Best Fit vs Best Practice

Meaning of Best Fit and Best Practice The terms ‘best fit’ and ‘best practice’ are used in strategic human resource management literature. The best fit approach refers to the firm using human resources management (HRM) to their particular strategies and adapting to the firm’s condition and the environment referring to workforce character and business strategy. With the use of the Best Fit Approach the SHRM can become more flexible to the response change of the organizational life cycle: start-up, growth, maturity and renewal/decline. For example, Met Wholesale had chosen low cost strategy to sustain its position in merchandise industry. Thereby under this approach supportive HR practices like employing part-timers, fresh graduates, and by applying training systems will be applied. The outcome will be that the operation cost will be reduced and they will achieve its goal. On the other hand the Best Practice approach speculate that there is a exact set of HR practices that are applied in almost any organization context which helps in the increase in performance to deliver outcomes which may be valuable for all stakeholders particularly employees. It is based on the idea that there is a set of best HRM practices and its application will help to superior organization performance. This practice could be source from other competitor’s successful strategy. For example, emphasizing the enhancement of employees’ abilities or knowledge and skills through good recruitment and strong training. Another can be through incentives and a reward system; the firm can place emphasis for motivating desired behaviour. Also, by better trained and motivated employees they would have more contribution of ideas and participation. What separates the two approaches, is that the Best Fit relates to firms’ competitive strategy where the SHRM will be designed according to the firms condition and the environment, where as for Best Practice, the firm is able to refer other firm’s successful strategy or general best practice model to improve the firm itself.

Critical Analysis Paper: BlackBerry Essay

According to the article â€Å"BlackBerry Posts Loss as Phones Go Unsold†, BlackBerry performs a poor performance. Business has a quarterly loss in 2013 for $965 million. The revenue had drop 45% that down to $1.57 billion from $2.86 billion compares with a year earlier. BlackBerry lost $248 million, or 47 cents a share, and analysts forecast 49 cents a share loss for the quarter ended August 31. The net loss is $235 million which excluding inventory charge and restructuring charges in the latest quarter. The cash position also down to $2.6 billion from $3.1 billion at quarter-end. Smartphone maker report a hefty operating loss of nearly $1 billion charge on inventory of unsold phones. Fairfax Financial Holdings to take the company private for about $4.7 billion, or $9 a share. As a former mobile king, BlackBerry faces to exit the handset business. This report will conduct a situation analysis of potential causes of declining sales and profits of Black Berry. And also would id entify internal company and external environment for the poor performance. See more: analytical writing A particular reason of the sales declining is BlackBerry cannot satisfy enough to the market and product demand for customers. Sales declining imply to revenues declining. BlackBerry recognized most phone’s revenue is from the older models, which means the new phones are not much attract to customers. Ian Austen (2013) noted that BlackBerry could soon be leaving the business of making phones—leaving fewer options for a vocal minority still committed to phones with its once popular physical keyboard. (para. 1) BlackBerry usually produces the keyboard models, but with people’s pursuit on phone, most smartphone users prefer to use touch-screen models instead of the physical keyboards. Keyboard was one of a special characteristic of BlackBerry, eventually, that become an obstacle for its evolution. The reason of revenue declining of BlackBerry is it has a lower market share. BlackBerry has not change their product style and business strategy while customers are seeking the new products constantly, market share would  be affected and would cause revenue going down. Joseph Palenchar (2013) noted that â€Å"the old days saw BlackBerry’s market share in global smartphone shipments peak in 2009 at 20% and fall to 5% in 2012, marking the company’s lowest level since 2003.† (para. 3) â€Å"Increase the chances that BlackBerry can regain some of its lost market share during the make-or-break year of 2013† (para. 9) Revenue is declining because the market is becoming smaller. With Apple, Samsung’s products are growing deeply in customers’ impression, BlackBerry is standing in the behind position compare with those two brands. BlackBerry is not enough strong to attract those Apple and Samsung’s customers to choose its products even they produce the new products. A poor financial performance reflects BlackBerry Company is going down. In the article of â€Å"Company Overview†, the author stated a SWOT analysis of BlackBerry. In the weaknesses of company, the author described the revenues decreased primarily due to lower shipment volumes and lower average selling prices of hardware products. The company’s revenues declined from $19,907 million in FY2011 to $11,073 million in FY 2013. (p.6) Continuous decline impacts the company’s profits and margins. In 2013, RIM recorded the operating loss of $1,235 million compared with operation profit of $1,497 million and $4,636 million in 2012 and 2011. It also suffers a decline in the cash position which from $4,009 million in 2011 to $2,303 in 2013. Substitutes and competitive also are the factors that affect BlackBerry suffer in this situation. The lower revenues will decrease market share so that to increase the competition. BlackBerry lack of innovation; however, its competitors of smartphone company such as Apple, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft, etc. are rapidly evolving. Most of them have larger customer bases, greater financial, sales and distribution than BlackBerry. As consumers, under an available circumstance of selecting, they prefer a product with innovation, creative, and satisfaction. Competitive pressure impact the company’s growth and market share. Fairfax Financial Holdings is going to take the company private, but still won’t solve the company’s problems. BlackBerry still insist their employees of the same smartphones and tablets that use at home. It is losing in the  consumer arena. Therefore, even though investors take it private, BlackBerry’s revenue still would not be changed because it did not change its operation of business. The most primary reason for the company’s poor performance is BlackBerry lack of innovation. Because of BlackBerry did not change its strategy in order to satisfy customer’s demand for the smartphone, the product sales and revenues are going down. Also, the lower market share and the higher competition would impact BlackBerry’s profit and margin. Bibliography: Connors, W. (2013). Blackberry posts loss as phones go unsold. Austen, I. (2013). Blackberry’s future in doubt, keyboard lovers bemoan their own. Palenchar, J. (2013). Analysts: Blackberry facing tough battle. (2013). Company overview.

Serial Killers

Many misunderstand the true meaning of the term serial killer and confuse it with those of mass murderers and spree killers. However, a serial killer has much different tactics than those of mass murderers and spree killers. In order to be declared a serial killer, one must commit three or more murders over a period of more than thirty days with time in between each murder known as a â€Å"cooling off† phase. Each murder for a serial killer is committed for some sort of psychological fulfillment. Most serial killers have similar characteristics either within each murder, victim or sometimes both. These may include: occupation, sex, age, appearance, and race for the victim and molestation, rape, strangulation, shooting, decapitation, and many more gruesome acts most cannot even begin to imagine. There are many various classifications of serial killers depending on how and what they get from each murder they commit. Organized nonsocial offenders often methodically plan out each and every offense meticulously prior to actually carrying out their crime. Organized nonsocial serial killers may look and act like ones neighbor seemingly normal with a steady job and family. However, they follow their crimes through the media intently. Unlike organized nonsocial offenders, disorganized asocial offenders often act on impulse using blitz type attacks killing their victims in whichever ways they desire to at the time. They rarely cover their tracks but somehow seem to get away unnoticed. They are often socially awkward with few friends and previous mental disabilities. Jack the Ripper was the first known and reported serial killer. He first struck in 1888 in Whitechappel, London. The theory that ties into the story of the gruesome serial killer in London would be the trait theory. The sub theory of the trait theory is psychological due to lack of evidence to help support his past experiences in his life and because it was not premeditated. It was simply a rage of violence against middle class women prostitutes. The way this killer showed no remorse to the brutal mutilation of these women proved in fact to be a psychological problem. Not only did Jack the Ripper kill multiple women but he mutilated their bodies almost to the point of an unrecognizable state. He was a nonsocial offender who simply attacked his victims as he found them rather than premeditating each attack. He wanted to be known in London at the time and involved the press by writing letters in order to give himself a name. Jack the Ripper only killed within the city of Whitechappel and made most of his attacks under the cover of darkness. Mary Nichols was a 43 year old woman and prostitute who became Jack’s first murder. She was discovered at 3:40 A. M. with no clues as to who killed her and her body completely mutilated. Her lover at the time was only able to identify her remains by her eye color and hair color. By September 30, 1888 he had killed two more females; Elizabeth Stride also known as â€Å"Long Liz† who was fully recognizable and Catherine Eddowes a 46 year old female prostitute who, like his first victim, was found mutilated. Mary Jane Kelly was Jack the Ripper’s final victim before he stopped killing and vanished in February of 1891. To this day the identity of Jack the Ripper has never been discovered. During this time period it would have been difficult to stop a psychopath on a rampage to mutilate any prostitute they ran across due to the lack of privacy, security on one’s home, and lack of technology to gain significant evidence against the murderer. The evolution of society has created its own solution to stopping killers before they become serial killers, in most cases. (America’s) The Zodiac Killer attacked in Northern California where he claimed his first victim on October 30, 1966. (Newton) The Zodiac Killer used a gun and most often searched out couples to kill. He did not necessarily have a motive he was said to kill, just to kill. He claimed that his victims became his slaves for afterlife. This is another example of trait theory also with the sub theory of a psychological problem. Again, in this situation we do not know the identity or youth life of the Zodiac Killer therefore we are unable to determine if this possibly could be a biological sub theory. The Zodiac Killer shows that he has a psychological problem by not premeditating his attacks and choosing his victims at random. It is also apparent that the Zodiac Killer had a psychological problem by his desire to involve the media and lead police directly to his victims through phone calls and letters without a trace of evidence and or remorse. Some say that the Zodiac Killer is the perfect serial killer because his letters were written in a cryptic cipher. The first letter began, â€Å"I like killing people because it is just so much fun. † (Newton, 254) By the end of the Zodiac’s killing rampage he has an estimated 40 victims with 39 of them being female. At this time the case remains open and the identity of the Zodiac Killer unknown. Our society could improve or lessen the chances drastically of another Zodiac-like killer from striking again by keeping better ballistic records of evidence along with using more advanced diagnostic tools on the letters and phone calls to the media. Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer both killed at random without previously planning any one specific murder. Both had psychological problems but managed to go on killing with their identities undiscovered. Neither one showed any signs of remorse throughout their killings or contacts with the media proving that killing to them, was just a game. There are many reasons serial killers chose to kill, and with these two psychopaths it was the thrill of the kill. Albert Fish was a serial killer who killed his first victim, Billy Gaffney, in February of 1927. It was with his first victim that Fish became known as not only a serial killer but also as a pedophile and cannibal. Albert ate Gaffney’s ears, nose, and face in a stew and roasted his butt and genitals in the oven before consuming those too. America’s) Fish is an example of trait theory with sub theories of biological and psychological problems. Albert Fish was born into an unstable household and not long after his mother put him up for adoption. When no one adopted him, he was placed in an orphanage where he witnessed and endured many beatings. It was then that he realized he enjoyed watching others endure pain and would eventually grow to enjoy these beatings himself. He went to the extreme as to insert needles under his nails and into his genitals to feel the rush of pain. Rumor has it that on Fish’s execution day, January 16, 1936, he shorted out the electric chair because of the amount of metal inserted into his abdomen and groin. Fish stated, â€Å"If only pain were not so painful! † (Newton) Authorities compiled that Fish went on to molest and castrate at least 100 victims before Fish declared himself that he had children in every state leaning authorities to the possible victim count being closer to 400. It was realized that Fish also carried the sub theory of a psychological problem when he abducted Grace Budd, taking her to a cottage and dismembering her body before slowly cooking and eating her remains. Fish had premeditated this murder and wanted the Budd family to know that six years later he was still thinking of their daughter. In 1934, he wrote a letter to the Budd family stating that Grace had, â€Å"died a virgin† and it had taken him nine days to eat her remains. (Newton, 63) Due to the knowledge of Fish’s childhood and understanding of the premeditated murders he committed, we are able to determine that Fish has both sub theories of psychological and biological problems. Our society can prevent another psychopath serial killer like Fish from victimizing children across the nation by using better analysis of criminals childhood’s and keeping better records of where criminals known to molest children are located. Jeffery Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Monster, was also a serial killer who had cannibalistic tendencies. He grew up in a middle class family in Wisconsin and was molested by neighbor boy. This became a pivotal turning point in Dahmer’s life leading him to begin experimenting with animals’ carcasses and bones. Dahmer’s first kill came the summer after his graduation as he picked up a hitch hiker and continued to slaughter him, beat his skull with a barbell, strangle him to death, and dismember and bury his body. Dahmer was shocked with himself after this happened and tried college for a short time before entering the military on a 6 year enlistment. He was discharged after 2 years due to heavy drinking and returned home to live with his grandmother in West Allis, Wisconsin. (Newton) Dahmer carries the trait theory with both sub theories of biological and psychological problems. Proof shows Dahmer was part of an unfit household as a child due to the facts that his molestations and obsessions with mutilating animal carcasses went unknown by his family or ones caring for him. His parents separated and neither of them felt the need to take Dahmer with them so Dahmer fell under the supervision of his grandmother. Jeffery’s grandmother soon kicked him out of the house due to the stench of his â€Å"experiments†. (Newton) His psychological problems become apparent with the victims he chose and how he became aroused by the smell of decaying flesh and the sight of lifeless prey. America’s) He chose his victims by meeting men at gay bars and bringing them home merely to kill, dismember, cook and eat them. Our society could prevent another Dahmer-like serial killer from presenting themselves by making records of child molestations more public and getting children who have been molested proper counseling and treatment post attack. Both Albert Fish and Jeffery Dahmer had instances in their childhoods that can be deemed as pivotal turning points creating the psychopath serial killers they became. Unlike Dahmer, Fish preyed on children while Dahmer preyed on men his age. The murders by Albert Fish and Jeffery Dahmer were committed out of a desire for power and lifelong attachment to their victims. By eating their victims’ remains they felt as if they would forever be attached to them. This proves both Dahmer and Fish had sub theories of psychological and biological problems that led each of their killings. Gary Ridgway began his killing spree in January of 1982 with 16 year old victim Leann Wilcox. (Newton) His second victim was a 36 year old female named Amina Agisheff. His first two victims were not recognized as â€Å"Green River Killer† victims until two years after their deaths due to lack of patterns tying these murders and the Green River Killer’s later murders together. Ridgway continued to kill with victims multiplying by the week. All of Ridgway’s victims had one thing in common; they were all thought to be prostitutes. The Green River Killer always did one thing the same in each of his murders; before he killed each victim he had sex with them. In some of the victims he went as far as placing a triangle shaped stone inside the vagina of the victim, the significance of this is unknown. Newton) Gary Ridgway carries the trait theory with a psychological sub theory. There is no evidence as to his past family life to prove that he could also carry a biological sub theory but the way in which he killed each of his 48 victims proves that his desire to kill was based upon sexual desires. (Schechter) Our society could protect a gainst another serial rapist-killer like Ridgway by technological advances and obtaining DNA samples from each victim. Ted Bundy was born in November 1946 at a house for unwed mothers in Vermont. He never knew his father and was forced to live with his strict Methodist grandparents pretending that his mother, Louise Cowell, was in fact his sister. He described his grandfather Sam as a loving man who in reality was a â€Å"bitter racist and wife beater, who also enjoyed kicking dogs and swinging cats through the air by their tails† (Newton, 24). These intimate details of Bundy’s childhood prove to society that he carries a trait theory with a sub theory of a biological problem. He also carried a psychological sub theory proved by each of his victims having shoulder length brown hair parted down the middle. Ted was a good looking man with a â€Å"chameleon-like ability to blend† which gave each of his victims a sense of security when they were with him. (Newton, 24) With the beginning of Bundy’s murders was Linda Healy, a blood stained night gown was found hanging in her basement but was gone without a trace. His killings continued one by one with each victim looking eerily similar to an ex girlfriend of his who had shoulder length brown hair, parted down the middle who had broken up with him for having no ambitions in life and being immature. With each victim he first raped them then proceeded to murder them with savage blows to the head. He was sought by police multiple times but deemed â€Å"squeaky clean† by authorities since they were looking for a savage killer not a clean cut law student. (Newton, 25) It took months and multiple escapes by Bundy for police to finally charge him with the murders of two Florida sorority girls and a female in Colorado. It was after he was charged with these murders and punished to death by the electric chair that he confessed to up to 40 murders. Some say that he took more murders to his grave having the ability to have killed closer to 100 victims. Our society can prevent another rapist-serial killer like Bundy from taking the lives of innocent females by keeping better DNA records and evidence from each known victim in order to compare it to future victims. Although this may not prevent all murders from occurring it may help keep the number of victims to a minimum. Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway are similar in the fact that both serial killers murdered for sexual desires. They both grew up in unfit homes proving their sub theories of biological problems but different from Ridgway, Bundy also carried the sub theory of psychological due to his choice of victims being mirror images of his ex girlfriend. Both Bundy and Ridgway killed females and had sex with them before they murdered them. Ridgway chose prostitutes as his victims and used similar dumping grounds around the Green River for each victim despite police surveillance of the areas. Bundy also used similar dumping grounds in each of the states he committed murders mostly dumping them in wooded areas covering them with brush. The way in which each serial killer was raised proves that this had a large affect on the people and serial killers they became. Charles Manson was born in 1934 to 16 year old prostitute Kathleen Maddox and took the name Manson from a man she later married. By the time Manson was five years old he had been sent to live with his strictly religious aunt and husband. Her husband however, treated Manson as if he were a â€Å"sissy† dressing him up in girl clothes on the first day of school to show him to act more like a man. (Newton, 149) After paroled Kathleen gained custody of Charles but was still deemed unfit after leaving Manson with neighbors for â€Å"an hour† and disappearing for days on end. Manson was then sent to Gibault School for Boys in Terre Haute, Indiana for ten months before fleeing. He wound up living on the streets having numerous bouts with the law being in and out of juvenile centers being abused by both guards and older boys at each center. After being jailed multiple times for petty crimes Manson finally stepped it up and called himself a follower of Scientology. In San Francisco Manson gained a group of male and female followers who were impressed by his charisma. He led them to believe he was a Christ incarnate, or as he liked to call it â€Å"God of Fuck† (Newton, 150). These followers grew into what Manson called his â€Å"family† and traveled up and down California gaining more followers along the way topping off at 50 followers at their peak. Newton) Manson grew largely obsessed with death and certain songs pertaining to death like the popular Beatle’s song at the time, â€Å"Helter Skelter†. He defined this song to be speaking about a race war to come in America and used these terms at his â€Å"families† future crime scenes. While Manson may not have committed any of the murders himself, it is known he was at some of the crime scenes and behind all of the murders through his c ult-like leadership. Even after Manson was jailed for these numerous crimes the violent murders did not stop. He had impacted too many â€Å"family† members already and so they carried on what Manson had previously began brutally killing more and more victims. These actions prove to society that Manson had the trait theory with both sub theories of psychological and biological problems. The biological problem is proved by his treatment as a child being born into an unfit home to a prostitute mother who brought home lovers of both sexes, being treated unfairly by his uncle, and his abuse within different juvenile detention centers whether it was sexual abuse or simply physical abuse. The psychological problem within Manson is proved by his desire to manipulate young, out of touch males and females into thinking he is a God-like figure and do everything he says. Even if what he said meant killing innocent victims. To this day Manson has showed no remorse for his actions and very few of his â€Å"family† members still in jail for these crimes have either. â€Å"Learning theorists view a troubled home life and deviant friends as a precursor of criminality; structural theorists maintain that acquiring deviant cultural values leads to criminality† (Siegel, 258). Manson portrayed both troubled home life and deviant cultural values, deeming him to inevitably become a criminal. Many other serial killers in history dealt with both of these social and personal problems making it more difficult for society to have in any way prevented these occurrences from happening. Sure authorities may have been able to lessen the magnitude of these horrific crimes, but inevitably it is within one’s own desire to become a criminal or become a model citizen of society. Serial Killers Many misunderstand the true meaning of the term serial killer and confuse it with those of mass murderers and spree killers. However, a serial killer has much different tactics than those of mass murderers and spree killers. In order to be declared a serial killer, one must commit three or more murders over a period of more than thirty days with time in between each murder known as a â€Å"cooling off† phase. Each murder for a serial killer is committed for some sort of psychological fulfillment. Most serial killers have similar characteristics either within each murder, victim or sometimes both. These may include: occupation, sex, age, appearance, and race for the victim and molestation, rape, strangulation, shooting, decapitation, and many more gruesome acts most cannot even begin to imagine. There are many various classifications of serial killers depending on how and what they get from each murder they commit. Organized nonsocial offenders often methodically plan out each and every offense meticulously prior to actually carrying out their crime. Organized nonsocial serial killers may look and act like ones neighbor seemingly normal with a steady job and family. However, they follow their crimes through the media intently. Unlike organized nonsocial offenders, disorganized asocial offenders often act on impulse using blitz type attacks killing their victims in whichever ways they desire to at the time. They rarely cover their tracks but somehow seem to get away unnoticed. They are often socially awkward with few friends and previous mental disabilities. Jack the Ripper was the first known and reported serial killer. He first struck in 1888 in Whitechappel, London. The theory that ties into the story of the gruesome serial killer in London would be the trait theory. The sub theory of the trait theory is psychological due to lack of evidence to help support his past experiences in his life and because it was not premeditated. It was simply a rage of violence against middle class women prostitutes. The way this killer showed no remorse to the brutal mutilation of these women proved in fact to be a psychological problem. Not only did Jack the Ripper kill multiple women but he mutilated their bodies almost to the point of an unrecognizable state. He was a nonsocial offender who simply attacked his victims as he found them rather than premeditating each attack. He wanted to be known in London at the time and involved the press by writing letters in order to give himself a name. Jack the Ripper only killed within the city of Whitechappel and made most of his attacks under the cover of darkness. Mary Nichols was a 43 year old woman and prostitute who became Jack’s first murder. She was discovered at 3:40 A. M. with no clues as to who killed her and her body completely mutilated. Her lover at the time was only able to identify her remains by her eye color and hair color. By September 30, 1888 he had killed two more females; Elizabeth Stride also known as â€Å"Long Liz† who was fully recognizable and Catherine Eddowes a 46 year old female prostitute who, like his first victim, was found mutilated. Mary Jane Kelly was Jack the Ripper’s final victim before he stopped killing and vanished in February of 1891. To this day the identity of Jack the Ripper has never been discovered. During this time period it would have been difficult to stop a psychopath on a rampage to mutilate any prostitute they ran across due to the lack of privacy, security on one’s home, and lack of technology to gain significant evidence against the murderer. The evolution of society has created its own solution to stopping killers before they become serial killers, in most cases. (America’s) The Zodiac Killer attacked in Northern California where he claimed his first victim on October 30, 1966. (Newton) The Zodiac Killer used a gun and most often searched out couples to kill. He did not necessarily have a motive he was said to kill, just to kill. He claimed that his victims became his slaves for afterlife. This is another example of trait theory also with the sub theory of a psychological problem. Again, in this situation we do not know the identity or youth life of the Zodiac Killer therefore we are unable to determine if this possibly could be a biological sub theory. The Zodiac Killer shows that he has a psychological problem by not premeditating his attacks and choosing his victims at random. It is also apparent that the Zodiac Killer had a psychological problem by his desire to involve the media and lead police directly to his victims through phone calls and letters without a trace of evidence and or remorse. Some say that the Zodiac Killer is the perfect serial killer because his letters were written in a cryptic cipher. The first letter began, â€Å"I like killing people because it is just so much fun. † (Newton, 254) By the end of the Zodiac’s killing rampage he has an estimated 40 victims with 39 of them being female. At this time the case remains open and the identity of the Zodiac Killer unknown. Our society could improve or lessen the chances drastically of another Zodiac-like killer from striking again by keeping better ballistic records of evidence along with using more advanced diagnostic tools on the letters and phone calls to the media. Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer both killed at random without previously planning any one specific murder. Both had psychological problems but managed to go on killing with their identities undiscovered. Neither one showed any signs of remorse throughout their killings or contacts with the media proving that killing to them, was just a game. There are many reasons serial killers chose to kill, and with these two psychopaths it was the thrill of the kill. Albert Fish was a serial killer who killed his first victim, Billy Gaffney, in February of 1927. It was with his first victim that Fish became known as not only a serial killer but also as a pedophile and cannibal. Albert ate Gaffney’s ears, nose, and face in a stew and roasted his butt and genitals in the oven before consuming those too. America’s) Fish is an example of trait theory with sub theories of biological and psychological problems. Albert Fish was born into an unstable household and not long after his mother put him up for adoption. When no one adopted him, he was placed in an orphanage where he witnessed and endured many beatings. It was then that he realized he enjoyed watching others endure pain and would eventually grow to enjoy these beatings himself. He went to the extreme as to insert needles under his nails and into his genitals to feel the rush of pain. Rumor has it that on Fish’s execution day, January 16, 1936, he shorted out the electric chair because of the amount of metal inserted into his abdomen and groin. Fish stated, â€Å"If only pain were not so painful! † (Newton) Authorities compiled that Fish went on to molest and castrate at least 100 victims before Fish declared himself that he had children in every state leaning authorities to the possible victim count being closer to 400. It was realized that Fish also carried the sub theory of a psychological problem when he abducted Grace Budd, taking her to a cottage and dismembering her body before slowly cooking and eating her remains. Fish had premeditated this murder and wanted the Budd family to know that six years later he was still thinking of their daughter. In 1934, he wrote a letter to the Budd family stating that Grace had, â€Å"died a virgin† and it had taken him nine days to eat her remains. (Newton, 63) Due to the knowledge of Fish’s childhood and understanding of the premeditated murders he committed, we are able to determine that Fish has both sub theories of psychological and biological problems. Our society can prevent another psychopath serial killer like Fish from victimizing children across the nation by using better analysis of criminals childhood’s and keeping better records of where criminals known to molest children are located. Jeffery Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Monster, was also a serial killer who had cannibalistic tendencies. He grew up in a middle class family in Wisconsin and was molested by neighbor boy. This became a pivotal turning point in Dahmer’s life leading him to begin experimenting with animals’ carcasses and bones. Dahmer’s first kill came the summer after his graduation as he picked up a hitch hiker and continued to slaughter him, beat his skull with a barbell, strangle him to death, and dismember and bury his body. Dahmer was shocked with himself after this happened and tried college for a short time before entering the military on a 6 year enlistment. He was discharged after 2 years due to heavy drinking and returned home to live with his grandmother in West Allis, Wisconsin. (Newton) Dahmer carries the trait theory with both sub theories of biological and psychological problems. Proof shows Dahmer was part of an unfit household as a child due to the facts that his molestations and obsessions with mutilating animal carcasses went unknown by his family or ones caring for him. His parents separated and neither of them felt the need to take Dahmer with them so Dahmer fell under the supervision of his grandmother. Jeffery’s grandmother soon kicked him out of the house due to the stench of his â€Å"experiments†. (Newton) His psychological problems become apparent with the victims he chose and how he became aroused by the smell of decaying flesh and the sight of lifeless prey. America’s) He chose his victims by meeting men at gay bars and bringing them home merely to kill, dismember, cook and eat them. Our society could prevent another Dahmer-like serial killer from presenting themselves by making records of child molestations more public and getting children who have been molested proper counseling and treatment post attack. Both Albert Fish and Jeffery Dahmer had instances in their childhoods that can be deemed as pivotal turning points creating the psychopath serial killers they became. Unlike Dahmer, Fish preyed on children while Dahmer preyed on men his age. The murders by Albert Fish and Jeffery Dahmer were committed out of a desire for power and lifelong attachment to their victims. By eating their victims’ remains they felt as if they would forever be attached to them. This proves both Dahmer and Fish had sub theories of psychological and biological problems that led each of their killings. Gary Ridgway began his killing spree in January of 1982 with 16 year old victim Leann Wilcox. (Newton) His second victim was a 36 year old female named Amina Agisheff. His first two victims were not recognized as â€Å"Green River Killer† victims until two years after their deaths due to lack of patterns tying these murders and the Green River Killer’s later murders together. Ridgway continued to kill with victims multiplying by the week. All of Ridgway’s victims had one thing in common; they were all thought to be prostitutes. The Green River Killer always did one thing the same in each of his murders; before he killed each victim he had sex with them. In some of the victims he went as far as placing a triangle shaped stone inside the vagina of the victim, the significance of this is unknown. Newton) Gary Ridgway carries the trait theory with a psychological sub theory. There is no evidence as to his past family life to prove that he could also carry a biological sub theory but the way in which he killed each of his 48 victims proves that his desire to kill was based upon sexual desires. (Schechter) Our society could protect a gainst another serial rapist-killer like Ridgway by technological advances and obtaining DNA samples from each victim. Ted Bundy was born in November 1946 at a house for unwed mothers in Vermont. He never knew his father and was forced to live with his strict Methodist grandparents pretending that his mother, Louise Cowell, was in fact his sister. He described his grandfather Sam as a loving man who in reality was a â€Å"bitter racist and wife beater, who also enjoyed kicking dogs and swinging cats through the air by their tails† (Newton, 24). These intimate details of Bundy’s childhood prove to society that he carries a trait theory with a sub theory of a biological problem. He also carried a psychological sub theory proved by each of his victims having shoulder length brown hair parted down the middle. Ted was a good looking man with a â€Å"chameleon-like ability to blend† which gave each of his victims a sense of security when they were with him. (Newton, 24) With the beginning of Bundy’s murders was Linda Healy, a blood stained night gown was found hanging in her basement but was gone without a trace. His killings continued one by one with each victim looking eerily similar to an ex girlfriend of his who had shoulder length brown hair, parted down the middle who had broken up with him for having no ambitions in life and being immature. With each victim he first raped them then proceeded to murder them with savage blows to the head. He was sought by police multiple times but deemed â€Å"squeaky clean† by authorities since they were looking for a savage killer not a clean cut law student. (Newton, 25) It took months and multiple escapes by Bundy for police to finally charge him with the murders of two Florida sorority girls and a female in Colorado. It was after he was charged with these murders and punished to death by the electric chair that he confessed to up to 40 murders. Some say that he took more murders to his grave having the ability to have killed closer to 100 victims. Our society can prevent another rapist-serial killer like Bundy from taking the lives of innocent females by keeping better DNA records and evidence from each known victim in order to compare it to future victims. Although this may not prevent all murders from occurring it may help keep the number of victims to a minimum. Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway are similar in the fact that both serial killers murdered for sexual desires. They both grew up in unfit homes proving their sub theories of biological problems but different from Ridgway, Bundy also carried the sub theory of psychological due to his choice of victims being mirror images of his ex girlfriend. Both Bundy and Ridgway killed females and had sex with them before they murdered them. Ridgway chose prostitutes as his victims and used similar dumping grounds around the Green River for each victim despite police surveillance of the areas. Bundy also used similar dumping grounds in each of the states he committed murders mostly dumping them in wooded areas covering them with brush. The way in which each serial killer was raised proves that this had a large affect on the people and serial killers they became. Charles Manson was born in 1934 to 16 year old prostitute Kathleen Maddox and took the name Manson from a man she later married. By the time Manson was five years old he had been sent to live with his strictly religious aunt and husband. Her husband however, treated Manson as if he were a â€Å"sissy† dressing him up in girl clothes on the first day of school to show him to act more like a man. (Newton, 149) After paroled Kathleen gained custody of Charles but was still deemed unfit after leaving Manson with neighbors for â€Å"an hour† and disappearing for days on end. Manson was then sent to Gibault School for Boys in Terre Haute, Indiana for ten months before fleeing. He wound up living on the streets having numerous bouts with the law being in and out of juvenile centers being abused by both guards and older boys at each center. After being jailed multiple times for petty crimes Manson finally stepped it up and called himself a follower of Scientology. In San Francisco Manson gained a group of male and female followers who were impressed by his charisma. He led them to believe he was a Christ incarnate, or as he liked to call it â€Å"God of Fuck† (Newton, 150). These followers grew into what Manson called his â€Å"family† and traveled up and down California gaining more followers along the way topping off at 50 followers at their peak. Newton) Manson grew largely obsessed with death and certain songs pertaining to death like the popular Beatle’s song at the time, â€Å"Helter Skelter†. He defined this song to be speaking about a race war to come in America and used these terms at his â€Å"families† future crime scenes. While Manson may not have committed any of the murders himself, it is known he was at some of the crime scenes and behind all of the murders through his c ult-like leadership. Even after Manson was jailed for these numerous crimes the violent murders did not stop. He had impacted too many â€Å"family† members already and so they carried on what Manson had previously began brutally killing more and more victims. These actions prove to society that Manson had the trait theory with both sub theories of psychological and biological problems. The biological problem is proved by his treatment as a child being born into an unfit home to a prostitute mother who brought home lovers of both sexes, being treated unfairly by his uncle, and his abuse within different juvenile detention centers whether it was sexual abuse or simply physical abuse. The psychological problem within Manson is proved by his desire to manipulate young, out of touch males and females into thinking he is a God-like figure and do everything he says. Even if what he said meant killing innocent victims. To this day Manson has showed no remorse for his actions and very few of his â€Å"family† members still in jail for these crimes have either. â€Å"Learning theorists view a troubled home life and deviant friends as a precursor of criminality; structural theorists maintain that acquiring deviant cultural values leads to criminality† (Siegel, 258). Manson portrayed both troubled home life and deviant cultural values, deeming him to inevitably become a criminal. Many other serial killers in history dealt with both of these social and personal problems making it more difficult for society to have in any way prevented these occurrences from happening. Sure authorities may have been able to lessen the magnitude of these horrific crimes, but inevitably it is within one’s own desire to become a criminal or become a model citizen of society.

Diary Entries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Diary Entries - Essay Example I continue thinking about my psychiatrist, which is even after he denies the fact that I need one. I contend that the psychiatrist wants to find out the reason why I hike in the forests, while collecting butterflies and watching birds and I intend to show my collection to him one (Bradbury, 23). Most of what I do is considered as strange by other people even when, for my time, it seems normal. That I need a psychiatrist is crazy, particularly since I do the same things that other people do. I ask Montag concerning his firefighting job, stating that he is very different from other firefighters I know because he is attentive to what I tell him, and actually, tries them out. I go on to tell him that he is one of the few persons who stand (Bradbury, 23). It seems that most of the people that I am in contact with are always fast paced, and Montag is no different. I think that Montag does not have time to notice the dew that had settled on the grass in the morning. For instance, it is up t o me to tell him that there is dew on the grass that morning and every morning. Suddenly, I notice that he does not seem to remember whether he had ever noticed the dew and this makes him very irritable. I have always noticed most small things that others cannot, which makes me very observant. After I pester Montag with various questions, he surprises me by telling me that I had better run on to the (Bradbury, 24). I obey him, and see him tilt his head back into the rain, open his mouth for a few minutes, and catch the falling drops of rain just as I had been doing when they met. I also notice that Montag seems curious regarding the things that I am doing because he is always attempting to do the things that I ask him to do. Diary entry #2: Montag I meet Clarisse McClellan, who is my new and vivacious young neighbor and I just seem to begin questioning whether I am happy. She gives me enlightenment, as she asks me questions on my own individual happiness, as well as his occupation a nd the fact that I do not seem to know much concerning history (Bloom 16). Clarisse, through the little things she does, also gives the opportunity for me to see dramatic changes within the government regarding the perception of citizens about their history. For instance, I had no idea that the real work of firefighters entailed fighting to put off real fire, or even that billboards only stand at twenty feet in height. In addition, I also had no idea that people had the ability to actually speak to each other. This is because the use of parlor walls by the government had removed any requirement for causal conversation (Bloom 16). Clarisse arouses the curiosity in me as she begins to aid me in the discovery of the fact that I have been missing real happiness in my life for a long time. After I meet the young girl Clarisse, I go back to the house and find that my wife is lying on the bed, unconscious. She has her Seashell radios close to her head and I find that she has overdosed on s leeping pills, as well as tranquilizers (Bloom 18). Her life is saved after two technicians, who I find very impersonal; bring machines that aid then in removing the drugs from her belly, while also giving her a complete transfusion. However, I believe that it is possible she will overdose again with no knowledge of what she was doing. While it is my wish to discuss the overdose,

Healthcare Ethics Discussion Forum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Healthcare Ethics Discussion Forum - Essay Example Performing an abortion in respect of the patient’s autonomy would be legally wrong for the reason that abortion is against the law, situation that will amount to professional misconduct as indicated by Botes. According to the nursing code of ethics, a patient has a right to make decisions on the choice of treatment, medical procedures and any form of care to be provided. It is the duty of every nurse to respect that right, hence, in this case disregarding the patient’s autonomy (wish to have an abortion done) may be regarded as unethical as stipulated in the nursing code of practice. Turning her away is no better than negligence in case she ends up executing her plans in the backstreet. Supposing the nurse was to turn away the patient and the patient then goes ahead to have the abortion unprofessionally done from illegal centers, then the nurse can be charged with negligence or medical malpractice if the patient suffers any harm.

How disasters have an effect on the world at large Essay

How disasters have an effect on the world at large - Essay Example These disasters regardless of how small they may be, also affect adversely both the states’ and people’s economic statuses. Since, their destructive power normally extends to people’s investments besides residential properties, hence impoverishing natives (Donald & Hyndman 97). This is because, in their regions, there may be inadequate facilities meant to compensate them to rebound to their former lives (Donald & Hyndman 99). This is apparent in developing states, where after any disaster’s occurrence; the affected victims do not get any aid meant to regain their former statuses economically. Studies contend that, some of the disasters interfere with ecosystems’ array. This is evident with aquatic life where some species on sensing threats in their environments migrate to other regions. Hence, desert their regions, whereby they create imbalance and head to other environments that may be not conducive for their survival. Consequently, this yields to some species’ extinction because they do not possess the necessary mechanisms meant to survive in their new surroundings. Besides, they also affect climatic patterns that in turn affect humanity severely (Donald & Hyndman 291). Presently, world authorities are mobilizing resources to curb global warming that has emanated from natural disasters besides humanity’s activities contribution to the same. These encompass natural disasters like volcano eruptions, which emit obnoxious gases like HFSs and Cl, which destroy the ozone layer (Donald & Hyndman 196). This affects global climatic patterns besides leading to certain diseases that result from excess exposure to sunlight, for illustration, skin

Humanities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Humanities - Essay Example St Augustine defines the original sin as the greatest manifestation of Man’s pride and disloyalty to God and expresses the need for reunion with God through Christ. He believes that Grace is the manifestation of God’s work through good works that human beings do. Therefore, he calls for Christians to submit completely to God for salvation. An analysis of the St Augustines confessions depicts God as a supernatural being, to whom all human beings should submit unconditionally. To begin with, St Augustine focused on the concept of the original sin that is crucial in the Christian. The original sin refers to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the garden of Aden. On this, Augustine state that Adam’s sin is transmitted by the â€Å"hurtful desire† of human beings (Hollingworth 13-25). In literary works, he notes that the original sin is a manifestation of human disobedience of God because of human pride. He explains that the original sin resulted to the transformation of human beings, as the faced the consequences of their sins. Since Adam and Eve created nature through reproduction, it follows that all human beings carry the sin that their parents committed. This implies that all the descendants of Adam and Eve are born with the original sin. He uses a realistic approach to points out since the first parents are the root of humanity, then all those humanity inherited this sin from their parents. The belief that all humanity bears the original sin is widely accepted in the contemporary Christian community. Therefore, St Augustine’s conception of original sin in the medieval period has shaped modern Christianity. Next, St Augustine provides a detailed analysis of divine grace and the way it affects the lives of Christians. He states that human beings lack the ability to do good or even respond to the will of God without his divine intervention. To Augustine, Grace is the ability of human beings to do good acts that are in accordance with the will of

Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Security - Essay Example These systems also force consumers to tackle new rights and responsibilities in order to use the data and re-evaluate principles of advent computers (Stahl 2011). 2 The Importance of Ethics in Information Systems Authority, source and control are the major resources of the information. In fact, the key to success is the right access towards the information. As a result, the social and political relationships are also involved in the development and growth of information systems (Hilton, Se-Hyung "David" Oh et al. 2006). It is more important and ethical that how this information is been utilized by the people. For instance, government levels, headquarters and homes include the electronic systems (Hilton, Se-Hyung "David" Oh et al. 2006). This involvement is increased so much that the people without access to these systems are exaggerated in a particular way. For this reason, new and modern techniques, innovative ethical and lawful decisions are needed in order to balance the requireme nts and privileges of every person (Stahl 2011). 3 Ethics Fill the Gap as Legal Decisions Lag Behind Technology The legal decision lags lies as in modern technological field behind technical development and growth. These gaps are filled through confronting on the issue and by discussing the facts on how to use the electronic information should be proceed (Baase 2008). ... These include standards of acceptable behavior and rules governing members of an occupation. Moreover, these extend to the Electronic Networks, Electronic Databases and significantly to a Geographic Information Systems. The problems that are present particularly in the three areas require a little different type of ethical decisions. In general, the Electronic Systems, Geographic Information Systems and Networks are being described individually in the later section of this study. 4.1 Electronic Networks 4.1.1 A Network Defined Starting from a fundamental definition of computer networks, a network is defined as a set of computers or workstations that are capable to communicate with one another. Likewise, in other words a group of similar objects connected together. Some of the networks are present within the institutions or organizations allowing people to communicate electronically within the organization. In fact, some of these small systems are inked or connected with the other org anization’s workstations. Thus, thousands of such networks connecting together collectively form an Internet. However, several issues related to the Internet may be applied to smaller network as, well as large network connections. 4.1.2 Network as Source of Power Initially, the Electronic Networks are recognized as a reliable means of connecting and communicating. Furthermore, it is also recognized as a mean for exchanging information efficiently but today it has become a much more than this. The new sources of power are represented by the large networks. The networks are now prepared in order to generate consistency and competency in communication, so that the movement of information could not rely on another person or could not be

Ocean biology 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ocean biology 1 - Essay Example The aim of his theory was to discuss the concept openly. Therefore, Wegener did not present the theory as a proven fact. There are some objects, which can float in saltwater but not in fresh water. Whether an object will sink or float, entirely depends on the relative density of the fluid itself. In universe, everything is made of molecules. Density can be described through the concept of molecules. There are some objects that are packed densely and some other objects are packed loosely. This concept is called density. Now the objects that are made of tightly packed molecules will sink in low density liquid. The opposite will happen for the objects, which are made up of loosely packed molecules. I have done an experiment in my home with an egg. I have observed that egg placed in the fresh water sink immediately but it floated in saltwater. I have done another experiment with metallic spoon. In this experiment, also spoon floated in the salt water but sank in tap water. The next experiment was on metallic pen. The result of this experiment also gave the same result. Metallic pen floated in salt water but sink in the fresh water. Throughout the world, water and wind, usually erode about 20 billion tones of rock debris and dirt from the continents and deposit into the seafloor. In average, there is 1300 feet of sediment in beneath the sea. Many processes accelerate this continuous adding of salt and other chemicals into the seas and oceans. Most common chemicals are sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) which are dissolved in the water easily. These chemicals are the basic constituents of salt that is sodium chloride. According to research, ocean restrains around 1370 million cubic kilometers of water and around 14700 trillion tons of sodium. Every year around 457 million tones of sodium dump into the ocean through river transportation, land surface erosion etc. Sometimes in some specific area Volcanic dust also dumps some amount of sodium into the water. Erosion of

The risk and benifits of younger workers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The risk and benifits of younger workers - Essay Example This means that an individual who comes in as a fresh graduate at his first job will need to be informed about company protocols and how things are done within the company. It may take them a day to learn all they need to know for some positions but for others they may take more than a month of dedicated training and may even need continued guidance while they are performing their duties for the company. At the same time, this investment made by the company may not be recuperated or even lead to substantial benefits for the organization if the individual decides to leave the company within a year of joining. In this case, all that the company would have done is to train a person in order to enable them to find a better paying job. Of course retention is also a part of the HR department’s duties but training is an investment in people which entails its own risks. On the other hand, there are significant advantages towards recruiting individuals with little or no experience and the immediately visible business benefit is to the bottom line of the company since a fresh graduate has to be paid a lot less than a person near the age of retirement who can demand a salary which is equal to the one given to the company’s directors. Of course an older person with experience might be able to bring a lot more to the table but the company has to balance how much it can afford to spend on recruiting and retaining such a star performer or business guru. Additionally, pouring young blood into the company will have the advantage of giving the company new ideas and instant familiarity with new technology which may not be known to older individuals. Again, in this case training can be useful as exemplified by GE which continually recruited individuals who were intimately familiar with computer technology in order to teach the older people working in much higher positions on how to use things such as email and instant messaging (Welch, 2005). Overall, the cost

Cover letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Cover letter - Essay Example My most recent internship at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Capital provided an opportunity to develop strong office assisting skills. Prior to this experience, I spent several summers working with several other firms in their customer service departments, which enhanced my ability to work in a fast paced environment and resolve problems, which are all listed in your preferred qualifications for this position. From these past work experiences, I was also able to develop on my interpersonal skills while socializing within the teams we were in as well as in the entire firm. Granted this opportunity and basing on my ability to work, I believe I will be able to help GWSB to achieve its organizational objectives as well as cement a position as an organization in the corporate settings. Besides, I am quite familiar with the Microsoft Office applications, strong customer care skills and am also motivated to work with a diverse group of constituents (Ryan, 20). I would appreciate discussing this position with you in the near future. I would be glad to receive an interview call from you asking me to appear before your recruitment board. If you require any additional materials or information, I would be happy to avail it. Thank you for your

Impact of the invention of Automobiles Essay Example for Free

Impact of the invention of Automobiles Essay The invention of automobile has been one of the most significant factors that have contributed towards the transformation of the world. Before the invention of automobile it was very difficult and time consuming to travel from one place to another. Man has become the master of his own time due to the automobile. Now he can plan his own schedules and manage his time more efficiently and constructively. Automobile gave a boost to the world economy. Petroleum was a product that was in abundance but was largely unused. With the invention of automobile it started getting used and also boosted the living standards of the people of the countries in which it is available the most for e.g. the Middle Eastern countries. Though there was enough living space in all the continents of the world, people used to live clustered in the locality that was nearest to their work. As a result those working in factories used to live close to it despite the health hazards it created. With the invention of the automobile people were able to cut down their health risks by moving away to cleaner places with better air to breathe and yet manage to report to work within the stipulated time minus any hassles that earlier long distance traveling encompassed. All the services got fast. The firemen, the doctor, and the policeman can all reach on time and get on with their work that is extremely urgent. Many newer services got created for e.g. the courier service that thrives on the benefits laid down by the invention of automobile. Hence the socio-economic condition of the world has got totally and positively transformed with the invention of the automobile. But sadly there have also been certain negative outcomes of the invention of the automobile. The number of deaths on roads has increased due to this modern necessity. Also the world has become a much more polluted place to live in because of the toxic fumes that automobiles create. However, if we compare the negative and positive impacts of the invention of automobile on the world at large then we cannot deny the fact that the positive impacts outshine the negative impacts. The best part is that if human beings are careful then these negative impacts can be shunned completely. Man cannot think living without the automobile and perhaps its invention is the best thing that has happened to the world. References Colorado.edu. (2009). Negative Impact of the Automobile. Retrieved Jun. 1, 2009 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://l3d.cs.colorado.edu/systems/agentsheets/New-Vista/automobile/negative.html Nosotoro, R. (2007). Impact of the Automobile. Retrieved Jun. 1, 2009 from   Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/cot/t4w32automobile.htm

Impact and Implications of International Trade Agreements

Impact and Implications of International Trade Agreements It also requires from its signatories to extend most-favoured-nation (MFN) status to other trading partners participating in the WTO. MFN status means that each WTO member receives the same tariff treatment for its goods in foreign markets as that extended to the â€Å"most-favoured† country competing in the same market, and in consequence eliminating any possible preferences or discriminatory activities. In 1995 the GATT became the World Trade Organization (WTO), which now encompasses more than 140 member countries, oversees four important international trade agreements: the GATT, the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and agreement on trade-related intellectual property rights and trade-related investment, which are called respectively TRIPS and TRIMS. Furthermore, GATT permits the formation of free trade areas and customs unions among WTO members. Free trade areas are characterized by elimination of all of tariffs on trade with each of the member countries, with simultaneously remaining autonomous in terms of determining their tariffs with non-members. One of the examples for such an area is included in the objectives of European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which is composed primarily of Scandinavian countries. A customs union constitutes a group of countries that eliminate all tariffs on trade among themselves but maintain a common external tariff on trade with countries outside the union. A good example of a formation of a customs union was the European Economic Community (EC) that came into force with the Treaty of Rome signed in 1957 by France, Germany, Italy and the Benelux. The Treaty provided for the establishment of a common market, a customs union and common policies[1]. Nowadays it is known as the European Union (EU), it includes twenty-seven European countries and it has gone beyond simply reducing barriers to trade among member states and forming a customs union. EU has achieved its greater economic integration by becoming a common market, which coordinates and harmonizes each country’s tax, industrial and agricultural policies. Many members have also formed a single currency area by replacing their domestic currencies with the euro. Nevertheless, many trade agreements not including duty reduction schemes are later on completed with the objective to arrange an FTA in the future. In cases of agreements including non WTO members, it is usually specified in the agreement that MFN rates will (continue to) be applied. Among many agreements without duty reduction schemes we can enumerate, for instance, the already mentioned Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIT), which set forth actionable standards of conduct that applies to the nation’s government in their treatment of foreign investors, including i.a. fair and equitable treatment, protection from expropriation and free transfer of means with full protection and security[2]. The amount of signed BIT’s has been constantly increasing, since 1990s from 446 signed agreements to over 2500 active BITs in 2007, according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)[3]. To other agreements without duty reduction schemes we can include Foreign In vestment and Protection Agreements (FIPA), Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), Economic Framework Agreement, or Partnership Cooperation Agreement. The growing trend of signing international trade agreements is irreversible in any region of the globe, and is becoming a dominant factor influencing immensely all of the international economic relations nowadays. The more of them are signed, the more urgent the need to assess their actual impact. Thus, it is crucial to correctly evaluate the potential impact of the agreements, especially during theirs negotiation phase. In the recent years there has been a large demand for impact assessment studies of trade agreements, both before and after negotiations. Conducting solid studies concerning their impact is considered to be particularly important for developing countries, because they need to adjust their policies in a way to diminish or completely avoid the possible negative effects and maximize potential benefits. Nevertheless, accurate impact assessment methodology it is not easy from the technical point of view, mainly because of the lack of economic theories which specialize in d eveloping countries. Thus, due to insufficient appropriate knowledge and support, it is difficult for the governments of developing countries to conduct a relevant policy from the economic studies[4]. Furthermore, in conducting an impact assessment analysis of the International Trade agreements it is important to be able to evaluate all of the potential gains, difficulties and implications. Economic theory since the middle of the 18th century has implied numerous advantages in lowering tariffs for most parties in most situations, and economists view the commitment to trade liberalisation as a welfare-maximizing pursuit. The main gain from trade was considered to derive from specialization on the basis of comparative advantage. Income is considered to be growing more rapidly in countries open to international trade than in those more closed to trade. This phenomenon is dramatically illustrated in China’s rapid growth after 1978, and India’s after 1991. These dates indicating when major trade reforms took place in those countries[5]. However we have to keep in mind, that although trade liberalisation in the form of international trade agreements may contribute to the overall national welfare, it is also responsible for disruptive consequences within societies by producing losers and gainers, such as import-competing industries and consumers respectively. Besides economic gains and losses, trade agreements also provide important political outcomes to the parties involved, as a consequence of facilitated international cooperation, institutionalized rules of reciprocity, monitoring and enforcement. It is especially important in terms of conducting impact assessment analyses of trade agreements for developing countries as I have previously written, for which they constitute an important institutional context within which they can build up their coalitions and improve their bargaining position in the global market. Moreover, developing countries prefer more defined rules and greater enforcement capacity. The main reason for this is the fear of marginalization or peripherality, namely the inability of developing countries to take advantage of trade liberalisation and emerging as full players in the international system[6]. Due to their international as well as domestic weaknesses, usually caused by their colonial past, these countries are more of the rule-takers rather than agenda-setters. As an illustration, countries like Brazil and India despite taking part in many negotiations they have repeatedly complained about their concerns being disregarded. The same applies to smaller d eveloping countries which have found it difficult to even take part in key decision making meetings. In addition, there even exist a phenomenon called â€Å"Third World Schizophrenia†, which was used by Mohammed Ayoob in his article â€Å"The Third World in the System of States: Acute Schizophrenia or Growing Pains?†[7] It illustrates the behaviour of developing countries trying to bring about systemic changes and aiming at adjusting to an international order, but as a result of their vulnerabilities and their past they also have the incentive to preserve the existing system of rules that ensures their very survival. As a consequence of these two pressures, decision-making centres of these countries are faced with conflicting demands, and thus this situation is referred to either as schizophrenic, or similar to the growing pains of adolescence. International trade agreements and the liberalisation process that follows them, besides being economically beneficial, it is also very often politically feasible. Due to the fact that some countries are legally binded by multilateral trade organizations and agreements, their lack of commitment may have punitive consequences of various types, depending on the nature of the agreement and its enforcement mechanism. Thus, governments tend to hide behind the possible consequences of lack of obedience that could range from the international disapproval to compensation of all the costs incurred as a result of this country’s actions. By claiming that their international commitments bind them to act freely, they are able to justify especially unpopular actions that are supposed to have longer-term benefits, and not solely in trade manners. This is why many of the programmes of economic and restructuralization reforms from the 1980s and 1990s, in particular those involving both controv ersial and possible distributive consequences for the society, were hidden in the shadow of international economic agreements and organizations[8]. Thus, it comes as no surprise that historically, countries have been reluctant to reduce trade barriers and enthusiastic to raise them, even though the classical trade theory states that gains from trade accrue to any country that lowers their trade barriers, irrespectively of what other countries do. Despite this promise of economic benefits coming from free trade, many states have chosen the path of protectionism throughout history. An example can be found in the case of the Great Depression period, when following the stock market crash of 1929, the US Congress adopted the Smoot Hawley Tariff Act in 1930 that raised US tariffs to an average of nearly 60% interest[9]. Explanation of this behaviour comes from the economic theory and the notion of â€Å"optimal tariff†, which tells us that it may be in the interest of a large economy to restrict trade at a certain â€Å"optimal† level, as it will be a change of the terms of trade in its favour. This obviously does not apply to small economies, for which liberalisation of trade or lack of it may bring different results, conditioned by many economic, political and social factors. For large economies this situation looks different, thus the optimal tariff may appear as a good solution to some of them. However, is it really an efficient one? The interpretation of this problem in terms of the game theory would imply that even though it is in each country’s interest to impose restrictions, the outcome of such action might be inefficient, especially in the long-term calculation. Once one large country will impose restrictions, the other might as well follow this behaviour, which would result in the overall decrease of global market efficiency and economic welfare. Thus, the best way of preventing such a mutually destructive situation from happening is by ensuring mutual reciprocity in trade commitments, which increases the economic gains as well as the output. In any case, mutual reciprocity being a foundation for most of the concluded trade agreements all over the world does not always guarantee their success. Multilateral trade agreements and organisations, such as the WTO, have been accused of inefficiency due to the problem with maintaining and extending the liberal world trading system, slow pace of trade liberalisation negotiations, and inadequate requirements for consensus among the members, which immensely limits the possible scope of reform of trade agreements. Moreover, some sectors such as trade in agriculture, textiles and apparel have not experienced any significant cuts in tariffs, and thus they had much less success, especially in comparison with, for instance, industrial goods. According to UNCTAD data, non duty-free trade still faces an average tariff of about 7% in manufacturing and about 18% in agriculture. All these arguments have raised many concerns, and in consequence many countries have turned away from the multilateral process toward more preferential agreements such as bilateral, or regional ones. An example of such an agreement is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which went into effect in January 1994. Under its terms United States, Canada and Mexico collectively agreed to phase out all tariffs on merchandise trade and to reduce restrictions on service trade as well as foreign investment over a decade[10]. Besides that there exist numerous trade agreements between particular countries, or group of countries, and their number is constantly increasing. It has been particularly observed in terms of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). As of early 2014, there were more than 300 PTAs in force, about half of which also covered services. In 2013, almost half of world trade was taking place between countries that had signed a PTA and almost a third was regulated by deep trade agreements[11]. This increase in PTAs is mostly attributed to the greater promotion of trade among the parties that are signing a PTA, but it is also a good alternative for countries when multilateral negotiations run into difficulties. Moreover, it contributes to the emergence of â€Å"competitive liberalisation†, wherein countries are challenged to reduce trade barriers to keep up with the rest of the world. For instance, after NAFTA was signed and implemented, the EU aimed at signing an FTA with Mexico, in order to ensure that European goods would not be at a competitive disadvantage in the Mexican market. On the other hand, there are still many disadvantages associated with PTAs, such as discriminatory exclusion of certain countries, or the inability to reform certain issues, such as agricultural export subsidies on the bilateral or regional level[12]. Predominantly, it appears that international trade is increasingly more regulated and influenced by policies and instruments reaching beyond tariffs. As of 2013, technical measures and requirements coming from free trade liberalization and international trade agreements regulated about two-thirds of the world trade[13]. Both multilateral and preferential agreements will remain the future of the global economy, shaping its flows and regulating the distribution of wealth. There will always be pressures to include more standards and regulations, and there will always be those that argue that such agreements serve the interests of multinational corporations and not regular citizens. Nevertheless, keeping in mind that free trade contributes to the transfer of technology and knowledge, which is especially important for the developing countries in terms of improved economic welfare, we can not simply despise this concept without accurately evaluating all of its losses and gains. Internation al trade agreements do provide us with a greater measure of certainty in international relations, and they do provide developing countries with one of the few safeguards that they have against the powerful high-income countries. However, it is safe to say that they will continue to generate controversy, and there will always be an intense public discussion surrounding them, and the impact they make. [1] Europa, Summaries of EU legislation. Available from: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/institutional_affairs/treaties/treaties_eec_en.htm>. [6 January 2015]. [2] Legal Information Institute, Bilateral investment treaty. Available from: http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/bilateral_investment_treaty>. [6 January 2015]. [3] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Quantitative data on bilateral investment treaties and double taxation treaties. Available from: http://unctad.org/en/Pages/DIAE/International Investment Agreements (IIA)/Quantitative-data-on-bilateral-investment-treaties-and-double-taxation-treaties.aspx>. [6 January 2015]. [4] Plummer M. G., Cheong D., Hamanaka S., ‘Methodology for Impact Assessment of Free Trade Agreements’, Asian Development Bank 2010, pp. 7-9. [5] Library of Economics and Liberty, International Trade Agreements. Available from: http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/InternationalTradeAgreements.html>. [6 January 2015]. [6] Narlikar A., ‘The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction’, Oxford University Press Inc., New York 2005, pp. 7-8. [7] Ayoob M. ‘The Third World in the System of States: Acute Schizophrenia or Growing Pains?’, International Studies Quarterly, vol. 33, no. 1, 1989, pp. 67-79. [8] Narlikar A., ‘The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction’, Oxford University Press Inc., New York 2005, pp. 6-7. [9] Narlikar A., ‘The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction’, Oxford University Press Inc., New York 2005, pp. 3-7. [10] Library of Economics and Liberty, International Trade Agreements. Available from: http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/InternationalTradeAgreements.html>. [6 January 2015]. [11] ‘Key Statistics and Trends in Trade Policy 2014’, Trade Analysis Branch (TAB), Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities (DITC), UNCTAD Secretariat, pp. 10-11. [12] Library of Economics and Liberty, International Trade Agreements. Available from: http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/InternationalTradeAgreements.html>. [6 January 2015]. [13] ‘Key Statistics and Trends in Trade Policy 2014’, Trade Analysis Branch (TAB), Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities (DITC), UNCTAD Secretariat, pp. 10-11.

The Kindergarten Idea In Architecture Construction Essay

The Kindergarten Idea In Architecture Construction Essay The kindergarten idea is considered to have initiated as early as the 17th century. The origins of the kindergarten idea define certain attitudes to pre-school education that are still widespread to this day. The early kindergarten idea, which related environmental needs to pedagogical needs, brought about a number of important architectural impulses, both in modernistic and organic forms. John Heinrick Pestalozzi founded the first child-centred institution at Yverdin 1805, based on what became essential kindergarten principles from which several pedagogies stemmed. Fredrick Froebel Philanthropist Robert Owen established a child care institution in New Lanark, Scotland. At the time children over six worked with their parents, therefore the institution only catered for children under six. Staffed by nurses it provided a pleasant atmosphere, although its pedagogical philosophy was unsophisticated. Throughout the 20th century one-off private kindergartens were established in Germany, Britain, Japan and North America. These were based primarily on the Fredrick Froebel philosophy. This philosophy originated from German philosophies in the 19th century. In Froebels hostilic philosophy, kindergartens are complimentary to home life, as appose to replacing it. The Froebel movement spreads to Britain in 1871 when the first kindergarten was built by Sir William Mather. This was followed by the establishment of a free kindergarten for children aged between 3 and 6. Many of these early Froebelian based kindergartens were based on the principles of kindergartens as an educational institution, lacking any architectural form or purpose. A key issue when selecting and appraising educational philosophies is how each system presents information in the development of children. In Froebels system children learn through play as appose to the learn, listen, recite method usually employed. Pedagogical drawing is an important factor. Drawing was seen by Froebel as a form of writing. The gifts and occupations His study of the natural sciences gave him an understanding of the connection of geometric forms to the natural environment such as plant forms and crystals. His work in crystallographic science is said to have persuaded this area of his teaching technique, while his training as an architect influenced the emphasis of precise and unchanging relationships between different things as the central concept of learning. The child plays with one or more geometric gifts to discover its properties and the possibilities for design. Once a standstill is reached the teacher invokes one or more of the categories to compel a new direction of play. In this way the child discovers the designs that are possible with the selected shapes. The occupations developed more intricate and complex skills such as forming shapes from moulding clay, and using sticks and rings laid out as letters as the first step towards writing. Rachael and Margaret MacMillian Some less pedagogical approaches crept in towards the end of the 19th century, as research began into child behaviours by theorists such as Granville Stanley Hall and John Dewey. As this was underway in the USA, closer to home Rachael and Margaret MacMillian began creating an educational philosophy of their own. In 1913, in London they founded an open-air nursery school, based on a more practical approach to child-care. Their approach was to concentrate on the basic needs of children with physical exercise and fresh air as the main priority. Rudolf Steiner The need for imagination, a sense of truth and a feeling of responsibility these are the three forces which are the very nerve of education. Rudolf Steiner was the founder of another educational pedagogy which is still in use today. His controversial thinking can be mainly attributed to some of the facts about his life and the resultant approach to the problem of education. Born in Croatia in 1861, Steiner began finished higher education and continued into further education with the intention of becoming a grammar-school teacher. He failed to complete this course, but went on to study philosophy under Johann van Goethe for several years. He then moved to Berlin and was attracted to the forward-thinking literary Bohemia, the workers movement and the reforming religious thinkers. Here he became leader of a spiritual renewal movement and founder of a philosophical community that was entirely focused on his own personality. In 1919, a defeated Germany brought about innovative thinking and the opportunity for Steiner to try out his ideas on education in a new school. On 7 September 1919, he ceremonially opened the first Free Waldorf School as a combined co-educational primary and secondary school for 256 children drawn mainly from the families of workers at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart (Germany). Steiners basic ideas on education were conceived in the period between 1906 and 1909 in a manner which to begin with had naturalistic overtones: Out of the essence of the developing individual, ideas on education will grow, as it were, of their own accord. However, in contrast to the path taken by Dewey and Montessori, who sought to establish their New Education on recent ideas of experimental child psychology, Steiner based his educational plan entirely on his cosmic spiritualistic anthropology according to NAME (yyyy), If we wish to detect the essence of the growing individual, we must set out from a consideration of the hidden nature of man as such. In Steiners educational philosophy the educational growth of the child is viewed as a process of rebirth. In a seven-year cycle from the head via the heart to the hands education takes the form of growth and metamorphosis. The educator is seen as the gardener of this growth. From a belief in reincarnation stems the image of education as an aid to incarnation and spiritual awakening. In this case the educator becomes a priest and a healer. With these educational forces, Steiner built the levers that are still being implemented by teachers and educators in his schools and kindergartens today. These educational philosophies can be broken down into three main ideas. First, the intellectual philosophy spread by Froebel, later associated with Naturphilosophy, whereby the childs educational and social development take precedence. The second is the more pragmatic approach created in Britains cities as a result of health concern for young children living in these overcrowded urban areas. This approach is based on circumstances in the past which are not as evident in todays society, namely forced child labour and severe overcrowding in cities. The third is the Steiner pedagogy. The practice of this system of education includes a broad spectrum of artistic and handicraft learning potentials, a caring attitude to children and many opportunities for conscious participation in community tasks. In my opinion Fredrick Froebels approach is far too important to be left to the unquestioning adepts of Rudolf Steiner. Part (ii) While researching the kindergarten as a building type, it was clear that many of the buildings do not live up to the needs of the children, i.e. the learning environment. According to KINDERGARTEN ARCHITECTURE (yyyy) kindergartens and nursery schools are often dealt with as add-on classes to existing primary school education facilities, particularly in Britain, with no real concern for the needs of the child. The importance of the building form and in turn the construction materials is vital to creating an atmosphere that supports the childrens activities, and consequently improving the learning outcomes. The building typology should seek to create an environment that encourages the learning process by addressing issues of emotional and physical well being amongst the children. This concept implies that success in learning at an early age can be linked to the environment created by the materials used and the architectural and structural form of the buildings i.e. a comfortable environment will facilitate the learning process. The kindergarten is the first place where children make acquaintances with new people and new surroundings, and where they become part of a new community. Therefore designing a kindergarten involves not only creating a protective environment for children, but also introducing them to a new space where communication and expression are given free reign. In designing kindergartens, the building form and materials must exploit geometry, colours and images intended to evoke associative meanings within the childs mind. Broadly speaking, in educational facilities in Britain, there are three construction methods used, with varying materials, used either alone or in combination with one another. These are framed construction, load-bearing wall construction and prefabricated construction. Framed construction use steel or concrete columns and beams to support walls and floors. Structural floors are generally reinforced concrete slabs or steel floor panels with concrete laid between them. This type of construction can provide maximum flexibility providing the spacing of the columns allows for the space required for teaching areas. Load bearing wall construction is where walls are designed to carry the load of any additional flooring and the roof. These walls are generally constructed of brick or concrete block. In order for large open plan spaces to exist in these structures additional beams or other load-bearing elements must be employed. Prefabricated construction does not segregate any material. Teaching spaces are fully or partly constructed off-site and brought on-site in a state almost ready for use. The following are a few examples of different kindergartens and there construction techniques. There is much more space allowed for in these modern kindergartens than in any traditional kindergarten buildings. Caesarea kindergarten (Reinforced concrete construction) In many cases building a kindergarten is a way of creating an imaginary world, a space where children receive physical and social exposure to the outside world beyond their home and family. It is in this context that many kindergarten building forms are based. An example of this is the Or-Akiva kindergarten in Miami. Images of the Grasshopper and the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz were used creating a unique atmosphere to encourage children to architecturally create starting points for their own stories/dreams. In the same way the Caesarea kindergarten in Israel uses a visually striking faà §ade of three elephants which relate to the archaeological site on which it is built, and the ancient Roman city known also as Caesarea. Images taken from the architects website (Knafo Klimor Architects) can be viewed to the right and below: http://www.kkarc.com/images/Publications/59.pdf The building is constructed of reinforced concrete. As with any RC structure, the material permits an especially flexible design, which has allowed the freedom to create this remarkable faà §ade. Kindergarten Sighartstein (Steel frame construction) The Kindergarten Sighartstein, Austria, is an example of the use of a contemporary steel frame structure. Designed by Kadawittfeldarchetektur, a German practice, this building makes use of metal cladding elements with the concept of kindergarten-in-motion. The images below taken from the Kadawittfeldarchetektur Architects website show the external faà §ade: http://www.nikiomahe.com/architecture-design/kindergarten-sighartstein-in-austria-by-kadawittfeldarchitektur/ The green metal elements are designed to replicate blades of grass, integrating the building into the surrounding area of green meadows and fields. The premise is to create a built playground. Internally the building is split into two horizontal layers. The steel structure affords large open plan central hall which can be seen in the image below: This is the mid-point of the building and it serves as the multifunctional interactions space a communicative core for both children and careers located at the intersection between functions. Large glazed sections and openings onto the courtyard create a valuable connection to the external surroundings. The flat roofed two-story cubic building optimally distributes the functions of a kindergarten. On the ground floor, one finds the space for the kindergarten groups, with the crà ¨che accommodated in the protected upper story. In the crà ¨che, an expandable third space has been made possible through a planned reallocation of the space. Eco-Kindergarten (Prefabricated construction) The Eco-Kindergarten was designed by C.F. Moller Architects in demark. The building is constructed from pre-fabricated wooden insulated wall segments, with large glazed facades providing daylighting and passive solar heating. A touch-screen at the entrance informs parents about the current energy-performance, and provides information from the pedagogues. It is a sustainable and well though through pedagogical design. The fundamental architectural concept is a simple and clear geometric form on two levels, with the childrens areas located in the best-lit southern end. The two levels are linked by staircases and ramps which are designed to stimulate and challenge the childrens sensory and motor skills. There is a pedagogical idea throughout the interior design. It is all based on the notion that children enjoy attractive and challenging environments in which to learn. An image of the main entrance is shown below: http://www.bjoku.com/search/eco+kindergarten+design+by+c+f+moller+in+denmark Another example is the small alcoves built into various parts of the building where children can enjoy their own spaces to play, read or just be alone. The materials used and the architectural form of the building creates a healthy safe environment for the children, including the reduction of the possible spread of influenza among both children and adults. The highly insulated construction will consume under 20% of the energy used in a standard building of this size and function. Kindergarten Barbapapa The Kindergarten Barbapapa by CCD Studio is an example of timber and steel combined in a building construction. The building makes use of vibrant colours throughout. http://www.archdaily.com/45766/kindergarten-barbapapa%CC%80-ccd-studio/ Lucinahaven Toulov Childcare Another example of a kindergarten building form is the Lucinahaven Toulov childcare centre in Denmark. It was designed by CEBRA, a Danish group who have specialized in several kindergarten designs. http://www.archdaily.com/46255/lucinahaven-toulov-childcare-cebra/ The building is divided into 6 different sections. Each section is hexagonal in shape, making up the overall shape of a flower. The yellow centre of the daisy is the kindergartens central activity room. Attached to the centre are the petals housing the staff rooms and 6 group rooms 2 in each hexagon. Part iii) The design concept is decisive for the creation of a successful timber structure. We understand design concept to include the architectural idea, the interior layout, and technical measures. An early decision regarding the choice of loadbearing system and the associated conceptual and constructional considerations, together with fire protection and sound insulation plays a key role in the design process. At the same time, the systems for thermal performance, airtightness, and moisture control, the needs of the building services, measures concerning durability, maintenance, and the operation of a building, right up to its end-of-life deconstruction, must all be considered. For design and construction teams it is vital to link the demands of the project with the possibilities and limits of the technical concepts in such a way that a credible whole ensues. The basic timber building systems are: Log construction Timber-frame construction Balloon- and platform-frame construction Panel construction Frame construction Solid timber construction Log construction, timber-frame construction and balloon/platform-frame construction are the traditional forms of timber construction which are a rarity in recent years. With regards new builds, they are mainly found in isolation on a residential scale. The building systems that currently dominate todays market will be dealt with in detail. It is important to state that these systems can be used in combination with one another. For example pre-fabricated panels could be used for a building component such as the walls, alongside solid timber constructed floors.These are: Panel construction Frame construction Solid timber construction Panel Construction The basic idea behind modern panel construction relates to prefabrication in the factory, where various wall, floor and roof assemblies are planned and manufactured as elements to suit different building uses. As was customary with the forerunner to panel construction the platform frame structures built using panel construction are planned, designed, manufactured and erected storey by storey. Panel construction, grew out of balloon-frame and platform- frame forms of construction. The external appearance of buildings designed for this form of construction does not generally conform to the traditional western idea of a timber building. The load-bearing ribs of panel construction are completely concealed, both inside and outside. Facade cladding is usually wood-based board products or solid timber, with good, long-lasting protection in the form of opaque surface treatments. Opaque paint gives very good protection. The only disadvantage with opaque paint is the fact that when the natural colour of wood is covered, it is generally more labour intensive and lengthy to carry out maintenance. This may not be an issue in kindergarten construction as holiday periods are quite long. The VOC of treatments should be kept to a minimum as buildings are becoming increasingly air tight and health risks may amplify with younger children involved. The structural carcass of a building in panel construction is in some locations finished with a thermal insulation composite system (insulation and render). The inner lining of the walls is made up of wood-based board products, gypsum fibreboard, or plasterboard plastered white and then finished with a coat of paint or wallpaper. Sound and fire protection solutions may be an issue (especially for a kindergarten) without the proper detailing. However, once an adequate solution is reached, the repetitive detailing of this form of construction makes designing straightforward. For a kindergarten on site such as Craiglockhart the general consensus for cost purposes would be a single or two storey structure, although multi-storey construction is possible using panel construction. Due to the standardisation of member sections, modular dimensions, connections and construction details, panel construction represents a simple timber building system. Another feature of panel construction is the design freedom which it allows. Internally the spaces can be divided in any manner required. Frame construction The use of modern frame construction in large-volume one and two storey buildings is becoming more and more widespread. This form of construction allows for widely spaced columns in timber or in combination with steel or reinforced concrete. New linear wood-based products and their connection techniques have contributed to this growing importance. Modern frame construction in timber includes primary structural members erected on a widely spaced grid between which the internal and external walls can be positioned as required and constructed using a variety of methods and materials. Therefore frame construction is a method of building in which the functions of load-bearing structure and enclosing walls are clearly separated. Frame Construction is understood to be an independent, modern form of timber construction with the following characteristics: a form of construction comprising columns, beams and bracing elements placed on a regular grid to form a load-bearing structure. This primary structure supports the suspended floors made up of timber joist floors or planar, prefabricated elements which are classed as the secondary structure. The walls enclosing the interior spaces can be installed independently of this load-bearing framework because they do not carry any loads, making large windows and glass facades possible. Wherever possible, the load-bearing structure of a frame building in timber is placed on the inside of the external walls for constructional reasons (protection from the weather and airtightness of the building envelope) and also left exposed internally. The enclosing envelope can therefore be placed around the building without joints or seams. Internally, the arrangement of the load-bearing components determines and emphasizes the architectural character. In frame construction, besides the efficiency, it is first and foremost the architectural diversity and the clarity of the constructional form that is so appealing. This is important as design of a building of this type with the freedom of a large site may result in some extreme suggestions for the building envelope. The use of individual columns in frame construction concentrates the loading. Longer spans are permitted with fewer internal columns than other timber building systems, which leave plenty of freedom for the design of the interior layout. Timber members are generally left exposed in the finished building so the use of glued laminated timber is usually preferred. There are several different forms of timber frame construction which are chosen depending on the loads imposed, the grid and the architectural form of the building. Columns and compound beams This form of construction with columns supporting compound beams has a primary structure consisting of one-part columns and two-part continuous beams, and is frequently used because of its simplicity, which leads to an overall economic solution. Beams and compound columns In this form of construction the one-part beams are connected to the continuous two-part columns by means of mechanical fasteners. Construction using this method is often preferred owing to the architectural design options. Columns and over-sailing beams The simple form of construction with one-part columns and beams is suitable for single-storey flat-roof structures Beams and continuous columns The primary structure of this form of construction consists of continuous columns and main beams designed as simply supported beams spanning between the columns. This system is particularly suitable for structures whose structural frame lies on the inside of the building envelope with the external walls subsequently fixed to the outside of the structural frame so there are no horizontal load-bearing members penetrating the building envelope. Forked columns The primary structure is in the form of a one-part continuous beam supported on storey-height columns. The columns are connected together via the forks. Higher loads can be carried because timber sections carry loads parallel to the grain. Besides clear, preferably simple load paths, the straightforward transfer of loads into components and down to the foundations, plus the bracing of the structure, are key aspects. The flexible nature of this form of construction, along with the use of glued timber members means that it fulfils demands regarding quality and engineering, and makes it an excellent choice for kindergarten construction. Solid timber construction There have been new systems developed in solid timber in recent years. This is mainly due to the introduction of large-format elements into the industry. The components are generally of solid timber which has been glued, dowelled or nailed together. These elements make up the load-bearing core which is at the heart of all solid timber buildings. The thermal insulation is attached to the outside of the structure, and solid timber components absorb moisture from the interior air, store this, and release it again during drier periods. Usually the structure is constructed storey-by-storey; however continuous walls with suspended floors are also possible. Either way solid timber construction offers an efficient load-carrying performance. Early involvement of specialist engineers is essential early in the design stage. There are a number of different systems which are used in solid timber structures. These include: Solid cross-sections Depending on product and manufacturer, we distinguish between single-ply or cross-banded glued, dowelled or nailed, and single- or multiply cross-sections. Softwood (spruce, fir) plies or laminations form the raw materials for these elements; alternatively, the large-format components can be made from wood-based products (particleboard, OSB, etc.). The elements pre-assembled in the factory to form walls complete with the necessary openings for doors and windows, accurate and ready for erection. Suspended floors, too, can be built using the same systems and the same methods, but different forms of construction can be combined in the same structure. Cross-laminated timber Cross-laminated timber consists of several plies of cross-banded glued planks. The raw materials are spruce or fir planks. Assembling these as cross-banded plies produces planar loadbearing elements that can carry loads in both directions with excellent dimensional stability. Edge-fixed timber Edge-fixed timber elements are made up of planks (laminations) placed on edge which are normally continuous, i.e. no joints, over the full length of the element. Finger joints in the length are also possible, therefore making larger element formats possible. Laminations are normally between 20 and 50 mm thick. In order to transfer the shear forces in the transverse direction and to distribute individual loads, the laminations are interconnected with nails or hardwood dowels. Cross-banded and dowelled Dowelled solid timber elements consist of a 60-80 mm thick core of vertical planks to which several plies of softwood planks 20-50 mm thick are attached horizontally, vertically and diagonally on both sides by means of dowels. Owing to the cross-banded, sometimes also diagonal, arrangement of the plies, these elements can help to brace a structure against horizontal loads. Cross-banded spaced plies The elements are made from cross-banded glued boards which are positioned at a certain pitch with gaps in between. This creates coordinated cavities which offer space for building services but also thermal and/or acoustic insulating materials. Such elements are available for walls, suspended floors, and roofs. Part (iv) Prefabrication and industrial production are gaining importance nowadays as they reduce the number of man-hours on site. The definition of prefabrication is the off-site pre-assembly of individual elements to form complete components. In timber construction there is always some form of prefabrication, although modest in most cases. Off-site industrial fabrication on a small or large scale has now enabled timber to become a serious contender for structures on a larger scale such as this. Three basic systems in timber building prevail when trying to maximise the amount of off-site work: panel construction, solid timber construction, and, for larger structures, frame construction. Panel construction allows for enclosed components such as partitions and suspended floors to be pre-fabricated with the loadbearing elements, with the option to include windows, doors and in some cases even building services in a single building module. In contrast with this frame construction has a clear separation between the load-bearing structure and enclosing elements. So the two-dimensional elements for suspended floors, walls, and roof are generally added to the load-bearing structure in a second phase of construction. But as with panel construction, frame construction also permits the whole range from minimum prefabrication right up to the complete incorporation of doors, windows, building services, facade and so on, for the non-load-bearing, enclosing components. The various fabrication or prefabrication stages govern the degree of prefabrication building components have when they leave the works, and how erection on the building site is to be carried out. A high degree of prefabrication could be achieved if the facade construction and facade cladding are also added off-site, and, if necessary, the internal lining is attached. The surface finishes could even be applied; however, this requires a high degree of protection of the components during transport and erection to avoid any damage. The advantages of off-site fabrication for the kindergarten will depend on the technologies available during planning, production, transport, and erection. In recent years the planners and manufacturers prefabricated building components or prefabricated houses have pushed back the boundaries of optimum prefabrication further and further. The building components may be delivered to the building site virtually as complete, finished units, including building services and often the internal furnishings and fittings. Part (v) As with any educational building the cultural benefits to the surrounding area will be very influential. In addition to providing for basic education for children, they serve as social and cultural centres. They are places for sports, theatre, music, and other social, cultural and recreational activities. The cultural benefits of using timber for a kindergarten may be gauged by looking at the building from the childs perspective. When designing a kindergarten the architect must look at the world through the eyes of a child. The architect must consider the scale of the building and how it is perceived by the child. The warmth created by using exposed timber elements throughout the interior of the building would, for instance, create a Good architecture should imply good function as well as good aesthetical and structural design. CULTURAL BENEFIT: Visible timber In addition, the timber sections employed and the board-type wood and gypsum materials used can always be supplied in good quality at short notice. By integrating environmental design issues that are traditionally ignored in contemporary schools, like natural ventilation or daylighting, the school becomes less of an institution and more like a home. are state-regulated square footage requirements. Contemporary school design rarely reflects a desire to create an environment where learning could be encouraged by the building itself. Part (vi) The importance of the environment created by the building form and its use as an educational tool is very important. An example of the building form as an educational tool is the use of a childrens book as a pedagogical feature representing a communication between the childs world and the strange outside world. The imaginary spaces contained