Reflections: About Happiness

Happiness is a gift that we can all enjoy if we choose to; it enters your life when you let your thinking patterns take a more positive angle. Rather than coming to negative conclusions hastily, the key is taking time to think about a situation in its entirety. A new angle will reveal itself which will make you understand why things happened the way they did. There is always the opportunity to be happy around every corner as the quotation by James Oppenheim states: â€Å"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet. â€Å"Learn to smile and laugh a lot more, it is infectious and soon you have others around you doing the same and time passes a lot better. Happy people radiate a field around them that draws others to them who want to share in their happiness. We all have come across people who have been through all sorts of problems in life and yet they have not stopped laughing or smiling. These people are examples to follow and they prove that e ven in their difficult times they have not given up hope or given up on life. Happiness comes from acceptance of your situation or your surroundings.It comes from counting the blessings around you and believe me each one of us has plenty of blessings if we care to count them. The gift of health, the gift of families, the gift of friends, the list is endless. And if we are amongst those who have had more than their share of sadness in life, there are still things that make you have another go at life. It is a matter of finding something that will make you feel good about yourself and doing it. Being healthy makes a person happy so learn to cultivate good health. This means eating less junk food, exercising not only the body but also the mind and entertaining good thoughts.The mind, body and soul work together as a unit so try and keep all three healthy and motivated. Being anxious and stressed does not promote happiness so try and rid yourself of emotions like these that drain the mi nd and the body. Seek help to get you on the road to good health Learning new skills and exploring new subjects expands the mind and if it enhances a career then the satisfaction will relate to happiness. Self development makes a person feel good about themselves so do not let yourself stagnate but keep evolving. Life can be an exciting journey with so much that one can do and achieve at every stage, young or old.To be loved gives a lot of happiness but to get this love you have to give it too. Do not hesitate to show your love to those that matter the most and caring to those that need it the most. Happiness also comes from giving to those not as fortunate as you. The irony of life is that happiness lies in the simplest things of life and it does not have to cost a penny. Wouldn't it be sad then if we spent our lives not being happy and making everyone else around unhappy as well? â€Å"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. † (Oscar Wilde)

Ideas to Reduce Corruption

To reduce the level of corruption in our countries, we, as the next generation, must take the lead to make our desire of change public to each government. At the same time community leaders must be used to spread the idea of a progressive change. As my first step to do so, I will convince my sector leaders to increase education in people, youth and childhood, starting from just a few and going up in the whole country. After that, work with the example to other countries and make the change visible and desirable.Corruption is such a major problem in our societies. For bad luck we are daily inmerse in cases where we have to face corruption and of course we will do it depending on the circumstances. Sometimes I think that we already live with corruption as a normal standard of living, how sad! Therefore instead of falling into the trap we should in first place think about what we are doing and the repercussions that my acts are going to have in a long term.The first step is to think if there is correct way to do things, maybe it is difficult but our problem is that we feel comfortable and we forget that we can think outside the box. We should start letting our voices out, and let them be heard, and of course even if it sounds as a utopia, the change starts with us and how are we willing to face this new challenges. It? not going to be easy and we are not going to be able to change it in one day, but slowly, with a noble heart, with passion and desire, small actions can do gigantic things. Last but not least in my particular case, if someday I become what I’m wishing for; Ministry of Agriculture of Ecuador from that position at least I will be able to give back a little bit to my community and to the agricultural sector, and I will try my best to do things right for my country.To reduce corruption is not an easy thing, it requires a lot of effort, but the change should begin by getting people to acknowledge that corruption is not something distant, allusive only to politicians or people in power; sadly, corruption is enrooted in the culture of our countries at all levels; it is like cancer that spreads slowly killing ethical and moral values of citizens. I think the only way to stop the vicious circle of corruption is to raise the awareness among people that corruption must not be considered a common practice, corruption is a problem and the solution is in the hands of each and every one of us.It is in us the responsibility to say no to corruption, to build a better and fairer society. What I propose is to make a social awareness campaign which encourages people to say no to corruption, starting with simple things, like respecting the lines, not offering or receiving bribes, respecting the traffic police, acting with empathy, etc. ; the idea is that this small wins in the day to day activities of people set in an environment in which the vicious circle of corruption can be broken. This campaign should frame its message in civic pride a nd the desire for improvement, something like: â€Å"I am Latin American, and I say no to corruption†.This has to be visual; I can imagine employees putting an emblematic sign of the â€Å"I say no† campaign in front of their desks just to let know others they are not willing to make bad businesses, or policemen wearing I say no badges to let know drivers they won’t accept bribes and posters of â€Å"I say no† in court rooms. Of course this campaign should be based on real actions, such as the improvement of laws, severe penalties for corrupt public functionaries, education in schools and colleges of ethics, improvement of public services, among others.Even though such movement can be sponsored by the government, an ONG, the private sector or any group, the most important is that it must get the support of all constituencies and the message must really get to touch the mind and hearts of people to achieve the impossible, to be part of something special, a nd to create an â€Å"I say no† culture. The best way to change Latin America is to supply basic needs in the communities. Until the basic requirements of healthcare, nourishment and safety are met the more complex building blocks that would inoculate the communities from corruption cannot be achieved.To do this we need to raise the wealth and more importantly distribute it fairly. A simple solution is not available, little steps must be taken to improve governmental entities, private sector, education with example and action. Tactics like micro financing can develop the most vulnerable communities and igniting a culture of respect for those well off individuals who do affect those communities in a positive way. Whenever the benefits of taking the corrupt road outweigh the costs of taking it, the propensity of corruption among public institutions will be present in a significant way.Today in Latin America most our countries are left at the mercy of the only effective deterren t for corruption we are able to find: ethics. And as effective as they are, history has proved us that relying on them is not only naive but kind of irresponsible. So in order to get rid of this awful disease, more is needed to generate change. Going back to the first idea, individuals make their decisions considering the costs and benefits of a particular path. So in order to influence such decisions, incentives must be created to increase the benefits or increase the costs.Either way would prove to be an effective way of influencing behavior. Then what we could do is try to increase the costs of corrupt behavior. How can a society do so? By modifying their current institutions, in order to create a set of rules applicable to everyone, and creating enough will power to enforce this rules. People talk a lot of the role of culture in the corruption dilemma. Nevertheless institutions also help to shape culture. In order to change culture we first have to change our institutions.Which institutions to change, and how to change them, goes beyond the scope of the writer’s intention, but an opinion is clearly defined towards changing institutions as a way of eliminating corruption in our countries. First of all we need to act as we talk; we need to really step up and act upon our words on a positive way. Secondly we need to rely on education and values for our society. We need to start positively influencing our inner circle (Family and friends) and start working our way out (Work ad society). Corruption is something that must be change with time.You cannot change it in one week or month, even one year. The Key is culture and institutions and strong competitive market. In order to eliminate corruption you have to prepare the coming generation with new values, habits and thinking so you begin to create an environment of respect for the society.. The second thing is that it is necessary to guarantee and strong State that applies the law, but also an institution that develop new way to be more efficient and respond to a highly demand society.Finally, it is need to create incentive for people, if the people's needs are not fulfill are not totally fulfill, t is likely to fall in corruption; one way to avoid this is with real competitive market, and if there is a unfair situation, the State has to react. Assuring this three ideas it is more probably you can have a better society in the future generation. To reduce corruption in Central America we all have to do our part. If you get to deal with a corrupt person, always do the following two things; first don't comply with the corruption. Then speak up. Don't keep it to yourself. If you keep quiet, the corruption will never stop. Doing these two things, one person at a time, will make this a better region for everybody.

A true filipino Essay

How can you say that you are a True Filipino? Is it when you have a fair complexion? Or is it when you are using language that is mostly used in the Philippines? How can you adopt the values of a Filipino? The beliefs will you also adopt it? All questions will be answered on the following paragraphs. First, the Filipino people is known to be kind, helpful and generous people. The one character that the Filipino always posses is being â€Å"Religious†. Every community in the Philippines have it’s own celebration the feast of their own patron saint. For example the Penafrancia Fiesta. We celebrate the feast of Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia. Even though the other Filipino is in the other country they also celebrate the feast of their patron saint by going home to the Philippines and sometimes when they don’t have enough money to go in the Philippines they pray in the church for their love ones and for their own patron saint. Second, it is not because you have a fair complexion and you are using the language of the Filipino’s you are already a Filipino. It is a big No! The beliefs of Filipino is from the very first group of their family. The true Filipino is not classified by their appearance but the true Filipino is classified by the inside appearance of every people. So, what did you think how can you say that a people is a Filipino? You,Yourself are you one of us. You have your own answer on those question. Always remember a true Filipino is not classify in the outside but in the inside.

Discussion Questons Week 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion Questons Week 3 - Essay Example It is important though not to ignore the monetary aspect but to remain in the business in the first place for the ones the business is being done, it is essential to situate the resources onto them and then move on forward expanding the market share and the like. An NGO that I am familiar with makes rightful use of these ethical values and it ensures that these steps are followed to the core. However I would really like this NGO to guarantee that these ethical undertakings are not violated no matter how hard the circumstances are or how tough the events turn out to be within the future. 2. What is motivation? How do leaders and management affect motivation? What role does the individual employee play in organizational motivation? Which of the motivational theories relate to why you work so hard? Motivation is an aspect that comes from within an individual as he tries his best to come to terms with the situation at hand and takes steps which are in line with his confidence levels. The role is to be ahead of where he is currently and to do something which is missing at the present. There are various leadership styles that exist in management. They include authoritarian or autocratic, participative or democratic, delegative or free reign leadership. Leadership is also described as directing people to do specific duties by influencing their personal behavior through incentives and motivation, teamwork, individual dynamics and discipline. The core purpose of leadership is to channel all the employees’ behavior towards attaining the company’s objectives. Leadership is thus essential in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture within any business organization. Leading does not necessarily come from that in power but from any individual who provides i nformation and suggestions on the way forward. The role of individual employee in organizational motivation is to be sincere with his tasks and to

Flipgrid in Turkish Language Classes Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Flipgrid in Turkish Language Classes - Article Example As such, Flipgrid creates a social and interactive learning environment for foreign languages and it allows teachers to assess student performance. Each week involves five hours of instruction. Flipgrid is useful as it involves an interactive environment with question grids to enhance learning (Flipgrid 2014 b). The frequency of questions varies; Weekly questions are asked at the end of each week after 5 hours of weekly Turkish language instruction. End of Unit questions is different from weekly questions as they are more summative in nature (Flipgrid 2014 b). Â  Learners can practice their conversational Turkish skills on Flipgrid through face-to-face videos that strengthen speaking skills. In a class of 10 students of Turkish B1, students were often asked varied questions about their learning experience and were asked together collaborative as couples or in two groups of 5 students each. The interviews conducted on 20th December 2014 contained open and closed-ended questions allowing the students to have liberty in their responses. The responses were subsequently written and analyzed. Â  Flipgrid allows students to share their responses as well thereby creating an interactive collaborative space that encourages learning. As such, it creates a social learning environment and social presence has been shown to improve student performance and learning as well as instructor satisfaction (Swan and Richardson 2003, 68). Â  It is extremely useful for Turkish language learning as it can better train the tongue for pronouncing foreign languages (Waid 2014). This way the teachers are able to achieve their learning objectives. A teacher can hold discussions by providing a prompt grid to which students respond via video. Â  

Delta Airlines Case Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Delta Airlines Case Analysis - Research Paper Example The company has alliance partners that enable it to provide greater connectivity to its customers. In addition to the legacy model the company also has a subsidiary named Delta Express which is the low cost model of the airline company. The company has a large fleet at its service numbering about 700 aircrafts that includes small planes to jumbo jets for long haul flights (Delta Airlines, 2011). Products Delta Air has a service portfolio that provides air travel facility to customers. The service portfolio of the company is comprised mainly of a full time legacy carrier model as well as a low cost model. The bulk of business is focused towards the legacy carrier that provides air connectivity not only in the domestic market in USA but also to a large number of nations abroad. The company also has alliance partnerships with leading alliances that helps increase the connectivity. In addition the company also has a hub and spoke model and a code share agreement to broaden its area of se rvice offering. Customer Satisfaction Customers form the main area of focus for the strategists at the organization. Every effort is being made to ensure the full satisfaction of the customer. The customers are provided with wide range of facilities that includes on board entertainment, food etc. Customers also have the option of web check in and internet bookings. The company also has loyalty points for frequent travellers. Due to its dedicated efforts towards customer satisfaction the company was ranked 1st in the Fortune’s list of most favoured airlines (Delta Airlines-a, 2011). Internal Environment Analysis SWOT Analysis SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. The following section would analyse the strengths, weakness opportunities and threats faced by the airline. Strengths The main area of strength for Delta Airlines arises from its strong brand image and a formidable market position in the US market. The airline has a very large network helping it connect with a large number of both domestic as well as international destinations. The hub and spoke model of the airline also contributes to its success story. The existing hubs at Atlanta and New York provide competitive advantage to the organization (Datamonitor, 2007, p.24). Weakness The major weaknesses in the firm arise from the dip in demand for the services due to the ongoing effects of the financial crisis. The company also faces issues with regard to low yield of passengers and dip in cargo volume business. In addition to this high cost of fuel and labour also serve to generate considerable weakness on the business prospects of the organization (Datamonitor, 2007, p.24). Opportunities Opportunities for Delta Air mainly arise from the high growth of passenger traffic mainly in the Asia Pacific region and Latin America. In addition to this growth of cargo over the pacific has also improved showing good opportunities for the organization (Datamonitor, 2007, p.24). Opportunities for the organization also arise from the fact that the markets across US and

Islamic Banking Operations and Instruments Research Paper

Islamic Banking Operations and Instruments - Research Paper Example Indeed, culture has been traditionally related to society and its intervention in economic life has been rather unexpected. Islamic banks follow specific rules. These rules mostly reflect the Islamic law, also known as Sharia law. Following these rules is considered as obligatory for the Islamic financial institutions. However, it is possible for additions to be made, according to the needs of the local market and always within specific limits, as explained below. The differences of Islamic banks from conventional banks, meaning the Western banks are many. These differences are analyzed in the sections that follow. The paper focuses on all aspects of Islamic banking, including the principles and types of their daily operations but also the instruments that these financial institutions use for aligning their activities with the rules of the Islamic law. The review of the literature published in the particular field has led to the following assumptions: a) the operational rules of Isla mic banks are rather difficult to be implemented and monitored; it is possible for this reason that failures are not avoided but they are kept at rather low levels, if compared to the rate of failures of the western banks, b) the Islamic banking system has a significant advantage compared to the conventional banking system: it is not based on borrowing but rather on deposits. This fact makes Islamic banks more capable of facing strong financial crises. The lack of severe failures in Islamic banks worldwide during the recent recession of 2008 proved that the specific characteristic of Islamic banks is a key element of their competitiveness; c) the performance of Islamic banks may not reach the high levels of performance of western banks. However, this fact should not cause worries. More specifically, the high financial status of western banks is often the result of extensive borrowing by organizations operating at state level, meaning especially the Central Bank of each state. Securi ng funds for expanding their activities and for supporting their financial projects, western banks often give the impression of increased power towards financial institutions of different characteristics, such as Islamic banks or building societies. Still, if their financial statements are carefully reviewed then it is made clear that the level of their performance is actually low, even if their cash flow is high because the level of their liabilities can be significantly higher compared to their assets. The paper has been divided into three main sections. In the introductory section the key elements of the issue under discussion are presented. The various aspects of the paper’s subject are analyzed in the second section which has been divided in sub-sections so that each thematic unit is made clearer. A conclusion is provided aiming to summarize, as possible, the findings of the literature review, as presented analytically in section 2. It should be noted that the particular subject has been chosen mostly because of the significant expansion of Islamic banking as a mode of banking contributing in the stability of the economy and the avoidance of major economic turbulences. 2. Islamic banking –

Software Security and its Role on Cyber Security Research Paper

Software Security and its Role on Cyber Security - Research Paper Example The number of cyber crimes is growing exceptionally on an annual basis and because of this reason; the internet is becoming more and more unsafe. The level of hacker’s intellect is growing as he or she is gathering more knowledge and information about the art and science of hacking (Xu, Hu, & Zhang, 2013). The companies on the other hand, restricted their exposure to the vast universe of internet by inventing intranet. The intranet is an infrastructure that helps an organization in creating a network within the network of networks. The private network’s identity and access is restricted to employees only. The employees have to login with a specific and unique username and their activities are strictly monitored as well. The modern technique of intranet is also not working because the hackers have devised methods that can locate and identify the networks. Once the network is located then the hackers use the information to hack the central computer and therefore, the enti re network starts to play in the hands of evil geniuses. The era of antivirus is also coming to an end. The antivirus programs are famous for providing the hackers a plain ground. The viruses are nowadays programmed to alter the binary coding of the antivirus and in this way; the protector of the system becomes its worst enemy. The hackers managed to follow the technique of Aids virus. The virus does not cause any type of illness but kill the immune system of the human body. Consequently, the viruses of other diseases move in and finish the job. The intelligent hackers eliminate the defense system of the network and then, other harmful programs move in and render the entire network inoperable. The technical staff becomes helpless in front of the multiple attacks and therefore, has to purge all data in the network (Sukwong & Kim, 2011). The modern hackers and technical teams at various data centers of the world are suspected to be engaged in a never ending battle. The war is fought l ike a game of chess and whole game-plan is based on striking and counterstriking. In most number of cases, the objective of hackers is fulfilled. The hackers always like to cause hindrance in the operationality of the network and it is fulfilled with the help of causing sufficient doubt in the minds of technical teams. The technical teams cannot afford to take any threat lightly and therefore, if they believe that the game is getting out their hands then they have to shunt the network before finding a bug. The networks are insecure and this is a common belief. The sales of antivirus programs are declining and this is the depiction of decreasing public trust on leading names in the industry of internet security. Additionally, the latest internet browsers are programmed to detect any suspicious product or webpage. All of the viruses and other harmful programs are known to come from the internet in the global village of the 21st century. The best defense is prevention and therefore, th e modern programmers have decided to put a blockade in the way of viruses by planting a smaller and efficient antivirus program within the fabric of browsers (Singh, Moshchuk, Wang, & Lee, 2010). The users are notified as soon as the suspicious activity has been detected. The browsers are designed to block the potentially harmful events from happening until and unless the user allows them to take place. In this manner, the virtually nothing can go on without the

Find appropriate title Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Find appropriate title - Essay Example related to the way work was distributed, planning and organising work, types of skills possessed by employees, measuring and rewarding performance, standardization of best suitable methods of working and defining the role of each employee, group, function and/or unit. Subsequently, the Managerial Grid was proposed by Blake and Mouton (1964/1971) in which the interplay of three organisational universals, i.e. people, production and hierarchy, is studied through a grid depicting different ways how managers are concerned about production and people and their impact on each other. A transition of management perception towards human relations begun with Hawthorne studies conducted by Elton Mayo, which proved that variations in external environment impacted performance of the workers; variations in pay in the form of performance incentives motivated workers to perform better; increased social interactions that occurred between work motivated workers in turn leading to higher productivity (Dixon, 2003). These theories and others explain how different perspectives, i.e. planning and organising work, organisational structure and systems, and human relations, have an impact on effective management, contrary to my approach which has more often been authorit ative and less inclined towards human relations. The most essential requirement for effective management is ‘leadership.’ For a manager to be successful he/she should exemplify qualities of a leader; however, a person may not be in a managerial position to emerge as a leader. Hence, leadership qualities such as the ability to influence, create a vision, and ability for doing the right things help a manager to become more effective. For instance, Tripathi (2008) sums up leadership as characterized by existence of followers; involving a community of interests between leader and the followers; unequal distribution of authority; and guiding followers towards the right direction. However, management focuses on

Ecological Footprint of Clay Brick Essay Example for Free

Ecological Footprint of Clay Brick Essay An ecological footprint highlights human impact on the environment through specific, measurable terms usually relating to a type of material that can be diagramed from manufacturing to use. To understand the impact of a single material, such as clay brick, there must be a cataloguing of the process of excavation, manufacturing, and transportation. In the architectural realm, clay bricks are often used for convenience, but the actual process of creating and transporting clay bricks obviously consumes energy and produces waste affecting the health of the environment and the distribution of resources. Despite the fact forming clay bricks is less harmful than other building materials, such as glass and chemically formed plastics, clay bricks do take a toll on the environment. By examining the life cycle of a clay brick it is possible to make observations that can potentially alter the process of excavation, manufacturing, and transportation, which allows for a cleaner, more efficient means of production. The Life Cycle Analysis or LCA of clay brick categorizes the various environmental impacts, including climate range, stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, eco-toxicity, photo-oxidant formation, acidification and nitrification. It is now a common practice to make the LCA of specific materials accessible on the job site as a reference to monitor how an ecologically-friendly process compares to the more traditional practices of the past. By providing a benchmark, it is easier to track the life cycle and easier implement small changes that will lead to a significant difference in the final ecological footprint of a clay brick. Energy and material use can be categorized in the life cycle of brick in two ways. There is the primary use of materials and energy, such as the clay and stone that physically make up the brick. Then there is secondary energy that is required in the machinery that is used to excavate or to form the brick. Energy for these processes has traditionally been provided through fossil fuels, as a non-renewable resource, some companies have replaced using fossil fuel with more environmentally friendly choices such as, biogas and liquefied rendering fat. From these two types of energy use and consumption comes material and energy waste and emission. To begin, clay and stone, the main material of brick, is excavated from a quarry. Here energy is consumed by the machinery used to retract the rock. Despite the plasticity of clay compared to many other types of excavation, bracing and support may still be needed for the extraction. With the bracing and support more energy and more resources are consumed. Also, with the clay and rock now gone, there is possible destruction of a habitat along with a new likelihood of erosion due to the large hole created by the excavation. This can lead to long term, if not permanent dangers to the habitat and its creatures. The future use of the site for any other building and excavation can also be determined by the extent of excavation. The process continues with delivery to the manufacturer. Energy is consumed through fuel consumption, emissions from the delivery vehicle, and heat radiation of its engine. The manufacturing process can now begin with clay processing, continuing on with the brick formation, brick drying and finally firing the brick. Initially, the clay is crushed, ground and screened to reduce it to a fine consistency. Then, depending on the type of clay being used, water is added or taken out. The stiff mud process, the process most common currently, places clay with 12 percent to 15 percent water into a vacuum to remove any pockets of air. The new bricks are then cut and placed in a kiln to dry for one or two days. During the cutting and drying processes, the cut away parts of the clay are lost, thrown away as waste, the material is no longer used in the clay making process. They then continue on to the firing process in which the bricks are places in an oven as hot as 2400 degrees for 40 to 150 hours. Throughout this part of the steps, co2 is emitted from the burning fuel . Also as a part of the firing there are fuel emissions and energy waste as a result of machinery use that leads to co2 being released into the air and other heat pollution that can affect the ozone. Those same wastes continue with the packaging of the product and the transportation of the bricks to construction sites. Eventually the bricks make it to their destination where they are used. Combined with mortar, the bricks are used to build walls, or in walkways, etc. , and the actually construction of such structures only adds to the extent of clays bricks ecological footprint. Technically, pure clay bricks are completely recyclable. Unfortunately due to the building process the bricks come into contact with common building materials that ultimately compromise the of clay bricks. However, in some cases the bricks are eventually taken down, either to be replaced by new bricks that have followed the same process or just to demolition the structure they inhabit. In this deconstruction step, there is cleaning and crushing that requires labor and that also releases atmospheric emissions. With the crushing process completed, the brick pieces can be reused by taking them back to the initial manufacturer to be reformed into brick. By doing this the bricks formed from the reused pieces are more efficiently produced and in turn the ecological footprint is lessened because the excavation process is skipped entirely. Clay Bricks are usually referred to as a sustainable product. The only real energy consuming aspect of them comes when the raw materials are quarried or the bricks are fired. When just making the bricks, the energy consumption ranges from 1840-2800 kj/kg. However, recently that number is much higher because it is becoming increasingly common for the bricks to be fired in a â€Å"tunnel kiln in which fire remains stationary and bricks are moved on kiln cars through a tunnel divided preheat, firing and cooling zones. † With this added energy use, 800-1250 kj/kg is added to the total energy consumption of bricks. As seen in the last step of a clay bricks LCA, there are ways to decrease the energy usage of clay brick production and use. Other than simply reusing materials, another way to make for more efficient production is to combine the areas of production to a unified space so less energy is consumed by transportation and travel. By housing the excavation area, the manufacturing area, and the packaging area into one facility could save transportation costs and energy consumption and waste Also, buyers and contractors can do more accurate calculation to ensure that they are ordering the correct amount, not more than needed as that would lead to more waste and energy loss. Another method to decrease bricks environmentally impact could lie in the ability to ensure the bricks integrity and recyclability. Many of these ideas are being adapted into construction processes as the LCA of materials make it easier for people to understand the waste that is the consequence of production and use of materials such as clay brick. This proves that awareness is a significant factor in changing human ecological footprints. Essentially clay, as a raw material, is pure. The environmental impact of clay bricks begins with emissions when clay has been fired, not when clay is in its raw state. It is possible to reduce the emissions caused by the various stages by compacting the out going sources into one factory and ultimately condensing the energy consumed and waste produced. Also, to help maintain the sustainability of clay bricks it is possible to recycle the product in its final state rather than generate new bricks for the same purpose. The clay brick itself is not a source of waste, rather, the energy required to create a new brick, therefore it is important to recycle clay bricks. By closely examining the ecological footprint it is possible to observe what steps in the process can be altered or improved to stop overusing materials and harming the earth. In essence, by condensing sources and recycling it is possible to continue maximum productivity while eliminating the ability to create a larger ecological footprint by using clay bricks. Bibliography http://www. scribd. com/doc/8746950/Clay-Brick-LCA http://www. staywithclay. com/downloads/SustainableBuildingConference-Italy. pdf http://linkinghub. elsevier. com/retrieve/pii/S0360132306000795 http://www. ibstock. com/pdfs/technical-support/TIS16Howbricksaremade. pdf Fundamentals of Building Construction, 4th Edition, Allen and Iano

Industrialized Building System (IBS) | Literature Review

Industrialized Building System (IBS) | Literature Review CHAPTER 2:Â  LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction The objectives of this chapter will identify and study into the details and provide the literature review of Industrialized Building System (IBS). In this literature review of building system will also be covered in this chapter. The contents will focus on definitions of IBS, characteristic of building in Malaysia with application of IBS, advantages of IBS and disadvantages of IBS. The 5 types of widely used IBS in Malaysia project will be study in this chapter. In addition, the comparison of suggestion method which use of IBS in different building in Malaysia will be carried out in this chapter. Besides that, the systematic solution by applying IBS in current Malaysia projects which able to reduce waste during construction project life cycle which able to create and heading toward friendly or eco environment compare to conventional method will be carried out in this chapter. 2.1.1 Definition of IBS According to Dietz (1971), in the early literature defined IBS as the whole process of all the subsystems and components make full utilized of industrial production, transport and assembly technology. The IBS system is actually apply in construction industry is mainly to reduce input and generate more output by maximize or fully utilized the production, transportation and assembly during construction stage which indirectly save up a lot of time and costs for the process of above. (Dietz 1971) Meanwhile according Warszawski (1999), IBS defined as a set of interrelated elements, to take collective action that the designated and performance of the building. In additional, IBS is defined as a process of investment in facilities, technology and equipment, to minimize the amount of labour in the site, to improve the quality of building and to increase the speed of construction. From here we noticed that not only time and cost is being save up but indeed quality also can be improve by applying IBS. (Warszawski 1999). According to Parid (1997), IBS defined as a industrialized production technology used by the system, whether in component production or assembly of building. (Parid 1997) The interpretation from Esa et al (1998), IBS as continuous use of the system, so that the manufacturing use end-user to reduce waste of resources and enhance the value of each building craftsmen. (Esa etal 1998) According to CIDB, IBS is a construction process that transferring the substantial activities from site to factory where the building components are manufacture in factory then delivery to site and assembled at site. This is the process that involve prefabricated the elements of building in factory by using machine or formwork and on-site installation. 2.1.2 Classification of IBS In early stages, Badir (1998) proposed four types in Malaysia with Badir-Razali classification. These building systems which is conventional system, cast in situ system, composite building system and the prefabricated system is shown in Figure 2.1. Each building system is composed of representatives of the respective construction methods, thus further through its construction characteristics of the technology, features and geometry. (Badir 1998) Figure 2.1 : Types of building system according to Badir-Razali classification in Malaysia (Badir 1998) IBS also can be classified according to several aspects: According to structural system According to material According to relative weight of component 2.1.3 Classification according to structural system Panel system The loads are distributes by the large floor and wall panel where the building loads is support by wall in panel system. This system is suitable for those building are required large wall and this system is not suitable to building with large span. Frame system In frame system, the building loads are support by column and beam. The walls used is required light and easy to fix and concrete panels are introduces as flooring element. Box system The box systems is include those systems that make use of three-dimensional modules or boxes for fabrication of habitable units that are able of withstanding load from various directions due to their internal stability. 2.1.4 Classification according to material Timber The prefabrication of timber consists of two types which are ready-cut plus shop fabrication of joints (column and beam) and structural panels only consists of walls and floors without column and beam. Steel All the steel elements are prefabricated in factory then only transport to site to joints by welding or bolting at site. The large proportion of the strength to the weight allows a long-span or high-rise building. Reinforced concrete Reinforced concrete has high degree of availability, durability, low material cost and fire resistance. There are two basic trends in development of reinforced concrete IBS components which are precast frame members such as columns and beams and panelised components such as walls and floors. Brick and block Brick and block for IBS are prefabricate and lay in factory then only transported to site and last erected at site. With this will ease the construction works at site. 2.1.5 Classification according to relative weight of component IBS components can be classified according to relative weight. Majzub explained that the relative weight of components should be used as a basis for building classification because the factor of weight has significant impact on the transportability of components and has influence on the production method of the components and their erection method at site. Table 1 is shown the building systems classification according to relative weight of component. (Majzub, 1977) Table 1: Classification according to relative weight of components (Majzub, 1977) 2.1.6 Types of IBS and apply to building in Malaysia Based on CIDB (2003) the classification of IBS in Malaysia is broken down into five categories, which is a precast concrete frame panel and box system, steel formwork system, steel framing system, block work system and timber frame system . IBS is a construction process that use of technology, products, components and on-site installation of building system. From the structural classification five of IBS display section, which are mainly classified according to some modifications, the main groups in Malaysia by CIDB. (CIDB 2003) 2.1.6.1 Precast Concrete Framing, Panel and box system Precast concrete components are the most common prefabricated elements in Malaysia. The precast concrete elements are the concrete product that manufactured in a controlled environment and being transported to the construction site for installation. There are precast concrete for columns, slabs, lightweight precast concrete, permanent concrete formwork, and beams. Besides that, it also consists of 3-D components such as staircases, toilet, balconies, lift chamber and etc. High degree of flexibility is one of the advantages of the system in regards of larger of larger clear span between column, resulting in wider open space and freedom of greater areas. Precast concrete wall system consisting og precast floor and load-bearing walls of building. The load-bearing walls and slabs are transfer to construction site for erected. The system is preferred simple and easy flexibility with due to the restriction of removal of load bearing will making it a lesser degree of flexibility. The carefully good coordination and design between builders and designer, the erection process is very fast, and the number of wet trade in the field can be reduced significantly. 2.1.6.2 Steel Formwork Systems This is the system formwork which is designed by manufacturer to replace a conventional timber formwork. The steel formwork is manufactured in the plant and then assembled on construction site. The steel reinforcement and service conduit will be installed on site before the steel formworks are installed. the installation is very easy by using simple support system. It can be described as a mould which the wet concrete can be poured into the mould and form the required shape, these steel formwork systems are subjected to quality control. This type of IBS method is considered as the low level in the construction industry. The steel formwork system that used in beams, permanent steel formworks, tunnel forms and column moulding forms. 2.1.6.3 Steel Framing Systems Steel is a strong rigid materials, suitable for a high degree of flexibility across the structure of long term construction and rehabilitation of the architectural details of the framework construction. The components of steel framing system are rolled into standardized sizes. The component are then manufactured which involves cutting, drilling, shot blasting, welding and painting. Steel frames are erected, welding and the tightening of bolt after they are fabricated. The steel framing systems has been a popular choice, and is widely used in fast track construction project, the system commonly used with precast concrete slab, steel columns and beams. 2.1.6.4 Prefabricated Timber Framing System In the early 1970s, single storey low cost terrace houses mostly built of pure timber frame and wood which sitting on three feet high plastered brick walls and taking advantages of simple raft foundation due to the high weight superstructure. These prefabricated timber framing systems is using the timber in the construction industry for the building. Usually the timber framing system are consists of timber building frames and timber roof trusses. Steel plate is being used during prefabrication of timber to join members of truss. All members needs to be treated with anti pest chemical. 2.1.6.5 Block Work Systems The time consuming traditional brick laying tasks are generally simplified by using block work systems. Interlocking concrete masonry units (CMU) and lightweight concrete blocks are involved in block work system. Fabricated and cured of the components take place in the plant. The elements are normally used as bricks in structures and interlocking concrete block pavement 2.1.7 Advantages of IBS for public housing There are many advantages of implementing IBS. according to CIDB (2003), compares to conventional method. Following are brief descriptions on a number of advantages where using IBS for the public housing:- Advantages Description Reduce construction time IBS will requires less construction time Because both the site work and the fabrication of element can take place concurrently work at site only the erection of IBS components. So, this leads to earlier occupation of the building. Save cost Reducing on-site workers significantly labor cost for contractors. (Wisam 2005). Minimizing cost of transferring waste materials due to quality control and reducing waste material. (Noraini 2009). Exemption of the Construction Levy for housing developers who utilize IBS components exceeding than 70%. (CIDB 2005). Provides earlier occupation of the building, thus reducing interest payment or capital outlays (Peng, 1986 cited in Mian, A.T.E, 2006). Saving in labour Because the IBS components are produced in factory and higher degree of using machine so will reduce of labour dependency of labour and cut down the cost of labour. According to Abraham Warszawski (1999), the labour savings in prefabricated elements may amount to about 80% of their conventional requirement. So, will reduced the total foreign workers need in the construction industry. Optimized use of materials Higher degree of precision and accuracy in the production can be achieve by using machine to produce IBS components and consequently reduce material wastage. So, the wastage at site will be reduced if using the IBS. High quality and better finishes Quality control is an ever-increasing requirement in all construction. Controlled environment in factor, superior material selection and high mechanized technology lead to high quality controlled products. (Din 1984). High aesthetic end products through the processes of controlled prefabrication and simplified installations has maintained and ensured the quality of work in the construction industry (CIDB-(2), 2003 cited in Mian, A.T.E, 2006). Better quality control since production in factory is under heltered environment. Better quality will reduce the maintenance expenses because prefabricated components require less repair and preventive maintenance. Construction operation less affected by weather The fabrication of IBS components will not be effected by climate changes it is done in factory and only erection of the components take place on site Faster project completion due to rapid progress under all weather construction. Flexibility Different systems may use different prefabrication construction methods. IBS will provide more flexibility in the deign of precast element. By the flexibility in Architectural design (Warszawski, 1999). Increase site safety and neatness This method neater and safer site condition can be obtain thru this method. Promote safe and systematic factory working environment as minimal workers, materials and construction waste is requires on site. (CIDB 2003). Construction process can be less thru using IBS components especially for the wet work at site. 2.1.8 Disadvantages of IBS for public Housing Although there are a lot of advantages of IBS, however there are limitations for this system to be use too. Nothing in this world is perfect, so as using IBS. disadvantages of IBS are as follows:- Disadvantages description High initial capital cost The initial capital cost of IBS is usually higher than conventional method. The initial cost is includes the casting beds, cost of constructing the factory and support machinery. This method only can be achieved when undertaking large demand for housing project. Problem of joints These methods are very sensitive to the errors and sloppy work. Water leakage between joints is often the major problem when IBS is being used. This problem is clearer in Malaysia where raining occur rapidly throughout the year. Sophisticated plants and skilled operators The prefabrication system relies heavily on sophisticated plant, when skilled operators are required to the fabrication process coordinate and maintain. The entire project would be on a stand still if any of the section breakdown. Site accessibility One of the most important factors of the implementation of IBS is the site accessibility. IBS requires sufficient site accessibility to transport IBS components from factory to the site. According to Warszawski (1999), the transportations cost of prefabricated elements from plant to their construction site, amount to 3% to 5% of their total cost for distances not exceeding 50kn to 100km. Large working area Building construction using IBS required a large working area for the tower crane, factory, storage and trailers for the IBS components. Most construction in order areas are often congested and fail to provide the area required.