Compensation Plan †University of Phoenix †HRM Essay

A good compensation plan must include both aspects, financial and nonfinancial of a rewarding system where financial rewards, or a pay system, â€Å"assign a monetary value to each job in the organization (a base rate) and an orderly procedure for increasing the base rate (e.g., based on merit, inflation, or some combination of the two)† (Cascio, 2005, p. 425). Also, â€Å"a properly designed Pay for Performance (PFP) Program enables companies to reduce their cost of labor while increasing the average take home pay of their workforce† (Jensen, 2009). On the other hand we also will offer nonfinancial systems that will cover indirect aspects such as benefits, professional and personal development. We want to give our â€Å"sales staff a reason to get out there and sell, sell, sell† (Ward). â€Å"Rewards bridge the gap between organizational objectives and individual expectations and aspirations. To be effective, organizational reward systems should provide four things: (1) a sufficient level of rewards to fulfill basic needs, (2) equity with the external labor market, (3) equity within the organization, and (4) treatment of each member of the organization in terms of his or her individual needs† (Cascio, 2005, p. 419). New compensation plan†Pay systems are designed to attract, retain, and motivate employees† (Cascio, 2005, p. 419)The new compensation plan will be based in a performance system. â€Å"If business takes off, more pay goes to workers. If it doesn’t, the company is not locked into high fixed costs of labor. 417† This system was chosen since meets the company strategy of growth and objectives and â€Å"such variable-pay systems almost guarantee cost control. 417 (Cascio, 2005, p. 417)† and a well planed recognition system adds to the compensation plan to offset a higher level of discouragement found in a competitive selling environment and also â€Å"can be used to express gratitude, admiration, and to inspire to greater sales and greater sales initiative† (F&B Publications, 2005). Our new compensation plan will adopt a combination of base salary plus commission and bonus based on the overall performance. â€Å"Perhaps the most important objective of any pay system is fairness or equity† (Cascio, 2005, p. 419). To ensure the correctness of our plan, a committee has been created  to evaluate each employee performance, keep our compensation plan current and provide support and training at any time needed. We are also taking in consideration that our payment plan â€Å"should include a three-tier approach of immediate recognition for a job well done, short-term rewards for performance over a month or quarter, and long-term rewards for being a loyal employee over the years† (Schoeffler, 2005). -Salary: a monthly salary will be based on the job description of each position and it has the possibility of be complimented and enhanced depending of the employee performance. -Commission: a percentage of the profit will be used to increase the monthly employee compensation. -Bonus: bonuses will be given based on the performance of the sales individual each three months. Percentages will be given according to the goals met, or exceeded, so sales reps will rely on their individual performance. -Team incentives: â€Å"Team incentives provide an opportunity for each team member to receive a bonus based on the output of the team as a whole† (Cascio, 2005, p. 443). Sales personnel will have participation on this incentive to promote a teamwork environment. These events will happen at the end of the year. -On spot bonus: This is going to be granted for exceptional behavior regarding to teamwork efforts, customer satisfaction or any attitude that can be used as an example to the other workers. We â€Å"may reward the worker with a one-time bonus of $50, $100, or $500 shortly after the noteworthy actions† (Cascio, 2005, p. 441). -Incentives – † When it comes to performance incentives, the possibilities are endless† (Cascio, 2005, p. 436), and we plan to use nonfinancial reward system that will include â€Å"anything an employee values and desires that an  employer is able and willing to offer in exchange for employee contributions† (Cascio, 2005, p. 418). Based on the answers compiled from the questionnaire we created, we will develop some entertaining activities such as trips, restaurants, theaters and any other approved selection available in our committee that will be available each three months and also at the end of the year. In our committee we will also make available the following benefits that our employees can choose to participate on:-Employee stock ownership plans – As the company grows we will offer participation in the stocks of our company and a limited amount of them available to each employee for purchase. It helps â€Å"to fulfill a philosophical belief in employee ownership† 447. â€Å"ESOPs do promote an increase in employee willingness to participate in company decisions. Companies that take advantage of that willingness can harness employees’ energy and creativity† (Cascio, 2005, p. 447). -Recognition – is a non financial reward and helps to â€Å"enhance a worker’s sense of self-respect and esteem by others† (Cascio, 2005, p. 418). These recognitions will be done in the yearly meetings where all employees are going to be together and have the opportunity to see their colleague’s performance is rewarded. â€Å"Recognition amongst their peers is still the quintessential motivator, whether there’s an incentive program or not† (Shearstone)Recent data indicates that â€Å"people are more attached and committed to organizations that offer family-friendly policies, regardless of the extent to which they benefit personally from the policies† (Cascio, 2005, p. 489), therefore our plan also cover other benefits that will be extend to all employees regardless merit or performance. â€Å"Once you have great employees on board, how do you keep them from jumping ship? One way is by offering a good benefits package.† (Entrepreneur Media, Inc, n.d.)†¢Tuition aid†¢Auto insurance†¢Fitness and wellness programs†¢Counseling Service†¢Child adoption†¢Child care Social activities†¢Elder care Referral awards†¢Charter flights Family leaves†¢Flexible work arrangementsWe also developed some benefits options that will  Ã¢â‚¬Å"integrate salary and benefits into a package that will encourage the achievement of an organization’s goals† (Cascio, 2005, p. 470). They will be available to all employees and they can choose among them all. †¢Life insurance†¢Disability insurance†¢Healthy insurance†¢Other medical coverage†¢Sick leave†¢Pension plans†¢Unemployment insurance†¢401K†Evidence indicates that the perceived value of benefits rises when employers introduce choice through a flexible benefits package† (Cascio, 2005, p. 466). For that reason we expect that this pay system will bring excitement to our workforce since the opportunities are vary. This pay system should also increase motivation of our employees and deepens commitment with our customer to bring success to both the individual and the company. Following are pointed some reason that we expect to succeed with this new plan. -The final compensation at the end of the month has the opportunity to be largely increased according to the employee performance, but yet, the base salary is high enough to give the employees some breathing in order to meet the essential financial obligations. -Commissions, bonuses and team incentives. -Variety of employee services and benefits. -Friendly and family environmentBefore our pay system is implemented training will be given to all employees to ensure understanding of it. A website will be available to answer most common questions and our committee will also be available for further explanation and training as needed. References Cascio, W. F. (2005). Managing Human Resources (7th ed.). : The McGraw−Hill Companies. Entrepreneur Media, Inc (n.d.). The Basics of Employee Benefits. Retrieved April 20, 2009, from http://www.entrepreneur.com/F&B Publications (2005). Sale Incentive Ideas – Motivating Your Sales Team. Retrieved April 17, 2009, from http://www.associatedcontent.com/Jensen, M. L. (2009). 9 Key Aspects For Successful Pay For Performance Systems. EzineArticles.com. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/Schoeffler, B. (2005). Employee Incentive Plans: Make Them Worthwhile. Insurance Journal. Retrieved from http://www.insurancejournal.com/Shearstone, P. (). Creating Sales Incentive Programs That Work. About.com, 2. Retrieved from http://sbinfocanada.about.com/Ward, S. (). 6 Sure Ways to Increase Sales. About.com. Retrieved from http://sbinfocanada.about.com/

Binge Drinking Must be Stopped Essay

The article Binge Drinking Must be Stopped written by, Harvard University lecturer and principal investigator of the College Alcohol Study, Henry Wechsler is primarily a study about alcohol drinking in American colleges. Wechsler argues that drink bingeing is highly common in the colleges of America. He says that â€Å"binge drinking is a reality of college life in America and perhaps the central focus of fraternity-house life. † This is deemed to be true by Wechsler because of; (1) the administrator’s lack of knowledge about this issue of college alcohol bingeing, (2) the adaptation of colleges to the culture of college drinking, (3) the lack of continuity in the programs provided and (4) and implementations of policies imposed on colleges are not monitored effectively. Wechsler says that the culture of American colleges, while entangled with a reputation of widespread alcoholic drinking, does not alarm college administrators for they claim complete unawareness to the current situation of the alcohol issues within their students. Wechsler, being a prominent staff in the Harvard School of Public Health, reports that the department has exhausted its effort in getting feedback from the school administrators. However, he insinuates that there can be no reason to be completely blanked out in the issue of drinking situation. He supports this through various circumstances where people can easily witness the reality of college life and drink bingeing. One instance that Wechsler contributes where the scenario of heavy drinking in colleges can be observed is through the weeknight rounds of security vans monitoring places where they often get hold of worn out students from parties. Another, he says, is through the response of freshmen students on their knowledge of this alcohol bingeing college lifestyle despite of their just recent arrival to the university. Wechsler then argues that if security personnel and freshmen can easily become aware of this then there can be no reason for college administrators to be completely unwary of the situation. He adds that the problem is rooted from the grassroots themselves, who are the students, and the superior officers, who are the school administrators and the local officials. Just like any other person struggling with alcohol, Wechsler asserts that students should be reminded that excessive drinking is a problem and that although it is quite common in college, it can never mean that it is acceptable. School administrators, on the other hand, including college superiors and dorm supervisors should fulfill their responsibilities in watching the students over. Wechsler complains that school administrators are lenient in permitting their students in conducting activities which overtly promotes drink bingeing. Also, Wechsler advises that regulations on drinking should be heavily imposed and not neglected. He says that â€Å"it is easy to say there is no drinking allowed in a dormitory or a fraternity, but enforcement is necessary to put the policy into effect. † Wechsler then asserts that this not a new issue in America thus there is a great need for everyone to address it. â€Å"This is no longer a time merely to form a committee to study the situation,† he says. Now, Wechsler suggests that everyone participate in eradicating this issue within American colleges from the school administrators, the fraternity and sorority systems, the community officials, the parents of the students, and the students themselves.

Effects of Junk Food

Junk Food Sucks Eating  junk food  can have a significant impact on one's health. Though many people enjoy eating  junk  food  and think it tastes great. The term â€Å"junk  food†Ã‚  typically refers to foods that are relatively high in caloric content, but low in nutritional value. Junk  food  is often high in sugar, salt, white flour, and fat. A few examples of foods often considered to be  junk  food  include fast  food, sweets such as ice cream, candy, donuts, and prepackaged treats, soda, and  potato  chips, among many others.The effects of eating too much junk food are lower energy levels, can weight gain  and led to illness and diabetes. The first effect of  eating  junk  food  is its impact on energy levels. Many people skip breakfast or other meals throughout the day, choosing instead to grab a quick snack or a soft drink. The junk  food  causes energy levels to spike, which people like, but then energy levels will quickly dr op, sending one back into the kitchen for another quick snack.The high levels of sugar in junk food puts your metabolism under stress; when you eat refined sugar, your pancreas secretes high amounts of insulin to prevent a dangerous spike in blood sugar levels. In addition,  junk  food  can cause moodiness, and make it difficult to get enough sleep at night, so energy levels are never restored to normal. (Junk Food) Second effect from eating junk food is weight gain.People who eat a lot of  junk  food  tend to gain weight quickly, which can lead to obesity over time; this extra weight then has an impact on the health of the rest of the body. It can raise  cholesterol  and blood pressure, contributing to  heart disease. The high levels of fat and sodium in junk food can cause high blood pressure or hypertension. Excessive dietary sodium can also have a negative effect on renal function, even leading to kidney disease. High levels of dietary fat lead to poor cognitiv e performance.You'll feel tired and have trouble concentrating because your body might not be getting enough oxygen. (Nutrition) Third effect of eating too much junk food is Diabetes. Over time, the high levels of sugar and simple carbohydrates in junk food can lead to type 2 diabetes. This occurs because eating too much sugar puts your metabolism under stress; when you eat a lot of refined white sugar and simple carbohydrates, your body has to pump up insulin production to prevent a dangerous spike in blood sugar levels.Because junk food doesn't contain the protein or complex carbohydrates that your body needs to maintain consistent blood sugar levels, your blood sugar levels will drop suddenly soon after eating. You'll crave sugar and likely end up eating more junk food. Over time, this stress damages your body's ability to use the insulin secreted by your pancrease. A healthy diet can help maintain your body's insulin sensitivity. (Nutrition) When the body does not get proper nut rition, it can become difficult to concentrate.It can also cause depression. Keep all of these health  effects  of  junk  food  in mind before  eating anything; a healthy diet can lead to greater energy levels, improved mood and concentration ability, weight loss, and decreased risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Though  junk food  may be easy and fast, its health impacts are too great to ignore. Work cited â€Å"Fast Food Nutrition† Fitday. com Tuesday, January 22, 2013 B, Miller. â€Å"Effects of Junk Food† Wisegeek. com Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Construction Industry Research Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Construction Industry Research - Article Example sought to debates theories infrequently presented by industry supporters about competition being either inapplicable or destructive in the construction industry (OECD Competition Committee, 2010). I agree with the author that construction is a pivotal industry in OECD markets since it develops and sustains the structures and substructures that nearly all other industries require. As a result, I was not surprised if found out at either of their theories about the irrelevance of competition in the construction industry were convincing to the author. A report-like approach by the other leads the OECD Competition Committee to discover the absence of discerning characteristics of the construction industry that lower the advantages that competition introduces to consumer welfare. However, I think the preliminary challenge that the committee should have tackled was focusing on teaching and training innovation as a holistic solution for improving competition in the construction sector. For instance, the article points out that China is aware of the importance of this solution to their cartel challenge in its construction sector. I also think that the articles should have ended with r ecommendations for the listed countries for dealing with the cartel challenges in their respective construction industries on top of the government’s

This assignment is for a book review, not simply a book report. You Essay

This assignment is for a book review, not simply a book report. You will be expected to analyze and critique the book in additi - Essay Example Because of its stark telling of events, and its refusal to shy away from the darker moments of American history, the book Coming of Age in Mississippi should be required reading for anybody who wants to really understand what it was like for America to arrive at a time when people are more or less treated equally. The book is organized into four different sections, each one of which tells about a different time in Moody's life. There is one for her childhood, one for high school, one for when she was in college, and the last section is about her time in the civil rights movement trying to get the vote and other rights for African-Americans. Moody's childhood was not exactly happy, as her mother was poor and her abusive father left them. She had to work from an early age after school just so her family could afford food. In high school, things do not get much better as one of the boys she knows is killed by the Klu Klux Klan and she has to continue working, often for white people who do not treat her much better than they would treat a slave. Because of all this harsh treatment in her youth, Moody shows that she started to get way too interested in things like the KKK and lynchings and racial inequality. Many of her friends and family did not like this in her and that made things even more stressful. Moody was able to get a scholarship to play basketball in college and so is able to get a good higher education. It is during her college years that she decides to join the NAACP, which only makes her relationship with her family worse. This is because she and her family all start to receive threats from the various white people they know. The last part of the book is kind of redeeming and depressing at the same time. Moody joins the civil rights movement and goes to rural parts of the south to try and convince African-Americans to register to vote so they can get treated equally. Interestingly even here Moody is seen as sometimes too serious, and she does not neces sarily get along all the time with the other people in the movement. The end of the book is the most depressing part. Moody is on a bus going to Washington with a bunch of other activists and while they sing about how they shall eventually overcome oppression, she does not join in. She thinks of the violence and hatred in the south, and wonders if it will ever be over and if the movement will ever really have succeeded at what it set out to do by trying to get equality. The book Coming of Age in Mississippi, despite its depressing ending and much of the distressing events in it, really moved me as a person. I think of all the violence that African-Americans had to endure here in America, and it makes me mad. It’s especially disturbing to me since I am from middle-class white Texas and have also lived in Mississippi. While I would like to think my neighbors would not be the same as the people in the book if they had lived in the time period Moody writes about it is impossible to know for sure. I’m sure that some African-Americans who live in the south today are still treated unequally, although I hope not to the same degree as in the book. Although I do think the book does a good job of showing the darker side of events, I feel like there is not really very much about the good things. I think it would have been

Gerrymanderinf Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gerrymanderinf Reflection - Essay Example As long as they remain there, the practice continues. Gerrymandering causes political, racial and class tension in a country. Actions that can be taken to reduce the effects of this practice include redistricting based on neutral or cross-party agencies. Rectifying the voting systems, resizing large districts, regulating transparency in elections and having to use fixed districts in elections. Redistricting, however, faces major challenges in implementation. The challenges are related to the negative influence of the top leadership most of whom are the direct or indirect beneficiaries of the practice (Esman & Herring, 2003). In the process, taking a partisan level of approach is relatively easier and is faced with fewer challenges as compared to a bipartisan level approach. This is because with a partisan level, the decisions and explanations made are retained throughout the process. This game specifically relates to challenges the lawmakers often face as they try to change the wrong strategies that brought most of them to the office. There are three predominant types of gerrymandering. Cracking is a gerrymandering approach that spreads out a particular group of voters among a large number of districts thus denying them a majority vote in one area. For instance, most urban areas are even today divided into several districts voting independently to ensure that they do not have a majority advantage. Stacking is another strategy that packs the particular type of voters in a single district and thus significantly reduces their influence in other districts. This is still used today for instance in selecting districts based on racial divides. Mutually positive gerrymandering redraws districts such that two persons of the same group run against one another and hence they both are eliminated in the election that someone else wins (Nivola & Brady, 2006). Nivola, P. S., & Brady, D. W. (2006). Red and blue nation?: Characteristics and causes of

Internet Galaxy by Manuel Castells Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Internet Galaxy by Manuel Castells - Coursework Example The Internet Galaxy by Manuel Castells provides a framework for understanding how the network society affects both oppresses and liberates individuals and global populations. The text makes suggestions regarding the impact of the internet and other digital communications media on society but falls short in providing adequate solutions that can be implemented on an individual or regional level to improve the success of society in the digital age. Digital communications have created what Castell terms a â€Å"network society†. Digital communications are libratory in that they allow the free and fair exchange of information with virtually no restrictions, a process describe in the text as â€Å"reinventing society† (Castell, 2001, p.61). Just as previous communications advances such as language and printed text, the widespread adoption of the internet as a means of communication has caused a social stratification between individuals of different ages, ethnicities, economic background, and nationality based on their proficiency and access to the internet, which is considered to be the fundamental element of the contemporary network society. Communication can be described as a human’s ability to express symbolic ideas as representations, which may be written, oral, and even tactile. Humans differ from most other animals in that they can create what is known in psychological terms as â€Å"decoupled representations†, or representations that are not bound specifically to a stimulus (Pleyer, 2010). While most animals respond with a distinct reaction only to a certain stimulus, humans can express such reactions even when that stimulus is not present. The written word, and subsequently printed text allowed representations to further be decoupled from their original stimulus, allowing ideas to exist independently of their cause and source.  

Export-Import Bank Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Export-Import Bank - Case Study Example Ex-Im began issuing loan guarantees after thirty years of existence. This move aimed at encouraging commercial banks to take part in export markets. Loan guarantees focused on reducing the administrative obligations of commercial banks. Loan guarantees surpassed direct loans, making insurance to become popular. Ex-Im guarantees 90% of the outstanding balance of working capital loans from a commercial bank to an exporter. It only authorized transactions that had a reasonable assurance of repayment. It offers medium and long-term coverage for transactions by providing an 85% guarantee. In this case, a 15% deposit is required from the buyer. Ex-Im charges the following costs on direct loans and medium and long-term guarantees; Export-Import bank charged fixed interest rates on loans that were set at the Commercial Interest Reference Rate (CIRR). The cost of direct loans was static; that is, it was set after numerous negotiations among countries in the OECD (organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). All medium and long-term guarantees were subject to a ‘one-off’ exposure fee. The exposure fee was determined by the degree of transactional risk. For example, scheduled payments from Amal to Wells Fargo were subject to a 0.2 exposure risk value. The beta constitutes the transactional risk for the scheduled payments. Ex-Im would charge a 0.2 exposure fee for the transactional risk. Importer payment obligations differed from those of foreign buyers of a U.S. product. Direct loans and guarantees of importer payment obligations are influenced by various aspects such as; market risk premium of the destination country, the repayment period, percentage of exports covered, and whether the exposure fee was financed or paid in advance. Each country has a baseline fee set for sovereign borrowers. Non-sovereign borrowers are subject to a transaction risk increment higher than the

Explain the role of Fillicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Lutenising Essay

Explain the role of Fillicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Lutenising Hormone, Oestrogen and Progesterone in the menstural cycle - Essay Example The reproductive system of females is quite different from males. In females the egg production is a periodic or cyclic activity (menstrual cycle) while in males the production of sperms is a continuous process and never stops after they hit puberty till the time they die. In human females the periodic reproductive menstrual cycle is controlled by certain hormones and is completed in approximately twenty eight days causing changes in structure as well as the function of the entire reproductive system. The menstrual cycle in total comprises of the ovarian cycle linked with ovaries and the uterine cycle linked with uterus. We can divide the menstrual cycle into four main phases which are: The pituitary gland naturally produces the follicle stimulating hormone which is secreted in blood. By the name we can very well guess that this follicle stimulating hormone is linked with the follicle phase. The hormone is mainly responsible for the growth of the ovarian follicle or for stimulating the development of several primary follicles and also for stimulating the ovary to produce its own hormone which is called the oestrogen from the ovarian follicles which degenerate during the initial process of follicle phase (follicle atresia) and the oestrogen then is responsible for the thickening and vascularizing of the endometrium (uterus wall) before the process of ovulation actually starts and at the same time inhibits the pituitary to stop the production of follicle stimulating hormone. In males, the follicle stimulating hormone is also plays an important role in the production of sperm by supporting steroli cells in their function.(the menstrual cycle1993; Mayo Clinic 2011; R. Bowen 2004) When the level of the follicle stimulating hormone becomes less while the level of estrogen increases the pituitary gland secretes another hormone which is

Importance of Research Essay Example for Free

Importance of Research Essay Jean Piaget is a trailblazer whose focus was on children’s cognitive development. He lay the foundation by naming four stages sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Each stage builds upon the other, coinciding with biological development of the brain. Although some of his theories were deemed inaccurate, they paved the way and gave direction for upcoming psychologists who were able to build upon his work by disproving some of his theories simply to develop their own. Just as Jean Piaget, several scientists have theorized on many other parts of psychology, but all with general advantages. They provide us with a better understanding of ourselves, they provide us with a better understanding of others, and they provide us with methods to prevent and/or treat mental illnesses. At times it seems as though we do not know ourselves at all. We question our behaviors and feelings. Psychologically understanding these behaviors helps us to understand that we are probably not alone in our feelings. Also, by having a full understanding of self, psychologically, we can learn how to respond to certain feelings and emotions and how to wean ourselves off of them. In the same way that we can further understand ourselves in the study of this field we can apply reverse psychology to understand others. Being able to do so enhances people’s skills and work skills by enabling you to question possibilities and to address them as needed. This makes for more effective communication skills expanding beyond personal life and into the workforce. Lastly, research/experiments in psychology help to treat and prevent mental illnesses. Scientists have discovered biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial facts that influence mental illnesses. Case studies allow these illnesses to be identified. By knowing what triggers them, scientists can make the general public aware of those that are most influential and can advise of help if at all needed. Factors are considered, tested, and named. Research further helps us to recognize early symptoms or onsets. In conclusion, effective research/experiments play a large role in today’s society. It helps to influence several work fields such as law enforcement in which psychologists profile criminals to help catch them. In major corporations, psychology is used to screen potential candidates or present employees and even as a part of advertising, appealing to consumer’s wants and needs. Even schools use the influence of psychology to enrich student’s learning experiences via group assignments or to enhance athlete’s performances via pep rallies. You see, Psychology is an inevitable part of everyday life. Effective research and experiments help us to better understand our behaviors, thoughts, and emotions enabling us great communication skills and a better well-being.

Electronic Manufacturing Services Industry Commerce Essay

Electronic Manufacturing Services Industry Commerce Essay This research discusses Electronic Manufacturing Services industry and providers trends and it is relation to supply chain aspects of electronics industry. The challenges that faced and still facing this industry are discussed in details. Electronic Manufacturing Services industry provides solutions and mechanisms to solve supply chain problems in electronics industry. A case study of Flextronics International Company presented to explain how this industry helps Original Equipment Manufacturer and how it can be a good solution for the major problems and challenges in electronics manufacturing world. Introduction: Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) or Contract Manufacturer (CM) has started their service since 1960, once huge Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) began working with subcontractor in order to achieve more profit and to deal with high demand changes without the needs to new labor and capital. The EMS industry grew up and played a major role in manufacturing processes and technology, also EMS providers have increased their capability, manufacturing flexibility, purchasing power and cost reductions of material used in this industry. Therefore, it has been hard for OEM to cope with high demand changes and manufacturing flexibility beside cost reduction since EMS providers had handle all of those aspects efficiently [1]. From 1970 to 1990, EMS has increased their role and share in global network and supplied a high variety of services such as assembly, prototype, testing, circuit board, material purchase and management, and shipping to the end customer. A huge demand was created due to technological development since 1990; this has obliged OMEs to deal with EMS providers in order to respond more efficiently to product innovation, the shorter life cycles and dynamic changes of demand. EMS providers have facilitated enlargement and development of OEM companies by providing them high flexibility and better control of the variety of new products and demand changes [1]. Outsourcing works better in electronics industry for several reasons. First, the products of most electronics are similar in production process and building methodology. Second, the nature of electronics markets is very dynamic and interacted which push OMEs to deal with EMS. All parts of personal computers and medical appliances are consisted from parts such as capacitors, memory chips, and resistors. The reason that makes the product unique is the method of joining the different parts onto printed circuit board, customization of components and parts, and the programming of the device and its special software. The basic similarity in finished goods makes the EMS to have an easy methodology to divide their apparatus, skills and data, and information to cope with several production orders [2]. Challenges Facing Electronics Industry: The main challenges that faced and still facing this industry and cause it to deal with EMS are: High customization: customers demand is increasing continuously and rapidly. They required the manufacturers to produce vastly customized products quickly and at relatively low cost. This results in very high load and pressure on electronics firms to respond to those highly customized orders with flexible supply chain and low cost [3]. Second challenge is the short life cycle: producers have to manufacture new products that have good price, keep up reasonable profit and keep market share. This will result in too short life cycles of products and will make it more complicated to forecast customer demand. Therefore, manufacturers must be close to customers and must work with retailers and resellers to better understand markets needs and demand [3]. Third challenge is inventory control versus quick declination: the challenging environment in electronics industry requires the manufacturers to produce components at low price with new performance and functionality, to keep high competitiveness. Therefore, using the existing inventory as early as possible is very important to maintain profit [3]. The conflict between supply and demand is the fourth challenge: material is one of the main constrained in electronics industry. Continuous production of new products and redesign of old parts and components are being processed while the prediction of customer demand is very difficult. Therefore, manufacturer must work collaboratively with material suppliers to satisfy demand and at the same time they have to work with retailers to forecast customers demand [3]. The fifth challenge is the high pressure from distributers and retailers to deliver products at the right time and right place. This applies high strain on electronics manufacturers. Thus, good communications and collaboration with retailers and distributers is required to guarantee better delivery and customer satisfaction [3]. EMS Industry Growth and Supply Chain: EMS industry has a major role in supply chain management and components. It is being an important part and partner in electronics manufacturing world. The reasons behind this evolution are as follows: Economical scale: the demand of electronics is increasingly very high, and it depends on product cycle. Therefore, if EMS providers decide to increase capacity to satisfy high customer demand this will lead to excess labor and resources but, they have the ability to shift those excess labor and resources to another OME customer. This means that EMS providers have high flexibility and alternatives to deal with [2]. Main capability: electronics industry witnesses high competition between OEMs thus, looking for customer needs and expectations is very important part to design high competitive products quickly. Thus, the main capability of OME is in new product design and customer satisfaction. By dealing with EMS, electronics OMEs can focus and make more attention on new products design and customer satisfaction [2]. Decreasing materials cost: the huge growth of EMS providers gives them more power and influence of obtaining raw materials. This increased power and size can result in decreasing components costs [2]. Better profit and return on investment: electronics manufacturing overhead cost and capital investment is very high and to pay it back it takes long time. Taking into consideration that the life cycle is short in this industry, it will be very hard to make the decision of investment. Thus, EMS providers can help OEM to take their decision by constructing the whole manufacturing processes and overhead cost which will result in better profit and return on investment [2]. The high pressure of time to market: as we discussed before, the cycle time of the product is too short thus, being at the top in the market is very essential to gain higher profit. EMS providers can supply capacity and expertise required for new products and new design process quickly. Therefore, EMS providers have the ability to bring new products into market quickly and satisfy customers demand [2]. Markets globalization: nowadays, markets are being global and OMEs are struggling to satisfy demands in global markets. EMS providers have the ability to take the advantage of low labor costs in many places in the world. Furthermore, they can supply products at short lead time and decrease supply chain costs locally [2]. EMS Providers Customers: Choosing customers is the most important decision for EMS providers. Since EMS providers are not in the business to make demand, they must be careful and aware about products that have huge market demand in addition to future changes. EMS providers must place themselves in manufacturing areas that enable them to add more value. For instance, most of EMS companies get rid of personal computers assembly processes and they get more involved in medical electronics, servers and cell phones so they can add more value to their manufacturing processes due to the high demand on those electronics areas [2]. Typically, EMS providers have a wide customer found and they are producing a collection of components and products. Consequently, they achieve high production and capacity utilization. EMS is striving to build high diversity of OME customers to gain higher return on their investment and improver utilization. Additionally, by building this wide base, EMS providers can compensate the demand from other customers if one of their customers market has gone down [2]. Another issue for choosing customers is the competitors. Once EMS wants to make contract with a competitor of one of its customers, EMS provider usually ask for permission from his old customer, then he will construct a special production line for this new customer. This behavior leads to construct EMS industry that has ethical base and reliable attitude. Furthermore, the maturity of EMS industry will lead to high competition within electronics industry and small OEMs have the ability to grow up within short period into big company through dealing with EMS providers and taking the advantage of their supply chain capabilities [2]. EMS Industry and Supply Chain Management: Ever more, EMS providers are not only produce components and provide services but they are also being a major part of supply chain solutions to OME manufacturers. Supply chain roles consist of product manufacturing and design, shipping and delivery to end users, demand forecast and expectations, suppliers management and interaction [2]. Demand forecast and expectations of EMS depends basically on OEM orders. EMS providers are trying to produce all orders of OME companies. OME provides demand for long and short term periods and EMS uses the short term for material purchasing. Long term demand is used typically fort capacity requirements planning and material forecasting. The demand is very dynamic, so the long term demand may change and the OME can amend this demand based on its contract with EMS. Sometimes, if EMS provider not able to deliver the planned quantity it may get penalized; therefore, EMS starts to build its own skilled expertise and procedures to work on demand forecasting with OEMs in order to protect itself from penalization [2]. Shipping and delivery to end users is being a service that many EMS providers may provide. EMS providers have started to provide entire supply chain solutions. They started shipping the products to OEMs customers and end users. This results in add more value to EMS providers and to solve shipping issues that may face OEM companies. Transportation costs may be very high and OEMs want to make the assembly process close to their end users. EMS has increased its global existence to be very close to the end users markets. Building their factories close to the end users enables them to decrease lead time and decrease shipping costs to the end customers [2]. In order to manufacture and design new products, EMS should expand its capacity. When OEMs outsource more and more of their works to EMS, then, filling the capacity will be not hard. The main challenge of building the capacity and the time of this building is the short life cycle of electronics products. Thus, EMS providers should be careful when to build the capacity required and should be aware how to combine and integrate all facilities and capacities of all customers to achieve higher utilization [2]. Electronic Commerce and EMS: Recently, EMS providers are using electronic commerce in their supply chain management strategies. The aims of using this tool are to accelerate purchasing process time, to automate purchasing process and to decrease overhead cost. Therefore, the supply chain will be more efficient and overall cost will be minimized. In addition, the application of electronic commerce enlarges the supplier foundation for EMS providers and affects global sourcing positively. Another main fact is, sharing the information between OEMs, EMS, suppliers, and end customers will be very important to integrate supply chain parties and will lead to success of EMS industry [2]. Challenges Facing EMS Industry: First challenge is managing inventory level, which is very hard issue for EMS providers. Presently, studies show that the typical minimum level of the inventory is about 2 weeks. Determining the level of inventory depends on accuracy of demand forecast from OEM and the ability of suppliers to respond to this forecast [2]. The accuracy of demand forecast is very important and depends mainly on OEM. EMS and OEM agree on specific mechanism to capture customers needs. For example, OEM may provide one month demand and four months forecast. Based on this agreement, OEM will add one more month at the beginning of each month besides providing actual demand for the coming month. Consequently, this kind of agreements will help to better control inventory level [2]. Ability of the supplier to respond to the new demands and forecast is a major factor to help EMS controlling inventory issues. Responsiveness of supplier depends on lead time, capacity available, and safety stock level. Some suppliers choose to build additional capacity to be able to refill EMS orders within couple of days for example. EMS should provide bonus for such suppliers [2]. EMS usually has many customers, this means that EMS should pool inventory for those customers. Furthermore, suppliers of EMS industry will face the same issue and they should manage their inventory to face the problem of pooling [2]. Demand uncertainty is a big challenge in EMS industry thus, the owning the inventory is subjected to high risk. Unsurprisingly, no one wants to take the risk and own the inventory. Suppose that the supplier owns the inventory, this may lead EMS to set a high inventory level. Without a doubt, setting the optimal inventory level is very hard and taking the risk of inventory ownership needs more and more study and analysis [2]. The second challenge is risk sharing in electronics industry. EMS providers have, due to their position, the ability to relocate risks to suppliers or OEM as much as they can. Their special position in electronics industry supply chain allow them spread and share the risks of demand ambiguity and capacity investments with suppliers or OEM customers or both of them. Consequently, EMS could reduce risks through supply chain relation [2]. EMS Industry and Information System: In recent times, Make-to-Order (MTO) strategy is being more efficient in electronics industry to control demand uncertainty and short product life cycle. MTO needs more sophisticated information system tools to control and manage the complicated supply chain. Electronic commerce ability must be improved and used in this industry. Another challenge to EMS information systems is to design for manufacturing product and process. The ability of prediction and innovation of new designs necessitates EMS to continuously improve its knowledge base and information system tools [2]. Flextronics Case Study: Flextronics International is EMS provider registered as Singapore Company and based in San Jose. It was founded in 1969 and from 1994 to 1998 it expanded and gained high growth in several regions. The companys annual revenue has grown to $5.74 billion for fiscal 2000 ended March 31 from $640 million in fiscal 1997 [4]. Flextronics has been among the five largest EMS providers in the US since 1997 [5]. The company is implementing the principle of Industry Park or Campus. It built low cost production campuses in North and South America, Asia and Europe where major customers exist in. Every property or campus is prepared with high manufacturing equipments and technologies, engineering staff and services, and plastics skilled expertise. Flextronics has expanded its service area by being close to suppliers of its material needs such as molding of plastic, chips and microchips packaging, and product allocation at its campus in Guadalajara-Mexico, Sarvar-Hungary, and Doumen- China. The strategy of Flextronics enables its suppliers to rent areas close to campuses which help them to supply materials easily and build their own foundation. Flextronics is considered currently as a leader in responsiveness, speed, and flexibility in EMS providers world [2]. The company has strength points in many areas such as product quality, purchasing capability, and customers base. It is manufacturing many products in different areas such as computers, communications, and medical equipments. The company provides its customers high degree of product and mass customizations, flexibility of production and design, superior supply chain management, efficient logistical issues and decreased time to market. Flextronics has located its business in all markets to control cyclical changes of each industry, thus rising consistency and steadiness, and improving quality. Consequently, provide the ability to OEM customers to decrease production and shipping costs and at the same time Flextronics growing up its customer foundation [2]. The high diversity of services and flexibility offered by Flextronics resulted in new contracts and awards from international OEMs like IBM, Microsoft, Nokia, Ericsson, and Motorola. Flextronics has boosted its presence in Europe by purchasing Dii Group in 2000 for $2.4 billion and in the same year, the company has achieved a huge step by signing a contract with Motorola Company for $10 billion. By signing this contract, Flextronics was planning to produce cellular phones, pagers, and other wireless devices for Motorola Company by the end of 2005. Flextronics became the major EMS provider for Motorola business. The expected value of this alliance is about $30 billion [6]. Product Portfolio and Customer Base: Flextronics has broad customer base as mentioned before. The company chooses its suppliers and customers carefully. Flextronics focuses on telecommunications products and servers. Figure 1 shows the product market mix of the company in 2000. Comparing those numbers with numbers in 1998, for example, the results shows that consumer electronics products share decreased from 10% to 8%, whereas computer products increased from 15% to 27%, and medical and others increased from 5% to 12% [5, 7]. Figure 1: Percentage of Product Market Mix of Flextronics International Ltd [2]. Flextronics Supply Chain Strategy and Challenges: Flextronics has transformed from seller to manufacturer and EMS provider. The company chooses it suppliers carefully based on performance and trust. Meeting the demand and forecast is very important as a measure of performance. Strategy of Flextronics is to deal with wide range of suppliers and makes acceptable profit without have narrow range of suppliers [2]. Flextronics wants to supply production schedules to customers. However, the company usually uses short term demand because it believes that the long term forecast is not accurate. Furthermore, the company has its own engineers that are responsible for demand forecast [2]. The company uses Kanban system in its manufacturing factories with limited buffers at each stage. Using MTO strategy, the company doesnt own finished goods warehouse. Singapore warehouse carries on about two days of inventory from each supplier, and then ships them twice a day to the site in Malaysia. Flextronics is the owner of this warehouse and pays for inward shipping. The company wants its suppliers to have about two weeks of inventory if possible, but this is not committed inventory because it knows that its suppliers have other customers [2]. Its very rare to ship components to the production location from every region in the world. Therefore, Flextronics has come up with the model of Industrial Park to solve logistical issues that face supply chain. This strategy enables all of the suppliers to be close or in the same region of the company campus. Furthermore, geographical boundaries can be eliminated, keep away from import and export limitations, and minimize logistical difficulties for distribution [2]. Flextronics Information System: The complicated nature, short life cycle and demand uncertainty results in the need for complicated information system to deal with all aspects in electronics industry. It is common for EMS providers to build software solutions to enable them to track their demand, production processes and inventory control. During 1999, Flextronics use to upgrade its electronic commerce ability using some new software programs. The software allows buyers or purchasing managers to use the Internet to view customer orders and demands. A number of Flextronics major customers have their own websites to post their new orders. The company looking forward to enable suppliers in close future to view and respond to orders too. In addition, Flextronics has web-based tool for OEMs and they can log in the website to view important information about the products being produced on production line and related quality data, engineering observations, production rates, and failure rates [2]. Conclusion: EMS providers are being an essential part of electronics supply chain industry. Electronic industry is very complicated and has many challenges and obstacles. Short product life cycle, uncertainty of demand, inventory problems and capacity and lead time constraints are being solved through contracting and dealing with EMS providers. EMS industry integrates supply chain and increases capacity utilization. Furthermore, it can share industry risks with OEM and suppliers. The growth of this industry is increasing since it offers several services, manufacturing solutions, supply chain flexibility, reduced materials costs and proximity to raw materials suppliers.

Borrow Pits In Construction Of Road Networks Engineering Essay

Borrow Pits In Construction Of Road Networks Engineering Essay Over the last two decade there has been an unprecedented boom in the Irish construction industry in road infrastructure. It has become a common sight on Irish roads to see countless Lorries carrying materials to these sites ranging from crushed rock, sand, gravel and tarmac. At present these materials are formed from primary aggregates. The use of these primary materials reduces the natural resources of existing quarries. An alternative to this, is the use of borrow pits which will help in the supply of materials requirements both in general fill and aggregates which may help to avoid the use of reserves from established quarries which will help increase the lifespan of these quarries. As with the supply of material, borrow pits could also be used for recycling purposes also because most jobs would have inert materials that would have to be discarded of site to landfill. The term borrow pit is generally utilized by the Contractor when a project requires a larger amount of fill material versus amount of usable material obtained from cut sections. Borrow pits are typically located next to the construction site, and in the ideal situation are soon backfilled with waste materials, such as soft clay, that often have to be removed from the construction area hence the material excavated is borrowed. Normally, large quantities of material, mainly bulk fill, are required over a short time. The author first became involved in the construction of road infrastructure during the construction of the N18 N19 Ballycasey to Dromland Dual Carriageway in early 2000 where there was a lot of import material brought into to the job from nearby quarries and materials that had to go to landfill. From the authors initial research and work experience on various road jobs it was apparent that the use of borrow pits to provide an alternative source of material would be a worthy dissertation topic and that the knowledge gained would be invaluable for future use. Hypothesis The key question that this dissertation will address is Could the use of Borrow pits in the construction of the road network be a benefit Aim To determine if Borrow pits can provide the necessary quality material required for the construction of roads and also provide alternative options for the disposal of inert waste produced on sites other than to landfill. Outline of chapters This dissertation is structured into and comprises of six chapters, which are briefly described as follows. Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the dissertation. Its shows the particular reasons why this topic was chosen. This chapter also outlines the aim, objectives and hypothesis of the dissertation. In chapter 2, the methodologies used to research the topic are discussed. It provides a review of both the primary and the secondary sources utilized for gathering information and the limitations encountered in carrying out the research are also discussed. In chapter 3 outlines the work that is required to ascertain if borrow pits are up to providing the material necessary for the construction of roads. It also looks at site investigation and soil testing. Chapter 2 Research Methodology Introduction This chapter outlines the methods of research which were adopted in relation to the fieldwork research for this dissertation. It explains in detail the various methods of data collection that were used, indicating the methods of primary and secondary data collection methods and any limitations encountered during the research are highlighted. Research Process The proposal for my dissertation began to materialise when looking back on my previous working experiences in the construction industry. One of the main areas of the authors work was involved in road construction. During the initial research the author investigated on the availability of information for his topic and when satisfied, proceeded to expand on this proposal. There was a medium volume of primary and secondary data available for this topic and also from the authors work experience there was a readily available source of primary data. Sources of Information Primary Sources Naoum (2007, p20) states that Primary literature is the most accurate source of information as it publishes original research The author sourced valuable primary information from Conferences, Reports, Government Publications, (for example NRA) and information from his work experiences. Secondary Naoum (2007, p20) states that Secondary literature sources are those that cite from primary sources such as textbooks and newspaper articles The subject of recycling and waste management in the construction is very topical at the present and the author was able to gather a substantial amount of information through secondary sources. The internet played a vital part in the collection of information. Through this median the majority of information was researched. As well as the internet other sources of secondary information was gathered from Publications/Reports Trade Journal and magazines Textbooks The text books on the subject where sourced through the LIT and GMIT libraries . Literature Review Once the literature search was completed a literature review was carried out to choose which material was most relevant to the dissertation. All this literature was placed in a literature file. Much of the material which was web based was stored on a computer file and was not printed out. Research Limitations The author found that he was unfortunately limited as there were not a lot of books published on certain past of the chosen topic. This meant a lot more time was spent searching the internet for information required for the various chapters. Borrow Pit Selection Introduction There a number of factor in the selection of a potential borrow pits Pantouvakis et al said the overall objective in selecting a borrow pit is to determine the most economical and technically efficient location with the minimal impact. the next activity is to establish which are the best sites to develop. The main influences that have to be evaluated include: Technical Considerations Economic Considerations Social and Environmental Considerations A summary of all the main factors to be taken into account is presented in Figure 4.1. This Figure illustrates the large number of potential influences and their interrelationship. The decision to develop one material source rather than an alternative will often require engineering judgement in order to adequately balance the technical, economic, social and environmental considerations. This Section provides guidelines for carrying out an evaluation of technical considerations and presents an introduction to economic influences. Detailed consideration of economic influences associated with developing a material supply strategy for sections of road are reviewed in Section 9. The detailed review of potential social and environmental impacts associated with material resource development is also presented separately, in Section 11. Borrow Pit Site Investigation Introduction Site investigations are primarily carried out in order to establish reliable estimates of the quantities, quality and processing needs of potential road building materials. Quigley For road projects, a principal aim of the site investigation is to classify the suitability of the soils in accordance with Table 6 / 1 from Series 600 of the NRA Specification for Road Works (SRW), March 2000 see appendix A The design of the site investigation must consider the following factors: How much material is required? The investigation should concentrate on identifying sufficient workable material to supply expected requirements. The method of site investigation will probably be influenced by the availability of suitable resources (plant and test equipment). The hardness of the deposits may dictate the method of investigation. The depth and nature of overburden deposits may influence choice of investigation methods (this can be seen later on in the chapter). Borrow pit ground investigations should be carried out at regular intervals across the site. It is recommended that the depth of overburden, and the characteristics and thickness of the workable deposit is investigated on the basis of a 30 m to 50 m square grid. This distance should only be widened if the site is very large and the materials very similar at each test location. Unexpected changes in the ground profile should be examined locally by making additional intermediate investigation sites in the grid. A site plan of each borrow pit to be investigated should be prepared, showing: The main features of the site. The means of access and the pit location with respect to haul road placement for extraction. The location of each site been investigated and investigation borehole should be logged using modern GPS or similar devices. This information will be important when you go to work out the quantity of the resources in each potential site been looked at. This process will be looked at further on in this chapter. Desk top study A desk top study is one of the first steps undertaken when you look at a potential site because it can provide you information already available about a site. (Simons et al, 2002). Within the construction industry, desk studies are well know but are an under-used method of gathering and assessing existing information about a site. Desk studies generally include a visual inspection of the site and its surrounding area (usually called a walkover survey). The desk study examines and draws together existing information from a variety of sources to form an initial appraisal of possible ground conditions. A good starting point is to use OS maps. These allow the site to pin pointed and an accurate grid reference to be obtained. This permits much more accurate references on the geological maps used later, which can be got from the Geological Survey of Ireland, which show existing geological records for the area and also historical maps could be a help. The walk-over survey of a site can give valuable insight into potential ground condition problems (for example slope instability or shallow groundwater) and contamination issues (revealed for example by vegetation dieback). On site visit, local resident can often provide information on groundwater and sources of raw material in the area. The combination of the desk study and the walk-over survey is an extremely cost effective first stage in an investigation. It provides early warning of pote ntial problems and a sound basis for the scope of subsequent, more detail investigation which may follow. The desk study and walk-over survey can also provide early recognition of site issues such as ecology and archaeology which may have implications on site selection. Traditional Ground investigation methods There are number of different types of ground investigation methods available on the market and we will look at some of the most common method used. Trial Pits. Boreholes investigation, Light Percussion Boreholes. Rotary Drill holes. Geophysical Seismic Refraction Method. Electrical Resistivity Method Trial Pits Trial pits are predominantly carried out using mechanical excavators which will give information of the ground while the digging is taking place. Throughout the process photos are taken of the ground conditions and samples of material Quigley (typically 30kg for engineering performance tests) are also taken are specified ground depths. Depending on the excavators reach this will determine depth or if bedrock is reached, Cat 320D digging depth is up to 6.690m (Caterpillar 320D brochures). All field work is carried out in accordance with BS5930.1999. Figure Picture of Trial Pit operation. (Source www.prioritygeotchnical.ie) Figure Pictures of samples taken (Sourced www.prioritygeotchnical.ie) (Quigley) points out that A suitably experienced geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist should supervise the trial pitting works and recovery of samples. It is important that all trial pits are backfilled after testing is completed. See appendix 2 for example of Trial Pit log. Borehole Investigation Light Percussion Boreholes (Shell and Auger) Light percussion boreholes or otherwise known as Shell and Auger boring can be used in all types of soils and is mainly used for depths exceeding that of an excavator. The rig consists of an engine powered winch and tripod frame that is easily collapsed for towing behind a four wheel drive vehicle. The boreholes are usually 150 to 200 mm in diameter and steel casing is typically required throughout most of the hole. Boreholes of 20 to 30m depth are commonly bored in suitable soils, however in mixed soil, depths can vary samples should be taken at ( Quigley) 1.00m intervals or change of strata. See figure 3 for example of rig in working position. Figure Light percussion boreholes rig (Sourced www.southerntesting.co.uk) Boring is achieved by repeatedly dropping an auger, consisting of a steel tube, to the bottom of the borehole. In sands and gravels a valve is fitted to the lower end of the tube to trap the material entering it, this is a shell or sand auger. Any large stones or small boulders encountered can be broken up with a heavy chiselling tool. Large disturbed samples may be obtained, but below the water table the washing action of the shell may remove some of the fine material from sand and gravel deposits. Attachments to the rig allow the use of light rotary drilling equipment that will enable limited investigation of the characteristics of any bedrock encountered. See figure 4. Figure Attachments for light rotary drilling (Sourced Clayton et al,, 1996) Rotary Drill Boreholes Rotary drill rigs come in a variety of sizes from small skid mounted machines to large truck mounted machines. See Figure 5. They use a rotary action combined with downward force to grind away the material in which the hole is made. The primary use of rotary drilling techniques is to investigate rock quality by taking core samples. However, rotary drilling rigs can be used for non core drilling. A destructive tricone (rock roller) drill bit is generally used to advance a non-coring hole. Only the rate of advance and characteristics of the cuttings flushed to the surface by the drilling water give any indication of the strata penetrated. This can be supplement by small disturbed samples recovered from a driven sampler (i.e. SPT sampler). Non core drilling is therefore of limited use, but might be employed through the overburden covering a rippable rock or quarry stone. Figure Rotary drill rig in operation (Sourced www.prioritygeotchnical.ie) Rotary coring involves the use of a water lubricated diamond or tungsten tipped hollow core bit attached to a core sample recovery barrel and a series of hollow drill rods. See figure 6. In weak or fractured rocks better quality core are recovered from larger diameter bits. Some ground investigation drillers have developed a technique for recovering disturbed soil samples by dry drilling with a single tube core barrel, but This practice is not widely used and is less successful in coarse deposits with little plastic clay binder. Example of rotary log see appendix 3. Further information on site investigation drilling and the description of drill cores is contained in BS 5930 Code of Practice for Site Investigations (1999). Figure Layout of a small Rotary core unit. (Sourced Clayton et al,, 1996) Geophysical Exploration This method of investigation is not commonly used as it is not suitable for all ground conditions and there are limitations to the information obtained. The main use of this form of exploration is it can give bedrock and water table levels and it can also detect sub-surface cavities. The two main methods are. Seismic Refraction This method involves the generation of an artificial shock waves in the rock or soil and then records the finding in a series of detecting station which are place across the area been investigated. The detecting stations are known as geophones. This method is often used to detect buried channels and identify bedrock levels. See figure Figure Seismic Refraction Method (Source www.geophysics.co.uk) Electrical Resistivity Method This method involves the driving of four equally spaced electrodes into the ground in a straight line. When this process is done and a current is passed through the outer electrodes and the difference in volts with the inner electrodes is measured. See Figure 8 Figure Electrical Resistivity Method (Source www.discoveryprogramme.ie) Soils Testing The purpose of the soil testing of material from the borrow pits is to Determine the engineering properties of the material. To establish if the material is the same quality throughout. To provide document records of the pit for the clients. In order to fully assess the engineering properties of a borrow pit material it is necessary to have samples tested in a Materials Laboratory. The purpose of testing material is to see if the comply with the specifications of there indented use. The laboratory will use standard testing procedures to classify the samples taken. In Ireland the parameters set out in Table 6 / 1 of the NRA SRW include a combination of the following. Typical tests undertaken are for soils and aggregates Moisture content 10% fines Particle size grading Plastic Limit and Liquid Limit CBR MCV Triaxial Shear Strength Test (Laois County Council 2007) Moisture content Moisture content is the amount of water to amount of dry soil. The method is based on removing soil moisture by oven-drying a soil sample until the weight remains constant. The moisture content (%) is calculated from the sample weight before and after drying tests carried out to B.S.1377: Part 2: 1990 for soils and BS 812: Part 109:1990 for aggregates Figure Soils Oven (Sourced Testing equipment Supply) 10% Fines This test is not too dissimilar from the test to determine the aggregate crushing value which determines the ability of an aggregate to resist crushing. But instead of using a standard force of 400kn. the force at which 10% of fines are produced is noted as the Ten Percent Fines Value. This usually requires a number of tests and a graph to establish the exact figure. This test tends to be used for softer aggregate where a force of 400kn. would crush most or all of the aggregate. This test is carried out BS 812 Part 111: 1990 for aggregates Partially Grading Tests The particle size distribution grading of a road surfacing material is an essential guide to the suitability of the material since the engineering properties are very dependant on grading. See Figure 7. Testing is carried out to B.S.1377: Part 2: 1990 for soils and BS 812: Part 103.1:1985 for aggregates. Figure Sieve Test (Sourced Soil Compaction Handbook) Plastic Limit Testing and Liquid Limit Testing The Plastic Limit (PL) is an indication of the percentage moisture content at which the soil fines change from a semi solid to a plastic state. In this test a 20 gram sample of material passing the O.425 mm sieve is mixed with a little water until it becomes plastic enough to be formed into a ball. The soil is then moulded between the fingers until the surface begins to crack. It is then repeatedly rolled on a glass plate into 3mm diameter threads until longitudinal cracking causes the tread to start to break up. This moisture content is the plastic limit. Test are carried out to BS 1377: Part 2:1990, CL5 Figure Plastic limit test and equipment (Sourced http://ral.train.army.mil) and (Sourced www.humbolgtmfg.com) The Liquid Limit (LL) is an indication of the percentage moisture content at which soil changes from a firm plastic state to a soft liquid state. Two methods are available for determining the liquid limit: the traditional method using the Casagrande apparatus and the more recently developed cone penetrometer method. Test are carried out to BS 1377: Part 2:1990, CL4.3 4.4 Figure Casagrande equipment Figure Cone Penetrometer (Sources www.humbolgtmfg.com) (Sources www.sbe.napier.ac.uk) The difference between the Liquid Limit and the Plastic Limit is called the Plasticity Index (PI). This index provides a good guide to the cohesive properties of a road building aggregate. A high PI may indicate the presence of an undesirable amount or type of clay. CBR test It is in essence a simple penetration test developed to evaluate the strength of road subgrades. How strong is the ground upon which we are going to build the road. (Summers 2010) Tests are carried out either unsoaked or soaked. Unpaved road materials would normally be tested according to the 4 day soaked test procedure. An estimated CBR value may be derived from the results of grading and plasticity tests. Tests are carried out to B.S.1377:4:1990 Section 7 Figure CBR test apparatus (Sourced Testing equipment Supply) MCV Test This test involves compaction of soil or fine aggregates using a hand held device. The compactive effort can be compared to that needed at the optimum moisture content. This enables a comparison with the actual moisture content of the soil. Test carried out to BS 1377: Part 4:1990 see Figure 13 for test apparatus. Figure MCV apparatus (Sourced www.ele.com) Triaxial Shear Strength Test The triaxial shear strength test subjects a soil specimen to three compressive stresses at right angle to each other with stress being increased until the sample fails in shear. This test is carried out to predict how the material will behave in a larger-scale engineering application. An example would be to predict the stability of the soil on a slope, whether the slope will collapse or whether the soil will support the shear stresses of the slope and remain in place. Tests are carried out to BS 1377: Part 6:1990. See figure 14 for test apparatus. Figure Test apparatus for Triaxial Shear Strength Test (Sourced www.namicon.com) New Changes to Site Investigation and Testing At present all Geotechnical investigation and testing is carried out to B.S. but come 31st March 2010 all test will be carried out using the new Eurocode 7 this will be for all publicly funded project. This does not apply to the private sector but there are likely to follow suit. Example of changes. TC 341: Geotechnical investigation and testing 14688 Identification and classification of soil 3 Parts 14689 Identification and classification of rock 2 Parts 17892 Laboratory testing of soil 12 Parts 22282 Geohydraulic testing 6 Parts 22475 Sampling methods and groundwater measurements 3 Parts 22476 Field testing 13 Parts (Sourced New Irish Geotechnical Standards and Selection of Characteristic Parameter Values 2009) Resources Estimation Introduction In this chapter the author will look at how quantities of materials that can be potentially in a borrow pit and how they may be calculated. One of the main primary objective of a borrow pit investigation and testing is to establish the extent of the different classes of materials and there suitability to the given project. With all the information in the next objective is to calculate the quantity of material that is in the potential borrow pit to see if its a viable option to proceed with. The potential quantity of material that can be extracted from a borrow pit should always be calculated in cubic metres (m3). A cubic metre should be seen as a box of material with a length (l) of 1 metre a height (h) of 1 metre and a depth (d) of 1metre. Before and estimates can be taken off a detail topography survey of the potential borrow pits will have to be taken see figure 21 for typical contour survey. However, with all information from the investigation of the site it can be hard to estimate an exact amount so it is better to estimate on the conservative than on the generous. This may come about if the information between the trial pits may vary from data collected as seen early a grids of 30 to 50 meters should be used and for larger areas if could be up to 100 meters grids There are different method of calculation the quantity of material that in the given site depending on the borrow pit make up but the most simple way is to break the area up into simple shapes such as rectangular prisms or triangular prisms. The volume of material in these shapes is estimated by first calculating a representative area in square meters (m2), and then multiplying this area by its depth or a length (in metres). It may need to be an average depth or length if the pit is irregular in shape or the deposit has a variable thickness. Formula for calculating the areas for different type of pit can be work out using the standard mathematically formula to get the quantities for the site. See figures 17,18,19,20 Trapezoid Figure Formula for a Trapezoid shape Volume = Base X Height Figure Formula for Prisms Volume = Length X Width X Height Figure Formula for a Rectangular Volume = 1/3 pr2x height Figure Formula for a cone shape (Sourced Area and surface Formulas) Another method of course if available to you is different types of computer packages that can do the work for you like AutoCAD 3D civil packages. Figure Typical Contour Survey (Sourced Volume Calculations) Material Wastage, Shrinkage and Bulking Material Wastage Wastage can occur if site investigation reports of material dont add up to what in the ground and material been use for work it was not envisaged to do, like having to create bund not accounted for some. Material Bulking Material bulking will also to be taken into account when hauling materials of the bulking-up factor. When materials are excavated they are loosened and sometimes broken down, this result in an increase in volume per unit weight known as bulking. The bulking factor of a material is the bulk density in the pit face (bank) divided by the loose bulk density. A bulking factor of 1.25 indicates that 100 m3 of bank material will become 125 m3 of loose material in the stockpile. Material Shrinking Compacted material, material that has been excavated from it natural state and placed some place else for compaction. With compaction the volume reduces. The same can apply to shrinkage when material is been compacted what was originally 1m3 in a compacted state with shrinking factor is 0.85m3. Table 1 Typical Material Density, Bulking and Shrinkage Factors. (Source Earthworks) The Resources Estimation has a dual purpose with given you the quantities of resources out but also on the other hand the amount of material which if can be disposal back into to fill the pits from surplus or unsuitable material that cannot be use on site. Legalisation Introduction This chapter discusses of both Planning legislation and Waste legislation in the terms of Construction and Demolishing Waste in the construction sector. The planning legislation we will be looking in relation to opening up of a borrow pit for bulk material (soil) and the production of aggregates. In CD waste legislation for the disposal of inert material. In the area of waste management there has been a number of direct and indirect (both national and EU) legislative influences on how operations should be carried out with the regards to CD waste in road construction The Planning and Development Act 2000 and associated Regulations 2001 The Planning and Development Act 2000 is the main act for planning permission in Ireland and this process is overseen by the different Local Authorities in the country. Regulations 2001 is the statutory legislation that applies to new and existing extractive developments and ancillary facilities in Ireland. Quarries (including sand and gravel pits) operating before the existence of planning legislation in Ireland that was implemented in 1964 did not have to obtain planning permission and were essentially unregulated. Despite this, much self-regulation took place such as imposition of emissions (noise, blasting, and dust) limits and the implementation of Environmental Management systems accredited to IS0 14001. However, under Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a new system of once-off registration for all quarries was introduced. Only those quarries for which planning permission was granted in the five years before section 261 (i.e. after April 1999) became operative are excluded. Section 261 has also resulted in some extractive sites being required to submit an Environmental impact statement and to go through the formal planning process. This review process has resulted in up-to-date environmental and biodiversity management conditions being enforceable on all authorised sites; this process is largely complete at this time. CD Waste legislation As spoken earlier on CD waste legislation in Ireland is influenced by European waste policy and legislation. The EU waste management is based on the waste hierarchy which gives preference to waste prevention, then to waste recovery (including reuse, recycle and energy recovery). And finally to waste disposal (to landfill) See figure 22 for hierarchy Figure Waste hierarchy (Source Fas CIF Handbook on Construction Demolishing and Waste) European Legislation The majority of European waste management directives are based on the Symonds report 1999 which evaluated the recycling of CD Waste in each of the member state and prepared 55 recommendation. The following is a list of the most important recommendations of the report Fly tipping subject to sanctions Land filling of CD waste should be discouraged by member states. CD Waste derived aggregates should not be discrimination in the market place, primary aggregates and CD Waste derived aggregates should be both be considered as raw materials The client should demand that Environmental Impact Analysis be undertaken for each project which could form part of Environmental Management Plan. Governments to draw up National Waste Management plans for CC waste. The main based EU based legislation that influences CD waste management on a national level are Framework Directive on waste 75/442/EEC plus amendments Framework Directive on Hazardous Waste,1991 91/689/EEC

Comparing the Struggle in Dante’s Inferno and Book VI of The Aeneid Ess

The Infernal Struggle in Dante’s Inferno and Book VI of The Aeneid Does hell have its own history? For Dante, the structural and thematic history of ‘hell’ in the Inferno begins with the Roman epic tradition and its champion poet, Virgil. By drawing heavily from the characteristics of hell in Book VI of The Aeneid, Dante carries the epic tradition into the medieval world and affirms his indebtedness to Virgil’s poetry. Moreover, Virgil becomes a central character in the Inferno as he guides Dante, the pilgrim, who has no knowledge of hell, through his own historical model. Similarly, the protagonist of The Aeneid, Aeneas, lacks the foresight necessary to make the journey through hell on his own and thus places his trust in the mythological prophet, the Sybil. Because the Sybil and Virgil already have knowledge of the underworld, their characters in The Aeneid and the Inferno are associated with history, both literally through Virgil’s poetry and metaphorically through their enduring wisdom in eyes of the pilgrim and Aeneas . For Aeneas and the pilgrim, however, religious history evolves from an ancient world of paganism to medieval Christianity and these values are transposed onto hell itself--showing that its history changes over time. Furthermore, the living realities that the pilgrim and Aeneas take into the underworld prove unstable when juxtaposed with hell’s slippery and ever-changing ambience. In Book VI of The Aeneid, Aeneas enters an underworld filled with triple-hybrid beasts, sinners, heroes, and a transparent physical reality that foils his warriorlike instincts for conflict and resolution. Likewise, in Dante’s Inferno, the journeying pilgrim witnesses a horrific blurring of life and death, which in this case nega... ...f. Through the infernal struggle Aeneas and the pilgrim discover the limitations of their mortal realities, and ultimately come to an awareness of their existence as transcendent, spiritual beings against shifting religious, historical, and poetical climates. Works Cited Bailey, Cyril. Religion in Virgil. New York: Barnes and Noble, 1969. Clarke, Howard. ed. Virgil’s Aeneid. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State UP, 1989. Day-Lewis, C. ed. The Eclogues of Virgil. London: Jonathan Cape, 1963. Durling, Robert M. ed. The Inferno. New York: Oxford UP, 1996. Eco, Umberto. Art and Beauty in the Middle Ages. Trans. Hugh Bradin. New Haven: Yale UP, 1986. Jacoff, Rachel and Jeffrey T. Schnapp. The Poetry of Allusion: Virgil and Ovid in Dante’s Commedia. Stanford: Stanford UP, 1991. Virgil. The Aeneid. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc. 1965.

Stalin Hitler Mussolini Essay -- essays research papers

Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and Benito Mussolini were all famous leaders of their time. When the word famous is mentioned for their description, it is not necessarily good. In fact none of them were known for anything good. You could say they were in†famous†. They all lead during the same time period; during the early to mid 1900s. Stalin was part of the Russians, Mussolini was with the Italians, and Hitler was with the Germans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Joseph Stalin, of Russia, was completely uninterested in ideological debates, as he wanted to establish his own power within the Soviet system. Stalin had Trotsky expelled and ousted Bukharin in order for this to occur. Because of his torture technique for people to confess their crimes, about 10 million Russians were arrested in the late 1930s. Stalin even sent an assassin to kill Trotsky in 1940. In 1928, Stalin implemented the Five-Year Plan to expand Russia into an industrial nation. In order to find money for this, Stalin forced the kulaks, or wealthy peasants, to work on the farms. All of this brought the Soviet Union to a major industrial power in the end of the 1930s, while all others were in a devastating economic depression.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Benito adopted his father’s Socialist beliefs. His views began to change during the war when Mussolini broke with his fellow Socialists and supported Italy’s entrance into the war. He formed the National Fascist Party, which fought leftist organizations. The...

The Possible Outcomes of Globalization

Human beings have always been dirty, corrupt, deceitful and horrible. But humans also have some redeeming factors that account for our current state of relative peace, our ability to innovate, the ability for great kindness and to care for other living things. All because each individual person is as different as the last with their own unique experiences and morals and standards that accumulate to our own incredibly different personalities and attitudes. Yet there are those who believe that striping us of the things that makes us†¦ s will be a great improvement on society even when the evidence points elsewhere. There is a very clear disagreement in our society about what we should do and what the benefits of globalization are. ‘Black’ and ‘White’ sides to a very grey issue. Usually people on the right will say that globalization is a good thing, giving you this; Claims increase in diversity and creativity, trade becomes easier and cheaper, goods becom e more accessible and cheaper, and that everyone will be materially richer. Countries are becoming more alike in the sense of offering some more commonly diverse choices. †-Tyler Cowen(supporter of Globalization) The other side to this are people that are decidedly on the left and they will say things like; Homogenization of culture, loss of creativity, total loss of some cultures, people will become easier to control through advertisements, society becomes about working and keeping ‘afloat’ and not living an actual life, creates violence within people try to protect their culture. †Fast food†¦ ecomes a fueling up ritual†¦ but if it social or family values is what you about†¦ then its a disaster. †-Benjamin Barber (advocate against globalization). Although I say most conservatives and most liberals is because some conservatives don’t see it for what is and buy into what the businessman would say and that all cultures would get a b it of every other culture and are fearful of the blending of culture and are against it. Some liberals think that bringing money to the third world countries, and many more reasons.This is not to say that the political spectrum doesn’t play a role but rather a major one, as most people on the right see it for what it is and support it because globalization creates wealth for the multinational corporations and destroys the native peoples culture and making them more focused on work and it becomes a win-win situation. Liberals are fearful of the corporation as once the people are on the bandwagon it’s very easy to keep them on it and the power of the people of those nations falls to the businesses.Another reason for concern on the part of all citizens regardless of political ideologies is the outsourcing of jobs, which we are already seeing the effects of as unemployment â€Å"unemployment rate moving to 9. 5% in the U. S. , the highest level since 1983. The same thing happened around the globe; the unemployment rate surged to record high values. †-London Forex Broadsheet. My opinion is that there are large winnings and some very hard losses to be had.On one side it boosts the local economy and overall wealth of the certain poorer country, and poverty by any measure is a horrible thing to live in. Unfortunately it destroys the culture that has survived for possibly thousands of years â€Å"Just over 38% of global cultures are in danger of extinction or are already extinct†-UNESCO and we lose some of the history that makes the world the way it is, also globalization can destroy the local environment and cause serious physical injury and sickness. †About one half of the forests that covered the Earth are gone.Each year, another 16 million hectares disappear. †-globalchange. umich. edu And the only reason they live in poverty is not because they're useless and lazy but because of the current global economic system we use. So overall I believe that the losses outweigh the possible gains. The driving forces behind globalization is the corporations they first lobby the government to build an airport saying it will bring more tourists and money. afterwards they move in and set up factories (depending on the ethics or pressure put on them by the public) or sweatshops.So the increased tourism brings foreign ideas and technology like: democracy, freedom, wealth, internet, computers, TV’s, etc. After they make some money in a dangerous mine or a low paying factory they buy a TV/Computer and they see what we have and they want it, they see our big houses and big cars and they will save up and buy one. when they do that they adopt our north american culture and they stop going to church because they can get more money working weekends, they dress like we do and act like we do.They want to be like us so they tell their parents that their culture is dumb and look how this new culture brought us out of povert y, and how we don’t have to pick through garbage anymore. Once people think like this and act like this it causes other people to join them, thinking â€Å"Well he has a car a house and nice clothes, why can’t I have that? † So as more people drop their culture and uniqueness the faster it speeds up. The possibilities of an outcome of this en masse shift towards a North American lifestyle are endless, but what is almost certain is the fact that 99. % of the time this will end badly and not just for the humans that live here but the entire planet. So I will propose 3 scenarios that generally cover the possible outcomes at this point in time. Scenario 1) As more and more people get cars, computers, and use more electricity the CO2 emissions increase exponentially and we get to a tipping point in the atmosphere and a cascade/domino effect happens. Methane from the bottom of the ocean is released into the atmosphere and the Earth heats up even more.Then the Amazon b urns heating it even more, etc. etc. and the world fries and after 100000 years the Earth is plunged into an ice age. By the way almost everyone died. Scenario 2) As more and more jobs are outsourced to cheaper labour the North American way of life collapses because there’s no jobs and with no money you can’t buy anything. Then the whole global economic market crashes and burns. World is plunged into WWIII for the remaining resources, nuclear bombs are launched, whole countries become uninhabitable.Billions die. Scenario 3) In a global effort we switch over to renewable resources and solve the global energy crisis and with that we are able to stabilize the economy and regain peace. It is then possible to help and provide electricity to developing countries. There are many proposed solutions to the crisis we are dealing with but just as with many other problems many of the ‘solutions’ prove to be ineffective or even more harmful. So what will it take to hav e a solution that will save us?Unfortunately its too late to have a gradual change that would allow for people to adapt comfortably to the new lifestyle that i am about to propose. We will have to do this quickly and without hesitation because the longer we wait the more painful this will be. In scenario 3 of the last paragraph is what we will have to do as currently many of the wars being fought around the world are about or were started by the need of the black gold, oil, and n order to restore peace we need to switch over to a more renewable way of life especially here in North America. Not only will this reduce the incentive to kill each other over something that will become increasingly obsolete but it will also help calm the people who are angry at the way we live here because of our wastefulness. Also legislation by the government will have to be passed in order to make it harder for corporations to treat people poorly and pay them less, also make them create jobs in their ho me (eg; US, Canada, UK, etc. ) countries.Increased tourism from more money and cheaper bills will help reinforce the local cultures as people usually travel to see the culture. Advertisements will have to be localized and not forcing the American way of life down peoples throats. I believe that this will, if not completely solve this issue, help out greatly. Unfortunately people can’t see what is happening around them and then when they finally realize what has happened its too late, and that is the problem, why we can’t solve this crisis and why we can’t solve many other difficult issues that exist.The fact is that until something catastrophic happens no one will do anything about it, history shows this and as the saying goes History always repeats itself. Globalization will continue to be a problem for a very long time and when the mass population sees what has happened it will be too late. all we can do is support groups in foreign countries that try to susta in the culture and language of their ancestors.

Incarceration Essay

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the prison population in the United States but little efforts have been engaged in regard to the transformations observed in the composition of the jail population. The law enforcement agents are under obligation by the federal, state, and local authorities to arrest and confine individuals who are criminal suspects. It is the duty of our judicial system to imprison individuals who are crime convicts. The confinement that is imposed on individuals whether prior to or after conviction is what is referred to as incarceration. Any person irrespective of race, color, sex, and age is subject to incarceration at least in theory according to the constitution. Studies have however continued to show increasing imbalance in our penal institutions as more African Americans and Hispanics continue to account to a slightly larger percentage in comparison to the whites. This paper shall present an analysis of the structural inequality as observed in the judicial system within the United States. Structural Inequality: Structural inequality is something that is affecting virtually all societies around the world. This phenomenon however does not stem from the variations amongst individuals as generally thought, but it can be attributed to the meanings and values that individuals hold in regard to these variations. These values and meanings become systemized and thus the foundation of inequality in our society. The society becomes stratified based on differences between the individuals. This leads to a hierarchical society where prejudicial values and attitudes are developed which affects the views held by the different categories of individuals (Bartels-Ellis, 2010). The US is among the world’s most leading jailers with a rating of 750 imprisonments in every 100,000 individuals (Williams, 2009). The prison population is however disproportional with African Americans and the Hispanics and other minority groups accounting for a larger percentage compared to the majority whites. It is estimated that over 60% of the prison population is from the minority groups. The imbalance in the incarcerated population has been attributed to the war against drugs that has gained momentum in the recent past. This has had a toll on the minority groups though studies have continued to indicate that drug use is also a significant phenomenon amongst the whites. The judicial system has therefore been accused of racist discrimination when it comes to matters of fair and effective judgment (Williams, 2009). Racial Bias in the Judicial System: Racial inequalities have been observed when it comes to judicial matters in the United States. There are great variations in the incarceration of different racial groups that make up the population of the US (Martel, 2008). Studies have continued to reveal the unending trend of disparities in the criminal justice system as revealed by the United States Census Bureau in 2000. According to the Bureau, there is un-proportional representation in the incarceration within the US penal institutions which happens to favor the whites. As of the year 2000, out of close to 2 million adult prisoners, 63% were from the minority groups including the African Americans and Latinos. Such disparities are in contravention of the general population as it has been established that the minority groups account for only 25% of the general population (Human Rights Watch, 2002). Statistics: According to Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), in every twenty blacks aged over 18, one is likely to be in prison whereas for the whites, the imprisonment rate is put at one in every 180 individuals. The African Americans and the Hispanics comprise of about 2/3 of the prison population. As of the year 2001, African American males and Hispanic males had a higher chance of being imprisoned compared to the whites. The blacks had a 32. 2% chance; Hispanics 17. 2% chance; whereas the whites had a 6% chance. In the year 2003, African American prisoners accounted for a larger portion of those serving a term of more than one year at 44% of the prison population followed by the whites at 35% whereas the Hispanics accounted for the remaining 19% (Families Against Mandatory Minimums Foundation, 2010).