Significant Importance of E-Commerce Security Research Paper

Significant Importance of E-Commerce Security - Research Paper Example In today’s dynamic world companies spent heavily on their IT departments for the technical support to smoothly run their e-commerce activities. Companies even develop e-commerce strategies to reduce the  cost of the business, expand sales and increase customer services and satisfaction in the long run. (Ghosh, 2001; Khosrowpour, 2004; Smith, 2004) The introduction of e-commerce into businesses has widened the scope of all business activities. Due to increasing use of e-commerce by the businesses and customers, it is now essential to provide a secure structure of e-commerce. Unfortunately, the current internet security policies don’t support these needs. In order to gain a competitive edge in the market company needs to adopt a security policy which caters the needs of everyone involved in the e-commerce process. (Al-Slamy, 2008) The businesses operating widely over e-commerce don’t want to lose their customers due to risks involved in using online services. Sol id security measures are now needed to run the businesses effectively and safely. (Oswald, 2005) E-Commerce in Organizations: In most organizations e-commerce total security programs are installed to protect firm’s resources and e-commerce operations. Such programs are necessary for e-commerce survival and their effectiveness in the organization. Such programs are kept updated and management practices and latest technologies are incorporated from time to time. (Khosrowpour, 2004) E-commerce is widely used for many business purposes like product research, order entry; customer’s related matters like support, services, communication, inquiry, invoicing etc., outbound and inbound logistics. E-commerce has revolutionized not only businesses but every aspect of life - the world is now a click away. (Smith, 2004) E-commerce system and related threats: Developing an e-commerce system is a challenging and crucial step to any organization. The initial process would be to conduc t a research regarding the importance of e-commerce program to the organization and impact of e-commerce on the long-term profitability. Leadership and commitment to upper management in the implementation of the e-commerce is essential. The next step is developing a privacy policy for the organization that outlines privacy issues, the sensitivity of information and purchasing guidelines. The next step would be to assess risks imposed by the system regarding its security, both internally and externally. It is often seen that identifying internal threats is difficult compared to external ones. For the purpose, many software packages are available and are installed in order to ensure that the system is safeguarded against the internal and external threats. (Khosrowpour, 2004; Epstein, 2004) An organization can face many problems due to poor security in e-commerce systems. An e-commerce continuity plan is extremely important which provides the outline to deal and prevent any problems in the system. The basic security step is the use of anti-virus programs and firewalls installation. The risks usually faced by an e-commerce system include loss of data due to fire or explosion or any other accident, intentional destruction and theft of hardware and software or important documents, loss of key e-commerce security personnel, loss of communication, vendors and technology etc.  

Art History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Art History - Research Paper Example one of the great museum founders, served for many years during the crucial times of its formation and was the president of the institution from 1896 to 1897. He made most of the significant gifts ever to the museum when he presented over seventy pictures by Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French, and Flemish artists of the xv to xvii centuries. His collections put the museum in a valuable position among other museums for character of its collections in which may regard almost every influential artist. The Annunciation picture is of a religious type of art. The title of the photo seems to originate from the Biblical story where Christians celebrate the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus to Mary. God sent Angel Gabriel to appear before the Virgin Mary and told her that she would conceive a baby boy (Jesus). She would conceive the child through the power of the Holy Spirit The artist of this picture reflected this view by the images of both Angel Gabriel and Mary. The artist also made another effort of bringing in the physical appearance of the characters in the pictures. He clearly represents the man with feathers as the angel since angels used to have them and had the ability to fly. It also creates the difference in the two images, and one can differentiate between them (Angel Gabriel and Mary). From the Biblical story, Mary was shocked upon hearing the news from the Angel and the artist portrays this in the picture. The woman seen on the right side of the image seems to be in a shock as she listens from the other man. The actual size of the image is 51.8 by 43.5 cm. The height of the picture exceeds the width by a few centimeters. The artist might have chosen this to accommodate the height of both characters images and the background that is typically crucial in determining the final view of the picture. The frame of the picture is 30 x 26 5/8 x 2 Â ½ centimeters. Although it has not affected the shapes in the images much, it has cut one of the shapes at the left far

Marketing Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Planning - Essay Example The Marketing Planning is also defined as the process that motivates the marketing personnel to look internally in order to fully understand the results of past marketing decisions and to look externally in order to fully understand the market in which they operate. It also sets future goals and provides direction for future marketing efforts that everyone within the organization should understand and support. It is a key component in obtaining funding to pursue new initiatives. SBU stands for Strategic Business Unit. It is one of the crucial component in marketing planning. SBU is understood as a business unit with in the overall corporate identity which is identifiable from other business because it serves a defined external market where management can conduct strategic planning in relation to products and markets. When companies become really large, they are best thought of as being composed of a number of SBUs. A SBU is a unit of the company that has a separate mission and objectives and that can be planned independently from the other businesses. An SBU can be a company division, a product line or even individual brands and it all depends on how the company is organized. An independent grouping of organizations, products or technologies within a parent organization, with complete resource and profit responsibility for serving an identified markets (FN1). These organizational entities are large enough and homogeneous enough to exercise control over most strategic factors affecting their performance. They are managed as self contained planning units for which separate business strategies can be developed. A Strategic Business Unit can encompass an entire company, or can simply be a smaller part of a company set up to perform a specific task. The SBU has its own business strategy, objectives and competitors and these will be different from those of the parent company. The marketing planning is a dynamic process which has to be highly

Adversity Essay Example for Free

Adversity Essay I woke up at 11 am feeling refreshed. I hadn’t slept in since my family had started on our road trip to Canada. We were finally in Calgary and were leaving for home the next day-A good 22-hour drive. I got up quickly from my bed and jumped over my laptop charger. A disorienting head rush suddenly came upon me and I felt dizzy. I saw the stairs briefly and then it seemed like I was tumbling. When I could finally think again, I realized that my parents were in panic and I was surrounded by blood. Turned out, I fell right into some glass and as I would later find out, it had cut an important tendon in my shin. I was rushed to the ER and got surgery to fix my tendon. I asked the doctor to take some pictures of my leg right before I was sedated. After the surgery, a huge temporary cast was put on my leg and I was given crutches with which I could hobble around. Now came the 22-hours in a car with my injured leg. Luckily they weren’t as bad as I had thought they would be. Finally I was home. My friends visited me and were aghast at the size of my cast and the pictures of my leg! They thought I was just joking and wasn’t really injured. I had to spend 6 weeks in my cast. Six grueling weeks during which all I did was watch movies and tv shows on my laptop. My whole summer passed me by and I couldn’t do anything. My friends play basketball in the heat, thoroughly enjoying themselves while I watched them wistfully. Time went by slowly but finally I got my cast off only to find out that my tendon was too weak to walk on so I had to endure two weeks in a black boot. It was still summer and because my boot absorbed sunlight, my foot often smelled and had heat sores on it. I almost preferred my cast to this hell. Eventually my boot came off too. I could finally walk! I was sent to six weeks of physiotherapy where I found out that I probably wouldn’t be running or jumping for another 6 months almost. Well, at least I didn’t have to run miles for PE. I have only three more months now and I am optimistic. Since I can’t run, I started working on my biceps and now I can show them off. Soon I will be running as fast as the wind and touching the sky with my perfect two legs. That day cannot come fast enough.

Creating Morals in Victorian Short Stories Essay -- The House of Eld T

Creating Morals in Victorian Short Stories I have read recently several Victorian short stories I noticed that many had similar styles and contents. But the three stories that I found most interesting were: The Persons of the tale and The House of Eld both by R L Stevenson and The Superstitious Man’s Story by Thomas Hardy. In these three stories I found that they were linked by the use of a narrator to tell the story of what had happened to the main characters through their fear, heroism and morality. The House of Eld and The Persons of the Tale both have a moral to them. They are both written by the same author and although the moral in The House of Eld is shown at the end and The Persons of the Tale is a little harder to find both need to be worked out with great thought. The moral of the Persons of the Tale is that people although they are all different they are all needed in one way or another to complete life and the moral at the end of The House of Eld relates to the story. In the story the boy Jack thinks that everything will be perfect if he gets rid of the Sorcerer and therefore the gyve, but in fact in the process he kills his uncle, his father and his mother. The moral puts across the point that if you get rid of something important to your family you get rid of them too. R L Stevenson has written these short stories in the style of Aesop’s Fables, each with their own meaning and moral. He has done this in an updated version for their time to help the readers and listeners understand the meaning of life. In both the R L Stevenson stories there is a hero. In the House of Eld, the hero is Jack. He shows heroic characteristics like braveness, the will to win and determination. In the Perso... ...ting. This is scary in itself but the moral to the story scares the people more. It is telling people that if you get rid of something very important and something you have never lived without you will get rid of the most important things to you. This implies that if you reject God then you can lose everything important to you and your family. And finally in the Persons of the Tale the message that God has no favourites and that everyone is important teaches the Victorians to love each other as everyone is just as important as anybody else. Overall these three stories are enjoyable, thought provoking and educational for the readers and listeners. The authors have written with great language and techniques and have produced good short stories. They have considered the interests and views of readers in the Victorian times and they are enjoyable to read. Creating Morals in Victorian Short Stories Essay -- The House of Eld T Creating Morals in Victorian Short Stories I have read recently several Victorian short stories I noticed that many had similar styles and contents. But the three stories that I found most interesting were: The Persons of the tale and The House of Eld both by R L Stevenson and The Superstitious Man’s Story by Thomas Hardy. In these three stories I found that they were linked by the use of a narrator to tell the story of what had happened to the main characters through their fear, heroism and morality. The House of Eld and The Persons of the Tale both have a moral to them. They are both written by the same author and although the moral in The House of Eld is shown at the end and The Persons of the Tale is a little harder to find both need to be worked out with great thought. The moral of the Persons of the Tale is that people although they are all different they are all needed in one way or another to complete life and the moral at the end of The House of Eld relates to the story. In the story the boy Jack thinks that everything will be perfect if he gets rid of the Sorcerer and therefore the gyve, but in fact in the process he kills his uncle, his father and his mother. The moral puts across the point that if you get rid of something important to your family you get rid of them too. R L Stevenson has written these short stories in the style of Aesop’s Fables, each with their own meaning and moral. He has done this in an updated version for their time to help the readers and listeners understand the meaning of life. In both the R L Stevenson stories there is a hero. In the House of Eld, the hero is Jack. He shows heroic characteristics like braveness, the will to win and determination. In the Perso... ...ting. This is scary in itself but the moral to the story scares the people more. It is telling people that if you get rid of something very important and something you have never lived without you will get rid of the most important things to you. This implies that if you reject God then you can lose everything important to you and your family. And finally in the Persons of the Tale the message that God has no favourites and that everyone is important teaches the Victorians to love each other as everyone is just as important as anybody else. Overall these three stories are enjoyable, thought provoking and educational for the readers and listeners. The authors have written with great language and techniques and have produced good short stories. They have considered the interests and views of readers in the Victorian times and they are enjoyable to read.

Causes and Solutions of Obesity Essay

If you can prolong your life, and make yourself feel better about who you are then why not overcome this overweight issue. In today’s world we are facing an epidemic that seems to be affecting even are young at an early age. We all know that obesity can have adverse effects on health, well-being, and relationship, and can be solved by eating organic food, exercising, and discipline. We are here to find out the different causes of obesity, and find out what we can do to overcome this fast growing epidemic. â€Å"Although people in the Unites States might not be eating more, they are gaining weight. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, fat consumption by people in the United States has declined during past decades, but calorie expenditure has gone down as well. Adults are not burning the calories they are consuming, and as a result, obesity rates increased by 214 percent between 1950 and 2000. Two out of every three people in the U.S. were obese or overweight in 2010†. (Bird, 2011, March 26, p.1). They are several solutions that can be implemented to these causes, and some are individual, community, and government solutions. I feel it is everyone’s own responsibility to make they maintain their own health. Obesity could occur in all humans, obesity does not care what race you are or even the time you have lived in. â€Å"Ancient Egyptians are said to consider obesity as a disease, having been drawn in a wall of depicted illnesses†. â€Å"The Aztecs believed that obesity was supernatural, an affliction of the gods†. (Miles, 2006, p.1). Obesity begins in a membrane enclosed organelle known as mitochondria. Mitochondria can be defined as the part of the cell that is responsible for energy production. According to research mitochondria is believed to be the source where obesity begins. â€Å"My clinical work and research with patients with immune disorders, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivity and obesity have led me to the conclusion that the primary site of catabolic maladaptation, and the obesity that it causes, is in the mitochondria.† (Where Does Obesity Begin,p.1). There are many speculations that obesity has been around for a long period time, but does anyone r eally know when obesity really started. There are many causes of obesity, and genes play a small role in how it can affect a person in the future. â€Å"Science shows that genetics plays a role in obesity. Genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome†. (Etiology, n.d.p.1). Even though genes play a role other factors come into play like the behavior of the individual. It can also depend on incidence of obesity in the family . â€Å"It is now well established that overweight and the different forms of obesity are conditions tending to concentrate within a family. Obesity risk is two to eight times higher for a person with a family history as opposed to a person with no family history of obesity, and an even higher risk is observed in cases of severe obesity†. Furthermore the way are genes have been sequenced can be linked to obesity. â€Å"Sequence variations within a pool of 56 different genes have been reported as being related to obesity phenotypes, h owever, only ten of those genes showed positive results in at least five different studies†. (Etiology, n.d. p.1). Even though genes play a part in cases of obesity they can still be overcome with different solutions. For example, I come from a family that is generally overweight, but I have chosen to change my lifestyle. I learned to exercise more frequently and not consume more than I need to at times. â€Å"Since there is only a small population of obese people who have been affected by the genetics of their family tree, it suggests that genes are not necessarily a fate that cannot be outdone. Obesity and the prevention of obesity can be aided with lifestyle changes and behaviors that include a healthy diet, increased physical activity, as well as medication†. (What Role Does Genetics, para.1). We are all born with genes, and it is normal to inherit these genes from your parents which can influence obesity. We as people enjoy tasty food which makes us devour unhealthy foods. This is where the fast food industry takes an immense toll on our country. There are certain items placed in these foods that can make people feel the need to eat these foods on a regular basis. â€Å"Almost all items on fast food menus are deep fried or packed with sugar, and many even contain chemicals or preservatives that further their addictive capabilities†. Just the other day I was affected by these hormones as I craved a ultimate cheeseburger from Jack in the Box. There are also factors which consist of what are fed to the sources of these treats. The animals are given certain hormones that are returned to us since we are consuming them in the process. â€Å"Many chains add hormones to the feed that they give to their livestock, which in turn ends up on a burger or in a wrap. These hormones are mainly used to increase the size or productivity of the animals being used, and some are both addicting and harmful to humans†. (Brad, 2009, p.1). Furthermore, convenience of these places makes it stress-free for societies to continue to purchase foods at these establishments. For instance, for people who are always in a rush are not able to make lunches for them, so they turn to the most convenient way to fill their hunger. â€Å"If you’re trying to manage a busy career, start a side business, have community responsibilities, and have a spouse and children at home (a situation that sounds awfully familiar to me), convenience can be an enormously important factor†. There is another issue of money if you are low on funds are looking for something to your taste you are able to purchase items off the dollar menu. Fast food industries can be found in almost every corner so it can be defined as a major role in our struggle. Even if they are numerous causes for obesity there are still many solutions that can be implemented to reduce or even cease this issue. There are plenty of forms of exercise that can be performed to lose weight, and exercise plans can be made to keep the pounds off once lost. â€Å"Obesity exercise solutions can help obese people lose weight and body fat safely. An exercise plan that is designed for obese people who have a limited range of motion can be an effective obesity treatment when combined with a nutritious diet plan†. (Obesity Exercise, 2009, p.1) Even if you do not have time to spare there is always other things like parking further away at the parking lot. There other benefits that comes hand in hand with physical training, and these are the health benefits. â€Å"Reducing your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes† (Arthur, 2009, p.1). According to surveys conducted the leading cause of death in the United States come from cardiovascular disease. Physical health has been implemented for ages now, and it can be performed in certain jobs that require manual labor. In conclusion it might be the best way to reduce the chance of becoming obese or cure obesity. â€Å"Experts agree that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent obesity.† (Arthur, 2009, p.1). If you require motivation to help you hit the gym or apply a certain exercise routine to your life do it with a buddy. You can also join groups like the zumba classes, or you can make a goal for yourself to make it like a game. A diet of healthy eating can be ministered to help overcome obesity. Have you ever wanted a fresher taste to compliment your taste buds? Well organic foods are the way to go. Organic foods can be defined to encourage a healthier way of life, and even start to show positives outcomes to your body. â€Å"Organic food promotes healthy patterns of cell division and differentiation, and lays the groundwork for normal endocrine system regulation of blood sugars, lipids, energy intake, and immune system functions†. (Organic Pathways, para.1). I know some people are very limited when it comes to spending money on expensive food, but organic foods can even be grown to save money. Furthermore you are able to buy organic foods at wholesale prices at your convenience. Also adding small portions to your healthy diet plan can help reduce weight in the long run. â€Å"When you eat a large portion of food, glucose levels rise quickly. When your bloodstream is flooded with glucose, your pancreas releases insulin to move that glucose into your cells for use. But the faster glucose levels rise, the more likely it is that your pancreas will produce too much insulin, leading to low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. Your brain is tricked into thinking you need more glucose and you start to feel hungry†. (Maura, 2011, p.1). Adding this to your daily regimen can help control over eating, and it can also stabilize your hunger. Talk to a nutritionist to see what would be best for your current situation. In conclusion, they are numerous causes and solutions that are associated with obesity, and it is up to you to decide which choices would best to make. If we do not do anything about it now obesity will continue to rise and overtake us in a very young age. According to statistics if we maintain this rise in obesity by 2030 eighty five percent of the United States will be obese. Implementing these solutions we can succeed in creating a better way of life for all people. We do not need to be like the society in the movie Wall E where all the people are obese! References Arthur S. (2009) Obesity and Exercise Retrieved from http://weight-loss.emedtv.com/obesity/obesity-and-exercise.html Beverly B. (2011) How much has obesity rates raised since the 1950? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/384722-how-much-have-obesity-rates-risen-since-1950/ Brad V. (2009) Is fast food addictive? Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/1477052-fast-food-addictive-addiciton-unhealthy-chemicals-mcdonalds-kfc-wendys-corporations Etiology (n.d.) Retrieved from http://obesity.ulaval.ca/obesity/generalities/genetic.php Where Does Obesity Begin (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.majidali.com/where.htm Maura S. (2011) Three benefits of eating smaller portions Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/507006-three-benefits-of-eating-smaller-portions/ Milos P. (2006) The history of obesity Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Obesity&id=357342 Obesity and Pregnancy surprising facts (2009) Retrieved from http://www.3fatchicks.com/obesity-exercise-solutions-for-a-limited-range-of-motion/ Organic Pathways (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.organicpathways.co.nz/community/story/654.html Trent (2011) Fast food, convenience and money Retrieved from http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2011/12/13/fast-food-convenience-and-money/ What role does genetics play in obesity (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.free-fad-diets.com/what-role-does-genetics-play-in-obesity.html

Hrm 300 Week 1

Human Resource Management Overview Introduction Human resource management (HRM) has evolved into a huge industry in the business arena. The evolution and advancement of technology has created a global platform for HRM. The effect of globalization in many organizations has opened the door for HRM, and it is a crucial component for a successful business strategy and plan. This paper will define HRM, and discuss HRM’s primary function and role in an organization’s strategic plan. What is human resource management? HRM is comprised of the staffing, development, motivation, and maintenance functions. Each of these functions however is affected by external influences† (DeCenzo & Robbins, 2007, p. 50). In HRM, staffing involves strategic human resource planning, recruiting and selection. It is important to select the right people for your organization. Recruiting is critical because it can make or break your business. Training and development consists of equipping th e employees with the necessary skills and knowledge. Successful businesses have a vested interest in the employees.Inquiring about employee goals, family, strengths and weaknesses, and using that information to assist him or her in reaching their potential can improve productivity in your organization. For example, my company offers tuition reimbursement. That is an excellent benefit to take advantage of because I value education. I have a personal goal to obtain a MBA. Because my company is paying for my education, it serves as an incentive for me to continue working for the company and strive to move up the corporate ladder.In turn, my company reaps the benefit of the skills and knowledge achieved from the training and development. The maintenance aspect of HRM involves communication and safety and health. This portion of HRM is concerned with the well being of employees, and enhances the nature of the job and personal life of the employees (DeCenzo & Robbins, 2007). OSHA was implemented under the government to protect the employees in regards to his or her physical safety. The contract on which I work at the U. S.White House consist of several constructions projects that Some people have to wear steal toe boots, safety glasses and ear plugs in order to prevent possible injuries. This is mandated in areas that could be hazardous. What is the primary function of HRM? The primary function of HRM has changed drastically because of Federal and State laws, new requirements with employment practices, and involves hiring the right people. Because of the changing technology the primary function of HRM is recruiting people with higher skill sets.Organizations now need people with higher level degrees and certifications in the computer field. The reason for this mandate is because information systems are becoming more complex and ever changing. New recruits must be trained on new software programs. Employees have to be able to adapt and be critical thinkers in ord er to stay up-to-speed. In addition, employees have to be trained and specialize in various fields. What is the role of the HRM in an organization’s strategic plan? HRM has various roles in an organization’s strategic plan. HRM must therefore balance two primary responsibilities: assisting the organization in it strategic direction and representing and advocating for the organization’s employees† (DeCenzo & Robbins, 2007, p. 34). HRM has a vital role in an organization, and â€Å"must be forward thinking† (DeCenzo & Robbins, 2007, p. 34). HRM must work with management in order to accomplish the strategic plan. They must be in line with the company’s vision and mission statement in order to assist the organization. Determining ways to cut cost, but still maintain higher productivity is one way to help the business.HRM can also perform inspections throughout the organization to weed out weaknesses in operations or functions, and unprodu ctive employees (DeCenzo & Robbins, 2007). Making a few necessary adjustments by holding weekly meetings can make a big difference in implementing and monitoring the progress of the strategic plan in an organization. My company performs weekly productivity checks to keep the organization strong and fluent. We are required to report to the supervisor each week providing status on our tasks and progress, and share our ideas on how we can improve.Conclusion In conclusion, HRM is a crucial component in today’s business arena. Technology and globalization have broadened the scope of HRM. Information systems and global recruitment efforts increase the complexity of HRM. Throughout this paper, we have defined HRM, discussed its primary function, and determined how it impacts the strategic plans of companies all over the world. Reference DeCenzo, D. , & Robbins, S. (2007). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management (9th ed. ) by DeCenzo & Robbins. (9th ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Annual Report of the Construction Industry of China Hong Kong 2007-2008 Essay Example

Annual Report of the Construction Industry of China Hong Kong 2007 Annual Report of the Construction Industry of China Hong Kong 2007-2008 Essay Annual Report of the Construction Industry of China Hong Kong 2007-2008 Essay An Annual Report of the Construction Industry of China Hong Kong 2007-2008 prepared by AsiaConstruct Team Research Centre for Construction and Real Estate Economics Hong Kong Polytechnic University (www. bre. polyu. edu. hk) for The 14th AsiaConstruct Conference 23rd – 24th October 2008 Tokyo, Japan. AsiaConstruct14 Team: Michael Anson1, YH Chiang2, Eddie CM Hui2, Patrick TI Lam 2, Stephen WK Mak2, HY Ng2 and Eva XT Yin2, 1 Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Construction and Land Use, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 2 Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. About the Research Centre for Construction and Real Estate Economics (RCCREE): The RCCREE is the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Centre for solution oriented research and consultancy in construction and real estate economics. It undertakes internationally relevant multi-disciplinary research that supports the advancement of the construction and real estate industries in the following areas: Economic Policy and Institutional Analysis, Real Estate Economics, Construction Economics, Housing, Human Behaviour in Economic Decision making, and Value Management and Facilities Performance. For further information, please contact Professor Francis K. W. Wong, Director of RCCREE ([emailprotected] edu. hk) or Professor Eddie C. M. Hui, Deputy Director ([emailprotected] edu. hk). October 2008 1 COUNTRY REPORT [As at October 2008, ? 1,000 = HK$ 73. 14; HK$1 = ? 13. 67; US$ 1 = HK$ 7. 76] 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Hong Kong enjoyed a high growth rate in GDP in 2007 (6. 4%), with a per capita GDP of US$29,914. While the service sector saw the highest growth (7. 4%), the growth rate of the construction sector was 0. 4%. The construction sector recorded a positive growth rate since 1997. The Economics outlook for the first half of 2008 was still optimistic. However, the consequences following the collapse of the property market in US, the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the bail out of other financial institutions (e. g. AIG, Freddie Mae and Fannie Mae) by the US government, together with the slump of the stock markets, people are becoming pessimistic towards the latter half of 20 08 and next year. While the slowdown in growth of advanced economies in Europe and the US will have some impact on the economies of emerging markets and the Mainland, the sustained rapid economic growth of the Mainland and its increasingly intensified economic integration with Hong Kong will to a limited extent help the economic development and cushion the impact of the slowdown on Hong Kong. With respect to the labour market, the unemployment rate has hit an all-time low at around 4%. The unemployment rate of construction sector kept decreasing in these consecutive as there were more job vacancies created by the major projects, e. g. Hong Kong West and Tsuen Wan drainage tunnel, rebuilt the Lo Wu Correctional Institution etc. Construction Cost has picked up after it hit a bottom in 2003. It is more or less in parity of 1997 when the construction cost was at its peak. The high construction cost can be reflected from the increase in construction materials. The prices of major construction materials such as hardwood and steel products have risen by as much as 50% over 4 years. While there was no published wages for construction workers, the wages have not risen in par with the rise in living standard as reflected from the many demonstrations of the construction workers and 40-day strike by the bar benders in Hong Kong, which has led to a near stand-still of the construction industry. The salaries of ATPC have risen by an average of 9-13% over 2 years, with the exception of project managers and safety officers. There is no institutional or legal entry barrier to the construction market in Hong Kong. Foreign firms are required to fulfil the same set of criteria as local firms to get listed with the authority. Hence, the import of construction services does not appear to be very active and has consistently stayed at less than 4% of the total construction volume. Most of the import and export services are carried out within the Asian region, with the Chinese Mainland taking the highest percentage. The major services were project management, contracting and engineering consulting. Export of construction services to regions outside Asia is negligible. The outlook of the construction industry looks promising in the next 10-15 years as the government has outlined a series of infrastructural projects, many of which are cross-border such as the bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. It is envisaged at least HK$250 billion public money will be spent and 250,000 job vacancies will be created. The extent to which these projects will benefit the construction labour market remains to be seen. 2 2. 2. 1 MACRO ECONOMIC REVIEW AND OUTLOOK MAIN MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS 2000 2001 1,131,880 1,299,218 0. 5 1,177 1. 4 59,760 -11. 7 1,076,998 -0. 2 57,167 -7. 9 2002 2003 GDP and Components 1,152,718 1,277,314 1. 8 1,138 -3. 3 51,396 -14. 0 1,079,476 0. 2 51,534 1,187,369 1,234,761 3 940 -17. 4 44,403 -13. 6 1,062,714 -1. 5 44,910 40,376 -10. 1 6,797,700 0. 5 3,515,900 1. 3 6. 8 2004 1,287,900 1,291,923 8. 5 958 1. 9 44,455 0. 1 1,119,304 2005 1,139,110 1,382,590 7. 1 947 -1. 1 45,547 2. 5 1,207,873 7. 9 38,538 -4. 6 6,837,800 0. 6 3,538,100 0. 6 5. 6 2006 1,475,910 1,475,910 7 942 -0. 5 45,761 0. 4 1,297,545 7. 4 38,688 0. 04 6,909,500 1. 0 3,581,400 1. 2 4. 8 2007 1,569,890 1,616,215 6. 4 n. a. n,a, n. a. n. a. n. a. n. a. n. a. n. . 6,963,100 0. 8 3,640,500 1. 6 4 GDP in chained(2006) dollars (HK$ million) GDP at current market price (HK$ million) GDP growth (%) Primary sector (HK$ million) % growth Manufacturing sector (HK$ million) % growth Services sector (HK$ million) % growth Construction sector (HK$ million) % growth Population Population growth rate (%) Total labour force Labour force growth rate (%) Unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) Changes in consumer price index (%) Changes in GDP deflator (%) Short term interest rate* (%) Long term interest rate**(%) Annual average exchange rate with $US (HK$) ,126,279 1,317,650 8 1,161 -21. 4 67,646 6. 8 1,077,256 4. 7 62,054 -5. 3 6,711,500 1. 1 3,374,200 1. 6 4. 9 -9. 9 -12. 9 Demographic Indicators 6,730,300 6,725,800 6,764,200 0. 3 -0. 1 0. 6 3,425,900 3,474,0 00 3,472,500 1. 5 5. 1 1. 4 7. 3 0 7. 9 Financial Indicators -3. 8 -3. 6 6. 21 7. 48 7. 791 -1. 6 -1. 9 3. 45 6. 37 7. 799 -3. 0 -3. 5 1. 60 5. 40 7. 799 -2. 6 -6. 2 0. 81 3. 93 7. 787 -0. 4 -3. 5 0. 25 4. 59 7. 788 1. 0 -0. 1 2. 88 3. 55 7. 777 2. 0 0. 3 4. 05 4. 83 7. 768 2. 0 3 2. 33 3. 58 7. 803 Notes n. a. data not available * yield of 91-day Exchange Fund Bills (mid-year) **yield of 10-year Exchange Fund Notes (mid-year) Sources: GDP, Demographic and Financial Indicators: Government of the HKSAR web-page at censtatd. gov. hk/hong_kong_statistics Short and long term interest rates: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Table 2. 1 – Macro-Economic Indicators 3 2. 1. 1 Overview of National Economy According to the Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit (2007) of the Hong Kong Government, growth in GDP was 6. 4% in 2007. The years of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 marked the largest growth in any four consecutive years since 1988. GDP per capita was HK$215,006 (US$27,565), which represented a 5. 9% year-on-year growth rate. The growth rate of the services sector was the highest (7. 4%) among all sectors. The growth rate of the construction sector was 0. 04% in 2007. The construction sector recorded a position growth rate since 1997. The reviving economic performance was greatly attributed to the steady global economic growth and Mainland’s policies in favour of Hong Kong, such as the Closer Economic Partnership and Individual Travel Policy. Stock prices and market turnover surged to a high record in October 2007, before the global financial market turbulence affected which caused some pull-back. The property market improved distinctly further, especially in the latter part of 2007, with a marked pick up in both sale prices and transactions under a favourable interest rate environment and the persistent strength in the economy. The labour market improved due to the sustained economic expansion. The unemployment rate fell to 4% and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3. 4% in the fourth quarter of 2007, which was the lowest in almost 10 years. The consumer price index only increased 2%, which suggested a moderate inflation in 2007, although there was significant increase of imported foodstuffs and consumer goods due to the weakening purchase power of Hong Kong dollars and the global food inflation. 2. 2. 2 Economy off First Half of 2008 Hong Kong’s economy continued to experience a substantial growth rate in the first half of 2008. The real GDP increased by 7. 1% compared with a year earlier. According to the First Quarter Economic Report 2008, the economy extended the run of distinctly above-trend growth to 18 quarters. The performance of the financial sector was particularly spectacular, a manifestation of the significant benefits brought about by the financial integration between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Although there was a global credit market turmoil caused by the US sub-prime mortgage problem, the Hong Kong economy still held up well in recent period with our motherland’s economy growing robustly. By the vibrant performance of Mainland and other emerging economies and the further expansion of the EU market, there was a further notable growth of 8. 3% in real terms in the first quarter. The exports of services also grew rapidly further by 10. % in real terms on the back of a continued surge in financial services. According to The Global Enabling Trade Report 2008 released by the World Economic Forum, Hong Kong ranked the top in the Enabling Trade Index ranking. Domestic demand continued to display strength and inflation remained mild. The labour market continued to improve with the un employment rate reached record low at 3. 4% since mid1998. 4 3. 3. 1 OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENTS The total gross value of construction works performed by main contractors increased by 8% in nominal terms, from a year earlier, to HK$48. billion in the first 2 quarters of 2008. After discounting price changes, the total gross value of construction work performed by main contractors increased by 5. 1% in real terms over the same period. Analysed by type of construction work, the gross value of construction work performed at private sector sites totalled HK$93 billion in 2007, up by 2. 9% in nominal terms from a year earlier. The increase was mainly associated with the progressive stepping up of works at some large commercial building sites. The gross value of construction work performed at public sector sites decreased by 3. 9% in nominal terms from a year earlier to HK$7. 6 billion in the 2 quarters of 2008. The decrease was mainly due to completion of works on some large transportation projects. The outlook for the next years and thereafter is promising as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong has outlined 10 major investment plans including: 1. South Island Line 2. Shatin to Central Link 3. Tuen Mun Western Bypass and Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link 4. Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Link 5. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge 6. Hong Kong-Shenzhen Airport Co-operation 7. Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop 8. West Kowloon Cultural District 9. Kai Tak Development Plan 10. New Development Areas (NDAs) It is envisaged that over HK$250 billion will be invested in the next decade. These projects are estimated to bring more than $100 billion added value annually from the commissioning to mature stage. And, about 250,000 additional jobs would be created by these projects. Type of Investment (HK$ Million) Private Sector Public Sector Repair and Maintenance Total 2003 35,187 32,378 31,468 99,032 2004 28,021 28,533 36,618 93,171 2005 26,356 22,334 42,160 90,851 2006 24,855 17,135 48,240 90,230 2007 28,973 14,503 49,390 92,866 2008-10 (Q1-Q2) 16,113 7,563 25,181 48,856 Table 3. 1 Construction Investment by Sector (in nominal terms) 5 3. 2 CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES The latest published statistics from the Census and Statistics Department shows that the number of establishments engaged in building and civil engineering industries is 19,057 as of 2006 whereas the number of persons directly engaged in these industries is135,337. The following table shows the three year trend from 2003 to 2006. 2003 Number of Establishments Number of Persons directly engaged 19,520 124,933 2004 18,302 122,077 2005 17,985 122,870 2006 19,057 135,337 Table 3. 2 – Number of establishments, and of persons directly engaged 3. 3 3. 3. 1 EMPLOYEES AND CONSTRUCTION LABOR (NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS BY JOB TYPE) Principal Jobs Job Levels Professional/Technologist Technician Skilled Semi-Skilled worker General Worker Total May 2007 16 012 27 002 34 822 12 881 90 717 Source: Manpower Survey Reports on the Building and Civil Engineering Industry, Building and Civil Engineering Industry Training Board, Vocational Training Council, bi-annual issue of 2006. Table 3. 3. 1 Number of workers employed in principal jobs of construction, building and civil engineering and related disciplines 6 3. 3. 2 Persons in Establishments 2003 3 932 31 694 9 471 21 856 57 982 124 933 2004 4 341 (10. 4%) 28 478 (-10. 1%) 6 305 (-33. 4%) 25 117 (14. 9%) 57 836 (-0. 3%) 122 077 (-2. 3%) 2005 2 004 (-53. 8%) 29 786 (4. 6%) 7 274 (15. 4%) 21 282 (-15. 3%) 62 524 (8. 1%) 122 870 (0. 6%) 2006 1790 (-10. 7%) 29 976 (-9. 4%) 9 746 (34%) 24 688 (16%) 72 137 (15. 4%) 135 337 (10. 1%) Main industry group New construction works – Pre-erection works at construction sites New construction works – Architectural and civil engineering works at construction sites New construction works – Miscellaneous new construction works Decoration, repair and maintenance Special Trades – Erection and general finishing, electrical and mechanical fitting, gas and water fitting and miscellaneous All construction activities Source: The Report on 2006 Annual Survey of Building, Construction and Real Estate Sectors, The Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Table 3. 3. 2 Number of persons directly engaged in the building and civil engineering establishments 3. 3. 3 Site Workers The following table reveals that the number of manual workers engaged at construction sites has been decreasing over time in Hong Kong. The phenomenon of reduction of manual workers is twofold: 1) advanced technology or technique greatly simplifies the construction process and reduce the number of people directly required; and 2) the number of construction projects, no matter in the private or public sector, has been dwindling year by year. Year 2008 2007 Qtr 1 1 2 3 4 Public 18965 20569 19232 18762 18521 20014 20485 19569 21147 22586 24306 26454 28704 25525 26668 27824 26034 % change 2. 4% -2. 77% -6. 5% -2. 44% -1. 3% -2. 30% 4. 68% -7. 46% -6. 37% -7. 08% -8. 12% -7. 84% 12. 45% -4. 29% -4. 15% 6. 88% -0. 88% Private 31576 29797 31866 30411 31582 30990 32801 32704 33750 31870 32540 33547 37057 33426 35814 38741 36727 % change Building % change Civil Engg. % c hange 0. 01% -3. 85% 6. 9% -4. 57% 3. 85% -5. 52% 0. 30% -3. 10% 5. 90% -2. 06% -3. 0% -9. 47% 10. 86% -6. 67% -7. 56% 5. 48% 2. 27% 38410 36517 37667 36133 37712 36406 38849 38819 40468 38769 41250 41293 45449 39097 42830 47081 45428 1. 85% 0. 30% 3. 15% -4. 07% 4. 37% -6. 29% 0. 08% -4. 07% 4. 38% -6. 01% -0. 10% -9. 14% 16. 25% -8. 72% -9. 03% 3. 64% 2. 90% 12131 13849 13431 13040 12391 14598 14437 13454 14429 15687 15596 18708 20312 19854 19652 19484 17333 -2. 1% -5. 13% -3. 02% -2. 91% -4. 98% 1. 12% 7. 31% -6. 76% -8. 02% 0. 58% -16. 63% -7. 90% 2. 31% 1. 03% 0. 86% 12. 41% -3. 87% Total 50541 50366 51098 49173 50103 51004 53286 52273 54897 54456 56846 60001 65761 58951 62482 66565 62761 % change 0. 87% -1. 25% 1. 45% -3. 77% 1. 89% -4. 28% 1. 94% -4. 78% 0. 81% -4. 20% -5. 26% -8. 76% 11. 55% -5. 65% -6. 13% 6. 06% 0. 94% 2006 1 2 3 4 2005 1 2 3 4 2004 1 2 3 4 Source: The Quarterly Report of Employment and Vacancies at Construction Sites, The Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Table 3. 3. 3 Number of Manual Workers engaged at Construction Sites (analyzed by sector and type of project) 3. 3. 4 Unemployment rate of Construction Sector 2005 Unemployed (Thousands) Unemployment rate (%) 39 12. 9 2006 33. 8 11. 2 2007 25. 1 8. 3 2008Q1 21. 3 7. 5 Source: Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics, The Census and statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Table 3. 3. 4 – Unemployed and Unemployment Rate of the Construction Sector The unemployment rate of construction sector was 7. 5% in the first quarter of 2008. More job vacancies were created by the major projects, e. g. Hong Kong West and Tsuen Wan drainage tunnel, the Lo Wu Correctional Institution, an extension block at the Prince of Wales Hospital etc. Although the unemployment kept decreasing in these consecutive years, the employment rate in the construction sector caused considerable concerns. 3. 4 3. 4. 1 PRODUCTIVITY Value-added per Employee Effective cost control increases the efficiency of each unit of resources engaged. The fairly remarkable observations are the positive figures of the value-added per construction workers in 2004 , 2005 and 2006, as shown in the following table. Main industry group New construction works – Pre-erection works at construction sites New construction works – Architectural and civil engineering works at construction sites New construction works – Miscellaneous new construction works Decoration, repair and maintenance Special Trades – Erection and general finishing, electrical and mechanical fitting, gas and water fitting and miscellaneous All construction activities 2004 41% 19% 37% 28% 36% 26% 2005 28% 21% 33% 28% 36% 28% 2006 26% 21% 30% 28% 43% 29% Source: The Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Table 3. 4. 1 Value added as percentage of gross output for all building and civil engineering establishments: 9 3. 4. 2 Physical Measurement of Construction Production (Unit: `000 sq. m. *) End use of building Private residential premises+ Office buildings Hotels and boarding houses Multi-purpose commercial premises Total 2003 9 563 596 590 1 385 12 646 2004 8 169 (-14. 6%) ** (**) 654 (10. 8%) 1 471 (6. 2%) 10 964 (-13. 3%) 2005 6 591 (-19. 3%) ** (**) 794 (21. 4%) 1 303 (-11. 4%) 9 502 (-13. 3%) 2006 6 068 (-7. 9%) 945 587 (-26. 1%) 890 (-31. 7%) 8 624 (-9. 2%) * Area (sq. ) refers to gross floor area of buildings when completed. + Includes buildings purely for residential purpose and combined residential and nonresidential buildings. Source: The Report on 2005 Annual Survey of Building, Construction and Real Estate Sectors, The Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Table 3. 4. 2 Physical Measurement of Construction Production 10 3. 5. 3. 5. 1 CONSTRUCTION COST Unit Construction Cost Construction costs are compiled from average fixed price competitive tenders published by Davis Landon Seah, a leading cost consultancy firm in Hong Kong. After the peak in 1997, construction costs fell for 6 consecutive years until they reached the bottom in 2003, when Hong Kong was hit by SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Afterwards, costs have gradually picked up following the recovery of the property and construction markets. The latest figures for 2008Q1 show that construction costs are now almost as well as they were in 1997. Indeed, 5-Star hotels cost more to build than they were in 1997, probably due to the diversion of resources to the hotel construction boom in Macau. Residential (High-Rise) Standard Luxurious 8,000-8,500 8,500-10,000 9,000-9,500 9,500-12,500 11,000-12,000 11,500-15,000 10,000-11,000 11,000-13,500 9,800-10,700 10,800-13,200 9,300-10,000 10,500-12,800 9,100-9,800 10,300-12,600 8,500-9,000 9,800-11,700 7,600-8,200 9,000-10,800 7,850-8,450 9,250-11,050 8,300-8,900 9,750-11,600 8,750-9,350 10,350-12,300 9,050-9,650, 10,650-12,700 9,450-10,100 11,100-13,250 10,100-10,800 11,800-14,100 10,000-10,700 11,700-14,000 10,600-11,400 12,550-14,850 Commercial office Standard Prestige 8,500-9,500 12,000 up 9,500-10,700 13,000 up 11,550-13,500 15,500 up 10,500-12,500 14,300 up 10,300-12,100 13,800 up 9,700-11,500 13,500 up 9,700-11,500 13,500 up 9,500-11,200 13,500 up 9,000-10,600 12,300 up 9,300-10,900 12,700 up 9,750-11,450 13,300 up 10,550-12,350 14,300 up 10,850-12,750 14,800 up 11,350-13,350 15,550 up 12,100-14,250 16,600 up 12,000-14,100 16,400 up 12,850-15,000 17,400 up (Unit: HK$/m2 CFA*) Industrial Hotel Light Heavy 5-Star 4,800-5,000 5, 300-6,300 14,000 up 5,400-5,700 6,100-7,200 16,000 up 6,500-7,000 7,100-8,500 19,500 up 5,600-6,200 6,300-7,500 18,000 up 5,500-6,100 6,200-7,100 17,500 up 5,500-6,000 6,000-6,900 17,500 up 5,500-6,000 6,000-6,800 17,500 up 5,400-5,800 5,900-6,600 17,200 up 4,900-5,500 5,300-6,100 16,300 up 5,250-5,850 5,650-6,450 16,700 up 5,550-6,150 5,950-6,800 17,500 up 5,900-6,550 6,350-7,250 18,700 up 6,100-6,750 6,550-7,450 19,250 up 6,400-7,100 6,900-7,850 20,200 up 6,800-7,600 7,350-8,400 21,500 up 6,750-7,500 7,250-8,300 21,300 up 7,350-8,150 7,900-9000 22,450 up 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007Q1 2007Q2 2007Q3 2007Q4 2008Q1 * The costs per square metre are based on Construction Floor Areas measured to the outside face of the external walls/ external perimeter including lift shafts, stairwells, balconies, plant rooms, water tanks and the like. The cost excludes site formation works, external works, land cost, professional fees, finance and legal expenses. 1995-2006 based on Quarterly data in Q4. 2007 Q1 is first quarter data and 2007 Q2 is second quarter data. Source: 1995-2004 Current building cost information data in Hong Kong. Davis Langdon Seah International. 2005-2007 Quarterly construction cost review, Hong Kong. Davis Langdon Seah. Table 3. 5. 1 – Unit Construction Costs 11 3. 5. 2 Average Wholesale Prices of Selected Building Materials As the general upward trend of construction costs shown in Section 5. 2 would foretell, costs of major building materials have been rising in the last 5 years. As the following table shows, some key materials, such as bitumen, diesel fuel for industrial use, sawn hardwood, homogeneous nonslip floor tiles, galvanised mild steel angles and steel plates, metal formwork, sand, mild steel round bars, high tensile steel bars and sawn hardwood timber formwork, have their latest unit costs increased by more than 50% when compared to 2004. The increasing trend of the costs of building materials is due to the inflation and the appreciation of Renminbi as most of the construction materials in Hong Kong are imported from China. This upsurge in material prices is believed to be more attributable to the general increase in prices of commodities around the globe recently, than to the slow recovery of the construction market in Hong Kong. 004 Aggregates (HK$ per tonne) Bitumen (HK$ per tonne) Concrete blocks, 100mm thick For industrial use (light) ($ per 200-litre drum) Diesel fuel For road use (HK$ per 100 litre) Glass Clear sheet glass, 5mm thick (HK$ p er square metre) White tiles, 108mm*108mm Glazed ceramic wall tiles Colour tiles, 200mm*200mm Sawn hardwood, 50*75 Hardwood mm column Non-slip tile, Homogeneous floor tiles 200mm*200mm Steel plates (HK$ per tonne) Steel angles Galvanised mild steel (HK$ per tonne) Steel flats (HK$ per tonne) Steel plate, 4mm thick Metal formwork (HK$ per tonne) Unglazed tiles, 18mm*18mm Glass tiles, 25mm*25mm Mosaic tiles ($ per square metre) Glazed tiles, 45mm*45mm Emulsion paint (HK$ per litre) Paint Acrylic paint (HK$ per litre) Portland cement (ordinary) (HK$ per tonne) 40 3800 45 1108 664 81 66 187 2284 69 6283 6203 6609 4438 52 25 58 32 34 491 2005 38 4200 42 1320 770 81 63 192 3072 72 6674 6568 7212 4881 44 27 55 35 35 511 2006 38 5400 42 1568 886 81 69 203 3218 86 6771 7404 9772 4588 37 22 58 35 34 517 2007 40 5400 43 1572 874 87 77 221 3474 98 7629 10047 8541 5059 47 27 61 35 34 516 March 2008 44 6467 57 1964 990 97 91 260 3607 131 10021 14713 9756 6979 50 29 73 37 36 524 12 Sand (HK$ per t onne) Mild steel round bars, 6mm to 20mm Steel reinforcement High tensile steel bars, 10mm to 40mm Plywood, formwork, 19mm thick Timber formwork Sawn hardwood, 25mm thick plank 20mm diameter pipes, uPVC lined GMS pipes 5. 5 long 32mm diameter pipes, uPVC pipes 4m long (HK$ per Note 1: Note 2: Source: 25 3815 3668 60 1504 166 42 27 4101 3764 67 2140 170 40 34 4237 3877 61 2023 170 41 56 5275 5183 64 2452 166 39 58 7896 8406 64 2666 n. a. 42 Prices from January 2005 onwards are not directly comparable to those published which included delivery charges. Prices are based on June data from 2004 to 2007 and in Hong Kong dollars. Average Wholesale Prices of Selected Building Materials, Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Contact person: Miss Kwan, Telephone: 852-2805-6413). Web-site: censtatd. gov. hk (Products and Services Publications Commerce and Industry Average Wholesale Prices of Selected Building Materials). Table 3. 5. 2 Average Wholesale Prices of Selected Building Materials 3. 5. 3 Average Sectoral Wages per Month There is no data on the average monthly sectoral wages for the construction industry. In the following table, the FIRE (financing, insurance, real estate and business services) is used instead for comparison with the manufacturing and personal services sectors. 13 Unit: HK$ per month) Financing, insurance, real estate and business services 2001 Sept 2001 Dec 2002 Mar 2002 June 2002 Sept 2002 Dec 2003 Mar 2003 June 2003 Sept 2003 Dec 2004 Mar 2004 June 2004 Sept 2004 Dec 2005 Mar 2005 June 2005 Sept 2005 Dec 2006 Mar 2006 June 2006 Sept 2006 Dec 20 07 Mar 2007 June 2007 Sept 2007 Dec 10896 11845 10544 10557 10627 10564 10561 10985 10574 10446 10028 9918 9605 9786 9996 9472 9722 10039 10055 9946 10222 10702 10987 11430 11228 11155 Manufacturing 12175 12106 11837 11922 12243 11769 11433 11405 11648 11566 11548 11794 11173 11483 11486 12054 11254 11663 11867 11912 12079 12050 12003 11767 11828 11917 Personal services 6336 6183 6225 6247 6148 6089 6051 5971 5983 5897 5809 6033 6338 6071 5993 5917 5852 5963 5859 6021 6018 6120 6314 6521 6699 6746 Note 1: The average sectoral wages are extracted from the table of â€Å"Average Wage Rates by Industry Sector, Broad Occupational Group†. Note 2: All the average monthly salaries are extracted from â€Å"Supervisory, technical, lerical and miscellaneous non-production workers† sections under the FIRE, Manufacturing and Personal services groups. Source: Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics, The Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Table 3. 5. 3 Average Sectoral Wages Per Month 3. 5. 4 Construction Industry Salaries and Wages –Technicians and Unskilled Workers Whilst the material costs have been generally on their rising trend, the average monthly salary of technicians and the average daily wage of unskilled workers in the construction industry have not recovered to their levels in 2003. This lends further support to the argument in Section 5. that material cost increase has more to do with the global price increase in commodities than to the slow recovery of the home construction sector. 14 2003 June 2004 June 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 2008 April n. a. : data not available Technicians Monthly Salary (HK$) 10985 9918 9472 9946 n. a. 11318 Unskilled Workers Daily Wage (HK$) 601. 1 584. 9 571. 7 565. 9 569. 9 570. 8 Unskilled Workers Daily Wage is extracted from â€Å"Average Daily Wages of Workers Engaged in Public Sector Construction Projects†. Figures are based on the data from â€Å"General Wo rkers†, which include labourers, excavators, concretors labourers, bricklayers labourers, plasterers labourers, heavy load labourers and drivers linesmen. Technicians Monthly Salary are extracted from â€Å"The Supervisory, technical, clerical and miscellaneous non-production workers section† of the â€Å"Average Wage Rates by Industry Sector Financing, insurance, real estate and business services† Sources: (for unskilled workers’ daily wage) Average Daily Wages of Workers Engaged in Public Sector Construction Projects. Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Contact person: Miss Lam, Telephone: 852-2887-5207). (for technicians’ monthly salary) Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics, Various issues. Table 3. 5. 4 Construction Industry Salaries And Wages – Technicians and Unskilled Workers 3. 5. 5 Construction Industry Salaries and Wages – Construction Professionals There were some wage increases for certain professionals, but in no way comparable with that of material prices. Between 2004 and 2007, only architects, electrical engineer and personnel manager/ human resources manager/ staff relations manager working in the industry have registered above 20% growth. Their monthly wages increased by 28. 3% over two years for the architects, by 24. 5% for the electrical engineer and by 31. 7% for the last. Administration officer/ executive officer, civil engineer and mechanical engineer also enjoyed a double digit growth in their salaries over the same 2-year period, which were 13. 4%, 14. 6% and 14. 2% separately, and followed by 5. 3% for building services engineers,7. 6% for safety officer and 3. 9% for I. T. / computer manager. Meanwhile, there was a reduction of 13. 8% for financial manager/accounting manager, 7. 5% project manager and 6. 7% for structural engineer. 15 (Unit: Median monthly salary in HK$) Professionals in Building and construction and related trades Accountant Administrative Officer / Executive Officer Architect Administration Manager/ Company Secretary/ Office Manager Building Services Engineer Civil Engineer Electrical Engineer Financial Manager/ Accounting Manager I. T. / Computer Manager Mechanical Engineer Personnel Manager/ Human Resources Manager/ Staff Relations Manager Project Manager Quantity Surveyor Safety Officer Structural Engineer n. a. data not available Source: Report of Salaries and Employee Benefits Statistics, Managerial and Professional Employees (Excluding Top Management), Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section, Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Web-site: censtatd. gov. hk (Hong Kong statistic- Statistical Tables-Subject-La bour Table 029). 2004 June 26900 14900 38500 23500 28500 28700 30200 n. a. n. a. 33200 n. a. 52200 28800 31600 26800 2005 June 22900 16900 41600 n. a. 29300 28000 30700 54500 n. a. 31900 n. a. 50900 28700 29800 21000 2006 June 26900 16900 42600 25600 30800 30900 32700 44600 35800 33800 35000 51300 29300 30300 27500 2007 June 30200 n. a. 49400 n. a. 30000 32900 37600 47000 37200 37900 46100 48300 28900 29200 25000 Table 5. 5 Construction Industry Salaries And Wages – Construction Professionals 3. . 6 Construction Industry Salaries and Wages – Skilled Workers The slow recovery of the construction industry seems to have benefited, if only marginally, some senior managers, architects and engineers only. Of all the 32 categories of workers listed below, only 1 of them had their average daily wages increased over 5 years. Only structural steel welders had the positive growth. However, the growth rate was 3. 5% over 5 years. The remaining 31 categories of skilled workers ha ve seen their wages go down by 4. 5% to 36. 5%. The hardest hit are the building services maintenance mechanics. Their average daily wages dipped by 36. 5% over 5 years. The categories of workers that suffered double-digit wage reduction over 5 years include nearly all the major trades: concretors, bricklayers, drainlayers, mason, bar benders and fixers, metal worker structural steel erectors, riggers/metal formwork erectors, formwork carpenters, joiners, plumbers, construction plant mechanics, rock-breaking drillers, asphalter, bamboo, plasterers, painters and decorators, leveller, marble workers, electrical fitter, mechanical fitters, refrigeration/AC/ventilation mechanic, fire services mechanic, lift and escalator mechanic and power cable jointer. It seems that the construction boom in Macau has not benefited much local construction workers. 16 Concretor Bricklayer Drainlayer Mason Bar bender and fixer Metal worker General welder Structural steel erector Structural steel welder Rigger/metal formwork erector Carpenter (formwork) Joiner Plumber Construction plant echanic Plant equipment operator (load shifting) Truck driver Rock-breaking driller As phalter (road construction) Bamboo scaffolder Diver Plasterer Glazier Painter and decorator Leveller Marble worker Electrical fitter (incl. electrician) Mechanical fitter Refrigeration/AC/ventilation mechanic Fire services mechanic Lift and escalator mechanic Building services maintenance mechanic Power cable jointer 2003 June 1072. 4 971. 9 955. 6 903. 7 1297. 4 890. 4 848. 9 1063. 1 879. 7 980. 7 1254. 0 1059. 2 986. 8 859. 8 809. 2 653. 1 889. 8 876. 6 1164. 6 1725. 2 976. 1 895. 5 907. 7 771. 0 1132. 7 794. 6 764. 2 675. 9 797. 6 769. 1 987. 2 575. 0 2004 June 1026. 3 961. 3 927. 5 849. 9 1225. 4 853. 1 790. 1 966. 2 939. 0 810. 4 1146. 9 1029. 4 933. 8 802. 7 784. 4 604. 6 821. 0 715. 3 1077. 3 1596. 4 934. 9 843. 2 878. 4 757. 9 1003. 2 763. 7 752. 685. 1 762. 7 785. 7 728. 9 725. 6 (Unit: Average daily wage in HK$) 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 923. 5 940. 3 948. 2 886. 3 840. 1 841. 3 874. 7 861. 9 826. 5 853. 2 933. 6 925. 2 1159. 6 1154. 0 1142. 9 840. 9 822. 3 914. 2 783. 7 786. 6 778. 3 961. 8 884. 8 847. 5 946. 2 920. 2 970. 7 724. 1 777. 7 843. 4 1073. 7 1076. 9 993. 1 982. 1 953. 9 926. 7 903. 3 836. 8 798. 8 807. 6 816. 5 774. 3 765. 6 767. 0 761. 6 572. 5 613. 1 591. 7 851. 2 781. 7 774. 3 783. 9 756. 9 913. 9 1089. 1 1108. 3 1076. 7 1687. 4 1543. 3 1821. 1 883. 3 890. 3 829. 6 878. 2 770. 0 751. 9 853. 6 791. 2 753. 0 700. 3 726. 7 715. 4 969. 2 826. 1 866. 6 742. 0 715. 1 727. 705. 1 589. 1 666. 0 659. 3 595. 4 638. 4 758. 2 737. 8 788. 6 820. 8 815. 7 804. 5 852. 9 743. 7 537. 5 831. 3 600. 0 600. 0 2008 Mar 932. 8 816. 1 814. 7 714. 6 1067. 4 775. 2 783. 6 897. 7 911. 1 829. 9 986. 9 868 784 724. 6 737. 7 602. 6 796. 6 679. 2 1033. 5 1647. 8 802. 8 811. 7 740. 6 686. 2 942. 4 678. 8 683. 8 591. 4 710 655. 1 626. 4 479. 3 Source: Average Daily Wages of Workers Engaged in Public Sector Construction Projects, Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Contact person: Miss Lam, Telephone: 852-28875207). Table 5. 6 Construction Industry Salaries And Wages –Skilled Workers 3. 6 3. 6. IMPORT AND EXPORT OF CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Annual Import/Export of Construction Services Latest statistics on import and export of services can be found on â€Å"Report on Hong Kong Trade in Services Statistics for 2006† which is freely downloadable from the government web-site ( statisticalbookstore. gov. hk/en/index. html). However, the construction sector is described as one of the sectors which have less significant amount of TIS (Trade in Services) transactions†. There is not much import of construction services because the great majority of construction works are done by â€Å"local† firms. However, that doesn’t imply discrimination against 17 foreign contractors as the next paragraph will explain. Neither is there much export of construction services, because indigenous local contractors are generally active in the traditional building construction sector, and they may not have the competitive advantages to compete in international markets yet. Hong Kong has been consistently ranked the top in the Index of Economic Freedom for 14 consecutive years ever since it was first co-published by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal in 1995. Hong Kong being the freest economy in the world, the local government does not differentiate between foreign and local contractors. Announcing with a Technical Circular (Works Branch Technical Circular No. 9/97: Rules for the Administration of the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works, 26 May 1997), the government has abolished since 1997 the differentiation between foreign and local contractors eligible to tender for public works. From then on, both foreign and local contractors have been subject to the same sets of criteria, rules and regulations. Once registered, they are all â€Å"local† firms, and, by definition, their services are rendered locally and not â€Å"imported†. There is no statistics on the origin of the contractors, and hence there is not much â€Å"importation† of construction services expect for those one-off special cases when construction services have to be procured on an ad hoc basis. 18 The exports and imports of services are listed below: Export of services Major Service Group Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 HK$ million 3968 2941 2436 2083 590 929 1035 1191 Share3 (%) 3. 2. 7 2. 3 1. 9 Yearonyear % change 48. 2 -25. 9 -17. 2 -14. 5 74. 0 57. 5 11. 4 15. 1 Import of services HK$ million 3110 2697 2122 1872 207 246 283 306 Share3 (%) 2. 7 2. 5 2. 0 1. 7 Yearonyear % change 13. 9 -13. 3 -21. 3 -11. 8 32. 7 18. 8 15. 0 8. 1 Net export of services HK$ milli on 858 244 314 211 383 683 752 885 Construction services1 Architectural, engineering and other technical services2 1Construction services include â€Å"(g)eneral construction work (including new work, additions and alterations, repair and maintenance) and installation work at sites, buildings and structures that usually lasts for less than one year†. 2Architectural, ngineering and other technical services include â€Å"(a)dvisory architectural services; architectural design services; contract administration services; advisory and consultative engineering services; engineering design services for construction projects or industrial processes; and urban planning and landscape architectural services†. 3Share (%) is the share of export (or export) in total â€Å"building and construction†. Sources: Report on Hong Kong Trade in Services Statistics for 2006, p. 21. 2006 Gross Domestic Report, p. 41 Table 3. 6. 1 – Annual Import/Export of Construction and Consul tancy Services There is not much import nor export of construction services, though Hong Kong managed to have a positive net export of services between 2003 and 2006. In 2006, there were HK$2083 million and HK$1872million worth of construction services exported and imported respectively, resulting in a net export of services worth HK$211 million. The value of exported construction services represented 2% – 3. 4% of the total â€Å"Building and Construction† only in the years 2003 2006, or a mere 0. 36% of the total value of all exports of services in 2006. On the other hand, there is an increasing trend of export of Architectural, engineering and other technical services. The value increased to HK$1,191 million in 2006. In that year, the total value of â€Å"Building and Construction† was HK$105,960 million. If we assume that professional fees amounted to 3% of the value, the consultancy fees would be HK$3,179 million. Compared to HK$3,179 million, the HK$1,191 million earned from export of services amounted to more than 30%. In Hong Kong, architects, engineers and other professionals appear to have relied on export of services much more than the contractors. It has been commented that professional skills and expertise, which have their origins from the British institutions, have been much treasured by China Mainland, Dubai, India and other South East countries. In Hong Kong professionals seem to have more exportable advantages than building construction firms. 3. 6. 2 Top 5 Countries for Construction Import/Export The sources of imports and destinations of exports of construction and consultancy services are summarised in the following table. 19 Major service group/Region Year Export of services HK$million Import of services HK$million Net export of services HK$million Construction services Asia Australasia and Oceania Central and South America North America Western Europe Others Architectural, engineering and other technical services Asia Australasia and Oceania Central and South America North America Western Europe Others 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006 3968 2941 2436 2083 3737 2941 2330 2054

The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein

The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein Are modern-day, American women happy? Are their lives more fulfilling than those of women who lived before the Equal Rights Amendment? Have the expectations of stereotypical gender roles faded away? Is society still dominated by a patriarchal boys club? Wendy Wasserstein considers these questions in her Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Heidi Chronicles. Although it was written over twenty years ago, this drama still mirrors the emotional trials many of us (women and men) experience as we try to figure out the big question: What should we do with our lives? A Male-centric Disclaimer First of all, before this review continues, it should be disclosed that it was written by a guy. A forty-year-old male. If the subject of analysis in a womens studies class, your reviewer might be labeled as part of the ruling class in a male-biased society. Hopefully, as the critique continues, it wont present as obnoxiously do the self-confident, self-loving male characters in The Heidi Chronicles. The Good The strongest, most appealing aspect of the play is its heroine, a complex character who is emotionally fragile yet resilient. As an audience we watch her make choices that we know will lead to heartache (such as falling in love with the wrong guy), but we also witness Heidi learning from her mistakes; ultimately she proves that she can have both a successful career and a family life. Some of the themes are worthy of literary analysis (for any of you English majors looking for an essay topic). In particular, the play defines feminists of the 70s as hard-working activists who are willing to forgo gender expectations to improve womens status in society. In contrast, the younger generation of women (the ones who are in their twenties during the 1980s) is portrayed as more consumer-minded. This perception is demonstrated when Heidis friends want to develop a sitcom in which women Heidis age are very unhappy. Unfulfilled, frightened of growing old alone. In contrast, the younger generation want to get married in their twenties, have their first baby by thirty, and make a pot of money. This perception of a disparity between the generations leads to a powerful monologue delivered by Heidi in Scene Four, Act Two. She laments: Were all concerned, intelligent, good women. Its just that I feel stranded. And I thought the whole point was that we wouldnt feel stranded. I thought the point was that we were all in this together. Its a heartfelt plea for a sense of community that for Wasserstein (and many other feminist authors) failed to come to fruition after the dawn of the ERA. The Bad As you will discover in more detail if you read the plot outline below, Heidi falls in love with a man named Scoop Rosenbaum. The man is a jerk, plain and simple. And the fact that Heidi spends decades carrying a torch for this loser drains away some of my sympathy for her character. Fortunately, one of her friends, Peter, snaps her out of it when he asks her to contrast her misery with the more devastating problems going on around them. (Peter has recently lost many friends due to AIDS). Its a much-needed wake-up call. Plot Summary The play begins in 1989 with a lecture presented by Heidi Holland, a brilliant, often lonely art historian whose work focuses on developing a stronger awareness of female painters, getting their work exhibited in otherwise male-centric museums. Then the play transitions to the past, and the audience meets the 1965 version of Heidi, an awkward wallflower at a high school dance. She meets Peter, a larger than life young man who will become her best friend. Flash forward to college, 1968, Heidi meets Scoop Rosenbaum, an attractive, arrogant editor of a left-wing newspaper who wins her heart (and her virginity) after a ten-minute conversation. The years go by. Heidi bonds with her girlfriends in womens groups. She crafts a thriving career as an art historian and professor. Her love life, however, is in shambles. Her romantic feelings for her gay friend Peter are unrequited for obvious reasons. And, for reasons hard to fathom, Heidi cant give up on that philandering Scoop, even though he never commits to her and marries a woman whom he does not love passionately. Heidi wants the men she cannot have, and anyone else she dates seems to bore her. Heidi also desires the experience of motherhood. This yearning becomes all the more painful when she attends the baby shower of Mrs. Scoop Rosenbaum. Yet, Heidi is ultimately empowered to find her own path without a husband. Although a bit dated, The Heidi Chronicles still remains an important reminder of the tough choices we all make when we try to chase not just one but a whole handful of dreams. Suggested Reading Wasserstein explores some of the same themes (womens rights, political activism, women who love gay men) in her comical family drama: The Sisters Rosenweig. She also wrote a book called Sloth, a parody of those over-enthusiastic self-help books.

Cómo Corregir Errores en el Formulario de Visa DS-160

Cà ³mo Corregir Errores en el Formulario de Visa DS-160  ¿Por Quà © Es Importante Corregir los Errores? El DS-160 es el formulario  electrà ³nico  que se utiliza para solicitar o renovar las  visas de no inmigrante (turista, estudiante, intercambio, trabajo temporal, etc). Todo lo que ahà ­ se declara debe ser cierto y mentir se considera un fraude de ley; en consecuencia cualquier error de informacià ³n debe ser corregido apenas se caiga en la cuenta del error, antes y/o despuà ©s de haber enviado el formulario. No corregir los errores puede demorar el proceso de la visa hasta que se llene de nuevo un formulario, o simplemente puede generar un rechazo en la aplicacià ³n. Ambos casos son pà ©rdidas de tiempo y dinero. Cà ³mo Corregir los Errores en el Formulario DS-160 Los errores se pueden corregir fcilmente antes de enviar la planilla: Coloque el cursor del ratà ³n (mouse) sobre la respuesta que hay que modificar y oprima la opcià ³n edit para cambiarla. Luego oprima save para actualizar la respuesta. En el caso en el que el formulario ya se haya enviado hay dos opciones: Busque en su disco duro si tiene la versià ³n del formulario que ya ha enviado. Si este es el caso, abra el archivo y busque el enlace al DS-160 en internet. Oprima la opcià ³n de upload a previous application, y clique edit para cambiar la respuesta necesaria. Una vez hecho el cambio oprima save para actualizar. Si no tiene grabada la versià ³n que ya ha enviado debe llenar nuevamente, y con mucho cuidado, el formulario, cerciorndose de que todas las respuestas sean verà ­dicas. Errores Ms Graves en el DS-160   Se consideran errores particularmente graves los que dan informacià ³n falsa o inexacta acerca de: Viajes anteriores a Estados Unidos.Rechazo de una solicitud previa para una visa.Arrestos o condenas tanto en Estados Unidos como en otros paà ­ses.Problemas con una autoridad de los Estados Unidos.Falsedad acerca de familiares en Estados Unidos o familiares de nacionalidad estadounidenses. En este punto hay que prestar especial atencià ³n a los padres de nià ±os nacidos en Estados Unidos (el oficial de visas puede pedir facturas hospitalarias de dà ³nde nacià ³ el bebà © para cerciorarse de que no se hayan generado gastos a Medicaid). Consideraciones Generales Para Solicitar la Visa Antes de pedir la visa considere si usted es inelegible o inadmisible y evite que su solicitud sea rechazada. En el primer caso se considera inelegible a la persona que no ha podido demostrar suficientes recursos econà ³micos o lazos familiares y/o de trabajo en el lugar de residencia fuera de Estados Unidos. En el segundo caso, se considera inadmisible a una persona que ha estado previamente en condicià ³n de ilegal en Estados Unidos. Si usted est en proceso de recibir una green card, no solicite visa de turismo porque lo ms probable es que le sea negada. Consejos Para Conservar la Visa Aprobada Una vez su visa es aprobada aconsejamos: Tomar este test de respuestas mà ºltiples para repasar la informacià ³n bsica acerca de la visa de turismo.Conocer las 10 causas ms frecuentes por las que las visas se cancelan. Ser prudente con la frecuencia de los ingresos a los Estados Unidos. Este artà ­culo es meramente informativo y no pretende ser es asesorà ­a legal.

Metabolic Syndrome Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Metabolic Syndrome - Assignment Example The most used criteria are those of the NCEP-ATP III, and IDF. According to the research carried out on US residents using the NCEP-ATP III standards, the unadjusted and age-adjusted prevalence of MetS were 21.8% and 23.7%, respectively (Byrne, 2011). Prevalence is higher when using IDF standards than using the NCEP-ATP III standards. For instance, in the comparison of the two organization’s standards, the age-adjusted prevalence of MetS established by NCEP-ATP III was 24.5%, whereas that of IDF was 43.4%. In other words, the prevalence of MetS rises consistently with increasing age unconventionally of sex, from 6.7% in individuals aged 20 to 29 years, to 43.5% for individuals aged 60 to 69 years, and 42% for individual aged 70 years and older (Byrne, 2011). In addition, although there is no postulated information for adolescents and children, the overall prevalence of MetS in these groups is approximated to be 4.2% (6.1% for boys and 2.1 for girls), increasing to 6.8% amongst overweight and 28.7% in obese adolescents. Also, the study indicates that, the prevalence of MetS are similar for men and women, however, higher in black women than men, and lower in white women than men (Codario, 2011). The underlying pathophysiology for MetS is still an issue of concern amongst various professional organizations resulting to inconsistencies in the way MetS is defined. Each definition has its benefit and drawbacks. However, insulin resistance and obesity has been identified to be the key contributing factors. Although insulin resistance is the core cause of glucose and fatty acid tolerance, it does not enlighten the alterations seen in endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation, blood pressure, and hypercoagulability. Laboratory measurement of insulin resistance is challenging, and, however, researches have indicated fasting insulin levels as a substitute, absence of analyze standardization makes this approach impractical (Awad, 2010). On the other hand, other exponents have suggested that although abdominal obesity may be the key cause of MetS, still insulin resistance occur in up to 15% of non-obese individuals. High free fatty acids can promote hypercholesterolemia, impact endothelial dysfunction, and impair insulin sensitivity, thus encouraging hypertension (Kurian, & Thompson, 2012). Adipose tissue has been denoted to be an active endocrine organ that impacts inflammatory cytokines, generates adipokines, affects insulin resistance, and influence CV risk by playing a role in impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, thus strengthening the link between inflammatory and obesity (Kurian, & Thompson, 2012). All these approaches have been attributed to the pathophysiology of MetS. However, the question is, â€Å"why is the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome significant?† Metabolic syndrome raises the individual risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), even beyond CAD caused by high LDL cholester ol alone. This helps the patient and all healthcare providers to take measures of preventing and managing CAD immediately (Preedy, & Watson, 2010). Metabolic syndrome is described by several signs and symptoms. These involve elevated triglycerides, large waist circumferences (abdominal obesity), low levels of HDL, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood glucose. As suggested by NCEP-ATP III, criteria used in diagnosis for metabolic syndrome involve body size, level of blood glucose, individual’

The Power and the Glory and The Road Compared Essay

The Power and the Glory and The Road Compared - Essay Example â€Å"Altogether they had shot about five priests —two or three had escaped, the bishop was safely in Mexico City, and one man had conformed to the Governor's law that all priests must marry. He lived now near the river with his house-keeper. That, of course, was the best solution of all, to leave the living witness to the weakness of their faith. It showed the deception they had practised all these years. For if they really believed in heaven or hell, they wouldn't mind a little pain now, in return for what immensities. †¦ The lieutenant, lying on his hard bed, in the damp hot dark, felt no sympathy at all with the weakness of the flesh.† (pg. 16) On this part of the book, the lieutenant is the author's method of showing the great contrast between his typical characters who shows great faith and this character who is against everything that his usual characters believe in. In this passage, the lieutenant scorns what he perceives as the weakness of faith. He believes that the priests should have shown more strength of character by enduring the pains that comes with their faith instead of taking the easy way out and proving how worthless their faith now seems to be. â€Å"He had been walking all day and he was very tired: he found a dry spot and sat down.When the lightning struck he could see the clearing: all around was the gentle noise of the dripping water. It was nearly like peace, but not quite. For peace you needed human company— his aloneness was like a threat of things to come. Suddenly he remembered—for no apparent reason—a day of rain at the American seminary, the glass windows of the library steamed over with the central heating, the tall shelves of sedate books, and a young man—a stranger from Tucson—drawing his initials on the pane with his finger—that was peace. He looked at it from the outside: he couldn't believe that he would ever again get in. He had made his own world, and this was it—the empty broken huts, the storm going by, and fear again—fear because he was not alone after all.† (pg.85) In this passage, the author put the character in a weakened state. When he said that in order to get peace, you need human company, it entails the fears of the author who finds himself seemingly afraid of the things that he will have to face on his own. He longs for the trivial things like writing your name on a window pane with your finger, because in his weakened state, he associates that action with the sense of peace that is beyond his grasp at the moment. When he mentioned that he looked at it from the outside, he was pertaining to the feeling that he can never go back and things will never be the way it used to be. Other excerpts from the book will be as follows: â€Å"An old man who married was grotesque enough, but an old priest ... He stood outside himself and wondered whether he was even fit for hell.† -Jose (The priest who got married) (pg.18) The way the old priest condemns himself for what he has done made it difficult to hate his character in the book. The author, by giving insights to the personal and inner turmoils of the characters made it possible to humanize them, and in more ways than one, aids in sympathizing with the characters. â€Å"It is astonishing the sense of innocence that goes with sin—only the hard and careful man and the saint are free of it...† â€Å"He wanted to say to this man: "Love is not wrong, but love should be happy and open—it is only wrong when it is secret, unhappy ... it can be more unhappy than anything but the loss of God. It is the loss of God. You don't need a penance, my child, you have suffered quite enough,"... -Priest (pg.97) Some passages are quite depressing, not only because of the context in which they were used in the story but because of the truth that

Ibrahim4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ibrahim4 - Essay Example There lacks a rule in Nebraska on the right of privacy. The Nebraska legislature has not stipulated a right of privacy by statute. The Nebraska court lacks the mandate in ruling over such a right unless the state’s legislature confers such a right to the state’s judicial legislature. Carson’s first cause of action would clearly state a claim in most state jurisdictions (OpenJurist). The Nebraska jurisdiction, however, does not provide a right to privacy. Judging by the Nebraska law, the plaintiff case would still get over ruled. Due to the complexity of the case at hand pitting Carson and the National bank, the court finds it hard to provide a ruling but rather infer on past cases with similar complaints (OpenJurist). The court remains aware that there may be truth behind the plaintiff’s complaint in regard to his right to privacy. However, the court lacks the mandate to make a ruling since there is lack of legislation in regards to the right of privacy. It is likely that the National Bank will win the case due to a lack of legislation in Nebraska. The case gets left for legislative determination

Analyzing a research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analyzing a research - Essay Example The article displays the research techniques used in the study in various ways. First, it describes the process of the literature review, which is essential in determining the direction of the current study regarding the formation of the research question (Kington, Sammons, Day & Regan, 2011). Moreover, the article reflects the weaknesses of the existing studies about the topic under research in order to establish an effective and sufficient research on the topic. In addition, the authors describe how they integrated both qualitative and quantitative research methods to identify the factors that contribute to effective teaching practice in primary and secondary contexts. The article under review attempts to establish the factors that contribute to effective teaching practice at primary and secondary levels of study. The data analysis techniques used in the articles includes qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. The qualitative technique involves various processes such as recording, transcribing and saving the post- and pre-observation interviews. In addition, a coding application was developed to establish the themes of organizational for analysis. The article also highlights that the research team developed the application using NVivo software package in order to enhance qualitative approach of analysing the results. In addition, the qualitative approach was used to analyse the interviews in order to identify various aspects of the teachers and students (Kington, Sammons, Day & Regan, 2011). The research uses the quantitative technique to evaluate the teachers and students questionnaires data. The questionnaires are mainly utilised in the qualitative approach in order to determine the demographic aspects of the research participants. In this case, the questioners’ data regarding the teachers is fed into the SPSS program in order to generate the teachers’ population descriptive information. According to the article, the information on the

Business Models for High Tech Products Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Models for High Tech Products - Essay Example This limitation applies equally well to Apple’s other technological ventures such as the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad and others where it is obvious that Apple’s products target the upper segments of the market alone. This is more often done by Apple through differentiating their products with larger price tags for example the i-series of products from Apple is generally 30% or more priced from other market competitors. Whereas companies like Nokia have been ruling the market through domination of the underdog customer, Apple has chosen not to do so. Recently as other competitors have jumped into Nokia’s market share, the company has held steady because the lower end of the market is still firmly in its hand. In Apple’s case this is very different. Time and again Apple has found itself in troubled waters because Apple’s market segment (more appropriately targeted customer segment) has come under attack from other product makers. This has meant the bleeding of revenue to other competitors while Apple scrambles to innovate their products in the market segment under attack in order to keep relevant. The case of Windows 7 is very relevant in this regard. The introduction of Windows 7 hit the iOS market for computing solutions rather hard and Apple’s domestic computing solutions user drifted out of hand while Apple scrambled to recapture their interest. Had Apple been more diversified such as in the government and the corporate sectors, the threat would not have been that dangerous. Currently Apple derives most of its revenue from the mobile computing lineup consisting of the iPod, the iPad and the iPhone. The segment of mobile computing is expected to rise all the more in coming years as people would be looking for simple, lightweight mobile devices instead of grounded desktops and bulky laptops. The question now is how Apple plans to survive in an already crowded environment. Historically Apple has been providing its core and peripheral consumers with something new every other quarter or so but this run at innovation seems like dying down now. Future Course of Action Strangely enough Apple has always had the â€Å"Steve Jobs† stigma. As long as Mr. Jobs was online, Apple’s â€Å"applecart† seemed to move in the right direction. In this sense, Apple has always been a Jobs-centric company. The death of Steve Jobs in recent days might spell disaster for Apple as a company because previous runs with Jobs provide ground for such belief. Apple can already be seen entangled in a losing battle as the company’s most recent release the iPhone 4S was a complete disaster. The primary reason that the iPhone 2G succeeded was because it gave something to the market that was never there already even with the large variety on hand. Apple fanatics and others were all expecting Apple to come out with some new and innovative device that would once again revolutionize the world of smart phone s but Apple has failed to live up to these expectations. This serves as a beacon for Apple’s future course of action – the company should refrain from delivering half baked pizzas one after the other. The company needs to bring in something big and well planned and executed like Steve Jobs delivered the iPod lineage. For another thing, Apple needs to lower the price tags on its devices

Analyzing a research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analyzing a research - Essay Example The article displays the research techniques used in the study in various ways. First, it describes the process of the literature review, which is essential in determining the direction of the current study regarding the formation of the research question (Kington, Sammons, Day & Regan, 2011). Moreover, the article reflects the weaknesses of the existing studies about the topic under research in order to establish an effective and sufficient research on the topic. In addition, the authors describe how they integrated both qualitative and quantitative research methods to identify the factors that contribute to effective teaching practice in primary and secondary contexts. The article under review attempts to establish the factors that contribute to effective teaching practice at primary and secondary levels of study. The data analysis techniques used in the articles includes qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. The qualitative technique involves various processes such as recording, transcribing and saving the post- and pre-observation interviews. In addition, a coding application was developed to establish the themes of organizational for analysis. The article also highlights that the research team developed the application using NVivo software package in order to enhance qualitative approach of analysing the results. In addition, the qualitative approach was used to analyse the interviews in order to identify various aspects of the teachers and students (Kington, Sammons, Day & Regan, 2011). The research uses the quantitative technique to evaluate the teachers and students questionnaires data. The questionnaires are mainly utilised in the qualitative approach in order to determine the demographic aspects of the research participants. In this case, the questioners’ data regarding the teachers is fed into the SPSS program in order to generate the teachers’ population descriptive information. According to the article, the information on the

Gubernatorial Campainge Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Gubernatorial Campainge - Research Paper Example She is also a responsible editor for J.R.R. Tolkien list of George Allen and Unwin Publishers apart from effectively commissioning both John Howe and Allan Lee to illustrate Tolkien’s work. Her hard work and dedication are evidenced by her role as a publishing director for House working across the Voyager fantasy science fiction list and crime. Jane as a dedicated leader is firmly advocating for the goodwill of Texas. Her ambitions are highly regarded as she looks forward to fully support both cultural and regional values of the citizens to see them prosper. Being a republican she advocates continuing disfranchising most blacks, poor whites and Latinos, especially the burden of the poll tax and white primaries as confederated by other states. This will lead to higher living standards, especially among the Hispanics and Latino population. Jane being a republican will be able to get most of her supporters in Texas away from the east, west coast, south and Midwest. Most of this population is from the suburban communities and rural areas. This includes 60% of married men and 55% of married women. It includes a lesser population practicing gay and lesbianism. On the contrary to this, the democrats live closer to the coast, including 40 % of married men and 45% of married women. Most of its population practice gay and lesbianism, hence they are less religious and younger in age (Texascentre, 2014). In terms of location, the Republican supporters that Jane is counting on are mostly found in the south and the Midwest Texas consisting of a larger population in rural and suburban areas while the democrats are found east and west coasts and in the urban centers. In terms of marriage status, 24% of women will support Jane while 37% will be against her. She, therefore, has a lesser number of votes from women in the population (Quickfacts 2014). In terms of income, a larger population those with higher