. After a successful start, the instant-start ballast will immediately regulate the voltage and current down to the normal operating levels (QUOTE). The average lamp life of an instant-start fixture is much shorter than that of a rapid start fixture. This is due to the fact that the instant-start fixtures use more energy than a rapid start fixture. It is also more efficient as it has a very efficient ballast. Caution must be used with respect to instant-start lamps in areas which utilizes occupancy sensors. Rapid start Rapid start is the name given to fluorescent fixtures with two or more lamps. When using this type of system, no starter switch is available for use. The ballast is used to maintain a steady current flow in the lamp at all times. In order for the lamp to start, a capacitor is used to ionize the gas, hence reducing the resistance of the flow of the gas. The ballast allows the current in the lamp to flow when the gas is ionised. This current flow causes the lamp to glow dimly and also heats the gas. This heating of the gas generates light and this light is used to further ionize the gas. The ballast is also used to increase the start up process of lighting the bulb. All these process aid in decreasing the resistance of the gas and increasing the current flowing through the lamp. As brightness of the bulb can be thought of as directly proportional to the current flow. When the arc discharge occurs, the lamp is turned on and light is produced. However, the light given off wouldnt be as bright since it takes a certain amount of time to ionise the gas. Hence, a couple of seconds would be required to achieve maximum brightness. Applications that require constant turning on/off are best suited with rapid start lamps. Their long life and their ability to dim when required make them ideal for certain applications. However, these lamps consume power even when the filaments have burned out. Preheat fixtures A preheat fixture lamp is utilized in this project. Preheat fixtures usually consist of a starting circuit which allows current to flow through the cathodes to warm the filaments. A high voltage is sent through the tube and this creates an arc across the mercury vapour. This results in the atmosphere inside the tube to heat up and thus, electron activity from the gas increases. The electrons move rapidly through the tube and they carry the current as they move. The starter switch opens when the circuit is preheated for a short period of time (Henkenius, 2007). Preheat fixtures are preferred as they use low cost performance phosphors. In using pre heat fixtures, the electrodes are damaged faster than other fixtures resulting in shorter life span. The type of ballast used in pre heat fixtures is either magnetic or resistive. It is recommended to avoid the use of pre heat fixtures as the maximum energy is not used. Existing Types of Fluorescent Tubes The following are some of the different types of fluorescent tubes; T-5 This type of fluorescent lamp is extremely powerful. It boasts low maintenance, low disposal costs and it allows for smaller fixtures to be used. These types of lamps have an average life of 35,000 hours based on 12 hours per start. T-8 This type of fluorescent lamp is used mainly for its sustainability. It boasts long life, a low level of mercury and it is energy efficient. The Philips T8 32W Extra Long life lamp and the Philips T8 25W will on average last longer than a standard 4T8 32W lamp. T-12 This type of fluorescent lamp provides long life and high performance. It also comes in different sizes, shapes and types. An average life of 24,000 hours, 85 CRI and the highest lumen output are the features of this lamp. T-16 This type of fluorescent lamp is usually 60 inches long and has a diameter of 2 inches. A starter is needed for this type of lamp as it is a preheat lamp. NEOLITEà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ low-mercury This type of fluorescent lamp is arguably one of the smallest fluorescent lamps ever made. This NEOLITEà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ low-mercury lamp has an average life of 10,000 hours and its brightness is rated at 70 lumens per watt. Dim Lights This type of fluorescent lamp can be dimmed to about 20% of their full brightness. Thus, this type of lamp is considered an energy saver. Circle Tube This type of fluorescent tube uses a 4-pin connector. It is on average 8 to 12 inches in diameter. U-tube This type of fluorescent tube is shaped like a U as it name suggests. A tube which is bent into this U shape is much brighter than a normal tube of similar dimensions. Requirements for the Operation of Fluorescent Lamps The principles of operation of the system gave insight into some of the requirements needed for the operation of fluorescent lamps. These requirements are; An electrical current is required to flow through the tube to power the system. A ballast is required which controls the current flowing through the system and it provides the voltage kick which creates the arc in the tube. A starter switch is needed to turn on/off the system. Turning off the system cuts the current flowing to the ballast, hence turning the lamp off. A relay is needed as its contacts control whether the circuit is open or close. In works together with the starter switch to control the lamp. Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Systems The Ballast The ballast is considered one of the most important components of a fluorescent lamp, as it is used to start the lamp. Also, the current flowing through the circuit is controlled by the ballast as it regulates current flow. The ballast is extremely important in the circuit, as it corrects the power factor which increases the efficiency of electrical power consumption (quote). A fluorescent lamp without a ballast is considered a short circuit. Thus, there is a lot of current between the filaments and this causes the filaments to vaporise or the bulb to explode. Thus, the ballast can be seen as a core component in the fluorescent system. There are typically two types of ballast used in fluorescent lamps. They are listed as follows; Inductive Ballast Electronic Ballast Inductive Ballast An inductive ballast connected with a starter is considered a series inductor. This type of ballast provides an inductive kick to jump start the lamp. This occurs when the current flowing through the ballast is interrupted. When this happens, a voltage is provided across the cathodes which are used to ionize the gas in the tube hence keeping the filaments hot. According to www.infralight.com.au/ballasts.html, the inductive ballast has two benefits. They are listed as follows; Its reactance limits the power available to the lamp with only minimal power losses in the inductor The voltage spike produced when current through the inductor is rapidly interrupted is used in some circuits to first strike the arc in the lamp. There are however disadvantages of using an inductive ballast. They are listed as follows; The life span is significantly reduced An A rated ballast will hum softly while a D rated ballast will hum loudly. According to www.freepatentsonline.com/y2008/0019113, the number of ballasts and their sound rating determines whether or not a system will create an audible disturbance which an inductive ballasts does. Excessive heat is produced when in use Electronic Ballast According to www.ehow.com/about_6131466_electric-ballast-definition, An electrical ballast is a device that is used in gas discharge lighting systems to regulate the flow of current and to provide adequate voltage for the lights to function properly. The electronic ballast is typically preferred because it is more efficient than an inductive ballast. Furthermore, an inductive ballast requires a starter switch, less heat is lost, lamps do not flicker as often and the overall dimensions are smaller. However, the electronic ballast has its disadvantages. When it is used in parallel, there is an increase in losses within the circuit. Sometimes, odd current waveforms are drawn due to a high current. Also, there is interference from the ballast and tubes in the circuit. The electronic ballast is not used in the pre heat fixture system. Thus, it would have no effect in this design as an inductive ballast will be used. Operation of the System Inside a glass tube, there exists a pair of electrodes, a drop of mercury and some inert gas sealed at an extremely low pressure. The electrodes are sealed at each end of the tube. The electrodes are in the form of filaments which for preheat and rapid or warm start fixtures are heated during the starting process to decrease the voltage requirements and remain hot during normal operation as a result of the gas discharge (Goldwasser, 1999). The inert gas is usually argon. Phosphorous material line the inside of the tube. This material is used as it produces visible light due to ultra violet radiation upon it. A relatively high voltage is required to initiate the discharge of the mercury/gas mixture. After this discharge, a relatively lower voltage is required to maintain it. The current which flows to the electrodes creates a voltage which acts across the electrodes. The electrons in the electrodes disperse from one side of the tube to the other. These excited electrons create energy and this energy changes some of the mercury to a gas. Electrons from mercury are special as they release photons which can be seen as ultraviolet light. Since the wavelength of ultraviolet light is so small, it cannot be seen by the naked eye. The ultraviolet light is made visible through the use of the phosphor powder coating. Photons released from the electrons are incident upon the phosphor coating and this causes the phosphors electrons to emit energy as it changes energy levels. This energy is usually given off in the form of heat. According to home.howstuffworks.com/fluorescent-lamp2, in a fluorescent l amp, the emitted light is in the visible spectrum the phosphor gives off white light we can see. Manufacturers can vary the color of the light by using different combinations of phosphors. In a fluorescent lamp, the emitted light is in the visible spectrum the phosphor gives off white light we can see. (Harris, 2009) Switch The switch system being used in this design project is the normally open and normally close switch. This switch controls the relay system as it closes the circuit when flipped. The lamp will then be turned on, as current is being supplied to the circuit. Starter Starters in pre heat fixtures are either automatic or manual and are used to light the lamp. When flipped, a voltage is applied to the circuit and this causes the lamp to light. A few things occur when the switch is flipped. Firstly, a current flows through the filaments and this causes the contacts to heat and open. This interrupts the current flow which in turn lights the bulb. The inductive ballast comes into play at this point. It regulates the current flowing through the circuit as the fluorescent tube now has a low resistance as it is lighted. The starter used in preheat fixtures can be considered an on/off switch. It controls the period of time when the circuit opens/closes. As it is opened, the voltage causes ionisation of the mercury vapour due to the movement of electrons across the tube. The starter is very important as it determines whether the lamp flickers or not. This flickering can be attributed to the steady flow of electrons between the two filaments. Figure :How starter works Design process Project plan A project without any guidance or sequence is useless. Thus, a time management system was put into place in order to complete this design project. Before a system could be implemented, the project description must be known as well as the duration of the project. The design brief which entails everything the student needed to know about the project is stated in the following; Students are required to design and build an electrical system in order to power a small fluorescent lamp. The system must incorporate an on/off switch utilizing a 110V relay (8-pin relay and base, 110V) to power the fluorescent lamp assembly (1X20 regular ballast type 110V fluorescent fixture). Students are required to; Understand the load: its operation and existing types of fluorescent lamps Determine the systems required for the operation of the lamp (use of an inductive or an electronic ballast Develop a mathematical model for the relay based on the principle of operation of the vertical-lift contactor. Design a start/ stop switch utilizing the relay to power the fluorescent lamp and discuss the importance of this switch in terms of safety. Determine if the magnitude of the inductance is sufficient to light the fluorescent lamp. Determine the magnitude of the force required to activate the relay and the load current to be supplied to the fluorescent lamp. Measure the existing power factor of the load and improve the power factor to at least 0.9 lagging. Investigate the effect of the fluorescent lamp assembly on the power system. Supply a detailed explanation of the operation of the system using the system phasors to support your discussion. QUOTE ELEARNING Students are required to apply the knowledge gained from ECNG 1015 Introduction to Electrical Energy Systems as well as the laboratory exercises that were performed during the semester. Consideration must also be given to laboratory protocol, industry standards, codes of practice, occupational safety protocols and risk assessment in undertaking this project. 3.2 Time Management Schedule The following table illustrates the time management system used to complete this design project; Week # Designated Tasks Completed 1 Thorough research was done on fluorescent lamps to better understand the system. A Safety and Risk Assessment was done with respect to the design project. 2 Specification sheets for acquired after collecting the required information from the ballast, relay, etc. 3 The start/stop switch was designed and used together with the relay to power the fluorescent lamp. Key parameters were measured from the circuit. 4 A mathematical model of the relay system was determined. Using this model, the force required to activate the relay was determined. Also, the load current to get the fluorescent lamp to light was determined. 5 The existing power factor was measured and it was improved to 0.9 lagging with the use of a capacitor. 6 Proof read report and get accustomed to fluorescent lamp system in preparation for oral exam. Table 1 showing Time Management System used to finish the design project. Development of the Mathematical model of the Relay A mathematical model of the system must be done as the system is required to operate within specified parameters. Firstly, a model of the relay was done to determine it parameters. The following indicates how this system was modelled; Amperes Circuital Law states that the line integral of the magnetic field intensity, H, around a closed path in the magnetic field is equal to surface integral of the current density, J, over any surface bounded by the closed path (Defour, 2011). This implies; The magnetomotive force is a product of the number of turns in the coil and the current flowing through the coil. => [Eqn 2] [Eqn 3] Since we are using a ferromagnetic material, the magnetic field intensity H, can also be stated as; [Eqn 4] [Eqn 5] [Eqn 6] and F are constant in the above equation. This implies that is directly proportional to F, providing that all variables above remain constant. [Eqn 7] The above equation is similar to ohms law. Hence, the reluctance in this circuit can be treated as the resistance of the system, the force as the voltage through the circuit and as the current flowing through the circuit. Figure : Magnetic equivalent circuit Reluctance can also be stated as; [Eqn 8] If current is applied to the coil in the circuit above, the magnetic flux would vary. This change in magnetic flux is given by the equation; [Eqn 9] The above equation gives the change in magnetic flux for one turn of the coil. Hence, for N turns, the following equation is used; [Eqn 10] [Eqn 11] [Eqn 12] When equations 11 and 12 are substituted for and F, the following equation is formed; [Eqn 13] The inductance of the coil remains constant in the above equation. Hence, the flux linkage through the coil is directly proportional to the current flowing through the coil. [Eqn 14] When equation 13 is substituted into equation 14, the following equation is formed; [Eqn 15] However, V can be determined as the potential difference across the coil, R as the resistance of the coil and e as the emf of the coil; [Eqn 16] However, [Eqn 17] Figure : Electrical equivalent circuit The above circuit can be used to measure power in the circuit. Power is the product of current flowing throught the circuit and the voltage across the circuit. Multiplying equation 16 by the current flowing through the circuit gives the power as seen in the following; [Eqn 18] The following equation states that the energy supplied from the source to the field; [Eqn 19] The law of conservation of energy states that energy is always conserved. The following equation shows this conservation of energy; [Eqn 20] Flux linkage across the coil can be thought of as constant. This is flux linkage is assumed as the displacement of the armature occurs rapidly. Using Faradays law of Induction, the coil does not have an emf induced across it as ÃŽÂ » is constant. [Eqn 21] The above equation implies that there is no energy flowing from the supply source to the coil. As such, equation 20 can be stated as follows; [Eqn 22] Taking into account the law of conservation of energy and the above equation, some energy must be lost from the magnetic field to the mechanical system. When a curve is drawn, the area under the curve illustrates the magnetic field energy lost to the system. [Eqn 23] [Eqn 24] As varies, the energy lost is supplied by the coupling field. The following equation states the energy lost; [Eqn 25] => [Eqn 26] When equation 26 is substituted into equation 24, the force can be determined as follows; [Eqn 27] When equation 14 is substituted into equation 27; [Eqn 28] Consideration of System Requirements Determination of the magnitude of inductance required to light the Lamp Since an inductive ballast is used in this fluorescent lamp system, it has a certain amount of inductance and resistance. Thus, the ballast can be considered as an RL circuit. The following diagram shows the equivalent circuit for the ballast; Figure : Equivalent circuit for the ballast The following equation is used to calculate the impedance of the circuit relay; Determination of the magnitude of inductance when armature is turned on/off Coil Inductance with Armature Off The following equation is used to calculate the impedance of the circuit relay; Coil Inductance with Armature On Deenergize The following equation is used to calculate the impedance of the circuit relay; From the specification sheet, the inductance of the coil was specified as; Inductance of Coil with Armature Off at 120V = 15.04H Inductance of Coil with Armature On at 120V = 7.19H The calculated values for the inductances vary significantly. This can be explained by taking into consideration the tolerance levels associated with the rated current. Also, the reaction time of the was slightly off and this resulted in a different current being taken than the actual current value. Determination of the load current required to activate the relay To determine the minimum current required to activate the relay, an analog voltmeter was used in series with the potentiometer. As the resistance of the potentiometer is not fixed, it was used to determine when the relay would activate. The resistance was varied and just as the relay was activated, the voltmeter was used and the minimum current required to activate the relay was determined. The load current was determined as Determination of the force required to activate the relay The length of the air gap was determined to be approximately 1mm. The minimum current required to activate the relay was determined as Using the specification sheet, the inductance of the coil was determined; Inductance of Coil with Armature Off at 110V = 13.38H Inductance of Coil with Armature On at 110V = 5.69H The following equation was used to determine the force required to activate the relay; Thus, the force required to activate the relay is 1.03N. Determination of key circuit parameters Parameter Unit Value Voltage across relay V 99.5 Min. current to turn on the relay mA 21.8 Resistance, R ÃŽÂ © 1.464k Coil Inductance (Armature off) H 13.38 Coil Inductance (Armature on) H 5.69 Length of Air Gap m 0.001 Inductance of Ballast H 363.82 Parasitic Resistance of Ballast ÃŽÂ © 339.8 Table 3 showing key circuit parameters. Design of start/stop switch Relay A relay is basically a circuit which is used to control/operate another circuit. The relay can be described as an 8-pin relay and base. A coil is located within the relay and it produces a magnetic field when current flows through it. This field causes a contact to change from its original location to another resulting in the circuit being opened or closed. The relay together with the starter was used to power the fluorescent lamp. The following diagrams illustrate the 8-pin arrangement of the relay used; Figure : Arrangement of the 8-pin relay used The above diagram on the left shows that this type of relay is a double pole double throw (DPDT) type relay. The double pole states that two contacts are closed while the double throw states that there are two different paths of conduction within the relay. In this relay system, there are two switches being manipulated. When a voltage is dropped across contacts 2 and 7, a magnetic field is created within the relay. For this magnetic field to be created, the coil in the relay becomes energized and this produces the magnetic field which in turn manipulates the contacts. Contact 1 connects to contact 3 and contact 8 is connected to contact 6. Also, as seen on the diagram, contacts 4 and 5 remain normally closed until activated. The relay is significant in this design project as it controls the current flow. Thus, no large current is exposed to any personnel. (NOT SURE IF TO PUT TRADEMARK) Switch The following diagram illustrates the circuit used to design the start switch; Figure : Schematic Diagram of Circuit Used The switching circuit has three main switches; Normally open switch (NO) Normally closed switch (NC) Start switch The normally open switch indicates whether or not current flows through the circuit. When this switch is flipped, the contacts are connected allowing current to flow. The switch being used must be pushed down in order to complete the circuit to allow current to flow. The normally closed switch will allow current to flow through the circuit normally. In contrast to the normally open switch, when the normally closed switch is pushed, the contacts become disconnected, interrupting the current flow. The start switch is used to turn on/off the fluorescent lamp. If the contacts are connected, then current will flow. Thus, when the start switch is flipped, the fluorescent lamp will be turned on and hence light is given off. In this design project, the normally open and normally closes switches were placed in series with the power supply and terminals 2 and 7. Contacts 1 and 6 were placed in parallel with the normally open switch as shown in the above figure and contacts 1 and 6 were placed across the normally closed switch. When the magnetic field is created in the coil, the contacts in the relay change position and connect to contacts 3 and 6. This configuration was used as the normally open and normally closed switch determines whether the fluorescent lamp is turned on/off. When the normally open switch is pushed, the circuit is closed and the fluorescent lamp lights. When the normally closed switch is pushed, the circuit is open and the fluorescent lamp is turned off. Explanation of the System The voltage rms of the system was determined to be 117.5V. The real power of the system was determined to be 22.5W. The rms voltage determined is equivalent to the phasor voltage of the system. Hence, the phasor current can be determined as follows; The supply voltage V, is calculated using the following equation; Since this is a purely inductive load, the angle at which the current phasor lags the voltage phasor is determined as follows; Hence, the voltage phasor is determined as follows; The current flowing through the lamp is considered as the real current of the apparent current. The following equation is used to calculate this lamp current; The reactive current flowing through the lamp is known to be out of phase with the supply voltage by an angle of . This reactive current was calculated using the following equation; The real current calculated above is placed on the horizontal axis. Hence, it is seen that the voltage phasor is in phase with this real current. The following diagram illustrates the relationship associated with the apparent, reactive and real currents; Figure : Phasor Diagram for System without capacitor A capacitor was used in the design to correct the power factor to at least 0.9 lagging. This capacitor does not affect the power given off by the motor in the system and as such, the current is constant. However, as this capacitor was added, the current from the source decreased when compared to the first current attained. The fluorescent lamp still requires a steady current flow to maintain the specified power. Hence, a current also flows through the capacitor. The system was required to be designed with a power factor of at least 0.9 lagging. Thus; It should be noted that the current flowing through the capacitor reduces the reactive current. Taking into account this corrected power factor, the following diagram illustrates the phasor diagram for the uncorrected power factor, corrected power factor and the capacitor current; Figure; phasor diagram showing currents with the inclusion of a capacitor As stated previously, with the inclusion of the capacitor, a new current will flow throught the system. This current is determined as follows; As seen from the phasor diagram above, form a closed loop. Using Kirchhoffs Current Law, the following equation was used to determine the current flowing through the capacitor; Futhermore; Hence, the capacitor need to correct the power factor to at least 0.9 lagging can be determined as follows; The capacitor determined above is significantly different from the value used. This can be explained by considering that various power losses occur within the system. Also, this capacitance was calculated using theoretical values and not values obtained in the lab. Hence, there would be a difference. From the above figure( phasor diagram for both power factors),

The Awakening :: essays research papers

The Awakening â€Å"Edna began to feel like one who awakens gradually out of a dream, a delicious, grotesque, impossible dream, to feel again the realities oppressing into her soul.† (Pg. 42) In Kate Chopin’s novel The Awakening the constant boundaries and restrictions placed on Edna Pontellier by society will lead to her struggle for freedom and her ultimate suicide. Her husband Leonce Pontellier, the current women of society, and the Grand Isle make it evident that Edna is trapped in a patriarchal society. There are constant boundaries and restrictions imposed on Edna Pontellier that ignite Edna’s struggle for freedom. Edna is a young Creole wife and mother in a high-class society. Leonce Pontellier, her husband is declared â€Å"†¦the best husband in the world†, while Edna sits and feels unsatisfied with her marriage. Edna did not respect her husband as the other women did. Leonce condemned Edna for neglecting their children. Edna’s mind was at rest concerning the present material needs of her children. Edna’s thoughts are clouded with her unhappiness, one night she awakes and sits in the night air and cries. She does not know how to explain her crying, but the reader is able to understand that it is because she is unhappy with her life. Unlike many of the women that Edna is surrounded by she does not worship her husband. In a fit of rage one night she rips her wedding ring from her finger and throws it on the floor. She tries to stomp on it, but her small heel makes not indentation. Later, Edna feels like a child, but the action holds a lot of meaning. A wedding ring is meant to bind two people together through a promise, and Edna wants out of this promise. Determined to leave the life she doesn’t want, Edna leaves her family while they are away and rents a small house. Edna lives with the knowledge that she is not a â€Å"woman-mother†. Her own husband chides her for not paying more attention to the children. Edna’s affections for her children depend on her mood, although she her state of mind always makes clear that she loves them. While talking to a close friend she attempts to explain how far she would go for the sake of her children, "I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.

Essay --

itle: The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles By: Padriac Colum Pages: 316 Sang Chung 7th period 1 Eng. RM.15 1/15/14 This book maybe retelling the story that has been told many times. No matter how many times you have heard or read the enchanting story of Jason and his quest to find the Golden Fleece, you will never discover a version more riveting than this one by Padriac Colum. If you have not yet to discover this rip-roaring adventure along with Jason and friends on his quest on the Argo to retrieve the legendary golden fleece. Will he succeed along with his allies? or will he fail and perish along with his allies? Read the book to find out! The obvious setting to this story would be Greek. To be more specific around the kingdom of Lolcus around a couple thousand years ago maybe even more. The setting to this story would be very important to itself because this story is a Greek myth. Where would a Greek myth take place? Hmm... I’d say Greek. If this story had not taken place in greek then obviously it wouldn’t be a Greek myth. The period of this story is also important to itself because this story was taken place in around the A.Ds.If it hadn’t it wouldn’t exactly be a myth. The main man, the most important character, the main character, and the protagonist whatever you want to call him is Jason. Jason, like Achilles and Heracles, was trained by Chiron the king and the best of all centaurs. Jason was brought to Chiron as a baby for him to train and foster until he was of age to fight and take back the throne of locus. Madea the daughter of the king Aeetes of Colchis went along with Jason after have been promised by Jason to be married to her and take her to Greece. Heracles the son of Zeus and Alcmene and gr... ...nce they reached Colchis, they met the king Aetes. Acting friendly at first but not wanting to give up the golden fleece, he tasked Jason and the Argonauts with an impossible task to plow the field with fire-breathing bulls and then to sow the field with the teeth of a dragon. Jason and the Argonauts managed to complete these tasks but the king quickly goes back on his word and has his army attack the argo at night. Madea knowing about the plan shows jason where the golden fleece is and sings the dragons to sleep. While Jason quickly seizes the fleece. Jason went back to lolcus with the fleece and won the respect of many men. Jason then got back his kingdom and marries madea. I think the artist wrote this story to teach kids about the story of the golden fleece and to pass it down. I would recommend it to people who like reading about greek myths and stuff like this.

Democracy in Iraq :: essays research papers

Democracy in Iraq The date is March 20, 2003; American forces enter Iraq in the form of air strikes over the capital city of Baghdad. The night sky lights up from anti-aircraft fire from Iraqi sites. The echoing sound of bombs and heavy explosions tremble in the night sky that knew of silence just decades ago. Now eighteen months have pasted, the regime is overthrown, and over one thousand American soldiers have lost their lives in the battle for Democracy in the Middle East. Everyday the numbers of American deaths spent to create Democracy increase. And everyday the number of dollars spent to create Democracy increase. Is it really a possible goal? Can the Americans establish Democracy in Iraq? The five fundamental ideals of Democracy support the common man, but in Iraq is this really what the common man wants? "It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose." ~ Judge William Young in trial against Richard Reid (charged for intent to blow up jumbo jet on January 30, 2003. Reid used to be Iraqi citizen. This quote is said by an American judge who shares the passion that is needed for a democracy to work. ) Democracy requires freedom for all that is the foundation that a Democratic government is based on. This individual freedom can be restrained, but it can never be taken away. In Iraq the government that once controlled all people was a dictatorship led by Saddam Hussein. This government exists when those who rule do so without regard for the will of their constituents. This type of government does not take responsibility for its policies or the ways that the policies are carried out. The dictatorship form of ruling started with the famous Julius Caesar, dictatorships were common because of simplicity. The ideal of individual freedom was and is not present in dictatorships because the men in charge did not believe it to be a significant value to try to preserve. Throughout America's history, our democratic government, one where you can go where you will, leave when you will, and do as you will, has been looked up to by others. Iraq is a country marked by killing and bloodshed, a part of life which the citizens know and understand; there democracy is not yet the solution.

Labor Relations

In this paper, unions and labor relations will be defined and their impact on organizations will be elaborated. Also, the impact of changes in employee relations strategies, policies, and practices on organizational performance will be examined. After this, the question â€Å"Are unions still relevant in the U.S.?† will be answered. Furthermore, the campaign, the election, contract negotiations, grievance handling, arbitrations, labor relations, and strikes will be addressed. Labor unions and labor relations Labor unions, which are the watchdogs and negotiators for the American workforce, are a way of collectively bargaining with employers for fair working conditions and fair wages. The craft unions or skilled laborers and industrial unions or laborers in the same industry, regardless of skill are the two types of labor unions that are organized. In the U.S. Groups of highly-trained carpenters, tailors, printers, and weavers in the colonial age, the seed of modern labor unions were the guilds. Guilds, which are economic and social in nature, are associations of persons who are involved in the same craft or business. The workers who members of guilds are banded together so that the quality standards would be maintained and the employers’ hiring of skilled laborers from home would be ensured. In the mid-19th century, there was an increase in the number of new industrial unions which were created for the assertion of workers’ rights. This change in the personality of the American workforce was due to the invention of the steam engine and other industrial advancements. The Knights of Labor, which inaugurated the Labor Day holiday in 1882, was one of the most important industrial unions. In the 1890s, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed. It is composed of the craft unions which include both skilled and unskilled laborers. The federation was formed because its member craft unions were opposed to the composition of the Knights of Labor’s membership. The United Mine Workers and the Danburry Hatters case in 1902 were ones of the early conflicts and strikes included in this period. In the 1930s, when the Great Depression took place, the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was formed. Many of the members of CIO were the dissidents of the AFL who favors industrial unionism. Workers in the steel, rubber, auto, maritime, glass, and meat packing industries were some of the major constituents of the CIO. In spite of the conflicts during the 30s and 40s, a powerful body known as the AFL-CIO was formed from the merging of the two national organizations in 1955. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent agency of the U.S. government. It was created under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 or the Wagner Act and was amended by the acts of 1947 or the Taft-Harley Labor Act and 1949 or the Landrum-Griffin Act. The board affirmed the rights of the labor to organize and bargain collectively through representatives they chose or to refrain from such activities. The board which is composed of five members is assisted by 33 regional directors. The members are appointed by the U.S. President with the approval of the Senate for five-year terms. The proper bargaining units are determined, the elections for union representation are conducted, and the charges of unfair labor practices by employers are investigated by the board. Coercion, interference, or restraint in labor’s self-organizational rights is included in the unfair practices (Villanueva Siasoco). A research study revealed that the collaboration of an organization (such as community organizations) and a labor union is an impetus for change. For example, the labor unions and community organizations in Greater Boston, which have worked together in recent years, have achieved remarkable successes. Some of their victories include the passing of a Boston living wage ordinance, an increase in the minimum wage in Massachusetts, improvement in union contracts and in workplace conditions, an earned income tax credit on state income taxes, $6 million state job training program for 1, 500 workers, and a number of progressive tax policies which includes a new tax on capital gains. These significant achievements in Boston are reverberated throughout the country. This is manifested by the continuous formation of alliances by community organizations with the organized labor. Again, these alliances are formed for the purpose of tackling problems that affect the lives of the low-wage workers. The Service Employees International Union, which is known for its successful Justice for Janitors campaigns, is one of the unions that organize low-wage workers. The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Union is also a low wage-workers union. These unions are included in the most vibrant and fastest growing organizations in the country. The collaboration of labor unions and community organizations is really needed for the achievement of long-term goals of economic and social justice. The need for the collaboration is being intensified by the changes in the national economy over the last few decades. One the changes that forces for a collaboration of labor unions and community organizations is the shifting of the economy from higher-paying manufacturing jobs to lower-paying jobs in the service sector. Similarly, the public policy efforts for the promotion of the welfare of working families in general are being broadened by the labor movement. The national AFL-CIO, under the new leadership since 1995, has devoted increased resources to advocate policies. These policies include the universal health care coverage which is intended to benefit all American who are working (not only those who are members of unions) and the raising of the federal minimum wage. One of the impacts of labor unions in policies is the announcement of support of amnesty for undocumented immigrants by the AFL-CIO in February, 2000. In addition, the AFl-CIO also played a major role in organizing, planning, and supporting the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride of 2003. This ride is a nationwide effort which aims to raise the visibility of the issues of the immigrant workers (Ranghelli 4). On the other hand, the impact of changes on employees is the decrease in the purchase of labor by employers because of the higher wages won by unions. The success in asserting for higher wages and better working conditions also reduced the number of jobs available (Reynolds). Are unions still relevant in the U.S.? The question â€Å"Are unions still relevant in the U.S.?† does not need anymore time to think about. Unions are absolutely relevant in the U.S. Considering the economic situation today, wherein the trend is to shift from higher-paying jobs to lower-paying jobs, to use more machines than labor force, and to employ contractualization, the exploitation of the labor sector becomes more intense. Thus, unions play a vital role in achieving economic and social justice. Considering the opinions raised by Reynolds, it is very shallow to say that the labor unions are the anticompetitive force in the labor markets. It is very inhumane to think of workers as simply inputs that are needed to be purchased in order for a process such as production or manufacturing to materialize. It is in this thinking where the exploitation of the laborers’ rights arises. Regarding campaigns and elections, union officers are elected based on the standards established by the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). Officers in the local unions are elected through secret balloting. On the other hand, officers of the national and international unions are elected either by secret balloting of the members or by delegates who are chosen by the secret ballot. The election of the officers of the national and international unions is held at least every five years. For the intermediate bodies, the election of officers is held at least every four years and for the local unions, election of officers is held at least every three years. The funds of a union may be used in conducting an election. Also, it is an option for the employers and unions to use their funds in promoting the candidacy of any candidate (http://www.dol.gov/compliance/topics/unions-elections.htm). Collective bargaining refers to the negotiations between an employer and a group of employees. Negotiations are done so that the conditions of employment would be determined. The result of the procedures of the collective bargaining is called collective agreement. Union or other labor organizations represent the employees in bargaining. Federal and state statutory laws, judicial decisions, and administrative agency regulations govern collective bargaining. Arbitration refers to the method of dispute resolution. This method is used as an alternative to litigation. Arbitration is usually used to resolve disputes between employers and employees during a collective bargaining (http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Collective_bargaining#collective_bargaining_and_labor_arbitration:_an_overview). Usually, strike is the last resort taken by workers in addressing their grievances. Holding mass pickets is the most effective way to involve all strikers. Although strikes may mean decrease in wages or dismissal from work, success in such solidarity actions is effectively achieved through picketing the workplaces of the workers (http://libcom.org/organise/guide-to-taking-strike-action). The aforementioned concepts support the answer that unions are still relevant in the U.S. For example, the funds of unions are very vital during an election because may be used to promote the candidacy of a certain candidate who, when elected, must address the concerns not only of the workers but the families in general. Also, it is very significant in addressing the welfare of the people because what labor unions fight for is not just their interests but the interests of the masses. Again, labor union should not be viewed as a hindrance for the economic development. It is not enough to say that a country is developed based on a high gross national product which is achieved through lower cost of production that includes lower wages for the laborers. Higher gross national product which is achieved through exploitations of workers does not mean economic and social justice. Reference Collective bargaining and labor arbitration: an overview. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Collective_bargaining#collective_bargaini  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ng_and_labor_arbitration:_an_overview John. (November 11, 2006). Guide to taking strike action. Retrieved November 18, 2006,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://libcom.org/organise/guide-to-taking-strike-action National Labor Relations Board. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/bus/A0834954.html Ranghelli. (March 2005). Joining Forces Community Organizations and Labor Unions Form   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New Collaborations. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from Unions and Union Members: Union Elections. Retrieved November 18, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.dol.gov/compliance/topics/unions-elections.htm Villanueva Siasoco, Ricco. Hard Labor. How unions fought to honor the American worker.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved November18, 2006, from http://www.factmonster.com/spot/labor1.html       Labor Relations Labor relation entails policies and daily practices that are concerned with the regulation and management of individual and team relationships within the organization. Essentially, employee relations are centered on the ability to resolve and prevent conflicts that involve either an individual or the teams in the organization which directly affect work situations and performance. Efficient communication ensures that information is passed to the employees in order to allow them understand better the company’s goals and objectives. Most employee relations managers uphold the responsibility of handling grievances, individual code of conduct while in the office, evaluation of employee performance and counseling programs. Sound employee relations are based on participation and effective communication for both the management and the employees. There are various management styles that cover the way employee relations must be conducted in order to achieve the best from the employees. (Selid, 1995) Trade unions are organized groups of employees officially recognized by both the government and their employer that have come together to promote their common interests. Trade unions have a responsibility of ensuring get the value of what they work for. They are directed to provide a communication channel between the employer and the employees. In some cases, In the United States, trade unions are registered by the specific State that it operates from and they are ratified by the federal government. The United States have a national advisory board referred to as Employee Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) that is concerned with formulating national policies which must be adhered to by individual Employee Relations Advisory Organization (ERAO) which every institution including airline companies must have. At least one representative of ERAO is elected to sit at the Employee Relations Advisory Board. In an airline setting for example, their union is responsible for providing the company’s management with suggestions on how to solicit and disseminate information on plans and programs that are designed for employees who will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. (Employee Relations Advisory Organization, 2004) There are impact of changes in employee relations strategies, policies, and practices on organizational performance. For example if employees within an organization are represented by a trade union fully recognized by the same organization e.g. the airline company and the government, cooperation between the employer that is airline company and its employees will be enhanced the workplace. Good and sound formulated strategies and policies that relates to labor relations in organization particularly the airline companies will lead to attainment of organizations goals and pursuing the company’s mission statement in the direct path. There are various management styles that cover the way employee relations must be conducted in order to achieve the best from the employees. These management styles are intended to teach employees the following; applicable regulations and policies, bargaining agreements, grievance and appeal rights, and discrimination and protection of whistleblowers. The impact of changes in employee relations has broadened its definition from the initial industrial relations to such aspects as employer-employee relations, personal contracts, workplace environmental safety, and socio-emotional factors. In developed countries like in the U.S and mostly in airline industries, there is a growing trend of harmonization in almost all levels of government mainly because of the government commitment to enhance employee relations programs. (Sparrow and Hilltop, 1994) Trade unions plays a very major role in trying to protect the rights of employees who form there membership and research indicates that they still relevant in the U.S. administration because they have the task of ensuring that employees rights regarding to the workplace are protected. However, due to corruption and other malpractices the effectiveness of these trade unions has been compromised over the last few years. Research indicates that the employers in the U.S. for example employers in the airline industry are reported to be harassing there employees in the pretext that they are giving out instructions to be obeyed in order to achieve the stated organizational goals, a development which does not auger well with trade unions in the U.S. (Delaney and Huselid, 1996) In general, these trade unions has the following roles, labor climate assessment, positive employee relation programs, union campaigns and election objectives, unfair labor practices such as poor wages and unfounded dismissals, dealing with workplace harassment, coordinating and implementing cooperate relations programs, and handling complaint/issue resolution processes in the respective organizations among others. The only problem that normally cause misunderstanding between the trade unions and the companies or government is that the trade unions can organize go slows, strikes, destructions etc when round table solutions to issues fails. This is very hard for a company to control but with negotiations, it can reach an agreement. Trade unions officials are responsible to their members and they are usually elected to office mainly through secret ballots. This implies those vying for any seats have to campaign for votes from the union members. Sometimes some officials use unfair campaign strategies that do not foster fairness and equality among the contenders. Also these trade union officials play a significant role in any country’s general election because they can influence their members on what directions to vote e.g. advising the members to vote out the present government because of some dissatisfaction that they have with it. Trade unions plays an important role contract negotiations; almost everything can be bargained these days and therefore with employee relations through trade unions such issues as awarding contracts, compensations, benefits, and work schedules can be sorted out by discussing them until a solution is achieved. The bargaining approach settles conflicts that arise as a result of contract matters. It also outlines the rules with which the basis of handling specific work agreements is sorted out. Normally, if this approach is well utilized, employee relations are greatly improved. Grievance handling in any organization is very crucial to all organizations and at least every company has some way of dealing with their grievances. In fact, it is considered that a few individuals in a company are so arrogant that they are font of harassing their workmates leading to poor productivity. Companies need to develop a grievance handling procedure that will ensure that conflicts are eliminated in the organization. Without proper handling grievances of the employees well trade unions may call for strikes to force the government to implement their desired changes. In the recent past strikes and go-slows have become common methods which employees use them to pass their grievances to their employers. (Brewster, 1995) It is therefore prudent for management of any organization to adopt employee recognition strategies. This is another factor that the employers put into consideration for the organization to improve its employee relations; this is basically a communication instrument, which strengthens and compensates the most significant production that the employees have created for the organization. The recognition structure is always made simple, instant, and effectively supportive to the employees’ relations and the organization at large. (Chevrier, 2003) Reference: Brewster. C (1995): Towards a European Model of Human Resource Management- Journal of International Business. Vol 26 Pp 45-67 Chevrier, S. (2003): Cross-cultural management in multinational project groups Journal of World Business. Vol.38. Pp 77-89 Delaney. J and Huselid. M (1996):- The impact of human resource management practices on perceptions of performance in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Academy of Management Journal. Vol 39. Pp 34-56 Employee Relations Advisory Organization, (2004): Labor Relations Washington D.C, Article 2. Pp 5-29 Murray, A. (1989): Top management group heterogeneity and firm performance. Strategic Management Journal Vol. 10, Special issue. Pp 13-34 Selid, M. (1995):- The impact of human resource management practices on turnover, productivity, and corporate financial performance- Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 38. Pp 54-76 Sparrow, P. and Hilltop, J. (1994): European Human Resource Management in Transition. Prentice Hall, New York. Pp 23-45