Financial Management Integrated Case 2 Answers

|Ally Zmijeski | |Financial Management Section C | |Homework 2: Integrated Case Questions | Chapter 2 Integrated Case 2-11A) In a well-functioning economy, capital flows efficiently from those with surplus capital to those who need it in one of three ways: †¢ Direct transfers: occur when a business sells its stocks or bonds directly to savers without going through any type of financial institution. This is used primarily by small firms and doesn’t raise much capital. †¢ Transfers also can go through an investment bank that underwrites the issue, or serves as middleman/facilitator.The company sells its stocks or bonds to the investment bank, which then sells these same securities to savers. Because new securities are involved and the corporation receives the sale proceeds, this transaction is called a primary market transaction. †¢ Transfers can also be made through a financial intermediary, such as a bank, insurance company, or mutual fund. Intermediaries inc rease efficiency of money and capital markets. B) People and organizations wanting to borrow money are brought together with those who have surplus funds in the financial markets.Types of Financial Markets include†¦ †¢ Physical Asset vs. Financial Asset: physical asset markets are for tangible products, while financial asset markets are for stocks, bonds, notes, and mortgages. They also deal with derivative securities whose values are derived from changes in the prices of other assets. o A share of Ford stock is a pure financial asset, while an option to buy Ford shares is a derivative security whose value depends on the price of Ford stock. †¢ Spot Markets vs.Futures Markets: spot markets are markets in which assets are bought or sold for on the spot delivery (within a few days). Future markets are markets in which participants agree today to buy or sell an asset at some future date. Future market transactions can reduce, or hedge, the risks faced by buyers and selle rs if the market changes. †¢ Money Markets vs. Capital Markets: money markets are the markets for short-term, highly liquid debt securities. Capital markets are the markets for intermediate or long-term debt and corporate stocks, like the NYSX. Short-term markets = less than one year o Intermediate term markets = 1 to 10 years o Long-term markets = more than 10 years †¢ Primary markets are the markets in which corporations raise new capital, so the corporation itself receives proceeds. †¢ Secondary markets are markets in which existing, already outstanding securities are traded among investors. The corporation does not receive funds from a secondary market sale. †¢ Private markets are markets in which transactions are negotiated directly between two parties. Public markets are markets where standardized contracts are traded on organized exchanges. C) Financial markets are essential for a healthy economy and economic growth because they provide a variety of opport unities for buyers and sellers to meet, exchange goods and services, better address financial needs, and accumulate wealth to stimulate the economy. D) A derivative is any security whose value is derived from the price of some other underlying asset.The use of derivatives has increased in recent years. If a bank or any other company invests in derivatives, it is difficult to tell whether it is an investment as a hedge against something like an increase in the price of good X, or a speculative bet that prices will rise. This makes the firm’s risk profile more difficult to determine. Derivatives can hedge risk if the price of a good is assumed to change in the future, or if the company is dealing with foreign markets.However, if a company is buying derivatives to speculate on a price change that could ultimately benefit them, this is raising the company’s risk because they are unsure of the future worth of assets associated with the derivative. E) Investment banks help c ompanies raise capital by helping them design attractive securities, buying securities from corporations, and reselling them to savers. Commercial banks are large national banks that offer a variety of services to a wide range of customers.Financial services corporations are large conglomerates that combine many different financial institutions within a single corporation. Most started in one area but later diversified to cover more of the financial spectrum, like including insurance or leasing companies. Pension funds are retirement plans funded by corporations or government agencies for their workers. Mutual funds are corporations that accept money from savers and then use those funds to buy stocks, long-term bonds, or short term debt instruments issued by businesses/government.They pool funds and reduce risk through diversification. Exchange traded funds are similar to regular mutual funds and are often operated by mutual fund companies. ETFs buy a portfolio of stocks of a certai n type and then sell their own shares to the public. Hedge funds are similar to mutual funds because they accept money from savers and use the funds to buy various securities, but they are largely unregulated, have large minimum investments, and are marketed to high net worth people.Private equity companies are organizations that operate much like hedge funds, but they buy and then manage entire firms. They are relatively unregulated. F) The two leading stock markets are the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. Physical location exchanges are tangible entities that have their own building and an elected governing body called a board of governors. The exchange members will sell orders offer the shares for sale, and they are bid for by the members with buy orders.OTC markets are often referred to today as dealer markets, and include all the facilities that are needed to conduct security transactions, but not all are made on the physical location exchanges. The dealer market system consists of the relatively few dealers who hold inventories of securities and make a market for the securities, the thousands of brokers who act as agents in bringing the dealers together with investors, and the computers, terminals, and electronic networks that provide a communication link between dealers and brokers.G) Since Varga is not purchasing the stock directly from Apple, but instead from Smyth Barry, who probably purchased it from Apple, she is dealing in a secondary market; the money she spends to buy the stock is not going directly to Apple, but to a second party. This would not be different if Varga purchased previously outstanding Apple stock in the dealer market, because in both situations she is not giving money directly to Apple, but buying stock that someone else has bought previously from Apple. H) An initial public offering, or IPO, is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public.IPOs are often  issued by smaller, newer companies seeking the  fu nds to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded. I) Efficient Market: a market in which prices are close to intrinsic values and stocks seem to be in equilibrium. Today, we have an efficiency continuum, where the market for some companies’ stocks is highly efficient and the market for other stocks is highly inefficient. This is defined by the size of the company – the bigger the company is, the more analysts tend to follow it, so new information is more likely to be reflected in the stock price.J) Part One: If the stock market is highly efficient, this would imply that the company that received the FDA grant is a large and well-researched firm, so the rise in the company’s stock price is reflective of its true value and would be a good purchase. Still, I would recommend warning Michelle that some companies let information like this leak into the public for hidden reasons, so she should do her own research to ensure the new stock price is close to its true value.Part Two: Oftentimes, stock prices at IPO’s and shortly thereafter are the highest they will ever be for the company. This is a result of the hype created by the company, media, and investing world around its first public offering. I would tell Michelle again to do her own research, but I also think if she is the type of investor who enjoys the risk of a new company and the excitement of that type of investment, that if she understands the potential to lose, she might as well buy a reasonable number of shares.

Hospital Budget

Patton-Fuller Community Hospital Budget Over the years financial management has been a concept that is flourishing in the world of health care. â€Å"Until the 1960s, financial management in all industries was generally viewed as descriptive in nature, with its primary role being to secure the financing needed to meet a business’s operating objectives† (Gapenski, 2008, pg. 26). However, today, financial management holds a more significant role in the management of businesses overall. Now, the primary role of financial management is to plan for, acquire, and utilize funds (capital) to maximize the efficiency and value of the enterprise† (Gapenski, 2008, pg. 26). Similar too many happenings in health care, the specific goals of a business’s management financially is highly dependent on the nature of each particular business. Overall, financial management is a practice that will provide the theories, tools, and concepts needed in order for a company to make be tter decisions.The Patton-Fuller Community Hospital is one of these companies that take advantage of the financial management practices in order to make better decisions. Recently, a 2010 budget was developed using the 2009 projections, assumptions, and figures. The purpose of this paper is to analyze that budget and discuss which financial management practices will be most effective for this organization as well as which practices will be the least effective.The 2010 budget developed for the Patton-Fuller Community hospital projects that there will be a slight increase in total revenue, total expenses, and net income that will allow the organization to continue to make its turnaround in the following year. There are several financial management practices that will be helpful for the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital. The first financial management practice that will be effective for this hospital is evaluating and planning. This involves evaluating current operations of the organiza tion and evaluating their financial effectiveness in order to plan for the future.This can be anything from the organizations requirements in areas of managing cash to budgeting and reporting financial results. Continuing to produce projected budgets and assumptions for following years will ensure that Patton-Fuller Community Hospital is evaluating their financial situation often, and producing and expectant budgets for analyses. These projections will also allow them to plan for future increases or decreases in areas such as patient volume, utilities, supplies, salaries or ash on hand, so they do not come as a surprise. Giving the hospital an opportunity to plan for future events and accommodate for situations and operations that are either working for or against them, will help to keep the hospital from experiencing unexpected negative effects. The next financial management practice that will be most effective is long-term investment decisions. These decisions will focus on acquir ing new facilities and equipment, as well as the implementation of new strategic plans in the future of this organization.As far as equipment is concerned, the new budget specifies that new high-cost equipment has been installed within the last year. Air conditioning, telephone systems, all patient beds, and headwalls were replaced in 2009. It also states that depreciation rose sharply, however it is going to remain the same in 2010. Knowing that these improvements will not cost this organization money this year will allow them to plan ahead for capital investments, and possible expansion of the facility that will bring in more money for following years.Financial decision practices are going to be effective as well. â€Å"All organizations must raise funds to support operations. Such decisions involve the choice between internal and external funds, the use of debt versus equity capital, and the use of long-term versus short-term debt† (Gapenski, 2008, pg. 27). Applying this p ractice to the Patton-Fuller organization will help them to decide if the number of fundraisers needs to be increased, or whether more short-term or long-term investments will prove to be more useful.Despite only a slight increase in revenue, the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital must still support facility upgrades as well as maintenance and costly health information technology. The income that investments provide is typically viewed as an extra source of funding that this organization cannot go without. This type of practice will also be useful for the marketing department who projected in the 2010 budget that donations will be increased by 15%, which will also add to the hospitals expenditures in a capital budget.A financial management practice that may prove less effective for this hospital is contract management. â€Å"In today’s healthcare environment, health services organizations must negotiate, sign, and monitor contracts with managed care organizations and third-par ty payers† (Gapenski, 2008, pg. 28). The complexities that come with third-party repayment means that a large amount of time and resources are being spent on burdensome accounts, bills, and collection processes, instead of focusing on activities that will bring revenue into the company. Historically, the practice of finance had been driven by the Medicare program, which demanded that providers (primarily hospitals) churn out a multitude of reports both to comply with regulations and to maximize Medicare revenues† (Health Care Finance, 2012, para. 6). In order for a company to be financially functional, they must support cost containment efforts as well as be able to lead their company into the future, not just record what is happening and may be in the past. Spending less time negotiating with third-party payers will open up more time and resources that can be focused on increasing hospital revenue.When an organization is in a time of high profitability and is experienci ng an abundance of financial resources, the function of financial management tends to decline in importance. In an effort to control this decline, â€Å"Providers have been redesigning their finance functions to recognize the changes that have been occurring in the health services industry† (Health Care Finance, 2012, para. 9). That way they do not experience a time of fall because of their disregarding of these practice. Recently, a 2010 budget was developed using the 2009 projections, assumptions, and figures for the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital.The purpose of this paper was to analyze that budget and discuss which financial management practices were most effective for this organization as well as which practices were the least effective. Having strong financial management practices is vital to any organization as well as the economic well-being of the health care industry as a whole. ? References Gapenski, L. (2008). Understanding Healthcare Financial Management (5th e d. ). Chicago, IL: Bookcomp. Health Care Finance. (2012). Hospitals move to cash investments. Retrieved from http://www. healthcarefinancenews. com/news/hospitals-move-cash-investments-short-term-pressures-mount

Intercultural film analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Intercultural film analysis - Assignment Example In disappointment, Akeem leaves for America to look for a woman who â€Å"arouses my intellect as well as my loins.† The other part of the film is about the sojourn and the task of finding a suitable wife in a culturally different land. The use of verbal communication to shape individual perceptions and ultimately cultural views is notably portrayed in the film. For instance, Daryl, Akeem’s romantic rival, at one point disapproves of the prince’s African upbringing saying, â€Å"Wearing clothes must be a new experience for you.† (Wikipedia, 2013). In so saying, Daryl confirms what many Americans think of Africans. In the film, Akeem speaks fluent English thus defying the notion that foreigners can be recognized by how they speak. Further, the fact that he speaks with remarkably standard grammar and enunciation says a lot about the African American English as not being an African language. Akeem’s personality portrays the cultural distance between the United States and Africa without allowing for the expression of that distance as a contrast between the advanced West and the poor Africa. The film does not depict any language barriers resulting from the interplay of the interaction of cultures. In fact, all the characters in the film are portrayed as speaking the same language and communication is effective. However, despite this ‘standardization’ of language, the film is not free of stereotyping as shown in the treatment Akeem get from Daryl. Furthermore, the fact that Daryl is American makes him feel that his thoughts and ideas are much better than Akeem’s, who pretends to be a poor foreign student while in America. The use of language is particularly important as evidenced in the manner in which Akeem and his aide make new friends and acquire jobs at McDowell’s. The fact that Akeem could speak the American language did not necessarily incorporate him

Multinational Corporation Expansion Research Paper

Multinational Corporation Expansion - Research Paper Example After examining the international market most favorable for expansion, Abercrombie and Fitch should consider entering the Brazilian market as this chosen market maintains national economic policy and market conditions that will provide A&F with considerable opportunities for revenue growth. The first dimension of international finance favorable for Abercrombie & Fitch in Brazil is the movement of financial institutions across international borders, including securities firms, banks and various investment companies. Brazil currently maintains an annual GDP growth rate of five percent annually, influenced by growth in financial institutions both domestic and related to foreign direct investment. Brazil maintains membership with a variety of economic institutions including Mercosur, G20, the World Trade Organization and the Cairns Group, giving the market more exposure in Europe as a viable market for financial investment and institutional development. High volumes of financial lenders and a strong stock market provide economic sustainability that provides for commercial business development and support from governmental leadership. The only legitimate risk in this dimension is that the majority of investment institutions stem from foreign markets and are not being developed by domestic financial institutions that would not be reliant on significant exchange rate differences that impact pricing for exported products. Secondly, Brazil has positive movement of capital across its borders triggered by rising interest in foreign direct investment into Brazil. The International Monetary Fund identified billions of dollars of investment moving into Brazil, including derivatives and new corporate capital development projects. The growth in capital movements into Brazil provide for a more enhanced distribution and supply infrastructure that will benefit Abercrombie and Fitch in relation to marketing expenses and retail center distribution. The risk in this dimension of int ernational finance is that these improvements are private constructions not controlled by governmental regulators whereby a corporate pull-out of investment could limit the scope of infrastructure growth during a period where Brazil is working through a long-lasting economic recovery affecting domestic investment potential and opportunities. The third dimension of international finance relevant to Abercrombie is the regulatory system currently in place that guides economic policy. In the 1990s, Brazil was plagued with considerable inflation (approximately 15 percent annually) that caused a supplementary increase in utility costs, fuel and oil costs, and up to 25 percent interest on corporate and personal credit cards (Selva, 2010). The government has been more adept in recent years at changing index prices and employee wages as well as a variety of consumer price freezes to stimulate spending (Selva, 2010). Continuing governmental influence in economic policy and monetary stimulatio n tactics have reduced risks of ongoing inflation on the consumer price index that will provide A&F with a more stable consumer market where real wages are in-line with expectations for a consumer price index equalized with real GDP. The risk to this dimension of international finance is that not all efforts to curb inflation in certain supply sectors has been achieved, thus adding potential burden to supply budgets in a price-inflated value and supply chain. Brazil is currently the eighth largest economy

Ethics in Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Ethics in Management - Essay Example Decision making has been identified as one of the most valuable and crucial tools available to managers. The ability to make qualitative and productive decisions has been associated with successful management skills. Management is said to influence the organization’s ethical functioning by setting up priorities that lead to the ethical demeanor of the organization. Management must have the awareness and perception in making appropriate and precise ethical decisions. This can be achieved if decisions are based upon attaining goals and identifying the moral values of the organization. Managers also have to evaluate the effect of their ethical decisions on the vital interests of the business. The aim of this research paper is to analyze and evaluate the ethical decisions made by managers inside the international hospitality industry. The paper further identifies the core ethical values that are agreed by managers. It also discusses the influence and impression of these ethical de cisions on the various interests of the international hospitality industry. There is a strong relationship between management and ethics because this enables the creation of organizations where responsibility, integrity, honesty, and good governance are generated. Managers are geared towards achieving the goals of the organization through a process of dynamic and revolutionary concepts (Yeung 253, 2004). Responsible organizations can employ qualitative decisions that take into consideration the impact of their decisions. If these decisions are based on ethics than the various interests of the organization will also prosper. The local community will be empowered to have improved standards of living. The environment will be safeguarded by the practice of friendly policies and procedures. The international hospitality industry is faced with a number of issues that strongly determine their image and

Looking at Los Angeles from a Dance Perspective Research Paper

Looking at Los Angeles from a Dance Perspective - Research Paper Example   Participants of the dance across disciplines manipulate spaces of their creative and innovative practices that form a network of merging societies. In the Los Angeles dancing culture, the society tends to shape their bodies, societal locations, and fashion identification and lay the basis and grounds to choreograph1 the urban relations. The culture has focused on these protocols where the professionals and amateur understand their stand as agents and creators within their community. The goal of this is to reframe the training scenarios, audience, and performance in the casting of daily practices. The role of dance and performance is to come up with civic infrastructure and position dance as one of the deliberate techniques to place urban making. Therefore, the cultural spectrum of Los Angeles comprises of centers and sites for dancing. The dancing culture is significant since is shaped the environment accordingly. The dancing culture has come to navigate the complex and a ceremonious diversity that features the city. The dancing culture in Los Angeles is a spiritual, political, and social frameworks acting as an archive that preserves the past and looks into the future. For instance, the Pilates training has a duality perspective where the associated techniques are considered as a disciplinary project and their connection of alibi. In Los Angeles, the intimacy of Alibi is gotten from the shared understanding of the physical limits, metaphors in organizing the body.  

Introduction to Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Introduction to Economics - Essay Example This relationship can be illustrated graphically using demand curves. As such, this essay seeks to describe the differences between shifts in demand and movements along the demand curve. It also seeks to explain the factors which can shift the demand curve and why they cause the demand curve to shift. Basically, a demand curve is a curve that shows that the number of units the market will buy in a given period at different prices that might be charged (Kotler &Armstrong, 2004). This curve is downward sloping graph and change in the demand curve can be in the form of movement along the demand curve and shift in the demand curve. Price variable is the main factor that determines the demand of a particular good or service (Benassy, 1988). Thus, the law of demand states that the higher the price, the lower the demand of the goods. This means that few people will buy products that have a high price and more people will be willing to buy products if the price is low. As a result, when pric e changes, there will be movement along the demand curve as illustrated in Figure 1 below. ... For instance, at point C, the quantity of products (Q3) demanded is high because the price (P1) is low. On the other hand, the quantity of products demanded (Q1) is lower because the price (P1) is higher. It can therefore be said that there is a strong relationship between the price of the product and its demand. As such, the movement along the demand curve can be downwards or upwards. According to (Graves & Sexton, 2006), a change in a demand shifting variable such as income will result in a parallel shift in the demand curve. A shift in the demand curve is mainly caused by the other non price variables such as income as well as changing tastes among the consumers. This means that the demand of a particular product can shift even if the price remains the same. For instance, if the income for consumers who buy food from fast food restaurants increase, there will also likely to be a shift in demand given that the majority of them will now be able to afford the food offered. In this ca se, the demand curve will shift to the right which shows that there has been an increase in demand even though the price remains the same. If their income decreases, then the demand curve will shift to the right. Changing consumer tastes can also cause a shift in the demand curve. For instance, regardless of the price, the demand of smart phones is growing considerably during the current period given that the customers seek to derive valuable benefits from the products offered. Smart phones have multimedia functions that are desired by the customers. The demand curve shifts to the right. Figure 2 below illustrates the shift in the demand curve for beer. Figure 2 Source: http://www.investopedia.com/university/economics/economics3.asp In this graph, it can be seen that

Native Americans and early Euro-American settlers Essay

Native Americans and early Euro-American settlers - Essay Example The evidence is very clear in the presence of Christianity across the areas invaded by the Euro- American settlers. The discovery by Columbus in 1942 is a benchmark for the massive invasion by the early European settlers that would dominate the North American continent for several centuries (Fraser 37). Despite the manifestation of Christianity in various denominations, it once faced acceptance challenges amongst many North American natives. The differences in the denominations were very significant surrounded by the need for land, which increased the enmity between the Native Americans and the European settlers group. The Native Americans within the today’s United States boundaries inclusive of the people of Hawaii, and Alaska belongs to numerous tribal and ethnic groups some of which in intact political societies. The traditional Native ceremonies are still in practice in some bands and tribes alongside old theological beliefs. The use of sweet grass, tobacco, sweat lodge ceremonies and prayers in ancient phonologies are also common amongst some people in the current society. There is also the presence of the Native American church, which comprises of both Christianity elements alongside ancient spiritual practices. The presence of these practices all along to today’s society signifies strong religious beliefs and resistance to change offered by the Native American people (Kozlowski and Weber 102). The Native American religion brings along great complexity that is difficult to explain. The presence of many tribes is a profound factor alongside the verbal expression of religious principles from one generation to the other. Beliefs amongst the several tribes were different though they form a convergence at one point by sharing the major aspects. The religion amongst major tribes had a great focus on nature where animals, landscape, plants and majority of environmental elements that contribute greatly in the religious

Amenorrhea in Adolescent Girls Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Amenorrhea in Adolescent Girls - Assignment Example Once their menstruation starts, many go for the contraceptives to prevent teenage pregnancies. Even though some use the condoms and pills, there are those that go for long term contraceptives such as intrauterine devices or implants which affect the menstrual flow. The implants for example have hormones that interfere with the body hormones causing the menstrual flow to cease or complete become absent (Hayon, et al. 2013). Adolescents in a bid to find their niche have body image issues and majority are even diagnosed with anorexia nervosa for lack of eating enough as well as vomiting after eating to remain skinny. With increased lack of food in the body, the menstrual flow starts thinning and may go to the extent of completely stopping (Faust, et al. 2013). The intense exercises some of these adolescents engage in as extracurricular activities in school interfere with the body weight leading to the menses ceasing. This is so because there is suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (Gordon, 2010). The stress of the exercises also contributes to the lack of menstrual flow. Identification of the cause of amenorrhea in this adolescent group is easier than trying to discuss it with the patient and getting them to undergo therapy to correct the problem. The first thing in this process is to create a rapport with the adolescent by making them see you understand their problem and what they are going through (Gordon, 2010). This can be obtained even through provision of acceptable personal stories from adolescent years. This will create a level of trust and open up the female for discussion about correcting the problem. The other key to discuss with the patient is to get a young female doctor whom they are likely to adore and listen to and whom they admire. The sessions should be discussion letting the adolescent engage as well and making the solutions seem to come from them rather than the

Snap Fitness Essay Example for Free

Snap Fitness Essay Why Snap Fitness Is Your Right Choice Starting your own business is a big decision. As you consider options, here are four factors that make us a proven business model with a history of success: The Fitness Franchise Opportunity is a Growing Industry Fitness is in. The percentage of people belonging to health clubs and gyms has doubled over the past 20 years. More growth is expected, fueled by an aging Baby Boomer generation in search of eternal youth and the reality that regular exercise can prevent or control diseases that are driving health care costs relentlessly upward. The 24/7 fitness opportunity is the newest model of fitness centers today. Economically, the health club industry has proven to be recession-proof, averaging an 8% annual growth rate since the early 1990’s across all health clubs and gyms. The gym and health club industrys fastest-growing segment is the 24/7 fitness franchise segment and Snap Fitness is the segments growth-rate leader. Industry Leaders in 24/7 Fitness Franchises [pic] Our fitness franchise concept enables you to offer customers fast, convenient and affordable workouts in clean, comfortable fitness centers just minutes from their homes 24/7. They enjoy the same quality equipment and workout experience offered in traditional full-service gyms but without the crowded parking lots, long waiting lines and inflated monthly dues. In addition, we lead the way in value-added products and services including personal training, tanning, health and wellness programs and much more, helping members to get the best value for their fitness dollar. Our member-friendly policies lead the health club industry we do not require contracts: members pay month-to-month and may freeze their gym memberships when not using them. Best of all, members can work out at any one of our thousands of fitness club locations worldwide, day or night. Combine these amenities with our round-the-clock safety and security system, including in-club surveillance that can be accessed from your home computer, along with panic-button technology and electronic keycard access, and you have a concept unmatched by any of our competitors in the industry. Better Support Systems to Help You Find Success When evaluating the choices for starting your own business our space, youll quickly conclude were the easy decision. From the moment you sign your Franchise Agreement, the support, service and training we provide is unparalleled in the health club industry. Our turnkey operational systems enable you to run your club with as little as one employee, allowing you to be your own boss. Our product lineup extends well beyond what comparable fitness franchises offer giving you more tools to recruit and retain members and create new revenue streams. Whats more, our financial model favors you over the long run. Like us, other franchisors take care of member billing through automated systems. But their monthly fee typically is a percentage of your total dollar transaction the more successful you are, the higher their fee. In contrast, we charge a nominal flat-fee per transaction. The difference can add up to thousands of dollars over a year. It’s your money, why shouldn’t you keep it? If you dont like paying higher taxes simply because you work hard to earn more, youll appreciate our franchisee-friendly financial approach. An Affordable Investment [pic] As outlined in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) a prospectus-like document every franchisor is legally required to provide to potential investors your total investment in a Snap Fitness will range from $76,113 to $361,695. In addition, we have finance options available to help you achieve your goal of starting your own business or growing your existing business. Best of all, our ongoing royalty and marketing fees are a set flat-rate, as opposed to other franchises that charge you a percentage of your monthly revenues. For more information, contact us now. A franchise enables you, the investor or franchisee, to operate a business. You pay a franchise fee and you get a format or system developed by the company (franchisor), the right to use the franchisor’s name for a limited time, and assistance. For example, the franchisor may provide you with help in finding a location for your outlet; initial training and an operating manual; and advice on management, marketing, or personnel. The franchisor may provide support through periodic newsletters, a toll-free telephone number, a website, or scheduled workshops or seminars. Buying a franchise may reduce your investment risk by enabling you to associate with an established company. But the franchise fee can be substantial. You also will have other costs: for example, you may be required to give up significant control over your business while you take on contractual obligations with the franchisor. Typically, franchise systems have several components. Costs In exchange for the right to use the franchisor’s name and assistance, you will pay some or all of the following fees. Initial Franchise Fee and Other Expenses Your initial franchise fee, which will range from several thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars, may be non-refundable. You may incur significant costs to rent, build, and equip an outlet and to buy initial inventory. You also may have to pay for operating licenses and insurance, and a â€Å"grand opening† fee to the franchisor to promote your new outlet. Continuing Royalty Payments You may have to pay the franchisor royalties based on a percentage of your weekly or monthly gross income. Often, you must pay royalties even if your outlet isn’t earning significant income. As a rule, you have to pay royalties for the right to use the franchisor’s name. Even if the franchisor doesn’t provide the services they promised, you still may have to pay royalties for the duration of your franchise agreement. Indeed, even if you voluntarily terminate your franchisee agreement early, you may owe royalties for the remainder of your agreement. Advertising Fees You also may have to pay into an advertising fund. Some portion of the advertising fees may be allocated to national advertising or to attract new franchise owners, rather than to promote your particular outlet. Controls To ensure uniformity, franchisors usually control how franchisees conduct business. These controls may significantly restrict your ability to exercise your own business judgment. Here are a few examples. Site Approval Many franchisors pre-approve sites for outlets, which, in turn, may increase the likelihood that your outlet will attract customers. At the same time, the franchisor may not approve the site you’ve selected. Design or Appearance Standards Franchisors may impose design or appearance standards to ensure a uniform look among the various outlets. Some franchisors require periodic renovations or seasonal design changes; complying with these standards may increase your costs. Restrictions on Goods and Services You Sell Franchisors may restrict the goods and services you sell. For example, if you own a restaurant franchise, you may not be able to make any changes to your menu. If you own an automobile transmission repair franchise, you may not be able to perform other types of automotive work, like brake or electrical system repairs. Restrictions on Method of Operation Franchisors may require that you operate in a particular way: they may dictate hours; pre-approve signs, employee uniforms, and advertisements; or demand that you use certain accounting or bookkeeping procedures. In some cases, the franchisor may require that you sell goods or services at specific prices, restricting your ability to offer discounts, or that you buy supplies only from an approved supplier even if you can buy similar goods elsewhere for less. Restrictions on Sales Area A franchisor may limit your business to a specific territory. While territorial restrictions may ensure that you will not compete with other franchisees for the same customers, they also could hurt your ability to open additional outlets or to move to a more profitable location. In addition, a franchisor may limit your ability to have your own website, which could restrict your ability to have online customers. Moreover, the franchisor itself may have the right to offer goods or services in your sales area through its own website or through catalogs or telemarketing campaigns. Terminations and renewal You can lose the right to your franchise if you breach the franchise contract. Franchise contracts are for a limited time; your right to renew is not guaranteed. Franchise Terminations A franchisor can end your franchise agreement for a variety of reasons, including your failure to pay royalties or abide by performance standards and sales restrictions. If your franchise is terminated, you may lose your investment. Renewals Franchise agreements may run for as long as 20 years. At the end of the contract, the franchisor may decline to renew. Renewals are not automatic, and they may not have the original terms and conditions. Indeed, the franchisor may raise the royalty payments, impose new design standards and sales restrictions, or reduce your territory. Any of these changes may result in more competition from company-owned outlets or other franchisees.

Environment Pollution Caused By Construction Activities Environmental Sciences Essay

Environment Pollution Caused By Construction Activities Environmental Sciences Essay This chapter present the brief information and effects of the environmental issues happened in the Malaysian Construction Sites. This is a literature chapter review on the environmental pollution happened which caused by the construction activities in Malaysia. For example, air pollution, water pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, wastage problem, ground movements and etc. 2.2 Environment Pollution Caused by Construction Activities According to Krishnan Ganesh (2005) describe that the pollution consists of any change of the environment in physical, chemical or biological characteristics which might be endanger the human life and other life being. Besides, pollution might occurred in increasing of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other green house gases conversely decreasing in stratospheric ozone on global scale enhanced the global environmental pollution to air, water and land resources, biological diversity and human health. Based on Jennifer Gray (2010), the construction industry is a major source of pollution compound around 4% of particulate emissions, higher occurrences of water pollution incidents than any other industry and frequent complains of noise every year. However, the main areas of concern are including air, water, noise and soil pollution. Meanwhile, Zhen et al (2006) stated the dirt, harmful gases, noises, blazing lights, solid and liquid wastes, ground movements, messy, fallen item, and etc that hazards from construction site are the sources of pollution. It would also interrupt the residents near the area furthermore influence their health quality and well-being of people in the whole city. In short, construction industry at site has full of danger, difficult and dirty or even death syndrome which are to be encountered and control under certain rules regulations. However, these rules regulation of environmental protection can be imposed by the local statutory, government, and any other independent institutions. 2.2.1 Air Pollution Nancy J. Sell (1945) notes the definition of air pollution is an addition to our atmosphere of any materials having a damaging effect on life and environment. Normally are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxides (NO), sulphur oxides (SO) and various hydrocarbons and particulates which are small particles consists of solids. The construction activities such as land clearing, operation of diesel engines, demolition, burning and working with toxic materials will contribute to air pollution. All construction activities produce high level of dust which can effects large distance over long time (Jennifer Gray, 2010). In addition, Jennifer (2010) also stated that diesel is the most critical emissions of a lot of toxic gases. Air pollution occur when the noxious vapours and other hazardous chemicals that are widely used on construction sites. The human health will be affected same as to the animal by the various types of pollutants. Most of the time, animal death can be happened by air pollutant as long it goes into the animal food sources. Damage on plant might be visible or which affect the growth, productivity and life will possess of the plants will be damaged (Nancy J. Sell, 1945). At last, the air pollution is directly linked to the human and other wild life being. This is because the poisonous air particular will damaging the respiratory systems of every living organism. Other serious diseases will also happen due to the insufficient inhaled of clean air and excessive inhaled of hazard oxygen. Therefore, the air quality is required to be controlled on construction sites moreover off the sites. 2.2.2 Water Pollution Diesel and oil, paint, solvents, cleaners and other harmful chemicals; and construction debris and dirt can be direct sources causing of water pollution. Soil erosion cause silt-bearing run-off and sediment pollution when the land is cleared. Silt and soil that run into natural waterways turn them turbid and restrict sunlight filtration and devastate aquatic life. In addition, other pollutants such as diesel and oil, toxic chemicals, and building materials from the site will be carried by the run-off of surface water. This happened to poison the water life when these substances get into waterways and any animal intake it. The source of human drinking water can be contaminated when the pollutants on construction sites soak into the groundwater which makes it much more difficult to purify than the surface water (Jennifer Gray, 2010). Based on Chiew Mynn, Jason and Joanthan (1997) shown that an example which the construction of a new golf course near the waterfall at Frasers Hill, Pahang tourism attraction. The forest nearby has been cleared, no roots to hold on to the surrounding soil and erode when the rains come. Silt and sand that comes from the construction become extremely murky and dirty as the soils run into the waterfall. Consequently, the overwhelming of construction activities surround the waterfall has lost its attraction. In short, water pollution can be affecting the health and safety of human and other wild life being gradually by intake the poisoned water sources which could not be purify completely. However, it might also cause massive damage to the building structures through the hidden running off of soil and water gradually under the foundation. Serious soil sedimentation and erosion will happen if excessive deforestation and development without proper plantation on the construction sites. Hence, the water pollution must be preventing effectively in order to provide safe and health living of building environmental. 2.2.3 Noise Pollution Noise is an increasingly omnipresent, yet underestimated, form of pollution. Long periods of exposure to relatively low levels of noise can have adverse effects on human health, such as raised blood pressure, hypertension, disrupted sleep and cognitive development in children (Kiernan, 1997), diminished working memory span, and psychiatric disorders (Bond, 1996). The vehicles, heavy equipment and machinery on construction sites create a lot of noise. Excessive noise is annoying and distracting, possible to cause loss in hearing, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance and extreme stress. Research has proven that high noise levels disturb the natural life cycles and usable habitat of animals (Jennifer Gray, 2010). As Choong Mek Zhin (2010) notes in his articles, Construction work going on at night in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya is causing many residents to lose sleep and suffer from stress due to the constant noise from the project sites. The construction works are proceeding although on public holidays. There are various noise sources on the construction sites and which reveal various types of noise which need to be managed such as background noise, idling noise, blast noise, impact noise, rotating noise, intermittent noise, howling, screeches and squeals (Lisa M. Sabitoni, 1996). Therefore, heavy noise pollution can cause mental problem of the human. This could bring a wide linkage of damages to the residential area nearby the construction sites if the noise levels are not well managed. Table below shows the noise construction activities schedule for noise limitation. Table: Typical noisy construction activities against the permissible noise limits (Khairul Sani B Samsudin, 2007) Type of Works 7am-7pm 7pm-10pm 10pm-7am Very Noisy Works e.g. piling, blasting, demolition, concreting works, use of percussion tools e.g. pneumatic hammers, etc Yes No No Moderately Noisy Works e.g. erection/dismantling of formwork, tying/fixing of steel bars, operation of cranes, loading/unloading of construction materials, etc Yes Yes No Quiet Works e.g. housekeeping, bricklaying, plastering, painting, etc Yes Yes Yes 2.2.4 Wastage Problem Waste produced by industrial operations has to be concerned as waste levels point out the appreciation of utilize of environment natural resources while the environmental issue is in concern globally. Construction industry has contributes a major waste to the overall waste volume among other industry operations annually for majority of the country. Most of the party involved in the operation do not alert of that construction waste can happen at every stage of the activities. During the stage on construction site, most of the resources are being used, therefore the major waste level are low which it can be observed for initial stage (Teoh Su Ping et al, 2009). As Ekanayake Ofori (2000) said, Construction waste can be divided into three major categories which are material, labour and machinery waste. However, material wastage is of more concern as more of the raw materials from which construction inputs are derived come from non-renewable resources. In short, waste management stands critical step to mitigate the pollution to the environment as the construction industry has contributes a major waste to the overall waste levels among the other industry operation. This is because every construction project is unique and heterogeneous which it undergoes with many various materials, methods, machinery under such long in durations. In addition, these construction wastes can cause an excessive amount of wastages which most of the inputs are produced from non-renewable resources such as timbers, steel bars, cement and sand, clay bricks, marble and gravel tiles and etc natural resources. Therefore, waste management must be operated in order to minimize the massive wastages problems and pollute the environment. 2.3 Summary Construction industry is full of challenges among the other production industry. This is because any of the pollution such as air, water, noise, waste problems and etc can be happened in the construction sites if improper protection and prevention during every single stage of the construction. Therefore, these require lots of effort in managing the conditions of the construction sites under a long period of construction time. However, some certified Environmental Management System (EMS) with valuable process and procedure is useful in the protection of environmental quality. For example, international certified ISO 14001:2004 as an EMS. Chapter 3 Concept and Principles of ISO 14001 as Environmental Management System (EMS) 3.1 Introduction This chapter is to present the concept and principles of the ISO 14001 as an EMS in Malaysian Construction Organizations. The important information including the introduction, concepts, benefits, methods, issues, challenges of processes and procedures in terms of implementing the ISO 14001 as an EMS. 3.2 Concept of ISO 14001 ISO 14001 was first published in 1996 and specified with actual requirement for an Environmental Management System (EMS). It applies to those environmental aspects which the organisation has control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. ISO 14001 is often seen as the corner stone standard of the ISO 14000 series. However, it is not only the most well known, but is the only ISO 14000 standard against which it is currently possible to be certified by an external certification authority. Having stated this, it does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria. This standard is applicable to any organization that wishes to Implement, maintain and improve an environmental management system Assure itself of its conformance with its own stated environmental policy (those policy commitments of course must be made) Demonstrate conformance Ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations Seek certification of its environmental management system by an external third party organization Make a self-determination of conformance (ISO 14000/ ISO 14001 Environmental Management Guide, 1996) 3.3 Implementation Process of EMS based on ISO 14001 According to Sarkis (1998), who has listed down the five important steps which showing the successful implementation process of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) based on ISO 14001. The five important steps are shown as below: Environmental policy: Firms must capture in a written document their intentions and principles in relation to their environmental behaviour. This statement must show firms commitment to comply with environmental legislation, to prevent pollution and also to potentially improve their environmental performance. It also must be accessible for the public. Planning: Firms have to identify controllable environmental aspects and determine which ones have significant environmental impacts. These are the ones that firms should attend first. Then firms have to determine the legal dimensions of these impacts (which will depend on the sector, the geographical situationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) and, based on this information, they have to establish objectives and targets as well as the EMS to achieve them. Implementation and operation: it means the allocation of human, financial and physical resources for these issues. Managers have to assign the environmental responsibilities, provide the suitable training to employees and also establish the internal and external communication channels in order to spread the environmental commitment among all the members in the organization and the stakeholders. Checking and corrective action: It includes the measurement of environmental performance, the identification of deviations by comparing targets and results and the application of corrective actions when necessary. In order to be able to carry out these activities, firms must keep environmental records and have periodical auditing of the EMSs. Management review: In order to guarantee the effectiveness and continuous improvement of the EMSs, managers have to review and get a feedback of all the policies, objectives and procedures. (Sarkis, J., 1998) At first, the organisations must comply with the environmental policies to prevent the environmental issues furthermore to improve their environmental performance. Then, the planning on controllable environmental aspects and impacts must be made in order to set up objectives and targets to be achieved by the organisations. Subsequently, experienced personnel have to apply the environmental management systems and ensure the environmental commitment has reached to every member in the organization as well as the stakeholders. Consequently, checking and corrective action must be taken which consists of environmental performance measures, comparison on divergence findings and rectifies actions. It would also required scheduled environmental records and periodical auditing of the EMS. Lastly, the management review step enables the managers to reassess and collect feedback related to the effectiveness and necessary improvement required on the policies, objectives and procedures. In short, a good EMS consists of not only the general five important steps of implementation processes but also required good integration of communication and coordination channels in between the executive personnel, managers, staffs, labours and other stakeholders. This could be the most critical point which might directly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of EMS in the entire organisations. 3.4 Benefit of Implementing ISO 14001 in Construction Organizations According to Blackmores (2008) noted, there are three (3) main categories of benefits which are financial, operational or internal and external ranges as shown below: Financial Cost savings by minimise the waste and use of natural resources such as electricity, water, gas and fuels efficiently. Identify the environmental risks and addressing the weaknesses. Helps the organisation to prevent the fines and penalties by fit to meet the environmental legislation, Indicating better risk management to helps minimising the insurance costs. Operational/Internal Improve the performance and efficiency in general Constrict the production processes, minimise in the risk of incidents and produce better efficiency Eliminate unforeseen and consistency by controlling the disruption and waste Staffs responsibility are clarified clearly Internal communications and morale improved External Express as innovative and forward thinking approach Lead to better public perception of the organization and a competitive advantage, furthermore to improve sales opportunities Lead to better community awareness of the impact of the construction activities on the local residents such as noise, smell, dust, vibration, etc. Demonstrate commitment to the environment and provide confidence to the customers, trade partners, stakeholders, regulators and local authority In addition, the implementing of ISO 14001 gives a lot of benefits such as protection of the environment; reduced operating costs; increased access to markets; demonstrated compliance with regulations; improve environmental performance; improved customer trust and satisfaction enhanced corporate image and credibility; employee involvement and education; and potential impact on world trade to allow competition on an equal basis (George Ofori et al, 2000). 3.5 Environmental Management System (EMS) Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) Schemes by CIDB EMS DIY Schemes is a part of the effective communication plan to be jointly executed by CIDB and Stakeholders, it was designed for given the significant importance of external accreditation which encouraging the construction companies to attain the ISO 14001:2004 certification. This scheme has two certifications which are ISO 14001 EMS Certificate and the CIDB EMS Certificate. However, there are 3 main objectives which to be achieved by the CIDB as listed below: Provide formal recognition of certified contractors on commitment to excellence environmental management Convenient the employers of the contractors such as JKR, housing developers and local authorities to select certified contractors, who have practicing commitment to excellence environmental management Provide CIDB with an index for monitoring and reporting the general environmental management awareness and practice of Malaysian contractors, as reflected in the annual number of contractors certified to the two EMS certification schemes. The overall aim of these schemes is to subsidise the Malaysian contractors with a cost-effective program in order to improve their performance up to a standardised level as well as in developed countries. Meanwhile, it also helps to assist the contractors to upgrade their environmental management performance throughout the EMS certification programs. At first, the contractor has to attend the EMS Awareness Program which consists of 3 module, such as Module AP1, AP2 and AP3 in order to choose whether CIDB EMS Certification Program or ISO 14001 EMS Certification Program. This allow the contractor to understand regarding Why, How and Benefits or Implementing Systematic Environmental Management before selecting either one of the EMS Programs by CIDB. Besides, an EMS Awareness Training Certificate will be issued by the CIDB to the participant after the completion of 3 training modules in the EMS Awareness Program. After that, it is a condition precedent to carry on either one of the two EMS D.I.Y. Programs by CIDB and 3 months will be given the participants to decide after completion of EMS Awareness Program. The following table shows the EMS Awareness Program. Table: Environmental Management System Awareness Program (CIDB, 2007) Phase Period Milestones Activities Action by Man-day Support Environmental Awareness and Education 2 Months Training Module AP1 Environmental Issues Malaysia Environmental Policy Introduction to CIDB- D.I.Y Scheme. Introduction to Global Environmental Problems and Management Issues. Introduction to Malaysian environmental management policies Consultant 1 Training Module AP2 Introduction to ISO 14001 EMS Introduction to ISO 14001:2004 EMS Standard and the Requirements. Strategic EMS Implementation Plan. Consultant 1 Training Module AP3 Malaysia Environmental Legal Regulatory Requirements Awareness of the current environmental legal and regulatory requirements in the Malaysian construction industry To identify legal and other requirements and develop appropriate Legal Register Consultant 1 Total Man-day 3 3.5.1 CIDB EMS Certificate D.I.Y. Program CIDB EMS Certification Program is an EMS Program under CIDB EMS DIY Scheme which takes 6 months from Phase 1 to 4 as shown in the table below. However, the participant must undergo the EMS Awareness Program before undertake this program and it only allows the CIDB registered contractors from Class G1-G6. Conversely, Class G7 contractors are only permitted to participant for ISO 14001 EMS Certification. There are some conditions in implementation of the EMS required such as, the first year shall be for one on-going project, second year shall be for three on-going projects, third and subsequent year shall be for all projects. Meanwhile, the name of all projects involved in the implementation of EMS shall be included in the CIDB EMS certificate and annual renewal of the certificate is depend on the compliance satisfaction with the annual EMS audit requirements. The action plan of the CIDB EMS Certification Program is shown as below: Table: CIDB EMS Certification Program Processes (CIDB, 2007) Phase Period Milestones Activities Action by Man-day Support EMS Planning Documentation 2 Months Training Module CP1 EMS Plan Training to Introduce the EMS Plan (Content and Implementation Steps). Development of the EMS Plan. Consultant 2 Contractor Activity Prepare EMS Plan Contractors to prepare the EMS Plan Submit to Consultants for evaluation. Contractor Evaluation of EMS Plan 0.5 Month Module CP2 On-site Evaluation of the EMS Plan On-Site review the EMS Plan interview key staffs. Identify the EMS Implementation Project (minimum 1 construction project). Suggest improvements. Contractor 1 Contractor Activity Take Corrective Action Based on evaluation findings, contractor takes appropriate corrective action and amends the necessary documentation. Contractor Implementation of EMS Plan 2.5 Months Contractor Activity Implementing the EMS Plan Contractor implements the EMS Plan (Office and minimum 1 construction project). Contractor Module CP3/CP4/CP5 Consultancy Support on the EMS Plan Implementation Consultant will visit the contractor monthly to provide on-site implementation advices and supports. Consultant 3 CIDB Audit 1 Month Module CP6 CIDB EMS Certification Audit CIDB Appointed Auditor performs the EMS Certification Audit. CIDB Appointed Auditor 1 Contractor Activity Take Corrective Action Take corrective actions to close out the non-conformance found in the Audit. Submit corrective action plan to Auditor. Contractor Award Award of CIDB EMS Certification Certification Award after review of the corrective action plan. TOTAL MAN-DAYS 7 DAYS Registration Fee and Payment The table below states the overall registration fees to be paid. The payments are separated into 2 stages upon the start of the respective phases. Meanwhile, the registration fees need to be paid upon the Stage 1 (EMS Awareness Program). However, these payments are excluded the accommodation and travel fees of the participants. Table: CIDB EMS Certificate D.I.Y. Program Fee and Payment (CIDB, 2007) CIDB EMS Certificate D.I.Y. Program Total Fee: RM 8,500.00 Payment in 2 Stages Phases Main-Days Payment by Contractors Environmental Awareness Education 3 Stage 1 EMS Planning and Documentation Evaluation of EMS Plan 3 Stage 2 Implementation of EMS Plan CIDB Audit 3 1 It also covers the following: Award of CIDB EMS Certificate 3.5.2 ISO 14001 EMS Certificate D.I.Y. Program ISO 14001 EMS Certification Program under CIDB EMS DIY Scheme is an EMS Program by CIDB. It takes 10 months to complete from Phase 1 to 6 and it is open to every contractors. Table below shows the ISO 14001 EMS Certification Processes. Table: ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) Certification Program Phase Period Milestones Activities Action by Man-day Support EMS Appreciation 0.5 Months Training Module IP1 ISO 14001 EMS briefing for Top Management Presentation to Top Management on the EMS Objectives, Benefits, Roles and Responsibilities. Consultant 0.5 EMS Planning 2.5 Months Training Module IP2 Environmental Policy, Aspects Significant Impacts Training on methods to identify and develop Environmental Aspects Impacts. Decide Criteria and Methodology for Determining Significant Impacts. Consultant 1.5 Contractor Activity Prepare Policy, Legal Environmental Aspects Register, Implementation Plan Contractor to prepare the Environmental Policy, Legal Registers and Environmental Aspects Impacts Register. Contractor to plan develop and implementation plan and milestones. Contractor Module IP3 On-site Review Consultation on Policy, Legal Aspects Register Assessment of current EMS status against ISO 14001:2004 other legal requirements. Review the Implementation Plan Approach for the EMS implementation Consultant 2 Training Module IP 4 Objectives, Targets, KPI EMP Introduction to importance and formulation in establishing the objectives, targets, Key Performance Indication (KPI) and Environmental Management Program (EMP). Consultant 1 Contractor Activity Prepare Objectives, Targets EMP Contractor to prepare the environmental Objectives, Targets, KPI and EMP. Contractor Module IP5 On-site Review Consultation on Objectives, Targets, KPI EMP Consultant to review and finalise the Objectives, Targets, KPI and EMP established. Consultant 1 Documentation EMS Implementation 1 2.5 Months Module IP6 Off-site Preparation of EMS Manual Procedures Guidelines Off-site Preparation of Guidelines for EMS Manual Procedures specific to the contractors organisation. Consultant 1 Training Module IP7 ISO 14001 EMS Documentation Implementation Introduce and develop the EMS documentation (Manual, Procedures) and implementation programme. Softcopies provided for the Environmental System operational procedures and forms. Consultant 1 Contractor Activity EMS Documentation Implementation Contractor to prepare EMS Manual Procedures based on Consultants guidelines information provided. The template formats provided on computer disk will be used. Initiate EMS Implementation Collect the initial data. Contractor Module IP8 On-site Review Finalise the EMS Manual Procedures On-site Review Consultation on EMS Manual Procedures. Amend the documents if necessary. Consultant 1 Stage 1 Audit Documentation Audit Third Party Certification Bodys Auditor conducts Documentation Audit. Certification Body Contractor Activity Take Corrective action Based on audit findings, contractor takes appropriate corrective action and amends the necessary documentation. Contractor Documentation EMS Implementation 2 1.5 Months Contractor Activity Continue EMS implementation Continue implementing the procedures and programmes as planned e.g. Records, monitoring data, training etc. as per tasks outlined. Contractor Module IP9 On-Site Consultation on Implementation Progress On-site Monitoring Consultation on Implementation of Procedures and EMP to ensure the implementation programmes are properly in place and utilised. Consultant to provide hands on guidance. Contractor 1 Checking Management Review 2 Months Training Module IP10 ISO 14001 EMS Internal Auditor Training Conduct ISO 14001 EMS Internal Auditor Training to provide skills and knowledge on how to conduct internal audit and becoming a competent internal auditor. Consultant 2 Contractor Activity Conduct Internal Audit Take Corrective Actions Contractor to conduct internal audit to identify gaps in the systems. Auditor to prepare internal audit report and issue corrective actions request if required. Responsible personnel to take appropriate corrective actions. Contractor Module IP11 On-site Monitoring Consultation on Internal Audit and Corrective actions taken To check and review EMS Implementation progress and provide hands on guidance. To close out the Corrective Action Requests. Consultant 1 Contractor Activity Conduct Management Review Conduct Management Review to communicate and review EMS performance improvements plans. Contractor Module IP12 On-site Consultation on EMS Implementation Site Readiness On-site Monitoring Consultation on Management Review and EMP. Check site condition. Consultant 1 Contractor Activity Finalise EMS and Ensure Site Readiness Contractor to finalise EMS and ensure Site Readiness. Contractor Pre-Assessment 1 Month Module IP13 On-site Pre-Assessment Perform Pre-certification assessment to determine the conformity of the EMS implementation. Identify improvement opportunities and present pre-assessment audit

Environmental Threats Essays -- essays research papers

Contemporary Issues Environmental threats Overpopulation Every 20 minutes, the world adds another 3,500 human lives but loses one or more entire species of animal or plant life - at least 27,000 species per year. ZGP July 1999 World population growth peaked at about two percent per year in the early 1960s. Latest population figures indicate that the rate of growth has slowed to 1.33 percent annually, equivalent to 78 million people a year. UNFPA 1999 The highest world population growth rate was 2.04 percent in the late 1960's. This year, it is about 1.31 percent. NY Times World population growth is equivalent to around three babies every second. UNFPA '99 New inhabitants add the equivalent of a city the size of San Francisco to world population every three day The world population is growing fast and the effects of this are  food shortages  exhaustion of farm land and soil erosion  insufficient power supplies  social un-rest and war  immense pressure on welfare system and national benefits  crime due to lack of space and jobs The world in the future will be able to support less NOT more people this is due to carefully farmed areas losing there top-soil (the cause is over farming), but the world needs more and not less food so larger fields are required but these large fields allow soil and wind erosion to happen more quickly. Fertilisers only speed up this erosion e.g. America (Arizona) land is useless and dusty because of the chemicals poisoning the land. Also in places such as Egypt where the water supply is irrigated from underground water supplies, the water contains mineral salts, which will slowly poison the land. We can say that overpopulation can effect the police in a dramatic way, as the ratio between a police officer and the public is increasing. This can effect the police officers productivity and effectiveness in dealing with crime. We can say that Public services in general are under-funded, this in part can be blamed on the amount of people not paying tax (asylum seeker's, unemployed, O.A.P's). I.e. as science grows so do length of years people live as dose the funding which is required to keep these people (pension, benefits) which could be spent on Public services. The Police Federation's research found: London has 25,121 officers, one for every 290 ... ...that â€Å"any conclusion upon the safety of introducing genetically modified materials into the UK is premature, as there is insufficient evidence to inform the decision-making process at present.† There are concerned that consumption of the maize will lead to an increased resistance to antibiotics in human and animal populations. The testing carried out on GM foods is inadequate. Quite often the testing is carried out by the companies themselves that seek to benefit financially from the product. Releasing genetically modified organisms into the environment represents 'genetic pollution'. There are long held concerns about the transfer from genetically engineered crop plants to wild relatives to create 'superweeds', which could out-compete and disrupt the natural biodiversity of an area. Many GM crops are also able to crossbreed with neighbouring crops. Government research concluded that crossbreeding would be â€Å"inevitable†. Critics argue that we do not know enough about the way genes operate and interact to be sure of what the outcome of any modification will be. They worry that the alterations could accidentally lead to substances that are poisonous or trigger allergies.

Ramses the Great :: Ancient Egypt Egyptian History

Ramses the Great In the Egyptian pyramids of Giza, Ramses the Great ruled as the greatest pharaoh of all times. Ramses the Great, also known as Ramses II, or just Ramses, was born in 1304 B.C., and was given the name the Justice of Ray is Powerful. He had the knowledge of the kingdom, and became the focus of the court at an early age. Ramses and his father spent most of their time together, and at age ten, Ramses became heir to the thrown. He took the thrown in the year of 1292 B.C. The pharaoh lived over all other people in the kingdom. According to historians, the Nile river was the source of life to the Egyptians. The Nile river provided the Egyptian people with water, fish, and fertile soil to grow crops on. The peasant folk in Egypt lived on a diet of wheat bread, fish, and corn. Also, the death rates there were said to be very high. When Ramses became pharaoh, he got many riches. For example, Ramses had as many women as his heart desired. The women did everything for Ramses, which includes dancing for him. Ramses II was the most powerful king in all of ancient Egypt, and his Queens were his greatest supporters. Ramses had many wives, but he loved one particular wife the most of all of them. Ramses the Great was also known for his fighting. In 1275 B.C., he went into battle with about 2,000 men. It was about noon on a spring day, and Ramses II was encamped with his army near the city of Kadesh in Syria. He and his army were planning a surprise attack on the Hittites. While Ramses was waiting for his army to assemble, Hittite chariots showed up out of nowhere and attacked. Frightened, the Egyptian forces fled and left Ramses the Great to face the enemy alone. Luckily, he escaped with his life. Later, Ramses II had scenes from the battle carved on temple was all over Egypt. According to the carvings, Ramses prayed to Amon, the chief Egyptian god, to save him. He said, "My soldiers and charioteers have forsaken me, but I call and find that Amon is worth more to me than millions of foot soldiers and hundreds of thousands of chariots." After that, the carvings show that he rallied his forces and had victory over the Hittites.

What Makes Me a True Filipino

WHAT MAKES ME A TRUE FILIPINO? ORIGIN: According to Sociology, Filipino is a hodgepodge, a mixture of primitive strains ( Negrito, Ita, Aeta); eastern strains (Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese) and western strains ( Spanish, English, American). primitive strains + eastern strains + western strains = A FILIPINO Therefore, we Filipinos are unified from different races. . I may say that I’m a Filipino. VALUES: Some says Filipinos are wonderful people. We are friendly, loving, caring, family oriented, loves adventures, talented, religious, etc. They are also hardworking. We are hospitable, that’s the no. 1 thing most common in our personality. We are also jolly people. . I may say that I’m a Filipino. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Filipinos are known for flat, small or big nose; medium or tan skin (kayumanggi); black hair and who are small ones etc. I may say that I’m a Filipino because I have those. We are plenty of gorgeous Filipino men and women out there who have unique appearances†¦ But some are ashamed with their beauties. When you disrespect the traits of your ancestors, you are only insulting yourself. MANNERISM AND PERSONALITY TRAITS: Filipinos point with their lips. They eat with their hand and have it down as a technique. They nod their head upwards to greet someone. They put their foot up on their chair and rest their elbows on their knees while you eat. etc I may say that I’m a Filipino. VOCABULARY: Filipinos say ‘Aray' instead of ‘ouch’. They make acronyms for phrases: ‘OA' = overacting, ‘DOM' = dirty old man, and ‘TNT' for†¦ You know. They also pronounce the ff. words: ‘Hippopo-TA-mus', ‘com-FOR-table', ‘Bro-CO-li', and ‘Montgo-marry Ward'. Filipinos say ‘Ay' or â€Å"Uy† instead of ‘oops' etc. I may say that I’m a Filipino. CLOTHING AND APPEARANCE: Filipinos – There's Angelique eyeliner and Johnson's Baby Powder compacts lurking in your makeup drawer. They check labels on clothes to see where it's made. Their ponytail ribbon covers half your head. I may say that I’m a Filipino. These are some ways to know you are Filipino. It is very interesting. It is quite funny but we must admit that we are one of them. And regardless of all this, WE are FILIPINO for life.

Power of Women Essay

Behind every great man is an even greater woman. This certainly hold true in many cases. Woman can be the driving force in any successful man. However, a woman can also use her strong influence in a negative way. Woman do have power, lots of it. But I’m not just talking about the power within the family, or power in the workplace or even power in higher political office. I’ m talking about a more basic kind of power: Power over Men. If a woman recognizes her power over men, she can own a man. I dont care who the man is but if she wants him and hes at all attracted to her, she chan own him. Feminine charm is one of the element of this power. It can stops a man on his tracks even when theres no overwhelming physical attraction. Theres also a spiritual power that women have, especially with men who instinctively repect or idolize women. Men acknowledge a womans power. They may welcome it at times. But always remember that men always want to feeel like a man. So women should be really careful. This power needs to use wisely. In the absence of man, can woman really be like a man? I think yes. There are woman who is capable in finance, even being a capable single parent and bread winner. In this respect, a woman will have to be like a man. Of course she cannot match the physical strength of him. This just only mean that nowadays, a woman can do what man can do. Things back before, they were very strict for women. They had no rights; no rights to vote, no freedom of speech, they did not work, they stay at home and took care of their household and wifely duties. Thankfully that the legal status of them changed since the 18th century. Things have changed due to eomen actively becoming contributors as a breadwinner of their household. Some of the factors of this are, they work in full time jobs and some of them occupy the best position. Some also dont want to get married and have a traditional family. Others are changing to openly raise a family with another woman where the societys critism is becoming less harsh everyday. Maybe because they already now their characteristics and find it more compatible thats why they chose to have a relationship with the same gender. Compassion is one of the characteristics within women that tends to be greater than men. They give a better undstanding of a person and feel what they feel. This allows people to trust and have a good relationship. Because woman have good communication skills, they can use it by showing their feeling which  encourage openness in relationships. Men as we all know are not very vocal when it comes to showing their feelings thats why woman are there. They are the ne whos in charge in teaching their children, managing the expenses and more. Wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers are important people in everyones lives. People should know how to respect them especially men. In todays world, theyre not below level of anyone but considered as great women with great responsibilities aside from bearing a child. Ill end this talk by saying a quote which is â€Å"The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

Date and Observations Essay

1. Write the balanced equation for the reaction conducted in this lab, including appropriate phase symbols.†¨Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) –> H2(g) + MgCl2(aq) 2. Determine the partial pressure of the hydrogen gas collected in the gas collection tube. †¨The partial pressure of the hydrogen gas is 1.07 atm 3. Calculate the moles of hydrogen gas collected.†¨pv=mrt ; n= .0013mol of hydrogen gas 4. If magnesium was the limiting reactant in this lab, calculate the theoretical yield of the gaseous product. Show all steps of your calculation.†¨0.03184 g Mg(1mol Mg/ 24.3050 g Mg)= 0.0013mols Mg 0.0013mols Mg(1mol H2/ 1mol Mg)= .0013 1. Determine the percent yield of this reaction, showing all steps of your calculation. 2. (actual yield/ theoretical yield)x 100% (0.0013/ 0.0013)x 100= 100% 1. Would the following errors increase, decrease, or have no effect on the calculated moles of gas collected in the experiment? Explain your answers in complete sentences.†¨ a. The measured mass of the magnesium was smaller than the true mass. †¨If the measured amount of magnesium is less than the true amount of magnesium then the measured number of moles would be lower than the measured number of hydrogen would be smaller than the true number of moles of hydrogen. It would decrease the calculated moles of the gas. b. The actual temperature of the hydrogen gas is lower than room temperature. †¨If the actual temperature of hydrogen gas is lower than room temperature then the actual amount of hydrogen gas would be higher than the gas at room temperature. So therefore it would increase the number of moles produce. 2. Explain in terms of particle collisions and Dalton’s law why it can be assumed that the total pressure inside the gas collection tube is equal to the atmospheric pressure outside of the tube. †¨If the number of particle collisions and the pressure inside the gas collection tube was high it would force the water in the gas collection tube to be lower than the surrounding water. If the number of particle collisions and the pressure was low the surrounding water would push the water higher into the gas collection tube. When the water is even, inside and outside of the tube, the number of  particle collisions and the pressure are equal. 3. If an undetected air bubble was trapped inside the gas collection tube, how would this affect your calculated percent yield? Explain your answer. 4. If there was an undetected air bubble trapped in the gas collection tube then the pressure of hydrogen would be lower then the actual value therefore the percent yield would be lower than the actual percent yield.

Groom service Essay

Groom service â€Å"and† return â€Å"the protagonist who deal with emotional problems occurred a terrible set of two short stories. These two stories are related to the acceptance, acknowledgment and recognition of common themes. In the† bridegroom services, â€Å"Berner Germany, the protagonist and his hunting skills, ability to survive, but did not dare to pursue his love. he tried to accept from Mary and her family. On the contrary, Kamau’s story â€Å"return† purposes, from accepting a village but detect changes that occur acceptances due to their family and character, the impact of internal and external forces established protagonist, Bernard and Kamau, ultimately not their ideal partner. Bernard and Kamau were living in a poor neighborhood, every family adds an extra burden of the family. Bernard’s mother, Martha, is very strict, her daughter – in – law. Because Doris is nearly 40 years old, she would not have the energy to help with the housework. In addition, Martha is worried Doris gave birth family in old age. According Kamaus parents, Muthoni, Kamau’s wife, is always a good deal Kamau’s parents. Muthoni gave birth to a baby, left the family when Kamau detention camp. She chose to leave, because it is very difficult and tense her care and feeding of the baby is not her husband’s support and help. Therefore, whether the protagonist is lost, mainly because of their financial problems they want to partner. In the tough issues, people find their true love, because they should first prioritize their lives difficult. The two protagonists are very different character in the pursuit of his love aspect. When Martha asked to leave Doris Bernard and Mary married, he immediately took action. Bernard’s relationship is since when he missed his partner so fragile.

In Search of Your Own Identity Essay

After various writings by Richard Rodriguez and Octavio Paz, I have come across several realizations. Who am I? Should I be a part of a nation and a â€Å"system† that does not value me, or should I be a part of a nation that does not acknowledge my existence? The United States as a nation does not value me, and Mexico does not even know that I exist. These are difficult matters to discuss. We are all in search of our own identity. However, some of us are placed in a situation that makes it very difficult and confusing to know or understand. I have always asked myself, â€Å"Who am I? † I should put it in more crude words, â€Å"Where do I belong? † After this specific question is asked, I begin to realize that I have problems coming up with a response. My parents were born in Mexico, and thus, they are Mexican. Sometimes I feel I belong here in the United States, but other times I feel more attached to Mexico. I am a Mexican-American. However, I feel that I am denying in some way my heritage and my culture by saying that I am. I am denying my parents. I say that I’m Mexican because in a sense I am. I am also an American. I am a Mexican-American. What do these terms put together imply? They should imply that the person is Mexican and American. The term â€Å"Mexican-American† is the very reason why I find myself confused about who I really am. I need to search for my own identity, which leads me to the purpose of this essay. Rodriguez and Paz have discussed this particular problem of identity. All three have different viewpoints. Some of their ideas are similar but mostly contradictory, especially in the case of Rodriguez and Paz. As I was reading, I was able to relate to what they had to say, and in a much bigger sense, I was able to understand and know who I am. I was able to find my self. According to Paz, self-discovery is most than anything realizing that we are alone. Paz argues that our being or our identity becomes a problem and a question. It becomes a problem because of several reasons. We just don’t simply wake up one day and realize that we don’t know who we are. There are individuals who are placed in difficult situations that allow for these questions to arise. For example, the migration of Mexicans to the United States is a situation that will definitely cause many to question their identity. I agree because if we had not moved to the United States, I would simply consider myself a Mexican without a doubt. Paz strongly argues that different circumstances are likely to produce different reactions. This migration is a circumstance that will bring about confusion among the Mexicans about who they really are. It is ironic how a few miles can bring about such a change in you. Personally, I have experiences such a confusion by simply moving twenty miles North of where I lived. I lived in Reynosa since I was eight. Then, my family and I moved here to McAllen. At the beginning, you don’t feel quite like you fit. It makes it very difficult because it is a completely different world. Even though the majority of the people are of Mexican origin, it still makes it very hard. After the years, I became somewhat used to the life here and began to feel comfortable. However, I also began to question my identity. It is the moment we cross that border that we lose our identity. Paz argues that instead of asking ourselves questions, we should do something about it. We cannot go on contemplating who we are, rather, we should work with our situation and do something. Our questions are only an excuse for not facing reality. I agree with Paz because sometimes, we continue to complain and complain and simply think about our present situation. However, we do nothing to change it. I believe that Mexican-Americans need to stop talking about our injustices and discrimination and do something. However, Paz does mention that Mexicans have an inferiority complex. We begin to doubt our own abilities. This happens because of our culture. We are taught to listen and stay quiet. On the other hand, Anglo-Americans are taught to voice their opinions. There are many differences in both the Anglo-American culture and Mexican culture. These differences are the reason why it is impossible to blend or mix. We are brought into a culture that is the complete opposite of ours. This is the reason why Paz says that our â€Å"Mexicanism† simply floats. It never exists, and it never goes away. One of the ways we react to this situation is by flaunting our differences. Paz talks about pachucos. They are a group of people of Mexican origin that are known for their language, behavior, and clothing. I remember when I went to high school and we had a pep rally, which landed right on September 16, which is Mexico’s independence. A group of friends and I decided to wear red, white, and green to celebrate Mexico’s independence. We were simply proud of being Mexicans and wanted to show our pride. However, there were problems with several of the administrators because it wasn’t just my friends and I doing it, but other people as well. The pep rally was canceled because they felt that our clothing would distract and cause conflict with the other â€Å"American† students in school. As I was reading Paz, he mentioned that Mexicans dress a certain way to stand out. They know they are rejected by the â€Å"American† society. They do this to be different and stand out. The disguise is a protection because it hides and points them out. Somehow, they are doing this to â€Å"belong† in some way. They are able to catch the attention of the Anglo-Americans. I don’t agree with Paz. I believe that sometimes people dress a certain way to show their pride. I do not dress a certain way to be different and so people can notice me. I am proud to be Mexican and want to show it off. When fourth of July comes, I also like to dress in red, white and blue to celebrate America’s independence. Is this possible or am I being a hypocrite? This question leads me to Richard Rodriguez. Richard Rodriguez’ Hunger of memory is an autobiography. I was able to read only part of his book. I found it quite fascinating. Rodriguez goes through many problems of identity. He has mixed feelings about his own self. He mainly talks about affirmative action. What does the term â€Å"minority student† mean? Is it something we want to be classified as? I had an experience in high school in which a student denied a part of himself. His mother is Anglo and his father is Mexican. However, throughout school, when it was time to check on the ethnicity, he would check out Anglo. He did this throughout his years in school, but when it was his senior year something happened. He decided to go talk to his counselor and tell her to change all his paperwork. He no longer wanted to be classified as Anglo, but Hispanic. When I heard this, it was very surprising. I cannot understand how this particular person decided to simply become Hispanic just so he could get the benefits of affirmative action. He was applying to scholarships and various universities, and he knew that if he was classified as a minority student, he would receive better benefits. This is not right. You cannot simply choose to be Hispanic for your convenience. You should not reject a part of yourself simply for your own benefits. Rodriguez faced this dilemma. He knew that he did not want to be labeled a minority student, but if this is what was going to get him in society, then he simply had to accept. Throughout life, Rodriguez wondered about his identity. He was criticized by many because he was a well-known writer who was invited as a guest speaker. He would be around Anglo-Americans, and many criticized him because they felt he had become a part of them. Is this really true? Isn’t your identity how â€Å"you† see yourself? Just because other people see you being around another class or race of people, doesn’t mean that you have become a part of them. You simply know that you are Mexican, American, or Mexican-American, and blending with other cultures doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your true self. Because of affirmative action, Rodriguez was able to be a guest speaker, and a professor at a university. He felt threatened at times because the felt somewhat alienated by the â€Å"other† society. Rodriguez did not have a good relationship with the Chicano students. He felt threatened by them. These students were still attached to their parents’ culture. These students knew how to speak Spanish very well. They were proud of their past. Rodriguez on the other hand, spoke in English. His Spanish was not that well. He did not want to associate himself to a past that meant â€Å"poor†. There was one specific time when Rodriguez’ parents saw a Hispanic student wearing a sarape. They were very surprised. Rodriguez said that these students were foolish to think themselves unchanged by their schooling. I disagree with Rodriguez because I believe that just because you are getting a higher education and have a good job, you forget that you are Hispanic or Mexican-American. Rodriguez simply wanted to justify his own change. He did not want to belong or keep a bond between a past that did not bring fond memories. He was not as disadvantaged as other Hispanics. However, he felt very strongly about not going to Chicano student meetings or social events sponsored by â€Å"La Raza. † I don’t agree with him. After reading this, I realized that he is wrong. I am proud to be Mexican-American. I am proud to carry the term â€Å"Mexican† and â€Å"American. † I am proud of my Mexican culture, customs, and beliefs. I don’t need to change in order to succeed or attain a higher education. Rodriguez suddenly came to this realization. He could not simply cast out his culture and simply erase it. At some point, he had a discussion with his several Hispanic students in which he did not agree with them. Soon, he was known to others as being a â€Å"coconut,† brown on the outside, white on the inside. I have learned many things this semester. I had not really given much thought Mexican-American history. I never realized about the various things that were discussed. It was an eye opener. I was also able to realize of the many problems and injustices that Hispanics face here in the United States. However, just like Paz said, we cannot simply contemplate these issues. We need to do something about them. I am attending college to receive a higher education. I know that education is extremely important. However, I am not losing my identity by coming to college. Getting an education does not necessarily make you a different person. I don’t agree with Rodriguez’s viewpoint. After reading Paz and Rodriguez, I began to see myself in some of what they had to say. I realized that I have gone through a confusion stage. I sometimes don’t know where I belong or who I am. I have come to the conclusion that I am simply American. America is a nation filled with various ethnic groups. Hispanics include people from Mexico, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, etc. There are also many Asians. I often ask myself why people from Ireland living here in America aren’t labeled Irish-American. They are simply American. Why then should we be labeled Mexican-American? Cant’ we simply be called American? I have come to the conclusion that I am American. American can mean different things to different people. To me American means being a part of Mexico as well as the United States. I consider myself a lucky person. I am able to be have the best of both worlds: Mexico and the United States. Tomorrow, I will celebrate Mother’s Day here in the United States and Monday it will be 10 de mayo, Dia de las Madres in Mexico. My mom is very lucky. She gets two gifts. I don’t believe that I am being a hypocrite by doing this. These are some of the advantages of being American.

The Greatest Nature Essays Ever Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

The Greatest Nature Essays Ever - Essay Example Sometimes, we also feel tired of the demands of our parents, the world and even our trusted friends, from us. Sometimes, with all the difficulties I go through and the expectations of my parents from me, I feel so all alone. Many times, I wanted to give up but many times, I am thankful that I have places like Repulse Bay where I can find comfort and strength. Repulse Bay is a beautiful place in Hong Kong which attracts many people every day. It is a busy area where merchants bring their goods from other places. Although many modern structures are built around the bay, it still looks magnificent so that many local and foreign tourists go to the place. Among the uncountable visitors, I have been one of those who went there, appreciating and loving its beauty. Repulse Bay for me is more than a tourist attraction. It also served as my teacher in so many ways. As a young child, I always wanted to go to Repulse Bay because my experiences there were always enjoyable. My parents bought me things and I get to eat all the food that I wanted. I loved the busyness of the place. All the people there seemed to be happy, with bright smiles and cheerful moods, enjoying everything that was happening. I especially loved the place because it feels like home. There are many big buildings around so I know that I am not very far away from the modern world that I have been accustomed to. As I grew up, I went out to the bay with my friends. We went there to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and I can say; I always enjoyed the place and the friends who were just wonderful. I was able to enjoy many activities in the place, knowing that at the end of the day, I will be safe and comfortable again in my own bedroom. However, life is not always comfortable. Still, it is a good thing to have somewhere to go that one considers as a place of comfort. The greatest thing that really happened to my relationship with Repulse Bay was not when I was with my family who