Why Bangladesh studies should be taught to students of BBA in Bangladesh

Why Bangladesh Studies should be taught for the students of BBA It is important to learn the whereabouts of a country if someone wants to do business in a particular region or a country. As a student of BBA in Bangladesh, ‘Bangladesh studies’ is as important as any other courses in the whole curriculum. If one wants to start business in a particular area (say Bangladesh), one must acquire complete knowledge about:Geography Historical backgrounds Culture Manners & customs Religion and caste Political conditions and attitudes of the political parties Transport & telecommunication Economic infrastructure Government policies & facilities Banking & investments Local business & business communities Natural calamities Insurance & securities Management & Labour cost Electricity & powerThese prospects are described in detailed as followings:Studying geography of Bangladesh, a student will acquire knowledge about the resources, landmass, transport, economic trend of Bangladesh. Th is helps to find a suitable place for establishing business/industrial complex. It is necessary to know the history of Bangladesh as there exists a strong connection between people of the country and their mentality and customs. Now comes the culture, manners & customs. Knowing the culture of Bangladesh will help the student to guess whether the people (consumers) will appreciate the promoted product/service or not. Studying manners and customs are important as well. These will help to acquire knowledge about the tendency and likings of the consumers. It is also important to learn about religion and caste of people of Bangladesh as will help to acquire knowledge about social ceremonies, obligations and harmony of the consumers. Political  conditions of Bangladesh always affect business and economy.The student must be well aware of political stability and attitude of the politicians towards business and economic sectors. Transport & Telecommunication is one of most important factor in entrepreneurship. It is important to know about the transport and telecoms of Bangladesh in order to save time and cost, get logistics, international clientele and also for marketing and advertising. Also note that well established infrastructure ensures stability in business. So, proper knowledge about the infrastructure of Bangladesh is a must. A student will be well aware of the business laws, policies identified by the government of Bangladesh. It is necessary to know the whereabouts of banking sectors for financial support, deposits and transactions. There are always possibilities of competitor companies with similar products/services. So learning about the local business of Bangladesh is necessary in order to promote a new product/service. Bangladesh is a disaster prone region.Flood, earthquake and cyclones are likely to occur almost every year and in order to face the likely disaster and hazards a student need to know how government and other organizations deal with it. A nother important factor related to business is insurance and securities. A BBA student must acquire enough knowledge about insurance sectors of Bangladesh to do a better secured business. It needs a good management and resourceful labour to run a company/industry. Bangladesh studies will help a student where to find the finest executives and cheap and resourceful labour. In case of an industry, accessibility of Electricity and Power is also another important factor. With proper knowledge about the geology of the country a student can identify where to establish an industrial complex.So, it is quite clear that Studying about Bangladesh for BBA students is necessary. Proper knowledge in this field makes a student of BBA a better entrepreneur in the future. Why Bangladesh studies should be taught to students of BBA in Bangladesh Why Bangladesh Studies should be taught for the students of BBA It is important to learn the whereabouts of a country if someone wants to do business in a particular region or a country. As a student of BBA in Bangladesh, ‘Bangladesh studies’ is as important as any other courses in the whole curriculum. If one wants to start business in a particular area (say Bangladesh), one must acquire complete knowledge about GeographyHistorical backgrounds Culture Manners & customs Religion and caste Political conditions and attitudes of the political parties Transport & telecommunication Economic infrastructure Government policies & facilities Banking & investments Local business & business communities Natural calamities Insurance & securities Management & Labour cost Electricity & powerThese prospects are described in detailed as followings:Studying geography of Bangladesh, a student will acquire knowledge about the resources, landmass, transport, economic trend of Bangladesh. Thi s helps to find a suitable place for establishing business/industrial complex. It is necessary to know the history of Bangladesh as there exists a strong connection between people of the country and their mentality and customs.Now comes the culture, manners & customs. Knowing the culture of Bangladesh will help the student to guess whether the people (consumers) will appreciate the promoted product/service or not. Studying manners and customs are important as well. These will help to acquire knowledge about the tendency and likings of the consumers. It is also important to learn about religion and caste of people of Bangladesh as will help to acquire knowledge about social ceremonies, obligations and harmony of the consumers.Political  conditions of Bangladesh always affect business and economy. The student must be well aware of political stability and attitude of the politicians towards business and economic sectors. Transport & Telecommunication is one of most important factor i n entrepreneurship. It is important to know about the transport and telecoms of Bangladesh in order to save time and cost, get logistics, international clientele and also for marketing and advertising. Also note that well established infrastructure ensures stability in business. So, proper knowledge about the infrastructure of Bangladesh is a must.A student will be well aware of the business laws, policies identified by the government of Bangladesh. It is necessary to know the whereabouts of banking sectors for financial support, deposits and transactions. There are always possibilities of competitor companies with similar products/services. So learning about the local business of Bangladesh is necessary in order to promote a new product/service. Bangladesh is a disaster prone region. Flood, earthquake and cyclones are likely to occur almost every year and in order to face the likely disaster and hazards a student need to know how government and other organizations deal with it. Ano ther important factor related to business is insurance and securities.A BBA student must acquire enough knowledge about insurance sectors of Bangladesh to do a better secured business. It needs a good management and resourceful labour to run a company/industry. Bangladesh studies will help a student where to find the finest executives and cheap and resourceful labour. In case of an industry, accessibility of Electricity and Power is also another important factor. With proper knowledge about the geology of the country a student can identify where to establish an industrial complex.So, it is quite clear that Studying about Bangladesh for BBA students is necessary. Proper knowledge in this field makes a student of BBA a better entrepreneur in the future.

Popular Culture Essay Essay

Although there are some parts of popular culture that make it into high culture, popular culture is transient; it describes the way of life, attitudes, and passions of mostly younger people. These views usually change as they age and gain real life experience. This essay will cover culture, popular culture, three major trends in popular American culture and how popular American culture affects personal decision making. Culture is the united design of social understanding, faith, and conduct that hinges on the ability to search for knowledge and spread it to future generations. It is also the ordinary principles, collective customs, and measurable qualities of ethnic, religious, or a community. (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012) â€Å"The soul takes nothing with her to the next world but her education and her culture.† (Plato, 2012) Popular cultural is the understanding and actions of a particular set of people in a particular era. It is also television shows (like Reality TV) or marketable goods (like sagging pants, oversized shirts, hats designed to be worn backward, etc.) made for, or targeted at particular set of people. (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012) In this student’s opinion popular culture comes and goes and only defines an era not its people. Three major trends in today’s society are a digital society, sexual explicitness, and a general lack of personal responsibility. Americans live in a digital society that relies on technology more than personal relationships. We do a great deal of shopping and purchasing online and have become a society where the sexier it is the better. Almost everything on television, in magazines, and even our music have become permeated with sexual overtones and innuendos. Finally, we have a dilemma with the lack of personal responsibility in our country; recently there have been several lawsuits against fast food restaurants for making people fat. Americans need to accept responsibility for our own actions; it was not the fast food restaurants that made us fat, rather it was our decision to eat there that did. Popular American culture affects personal decision making various ways, whether it is the type of food we buy, the music we listen to, electronics we purchase, and even the people we date. In this student’s opinion the Internet is the single most influential popular culture influencer of our time. We use it for everything from dating, shopping, exploring, studying, traveling, relaxing, and so much more. Popular culture  affects us in almost every decision we make. Although there are some parts of popular culture that makes it into high culture, popular culture is transient. This essay covered culture, popular culture, three major trends in popular American culture and how popular American culture affects personal decision making. â€Å"Culture is made of everything that enables man to maintain, enhance or transform without weakening it, the ideal image of himself that it has inherited.† (Malraux, 2001) References Malraux, A. (2001, May 2). UCL – Discours recteur Marcel Crochet. Retrieved from http://sites.uclouvain.be/actualites/dhc2001/drecteur.html Oxford English Dictionary. (2012, June). Retrieved from http://www.oed.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/view/Entry/45746?rskey=BftxmA&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid Plato. (2012, June 4). Here, There, and Everywhere. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201206/whats-after-30-quotes-the-afterlife

Research problem and literature review Proposal

Problem and literature review - Research Proposal Example Majority of the school teachers do not pay proper attention to these students to teach them effective and correct English. Due to these reasons the students have to face problems in their higher classes as English is the only medium of teaching in higher studies. On the other hand, the students of UAE look towards their guides and teachers with great hope. According to these students, the teachers are most competent and they will help these students to learn good English within a short period of time. It doubles the responsibility of the English teachers. Therefore, majority of the English teachers become disappointed and fed up. As a result, the English teachers leave the institutions or schools before the completion of their contract. The teachers need to have little patience, significant competency level, intelligence and effective management and leadership skills to handle these kind of situations. It will help the teachers to achieve their personal career goals. Research Questio n Depending upon the above discussion the research question has been formulated as: â€Å"What are the problems and remedies of teaching English to the students of UAE†? Literature Review Teaching second language to the students is not an easy task for the teachers. Second language should be taught efficiently with patience, hard work and self invented methodologies. These will help the teachers to teach second language to the students in effective way. According to Ansari (2012), it is important for the teachers to find out the difficulties and problems faced by the students (Ansari, 2012, p.521). Once the difficulties and problems are found out, the task becomes easy for the teachers to implement appropriate methods, plans and strategies. An intelligent, competent, co-operative and hardworking teacher is necessary for the students in order to learn second language in an appropriate way. According to Rosenthal (2000), when the students start learning the second language or a ny foreign language, they can face several problems and difficulties due to the lack of language proficiency (Rosenthal, 2000, p.141). At this point of time, only the teachers can rescue them from this critical situation. It is the responsibility of the teacher to understand the problems of the students and solve those problems accordingly through effective processes and methodologies. The teachers frame the course curriculum in an appropriate way so that the students can learn the language effectively and appropriately. It is important for the teachers to select effective reading materials for the students and create a suitable English learning environment in the class room. The students also face several problems, such as socio-cultural problems, writing problems and subject related problems while learning the second language. They also face problems in recognizing the alphabets and pronouncing even simple words. The socio-cultural background of the students generally plays an imp ortant role in learning of second language as there are cultural differences among the students. This cultural unawareness confuses the students. At this critical stage, only the teachers can help the students to overcome the situation by effective

Detroit women working in war industries (WWII) Research Paper

Detroit women working in war industries (WWII) - Research Paper Example This caused a huge need for work force in the city. During 1940 s’ there were great discrimination based on sex. Women were not deemed fit to do men’s work. Hence most of the women of that period were housewives. Their main work was to take care of the house and the children. Further during the great depression there was a huge population of men who lost their jobs and was against employing women. The people during that time considered that by employing women, eligible unemployed men were being deprived of jobs. But due to the ongoing war most of the men were enrolled in the army and were not available for work. This resulted in a large scale need for workforce (Milkman, 1987). Another main reason for shortage of work force was the sudden increase in the need for Tanks, Planes, trucks and other equipment required for war fare. Due to the huge increase in need for those articles the major automobile companies in Detroit stopped the production of Automobiles and started c oncentrating more on producing war machines. This lead to development of new factory units and these Factories were involved in the production of war machines and other related equipments. It also created new vacancies and since majority of the men were either fighting for the country or wounded only few men were available to fill up these huge vacancies. This was also the main reason for the sudden shortage of workforce. Due to shortage of workforce, the production was greatly affected. As national interest was involved, the government started showing more concern towards this issue. As a result, the Government decided to involve the women folks of that area to work in the place of men. At the beginning response from the women was very less. Though few women came forward to work, they were only willing to do the traditional female jobs such as clerical or administrative works. They were not willing to do the so called traditional male jobs and they were not willing to work in the f actories. But as there was huge vacancy in these types of jobs the government wanted to employ women in these types of jobs. The call for to work in the factories by the Government was responded mostly by women belonging to minority and lower class who were already employed in some other work. They just shifted from the low paid desk work to a better paid job. This did not help to reduce the need for work force in any way. Hence girls graduating from high schools were also recruited. This also did not suffice the need for the work force. So, the government turned its attention towards house wives. As the majority of the women were housewives, the government started targeting house wives for these kinds of jobs. The male population of the city was totally against this. They thought that by employing housewives the future of the children will be spoiled. In the beginning housewives, especially, with children were prevented from going to work. The government really had a very hard time in bring those women to work. United States of America being a democratic country was not able to force these people to work. Hence, it started to use various other means to do this (Babson, 1986). The government thought of luring the women to work through various propagandas. Through propagandas patriotic feeling was greatly increased. Further economic

Street Protests As The Aftermath Of 2009 Presidential Election And Essay

Street Protests As The Aftermath Of 2009 Presidential Election And Human Rights Violation - Essay Example Torture involved rape, mutilation, and stoning of the activists. Execution of political prisoners spread widely in the country, capital punishment, and oppression of juveniles was a usual act in the news (Brohmer 67). The government was accused of stopping the publication of opposition newspapers, books, and websites. In addition, there was extreme censorship, and rapid quelling of peaceful demonstrations. The Guardian council, which is composed of six Islamic judges came up to exercise significant power over Iranian politics, economic and social issues, the candidacy of aspiring politicians, and cultural life hindered legislation that endorsed human rights, and promoted leaders and policies that would strengthen the imbalanced power organized at the cost of the citizens of Iran. The street protests According to Leimbach, during the 2009 presidential elections, the comparatively reform-based Mir-Hussein Mousavi contested against the serving Ahmadinejad. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declar ed the winner of the elections, though suspicions of fraud spread widely in the country. For instance, voter turnout in two provinces accounted for over 100% of the total ballots to be lawful. Simply, there were more casted votes than voters. Given the little local migration and lower historical turnout, it was highly improbable that the ballots were fairly cast. After citizens went to the streets to protest against the voter results, the Guardian Council arranged for a partial recount of the casted votes, but there was no difference in who emerged the winner. Following this, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme leader announced that the reformist leaders were to be blamed for any aggression brought about by clashes in the government forces and the protesters (Leimbach 50). More than 100,000 Iranians took to the streets of Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Rasht cities to protest against the ruling government. The protest materialized from 14TH February, 2011. To curb the protests, forces were sent to raid homes at night in an effort to scare the citizens. The solidarity protests became nearly like an anti-regime demonstration where the police used paintballs and fired tear gas at the protesters. On the other hand, protesters set fire in garbage bins to protect themselves. Many famous human rights and democracy activists, lawyers, demonstrators, and opposition leaders were arrested and killed by the regime. Most protesters flew away, as the government threatened to kill them; they were not even allowed to contact lawyers or their families. According to the authorities in Iran, there were 20 causalities, more than 1000 detainees, and 500 injured individuals. However, this may not be the exact numbers, due to the suppression of data and internet blocking in the nation. Unofficial sources claim that the number of people who died from the street protests were approximately 300. As forces attacked protesters who had no arms, the ruling government was per ceived to go to extremes in dealing with the issue. Even those who did not take part in the protests were brutally killed so long as they appeared in the streets (Human Rights Watch 414). Iranian Students Association of America argues that Iran violates human rights, simply because some of the provisions are guaranteed in the Islamic law, and for the regime in power to continue enjoying the privileges of ruling. Some of the human rights violated by Iran include: Failure to adhere to the law processes of the country; use of torture and other hostile inhuman treatment and the use of false confessions. Executions performed both publicly and in secret

Waitrose and its Organizational Behaviour Structure Case Study

Waitrose and its Organizational Behaviour Structure - Case Study Example Last year, Waitrose registered gross sales up 251.6 million pound which is 6.8% to just under 4.0 billion pound. Waitrose operating profits (excluding property profits of 8.6 million pound) has increased 38.3 million pound which is 22% increase to 212.1 million pound. It is likely to grow at the rate of 3.6 % (excluding Petrol). It has the market share of 3.9% and has registered growth in operating margin by 5.4% (excluding property profits). Waitrose sales have growth by 47% in last four years. Its market share of the UK organics market stands at over 18%. Sales density of Waitrose has increased by 2.3% to 1,038 pound per square feet. Due to its higher product quality, Waitrose achieved 13 out of 18 quality standard industry awards. Waitrose has maintained its long-term relationship with farmers and suppliers and committed to support and sell only British farm products. Waitrose is providing specialized services to provide knowledge of the products to its customers. So Waitrose aims to combine the convenience of supermarket with the expertise and services of specialist shop and offer price commitment to ensure its customer to get good value for money at Waitrose. These are the sole reasons why Waitrose voted as the most favorites. These are the sole reasons why Waitrose voted as the most favorite grocer of U.K (All the data has been extracted from the website www.waitrose.com ). Individuals as an employee are motivated through the fulfillment of their desires & needs, and is the base for the fact that why people behave in a certain way to achieve their personal goals. The two factor theory (sometimes also called motivation-hygiene theory) was proposed by psychologist Frederick Hertzberg. According to Hertzberg, the factors leading to job satisfaction are separate and distinct from those that lead to job dissatisfaction. Therefore, managers who seek to eliminate factors that can create job dissatisfaction may bring about peace but not necessarily motivation. They will be placating their workforce rather than motivating them. As a result conditions surrounding the jobs such as quality of supervision, pay, company policies, physical working conditions, relation with others and job security is characterized by Hertzberg as hygiene factors. When they are adequate, people will not be dissatisfied; neither will they be satisfied. If we want to motivate people on th eir jobs, Hertzberg suggested emphasizing factors associated with the work itself or to outcomes directly derived from it, such as promotional opportunities, opportunities for personal growth, recognition, responsibility and achievement. Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory based on five needs, first two lower needs and later three upper needs (Physiological, Safety, Social, and Esteem & Self Actualization) has received wide recognition, particularly among practicing managers. This can be attributed to the theory's intuitive logic and ease of understanding. In the later years, Alderfer has reworked Maslow's need hierarchy to align more closely to empirical research. It is revised need hierarchy is labeled ERG theory (Alderfer, 1969). Alderfer argues that there are three groups of core needs- existence, relatedness & growth. The existence group is concerned with providing basic requirement, which Maslow considered to be physiological and safety needs whereas relatedness considered Masl ow's social needs and the external component of

Haydn's Baryton Trios Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Haydn's Baryton Trios - Essay Example This instrument is related to the bass viol, and besides the six or seven strings over its fingerboard has another set of strings attached underneath. These serve a double function: they sound in sympathetic vibration with the upper strings and may also be played pizzicato by the performer's left thumb, the neck of the baryton being open at the back. A viola, replaced by a violin in three works, and a cello supply the remaining voices. These trios in three movements are carefully elaborated and prove that Haydn knew how to produce works of art, even when forced to something like mass production. Quotations and arrangements from the composer's own symphonies and operas, and even from Gluck, may have amused his august patron (Brandenburg, 1998, p. 27). Contemporary sources vary in their estimates of the merits of the instrument. Whereas Friedrich August Weber, a physician who was one of the most spirited musical writers of the time, praised it saying, "One seems to hear the gamba and harp at the same time," and confesses that he "was moved to tears" by its sounds, Dr. Burney, in discussing the performance of the baryton virtuoso, Andreas Lidl, who had been in the service of Prince Eszterhzy before going to London, writes: "Mr. Lidl played with exquisite taste and expression upon this ungrateful instrument, which has the additional embarrassment of base [sic] strings at the back of the neck and he accompanied himself with these; an admirable expedient in a desert, or even in a house, where there is but one musician, but to have the bother of accompanying yourself in a great concert, surrounded by idle per- formers who could take the trouble off your hands, and leave them more at liberty to execute, express, and embellish the princi ple melody, seemed at best a work of supererogation" (cited in Elson, 1927, p. 43). Modern listeners, for their part, admire the characteristic features in these remarkable works: the occasional derivation of subsidiary subjects from the main ideas, intricate contrapuntal devices, interesting harmonic progressions, and delightful sound effects achieved with the baryton's peculiar pizzicato (prescribed by numbers in the score): the frequent attempts to arrange baryton trios for conventional string trio have unfortunately proved a failure, as the pieces need the baryton's distinctive sound. And what a failure. Historically speaking, the instrument was the favorite of Prince Nikolaus Esterhzy who demanded that his musical servant compose zillions of pieces for it. Curiously, it isn't so much the presence of the baryton that has prevented greater exposure for these delightful octets (the part can be played on any suitable stringed instrument of similar range), but rather the atrocious difficultly of the two horn parts. Haydn demands that his wind players execute insanely acrobatic figurations at both the extreme top and bottom of their range, and this extraordinary wind sonority gives these works much of their sonic allure (Wellesz & Sternfeld, 1973, p. 129). Nevertheless because of restricted usage, the baryton music was usually unpublished originally. Haydn's twenty-one works in SS/- or SA/bass setting, four of which are now lost, stem from his earliest creative periods. Called "divertimento" and "trio" in the source MSS, those that were published appeared chiefly as "Sonates en trio" These "trios" are relatively slight and objective, but as

Relation Between International Terrorism with Ethno-national Identity Essay

Relation Between International Terrorism with Ethno-national Identity Problem - Essay Example Majority of these theories accepted that cultural conflicts are one of the major reasons for international terrorism. Ethnicity is a community of people whose members recognize each other, on the basis of a common ancestry. On the other hand, nationalism is a political ideology that identifies people on the basis of a common nationality. For example, India is a secular democratic country in which Hindus, Muslims, Christians and lot of other religions are prominent. It should be noted all these people of different religion have different ethnicity. However, when it comes to nationalism, these people may not show any differences in their attitude with respect to ethnicity. For example, Indians all together celebrated their victory over Sri Lanka in 2011 ICC world cup one day cricket match competition. However, when it comes to terrorism, different religions in India have different attitudes. It has been accused by India that Pakistan is engaged in terrorist activities in Indian soil fo r the last few decades. Majority of the Indian people do believe that India’s claims are genuine. However, a minority groups in Indian Muslim community do believe that India is making unnecessary allegations against Pakistan. It should be noted that Indian Muslims and Pakistani Muslims have a common ethnicity. In short, ethnicity and nationalism can affect international terrorism in one way or another. This paper analyses the relation between International Terrorism and Ethno-national Identity problem. Terrorism and Ethno-national identity Nationalism, in particular, remains the pre-eminent rhetoric for attempts to demarcate political communities, claim rights of self-determination and legitimate rule by reference to ‘the people’ of the country. Ethnic solidarities and identities are claimed most often when groups do not seek ‘national’ autonomy but rather a recognition internal to or crosscutting national or state boundaries (Fenton and May, n.d., p .4). Ethnicity and nationalism are entirely different topics as far as international terrorism is concerned. For example, Mohamed Atta, a terrorist and one of the major culprits of the September 11 attacks was an Egyptian. Egypt is a country in which people of different ethnicities are staying together. Moreover, Egypt is keeping healthy relationships with United States for the past few decades. Same way, Osama Bin Laden’s origin was in Saudi Arabia and Saudi is one of the closest allies of America in Middle East. Under such circumstances, it was surprising for America to see the involvement of an Egyptian in 9/11 terrorist attack. It is evident that Atta and Osama decided to attack America, not because of America’s atrocities towards Egypt or Saudi Arabia, but because of America’s aggressive behaviors towards Muslim community in general. It should be noted that instead of attacking Egypt or Saudi Arabia, America started its war on terror in Iraq, Pakistan and A fghanistan in order to take revenge for the 9/11 incident. In other words, America realized that the role of Egypt as a nation in 9/11 incident is negligible compared to that of Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan provided secure shelter to Osama and his allies until recent times which clearly point towards the ethnic and national dimensions of international ter

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

Reconstruction - Essay Example ved their freedom from their white masters, African Americans would celebrate their newly won liberties and rights in the years following the war – also referred by historians as the period of Reconstruction. In the book America: A Concise History by James Henretta and David Bordy, we get in-depth analysis and commentary on this crucial period in American history. We learn from the text that the Reconstruction project is largely a failure. The acceding of eleven defeated Southern states into the Union was going to be a highly challenging process due to cultural and political dissimilarities between the two former warring groups. Indeed, the non-viability of this proposition had what ultimately led to the abandonment of Reconstruction efforts; and much of the bipartisanship seen in American politics today is proof of this deep division in the countrys social and political makeup. Immediately after the Civil War an atmosphere of euphoria prevailed, when intellectuals and common people alike dreamt of a radically new American society. But as the initial excitement of the Reconstruction era faded out, people came to the realization that old, established institutions would not change readily. In many ways the Civil Rights movement that occurred a century later was a reaction to the failure of the Reconstruction project. In this sense, the progress of American society was effectively held back for a hundred

Exotic Flowers Ltd Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Exotic Flowers Ltd - Coursework Example The negative cash flows at the end of each month are a worrying sign for any business but these can be financed by either some short-term financing or long-term financing method. The short-term financing method would include the small bank loans such as overdraft facilities offered by the banking institutions to its clients on a regular basis. Through the overdraft facility, the bank offers some amount to its client and that amount has to be paid off by the client within a short span of time usually 12 months. The long-term financing would include a loan which would be repayable after a long period of time usually 10 years or more but this sort of long term financing would cost more because the banks or the financial institutions would charge higher interest for a longer period of time. The best suitable financing mode for Exotic Flowers Ltd would be to use short term financing facilities such as overdraft facility that would hold little interest charge and the company would be able to repay it as soon as they end up having a positive cash flow. Based on the cash flow results, Adam and Tom should continue with the proposed plan of starting Exotic Flowers Ltd even though the business gives a negative cash flow in the opening year of the business. The business turns into a profitable venture in the second year of operation and the profits are considered to grow at a good rate. This growth in the profit and the revenue suggests that the market for the flower business is a very profitable and growing market and until and unless any stiff competition is faced, the company would grow extensively. The negative balances in the opening year of the business operation and the first month of the second year would have to be financed through short term

Trafficking Of Drugs Essay Example for Free

Trafficking Of Drugs Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Central Asia is one of the regions that international groups are focusing on. Aside form the challenges of establishing its independence it still faces today, it also has to deal with the internal struggles of restructuring social infrastructures. The Central Asian region’s undeniable value is its strategic geographic position between Asia and Europe (Esfandiari, 2004). The stability of Central Asia is seen as a key factor than can ease tension in the region, enhance trade and stabilize the political structure. The prevalence of the illegal drug industry is considered as one of the major deterrents for stabilization in the region (Cornell, 2006). The elimination of illegal drugs is a global concern. The United Nations (UN) is targeting to control the international trade of illegal drugs by 2008 (UN General Assembly, 1998). The prevalence of the illegal drug trade industry is seen as not just an issue of crime prevention but also as a geographical, social and political issue that affects the stability of nations and the security of the international community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Central Asia has a long history of trans-border relations. The region ahs been defined more by its political versus geographic delineations. This has contributed to the richness of the region in terms of culture and relations. However, this also reflects that the security of borders is not a historical aptitude for the region and current border problems maybe a consequence of this historical predicament   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chief producers of opium and opium-derivates drugs in Asia is the Golden Triangle in South East Asia consisting of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand and the Golden Crescent consisting of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Because of the establishment of Afghanistan as the primary producer of opium in the world and the consequent control of the trade in the Golden Triangle, the Golden Crescent has become the region of greater concern (Saidazimova, 2005). Another critical factor in the demand for better control of the drug trade in Central Asia is because of the indication from studies that bulk of the drugs in Europe is being sourced from the region. The concern for controlling the illegal drug trade however has a more important motivation for the countries in the region. Researches conducted by the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have indicated the link of the drug trade to terrorism and crime (UNODC, 2006a). The proliferation of drugs and related crime has significantly affected the economy and the stability of the region, severely detrimental to efforts in building the region as a major business hub for Asia and Europe. Central Asian Drug Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Alexander von Humboldt was the first to refer to the region as Central Asia. As seen in Figure 2, the concept what makes up the region has changed together with the current powers in the region. The region for the most part of the century was under Soviet Rule. Borders were redefined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990’s and succeeding wars and conflicts in the region (â€Å"Afghanistan†, 2006)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The modern concept of the geographic region includes Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Western China, Northeast Iran, Afghanistan and Western Pakistan. The region has suffered inveterate incidents of civil violence from ethnic and militant groups (Olcott Udalova, 2000). After the September 11th bombings, the US invasion of Afghanistan put the region into the limelight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the course of this global scrutiny, the international community has realized the key role that the region plays in the establishment of stability and security in the region and the Middle East. Another issue that became a highlight is the increasing significance of the region in the opium and heroin drug trade (United Nations Information Service [UNIS], 2005). The problem of drug trafficking in the region developed its current structure after the Cold War. One of the key factors that is an urgent concern in the region is border management and security. The lack of economic opportunities is also an underlying factor in the pervasiveness of illegal drug production and distribution (Cornell, 2006). The growing presence of crime groups is also capitalizing on the illegal drug trade to finance its operations. The region has seen a direct correlation of the trade with cross-border crime, trafficking or arms and people, money laundering and terrorism. Swanstrom (2001) points outs that the concern in the region is not only in its role a major producer but the greater concern should be focused in its role as a transit point. He estimates that the region will not be able to develop unless it first stops being the preferred channel of transporting drugs. The region is home to a rich ethnic history. The region which is the key element of the Eurasian continent represents a marriage of cultures of the East and West. Ethnic groups like Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, British and the Soviets. The regions of Central Asia, particularly the Soviet areas are the ones that most industrialized and developed infrastructure. However these regions have also experiences a high degree of cultural repression. This has established a psychology distrust of government in valuing local leaderships more (â€Å"Central Asia†, 2006). Afghanistan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Afghanistan serves as the gateway to Asia and the Middle East. It has been a focal point for trade dating back to the beginnings of caramel caravans and the Silk Road. As a nation, it was established by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747 and was part of the United Kingdom’s territories until the early 20th century. The conclusion of the Anglo-Afghan war in 1919 restored the nation’s independence. The country figured in the international once more when it was invaded by Russia in 1979. After the withdrawal of Russia in the 1990’s, the Taliban, a fundamentalist Muslim group that traces its origins in Iran and Pakistan took control of the country. The Taliban controlled 90% of the country while the remaining 10% was under the control of resistance forces led by Ahmad Shah Massoud. Massoud was assassinated in September 9, 2001 two days before the bombing of the World Trade Center in the United States. Some believe that Osama Bin Laden, leader of the extremist Al Qaeda ordered his assassination as a strategy in the event that the US partner with the Afghan resistance forces against the Taliban in Afghanistan. The US led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 in pursuit of Bin Laden, Al Qaeda has deposed the Taliban and has supported the Presidency of Hamid Karzai. The country today is still hosting the NATO troops authorized in December 2001 by the UN’s Security Council as part of an effort to establish the authority and leadership of the new Afghan government (â€Å"Afghanistan†, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Figure 5, it is shown that Afghanistan today is the undeniable leader the opium and heroin market. This, together with its strategic geographic position in the region makes it the keystone in the drug trade in Central Asia (UN Security Council, 2003). It is estimated that the country now supplies 75% of the world wide market, one third of which ends up in Europe. There has been success in the areas of cultivation but the production from the products has not diminished proportionately (McDermott, 2006). According to Lubin (2001), the farming of opium is remaining a staple in rural agricultural because of the lack of economic opportunities for farmers. The presence of criminal networks in Afghanistan, like the rest of the other countries in the region, is discouraging foreign investment (Swanstrom, 2003). The criminal groups are also being credited with interfering with the government, inciting insurgency and encouraging corruption.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The UN has sponsored programs to address the issues that are escalating the drug trade in the country. The primary objective is to decrease production through the combination of effective regulation and providing livelihood for farmers in the country. Through the Office of Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UN ODCCP), programs are also trying to place criminal groups based in the country, the region and the Golden Triangle. Consequently, the channels that are linked to Afghanistan are also become the target of international police programs (Lubin, 2001) Kyrgyzstan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kyrgyzstan traces its origins to a mix of Kipchak and Mongol ancestry that settled in Russia’s Tuva region approximately in the 10th century. When the Mongol empire took possession of the territory of the Kyrgyz people, they opted to move southward seeking refuge from the Mongol Hordes. It was in the 1400’s that the Kyrgyz emerged as a group and was incorporated into the Russian territories making up its Empire. The Russian takeover was meant with significant resistance and fractioned the Kyrgyz people to Afghanistan, the Pamir region and China. The Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast was founded in 1919 and in December 5, 1936, it was formally accepted as a republic of the Soviet Union. Tension in the Osh Oblast between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in 1990 marked the beginning of a series of violent confrontations that lasted from June to August of the year. Order was restored due to significant reforms and a new leadership in the government. It was also at this time that the country joined Commonwealth of Independent States which was made up of the Central Asian Republics. Before the end of 1990, the Supreme Soviet formally changed the name of the state to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan which in 1993 became the Kyrgyz Republic. More recent developments in the country include the Tulip Revolution in March 2005 that forced the resignation of Askar Akayev and installed Kurmanbek Bakiyev as President and Minister Feliks Kulov as Prime Minister. The country has yet been able to stabilize politics in the country. This has stunted growth in the country and at the same time has encouraged crime and militant and terrorist groups. There is still significant inter-ethnic tension, historically a perennial concern for the nation, affecting civil order and compromising security and efficiency of government (â€Å"Kyrgyzstan†, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kyrgyzstan’s involvement in the drug trade in Central Asia is not in cultivation or production. The role of the country in the drug trade lies in its strategic viability to transport drugs to Europe from the major produces such as Afghanistan. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan have historically been more involved in the transport of drugs form Central Asia as well as those from South East Asia. However, as drug traffickers expand their operations in the region, Kyrgyzstan along with Kazakhstan, is becoming another key channel for the drug trade (â€Å"Kyrgyzstan Confronted by Narcotics Nightmare As Drug Trade Booms†, 2006). As seen in Table 1, opiate seizures in the country remain relatively low and stable compared with its neighbors. This indicates that though there are significant amounts at any given time of opiates and its derivatives in Kyrgyzstan (UNODC, 2006b), there are very few seizures. This may be an indication that its presence is more transitory.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Similar with the situation of farmers in Afghanistan, one of the reasons for the prevalence of the trade is lack of economic opportunity. More significantly in Kyrgyzstan rather than in Afghanistan is the security of its borders. The existing civil unrest in the country has limited the resources to monitor the security of its borders, easing the transportation of not only drugs but also arms and people (Burke, 2001). As a country that only post a per capita income of $2,900, among the lowest in the world, drug trafficking provides an irresistible lure to the impoverished citizens (Swanstrom, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The country has been one of the first to establish anti-narcotics and supporting trafficking laws. For a long time, the laws acted more as prevention rather than actual part of policing efforts. Traffickers previously concentrated on Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in transporting drugs. However, the industry has grown in the region so much that crime organizations are trying to expand the channels available to them (Marat, 2006). Saidazimova (2005) has pointed out that the existing drugs in the region are not just the one produced there but is also made up of drugs from the Golden Triangle. Following the international operations of a transnational corporation, dealers are competing not just for the availability but also the control of the channels of distribution. Thus, many of the drug syndicates are trying to develop new transport systems and indications from studies conducted by the UN and EU are showing that Kyrgyzstan is becoming a popular option for them (Swanstrom, 2001) Impact of the Drug Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In theory, crime is primarily a concern for the police. However, because of the desire of organized crime to create the conditions that suit them, they try to undermine government, security and civil society. If the state is secure and has the necessary infrastructure for administration or governance, then it can mange and deter the machinations of organized crime. In the case of Central Asian countries, this is not a capability that is readily available. The presence of organized crime that is responsible for the illegal drug trade has undermined the security, state institutions, encouraged the corruption, political instability and violence, and has exacerbated relations among the countries in the region (Cornell, 2006). Security The drug trade is profiting from the scarce resources allotted for the administration of the countries’ borders. Because of the lack or border patrols, the transport of the drugs has been made easier for the traffickers. Land-based transport has been traditionally avoided by traffickers because it was considered riskier than air or sea freight (Esfandiari, 2004). It has increased in viability that even the Golden Triangle is choosing Central Asia to traffic their drugs instead of following the unwritten historical territorial jurisdiction of their operations (Saidazimova, 2005). Better drug control programs against the Golden Triangle have been effective in limiting transportation of drugs produced in the region. At the same time, the crackdown on production has been effective in diminishing the industry in the region (see Figure 5). Security in the areas of the country were the drug trade has its strongholds has severely compromised state and civil security. Reports in Afghanistan of syndicates attacking security convoys, both those of the Afghan government and UN forces are prevalent (â€Å"Drug Industry Threatens to Derail Afghanistans State Building†, 2006). At first, the attacks were attributed to Taliban forces but recent information from investigations in the affected areas reveal that a significant number of the forces were either a combination of Taliban and drug syndicates or just the syndicates themselves (Nazemroaya, 2006). In the case of Kyrgyztan, prior to the Tulip Revolution, there have been reports in the national papers that crime syndicates were taking control of rural areas in the country amidst the political disorder in the country’s capitals (â€Å"Kyrgyztan†, 2006). The country is very vulnerable in its stage today: investor confidence and industries has to be built up significantly. Analysts believe that unless the country can be able to address its security issues, very little progress can be achieved in this objective (Esfandiari, 2004). This is one of the motivation of drug syndicates to provoke crime so that legitimate business do not develop in competitor with their enterprise. State Institutions  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The government is dealing with the trade not just as its protagonist but also internally. In both Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, there has been some concern regarding the link of government officials to the drug trade. The weak presence of government in remote regions is also becoming an advantage for the drug syndicates. According to Olcott and Udalova (2000), in some areas, the traffickers are even presenting themselves as the legitimate government. Some do not even bother with subterfuge and simply overpower the locals for their operations. More alarming is that some local even begin supporting these groups because they seemingly provide livelihood to them while at the same time become more real to them than the legitimate government so far away in their respective nations’ capitals (UNIS, 2005). In Afghanistan, the Taliban has long been linked to the syndicates. This implies that even if the Taliban were not participating in terrorist activities, its role as a government institution is marred by its link to the drug trade. Some have even implied that the profit from the opium trade during the Taliban occupation, estimated to have ranged between US$ 10 million to US$ 75 million, was one of the core partnerships the organization has with the Al Qaeda (Lubin, 2001). In Kyrgyztan, there have also been claims of the link of some government officials to the Russian mafia concerned with the drug trade. The weakness of state institutions has been credited with the expansion of the drug trade channel linking Tajikistan, southern Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia with the Chinese provinces of Xinjiang and Yunnan (Swanstrà ¶m, 2003). Corruption  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Related to the link of government officials directly or indirectly to the drug trade is the problem of corruption. Corruption can be in the form asking favors in the form of leniency as payback for support to the official. Another form of corruption is the utilization of proceeds from the trade as protection and incentive (UNODC, 2006a). One of the deterrents in addressing the drug trafficking problem is the execution of the intervention programs. The UN’s Security Council has pointed out that in order to be able to effectively to deal with the problem, government has to be able to show its integrity and authority. If government efforts are perceived as corruptible then instead of discouraging the drug traffickers, it may even be an encouragement for them. The issue does not even require that a government is resolutely corrupt, the mere state of being more corrupt than another nation, regardless of actual prevalence, can significantly increase a country’s preference to the drug trade. The development of the drug trade in Kyrgyztan has been associated with the corrupt Russian military officers who were based in Tajikistan. Both the United Nations and the European Union cite them to have developed the cultivation in the country as well as established the channels of transportation (Maitra, 2005). None of these claims have been admitted to by the Russian military or have been supported by any study. Regardless of whether the claims are true or not, this only reflects the perception of corruption as linked with the prevalence of the drug trade in the country. According to studies conducted by the UN, the decline of the routes in Iran because due to more effective programs against corruption on its borders has increased the attractiveness of Afghani routes (UNODC, 1999). This, like with the developments in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, have established a route that corruption has encouraged not only for drugs but also for all other forms of contraband. Political Instability and Violence Drug traffickers incite and practice violence to coerce people into the trade. This is a strategy to protect their activities as well as to accumulate power. Recent studied have indicated that drug trafficking is the preferred cash cow of most criminal organizations an is only to be expected that they are more than willing to engage in violence to protect it (Maitra, 2005). Tamara Makarenko of the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland’s Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence says that competition among the criminal networks in the trade is also a contributor to the level of violence (Esfandiari, 2005). This level of violence has severely affected the political stability: warlords are taking over government positions; there has been censorship of the real prevalence of drugs and the control of resources (UN Security Council, 2003). Makarenko has alluded that the sheer magnitude of the drug trade has effectively affected all levels of the political system, from the citizenry to the states themselves: The trade itself is so large in Central Asia now and there are so many different types of people and groups involved, that the strategy that has to be considered is one that involves all different levels To tackling this as a political problem and to say there is no room to compromise with warlords†¦ (Esfandiari, 2005). He further alludes to the situation in Afghanistan as one that needs political will to reach grassroots of the society since the country’s main concern is production and cultivation (Esfandiari, 2005). Another spectrum that has to be considered is that unless the region is able to become more politically stable and control violence, then little progress in achieving peace and prosperity can be achived which in turn can contribute to further political instability and violence. EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten told newly independent Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan â€Å"†¦are of strategic importance to Europe and EU enlargement will allow us to strengthen political and economic ties with the region, while making clear that a sustainable and fruitful relationship requires tangible steps to consolidate civil rights and the rule of law. (Maitra, 2005). Inter-Regional Relations As international pressure to control the drug trade increases, countries are becoming pressured to control trafficking in exchange for funding from relief organizations. This has prompted the development of tension in the region as to whose country is not being effective in solving the drug trade in its borders. Historically, the region has already had significant border issues and the drug trade which relies on trans-border operations is highlighting this conflict (â€Å"Threat Posed from the Convergence of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking, and Terrorism†, 2000). The link or organized crime groups to terrorism are also increasing the inter-regional pressure. With the international crackdown on terrorism, nations fear that they will become identified with terrorists or that they become caught in the firing line of the pursuit against them. An example for this kind of development was shown when the Taliban came into power in Afghanistan in 1996. In the cause of transporting the opium produced in Afghanistan, traffickers took virtual control of the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. In defense of the problem of drug trafficking in Kyrgyztan, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev is pointing out that the country has a low cultivation and production level of opium and that it is being victimized the ineffectivity of the drug programs of its neighbors (Swanstrom, 2001). In 2003, the Central Asian region expressed its concern when US troops allied with known Afghan warlords in pursuing Taliban cells. The concern for is rooted from the identification of these warlords as drug traffickers. (Maitra, 2005). This move has raised concerns that Afghanistan’s drug lords, who control most of the drug trades in the region, are being given concessions for their support to US Forces. The development has contributed to the perception that regional cooperation is not feasible and that nations have to guard their backs against each other in the war against the drug trade.   The Future of the Drug Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The UN’s goals of globally eradicating drugs are not anymore an achievable target. One weakness of the programs is that it focused on the trade itself. The focus was in policing the trade, apprehending traffickers and eliminating the channels of trade (Nazemroaya, 2006). Though the efforts have been earnest, it failed to address the nature of the drug problem in Central Asia. Programs that were designed were more like programs to eliminate the use of drugs. In Central Asia, only 10% of the drugs produced are consumed locally, it more profitable to transport it to Europe and Russia (Kyrgyz State Commission on Drug Control, 1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The United Nations, European Union and Central Asian countries have reviewed their programs to address the roots of the drug problem in the region. The personalized programs in Central Asia is trying to alleviate the hold of drug syndicates in rural area, particularly the massive cultivation of opium in Afghanistan and the developing role of Kyrgyzstan in the transport of opium produced in Afghanistan. Programs include the creation of economic opportunities in the problem areas, strengthening government in the areas and demilitarization of criminal groups (Olcott Udalova, 2000). Trends   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to studies conducted by the UNODC, the prevalence of opiate drugs is relatively stable however; this trend is not being reflected in Central Asia. This implies that though the world trend is declining because of better control in key regions like the Golden Triangle, the Golden Crescent trade is still prospering if not benefiting by international drug control (UNODC, 1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before, the main means of measuring prevalence has been the seizure rates but the UN and the EU have now incorporated rehabilitation indicators to assess the pervasiveness of the drug abuse. To measure the reach how much of the drugs produced is being consumed by the market. From the survey of drugs users seeking rehabilitation from opiate use, it can be inferred that more people are gaining access to the products form Central Asia. As illustrated in Figure 6, the increase of those seeking opiate rehabilitation has increased except in Africa by as much as 32%. It is exhibiting the highest incidence in rehabilitation from 2000 to 2006 (UNODC, 2006a).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) and the Central Asian Drug Action Programme (CADAP) are becoming the key action bodies addressing drug trafficking in the region. Their first part of the programs were concentrating on creating assessment reports on border management capacities, training for management and policing and the possible areas of cooperation not only within the region but also with the EU and the UN. (BOMCA, 2005). In 2004, the BOMCA and CADAP worked with legislation of laws and upgraded training programs for border patrol in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The programs were conducted in cooperation with EU border police officers and included strategic and computer technology training.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Saidazimova (2005) points out that the region respond to this challenge independently as nations and as a region. The control of the Golden Triangle trade can provide insights to the strategies necessary for strategies. The approach should involve a global perspective but a local approach. The drug trade in Central Asia will continue to figure prominently in the EU’s concerns and is a strategic element in controlling drugs in Europe, particularly opiates. Analysts believe that most programs and actions that will be enforced will be by non-Central Asian interest groups like the EU and the UN because the region itself has limited resources to dent the trade activities. Strategies   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The current action in addressing the drug trade today is taking a multi-faceted approach. The strategy seems to be combat the problems at all levels at the same time. The objective is to suffocate the drug trade and break linkages so that it becomes fragmented. This will address the viability of the trafficking and in turn will remove the profit from cultivation and production (UN Security Council, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consider the BOMCA-CADAP strategy. Their programs include â€Å"high-level advice and guidance in upgrading legislation, to delivering expertise in airport security, or the use of dogs to detect drugs†. This considers the importance of the political and executive will to implement control programs. Through these efforts that essential legislation and infrastructures are developed to address the situations. Without the needed legislation that is uniform in the region’s countries, there will not be a comprehensive deterioration of the trade. Differential legislation may make one country become a haven for the traffickers when punishment is perceived to be more lenient. The establishment of the needed infrastructure to address the problem operationally is also seen as key factor. When border patrols don’t have the capability to pursue and apprehend traffickers, it makes the effort wasted. If the border patrols are outgunned or out-resourced by the traffickers, they are not only endangered but also can enhance the position of the traffickers as powers in the region (BOMCA, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The EU’s participation in the fight has shifted from border control to the creation of programs addressing the economic and social factors underlying the drug trade. Studies have indicated that if programs are cventerd on border dontrol, traffickers only deveise new ways to transport the drugs. This additional risk has even the effect of jacking up prices and in turn makes the trade even more lucrative (Nazemroaya, 2006). The EU is also providing support to regional programs such as BOMCA-CADAP by providing technical training support as well. An effort by EU Member States led by Austria is providing funding and program development in the region (BOMCA, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the part of the UN, there are several of its branches that are providing the needed research and information for the development of the programs. Among these branches are the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UNIS and the UNODC. The UNDP is formulating the programs to address the economic and industrial development of rural areas in the region to attack the problem at the production level (UNODC, 1999). The programs are focusing on development of agriculture and the other legitimate industries. One of the major developments to be undertaken in the next five years is the utilization of the same drug trade routes to make transport hubs to Europe for products from continental Asia. On the other hand the UNODC is conduting a regional and coutry survey of the actual prevalence of the opium trade. One of the first parts of their study included the grading of cultivation in the region (UNODC, 2006a). The nest level of the studiest they are to conduct will be grease toward the identification of specific criminal activites to the trade. This is an effort to understand further the link of activities like terrorism and money laundering to drug trafficking in the region. The UNIS primary objectives for the next couple of year sis to provide information regarding the accomplishment of the 2008 UN General Assembly Special Session’s drug control objectives. The UNIS is providing important information to individual countries who can not afford to conduct the studies themselves while at the same time establishing correlation that can provide insights for the programs (UNIS, 2005) Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Significant increase in the global production and trading of opium and coca derived drugs were first taken note of in the 1970’s and eventually decreased in momentum by the 1990’s (Burnham Burnham, 1997). The probability that the objectives set by the UN’s General Assembly for 2008 can be achieved based on current levels of illegal drug trafficking is unlikely. We can take comfort that control of the trade is possible. In the first couple of years of the century, Afghanistan was able to bring down opium production due to enforcement of the Taliban (â€Å"Drug Industry Threatens to Derail Afghanistans State Building†, 2006). However, the means by which the Taliban was able to affect the development is not one that can be considered an option by the UN or other states: it enables violent persecution that in the course of its objectives victimized innocent farmers as well (Lubin, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The drug trade and rafficking in the region as Svante E Cornell says is one that is the result of   â€Å"the complex evolution of organized crime as a security challenge in Eurasia† (p.29). The drug trade’s effect of developing shadow economies affords it opportunities to infiltrate legitimate institutions in the society and even take control of it. When this happens, the state becomes at the mercy of criminal elements whose central concern is profit. In Kyrgyzstan, the effect of the drug trade has not just raised concerns against the prevalence of a crime but also has significantly affected the stability of the country. The Kyrgyz have had success in being able to achieve progress in crating the necessary policies mainly thorough its successful social activists but it has yet been able to successful stem the infiltration of drug organization in its economy (Burke, 2001). Though no specific data is available, local media has been vocal in its concerns and they seem to have a reason to be concerned (Cornell, 2006). According to initial information gather by studies conducted by the UNODC, there may be a factual basis to media fears expressed in Kyrgyzstan (UNODC, 1999). Of all the nations in the region, Afghanistan poses the greatest challenge and the greatest potential of creating an impact against the world trade of drugs that is centered in the Central Asian Region.   If the cultivation of the opium is effectively reduced in Afghanistan the world supply of the material can be effectively reduced. The action must be decisive, otherwise, it only increase the status of drug traffickers in the region among the local people. Makarenko believes that, â€Å"There is no room to compromise with known drug traders. There is no room to compromise with corrupt officials. We have to clean things up today because if we dont, this becomes ingrained within society (Esfandiari, 2005). Every effort has to be done from Afghanistan becoming a narco-state. This will not only deter the development of Afghanistan but also of the rest of the region not to mention the prevalence of opium in the rest of world (Cornell, 2006). In conclusion, it is the prevalent and progressive feebleness of the states in Central Asia because of civil conflicts is the factor that has commenced the development of criminal activities in the region. The success of the drug organizations is primarily because of the lack of economic opportunities in the region where they are most prevalent. This another reason why framers become involved in the trade: the farming of opium poppies is more profitable than any other produce and in a country where all supplies are so scarce and overpriced, it has become the only means of survival. Recommendations Programs in the region should focus on increasing stability in the countries in the region. Focus should be given on Afghanistan because it is pivotal in controlling of the supply of opium as well as on Kyrgyzstan because it provides the chance to create a model for control. If the development of the trade in Kyrgyzstan is controlled in its beginning stages, it can provide fundamental elements to the proliferation of the trade. Kyrgyzstan has the potential of creating the strategies needed because of a proactive civil social that has previously successful in bringing forth change in the society. There has been more vocalized concerning the infiltration of syndicates into the government and businesses. Regional programmers should capitalize on this unique opportunity to crate the effective agenda against the drug trade. The pivotal factor in the battle against drug trafficking in the region and the rest of the world is the control of the production in Afghanistan. To be able to do this, government infrastructures have to established and enforced in rural areas of the country. The UN’s various objectives to support the economic recovery of the country should be continued. Focus on developing communication in identified key areas is essential to create response units that can properly control the problem. The US action of partnering with warlords who have links with the drug trade should not be encouraged. Afghanistan is at a stage that it is trying to establish its authority and sovereignty and consorting with the elements that undermine this can severely deter progress in the country. The ultimate solution to the problem can only be achieved by determined and definitive programs. Programs should reflect the urgency of the situation. Programs should be able to address all levels of the trade through creating preventive measures as well developmental elements like education, rehabilitation and cooperation. Unless the programs gain the support of civil society, then the program will not be able to achieve their full potential. Also, programs should take into consideration more than geopolitical elements into the proposed solutions. The region’s cultural history and experience have combined to create a society that is prone to factionalism but at the same time has a sense of cultural identity that is unique and beyond boundaries. The international community must to take the concerns in the region as if it was their own. Central Asian states do not have the resources to tackle the problem themselves. However, this does not diminish the urgency of controlling the drug trade that amplifies crime, empowers illicit activities and terrorism and destabilizes the state. Insurgent, criminal and terrorist organizations will continue to engage in illicit drug activities because of the magnitude of the financial gains that can be sourced from it. Unless people are given alternatives for livelihood, cultivation will continue. Unless government and civil society work together in politically, socially and ethnically sensitive program, no real success can be achieved. References Afghanistan (2006). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan Border Management Programme In Central Asia (BOMCA) (2005). Boosting Border Management Drug Control In Central Asia. Brussels, Belgium: BOMCA Cornell, Svante E. (2006). The Narcotics Threat in Greater Central Asia: From Crime-Terror Nexus to State Infiltration?. China and Eurasia Forum Quarterly Volume 4, No. 1. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Silk Road Studies Program. pp. 37-67 Burke, Justin (2001). Drug trafficking getting more organized in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan Daily Digest. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.eurasianet.net/resource/kyrgyzstan/hypermail/200107/0006.htm Burnham, R.W. and Burnham, Helen (1997). United Nations World Surveys On Crime Trends And Criminal Justice Systems, 1970-1994: Restructured Five-Wave Data Washington, DC: U.S. Department Of Justice, National Institute Of Justice Central Asia (2006). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia Drug Industry Threatens to Derail Afghanistans State Building (2006). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) News Service. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press_release_2006_11_28.html Esfandiari, Golnaz (2004). Central Asia: Drug Trafficking Has Devastating Social, Economic Impact.   Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2004/06/0761f337-a1de-4b7c-a5d0-bbdaeb20d5f1.html Kyrgyz State Commission on Drug Control (1999). Drug Proliferation in the Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek: Kyrgyz State Commission on Drug Control Kyrgyzstan (2006). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Confronted By Narcotics Nightmare As Drug Trade Booms (2004). Eurasia Insight – Eurasianet.   Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav031904.shtml Lubin, Nancy  (2001). Eurasia Insight Drug Trafficking In Central Asia: A Matter Of Survival For Some. Eurasianet. http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav050901.shtml Maitra, Ramtanu (2005). Follow the drugs: US shown the way.   Asia Times Online October   27, 2005. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/GJ27Ag02.html Marat, Erica (2006). Impact of Drug Trade and Organized Crime on State Functioning in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. China and Eurasia Forum Quarterly Volume 4, No. 1. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Silk Road Studies Program. pp. 93-111 McDermott, Roger (2006). Dushanbe Looks Towards Afghanistan To Combat Drug Trafficking. Jamestown Volume 3 Number 6 January 10, 2006. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2370646 Nazemroaya, Mahdi Darius (2006). The War in Afghanistan: Drugs, Money Laundering and the Banking System. Global Research October 17, 2006. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticlecode=NAZ20061017articleId=3516 Olcott, Martha Brill and Udalova, Natalia (2000). Drug Trafficking on the Great Silk Road: The Security Environment in Central Asia. Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Saidazimova, Gulnoza (2005). Central Asia: Experts Say Region Should Look To Golden Triangle To Combat Drug Smuggling. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/01/37d15755-5c22-4df6-a4a9-2ab9cc3ab944.html Swanstrom, Niklas (2001). Central Asia as a transit region for drugs. Speaking Freely Asia Times Online August 28, 2001. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EH28Ag01.html Swanstrà ¶m, Niklas (2003). The Southeast Asian And Chinese Connection To Drug Trade In Central Asia. Central Asia Caucasus Analyst August 27, 2003. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1676. Threat Posed from the Convergence of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking, and Terrorism (2000). Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.csis.org/hill/ts001213cilluffo.html. United Nations General Assembly (1998). United National General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Drug Policy Targets For 2008. New York: United Nations. United Nations Information Service (UNIS) (2005). Drug Chiefs from Afghanistan and Colombia Meet with UNODC Executive Director in Vienna. Vienna, Austria: UN Information Service. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/pressrels/2005/unisnar887.html United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (1999). Global Illicit Drug Trends. Vienna, Austria: UNODC UNDCP Research Section United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2006a). 2006 World Drug Report Volume 1: Analysis. New York: United Nations Publication United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2006b). 2006 World Drug Report Volume 2: Statistics. New York: United Nations Publication United Nations Security Council (UN-SC) (2003). Security Council Urges The International Community To Strengthen Cooperation Against Drug Production And Trafficking In Afghanistan. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.un.org/av/photo/sc/sc061703.htm

The Importance Of Effective Maintenance

The Importance Of Effective Maintenance Since the maintenance has significant impacts in industry, it has received a deep attention from the expert and practical maintenance. According to study, maintenance costs can represent from 15% to 40% of the costs of goods produced [x2]. Maintenance of process equipment is one of the inescapable tasks associated with the operation of industrial plants and until relatively recently, it was implemented either on a routine basis or after the failure of equipment. Attitudes are changing and now many organisations are adopting methods for identifying incipient faults, so that maintenance can be scheduled before there has been a failure, which would lead to loss of production and spoilage of raw material. Plants and different machine centres are assembled from a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment, which due to their very nature are subject to wear, corrosion, erosion and other forms of degradation [1]. It is widely accepted that intelligent, sensor based manufacturing is vital to achieve a high availability level of the sophisticated manufacturing systems in conjunction with high quality levels of manufactured components. Advanced sensor design, coupled with signal processing technologies, permits improved information about the process condition enabling process optimisation and control. It is not adequate to have information relating solely to the tool condition. Additional capabilities such as in process quality control and machine tool diagnostics are a requirement of the future, i.e. a shift from monitoring the tool condition to monitoring the process condition and the resulting part quality. [2] The use of mechanical vibration and acoustic emission signals for fault diagnosis in rotating machinery has grown significantly due to advances in the progress of digital signal processing algorithms and implementation techniques. The conventional diagnosis technology using acoustic an d vibration signals already exists in the form of techniques applying the time and frequency domain of signals, and analysing the difference of signals in the spectrum. Unfortunately, in some applications the performance is limited, such as when the signals caused by a damaged element are buried in background noise. [x3] In recent years, the possibility of obtaining more detailed information regarding the operation of process equipment by applying signal analysis techniques to conventional process measurements has, hitherto, been largely overlooked. This is because the principal purpose of the majority of process measurement systems is to provide a smooth signal for process control purposes. Therefore most process measurement systems are designed to produce a steady output signal, which is achieved by restricting the frequency response of the measurement system and thereby suppressing the noise component. [1] Signal transients are generally characterised by a short duration in time as compared to the observation interval. Research has shown that very important measurement information is often associated with the transients [1,2]. For example the vibration signals generated on a gearbox, the transients usually correspond to the local fault of the gear teeth, such as deformation, breakage and fracture. Thus analysing the transients of gearbox vibrations is useful for representing the characteristics of the gearbox health. However, it is not an easy task because the vibration measurements often carry heavy noise in the working environment, which could bury the essential vibration information of gears. Therefore, it is important and necessary to detect the transients with the machine health information in the very low signal-to-noise ratio conditions [3,4]. 1.2. Previous Work: This section contains information about the previous work that has been carried out with regards to condition monitoring and signal processing techniques. It also provides an outline of the different modern signal processing techniques used by researchers to identify faults with various machine components. 1.2.1 Machine tool A machine management system was developed at Cardiff University as a part of the MIRAM project (Machine Management for Increasing Reliability, Availability and Maintainability) that provides rapid fault diagnosis and allows the implementation of a predictive maintenance strategy [4]. This was used to extract data from the machine components by the sensors attached to it. The data processing methods implemented in the system allowed the characterization of normal and faulty behaviour of the machine component under investigation. An analysis has demonstrated the application of vibration monitoring using signal processing techniques such as Skewness, Standard deviation, RMS (Root Mean Square) and Kurtosis on the spindle system of machine tools. The results obtained from a signal after implementing kurtosis as a signal processing technique show a relatively high kurtosis value compared to other signals, which indicates a fault, associated with the spindle system. This analysis also describes the variations in the transients obtained from the coolant system of the machine tool. [5] Water treatment plant The research work conducted by a PhD student on the WRAP (Water Resources and Action Programme) test rig set-up at Cardiff University focuses on analysing the flow, pressure and pump speed request characteristics with respect to blockages induced on different valves. This analysis also studies the performance of the plant in relation to any leakages occurring in the system. Another analysis, which studies the performance of the same water filtration plant considers inducing 25 %, 50%, 75 % and 100 % blockages on the valves pre and post the pump. A fault dictionary created using a mathematical model approach was used to differentiate between the pre and post pump blockages and their degree of severities. [6] Use of modern signal processing techniques A review of modern signal processing techniques applicable to the analysis of signals whose frequency content is non-stationary has been studied in (R. Burnett, J.F. Watson*, S. Elder) [7]. Techniques like FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), STFT (Short-Time Fourier Transform) and Spectrogram have been discussed and compared using both test and actual data. Results are presented which identify the technique most appropriate for the task of fault detection in machine components under transient conditions [7]. A continuous wavelet transform (CWT) technique used for fault signal diagnosis in an internal combustion engine and its coolant system by using vibration signals has been studied by Wu Chen (2005) [8]. The advantages of using this technique for the characterization of transitory features of non-stationary signals have also been identified. Another journal contains a detailed study of the raw data obtained from physical machine parameters. It reviews the implementation of various modern signal processing and analysis techniques in time and frequency domain. Analysing signals in time domain for an initial analysis does not necessarily provide meaningful information due to background noise but transforming the signals into frequency domain provides detailed information. Further analysis shows how the vibration harmonics are linked to the identification of different types of machine faults. The harmonics within the signal categorising a component as faulty can be compared with the amplitude of those corresponding to components in a healthy condition to identify machines condition. [9] Aims of the project: The aims of the project are enumerated below: Study the characteristics and relevance of different modern signal processing techniques for the task of early fault detection in industrial machine components. Apply these modern signal processing techniques using Matlab to an archive of machine tool and water treatment plant signals obtained from the data acquisition system (DAS) and from a knowledge transfer program (KTP). Analyse these Matlab processed signals and identify the characteristics of the signal indicating a normal or faulty behaviour of the component under analysis. Chapter 2: Applications / Systems under study Wadkin V4-6 FMC: The Wadkin vertical machining centre was designed as a flexible manufacturing cell to perform operations on small to medium sized components. It comprises a fixed base, a single column, three axes of movements, an automatic tool changer, eight pallet loading stations and pallet transporter. Figure 2 shows a schematic of the machine tool centre. The Y-axis of the machine is formed by 4 hardened and ground steel slide-ways, which are fixed to the cast iron base of the machine. A table, which slides on low-friction strips can be moved to the left or right to form the X axis, by a motor. The Z-axis of the machine is formed by a cast iron column, which is bolted to the rear and upper surface of the base. This axis is moved and controlled in the same way as the X and Y axes. The head of the machine comprises the tool spindle, which is driven via a pair of pulleys, a belt and an electric motor. A tacho-generator attached to the motor is used to control the spindle speed. An encoder driven by a belt around the spindle is used to control the spindle position and orientation. Inside the spindle is a draw-bar with a spring (a stack of Belleville washers), which holds a tool in the spindle. A tool can be ejected from the spindle by activating a hydraulic cylinder above the spindle. This machining centre also consists of a tool transfer system and a 150 tool store is located to the right of the machine cell. The tool comprises 5 disks, attached to a vertical shaft, from which 30 tools can be hung. This shaft can be indexed to present a tool on each of the disk to the tool and horizontally between the spindle and the disks. On this mechanism is a pair of grippers, which holds a tool when being transport between the tool store and the spindle. [11] 2.1.1 Wadkin V4-6 Coolant system: Coolant systems are used in various application to pump liquids to cool and lubricate work pieces and cutting tools. The main objectives of the coolant system used for this application were to:- Prevent tool, work piece and machine components over heating. Increase tool life by reducing cutting forces. Improve surface finish Help clear swarf from the cutting area The cutter coolant system as shown in the schematic diagram Figure 1, comprises of two reservoirs each having a capacity of 39 litres located at either side of the machine base. The motor driven pump is controlled by means of a switch on the pendant control panel and can be switched off if coolant is not required for particular operations. The coolant pump motor on this machine cannot be switched on or off by means of programmed commands. Coolant is pumped via solenoid operated valves and a manually operated flow control/shut-off valve to the coolant outlets at the spindle nose. With the coolant pump motor running, coolant is turned on or off by SOV12 (flood coolant) and SOV51 (inducer coolant) which are energised or de-energised by programmed demands. Coolant flow is manually regulated by means of the flow control/shut-off tap located on the machine guard. Used cutter coolant drains back to the reservoirs where wire-mesh strainers prevent the ingress of large particles of swarf. A replaceable wire gauze filter is fitted to the pump inlet. The electrical system required to operate the pump motor and the two solenoids operated flow control valves comprises of three relays activated by command from the controller. These connect the flow control valve solenoids to the 110V AC supply and the pump motor to the 415V AC three phase supply. 2.1.2 Coolant systems component specifications: Table 1: Wadkin V4/6 Coolant systems component specifications Label as on diagram Component Description 1 Reservoir 2 tanks each of 39 litres capacity. Grating prevents ingress of large swarf 2 Filter Wire gauze filter attached to pump inlet 3 Pump / Motor Graham Precision pump, CPP 76. 3 phase AC motor, 2900 rpm, 1.1kw. Pump single stage peripheral impeller type. Maximum flow rate 11.6 lit/min. 4 Pressure relief valve Mechanical operated set at 4.8*10^5 N/m^2 5 Manual shut-off tap Manual tap 6 Flow control valves Solenoid operated Reason for analysing coolant pump signals: A large amount of data obtained from the Wadkin machine tool has already been grouped and processed into various charts and histograms for the ease of the analysis in previous research. The aim was to facilitate the research into machine tool condition monitoring system. Among the 160 recorded failures between a certain period of time, 84% fall within 18 pre-classified machine locations. Among these recorded failures coolant system being one of the 18 locations, ranks no. 3 in the failure frequency by machine location histogram [10]. Therefore applying modern signal processing techniques to these particular signals was considered to be a good approach to identify any faults within the component. Device(s) for acquiring signals: The raw data extracted from the coolant system were the pressure and flow signals. These signals were acquired by using flow and pressure transducers connected to the system and a data acquisition system was used to store these signals in a database for further analysis. The Kobold flow meters and switches types VKM have a spring-loaded float, which slides within a cylindrical measuring tube and has an integral orifice. This type of flow meter is a low cost flow meter and switch, which fully compensates for viscosity and to large extent for density even with very low flows. Wadkin V4/6 Spindle system: He hardened steel spindle is supported in the head casting by two pairs of pre-loaded angular contact bearings. The spindle is driven by a D.C. electric motor via fixed pulleys and a wide poly-vee belt, and has a speed range of 40-5000 rev / min. Figure 3 shows the schematic diagram of the spindle drive system. The analyses and modelling of this is very similar to the feed drive mechanism, however it does not include any linear movement and is subjected to a distributing torque proportional to cutting force components. [12] The spindle, which is fastened into the head of the machine tool, is shown in figure 9.1. It has two bearings at both the top and bottom of the shaft, together with seals to retain the grease either side of each set of bearings. On the top of the spindle is a pulley, which is driven via poly-vee belt ad a pulley attached to the spindle motor, which is shown in figure 9.2. To measure the speed of the spindle and its orientation at low speeds, an incremental encoder is positioned towards the side of the spindle. This is driven from a pulley fixed to the spindle, toothed belt and a pulley attached to the encoder as shown in figure 9.3. In figure 9.4 and exploded view of the drawbar, which is fitted into the spindle, is shown. It uses a stack of Billeville washers, which are used to draw a tool into the spindles taper. Reason for analysing spindle vibration signals: The bearings in the spindle system can fail fue to overload, misalignment, insufficient lubrication and assembly defects. Condition monitoring of these bearing is therefore very critical to the machining process. Spindle systems component specification: Device(s) for acquiring signals: The vibrations from main spindle bearings were measured by using two accelerometers mounted on the head of the machine tool as shown in figure 4. Two ENDEVCO model 5216-100 series piezoelectric accelerometers were used, which are designed specifically for vibration measurement in rugged environments of industrial machinery. These type of accelerometers have very wide dynamic range and an extremely low noise floor. [12] Data Acquisition System (DAS): A flexible and generically applicable data acquisition system has been developed at Cardiff University for the machine tool condition monitoring. This system can be viewed as a data logger associated to one or more sensors. Its flexibility allows the addition of any data logging software, hardware or sensor(s) to be linked for the analysis of different machine components when required. The DAS is controlled by a relational database management system (DBMS). The DMBS provides a user interface to specify the details of the condition monitoring tests to be performed [13]. 2.2 Water treatment plant (WRAP rig): 2.2.1 Background: The WRAP (Water and Resources Action Program) rig is a test rig set-up at Cardiff University used for research purposes. It is housed in a small container for it to be transported easily to plants or sites for demonstration purposes. The rig is designed to allow a direct performance comparison between two different types of filtration media. This rig was specifically used to demonstrate the performance of Recycled Glass Media (RGM) compared to the conventional filtration media such as sand. In previous research this rig has been used to process wash down water from a dairy production line while its sister rigs were used for different applications such as the removal of bio fouling and other wastes. The figure below shows the WRAP rig along with the individual constituents that make up the rig. Functionality of the rig: This explanation of the rig is based on the detailed piping and instrumentation diagram of the rig shown in figure x. The rig consists of four 6-staged impeller centrifugal pumps P1, P2, P3 and P4 as indicated in the diagram with P1 being disconnected as there was no external open reservoir in operation. Pumps P2 and P3 transfer unprocessed liquor to filters F1 and F2 from tank T1. This relationship / process can be altered using valves V8, V9 and V10 for operational flexibility if required. The two pneumatically actuated diaphragm valves V5A and V5B, which are controlled by the programmable logic controller (PLC) enables the flow to be selected from either the unprocessed effluent stream entering F1 or F2. The PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) loop also maintains the flow rate into each filter at a pre-programmed set point. The flow transmitters FT1 and FT2 were controlled to provide a 0-10V output to the invertors, which controlled pumps P2 and P3. This was achieved via the PID loop algorithm in the PLC. The analysis of this report only studies a small part of the WRAP rig, which is shown in figure x below. Two Cylon UC32.24 PLCs networked using a proprietary serial protocol controlled the system. These in turn were networked to a communications module, which contained a GSM modem and features two RS232 ports for connection to external devices. Chemwatch, Cylons proprietary SCADA system was used for three original operation of the rig. The system was configured to display two process mimic screens that showed real time values of the various sensor readings. A number of alarm and control screens were also present allowing a privileged operator to alter alarm thresholds, control parameters and manually override system components such as pumps. WRAP rig system components: Pump P3: Data acquisition system (KTP) Ball valves Flow transmitters

Constructivist Curriculum Framework for Maths and Science

Constructivist Curriculum Framework for Maths and Science Through investigating his world, a child uses natural curiosity to formulate theories and construct knowledge. Incorporating big ideas into the curriculum, teachers can engage children as they develop a deeper understanding of concepts that are related (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Further supporting childrens learning, assessments are crucial in formulating instruction, and understanding what a child knows and can do. A culmination of the aforementioned strategies will be discussed, in relation to the constructivist learning theory. Constructivism Theory Constructivism learning theory is a philosophy which enhances students rational and conceptual growth. The basic premise within constructivism, is the function experiences, or connections, play in a childs learning. In an attempt to understand his world, a child reflects on his experiences to build new knowledge (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). A child is an active participant in creating knowledge. When he encounters something new, he reconciles it with previous ideas, abandons irrelevant information, and generates new knowledge. Constructivism does not dismiss the crucial role teachers play in facilitating learning. Teachers are instrumental in creating the learning environment, as well as opportunities for theory-building through utilizing big ideas (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Through the guidance of an expert, a child is encouraged to learn at a higher level. Theory-Building in Young Children The constructivists approach views children with a natural desire to understand his or her world. To comprehend, a child develops theories, explores the theories, and constructs new knowledge based on the results and what he already knows While teaching a unit on animals, students became particularly interested in penguins, and why they have wings but do not fly. The teacher decides to allow the children to further explore penguins as part of a research unit. The children discover that penguins use their wings to swim, and are excellent swimmers. This discovery prompted some students to develop a theory that all animals with wings are good swimmers. The teacher schedules a tour to the local zoo to observe several winged animals; some of which who swim, and some who do not. During the visit, students had several questions about specific animals, and began to understand that not all animals who have wings can swim. The children initially believed all animals with wings can fly. After l earning that penguins have wings, but use them to swim, the students understood that not all animals with wings can fly. They then adjust their thinking again to believe all animals with wings can swim. Through this process of theory-building, the students constructed new knowledge about winged animals. Big Ideas in Instruction Building on topics that interest children, big ideas provide structure that promote further learning (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Utilizing big ideas, children develop a curiosity about concepts, and are better able to make sense of otherwise isolated facts. Learning concepts that are connected to an overarching idea, support more comprehensive understanding (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). A big idea that can be used in the early childhood classroom, is the big idea relationships. Engaging students through the study of community helpers, and how they can help them, could encompass various areas of the curriculum. Music can be incorporated as songs are sung about various community helper jobs. Exploring community helper vehicles, students would have the opportunity to sort small toy vehicles according to characteristics, or finger paint a picture of the vehicles. These activities promote fine motor skills. An art component can also be integrated, as children draw, or finger paint pictures of the vehicle that are used to help the community. Playing various helpers jobs, could create opportunities for children to explore and discover how various tools are used to perform the jobs. This can also invite discussion about the exchange of goods or services. Through play, children will interact with each other and the environment, developing interest in the big ideas that frame them (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Music and movement can be incorporated as children sing songs about the helpers, and pretend to do each job. Assessing Math and Science Assessments should support a childs learning of math and science concepts. Appropriate assessment methods are vital to evaluating what a child has learned, and forming future instruction. When assessing young childrens conceptual development in math and science, educators must consider the course of development for each child, as well as his or her culture and background (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Evaluation of the skills learned by young children must rely upon practices that fit expected learning skills and behavior for their stage, and adjust as appropriate to support growth and development. Posing specific open-ended questions, assessments should be conducted in various settings, including whole group, and one on one situations to acquire an actual picture of the childs comprehension of concepts (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Assessment Guides Instruction The overall objective of assessments, is to assist teachers in making appropriate instructional decisions regarding how to best teach children. Each childs learning should be assessed as part of an ongoing cycle of planning, documenting, and evaluation. Following, or during instruction, an assessment is conducted and analyzed to formulate decisions to re-teach, offer further support, or proceed with the current plan (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Assessment Documentation Documentation includes, gathering and analyzing information about childrens knowledge and is vital to the process of assessing childrens learning. Through various types of documentation, evidence of a childs though process is preserved to support the teachers analysis (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Two forms of documentation that support assessments are, recording comments of children as they work and, compiling a book of childrens illustrations (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Recording children, and their conversation while working, provides significant information regarding the learning and thought process. As children are encouraged to make representations of their learning, and provided with the tools necessary, they can represent their understanding of a concept (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). The finished product can be compiled into a class book and serve as documentation of their learning. Both methods are useful when discussing progress with the child, or with families. Interviewing for Assessment Consisting of four main parts, the flexible interview allows the child to manipulate materials as he or she explains their thought process (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). This method gives the teacher insight into the childs thinking Conducting an interview is an effective tool to assess childrens understanding of math and science concepts. Interviewing gathers valuable information that will aid the teacher in understanding the childs thinking, and plan effective lessons that meet the needs of each child (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Conclusion The constructivist approach focuses on a child constructing learning based on his experiences. Because of his desire to comprehend the world, a child will build and apply theories to develop understanding, resulting in the formation of new learning. The teacher can aid children in learning at a higher level, by implementing big ideas in the curriculum. Assessments are also instrumental in promoting a childs learning. Assessments in math and science can inform a teacher about what the child knows and can do. In the absence of assessments, teaching would be comprised of lessons and activities that move forward, whether they make sense, or a child understands or not. Through assessment, and documentation, instruction is formulated to meet the needs of all children. References Chaillà ©, C., Davis, S. M. (2016). Integrating math and science in early childhood classrooms through big ideas: A constructivist approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Through investigating his world, a child uses natural curiosity to formulate theories and construct knowledge. Incorporating big ideas into the curriculum, teachers can engage children as they develop a deeper understanding of concepts that are related (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Further supporting childrens learning, assessments are crucial in formulating instruction, and understanding what a child knows and can do. A culmination of the aforementioned strategies will be discussed, in relation to the constructivist learning theory. Constructivism Theory Constructivism learning theory is a philosophy which enhances students rational and conceptual growth. The basic premise within constructivism, is the function experiences, or connections, play in a childs learning. In an attempt to understand his world, a child reflects on his experiences to build new knowledge (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). A child is an active participant in creating knowledge. When he encounters something new, he reconciles it with previous ideas, abandons irrelevant information, and generates new knowledge. Constructivism does not dismiss the crucial role teachers play in facilitating learning. Teachers are instrumental in creating the learning environment, as well as opportunities for theory-building through utilizing big ideas (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Through the guidance of an expert, a child is encouraged to learn at a higher level. Theory-Building in Young Children The constructivists approach views children with a natural desire to understand his or her world. To comprehend, a child develops theories, explores the theories, and constructs new knowledge based on the results and what he already knows While teaching a unit on animals, students became particularly interested in penguins, and why they have wings but do not fly. The teacher decides to allow the children to further explore penguins as part of a research unit. The children discover that penguins use their wings to swim, and are excellent swimmers. This discovery prompted some students to develop a theory that all animals with wings are good swimmers. The teacher schedules a tour to the local zoo to observe several winged animals; some of which who swim, and some who do not. During the visit, students had several questions about specific animals, and began to understand that not all animals who have wings can swim. The children initially believed all animals with wings can fly. After l earning that penguins have wings, but use them to swim, the students understood that not all animals with wings can fly. They then adjust their thinking again to believe all animals with wings can swim. Through this process of theory-building, the students constructed new knowledge about winged animals. Big Ideas in Instruction Building on topics that interest children, big ideas provide structure that promote further learning (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Utilizing big ideas, children develop a curiosity about concepts, and are better able to make sense of otherwise isolated facts. Learning concepts that are connected to an overarching idea, support more comprehensive understanding (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). A big idea that can be used in the early childhood classroom, is the big idea relationships. Engaging students through the study of community helpers, and how they can help them, could encompass various areas of the curriculum. Music can be incorporated as songs are sung about various community helper jobs. Exploring community helper vehicles, students would have the opportunity to sort small toy vehicles according to characteristics, or finger paint a picture of the vehicles. These activities promote fine motor skills. An art component can also be integrated, as children draw, or finger paint pictures of the vehicle that are used to help the community. Playing various helpers jobs, could create opportunities for children to explore and discover how various tools are used to perform the jobs. This can also invite discussion about the exchange of goods or services. Through play, children will interact with each other and the environment, developing interest in the big ideas that frame them (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Music and movement can be incorporated as children sing songs about the helpers, and pretend to do each job. Assessing Math and Science Assessments should support a childs learning of math and science concepts. Appropriate assessment methods are vital to evaluating what a child has learned, and forming future instruction. When assessing young childrens conceptual development in math and science, educators must consider the course of development for each child, as well as his or her culture and background (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Evaluation of the skills learned by young children must rely upon practices that fit expected learning skills and behavior for their stage, and adjust as appropriate to support growth and development. Posing specific open-ended questions, assessments should be conducted in various settings, including whole group, and one on one situations to acquire an actual picture of the childs comprehension of concepts (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Assessment Guides Instruction The overall objective of assessments, is to assist teachers in making appropriate instructional decisions regarding how to best teach children. Each childs learning should be assessed as part of an ongoing cycle of planning, documenting, and evaluation. Following, or during instruction, an assessment is conducted and analyzed to formulate decisions to re-teach, offer further support, or proceed with the current plan (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Assessment Documentation Documentation includes, gathering and analyzing information about childrens knowledge and is vital to the process of assessing childrens learning. Through various types of documentation, evidence of a childs though process is preserved to support the teachers analysis (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Two forms of documentation that support assessments are, recording comments of children as they work and, compiling a book of childrens illustrations (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Recording children, and their conversation while working, provides significant information regarding the learning and thought process. As children are encouraged to make representations of their learning, and provided with the tools necessary, they can represent their understanding of a concept (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). The finished product can be compiled into a class book and serve as documentation of their learning. Both methods are useful when discussing progress with the child, or with families. Interviewing for Assessment Consisting of four main parts, the flexible interview allows the child to manipulate materials as he or she explains their thought process (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). This method gives the teacher insight into the childs thinking Conducting an interview is an effective tool to assess childrens understanding of math and science concepts. Interviewing gathers valuable information that will aid the teacher in understanding the childs thinking, and plan effective lessons that meet the needs of each child (Chaillà ¨ Davis, 2016). Conclusion The constructivist approach focuses on a child constructing learning based on his experiences. Because of his desire to comprehend the world, a child will build and apply theories to develop understanding, resulting in the formation of new learning. The teacher can aid children in learning at a higher level, by implementing big ideas in the curriculum. Assessments are also instrumental in promoting a childs learning. Assessments in math and science can inform a teacher about what the child knows and can do. In the absence of assessments, teaching would be comprised of lessons and activities that move forward, whether they make sense, or a child understands or not. Through assessment, and documentation, instruction is formulated to meet the needs of all children. References Chaillà ©, C., Davis, S. M. (2016). Integrating math and science in early childhood classrooms through big ideas: A constructivist approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.