Benefits of Video Games Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Benefits of Video Games - Research Paper Example Most institutions have installed computer laboratories to help their students to catch with the technology demanded by the contemporary job environment. Along this technology stands the gaming technology that continues to evolve and to become the favourite of many young students. In the invention of new video gaming technology, it was a mere source of entertainment that people could indulge to spend their luxury time. However, research has revealed that the value of video games in the life of learners has been ignored as these games can have both positive and negative impacts in their learning. Research points out that there is need for reconsideration of the application of video games in the life of learners both in their homes and in the school environment. Understanding the impact of video games on the learners learning will help to develop a strategy on which the negative effects can be eliminated and the positive can be optimized. Specifically, it will be possible to incorporate this technology in the learning environment and enhance the learners’ abilities. In this light, there is need to investigate the best approach to integrate computer aided video games in the curriculum. Video games have both physical and psychological impacts on the life of individual and this may affect their learning behaviour. Obradovic (2002) identifies that video games have had negative impacts on learners owing to the addictive behaviours that comes along their usage. As entertainment tools, video games are attractive and are addictive to their users statistics indicate that over 92% of children aged between 4 and 17 years have access to computer games and are likely to be addicts of playing these games. Addiction is the source of the negative impacts of the learning needs of the students. First, addiction comes about when a student spends

Conversion Testimony Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Conversion Testimony - Assignment Example But as a young man who had more independence, I did not feel obliged to attend services. And only on extreme occasions, such as to attend burial services did I join relatives and friends, such occasions which to me were social events. Without that religious bent, I really thought I was simply being practical, making the most of life and the opportunities it gave me. The biggest change in my life was when the television sermon of Rev. Robert Schuller accidentally caught my attention. Much as I wanted to switch channels, I could not do so, since I found him to be a powerful speaker. Giving straightforward explanation of the Gospel, he pointed at its concrete application in modern life. And as I felt drawn to regularly listen to Rev. Schuller’s TV sermons, slowly, I also felt drawn to the Person of Christ. Yes, Jesus Christ was Rev. Schuler’s focal point in all his sermons. Rather than the seemingly mythical character in the Gospel, Jesus Christ now appeared to me as a rea l person, someone who is timeless, someone who transcends the time and place he once lived on earth. In time, I discovered that possibly it was not really the power of Rev. Schuller’s rhetorical language which drew me to Christ. As a true Christian preacher, Rev. Schuller exhorted his audience using words of the Bible, and this really did the trick, because as I found out later and became fully convinced: The word of God is like a two-edged sword, so sharp that it can cut the heart and spirit of those who hear it (Hebr. 4:12). Realizing the power of the Written Word, I now took time to privately read the Bible. But finding much of it too mysterious and difficult to grasp, I started to read slowly and reflectively. I didn’t realize that this was really the key to profitable Bible reading: the reading of not many chapters and stories, but much of the Word, relishing and reflectively reading as in savoring food slowly to relish and enjoy it. . Then I felt that through the Word, God was personally speaking to me, teaching me how His Son Jesus Christ serves as His messenger Slowly, the life of Jesus and his words dawned on me with greater and greater clarity to lead me to a relationship with Him—God’s way, truth and life. I am now a regular Bible reader, not really devoting long hours for reading, but spending regular 10-15 minutes a day to read slowly, to reflect on what, how, why these Words were written, and after each reading to pray silently, and to dialogue with God or Christ. What happened to me can happen to anyone of us. After all, God’s call is for all of humanity, And the saving grace His Son won through His life and death is for all times, and for all of us. Constantly and patiently, God always leads us to the love of his Son and the victory His Son Jesus won for us. . . Recovery Story Even as a Bible reader, I found out later that I was not immune from problems or struggles. Something happened which could happen to an yone. I lost a close friend. He was a boyhood friend with whom I shared much in play, study and work. Our attachment was real as we found alike temperaments and interests in hobbies and games. At 28, he was a bachelor although I know he had healthy relationships with girls. But one day, I got word he was brought to the emergency hospital and I reached him in his last moments at the Emergency Hospital Room where he suddenly slumped on a chair and lost consciousness. Under Intensive care, blood tests showed he had leukemia, and

Quiz 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Quiz 2 - Essay Example Within the White House workforce, there are numerous persons assuming distinct job titles. One of such job titles is that of the Press Secretary. A press secretary is among the most senior officials in the White House staff. Literally, a press secretary talks to the press (Shelley 52). Anyone assuming this title plays the role of a spokesperson. This means a press secretary tells the world of the president’s thoughts and reactions to domestic and international opinions. In addition, a press secretary delivers information about White House proceedings to the public. Permanent campaign is a term first coined by Patrick Caddell in 1976. In a letter written to President Carter, Caddell proposed a concept of continuing campaign as opposed to short term campaigns in politics. Consequently, the last three American presidents, including Obama, have stressed the concept of permanent campaign in their terms. Technically, permanent campaign refers to a situation where politicians initiate campaign projects as soon as an election is completed (Shelley 48). Instead of halting the campaign mood after an election, democrats and republicans engage in extended battle for democratic thinking. Consequently, permanent campaigns have caused a situation where political goals held by individuals and parties become active throughout the periods between election exercises. Admittedly, a president’s background is influential in shaping his executive tenure. Essentially, presidency is a public office with defined tasks. In order to display enhanced performance, office holders should possess the requisite experience in handling social, political and economic matters of the general public. In this context, an office holder’s background determines the level of expertise observed throughout a president’s

Battle to Save the Seas Essay Example for Free

Battle to Save the Seas Essay Once upon a time there lived a naughty boy who lived in a cottage near the sea with his parents that loved polluting the sea. His parents were one of his biggest inspirations when it came to polluting the sea. Every time they needed to dump garbage, they’d dump it in the sea. Soon the sea was filthy and organism died so therefore, it caused them lack some food too because they loved eating fishes from the sea that was nearby. The most important issue is we need to keep the sea clean. People of every kind who don’t take value, pride and withhold the possessions of the sea will have no respect for it. So therefore, we need to battle to save the sea. People will just literally dump any spoiled food items, household stuff etc. into the sea. They’ll just have a don’t care attitude about and towards the sea. We need to enforce strict regulations on people who love to dump trash in the sea. It they’re caught doing so, they should pay a high fine that they can’t afford and be thrown into jail. Secondly we need to battle to save the sea because the sea is a gift from God, not human. With the nature of the sea, tourists are attracted by it which helps to grow and benefit from our number one industry â€Å"Tourism†. Once tourist see that our seas are filthy and unprotected, they won’t feel pleasant coming to our island ever again. Soon we’ll even lose our number one industry for a lifetime. We are way too much dependent on tourism, we wouldn’t want it to shut down forever nor do we? The tourists love to snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and fishing in the beautiful seas. So why wouldn’t we want to fight to save it? After all the sea contains all our living creatures, those that survive in water. We’ll lose our queen conch, groupers and spiny lobsters which will affect our agriculture and marine industries. We wouldn’t be able to export and make profits from our spiny lobsters etc. We also wouldn’t be able to eat seafood which is where our Bahamian dishes mainly come from. Imagine living on an island that is surrounded by dirty waters on hot summer day, now think about it? No swimming will be the answer to your imagination. In conclusion I suggest that our minister who’s responsible for the sea etc. should establish laws, activities and persuasive ideas to persuade people not to liter in our seas because the sea is a special gift from God and we need to take more care of it with great respect, joy and content.

General Characteristics Of Construction Project Manager Construction Essay

General Characteristics Of Construction Project Manager Construction Essay This report comprehensively discusses about involvement of a Construction Project Manager; describing how to manage a proposed housing Development Complex project through proper construction management techniques. This proposed high rise building complex comprised with twenty storied; luxury housing apartments and six basements to accommodate as car parking area, Multipurpose room, Swimming Pool, Supermarket and required utility services such as storage water tank from main supply, water distribution system and Sewerage System. This Housing Development project will be constructed at Colombo-07 adjoining Park Road. Project investor is a wealthy Sri-Lankan Businessman. Presently, I am appointed in this project as a Construction Project Manger. Clients has emphasized me his objectives, to obtain a maximum turnover of the project, implementing Proper Construction Management System. My responsibility is doing so; to archive the project goals in terms of time, Quality, Cost, Safety and Environmental Sustainability as I have conveyed all the way through this report. I have identified significant project management key measures, to use through overall project, such as construction planning and choice of construction technology and Construction methods influence the selected planning, as well as programming and control methods, schedules and progress control using relative software packages available, and also identified key risk elements in this construction project. MAIN BODY Definition about construction project manager The construction project manager is a responsible person to handle overall construction of projects from start to finish. And his duty will be act as the representative of the employer as well as additional consultation to the overall project for the successful initiation, planning, execution and closure of a project. General characteristics of Construction Project Manager Construction project managers engage with particular management activities for mange construction projects in proper way, hence they have the specialize knowledge for project planning, directing, coordinating and budgeting process. As examples for construction project; Commercial building, Industrial building, Roads bridges, Water treatment plants, Schools hospitals, also particular civil engineering works etc. Further common features can be described as; Supervise and coordinate entire project activities or some part of the project until end of the project. Programming; Scheduling and coordinate all design and construction process. When required specialize trade contractors, select and hire them according to the requirements of the project. Project designs, specifications, contact documents and agreement, Construction Project Manger should supervise them very clearly. Always keep well coordination with project owner, architect, engineers, and with other stakeholders directly who are involved in project. Educational Background Generally they are degree holders or relevant reputed qualifications in field of civil engineering, construction management or construction science, also with adequate experience, some of them are appointed obtaining from supervisor level with particular experiences and they have improved their knowledge studying some specific associates degree program such as, project control and development, site planning, design, construction methods/ construction materials, value analysis etc. Most of universities offer master degree programs for upgrade their knowledge as well. As other qualifications, ability of flexible and clear decision for mange and resolve problems, also good understand about engineering drawings and very familiar to operate computer softwares, as well as talent, good communication skill, leadership skill, good relationship with relevant parties, Construction Project Manager Responsibilities: Significant responsibilities and duties are; Observe construction land and study feasibility studies to get understand what type of land required for the project. Prepare master program to the overall project and agree with the employer. Execute a key role in project planning, budgeting, and identification of resources required. Form the teams, developing the objectives, goals of each and allocate individual responsibilities. Managing budget, team expenses and minimizing exposure and risk in the project Manage/ monitor the construction activities progress according to schedule. Keep well communicate with the contractors and Co-ordinate with all parties which involved in the project Financial advice to the employer and cost control. Monitor strictly budgetary guidelines, quality and safety standards. Periodic inspection of construction sites. Manage the progress meeting and kick off meeting as required Obtaining all necessary permits and licenses Preparations for handover process in respect of agreed master program. There are some specific qualitative attributes in project management roles such as capability to plan and organize a team effort, well client management and kindness building ability, ability to motivate, guide and increase morale of the teams, successful time management and logical decision-making skill, ability to handle work force, physical and mental fitness, physically powerful focus on quality. Specific Duties of a Construction Manager As specific duties, CPMs handle multitude tasks, determining and review that what are the necessary to give prior for finish at the beginning. In a large scale project, generally divide several activities segments such as site preparation, including clearing and excavation of the land, installing sewage systems, and landscaping and road construction; building construction, including laying foundations and erecting the structural framework, floors, walls, and roofs; and building systems, including protecting against fire and installing electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning, and heating systems. Construction managers may be in charge of one or several of these activities. Construction managers must also inspect and review the construction project on a periodic basis to ensure compliance with safety code and building code regulations. What is a Construction Project? A Construction project is a temporary endeavor to create an inimitable product or service. Construction Projects generally include constraints and risks concerning cost, schedule or performance outcome. Every project has a start and an end. The end of a project is defined by the successful complete of the product or service. There are specific traits that all projects have in common. The most distinguishing feature is a specific time frame. Projects must have a clear, definitive objective and activities tasks. Those are planning, organizing, Control and closure tasks and the resources and execution that is the focus of project management. Key Characteristics of Projects: Unique solution. Project boundaries. One-time effort, usually requiring specified resources. Specified start and end dates. Understand of reached the end of the project. What is the Construction Project Management Process? According to the PM4DEV Project Management for Development Organizations, noted in it, Project management is a process of leading a team of capable people in planning and implementing a series of related activities that need to be accomplished on a specific date with a limited budget. Because of its nature, coordinating all these activities requires a process approach. This management process specially consists of some specific functions such as, Project initiation, Planning, organizing, controlling and managing resources to complete a construction project successfully within on time, cost and quality. The construction project management process need the direct individual, the project manager, to oversee the construction schedule, the allocation of personnel and equipment and the projects budget. General functions of construction project management usually include the following Project objectives and plans; (including definition of scope, scheduling, budgeting, setting performance requirements) Maximizing resource efficiency through procurement of labor, materials and equipment. Implementing various operations through proper coordination and control of planning, design, estimating, contracting and construction in the entire process. Developing effective communications and mechanisms for resolving conflicts The Project manger is the overall responsible person to direct the construction project management process. Also Project manager is the specific professional in the field of project management. Hence project manager has the ultimate responsibility such as, planning, execution and successful completion of the project. A significant component of the construction project management process is maintenance the project on schedule and within the estimated budget as well, to achieve these goals, Further concerning Project management process can be described as follows; Project management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, and quality and participation satisfaction. (Refer to Figure 2-1) Figure 2-1:Â   Basic Ingredients in Project Management Specific Benefits of Construction Project Management Process There are few specific benefits of Construction Project Management process, these benefits are very essential for the project success. Preferable efficiency in delivering services Improved/increased/enhanced customer satisfaction Enhanced effectiveness in delivering services Improved growth and development within your team Greater standing and competitive edge Opportunities to expand your services Better Flexibility Increased risk assessment Increase in Quality Increase in Quantity When execute the essential project management strategies, Construction Project Manager Intention will focus to reach the desired goals within specific time and cost, Quality. The Top 10 Benefits of Project Management Essential Factors of Project Management Process Generally Construction projects have specific factors for contribute of project success or project fail. Each factors directly effect with other factors in order for a project to be successful. Those are as follows; Project Team and Team Motivation Project Manager Project Planning Avoiding Scope Creep: Risk Management: Project Closure: Read more: Factors for Project Success | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7495173_factors-project-success.html#ixzz26WXLGm8N Eight Key Factors to Ensuring Project Success Author: Duncan Haughey, Version 1.0, project smart.com .UK http://www.pmhut.com/project-management-role-and-responsibilities Project Management Roles and Responsibilities Particularly strong project management skills are very essential to deliver the project successful of project goal. Hence project management process has combined a set of skills and techniques committed under following tasks. Integrate planning and conduct modify control Define and manage the scope of the project Prepare a budget and manage costs Prepare and track schedules Ensure that the right resources are allocated to the project Manage contracts and vendors and procure project resources Facilitate team and external communications Facilitate the risk management process Also document and monitor the teams quality management process makes the final decision on the issue by transitioning into the role of decision leader to enable the project to continue. Hence above roles and responsibilities should be covered within the project management process as well. Project Management Process According to the PM4DEV, Project Management for Development Organizations, as noted in it, There are nine significant management processes under Construction Project Management to be implemented within role of the project manager. The nine project management processes are: Scope Management Schedule Management Budget Management Quality Management Team Management Stakeholder Management Information Management Risk management Contract Management Above management process have divided into two groups: Enabling processes Facilitating processes This management process phases are interrelated with entire project life cycle. Below given graphic chat will shows management process interrelationship with project lifecycle. Enabling Process Project Life Cycle Facilitating processes Figure 4.1 Project Management Processes and Phases Enabling Processes In the construction management process enabling process include with project scope, schedule, budget and quality. Hence these are should enable to direct some specific objectives of the project and for project success within on time, cost, quality. Scope Management In Construction project management process; Scope management is very critical for project success. Also project scope is the way to illustrate the boundaries of the project. Hence project manager should awareness concerning the scope of the project. Therefore project manager be able to co-ordinate with designers to get update and control the project scope and also acknowledge of project team, as well as the contractors about scope of the work accordingly and should monitor and control work executions too. Further about scope management by below given graphic chart will explain briefly; Schedule Management Schedule management is the development of a project schedule that includes all project activities, hence project manager has to stick on starting and completion dates of each trade packages as programmed, and management team also has to monitor progress of construction and forecast the completion date accordingly. If completion date is not matching the master program, control process is required. As example; assumed some work element unable to complete as programmed due to less progressing or late in starting. If so, it will affect to other work sections too and will delay accordingly. Therefore project manager should advice to allocate additional resources to accelerate the delayed work section to complete it as pre programmed. Budget Management Budget management process is required to ensure the project is completed within the estimated budget. Hence this is the vital responsibility of the Construction Project Manager to handle and complete the project within allocated budget of the project. As well as monitor and control the cost of project at both pre post contract stages are also important part of this management process. Cost Controlling Cost controlling system is critical process of the cost management process, to run the project without commercial backlog. (Refer to Chat 1.02) Chart 1.02 Cost controlling and cost management system Pre contract cost management Generally preliminary budget estimate is prepared based on the clients intended budget and also concerning separate trade packages. As well as Cost plan (elemental analysis), Cost check, Tender reconciliation process also important activities for the cost controlling under pre contract stage. Post contract cost management BCIS slandered form is followed (Elemental Standard Form of Cost Analysis Principles, Instructions, Elements and Definitions 4th Edition) to prepare elementary cost analysis method and gaudiness. Further detail herein for cost control, using S- curve methods; (Refer to Chart 1.03) Chart 1.03 Cost control S-Curve (Programmed) Referring to the above diagram; it shows expenditure and income occurred. This is being monitored regularly, to avoid the cost overrun. . Quality Management Quality management is the process to ensure that the project will satisfy the needs of the beneficiaries. Hence project manager has to monitor and control the quality of work and devlpolp the quality paln. also he has to allocate experienced project coordinator to advice force the contractor to maintain the quality of work. Each work element should be approved by a qualified quality controller or an Engineer prior to handover. Also he has to check the quality of materials and should be strict to the contractor to use standard materials for construction as specified in drawings and specification to maintain the quality of work. Hence all materials should be approved by a quality controlling team prior to use for construction. Some of the most important quality tools are; Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Chart, Scatter Diagram, Decision Matrix, Flowchart, Stratification, Control Chart, Histogram, Brainstorming, Tree Diagram etc. http://theconstructor.org/constrution/project-quality-management-in-construction/292/ Facilitating processes This process includes with some specific function such as, Team, stakeholder, information, risk, and contract management, these are facilitating for assist and make possible for the project to achieve its objectives. Team Management Team management is a techniques, processes and tools for organizing and coordinating a group of individuals working towards a common goal, there are few critical factors for success of the team management process, identify the roles responsibilities, reporting relationships and getting the people that will be allocate to the project, develop the team. As well as team evaluation is very important part to identify the staff performance and their skill level and required improvement. Stakeholder Management Stakeholder management include stakeholder identify, analysis, planning and communication. Project stakeholders are very important people for the project success, hence project manager has to mange them in proper way, because of all of them interest to the project success. As example donors, beneficiaries, local government organizations, partners or organizations are the stakeholders of construction project. As well as managing them keeping good relationship between stakeholders and project. Information Management Risk Management Identification of possible risks in advance is important and major responsibility of the Construction manager. The project management team will be able to take necessary actions to avoid or minimize the risks by identifying them early. Safety of work, Economic matters, Weather conditions, political matters etc also includes in risk management. Hence it is important to take insurances for the construction, material on site, employees; third party etc. Contract Management Safety of Work Safety of work is very important at the site to avoid delays in construction. Hence all employees should educate about safety matters and should provide safety equipments, safety wears etc to employees. Required safety instructions should be display on public notice boards. Fire fighting equipments such as fire extinguishers, water, sand, hose real etc should install at site and well trained fire preventing team also should be there. First AID boxes, clinics, Ambulance etc also should available at the site. Problem Solving Identify problems arise from trade contractors is essential to take necessary actions as required to avoid unnecessary delays. As example; Suspended ceiling contractor has to coordinate with MEP contractors to identify his requirements such as voids at ceiling to fix diffusers at the ceiling. Also design problems, practical problems should solve immediately as soon as those arise by using communicating, coordinating and negotiating techniques with related parties Closing and Handover the Project Final inspection should carry out by the Construction Project Manager after completion of constructions of the project. He must re-check all approval for quality of work, testing and commissioning reports, scope verification etc. Then the project is ready to hand over to the client. All related claims, cost proposals and Final payment application etc should be finalized on time.

My Participation In The Prince Of Wales Robotics Team :: essays research papers

My Participation in the Prince of Wales Robotics Team TOPIC 2. An experience or achievement that has had significant meaning in your life ( You may discuss an obstacle that you have overcome ) The intellectual achievement that I feel is my most prominent academic experience is participating, for the second consecutive year, in the Prince of Wales Robotics Team. This was an opportunity to gain valuble insights into designing and manufacturing electrical robots with fellow teammates and professional engineers. Firstly, in connection with my involvement in the Robotics Team, I was able to learn the systematic ways of applying textbook material to realistic problem solving. This was my greatest challenge. As a member of a core group, we were able to devise a functional remote-controlled robot designed to achieve a specific task under the constraints of time. As a consequence of team effort and ingenuity, we ranked first in our province of British Columbia at the 1996 National Championships. Another aspect of my participation with this high school club in problem solving was to acquire the neccessary funds in the construction materials, competition fees as well as for personal expenses required for traveling outside the province for competitions. Fund-raising was both stressful and difficult due to the fact that corporate sponsors had limited resources and could not finance to the extent that had been previously predicted. As time progressed, the situation worsened simply because the district school board received financial cuts due to the reduced provincial budget. The problem of convincing sponsors outside of the norm became a task in itself. With this type of experience, I am sure that I can organize a better fund-raising scheme as an active member in future groups. However, without any doubt to have a successful fund-raising campaign, promotion is definitely necessary. The main reason for this is that if the knowledge of about the team was other than "we need financial sponsors", then they could have been more comfortable and probably even willingful to donate larger sums of money simply because they "could see" and trust where the money was being spent. Hence, how to get people familiar about our Robotics Team became critical. For instance, during last year's promotion scheme, I performed the usual marketing mix with our team. Such a mix consisted of distributing invitations for a Robotics Cocktail Party, sending out business letters to target corporations and finallly, voicing the team's bulletin in the school announcements. I believe the promotion of the team was not intensified throughout the school year because it did not leave a lasting impression, or sufficient information about the Robotics Competition itself to potential

Analysis of Photo of the Civil Rights Movement :: Photography

The civil rights movement in the 1960’s was a very powerful time period in this country. Birmingham, Alabama was in the heart of the struggle for equal rights. African Americans protested and fought for what they believed in through peaceful and violent protests. In this picture the struggle is shown on how difficult it was for African Americans to gain equal rights. The photo was taken in the midst of a protest which adds dramatic effect, the people in the photo show pain and the people not pictured make them a faceless foe and the lack of colors in the picture helps send a powerful message. As I look at this picture I feel bad for the hard times that these people had to endure. It makes me upset with the way this country treated African Americans They are fighting for something they believe in and will stop at nothing to earn what they deserve. It shows the powerful message of the movement, which was to gain equal rights and prove that they are equal citizens. The message is to show how these people fought for their cause. The photo does show that they were willing to fight for their rights by capturing the people’s pain in their faces. The photo shows the determination and drive to gain equal rights. I see people running away from water being shot at by hoses to stop the protest for these rights. The water represents the sacrifice for the pain they must endure in order to get what they want. The way the photo was taken only showing the people being abused adds hardship. It does not show the policemen who are spraying the hoses, which makes them seem even more evil and more like the bad guys. This gives the effect of a faceless foe and adds to the drama of the picture. This image shows that the protesters were willing to endure pain to get what they desired and deserved. The people in the background wanting to give up and go home, stay and show that they support their cause and are willing to fight for what they believe in. The man holding the woman shows the power and pain endured during the protest. They show that they are determined to get what they believe but also are being unfairly harassed.