The German Lifestyle

Lets face it, for most English speaking people living in Germany is not particularly easy if you are not part of a German family. So many unwritten rules end up being communicated through acid stares, or loud protest (in some dialect 90% of Germans won’t even understand). As a general rules you can square the distance from a metropolitan centre to calculate the intolerance level. One should think of this as a form of asserting the failing national identity. By pointing out that you do not understand the rules, the locals affirm their sense of belonging. Yes, I am a good German and bright enough to know that a yellow dustbin is intended for plastic only. † Most of these rules tend to gravitate around weekend life, which is the times you will most probably spend admiring the countryside (and one is prone to spot the odd hordes of chappies either dressed to the nines or totally naked out in the forest). The first rule to obey is something called â€Å"Ruhezeit†, or q uiet time. Anything from a crying baby to flushing the toilet may be considered an infringement. Be particularly aware of clauses in your rental contract which specify when you may be forgiven for flushing the loo.Loud noises should be avoided till 8 in the morning, and again around lunchtime. Following on from the confusing â€Å"everything is an exception† logic of their language, you may expect different interpretations of when exactly you should best take your lunchtime nap (without snoring of course). If you intend to have friends over, and you consider listening to music, be sure to warn your neighbours (at least 4 houses deep in each direction) well in advance. Most Americans are either shocked or ecstatic about German’s attitude towards alcohol.You can safely say that Germans do not consider beer an alcoholic beverage. You will encounter happy tipplers enjoying a brewsky on the train, walking down the street or sitting in the cinema at any time of the day or ni ght. Well how could anything brewed according to the â€Å"Reinheitsgebot† (translated â€Å"purity commandment†, and no you won’t find that in the Bible, and it was not the reason Luther revolted) be considered evil. There does not seem to be a minimum age and it would appear that both smoking and beer are more common with (early) teenagers.The strategy seems to be â€Å"Let them experiment early and get it out of their system†. This attitude does make one wonder about the education system though, where people tend to spend the best part of the first 3 decades of their life at educational facilities. They don’t seem to kick all habits with the same gusto, or perhaps some habits just kick in later. Washing your car is another interesting hobby. And it seems that if there is to be an addition to the German Bible it would be â€Å"Thou shalt not wash thine Auto on Sunday†.Ostensibly it is due to the fact that one is not allowed any manual labo ur on the day of rest, but you would be damned to actually find a car wash automat that works. Strangely the vacuum cleaners at petrol stations do work on Sunday. Personally I think there is more to this than meets the eye. To identify the pattern one needs to consider German toilets. I am not sure exactly when they were introduced, but this has got to be the most nonsensical construction yet contributed to the world of anal fixations. Most loos have a little platform, intended to present your turd on a pristine, white ceramic pedestal.In this way you have no option but to be confronted by it when you flush. This continued forced exposure to faecal excrement has got to be the reason Freud came to be the way he was. The modern equivalent being the sin of washing the car on Sunday. Another way of looking at the â€Å"not on a Sunday† problem is to consider that Germany is the nation which has produced more car brands per capita than anyone else. Although one can equate the tend er loving care bestowed upon the delicious contours of leather (jawohl) and plastic as resembling the worship of false gods.And where else do political parties fear the wrath of the electorate if the even suggest Freeways without speed limits are a bad idea? One could argue that a country where the government serves as debt collector for the church may frown upon waxing up the Porsche on Sunday morning (they would prefer to see you in church and getting value for your money), but personally I still blame the wonky toilets. Call it subliminal mass social structural programming, but as Sigmund may say, it looks anal to me.

Nursing and Patient Essay

For each of the above theories, please prepare the following; 1. Brief biography of the theorist (person who created the theory) 2. A brief discussion of the important assumptions and concepts of the theories. Florence Nightingale is the most recognized name in the field of nursing. Her work was instrumental for developing modern nursing practice, and from her first shift, she worked to ensure patients in her care had what they needed to get healthy. Her Environmental Theory changed the face of nursing to create sanitary conditions for patients to get care. Biography of Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 in Italy to a wealthy British family. She was raised in the Anglican faith, and believed the God called her to be a nurse. This call came to her in February 1837 while at Embley Park. She announced her intention to become a nurse in 1844. Her mother and sister were angry at her decision, but Nightingale stood strong. She worked hard to learn about nursing, despite society’s expectation that she become a wife and mother. In fact, she rejected a suitor because she thought it would interfere with her nursing career. In 1853, she accepted the position of superintendent at the Institute for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Upper Harley Street, London. She held this position until October 1854. The income given to her by her father during this time allowed her to pursue her career and still live comfortably. Though Nightingale had several important friendships with women, including a correspondence with an Irish nun named Sister Mary Clare Moore, she had little respect for women in general, and preferred friendships with powerful men. She died in 1910. Career of Florence Nightingale Nightingale is best known for her pioneering work in the field of nursing. She tended to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. She became known as the â€Å"Lady with the Lamp† because of her night rounds. While nursing soldiers during the war, Nightingale worked to improve nutrition and conditions in the wards. Many injured soldiers were dying from illnesses separate from their injuries, such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. Nightingale made changes on the wards or started the process by calling the Sanitary Commission. Her work led to a reduction in the death rates of injured soldiers from 42% to 2%. Nightingale believed the deaths were the result of poor nutrition, inadequate supplies, and the soldiers being dramatically overworked. After collecting evidence that pointed to unsanitary conditions as a major cause of death, Nightingale worked to improve sanitation in army and civilian hospitals during peacetime. After the Crimean War, she established a nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London in 1860. The first nurses trained at this school began working in 1865 at the Liverpool Workhouse Infirmary. It was the first secular nursing school in the world, and is now part of King’s College London. Her work laid the foundation for modern nursing, and the pledge all new nurses take was named after her. Nightingale wrote Notes on Nursing (1859), which was the foundation of the curriculum for her nursing school and other nursing schools. This short text was considered the foundation of nursing education, and even sold well to the public. She also wrote Notes on Hospitals, Notes on Matters Affecting the Health, and Efficiency and Hospital Administration of the British Army. Nightingale spent the rest of her career working toward the establishment and development of nursing as a profession, paving the way for nursing in its current form. In 1883, Nightingale was given the Royal Red Cross by Queen Victoria. In 1907, she was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit. In 1908, she was given the Honorary Freedom of the City of London. International Nurses Day is celebrated on her birthday. Florence Nightingale’s Contribution to Nursing Theory: Environmental Theory Florence Nightingale is attributed with establishing the modern practice of nursing. She also contributed to the field with nursing theories still used today. One of her nursing theories is the Environmental Theory, which incorporates the patients’ surrounding environment in his or her nursing care plan. In this theory, the role of the nurse is to use the patient’s environment to help him or her recover and get back to the usual environment. The reason the patient’s environment is important is because it can affect his or her health in a positive or negative way. Some environmental factors affecting health according to Nightingale’s theory are fresh air, pure water, sufficient food and appropriate nutrition, efficient drainage, cleanliness, and light or direct sunlight. If any of these factors is lacking, it can delay the patient’s recovery. Nightingale also emphasized providing a quiet, warm environment for patients to recover in. The theory also calls for nurses to assess a patient’s dietary needs, document food intake times, and evaluate how the patient’s diet affects his or her health and recovery. Determining a patient’s environment for recovery based on his or her condition or disease is still practiced today, such as in patients suffering from tetanus, who need minimal noise to keep them calm and prevent seizures. http://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Florence-Nightingale.php s the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale’s Environment Theory changed the face of nursing practice. She served as a nurse during the Crimean War, at which time she observed a correlation between the patients who died and their environmental conditions. As a result of her observations, the Environment Theory of nursing was born. Nightingale explained this theory in her book, Notes on Nursing: What it is, What it is Not. The model of nursing that developed from Nightingale, who is considered the first nursing theorist, contains elements that have not changed since the establishment of the modern nursing profession. Though this theory was pioneering at the time it was created, the principles it applies are timeless. There are seven assumptions made in the Environment Theory, which focuses on taking care of the patient’s environment in order to reach health goals and cure illness. These assumptions are: 1. natural laws 2. mankind can achieve perfection 3. nursing is a calling 4. nursing is an art and a science 5. nursing is achieved through environmental alteration 6. nursing requires a specific educational base 7. nursing is distinct and separate from medicine| The focus of nursing in this model is to alter the patient’s environment in order to affect change in his or her health. The environmental factors that affect health, as identified in the theory, are: fresh air, pure water, sufficient food supplies, efficient drainage, cleanliness of the patient and environment, and light (particularly direct sunlight). If any of these areas is lacking, the patient may experience diminished health. A nurse’s role in a patient’s recovery is to alter the environment in order to gradually create the optimal conditions for the patient’s body to heal itself. In some cases, this would mean minimal noise and in other cases could mean a specific diet. All of these areas can be manipulated to help the patient meet his or her health goals and get healthy. The Environment Theory of nursing is a patient-care theory. That is, it focuses on the care of the patient rather than the nursing process, the relationship between patient and nurse, or the individual nurse. In this way, the model must be adapted to fit the needs of individual patients. The environmental factors affect different patients unique to their situations and illnesses, and the nurse must address these factors on a case-by-case basis in order to make sure the factors are altered in a way that best cares for an individual patient and his or her needs. The ten major concepts of the Environment Theory, also identified as Nightingale’s Canons, are: 1. Ventilation and warming 2. Light and noise 3. Cleanliness of the area 4. Health of houses 5. Bed and bedding 6. Personal cleanliness 7. Variety 8. Offering hope and advice 9. Food 10. Observation According to Nightingale, nursing is separate from medicine. The goal of nursing is to put the patient in the best possible condition in order for nature to act. Nursing is â€Å"the activities that promote health which occur in any caregiving situation.† Health is â€Å"not only to be well, but to be able to use well every power we have.† Nightingale’s theory addresses disease on a literal level, explaining it as the absence of comfort. The environment paradigm in Nightingale’s model is understandably the most important aspect. Her observations taught her that unsanitary environments contribute greatly to ill health, and that the environment can be altered in order to improve conditions for a patient and allow healing to occur. Nightingale’s Modern Nursing Theory also impacted nursing education. She was the first to suggest that nurses be specifically educated and trained for their positions in healthcare. This allowed there to be standards of care in the field of nursing, which helped improve overall care of patients

School Health Plan

School health programs are becoming more and more popular as health concerns grow. Students need to be aware at younger ages of the concerns that face our society, and the ways that they can combat these concerns through good health knowledge. Several school districts have implemented comprehensive health curriculums and programs, and many states have standards regarding health education. The following articles detail different health programs and concerns. In Michigan, there exists state content standards in the area of health education. The Michigan curriculum calls for health education to occur at least 50 hours per year from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, with a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate at every level and builds on skills and knowledge each year. Further, it calls for school staff to collaborate on healthy behaviors with the school health teacher, so that health can be a priority within the school. The article suggests that classroom teachers, gym teachers, cafeteria workers, classroom teachers, and other professionals work together to help students with healthy behaviors and knowledge (Michigan Board). There is a general concern that although students’ unhealthy behaviors are fewer than they previously were, there are still too many students who are engaging in these unhealthy behaviors. The target behaviors the program is looking at are healthy eating, physical activity, social/communication, sexual behavior, alcohol and drugs. The program aims to teach students specific knowledge about how certain behaviors can be harmful, and how they can make healthier choices. It also aims to teach them general health principles and how to apply these in social, school, and family relationships (Michigan Board). This curriculum is to be taught by qualified health instructors. A qualified teacher will have a certification in health education or family and consumer science, in addition to a teaching license, and/or will have undergone another type of training program. The teacher will not act alone, but will collaborate with other teachers in the building in order to incorporate healthy choices into all aspects of the school day. The article is careful to say that this collaboration must not take the place of health classes, but must be in addition to them (Michigan Board). The article’s research shows that students who are involved in effective health classes show fewer risk behaviors and more pro-social behaviors. They are also more on-task in the school environment and less likely to be distracted by health problems (Michigan Board). Two professors of health education wrote an example lesson plan for integrating health into the math curriculum. Students can study the number of fruit and vegetable servings needed in a day, and can practice adding and subtracting the number of servings needed depending on how many have been eaten so far. They can also look at what constitutes a serving, and some basic nutritional information about different fruits and vegetables. This lesson neatly involves both math and nutrition, and ends with students being able to taste fruits and vegetables that they have brought in from home. Lessons like this can be created to integrate health into any subject area (James and Adams). Different student groups have different needs, and educators have different concerns for them. For example, students with special needs may have certain dental concerns that typical students don’t have. Students with disabilities may experience drooling, teeth grinding, problems swallowing, or have to take a lot of sugary medication. There are several other oral issues that may affect them as well, depending on the disability. What’s more, these students may not have the comprehension, or physical skills to engage in typical oral hygiene, and their caretakers may not see it as a priority. For that reason, health teachers need to emphasize the role that oral hygiene plays for these students, and encourage either them or their caregivers to help them maintain good oral health, as appropriate. Health teachers can also help these students to obtain proper dental care and, if necessary, orthodontic care (Perlman and Miller). The authors outline a program that can be implemented for each student to encourage good oral hygiene. Students should be given reinforcers when they complete the target behaviors, i. e. brushing, flossing, etc. This plan can be implemented in a variety of ways to encourage good oral health (Perlman and Miller). Other states have different issues with health care. Texas, for example, has been having problems paying for teachers’ health plans. They have recently begun offering teachers an additional $1000 that can be used for additional health care coverage, or whatever else they want. This is only one measure that is necessary to help the people make good health decisions. Having enough money to pay for health costs will enable people to have more options (Keller). Texas is not the only state that is having problems, however. Many school districts are having issues in negotiations over health care, including districts in Ohio, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Money is tight in all of these districts, and teachers in some cases are going on strike to protect their rights to health care and appropriate salaries. Funding is a serious issue in the area of health care right now (Ponessa). Another major concern in the area of health is that teenagers don’t have enough access to health care, especially preventative services. A recent article details the problems. Students whose families do not have health insurance cannot afford to see regular doctors. Even though who do see regular doctors are at a possible disadvantage, because the doctors are not trained to handle actual preventative care, such as weight loss counseling, cholesterol reduction counseling, sexual health screenings (including for STDs and more routine Pap smears for women), quitting smoking, and HIV awareness. Doctors address these issues in less than 5% of cases in which students go to the doctor for preventative care purposes (Santelli et al). Additionally, teenagers do have access to certain specialized clinics, like public health clinics, Planned Parenthood, etc. Even teens without insurance can go see doctors at these places, but again, preventative care is rare. Also, many of these clinics are set up for adults, and may not be friendly to the teens who enter them. Instead, more health care options need to be available to teenagers so that they can take advantage of preventative care and make healthy decisions with their doctors. Teens see doctors as a reliable source of information, and they trust doctors, so it is obvious that doctors need to be involved in this situation (Santelli et al). Ideally, the authors think, schools should provide health services, because: â€Å"School health programs provide health services, health education, a healthy school environment, social and psychological services, physical education programs, school nutrition program, health promotion for teachers and staff, and integrated efforts with parents and the community† (Santelli et al). That is, schools can provide a totally comprehensive program, which reaches out to all aspects of a student’s life. School-based programs can increase access to health services for students who need them most, including poor and minority students. There is not yet any consensus on how and why schools should provide these services, but the opportunities and benefits are obvious. In addition to reaching certain populations of students, schools also feature a captive environment for students. This means that the delivery of services is easier, since students are already there, and spend several hours in school everyday. For students who may live several miles from the nearest public clinic, school-based services are much more convenient, and much more likely to draw students in (Santelli et al). The study then looks at which health programs are effective, and why. Schools and managed care operations will not want to provide services if they are not cost effective, so the study of benefits is important. One finding is that traditional hearing and vision screening is not particularly beneficial, as these conditions are not considered a threat to the school population. However, newer research shows that when schools attempt to vaccinate students, they are able to get up to 75% to participate. Along these lines, should a contagious disease (like measles) break out among students, schools can quickly identify the source, and vaccinate and/or treat students to stop the spread. Additionally, there is some evidence that STD screenings and pregnancy-prevention education has reduced the spread of STDs and the number of teen pregnancies. The authors recommend that local public health concerns be taken into account when schools are choosing what services to provide (Santelli et al). Schools and managed care organizations continue to be concerned with cost. Because no true studies on cost effectiveness are available, researchers have had to look at how well programs have done in changing behaviors. Also, health expenditures for major issues, like hospitalizations related to chronic conditions or STDs, pregnancy, etc. ay mean that organizations cannot stretch funding to provide appropriate preventative care, even after acknowledging that doing so may reduce these costs. So, further research on cost effectiveness and ways to treat adolescents is needed (Santelli et al). Examples of communities where health programs have been put in place successfully are possibly a mong the most encouraging stories available. A community in Michigan had low attendance rates and test scores, and high dropout, teen crime, teen pregnancy, and suspension rates. Their goal was to turn the school community around. To do so, they consulted community members, and ultimately settled on a plan that reflected Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. They offered better school lunches, more physical education, more health education, counseling services, health screenings and partnerships with local doctors, free daycare for teen parents, and preschool programs for three and four year olds. Over a five year period, the school saw a significant rise in attendance and graduation, and a significant drop in crime rates, dropout rates, and more. Test scores rose as well, because students were feeling better and were better cared for within the school. This community shows that by focusing on the students’ real needs instead of test scores, they were able to improve the quality of their programs and their positive effect on students’ lives (Cooper). The final article looks at how to create a health plan within a school, specifically relating to individual student needs. Many students have chronic health concerns, such as epilepsy or diabetes. In treating student health concerns, schools must be aware of any existing medical conditions their students have, and be prepared to treat them as needed. This includes administering any necessary medication, as well as knowing any specialized emergency procedures (EP). II. School Health Plan In developing a health plan for my own school building, I am looking to all of this research to see what is appropriate. First of all, it is obvious that the school needs a health program, because these show a significant benefit to students at all levels and in all areas of their lives – social, academic, health-wise, etc. When proposing this plan to school employees, the board of education, and the community, I will refer to these studies to show the need for such a plan. First, all students within the school need to have health education on a continuing basis. That is, health education should ideally be offered for about ninety minutes per week (three thirty-minute sessions) throughout the school year. In secondary schools, where schedules are more limited, health education should be offered everyday for one semester per year. Health classes will begin in kindergarten and carry through twelfth grade. Topics are to include current nutritional guidelines, selecting and preparing healthy meals, the role of physical education in health, anti-smoking, anti-drugs, frank information about teen sex and its consequences (to include HIV, all other STDs, pregnancy, and also social/emotional concerns), alcohol consumption, pro-social behavior, eating disorders, and any other community concerns. No students should be excused from these classes unless parents insist on religious grounds. Additionally, all students should attend physical education everyday from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Younger students need only twenty minutes; older students (middle school and high school) should have thirty minutes. Physical education must cover not only the basic sports, but also alternative fitness activities, like weight lifting, swimming (if there is access to a pool), walking, cardio equipment, etc. Physical education should take into account each student’s needs whenever possible (i. e. if a student is already physically fit, more opportunities can be given; if a student is overweight, starting slow should be allowed). Physical education teachers should coordinate with coaches of intramural teams, and encourage all students to participate. Some of these teams should be non-competing. The school should also offer health and counseling services. All students should be screened for any diseases that are spreading within the community (STDs, meningitis, pertussis, etc. as necessary) and immunized if appropriate. Students should also be offered the opportunity to see the school nurse (one should be in every building; ideally, one per every 400 students) if they are ill or have other health concerns. Preventative care should be emphasized and available, especially for athletes. Counseling should be available for any students with concerns about eating disorders, suicide, depression, relationship difficulties, abuse, unwanted pregnancy, or any other reason. Students should be encouraged to seek help if they need it, and if other students report that someone needs help, counselors should follow up with that student within the week. Anonymous reporting should be available for students who are concerned about others. Special programs for students who are seeking to quit smoking, alcohol or drugs, or who are pregnant should be provided. If possible, free daycare should be provided to keep teen parents in schools. Finally, any and all students who have health concerns or preexisting conditions should be able to get whatever help they need, whether it’s a permanent bathroom or nurse pass, or scheduled times during the day to take medication. All school personnel involved with the child (classroom teacher, nurse, special teachers, etc. ) should be aware of the student’s health concerns, including emergency procedures and allergies. With this plan in place, students should have their needs met in all different ways, and this will increase their focus in the classroom setting.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - Essay Example This spurs up the controversy over the stratification of life, whether some lives are more important than others are. This paper analyses the various theoretical propositions for capital punishment as a primary to establishing the best theoretical explanation of its role in serving justice of both the perpetrator and the victim. Riemann argues that the application of capital punishment bear an inherent deprivation of human right to life. In his further proposition, Reiman counteracts this stance by the fact that the inalienability of life is subject to an individual’s ability to affirm rationality through responsible actions. In essence, Reiman postulates that the murderer, by the acts of murder, dehumanizes him or herself and proves to be unworthy of residing among human societies and therefore the deprivation of life is self-inflicted rather than induced. Reimann argues that in paying back the perpetrator with an injury equivalent to the one the victim suffered, the punishment brings the perpetrator back down to the understanding of equity of life. It would be re-establishing equality between the perpetrator and the victim. Reiman’s philosophy of capital punishment partly subscribes to its beneficial application but gives the conditions for its application that is the assurance of the attainment of the highest level of deterrence rather than the mere satisfaction of the victim. Reiman contradictorily casts aspersions on the substantiality of death penalty arguing that its effectiveness as a means of punishment should be subject to the worthiness of its application beyond the mere satisfaction of the victims. It startles however how easy it is to determine the satisfaction of the already immortalized victim of murder to weigh it against the effects of criminals’ subjection to death as a repatriation mechanism. Kant is recognizably the proponent of the retributivist theory of capital

Capitalism at its best Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Capitalism at its best - Essay Example Once the insurance policies are cashed in, they are set to be invested in by a third party. This party continues to pay the required insurance policy premiums for the policy that he/she invests in. In so doing, the original beneficiary of the insurance policy gets to utilize his/her resources before death come knocking. On the other hand, the viatical settlement company profits from such operations by getting a percentage face value of the policy transacted under viatical settlement. After the original insurance policy holder dies, the settlement company or the third party that invests in the cashed in policy becomes the beneficiary. From the cashing in of the insurance policy to the sale of that policy to a third party, all the transactions involved are privately undertaken. On the same note, viatical settlement companies are private entities that operate alongside other private players in the economy setting. As a result, viatical settlement companies exhibit private ownership of resources, and consequently capital in their operations. These factors are the most critical when it comes to the definition of capitalism. Capitalism continues to be portrayed at its best in respect to the risks that viatical settlement companies take in allowing terminally ill patients to cash in their insurance policies. Viatical settlement practices are highly complex and critically prone to ethical issues Accountability is a critical factor to account for in the process of undertaking viatical settlements. The legal system regulates and governs viatical settlement transactions, thereby allowing players in that market to coexist and engage in healthy competition. The competition factor in viatical settlements further presents the capitalism aspect. Viatical settlement companies are not immune to the legal provisions that streamline business operations. Failure to comply with the set laws results in legal actions against the

Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and antisemitism as shown in the Essay

Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and antisemitism as shown in the treatment of Shylock - Essay Example But unlike Marlowe, Shakespeare endowed his villain Shylock with some very human qualities that evoke much sympathy. (Glock, 144-50) The result is an ambivalence toward Shylock that makes his role one of the most dramatically complex and compelling among all of Shakespeare's characters, and one that reinforces the sense of this work as a problem play. (Oldrieve, 87) Next to Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice is Shakespeare's most frequently performed play. The reason for its apparent popularity may be in part because it is perennially a required text set for national examinations that students in British secondary schools take. It is less popular in the United States because of the anti-Semitism that the play incorporates, although many producers, directors, and actors have argued that while the play contains elements of anti-Semitism, it is not in itself anti-Semitic. Recently, some scholars have tried to show that, on the contrary, Shakespeare explores ways to reconcile the age-old antagonisms between Christians and Jews.( Glock, 144-50) Shylock, of course, is not the only important character in The Merchant of Venice, which takes its title from Antonio, the Venetian merchant who borrows from Shylock to help his friend, Bassanio. Portia, the rich heiress whom Bassanio courts, is another major character, and the relationship between her and her suitors also raises important moral issues. Unfortunately, in the history of anti-Semitism, Shylock has since become a symbol for a heartless, money-grubbing Jew. Heartless he may be in act 4, but earlier he offers Antonio a loan at no interest in an attempt to win his friendship (1.3.134-37). Usury is the lending of money at interest. It was considered to be inappropriate for a Christian to do this, and as a result, Jews who were in the business of usury were looked down upon. Antonio, who lends money freely, appears to be the charitable Christian, in contrast to Shylock, who preys upon the hardship of others in order to further increase his own material wealth. The perception created by Antonio's argument is that Shylock hates someone for their following a Christian virtue, which implies that Shylock is against Christianity. The demonization of Shylock proceeds by three stages: Shylock is stripped of his name. In the entire play his referred to by name only three times; in the trial scene, the Duke twice identifies him by name, and Portia does so once. In the course of the rest of the play he is called "the Jew" or "dog Jew"(II,viii,14) or "currish Jew"(IV,I,133-34). Shylock is reduced to something other than human. Gratiano curses Shylock with "O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog!"(IV,i,128) Shylock is equated with the devil. In (II,ii,24-28), Launcelot Gobbo identifies Shylock as "a kind of devil", "the devil himself", and "the very devil incarnation". The images of Jews as blood-thirsty murderers of Jesus who snatch innocent Christian children for slaughter in bizarre Passover rituals seems to provide a potent back-drop for the demonic traits heaped upon Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Shylock is characterized nearly throughout the play as an evil, murderous man. This image of him is supported by the excessive bloodlust that Shylock exhibits. (Rosen, 89-93) The audience is made to hate Shylock early on. In Act 1, scene 3, Shylock tells

SUBARANOIDAL hemorrhage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SUBARANOIDAL hemorrhage - Essay Example A patient suffering from vasculitis may also experience symptoms related to this disorder. The blood vessels inside the brain of such a patient becomes inflamed which when not treated in time causes bursting of the vessels (Porth, 2011). Subaranoidal hemorrhage impairs the ability of the cerebral circulation to sustain a steady cerebral blood flow within the brain by unbalancing the regulation of cerebral blood flow by the small arteries and arterioles located in the brain (Porth, 2011). SAH can further cause blood to leak into the cerebrospinal fluid forming a clot which blocks cerebrospinal circulation. This blocking of CSF causes the fluid to buildup, a condition which can lead to hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus causes the ventricles within the CSF to increase in size making it difficult for patients to coordinate body functions. However, this fluid swelling can be intervened by putting a drain in the ventricles. When this condition is not treated in time, blood leaking from a torn aneurysm can damage nearby brain cells leading to mental complications and physical

Reflection and Evaluation of Technologies(Module Learning Outcome 2) Essay

Reflection and Evaluation of Technologies(Module Learning Outcome 2) - Essay Example HTML5 falls under client side technology and can be considered to be a rich interface technology, given that it significantly enhances user interaction within a browser. Such technology as HTML5 is crucial in the development of a website since it highly improves the outward appearance of a browser and enhances its functionality as well as the look and feel of an application. Most of the shortcomings of the first generation web applications and development technologies are addresses by HTML5 in addition to the improvement of the user interface. It can be in the form of a fully interactive browser or a web-based enterprise application that is capable of offering the interface functionality and flexibility of a desktop application (Pilgrim, 2010). One of the major advantages of such technology as HTML5 is that it provides safe and result-oriented applications that offer a faster and more expensive interface as compared to the traditional technologies and applications. User interaction with the application becomes more attractive and fun, given the aesthetic value added by HTML5 to the browser and applications. With the adoption of HTML5 in the development of websites and applications, businesses are able to improve their productivity while utilizing advanced communication system to level up their services to their customers (Schmitt and Simpson 2011). There are a number of rich interface technologies, but currently HTML5 is considered to be the best among them. It is the latest revision of the previous HTML developed with the purpose of addressing the needs of modern web applications, mainly in order to eliminate the dependence on external browser plug-ins for most browsers. HTML5 is a significant improvement of the previous HTML, given that it comes with added features and new elements which did not exist in the previous versions of HTML. For instance, the standard web design has been improved

GCSS-MC Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

GCSS-MC - Article Example If well developed and strategically applied, GCSS ensures accurate, timely and perfect provision of logistical information for all concerned parties. This means that the Marine Corps would effectively receive the logistical support that they need in varied operations, in their line of duty. Despite all the positive aspects targeted, it is sad to note that the DOD is yet to realize and enjoy the fruits of the acquisition of GCSS. This is because the department is still highly riddled with weaknesses in its programs and procedures. The weaknesses observed have created bottlenecks in line with observed management control. The entire acquisition process has not been justified. This means that many of the expected benefits cannot be observed from the acquisition of GCSS. All the design specification and all the accompanying documents cannot be traced (GAO, 2006). This could be equated to mean that the DOD does not understand the overall importance and significance of the purchase. In orde r for GCSS to attain its overall advantages, the DOD has to make varied adjustments. They have to ensure that the system undergoes concept refinement, which can be acquired through high system and technology development. All the concerned parties have to undergo a system demonstration to ensure that they comprehend its set demands and practices. This is the only way that GCSS would ultimately contribute to product deployment and operations support (GAO,

Marketing mix and tool Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing mix and tool - Term Paper Example The secret of flourishing marketing is utilizing the suitable means to target the audience. Marketing the business is regarding how one positions it to satisfy the market’s requirements. There are four vital building blocks within marketing of products as well as business. These are known as the four P’s of marketing. Product. The appropriate product to go well with the needs of the target client. Price. The appropriate product sold on the appropriate price. Place. The appropriate product accessible easily on the appropriate price at the appropriate place so the customers can purchase it. Promotion. Updating prospective customers about the â€Å"availability of the product, its price and its place† (Tehrani, p. 154). All the four P’s are variable that one manages while forming the marketing mix that will create a centre of attention for potential customers. The marketing mix must be something that gets the complete attention because the accomplishment of b usiness relies on it. As a business executive, one should find out the way to apply these variables for attaining the profit prospective. Product Product means the commodities as well as services offered to the customers. Other than the physical merchandise, there are factors linked with the product that consumers may be paying attention to, for instance, it’s packaging. ... Successful executives keep a close eye on the needs their product bundles offer to consumers. The product bundle must go well with the requirements of a specific target market. For instance, a lavish product must generate simply the accurate image for consumers who posses everything, whereas a number of essential products are required to be positioned for price sensitive buyers. Some additional main features of product take account of a suitable product range, â€Å"design, warranties, or a brand name† (Tehrani, p. 241). Through study of consumer preferences is a most important component in creating a successful marketing mix. Understanding of target market as well as competitors will let businesses to present a product that will attract customers and circumvent expensive blunders. If a business is are thinking about launching a new product, then it should ensure that the product bundle will fit its strengths as well as weaknesses, and that it will offer a tolerable â€Å"ris k/return trade-off† (Tehrani, p. 278). Such as, if the business is extremely good in well-timed reaction to customers’ queries, then appropriate service must be a significant factor of the product bundle. One should think in long-term perspective regarding the venture by considering the ways by which product bundle can be intensify as well as expand, such as, one may be capable of taking benefit from prospects to ‘add value’ by â€Å"processing, packaging, and customer service† (Tehrani, p. 266). Other potential development may let business to present the product to various customers. New ventures are successful for the most part when they target their hard work on single product or single market, such as an eatery or an automobile service station does. Afterwards, development

Collaboration and Consultation in Education Research Paper

Collaboration and Consultation in Education - Research Paper Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that collaborative learning is accomplished through the use of active engagement activities designed to exploit knowledge and to facilitate the sharing of the workload. In this method, learners can generate their individual parts of a larger assignment and then the parts are compiled as a group work. Collaboration is also a style employed by professionals in order to achieve a common and a shared goal. There are several terminologies that may be used interchangeably when discussing cooperation strategies. These terms include consultation, teamwork, collaborative work and collaborative consultation. However, the collaboration will be employed in this paper as the umbrella concept for the various collaborative strategies. Furthermore, there are different forms in which collaboration techniques are created. These are the student collaboration, teacher-student collaboration, teacher-parent collaboration, and student-parent co llaboration. All these forms of cooperation are primarily meant to help enhance the learning process of a student and to ensure they achieve the best in education. Collaboration is both advantageous in teaching and learning when it happens on various levels. Collective prioritizing of education by the students, teachers, members of a family, and the community as a whole is beneficial to teaching and learning process. The benefits will be more felt when all the stakeholders engage in activities that promote learning institutions, educators, and students. Additionally, the advantage of collaboration becomes more evident when teachers collaborate with other teachers to support innovative classroom practices. And aim at the high level of expectations for themselves and students as well. Further, the benefits of collaboration can be achieved more when students are granted the chance to work together for common academic goals in manners that improve learning.

Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks Essay Example for Free

Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks Essay Abstract Better beverage choices can help fight and prevent obesity and diabetes. Water, of course, is the best beverage option. It delivers everything the body needs—pure H2O—with zero calories. But for some tastes, plain water is just too plain—and it may be unrealistic to ask everyone to kick the sugar-water habit overnight. We must instead work to retrain the American palate away from sweet drinks. Cutting our taste for sweetness will require concerted action on several levels—from creative food scientists and marketers in the beverage industry, as well as from individual consumers and families, schools and worksites, and state and federal government. Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks? What’ the Best Choice? Soft drinks are the beverage of choice for millions of Americans. Some drink them morning, noon, night, and in between. They’re tasty, available everywhere, and inexpensive. They’re also a prime source of extra calories that can contribute to weight gain. Once thought of as innocent refreshment, soft drinks are also coming under scrutiny for their contributions to the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Diet soft drinks, made with artificial sweeteners, may not be the best alternatives to regular soft drinks. The term â€Å"soft drink† covers a lot of ground. It refers to any beverage with added sugar or other sweetener, and includes soda, fruit punch, lemonade and other â€Å"ades,† sweetened powdered drinks, and sports and energy drinks. In this section of The Nutrition Source, we focus on non-alcoholic sweetened drinks. Drunk every now and then, these beverages wouldn’t raise an eyebrow among most nutrition experts, any more than does the occasional candy bar or bowl of ice cream. But few people see them as treats. Instead, we drink rivers of the stuff. According to figures from the beverage industry, soft drink makers produce a staggering 10. 4 billion gallons of sugary soda pop each year. That’s enough to serve every American a 12-ounce can every day, 365 days a year. The average can of sugar-sweetened soda or fruit punch provides about 150 calories, almost all of them from sugar, usually high-fructose corn syrup. That’s the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of table sugar (sucrose). If you were to drink just one can of a sugar-sweetened soft drink every day, and not cut back on calories elsewhere, you could gain up to 15 pounds in a year. Soft Drinks and Weight Historians may someday call the period between the early 1980s and 2009 the fattening of America. Between 1985 and now, the proportion of Americans who are overweight or obese has ballooned from 45 percent in the mid-1960s to 66 percent today. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online slide show that shows the spread of obesity in the U.S. ) There’s no single cause for this increase; instead, there are many contributors. One of them is almost certainly our penchant for quenching our thirst with beverages other than water. Once upon a time, humans got almost all of their calories from what nature put into food. That changed with the advent of cheap sugar, and then cheaper high-fructose corn syrup. High-fructose corn syrup has been fingered as one of the villains in the obesity epidemic, but in fact, table sugar and corn sweeteners likely have the same physiological impact on blood sugar, insulin, and metabolism. Sugar added to food now accounts for nearly 16 percent of the average American’s daily intake. Sweetened soft drinks make up nearly half of that. Dozens of studies have explored possible links between soft drinks and weight. It isn’t an easy task, for several reasons (read Sorting Out Studies on Soft Drinks and Weight to learn why). Despite these research challenges, studies consistently show that increased consumption of soft drinks is associated with increased energy intake. In a meta-analysis of 30 studies in this area, 10 of 12 cross-sectional studies, five of five longitudinal studies, and four of four long-term experimental studies showed this positive association. A different meta-analysis of 88 studies showed that the effect appeared to be stronger in women, studies focusing on sugar-sweetened soft drinks, and studies not funded by the food industry: Studies in children and adults have also shown that cutting back on sugary drinks can lead to weight loss. On the surface, it makes sense that the more ounces of sugar-rich soft drink a person has each day, the more calories he or she takes in. Yet that runs counter to what happens with solid foods. People tend to compensate for a bigger than usual meal or for a snack by taking in fewer calories later. That’s how weight stays stable. This compensation doesn’t seem to happen with soft drinks. No one knows for sure why this happens, but there are several possibilities: Fluids may not be as satiating as solid foods. That means they don’t provide the same feeling of fullness or satisfaction that solid foods do, which might prompt you to keep eating. The body doesn’t seem to â€Å"register† fluid calories as carefully as it does those from solid food. This would mean they are added on top of calories from the rest of the diet. It is possible that sweet-tasting soft drinks—regardless of whether they are sweetened with sugar or a calorie-free sugar substitute—might stimulate the appetite for other sweet, high-carbohydrate foods. Use headings and subheadings to organize the sections of your paper. The first heading level is formatted with initial caps and is centered on the page. Do not start a new page for each heading. Subheading Subheadings are formatted with italics and are aligned flush left. Citations Source material must be documented in the body of the paper by citing the authors and dates of the sources. The full source citation will appear in the list of references that follows the body of the paper. When the names of the authors of a source are part of the formal structure of the sentence, the year of the publication appears in parenthesis following the identification of the authors, for example, Smith (2001). When the authors of a source are not part of the formal structure of the sentence, both the authors and years of publication appear in parentheses, separated by semicolons, for example (Smith and Jones, 2001; Anderson, Charles, Johnson, 2003). When a source that has three, four, or five authors is cited, all authors are included the first time the source is cited. When that source is cited again, the first author’s surname and â€Å"et al. † are used. See the example in the following paragraph. Use of this standard APA style â€Å"will result in a favorable impression on your instructor† (Smith, 2001). This was affirmed again in 2003 by Professor Anderson (Anderson, Charles Johnson, 2003). When a source that has two authors is cited, both authors are cited every time. If there are six or more authors to be cited, use the first author’s surname and â€Å"et al. † the first and each subsequent time it is cited. When a direct quotation is used, always include the author, year, and page number as part of the citation. A quotation of fewer than 40 words should be enclosed in double quotation marks and should be incorporated into the formal structure of the sentence. A longer quote of 40 or more words should appear (without quotes) in block format with each line indented five spaces from the left margin. 1 References Anderson, Charles Johnson (2003). The impressive psychology paper. Chicago: Lucerne Publishing. Smith, M. (2001). Writing a successful paper. The Trey Research Monthly, 53, 149-150. Entries are organized alphabetically by surnames of first authors and are formatted with a hanging indent. Most reference entries have three components: Authors: Authors are listed in the same order as specified in the source, using surnames and initials. Commas separate all authors. When there are seven or more authors, list the first six and then use â€Å"et al. † for remaining authors. If no author is identified, the title of the document begins the reference. Year of Publication: In parenthesis following authors, with a period following the closing parenthesis. If no publication date is identified, use â€Å"n. d. † in parenthesis following the authors. Source Reference: Includes title, journal, volume, pages (for journal article) or title, city of publication, publisher (for book). Appendix Each Appendix appears on its own page. Footnotes 1Complete APA style formatting information may be found in the Publication Manual. Table 1 Type the table text here in italics; start a new page for each table [Insert table here] Figure Captions Figure 1. Caption of figure [Figures – note that this page does not have the manuscript header and page number].

Main Features And Characteristics Information Technology Essay

Main Features And Characteristics Information Technology Essay Over the past 50 years, the construction industry has witnessed exciting breakthroughs such as the advent of Critical Path Method scheduling, the introduction of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), the acceptance of integrated project delivery systems and the application of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR). In addition, the construction industry has also been impacted with two powerful global developments; the internet, revolutionising the communications infrastructure and also environmental awareness which focuses on the commitment to sustainability and lifecycle solutions (Bakhtar McDonough 2008). We are now approaching a virtual reality to create intelligent, integrated 3D models of construction projects allowing stakeholders to visualise and analyse the completed project before it is built. By implementing BIM, Risk is reduced, design intent is maintained, quality control is streamlined, communication is clearer and higher analytic tools are more accessible (Australian Institute of Architects 2005). It is BIM which also enhances collaboration through interaction of different stakeholders which can be used for stimulation, structural design, cost estimating, scheduling, fabrication, erection and facilities management (Bakhtar McDonough 2008). As the industry begins to integrate BIM in practice, it is likely to bring about change in work practice, project development approach and emergence of new roles and relationships, both at technical and management levels (Brankovic et al. 2007). Despite the apparent benefits the adoption of BIM in practice, the uptake has been slow. Workshops with industry focus groups have been conducted to identify the industry needs, concerns and expectations from participants who had implemented BIM or were BIM ready. Factors inhibiting BIM adoption include lack of training, low business incentives, perception of lack of rewards, technological concerns, contractual matters and resistance to changing current work practice. Successful BIM usage depends on collective adoption of BIM across the different disciplines and requires the support of the client (Brankovic 2008). So is Building Information Modelling (BIM) the real deal? Some say its a matter of when, not if, industry adopts BIM universally and increasingly, public-and private sector developments are calling for its use on large projects. Can they afford not to? (Hyslop 2010). 2.0 Main Features Characteristics BIM involves computerised design software tools that help create a model that reflects all of the building components geometric and functional qualities. The general contractor and trade subcontractors provide product-specific information for building components and that data is inputted into the model, including performance specifications, connection details and cost data. However, the model is more than a mere representation of the design in a three-dimensional computer graphic but rather, embedded within the design programs which feature rules that define which of the components relation to the other components (Pohl Short 2010). In order to be classified as true BIM, all information related to the building, including its physical and functional characteristics and project life cycle information should be held in a series of Smart or Intelligent objects. For instance, an air conditioning unit within a BIM model would contain the data about its supplier, flow rates, maintenance procedures, lead in times and clearance requirements (Scuderi 2007). In essence, BIM is a variation of the traditional construction project model in terms of technology and process. In a traditional project, design documents flow down from the architect, through the owner, to the contractor and then from the contractor to subcontractors, suppliers and fabricators. This downward flow of design documents and design information defines and reinforces the distinct roles, responsibilities and liabilities of the designer and contractor (Crandall Katz 2010). BIM, however, changes the traditional model through the use of advanced technology to edit the design documents and allows designers to attach specific information to each object of a project. Any changes in the BIM model automatically changes all relevant information attached to the particular object which saves design time and avoids potential design errors that occur (Katz Crandall, 2010). BIM is particularly useful for identifying potential construction conflicts (clash detection) at the design stage, and quantifying the materials required for construction. In theory, assuming that the information provided by the various stakeholders in the project is accurate and the rules embedded in the model are correct, BIM should reduce errors and omissions, resulting in aggregate reduction in professional liability and errors and omission claims. Yet, if the assumptions embedded in the computerised model is prove false, then the result would be a costly problem that all concerned should hope to be covered by insurance (Pohl Short 2010 p.1). A few cases of successful use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach in real world projects have been reported (Khemlani 2007a, 2007b) that suggest, even if the BIM applications and tools may not have matured fully they are very much usable in their present form and can enhance project collaboration and management in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry well beyond the current state (Brankovic et al. 2007). 3.0 Benefits of adopting BIM The benefits of adopting BIM are staggering, that some are even sounding the warning that those who fail to jump aboard the BIM bandwagon will be quickly left in the dust . Building performance and predictability of outcomes are greatly improved by adopting BIM. An Engineers Australia Queensland Division Task Force 2005 report estimates that 60-90% of all variations are due to poor project design documentation. A BIM is one way of significantly improving design and documentation quality (Scuderi 2007). Stanford University Centre for Integrated Facility Engineering figures which are based on 32 major projects using BIM indicates benefits such as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A 40% elimination of unbudgeted change à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cost estimation accuracy within three per cent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ An 80% reduction in the time taken to generate a cost estimate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A saving of 10% of the contract value through clash detection à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A 7% reduction in project time, and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A return on investment when using a 3D model of 5 10 times (Scuderi 2007). Other advantages include: 3.1 Visualisation and Design Features Ability to visualise a model before construction begins Eliminates and minimises the number of site related questions due to design errors Provides drawings, cross-sections and details in 3D which better describe complexities and allow images to be rotated for better visualisation BIM can be used as visual timeline to assess progress payments Easy to add information into the model and takes little time to change Once one change is made, all relevant components change automatically, saving time on updating design drawings individually Able to run detailed analysis such as sun shading modelling, thermal properties etc Easy to understand details about the building and individual components 3.2 Conflict Detection Data embedded into the BIM model for each component allows BIM software to identify potential conflicts during the design phase Eliminates/minimises construction errors by detecting problems early Saves time and money which would be previously wasted should an error occur during later stages of construction 3.3 Collaboration Coordination Allows communication between design team/s, engineers and contractors which can increase project efficiencies due to collaboration Remedy the deficient efficiencies early in the design process An increase in collaboration can reduce the number of Request For Information (RFIs) and change order which can shorten construction schedules. Laing ORourke saw a 70% reduction in RFIs on the 123 Albert Street project due to subcontractors being able to view their appropriate trade and solving/answering their own questions themselves (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). 3.4 Fabric Efficiency and Estimating Detailed specifications can be extracted directly from a BIM model and sent to a fabricator Saves time and avoids potential errors that could occur when contractors manually extract fabrication data Due to the increased visualisation and data information contained within each object, fabricated components are more likely to fit when delivered (e.g. steel fabrication) therefore reducing construction waste Suppliers can extract material estimates and project schedules directly from a BIM model which can save time and prevent delivery delays 3.5 Data Entry Reduces data entry and computational errors as there is no need to re-enter data or manually extract information from design documents BIM models can compare project components such as building codes and energy efficiency standards 3.6 Life-Cycle Management BIM models can be used throughout the life-cycle of a building Models can be used to determine maintenance requirements and can analyse compatibility and cost-effectiveness as well as providing visual representation of improvements 3.7 Sustainability Design BIM models are able to provide building analysis which allows sustainable rating tools to gain insight into a buildings performance Sustainable features can be incorporated and tested before construction, allowing what if scenarios which quickly evaluate design alternatives Allows the opportunity to make better decisions to iterate on a greener design Schedules of building material quantities can be obtained directly from the model to determine the amount of materials which can be reused, recycled or salvaged Sources for advantages of BIM: (Bakhtar McDonough 2008), (Cranda Katz 2010), (Middlebrooks 2006), (M Ryan 2010. Pers. comm., 8 July), 4.0 Issues that affect the adoption of BIM With any new technology, there is a period of adjustment and learning. There are many different views about BIM and its potential, however the consensus is that it represents a fundamental (some say revolutionary) change in the way a building project design is prepared and implemented (Sieminski 2007). Based on the QUT Research paper from the ICAN Conference in 2007 (Brankovic et al.2007), before greater adoption of BIM, the following issues need to be addressed: 4.1 Version management New technology requires software to be constantly upgraded; this has been an issue for many practitioners. Although most upgraded software allows you to use data generated from earlier versions, many significant changes inhibit these. This means that in order to have all collaborating stakeholders to be working on compatible versions, often compromises have to be made on efficiency (Brankovic et al. 2007). Laing ORourke has initiated various processes to reduce risk from upgrades in software. This involves contracting all collaborating stakeholders to use the same program and upgrading all relevant software before the commencement of their contract (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). This process has been implemented in the recent $110 million design and construct contract for a new health centre and common user teaching facility at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus which is set to be one of the first 100% BIM model projects in QLD . 4.2 Organisation and data management As more data is managed and stored electronically, standard practices and procedures need to be in place to deal with data organisation, storage and security. Managing the different versions of the project which relates to compatible set of data from different disciplines at specific stages need to be fixed (Brankovic et al.2007, p.7). While the ability to constantly update the data gives unprecedented flexibility, it also adds to the complexity relating to version management, data explosion and usability (Brankovic et al.2007). Issues exist in Database Management Systems (DMS) in relation to organisational issues for the Architects, Engineers and Contractors (AEC) domain and practitioners which poses a new challenge involving strategic decision making. Stakeholders are also finding that some programs produce a large file size which has led to hardware lagging the software (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). 4.3 Program training One of the greatest issues with the adoption of BIM is the training and development of staff and taking the resources off project work to do so (A Bryant 2010, pers. comm., 30 June). In recent years, the architectural industry has received major criticisms of the widening gap of the techniques and methods taught in architecture schools and what is practiced in the field. It is suggested that rather than giving separate introductory session on computational approaches and BIM applications, there is a need for integrating the same in design studios for students which will alleviate the concerns in some sections that believe computational approaches to be inhibiting design creativity (Brankovic et al.2007). 4.4 Cost of adoption The cost of adopting BIM is also an issue. For Revit systems and software, it costs approximately $10,000, plus training and cost of product libraries. The real costs depend on the extent you choose to develop a model. You can develop a simple or well built model which costs a lot more but again, depends on the value and use of the model. However, the benefits include the reduction in waste, ease of design, increase opportunity for sustainability and overall, the process is more efficient. The industry needs to value to outcome (A Gutteridge 2010, pers. comm., 1 July). Large and medium sized firms can afford the luxury of aligning teams to BIM as they would have some supplement workforce at certain points of time. Smaller firms however, would find this difficult to achieve as they would be unable to commit an entire team to BIM software at any given time or even over a period of time . Although the loss of billable hours during training is a concern, the short term productivity paybacks will quickly offset the loss. A recent online survey of Revit customers reported that although there was an average productivity loss of 25-50% during the initial training period, it took most customers only 3-4 months to achieve the same level of productivity using Revit as with the previous design tool. Building on that statistic, the estimated increase in productivity (as a result of migrating to Revit) ranged from 10% to over 100%, with more than half the respondents experienced productivity gains of over 50% and close to 20% experienced productivity gains of over 100% . Due to the large capital cost of training and BIM software, smaller firms may struggle to keep up with the technology. A viable option for small firms would be to seek offshore expertise. Leveraging outside experience and expertise would help them keep their team intact; facilitate better integration of BIM technologies within their business model and save a large amounts of billable hours . 4.5 Security of data Placing data on an integrated database in an electronic format raises security concern amongst the involved stakeholders. Some concerns are related to the following: Network security Intellectual Property (IP) Protection of copyrights These concerns however may be justified and alleviated by greater awareness and legal measures. For example, access should be controlled through secure log-ins with data check-in and check-outs which can be registered for each interaction. Therefore data hosts can manage the data under a contractual agreement with the data owner with the terms and conditions outlined accordingly in the documentation (Brankovic et al.2007). 4.6 Readiness of the tools Examples of the use of BIM approach in practice suggest that in the present state as well there are tools that can significantly improve the work process in the AEC industry documentation (Brankovic et al.2007). However, lack of tools supporting and integrating conceptual design activity has been a major concern (Khemlani 2007a). As more BIM applications are being developed to look at specific aspects of design process and allow integration with each other, the technical support which is bound to improve (Brankovic et al.2007). 4.7 Seamless Integration and standards Due to the various types of tools which have been introduced over the past few years, it is important that there is greater standardisation of processes, terminologies and products, early information exchange between different stakeholders. This will avoid re-work, provide capability to conduct preliminary analysis of project concepts, greater intelligence in tools to air computability of building data as they get more complex, and great automation in construction and fabrication to leverage the benefits of a better and precise model (Brankovic et al.2007). 5.0 Contractual Issues that affect the BIM adoption As BIM technology evolves further, it is apparent that there are a number of legal and contractual issues which warrant careful consideration. Unfortunately, the newness of BIM leaves us with more questions than definitive answers at this present time. For the owner, designer, or contractor participating in a BIM project for the first time, these questions should be carefully weighed, understandings reached and memorialised in appropriate contract document (Haynes 2009). 5.1 There isnt a BIM-specific standard contract form For many, a standardised BIM contract is the most important facet of BIM implementation. A standardised BIM form is recognised as the most logical starting point in the integration of BIM as a standard contracting method. Australia does not currently have a specific stand contract form, therefore contractors, clients and relevant parties must create their own contractual agreements with the relevant stakeholders for each project. 5.2 Ownership Creating an integrated BIM model involves the input of several stakeholders which focus on specific design elements such as mechanical and electrical services and the overall design. Therefore, the difficulty exists with the issue of legal ownership and copyright for instruments of service. Without modification in the underlying contract documents, the normal principle would be that the part that creates the BIM model would retain ownership of and the copyright of the model. This is consistent with the AIA American standard agreements whereby the ownership and copyright is retained by the drafting party, therefore, agrees to license its instruments of services (Haynes 2009). In some cases, owners/clients may insist that the various data and deliverables provided by the design professional be owned by the owner. In Queensland, the most common client who may wish to own the model is Project Services (P Nunn 2010. Pers. comm., 6 Aug). When there are numerous stakeholders involved in the design process, it is important that the intellectual property interests in BIM models and data be clearly addressed up-front by the parties. For example, Laing ORourke may choose to outsource consultants for particular projects; however it is made very clear that Laing ORourke own the copyright. Laing ORourke in Australia, don not have an issue with Intellectual Property (IP) as it is clearly defined in their contract documents (P Nunn 2010. Pers. comm., 6 Aug). 5.3 Standard of Care There is a concern that the universal use of BIM will eventually alter both the standard of care and historical protections afforded to design professional by the doctrine of privity  [1]  . Until recently in America, the doctrine of privity of contract shielded architects and engineers from negligence claims by parties with whom the architect did not have a contract (Sieminski 2007). Many jurisdictions in America now allow claims without privity when it is clear that a contractor reasonably relied upon information that the design professional misrepresented in a context in which the contractor clearly would be relying upon that information (Sieminski 2007). Therefore, contractual issues would become problematic in the future, in that, one of the requirements of the example claim above reasonable reliance may appear to be presumed in a BIM environment. 5.4 Insurance Contracting parties, contract insurers and sureties need more certainty and an accurate gauge of their exposure when writing insurance policies and bonds. While there are many positives about BIM, there are currently too many unknowns for insurers to write BIM policies (Faulkner 2007). Just as BIM technology is evolving, so must the insurance industry evolve to consider whether its current products adequately cover the new risks created by this technology or whether additional instruments are necessary to allow project participants to manage these risks in a prudent manner (Haynes 2009). From the design professionals perspective, it is important to carefully examine the adequacy of their professional liability arising out of negligence of the design professional during the preparation of BIM models. When design professionals assume additional responsibility as a gatekeeper or model manager, then additional risks undertaken and thereby must be covered under the standard professional liability policy. Similarly, when a contractor involved in creating BIM construction models, utilises them for planning, fabrication, estimating or scheduling, the need for professional liability is even more important (Haynes 2009). 5.5 Interoperability One of the largest challenges being actively addressed by technology developers and end-users are the interoperability of existing BIM programs and the creation of multiple accurate models to fulfil specific purposes (Miner Thomson 2006). The term interoperability refers to the ability of various project participants to share and exchange information electronically through the use of different software systems. Due to the different types of design/BIM programs on the market, there are no guarantees that the different software can be used by all stakeholders or work flawlessly together (Haynes 2009). There have been several attempts to standardise the language interfaces of various BIM software, however have not been formalised. In the meantime, however, provisions must be made among parties concerning the consequences of inconsistencies or errors that arise as a result of interoperability. This issue of software compatibility also flows into a concern with remedies for defects in software (Haynes 2009). Up until now there has yet to be a lawsuit based on the use of BIM, however its only a matter of time before misunderstandings or relative risks and responsibilities of parties will be noticed. The use of BIM in the construction process will continue to be affected by the contractual relationship between project participants, the world of litigation and evolution of technology. It is important for those involved to continue to assess the interrelationships of these variables and prepare for more technological advances which are inevitably on the horizon . 6.0 BIM adoption in Australia Vs America 6.1 Uptake of BIM Despite the potential benefits of BIM, its uptake in Australia has been slow (Branksovic et al. 2010). Based on the National Guidelines of Digital Modelling written by the CRC in Australia 2009, slow adoption in the industry exists due to voids which exist in practice as the industry is yet to make full use of the possibilities that new software technologies have provided. There appears to be little multidisciplinary BIM, and very little over the whole building lifecycle (National Guidelines of Digital Modelling, 2009, p.20). According to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), however, America has experienced a 160% increase in use in the main architectural community during 2005 to 2009 (Ireland 2010). The AIA survey also reveals that more than 75% of responding architects reported very heavy or heavy use of BIM technology in their projects in 2009. Were well past the tipping point now, says Markku Allison, resource architect for AIA. At our 2005 convention, the opening plenary session was about BIM, and of the nearly 4,000 architects in the room we got the impression that 85% had never even heard of BIM. Now when we go on the road, everyone knows what BIM is, and the audience can offer up success stories about using BIM (Ireland 2010). However, in Australia it is said that the Architects are against the adoption of BIM due to the large setup costs (P Nunn 2010, pers. comm., 6 Aug). 6.2 Which stakeholders are driving the adoption of BIM? After interviewing a number of industry professionals in Australia, the general consensus was that different stakeholders were driving the adoption of BIM, all for different reasons. Client benefits from BIM through the Facility Management perspective and ongoing building operation Architects Engineers benefit from the speed in design (once the initial design is complete), there is no need to draw sections and details are they are all within the model to start with Builders benefit through the ease of coordination, reduction in buildability issues and the use of clash detection (M Ryan 2010. pers. comm., 8 July). Paul Nunn from Laing ORourke, however, indicated that clients such as Project Services and companies such as Laing ORourke are currently driving the adoption of BIM (P Nunn 2010. pers. comm., 6 Aug). Andrew Gutteridge, and architect from Arkhefield Australia believes that Architects are the ones who need to get to speed first architects have a lot to learn (A Gutteridge 2010. pers. comm., 1 July). On the other hand, Architects currently make up the largest group of user of BIM technology in America (Ireland 2010). In 2008, a SmartMarket Report published by New York-based McGraw-Hill Construction revealed that more than 43% of architects were using BIM on more than 60% of their projects. However, the use of BIM requires more than the adoption of its technology by one group in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry (Ireland 2010). 6.3 BIM Standard Form Contracts The construction industry is only beginning to catch up with the contractual liability issues that arise from the non-traditional roles played by the various project participants. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has developed IPD Agreements which include the following contracts: AIA C196-2008 Standard Form of Agreement between Single Purpose Entity Owner or Integrated Project Delivery AIA C197-2008 Standard Form of Agreement between Single Purpose Entity Non-Owner or Integrated Project Delivery These contractual agreements also incorporate a separate Exhibit (AIA Document E202-2008) that might also be used with their other, more traditional contract documents on IPD project using BIM technologies (Pohl Short 2010). In addition to these contractual agreements, the AIA and the new ConsenusDOCs organisation have issued their respective BIM documents which address, at least in a preliminary manner, many of the legal and contractual implications of utilising BIM technology. ConsensusDOCs 301 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Addendum was released by the ConsensusDOCs organization in June 2008. This document is intended as an exhibit to be appended to a standard construction or design agreement, to address certain key legal and contractual questions, and give the parties a platform on which to reach an agreement on how to manage the various risks derived from this technology. ConsensusDOCs 301 was followed later in 2008 by the AIAs issuance of its E-202 Building Information Modeling Protocol exhibit, which like its predecessor outlines a number of practical issues and formulates certain procedures and protocols for the parties to follow with respect to the development of their BIM models. Again, both the CD301 and the E-202 are designed as exhibits to be appended to an existing design or construction services agreement (Haynes 2009). Unlike America, Australia has no standard contract form for the implementation of BIM. However, contractors such as Laing ORourke have established their own in-house protocols which provide detailed information based on the British standards (P Nunn 2010. pers. comm., 6 Aug). In Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and Building Smart in conjunction with CRC Construction Innovation have produced a National Guidelines for Digital Modelling. The guidelines are readily available; however, not enough people are taking them seriously. The uptake in the industry is increasing, but not fast enough. There are still many misconceptions about BIM and there is a lack of understanding about the value of BIM in the industry (A Butteridge 2010. pers. comm., 1 July). The Queensland Government have vouched to release all government projects in 3D within the next two years (P Nunn 2010. pers. comm., 6 Aug). America is two steps ahead, with five states mandating the use of BIM which has forced the market to adopt and invest in BIM technology. 7.0 Future of BIM Based on the QUT Research paper from the ICAN Conference in 2007 (Brankovic et al.2007), in order for greater adoption of BIM in Australia, the following issues need to be addressed: 7.1 Incentives and drivers Architects, Engineers and Contractors will continue to see the benefits of adopting BIM especially with large projects involving the Government (Project Services). The drive from the Government and clients will provide enough incentives for stakeholders to invest in BIM. A successful adoption of BIM is expected to lengthen the initial design process but reduce the construction cost and time (Brankovic et al.2007). In addition to this, the effort required by the architects and other design disciplines to put in the additional information can be considerably reduced if the commercial vendors have enough incentives to provide country specific product libraries and standards. Such specifications need to be in place to allow a sustained market for BIM applications. This in turn will also facilitate the working of regulatory authorities enabling automatic code checking and building standards (Brankovic et al.2007 p.10). 7.2 Market needs and distribution As previously discussed, small and medium sized firms within the industry will need to decide on when and if their firm will adopt BIM over the next two years. Although the capital costs are high, small f

Supply Chain Management The Bullwhip Effect Commerce Essay

Supply Chain Management The Bullwhip Effect Commerce Essay In recent years in the supply chain management theory there has been done a lot of research over the phenomenon called the Bullwhip effect In brief, this negative effect occurs when the demand order variabilities in the supply chain are amplified as they moved up the supply chain (Lee et. al, 1997a) and can lead to such big inefficiencies as lost revenues and poor customer service. Many of the authors in their scientific papers contributed a lot to the development of the topic by describing the Bullwhip effect, explaining and evaluating its reasons, its implications and possible ways of its reduction, using higher mathematics (Chen et. al, 1999; Dejonckheere et. al, 2001; Warburton, 2004; Croson Donohue, 2003) and specialized software (like SISCO) (Chatfield et al., 2004) to create simulation models. In our brief overview, however, we will not consider all of these particularized mathematical studies in detail, we will just try to focus on the more theoretical explanation of the neg ative implications of the Bullwhip effect, the possible reasons of its existence, and on the ways of its reduction. In this respect, we think that among all of the respected scientists that devoted their efforts to the Bullwhip effect research, the authors Hau L. Lee, V. Padmanabhan, and Seungjin Whang in their articles The Bullwhip Effect in Supply Chains (1997) and Information Distortion in a Supply Chain: The Bullwhip effect (1997) have not only most profoundly described and explained the notion of the phenomenon of the Bullwhip effect and the reasons of its existence, but also introduced the most valuable and applicable ways of how to diminish its negative consequences. The essay consists of 3 main chapters: the first chapter describes the notion and the implications of the Bullwhip effect, in the second chapter the reasons for its existence are discussed, and the third chapter refers to the ways how to reduce the Bullwhip effect. 1. Implications of the Bullwhip effect There are some different definitions and ways of understanding of so called Bullwhip effect (it can also be referred to as Whiplash effect or Whipsaw effect in some sources). This phenomenon was first established by Forrester (1961). The Bullwhip effect can appear in every industry and in every supply chain. The Bullwhip effect is a consequence of one or a combination of the following four important aspects related to supply chain management, which are, according to Lee et al., demand forecast updating by supply chain partners; order batching; price fluctuation; rationing and shortage gaming. Small order variability on a customer level amplifies the orders for upstream players, such as wholesales and manufacturers, as the orders move up along a supply chain (Paik et al., 2007). As shown in the Figure 1, when consumer sales have really small fluctuations, the retailers demand fluctuates more, the wholesalers demand fluctuates more than the retailers demand and manufacturers demand fluctuates even more than wholesalers demand. (Lee et al., 1997a). According to Forrester, variability of customer orders is usually less than variability of manufacturing orders. To his opinion the main reason for this situation is the irrational behavior of participants involved in a supply chain (Paik et al., 2007). The Bullwhip effect can be observed on different levels: on macro level it shows up in inefficiency in production, scheduling, sourcing, distribution, revenue generalization and its realization (Ravichandran, 2008). on operation level, it reflects in generation of more inventory and keeping it in inappropriate place, to meet a specified service level (Ravichandran, 2008). on performance level, it can reduce the velocity of cash, destroy potential revenue and erode revenue realization (Ravichandran, 2008). These are just some negative consequences of the Bullwhip effect (Carlsson Fuller, 2001): excessive inventory investments poor customer service lost revenues the productivity capital in operations becomes substandard as revenues are lost increasing in transportation costs and sub-optimal transportation pattern demand variability may cause missed production schedule The Bullwhip Effect is a result of behavior of supply chain members and is created by themselves as a result of their rational decision making in situation of short or not full information about real end-customer demand. The Bullwhip Effect is an internal effect. Companies can ignore the Bullwhip effect and suffer from it extra losses or can try to reduce it. 2. The reasons for existence of the Bullwhip effect The good illustration of the Bullwhip effect is the beer game. In this experiment (it first took place in 1980s) participants play four different roles: customers, managers, wholesales and supplies of one of the popular beer brand. It is not allowed to communicate with each other, so participants make decisions about ordering only based on orders from the next downstream player. The results of this experiment are variability and volatility of upstream levels that always exceed variability and volatility of downstream levels. The interpretation of this result can be different. On one hand it can be effect of irrational decision making on each level (Lee et al., 1997a). But on the other hand, if the Bullwhip effect is a summary of rational decision making, we can indentify different main causes, and then the Bullwhip effect appears because of problems in the supply chain structure. These are the main causes of the Bullwhip Effect: 1. Demand forecasting updating (Lee et al., 1997a). Every company on each level of supply chain makes forecasting for production, capacity, inventory, material requirements and demand levels. Demand forecasting is usually based on the order history from the companys immediate customers, i.e. on what the company actually observes (Lee et al., 1997a). By using simply forecasting methods, for example exponential smoothing (forecasting of future demand based on new daily demand and it updating when new data is received) the order that is sent to the suppliers is a reflection of safety stock plus amount that is needed to satisfy future demand. The result is that the variability of amount of orders will increase during going on supply chain from the end-customer to the end supplier. 2. Order batching (in two forms periodic ordering and push ordering) (Lee et al., 1997a). There often appears a situation when companies order once a week, once in two weeks, once a month, instead of ordering every day or every few days. This situation appear because sometimes suppliers cannot satisfy frequent ordering or transportation costs are too high (there is a big difference between full load and less than truckload rate, suppliers may even provide customers with discounts for full-truck loads) or time for processing orders is too long. Companies want to make advantages on economies of scale but amount of ordering varies during the time (people order more on the end of the week, end of the months, holidays etc.) The Bullwhip effect decreases when order cycles decrease. 3. Price fluctuations (Lee et al., 1997a). The bullwhip effect also appears when quantity of goods that customers buy doesnt reflect their current needs. This is a result of customers buying in advance more than they need and stock some quantity because of attractive prices (it can be periodic discounts or promotions events when product prices are low). When level of prices becomes normal, customers stop buying products until they have it in stock. In this case buying structure doesnt reflect the consuming structure, as a result the fluctuation of buying amount is more tremendous than the variation of consuming amount (Lee et al., 1997a). Such discounts and promotions influence negatively the supply chain. It seems like manufactures and distributors create these price fluctuations themselves, and it means that they set up a bullwhip effect themselves. 4. Rationing and shortage gaming (Lee et al., 1997a). There are situations when demand is bigger than supply. In this case customer needs can be satisfied only partly. So customers order bigger amounts than they actually need, and when the situation becomes stable (demand is equal to supply) orders suddenly get cancelled. This means that customers give wrong information about their real demands to the suppliers, and this effect is referred to as gaming (Lee et al., 1997a). This is a common situation for a market. 5. Material and information delays (Paik et al., 2007). According to Towill and his co-authors, material and information delays might be a major contributing factor to the Bullwhip effect (Paik et al., 2007). 6. Supply variability (Paik et al., 2007). According to Taylor, supply variability (machine reliability problems and quality problems) is one of the possible causes of the Bullwhip effect. Output of the unreliable machines fluctuates and it pushes the variability of demands of the upstream members. Variability in production level is thus the initial trigger of demand variability, which in turn triggers the Bullwhip effect (Paik et al., 2007). 7. Number of echelons (Paik et al., 2007). According to Towill and his co-authors and to Ackere, reducing number of one or more intermediates lead to significant reducing of the Bullwhip effect (Paik et al., 2007). 3. The ways to reduce the Bullwhip effect In the previous chapter we described the reasons for existence of the Bullwhip effect. Understanding of these reasons gives a very good base to understanding of how to counteract the negative consequences of the Bullwhip effect. Many companies developed their own successful mechanisms of fighting the outcomes of this effect, and Hau L. Lee, V. Padmanabhan, and Seungjin Whang suggest to divide these various initiatives into three categories: Information sharing, Channel alignment, and Operational efficiency (see Table 1). Table 1 (Lee et al., 1997a) Causes of Bullwhip effect Information sharing Channel alignment Operational efficiency Demand forecast update understanding system dynamics use POS data electronic data interchange Internet computer-assisted ordering (CAO) vendor-managed inventory discount for information sharing consumer direct lead-time reduction echelon-based inventory control Order batching EDI Internet-ordering discount for truck-load assortment delivery appointments consolidation logistics outsourcing reduction in fixed cost of ordering by EDI or electronic commerce CAO Price fluctuations Continuous replenishment program (CRP) Everyday low cost (EDLC) Everyday low price (EDLP) Activity-based costing (ABC) The above mentioned categories imply the following: Information sharing: the information about actual customers demand is transmitted from the downstream site to the upstream; Channel alignment is about coordination of different business activities (as pricing, transportation, planning etc.) between the upstream and the downstream sites in the supply chain, and Operational efficiency implies the set of activities that help to improve performance, such as to reduce the lead-time. Lee et al. introduced a set of efficient countermeasures that were designed to minimize the negative effects of the Bullwhip effect (Lee et al., 1997a, b): Avoid multiple demand forecast updates Since the main reason of existence of the Bullwhip effect is the fact, that every member of the supply chain makes its own demand forecasting based on the data provided to it by its immediate downstream member, the one evident way to avoid this repetitive processing of demand data in a supply chain is to make the real consumption data (that is known at a downstream site) available at all of the upstream sites. This would allow all of the enterprises in a supply chain (from downstream to upstream) to make and update their forecasts based on the same raw data. Data sharing can be implemented, for instance, by the use of the electronic data interchange (EDI) systems. But the practice shows that in some cases even though all of the organizations in a supply chain use the same demand data to make their forecasts, the differences in forecasting methods and/or buying practices may still lead to fluctuations in the orders placed with the upstream sites. Break order batches The main idea here is to avoid another reason of appearance of the Bullwhip effect order batching by developing the strategies that lead to smaller batches and thus more frequent supply. One of the reasons of large order batches and low order frequencies is the high cost of processing the orders, which can be avoided, for example, by the use of electronic document circulation instead of paper-based. The other reason of large order batches is the transportation costs: the differences in the costs of full truckloads and less-than-truckloads are very high, and this makes companies to wait for the full truckloads and thus stretch the replenishment times, which also creates order batching. This problem can also be avoided by inducing by the manufacturers their distributors to order assortments of different products at a time (a truckload from the same producer may contain different products instead of full load of the same product) and thus significantly increase the order frequency. This can be stimulated by offering discounts by manufacturers to their distributors if they order mixed loads. The other effective way to solve the problem of order batching is the use of third-party logistics companies: these companies allow economies of scale by combining loads from different suppliers situated near each other and delivering these loads to different companies, what is especially very u seful for small companies, for which full truckload replenishment times are very long. Stabilize prices A very straightforward way of eliminating the Bullwhip effect caused by forward buying is for the manufacturers to reduce the levels and frequencies of wholesale discounts. One of the most effective ways of doing it is implementing the everyday low price (EDLP) pricing strategy. The practice shows that this strategy is effective both for the suppliers and for the customers since it helps to decrease costs of inventory, storage, transportation etc. for every participant. Though with use of the conventional accounting systems the benefits of the EDLP strategy compared to wholesale price discounting strategy are not evident for the buyer, ABC systems in most cases explicitly show the advantages of EDLP strategy. Eliminate gaming in shortage The aim of this measure is to deprive buyers of the incentives to exaggerate their orders in hope of the partial satisfaction of these orders by the suppliers. One of the simple ways to get rid of this reason of Bullwhip effect appearance is as following: in case of shortage the supplier can allocate products to the customers not based on their orders, but in proportion to past sales records. Also the buyers desire for gaming may be lessened if the supplier shares its capacity and inventory information with them. The other way of fighting with buyers gaming desire is to use strict supply contracts that restrict buyers flexibility in ordering unlimited quantities of goods and free cancelling of orders. However, we have to admit that the above mentioned measures of reduction of the Bullwhip effect are not exhaustive and cannot fully eliminate the existence of this effect. A number of scientific papers mathematically prove that the Bullwhip effect still exists even when demand information is shared by all stages of the supply chain and all stages use the same forecasting technique and inventory policy (Chen et al., 2000), and even if almost all of the above described causes (like batching, price fluctuations etc.) are removed (Croson Donohue, 2003). This gives us the understanding that the Bullwhip effect problem still needs to be closely scrutinized and other ways of reducing this effect are still need to be developed. Conclusion In our concise but, we hope, substantial overview we tried to reflect different approaches to the understanding of the phenomenon called The Bullwhip effect and the negative effects that it brings to the members of a supply chain, and to describe the most sound, to our opinion, ways of reducing this effect, that were introduced by the researchers during the past two decades. We also found that though during the last years to the investigation of this matter a lot of scientists devoted a lot of their efforts, the problem of getting rid of the Bullwhip effect in a supply chain has not yet been solved completely: a number of scientific papers mathematically prove that the Bullwhip effect still exists even when almost all of the discovered (so far) causes of its appearance (like batching, price fluctuations etc.) are removed. This means that the Bullwhip effect problem still needs to be closely scrutinized and other ways of reducing this effect are still need to be developed.